Connect with us

Uncategorized

So here I am at Seletar

Published

17 years ago

on

By Eddie Choo

So here I am, at Seletar, to witness the transformation taking place here in this relatively not-developed part of Singapore.

The reason I use the term ‘not-developed’ is because it is not that Seletar is undeveloped, it is that there are already plans in place; and as I look opposite this large field of open space, HDB flats have already sprung up, with many more on the way.

The actual reason that I’ve come to Seletar is because of a temple that was supposedly headed by some relative of mine. The temple has been here for something like thirty years, and soon, it will relocate to a plot of land just across the road. But more than that, I think that this little spot of Seletar tells a story of the continual process of change that is happening in Singapore.

Neil Humphrey was right that Singapore never stays still. Somewhere on this island, there will be someplace that is undergoing some upgrade or refurbishment. And so it is here in Seletar as well.

More HDB flats are obviously on the way; some already close to completion. Still others are only starting to be built. On the other side are rows of semi-detached houses, the gaps between them representing more than physical space: they symbolise gaps in income and lifestyle. Just next to this large field there is a smaller one, where the construction of a temple is taking place, slowly.

Like several others of its kind elsewhere, the funds for its construction are still being raised.

I move on to one of the smaller roads, Seletar West Farmway 4. The first things that greet me were the small signs that indicate the presence of the temple. And nearby is a relatively new home for the elderly, a jarring presence in a neighbourhood surrounded by derelict buildings.

I continue walking. Further ahead lies an old abandoned HDB estate. Each time I accompanied my parents to visit the temple, I would always see these HDB flats from another age, poorly maintained with long-faded paint and overgrown grass. This time, though, it looks different. The flats here have gotten a new coat of paint and though their design betrays their true age, they look new. New doors and windows have replaced their broken predecessors.

Where once there were only locals, now one can catch glimpses of some foreign workers like the few I see now talking on their handphones and walking around. You see humanity in all its colours; dark-skinned Indians and Bangladeshis, lighter skinned Burmese or Thais.

It is clear that quiet, “ulu” Seletar is transforming; change is everywhere as we speak. On the ground floor, various shops are opening, among them a coffeeshop under renovation, the contractors making small talk, relaxing from work.

Walking a little further up, I reach the Chinese temple at last. It’s got a brick wall along its perimeter, and as I walk up the steps to the main entrance, I see some temple caretakers resting and watching TV, while others attend to the worshippers who are buying joss sticks and incense paper, going around the entire temple. They would make their offerings and bow a few times before sticking the joss sticks into the urn.

The temple is really old. The statues of the gods are blackened from years of smoke and dust, and whatever original glory they might have had is now almost faded away, their features the only hint of their former selves. Yet they are still remembered by the worshippers who come to visit them, entering at the chamber in front and then proceeding to the chamber at the back, where they would offer their respects to the gods and ask for blessings.

In this back chamber, the statues and figurines of the gods are still bright and gleaming from the gold plating. Safe behind a glass partition, these figures have been barely touched by the smoke that afflicts their counterparts in the front chamber. These statues and figurines are those of the Buddha, the Monkey God, and various other deities.

To the side of the temple are the offices for the temple caretakers. Further out is the burning chamber for the incense paper. This chamber has obviously seen better days. Now it is almost black, from the many years of soot and ashes. The temple caretakers themselves aren’t becoming younger. They are ageing and there are no new caretakers to replace them. Sure, the temple might be relocated to a new place, but without fresh blood, how long can the temple stay around?

Will these temples then fade away from our consciousness, consigned to become tourist attractions, a mere memory of a forgotten era?

The temple here in Seletar is not alone. The thousands of temples that dot the island are facing a problem of succession. It’s the same for the clans and societies that formed the backbone of community for the immigrant Chinese who worked and settled down in Singapore in the early years. These organisations of a previous era are dying off, becoming extinct in our age of digital communities.

I don’t know what these potential losses of heritage mean to me. On the one hand, it’s a pity if they were all to just fade away. On the other, what can I do to stop this erosion? Is this a tension between tradition and modernity? I don’t really know.

———————

Related Topics:
Continue Reading
Click to comment
Subscribe
Notify of
0 Comments
Newest
Oldest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments

Indonesia

Miss Universe cuts ties with Indonesia chapter after harassment allegations

The Miss Universe Organization severs ties with Indonesia franchise due to harassment claims. Malaysia edition canceled.

Women allege body checks before pageant. Investigation launched. Safety prioritized.

Indonesia winner to compete in November finale. Height requirement controversy.

Published

1 year ago

on

14 August 2023

By

WASHINGTON, UNITED STATES — The Miss Universe Organization has cut ties with its Indonesia franchise, it announced days after allegations of sexual harassment, and will cancel an upcoming Malaysia edition.

In the complaint, more than a half dozen women said all 30 finalists for Miss Universe Indonesia were unexpectedly asked to strip for a supposed body check for scars and cellulite two days before the pageant’s crowning ceremony in Jakarta.

Their lawyer said Tuesday that five of the women had their pictures taken.

“In light of what we have learned took place at Miss Universe Indonesia, it has become clear that this franchise has not lived up to our brand standards, ethics, or expectations,” the US-based Miss Universe Organization posted Saturday night on social media site X, formerly known as Twitter.

It said that it had “decided to terminate the relationship with its current franchise in Indonesia, PT Capella Swastika Karya, and its National Director, Poppy Capella.”

It thanked the contestants for their bravery in coming forward and added that “providing a safe place for women” was the organization’s priority.

Jakarta police spokesman Trunoyudo Wisnu Andiko said Tuesday that an investigation into the women’s complaint has been launched.

The Indonesia franchise also holds the license for Miss Universe Malaysia, where there will no longer be a competition this year, according to the New York-based parent organizer.

In a lengthy statement posted to Instagram, Indonesia franchise director Capella denied involvement in any body checks.

“I, as the National Director and as the owner of the Miss Universe Indonesia license, was not involved at all and have never known, ordered, requested or allowed anyone who played a role and participated in the process of organizing Miss Universe Indonesia 2023 to commit violence or sexual harassment through body checking,” she wrote.

She added that she is against “any form of violence or sexual harassment.”

The Jakarta competition was held from 29 July to 3 August to choose Indonesia’s representative to the 2023 Miss Universe contest, and was won by Fabienne Nicole Groeneveld.

Miss Universe said it would make arrangements for her to compete in the finale, scheduled for November in El Salvador.

This year’s Indonesia pageant also came under fire for announcing a “significant change in this (year’s) competition guidelines” with the elimination of its minimum height requirement after it had crowned a winner.

In its statement, the Miss Universe Organization said it wanted to “make it extremely clear that there are no measurements such as height, weight, or body dimensions required to join a Miss Universe pageant worldwide.”

— AFP

Continue Reading

Malaysia

A Perodua service centre in Kuantan, Malaysia went viral for its strict dress code, Perodua responds

A dress code for vehicle servicing? A Malaysian car brand’s service centre dress code signage has puzzled netizens, raising queries about the need for attire rules during a routine service.

The manufacturer responded with an official statement after a flurry of comments, seeking to clarify and apologize.

Published

1 year ago

on

10 August 2023

By

MALAYSIA: A dress code signage positioned at a service centre belonging to a prominent Malaysian car brand has sparked bewilderment among Malaysian netizens, who question the necessity of adhering to attire guidelines for a simple vehicle servicing.

The signage explicitly delineates clothing items that are deemed unsuitable, including sleeveless tops, short skirts, abbreviated pants, and distressed jeans.

The car manufacturer swiftly found itself flooded with comments from both inquisitive and irked Malaysian netizens. This surge in online activity prompted the company to issue an official statement aimed at clarifying the situation and extending an apology.

In a post that gained significant traction on the social media platform, politician Quek Tai Seong of Pahang State, Malaysia, shared an image to Facebook on Monday (7 Aug).

The image showcased a dress code sign prominently displayed at a Perodua Service Centre in Kuantan. Within the post, Quek posed the question: “Is this dress code applicable nationwide, or is it specific to this branch?”

The signage reads, “All customers dealing with Perodua Service Kuantan 1, Semambu, are requested to dress modestly and appropriately.”

Adding visual clarity to these guidelines, the sign features illustrative graphics that explicitly outline clothing items deemed unacceptable, including sleeveless tops, short skirts, short pants, and ripped jeans.

Delineating the specifics of the dress code, the signage stipulates that male visitors are expected to don shirts accompanied by neckties, opt for long pants, and wear closed shoes.

Conversely, female visitors are advised to don long-sleeved shirts, full-length skirts, and closed-toe footwear.

Perodua’s dress code sparks online uproar

Following the rapid spread of the post, Perodua’s official Facebook page found itself inundated with comments from both intrigued and frustrated Malaysian netizens, all seeking clarifications about the newly surfaced dress code policy.

Amidst the flurry of comments, numerous incensed netizens posed pointed questions such as, “What is the rationale behind the introduction of such regulations by the management? We demand an explanation.”

Another netizen expressed their dissatisfaction, arguing against the necessity of the rule and urging Perodua to take inspiration from the practices of other 4S (Sales, Service, Spare Parts, and Survey) automotive dealerships.

A concerned Facebook user chimed in, advocating for a more lenient stance, asserting that attempting to dictate customers’ clothing choices might not be in the company’s best interest.

Someone also commented in an angry tone, “Oi what is this? Going there for car service, not interview or working, right.”

As the discourse unfolded, it became evident that while some inquiries carried genuine weight, others chose to inject humor into the situation, playfully remarking, “If I wanted to buy a Myvi, I should buy or rent a formal attire first.”

“I sell economy rice at a hawker centre, I have never worn a long sleeve shirt and a tie… I guess I will not buy a Perodua car then.”

“I guess they will not serve those who wear short pants.”

Perodua addresses dress code controversy

As reported by Chinese media outlet Sin Chew Daily News, the manager of Kuantan’s Perodua Service Centre had acknowledged that the images on the dress code signage were misleading.

In response, the manager divulged that discussions had transpired with the head office, leading to the prompt removal of the signage to prevent any further misconceptions.

The manager clarifies, “We do encourage visitors to adhere to the dress etiquette, but we won’t go to the extent of restricting their choice of attire.”

He also revealed that currently, no complaints have been directly received from the public.

However, feedback from certain customers was relayed through Perodua’s agents.

Perodua also released an official statement by chief operating officer JK Rozman Jaffar on Wednesday (9 Aug) regarding the dress code on their official Facebook page.

The statement stated the dress code etiquette is not aligned with their official guidelines and they are currently conducting an official investigation on the matter followed by corrective measures to avoid the same incident from happening.

Perodua also extends its apologies for any inconvenience caused.

 

Continue Reading

Trending