Kia Hwee

Glistening Montage: Geylang Cultural Journey

Amitabha Buddhist Centre

The building is designed with a unique blend of contemporary architecture while combined with features which are similar to traditional Tibetan monasteries. On both sides of the entrance, there are Prayer wheels with the mantra "Om Mani Padme Hum". We learnt that it is believed to be a Tiberian Buddhist tradition, that when it is spun with your hands it will have as much the same effect as reciting the prayer verbally.

Soon Thian Keing (Tua Konsi) Ltd

Soon Thien Keing is recognised as the oldest Chinese Temple in Singapore in the Singapore Book of Records. It was established during the reign of Qing Dynasty's Emperor Jiaqing (1796-1821)

Khadijah Mosque

The architectural elements were influenced by the Nagore Shrine in Ajmeere India. We learnt that the mosque stood for the the past 95 years to welcome worshippers into the 'House of God'. Now, it is listed as a national Monument declared for conservation in 1991 by the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA).

Chong Hood Lim Association

The association was registered on 22 July 1990. I learnt that their main objectives are to emulate the great virtues and meritorious deeds of Lord Buddha, the various deities and Patron Saints and to promote good moral and virtue, irrespective of race, colour, creed or religion. The association also carries out charitable activities to give relief to the needy and poor, and give free burial community work to society.

Char Yong (Dabu) Association

The association had many exhibits portraying information about the founding fathers and development of the association from 1858. We looked at pictorial exhibits of Singapore's founding Prime Minister, Mr Lee Kuan Yew's family, political career, Dabu ancestral home, ancestral lineage and publications. There were the history of Qi Fa Primary School, the school premises, activities, school awards and publications as well. We learnt about the Hakka culture such as the traditional songs, language, clothing, food, housing, and customs. My friends and I, together with other Temasek Polytechnic students, also read about the new and old building development, annual events, and historical records.

Self-Directed Learning - CODA

My friends and I watched a movie called "CODA" which stands for "Child of Deaf Adults". The movie is about Ruby Rossi, the main character, being the only one in her family who is able to hear. She tries to strive for her dreams of becoming a singer while also managing her commitment and responsibility of being an interpreter for the family. The movie showed the different perspectives everyone had and how they managed to overcome them.

Reflection:

From the Geylang Cultural Journey, I have learnt many things which contributes to the Cosmopolitan outlook of the Cognitive Capital. Through this activity, I was able to broaden my knowledge on the Chinese culture as well as gain more insights about the history, practices, and customs of the different Chinese subgroups, such as Buddhist, Taoist, Hakka, and Muslims. We visited many temples, passed by churches, and a mosque and our guide explained and showed us the different Chinese deity statues and religious objects that each of the religions use during their practices. One interesting thing that I learnt was that the Taoists do not burn joss papers while the Buddhists do so as a form of offering. This was interesting as I am a Buddhist myself but I did not know that there was a difference in how the Buddhists and Taoists carry out their practices. I have learned to be more savvy about the world as I have understood more about how people from other parts of the world, even people of the same religion, carry out their customs and practices. Therefore, the journey has allowed me to understand and make comparisons between my own religion and culture with others' practices.

As for the Social Capital, the Henna painting activity allowed us to communicate and get to know more about the Muslim culture. For example, as the teachers were explaining about the history and origin of henna, linking henna to tattoos, and the medical aspects henna brings about, there were a few Muslims who shared their interesting experiences and knowledge about henna. I have learnt and understood about the origin and uses henna brings about. One of the main uses of henna which caught my attention was how henna contains medicinal properties and was often used in the past, thus the cooling sensation. The activity allowed us to explore drawing henna on our own hands as well as forged closer bonds and new friendships by interacting and drawing on each other's hands.

Lastly, my friends and I watched a movie called "CODA" which links to the Psychological Capital. The movie was about Ruby Rossi, the main character, being the only one with auditory perception in a family that has a fishing business. She was tasked with the responsibility to interpret for her family and help her family make ends meet while also trying to pursue her talent of singing. From the movie, I learnt that everyone has their own perspectives and everyone does things differently. I also learnt to not be afraid to strive to be curious and explore unfamiliar things, roles, and responsibilities. After the movie, my friends and I had a discussion about the questions which allowed us to reflect on our own life, identity, and experiences. Upon hearing the responses, it helped me understand myself and my friends better and the differing perspectives each person offered.

Iceberg Video

Link: https://youtu.be/J3XSKKU8Dj0

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