Yong Jing Jing is an Assistant Archivist in the Record Management Department of the National Archives of Singapore. She was awarded the NLB Undergraduate Scholarship and holds a Bachelor of Arts in History from the London School of Economics and Political Science.
Singapore’s rich history is not just a part of our nation’s identity but also a guiding force for our future. In this pursuit, scholar Yong Jing Jing plays a pivotal role as an Assistant Archivist at the National Archives of Singapore (NAS) overseeing records management for the Whole-of-Government to ensure the proper management of records for long-term preservation and accessibility. The NAS, which is part of the National Library Board (NLB), is the custodian of Singapore’s rich collection of records of national and historical significance. Her strong passion for history drives her dedication to preserving these records, ensuring they remain accessible for future generations.
We speak with Jing Jing to uncover her passion for history and learn about her contributions towards safeguarding Singapore’s archives.
Why did you decide to become an archivist?
I have a deep appreciation for the value of history in illuminating the connections between the past, present and future. This has driven me to pursue both a bachelor’s degree in history and opportunities to pursue my passion with NAS. Throughout my university years, I frequently leveraged archival materials for my learning and enjoyed my regular visits to the archives in the United Kingdom where I studied.
My work as an archivist at NAS has enabled me to gain deeper insights into the process of how records eventually become archives. It has allowed me to play my part in collecting and preserving evidence of history that present and future generations of Singaporeans can discover.
What drew you to the NLB Undergraduate Scholarship?
My decision to apply for the NLB Undergraduate Scholarship was influenced by my love for reading and a genuine curiosity about the world around me. NLB’s mission to ‘make knowledge come alive, spark imagination, and create possibilities’ resonated with me, and I was eager to contribute to this and inspire more in the community to read, learn and discover!
Furthermore, my interest in history instilled in me a strong belief in the importance of retaining documentary heritage and developing historical narratives from the records. I firmly believe that these narratives play a crucial role in shaping our understanding and development of our identities.
Therefore, NLB’s commitment to fostering a greater appreciation, understanding and contemplation of Singapore’s history further enhanced my interest in the scholarship.
Yong Jing Jing
How has the scholarship contributed to your personal and professional growth?
The NLB Scholarship provided me with the invaluable opportunity to pursue my education abroad in the United Kingdom.
Moreover, the opportunity to pursue a degree of my choice allowed me to develop and hone essential soft skills, particularly critical thinking, which are increasingly vital in today’s dynamic work environment. These skills have not only enhanced my academic pursuits but have also prepared me for the challenges of the professional world.
This was reinforced by my internship with NLB, where I assisted in exhibition preparation and planning in the Exhibitions Department. Together with the team, I brainstormed ideas on how best to present the Traiphum Map of Thailand in the teaser exhibition.
Speaking of work, could you tell us what your role entails?
As an Assistant Archivist, I collaborate with my teammates to oversee records management for the Whole-of-Government and the preservation of records of national and historical significance.
We work closely with public agencies to jointly appraise records and advise them on the proper management of records. Public records are vital documentation of the government and the society. By ensuring that these records are well-maintained and preserved, present and future generations of policymakers, researchers and members of the public can gain valuable insights into the past.
A typical workday involves appraising records, addressing queries, and providing advice to agencies on records management matters. The appraisal process involves evaluating the significance of records to determine if they possess long-term archival value and should be transferred to NAS for preservation. I conduct research on the agencies’ administrative history and functions, review past appraisal documentation, and discuss with agency users and records owners to understand their perspectives on the value of their records. Occasionally, I facilitate requisition requests from agencies and get a chance to handle the original records with extra care and love.
I also enjoy the opportunities to participate in projects to showcase our archival collections. This includes my recent involvement in curating an Archives Online page about the history of the Singapore-Malaysia Causeway. This project allowed me to collaborate with colleagues from various departments in NAS to highlight the diverse archival records from the treasure trove.
Are there any career milestones you’re particularly excited about?
I am currently working towards a professional milestone (and a personal goal as a new archivist) of delivering an ‘Archives Unlocked’ talk to the public. ‘Archives Unlocked’ is a series of talks conducted by NAS’ staff to showcase stories from our nation’s collections and share our perspectives and experiences on these as archive professionals.
Looking ahead, I am excited to embark on adventures and gain experiences in the diverse roles within NLB. My goal is to obtain a holistic understanding of different operations and divisions at NLB. I believe these varied experiences will foster my professional growth and allow me to gain clarity on my career development path.
What opportunities are available for individuals and scholars within NLB?
At NLB, communication is highly valued. Since joining, I have had ample opportunities to engage in dialogues and conversations with the senior management. Recently, a small group of new officers, including myself, had the chance to interact with NLB’s Chief Executive Officer. This allowed us to gain insights into his thoughts, directions, and visions for NLB, and to pose questions to him. This positive affirmation of how our views, even as new staff, are valued by management, motivates us to innovate and propose ideas to further enhance our libraries and archives to better serve our patrons.
