The Steadfast Custodian of SCDF’s History

If you were to visit the Civil Defence Heritage Gallery (CDHG), you would be greeted by the colourful and wide range of exhibits documenting the long and proud history of firefighting and rescue emergency services in Singapore, from the late 1800s to the modern day.

Mr Segar Suppiah is a custodian of SCDF’s rich history at the CDHG. As a seasoned Heritage Gallery Guide, he brings the artefacts to life with his passion and somewhat serious but unique and engaging way of telling a story. After a career spanning over four decades in the SCDF, Mr. Segar now dedicates his time and energy to preserving the rich history of civil defence in Singapore and presenting it to the public.

Mr Segar Suppiah at the front desk of the Civil Defence Heritage Gallery. PHOTO: SCDF/Thomas Lim

Rescue995: What inspired you to become a Heritage Gallery Guide at the CDHG?

Mr Segar: After many years in the SCDF, becoming a Heritage Gallery Guide felt like a natural next step for me. As a custodian of SCDF’s history, I can share not only the story of SCDF, but also my own experiences as a uniformed officer. I feel that I am serving in a different, yet meaningful way!

Rescue995: What are your day-to-day responsibilities at the CDHG?

Mr Segar: My mission is to make history engaging for our visitors as I feel that is when you learn the most. When conducting tours, I will first understand the interests and backgrounds of the visitors, before tailoring the programme to best fit their needs. This is not always easy, as they come from all walks of life – pre-schoolers, students, working adults, tourists, and even international delegates! At the end of the day, I hope that my visitors will gain a deeper appreciation for SCDF’s history, and mission – to protect and save lives and property.

Students from the National Civil Defence Cadet Corps and their teacher. PHOTO: SCDF

A visiting family at the CDHG PHOTO: SCDF

Mr Segar with Ms Shantha Dickinson, Deputy Chief Fire Officer, Hampshire and Isle of Wight, Fire & Rescue Service at the CDHG PHOTO: SCDF

Rescue995: What qualities should an effective guide have?

Mr Segar: A good Heritage Gallery Guide must be passionate about diving deep into history and sharing the knowledge with others. Strong communication skills and being able to present the stories well to different audiences is a requisite. Of course, we must also make the gallery a welcoming and dignified space befitting of SCDF’s rich history, and by this I mean ensuring its upkeep at all times.

Rescue995: How do you engage visitors of different age groups?

Mr Segar: It is all about making connections! For younger visitors, I will encourage them to go back in time and envision themselves in historical scenarios. For older generations, I will try to spark nostalgia by recounting Singapore stories of the past, which usually leaves a deeper reflection within them. Each tour is crafted to resonate personally with the audience, whether through interactive elements, past major incidents, or by highlighting the human stories behind our exhibits.

Senior citizens visiting the CDHG. PHOTO: SCDF

Pre-school guide (right) making history come alive for pre-schoolers. PHOTO: SCDF

Korean Volunteers from the Chungcheongbuk-do, Volunteer Fire Department. PHOTO: SCDF

Rescue995: There are numerous exhibits at the CDHG. Which is your favourite?

Mr Segar: The K-9 rescue section of course! [chuckles]

[Pointing] That exhibit shows me with Tog, the second search dog under my care. We were deployed to the Tai Chung County earthquake in 1999 and Aceh (Boxing Day Tsunami) in 2004.

Mr Segar at his favourite exhibit, which ‘features’ him and his search canine, Tog. PHOTO: SCDF/Thomas Lim

Rescue995: At the end of each visit, what do you hope to impress upon your visitors?

Mr Segar: Through the exhibits, many of our visitors are impressed by the dedication of SCDF officers in their lifesaving mission. Their appreciation reminded me of the universal appreciation for those who are committed to the lifesaving mission, regardless of nationality or language. Beyond the viewing of artefacts, I hope that the noble spirit behind our history, recognising the courage and sacrifices of the men and women behind civil defence in Singapore, resonates with everyone who visit the CDHG.