Stephen Dobbs - The Singapore River: A Social History, 1819-2002

THE SINGAPORE RIVER

To

Normah, Omar, Rasidah and Rafie

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(Showing extent of development)

(Showing extent of development)

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T HIS book has been a work in progress for more than a decade. Just as the Singapore River continues to evolve so has this study. It was made possible in the first instance by the grant of a Scholarship from Murdoch University. A years fieldwork in Singapore was funded by an Australian Vice-Chancellors Committee Award. Thanks is also due to the School of Social and Cultural Studies, at the University of Western Australia, for making available travel funds in February 2002 to enable me to visit Singapore and conduct further research toward concluding this study.

Initial field work for this study was carried out between 1993 and 1994 and I extend my thanks to the Institute of Southeast Asian Studies in Singapore for their support during this time. The free office space they provided and general support in arranging visas and the like were invaluable aids in getting started on the project. Three individuals at the institute who offered friendship and support for the study deserve special mention, Patricia Lim, Diana Wong and Yao Souchou. A similar thanks goes out to a number of people who assisted me at the Singapore National Archive and Oral History Department. In particular Tan Beng Luan and Daniel Chew who made time to discuss with me various issues relative to the sources when asked. Also, David Chng for extending his friendship and opening his door at the archive to me. A special thanks is also extended to Iskander Mydin at the National Museum. Through his help I was able to gain access to materials which otherwise would have been overlooked.

There are many other individuals who have given me support and I mention only a few here. Firstly, Hau Boon Lai for assisting me to retrieve relevant material from Oral History Department interviews. Also, lighter owners Chang Ham Chwee and Ow Chin Seng, for making themselves available for exhaustive questioning and providing access to staff for similar encounters. Particular thanks is extended to Ng Hwee Poh, English Secretary for the Lighter Owners Association, for his efforts in helping me to conduct interviews, often outside of his normal working hours. I thank too C. P. Wong and Ong Ah Cheng for their help and assistance especially, with respect to working conditions for lightermen and the role played by the Transport Vessel Workers Association. A special thank you goes to Lee Kip Lin for allowing me access to his collection of historical records and photographs, a remarkable private effort which rivals that of the National Archive. Also, Professor James Warren for his unwavering support of this project over the years as well as his thoughtful and constructive commentary on all aspects of the study. A special thanks is owed to Dr Carolyn Brewer for her comments, editing skills and most importantly friendship throughout this process.

Finally, I extend my thanks and gratitude to my family. To my partner, Normah, for financial and moral support especially at those moments when it all seemed exceptionally difficult, and to our children, Omar, Rasidah and Rafie who have grown up with this project and wonder if school ever comes to an end.