This postcard is part of a set acquired by the museum. The collection provides a glimpse into the physical and social landscape of Singapore during the 19th and 20th century which were characterised by European colonialism, the Japanese Occupation, and the post-war years. These postcards also give a glimpse into the type of architecture that was seen in Singapore in those days, as well as the range of activities, businesses, trades, and industries that the people of Singapore were involved in at that time. Some of these postcards still contain the original handwriting of the senders themselves.Telok Ayer (or ‘water bay’ in Malay) Street was the main commercial and residential area for early Chinese immigrants in Singapore. The Thian Hock Keng Temple, dedicated to the Goddess of the Sea, and the Chong Wen Ge, the first educational institution set up by the Chinese community in Singapore, can be seen in the postcard.
