NUS Computing has introduced a groundbreaking Computing Gallery, marking a milestone as Southeast Asia's inaugural establishment of its kind. This gallery chronicles Singapore's evolution in computing education at the esteemed National University of Singapore alongside other facets of Information Technology. Covering 120 square meters, the gallery's inauguration was honored by Dr. Maliki Osman, Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Second Minister for Education and Foreign Affairs.
“This initiative underscores the School’s and the University’s commitment to Singapore’s technological legacy and commemorates the remarkable growth and accomplishments in computing education and IT over the decades. It will be a learning journey for visitors to revisit the interesting and now obsolete gadgets of the past before the advent of modern-day devices. We are indeed most appreciative of our generous donors who have contributed a number of items for exhibit at the Gallery”, said Professor Tan Kian Lee, Dean of the NUS School of Computing.
Associate Professor Terence Sim, as Director of the NUS Computing Gallery, spearheaded the creation of the gallery in partnership with NUS Libraries. The conceptualization and groundwork for this initiative commenced in 2022, culminating in the completion of the entire showcase by December 2023. Prior to entering the Gallery, visitors are advised to explore the display located in the COM1 lobby, featuring three sections: "Innovations through the Ages", "Computing Milestones in NUS" and "Desks of a Computing Student – Then and Now".
The establishment of the NUS Computing Gallery was facilitated by the generous contributions of individuals and organizations who shared their valuable insights, collections of historical IT gadgets, and visual materials with the School. Funding support for the Gallery was provided by the National Heritage Board. Additionally, the School collaborated with Seagate Technology, Singapore Airlines, and Joysteak Studios, a Singapore-based indie game studio, on three exhibits within the Gallery.
