Memories at Old Ford Factory

Living in times of prosperity, it is easy to forget that not too long ago, many Singaporeans have experienced the hardships of war. The Old Ford Factory stirs up such forgotten memories.

Opened in October 1941, Ford Motor Factory was the first auto assembly plant to begin operations in Southeast Asia. The factory was used by the Royal Air Force to assemble fighter planes during the Malayan Campaign. However, most of these aircraft were never used for Malaya's defence.

On 15 February 1942, the events that transpired in the Board Room of the factory were to change the history of Singapore forever. It was with a heavy heart that Lt.-Gen. A. E. Percival, Commander of the British Forces in Singapore, surrendered to the Japanese in the very same room.

On 16 February 1942, Singapore was renamed Syonan-To (Light of the South), an ironic name as it marked the beginning of the darkest period in the island's history. The people of Singapore would remain in darkness for the next three years and eight months while under the rule of the Japanese.

Gazetted as a national monument in 2006, the factory reopened its doors as Memories at Old Ford Factory, a museum in remembrance of the days during Japanese Occupation, on 16 February 2006.

Walking up to the main building, visitors are greeted by a granite stone on which "Taking History as a Lesson" is inscribed.

Nearby, a "Peace" sculpture can be seen (photo on the right).

In the exhibition gallery, the Board Room where the historical surrender took place is a must-see. Visitors can watch actual footage of the events that took place on the fateful day. Catch a glimpse of what life was like during those days through the display of photographs, artefacts and oral history accounts.

Outside the building, the Wartime Garden shows the plants grown for food during the Japanese Occupation.

Address
351 Upper Bukit Timah Road, Singapore 588192

Tel: (65) 6462 6724
Fax: (65) 6339 3583

Opening Hours
9.00am to 5.30pm, Mondays to Fridays
9.00am to 1.30pm, Saturdays

(Closed on Sundays for regular estate and M&E maintenance, including Public Holidays that fall on Sundays)

Admission
Adult - S$3
Student/Senior Citizen - S$2.50
Child (below 6 years old) - Free
Family (admits 5, maximum 2 adults) - S$8

Getting There
By MRT/Bus:
1) Bukit Batok (NS2). Take bus SMRT 173.
2) Choa Chu Kang (NS4). Take bus SMRT 67.
3) Clementi (EW23). Take bus SMRT 184.

By Bus: SBS (170), SMRT (67,75,171,173,178,184,961)

As bus services are subject to change, please refer to SBS Transit for more information.

Website
Memories at Old Ford Factory

Related books
World War II Books

Photo Gallery
Click here to view more pictures