The Workers’ Party (WP) has released a documentary about Singapore’s Hougang estate, a film three years in the making.
In a media release sent to MS News, WP said the documentary “celebrates Hougang’s rich history and highlights its significant role in Singapore’s political and cultural landscape”.
Courtesy of the Workers’ Party
Work on “Hougang: The Documentary” started in 2021 and post-production was only recently completed, WP said.
Its release is “timely” as it also coincides with WP’s 67th anniversary, which commemorates “its role as one of Singapore’s oldest political institutions” since it was founded on 3 November 1957.
Incidentally, Hougang Single Member Constituency (SMC) was won by WP candidate Low Thia Khiang during the 1991 General Election.
The party has held on to the ward in the 33 years since.
Over six chapters, the 1 hour 23 minute documentary charts a narrative of Hougang starting from the 18th century, by tracing the journeys of Teochew immigrants from China who settled in the estate.
Source: The Workers’ Party on YouTube
It then expounds on how former kampung residents in Hougang were relocated to HDB flats in the 1980s and notes the personal responses of people to this urbanisation, land acquisition and relocation.
The film will then delve into Mr Low’s winning of Hougang SMC and the difficulties of the town council’s transition process.
Source: The Workers’ Party on YouTube
The final two chapters focus on the people of Hougang, including their kampung spirit, how they feel about living in an opposition ward, and the Hougang Constituency Education Trust, a community initiative that gives out annual bursaries to children from needy families.
WP said in its release:
The documentary serves not only as a reflection of Hougang’s heritage but also as a broader chronicle of Singapore’s history over the decades.
The WP Media Team’s deputy head Lee Li Lian said it captures not just the story of Hougang, but also “the spirit that defines this community”, adding:
The journey of Hougang’s Teochew immigrants echoes the broader Singapore story—one of resilience, courage, and the kampung spirit that binds us together. What stands out about Hougang is the unwavering belief in standing up for what is right and supporting one another, especially the less fortunate.
Of course, no documentary would be complete without hearing from people indelibly linked with Hougang over the years, including Mr Low.
Source: The Workers’ Party on YouTube
Also interviewed were former and current MPs Png Eng Huat and Dennis Tan.
Others who make an appearance are past and present Hougang residents from different walks of life, public intellectuals, and WP leaders and grassroots volunteers.
While the documentary has been shown in select private screenings over the past year, it will now be shown to the public free for the first time.
The full film, told in English, Mandarin, Teochew and Hokkien, can now be found on the WP’s official YouTube channel.
The WP Media Team’s deputy head Lee Li Lian said that as the film reaches a wider audience, it’s hoped that it reminds Singaporeans of “the deep bonds we share, and the importance of honouring our history”.
Also read: Workers’ Party Fan Shares How Low Thia Khiang Helped His Family For 3 Generations
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Featured image courtesy of the Workers’ Party and adapted from The Workers’ Party on YouTube.
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