Civil Defense ; Fighters

When the topic of the NE assignment was released ,the first location that came into my mind was the Civil Defense Heritage Gallery . The Heritage was built since 1908 and is housed in the Central Fire Station . The Gallery itself had recorded the history of the Singapore Civil Defense Force journey since the late 1800s .
The Heritage is to aim to raise the public awareness of Civil Defense .

In the Gallery , it showcases the developments of the old equipments , engines , and firefighter trucks all the way to what the SCDF had in the modern days now . It also , provides richful information about how people are evacuated and what are the ways to keep them safe during emergency situations , both past and presents .

It was an interesting Gallery to visit to as there are a lot of equipments and from the olden days and from there , knowing how much the Civil Defense Force had changed over the years . If I had not remembered wrongly , the very first time that I visited this place was during one of my primary school days and we had this amazing race and we had to find this building .The first thing that caught my attention was the architecture of the building . Back then , I don't remember seeing such an interesting building or heritage before , probably that's the reason why I would still remember this building after so long even I don't visit such heritage as often as compared to the rest of the museums or heritage in Singapore .

Last but not lest , I thought that for those who had not been there or would like to see the interesting gallery once again , should go and visit this place sometime during any free time ! (: It's good to know more of the Civil Defense histories and learn more about the methods that could save us during emergency situations ! In addition , it is also good to visit such heritage and museums , to realise and remind ourselves how much efforts was put in by our forefathers and people in the past whom served for the Defense Forces which had definately helped to protect our nation better . Finally , through this heritage , it helps to heighten the public awareness and knowledge of Civil Defense ! 

PS . And oh , ADMISSION IS FREEEEE ! :x hehe . (:

092201U
DIANA_DA0902

letters without content.

"An ethnic neighborhood that features the Chinese cultural elements, most parts of Chinatown has been conserved and declared as national heritage sites by the Urban Redevelopment Authority. In the recent years it serves as a tourist attraction for the tourists." 

I always find the contrast between the shophouses and the buildings interesting as it shows the government's effort in trying to conserve our nation's heritage while moving on to create a globalized and modernized city. It's really great to know that your roots are preserved despite the fact that everything changes so rapidly everyday.

Roads change every now and then. Buildings are built, demolished and rebuilt again. Transportation gets better and more convenient (not forgetting about them getting more expensive.) While cultures do not change, it can fade as time passes. 

Think about it. What is Chinatown to you? A heritage site that people visit during Chinese New Year? Or a place that our forefathers who, despite the hardship and sufferings, tried to create a sense of belonging, a community of themselves?

To me, these places are letters written by our forefathers to the later generations. They want us to remember and to be like them, strives for the best without losing their identity. 

I'm not complaining about the URA, but just that by preserving these buildings means nothing. To the many younger generations, they are just old buildings. It's like an empty shell after all, so what's the purpose of keeping them?

When we gain something, we will lost something. As Singapore gets more globalized, we will lost our sense of identity not as a citizen, but as a race. Though these buildings will continue to stand in their places, the meaning behind them will be long gone by then. 

but that's just my thoughts though.(:

Tan Hui Mei

092551J

DA'o3

The Marina Bridge

This is where things get wet for the right reasons. This place means so to Singapore's
survival. Why? It's a place to control floods to alleviate flooding in the low-lying areas
in the city such as Chinatown, Boat Quay, Jalan Besar and Geylang. For without it,
I think Singapore would be drowning by now. Many of us take a lot of things for 
granted and this is one of them. Though it may be just a place for you to walk and 
pass by, you're actually standing on a miracle. As cheesy as it sounds, it's true. 
Plus, not only does it help Singapore from flooding, it also provides freshwater supply.
Yes, this is where you get your tap waters, shower waters and etc. 
Unlike other countries, Singapore's water is safe. We should be really thankful and
grateful for this. 
Apart from all these healthy and meaningful stuff, this particular bridge is one of
the places that I go to, to chill. I have a thing for bridges. It gives me peace and 
it clears my head everytime I go there. I decided to draw this place because I think
it's underestimated in a way. It very much caught my attention due to the space and
the long walkway. It definitely is a place to treasure.


Muhammad Nazirul Bin Zailani
083168U
DA0901

Singapore Community

Singapore Community


After my trip to the Peranakan Museum, I realised that one thing that makes Singapore Singapore, is the the multi-racial aspect to it, and the fact that we can interact with other cultures easily. It forms tight bonds and is a big part of being Singaporean.


I drew this hawker centre near my place because I find I can feel that "community vibe" around me whenever I go down here. Being surrounded completely by HDB blocks, most of the people here know each other, and the place is bustling with chatting neighbours and friendly smiles, and it's fascinating to see so many different races mingling with each other and being friends despite differences in beliefs and cultures.


I feel though, that the multi-racial relationships is sometimes taken for granted, and if we're not careful, may disappear eventually. We should treasure our friendships and be open to different views and cultures, because this is huge part of what Singapore is all about.


Brian Ngan
093915P
DA0901

Cramped Street

Living in urban Singapore where air-conditioned shopping malls are plenty, the first thing i noticed about Arab Street were the shop houses and how narrow the street was. They reminded me strongly of the shophouses i've seen in Malaysia.

There were many shops selling carpets, textile and fabric--many of them beautifully patterned. The shops selling rattan products reminded me of Malaysia again, mainly because i've seen similar shops back in Malaysia, and many of my Malaysian relatives had rattan products at home (My grandma had a rattan rocking chair which was particularly comfortable to sit on).

That was when i suddenly realized how little of these shops there are in Singapore, and how most people think "Ikea" when they think of furniture instead. I guess the era of buying handmade products are already long over (what with the increasing population and commericalization and all).

I hope tradition and the uniqueness of different cultures are still there and well-preserved as time passes.

Name: Wong Yi Qin 092416D
Group: DA 05

Fading Lines

Well, I went to Eu Tong Sen Street, China town, to do a film for an assignment not long ago. I have not seen before many of the things I saw on that day. I stayed over night at china town, wanting to see the different phases of the area. I wondered what it was like in the afternoon, and at night. The time that attracted me the most were the wee hours of the morning. Many old people were up sweeping the floors not because they are paid to, but because they wanted to. Sitting around just to get the nice sensations of a quite morning, setting up make shift shops in the back alleys, feeding pigeons and more. I couldn't see how the people of my generation would ever do such stuff. All we do now is go on the net, get hooked on facebook, myspace youtube and play video games all day long. What will happen to these places? Will they all start to fade away?

Michaelhuyouren.

093930W
DA0901

The Ordinary Extraordinary

In my sketch is the link bridge from Swissôtel Merchant Court to Clarke quay. I’ve seen this bridge many times when I go to Clarke Quay. I’ve even walked on it and enjoyed the view and breeze there, but I never ever knew it had a name. I was surprised when I went to find details regarding Clarke Quay, and found that this bridge has a real interesting name – Read Bridge. Why read bridge? It’s actually named after William Henry Macleod Read, who was in years 1841 – 1887, a prominent resident in Singapore.

The bridge was constructed in 1881 and done in 1889. This bridge wasn’t only know as ‘Read bridge’ but was called different names by different people. The locals called it the ‘Malacca Bridge’, the Hokkiens called it the kam kong ma lah kah kio (Kampong Malacca Bridge), and it was also known as ‘Green bridge’ due to its colour at that point of time. It’s just ONE BRIDGE, but with SO MANY names!

Read Bridge holds quite a lot of Singapore’s memories. For instance, there were labourers and tongkang rowers who would crowd to listen to Teochews telling stories last time. Also, the southern side of the bridge had shops that sold firewood, which was transported by boats from Indonesia. Tongkangs would unload the firewood at this area at this jetty, known as cha chun tau. There were 2 Teochew opera threatres there for entertainment too.

The current bridge doesn’t have the hustle and bustle anymore. Well, maybe during those special functions they set up there sometimes, but usually it feels so big and empty. That’s why I thought it was an ordinary man-made no-meaning-bridge. I was wrong and I’m glad I know about it, because its existence has a meaning. I think a lot of people don’t know about Read bridge's past that’s why I decide to write about it. It’s also because I find that this mundane, lifeless bridge can be so extraordinary at night!

I don't know if it'll be still there after 10 years, but it may change, because over the years, it has been modified many times.


Lee Hui Xian Janel
094012H
DA05

Lesser and Smaller

Playgrounds are one thing that I think we may see lesser of in future and also maybe it might get smaller in size. Before I moved, there was a really huge playground just opposite my house in the park. The playground is as old as I am and possibly even older. I grew up with it and I have very fond memories over there. Though I do not visit it as often, I enjoy just looking at it when I look out my window.

Quite a few years back, they had cut down several trees in the park to build SAFRA there, just beside the playground. But even though the playground was not affected by this, I fear that it might get torn down in the future to make way for more buildings and such like how many other playgrounds have fell victim to these as modernisation takes over.

As a result of modernisation, many playgrounds are now built indoors in air-conditioned places such as shopping malls. I feel that more children are now playing in indoor playgrounds rather than outdoor because parents may find it easier and more convenient as they can do their shopping at the same time while their kids play.

I do feel that such huge playgrounds may not exist anymore in the future because of this or they may just reduce the size of the playgrounds. One such example is the area near my current house. It has one tiny playground that is actually just a single slide and every time I walk past it, I do not see many children playing it at all because it really is just too small and boring.

This is why I think playgrounds are also disappearing.

Clarissa Tay
091747Q
DA0903

Details of Arab Street

I do not really have much to write here as I am not really familiar with this road myself actually. But in all honesty, Arab Street hosts some very detailed and beautiful decorations there. From the carpets to the perfume bottles in a few perfume shops. Their designs are so elaborate and yet  in a nice way. It was a joy to see them up close and personal. I wished to draw out little details of the many items they have there, but it will be a deathwish if I do so. It is just far too much details to nail down. haha...

As I walked around the streets with my friend, it was pretty obvious it serves as a tourist attraction as I saw quite a number of foreigners there. I do wish this street would still stay for as long as I lived and it would be a great pity if something with such rich history and Islamic culture were to be torn down to build something else.

Ho Keng Jin
DA05
093787B

Carpets and the Future.

So what's the connection between the two? (read title)

Arab street, popular tourist attraction as it is; is something that would not disappear in merely ten years. Better yet, it would continue to flourish and serve as part of the many cultures and heritage that Singapore has. Whether it is for reminiscence or monetary's sake.

However, as the current us advance forward to the future, we walk on the paths and pavements created by our ancestors; never stepping foot on grass or feel the stench of mud on our soles. Therefore; we do not know hardship; nor have as much dedication as compared to our forefathers. The carpets of arab street; beautiful and fine as they are, yet how many people with the knowledge are left to create them? Better yet; how many of them are willing to? Passing down the knowledge is one thing; having the dedication, is another. With the current generation so focused and reliant on what the past has offered; We can't bear to endure the same hardship and tediousness that our forefathers had to go through when creating a single carpet. For we have grown so used to our easy and convenient lifestyle that lesser and lesser of us have the will to make it. A similar but more "close to life" analogy would be the job of a cleaner. As people become more accustomed to their educated and rich lifestyles; lesser youngsters would even learn to do simple daily chores like sweeping the floor by the age of 18. Ten years from now; there would probably be even lesser people who would take on the job of a cleaner; the old retiring by then; the young preferring more yielding and or convenient job alternatives. Back to the carpets; ten years from now. How many of the descendants of these carpet makers would choose to continue the line; tedious as it is; and with better job prospects within reach?

So I wonder, how many of these beautiful carpets would be left, ten years later in the future; Due to lack of dedication and laziness. But alas, the fate of the carpets are nothing but an analogy to the future of many other things.

Lee Liang Yi
092764C
DA0905

Festive

For numerous years, Eu Tong Sen Street has served as the main event space for many Chinese festivals and has become an important part of our history. Every year, without fail, it gets adorned with colorful and fancy decorations during Chinese New Year and the Mid Autumn Festival. The street becomes a sight to behold then, immersed in bright lights and welcoming shades of celebratory red and orange.

Anyone who's been there before would know what I mean! When you're stuck amidst throngs of people, crowded around to view the firecrackers go off and countdown to midnight, that's when you know it's really Chinese New Year. That's what Chinese New Year means to many people every year. I love that atmosphere it brings and it just wouldn't be the same without it.

For so long, this street has been such a major part of Chinese New Year for most locals. But as time goes by, people become too busy for it. All of these things are taken for granted when we pass them by. We don't stop to admire what Chinese New Year brings to us anymore. While I don't think that Chinese New Year will continue to hold the same significance to people in future, I really hope that in many years to come, Chinatown and Eu Tong Sen Street will still remain. I've known this place ever since I was a child, it'd be unfortunate if in future, our younger generations don't get to share what we had.

Mandy Song
DA0901

THE OLD PEOPLE TOWN

I  feel so old whenever i come to this place. so old. but nevertheless, it always brings back memories of my chinese root culture. i think is a good experience to go this kind places and experience the culture that has pass down to us. but i don't think young people will really go down chinatown to do that. they will just go orchard road. so sad.

The interesting thing i find out about the chinatown is the chinese name. it was original name as 牛车水， because of its location. Chinatown's water supply transported by animal-driven carts in the 19th century. but why not directly translate to bull-cart water town. hmm....oh maybe chinatown sounds nicer.

The thing i like about chinatown is the food and the very 'old' feel. because everytime watch all those old old drama, their location they is always so old and dirty. so i kind of feel it in their. but still not old enough because after renovation and stuff like that. oh another thing is the architecture, it kind of like combine different elements of baroque architecture and Victorian architecture and do not have a single classification. is like so weird and cool. wooah, i shall explore everything in there one day. and i will come out as a true 'china' man. haha.

Lai Sen Hui
094089A
DA0902

Night Life

Life is little India is very lively, especially at night. During Indian festivals, it is very crowded there and there are many beautiful decorations. To me, little India is not just a place, its cultural exchange venue for other races. I often go there because of the very appealing Indian foods and those small little shops which have nice and unique stuffs you can't really see in other parts of Singapore. I find there a very fruitful place when you go and explore the mosque, shops, and Indian restaurants. Many people have not discovered those bits and pieces in little India which makes it so unique. But majority of the people in little India are Indians, there are a minority of Caucasians and Chinese. When Indians slowly return to India, very few people might patronize little India which makes it secluded and it may be demolished due to low popularity.

Lau Gang Yi
092083M
Da02

A Sea of concrete buildings

Arab Street known to us or to the Chinese back in the days as Javanese street. The area was first own by an Arab merchant, named Syed Ali bin Mohamed Al Junied and that was the site of an Arab kampong. Therefore the name, Arab Street.

Arab Street is known to be a place which sells Spices, textiles, basketry items and Sonkoks along the street in shophouses. Walking down there, you would also see cheap clothes and nice foods.


Sultan mosque which is located near arab street which was built in the 1924. It was design by an Irish architect working for a British firm. It was surrounded by roads with Omani and Afghan names. During the month of Ramadan, in the evening the areas around the mosque and arab street becomes a livelier place with stalls set up selling many delicious delicacies to Muslims who have come to break fast.


The mosque also takes care of the needy by distributing food to help them break fast. During Hari Raya, lambs are slaughtered here and distributed out to the community with special attention given to the poor and needy. This allows us to feel the bond and tightness of the community living there.

As Singapore is small island with a growing population, space is scarce and as the population continues to rapidly shoots upwards, we need land to build housing estates and commercial buildings. I believe soon that these shophouses will be teared down to make space for bigger commerical buildings.

Name: Fong Earl
Admin: 092592U
Group: Da0901

Remembering The Past To Come.

It has been awhile since I last went to the train station where I would usually head off to Malaysia for holiday trips as I was a child.

And finally I took this opportunity to take my last trip to the train station. It felt nostalgic for me to take a little trip around the train station. To remember how me and my siblings played hide and seek and once, I nearly got lost. And also the many people that made the train station felt so lively and bustling. Recently when I heard that the train station was shutting down on 1st july of this year, I was pretty saddened about it. This place held lots of memories for me. Especially when I had trips to go to with my grandfather who recently passed away. Now that it's closing, I hope the government would preserve this train station for I feel, it's as the topic says, one of Singapore's heritage.

Ong Ghee Hoe

091990S

Group 5