Compared to Yishun or Tampines, Sengkang is a relatively new kid on the block. Its transformation only began in the late 90s. But despite being a late bloomer, Sengkang has become a fully-fledged and well-connected town.
Here’s a look back at how the PAP government transformed Sengkang into a vibrant centre of the Northeast.
Sengkang in colonial times
Undeveloped and rural, Sengkang was not much different from other parts of Singapore during the colonial era. Large swaths of land were used for agricultural activities, including rubber and pepper farms. Housing conditions were poor and typical of its time, consisting of attap houses dotted around kampongs.
However, what sets Sengkang apart is its proximity to our northeastern coastline. While the Singapore River is the main artery for trade, the Serangoon River that runs through Sengkang is also a historically vital waterway. Back then, traders would come by boat as far as Johore to ply their catch daily, creating a bustling fishing community.
The name Sengkang (盛港), which means “prosperous harbour” in Chinese, reflects this brisk trade that once took place. Similarly, its dialect moniker “Kangkar”, meaning “foot of the port”, also harks back to Sengkang’s origins as a fishing village.
Plans for a new town
Under the leadership of the PAP, Singapore developed at breakneck speed throughout the 1970s and 1980s. Self-contained new towns dominated by high-rise HDBs started popping up across the island, driven by a vision to build a modern state and improve the living conditions of Singaporeans.
Sengkang and parts of the Northeast might have escaped this first wave of urbanisation and retained its rural charm. But not for long. By the early 1990s, fishing villages and farms were cleared, making way for a brand-new housing estate.
With judicious planning, the Sengkang Light Rail Transit (LRT) system was built in tandem with the public housing projects. That has helped reduce the growing pains of limited transport options often associated with new towns.
In addition, planners have incorporated Sengkang’s unique riverine history into the new town. The station names of Sengkang’s LRT, for instance, are a nod to the area’s previous life as a fishing village.
Tongkang station is named after the bumboats commonly used to carry goods along the river. Kupang, or mussels in Malay, were among the staple catches for fishermen working in the nearby waters.
Over the next two decades, more housing developments, schools, parks, healthcare and recreational facilities have added to the rich tapestry of life in Sengkang.
Building a vibrant and caring community
Today, Sengkang is home to over 200,000 Singaporeans. As a new town, Sengkang was initially part of the Pasir Ris–Punggol, Hougang, and Ang Mo Kio constituencies. However, by 2020, it had become an official Group Representation Constituency (GRC).
Since then, PAP representatives of #TeamSengkang have continued tirelessly to engage with residents and build lasting relationships with them. From home visits to grassroots activities, the aim is to continue being a big tent party that unites Singaporeans from all walks of life.
Sengkang’s transformation from a fishing village to a thriving suburb is a testament to the PAP’s vision and tenacity. This determination and hard work is how we intend to make Sengkang a vibrant and caring home for all Singaporeans.
Photo Source: National Archives/ NLB/ Sengkang General Hospital/ Hougang NPC/ Lee Hsien Loong/ Dr Lam Pin Min/ Theodora Lai/ Marcus Loh/ Elmie Nekmat via Facebook