The Singapore of My Dreams

Abstract

I grew up in colonial Singapore. After the Second World War, my parents sent me to a Chinese primary school. After a few years, because of my unsatisfactory progress, my parents decided to switch me to the English stream. I spent a bridging year in a Catholic school and then joined the Outram School, which was then a government primary school. I completed my secondary education at Raffles Institution (RI). What were my school boy's dreams for Singapore? First, I dreamt that one day Singapore would be independent and we would be able to rule ourselves. I was greatly influenced by the anti-colonial struggles and nationalist movements then taking place in Asia and Africa. I remember debating the merits and demerits of colonialism with one of my expatriate teachers in RI. Second, I dreamt that one day Singapore would be without slums and all Singaporeans would have access to good housing, clean water and modern sanitation. I had relatives living in Bukit Ho Swee1 and they lacked all three. I used to accompany my mother and aunt to visit them. I am very glad that this dream of mine has come true. Third, I dreamt that all families would earn enough income to enable them to live decently. After the war, there were a lot of poor people in Singapore.