Who Are We? is a hosted series that follows our host on a journey to find out how different ethnic groups preserve their traditions as she attempts to make sense of her cultural identity in modern day Singapore. For many who belong to minority communities, their heritage has been kept alive through food, music and traditional customs. Without which, who would they be?
In each episode, the host learns about the challenges in keeping such cultural practices alive as she picks up a traditional skill from the craftsmen who fight toe and nail to keep them alive. Through her journey, she learns the relevance of such practices even in modern day Singapore and relates to her experiences identifying with her own culture.
Episode 1: Fishing with the last indigenous descendants of Singapore’s Semakau island
Before Semakau became a landfill, it used to be an island where the aboriginal people, Orang Lauts, called home. In this episode, Amrit searches for the remaining descendants of Orang Lauts, Firdaus and his family, who had to relocate to the Singapore mainland in the 1970s. Host Amrit sails out to sea on a night fishing trip with the family to catch squids to make Sotong Hitam, one of Orang Laut’s traditional dishes. She learns about how the family continues to preserve the spirit of the sea or “Jiwa Laut” even after leaving the island for 50 years.
About Orang Laut SG
Orang Laut SG aims to reclaim the narratives of Singapore’s southern islands, such as Pulau Semakau – through personal anecdotes, beliefs, folklore and traditions of its former islanders. Its cultural preservation efforts include documenting oral histories and the introduction of Orang Laut cuisine in Singapore.
Episode 2: Reviving a 184-year-old traditional British dish within the family
Host Amrit follows Christine, a 5th generation Moss, and Steven, her son, on a journey of preparing Shepherd’s Pie (or any other dish to replace), a traditional British recipe. To reconnect with her British identity since her forefathers stepped ashore 180 years ago, Christine learnt how to make Shepherd’s Pie using localised ingredients so that future generations, like Steven, will stay connected to both their Eurasian and Asian roots. Amrit also learns about the complexity behind the Eurasian identity as well as the challenges behind passing down these family recipes.
About Eurasian Association
The Eurasian Association (EA) has a long history of serving the interests of the Eurasian community in Singapore since its inception in 1919. It aims to continue preserving and spreading awareness of the unique Eurasian heritage and traditions in Singapore.
Episode 3: Day with the oldest frame-makers of Singapore
Host Amrit visits Mr Yoosuf, a 2nd generation frame maker, and learns about how the Indian-Muslim community came to dominate the frame industry in Singapore. Mr Yoosuf teaches Amrit about how a humble piece of Jelutong wood is transformed into a precious piece of furniture used by various religions. Amrit tries her hand at making an ‘instant’ frame, does a round of delivery, installation and spends the day hanging out with Singapore’s tight-knit community of frame-makers.
About Nagore Dargah Indian Muslim Heritage Centre
The Nagore Dargah Indian Muslim Heritage Centre documents the history of Indian Muslims and their many contributions to Singapore. The Centre currently occupies the site of the historic Former Nagore Dargah, a memorial shrine commemorating the Tamil Sufi preacher-saint Shahul Hamid, erected by Chulia pioneers from the Coromandel Coast in southern India.
Episode 4: The 14-year-old Indian girl pursuing her interest in ancient Chinese music
Nanyin (南音) is a music genre which originated as court music during the Han Dynasty in China, more than 2,000 years ago. The style of music subsequently took root in the South province of Fujian in China. How did such an ancient form of Chinese music pique the interest of a 14-year-old girl of a different race? Host Amrit meets up with Nadya, learning alongside her to see what a typical day of practice is like, the religious and cultural significance behind the performances and how it evolves to remain relevant today. At the end of the practice, Amrit is given the opportunity to participate in a simple performance.
About Si
ong Leng Musical Association
Established in 1941, Siong Leng Musical Association has pursued their mission of preserving nanyin in Singapore by actively training and nurturing younger generations of nanyin practitioners, including through its apprenticeship programme.
