Singaporean artist Yip Yew Chong’s murals offer a vivid glimpse into the history and culture of Chinatown. His largest collection can be found on the walls of this historic district, depicting scenes from early immigrant life to modern-day Singapore.
One of his most impressive works is a 40-metre mural at the back of Thian Hock Keng temple on Amoy Street. It illustrates the journey of early Hokkien immigrants who settled in Telok Ayer and Amoy Street in the mid-1800s, and how their contributions shaped modern Singapore. The temple, completed in 1840, is the oldest in Singapore and worth a visit.
On Smith Street, a colourful mural features Detective Conan trying durian, the famously pungent tropical fruit. The artwork also showcases other Singaporean delicacies. Opposite the mural is Nanyang Old Coffee, a traditional kopitiam where visitors can try local breakfast favourites like kaya butter toast, chee cheong fun, or chwee kueh.
Another mural on Smith Street is based on Yip Yew Chong’s childhood memories of his first home in Sago Lane. It depicts his mother cooking, his siblings playing “aeroplane chess”, and his late grandmother sewing a patchwork blanket. The attention to detail brings the scenes to life.
Yip Yew Chong’s art can also be found in other parts of Singapore, including Kampong Glam, Tiong Bahru, Bras Basah, Little India, and Sentosa Island. In Kampong Glam, his mural shows a man making teh tarik, traditional Malay boats, and shophouses from the 1800s, reflecting the area’s multicultural history.
