Irene Ang better known as Rosie from the hit sitcom Phua Chu Kang has taken on a new challenge to help spread the love for museums and all things heritage.

The 40-something was recently appointed as a board member of the National Heritage Board (NHB). In a press statement released yesterday announcing NHB’s new board members, Ms Ang who heads Fly Entertainment, said she was surprised when first approached but was persuaded that her unique ability to communicate with heartlanders would be invaluable in helping them nurture a love for heritage.

Said Ms Ang, “I hope to use my celebrity status and my Fly Entertainment contacts to support Singapore’s effort to keep our heritage alive. Personally, I enjoy collecting old stuff when I travel and I am very sentimental – I want to show people that the arts and heritage is not as atas (high-brow) as many think.”

Her love for museums stems from her passion for the history lessons of her school days. “Visiting museums can be very enriching and I like learning about my past and ancestors. We also need to remember many of our unsung heroes of the past who helped build Singapore,” she quipped.

Also joining the NHB board is one of Singapore’s top women police officers, Madam Zuraidah Abdullah, who hopes more Singaporeans would look on our unique cultural heritage with pride.

Said Madam Zuraidah, a board member of the Malay Heritage Foundation and CEO of Mendaki: “In becoming one of the culture capitals of the world with a vibrant arts and cultural scene, it is important that we continue to have pride in our own cultural heritage and learn to appreciate the heritage of others. By embracing our own culture and heritage, we can then learn from the past and the present, and build on the future to bring our art forms and cultural heritage to the next level.”

Veteran journalist and mega arts fan Ms Helen Chia will also lend her voice to NHB. The editor for The Straits Times Life! section, she hopes to raise the profile of local artists in particular. “As a board member, I will have a comprehensive overview of NHB matters. I hope to contribute to the Board’s mission of developing a vibrant cultural and heritage sector in Singapore.” Another media veteran coming on board is Mr Peter Ong, Senior Executive Editor, Lianhe Zaobao cum Editor, Zaobao Sunday.

Tasked to help formulate strategic directions for the organisation, the 24-member NHB board aims to promote public awareness of the arts, culture and heritage and to provide a permanent repository of record of our nation’s history. Members who serve terms of two years, are encouraged to conceive ideas to educate Singaporeans on our heritage.