• Response to Straits Times Forum: "Active Citizenry Needs Space to Find Its Feet"

    On 26 Aug 2011 | 25 comments

    A week ago, Mr. Eric Tan, Director of the National Archives of Singapore, explained that the archives have generously acceded to our requests for photographs to be published in our website, upcoming book and newsletter. This was not the full story. Last year, we wrote in to the National Archives of Singapore, requesting them to sponsor photographs of the ol

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  • MyQueenstown Celebrates: Consecration Ceremony at Sri Muneeswaran Temple!

    On 10 Jul 2011 | 1 comments

    Tanglin Halt residents are wokened up by the vociferous wailing of nadaswaram and thavil ensemble at Sri Muneeswaran Temple this morning. More than 15,000 residents and devotees have gathered at the Southeast Asia's largest Hindu temple worshiping the Muneeswaran god to witness the consecration ceremony. A consecration ceremony is a festive occasion done on

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  • 女皇镇1周新闻快讯 - 第二十五期

    On 08 Jul 2011 | 6 comments

    女皇弄组屋 同一垃圾糟 两年3纵火  女皇弄组屋走廊垃圾糟,三度起火,居民人心惶惶,警列恶作剧纵火处理。 位于女皇镇一带的女皇弄第21座组屋8楼的电梯口,今早7时15分左右发生大火。 一名住在事发地点附近的居民,惊见滚滚黑烟从该处冒出 最高74万5000元 最低40多万 女皇镇 四房转售价 相差近37万  在热门组屋区女皇镇里,有四房式组屋最近以74万5000元的最高价转售,但也有37万8000元。 组屋溢价回升之际,热门地点如女皇镇的组屋转售价也持续攀升。今年4月,一间位于女皇镇史达拉摩道(Strathmore Ave)的四房式高楼单位,以74万5000元售出。 最后一次乘搭火车北上  火车开动了!该各就各位了吧。经过女皇镇、武吉知马、武吉班让时看到铁路旁站着许

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  • Farewell MyQueenstown #7 - Farewell KTM Tracks

    On 30 Jun 2011 | 6 comments

    Much has been written about KTM Tracks lately. A simple search on Google and Yahoo will bring you to numerous websites such as this and this. After all, this cantankerous relic was Singapore's brave new world in the early 20th century.  I have always been a believer of my secondary school's motto, "Rooted in Tradition, Equipped for the Future."

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  • 女皇镇1周新闻快讯 - 第二十四期

    On 20 Jun 2011 | 1 comments

    为了鼓励更多女皇镇的青少年阅读华文新闻,《我爱女皇镇》将推出全新单元 《女皇镇1周新闻快讯》,把这个星期观于女皇镇的主要新闻简略的描述。 写在华义中学创校55周年 40年前 华义发扬美学教育  对很多学校来说,拥有校友会是平常不过的事。但是,今年庆祝创校55周年的华义中学,却没有正式的校友会。上个世纪五十年代的华义学生虽然曾经组织一个校友会,不过并没有招募新校友注入“新血”。到了九十年代,一些会员已经逝世,校友会势力变单薄,无奈在五六年前解散。  这让许多华义校友感到惋惜,其中包括毕业40年却不曾加入校友会的黄美芬(58岁)和戴月英(57岁)。目前担任新加坡读书会发展协会会长的黄美芬受访时说:“协会经常和不同学校合作。我发现很多学校的校友会阵容都很强大,很羡慕他们,因为自己的学校连校友会都

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  • Pasar @ MyQueenstown #2 - the Provisions Shop Golden Couple

    On 12 Jun 2011 | 2 comments

    Mr Chen, 63, together with his wife Mdm Chan, has been running their dried product store at #01-16 Meiling Market. Mr and Mrs Chen lives in Queenstown, so travelling time is not a major problem for them to open their store at 6am in the morning. Having running their business for over 30 years in the same market, the couple has more or less 

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Farewell MyQueenstown

Farewell MyQueenstown #7 - Farewell KTM Tracks

On 30 Jun 2011 | 6 Comments

Much has been written about KTM Tracks lately. A simple search on Google and Yahoo will bring you to numerous websites such as this and this. After all, this cantankerous relic was Singapore's brave new world in the early 20th century.  I have always been a believer of my secondary school's motto, "Rooted in Tradition, Equipped for the Future."

永别了!女皇镇!#7 一摊油条传三代

On 30 Apr 2011 | 1 Comments

一摊油条传三代 在玛格列熟食中心,“生活公市”说得上是个客至如云的摊子。这个小摊子,不售卖任何煮炒;摊子主人则一年三百六十五天,天天在摊内起个炉炸上一条条的油条。 “生活公市”摊主李马才先生(58岁)是这家油条摊的第三代。 祖父自中国南来便炸油条为业,后来其父亦继承了祖父的业务。“生活公市”自1969年起,正式迁入玛格列熟食中心营业。李先生从小便跟随父亲学手艺,在油锅边打转。 李先生的油条,以香脆爽口闻名。在80年代初,李先生每一日几乎可炸近200条油条。李家一家五人总要齐齐上阵来应付顾客的需要。 如今,虽然李先生的摊子已搬迁到亚历山大村熟食中心,但他对玛格列熟食中心仍然十分怀念。再见了,玛格列熟食中心!

Farewell MyQueenstown #6 - The Taste of Wanton Noodle Lingers...

On 24 Mar 2011 | 19 Comments

Mr. Phoon Hon Sun, 64, and his family started selling barbeque pork from a pushcart at the terminal for Hock Lee bus service no.9 some 53 years ago. The bus terminal was located next to Blocks 6B and 7 along Margaret Close, a cluster of flats which were demolished during the 1990s. A familiar sight no more Every afternoon, residents who lived in the seven

Home Sweet Home @ MyQueenstown

Home Sweet Home #15 - A New Day Has Come =)

On 24 Apr 2011 | 11 Comments

Last week, MyQueenstown team interviewed Mdm Chan about her life in Blk 15 Holland Drive. Under SERS, she was assigned a new apartment in the newly developed blocks just a stone throw sway. Today, we visit Hisham Suni, 38, who moved over from Blk 17 to his new apartment in Blk 18C Holland Drive. Hisham Suni and his son =) Hisham is delighted by his new ap

Home Sweet Home #14 - Farewell Holland Drive

On 17 Apr 2011 | 3 Comments

Blk 15, Holland Drive looked vacant and cold when MyQueenstown team visited this morning. The shop houses under the apartment block were all covered with card boards and all that was left were traces of glass panels, which could possibly be a beauty parlor in its place before. The lift was still working. Mdm Chan - a long time resident at Holland Drive A c

Home Sweet Home #13 - Commonwealth 10! Here I Come!

On 10 Apr 2011 | 3 Comments

The front door was wide open when MyQueenstown team visited Mr Lee, 78, at his apartment in Blk 74 Commonwealth Drive. Feeling curious, we knocked onto the door and was greeted by a sleepy looking Mr Lee. Mr Lee who lives alone at Block 74 Retired more than a decade ago, Mr Lee is living alone as he prefers being independent to tagging along with his chi

News@MyQueenstown

Response to Straits Times Forum: "Active Citizenry Needs Space to Find Its Feet"

On 26 Aug 2011 | 25 Comments

A week ago, Mr. Eric Tan, Director of the National Archives of Singapore, explained that the archives have generously acceded to our requests for photographs to be published in our website, upcoming book and newsletter. This was not the full story. Last year, we wrote in to the National Archives of Singapore, requesting them to sponsor photographs of the ol

MyQueenstown Celebrates: Consecration Ceremony at Sri Muneeswaran Temple!

On 10 Jul 2011 | 1 Comments

Tanglin Halt residents are wokened up by the vociferous wailing of nadaswaram and thavil ensemble at Sri Muneeswaran Temple this morning. More than 15,000 residents and devotees have gathered at the Southeast Asia's largest Hindu temple worshiping the Muneeswaran god to witness the consecration ceremony. A consecration ceremony is a festive occasion done on

女皇镇1周新闻快讯 - 第二十五期

On 08 Jul 2011 | 6 Comments

女皇弄组屋 同一垃圾糟 两年3纵火  女皇弄组屋走廊垃圾糟,三度起火,居民人心惶惶,警列恶作剧纵火处理。 位于女皇镇一带的女皇弄第21座组屋8楼的电梯口,今早7时15分左右发生大火。 一名住在事发地点附近的居民,惊见滚滚黑烟从该处冒出 最高74万5000元 最低40多万 女皇镇 四房转售价 相差近37万  在热门组屋区女皇镇里,有四房式组屋最近以74万5000元的最高价转售,但也有37万8000元。 组屋溢价回升之际,热门地点如女皇镇的组屋转售价也持续攀升。今年4月,一间位于女皇镇史达拉摩道(Strathmore Ave)的四房式高楼单位,以74万5000元售出。 最后一次乘搭火车北上  火车开动了!该各就各位了吧。经过女皇镇、武吉知马、武吉班让时看到铁路旁站着许

My Father and I

Former Tanglin Halt Industrial Estate

On 14 May 2011 | 2 Comments

The industrialisation programme took off in Queenstown when the Tanglin Halt Industrial Estate was established to generate employment in the neighbourhood. Initially, the Singapore Improvement Trust (SIT) planned a small industrial estate at Tanglin Halt to provide employment for the new residents. Measuring some 20 acres of land consisting of 38 factories

Queenstown Baptist Church

On 03 May 2011 | 1 Comments

The Singapore Improvement Trust (SIT) set aside seven sites for religious use and advertised for religious organisations to ballot in the 1950s. Of the ten enquiries received, four withdrew, leaving six Christian organisations. These went on to build the first churches of Queenstown; Queenstown Baptist Church, Queenstown Lutheran Church, Faith Methodist Ch

Archipelago Brewery Company (Anchorpoint)

On 22 Apr 2011 | 3 Comments

Established in 1931 by German businessmen, Archipelago Brewery Company was the first commercial brewery in Singapore. It was located next to the Malayan Railway, which provided convenient transportation for exporting the beer in Tanjong Pagar. Archipelago Brewery Company One of the more popular beer produced at Archipelago Brewery Company was Anchor Beer.

Makan Shiok!

Snacks Attack #13 - Ah Luck Bean Curd

On 23 Dec 2010 | 2 Comments

Mr Chua, 25, runs Ah Luck Beancurd in Tanglin Halt market for more than 2 years. He is renting the stall from the original owner who has based his stall in the same area for more than 40 years. Ah Luck Bean Curd offers drinks and deserts such as soya bean drink, grass jelly and the residents' favorite soya bean curd (60 cents). A Delicious Bowl of Bean Curd

Snacks Attack #12 - Satay Mad in Tanglin Halt!

On 16 Dec 2010 | 7 Comments

 Ann, 46 runs the family food stall for over 10 years in Tanglin Halt hawker centre. Serving halal food for over a decade in the same place, Ann has integrated her dishes to suit the taste buds of Queenstown residents, especially the Malay community. The simple food stall offers snacks such as satay, otah and seafood dishes. As a family styled bus

Snacks Attack #11 - Almond & Peanut Paste!

On 09 Dec 2010 | 0 Comments

DessertStory, located in Anchorpoint basement one, has been serving residents tasty snacks and deserts for the past four years. Wendy, the supervisor of the cafe, introduced the various homemade desserts that they offer. A bowl of Almond Paste Hot desserts are mainly the favourite choice among Queenstown residents. Firstly, they have almond paste which is m

Random Thoughts @ MyQueenstown

Random Thoughts @ MyQueenstown #9 - 7 Funerals in 2 weeks

On 22 May 2011 | 0 Comments

7 funerals in 2 weeks. There is a flurry of "activity" these two weeks for correspondents from My Queenstown. We did not leave our traces in photographs as a mark of respect for the deceased. We did leave our sincere prayers and heartfelt condolences for those present. Quietly and fleetingly, we made our way to some of the funerals and understood that all o

Random Thoughts @ MyQueenstown #8 - Block 39A No More (The Removal of Block 39A Part I)

On 05 Apr 2011 | 8 Comments

On a Friday afternoon three weeks ago, several Bangladeshi workers, presumably from the Town Council, took their tool boxes to the lift lobby of Block 39A. In less than half an hour, they carried a metallic frame on their shoulders and placed it on a lorry parked in front of the apartment block. Farewell Block 39A The letterboxes The stretch of corrid

Random Thoughts @ MyQueenstown #7 - A New Coat of Paint

On 22 Mar 2011 | 1 Comments

The Point Blocks, along with 5 other blocks at Mei Ling Street were given a new coat of paint over the past week. The familiar combination of blue, yellow and orange was a thing of the past as these foreign workers toiled day and night, rain or shine to make Mei Ling Street "attractive again." White seems to be the "in" thing in Queenstown lately. Ten-store

Other Recent Articles

Response to Straits Times Forum: "Active Citizenry Needs Space to Find Its Feet"

On 26 Aug 2011 | 25 Comments

A week ago, Mr. Eric Tan, Director of the National Archives of Singapore, explained that the archives have generously acceded to our requests for photographs to be published in our website, upcoming book and newsletter. This was not the full story. Last year, we wrote in to the National Archives of Singapore, requesting them to sponsor photographs of the ol

MyQueenstown Celebrates: Consecration Ceremony at Sri Muneeswaran Temple!

On 10 Jul 2011 | 1 Comments

Tanglin Halt residents are wokened up by the vociferous wailing of nadaswaram and thavil ensemble at Sri Muneeswaran Temple this morning. More than 15,000 residents and devotees have gathered at the Southeast Asia's largest Hindu temple worshiping the Muneeswaran god to witness the consecration ceremony. A consecration ceremony is a festive occasion done on

女皇镇1周新闻快讯 - 第二十五期

On 08 Jul 2011 | 6 Comments

女皇弄组屋 同一垃圾糟 两年3纵火  女皇弄组屋走廊垃圾糟,三度起火,居民人心惶惶,警列恶作剧纵火处理。 位于女皇镇一带的女皇弄第21座组屋8楼的电梯口,今早7时15分左右发生大火。 一名住在事发地点附近的居民,惊见滚滚黑烟从该处冒出 最高74万5000元 最低40多万 女皇镇 四房转售价 相差近37万  在热门组屋区女皇镇里,有四房式组屋最近以74万5000元的最高价转售,但也有37万8000元。 组屋溢价回升之际,热门地点如女皇镇的组屋转售价也持续攀升。今年4月,一间位于女皇镇史达拉摩道(Strathmore Ave)的四房式高楼单位,以74万5000元售出。 最后一次乘搭火车北上  火车开动了!该各就各位了吧。经过女皇镇、武吉知马、武吉班让时看到铁路旁站着许

Who Says Foreigners are Trash?

By my queenstown on Wednesday, September 8, 2010 with 5 comments

The poorly calibrated influx of foreigners is the most controversial topic in town for the past 2 years. Initial protests from Singaporeans have been dwarfed by nonchalant claims from the ruling party until the severity of the issues emerges and forces them to implement populist policies. The National Day Rally held a week ago also revealed the state's degree of understanding towards this sensitive topic. Today, MyQueenstown Team, in a two-part series, will lay out arguments for and against the influx of foreigners into Queenstown, by uncovering various myths and theologies about their existence.


The Newly Completed Dawson Precinct- Built By Foreign Construction Workers


First of all, the influx of foreigners have raised many issues on the state's capability in managing social dissents. Crowded public transport, oversubscribed properties, increased competition for education and National Service were some of the apparent concerns. While the public housing worries were "effectively dealt" by HDB to curb overzealous investors, it remains to be seen how these proposed changes to public transport can ease crowding when no new MRT lines are built in the West (home of the foreign workers). The issue of dishing out bond-free government scholarships to foreigners who treated Singapore merely as a stepping board has been controversial at the moment, particular because these scholarships can be better presented to needy Singaporean youths who are going to serve the National Service, work and die in Singapore. Furthermore, the monetary incentives for serving National Service go a long way in monetizing and devaluing NS when compulsory Community and Social Service can be enforced for these new citizens to "serve the nation" and integrate with the local community.


Don't get us wrong! In a cosmopolitan and globalised world, foreign workers and talents are a "must" to give Singapore a comparative advantage in the sectors where we are resource scarce. For the past 200 years, Singapore's success and achievements hinge on a flexible migration policy. 


In Queenstown, foreign Bangladeshi workers are employed to clear our waste or clean our neighbourhood, a job scope which very little or no Singaporeans will do. These Bangladeshi workers in Queenstown work for long hours (around 6am-5pm) and received low pay of $650.


Bangladeshi Workers Clearing Rubbish


The dormitory in Margaret Drive is home to Chinese construction workers who built beautiful homes for us. The construction industry requires hard labour, which many Singaporeans aren't willing to do. 


Chinese Construction Foreman

These foreign workers, like foreign migrants who applied for Permanent Residence or citizenship, are searching for a better life and a better home for their families. They view Singapore as a "land of opportunities" as compared to their homes back in India, China or other parts of the world. They are willing to contribute to our nation. What they do is nothing wrong. Who doesn't want to lead a better life?


Kumar, a Singapore citizen who migrated from India, is a prime example. He works as a scientist in a leading research company. He is volunteering in various community involvement programmes and stays in Stirling Road.


Kumar and his happy family


Dear Queenstown folks, when you see these foreign labourers and Bangladeshi workers on the street cleaning the roads, do say "hi" or smile at them. They have certainly contributed to our community to a large extent.


Certainly, this love-hate relationship continues when we felt compelled in dire circumstances as mentioned above. Occasionally, we tend to think that the influx of foreigners and new citizens have marginalised our existence. At Queenstown MRT, residents may feel angry when they are unable to board a crowded train. At New Town and Queenstown Primary Schools, many parents are disappointed because they are unable to register their children, especially this year. While these concerns are relevant and logical, it will be sweeping and irresponsible for us to blame these foreigners because they are not the ones at fault. They need a home and their children need education.


With regards to those who felt "surprised or stunned" at the impact of foreigners on our society although they are the very ones who brought them in, it is despicable and outrageous for them to "chid" Singaporeans to lower our expectations when it is their incompetency and inability to manage them or calibrate their impact. Have they forgotten that Singapore is a democratic country where these leaders are supposed to represent and work for the benefit of the greater group of people? The mismanagement of foreign workers and migrants, like what is happening at the moment, will go a long way in destroying the social fabric of the nation, whatever scintillating performance or economic growth we are getting. So, who appears more like a trash?




P.S.: It's human to make mistakes. An apology can make a whole world of difference =)


Stay tuned next week for Part II of our insights on "issues caused by foreigners" in Queenstown.


Discuss your views on foreigners in Queenstown at our facebook page now.

POST COMMENT

5 comments:

Anonymous said...
September 8, 2010 at 12:08 PM

I enjoy reading your blog having had my secondary and Pre U education at Queenstown Sec in the 70s, therefore I am very familiar with places and eras that you have featured. I think most S'poreans do not have any quarrel with the foreign construction/shipyard, blue collar workers. I have my reservation about Caucasians, Chinese, Indian and Pinoys who easily displace S'poreans due to their low pay expectations, no need for NS etc. Overall, the resentment is towards the government for allowing this to happen.Your blog kind of reflects all these, the disappearance of your childhood, the displacement. I have not been back at Queenstown for many years, it's time I pay a visit before it disappears, including your memories.

Anonymous said...
September 8, 2010 at 5:36 PM

To me FTs are the construction workers and maids etc who do the dangerous, back breaking and menial jobs that 95% of Singaporeans will not want to do. FTs are also those who have salaries at least $20K/mth and above, precisely because they have skillsets and/or entrepreneurial abilities that also 95% of Singaporeans don't have.

All other foreign workers are basically redundant and exposing Singapore to over exploitation of space, resources, housing and depressing wages. These foreigners are average people with typical jobs as engineers, IT positions, admin staff, clerks, accounts assistants, customer service, call centre, technicians etc where 95% of Singaporeans are well able to perform. And yet according to MOM, we have 80,000 Sinkies unemployed and looking for work. How come?

All those excess foreigners are basically brought in as a cheap solution to increase GDP by providing companies with low-cost labour inputs. Employers naturally prefer cheaper workers and also younger in age is added bonus.

Any teenager who has played RTS games will instinctively know that having more workers means being able to produce more assets within a shorter timeframe. Even better if you are able to obtain those workers cheaply. As "gods" in RTS games, you don't really care or think about how your little computer people live --- you're just interested in making use of them to conquer your opponents and stay in power. Similarly, the PAP is running Singapore like they are playing a RTS game.

Paul said...
September 8, 2010 at 10:04 PM

I was in Australia last year and there was a construction site near the hotel. There were three men working with a variety of machines. After work, around 6pm, the workers would have a beer and then drive off in their own cars. No one rode in the back of a pickup. If the construction companies behaved like first world companies and paid a decent wage like Japan or Australia, you would have Singaporeans lining up for the jobs, productivity rising and no need for foreigners to suffer in apalling conditions. I guess we have gone from First World to Third!

Anonymous said...
July 27, 2013 at 9:53 AM

The construction industry in Singapore needs to evolve and use new efficient technology and less manpower , and create less waste .

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April 22, 2018 at 6:27 PM

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