Jul–Sep 2021

In this issue’s cover story, we shine the spotlight on three murals that were once showpieces at the former Paya Lebar Airport. Two of the three artworks have already been lost. Is there hope for the last one?

Director's Note

The Forgotten Murals of Paya Lebar Airport
Three enormous murals used to grace the walls of Paya Lebar Airport. Dahlia Shamsuddin has the inside story.(PDF)

Vaccinating a Nation: A Brief History
The first efforts at vaccinating here date back to 1819. Ong Eng Chuan has the details.(PDF)

Malay-Muslim Weddings: Keeping Up with the Times
Customs and traditions change over time. Asrina Tanuri and Nadya Suradi trace how Malay weddings here have evolved since the 1950s.(PDF)

Early Printing in the Philippines
Gracie Lee recounts the early history of printing and printed works in the Philippines.(PDF)

Mulan’s Many Faces
Goh Yu Mei examines the Asian Children’s Literature Collection to see how Mulan’s story has evolved, while Michelle Heng reviews other stories in the acclaimed collection.(PDF)

The Evolution of Straits-born Cuisine
What makes Peranakan cuisine unique? Lee Geok Boi looks for answers in old cookbooks.(PDF)

Urang Banjar: From South Kalimantan to Singapore
Zinnurain Nasir and Nasri Shah shed light on the Banjar people in Singapore.(PDF)

Mansion Blocks, Flats and Tenements: The Advent of Apartment Living
Through buildings like Amber Mansions and Eu Court, Swan & Maclaren helped to introduce the concept of apartment living in Singapore, says Julian Davison.(PDF)

How Jurong Bird Park Was Hatched
Zoe Yeo gives a bird’s-eye view of the setting up of one.(PDF)

Chinese Graphic Artists in Pre-war Singapore
Several talented graphic artists moved from China to Singapore from the 1920s. Lee Chor Lin highlights these artists and their works.(PDF)