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The old Ford Motor Factory building has its place in time because it was here on 15 February 1942 that Lt.-Gen. A. E. Percival, Commander of the British Forces in Singapore, surrendered to the Japanese Army. On 16 February 1942, Singapore was renamed Syonan-To (Light of the South), which ushered in three years and eight months of Japanese rule in Singapore.
The National Archives of Singapore, an institution of the National Heritage Board, has restored this gazetted national monument and now unveils Memories at Old Ford Factory, a permanent gallery featuring the exhibition ‘Syonan Years: Singapore Under Japanese Rule, 1942-1945’. Memories at Old Ford Factory was officially opened by the Minister for Defence Mr Teo Chee Hean on 16 February 2006.
Re-open the doors and awaken the many memories which have been tied to this art deco-styled building. Journey with the many faces who lend a voice to these bittersweet but important memories which are lessons for the future.
The exhibition, ‘Syonan Years: Singapore Under Japanese Rule, 1942-1945’ is the main highlight of the visit. Learn about the background of World War II in Malaya and how people lived during the Occupation. At the end, come away with the lessons learnt from one of the greatest conflicts of the twentieth century.
After walking up the historic surrender pathway - hailed as the “ceremonial route that the British Forces took on the day of the surrender” - to the main building, visitors will enter the exhibition gallery through a tunnel, which gives them a sense of the anxiety the people experienced during the days leading up to the British surrender.
Begin the journey to the many memories at the historic Board Room where the signing of the surrender took place on 15 February 1942. Go back in time and imagine what it would have been like to be with Lt.-Gen. Percival and Lt.-Gen. Yamashita Tomoyuki, Commander of the Japanese 25th Army. This is also the first stop to the rest of the exhibition.
Spend time to ponder the many stories of the people who lived in Syonan-To. Share their many experiences and memories. Many of these archival photographs, oral history interviews, maps and artefacts from the National Archives of Singapore are being showcased for the first time.
‘History in Numbers’ Game
Located in the Lobby, this game based on facts about the Japanese Occupation takes its inspiration from the game of ‘Tic-Tac-Toe’. Use the clues within the exhibition to help you.
Documentaries on the Japanese Occupation
Situated on the mezzanine floor is an AV theatre that can seat 76 people. Specially produced documentaries will be rotated all year round to show various aspects of the Japanese Occupation.
Granite Carving
On the grounds sit a granite stone inscribed with a Tang dynasty verse entitled ‘Taking History as a Lesson’, which was specially calligraphed by Mr Choo Thiam Siew, President of the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA). Ponder on the words:
‘With a bronze mirror, one can see whether he is properly attired
With history as a mirror, one can understand the rise and fall of a nation
With men as a mirror, one can see whether he is right or wrong’
-from the Zhenguan Zhengyao
‘He Ping’ Sculpture
Be inspired by the calligraphic sculpture by award-winning local artist, Mr Chua Boon Kee. Entitled ‘He Ping’ or Peace, it signifies the relief and calm which the end of war brings.
Wartime Garden
The garden plot behind the old main wing has been dedicated to wartime crops. Sugarcane, tapioca, oil palm, vegetables and rice padi are some of the crops which visitors can find on site. These crops are watered by a new rain water harvesting system, to replicate what the residents of the settlements of Endau and Bahau might have used to water their crops back during the Occupation years...
Address:
351 Upper Bukit Timah Road Singapore 588192
Opening Hours:
Mondays - Fridays 9:00am - 5:30pm
Saturdays 9:00am - 1:30pm
Closed on Sundays for regular estate and M&E maintenance, including Public Holidays that fall on Sundays
Admission Charges:
Free admission to Memories at Old Ford Factory for its first year of opening ended on 17 February 2007.
Individual Admission
 Adult: S$3.00
Student Pass Holder & Senior Citizen (55 years & above): S$2.50
Group Admission (20 people & above)
Adult: S$2.50
Student Pass Holder & Senior Citizen (55 years & above): S$2.00
Family Admission (Admits 5, Max. 2 adults):
S$8.00
Season Pass (unlimited admission to Memories for 1 year)
Adult: S$15.00
Student Pass Holder & Senior Citizen (55 years & above): S$12.00
Family Admission (Admits 5, Max. 2 adults): S$40.00
Admission is inclusive of entry to our AV Theatre and viewing of the featured documentaries on the same day.
Free admission to children 6 years and below and visitors on wheelchair.
For every group visit of 20 visitors and above, please complete this booking form:
Your booking ensures that no other large group is scheduled for the same time.
For More Information:
Please contact Ms Eileen Ng at 63327973 or email eileen_ng@nhb.gov.sg
Website:
Directions:
Bus Services to Upper Bukit Timah Road (Alight at bus stop B06 or B09)
SMRT 67,75,171,173,178,184,961, SBS 170
Nearest MRT Stations:
Bukit Batok MRT:
Board 173 at interchange and alight opposite Memories at bus stop B06
Choa Chu Kang MRT:
Board 67 at interchange and alight opposite Memories at bus stop B06
Clementi MRT:
Board 184 at bus stop B16 and alight at bus stop B09
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