Stories in Minutes: Our Oral History on Social Media brings to you memories of people from all walks of life. Covering an eclectic range of topics, from an old building, vanishing trade, or a fond memory of a festival season, these shorts were produced by National Library Board’s Digital Experience – Marketing team in collaboration with National Archives of Singapore’s Oral History Centre. Come listen to the voices of our people! This list will be periodically updated as our collection grows.
Stories in Minutes
Understanding Total Defense
How did the concept of Total Defence come about?
Total Defence Day is commemorated on 15 February annually—the day the British surrendered Singapore to the Japanese in 1942—as a reminder to us not to take our defence for granted and to build a cohesive, strong and secure nation. Hear from Mr Lim Siong Guan, former Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Defence, on how the concept of Total Defence came about.
From the oral history interview with Lim Siong Guan, Accession No. 003060, Track 6, Oral History Centre, National Archives of Singapore
Image Credits: Ministry of Information and the Arts Collection, courtesy of National Archives of Singapore
A City in a Garden
What does it mean to be a City in a Garden?
Listen on as Simon Longman, Lecturer in Arboriculture, Greenery & Biodiversity at the Centre for Liveable Cities, elaborates on what City in Garden meant in this oral history interview.
From the oral history interview of Simon Longman, Accession No. 4221, Track 3, Oral History Centre, National Archives of Singapore
Image credits: Ministry of Information and the Arts Collection, courtesy of National Archives of Singapore
The Chinese Theatre Circle
Performing at The Arts House
Established in 1981, the Chinese Theatre Circle (CTC) has gained worldwide acclaim for its Chinese Opera presentations.
Hear from former Artistic Director of CTC, Joanna Wong, as she describes her experience performing at The Arts House — a unique venue to showcase Cantonese Opera music.
From the oral history interview of Mrs Joanna Wong Quee Heng, Accession No. 003601, Track 57, Oral History Centre, National Archives of Singapore.
Image Credits: Ministry of Information and the Arts Collection, courtesy of National Archives of Singapore
Appreciating Thaipusam
What is Thaipusam?
Thaipusam is more than just a festival, it's a personal journey of faith and strength, passed down through generations.
From the oral history interview with Pakriswamy Ramoo Naidu, Accession No. 000827, Track 10, Oral History Centre, National Archives of Singapore.
Image Credits: Ministry of Information and the Arts Collection, courtsy of National Archives of Singapore
Open Book Examinations
Do you prefer open-book examinations to closed-book examinations?
Unlike closed-book examinations where students can excel based on knowledge recall, open-book examinations were devised to assess one’s interpretation and application of knowledge.
When Professor Lim Pin from the National University of Singapore first introduced the concept of open-book examinations, his students were ecstatic — until they learnt that the questions set were more challenging. Tune in to this interview to find out more.
From the oral history interview with Prof Lim Pin, Accession No. 001817, Track 16, Oral History Centre, National Archives of Singapore
Image credits: Ministry of Information and the Arts Collection, courtesy of National Archives of Singapore
Life of a Samsui Woman
Want to know what life was like for a Samsui woman?
William Chin Fook Seng shares the story of his mother, who was a Samsui woman. These women came from Southern China and moved to Singapore seeking work, carving out lives in the construction industry and playing a crucial role in shaping our country’s infrastructure.
Although we may no longer see Samsui women today, their contributions endure as a testament to their resilience and determination.
From the oral history interview with William Chin Fook Sang, Accession No. 003676, Track 1, Oral History Centre, National Archives of Singapore
Image Credits: Kouo Shang-Wei Collection, courtesy of National Archives of Singapore
Catching a glimpse of The Beatles!
When the Beatles stopped by in Singapore in 1964, teenage fans flooded the Singapore Airport, all hoping for a glimpse of the Fab Four.
“I have never seen anything like that,” recalled Jeremy Ramsey, better known in the 1960s as DJ Gary Love.
It was a “Twist and Shout” moment as nearly 3,000 ecstatic fans created such a frenzy that he ended up interviewing Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr... on a bus!
From the oral history interview with Jeremy Ramsey, Accession No. 003286, Track 3, Oral History Centre, National Archives of Singapore
Image Credits: Album art for Abbey Road by The Beatles and National Library Board
Looking for Love on Chap Goh Mei
What happens on the 15th day of Chinese New Year?
Back in the day, it was common for young women to dress elaborately to meet their potential suitors in carriages on the 15th day of Chinese New Year. Once the suitor has expressed his interest, the matchmaker will then set both parties up!
From the oral history interview with Betty Seow Guat Beng @ Lim Koon Teck (Mrs), Accession No.1048, Track 6, Oral History Centre, National Archives of Singapore
Image Credits: Ministry of Information and the Arts Collection, courtesy of National Archives of Singapore
An Excellent Cultural Institution
Since 1997, the historic Empress Place building has been home to the Asian Civilisations Museum (ACM).
In an article for The Financial Times, journalist Rahul Jacob shared that Singapore was more than a financial hub, spotlighting the Asian Civilisations Museum (ACM) as an excellent cultural institution. Hear from the founding director of ACM, Dr Kenson Kwok, as he reflects on Jacob’s article and the challenges he faced in encouraging locals to visit the museum.
From the oral history interview with Kenson Kwok, Accession No. 002988, Track 11, Oral History Centre, National Archives of Singapore
Image credits: Courtesy of National Archives of Singapore
Finger Ink Painting
Madam Kwei Chin Pen, renowned for her 11-year tenure as Founding Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew's former Mandarin tutor, was also a talent in finger ink painting.
With encouragement from her good friend, Mdm Li Ruolian, Mdm Kwei embarked on her journey as a finger painter.
Hear Madam Kwei recount her artistic journey under the tutelage of Mr Chen Chong Swee, one of the first artists in Singapore to use Chinese ink painting techniques to draw paintings of local and Southeast Asian themes.
From the oral history interview with Kwei Chin Pen, Accession No. 001676, Track 18, Oral History Centre, National Archives of Singapore.
Image Credits: Ministry of Information and the Arts Collection, courtesy of National Archives of Singapore
Training as the Queen's Aide-de-Camp
Every International Women’s Day, we celebrate the milestones and achievements of women everywhere – and one such inspiring figure is Mary Quintal, the first female police inspector in Singapore.
Brave, determined, and articulate, Mary was recruited to the police force in 1949 and swiftly rose through the ranks to become an inspector in just six months. She was also the first woman to achieve the rank of Assistant Superintendent of Police in Singapore, forging a path for other female officers to follow. Tune into this oral history account where Mary recounts what training was like as an Aide-de-Camp to Queen Elizabeth II in 1972.
From the oral history interview with Mary Quintal, Accession No. 002219, Track 5, Oral History Centre, National Archives of Singapore.
Image Credits: Singapore Police Force Collection, courtesy of National Archives of Singapore
Introducing Safety Doors at MRT Platforms
For many, taking the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) to school or work is a daily affair.
Singapore was one of the first countries to introduce bi-parting glass screen doors at the platforms of our MRT stations. Have you wondered why?
Hear from James Koh Cher Siang, former Permanent Secretary of the National Development (1979-1987) as he talks about the reasons and thoughts prior to implementing them.
From the oral history interview of James Koh Cher Siang (Accession No. 002847, Track 3), Oral History Centre, National Archives of Singapore.
Image Credits: Singapore Mass Rapid Transit Collection, courtesy of National Archives of Singapore.
A Saxophone Bar from the '80s
Ever wondered what a music bar looked like back in the day?
Hear from internationally acclaimed jazz musician Jeremy Monteiro as he described the setting and atmosphere of a saxophone bar in the late 1980s.
From the oral history interview of Jeremy Monteiro, Accession No.003016, Track 14, Oral History Centre, National Archives of Singapore.
Image Credits: Ministry of Information and the Arts Collection, courtesy of National Archives of Singapore.
The Fall of Singapore
On this day in 1942, Singapore fell to the Japanese, marking the start of a dark period in Singapore’s history.
Listen to an account by survivor of the Japanese Occupation, Ng Seng Yong, who witnessed how civilians were screened at Telok Kurau English School in 1942. Tens of thousands of civilians subsequently lost their lives during Sook Ching, a mass killing that occurred in the same year.
From the oral history interview of Ng Seng Yong, Accession No. 000283, Track 1, Oral History Centre, National Archives of Singapore.
Image Credits: The Nanyang Miscellany Collection, courtesy of National Archives of Singapore.
The Japanese Surrender
On 12 September 1945, the Japanese formally surrendered to the British by signing the Instrument of Surrender at the Municipality Building of Singapore, later known as City Hall.
Mrs Sheila Bruhn-Allan was an internee at Sime Road Internment camp who survived through the Occupation. Listen to how she recounted her excitement when observing the surrender, which marked the end of the Japanese Occupation of much of Southeast Asia.
From the oral history interview of Sheila Bruhn-Allen : Accession Number 002740, Track 6.
Image Credits: Courtesy of National Archives of Singapore.
Reflections on National Service
According to Ronnie Ma, Kampong Glam Citizens’ Consultative Committee Chairman, National Service serves as a social equaliser which embodies fairness and equality.
“Once you don that uniform, you are in it together. It’s a wonderful feeling,” he shares.
Since the introduction of the National Service (Amendment) Act in 1967, every young Singaporean man, aged 18 had to undergo National Service (NS) – regardless of their race, religion or social status. The implementation of NS played a pivotal role in establishing Singapore’s military after it attained independence in 1965.
The video contains an archived photograph of families bidding farewell to their sons, who were departing for NS at Pek Kio Community Centre in 1967.
From the oral history interview of Ronnie Ma, Accession No.004080, Track 5, Oral History Centre, National Archives of Singapore.
Image Credits: Ministry of Information and Arts Collection, courtesy of National Archives of Singapore.
A Malay Teacher in a Chinese School
After graduating from college, Mr Maarof Salleh was assigned to teach Malay in a Chinese primary school. He described this experience as “challenging” as he had no prior background teaching in a Chinese school.
In understanding the cultural differences and learning styles, he tailored his teaching for his Chinese students. Tune into the full video to hear from Mr Maarof as he share valuable insights about his experience!
From the oral history interview of Maarof Salleh, Accession No. 002818, Track 6, Oral History Centre, National Archives of Singapore.
Image Credits: Ministry of Information and the Arts Collection, courtesy of National Archives of Singapore.
Introducing Extra-Curricular Activities (ECAs)
In the early 1900s, the Ministry of Education introduced extra-curricular activities (ECAs) to develop non-academic competencies and interests while fostering social integration amongst students.
The ECA initiative started gaining momentum in the latter half of the 1960s when schools made more concerted efforts in planning and implementing them.
Hear from Joseph David, the former Deputy Director of ECA at the Ministry of Education as he shares about the ECA Centre, established in 1968 to promote ECAs in schools. ECAs were subsequently renamed co-curricular activities (CCAs) in 1999 to reiterate to parents, educators, and students that CCAs are not add-ons but an integral part of students' holistic education.
From the oral history interview of Joseph David, Accession No. 002309, Track 13, Oral History Centre, National Archives of Singapore
Image credits: Ministry of Information and the Arts Collection, courtesy of National Archives of Singapore
Designing the Merlion
How many Merlion statues are there in Singapore?
There are seven of them scattered throughout the island, with the most famous one being the 8.6-metre-tall statue designed by Kwan Sai Kheong and sculpted by Lim Nang Seng.
This statue was first unveiled on 15 September 1972, and is now located at the new Merlion Park, adjacent to One Fullerton at the Marina Bay waterfront.
Tune into hear from Lim Nang Seng as he explains his artistic approach behind the iconic Merlion statue.
From the oral history interview of Lim Nang Seng, Accession No. 000413, Reel 28, Oral History Centre, National Archives of Singapore.
Image credits: Lim Nang Seng Collection, courtesy of National Archives of Singapore.
October Cherries
The October Cherries was one of the most innovative and popular local band back in the late 60s and early 70s.
Far Away Now, one of their hit songs even made it to number one in Malaysia. Did you know, before the band was known as the October Cherries, they were called The Surfers?
In this oral history interview, hear from one of the band members, Richard Khan on how the band name, October Cherries came about. Let us know what is your favourite song!
From the oral history interview of Richard Benjamin Khan, Accession No. 003111, Reel 3, Oral History Centre, National Archives of Singapore.
Image credits: The Straits Times, 29 July 1970, Page 7