GOING BACK TO BASES

A new video series will tell you the stories of old Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) bases and camps, and show how these places are getting a new lease of life.
 

Tanglin Camp at Dempsey was home to CMPB from 1972 to 1989 (above). The area is now known as a hip dining and retail area dotted with art galleries.

Dempsey Hill. Gillman Barracks Contemporary Art Centre. Raintr33 Hotel.

They are some of the hippest new hangouts to see and be seen in. But did you know that in another time, they were key SAF camps and bases?

Let video series Then and Now: A Look at Former SAF Camps, take you on a journey back in time and show you how these places went from being the SAF pioneers' training grounds to some of Singapore's favourite playgrounds today.

A walk through history

Then and Now: A Look at Former SAF Camps is an eight-part video series produced by the Ministry of Defence's (MINDEF's) Defence Media Centre (DMC).

As the SAF enhances its training programmes and moves to premises that can better house its new equipment and facilities, several of their old premises were assigned new uses.

Bringing together interviews, reenactments and animations, the series re-visits old SAF sites and shows how they have been given a new lease of life as commercial buildings or lifestyle spots.

"We wanted to create a series that tells the Singapore story in an engaging way, a story made up of the memories of those who have worked or lived in former SAF camps," said DMC Broadcast Editor Alex Soh on the inspiration behind the series.

"Viewers will get to know and appreciate the socio-cultural meaning that each of these places holds - places like the former Tanglin Camp which holds special memories for many generations of Singaporean men who were inducted into National Service (NS) there."

Viewers will be taken to well-known local landmarks that began their lives as SAF sites. These landmarks include hotels like Raintr33 Hotel (formerly the Commando Barracks), mixed-use developments such as the South Beach (the old Beach Road Camp) and, of course, popular hangout spot Dempsey Hill, which used to house the Central Manpower Base (CMPB).

The bases featured were carefully selected to tell the story of the SAF's past and growth. Bases that were significant to the SAF's and the nation's growth were chosen in particular because they told stories of the sweat and blood that went into the building of Singapore's defence force.

Playing "tour guide" in the series is host Benjamin Heng. An Operationally Ready National Serviceman (NSman) with the Republic of Singapore Air Force, he felt that the series would resonate with his fellow soldiers, many of whom would recognise these landmarks in their former glory.

"During my time in NS, we could still see some of these old buildings, many of which were colonial black-and-white bungalows that were converted to military barracks.

"Now they've all changed. For instance, Dempsey Road has transformed into a very hip place. It will be fun for the general public and guys in particular to know about this bit of history."

Back where it started

Mr Heng speaks to former SAF servicemen and staff members who used to work at the respective bases. For him, hearing their personal anecdotes about life in the old camps was one of the most interesting aspects of hosting the series.

For instance, in the first episode, he interviewed local entertainment veteran Najip Ali, who had served his NS in the SAF Music and Drama Company (MDC) at the old Dempsey Road.

"I learnt from Najip that MDC gave him the discipline to pursue his craft and get to where he is today. It's interesting to see how it all started for artistes like Najip and his cohort - such as Jack Neo and Gurmit Singh - and how it helped them to get to where they are and who they are today," said Mr Heng.

Series director Candice Lee agreed: "These SAF veterans and regulars have a lot of pride and passion when they talk about their SAF days. As a filmmaker and Singaporean, it's very inspiring and heartening to hear that!"

Then and Now: A Look at Former SAF Camps is available on the cyberpioneerTV YouTube channel (www.youtube.com/cyberpioneertv).

The first episode airs on Tuesday, 21 Jun. Look out for new episodes every fortnight!