More Than Old Objects: My AMUSE Sabbatical

At Hwa Chong, Sabbatical Week encourages students to encounter learning in new and meaningful settings. The AMUSE sabbatical brought students into museum spaces, where they explored how artefacts and exhibitions can make national stories more vivid and personal.

In this reflection, Hanwen shares how the experience changed the way he viewed museums and helped him better understand the responsibility that comes with learning in such spaces.

Written by: Zhang Hanwen (3P2, 2026)

During the AMUSE sabbatical, I learnt that museums are not just places where old objects are displayed. They are places where stories, memories, and history are preserved for people to understand and appreciate.

One important thing I learnt was museum etiquette. Before this sabbatical, I did not think much about how we should behave in a museum. However, I realised that simple actions, such as speaking softly, not touching the exhibits, walking calmly, and being respectful to others, help to protect the objects and create a better experience for everyone.

I also learnt more about Singapore’s history. Through the exhibits and activities, especially the Albatross Files Exhibition, I was able to understand how Singapore developed over time and how different events shaped the country we live in today. It made history feel more real because I could see objects, pictures, and displays connected to the past.

One of my main takeaways from the sabbatical is that museums help us connect with the past. They allow us to learn beyond textbooks and experience history in a more meaningful way. I also realised that every object in a museum has a story behind it, and that it is important to be curious and respectful when learning about these stories.

Overall, this sabbatical was an enjoyable and meaningful experience. It helped me better appreciate museums, understand Singapore’s history, and learn how to behave responsibly in public learning spaces.