More than 70 Nan Hua High School students introduced “Heritage Hearts”, a deck of conversation cards, to an estimated 30,000 visitors at the Istana Open House –
a one-day event celebrating Singapore’s 60th birthday.
The cards were designed by the students to encourage visitors to swop stories of food, family and kampong life. Each card featured illustrations of local food, kampong scenes, or familiar landmarks, paired with questions like “What was your favourite childhood game?” or “What family recipe reminds you of home?”
The idea began with ten Secondary 1 and 3 student leaders who had noticed that many peers felt shy approaching strangers during Values in Action (VIA) activities. “We wanted a simple activity to break the ice,” explained Lorraine Fong, Secondary 3, one of the project leaders.
The students secured seed funding from Young ChangeMakers (YCM), a programme that supports youth in applying grants from the government for passion projects, and the National Heritage Board (NHB).
After submitting their applications online, shortlisted teams pitch their ideas to NHB’s evaluation panel at an “Open Mic” session as part of the grant application process. This team of Nanhuarians became the youngest team ever shortlisted, and one of the panel members – a representative from the President’s Office – was so impressed that he invited the students to showcase their project at the Istana Open House event.
Designing for connection
For Secondary 1 student Hayley How, who led the card design team, the process was deeply personal. “I created one about traditional family recipes because it reminded me of baking muffins with my grandmother. I hoped reading the card would create the same warm feelings in others.”
At the Open House, Hayley’s hope was realised, not just with her recipe card, but with the deck as a whole. When an elderly woman picked up a card featuring a kampong scene, she began sharing stories of exploring her childhood neighbourhood. “It made me proud knowing our designs could bring back that joy,” Hayley recalls.
Lorraine had a similar experience when a visitor, drawn in by the nostalgic booth décor, picked one of the cards up and began sharing about running an ice kacang stall with her family decades ago. “Hearing her talk about the long hours and the satisfaction of serving the community made me realise how much has changed, but also how much has remained the same,” she reflects.
For Secondary 3 student Low Qi Ming, what stood out most was how much it mattered to the older generation that young people were the ones initiating conversations. Rather than just handing out the cards, the students used them to guide the exchange, listening actively and asking follow-up questions. “An elderly woman thanked me for reminding her of the past. She said she was relieved to know young people still cared about heritage.”
“An experience that will stick with me, beyond just school”
The student leaders took charge of nearly every aspect of bringing the project to life. They presented “Heritage Hearts” to their schoolmates during assembly, staged a skit to recruit student volunteers, and ran training sessions on engaging visitors in meaningful conversation.
Through this process, they figured out how to lead. Qi Ming learnt the importance of tact when giving feedback to teammates, while Lorraine learnt how to pitch ideas, network, and delegate tasks. “It was daunting, but my teammates gave me the courage to try things I’d never done before,” she said.
But the event itself gave them something different; lessons from the people they spoke to. For Qi Ming, hearing stories from elderly visitors was deeply meaningful. “It was heartwarming to hear stories of how Singaporeans overcame challenges so younger generations can enjoy the security we have today. Their stories gave us lessons we can carry forward.”
No idea is too big to try
Mr Han Tong, from the National Youth Council and primary liaison between the school and the President’s Office, was struck by the students’ confidence and agency. “They didn’t just hand out cards and move on. They listened carefully and asked thoughtful follow-up questions.”
“This project showed them they’re never too young to make an impact. It gave them a chance to see themselves as active citizens who can shape their community,” says teacher-in-charge, Ms Karen Lee.
“This student-led initiative reminds us how, with the guidance of our teachers and the support of our partners across ministries and agencies, student ideas can ripple far beyond the school gates. “Heritage Hearts” shows that our young people are not just learning about Singapore’s heritage – they are living it, sharing it, and strengthening their sense of identity and belonging as active citizens of Singapore,” says Angela Ho Jiawen, HOD Student Leadership and Community Engagement.
As the day wound down, Lorraine looked around at her smiling teammates. “Seeing our booth flooded with people talking and bonding was surreal,” she said. Helping people recall happy memories of their experiences as Singaporeans made being part of Singapore’s 60th birthday celebrations even more meaningful.
Beyond the Istana Open House, the school is bringing the “Heritage Hearts” conversation cards to the community through outreach sessions at places like the Clementi Community Centre, Clementi Library, and the Senior Citizens’ Corner. What began as a 10-student initiative has now expanded to include student volunteers from Kent Ridge Secondary School, enabling conversations with a wider community.
As Haley put it, “no idea is too big to try”.
Photos courtesy of: Nan Hua High School
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