Local Icons
From Colonial Vision to Key Memory Institution: A Short History of the National Library
The National Library began life in 1837 with a modest collection of 392 publications belonging to the Singapore Free School.
Books on Wheels: Singapore’s Mobile Libraries
Between the 1960s and 1980s, libraries-on-wheels were a familiar sight as they travelled around Singapore bringing books to residents in rural and suburban areas.
Lady in Red: The Former National Library on Stamford Road
Beyond being a mere repository of books, the library on Stamford Road was a place for acquiring knowledge, making memories and creating friendships.
Singapore’s National Souvenir: The Gold-plated Past of RISIS
The zoo was able to overcome major setbacks in its formative years to become the well-loved tourist attraction it is today.
Animals, Anxieties and Aspirations: The Earlier Years of the Singapore Zoo
The zoo was able to overcome major setbacks in its formative years to become the well-loved tourist attraction it is today.
The Making of the Causeway
When the Causeway was built 100 years ago, it was the largest engineering project to be undertaken in Malaya. Building it required overcoming significant engineering challenges.
Sentosa’s Cable Cars at 50
As Singapore’s cable car system commemorates 50 years of service, we look back at the journey of this iconic attraction that has brought joy to many a rider.
The Salvation Army in Singapore
The history of the Salvation Army in Singapore goes back to at least 1935.
Coffee in the Basement, Tea on the Second Floor: A Short History of John Little at Raffles Place
A look back at John Little’s 170-year history and the lasting mark the store has made on our island.
The Making of the Monetary Authority of Singapore: How the MAS Became Singapore’s Central Bank
While the Monetary Authority of Singapore was established in 1971, it only became a full-fledged central bank some 30 years later.
A Great Way to Fly: The Singapore Airlines Story
Established in 1972, Singapore Airlines has earned a reputation as a well-recognised brand known for its impeccable service standards and luxurious in-flight experiences.
A History of The Padang
Kevin Tan looks at what makes the 4.3-hectare patch of green in front of the former City Hall building so special.
Labouring to Deliver: A History of Kandang Kerbau Hospital
The old Kandang Kerbau Hospital was once known as the busiest maternity hospital in the world. Joanna Tan delivers the story behind a hallowed Singapore institution.
Key Milestones in the History of Cathay Cinema
The closing of Cathay cinema at Handy Road, one of Singapore’s oldest cinemas, marks the end of an era. Here’s a look at the Cathay Building and cinema over the years.
How Changi Airport Came To Be
As Singapore’s Changi Airport marks its 40th anniversary in 2021, Rebecca Tan uncovers fascinating facts behind the decision to build the airport and how it eventually took shape.
How Jurong Bird Park was Hatched
On the 50th anniversary of its opening, Zoe Yeo gives us a bird’s-eye view of the setting up of one of Singapore’s most popular tourist attractions.
Remembering Robinsons
Many generations of Singaporeans have shopped in Robinsons since its founding in 1858. Gracie Lee and Kevin Khoo highlight some milestones in its illustrious history.
Becoming Modern By Design
The now-defunct Baharuddin Vocational Institute was Singapore’s first formal school for design. Justin Zhuang looks at how the institute laid the foundation for the design industry here.
Looking Back at Queenstown Library’s 50 Years
Paddy Jonathan Ong traces the history of Singapore’s first branch library.
From Sea to Road: Building the Causeway
The foundation stone for the Causeway was laid 100 years ago. We look back at the history of this road and rail link.
Rediffusion’s Golden Years
Singapore’s only cable radio service was an instant hit when it was launched in 1949. Barbara Quek charts the history of the pioneering broadcasting station.
The Istana Turns 150
The resplendent Istana – where colonial governors and modern-day presidents once lived – celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2019. Wong Sher Maine recounts key moments in its history.
Dieppe Barracks: “Our Little Kingdom” in Sembawang
Military camps and training areas comprise a significant portion of Singapore’s land use. What can a single camp tell us about Singapore’s geopolitical history? A lot, as it turns out, says Chua Jun Yan.
The Story of Two Shipyards: Keppel & Sembawang
Keppel and Sembawang shipyards are major players in Singapore’s maritime and shipping industry. Wee Beng Geok traces the colonial origins of these two companies.
Oriental Emporium: The End of an Era
The Emporium chain of department stores entered the scene when the retail market in Singapore was still in its infancy. Kam Kit Geok takes a closer look at a much-loved shopping icon.
Building History: From Stamford Road to Canning Rise
Abigail Huang tracks the movement of the National Archives of Singapore, from its early days in the Raffles Museum and Library on Stamford Road to an old school building at the foot of Fort Canning.
Bridging History: Passageways Across Water
The foundation stone for the Causeway was laid 100 years ago. We look back at the history of this road and rail link.
The House of Ripples
Martina Yeo and Yeo Kang Shua piece together historical details of the little-known River House in Clarke Quay and discover that it was once a den for illicit triad activity.
The A(YE), B(KE) and C(TE) of Expressways
Lim Tin Seng charts the history of Singapore’s expressways, from the oldest Pan-Island Expressway, built in the 1960s to the newest Marina Coastal Expressway.
Kelly & Walsh: Purveyor, Publisher and Printer
Established in the 1880s, Kelly & Walsh was an iconic name in the Singapore book trade until its closure in 1956. Gracie Lee traces its history as bookseller, publisher and printer.
Memory Laps: Pool-time Recollections
Between the mid-1930s and 1960, only four swimming pool complexes in Singapore were open for public use. Jocelyn Lau speaks to people who remember these pools.
Living it Up at the Capitol
Capitol Theatre was the premier venue for film and stage when it opened in 1930. Bonny Tan uses oral history recordings to piece together pre-war narratives of the theatre.
Swan & Maclaren: Pioneers of Modernist Architecture
Singapore’s oldest architectural firm may be better known for designing the Raffles Hotel but it’s their 1930s Modernist buildings that are truly revolutionary. Julian Davison has the details.
Party Time at the Raffles
The National Library’s collection of menu cards from Raffles Hotel provides an inkling of lavish parties and fine dining from bygone days. Francis Dorai and Jessie Yak take a peek.
Surviving the Japanese Occupation: War and its Legacies
A revamped exhibition space opens at the old Ford Factory in Bukit Timah, marking the 75th anniversary of the fall of Singapore. Fiona Tan details its major highlights.
From Britannia to the NCO Club
The much-loved NCO Club on Beach Road was a favourite downtown R & R spot for off-duty soldiers. Francis Dorai charts its history.
The Padang: Centrepiece of Colonial Design
This expanse of green fringed by grand colonial edifices in the city centre is a statement of British might, as Lai Chee Kien tells us.
Saving Pearl Bank Apartments
Architectural conservation or real estate investment? Justin Zhuang ponders over the fate of a 1970s style icon that has seen better times.
Beach Road Camp and the Singapore Volunteer Corps
The SVC was the precursor of the first organised military service in Singapore and marked the beginning of a volunteer movement that would last for over a century. Francis Dorai has the story.
Bygone Brands: Five Names That Are No More
Sue-Ann Chia traces the birth and death of five companies, reliving the forgotten stories of some of Singapore’s biggest brand names.
Collecting the Scattered Remains: The Raffles Library and Museum
Gracie Lee charts the history of the Raffles Library – precursor of the National Library – and its enigmatically named “Q” Collection.
Old-world Amusement Parks
Theme parks in Singapore had their heyday from the 1920s to 50s. Lim Tin Seng charts their glory days and subsequent decline.
All Creatures Great and Small: Singapore’s First Zoos
Few people are aware that the island’s first public zoo was set up in 1875. Lim Tin Seng traces the history of wildlife parks in Singapore.
The Library of Memory
Boey Kim Cheng’s memories of Singapore are closely tied to his recollections of reading and the old red-bricked National Library. Here, he remembers his love affair with the library, with words and with books.
