Singapore is a nexus of the traditional and the trendy. No place embodies that better than Kampong Gelam.
As part of our Flip Town launch festival, we’re celebrating those who are flipping the narrative on culture and giving our oldest district its timeless vibrancy.
We’ve flown in renowned Seoul-based photo studio Sihyunhada to illuminate their stories in vivid detail. Take a look at this Singapore-Korea collaboration below.
Oniatta Effendi
Cultural Entrepreneur, Baju by Oniatta and Galeri Tokokita
Oniatta's love for batik-making led her to collaborate with craftsmen from Indonesia and Malaysia, to create unique ‘Baju by Oniatta’ designs.
These, along with a vast library of titles dedicated to the cultural heritage, can be found at Galeri Tokokita. Her work has been celebrated in Paris and Busan,
and renowned artist Yip Yew Chong even consulted her for his Kampong Gelam mural—by which you can find her sipping teh tarik.
Meera Balasubramanian
Artistic Director of Kalpavriksha Fine Arts
Kampong Gelam has always had the arts in its pulse. Meera recognised that and didn’t hesitate to set up her dance studio there, fitting right in amidst the batik prints, colour, diversity and vibrancy. “Arts bring communities together and when cultures cross, there is added colour and depth.”, she believes.
The Gentlemen’s Society
Can a traditional area be home to something cutting edge? The Gentlemen’s Society thought so and set up shop in 2015, blending modern grooming techniques with a personal touch, complete with a signature green facade. “The barbershop is where people gather. It is an audio library of what Kampong Gelam was and is today”, says the founder.
Irene Chua
3rd Generation Owner of Ming Sing Flowers
Her family started out selling toys in Kampong Gelam before switching to artificial flowers and decorations. The family business is still thriving with new management in Irene, who loves Kampong Gelam and its sense of community. “Everyone says ‘hello’ to each other and every shop owner is always recommending a neighbour’s products and services.”
Siraj Aziz & Nasyirah Parveen
Founders of Mahmud’s Tandoor
Siraj and Syirah’s roots in Kampong Gelam can be traced back to their time spent as youths, hanging out in the area. Today, Kampong Gelam is their ‘second home’ where they are pursuing a shared dream (Mahmud’s Tandoor), hoping to draw the younger generation and their business ideas to Kampong Gelam. Like their newborn, Zoeya, some day in the future.
Alice Teo
2nd Generation Owner of Teng Joo Textiles
To this day, it astonishes Alice that the same customers her father attended to in the 70s, shop with her. Of course, they’d become friends now. “People would fly in to buy the famed fabrics of Kampong Gelam back in the day. They still come today, but mixed in with them are Millennials and Gen Zs who are into retro chic. Style is beyond vanity, after all.”, Alice says.
Faiz, Hafiz & Muzamil
Fibres Friction
Vintage or thrifted clothes get a new lease on life in the hands of Faiz, Hafiz and Muzamil. “Kampong Gelam has a rich history of textile and fabrics but was not drawing in the Youth. Today it has us and more than 6 other stores selling vintage clothing. Along with cafes and novelty shops, we hope to do our part in bringing back the vibe and buzz.”, say the threaded trio.
Johari Kazura
3rd Generation Perfumer, Sifr Aromatics
If Kampong Gelam was a scent, it would be rich and exotic with undertones of old books and linen, says Johari who grew up with Sultan Mosque right outside his bedroom window. “A smell can take you back to a moment and I hope the uniqueness of Kampong Gelam is always conjured by a scent — apt given the area’s history with spices, textiles and literature.”, he says.
Dewi Imelda ‘Mel’ Wadhwa
Founder of All Things Delicious
Hailed from a diamond-cutter grandfather on Baghdad Street and a grandpa who opened one of the earliest Nasi Padang shops in Singapore along Arab Street, Mel believes in honouring the heritage businesses of Kampong Gelam. “As a newcomer, I feel that it’s my responsibility”, Mel says. That’s why she sources material from her neighbours to keep All Thing Delicious.
Haji A. Rahman A. Hamid
Volunteer at Masjid Sultan
Haji A. Rahman’s grandfather was one of its original trustees of Sultan Mosque, where he volunteers today. He helps with meal preparations and enjoys cooking for the thousands of devotees. He believes it brings the community together. His reward? He has met many prominent members of the Islamic community, like Singapore’s former president Halimah Yacob.
About Sihyunhada
They say a picture is worth a thousand words. A portrait by Sihyunhada, on the other hand, is likely to leave you speechless.
Often referred to as specialists, colourists even artists, Sihyunhada are a photo collective who take profile photography to the next level with their distinctive touch.
So much so their studio in Seoul is fast becoming a must-stop for visitors (many from Singapore).
View their contemporary aesthetics in our Faces of
Kampong Gelam series today.
