As usual, let me share with you some photos that I have taken during the field trip. Let's begin the Singapore Journey from here....................................
Day 1 - The Lion City History Trail
We started our Singapore Journey learning from two videos screening on Singapore history - Title "Days of Fire" when Singapore was under British colonial rule and "Day of Darkness" when Singapore was conquered and occupied by the Japanese Empire from 1942 to 1945.
After the 2hr video screening, we had our lunch before our field trip.
They are my fellow course mates - grassroots leaders from various constituency.
The journey that everyone was looking forward to.....say cheese..........The man on the left is our course leader Mr Tay Nguan Tong, Principal Trainer (Community Development Programme).
1st Stop : Labrador Park
Labrador Battery is one of the surviving gun emplacements in Singapore today. The battery boosted two 6-inch guns facing south, weighing 16 tons each. They had a range of over 10 miles and could fire a 102-pound shell with a 31-pound cartridge.
Labrador Park was one of the prepared defensive positions. In the Battle for Pasir Panjang, these guns aided the Malay Regiment by firing high explosive shells at advancing Japanese troops along the coastal road. Tunnels and bunkers beneath the Battery was used to supply ammunition and included living quarters for troops.
2nd Stop : Fort Canning Hill
Fort Canning Park is the most historic part of Singapore. It underwent serveral name changes from Bukit Larangan (Forbidden Hill) to Government Hill and lastly, when it became the present Fort Canning. During the occupation of Singapore by the Japanese, Fort Canning was used by the Japanese military authorities. In 1963, the British handed over Fort Canning to the Singapore Military Forces. Between 1963-1965, the 4th Malaysian Infantry Brigade Headquarters was housed at Fort Canning until Dec 1966 when Fort Canning was handed over to the SAF.
The Fort Gate
This gate and the adjoining wall are all that remain of a fort which was built on this hill between 1859 and 1861.
Fort Canning Green
This used to be the old Christain Cemetery until 1865. Those tombstones that were removed were set into the wall surrounding Fort Canning Green.
The Archaeological Dig Exhibition
Archaeological research on this site began in 1984. Thousands of artefacts have since been uncovered, confirming the historical significance of Fort Canning even before the arrival of the British in 1819.
3rd Stop : Civic District
Civilian Memorial Park
The Civilian Memorial Park was erected to remind of the shared experiences and struggles that the major races of Singapore faced during the World War II. Four pillars rise more than 60 meters high to symbolise the shared experiences of four major races of Singapore - Chinese, Malay, Indian and other races.
Tan Kim Seng Fountain
This is a beautiful Victorian fountain built in recognition of Tan Kim Seng, a prominent Chinese community leader and philanthropist who donated a sum of $13,000 in 1857 to the Municipal Council for the purpose of bringing free piped water to the Town.
Lim Bo Seng Memoriable
This marble pagoda is a memorial dedicated to Major-General Lim Bo Seng an outstanding World War II hero who led the anti-Japanese resistance movement.
Day 2 - The Bukit Chandu Trial
Today journey covered Kent Ridge Park, Reflection at Bukit Chandu & Tour of Grassroots Heritage Centre.
After our morning tea-break, all of us were ready to "conquer" the 280-metre long tree-top canopy walk which links Kent Ridge Park to the museum "Reflections at Bukit Chandu".
A scenic walk to Kent Ridge Park
Group photo taken with an AMX-13 Light Tank donated by Ministry of Defence.
Start of the canopy walk
Reflections at Bukit Chandu
Reflections at Bukit Chandu is a World War II interpretative centre developed and managed by the National Archives of Singapore, located on Bukit Chandu (Opium Hill) off Pasir Panjang Road in Singapore.
The museum's exhibition gallery covers the history of World War II in Malaya, detailing the late 1930s socio-political climate of the Malay Peninsula, Japan's invasion plans and the British strategy for defending Singapore. There are exhibits of photographs, maps and artefacts. The recruitment, training, principles, and value of the Malay Regiment are represented, including through documentaries commissioned by the National Archives of Singapore, World War II paraphernalia, and witness testimony from the survivors.
Bukit Chandu Theatre - Sounds of Battle
Well of Reflection
Memories of War from Survivor
Grassroots Heritage Centre
The Grassroots Heritage Centre chronicles the history of grassroots organisations through a rich array of grassroots artefacts, historical accounts, pictures, audios reels and exhibits. The centre also features a mock up of a 60s community centre.
I found my Kindergarten's uniform!!
Can you see Bedok Town Council sign board?
End of the two-day Singapore Journey. It has been an interesting and knowledgeable session for me. I have a better understanding of Singapore's history, particularly its progress from a small fishing village to a modern city-state. This course has also enhanced my sense of national identity and rootedness. All of us in this course has also learnt about the importance of maintaining social harmony in nation building. Knowing about the tribulations that Singapore had to overcome, coupled with an understanding of the challenges facing it and its fragilities would call for our resilence in overcoming them so that Singapore may flourish.
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