Few people expect to find heritage businesses in fast-paced, modern Singapore. But there are some which date back more than 100 years.
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Kampong Glam was once the home of Malay royalty (Really! Details below.) Today, it has become one of Singapore’s most colourful districts, where cultural buildings stand alongside trendy stores, and age-old eateries remain busy along streets lined with vibrant street art. You probably know your way around famous hipster hangout Haji Lane like the back of your hand, but did.
Haberdashery
Image credit: Cassandra Nerva
Unknowingly, we’ve all definitely worn clothes with materials supplied by this company before:
Sin Hin Chuan Kee is the #1 distributor of thread and assorted accessories in Singapore, and guess what – they distribute to local school uniform manufacturers. Even if we’ve never stepped into its doors before, one would’ve at least noticed the shop, as its bright yellow exterior is certainly hard to miss.
Image credit: National Heritage Board
Having opened their doors in the
1960s, the name “Chuan Kee” pays homage to Ng Koon Teng, the founder’s hometown in Quanzhou, China. Initially calling Clyde Street their home, this street ceased to exist after the area underwent redevelopment in the 1970s.