The Peranakan culture gradually became obsolete in the modern world, first after the
Second World War and later, after Singapore’s independence from the British in 1965.
Various pragmatic implementations of state policies to moderate cultural
distinctiveness of every Diasporas community to achieve racial harmony for rapid
economic development have resulted in the assimilation of Peranakans into
mainstream Chinese culture. The threat of cultural loss of the Peranakans’ distinctive
identity prompts the state to preserve what is still remained in the Peranakan culture.
Various state initiatives, media promotion and individual efforts were carried out to
revive the Peranakan heritage and its material culture during the past years. ‘Junk and
Jewels: The Things that Peranakans Value’ exhibition at the Peranakan Museum
presented a series of personal belongings of more than twenty Peranakan families and
their ancestors. Every item was an embodiment of their economic landscape, their
multi-cultural heritage and a reflection of their personal taste. Stories and strong
sentiments of their emotion and relationship that were attached to the material artifacts
had stood the test of time (Lee, 2008). The Singapore Post launched a surface-textured
‘beaded’ postage stamp to coincide with the opening of the Peranakan Museum. Tiny
‘caviar beads’ are manually affixed onto the stamp to recreate the delicate texture of
the Peranakan beadwork, which is a distinctive aspect of the Peranakan culture
(Singapore Post, 2008). Renowned Peranakan restaurant, such as ‘Kim Choo Kueh
Chang’ offers Nyonya cuisine at the Singapore Changi Airport to promote its fine
culinary. It also aims to preserve and present Singapore's unique Straits-born culture to
visitors and foster a stronger sense of belonging to young Peranakans (Kim, 2012). The
Singapore Tourism Board had been playing a pivotal role in promoting the Peranakan
culture by organizing the Peranakan Heritage trails, visits to Katong Antique House
and Baba House for tourists and locals (Singapore Tourism Board, 2012). ‘The Little
Nyonya’ (2008), a highly notable drama serial produced by MediaCorp Singapore is a
touching Peranakan story of Baba and Nyonya heritage that spans from 1930s till the
present day across four generations of three families. The drama presented an
excellent attention on the details of the Peranakan’s furnishing, architecture, fashion,
culture and cuisine (Mediacorp, 2012). In addition, the Peranakan Association
Singapore has been actively showcasing its culture by organizing cultural events such
as beadwork demonstrations and sessions of cherki (a type of play card game). ‘The
Peranakan’ publication published by The Peranakan Association Singapore also
features the legitimize Peranakan culture and heritage with more current events and
issues.