The Heartbeat of a Nation - Singapore River

By Ng Siang Hoi, Friends of The Disabled Society

In the 1970s, the Singapore River was the city's lifeline — alive with trade, tradition, and the hum of daily life. Bumboats, heavy with goods, journeyed tirelessly between shore and ship, each weaving stories of ambition and resilience. Along the bustling banks, merchants bartered, coolies toiled, and communities thrived — each contributing to the city's transformation. More than just a center of commerce, the river was where dreams took shape. Though the river has changed, its spirit remains — a lasting tribute to the ingenuity and perseverance that built Singapore into the vibrant urban landscape it is today.

About

For over six decades, Siang Hoi has transformed silence into visual poetry through his distinctive mixed media artworks. Since learning from a Deaf art teacher at 14, he discovered in painting, its not just a passion, but a profound way to communicate with the world. Now at 75, he continues his artistic practice with the same quiet determination that has defined his journey. Working in a unique blend of watercolour, acrylic, and ink, he breathes life into nostalgic scenes of Singapore's past — from bustling marketplaces to riverside villages.
SKU: FDS-007

Medium: Acrylic on Canvas

Dimensions (WxH): 41cm x 31cm