AHMAD bin Ismail
Communities of Singapore (Part 3),
Accession Number 000784
- Oral History Centre
Source
- 8
Total Reels
- Daniel Chew (Dr)
Interviewer
- 03:51:18
Total Running Time
- English
Language
Copyright Notice
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Reel/Disc 1 of 8
Metadata
- 9 Oct 1989
Recording Date
- 00:29:08
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Open Access
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
Family background. Bedok village. After mother passed away in 1919, moved to Pulau Brani and was adopted. Legend of Pulau Brani. Description of island. Studied in government Malay school. Transferred to English school in Radin Mas. Adopted father in Pulau Brani worked in Marine Department.
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Reel/Disc 2 of 8
Metadata
- 9 Oct 1989
Recording Date
- 00:28:17
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Open Access
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
In 1933, found job at John Little. In 1929, difficult to find work. Took up small jobs lasting 2 to 3 days, at 11 cents per day. Jobs were sub-contract work; worked in Municipality, commercial offices and banks. In 1931, helped an uncle whose 2 boats ferried passengers from shore to ship at Johnston's Pier. Recommended by a friend to join John Little.
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Reel/Disc 3 of 8
Metadata
- 9 Oct 1989
Recording Date
- 00:29:01
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Open Access
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
Stayed at Farrer Park, Kampung Java Road and Kampung Pasir Utara. Job at John Little was office boy. Daily routine. Later promoted to salesman selling wine and tobacco. Customers mostly Europeans and rich people. Behaviour of customers.
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Reel/Disc 4 of 8
Metadata
- 23 Oct 1989
Recording Date
- 00:28:13
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Open Access
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
Joined Naval Base Water Police in 1939. Shift work and patrol duties to Seletar, Pulau Tekong and Johor Shoal. No preparation for war. Stayed in Kampung Wak Hassan in Sembawang. Many kampung residents worked in Naval Base. How Hari Raya used to be celebrated.
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Reel/Disc 5 of 8
Metadata
- 23 Oct 1989
Recording Date
- 00:29:24
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Open Access
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
Meaning and significance of kenduri (feast). Celebration of Prophet Muhammad's Birthday and Mandi Safar. How village headman (penghulu) settled quarrels in kampung. Had to do patrol duties during Indonesian Confrontation. Reaction to Separation of Singapore from Malaysia on 9 August 1965. After Japanese Occupation, joined Electricity Department of Naval Base, first as skilled labourer, then electrical fitter.
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Reel/Disc 6 of 8
Metadata
- 23 Oct 1989
Recording Date
- 00:29:21
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Open Access
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
Retrenched in 1971. Bought house in Kampung Mandai Kechil. Most residents from Johor. Naval Base union strike in 1956 for 36 days. Kampung residents in Sembawang who were workers there, voted to go back to work because of hardship. Land at Kampung Mandai Kechil divided into Singapore and Malayan Railway land. Description of Kampung Lorong Fatimah.
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Reel/Disc 7 of 8
Metadata
- 1 Nov 1989
Recording Date
- 00:28:46
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Open Access
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
Occupations of Kampung Mandai Kechil residents. Headmen of kampung:- Ibrahim, Mohamad Noor and Isa. Entertainment in 1970s. Ronggeng and ghazal performers invited for weddings. Neighbours and friends. Views on religion; the past, present and future.
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Reel/Disc 8 of 8
Metadata
- 1 Nov 1989
Recording Date
- 00:29:08
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Open Access
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
Description of circumcision and funeral ceremonies; differences between generations. During his youth, elders were respected and obeyed, and teachers feared. Young children smarter nowadays. Kampung life suitable for him. No trouble between neighbours. There is mutual respect. Water and electricity introduced in kampung in 1957.
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