APEC visit - voices from the ground...

After reading the mainline media report in the earlier post, here is the view from the ground - from a young Singaporean participant, as extracted from the APEC Voices of the Future Blog:

APEC VOF Day 4: Tiong Bahru Heartlands Tour

By: P4 (Joy Tan Yan Jun, Singapore)

Built in the 1930s, Tiong Bahru Estate is one of the oldest housing estates in Singapore. It was the first project undertaken by the Singapore Improvement Trust, a government body administered by the British colonial authority, to provide for mass public housing in Singapore. The estate consists of about 30 apartment blocks with a total of over 900 units. The apartment blocks are made up of two to five-storey flats and the units are assorted three to five-room apartments.

Although I am a Singaporean, I have to admit that yesterday trip was my first time to the Tiong Bahru heartlands. Before the trip I thought there was not different between the Tiong Bahru and any other heartland in Singapore. Yet, the trip there proved otherwise. It was an eye opening experience to see a part of Singapore that can rarely be seen around the fully developed city state.

Unlike the other newer towns in Singapore, Tiong Bahru heartland, although smack right in the middle of the city, emits a rustic and layback charm. A combination of pre-war art deco house, post-war low-rise HDB flats and modern 20th century high-rise flats can all be found within the area. What makes this more unique is the integration of these distinctive architectures all within a mere distances of five streets apart.

As our foreign delegate friends commented on how they can’t find these historic architectures in their cities anymore, I felt really proud that our government actually chooses to keep a part of our history but conserving these older flats. The fact that they did not allow the pressure of space crunch in Singapore to remove part of Singapore rich and vibrant history taught me the fact that even as we grow and progress in the future, we must still remember and celebrate our past. Just like the Chinese saying, 饮水思原, which means to not forget where the source of our success comes from, I believe that in we must remember our roots and the people who helped and nurtured us to be the person we now are.

As I spoke to a long time resident of the area, I can sense the pride in his eyes as he spoke fondly about his estate and how proud and grateful he was to the government for acknowledging the history in the area and for conserving them so that the future generation and understand and appreciate the lives of their forefathers. It was then I realized that history can bring and connect people together through shared experiences. I believe youth today lack an appreciation of their history and the struggles that the past generations have gone through to secure the peace and prosperity that we now enjoy and take for granted.

Before we, the youth of today, get about making some history of our own, I think that we should take a step back and reflect on the things around us, understand the spirits behind them and twine these spirit into our activities and work. In this way, we can connect with our older generation and at the same time pass on these spirits to our next generation and encourage them to do the same. In this way, I believe that we will be able to achieve another form of sustainable development.
--------------------------------

Hear! Hear! Nice to know that the visit made at least a few youths see some value in history....

While the Ladies went on the Wheel... the Youths came to Tiong Bahru..

Now that the APEC whirlwind is over, time to share a happening that took place just over a week ago. The youth of APEC countries, as part of their 'getting to know Singapore' programme, were hosted by Tiong Bahru CC and treated to a walking tour by guides from URA and HDB, of the Pre-War, Post-War and the Boon Tiong SERS blocks, where they enjoyed the view over our estate from the top floor of Block 6A.

It all ended up with a visit to Tiong Bahru Market where they could eat local food with local people.

Here is the report and the video link to the event that day.

APEC youth delegates explore Singapore
By Cheryl Lim, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 12 November 2009 2030 hrs

SINGAPORE: Youth representatives from the APEC economies got the opportunity to experience the lighter side of the APEC Summit on Thursday.

It may be non-stop action in the heart of the city, but in the heartlands, 116 youth delegates from the APEC Voices of the Future Programme got a different experience altogether.

In Tiong Bahru, they viewed the famed pre-war apartments and art deco style architecture of the neighbourhood.

"I discovered Singapore when I came and everyday I rediscover it. A new day, a new expression, a new feeling," said Vladimir Kusch, youth delegate from Russia, APEC Voices of the Future Programme.

The tour also showed them Singapore's achievements in community and town planning, and a better appreciation of the Singaporean lifestyle.

But the day's highlight was a dialogue with film star and philanthropist Jet Li.

The youth delegates came armed with questions, with some seeking advice on how to actively contribute back to society, while others were a little star-struck.

Mr Li said: "The future lies in the hands of the next generation. If we don't work together, generations after will suffer. This is the only way to ensure continuity."

The APEC Voices of the Future Programme allows participants from 21 economies to become youth journalists. They will have the opportunity to interview economic and business leaders, and observe APEC meetings.

- CNA/sc

Another feather in the cap for our well-loved heritage neighbourhood.

More reports to come....

p.s. does anyone know how to get the video report uploaded directly onto this blog page? thanks!