Located in the western region of Singapore and recognised for its natural beauty, the hilly Bukit Batok has transformed drastically over the years. 

In the 19th and early 20th centuries, it was the site of various plantations – first pepper and gambier, then rubber and pineapple. In the middle of the 20th century, it became part of Singapore’s industrialisation efforts, with factories like Hume Industries and Ford Factory being opened, and quarries like Poh Hin Quarry and Gammon being operational.

Bukit Batok was also a witness to war. During World War II, the Ford Factory was where the British assembled their fighter aircrafts and, on 15 February 1942, where they surrendered to the Japanese. Furthermore, during the Japanese occupation, the Japanese deployed prisoners of war to construct war memorials on the top of Bukit Batok Hill.

In 1975, as part of the plan to create self-sufficient communities, Singapore’s government began developing Bukit Batok New Town, turning the industrial areas into homes and the quarries into nature parks. Decades later, Bukit Batok continues to thrive.

Public Call to Share Your Bukit Batok Memories: 

What to contribute?

• Places and activities of Bukit Batok such as iconic landmarks, heartlands and town centers, housing estates, parks and nature areas, community activities, etc. 
• Economy of Bukit Batok such as its industries development, including memories of the old granite quarries as well as prominent factories like Ford Motor Works. 
• Neighborhood economy such as memories of hawker stalls, mama shops, tailoring shops, barbers, or bakeries. and the bustling wet markets that formed the community's commercial heart.
   

To contribute stories of Bukit Batok through oral history Interviews 
Please fill out your details for our friendly oral history interviewers to reach out and explore a face-to-face interview with you (about 1-2 hours): https://go.gov.sg/bukitbatokmemories

To contribute Images, Films and Videos, Audio, Soundscape, Social Media Archives, and Websites, please click on ‘Upload to Themes’ below.