Introduction

The arts scene in Singapore was not vibrant until recent years. It is, however, an emerging cultural centre of the arts in Asia. With the multi-racial and cosmopolitan society in Singapore, we are often associated with both the Eastern and Western cultures, often identified as ‘the gateway between the East and the West’. In 2003, the ‘Esplanade’ was officially opened, acting as a platform for many different arts-related performances, musicals and concerts. Also, the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA) and the LASELLE College of the Arts have been avid supporter of the local arts and culture scene by nurturing young talents in this aspect. They offer full-time diploma and degree programmes which help foster our youths who are interested and well-versed in this area.

Singapore also has a unique culture and heritage, albeit the little history we have. With only 45 years of independence on our back, Singapore is seen as a relatively young country. However, our culture does not necessarily pale in comparison to other countries. Because of our multi-racial and multi-ethnic society, our culture has had a variation in influences which makes it unique to Singapore. This is something that is rare in other countries such as Malaysia or China. Both visitors and locals get exposure to many different aspects of our culture which includes cuisine, language, traditions and practices and traditional clothing, just to name a few.

In the following posts, our authors will talk and elaborate more on the various aspects of the arts, culture and heritage of Singapore, which will hopefully be an eye-opener for our readers as well as us.

Read more »

Culture of singapore

Singapore is a multi ethnic country and it is very common to see people of different ethnic groups interacting with each other. The immigrants of the past includes Malay, Chinese, Indian and Europeans. Every culture has its own unique character. Since we have so many different culture in Singapore, it is very important for us to live racial harmonically to avoid racial riots and we do that by respecting each other's culture. In Singapore education system, we are required to learn English and our mother tongue so that we can communicate with other ethnic groups using English and at the same time not lose touch with our own culture. Singlish, as one of Singapore's unique cultural aspect, is widely used by Singaporeans in daily lives.
It is the mixture of English with Malay and chinese words.

Due to the different ethnic groups, Singaporeans celebrate festival of special significance throughout the year.
Chinese normally celebrates Chinese New Year, Chinese Valentine's Day, Qing Ming Festival, Dragon Boat Festival, Hungry Ghost Festival and Mooncake Festival.
Malays celebrates Hari Raya Puasa and Hari Raja Haji.
Indians celebrates Thaipusam, Deepavali and Vesak Day.
Europeans celebrates New Year, Easter, Labor Day and Christmas.
However some Singaporean celebrates festival of other cultures too. For example, during Chinese new year, some Chinese will invite people of other ethnic race to celebrate with them and most Singaporeans also celebrate Christmas.


Although Singapore is a small country, We believe that our culture will slowly get richer and richer as time passes.

In our next post, we will talk about the different traditional clothes, cuisines and tradition of different ethnic groups.

Read more »

Traditional Costumes

In this post, we will be touching on the traditional costumes of each ethnic race. Every ethnic group has their own traditional costumes, unique cuisines and tradition.

For the Chinese, female’s traditional dress is called a cheongsam, also known as qipao. The modern version is usually tight-fitting to the person who wears it and meant to be stylish and fashionable. It was created in the 1920s in Shanghai and gained its popularity then through the rich and famous people.

For the males, their traditional costume is called a changsan, also known as changpao. It was the formal dress for Chinese men before suits were introduced to the Chinese.

For the Malay, the female’s traditional costume is called a Kebaya. It is a blouse and dress combination worn by the females. Its inspiration came from Arab region’s clothing.

For the males, their traditional outfit is called Baju Melayu. It is a combinations of a long sleeved shirt with raised stiff collars and trousers. It is usually made of silk too.

For the Indians, female’s traditional clothing is called a Sari. The most commonly seen style is with the sari wrapped around the waist with one end over the shoulder. They are usually colourful and unique.

For the males, their traditional costume is called lungi which is a rectangle cloth draped around the waist and tucked in front of the groin area.

All these different ethnic group’s traditional costumes possess their own uniqueness and come together to form part of Singapore’s culture. In the next post, we will be covering unique cuisines and traditions that made up Singapore’s culture.

Read more »

Cuisines & Traditions

In this post, we will be bringing you some of the cuisines from the different ethnic groups in Singapore that help to create her food culture. We will also touch on the traditions customs present here in Singapore.

From the Chinese cuisines, we have Hainanese Chicken Rice, Ba Kuh Teh, Hokkien Mee. (Pictures are in respective order as mentioned)

From the Malay Muslim cuisines, we have Mee Siam, Nasi Lemak, Nasi Briyani, Goreng Pisang.(Pictures are in respective order as mentioned)

From the Indian Muslim cuisines, we have Roti Prata, Murtabak and Chicken Tekka.(Pictures are in respective order as mentioned)

From the Indian Vegetarian cuisines, we have Thosai, Banana Leaf Rice set, Naan.(Pictures are in respective order as mentioned)

From the Western cuisines, we have Chicken Chop, Beef Steak and Burgers.(Pictures are in respective order as mentioned)

Now, we will move into the common traditions and customs in Singapore.

In Singapore, certain local customs and traditions are likely to present the business card with both hands and avoid the colour black, which is an inauspicious colour for the Chinese people. The customs in Singapore are generally not adapted to handshakes as greetings, but in other forms such as bowing, salaaming, saluting and so on. Another popular custom in Singapore is that the people here enter their homes barefoot and shoes are removed outside the house as a sign of respect.

All these little traditions and customs are carried down through different ethnic groups and through the years, which had now become a common Singapore tradition which all Singaporeans do.

Concluding on this post, we would like to share a quote with you! “When in Rome, do what the Romans do!” In the next post, we will be covering the Heritage of Singapore.

Read more »

Malay Heritage

In this post, we will be introducing you to the heritage of the Malay culture in Singapore; you may choose to visit the Kampong Glam, a conserved heritage site, and the Malay Heritage Museum to capture the life of the Malays in Singapore.

Kampong Glam
Kampong Glam is a historic place that is rich in Singaporean Malays heritage and culture and it was once a seat of the former Malay royalty in Singapore. The streets in Kampong Glam are surrounded by many conserved architecture, such as the Masjid Sultan (Sultan Mosque) and the shop houses.
Masjid Sultan is a one of Singapore’s most remarkable religious building that can hold up to 5,00 worshippers supported by its base that is formed by glass bottles and sheltered by its massive golden dome. Situated at Muscat Street, Sultan Mosque is a must-see landmark in Kampong Glam.
A lane of preserved shop houses can be found along the Bussorah Street, Arab Street and Baghdad Street. Many of these shop houses caters to the need of the Muslim community; selling Malay artefacts such as scarves and perfumes, traditional business such as textile and carpet shops, and unique eateries. You will be able to find the Kabaya and Baju Melayu (as mentioned in the previous post) at one of these shop houses.
The best time to make a trip to Kampong Glam is during the fasting month of Ramadhan when many Muslims would celebrate this joyous festival with cultural performances and bazaars of Malay cuisines.




Malay Heritage Centre
The Malay Heritage Centre is established at Istana Kampong Gelam, which was a former Malay palace in Singapore before the restoration in 2001 takes place. It is located near the Masjid Sultan.
It has 9 galleries showcasing the roots, history and material culture of the Singapore Malays. It also displays the works of Malay artists who had gained international recognition and the life of the present Malays as part of Singapore’s multi-cultural society.



This place is surrounded by Gelam trees, which are raw material to construct boat in the past.

Read more »

Indian Heriage

Singapore's Little India is a place like no other. You are assured to experience a unique blend of Singapore culture and indian culture brought along by our indian forefathers.

The aromatic fragrance of the spices and blooms carried throughout the entire place is Little India's trademark. Many stores from the olden-days can still be found by it's roadsides, alleys and back lanes that add in to the beauty of Little India. For example, you are still able to find vendors selling garlands of jasmine or kachang puteh (roasted peanuts) on pushcarts, street side newspaper seller and fortune-tellers with their parrots.

You can find stalls selling Ayurvedic massage oils, gold, incense and fabrics in a variety of textures at the inner lanes. For example at Campbell Lane, Dunlop Street and Hindon Road. If you are interested in the religion of the India's you can visit the Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple, which means 'Kali the Courageous', that is filled with colourful and realistic statues and paintings. It is a Hindu temple dedicated to the goddess Kali.

We all know Singapore is a food paradise so you can definitely find some of the Indian's delicacy at Little India. There are restaurants where you can find spicy classic South Indian food. Some of the restaurants that you can visit are Komala Villas and Muthu’s Curry. If you are looking for more local Indian food you can go to Tekka Market and Food Centre for roti prata (dough flat bread) and thosai (Indian-styled pancakes).

You can end your trip with a shopping spree at the Mustafa Centre. It is an all-night 24hr emporium that sells decorative items, foodstuff, Indian spices, apparel and textiles, and more at low prices.

Read more »

Chinese Heritage

In this post we will be introducing to you the heritage of Chinese culture in Singapore. The most ideal place to experience this rich culture will be Chinatown.

Chinatown, also known as牛车水 in Chinese and Kreta Ayer in Malay, is a famous attraction in Singapore and the shop houses are also show the distinct features of Chinese culture art and heritage. The shop houses are mainly two or three storey high; families usually conduct business at first storey and make use of the second and third storey for accommodation.

Chinatown is divided according to different dialect groups. Such as the hokkiens are mainly at Havelock Road, Telok Ayer Street and China Street, while the Teowchew will associated with Circular Road, River Valley Road and Boat Quay. Cantonese are in South Bridge Road, Upper Cross Street and Bukit Pasoh Road. However, nowadays the Cantonese are the dominant group in Chinatown as the Hokkiens and Teowchews are mostly scattered to other parts of Singapore.

In Chinatown you can find Chinese handicrafts, antiques, traditional clothing, home accessories and even Chinese medicine. The products are usually cheap and wide- range. You also can enjoy the Chinese cuisine at the restaurants or hawker centers such as Chinatown Complex; it is one of the largest hawker centers in Singapore with more than 200 stalls or maxwell Centre at 2 Murray St which is open 24 hour.

To go Chinatown, you can take North-East MRT to Chinatown MRT station or take public buses. However, Chinatown will be crowded during Chinese festivals such as Chinese New Year as Chinese will go there celebrate and enjoy the performance.

Read more »