31 October 2013

Bukit Brown is home to some 90 species of resident and migrant birds. These photos by Goh Yew Lin, capture  some of the birds feeding in the early morning. The “wild fruits” are the ripe figs of Ficus benjamina (Waringin, Weeping Fig). This strangling Ficus species is one of keystone tree species in Bukit Brown. Whenever these trees are figging, the birds go gaga over the fruit feast.

The Pigeons

Green pigeon with fruit Goh Yew Lin

Green pigeon feeding (photot Goh Yew Lin)

pigeon amidst a feast of wild fruit Goh Yew Lin

Green pigeon amidst a feast of wild fruit (photo Goh Yew Lin)

pigeon in flight Goh Yew Lin

Pigeon in flight (photo Goh Yew Lin)

pigeons a Hiding amidst a feast of wild fruit Goh Yew Lin

Pigeon hiding amidst the fruits (photo Goh Yew Lin)

Pink-necked green pigeon (female)  Goh Yew Lin

Pink-necked green pigeon (female) (photo Goh Yew Lin)

Pink-necked green pigeon (male)  Goh Yew Lin

Pink-necked green pigeon (male) (photo Goh Yew Lin)

Pink-necked green pigeon feeding Goh Yew Lin

Pink-necked green pigeon feeding (photo Goh Yew Lin)

The Kingfisher

This kingfisher was not perturbed by my presence, striking poses for a good five minutes. Goh Yew Lin

“This kingfisher was not perturbed by my presence, striking poses for a good five minutes” Goh Yew Lin

White-throated kingfisher, partly camouflaged Goh Yew Lin

White-throated kingfisher, partly camouflaged (photo Goh Yew Lin)

The Oriole

Golden Oriole Goh Yew Lin

Golden Oriole (photo Goh Yew Lin)

The Starling

Asian glossy starling  feedling Goh Yew Lin

Morning Vistas

Morning in Bukit Brown Goh Yew Lin

Canopy Goh Yew Lin

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31  October 2013

At Bukit Brown, it is not uncommon to find ceramic photos of the deceased on their tombstones.  They have withstood the test of time and weathered the elements of sun and rain. This one was spotted in pristine condition during the guided walk on tiles and tomb carvings on Sunday 27 October.

Ceramic photo Tay Koh Bok  1927 Peter Pak

Ceramic photo of Tay Koh Bok who died in 1927 (photo by Peter Pak)’

Mrs Tay Koh Bok (Madam Wee Geok Kiew )

The technology for ceramic photos date back to 1854, originating from France. How are they made?

“A porcelain (or ceramic) portrait is produced by firing an image onto a porcelain plaque at very high temperatures in a kiln for several hours, creating a permanent bond. The result is a vivid portrait that resists fading and the elements for 100 years or more.” source

“….transferring photo images to ceramic was a multi-step, laborious, time-consuming & potentially hazardous process, involving photographic glass plates & several types of light-sensitive emulsion salts (some of which are highly toxic). The emulsified ceramic piece (ie. now affixed with the photo) was then repeatedly fired at high temperature for many hours to obtain an impervious vitrified surface, which was then coated with a protective sealant.” source

Ceramic photos b Joyce Le Musurier

Another view of Mrs Tay Koh Bok  (photo Joyce Le Musurier)

From the mid 1930s onwards, the technology for ceramic photos became  available in Singapore   Before that, ceramic photos were mostly made in China, Holland, Germany & America. So the photo of Tay (1929) could  conceivably have been ordered from China.

Nah Guan Seng of Scientific Photo Studio appeared to be the 1st person to offer photo ceramic services here. His photo studio was located at Bras Brasah Road, while the photo lab was at Paya Lebar.

New Singapore Industry: Ceramic Portraits (ST – 15 Sep 1935):
http://newspapers.nl.sg/Digitised/Article.aspx…

EXCERPT: “The advantages of ceramic portraiture over ordinary photography are many. It never fades, whether exposed to sun or rain, and for use [on] a grave, it has no rival.Kiangsi porcelain is said to be the best in the world for this purpose and is largely used. The work of burning, the most difficult part of the job, is done at the Studio’s laboratory at Paya Lebar. Expert knowledge of the art and great care are necessary in regulating the heat. ”

More on ceramic photos here

Ceramic photos a Joyce Le Mesurier

Ceramic photos (photo Joyce Le Mesurier)

The most spectacular portraits of the deceased are the A4 size photos on the Tok tombs, although it is unclear whether the ceramic photo technology was used. The photo of Onn Cheng Tuan shows her in traditional nonya wear and accompanying  jewelry which also speaks to the material culture of those times.

Tok photo a Joyce Le Mesurier

The Tok tombs (photo Joyce Le Mesurier)

Editors note: Research by Pat Sg of Heritage Singapore Bukit Brown Cemetery

 

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Just how large is the area of the  Greater Bukit Brown complex consisting of Bukit Brown Cemetery, Seh Ong, Lao Sua and Kopi Sua? Mapping expert Mok Ly Yng has done the number crunching in this map

The Geography of Greater Bukit Brown (source Mok Ly Yng)

The Geography of Greater Bukit Brown (source Mok Ly Yng)

At nearly 400 acres, the Bukit Brown complex  has over 200,000 tombs, which makes it the largest Chinese cemetery outside of China.

Greater Bukit Brown (source Mok Ly Yng)

Bi-lingual map of Greater Bukit Brown (source Mok Ly Yng)

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Nov 2nd, Saturday.  Time: 8.30am – 11.30am Meeting place: Under the ‘ole, beautiful and endangered rain tree, on your left just as you enter the gates

Bukit Brown is on the World Monuments Watch list 2014 . Find out what makes this a heritage site worthy of preserving. http://bukitbrown.com/main/?p=7930
Fabian and Steven will introduce you to some notable pioneers who have made great contributions to Singapore and the region in the first half of the 20th century, and the historical context of their lives and times. They will also explain tomb architecture and the significance to the after life.
Please note there will be a crew from CNA who will be filming the guides during this walkFor information on how to get there and handy tips please visit
http://bukitbrown.com/main/?p=1347Registration:Our weekend public tours are FREE …
Optimally the group size is 30 participants (15 individuals/guide).

Please click ‘Join’ on the

FB event page to let us know you are coming, how many pax are turning up, or just meet us at the starting point at 9am. We meet there rain or shine.

========================================

The tour:

The Bukit Brown area is about 233 hectares in extent, bordered by Lornie Road, Thomson Road and the Pan-Island Expressway. It lies just to the south of the Central Catchment Forest, being separated from it by Lornie Road and includes Singapore’s only Chinese Municipal Cemetery. With more than 100,000 graves, Bukit Brown is also one of the largest Chinese cemeteries outside of China.

Don’t forget to bask in the peaceful surrounds, and also chat with your guides and make friends with other participants. We are amateurs and volunteers, but we are passionate and serious about what we do at Bukit Brown, and we encourage sharing of knowledge.

Here is a map of the grounds:
http://bukitbrown.com/main/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/API.BBC_.Map_.ver3_4.jpg

========================================

Please take note:

1. We will be walking mainly on paved roads. But there are hill treks so dress appropriately, especially your footwear.

2. Wear light breathable clothing. Long pants and long sleeves if you are prone to insect bites or sunburn. Bring sunblock and natural insect repellent.

3. Wear comfortable non-slip shoes as safety is important. Walking sticks are recommended.

4. Do read up on Bukit Brown before going so you have a better understanding of the place (e.g. BukitBrown.com)

5. Do bring water, light snacks, poncho/umbrella, sunhat and waterproof your electronics.

6. Please go to the toilet before coming. There are NO facilities anywhere there or nearby.

=========================================

How to get there by MRT / Bus:

Bus services available: 52, 74, 93, 157, 165, 852, 855.

From North: Go to Marymount MRT and walk to bus-stop #53019 along Upper Thomson Road. Take Buses 52, 74, 165, 852, 855
Alight 6 stops later at bus-stop, #41149, opposite Singapore Island Country Club (SICC), Adam Road. Walk towards Sime Road in the direction of Kheam Hock Road until you see Lorong Halwa.

From South: Go to Botanic Gardens MRT and walk to bus-stop #41121 at Adam Road, in front of Singapore Bible College. Take Buses 74, 93, 157, 165, 852, 855. Alight 2 stops later at bus-stop, #41141, just before Singapore Island Country Club (SICC), Adam Road. Cross the bridge, walk towards Sime Road, follow the road until you see Lorong Halwa.

By car:
Turn in from Lornie Road, to Sime Road. Then, turn left into Lorong Halwa.
Parking space available at the largish paved area near the cemetery gates.

Bukit Brown gates _ public domain
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Sunday 3rd November 2013 :  9 am to 12 pm.  Meeting Point: Bukit Brown Under the Rain tree at the roundabout.

Bukit Brown is now a threatened heritage site under the Worlds Monuments Watch  2014

Take a walk  with Raymond Goh, aka “tomb whisperer” who has been exploring Bukit Brown since 2006 and has helped more than 100 families find their ancestors.

Discover for yourself a hidden heritage jewel nestled in a tranquil oasis that you never knew existed in urban Singapore. Walk back into time as we uncover the pioneers who helped shaped Singapore, from the coolies to the names that landmark our streets.

Registration: Our weekend public tours are FREE …
Optimally the group size is 30 participants (15 individuals/guide).Please click ‘Join’ on the FB event page to let us know you are coming, how many pax are turning up. Or just meet us at the starting point at 9am.

Bukit Brown. More than a cemetery. More than a Chinese cemetery.
Come discover our heritage, history and habitat.

LTA has released news on exhumation and tender for road building. Take this opportunity to experience Bukit Brown Chinese Cemetery as it is now.

How to get there and handy tips here: http://bukitbrown.com/main/?p=1347

By agreeing to take this walking tour of Bukit brown cemetery I understand and accept that I must be physically fit and able to do so. To the extent permissible by law, I agree to assume any and all risk of injury or bodily harm to myself and persons in my care (including child or ward)

Registration: Our weekend public tours are FREE …
Optimally the group size is 30 participants (15 individuals/guide).

Brownie Code: We guide rain or shine.

=======================================

The tour:

Bukit Brown Heritage Park is about 173 acres in extent, bordered by Lornie Road, Thomson Road and the Pan-Island Expressway. It lies just to the south of the Central Catchment Forest, being separated from it by Lornie Road and includes Singapore’s only Chinese Municipal Cemetery. With more than 100,000 graves, Bukit Brown is also one of the largest Chinese cemeteries outside of China.

Don’t forget to bask in the peaceful surrounds, and also chat with your guides and make friends with other participants. We are amateurs and volunteers, but we are passionate and serious about what we do at Bukit Brown, and we encourage sharing of knowledge.

Here is a map of the grounds:
http://bukitbrown.com/main/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/API.BBC_.Map_.ver3_4.jpg
=======================================

Please take note:
1. We will be walking through the undergrowth so dress appropriately, especially your footwear.
2. Wear light breathable clothing. Long pants and long sleeves if you are prone to insect bites or sunburn. Bring sunblock and natural insect repellent.
3. Wear comfortable non-slip shoes as safety is important. Walking sticks are recommended.
4. Do read up on Bukit Brown before going so you have a better understanding of the place (e.g. BukitBrown.com)
5. Do bring water, light snacks, poncho/umbrella, sunhat and waterproof your electronics.
6. Please go to the toilet before coming. There are NO facilities anywhere there or nearby.
=======================================

How to get there by MRT / Bus:

Bus services available: 52, 74, 93, 157, 165, 852, 855.

From North: Go to Marymount MRT and walk to bus-stop #53019 along Upper Thomson Road. Take Buses 52, 74, 165, 852, 855
Alight 6 stops later at bus-stop, #41149, opposite Singapore Island Country Club (SICC), Adam Road. Walk towards Sime Road in the direction of Kheam Hock Road until you see Lorong Halwa.

From South: Go to Farrer Road MRT and walk to bus-stop #11111 at Farrer Road, in front of Blocks 2 & 3. Take Buses 93, 165, 852, 855. Alight 5 stops later at bus-stop, #41141, just before Singapore Island Country Club (SICC), Adam Road. Cross the bridge, walk towards Sime Road, follow the road until you see Lorong Halwa.

By car:
Turn in from Lornie Road, to Sime Road. Then, turn left into Lorong Halwa.
Parking space available at the largish paved area near the cemetery gates.

 

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All Things Bukit Brown organised a media session to meet the volunteers aka Brownies to share their hopes and aspirations for Bukit Brown, following  the World Monuments Watch listing. We are grateful to  Jasmine Ng for videographing the session.

Part II of the recording with interviews to the media  by Claire Leow and Fabian Tee (in Mandarin)

The summary of media coverage here

brownies _ Terry Xu TOC

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Oct
22
0

Baby Buddha

 

Dateline 22 October 2013

Spotted at Bukit Brown by Raymond Goh while bush bashing, a grave with 4 statues, each carrying a child.

Buddha Statue 1 Raymond Goh

(photo Raymond Goh)

Buddha Statue 2  Grave Mdm Fong Raymond

The tomb with the 4 statues belong to a Mdm Fong (photo Raymond Goh)
Buddha Statue 2 Raymond Goh

(photo Raymond Goh

Pat SG  from the facebook group Heritage Singapore Bukit Brown cemetery has identified them as  Baby Buddha in Old Monk’s Arms, symbolising:

Infinity ∞ : Beginning ⇔ End ]

1) BIRTH/ EXISTENCE
Baby Buddha statue (Japan):
http://www.travelwithval.com/…/2012/01/Baby-Buddha.jpg

2) CONSCIOUSNESS
Baby has the sign of the snake (Naga) on his scalp. (Baby appears to be dozing, but how do you know he isn’t meditating & contemplating ?)

Note that the mediating adult Buddha is typically depicted as being surrounded by snakes, or with the Naga sheltering & protecting him from the elements.

* Buddha Statue (Mahabodhi Temple, Bodh Gaya):
http://cdn2.biharprabha.com/…/uploads/2011/07/muchlind.jpg

3) CRADLE OF BEGINNING OF CYCLE
Old (& hopefully wiser) monk is the custodian of enlightenment & wisdom-in-waiting. This is akin to how the new moon is cradled in the old moon’s arms during the the start of every lunar cycle (a process that repeats itself continuously).

* New moon in old moon’s arms: http://astrobob.areavoices.com/…

4) CYCLE OF EXISTENCES
http://en.wikipedia.org/…
* Saṃsāra = cyclic existence, “continual repetitive cycle of birth and death [arising] from ordinary beings’ grasping and fixating on a self and [on] experiences”

5) CYCLE OF BUDDHAS
http://www.dhammawiki.com/index.php?title=28_Buddhas
“The Buddha was not the first Buddha, nor the last.”

http://en.wikipedia.org/…
“The 28 Buddhas described in the Buddhavamsa are not the only Buddhas believed to have existed. Indeed, Gautama Buddha taught that innumerable Buddhas have lived in past kalpas.”
)

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Dateline 19 October 2013

The Story of the Rickshaw Pullers Strike and a Man called Low Nong Nong

(compiled with research by Raymond Goh and a Pat Sg, a member of the Facebook Group -Heritage Singapore Bukit Brown Cemetery)

Today, Raymond Goh located the tomb of rickshaw puller Low Nong Nong who died during a confrontation between striking rickshaw pullers and the police. In the clash which occurred on 17th October 1938, Nong Nong lost his life, and there were no witnesses to his death.

The rickshaw pullers were striking for lower rents of their rickshaws from the owners.

“EXCERPT: {{{ Low Nong Nong was found dying from a fractured skull, face down on the side of the street emptied of his comrades. His death sent reverberations through the rickshaw districts, making pullers more determined than ever to force the owners to come to an agreement on their terms.”

“His funeral the same day was an unnerving, demonstrable display of strength and solidarity. Three thousand men solemnly followed the lorry bearing his coffin to BUKIT BROWN CEMETERY to a pauper’s grave, and, as the police anxiously stood by and watched, one of the longest funeral processions in Singapore’s recent history, stretching from Wajang Satu to Newton Circus, passed.”  (Source: Rickshaw Coolie: A People’s History of Singapore, 1880-1940)

The community of rickshaw pullers saw Low Nong Nong as a martyr to their cause. On his tomb his epithet reads:

He died for the public, his death is as heavy as Taishan, tomb erected by his fellow rickshaw pullers

Low Nong Nong Rickshaw Puller (photo Raymond Goh)

Tomb of Low Nong Nong, Rickshaw Puller (photo Raymond Goh)

“Taishan” in this case is 泰山, Mt Tai, one of the sacred mountains of China. (from Jason Kuo)

Rickshaw puller_National Archives of Singapore

Unnamed  rickshaw puller (National Archives of Singapore)

Background to the rickshaw pullers strike : The Lot of the Coolie

Many rickshaw pullers had been on prolonged strike during that period (04 Oct – 15 Nov 1938), & thus had no earnings. Low Nong Nong himself died on 17 Oct 1938 — penniless & w/o any kin in Singapore.

The community of rickshaw pullers had been periodically unemployed from 1928 onwards & throughout the post-Depression 1930s. During this period, the colonial govt had been reducing the no. of rickshaw licenses so as to encourage the use of the motorcar.

In response, profit-seeking rickshaw fleet owners (the “siong thau”) took the opportunity to hike up the rental fees. Fleet owners also made rickshaw pullers contribute part of their earnings to the mandatory “China Relief Fund”, which purportedly assisted countrymen who were suffering “deep water and scorching fire” back in China.

Low Nong Nong was probably described as a martyr by his rickshaw brethren, because:-

Despite being hungry & desperately in need of money, he dutifully observed the rickshaw strike, as previously agreed upon amongst the pullers at the 小坡 (xiǎo pō, “Small Town”) area of town.

He lost his life while participating in a rescue group that had attempted to free a Hockchew rickshaw puller, who was arrested by the police during an earlier confrontation at around 11am on 17 Oct 1938.

Background on the incident : The Betrayal 

The morning altercation had occurred because Low Ah Law, a Henghua puller, had unilaterally disregarded the rickshaw strike, & blatantly plied his rickshaw on the streets of 小坡 (“Small Town”) — ie. the side of Sg River where most of the rickshaw pullers were supportive of the ongoing rickshaw strike.

Subsequently, the Henghua puller was confronted & restrained by a “Hockchew crowd” of fellow rickshaw pullers at Victoria Street. The police intervened & one of the Hockchew pullers was consequently arrested.

The “rescue” clash between the Hockchew rickshaw pullers & the police occurred during the afternoon of the same day at the junction of Arab & Victoria Streets. Police reinforcements were deployed & “strong-arm measures” were used to subdue the angry “rescuers”.

It was in this clash that Low Nong Nong was found lying face-down & dying from a broken skull on a street that had been cleared out by the police.

In a sense, Low Nong Nong — who was already famished & simply getting by his day — died alone on a street at 小坡 (“Small Town”), because a fellow 小坡 & Foochow prefecture rickshaw puller had betrayed his brethren by not observing the strike.

Meanwhile, the 大坡 (“Big Town”) rickshaw pullers (including the majority Hokkiens) — who had refused to support the strike — merely looked the other way.

* Account of Low Nong Nong’s death on the afternoon of 17 Oct 1938 from ‘Rickshaw Coolie: A People’s History of Singapore, 1880-1940’ (James Francis Warren): http://goo.gl/E7PEif

EXCERPT: {{{ Unemployed, hungry, and desperately in need of money, [Hockchew puller Low Nong Nong] had visited Seah Toon Tan, a Hockchew friend, that morning. He borrowed a dollar from him and left his house in Geylang at about 9 am, without ever having discussed the strike.

The trouble leading up to his death began when a crowd attempted to restrain a Hengwah, Low Ah Law, who had ventured along Arab Street with his rickshaw. At the junction of Victoria Street he was assaulted by a Hockchew crowd.


Police had barely arrived in time to rescue Low Ah Law and arrest one of the assailants. At once, a new crowd of around 400 began to take shape to rescue the captured puller.

Some were armed with fighting sticks, rickshaw shafts, bottles and bricks, and among them was Low Nong Nong. A clash ensued with the police. Shouts of “pah, mata, pah” (“strike, police, strike”) rent the air, as the crowd of pullers slowly closed in, injuring several constables with wooden clogs, poles and stones they hurled at them.

The situation was desperate with police injured and rickshaws wrecked all over the adjacent streets, until reinforcements arrived. Strong-arm measures were used to control and eventually disperse the crowd. Low Nong Nong was found dying from a fractured skull, face down on the side of the street emptied of his comrades. }}}

books.google.com.sg

Newspaper reports: on the clash and the riskshaw pullers who were shipped back to China.
Burial registry entry for Low Nong Nong (captured by Pat Sg)

Low Nong Nong can be found in blk 3, Div 7, no. 120A @ the pauper’s section (on a hillock about 200 meters from the tombkeepers shed at the foot of Ong Sam Leong family cluster)

s

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Oct
21
0

An Unusual Tableau

 

Dateline” 21 October 2013

The carvings on the tombs at Bukit Brown are commonly drawn from the 4 Chinese classics. Brownie Yik Han spotted one particular carving on an altar table which intrigued him.

The Tableaux of Virtues  (photo Ang Yik Han)

The Tableau of Virtues (photo Ang Yik Han)

His observations  of the characters depicted in the tableau taken from the Romance of Three Kingdoms and what they represent:

Instead of the usual set of suspects this tableau has a rather unique combination of figures which I have yet to come across in other tombs.

The one in the middle seems to be Zhuge Liang from his garb and feather fan. On the right is almost certainly Shun and the white elephant which helped him till his fields. And I guess the one on the left of  Zhuge Liang is Liu Bei as he looks rather regal. Now, each of these characters exemplify a certain virtue: Zhuge Liang – loyalty (忠), Liu Bei – benevolence (仁),Shun – filial piety (孝), so there we have part of the traditional set of virtues 忠孝仁义, the last being righteousness which is as close to the meaning in chinese as we can get in a word.

If the martial figure to the right of Zhuge Liang represents 义, the question is who can this be as it certainly is not Guan Yu, the usual poster boy for that virtue. Of course, this interpretation assumes the two figures at the extreme left are calefaire.

Editors note: If you would like to weigh in on the mysterious characters which have not been clearly  identified, please add your comments on this post.

Your can read more about other tomb carvings by Yik Han on The Wayang in the Tombs , Romance of the Three Kingdoms,  

The Four Professions, 

The Four Loves, 

The Four Appointments, 

 

 

.
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All Things Bukit Brown broke the news that Bukit Brown had been included on the list of the World Monuments Watch 2014,  on the evening of Tuesday 8th October, 2013. It was the first listing for Singapore, and international recognition of Bukit Brown as a heritage site.

24 hours later, on Thursday 10th October, 10 am, a media session to meet the Brownies behind the submission to the World Monuments Fund, was held at Bukit Brown, under the rain tree at the roundabout. It was an appropriate setting, as this is the spot where all our guided walks begin.

brownies _ Terry Xu TOC

Supporters and the Brownies behind the submission for World Monuments Watch 2014 listing (photo Terry Xu)

Full video recording by Jasmine Ng here

This is a compilation of highlights and quotes  of the media coverage online, in the press and in the broadcast media from 9 October to 13 October, 2013

10 October Channel News Asia  TV report on Bukit Brown’s World Monuments Watch listing.

Interest group hopes that this(the listing) will lead to more engagement and a more sustainable strategy for development. Claire Leow “We hope this listing by shining international attention on Singapore will also help Singapore’s bid to get UNESCO listing for Botanic Gardens and of course eventually Bukit Brown as well and eventually other sites as well in Singapore”

The full CNA TV report here

Claire Leow, co-founder of All Things Bukit Brown, said: “It goes beyond what we’ve done for Bukit Brown; it’s more like what we can do for Singapore.

She added: “I hope it shows that we are serious, that we want a seat at the table, just so we can present what we have heard from the community, what we have heard from the people who have encouraged us, and we can share their voices too.

The full online  CNA report here.

10 October Zaobao

“I hope to use this opportunity open a dialogue with the government and find a sustainable path to development.  I do not think that conservation of heritage monuments and development  has to be confrontational. On the contrary, we hope that conservation can aid development and vice-versa“

She pointed out that at present, talks about development and conservation are always framed in terms of trade-offs –  e.g. do we want to keep land for our ancestors or make room for our descendants. Why do we not talk about other issues, e.g. are we not willing to let go of a site that could potentially be a world heritage site? In the face of global warming and the need for nature to maintain stable temperatures, can we afford to lose a site of certain environmental value to us? Claire Leow.

The full Zaobao report with translation here

10 October The Online Citizen (TOC)

“There’s more to Bukit Brown, than my own family. And I realised the things I do not know about this place and it’s going to go. And that nothing will be left for my children, grandchildren and great grand children. ” Ong Hui Lin (descendant with 3 ancestors buried in Bukit Brown)

“Yes Bukit Brown is now on the World Monument Watch but it is more than that. We nominated Bukit Brown because it is significant to our history, culture and society. I hope that this will prompt people to look into all 3 aspects.” Claire Leow

The full video report on TOC here

10 October Razor TV online

“Now with the listing, it gives credence to the fact that this is a world class heritage site. So my sense is that one has to think again about the questions,, I appreciate the challenges that urban planners face. But maybe they don’t have a larger picture and that larger picture is history and heritage, history that affects out identity” Chew Kheng Chuan (descendant with 8 ancestors buried in Bukit Brown”

“I am very mixed because I am a road user and I love homes. Homes for my children. But for Bukit Brown, it is very painful because when we lose it, we would never get back the very essence. the soul” Ong Hui Lin (descendant with 3 ancestors buried in Bukit Brown)

The full online video of Razor TV here

10 October the breakfast network

“They (All Things Bukit Brown)  hope more researchers, historians, cultural studies students et cetera would step up and get involved in Bukit Brown in one way or another. “We need to think differently; we need to reframe the conversation,” said Ms Leow, who wanted people to stop seeing the trade-off as space for the living vs space for the dead. Rather, she wants to foreground Bukit Brown as a potential world monument site, with environmental value, that is at stake.

The full report of the breakfast network available here.

All Things Bukit Brown clarifies on the report : We did not submit the application for World Monuments Watch listing to “throw a spanner in the roadworks”. We submitted it because we wanted  recognition, to heighten awareness and draw attention to Bukit Brown as a heritage and nature site worthy of preserving.

10 October (The Economist) Banyan Blog

“In an interview republished in his latest book, Lee Kuan Yew, Singapore’s elder statesman, who left the cabinet two years ago but still reflects the views of many in the government he led for so long, is, characteristically, yet more blunt in an interview reprinted in his latest book:  “if we need the land, and we have to dig up the whole of Bukit Brown to build on it, and put the ashes in a columbarium, we will do it.”

The Brownies point out that the government presents a false choice between space for the dead and space for the expanding population that Singapore needs to sustain its growth. Bukit Brown is also for the living, and for future generations interested in how Singapore became what it is today.”

The full report on the Banyan here

10 October : Singapore Heritage Society statement on the listing:

This is the first time a Singapore site has been included in the World Monuments Watch. Together with the Singapore Botanic Gardens’ UNESCO nomination, Bukit Brown’s inclusion represents widespread international recognition of the historical importance of local heritage sites. Indeed, Bukit Brown’s narrative of early immigrants and regional histories complements the Botanic Garden’s narrative of colonial empire to provide a more complex and complete story of Singapore. 

13 October Yahoo News

“With the World Monuments Watch listing, the first time a site in Singapore has been included, atBB thinks that Bukit Brown and the Gardens, which are located fairly close to each other, could be paired up for a stronger nomination, said (Catherine) Lim.

“What we’re saying is there’s an opportunity here to relook our application (to UNESCO),” she said. “It has started, but it’s going to take two years (to complete), so why not explore? We’re offering up an opportunity of a possibility… It’s for the government to consider this. I’m not sure whether they actually have considered the actual status that’s accorded Bukit Brown being on the list.”

The full report on Yahoo News here

A Question of Public Value : Bukit Brown . a thought essay by Z’ming Cik was submitted for the “My Say” category of the blog on 13th October.

9 October 2013 Straits Time (ST)  Report

SINGAPORE’S Bukit Brown Cemetery has been named as an at risk site on the 2014 World Monuments Watch – a biennial listing by the World Monuments Fund which compiles cultural heritage sites that are threatened around the world.

Bukit Brown Cemetery, where the graves of pioneering Chinese immigrants to Singapore since the mid-nineteenth century stand, is one of 67 sites from 41 countries and territories.

More on the ST report here

9th October Channel News Asia (CNA) Report

SINGAPORE: Singapore’s Bukit Brown Cemetery has been placed on the 2014 World Monuments Watch, which compiles cultural heritage sites threatened around the world.

More  CNA report here

All Things Bukit Brown clarifies on the report below by ST News October 10, 2013 : When asked by the reporter about the call for a moratorium to stop road works issued in March 2012, the a.t.bb’s response was “we have moved on from that” as opposed to what was reported ” the group, which hosts weekly guided tours at the site, is also sticking to a call it made last year for a moratorium on plans for Bukit Brown and for more public engagement with the Government.”

ST News Oct 10, 2013

All Things Bukit Brown, an interest group which is keen to preserve the site’s heritage and habitat, nominated it to the New York-based World Monuments Fund watch list. It was picked from 248 nominations – making it the first time that a Singapore site has made it to the list. The WMW citation said of the road and redevelopment of the site: “In destroying the cultural landscape of Bukit Brown, it is a loss to all of society.”
The non-profit World Monuments Fund has issued its watch list since the 1990s to raise awareness about threatened cultural sites. It has helped to helped restore sites in more than 90 countries, including the historic enclave of Georgetown in Penang .

The full ST report here

From The Diplomat on 30 October 2013

Abstract : “We must be reminded that there are other land uses that take up enormous amounts of space, yet hardly anyone is questioning the utility of those spaces. Singapore has 18 golf courses, one of the highest numbers per country area in the world. They take up a total of 1,800 hectares. By contrast, Bukit Brown takes up 233 hectares; one-ninth of that area. Does Bukit Brown seem very big now?”Else Teo, a freelance researcher specialising in history and heritage issues.

 

 

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