THE PERANAKANNyonya Josephine Tan unveils how technology can chart the future for endangered languages
In the realm of cultural preservation, tradition often walks a quiet path. But in Singapore, a bold new initiative is giving it a digital voice. Enter ChakapBot, an AI-powered chatbot poised to redefine how endangered languages can be revitalised for future generations.
Conceived, developed, and led by Temasek Polytechnic’s School of Informatics & IT, the project bridges artificial intelligence and intangible cultural heritage in a way few have envisioned. The team undertook the full spectrum, from digitising rare, out-of-print language resources, designing the chatbot architecture to crafting an intuitive user experience and pedagogically sound lesson flow.
The pilot programme is supported by The Peranakan Association Singapore (TPAS), the National University of Singapore (NUS), and the National Heritage Board (NHB). It is further enriched by cultural contributors, including Baba Malay teacher Baba Kenneth Chan, and voice talents Baba Lee Yong Ming and Nyonya Carolyn Lim.
The focus of this initiative is Baba Malay, a vibrant, creole-infused dialect spoken by the Peranakan community. With fewer than 1,000 fluent speakers remaining, its survival hinges on bold, tech-enabled interventions. Rather than rely solely on conventional classes or printed materials, ChakapBot blends AI with community wisdom, delivering a personalised, gamified learning experience accessible anytime and anywhere.
The idea was first conceived in Sep 2023 with the blessings of Baba William Gwee, his family, and Baba Colin Chee.
Unlike typical language apps, ChakapBot is not just clever. It is culturally intelligent. It draws from lexicons, conversational structures, and grammar curated by the late Baba William Gwee, Prof. Nala Lee, and Baba Kenneth Chan. This ensures both linguistic accuracy and cultural authenticity while making learning engaging for a modern audience.
Users navigate scenario-based conversations, complete quizzes to earn badges, and practise listening, translation, and pronunciation with tools designed for multimodal, self-paced learning. The platform even allows users to record and replay their own speech. This creates an immersive approach to language revival that is both rigorous and enjoyable.
Over a six-week pilot study, ChakapBot was tested by participants aged 7 to 40 through a blended learning model combining chatbot-based study, live classroom teaching, and real-world role play. Following the pilot, the team will publish key insights and recommendations, with a special feature scheduled for October. Updates will be shared via the project’s social media channels.
at the Peranakan Museum’s Ixora Room.
Participants who persevered and completed the six weeks of Basic Baba Malay lessons.
The Baba Malay Chakapbot enables personal learning.
ChakapBot is more than a chatbot. It is a scalable blueprint for 21st-century heritage preservation. Modular, low-cost, and API-ready, it also lays the groundwork for future AI-driven applications that can be adapted to other endangered languages and cultural domains.
In an era where cultural erosion often feels inevitable, ChakapBot provides a compelling alternative. Here, tradition is not merely preserved. It is reimagined through technology.
Watch this space for more updates!
