Hougang Heritage Trail showcases history of S’pore’s largest housing estate, brimming with firsts

• NHB’s 20th heritage trail comprises three thematic, self-guided routes
• The 18 sites on the trail showcase Hougang’s diverse communities and interesting history
• Companion guides are available at NHB museums, Aljunied-Hougang Town Council (Hougang Office) and Roots.sg

SINGAPORE — Hougang is known as a predominantly Teochew enclave, but it is also home to Singapore’s first McDonald’s in a housing estate, a gigantic rainbow mural and even a church that conducts mass in Korean.

These are just some little-known features of the area explored by the new Hougang Heritage Trail, which was launched on Thursday (Oct 29).

“We hope to encourage Singaporeans to explore their own backyards during this period of travel restrictions and rediscover local heritage delights,” said Mr Alvin Tan, deputy chief executive (policy and community) at the National Heritage Board (NHB).

“We chose Hougang because it’s the largest housing estate based on land area,” he added. “Through our research, we found out that it has a very interesting history.”

“It is a housing estate with many ‘firsts’,” he added, noting that Hougang was also the first housing estate to have a bowling alley and an all-entertainment complex.

The Hougang Heritage Trail comprises three thematic, self-guided routes: Landmarks of Hougang, Institutions of Service and Architectural Gems.

Each route takes between one hour and one hour 45 minutes to complete with public transport.

A DIVERSITY OF LANDMARKS

One significant site is Phoh Kiu Siang T’ng, a traditional charity organisation closely associated with the Teochews. It moved to Hougang in 1953 due to the concentration of Teochews living in the area, and now houses a temple and a free clinic.

Other Chinese clans also had a presence in Hougang. Serangoon Khiung Jai Co-Villagers Association, which served the Hainanese, even set up an opera troupe.

Tucked away in a corner of Hougang is the Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Built in 1853, it is the oldest place of worship in the area and was gazetted as a national monument in 2005. It is undergoing restoration works, which are expected to be completed in July 2021.

Though the churchgoers are primarily Hougang residents, Mr Bernard James Braberry, the parish administrator, said: “We have people who moved out, but still come back and serve in the parish.”

The church holds mass in Korean — about 400 Koreans attend mass there — as well as Teochew, English and Mandarin.

Ramakrishna Mission, a branch of the Ramakrishna Order, an India-based spiritual and welfare organisation, sits along Bartley Road. It houses a boys’ home, multi-purpose hall and a kindergarten.

The trail also features heritage businesses that have been around for generations. Stepping into Cheong Ann Watch Maker, which has been repairing and restoring clocks since 1947, is like going back in time in every sense.

Though he acknowledged that the market for antique clocks is niche, shop owner Mr David Lim, 60, said that more people are becoming interested in them.

“They want something unique, something different,” he said.

HELPING SINGAPOREANS REDISCOVER LOCAL HERITAGE

NHB’s Mr Tan said the aim was to give those using the trail the big picture of the area’s history but plenty of detail, too.

“We try to not only build a broad history of Hougang, we (also) try to tease out the interesting, little-known nuggets of information that we think Singaporeans will be interested in,” he said.

The trail boasts 28 community contributions by past and present residents, the highest number for any trail so far. The research team took about one year to compile the information.

“The first thing they say is ‘Teochew’,” said Ms Stefanie Tham, NHB senior manager (education and community outreach), when asked about the research process.

The residents did not bring up politics, despite the area’s reputation as an opposition stronghold, instead focusing on their everyday lived experiences, she added.

This trail is NHB’s 20th heritage trail. Mr Tan said there will be three new trails in 2021. One will be in Sembawang and the other is a second set of Harmony Walks, which explore Singapore’s religious and cultural harmony, located in the Telok Ayer area.

Although he declined to reveal information about the third trail, Mr Tan said that it would be “definitely exciting”.

The Hougang Heritage Trail companion guide and map can be downloaded from NHB’s heritage portal, Roots.sg. Hard copies will be available at NHB museums, the Aljunied-Hougang Town Council (Hougang Office), and the following community centres:

• Hougang Community Club

• Punggol Community Club

• Paya Lebar Kovan Community Club

• Serangoon Community Club

• Aljunied Community Centre

• Eunos Community Club

• Kaki Bukit Community Centre