As local shops are squezed under economic pressures, the city-state’s National Heritage Board is stepping in to preserve Singaporean national identity. In October 2025 the National Heritage Board (NHB) announced the 42 participants in the pilot SG Heritage Business Scheme, which aims to recognise and protect businesses that are deeply woven into the fabric of Singapore’s cultural landscape. “We started thinking about how to support our local heritage businesses in a bigger way,” says Kirk Siang Yeo, NHB’s group director of policy and community. Beyond conferring special designation as a Singaporean heritage business, NHB is also exploring consultancy and support. CommentSupporting age-old heritage businesses isn’t just about preservation – it’s also about creating a recognisable urban identity for citizens of which they can be proud.