More than just a stupid white statue

Reflections by Izzan

Many times when people ask us about Singapore history, I seem to recall only one name coming up that is of Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles. Yet on our way through our heritage trail, we came up upon many people and parts of Singapore history that not many people seem to notice today. While people are familiar with the Merlion and Raffles Landing Statue, not many others are well known. The 6 bridges consisting of Anderson, Cavenagh, Read, Ord, Elgin and Coleman were all named after well-respected officials which all were important figures of Singapore History.

All along the Singapore River, there are many different figurines ranging from the Kucinta Cats to coolies interacting with merchants. While all these people do not seem to have an important part in Singapore history, they represent the life and culture of people during that time. They show a part of Singapore that had come before and after Raffles had landed and are probably the forefathers of most of us today.

One thing that strikes all of us on our trail was how much history there was to this tiny island of nearly 200 years of history from the first time Raffles landed upon the island. I think that present people of our country should learn more about our past and bring it forth to future generations so that not only do we preserve a part of our history in all of us, but we identify with it as well and remembered how it was more than just one man at the right time who gave birth to Singapore