Ever wonder how Google works? In conjunction with SG50, Google has created an interactive pop-up – Google Shophouse – where visitors can get hands-on experience with new products that are specially launched to celebrate Singapore’s birthday.
Stairway to the world of Google. Photo © Mandy Ng
Singapore Time Walk
Developed using the Google Maps API, the Singapore Time Walk app allows you to explore iconic landmarks like the former City Hall and Old Supreme Court in new ways. Using the app, users can pull information and view historic images of their selected location. Google is giving this app to Singapore as a gift to celebrate the nation’s birthday, and the app will be further developed to feature the Jubilee Walk later this year.
“Swearing-in of Lee Kuan Yew as Singapore’s First Prime Minister” by artist Lai Kui Fang – one of the few potraits displayed at the shophouse. Photo © Mandy Ng
Cultural Institute Initiatives
Collaborating with National Heritage Board (NHB), the Google Shophouse will showcase a collection of paintings, photos, videos and other cultural objects. Among the NHB’s collections is “Great Peranakans: Fifty Remarkable Lives”, an exhibit that illustrates the impact of the Straits Chinese in the growth and development of Singapore. This collection will also be loaded onto the Google Cultural Institute, a global partnership between Google and 800 cultural institutions in over 60 countries that aims to make artwork accessible to anyone, anywhere and anytime.
Lawrence Wong, Minister for Culture, Community and Youth tries out Google Trekker. Photo courtesy of Google Singapore
New 360° Panoramic Views of Singapore
With over 40 new Singapore’s street view locations published on Google Maps, Singaporeans and visitors alike can explore familiar landmarks and virtually experience Singaporeans’ way of life – from world heritage sites like the Botanic Gardens and tropical nature trails to the historic Fort Siloso. Visitors to the Shophouse will also get a peek at some of the technology behind street view – Google Trekker and Trolley.
Google’s coding camps for the future of Singapore. Photo courtesy of Google Singapore
Coding Camps for Students
Supporting local educational organisations 21C Girls and Saturday Kids, Google is providing coding camps to students in Singapore.
“Imagination is the key to invention and innovation. We hope that supporting such coding camps for students will not just familiarise them with the tools and technology that will power the future, but also spark the imaginations of Singapore’s next generation of innovators,” said Ms Joanna Flint, Country Director, Google Singapore.
The winning doodle by 8 year-old Haydn. Photo © Mandy Ng
Doodle 4 Google Gallery
Themed “Singapore: The Next 50 Years”, Doodle 4 Google encourages Singapore’s youths to imagine the country’s future and illustrate how they think they can contribute to her continued growth. Doodles from 25 finalists will be displayed at the Shophouse, including the winning doodle by eight year-old Moh Journ Haydn. Haydn’s doodle will also be featured on Google Singapore’s homepage for 24 hours on Singapore National’s Day.
Google Shophouse is located at 63 Spottiswoode Park Road, and will be open from 7 to 10 August 2015, 10 am to 5 pm.
