Theme: “Remembering the past and looking forward to the future”

The theme for the first National Photography Art Exhibition, “Remembering the past and looking forward to the future”, is a fitting theme for Singapore’s SG60 celebrations in 2025. All entries must have been taken in the last 60 years, showing the growth, development and change of Singapore in lifestyle, landscapes, nature, and others. 

Searching my photography archives – Which to pick?

The theme for the First National Photography Art Exhibition resonates with me personally and deeply, I have been documenting Singapore through my visual stories, from the disappearing old places, old playgrounds, the rail/green corridor, to the fields of history, heritage, culture, followed by new changes and developments in Singapore.

My digital archives started back in 2004, I would have enough to choose from for this exhibition. Some of my curated visual stories/photographs can be viewed in this Flickr collection – #OurSGHeritage.

“Remembering the past and looking forward to the future”, looking through my digital photography archives over the decades, which photograph should I choose to submit for this first National Photography Art Exhibition?

My photography submission is accepted! OurSG

Curating a few photographs from my archives over the decades, before a final selection on the photograph to submit. Finally, I decided on my Rochor Centre HDB flats in their iconic colours that I took in 2016. 

When I received an email from the organising committee that my photography submission was accepted, I was elated with pride and joy! Thereafter, it was administrative and liaison matters with the organising committee, and getting confirmation on the National Photography Art Exhibition dates, time and venue.

Official Opening of First National Photography Art Exhibition

The official opening of the First National Photography Art Exhibition took place on 9th October 2025. The guest-of-honour is Ms Goh Sze Kee, Member of Parliament for Mountbatten SMC.

There was a good crowd at The Art Space SG, although I don’t know everyone there, it was fun! Hearing the speeches by the organising committee, as well as from Ms Goh Sze Kee. There was a  heartwarming feel because we are all united and bonded by our love for photography, our own unique ways of visual storytelling, how and why we want to share our visual stories of Singapore’s past and looking to the future for Singapore’s generations ahead. 

It was great to meet up with fellow photographer friends whom also had their photography works selected for the First National Photography Art Exhibition. Congratulations to my photography friends, and also all the photographers whose photography works were selected for this exhibition. 

I had a good chat with Ms Goh when she was touring the exhibition, a quick sharing about my  photograph on Rochor Centre taken in 2016, the story behind this photo, and my documentation of old places/disappearing places in Singapore.

Wrapping up my Personal Thoughts and feelings

Viewing the different photography works on display, it did invoke some nostalgic memories, some venues/places are no longer around, gone forever into our archives, internet or books. 

Although I am filled with pride and joy on my photograph being selected for the First National Photography Art Exhibition, showcasing together with the rest of the amazing photography works on display, further reinforce my ongoing personal journey in visual storytelling and documenting old places, disappearing places, as well as new developments and changes in Singapore. 

Let’s continue to capturing priceless memories and moments, so we can continue to remember (and not forget about) the past, and also look forward to the future of Singapore’s growth, changes, and developments beyond SG60.

Thank you very much to the co-organisers of the National Photography Art Exhibition for selecting my photography work to be a part of the First National Photography Art Exhibition! 

First National Photography Art Exhibition Details

• Dates: 9th to 12th October 2025
• Opening Hours: 11am to 6pm
• Venue: The Art Space SG
• Address: 66 Kallang Pudding Road #01-01 Hor Kew Business Centre Singapore 349324

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This refreshed Toa Payoh Heritage Trail is National Heritage Board (NHB)’s 11th heritage trail that was first launched in 2014. The refreshed edition will expound on the history of Singapore’s “model town”, telling more stories of Toa Payoh’s significant landmarks and locations. Toa Payoh transformed from a swampland, growing into a modern and role model residential housing estate  for Singapore, as well as home to iconic religious and community institutions. 

Refreshed Toa Payoh Heritage Trail 

The refreshed Toa Payoh Heritage Trail covers 29 heritage sites and features 10 heritage markers. There are two new marked sites namely Block 53 a.k.a. “VIP Block”, and the Iconic Toa Payoh Dragon Playground.

Those two sites join existing marked marked sites such as 

• Lian Shan Shuang Lin Monastery, a National Monument and the oldest Buddhist monastery in Singapore
• Masjid Muhajirin, the first mosque in Singapore to have been built with the support of contributions from the Mosque Building Fund (known as the Mosque Building and Mendaki Fund (MBMF) today) alongside community fundraising
• Toa Payoh Town Park, home to a 25m tall look out tower which was accorded conservation status by the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) in 2009
• Four point HDB blocks which housed international athletes as part of the Former 1973 Southeast Asian Peninsular (SEAP) Games Village 

Mr Alvin Tan, Deputy Chief Executive (Policy & Community), NHB, said: “Through the refreshed Toa Payoh Heritage Trail, we hope to highlight new facets of the town’s history that very few Singaporeans know about, and present a more complete and updated story of Toa Payoh. In doing so, we hope to foster a greater sense of pride and belonging amongst residents, and encourage both residents and non-residents to re-explore Toa Payoh and rediscover the town’s heritage anew.”

The Toa Payoh Heritage Trail also incorporates contributions from the community and presents stories, memories and photographs contributed by former and current residents. Mdm Tang Mei Fong, a resident of Block 53 who contributed to the refreshed Toa Payoh Heritage Trail, shared her personal memories of Toa Payoh: “I vividly remember the day Queen Elizabeth II visited our block. We all gathered around our doorways to look out for her arrival. I am very proud that a queen visited, and that Toa Payoh is used as a model for Singapore’s public housing that we show to the world.”

Toa Payoh – Forerunner in design

Toa Payoh is a first for a number of things in Singapore, they are the first town designed and developed by HDB, they are the testbed for different architectural design styles and features of public housing, as well as community amenities that can be found in HDB towns today. 

Block 53 “VIP Block”

Completed in 1967, the 19 storey Block 53 not offers a panoramic view of Toa Payoh, they have a viewing gallery on its roof top that played host to many foreign and local dignitaries such as Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II, then-Australian Prime Minister John Gorton, and Singapore’s second President Benjamin Sheares. With such a distinguished VIP list of visitors to Block 53, that is how it led to this iconic block being dubbed the “VIP Block”. 

1973 SEAP Games Village – Toa Payoh

More than just a model town, Toa Payoh became the host village for the first major international sporting competition to be held in Singapore – the 1973 Southeast Asian Peninsular (SEAP) Games. Toa Payoh town provided more than just venues for competition and training, they were the location of the 1973 SEAP Games Village, where Toa Payoh Central is today.

With the 1973 SEAP Games Village right in the heart of Toa Payoh, visiting athletes and officials from seven different countries were encouraged to socialise with the locals, providing them with an authentic Singaporean experience. 

There were a total of four HDB point blocks in Toa Payoh Central that were used to house athletes from the seven participating countries. Following the conclusion of the games, units in the blocks were sold to the public fully furnished. 

Iconic Dragon Playground

This is another icon of Toa Payoh, a much-celebrated landmark of  Toa Payoh, the iconic Dragon Playground, with its classic elements of a terrazzo-clad dragon’s head distinguished by bold lines and geometric features. 

This iconic Toa Payoh Dragon Playground was the creation of HDB architect Mr Khor Ean Ghee. This design proved to be so popular that it led to different versions of the dragon head in various colour schemes appearing in playgrounds across Singapore.    

A Refresh with Fresh Stories

How much do you know about the history of Toa Payoh? With this updated Toa Payoh Heritage Trail, we can know more about the lesser-known stories of the town.

Toa Payoh – A Hub of Manufacturing Activity 

Toa Payoh was a hub of manufacturing activity in the 1960s when Singapore underwent rapid industrialisation, women formed the majority of the pioneer generation of young factory workers. They played a significant tole in the employment and output growth in the labour-intensive manufacturing sector in Singapore. 

National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) Welcome Supermarket – 1st NTUC Fairprice Supermarket 

The NTUC Fairprice located at 192 Lorong 4 Toa Payoh, gets its landmark status from the first National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) Welcome Supermarket in Singapore. It was opened to counter inflation and supplier profiteering. During its opening, the supermarket attracted huge numbers of shoppers upon its opening, and even had to close its doors every 3 to 4 hours to prevent overcrowding.

3 newly curated thematic routes of the refreshed Toa Payoh Heritage Trail

There are 3 newly curated thematic routes for you to rediscover Singapore’s history on the refreshed Toa Payoh Heritage Trail. They are self-guided routes which trail-goes can embark on in their own time, and according to their interests. 

Rediscover Toa Payoh through three thematic routes

• Of Public Housing & Shared Spaces (1.5 hours on foot, 4.5 km) 

Explore architectural development and changes of HDB blocks, communal spaces and town planning over the decades, that reflected the needs and aspirations of Singaporean homeowners. 

• Of Faiths & Beliefs (2 hours with public transport, 6 km)

Explore the various faiths and beliefs in Singapore through the temples, mosques, churches and institutions that represent the diverse communities which live, work, and worshipped in Toa Payoh.

• Of Community Institutions & Common Spaces (0.5 hrs on foot, 1.5 km)

Explore the institutions and spaces that continue to play an active role in the sporting, cultural and social lives of Toa Payoh residents.

Where can I get Toa Payoh Heritage Trail companion guide and map?

If you like to know more about the refreshed Toa Payoh Heritage Trail, you can download the companion map and guide from NHB’s heritage portal roots.gov.sg. 

There are limited printed copies of the guide and map that will also be available at various locations including the National Museum of Singapore, Asian Civilisations Museum, Toa Payoh East Community Club, Toa Payoh South Community Club, Toa Payoh Central Community Club, Toa Payoh West Community Club, and NHB headquarters at Stamford Court.

Check out this video of highlights of the Toa Payoh Heritage Trail on YouTube, for more information please visit https://go.gov.sg/toapayohheritagetrail/ 

Rediscover and Explore Singapore’s History and Heritage on Toa Payoh Heritage Trail 

I have previously explored Toa Payoh, starting from my old playgrounds personal visual story telling documentation project, photographing the iconic Toa Payoh Dragon Playground, as well as the Toa Payoh Baby Dragon Playground and Dinosaur Playground at Kim Keat Avenue, forming part of my OurSGHeritage/Old Places personal visual storytelling, documentation and photography project for the past decade (and still counting).

Thereafter, a few more trips to explore the local neighbourhoods, the iconic VIP Block 53, as well as Block 116, Central Horizon (Blocks 79A to 79E) for its bird’s eye view sceneries of Singapore, from the nearby heartlands around Toa Payoh, to green spaces and downtown Singapore. 

After rediscovering and exploring the refreshed Toa Payoh Heritage Trail, I realised that I still have more of Toa Payoh’s history, heritage, culture, spaces and sceneries to learn, explore and document them in my visual stories. With that in mind, I have consolidated my Toa Payoh earlier visual storytelling photos into an album on Flickr, for both locals and international visitors to visit and know more about Toa Payoh.

Last but not least, a special mention to Jerome Lim of The Long and Winding Road, whom I got to know (from a decade back) when I first started my old places documentation. We shared a common interest and passion in history, heritage and culture sectors, going for walks, talks, events. Jerome’s knowledge and passion in Singapore’s history, heritage and culture sectors are well-known and well-respected. 

Jerome is a former Toa Payoh resident, he has a unique and priceless connection with Toa Payoh and Block 53 “VIP Block”. If you know, you know, if you don’t know, why not visit Jerome’s website and discover it for yourself? Do also check out this video of Jerome being interviewed by Straits Times on his childhood adventures at the Toa Payoh Dragon Playground.  

I would like to encourage you, my fellow local Singaporeans and international visitors, to embark on a local and iconic neighbourhood heritage, history and culture tour in Singapore to rediscover and explore Singapore’s history and heritage on the refreshed Toa Payoh Heritage Trail.  

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Photography by Ryan Cheng

From April 2021 to August 2021

A quick recap, I celebrated a milestone “Celebrating 15 years of TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog” in April 2021. Things was looking quite alright at that time but life doesn’t go as planned many times. 

Phase 2 Heightened Alert (P2HA) came into effect in May 2021, I got into some wrong end of some personal situations, I spiralled down, got stuck in a rut, depressed, I asked myself on the topics of “Fate and Time”. A few friends came forward and pulled me out from my rut.

During my recovery journey, there was an “Blessing or Omen?”, followed by me “Reflecting H1 2021 and New Themes for Photography and Travel in H2 2021”. Another round of P2HA was implemented again in July 2021, it definitely was very tough and challenging on us mentally, emotionally and financially. 

Most recently, I wrote a personal tribute to my former DSG Scoutmaster who recently passed on, this would give you insights into my humble beginnings decades back, that’s where I started my love for outdoors, travel and exploration. 

Photography business

Operating and running a small business (such as my own sole proprietorship photography business) during this global pandemic is one of the toughest life/society/economy lessons that you can ever have in running a small business of any kind.

This was a period of pivoting, adapting, adopting, changing, making strategic and directional changes. Beyond just photography services, I am in the midst of developing and expanding my TGH Digital Studio, into Digital Marketing, Content Creation, Social Media Marketing and Videography services. 

Photography by Isaac Ong

I am curating and updating my new portraiture photography portfolio for my TGH Photography website, adding pet photography and zen / therapy landscapes portfolio too!

On the topic of collaborations and partnerships, there are ongoing discussions, stay tuned!

Zines/Books Updates

Ever since I published my first official zine TGH Photography Zine Vol 1. – SG55 Special Edition in December 2020, I really wanted to publish more photography and travel related zines on a regular basis. This proved to be quite challenging, from my project and time management perspectives.

I have three ongoing work-in-progress zines/books

• Meow Mixed Media
• 15 years milestone zine/book
• Photography therapy + playbook

There was an initial plan to publish a photo book based on one of my personal documentary projects that would be partially funded through my application for funding from organisations. Looking at my current situation and timeline, I am most likely going to postpone this to next year 2021, concentrating on my current work-in-progress zines/books.

Travel and Tourism

We haven’t been able to travel since the global pandemic hit the whole world in 2020. I reckon many of us are feeling the urge to travel out and away, we have been “stuck” in our home country for a period of time, wishing that we are back to the pre-COVID19 days when we can travel freely and easily.

I wrote an earlier article on, “When we restart tourism?”. Initially, I was a bit optimistic that we might be able to travel soon in Q3 or Q4 2021. However, during that time when I published my article, there were quite a fair bit of world developments in the global pandemic situation, the Delta variant is a lot more tricky to handle than the whole world initially thought it was able to do so. 

After following and reading news, updates and views from various industry sources, I am holding back my optimism, choosing to be more cautious and prudent. While countries are currently working towards opening up their tourism industries in selected areas/regions, I have to plan and consider carefully before making any travel decision, there might not be any travel for me in 2021, it might just be early 2022 instead.

I am also enlightened by fellow TTOT (Travel Talk on Twitter) co-host Sonja’s words and advice on traveling during this pandemic. Let’s see how the world travel and tourism situation develops in the next few months.

Meanwhile, I am establishing new networks, partnerships and collaborations in the travel and tourism sectors. When the suitable time arises, I would share more details and updates in this area. 

Digital Arts and NFT

I have been talking about this topic on digital arts and NFTs for a period of time. This is still a very new area for me to enter into, I haven’t fully embark into this arena yet. I am still researching on which NFT marketplace is more suitable for my photography works, how to go about minting my digital artworks. 

This is an area that I am currently working on, I hope to share more updates soon when it is appropriate to do so. 

Personal Documentary Photography Projects

Whenever I am not doing commercial photography, I have my own personal documentary photography projects, some I have already embarked on, so it’s a continuation in a way. There are also some new personal projects that I am going to embark on. 

Here’s a list of my ongoing personal documentary photography projects:

• Photography therapy / Nature therapy / Shinrin-Yoku 
• Old Jurong Line Nature Trail 
• Clementi Nature Trail
• Dover Forest 
• Old Place/landmarks/neighbourhoods that are going to disappear 

Keep a lookout for them in my upcoming articles!

Printer Review + Printing photos as gifts

I am reviewing Canon’s PIXMA G670 photo printer, I would be taking this opportunity to print curated 4R and A4 photography prints for a small group of people who had helped me during the past few months, especially during the period when I was stuck in a rut, they were the ones who lent their helping hands and emotional support, they pulled me out from the bottom and walked with me in my recovery journey. 

Oh yes, do keep a lookout for my PIXMA G670 photo printer review!

Canon lenses rebalancing in progress

Canon L lenses are superb lenses, I have been using some lenses for a period of time. For those who have been following my Canon explorer stories since the start of my TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog, you would know how long I have been using some of my Canon L lenses.

I was contemplating some changes and upgrades since last year, I finally made a decision in the first quarter of 2021 to do a “rebalancing” my Canon lenses setup. It took me a while to get my lenses and accessories sold as well getting in my new lenses.

Out

• EF 17-40mm f/4L USM
• EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM Mk I
• EF 300mm f/2.8L
• Extender 1.4x TC
• Extender 2.0x TC

In

• EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM Mk II (used)
• EF 16-35mm f/4L IS USM (used)

Coming soon (Hopefully!)

• Sigma 150-600mm (used) 

New (used) f-stop gear Satori-EXP camera backpack + wardrobe revamp 

Over the years, I learnt the world (and ropes) of buying and selling used goods especially in the photography market. I found a used f-stop gear Satori-EXP camera backpack at a very good price on Carousell, adding it to my photography bags setup (A rebalancing of my photography bags is coming soon too!). Even though it’s a very used camera backpack, I still like it a lot! I was inspired to make some changes to my wildlife/outdoors photographer/explorer setup with a wardrobe revamp, I do need to replace some of my older apparel due to wear and tear over time.

These are my new additions/changes in my wardrobe revamp

• New trekking/wildlife exploration cargo pants (for my commercial photography wear as well)
• New buff/bandana 
• New Merrell hiking boots
• A long sleeve outdoor/trekking black colour shirt from my wardrobe
• Selecting another jungle hat from my collection 

Therefore, I am commissioning a new photographer profile shoot, new wildlife/outdoors photographer/explorer profile photographs are coming soon! 

Videography and Filmmaking Updates

In case you missed it, I do have a YouTube channel, please do support and follow! I haven’t been updating my videography and filmmaking channel. Maintaining photography and videography/filmmaking concurrently was much tougher than I expected. 

Videography/Filmmaking is an area that I have identified to be lacking in, a skill to learn, improve and as a form of creative production to complement my photography and content creation. I am working on some new video/short film projects:

• Photography therapy / nature therapy / Shinrin-Yoku project with therapeutic music composed by a very talented musician, composer, photographer and technology writer Chester Tan. 
• A new profile video with my revamped outdoors/wildlife photographer/explorer wardrobe. 

Last but not least

Last but not least, thank you for taking the time to read till the end of my photography, travel and updates 17th August 2021. This time round, it’s probably a lot more lengthy than my previous updates! Our reading and attention time span has drastically reduced in this modern social media driven environment. 

I really appreciate the support and encouragement that you have shown for my photography, content creation and writing works over the years, walking with me as I explored, sharing the different worlds and stories through my photographs and stories.

The post Photography, Travel, Updates 17th August 2021 appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.

Every canvas paintings/sketches tell a unique and special story, from Yew Chong’s personal growing up years or from stories that was shared with him. Some of the canvas paintings had very touching and amazing stories that were shared personally by Yew Chong. You never know how art therapy combined with nostalgia artworks can help a person in opening up to others.  

I visited Stories from Yesteryear on 22nd February 2021, the last day of their exhibition at Substation. They would be heading to Sofitel Singapore City Centre next, starting on 26th February 2021 to 31st March 2021. 

There were a few paintings at this exhibition that touched my heartstrings more than others. I would vigorously deny that I am old or getting old, I am just middle-aged, alright? Some of the paintings that touched me more, Jalan Singapura 2, 1 and 4, Trengganu Street Market, Mid-Autumn Night and Kallang.   

I highly recommend you to visit Stories from Yesteryear by Yip Yew Chong, perfect for families with children. Grandparents and parents can bring their young children to go for an artistic journey back in time on the growing up years, what life in Singapore was like a few decades back. At the exhibition, do not rush from one painting to the other, read the short description on the side of the painting, observe the intricate details on the paintings. From here onwards, you would be able to discover and appreciate a lot more of Singapore in the older days and the transformations she went through to the modern cityscape of today. 

This was a wonderful and nostalgia visit to Stories from Yesteryear exhibition by Yip Yew Chong, it was also inspiring for my personal photography in the heritage and documentary genres, while I can’t paint as beautifully like our talented artist Yew Chong, cross interdisciplinary learning from other creatives would help me in photographing and capturing our existing heritage and culture in a modern cosmopolitan city.

I would like to say a big thank you to Belinda Tan for recommending me to visit Stories from Yesteryear and introducing me to the talented artist Yew Chong.    

Information on Stories from Yesteryear Exhibition

Dates: 26th February to 31st March 2021 

Location: Sofitel Singapore City Centre (L5 Etincelle) 

Address: 9 Wallich Street, Singapore 078885

Website: https://yipyc.com/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yipyewchong/ 

YouTube: Yew Chong Yip

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This was for the long-running series “On The Red Dot” programme that airs on Channel 5 and ChannelNewsAsia. The episodes that that been produced and aired on TV were really good, excellent content, nostalgia for some of the content they produced and they also covered current issues too. You can catch up and watch “On The Red Dot” episodes on CNA Insider YouTube channel!  

When On The Red Dot episode 35: Places We Miss: The Last Goodbye on Tanglin Halt was aired on TV, I watched it with great nostalgia, the older generation HDB flats, the kampung spirit, two storey shophouses and delicious local hawker food. Although I did not stay in Tanglin Halt, it was part of my growing up years, passing by/through Tanglin Halt on my way home from secondary school days, from Gan Eng Seng School to Clementi.

Here are some of the photographs of Tanglin Halt that I shot in 2015.

I was honoured and humbled that my photographs that I shot in 2015 played a small part in this On The Red Dot episode. My personal photography documentation on heritage, history, culture and old places have always been ongoing, mainly through my photography and writing down notes. All these journeys of mine took time, at times putting it one side and moving into another area before returning back to it again.

This is the time to revisit and continue my documentation of Tanglin Halt. I made a quick trip down recently after this episode was aired, with the Canon EOS R5 camera that I am reviewing. This was meant to be a short photography fieldwork, to reconnect with this area before planning my schedule in the months ahead to continue. 

From the kampung spirit, shophouses, delicious local hawker food, the former rail corridor/green corridor and the older generation HDB blocks. I would try my best to document, photograph and cover as much of Tanglin Halt before it’s gone forever.    

Tanglin Halt – Time to revisit in 2021, to continue on my personal photography and documentation of old places in Singapore before it’s gone forever into our history books, websites and archives. This would be taking place over the next few months.

Remember to get your international driver permit from INTERNATIONAL DRIVERS ASSOCIATION when you can travel out to explore different destinations around the world by car!

A special TGH Photography x Canon EOS R5 Explorer Series Production.

The post Tanglin Halt – Time to revisit in 2021 appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.

Passing by this road in the Southern part of Singapore for a fair number of decades, the lush greenery forest were pretty much left untouched. This part of Mt Faber has always been a landmark of significance and importance, from her high point overlooking part of the Singapore harbour, giving directions and signals to the ships entering into Singapore’s harbour. Although Mt Faber wasn’t able to grab the headlines and publicity like her neighbours Sentosa Island and Vivo City, Mt Faber played an important role.

Near the foot of Mt Faber, Keppel Hill Reservoir, was an abandoned reservoir that was discovered in September 2014 by National Heritage Board (NHB). There were news coverage on Today Online and Straits Times. Most recently in May 2019, they were news reporting on regular heritage tours being organised by My Community to visit Keppel Hill Reservoir on Mt Faber. And Sentosa. The two news articles gave a good summary of the history behind Keppel Hill Reservoir.

In between 2014 and 2019, there were a number of articles and coverage on Keppel Hill Reservoir, visiting, exploring and photographing them. Looking back, I was kind of late in visiting this lost world that I like to call it. During that past few years, my photography stories coverage were pretty widespread, thus I wasn’t able to do so. I have to confess that I do miss my exploring days with my camera, backpack and hiking boots, whether it was old places or the nature areas.

Upon arrival at the Keppel Hill Reservoir, I stood in awe, admiring the lush natural beauty and tranquility of this abdandoned reservoir. The birds were singing in their beautiful voice, the kingfishers were fishing from the other end of the reservoir. The afternoon sun rays were shining through the thick forest canopy and onto the water, while we were sheltered from it at the other end.

Is this a lost world, how many more of such places do we still have in Singapore? How much do we know of our own roots and history? This year 2019 is Singapore Bicentennial year, have we search, ask more and learn about Singapore’s history, heritage and roots before the year 1819?

This is my ongoing Canon EOS RP Explorer Stories Series production, exploring and searching for roots, rootedness and home, in Singapore Bicentennial year.

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It was with great honour that I was invited by National Heritage Board (NHB) to follow along with them in their Heritage in Episodes projects. My exploration, documentation and photographing of Old Places in Singapore led me to discover, learn and share more about heritage, history, conservation and preservation topics in Singapore. The art and culture of traditional trades and businesses soon became part of my interest with the knife sharpening profession that I went along to photograph and documented, a part of a dying professional trade in Singapore.

Along with the staff from National Heritage Board, reporters from Straits Times and Lianhe ZaoBao. We visited People’s Park Complex, tucked away at a corner on the second floor, there was a unit where we learnt the art, history and profession of knife sharpening. We were greeted by Mdm Lee, who was very kind, humble and friendly, whom was more than happy to share with us her stories, how she got started in knife sharpening, her experiences and memories over her knife sharpening business. Mdm Lee’s knife sharpening caters to hairstylists, seamstress, hawkers and homemakers, with her business trade spanning over 40 years. Mdm Lee was very well liked by her customers whom many were loyal return customers. When customers went to her shop and picked up their goods, they shared their wonderful and thoughts about Mdm Lee’s knife sharpening business. The testimonials by her customers are a testament of her professionalism and enthusiasm in her knife sharpening profession.

The dilemma and challenges facing Mdm Lee today is succession and passing on of the knife sharpening trade/skills/business. The art and profession of knife sharpening may not be able to carried on into the future generations of Singapore. With the coverage and publicity by National Heritage Board, local press stories and history enthusiasts like myself, we hoped that Mdm Lee would be able to Pass-It-On her art and skill of knife sharpening. Do check out both our local newspapers Straits Times and Lianhe ZaoBao wrote excellent in-depth detailed reports of Mdm Lee and her knife sharpening business.

There were a few things that I was able to struck a chord deeply with Mdm Lee’s knife sharpening, that is the art and skill of knife sharpening. I would not be able to know the operations and business management of a knife sharpening trade/business, however, I knew how Mdm Lee felt when she was sharpening the knifes on the grinder and honing stone. This was because I was once a Boy Scout and Venture Scout, I had to learn the skills of sharpening my small swiss army knifes, dagger, parang (machette) and axe. Mdm Lee’s grinder was machine/motor operated while the grinder that I learned was manual turning with one hand while the other hand held my knife/parang/axe. When I saw how Mdm Lee sharpening the knifes on the sharpening/honing stone slab, splashing water on the stone slab and knife while sharpening, these actions brought me back many memories to my Scouting days, it’s exactly the same skill and actions!

I had a great chat with Mdm Lee, sharing with her how I used/sharpened my knife, parang and axe (Those were the rugged outdoor adventure days) during my Scouting days. It was fated that I was able to meet a professional knife sharpener and able to share together why we sharpen our knifes for our various purposes, for Mdm Lee, a professional service provision, for me, my Scouting outdoor adventure! If you ever need a skillful professional to sharpen your knifes, scissors etc etc, you can find Mdm Lee at People’s Park Food Complex, #02-1040! Let’s help to spread the awareness of a knife sharpening art and profession in Singapore and we might find this traditional knife sharpening trade and business can be Pass-It-On!

I would like to say a Big Thank You to National Heritage Board and Madam Lee for giving me this opportunity to photograph, document and share the story of knife sharpening.

This blog entry is written in support of the “Heritage in Episodes” project under the Heritage Institutions Division of NHB which seeks to document traditional trades and businesses, and to promote public awareness of these trades and businesses through NHB’s social media platforms. The knife sharpener will be featured in an upcoming episode of the “Heritage in Episodes” project and video clips of traditional trades such as rattan weaving and Chinese lantern painting have been uploaded on NHB’s YouTube channel at http://www.youtube.com/user/yesterdaysg.

Created with Admarket’s flickrSLiDR.

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This is the tale of 2 Dragons … it forms part of the upcoming Old Places and Old Playground Photography Walkabout route

Old Dragon Playground

Old  Dragon Fountain

Are you ready for the Two Dragons to rise up again ?

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In my Part 2 series of Abandoned Old Railway Tracks, the 2nd leg starts from Sunset Way Railway Bridge, following the Old Railway Tracks along Sunset Way HDB Estate into the Clementi Woodlands before trekking out into the open near the Bukit Timah area, connecting to the active KTM Railway tracks. This stretch of Old Railway Tracks is part of a bigger blueprint of “We Support The Green Corridor“, making lots of effort and awareness tools, sharing and showcasing the need to preserve the greenery, flora and fauna, animals and wildlife residing inside this Green Belt. Trekking through the Clementi Woodlands today, this is something we have to do, to preserve our history, forests, flora and fauna, not just for us, it’s for our future generations.

The trek wasn’t easy due to the muddy terrain, fallen tree trunks, logs and branches, uneven terrain, whereby trekkers might have to climb up and down terrain in order to hike. No doubt it was quite a physical challenge, we were blessed with beautiful greenery, fresh air, wildlife, flowers and tranquility. I was joined by Jingwen and Leon, exploring this stretch of Abandoned Railway  Track Part 2 and it was a fun photography walkabout experience. Due to the nature, intensity and difficulty of this trek, those planning to trek this route, please be prepared for muddy conditions, uneven terrain and natural obstacles. Wearing the appropriate attire and gear (e.g trekking pole) and suitable shoes (e.g. hiking boots) is a MUST if you are planning to trek.

It was great to see history being preserved, the Old Railway tracks surviving the test of time and nature’s growth. Some old icons were spotted, rubbish, littering and pollution can also be spotted along the trek. Let’s spread the word and awareness, let’s keep this beautiful green belt, our unique green corridor, giving us an avenue and area to enjoy greenery and tranquility in our concrete jungle. Trekking out into the active KTM Railway Track, we continued our hike up to Bukit Timah Railway Station, the straight and open Railway Tracks, going to be an integral part of Singapore’s history soon.

Now, I shall let my photographs do the talking ….. Don’t forget to follow “We Support The Green Corridor in Singapore“!

Created with Admarket’s flickrSLiDR.

The post (Abandoned) Railway Track (Part 2) Photography Walkabout appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.

View KTM Malayan Railway Lines in Singapore in a larger map

With the recent changes to the future of the railway tracks and Tanjong Pagar Railway Station, agreements between the governments of Singapore and Malaysia is leading towards a new era for the railway lines in Singapore, what will happen to them? Will they survive the thirst of land scarce Singapore? Can the railway lines, there are or going to be no longer in use, be turned into Green Corridors?

Armed with the strong interest inside me, I read, followed and researched on various other blogs, photographs and details on a segment of the railway lines in Singapore. Thereafter, I decided to do the Teban Gardens to Sunset Way (Abandoned) Railway Track Photo Walkabout with Sue and Amanda. Using the KTM Malaysian Railway Line Track (on Google Maps) as a reference, we started at Block 9, Teban Garden Road, recognising the landmarks from friends photographs, we hiked under the bridge, into a tunnel and came out on the diagonal side of Ayer Rajah Expressway and Jurong Town Hall Road.

There were strong evidence of the abandoned railway track (coming out from the tunnel) and onto a small ridge line, the next stretch was pretty challenging with tall grass, thick bushes and streams. Observing from our route of advance, it was like 2 mini valleys and the valley on the left side was a stream, while the right side was still quite alright for hiking/bashing through, this route is not easy and can be quite tiring, on top of being careful on where you are hiking/bashing through. During this stretch, there weren’t any more evidence of the railway track until the side of Sungei Ulu Pandan, whereby we spotted the first railway track bridge and it’s closed by the authorities currently.

We had quite a bit of rest there, on the park connector side of Sungei Ulu Pandan, to dry our socks and shoes, before taking photographs of the railway bridge, crossing over along the expressway bridge to Faber Heights estate. At this area, we were able to find more distinct features of the former railway track lines, the railway track beams, bolts, wooden blocks and granite rocks. We had quite a good time with photography of historical railway tracks here, took a rest too before I made a decision to amend my route of advance.

Due to changing weather (potentially rain coming), I decided against walking through Faber Heights and decided to “cut through” Faber Heights private housing area, managed to get a drinks refill break at a provision store, moving out to Jalan Lempeng and walking across the road to Clementi Avenue 6 housing blocks. I am very familiar with this part of the area since my former primary school (Clementi North Primary School) is just around the corner and I was able to lead and “take shortcut” towards the Sunset Way side.

Reaching Clementi Avenue 4 housing blocks, being a local neighbourhood boy, I found my dirt track entry point and from this stretch onwards, it’s one of the better preserved railway track lines. Along this stretch, I was very happy, kind of getting back to my primary school days, of fun, play and no pressures. Small farms, temple, beautiful greenery before reaching the pinnacle of this photography walkabout, the Sunset Way Railway Bridge. Check out my flickr for the photos !

Looking back at this abandoned railway track lines, will it stand the test of Singapore’s history and future developments ?

Created with Admarket’s flickrSLiDR.

The post (Abandoned) Railway Track Photo Walkabout appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.