Chronicles of Old Singapore

Loh Kah Seng
  • 5.0 (1)
  • History
  • Updated Semiweekly

Welcome to Chronicles of Old Singapore. I’m Dr Loh KS, a people’s historian. I’m interested in the history of Singapore and the lives of its people. In Chronicles of Old Singapore, I speak to people about their memories of Singapore before it became a global city today. We discuss three topics: 1. People and places. 2. Change and continuity. 3. The importance of heritage. Caveat: this is a podcast based on personal memory. As has been well-documented in oral history, memory is not always reliable and what is recalled here should not be taken as fact.

  1. Pamela Sandanasamy – My Roots From Singapore to India Part 2 | Chronicles of Old Singapore

    1d ago

    Pamela Sandanasamy – My Roots From Singapore to India Part 2 | Chronicles of Old Singapore

    Welcome to Chronicles of Old Singapore. In Part 2, Pamela Sandanasamy recalls her subsequent trips to the village of Anaikkadu in India, bringing her daughters along. She found the St. Francis Xavier’s High School which her grandfather had built for the village. But most of all, she wanted to find out about her grandfather’s parents. When she finally located their graves, she understood why he had been reluctant to talk about his past. Pamela talks about her future plans to travel to India and write a book about searching for her roots. Part 1 | https://youtu.be/4CEY-EMAUMo Part 2 | https://youtu.be/9wZQStgIX9Q 00:00 Warm Welcome 07:54 Differences from Singapore 13:26 Bringing my Daughters 21:06 My Grandfather’s Parents 23:39 2019 Trip 32:52 St. Francis Xavier’s High School 34:59 2024 Trip 38:53 The Graves 45:41 The Answer I Sought 51:37 Writing a Book Welcome to Chronicles of Old Singapore. I am Dr Loh Kah Seng, the people’s historian, and I document people’s memories of Singapore before it became a global city. Do like the video and subscribe for future episodes. This will help the channel a lot. Write to lkshis@gmail.com if you have any of these stories: • Old places or kampongs. • Communities – their way of life & culture. • Childhood & schools. • Work or business. YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/@ChroniclesOldSG Spotify | https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/loh-ks Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/61551786759344 Patreon | https://www.patreon.com/ChroniclesofOldSingapore

    43 min
  2. Rajandeeren Kanayan – Silat & Gan Eng Seng School, Blair Plain Part 2 | Chronicles of Old Singapore

    3d ago

    Rajandeeren Kanayan – Silat & Gan Eng Seng School, Blair Plain Part 2 | Chronicles of Old Singapore

    Welcome to Chronicles of Old Singapore. Rajandeeren Kanayan recalls his schooldays at historic Gan Eng Seng, the school of choice for those staying in the port area. He also endured torturous sea journeys to India and sold kueh and newspapers as a youngster. Today, Rajandeeren reflects on how Tanjong Pagar has changed as Singapore has evolved and his close ties to India. The past, no matter how nostalgic, can never be brought back again. Part 1 | https://youtu.be/fnQd1vRvS-Q Part 2 | https://youtu.be/h3zEdSfmoMc 00:00 Gan Eng Seng School 05:57 School Crest: Onward! 12:00 Schooling in the ‘60s 15:37 My Father in the Harbour Board & PSA 20:32 Torturous Journeys to India 24:50 My Ties with India 27:06 My Mother in the Household 29:18 Hawking Adventures 40:06 Back to Tanjong Pagar & Reflections

    46 min
  3. Mejar Singh Gill – Soldiering in the Early SAF Part 2 | Chronicles of Old Singapore

    Jun 7

    Mejar Singh Gill – Soldiering in the Early SAF Part 2 | Chronicles of Old Singapore

    Welcome to Chronicles of Old Singapore. Hear LTC (Retd) Mejar Singh Gill recount the neglected history of 1 and 2 SIR. The first especially was formed by David Marshall in 1957 before Singapore became independent. When 1965 arrived, the government launched a crash programme to build new military facilities and recruit Israeli ('Mexican') advisers. There was an unexpected windfall - the British were closing down their bases and there were excellent facilities and camps to take over. Part 1 | https://youtu.be/XcXl6KVlekc Part 2 | https://youtu.be/gW4QIH0UU6I Part 3 | https://youtu.be/oapXReFCjfA 00:00 Changes in Training & Officer Training 05:40 Books on SAF History 08:35 Role of David Marshall 14:39 Contributions of 1 & 2 SIR 18:56 Crash Military Programme 21:33 Taking over the British Camps 28:29 From Internal Security to National Army 31:06 Israeli Advisers 35:31 My Military Appointments Welcome to Chronicles of Old Singapore. I am Dr Loh Kah Seng, the people’s historian, and I document people’s memories of Singapore before it became a global city. Do like the video and subscribe for future episodes. This will help the channel a lot. Write to lkshis@gmail.com if you have any of these stories: • Old places or kampongs. • Communities – their way of life & culture. • Childhood & schools. • Work or business. YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/@ChroniclesOldSG Spotify | https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/loh-ks Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/61551786759344 Patreon | https://www.patreon.com/ChroniclesofOldSingapore

    43 min
  4. Jason Boh – Hainanese of the Naval Base & Sembawang Part 2 | Chronicles of Old Singapore

    Jun 4

    Jason Boh – Hainanese of the Naval Base & Sembawang Part 2 | Chronicles of Old Singapore

    Welcome to Chronicles of Old Singapore. Jason Boh talks about his schools near the Naval Base. But the British era was coming to an end. The 14th Mile was demolished when the British forces vacated the base and the villagers and base families largely dispersed. Jason reflects on the changes and what still remains. The Sembawang experience forged in him a can-do spirit and a curiosity about the world. He hopes that the old colonial houses will be preserved as a second round of redevelopment sweeps the north of Singapore. Part 1 | https://youtu.be/09uy8ANKTjA Part 2 | https://youtu.be/8qVvwKbAiCg 00:00 Canberra & Naval Base Schools 08:00 Leaving 14th Mile 12:34 The Sembawang Experience 17:27 A Multiracial World 20:30 The British Pullout 25:17 Keep the Colonial Houses 32:15 Hainanese of the Naval Base 35:17 Changing Sembawang Welcome to Chronicles of Old Singapore. I am Dr Loh Kah Seng, the people’s historian, and I document people’s memories of Singapore before it became a global city. Do like the video and subscribe for future episodes. This will help the channel a lot. Write to lkshis@gmail.com if you have any of these stories: • Old places or kampongs. • Communities – their way of life & culture. • Childhood & schools. • Work or business. YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/@ChroniclesOldSG Spotify | https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/loh-ks Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/61551786759344 Patreon | https://www.patreon.com/ChroniclesofOldSingapore

    39 min
  5. Abdullah Hussain & Saiful Nizam – The Many Styles of Silat Part 2 | Chronicles of Old Singapore

    May 26

    Abdullah Hussain & Saiful Nizam – The Many Styles of Silat Part 2 | Chronicles of Old Singapore

    Welcome to Chronicles of Old Singapore. Abdullah Hussain & Saiful Nizam talk about the people in Seni Gayong – the silat elders as well as female members called Ibu Gayong (‘the mothers of Gayong’). We discuss their accomplishments in researching the history of Silat Gayong, but also new challenges in training the younger generation as well as documenting silat as Malay heritage martial arts. Part 1 | https://youtu.be/-lIX85ayth4 Part 2 | https://youtu.be/STNXrISrJI8 00:00 Changing Times for Silat 06:00 Grading in Perak 12:26 Ibu Gayong 15:58 Silat Seni Gayong Pasak 18:27 Effendy’s Research & Book 20:29 The Crest 25:48 Performance on Islanders’ Day 27:27 Challenges 33:58 Documenting Silat Silat Seni Gayong Naga Bura, https://www.gayongnagabura.org.sg/ Dr Mohamed Effendy Abdul Hamid, Silat Seni Gayong PASAK Singapura: A Historical Legacy. The book is available in the National Library. Welcome to Chronicles of Old Singapore. I am Dr Loh Kah Seng, the people’s historian, and I document people’s memories of Singapore before it became a global city. Do like the video and subscribe for future episodes. This will help the channel a lot. Write to lkshis@gmail.com if you have any of these stories: • Old places or kampongs. • Communities – their way of life & culture. • Childhood & schools. • Work or business. YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/@ChroniclesOldSG Spotify | https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/loh-ks Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/61551786759344 Patreon | https://www.patreon.com/ChroniclesofOldSingapore

    37 min
  6. Woon Yew Thong – Jurong Crescent Road & Nanyang University Part 1 | Chronicles of Old Singapore

    May 24

    Woon Yew Thong – Jurong Crescent Road & Nanyang University Part 1 | Chronicles of Old Singapore

    Welcome to Chronicles of Old Singapore. Woon Yew Thong began to research his family history when his father Woon Khai Boon passed away 10 years ago. This centred around the staff quarters at Jurong Crescent Road where they lived (since demolished and expunged). His father worked as a technician at the nearby Jurong Transmitting Station. In the distance was the Chinese-medium Nanyang University, founded in 1956. This expanse of rural Jurong Road is now replaced by the Pioneer MRT station and mall. Part 1 | https://youtu.be/GVbfvy0vxR0 Part 2 | https://youtu.be/orYO2hFbtX0 00:00 Introduction 02:25 My Search for the Past 08:31 Staff Quarters 14:39 14½ Mile before Pioneer 18:05 Old Nanyang University 24:32 The Jurong Transmitting Station 28:46 60 Jurong Crescent Road 38:19 Layout of the House 45:39 Christmas Parties Jurong Crescent Road – Priceless memories of the 60’s https://woonfamily.com/jurong-crescent-road/ Welcome to Chronicles of Old Singapore. I am Dr Loh Kah Seng, the people’s historian, and I document people’s memories of Singapore before it became a global city. Do like the video and subscribe for future episodes. This will help the channel a lot. Write to lkshis@gmail.com if you have any of these stories: • Old places or kampongs. • Communities – their way of life & culture. • Childhood & schools. • Work or business. YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/@ChroniclesOldSG Spotify | https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/loh-ks Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/61551786759344 Patreon | https://www.patreon.com/ChroniclesofOldSingapore

    49 min
  7. Charles Ngui – EDB’s Masters & Apprentices Part 4 | Chronicles of Old Singapore

    May 21

    Charles Ngui – EDB’s Masters & Apprentices Part 4 | Chronicles of Old Singapore

    Welcome to Chronicles of Old Singapore. Charles Ngui and I ponder about how the contributions of the Light Industries Services can be recognised in the new millennium. Drop us a note if you are interested to help us document and celebrate this rich industrial heritage of Singapore. Part 1 | https://youtu.be/6-u7rymWSKk Part 2 | https://youtu.be/UtyDCpVboNY Part 3 | https://youtu.be/v2eHkDbDJ3Y Part 4 | https://youtu.be/Tz-PjDMHJvk 00:00 Teaching the Youngsters 05:13 Soft Skills 08:59 The OEAA Apprentices 11:02 Tool & Die 14:03 LIS in Memory & Heritage Welcome to Chronicles of Old Singapore. I am Dr Loh Kah Seng, the people’s historian, and I document people’s memories of Singapore before it became a global city. Do like the video and subscribe for future episodes. This will help the channel a lot. Write to lkshis@gmail.com if you have any of these stories: • Old places or kampongs. • Communities – their way of life & culture. • Childhood & schools. • Work or business. YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/@ChroniclesOldSG Spotify | https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/loh-ks Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/61551786759344 Patreon | https://www.patreon.com/ChroniclesofOldSingapore

    20 min
  8. Selamat Kadari – People of Kampong Amber Part 1 | Chronicles of Old Singapore

    May 18

    Selamat Kadari – People of Kampong Amber Part 1 | Chronicles of Old Singapore

    Welcome to Chronicles of Old Singapore. Selamat Kadari remembers his old house on stilts at 117 & 117A Kampong Amber, which was demolished in the 1980s to make way for condos. He led a group of five former neighbours – Shirley Soon, Imma, Bah Bah, and Nelson – in a remarkable effort to map the residents and houses of the kampong. In this Malay-majority settlement were the rich and famous, Peranakan, Sikhs and Chinese, as well as the historic Singapore Chinese Swimming Club, Mandalay House and the Seaview Hotel. 00:00 Introduction 02:05 117 & 117A Kampong Amber 07:28 Map of Kampong Amber 10:57 Lee Kip Lin & Dick Lee 16:30 My Parents 22:52 House on Stilts 28:43 Daughter Sri 32:51 Families & Children 41:29 Incomes & Work 48:23 Getting Married Welcome to Chronicles of Old Singapore. I am Dr Loh Kah Seng, the people’s historian, and I document people’s memories of Singapore before it became a global city. Do like the video and subscribe for future episodes. This will help the channel a lot. Write to lkshis@gmail.com if you have any of these stories: • Old places or kampongs. • Communities – their way of life & culture. • Childhood & schools. • Work or business. YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/@ChroniclesOldSG Spotify | https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/loh-ks Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/61551786759344 Patreon | https://www.patreon.com/ChroniclesofOldSingapore

    51 min
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About

Welcome to Chronicles of Old Singapore. I’m Dr Loh KS, a people’s historian. I’m interested in the history of Singapore and the lives of its people. In Chronicles of Old Singapore, I speak to people about their memories of Singapore before it became a global city today. We discuss three topics: 1. People and places. 2. Change and continuity. 3. The importance of heritage. Caveat: this is a podcast based on personal memory. As has been well-documented in oral history, memory is not always reliable and what is recalled here should not be taken as fact.

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