Jumping Into the Streets Through Pipes
by Lim Jye Ern Javen, Lim Ming Kai Kayden, Chang Yi Xuan Giselle, Jeyasankar Shanmugapriya Vasubbratha
Six buses, two locations: Chinatown and Little India.
This evening at SIMC2.0, we follow the participants on a cultural learning journey to two of Singapore’s most significant cultural landmarks.
Warping into Little India’s crevices
The participants may not have taken the Warp Pipes and travelled with plumbers in green and red, but they sure did forge many unique memories on their journey through Little India. Some started their journey feasting on their dinner at Tekka Centre. There, they had the opportunity to understand more about Singapore’s hawker culture, with hawker stalls lined up near tables with tissue packets used to ‘chope’ seats. Tekka Centre also featured a wide array of Indian ethnic attire, each adorned with intricate details and a multitude of vibrant colours.
Meanwhile, students from the National Gifted Secondary School of Laos spent the early evening strolling past the many streetside stalls of Campbell Lane. Its soundscape remained quiet — save for the chirping of birds, passers-by on the phone and Student Programme Liaisons’ explanation of the significance of peacock feathers in Indian culture. A quick stop at RW Selmor Restaurant for pani puri and samosa chaat did not go unappreciated by the Laotians. One went “I love it” upon popping a puri shell into his mouth. They would soon set off on the next leg of their journey — towards Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple.
The next stop for the Tekka Centre diners? Exploring the streets of Little India! According to participants from India’s Padma Seshadri Bala Bhavan, the roads in Singapore were “much narrower”, and there was also much emphasis placed on “[less] traffic”. A few participants even noted that the “buildings [were] less dense but taller” and looked “very unique and good looking”, when compared to those in their home countries. Passing through the quaint streets of Little India, students complimented the island’s cleanliness and accessibility in transport.
For the students in The Royal Academy in Bhutan, they mentioned that there were “no trains in [Bhutan]”, and that experiencing Singapore’s Mass Rapid Transport (MRT) system felt like “something in the movies”. For them, it was experimenting with the “card system for trains” that made the MRT a novel sight. Although, having this transport system to get around to places was also fascinating for them to observe. Additionally, they pointed out that “Bhutan and India have a rich [shared] history” and that traversing through Little India was like “going back home because of the rich connection”.
Along the same path were the Laotians who were trekking across Serangoon Road, skirting rows upon rows of jewellery shops. At last, they were greeted with energetic drumming and lively brass. Their Student Programme Liaison, Kavya, explained to them some aspects of Hindu religious practice, one of which being the firewalking ritual in exchange for a wish being granted. As everyone admired the figures of deities adorning the temple, she pointed out the migrant workers of the nineteenth century who had built this place of worship for themselves. Their legacy would stand the test of time, surviving the destruction of the Second World War.
Before reaching their destination of Marina Bay Sands, however, they would first have to fill their bellies even further at Sakunthala’s Restaurant at 66 Race Course Road. Papadams, naan, dollops of biriyani and slices of murtabak were dished onto everyone’s plates. Team Laos had praise for the explosive flavours on the table! The pani puri was so good that they had to order another plate at the restaurant. The grand feast ended with drawn-out final bites and food scooped up reluctantly. Thereafter began the final leg of their journey.
At the end of every team’s exploration path around Little India, they somehow found a “warp pipe” to Marina Bay Sands! Yet now kilometres away from the bustling district, they were still drawn to the ethereal lights adorned on the Little India shophouses and the lasting memories they crafted.
Students ended the evening near the Merlion and Marina Bay Sands (MBS). Aside from enjoying the spectacular light and water show at MBS, students admired Singapore’s modern skyline glowing against the night sky. Towering office buildings, luxury hotels, and futuristic architecture starkly contrasted the heritage streets they had just explored earlier.
As the learning journey ended at the Sands Expo and Convention Centre, students recalled their most memorable moments of the day: from walking out of the presentation venue feeling accomplished, to tasting the hawker centre food, to visiting the Merlion.
“It’s been such a whirlwind, but a really fun, really exciting one,” commented a teacher.
From the challenge, to food, transport, architecture, and culture. We hope that Singapore has offered participants a melting pot of fresh perspectives and experiences, one that stirs tradition and modernity into a memory unforgettable.