MAGAZINE

Yam Hoe-Chee, 26, Project Assistant

What does Singapore mean to you?
01. Tiny
02. Clean
03. Secure
04. MRT
05. No Chewing Gum
06. Singlish
07. Foodcourt
08. Sentosa
09. Orchard Road
10. Singapore Airlines

Which is your favourite place in Singapore? Why is it so?
The back alleys of coffeeshops connecting Club Street with Mohammad Ali Lane, it's a short 200 metre path which I walk past everyday, from my workplace to the train station.

It's like my little secret passageway that connects Raffles Place with Chinatown within a brief 10 minute walk. Not to mention there's a pizza joint that serves really yummy pizzas.

Who would you bring to this place? Why?
Anyone who cares to join me for a little sunset stroll after work. I believe a good hike after work is a great way to relax the mind (and eyes) if you work long hours in front of the computer.

Tell us about three things you want to change in Singapore.
1. Infrastructure that enables instant access to ultra high speed Internet everywhere and for free.
2. Piping facilities that could produce clean drinking water, right out of the tap.
3. I think Singaporeans should eat more and enjoy life more! They are too skinny!

Provide us an image of a place/object/ that describes Singapore to the rest of the world? What memories does it hold for you?

Here are a few images that I selected from my phone, and they represent the bits and pieces of everyday life in Singapore.

K C Yeoh, 44, university lecturer

What does Singapore mean to you?
Singapore is a place where one can freely pursue their ideals due to the stability of the government. But for the most part, it is a transient place for me. As an ex-Chinese Malaysian who is now a naturalized US citizen and a Singapore PR, it seems that I have always led a migratory life.

As I grow older, Singapore may become my adopted home. For me, an ideal place to live, work and play is one where I can connect emotionally. But Singapore lacks that because of the constant changes and renewals to the landscape. Its size makes it convenient, but it also lacks personalization in terms of how each area can be “packaged” differently.

Due to the heat outside, I find comfort in air-conditioned malls, which have similar brands and food outlets. As a result, I do not feel a deep sense of connection with Singapore’s past, but a breathlessness to pursue the never-ending future.

Which is your favourite place in Singapore? Why is it so?
My favourite place in Singapore is Chinatown because of the historic colonial buildings that are well-preserved from the outside. It is fun to watch tourists from different parts of the world ascending into an area where they sample foods at the Maxwell market, buy souvenirs from shops that are literally peppered all around Chinatown and snap pictures of what they think is uniquely Singaporean.

Who would you bring to this place? Why?
Cash because there are always some interesting food to sample, things to browse and when I get tired from walking, I could get a massage or a spa.

Tell us about three things you want to change in Singapore.
1. Civic mindlessness. While the young couples are happily “glued” together blocking people on the go, the older ones are unaware that they are blocking the right side of the escalator which is allocated for passengers who are in a hurry, especially in train stations. It is frustrating that the train operators do not enforce the rules so that people will learn. In Taipei, the people can clearly distinct between the speedy and the slow lanes and this also civic-mindedness also shows in their interactions in open spaces as people rarely bump into one another.

2. The mixing of old and new is a great idea, but needs to be done in a balanced manner and a strong sense of design aesthetics. A good example of something gone wrong is Clarke Quay’s outdoor seating area. The historic rows of shops are contrasted with the modern shades that look more like white toilet pumps!

3. Although I enjoy the cool environment shopping malls provide, they are a magnet for globalized brands that put smaller operations out of business because of their exorbitant rental fees. They are also notorious for importing foreign themes that are detrimental to local cultures and values. We need smaller and cozier shopping areas like Holland Village. There, people and things are closer to each other, but are distinctive enough in an environment that is nostalgic and intimate. We should put more emphasis on what makes Singapore unique such as the “peranakan” culture, local cuisines, and architectural styles.

Provide us an image of a place/object that describes Singapore to the rest of the world? What memories does it hold for you?



Every time when I am onboard Singapore Airlines (SQ), I look forward to reliability, comfort and great food. What Singapore lacks in size, SQ makes up in the warm hospitality of their stewardess and customizable entertainment choices. During my virgin SQ flight to India’s Ahmedabad, a male flight attendant went out of his way to secure a meal for me when they ran out of chicken and was apologetic about it — reversing my initial bad experience. The Singapore Girls are well known around the world, and every time I fly on SQ, I know they will be waiting to greet me with a smile. I remember that the stewardess will lower her body to communicate with her passengers — that’s a level of respect you don’t get at all with any American carriers!

Janice Chua, 17, student

What does Singapore mean to you?
Singapore is place where I grow up and where my memories are. It is a place with family and friends, and where I learn how things work in this world. It is comparatively cleaner than other countries, and it is a form of relaxation to me, especially at beaches and the reservoir.

Which is your favourite place in Singapore? Why is it so?
Changi Airport, especially Terminal 2. It is a place where a lot of traveling takes place, where you can experience the joy of receiving someone from abroad and the unwillingness of sending someone off. It has more food than the other terminals, and the viewing gallery gives you the best view, it’s comfortable and feels just like home.

Who would you bring to this place and why?
I would bring my cousin who's staying oversea to the airport. It gives her a chance to visit singapore, and experience flying for herself. Let her explore Singapore, as well as admiring the airport, a place Singapore is well known for.

Tell us about three things you want to change in Singapore.
1. The harmony between neighbours, and so that they would be more helpful towards one another
2. Fewer accidents on the roads
3. Healthier lifestyles

Provide us an image of a place/object that describes Singapore to the rest of the world. What memories does it hold for you?



This is a photo with friends at the Singapore Youth Flying Club. I first joined the club in Secondary 3 and it is a place where I developed my passion for flying and aeroplanes.