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What Singapore looked like in the 1960s Through These Stunning Historical Photos

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The future of Singapore was uncertain following its sudden independence. The Konfrontasi (Indonesia-Malaysia confrontation) was still ongoing, and the conservative UMNO faction opposed the separation. As a result, Singapore was threatened by the Indonesian military and faced the prospect of being forced back into the Malaysian Federation under unfavorable terms. The international media expressed doubts about Singapore’s survival. Aside from sovereignty, the pressing issues were unemployment, housing, education, and lack of natural resources. The unemployment rate was between 10 and 12%, threatening civil unrest.

The international community immediately recognized Singapore’s sovereignty. On 21 September 1965, Singapore joined the United Nations, becoming the 117th member of the organization; and in October of the same year, it joined the Commonwealth. Under the Constitution Amendment Act of 1965, which went into effect on 22 December 1965, the Head of State became the President, and Singapore became the Republic of Singapore.

In 1961, the Economic Development Board was formed to formulate and implement national economic strategies to promote Singapore’s manufacturing sector. Tax incentives ensured foreign investment in Singapore, and industrial estates were developed, especially in Jurong. The industrialization process transformed the manufacturing industry into one that produced goods with higher value-added and increased revenue. Ships calling at the port and increased commerce stimulated the service industry at this time. The lack of good public housing, poor sanitation, and high unemployment contributed to social problems such as crime and health issues. In 1961, the proliferation of squatter settlements caused safety hazards and the Bukit Ho Swee Fire, which killed four people and forced 16,000 to leave their homes.

Here are some stunning historical photos that will take you back to the 1960s in Singapore.

#2 A typical Singapore River scene with the large commercial houses in the background, 1960s

A typical Singapore River scene with the large commercial houses in the background, 1960s

The river plays a significant part in the economy of Singapore where thousands of Chinese motorized barges ply up and down carrying goods.

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#3 Singapore Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew and Japanese Prime Minister Eisaku Sato walk a corridor of the Diet on March 20, 1967

Singapore Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew and Japanese Prime Minister Eisaku Sato walk a corridor of the Diet on March 20, 1967

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#4 Hayley Millets and Trevor Howard with the Raffles Hotel of Singapore for the film Pretty Polly in April 1967

Hayley Millets and Trevor Howard with the Raffles Hotel of Singapore for the film Pretty Polly in April 1967

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#5 The Island Republic of Singapore celebrated its second Independence Day Anniversary with a mammoth parade before City Hall by some 25,000 persons. Here, young girls perform a colorful sword dance, Singapore, 1960s

The Island Republic of Singapore celebrated its second Independence Day Anniversary with a mammoth parade before City Hall by some 25,000 persons. Here, young girls perform a colorful sword dance, Singapore, 1960s

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#6 A new-look Hayley Mills in Chinese Make-up and a cheongsam on location in Singapore, for her new film ‘Pretty Polly’, 20th March 1967.

A new-look Hayley Mills in Chinese Make-up and a cheongsam on location in Singapore, for her new film 'Pretty Polly', 20th March 1967.

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#7 A new-look Hayley Mills in Chinese Make-up and a cheongsam on location in Singapore, for her new film ‘Pretty Polly’, 1967

A new-look Hayley Mills in Chinese Make-up and a cheongsam on location in Singapore, for her new film 'Pretty Polly', 1967

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#8 Singapore Prime Minister See Harbour, 1966

Singapore Prime Minister See Harbour, 1966

The Prime Minister and his wife are on right and Mr & Mrs Brotherson on left.The Prime Minister of Singapore, Mr Lee Kuan Yew and his wife who are at present visiting Australia, were taken on a tour of the harbour toda.

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#9 As Brenda de Banzie and Hayley Mills disembark from a cruise ship at Singapore, they are met by Shashi Kapoor in a scene from the film ‘A Matter Of Innocence’, 1967.

As Brenda de Banzie and Hayley Mills disembark from a cruise ship at Singapore, they are met by Shashi Kapoor in a scene from the film 'A Matter Of Innocence', 1967.

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#10 A stall selling cuttlefish soup and noodles to mourners in Saigo Lane in the Chinese quarter of Singapore, 1966

A stall selling cuttlefish soup and noodles to mourners in Saigo Lane in the Chinese quarter of Singapore, 1966

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#11 An aerial view of the Fullerton Building, originally an office building, then the General Post Office and latterly a five-star hotel, on the Singapore River, 1966

An aerial view of the Fullerton Building, originally an office building, then the General Post Office and latterly a five-star hotel, on the Singapore River, 1966

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#12 Police Break Up Sudent rioting in Singapore, 1965

Police Break Up Sudent rioting in Singapore, 1965

Singapore police fire tear gas in an attempt to break up a group of student demonstrators trying to march on the city hall. Most of the protesters were those dismissed by a university for taking part in rowdy demonstrations against proposed changes in their academic curriculum.

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#13 Minesweeper Departs For North — Here friends and relatives wave farewell as the ship pulls out from its berth, 1965

Minesweeper Departs For North -- Here friends and relatives wave farewell as the ship pulls out from its berth, 1965

The R.A.N. Minesweeper HMAS Curlew left from HMAS Waterhen at Waverton today for Strategic Reserve Duty operating from Singapore. The ship will.

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#14 Manchester pop group Freddie and the Dreamers in Singapore during their world tour, 1965

Manchester pop group Freddie and the Dreamers in Singapore during their world tour, 1965

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#15 Manchester pop group Freddie and the Dreamers in Singapore during their world tour, 1965

Manchester pop group Freddie and the Dreamers in Singapore during their world tour, 1965

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#16 Manchester pop group Freddie and the Dreamers in Singapore during their world tour, 1965

Manchester pop group Freddie and the Dreamers in Singapore during their world tour, 1965

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#17 A Malaysian Policeman Holding An Indonesian Prisoner caught in a Little Island to the East of Singapore On January 4, 1965.

A Malaysian Policeman Holding An Indonesian Prisoner caught in a Little Island to the East of Singapore On January 4, 1965.

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#18 A group of Indonesians being led away for interrogation by the police after their capture on Singapore Island, 1964

A group of Indonesians being led away for interrogation by the police after their capture on Singapore Island, 1964

The nine armed raiders were discovered when a villager noticed their boat moored on the west coast of the island.

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#19 The Island quaint little shops can be found in the most unexpected places and inside them is crammed, clothing, cameras, Transistor radios, Tape recorders watches and fascinating Toys.

The Island quaint little shops can be found in the most unexpected places and inside them is crammed, clothing, cameras, Transistor radios, Tape recorders watches and fascinating Toys.

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#20 Police Trying to Control Street Riot in Singapore, 1966

Police Trying to Control Street Riot in Singapore, 1966

Police rush in to break up a fight between Chinese and Malayan residents of Singapore during a clash in the downtown area. The riot started when Malays attending a Moslem procession suddenly turn on Chinese passersby. A four-day riot, which started on July 1st, has finally been quieted. Headquarters of the Malaysian Royal Police announced that the causality figures as 19 dead, 451 injured, and 1,463 arrested.

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#23 Members of the Singapore Police Riot Squad armed with truncheons and wicker riot shields during race riots between Chinese and Malay groups in Singapore, 1964.

Members of the Singapore Police Riot Squad armed with truncheons and wicker riot shields during race riots between Chinese and Malay groups in Singapore, 1964.

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#24 A young girl prays before eating her meal at a Red Cross run school for disabled children in Singapore, 1964

A young girl prays before eating her meal at a Red Cross run school for disabled children in Singapore, 1964

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#25 A young boy prays before eating his meal at a school for disabled children in Singapore, run by the Red Cross, 1964

A young boy prays before eating his meal at a school for disabled children in Singapore, run by the Red Cross, 1964

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#26 Children going through their daily exercises with the assistance of volunteers at a Red Cross school for disabled children in Singapore, 1964

Children going through their daily exercises with the assistance of volunteers at a Red Cross school for disabled children in Singapore, 1964

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#27 Three children in Singapore in prayer before a meal at a Red Cross school for disabled children, 1964

Three children in Singapore in prayer before a meal at a Red Cross school for disabled children, 1964

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#28 People dancing the twist in the Celestial Room of the Amber Mansion, a nightclub in Singapore, 1963

People dancing the twist in the Celestial Room of the Amber Mansion, a nightclub in Singapore, 1963

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#29 Singaporean children play in the harbour, while behind them there is little activity on the boats, 1963

Singaporean children play in the harbour, while behind them there is little activity on the boats, 1963

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#30 10 RAN ships today entered Sydney Harbour after completing a week’s anti-submarine exercise “Tuckerbox” in the Coral Sea.

10 RAN ships today entered Sydney Harbour after completing a week's anti-submarine exercise "Tuckerbox" in the Coral Sea.

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#32 Troops of the NR20 squadron of the Royal Air Force are stationed at Tengah airfield, Singapore, ready to embark, on May 25, 1962, to move towards Thailand.

Troops of the NR20 squadron of the Royal Air Force are stationed at Tengah airfield, Singapore, ready to embark, on May 25, 1962, to move towards Thailand.

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#33 Boats in Waters of Singapore, 1960s

Boats in Waters of Singapore, 1960s

This view of the waterfront shows how the modernistic Asia Insurance Building (Left), tallest in the city, stands alongside old colonial buildings. Primitive rowboats and sampans share the harbor with high-powered motor launches. More than 1,600,000 people, representing most of the races and religions of mankind, are crowded into an island 27 miles long and 14 miles wide. Eighty per cent of the population is Chinese.

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#34 The sampans, the typical houseboats, moored on the River Singapore. Singapore, March 1962

The sampans, the typical houseboats, moored on the River Singapore. Singapore, March 1962

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#35 Scenes in Chinatown, Singapore, Upper Hokien Street, where old meets new, 1962

Scenes in Chinatown, Singapore, Upper Hokien Street, where old meets new, 1962

Clean washing is poked out from the windows from both old and new buildings as sleek limousines or trishaws make their way during the morning heat.

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#36 Scenes in Chinatown, Singapore, 6th February 1962.

Scenes in Chinatown, Singapore, 6th February 1962.

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#37 Scenes in Chinatown, Singapore, Upper Hokien Street, where old meets new, 1962

Scenes in Chinatown, Singapore, Upper Hokien Street, where old meets new, 1962

Clean washing is poked out from the windows from both old and new buildings as sleek limousines or trishaws make their way during the morning heat.

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#43 A truck load of dummies as the driver makes his way through the traffic in the heat of the morning sun on its way to the fine Asia Insurance building, 1962

A truck load of dummies as the driver makes his way through the traffic in the heat of the morning sun on its way to the fine Asia Insurance building, 1962

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#46 A truck load of dummies in Chinatown, Singapore, 1962

A truck load of dummies in Chinatown, Singapore, 1962

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#48 Children in Singapore clamber over a parked van, 1962

Children in Singapore clamber over a parked van, 1962

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#49 Victoria Memorial Hall in the foreground with the Fullerton Building, originally an office building, then the General Post Office and latterly a five-star hotel (behind), on the Singapore River, 1962

Victoria Memorial Hall in the foreground with the Fullerton Building, originally an office building, then the General Post Office and latterly a five-star hotel (behind), on the Singapore River, 1962

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#50 People crowding an outdoor market, Singapore, 1962

People crowding an outdoor market, Singapore, 1962

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#52 RAF Number 20 Squadron with 12 Hunter Mk 9 fighter jet aircraft pictured at their base with ground crew personal by each plane, Singapore, 1962

RAF Number 20 Squadron with 12 Hunter Mk 9 fighter jet aircraft pictured at their base with ground crew personal by each plane, Singapore, 1962

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#56 Two Asian men resting on their bicycles chatting in the street. Singapore, 1962

Two Asian men resting on their bicycles chatting in the street. Singapore, 1962

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#58 People crowding an outdoor market, Singapore, 1962

People crowding an outdoor market, Singapore, 1962

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#61 Street vendors outside the Sultan Mosque in Singapore, 1962

Street vendors outside the Sultan Mosque in Singapore, 1962

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#63 Sultan Mosque facing a crowded street, Singapore, 1962

Sultan Mosque facing a crowded street, Singapore, 1962

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#66 People waiting in a line in front of a fish stall, Singapore, 1962

People waiting in a line in front of a fish stall, Singapore, 1962

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#67 Man cutting the meat displayed on his stall, Singapore, 1962

Man cutting the meat displayed on his stall, Singapore, 1962

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#68 Asian child wearing a broad-brimmed hat. Singapore, 1962

Asian child wearing a broad-brimmed hat. Singapore, 1962

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#69 Fishermen drawing on the ground the turtles they just fished, Singapore, 1962

Fishermen drawing on the ground the turtles they just fished, Singapore, 1962

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#70 Fishermen drawing on the ground the turtles they just fished, Singapore, 1962

Fishermen drawing on the ground the turtles they just fished, Singapore, 1962

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#72 Traffic policeman directing traffic in a street of Singapore, 1962

Traffic policeman directing traffic in a street of Singapore, 1962

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#74 Asian man posing smiling with a cigarette in the hand. Singapore, 1962

Asian man posing smiling with a cigarette in the hand. Singapore, 1962

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#76 Street vendors outside the Sultan Mosque in Singapore, 1962

Street vendors outside the Sultan Mosque in Singapore, 1962

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#78 Street vendors outside the Sultan Mosque in Singapore, 1962

Street vendors outside the Sultan Mosque in Singapore, 1962

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#79 Two Asian women chatting outside a shop in Singapore, 1962

Two Asian women chatting outside a shop in Singapore, 1962

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#81 Vases of plants and flowers outside the cinema Lido, Singapore, 1962

Vases of plants and flowers outside the cinema Lido, Singapore, 1962

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#83 People eating street food sitting at a kiosk, Singapore, 1962

People eating street food sitting at a kiosk, Singapore, 1962

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#84 People crowding an outdoor market. Singapore, 1962

People crowding an outdoor market. Singapore, 1962

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#85 Aerial view of the bridge across the river Singapore, 1962

Aerial view of the bridge across the river Singapore, 1962

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#86 Asian little girl walking protecting herself from the sun under a parasol, Singapore, 1962

Asian little girl walking protecting herself from the sun under a parasol, Singapore, 1962

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#87 Street vendor displaying his goods in an outdoor food market, Singapore, 1962

Street vendor displaying his goods in an outdoor food market, Singapore, 1962

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#88 People walking and relaxing on a look-out facing the Indian Ocean, Singapore, 1962

People walking and relaxing on a look-out facing the Indian Ocean, Singapore, 1962

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#89 Street vendor peeling fruits in an outdoor food market, Singapore, 1962

Street vendor peeling fruits in an outdoor food market, Singapore, 1962

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#91 Man carrying items on the head at the park nearby the Old Supreme Court of Singapore, 1962

Man carrying items on the head at the park nearby the Old Supreme Court of Singapore, 1962

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#92 Asian man sleeping lying into his rickshaw, Singapore, 1962

Asian man sleeping lying into his rickshaw, Singapore, 1962

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#95 Two men with turban chatting in the street, Singapore, 1962

Two men with turban chatting in the street, Singapore, 1962

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#97 People walking at the outdoor market of Singapore, 1962

People walking at the outdoor market of Singapore, 1962

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#99 Asian girl wearing a little crown in Singapore, 1962

Asian girl wearing a little crown in Singapore, 1962

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#100 Traditional Buddhist holy statues in Singapore, 1962

Traditional Buddhist holy statues in Singapore, 1962

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#103 People crowding an outdoor market in Singapore, 1962

People crowding an outdoor market in Singapore, 1962

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#104 6 Elephants arrived by the Straat Banks from Singapore today for Bullen’s circus and were taken straight to the Zoo for quarantine.

6 Elephants arrived by the Straat Banks from Singapore today for Bullen's circus and were taken straight to the Zoo for quarantine.

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#105 A rickshaw at the corner of Telok Ayer Street and Boon Tat Street, Singapore, November 1960.

A rickshaw at the corner of Telok Ayer Street and Boon Tat Street, Singapore, November 1960.

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#107 A 13 year old Antonio Castillo Jnr the son of jazz musician Don Castillo, entertains his friends with a tune on the trumpet that was a birthday gift from his father, 1960

A 13 year old Antonio Castillo Jnr the son of jazz musician Don Castillo, entertains his friends with a tune on the trumpet that was a birthday gift from his father, 1960

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#108 View of the Singapore River, transhipment point for freight, 1960

View of the Singapore River, transhipment point for freight, 1960

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#109 Singapore students at five Colorado colleges, 1960

Singapore students at five Colorado colleges, 1960

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#110 HMS Bulwark, Britain’s first commando carrier, entering the Grand Harbour, Malta, carrying 42 Royal Marine Commandos.

HMS Bulwark, Britain's first commando carrier, entering the Grand Harbour, Malta, carrying 42 Royal Marine Commandos.

She will remain in the Mediterranean until May, operating from Malta until sailing for her base at Singapore.

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#111 Actress Jean Simmons has Raffles Hotel of Singapore in March 1960

Actress Jean Simmons has Raffles Hotel of Singapore in March 1960

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#112 Rum Issue Aboard Visiting English Frigate, 1960s

Rum Issue Aboard Visiting English Frigate, 1960s

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#114 Lee Kuan Yew, first Prime Minister of Singapore, 1960

Lee Kuan Yew, first Prime Minister of Singapore, 1960

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#115 An Asian woman feeding a group of monkeys in Singapore, 1960s

An Asian woman feeding a group of monkeys in Singapore, 1960s

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#117 City Buildings Skyline Seen Across Bumboat Cargo Barges Moored in Harbor Singapore, 1960

City Buildings Skyline Seen Across Bumboat Cargo Barges Moored in Harbor Singapore, 1960

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#118 Singapore Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew Visits Japan, 1968

Singapore Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew Visits Japan, 1968

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#123 A view as a Army SRN -6 hovercraft is loaded onto the ship bound for Singapore, 1968

A view as a Army SRN -6 hovercraft is loaded onto the ship bound for Singapore, 1968

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#124 Elegant women in a central street, Singapore, 1968.

Elegant women in a central street, Singapore, 1968.

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#126 The central square of Raffles Place – Singapore’s commercial district formed in the early 19th century, 1966

The central square of Raffles Place - Singapore's commercial district formed in the early 19th century, 1966

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#127 Christmas decorations in central Raffles Place, in front of the John Little department store, 1966.

Christmas decorations in central Raffles Place, in front of the John Little department store, 1966.

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#130 Clifford Pier, the destination of immigrants and sea passengers in Singapore in 1966.

Clifford Pier, the destination of immigrants and sea passengers in Singapore in 1966.

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#131 The Fullerton Building (on the left, originally used as the Central Post Office, now a five-star Fullerton hotel) and the Bank of China building (middle) – Singapore’s tallest building in 1966.

The Fullerton Building (on the left, originally used as the Central Post Office, now a five-star Fullerton hotel) and the Bank of China building (middle) - Singapore's tallest building in 1966.

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#134 A corner of Nee Soon (now Yishun) area, where many bars of Singapore are concentrated, 1966.

A corner of Nee Soon (now Yishun) area, where many bars of Singapore are concentrated, 1966.

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#138 Sembawang Gate, which leads to Singapore’s Sembawang naval base, 1966.

Sembawang Gate, which leads to Singapore's Sembawang naval base, 1966.

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#156 Corner of Beach Road and Middle Road; on the right was the Tay Koh Yat ticketing office; about four shops back is the York Kee bar

Corner of Beach Road and Middle Road; on the right was the Tay Koh Yat ticketing office; about four shops back is the York Kee bar

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#160 Hawker stall (the first Satay Club); the building is Singapore Hainan Hwee Kuan (Hui Guan) at the junction of Beach Road and Middle Road

Hawker stall (the first Satay Club); the building is Singapore Hainan Hwee Kuan (Hui Guan) at the junction of Beach Road and Middle Road

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#169 Raffles Place, just visible on the right is the John Little shopping centre, 1960s

Raffles Place, just visible on the right is the John Little shopping centre, 1960s

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#188 The junction of Serangoon Road, Selegie Road and Bukit Timah Road, 1960s

The junction of Serangoon Road, Selegie Road and Bukit Timah Road, 1960s

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#190 The proud owner of his motor scooter at the roadside in Sembawang, 1960s

The proud owner of his motor scooter at the roadside in Sembawang, 1960s

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#191 A couple of ice cream sellers on a jetty in Northern Singapore, possibly Sembawang, 1960s

A couple of ice cream sellers on a jetty in Northern Singapore, possibly Sembawang, 1960s

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#200 Bras Basah Road; steeple and building on the left is the town convent, 1960s

Bras Basah Road; steeple and building on the left is the town convent, 1960s

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#211 View of the central square of Raffles Place in the 1960s. Ảnh: Kit Rabson

View of the central square of Raffles Place in the 1960s. Ảnh: Kit Rabson

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#212 A new-look Hayley Mills in Chinese Make-up and a cheongsam on location in Singapore, for her new film ‘Pretty Polly’.

A new-look Hayley Mills in Chinese Make-up and a cheongsam on location in Singapore, for her new film 'Pretty Polly'.

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Written by Aung Budhh

Husband + Father + librarian + Poet + Traveler + Proud Buddhist. I love you with the breath, the smiles and the tears of all my life.

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