"Gold Rush: Treasures of Ukraine" Exhibition was launched at the National Museum of Singapore with the support of the Embassy of Ukraine in Singapore on 29 May 2012. It consists of the collections of the National Museum of History of Ukraine, the Museum of Historical Treasures of Ukraine as well as National Heritage Board of Singapore.
There are 260 artifacts that represent culture of the nomadic peoples of antiquity: Cimmerians, Scythians, Samarians as well as Greek and Roman heritage. Special place stands for the items of Kyivan Rus era and later exhibits dated 18-19 centuries. The exhibition starts with the medal - Cross of Honour "For Revival of Ukraine", given to Singapore outstanding statesman Lee Kuan Yew in 2007. All exhibits are annotated in English and Chinese.
The day before, on May 28, the opening ceremony was held, attended by numerous guests, including Chairman of National Heritage Board Mr Ong Huat Yew, representatives of Singapore agencies, heads of diplomatic missions accredited to Singapore, businessmen, cultural organizations and institutions, and Ukrainians residing in Singapore.
Director of the National Museum of Singapore Lee Chor Lin opened the exhibition and underscored ancient roots of Ukraine, links that existed thousands of years in the vast Eurasian continent while mutually enriching culturally ancient peoples from the Mediterranean to the Korean peninsula. She specifically marked contribution of Ukrainian experts, including deputy director of the National Museum of History Olga Fedotova, whose efforts made this exhibition possible, as well as role of President of Brain Trust Corporation Junichi Shibata from Japan, who is the inspiration and organizer of the exhibition’s tour to Seoul, Tokyo and Singapore.
Ambassador of Ukraine Pavlo Sultansky addressed the gathering. In particular he stressed that the exhibition is commemorating the 20th anniversary of establishing Ukraine - Singapore diplomatic relations and that the process of mutual discovery still lasts. For example, a lot of Singapore soccer fans are preparing to attend EURO 2012 matches, which soon will be played at Ukraine and Poland stadiums.
Reception for the participants of the opening ceremony with the Ukrainian dishes was organized with the support of Food Empire Holdings Ltd, known in Ukraine for its trademark Maccoffee.
Performance by string quartet «Musemarine» from Ukraine and professor of Kharkiv National Pedagogical University Iryna Vokhmyaninova (piano) created atmosphere of elation and festivity, added Ukrainian coloring to the jubilation of Ukrainian cultural diplomacy in Singapore.