Reflection on Likely Impacts of Suggestions on Kampong Glam

There are many ways by which one can enhance the sense of commonality and identity associated with Kampong Glam.

If we were to look from a resident’s or individual’s point of view, there are many things that an individual can do to enhance and maintain the identity of Kampong Glam. Firstly, individuals that visit this culturally rich site can play his part by taking good care of the environment there, being careful not to vandalize or damage buildings. This will help in preserving the unique shop houses there for a longer period of time, and shop houses make up an element that greatly contributes to the identity of Kampong Glam. This is because shop houses in Kampong Glam have been around for very long, and have very unique and special architecture that is worth paying attention to.

The government, or more specifically the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) can help enhance the sense of identity by conserving more shop houses and old buildings in Kampong Glam. Architecture plays a very important role in a community’s identity, and it will also help residents and visitors to better able visualize the past, and appreciate the culture and age of the place.

If we were to consider this from the government’s or community club committee’s point of view, there are so many ways in which they can enhance the sense of commonality and identity, inspiring and driving the residents and individuals to do the same. The community club could organize carnivals or fairs on a regular basis, or on religious occasions such as Hari Raya Puasa, since Kampong Glam is known for being rich in Muslim culture. These activities could be a form of relaxation or celebration for the community, and will also bring them together, forging a greater sense of community and identity, as they interact with one another over conversation. Not only will residents be able to soak in the joyous and festive ambient, the fairs could attract more visitors to come forward to Kampong Glam. This would create the opportunity for more to get to know about the Arab-Muslim culture and the cultural practices or daily lifestyle of Malays. Residents will also feel a stronger sense of belonging to their community, while sharing about Kampong Glam with others.

The Kampong Glam Community Club Management Committee can also organize courses or activities to educate youths or residents of Kampong Glam on the importance of social cohesion and harmony. This will also provide a platform for socializing and interaction between members from all walks of life, living in the community. Targeting this at youth might be more ideal, as they are the future generation and it is important to start being aware of such importance from an early age.

Lastly, the government should encourage the public to actively participate in the conservation of Kampong Glam. They can do so by expressing their views and feedback on certain implementations made by the government in Kampong Glam, just so to help improve these measures, maintaining and therefore enhancing the identity in Kampong Glam.

Interview of a shopkeeper of a shop in Kampong Glam selling textiles

Dana: Hi I’m from Raffles Girls’ School and I’m doing a Social Studies Project so I was wondering if I could interview you about Kampong Glam.

Shopkeeper: Interview? Oh okay.

D: Thanks Auntie, how long have you had this shop?

S: About 16 years already? Quite long, like forever like that.

D: What kinds of customers come to your store?

S: Oh all kinds of people, mostly Malays and Peranakans, they come to buy batik cloth, Peranakan clothes and silk for their baju.

D: Are there young people who come to your shop?

S: Sometimes but usually only the housewives,m the aunties, my regular customers.

D: How’s business here? Do you have many customers a day? I saw many shops selling cloth on my way here, is it very competitive and especially hard to earn money?

S: Business -laughs- okay la. Sometimes good, sometimes no good. Usually only my regular customers, they come for the past 15-16 years already, still coming.

D: Oh, since you’ve been working here for quite long, do you live near Kampong Glam by any chance?

S: Ya I live here, a few streets away, about 20 years already.

D: So you’re quite familiar with this place? The people coming here, has there been anu difference compared to when you first moved here and opened a shop here?

S: Okay la, normally the Muslims, the housewives only. But now got more young oeioke coming to Kampong Glam to buy things, maybe buying for their parents.

D: How is it like living in Kampong Glam?

S: My neighbours are very nice, it’s been very good la. Every morning I will go to the Kampong Glam café for my coffee and breakfast, talk to my friends, the coffee uncle then coming here to open my shop.

D: The shophouses, like this one your shop is in, have been here for many years, how would you feel if it gets torn down and rebuilt to something else?

S: Sad la, of course, the culture and history, all the memories, from when I come until now.

D: Do you feel very attached to Kampong Glam? Like it’s your home?

S: Of course, the people here are my good friends, the shopkeepers, my customers the coffee shop uncle -laughs-

D: Does the CC organize activities for residents like you?

S: Yes, last year the CC organize some gathering, to celebrate Racial Harmony Day I think. I went with the other shopkeepers, the auntie next door.

D: Do you think the activities are good?

S: Ya, we can talk, relax, spend time with our fellow Kapomg Glam friends -laughs- good for bonding la the activities.

D: Would you want more of activities like there? Maybe cooking courses, sports?

S: Ya la can, it is fun, we can relax, and help me keep fit! -laughs-

D: Well thank you so much auntie, I really appreciate your time and your effort!

S: Okay no problem, good luck ah with your project.

D: Thanks Auntie, bye!

(Certain parts were refined; such as the removal of filler words and stutters)

If you ever reside in Kampong Glam,

Be sure to participate in activities organized by The Kampong Glam Community Club Management Committee (CCMC)! The CCMC helps the PA to build, maintain and manage the community centre/clubs (CCs). They promote racial harmony and social cohesion through the various cultural, educational, recreational, sports, social and other community activities organized for residents.

The Malay Activity Executive Committee and Indian Activity Executive Committee organise educational, cultural, sports, social and recreational activities to promote harmonious relations between Malays/Indians and other communities.

The Senior Citizens' Executive Committee (SCEC) plans and organises a variety of activities and courses ranging from arts and culture, lifestyle pursuits, lifelong learning to sports and wellness programmes to enhance the life experiences of senior citizens. The clubs offer avenues for the senior citizens to pursue lifelong learning, and also stay healthy and active.

The Women's Executive Committee (WEC) offers opportunities like these for women from all walks of life to meet, interact and enrich themselves, while the Constituency Sports Club (CSC) fosters community bonding through a wide assortment of sports activities and intra-district games for residents to participate and interact.

The People's Association Youth Movement (PAYM) is Singapore's largest youth organisation with its youth groups, Youth Executive Committee (YEC), based at the Kampong Glam CC. The YEC aims to promote social cohesiveness, national consciousness and patriotism among youths. They organise various activities to foster leadership qualities among youths while promoting friendship at national and international levels. The PAYM is committed to educating and promoting harmony between youths, which strengthens the community and national identity in the long run.

These committees are committed to bringing the people of Kampong Glam together, regardless of race or religion, to foster bonds and healthy relationships, while enriching the lives of residents. This shows how the government contributes in strengthening identity in these communities, by creating common space for the people through Community-based platforms.

Having fun during Sound of Music @ Kampong Glam

A groundbreaking ceremony for the event of upgrading and transforming the canal stretching between Crawford and Jalan Besar under the Active, Beautiful, Clean (ABC) water programme was held on the 17th July.

The residents and Guest of Honour were dressed in their Ethnic best and together with the 9 Residents' Committee, also celebrated Racial Harmony Day, an event supported by the Kampong Glam Inter-Racial and Religious Confidence Circle (IRCC), with song and dances performances. 

The residents of Kampong Glam
(Sound of Music @ Kampong Glam)

This is a demonstration of Singapore’s Multiculturalism Approach, which aims to promote social cohesion through maximizing common space and minimizing divides through such Community-based platforms. All races came together in unison to celebrate as one, as unity among all races is important in our multi-racial society, strengthening the community’s identity.

If you ever get tired and need a rest,

The Sultan

Check out The Sultan! It is a 64-room shop house style boutique hotel, located in the heart of the culturally rich Kampong Glam. Preserved and recreated (under the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA)) from traditional Singaporean shop houses, it retains many unique architectural features that remind us of a time in Singapore's past when Kampong Glam was a lively shopping and trading quarter.

The distinctive building which houses its main lobby is so valued for its historical and cultural significance, and architectural exquisiteness that it has been featured on a 1996 Singapore postage stamp. The Sultan is an example of an important part of Kampong Glam’s identity, having been conserved and put to good use after so many years. Used as a hotel, it also educates tourists on Kampong Glam’s history, and is something Singaporeans and residents of Kampong Glam are proud of.

Places of Worship

Sultan Mosque

This is a photo of  Masjid Sultan (Malay for Sultan Mosque), which is found on Muscat Street. It is one of the most important mosques in Singapore and was first built in 1826. Its rebuilding was complete in 1928 and holds a precious carpet that was donated by a prince of Saudi Arabia back then. The mosque forms a major part of the identity of Kampong Glam as it has been around for a long time, and holds many memories and much meaning for Muslims in Singapore. It is rich in culture, attributing to its age and also due to the unique carpet that was given by a Saudi Arabia prince, which is still in the mosque.

don't forget to keep a look out for the shophouses!

Shophouses

Shophouse

 Kampong Glam is made up of many shophouses, which are significant as not just an architectural heritage but also a reflection of our societal history and development. The fusion between colonial and local architects is attributed to the mix between the British and ethnic styles. Shophouses that adopt the early shophouse style of the Tuscan and Doric architectural styles (clean cut exterior) can still be found in Kampong Glam. They have been preserved till today under the Urban Redevelopment Authority conservation scheme. With such rich heritage in the architecture that surrounds and is everywhere in the area, one cannot miss the obvious identity of the people who once lived here, and of those who shaped      the identity and influenced the place to evolve to what it is now.

If you get hungry while shopping,

Kampong Glam Cafe

This is a photo of the famous Kampong Glam Café, where mainly Malay food is sold. Its menu is completely in Bahasa. Despite this, people of various races such as the Chinese, Indians and even Caucasians were spotted patronizing the Café. The Café has created a common ground for people to gather and interact with one another in a place that is rich in Muslim and Malay culture, regardless of race or religion.

The Kampong Glam Café and shops in Kampong Glam sell mainly Malay cuisine, consisting of the delicious nasi padang and satay served with peanut sauce. This has strengthened the identity of the place through food, as the Muslim identity is apparent.