PHOTO: Amber Qua. GRAPHIC: Amber Qua & Desiree Seah
What would you say to someone if you knew it was the last time you would see them?
“Xavier” recalled, “My father promised to celebrate my 12th birthday with me, which we hadn’t done in a while.” But his father never showed up. Instead, he was arrested for a drug-related offence.
Many loved ones and families of drug abusers never saw their last conversation coming. For these victims of drug abuse, all that remain are everyday objects such as a birthday candle, an old guitar and a teddy bear, stark reminders of how drug abuse changed their happy moments into painful memories.
Seemingly insignificant items in our everyday lives can turn into objects of yearning when drug abuse steals away the people we love. PHOTO: Desiree Seah
As a reminder of the harm, hurt and trauma endured by the families and loved ones of drug abusers, Singapore observes Drug Victims Remembrance Day every third Friday of May. As part of this year’s observance, you can visit the interactive “Museum of Us” exhibition at Suntec City Level 1 Atrium (Convention Centre) from 16 to 18 May for an intimate look at the profound impact of drug abuse on real-life drug abuse victims like “Xavier”.
Here are some exhibition highlights you should not miss:
Through the Eyes of a Loved One
Director of the campaign film Ms Tan Hui Er explaining the real-life inspiration behind her film and of the immersive rooms. PHOTO: Desiree Seah
As part of this year’s Drug Victims Remembrance Day campaign, a series of five short films directed by Ms Tan Hui Er can be viewed at the exhibition and on social media platforms. Through three immersive rooms at the exhibition, visitors can step into the lives of the victims featured in the films and experience their realities firsthand.
The short films are inspired by Hui Er’s friend, whose loved one is a drug abuser.
“My friend said, with much stronger language, that it was very stupid of her loved one to consume drugs. As my friend thought about the drug abuser, she uttered ‘I hope it was worth it’.”
Hui Er noted that there was not an ounce of sarcasm or spite laced in her friend’s words. Instead, the genuine wish for him to be happy and the counterparts of anger and hurt were all present in her voice. Hui Er’s short films thus sought to honour the victims and capture that confusing mix of feelings experienced by the victims.
As you walk through these rooms, you can feel how fragile everyday moments can be when drugs are involved. Seemingly ordinary objects carry extraordinary emotional weight, reliving the moments, memories and relationships fractured by drug abuse.
Interact with exhibits such as this in the immersive rooms, modelled after scenes from the short films. The everyday normalcy depicted stands in stark contrast to the chaos and grieving silence that follows drug abuse. PHOTO: Desiree Seah
The room setups (below) are tied to characters and themes from the short films (above). TOP PHOTO: CNB.drugfreesg on YouTube. BOTTOM GIF: Desiree Seah
Continue to hear more real-life accounts at the “Hear our Stories” zone. These stories are further brought to life with displays of cherished artefacts, including gifts and keepsakes that symbolise treasured memories.
Head to the “Hear our Stories” zone to hear heartfelt recordings capturing the lingering pain experienced by drug victims. PHOTO: Desiree Seah
The Primary School Leaving Examination certificate belonging to “Xavier” on display at the “Hear our Stories” zone. PHOTO: Desiree Seah
Art that Speaks: Youth Showcase CornerView thought-provoking animations, essays and a wall mural that explore the impact of drug abuse through youth perspectives. These creative expressions by young advocates portray the consequences of drug abuse.
A large-scale mural, painted by students from the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts, is a visual representation of how drug abusers fall prey to temptation and turn their back on loved ones. The drug addiction implicates many intertwined lives. PHOTO: Desiree Seah
Read winning entries from a national youth essay competition and watch this specially produced animated video essay. These give voice to the younger generation’s views on the dangers of drugs. PHOTO: Desiree Seah
Light Up in Remembrance and Pledge to Stay Drug-freeMake a promise to stay drug free. According to the Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB), more than 600,000 lives are lost to drug abuse each year but many lives unaccounted for have been implicated too. At the exhibition’s pledging point, pledge your allegiance to protect yourself and your loved ones from the ripple effects of drug abuse.
Place your hand on the pledging point to promise to stay drug-free. PHOTO: Desiree Seah
You can also light a digital candle as a symbol of solidarity with those who continue to be affected by the misery brought by drugs.
Feel, reflect, choose and commit. This is an exhibition that hits home like no other.
Use your phone’s torch to light a digital candle. PHOTO: Desiree Seah
Visit “Museum of Us” at Suntec City Level 1 Atrium (Convention Centre)
Dates: 16 to 18 May 2025
Time: 10:00am – 8:00pm
Beyond the main exhibition at Suntec, CNB has launched a series of pop-up displays at heartland locations to reach more communities:
- -Clementi Mall
- -Our Tampines Hub
- -Northpoint City
Full list available at CNB’s microsite
These satellite exhibitions mirror key elements of the main experience, offering bite-sized yet impactful education on drug harms and support resources.
Watch the campaign film series on Youtube and TikTok @/CNB.drugfreesg. For more details about the campaign, please visit go.gov.sg/rday2025.
