Life and Death in Singapore

Kampong to High-Rise

The transformation from kampong living to high-rise public housing in Singapore was a monumental shift driven by necessity and ambition. After gaining independence, Singapore faced the challenge of rehousing its population from makeshift homes to modern apartments due to limited land space. Roman Mars explains that the Housing and Development Board (HDB) was formed in 1960, and within five years, it had already housed 400,000 people 1. This rapid development was achieved by building vertically, with some public housing reaching 50 stories high, making them the tallest in the world 2.

The people of Singapore demand high standards of their governments, and they are prepared to work hard and are capable of high skills. For them, the sky is the limit.

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Despite the drastic change, many residents appreciated the improved living conditions, such as having private bathrooms and kitchens, even if they missed the close-knit kampong spirit 2.

   

Community Adjustments

Adjusting to high-rise living involved significant cultural and social shifts for Singapore's communities. Building on former graveyards, like Paeksantang, disrupted traditional ways of life, as these sites were integral to community rituals and gatherings 3. Katie Thornton shares that these cemeteries were not just resting places for the dead but vibrant community hubs where people gathered for meals and social activities 3.

So after all the prayers are said and done, we have a lovely meal of roast pork, roast duck and so on. It was a wonderful event.

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In some cases, entire villages existed within these graveyards, with residents living among the tombstones and maintaining a self-sufficient lifestyle 4. This unique coexistence of life and death highlights the deep cultural ties and adaptability of Singapore's people.