Elsie Koh and Emma
My Singapore Story
Elsie Koh:
Memories
In the 1940s - my sweet memories were about the
There were mainly occupied by British foreigners. They hired Amahs, drivers, cooks, gardeners, and attendants. I leave in the same neighborhood. My siblings and I are good friends with their children. We play together they used to share with us their British cookies and biscuits.
Home With Big Family
I have a big family, 3 extended generations living in a 3-Storey Pre-war. I could remember, from the outside, there were long slabs of granite "5 foot-way" whereby we could laze after dinner. Upon entering the main hall, where we host our guests — they will be greeted with antique marble tables and chairs. One hall leads to another, the huge dining hall, and of course a big kitchen. There is also a spiral staircase leading to the 2nd and 3rd levels.
School Days
Those days, normally girls have the least privileged to go to school. I was the fortunate one. I was taken to school by a regular trishaw uncle. With grandparents around, my family was very conservative. Eg: I wore a skirt to school. When home, must be in long pants and a blouse. Regardless, we were very well disciplined.
Riots In Singapore
The 1964 race riots in Singapore between the Malays and Chinese left in me a deep impression. The aftermath, and with our then, Mr Lee Kuan Yew, brought Singapore to where we are today, whereby we embrace each other's Race, Language, and Religion. Proud to be a citizen of Singapore, we get to celebrate multi-racial festivals in harmony.
Singapore 1st National Day Parade 1966
I was working then as a Nurse. I witnessed our first National Day Parade. It was a rainy day. My siblings and family went to then "Victoria Memorial Clock Tower" with our umbrellas. We were all drenched. We enjoyed the performances. We were very happy and proud.
Emma:
Hi everyone! I am Emma and I’m 9 years old. I have a younger brother, Euen, and though he sometimes can be slightly cheeky, he brings me lots of laughter. He is my BEST playmate.
I go to an all-girls school called CHIJ Kellock. I enjoy school, especially PE. I just dislike having to wake up early. I think I am lucky to be able to go to school and have opportunities to learn and discover what I am good at.
My neighbourhood is full of places for me to play and explore. I always cycle downstairs with my brother. Mummy takes me around the neighbourhood too! We would visit the old shops to buy cakes or just to watch the birds.
Mummy believes in letting Euen and me experience different things when growing up. She would take us to different parts of Singapore to explore and have fun. We have visited many places. I’m glad that I’m born in Singapore. This is a BEAUTIFUL place to live in.
I always believe in reaching for the moon, so even if we fail, we land among the stars. It is important to give our best in whatever we do. Only then can we be proud of ourselves and our achievements.
