Descriptor:
This photo essay article is written as curriculum for the module M314 - Editorial and Feature Writing.
It was graded an A.
“Present People, Traditional Trail” was created to feature how the Yishun community of the present mingles with all the aged architecture, majestic mosques, tall temples, and various other places of the past that are abundant in the Yishun – Sembawang Heritage Trail. It is a piece that shows how the Singaporean community has grown over the years as the places of the past become part of our heritage.
This photo essay article is written as curriculum for the module M314 - Editorial and Feature Writing.
It was graded an A.
“Present People, Traditional Trail” was created to feature how the Yishun community of the present mingles with all the aged architecture, majestic mosques, tall temples, and various other places of the past that are abundant in the Yishun – Sembawang Heritage Trail. It is a piece that shows how the Singaporean community has grown over the years as the places of the past become part of our heritage.
Present People, Traditional Trail
By Ravethi Jeyakumar, Sylvester Wong, Ivan Ong, Mursyid, Fion Chua | 16 July 2014
Aged architecture, majestic mosques, tall temples, and various other places of the past are all abundant in the Yishun – Sembawang Heritage Trail. While these sites remained as a reminder of what Singapore used to be, the people of the present have assimilated these locations into their everyday lives.
A Combined Effort: Nestled in the core of Yishun New town is Masjid Darul Makmur, one of the first few mosques to be built by the initiative of the Muslims living in the area. Now, close to 30 years later, the mosque remains a religious landmark as many continue to visit it. (Photo credit: Mursyid Hassan)
Living On A Prayer: A scene at Darul Makmur Mosque as men from different walks of life, united by their religion, come together to pray. The mosque also has various programmes for religious studies such as the Darul Makmur Kindergarten, aLIVE programme and the Adult Learning Unit which is overseen by the educational unit of the mosque. (Photo credit: Mursyid Hassan)
The City of Food: One of the two chinese-style gateways of Yishun-New Town’s very first neighbourhood centre. The centre’s name was taken from Chinese pioneer and buisnessman Mr Lim Chong Pang and from the Chong Pang village that was located near Sembawang MRT previously. (Photo credit : Fion Chua)
Under My Umbrella: Residents at Chong Pang Market had come to shop for the large variety of fruits ranging from oranges to durians. These fruits had gather many of the past generation as a session for neighbouring residents to catch up, filling this place with conversed thick dialects ranging from Hokkien to Tamil. This sight is evident in a multi-racial place in Singapore. (Photo credit: Ivan Ong)
Ripest of Them All: A typical scene at the Chong Pang food market as women gather around to purchase mangosteens as well as other fruits. Being in the market, you definitely would not miss the sounds of fruit stall owners raring for their supply of fruits to be sold. In this case, the cheapest deal attracts them all. (Photo credit: Fion Chua)
The Unwavering Faith: Close to Chong Pang City lies the Chinese temple, Chu Siang Tong, was actually founded back in the 1958 before it had to move due to land acquisition by the British military. It was later affected by another land acquisition during the 1980s – but was rebuilt once again almost a decade later and renamed as Chu Siang Wah Sua Temple which still garner frequent prayers from the people today. (Photo credit: Fion Chua)
Not Just For Name’s Sake: Prior being named “Chu Siang Tong”, this very temple was called “Wu Hu Miao” (Five Tiger Temple). Despite the many years that have passed from the temple’s original name, the five stunning tiger sculpture can still be found greeting its visitors by the main entrance, and worshipers of the present still provide daily offerings to these five tigers and regard them as deities – a clear sign of how people of the present still mingle with the past of the traditional trail. (Photo credit: Sylvester Wong)
Afterthoughts:
This was definitely a fun project that I did with my friends. To put this photo essay together, we went all around the heritage trail to learn about the aged architecture, majestic mosques, tall temples, and various places of interest. I used to believe Singapore has no real heritage, but after trip – I would beg to differ.
This was definitely a fun project that I did with my friends. To put this photo essay together, we went all around the heritage trail to learn about the aged architecture, majestic mosques, tall temples, and various places of interest. I used to believe Singapore has no real heritage, but after trip – I would beg to differ.
© 2014 by Sylvester Wong. All rights reserved.