From: Kai En, Pri 6, Bukit View Primary School
In the 1950s, Singapore was a bustling yet evolving city. My grandmother, a young seamstress, lived in a quaint neighbourhood near Kampong Glam. Her days were filled with the rhythmic hum of her sewing machine, crafting vibrant cheongsams for local women.
One sweltering afternoon, while my grandmother was stitching delicate embroidery, a sudden knock interrupted her work. It was a neighbour, Mrs Wong, with a basket of fresh fruits and a worried look. She had heard about a major storm approaching and wanted to check if she was prepared.
With a warm smile, she invited Mrs Wong in and together they spent the evening preparing for the storm. They secured windows, gathered essentials, and exchanged stories of old Singapore. As the rain poured heavily outside, they shared a simple meal of steamed buns and tea, finding comfort in each other’s company.
The storm eventually passed, and my grandmother’s home, though wet, was filled with warmth and laughter. The experience reminded her of the strong community spirit that bound them all, a legacy she carried with her throughout her life.
From: Fyonn, Pri 6, Bukit View Primary School
None of my family members are from Singapore. Thus, I decided to search the internet for experiences of other people. Luckily, I found one. A mother talked about how her father often brought her and her siblings to the Singapore river and would buy them satay during his payday when she was small. She recalled how she and her siblings would fight over the last piece of satay.
Her husband also remembered sitting by the Singapore river and having ice cream with his friend after school. Both of them would buy ice cream together from the uncle who would always be by the Singapore river, selling ice cream. They also went to the Old Parliament House and recalled how cool it was to see the architecture of the whole place. They shared that they thought Singapore had come a long way since then. Last time, there were no proper buildings and now there is even a Central Business District. They felt it was comforting to see how Singaporeans got along well together regardless of race now. They were very proud to see how far Singapore had come since then. Their fond memories of Singapore are surely unforgettable!
From: Mei Xing, Pri 6, Bukit View Primary School
Mr Tan, now in his 70s, fondly recalls his childhood in 1950s Singapore. “Life was simpler then,” he begins, eyes twinkling. Growing up in a kampong (village) near Bukit Timah, his days were filled with adventure. He would wake up to the crowing of roosters and rush out to play with his friends among the coconut trees and rubber plantations.
School was a wooden structure with zinc roofs, and lessons were strict but infused with warmth. “We used to write on slates,” he chuckles, “and our teachers were like family.” His afternoons were spent helping his parents in their provision shop, where he learned the value of hard work.
Entertainment was communal, with wayang (street opera) performances and shadow puppet shows being highlights. “We didn’t have much, but we had each other,” he says. National Day celebrations were modest, yet the sense of unity was strong. “We sang Majulah Singapura with pride, dreaming of a better future.”
Mr Tan’s stories paint a vivid picture of a tight-knit community, resilient and hopeful, laying the foundation for the modern, bustling Singapore we know today.
From: Haifa, Pri 6, Seng Kang Primary
Singapore National Day is observed on August 9 every year, and the nation celebrates with deep respect and enthusiasm. The highlight is the National Day Parade, an extravagant event exhibiting Singapore’s military strength, culture, and accomplishments.
A young Singaporean named Elena is eagerly awaiting this day-long celebration. She goes to the parade with her family, decked out in red and white. The national anthem and the sound of fighter jets flying overhead fill the air. Children dance traditional dances and floats with bright blooms and Singaporean motifs drive down the road.
The night ends with a breathtaking display of fireworks, signalling the country’s indomitable spirit and yearning for better tomorrows. Watching the sky light up, Elena feels a deep sense of connection with her nation’s passage and reflects on how much Singapore has progressed.