The history of the Ford Motor Works in Singapore can be traced back to 1926. In 1941, the company moved from its premises in Anson Road to a new motorcar assembly plant at Upper Bukit Timah Road. Designed by French engineer Emile Brizay, the Ford Factory was the first such plant in the region. The factory was most famously used as a meeting point to discuss the terms of surrender of the British to Japanese forces in 1942. Following the end of the war, the plant continued to be operated by Ford until its closure in 1980. Plans were subsequently made by its new owners to demolish the entire factory so as to make way for residential development. However, due to its historical significance, part of the structure was eventually preserved and converted to a museum showcasing exhibits related to the Japanese Occupation.
