CONSERVATION OF THE LAST KAMPUNG OF SINGAPORE

Abstract

Since independence in 1965, urban renewal and redevelopment have taken precedence over urban conservation as the means by which to propel Singapore towards 'growth and progress, providing not only environmental improvement, but also better employment and investment opportunities'. The rapid urbanization of Singapore has caused much of the old Singapore's landscape to be demolished for redevelopment. As such, Singapore has been criticized for obliterating its own inherent identity of unique history and multi-cultural heritage. Even so, the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) has done little to preserve any remaining authentic kampungs in today's urbanized and technology-based Singapore. Along with the disappearance of kampungs, some of the kampung values like community spirit, neighbourhood kinship, friendship, thrift and creativity are also very quickly forgotten. Moreover, the rustic kampung scenes with zinc houses, coconut trees and rubber plantations are rarely in sight. Therefore, this study seeks to determine the role of the kampung in the modern society with regards to whether the younger generations are aware of the significance of kampungs and the importance of a real life kampung environment as well as the likely impact kampungs might have in a modern and urbanized society like Singapore.