Lianhe Zaobao, 学者：前南大文化遗产重要性是否超越国界 有待商榷

(Summarised translation)

The aspiration of former Nanyang University (Nantah) alumni to apply for World Heritage status for their alma mater’s cultural heritage is admirable. The former Nantah holds important meaning for Singapore and the surrounding region. However, whether its cultural heritage holds global significance and meets the universal value criteria for a World Heritage designation remains open to discussion.

Associate Professor Yeo Kang Shua from the Architecture and Sustainable Design pillar at the Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD) points out that the UNESCO World Heritage Convention’s Operational Guidelines define “Outstanding Universal Value” as: “having special cultural or natural significance, or both, that transcends national boundaries and is of common importance for present and future generations of humanity.”

Associate Prof Yeo believes that the arguments presented by the alumni committee have yet to clearly demonstrate that the three iconic buildings of former Nantah possess this level of universal significance.

“There’s no doubt that Nantah is of great importance to Singapore — this is evident from the fact that three of its historical buildings have been designated as national monuments. But what is their significance to the world? That is the fundamental issue that needs to be addressed,” he said.

Associate Prof Yeo also questioned whether the three buildings, while symbolic, can fully represent the educational and cultural legacy of Nantah, including its campus life, teaching, and accommodation spaces.

Other original buildings from the former Nantah — such as several student dormitories and the student block (now Nanyang House, a student activity center) — still exist in different corners of the Nanyang Technological University (NTU) campus.

Scholar: NTU, as caretaker of Nantah’s heritage buildings, should also be involved

Associate Prof Yang emphasised that it is crucial to consider all of Nantah’s historical buildings as a whole, including their interrelationships. If the alumni group intends to continue advocating for World Heritage status, they need to secure government support, and NTU — as the custodian of Nantah’s historical buildings — must be involved in the discussions.