Four Unusual Things To Do In Singapore’s Largest Town | Singapore Hour

Key Concepts

Jurong, Singapore; Memory and Space; Industrial Transformation; Community; Creative Expression; Public Housing (BTO); Nasi Lemak; Art & Technology; Generative AI; Dragon Kiln; Pottery; Tradition; Integrated Marina.

Jurong Lake Gardens and Personal Connection

Kapilan Naidu, a media artist, begins by kayaking in Jurong Lake Gardens, Singapore's third national garden. He reflects on how the iconic pagodas within the gardens are a recurring motif in his work, representing his origins and creative expression. He emphasizes the personal significance of Jurong in his life.

Jurong's Transformation and Community Spaces

Jurong's history is highlighted, transitioning from a mangrove swamp in 1961 to a dynamic industrial estate with housing and recreational spaces. The skate park at Lakeside Garden is presented as an example of new facilities that foster a sense of community and provide opportunities for recreation. Kapilan attempts skateboarding, highlighting the park's appeal.

Nostalgia and Housing

Kapilan revisits his childhood neighborhood at Jurong West Avenue 1, specifically block 484, where he grew up. He expresses nostalgia and recalls being able to see the pagodas from his balcony. He mentions his upcoming marriage and plans to apply for a BTO (Built-To-Order) flat, a government public housing system for young couples, hoping to still catch a glimpse of the pagoda from his future home. Jurong West is noted as the largest housing estate in Singapore with over 70,000 flats.

Boon Lay Power Nasi Lemak

Kapilan meets his friend Zakee at Boon Lay Place Food Village to share Boon Lay Power Nasi Lemak, a popular Singaporean dish. Nasi lemak is described as fragrant coconut rice with crispy anchovies, chilli paste, and egg. The history of Boon Lay Power Nasi Lemak is discussed, highlighting its 40-year presence and five outlets. The owner attributes the stall's success to its sambal (chilli paste), which is cooked for 6-8 hours daily, using almost 100kg of ingredients. Kapilan shares a personal anecdote about his father bringing them Nasi Lemak.

Teaching at NTU and Art Installation

Kapilan works as an adjunct lecturer at Nanyang Technological University (NTU) School of Art, Design and Media, teaching audio-visual creative coding. He discusses a past commission by the Singapore Art Museum in 2023, where he created a multimedia art installation as a homage to Jurong's past as a mangrove swamp. The project involved public consultations, story collection, and the use of a generative AI model to create new visions of Jurong. The installation was constructed from steel pipes, referencing Jurong's early steel milling industries.

Thow Kwang Dragon Kiln

Kapilan visits the Thow Kwang Dragon Kiln, the only operating dragon kiln in Singapore, built in 1940. He contrasts it with modern electric kilns, emphasizing its unpredictable nature and the unique character it imparts to pottery. The challenge of passing down wood-firing knowledge to younger generations is mentioned. He participates in a pottery class, highlighting the teamwork and body control required.

Raffles Marina and Jurong Lighthouse

Kapilan and his girlfriend Fion visit Raffles Marina in Tuas, located at the edge of Jurong. Raffles Marina is described as the first integrated marina in the region, offering F&B, ship repair, and hotel facilities. The Jurong lighthouse is highlighted as a romantic spot with beautiful sunsets and open skies.

Conclusion

Kapilan concludes by reflecting on Jurong as a place that continuously builds him and expresses his hope that this feeling will persist in the future. He emphasizes that home is not just where you start, but where you are continually built.