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  • Reese Erlich

    Worlds of Difference

    Singapore Renewal

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    Reese Erlich

    Worlds of Difference

    Singapore Renewal

    Singapore’s Chinatown used to be a crowded and chaotic place. Then the government renewed the life right out of it. Authorities are working to restore the neighborhood’s authenticity, but with little success. Little India, meanwhile, has retained its character. Is there a lesson here?

    A generation ago, Singapore’s Chinatown was a crowded and chaotic place. Then the authorities launched a massive urban renewal campaign. They razed derelict buildings, modernized services and cracked down on informal businesses. Part of their justification was to make the district more attractive to tourists. But tourists stayed away, complaining that the place had lost its soul.

    For the last two decades, officials have been working to bring back Chinatown’s authentic feel. Architecturally the project has been a success, but it hasn’t restored the old vitality. Critics say the streets today feel more like a shopping mall than a living neighborhood.

    Little India is a very different story. You can still see the original shophouses built by the British, with commercial space on the bottom floor and living quarters above. Because the Indian community still comes here to shop, Little India remains a vibrant mix of neighborhood stores, restaurants, and temples.

    Is there a lesson to be learned here?

    Date

    March 2, 2004

    Outlets

    Common Ground Radio

    Tags

    Themes: Culture
    Regions: Asia / Oceania
    Media: Audio
    Other Tags: Singapore, urban renewal, historic preservation

  • Reese Erlich

    Worlds of Difference

    Higher Ground: Borneo Resettlement

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    Reese Erlich

    Worlds of Difference

    Higher Ground: Borneo Resettlement

    In the late 1990s, the government of Malaysia uprooted 15,000 indigenous people to make way for the giant Bakun dam. Most were resettled in “model” towns, where unemployment, drugs and crime took root. About 400 members of the Kenyah tribe decided to build their own resettlement center instead.

    In the late 1990s, the government of Malaysia uprooted 15,000 indigenous people to make way for the giant Bakun dam. Most were resettled in “model” towns, where unemployment, drugs and crime took root. About 400 members of the Kenyah tribe decided to build their own resettlement center instead. Why does this model community work better than the official ones?

    Date

    February 17, 2004

    Outlets

    Common Ground Radio

    Tags

    Themes: Culture, Environment
    Regions: Asia / Oceania
    Media: Audio
    Other Tags: Borneo, resettlement, Kenyah