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Photographic Portfolio 2:

Singapore, 1997.

by Terry Foenander.

The year 1997 was a momentous one, especially in the Asia-Pacific region. A number of events occurred that changed the lifestyle of many, including this humble author. It was the year I made the decision to retire from the Australian Army, for a number of reasons, the main one of which I would much rather forget. It was also the year Hong Kong reverted back to the control of mainland China, after nearly a century of British colonial rule. Within the South East Asian region, the Asian economic crisis touched a number of countries within the region, causing much heartache for investors, and bringing to a temporary halt the much vaunted economic growth of the area. It was also the year I made a much needed trip back to Singapore, after an absence of nearly a decade and a half. Accompanying me on this vacation were Margaret, my wife, and Jessie, my daughter. The trip only lasted a little under two weeks, but we thoroughly enjoyed it, and I would like to share the memories of that trip through the photographs taken at the time. All the views shown here were taken in March of 1997.

This view, taken on Monday, March 17, 1997, shows Margaret and Jessie enjoying the cable car ride across from Singapore to Sentosa, the resort island south of Singapore. Sentosa was formerly a British army base, back in the days when the island was known as Pulau Blakang Mati, which translated roughly means 'island at the back of the dead.' For obvious reasons this name was later changed, when it was converted to a resort. Part of Mount Faber can be seen in the background.

Jessie, my beloved little baby girl, is seen here in front of St. Patrick's School, Katong. The layout of the school has changed drastically since I was a student there, way back in the groovy '60's. At that time the back of the school fronted the sea, but since then much land has been reclaimed, and the closest the school is to the sea now, is in the sea water that flows up the stormwater drain (at high tide), lying to the east of the school. Where there was also once a large playfield at the southwest corner of the school area, is now situated a building or two. The school is a relic of pre-Japanese occupation days, and many an 'old boy' of the school has fond memories of their days there. Unfortunately, with the passing of time, and in the name of progress, many changes have occurred, and will continue to occur, altering forever our views of the way the old school used to be.

Ahhhh....memories! After nearly thirty years absence, it was good to be seated in one of the classrooms I had been in back in 1967 or 1968. With me is Jessie, and keeping a watchful eye on us, one of my old school teachers (yes, amazingly!), still teaching at the school. It was great indeed to catch up again with Mr. Edmund Rodrigues. During the visit back to the school on this day, March 12, 1997, I also met up with a couple of other former teachers of mine, who were still teaching there, Mr. Michael Loh, and Mr. Terry Ess.

Fortunately with St. Patrick's School in Katong, it hasn't suffered the same fate as two former schools situated close to the city center itself. Shown here is one of those former schools, St. Joseph's Institution, now converted into an art gallery. Perhaps with the increase in the flow of traffic within these areas, it was decided that the lives of so many school children should not be risked by the schools being in close proximity to the city, and they have now been moved elsewhere, as was........

The Convent of the Holy Infant Jesus in the city. Many a former school girl of this well known institution of learning will remember her days here, during the early to mid-20th century, when the area around the school was not as bustling as it now is. (The view is rather deceptive, showing practically no traffic on the main road in front of the school. However, it was taken in the early hours of the morning, before the mad rush to get to work.)

Two of the local lads, seen here in front of Lau Pa Sat, one of the many eating areas to be found throughout Singapore. Because of the harmonious mix of various races and cultures on the island, the range of food available is absolutely mind-boggling, and eating out has become a national pastime. This particular eating area, in the heart of the business district, used to be the old market, a large, circular building that catered to the everyday cooking needs of the Singapore housewife.

A view of the main street of Katong, looking towards the east. Although the majority of Singapore has been developed, this is one of the few remaining areas that show the old shopfronts built in the 1940's and 1950's, and a vivid reminder of those halcyon days of yesteryear. The red building at left is the famous Katong bakery, in operation for a number of decades, and quite popular with residents of the area.

This view shows a typical Malay family in their cosy flat at Hougang, one of the many suburbs of Singapore. The island contains a variety of races living in perfect harmony, and sharing their different cultures and trends. The government has managed to bring together the cultures, and show that such harmony is possible, with a little understanding from all parties. This particular view shows Ahmad and his wife, Joanne, and their two lovely children. Young families like this are often encouraged to assist in participation in various aspects of the life and cultures of the other races and creeds.

Kwek Buck Chua and his wife shown here in their typical Chinese style home of the early 20th century. Young Jessie is shown in the view at far right, at the front door to this quaint home situated in the Katong district. Kwek's furnishings are also of the old style Chinese generation, and much valued by the modern generation who are more used to the mass produced throw away plastic products of today.

Singapore's Mass Rapid Transit system, with it's rail system reaching out towards all parts of the island, and catering to the needs of the local populace is a marvel and a credit to the engineering skills of the island's planners. Because of the massive costs associated with owning a vehicle, the MRT is used by a vast majority of the populace, and is very efficient.

All photographs on this page are the property of the author, and may not be reproduced in any form whatsoever, without prior permission.

E-mail: tfoenander@hotmail.com

December, 2000.