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The Urban Redevelopment Authority and National Library Board are hosting an exhibition called "To Draw an Idea" at the URA Centre. The exhibition explores the designs of Singapore architectural firms, William Lim Associates and W Architects, and their impact on local buildings over the past four decades. The exhibition features projects such as the renovation of the Victoria Theatre and Victoria Concert Hall in 2010 and the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum. A book accompanying the exhibition has also been published, showcasing the firms' work through sketches, drawings, and historical artifacts. Additionally, a satellite exhibition called "Dare to Design: Singapore Architecture 1960s-2000s" will be held at the National Library Building, and a roving exhibition will travel to various public libraries. [Extracted from the article]

The Singapore Chin Woo (Athletic) Association, established in 1910, has a long-standing history of promoting Chinese martial arts and culture in Singapore. The association is renowned for its lion dance performances, which have become a symbol of the organization. In 2023, the association generously donated 150 items, including photographs and records, to the National Library. Notably, a record from 1946 highlights the association's plans for expanding its athletic field and the donations it received for this endeavor. The association's lion dance troupe has received accolades and invitations to perform at numerous events. [Extracted from the article]

This article from BiblioAsia explores the history and difficulties of climbing Mount Everest. It focuses on the first successful Singaporean expedition in 1998, led by David Lim. The article also mentions a recent incident in 2023 where a Singaporean climber went missing. It delves into the physical and health risks associated with climbing Everest, as well as the significance of weather conditions. The article concludes with information about David Lim's contributions to the National Library Board and an excerpt from his book detailing the Everest expedition. Overall, this text provides a comprehensive account of the 1998 climbing expedition, highlighting the challenges faced by the climbers and their ultimate success in reaching the summit. [Extracted from the article]

Joseph Conrad's visits to Singapore in the late 19th century had a significant impact on his writing, with approximately half of his works centered around this region. Conrad's time as a first mate on a ship that sailed from Singapore to Borneo served as inspiration for many of his novels and short stories. Through his vivid descriptions of the people, places, and events in the area, Conrad brings his fictional world to life. A plaque near the Fullerton Hotel, where he stayed during his visits, commemorates Conrad's time in Singapore. This text offers insight into Conrad's experiences in Singapore and the Malay Archipelago, where he spent time recovering from an accident and searching for a way back to England. Eventually, he joined the trading ship Vidar as first mate and embarked on multiple voyages to Borneo. Conrad's time in the region greatly influenced his writing, and his novels, such as "Almayer's Folly," played a role in shaping the public's perception of Singapore and the Malay Archipelago. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the use of multilingualism in Malayan literature during the 1950s. It explores how local vernacular and languages such as Chinese dialects and colloquial Malay were incorporated into Malayan literature. The article also highlights the debate between the Malayan-Chinese Literature School and the Overseas-Chinese Literature School, as well as the use of dialects and colloquial Malay in Chinese fiction. It discusses the EngMalChin literary movement, which aimed to create a distinct multilingual voice in Malayan writing by incorporating English, Malay, and Chinese. While EngMalChin did not gain widespread traction, its experimentation with multivocality influenced the development of a unique linguistic landscape in Malaya. [Extracted from the article]

The article provides a concise history of the Singapore Speedway, a dirt track racing venue that operated from April to June 1930. The Speedway was constructed at a cost of $40,000 and had a capacity of 5,000 spectators. The races featured riders from Singapore, Malaya, Thailand, and the Cocos Islands, and attracted media coverage and sponsorship from companies like Castrol. Despite initial success, the Speedway faced challenges such as the arrest of the race organizer and inclement weather, leading to its closure after just six races. The site was later replaced by the Sennett Estate, but the Singapore Speedway is still remembered today in the Mario Kart video game series. [Extracted from the article]

During the Japanese Occupation of Singapore from 1942 to 1945, local photographers faced challenges but still provided photographic services. Some prewar studios reopened and served military personnel and residents connected to the Japanese administration. However, there were shortages of supplies, forcing photographers to be creative. The studios also faced scrutiny from the Japanese military police. Despite these challenges, photographers documented events like weddings and provided identification photographs. Some photographers, like David Ng and Cai, produced propaganda photographs, including one of an American sergeant tied to a tree. After the war, Ng sold photographs of the surrender ceremony, while other photographers, like Lim Ming Joon and Chew Kong, continued their businesses. Chu Sui Mang's daughters still run Fee Fee House of Photographics today. [Extracted from the article]

This article explores Singapore's response to the hippie culture in the 1960s and 1970s, focusing on the ban on long hair for men. The government perceived the hippie culture as a threat and took measures to minimize its influence. The article discusses the connection between hippies and drug use, as well as the impact on musicians and foreign performers. The government implemented strict immigration policies and launched Operation Snip Snip to enforce the ban on long hair. The ban was justified as necessary for Singapore's survival. However, as hippie culture declined in popularity, the government gradually relaxed its crackdown and lifted restrictions on music. [Extracted from the article]

This article highlights several new books on Singapore history that cover a range of subjects, including Singapore musical theatre, the biography of Sir Charles Bullen Hugh Mitchell, the memoirs of a Singapore arts manager, the history of sport in Singapore, and the Nine Emperor Gods Festival in Singapore. The books provide valuable insights into various aspects of Singapore's cultural and historical development, offering diverse perspectives and shedding light on important periods and events in the country's history. [Extracted from the article]

The Salvation Army has a long history in Singapore, starting in 1935. Despite facing initial prejudice and hostility, the organization gradually gained recognition and support. They have been involved in religious and social work, including helping the unemployed during the Great Depression, operating homes for troubled youth, and assisting former prisoners in their reintegration into society. The Salvation Army relies on subsidies and donations to fund their activities and is well-known for their thrift stores and Christmas fundraising efforts. During the Japanese Occupation in 1942, their headquarters was taken over by Japanese troops, but they were able to protect themselves and their belongings with a written guarantee from General Yamashita. After the war, the Salvation Army played a crucial role in addressing social issues and continues to provide programs and services to the community today. [Extracted from the article]

The 1950s marked the emergence of Malay comic books in Singapore, with titles like "Tungga dan Piring Terbang" and "Helang Hitam" gaining popularity. These comics addressed themes of independence and anti-colonialism, critiquing Western norms and culture. Notable figures like Abdul Jalil Haji Nor and Nas Achnas, who were talented Malay writers and artists, were attracted to this new art form. The first Malay comic book, "Pusaka Datuk Moyang," was published in 1952, paving the way for future Malay comic books in Singapore. This text focuses on Nas Achnas and Geliga Press's involvement in the publishing of Malay comic books. Nas Achnas, primarily known as a filmmaker, contributed to publishing through his work in magazines and the creation of the comic series Tunggadewa. Geliga Press, founded by Syed Omar Abdul Rahman Alsagoff, published novels, storybooks, and magazines, and later ventured into comic book publishing. Geliga Press collaborated with various artists and writers, including Raja Hamzah and Nora Abdullah. The press played a significant role in the Malay comic book industry until its closure in the early 1960s. [Extracted from the article]

The 7th Southeast Asian Peninsular Games held in Singapore in 1973 was a significant event for the country as it was the first international sporting event hosted since gaining independence. Despite facing a muscle tear, swimmer Patricia Chan, known as Singapore's "Golden Girl," was a key athlete to watch. Singapore secured second place in the overall medal tally, winning 45 gold medals, 50 silver medals, and 45 bronze medals. The games showcased Singapore's ambition to become a leading sporting nation in the region and its ability to successfully host major international events. [Extracted from the article]