ASEAN Irregulars - Community (Day 3)

Today, I went to Orang Laut.sg not knowing what to expect, but I left feeling a lot. It made me think deeply about our past and where we are today as a Malay community in Singapore.

Standing there, learning about the Orang Laut—the original “people of the sea”—I realised how much has changed. Our community used to rely on trades like fishing, crafting, and small businesses to survive. Now, these trades are almost gone. As Singapore developed so quickly, many of us struggled to adapt. The change wasn’t just about losing jobs; it felt like losing a part of who we are, our culture, and our way of life.

It made me ask myself: Where do we stand now? Have we kept enough of our roots to keep going in this fast-changing world? Or have we lost too much of what makes us who we are?

When I left Orang Laut.sg, I felt a mix of emotions. It wasn’t just a history lesson for me—it was a wake-up call. Progress doesn’t mean we must forget our roots. We need to find ways to hold onto our identity and use it to guide us into the future. This isn’t just about the Malay community, but about all Singaporeans understanding and valuing our shared heritage.

I walked away feeling grateful for the experience and inspired to do my part. I want to make sure these stories are not forgotten. Our past is not just history—it’s what helps us move forward.

Cheers 🖖