Historyogi Post (91): Podcast on Singapore's industrial history, war in Ukraine, and the Kingdom of Neo Tiew
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Historyogi Post: Issue 91
Historyogi Podcast
#17- Workers' perspectives of Singapore's industrial history (A conversation with Loh Kah Seng): The political story of Singapore’s industrialisation is well-known, including the role of Jurong Industrial Estate and Dr Goh Keng Swee. However, the stories of the Singaporeans who worked in these factories have rarely been discussed in detail until now. We speak to Dr Loh Kah Seng, co-author of the book Theatres of Memory: Industrial Heritage Of 20th Century Singapore, on who worked in Singapore’s early factories, what the workplace environment was like, and the important role of technical education in creating a qualified workforce.
Digging Deeper
"War in Ukraine: Mixed public opinions reveal polarisation, hubris, and an empathy deficit" (Academia SG): Behind the Singapore government’s unequivocal condemnation of the Russian invasion, some citizens are dismissive of Ukraine’s plight. Such reactions betray an amnesia about the foundations of Singapore’s own sovereignty, writes Cherian George of Hong Kong Baptist University. Read More
Plug: Listen to my podcast episode with Sense Hofstede on Chinese influence in Singapore's Mandarin language media.
"Ukraine war: Putin has redrawn the world - but not the way he wanted" (BBC News): Vladimir's Putin's invasion of Ukraine has changed the world. We are living in new and more dangerous times - the post-Cold War era that began with the fall of the Berlin Wall is over. This article takes us through centuries of European history to trace the roots of Russia's grievances and Europe's responses (especially Central and Eastern Europe). To understand Putin, one must understand history. Read More
This Month in History
Singapore allows US troops to visit for R&R (March, 1966): During this period, Singapore concluded an agreement with the US Assistant Secretary of State for Far Eastern Affairs William Bundy to allow American troops stationed in South Vietnam to visit the island for Rest & Recreation. The first batch of 100 American officers arrived later that month. Singapore maintained a restrictive policy on any publicity surrounding the programme and other business activities relating to the Vietnam War, but the Barisan strongly opposed the Vietnam War. Graffiti, flyers and posters with anti-American slogans soon appeared on the streets, leading the government to enact the Punishment of Vandalism Act which criminalised such acts of political protest and mandated caning as a potent deterrent.
Hotel New World collapses (Mar 15, 1986): On this day, the Lian Yak building (which housed the Hotel New World) at the junction of Serangoon and Owen Roads, collapsed suddenly. The structure was reduced entirely to rubble, trapping dozens of people (above). Rescue services were activated immediately, and were assisted by European and Japanese engineers building the MRT tunnels nearby. After four days, 17 survivors had been pulled out. Thirty-three people lost their lives, making this Singapore's worst civil disaster since the Spyros explosion in 1978. The collapse was attributed to poor structural design and major reforms were made to tighten building regulations and maintenance checks.
Devan Nair resigns as president (Mar 28, 1985): On this day, President CV Devan Nair resigned from office under a cloud of scandal (above). In his resignation letter, Nair admitted that his "medical condition" (alcoholism) had rendered him unable to discharge his presidential responsibilities properly. At that time, it was understood that Nair had become ill while on a visit to Kuching and was then rushed back to Singapore for treatment. However, after he made allegations against the Singapore government, a Parliamentary white paper was tabled in 1988 stating that Nair had acted inappropriately with women, hit his wife, met a mysterious German woman and became friendly with an Indian "healer". Nair migrated to the US and later Canada. He remained a fierce critic of Lee Kuan Yew and died in Hamilton in 2005.
Down Memory Lane
Neo Tiew Road: This road is named after the village founded by Neo Ao Tiew (1884-1975), a sheriff from Fujian. He acted as the mayor of the 10,000 strong village, set up a school and clinic, and controlled his own vigilante police force. Neo Tiew fled Singapore when it fell to the Japanese but returned after the war and resumed control of the village. The villagers were resettled by 1990 but the names live on in the roads.
Neythal Road: This road in Jurong Industrial Estate is named after the Tamil phrase meaning "to weave as clothes". The naming committee wanted road names linked to industry in all four official languages. Singapore Textile Industry Limited was located at this road, making the name an apt one. Originally named Nesavu Road (weaving), it was changed after concerns about pronunciation and translation into Chinese. Neythal was suggested by the Postmaster General Bala Subramanion.
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