DOCSLIB.ORG

Biblioasia Jan-Mar 2017.Pdf

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text

Load more

Vol. 12 Issue biblioasia04 2017 JAN–MAR 02 / “Lancing Girls” of Yesteryear 16 / The Tan Tock Seng Story 20 / Fashion from the 60s 32 / From Britannia to NCO Club 46 / Syonan Gallery Opens 56 / Party Time at the Raffles SINGAPORE Revisited p. 8 BiblioAsia Director’s Note Editorial & CONTENTS Vol. 12 / Issue 04 JAN–MAR 2017 Production The Italian philosopher George Santayana (1863–1952) underlined the value of memory when Managing Editor he wrote, “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it”. History is Francis Dorai littered with enough examples of follies being repeated either due to ignorance or because FEATURES mankind seems incapable of learning from history. By the same token, there are some Editor things worth remembering (and reliving) because of the pleasant memories they recall. Veronica Chee Beneath the Glitz and This issue of BiblioAsia – aptly themed “Singapore Revisited” – remembers illustri- Editorial Support 02 Glamour: The Untold Story ous (and sometimes colourful) personalities as well as significant places and momentous of the “Lancing” Girls Masamah Ahmad events that have shaped the course of our history. Stephanie Pee Many Singaporeans are familiar with Tan Tock Seng, whose legacy lives on in a hospital Windows into History named after him, but few would know of the Danish missionary Claudius Henry Thomsen, Design and Print 08 who produced some of the earliest Malay-language publications in Singapore and Malaya. Oxygen Studio Designs Pte Ltd Sue-Ann Chia recounts the rags-to-riches story of her distinguished ancestor (she traces Contributors From Pauper to 02 08 her lineage to Tan Tock Seng), while Bonny Tan documents the life of the Danish printer. Adeline Foo, Bonny Tan, 16 Philanthropist: The Tan The dance hostesses from the cabarets of New World, Great World and Happy World Fiona Tan, Francis Dorai, Tock Seng Story amusement parks were more famous for their risqué stage shows than their works of char- Georgina Wong, Goh Sin Tub, ity. Adeline Foo tells us about the “lancing girls” who set up a free school for impoverished Ho Phang Phow, Michelle Heng, 1960s Fashion: The Legacy Sue-Ann Chia, Yeo Kang Shua, children in post-war Geylang. Swati Chandgadkar 20 of Made-to-Measure Many of the stained glass windows that adorn churches in Singapore were produced in Belgium and France between 1885 and 1912. Recently discovered drawings, or “cartoons”, Please direct all Claudius Henry Thomsen: in a Belgian archive help fill gaps in the history of stained glass windows in Singapore, correspondence to: A Pioneer in Malay Printing according to Yeo Kang Shua and Swati Chandgadkar. National Library Board 26 100 Victoria Street #14-01 The former NCO Club and the Raffles Hotel on Beach Road are two iconic structures National Library Building From Britannia to the that were built for different purposes. The former – now conserved as part of the South Singapore 188064 32 NCO Club Beach development – was once a favourite off-duty spot for soldiers, as Francis Dorai Email: [email protected] tells us. The fabled Raffles Hotel has hosted many lavish parties since its opening in 1887. Website: www.nlb.gov.sg 16 20 26 Jessie Yak previews a selection of hotel menu cards that reside in the National Library’s On the cover: Rare Materials Collection. Stained glass windows found in Ties That Bind: The Story Fashion journalists John de Souza, Cat Ong and Tom Rao describe Singapore’s style the side chapels at the Convent 38 of Two Brother Poets scene in the 1960s, a time when bell bottoms, hot pants, maxi dresses and chunky platform of the Holy Infant Jesus (today shoes reigned, in this extract from a newly published book entitled Fashion Most Wanted. repurposed as a commercial The Sook Ching In the 1970s, Singapore students had to learn the painstaking way of writing Chinese complex known as CHIJMES) at script in its proper form. Ho Phang Pow describes a textbook series from 1936 that has the corner of Victoria Street and 42 Bras Basah Road. Courtesy of been preserved in the collections of the National Library. Swati Chandgadkar. Finally, as we mark the 75th anniversary of the Fall of Singapore on 15 February 2017, we remember those who perished during the dark days of the Japanese Occupation. Goh Errata: Sin Tub’s short story “The Sook Ching” is a visceral first-hand account of how he escaped In the article “Time-Honoured Temple Design”, published the mass executions that took place in the days following the British surrender. in BiblioAsia, Vol. 12, Iss. 3, 32 38 42 Still on the subject of war, Michelle Heng reveals the touching story of two brother Oct–Dec 2016, we incorrectly poets, Teo Kah Leng and Teo Poh Leng, whose literary works were only recently discov- stated that the temple’s three- ered. Poh Leng was killed in the Sook Ching massacres, while Kah Leng survived to pen a tiered gopuram (or tower) was poignant poem in remembrance of his younger brother. erected in 1903. According to The Fall of Singapore on 15 February 1942 and the horrific events that followed in photographic records, the three- tiered tower existed as early as NL NOTES its wake are documented in the revamped “Syonan Gallery: War and its Legacies”, which 1861. The online edition has been opens at the Former Ford Factory on 15 February 2017. The atrocities unleashed by the revised accordingly. We apologise Syonan Gallery: War war is a painful reminder why such an event must never happen again. for this error. 46 and its Legacies On a much lighter note, do make time to visit the exhibition, “Script & Stage: Theatre in Singapore from the 50s to 80s”, held at levels 7 and 8 of the National Library Building 哎哟华文字真难写！ until 26 March 2017. Also ongoing is an exhibition on the renowned artist Tan Swie Hian in “Anatomy of a Free Mind: Tan Swie Hian’s Notebooks and Creations” at level 10. 52 We hope you enjoy reading this edition of BiblioAsia. Party Time at the 46 52 Raffles Mrs Wai Yin Pryke All rights reserved. 56 National Library Board, Director Singapore, 2017. Script & Stage: National Library ISSN 0219-8126 (print) 62 Theatre in Singapore ISSN 1793-9968 (online) from the 50s to 80s The views of writers and contribu- tors do not reflect the views of the Publisher. No part of this publica- BiblioAsia is a free quarterly publication produced by the National Library Board. tion may be reproduced in any form or by any means without prior writ- It features articles on the history, culture and heritage of Singapore within the larger ten permission from the Publisher Asian context, and has a strong focus on the collections and services of the National and copyright owner(s). Library. BiblioAsia is distributed to local and international libraries, academic institutions, Whilst reasonable care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of government ministries and agencies, as well as members of the public. the information in this publica- 56 62 tion, the Publisher accepts no The online edition of BiblioAsia is available at: http://www.nlb.gov.sg/biblioasia/ legal liabilities whatsoever for the contents of this magazine. 01 BIBLIOASIA JAN – MAR 2017 Vol. 12 / Issue 04 / Feature Dancers by Night, Benefactors by Day wasn’t just the “Queen of Striptease” who school Happy Charity School, in an obvious titillated men on stage; she was equally nod to the most popular landmark in Geylang People whom I spoke to about the cabaret generous in donating to various charities then – the Happy World amusement park.4 life would mention how the “lancing girls” that cared for children, old folks, tuber- The first principal of the school was were the main draw for the men. For as little culosis patients and the blind. Wong Guo Liang, a well-known calligrapher. as a dollar for a set of three dance coupons, Rose Chan wasn't the only “charity When Wong first met Madam He at the male customers could take the girl of their queen” from the cabaret world. There were interview for the position, he remembered choice for a spin on the dance floor. But, two other women from the Happy World being struck by her charisma and generos- invariably, the discussion would turn to the cabaret who worked tirelessly to start a free ity. Despite the irony of her situation, she most famous “lancing” girl of all time: Rose school for children. These women became advised him to set a good example as the Chan, a former beauty queen and striptease the founders of the Happy School in Geylang. principal and live up to the responsibility of dancer who joined Happy World Cabaret in being a role model for his charges. More 1942. When asked what was it about Chan A Happy School for Children importantly, he should never ever step into that was so memorable, many would say the Happy World Cabaret. it was her audacity to strip completely on In 1946, cabaret girls from Happy World Madam He related how her impover- stage, or to shock audiences by wrestling answered the call by one of its “big sisters”, ished past and the lost opportunity to be with a live python in her acts. Madam He Yan Na, to donate money to set educated made her even more determined Not many people were aware that up a Chinese medium school in Singapore. to help destitute children. She was unshak- Chan, like other “lancing” girls of that era, Madam He, the chairperson of the Happy able in her view that a good education was was involved in charity work.
Recommended publications
  • Past, Present and Future: Conserving the Nation’S Built Heritage 410062 789811 9

    Past, Present and Future: Conserving the Nation’S Built Heritage 410062 789811 9

    Past, Present and Future: Conserving the Nation’s Built Heritage Today, Singapore stands out for its unique urban landscape: historic districts, buildings and refurbished shophouses blend seamlessly with modern buildings and majestic skyscrapers. STUDIES URBAN SYSTEMS This startling transformation was no accident, but the combined efforts of many dedicated individuals from the public and private sectors in the conservation-restoration of our built heritage. Past, Present and Future: Conserving the Nation’s Built Heritage brings to life Singapore’s urban governance and planning story. In this Urban Systems Study, readers will learn how conservation of Singapore’s unique built environment evolved to become an integral part of urban planning. It also examines how the public sector guided conservation efforts, so that building conservation could evolve in step with pragmatism and market considerations Heritage Built the Nation’s Present and Future: Conserving Past, to ensure its sustainability through the years. Past, Present “ Singapore’s distinctive buildings reflect the development of a nation that has come of age. This publication is timely, as we mark and Future: 30 years since we gazetted the first historic districts and buildings. A larger audience needs to learn more of the background story Conserving of how the public and private sectors have creatively worked together to make building conservation viable and how these efforts have ensured that Singapore’s historic districts remain the Nation’s vibrant, relevant and authentic for locals and tourists alike, thus leaving a lasting legacy for future generations.” Built Heritage Mrs Koh-Lim Wen Gin, Former Chief Planner and Deputy CEO of URA.
  • 22 Detaillierte Karten Mehr Als 300 Tipps Für Hotels Und Restaurants, Touren Und Natur Aufa Einen Blick

    22 Detaillierte Karten Mehr Als 300 Tipps Für Hotels Und Restaurants, Touren Und Natur Aufa Einen Blick

    Singapur 22 detaillierte Karten Mehr als 300 Tipps für Hotels und Restaurants, Touren und Natur AufA einen Blick DDie schönsten Highlights der Stadt in 4 a ausführ lichen Porträts. übersichtliche HIGHLIGHTS Kapitel GARDENS BY THE BAY Reiseplanung Mit diesen Symbolen sind wichtige Kategorien leicht zu fi nden: Wie plane ich meine Reise? Fotos, Adressen und Tipps für 1 SEHENS- 3 UNTERHALTUNG eine perfekte Reise. WERTES 7 SHOPPEN 5 ESSEN 2 SPORT & Singapur erkunden AUSGEHEN & AKTIVITÄTEN 6 NACHTLEBEN Alle Ziele auf einen Blick Detaillierte Beschreibungen und AlleA Beschreibungen stammen von unseren Autoren, Karten sowie Insider-Tipps. ihre Favoriten werden jeweils als Erstes genannt. Die Einträge der Rubriken Essen und Schlafen sind Singapur verstehen nnach dem Preis (günstig, mittelteuer, teuer) und den VVorlieben der Autoren geordnet. So wird die Reise richtig gut Mehr wissen – mehr sehen. Diese Symbole bieten hilfreiche ZZusatzinformationen: Das empfehlen unsere Autoren Praktische Nachhaltig und umweltverträglich Informationen FF Hier bezahlt man nichts Schnell nachgeschlagen Guter Rat für unterwegs. % Telefonnummer g Bus h Öff nungszeiten f Fähre p Parkplatz j Straßenbahn n Nichtraucher d Zug a Klimaanlage Apt. Apartment plus i Internetzugang B Bett (im Schlafsaal) detaillierter W WLAN Zi. Zimmer Cityatlasy s Swimmingpool EZ Einzelzimmer v Auch für Vegetarier DZ Doppelzimmer 230 231231 0 400400 m Legende auf S. 229 N# 0 0, 2525 Meilen Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Y Y Y Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Y Y Y Y Y A B C D EGE F Z G H ArtichokeArtichoke 0# Dhoby OrO r TanTa Quee Lan ParkviewP w s.
  • <H1>The English Governess at the Siamese Court by Anna Harriette

    <H1>The English Governess at the Siamese Court by Anna Harriette

    The English Governess At The Siamese Court by Anna Harriette Leonowens The English Governess At The Siamese Court by Anna Harriette Leonowens E-text prepared by Lee Dawei, Michelle Shephard, David Moynihan, Charles Franks, and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team THE ENGLISH GOVERNESS AT THE SIAMESE COURT BEING RECOLLECTIONS OF SIX YEARS IN THE ROYAL IN THE ROYAL PALACE AT BANGKOK BY ANNA HARRIETTE LEONOWENS. With Illustrations, FROM PHOTOGRAPHS PRESENTED TO THE AUTHOR BY THE KING OF SIAM. page 1 / 369 [Illustration: Gateway Of the Old Palace.] TO MRS. KATHERINE S. COBB. I have not asked your leave, dear friend, to dedicate to you these pages of my experience in the heart of an Asiatic court; but I know you will indulge me when I tell you that my single object in inscribing your name here is to evince my grateful appreciation of the kindness that led you to urge me to try the resources of your country instead of returning to Siam, and to plead so tenderly in behalf of my children. I wish the offering were more worthy of your acceptance. But to associate your name with the work your cordial sympathy has fostered, and thus pleasantly to retrace even the saddest of my recollections, amid the happiness that now surrounds me,--a happiness I owe to the generous friendship of noble-hearted American women,--is indeed a privilege and a compensation. I remain, with true affection, gratitude, and admiration, Your friend, A. H. L. 26th July, 1870. page 2 / 369 PREFACE. His Majesty, Somdetch P'hra Paramendr Maha Mongkut, the Supreme King of Siam, having sent to Singapore for an English lady to undertake the education of his children, my friends pointed to me.
  • The Sun in Her Eyes: Writing in English by Singapore Women

    The Sun in Her Eyes: Writing in English by Singapore Women

    Kunapipi Volume 16 Issue 1 Article 105 1994 The Sun in Her Eyes: Writing in English by Singapore Women Koh Tai Ann Follow this and additional works at: https://ro.uow.edu.au/kunapipi Part of the Arts and Humanities Commons Recommended Citation Ann, Koh Tai, The Sun in Her Eyes: Writing in English by Singapore Women, Kunapipi, 16(1), 1994. Available at:https://ro.uow.edu.au/kunapipi/vol16/iss1/105 Research Online is the open access institutional repository for the University of Wollongong. For further information contact the UOW Library: [email protected] The Sun in Her Eyes: Writing in English by Singapore Women Abstract Singapore writing in English goes back a mere forty-five years, and the work of the women writers is of even more recent provenance.1 From the forties to the mid-sixties, anglophone literary works were mostly by male authors as far fewer women than men in Singapore had formal education (let alone an education in English, the language of government and of professional advancement and when during the colonial and immediately post-colonial days primary education was not universal even for males). Furthermore, it was tertiary education which played a crucial, enabling role in literary production for it was not till after the post-war establishment of the University of Malaya in Singapore in 1948 and the appearance of undergraduate magazines that local literary work began to be published in earnest. It followed also that the first anthologies of these early poems and short stories were produced and sponsored, too, by
  • Cultural Policies to the Creation of Nation-States in the Former Colonies

    Cultural Policies to the Creation of Nation-States in the Former Colonies

    View metadata, citation and similar papers at core.ac.uk brought to you by CORE provided by ScholarBank@NUS THE POLITICS OF DRAMA: POST-1969 STATE POLICIES AND THEIR IMPACT ON THEATRE IN ENGLISH IN MALAYSIA FROM 1970 TO 1999. VELERIE KATHY ROWLAND (B.A. ENG.LIT. (HONS), UNIVERSITY MALAYA) A THESIS SUBMITTED FOR THE DEGREE OF MASTER OF ARTS DEPARTMENT OF ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Theatre practice is largely undocumented in Malaysia. Without the many practitioners who gave of their time, and their valuable theatre programme collections, my efforts to piece together a chronology of theatre productions would not have been possible. Those whose contribution greatly assisted in my research include Ivy Josiah, Chin San Sooi, Thor Kah Hoong, Datuk Noordin Hassan, Datuk Syed Alwi, Marion D’Cruz, Shanti Ryan, Mano Maniam, Mervyn Peters, Susan Menon, Noorsiah Sabri, Sabera Shaik, Faridah Merican, Huzir Sulaiman, Jit Murad, Kee Thuan Chye, Najib Nor, Normah Nordin, Rosmina Tahir, Zahim Albakri and Vijaya Samarawickram. I received tremendous support from Krishen Jit, whose probing intellectualism coupled with a historian’s insights into theatre practice, greatly benefited this work. The advice, feedback and friendship of Jo Kukathas, Wong Hoy Cheong, Dr. Sumit Mandal, Dr. Tim Harper, Jenny Daneels, Rahel Joseph, Adeline Tan and Eddin Khoo are also gratefully acknowledged. The three years spent researching this work would not have been possible without the research scholarship awarded by the National University of Singapore. For this I wish to thank Dr. Ruth Bereson, for her support and advice during the initial stages of application. I also wish to thank Prof.
  • Oral History Accounts of the Japanese Occupation VOICES THAT REMAIN

    Oral History Accounts of the Japanese Occupation VOICES THAT REMAIN

    BIBLIOASIA APR – JUN 2017 Vol. 13 / Issue 01 / NL Notes of society. The Japanese Occupation project, in Singapore, mostly presented positive, if not (Facing page) Victorious Japa- however, aimed to record history from a variety glowing, views of the Japanese administration. nese troops marching into Fuller- of perspectives – and would cut across socio- The Japanese Occupation interviews have ton Square on 16 February 1942. economic lines. helped to shed light on the harsh realities of life The British had surrendered The first phase of the Japanese Occupation in Syonan-to, the large number of interviewees the previous day and Singapore would be renamed Syonan-to project took four-and-a-half years, from June often proving to be effective in corroborating (or (“Light of the South”) by its new VOICES 6 1981 to December 1985. Potential interview- disqualifying) competing claims. Interviewees masters. © IWM (HU 2787). ees were identified through “media publicity,7 were selected based on their first-hand familiar- (Below) This portrait of a pho- organisations like the National Museum, Sentosa ity with the subject matter. Structured outlines tographer’s assistant, taken Museum, Senior Citizens’ clubs, community cen- were used to ensure some measure of consist- after the Japanese Occupa- tion, clearly shows the effects tres, individual recommendations and handbills ency and uniformity in the topics covered, while from the years of deprivation. THAT REMAIN distributed at pictorial exhibitions organised by interviewers were trained to pick up on unique All rights reserved, Lee, G. B. the National Archives of Singapore”.8 At the close experiences for follow-up. (1992).
  • Emily Takes on the Esplanade!

    Emily Takes on the Esplanade!

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE EMILY TAKES ON THE ESPLANADE! 18 October 2010 – W!LD RICE will stage a brand new production of Stella Kon’s EMILY OF EMERALD HILL with Ivan Heng as the irrepressible matriarch, from 3 March to 13 March 2011 at the Esplanade Theatre. Heng first took on the title role of EMILY OF EMERALD HILL in W!LD RICE’s debut production in 1999. Over a span of 10 years, he has revisited the role no less than 7 times in 98 performances worldwide. Both critics and audiences have fallen under the spell of his tour-de-force. “I believe that Stella Kon has written a true classic that will stand the test of time. The idea was always for me to revisit the role every 10 years. I expect that my life experience and Singapore as we know it today will inform this new incarnation of Emily” - Ivan Heng As the play unfolds, Emily grows from an innocent young girl to a headstrong matriarch. Heng too hopes to continue playing Emily in years in come. Taking on the tradition of female impersonation in Wayang Peranakan, Heng himself a Peranakan, was and is still the only male actor who has played Emily in the play’s 28 year history. As a fitting finale to 10 W!LD YEARS, a season celebrating W!LD RICE’s 10th Anniversary, he will once again don the kebaya and take on the Singaporean classic at the grand Esplanade Theatre. THE DYNAMIC DUO’S MUCH-ANTICIPATED COLLABORATION “When Glen Goei and Ivan Heng come together in the name of Art, any play can be expected to deliver wit and sensitivity.” - 8DAYS, Singapore Glen Goei and Ivan have been mates, rivals, best friends and collaborators for more than 35 years.
  • Siam's Old Singapore Ties

    Siam's Old Singapore Ties

    Siam’s Old Singapore Ties Vitthya Vejjajiva Introduction This article is an abridged and edited version of a longer article that was prepared for a commemorative publication for the inauguration of the new premises of the Thai Embassy in Singapore.1 It is by no means meant as an academic article— indeed, although I use the word “old”, I am referring to the ties, not Singapore itself, which has had certain “connections” with Siam under King Ramkhamhaeng and down the ages—but has been prepared as a “reminder” of Singapore’s continuous and close association with the kings and people of Siam for well over a century. It was thus envisioned as a non-scholarly and basically descriptive article. That said, I hope to remind readers that the advent of “old” Singapore, dating from 1819, proved to be a momentous event for Siam, for it had the effect of changing the traditional pattern of Siam’s trade, henceforth to be characterized by the fast-growing junk trade between Chinese merchants in Siam and their counterparts in Singapore. I. First contact The first Siamese-Singapore direct contact occurred in April 1821, barely two years after the founding of Singapore by Sir Stamford Raffles. A mission led by John Morgan, an English merchant resident in Singapore, was entrusted with a letter addressed to the King of Siam, in which Colonel William Farquhar, Resident of Singapore, informed the King of the “new Establishment the British Government has formed here” and expressed the hope for future commercial ties.2 The emissary was generally well received in Bangkok.
  • Ayr Pharmacy of the Hospital Or Call 4433 3174 to Arrange Phone: 4783 5277 26Th/27Th Terry White Chemmart Pick Up

    Ayr Pharmacy of the Hospital Or Call 4433 3174 to Arrange Phone: 4783 5277 26Th/27Th Terry White Chemmart Pick Up

    A GOLD COIN DONATION www.burdekincommunityassociation.org.au WOULD BE APPRECIATED. www.facebook.com/bca1975 See inside—pages 8-9 Check out our online edtion of the Community Connections APRIL-MAY Magazine on our newly redesigned website 2020 www.burdekincommunityassociation.org.au - Online edition - To request a printed copy please call the Burdekin Community Association on (07)4783 3744 Contents 1 Poppies in a field Cover Photo 2 Funded by 3 Profile-Burdekin Community Association Inc 4 Reader Contributions 5 What’s on Burdekin Delta Cinemas & Advertising 6 How to stay Healthy whilst ‘Social Distancing’ 7 How to stay Healthy whilst ‘Social Distancing’ pg2 8 Ways to Commemorate Anzac Day at Home 9 Ways to Commemorate Anzac Day at Home pg 2 10 By George—George Christensen Editorial 11 Covid-19 DFV support 12 BSC Update by Mayor Lyn McLaughlin 13 Meet your Councillors 14 Burdekin Woodcraft Association 15 Puzzle Page Debra Cochran 16 Feb/March Edition 177 Puzzle Page Answers Chief Executive Officer 17 Medical Care Guide & Pharmacy Roster Burdekin Community Association Inc (BCA) 18 Burdekin Facility closures, BCA Moneyboard winners Telephone: (07) 4783 3744 19 Coming soon to the Burdekin Theatre Mobile: 0407 637 421 20 Easy Baking Recipes Facsimile: 4783 3990 21 Don’t Strain your Drain 22 Word Search Email: [email protected] 23 Burdekin Centre for Rural Health Lifesyle Tips Website: 24 Burdekin Men’s Shed Association Inc www.burdekincommunityassociation.org.au 25 Burdekin Men’s Shed Association Inc p2 Facebook: www.facebook.com/bca1975
  • Contemporary Literature from Singapore

    Contemporary Literature from Singapore

    Contemporary Literature from Singapore Oxford Research Encyclopedia of Literature Contemporary Literature from Singapore Weihsin Gui Subject: English Language Literatures (Other Than American and British), Literary Studies (20th Century Onward), Postcolonial Literature and Studies Online Publication Date: Nov 2017 DOI: 10.1093/acrefore/9780190201098.013.189 Summary and Keywords Page 1 of 42 PRINTED FROM the OXFORD RESEARCH ENCYCLOPEDIA, LITERATURE (literature.oxfordre.com). (c) Oxford University Press USA, 2016. All Rights Reserved. Personal use only; commercial use is strictly prohibited. Please see applicable Privacy Policy and Legal Notice (for details see Privacy Policy). date: 09 January 2018 Contemporary Literature from Singapore Literature in Singapore is written in the country’s four official languages: Chinese, English, Malay, and Tamil. The various literatures flourished in the late 19th and early 20th centuries with the rise of print culture in the British colony, but after independence in 1965, English became emphasized in both the education system and society at large as part of the new government’s attempts to modernize the country. Chinese, Malay, and Tamil were seen as mother tongue languages to provide Singaporeans with cultural ballast while English was regarded as a language for administration, business, and scientific and technological development. Correspondingly, literatures in other languages than English reached a plateau in terms of writerly output and readership during the 1970s and 1980s. However, since 1999, with the state’s implementation of the Renaissance City Plan to revitalize arts and culture in Singapore, there have been various initiatives to increase the visibility of contemporary Singaporean writing both within the country itself and on an international scale.
  • August 2017 OUR PICK for THIS MONTH

    August 2017 OUR PICK for THIS MONTH

    August 2017 www.nlb.gov.sg/golibrary OUR PICK FOR THIS MONTH Tampines Regional Library re-opens! 16 Tampines Regional Library re-opens at Our Tampines Hub with a much larger floor area for all ages. Check out our new features like PIXEL Labs@NLB, a fully equipped place for tinkering, as well as People’s Association’s Culinary Studios. August 2017 www.nlb.gov.sg/golibrary All Rights Reserved. ARTS 04 The National Library Board, Singapore disclaims all liability and responsibility for any loss caused to any person by any act or omission due to the material READ 06 contained herein. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted BUSINESS 10 in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior written permission of the publisher, the National Library WELLNESS 11 Board, Singapore. Independent advice and opinions expressed by the OTHER HAPPENINGS 14 presenters do not denote endorsement by National Library Board (NLB), its staff, associates and affiliates. NLB reserves the right to cancel or postpone any BOOK REVIEWS programmes without prior notice. All information BY THE ALEXANDRIAN 24 is correct at the time of printing. For the latest updates, please visit NL PRESENTS 35 www.nlb.gov.sg/golibrary DESIGN Graphic Masters & Advertising Pte Ltd Dear Readers, August marks Singapore’s 52nd birthday and we want you to celebrate everything Singapore with us at the libraries! Kick off the celebrations by joining us on 5 August at Tampines Regional Library’s re- opening at Our Tampines Hub.
  • Tiong Bahru Heritage Trail

    Tiong Bahru Heritage Trail

    » discover our shared heritage TIONG BAHRU HERITAGE TRAIL 02 » our heritage TIONG BAHRU HERITAGE TRAIL COURTESY OF MANDY LEE (Left): The newly-launched Seng Poh Road market in 1951. (Right): Streets of Tiong Bahru in the late 1950s. iong Bahru Road today stretches for Bahru was once dotted by graves. more than three kilometres from Redhill MRT at its western end to T Outram Road on its eastern end. For Did You Know? most Singaporeans, Tiong Bahru is a small, Tiong Bahru estate, as well as the grounds of charming and chic housing estate awash with the Singapore General Hospital and a great deal good eateries and eclectic little shops. But of the land along Tiong Bahru Road all the way there is much more to Tiong Bahru than meets to Leng Kee Road, was once part of a sprawling the eye, as this heritage trail and its marked Chinese cemetery. sites show. The familiar Art Deco buildings we see today WHAT’S IN A NAME? were built in the 1930s, when Tiong Bahru It is not clear when the name ‘Tiong Bahru’ first estate was developed as one of the first came into use. The name first appeared in a public housing programmes of the Singapore newspaper report from 13 June 1863 in The Improvement Trust (the colonial predecessor Straits Times, which mentioned Tiong Bahru in to the HDB). These 50 or so blocks of low-rise connection with an assault on one Tan Kung, a apartments and shophouses were originally grass cutter who lived there. The report, which meant to house residents from overcrowded spelt the place as ‘Tiang Bahru’, did not clarify parts in Chinatown.