中文 / Chinese
About Us
Brief History of Society of Tourist Guides (Singapore)
Global events such as 9/11, Bali blast and SARS and the threat of terrorism changed travel patterns. SARS which occurred in Singapore from February to May 2003 badly affected the livelihood of tourist guides.
A group of veteran tourist guides, who between them had 17 to 28 years of guiding experience came together during the “inactive” months of 2003 and came to a conclusion that there was a lack of representation for tourist guides and in times of crisis, this was sorely needed. This group met with representatives of Singapore Tourism Board (STB) in April 2003 and by 15 October 2003, the Society of Tourist Guides (Singapore) or STGS was formally registered.
On 18 December 2003, letters sent out to tourist guides to invite them to register as a member and to the membership launch which took place on 12 January 2004 at Singapore Tourism Board’s Auditorium. By October 2004, the membership strength had reached 300 and till date about 500 active tourist guides members.
Committee members and tourist guides were interviewed by the Straits Times on 13 February 2004 and a group of potos was taken at the Padang on 16 February 2004.
Since then, the Society works closely with Singapore Tourism Board and other industry partners to promote the professionalism of tourist guides as tourism ambassadors of Singapore. Key projects since the inception of the Society includes:
- International Tourist Guides Day (ITGD) since 2004 annually.
- Familiarization Tours for Guides
- Professional Development Courses for Tourist Guides
- Past Tour Projects and Clients include:
- Learning Journey for MOE Schools, such as CHIJ, Da Nao, Crescent Girls Secondary, St Nicholas Girls
- Tour Development for Maritime Port Authority of Singapore in 2014
- Tours for Singapore Workforce Development Agency in 2014
- War World II Heritage tour for People Association
- Educational Tours for overseas educational institutions
Subsequently, the Society established STGS Tour Pte Ltd, a wholly own Travel Agent on 4 March 2015 to develop & provide guided tours, in accordance with the Singapore Tourism Board Act. Click to BOOK A TOUR
We have a strong pool of guides who have been providing heritage tours for schools, new citizens and overseas visitors. Click to HIRE A TOUR GUIDE.
Our Vision
The Society aims to become a respected voice in the tourism industry and is fully committed to looking after the welfare of our members, enabling them to lead visitors and serve them with professionalism, pride, and passion.
Our Mission
- To uphold and maintain an ethical and professional standard of conduct for Tourist Guides.
- To develop, improve and enhance tour guiding services by organising and conducting training and educational courses for tourist guides.
- To promote the heritage of Singapore and act as a resource.
- To act as an intermediary between members and Singapore Tourism Board and tourism-related industries.
- To serve the community by taking part in community service projects.
Tourist Guide Code of Conduct & Ethics
Our members agree to adhere to Tourist Guide Code of Conduct & Ethics, click here for details.
Our Advisors
Mr Yeo Guat Kwang – Member of Parliament, Ang Mo Kio GRC
Dr. William Koh Hai Keong – Koh & Partners (Legal Advisor)
Board Members & Sub Committee 2018-2019