Reflections at Bukit Chandu

The museum & the collection

Situated within a charming 1930s bungalow adorned with art deco influences on Bukit Chandu, this interpretive center pays tribute to the remarkable courage displayed by the Malay Regiment during the Battle of Pasir Panjang in World War II. The historical significance of this site, known as Opium Hill in Malay, stems from its role in the intense Battle of Singapore. Just a stone’s throw away from Point 226, the RBC bungalow stands witness to the valiant last stand of 1,400 members of the Malay Regiment against the formidable Imperial Japanese Army on February 14, 1942.

Originally established in 2002, the center underwent a comprehensive renovation and reopened its doors in September 2021. The revamped facility now boasts new exhibits, displays, and artifacts, providing visitors with an enriched understanding of the enduring narrative of valor associated with this location.

The exhibition within the center showcases a diverse collection of artifacts from that tumultuous era, including bullets from the battle, footage capturing Lieutenant Adnan in a ceremonial parade, and bullet casings unearthed during a significant excavation in 2019. Venturing to the second floor, visitors can explore galleries that recount the pre-war history of Bukit Chandu and its environs, delving into its past as an opium packing plant and the pineapple plantations that once characterized the landscape.

The assignment & the challenges

The project was executed amid the challenges posed by the ongoing pandemic, during a period when Singapore had imposed restrictions on incoming travelers. This presented various challenges for our team, in which coordination played a vital role. The cases had to seamlessly align with the bases and partitions constructed by the exhibit fabricators. Furthermore, due to travel restrictions, our team faced the additional constraint of being unable to physically enter Singapore for the installation process.

The solutions & the result

The successful completion of this project is attributed to the seamless collaboration with the local exhibit fabricator. The initial installation of the basic structure was skillfully handled by them, and our team took charge of the finalization once restrictions were lifted. This stands as another proud achievement for us, having navigated and concluded this project amidst the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

© Reflections at Bukit Chandu