The Hidden Histories Of Singapore’s HDB Flats | On The Red Dot | Full Episode

Behind their ordinary facades, these blocks are hiding storied histories - from VIP visits, to housing international athletes, to a secret subterranean shelter.

Block 53 Lor 5 Toa Payoh has played host to many dignitaries through the years, most notably Queen Elizabeth II on her first trip to Singapore in 1972. On the 50th anniversary of her majesty’s visit, residents who witnessed the historic event reminisce about the special day.

In 1973, Singapore hosted its first Southeast Asian Peninsula Games. Toa Payoh was turned into the Games Village, and the four point blocks of 175, 179, 191 and 193 were used to house athletes from all over the region.

A U-Shaped block in Tiong Bahru has 3 different names – 78 Moh Guan Terrace, 78 Guan Chuan Street and 78 Yong Siak Street. This caused much confusion over the years, as delivery people and taxi drivers get the addresses mixed up. Residents recount the stories of living in this quirky block and visit a hidden location right under their feet.

0:00 Introduction
0:38 The block visited by Queen Elizabeth II: 53 Lor 5 Toa Payoh
8:43 The blocks built for SEAP Games: Toa Payoh
14:25 The block with 3 addresses: Tiong Bahru

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About On The Red Dot: CNA's weekly programme documents the stories of ordinary Singaporeans and celebrates their resilience, identity and sense of belonging.
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[dvilman]

I missed the children playgrounds of the 70s n 80's where the slides, swings and see-saws were built on actual sand pits. You can play marbles on the sand and probably build a small sand castle. Bloody nostalgic. Not sure if these vintage playgrounds still exist.

[antoniosurasak]

I was there too, among the crowd as a little boy, when the Queen visited Block 53. Still remember the sand-pitched play ground. I was staying in Block 58 then and watched the development of TPY central, especially the tree which I heard cannot be chopped off and is retained when the small temple resides now!
I also remember those point blocks which hosted the athletics for the SEAP games in 1973!
Cannot bear to leave TPY, thus I am still staying in TPY!

[koalatheworld]

Interesting video! I hope Mr Kannan Arumugam continues to run. He is such an inspiration.

[bursegsardaukar]

The Toa Payoh flat seems to have a whole new meaning today.

[TIBKProductions]

They should have a memorial to the Queen at the block. She literally was the grandmother of the modern world.

[johnwig]

What a coincidence of the timing of this video

[lalakuma]

It's so funny that the Queen visited and he's like "they wore shoes in the house" 😂😂

[mastersingleton]

Singaporeans must realize how lucky you are; and all Singaporean must protect and preserve your national sovereignty, national identity, unique culture, heritage, and language mix at all cost no matter how hard it is.

[raykenley]

I love Singapore housing.Clean, tidy, spacious, full of life and not over crowded.
Put many current European social housing in shame.

[wormsblink]

RIP to the queen. We should conserve these buildings for historical sake.

[AbbySofea-ic]

So sad that ms Elizabeth passed away, thanks for visiting Singapore ms Elizabeth 😢

[simonsimon]

She is the 'Mother of the free' in the land of hope and glory. "God Save The Queen!"

[SuccessforLifester]

Once HDB sent out gangsters to my unit and forcibly removed the bricks used to make my mothers planting racks higher. They threw the bricks downstairs as I lived in second floor. I think the operation was in reaction of children climbing rack and falling to their death. It was a period when children thought they could be Ultraman or Superman

[eirugsiongriffiths]

I would have been one and a half years old. Born in Singapore Gleneagles Hospital, my cousin and her family still live there.

[angeluscorpius]

@5:43 Of course we wouldn't ask the Queen to take off her shoes! Shouldn't we? That would have been... interesting. :-)

[ShadowRap-yl]

Now those hdb in good/mature locations generate the best value even if they are old!

[dexterhuang]

Yes we should conserve Queen's blk!

[Wongwanchungwongjumbo]

Her Majesty, Late Queen Elizabeth 2nd Last State Visit to Singapore 🇸🇬 was in 2006.

[lailimohd]

Yes3. That time i was 12 yrs old. I stay at circuit road. Blk 50. Aljunied pri sch.

[ditttotototo]

anyone else heard johnny sins before the words came out 2:35