There Was A Time

On 9th August 1965, a conflict in ideology culminated in the secession of Singapore from Malaysia. Many believed we would not survive. Left with one and a half battalions to defend the newly formed nation against foreign aggressors as well as threats from within, topped with pressing economic issues, Singapore was nowhere near what she is today. The beginning of a new decade concurrent with the influx of Hippie culture, Singapore once again saw the return of rampant drug use. This time, it was only taking turn for the worse. Led by Singapore gangsters and fugitives, Ah Kong became one of the world’s largest drug syndicates whose notoriety lasted throughout the 70s. In the same era, at the height of regional conflicts in Indochina and the much feared ‘Domino Effect’ of Communism, Singapore learned to protect its national interest through diplomatic relations and foreign policies. Attested to numerous challenges of various nature, Singapore indeed has matured over the years from a sudden nation to an established sovereign state where we are today.

On 9th August 1965, a conflict in ideology culminated in the secession of Singapore from Malaysia. Many believed we would not survive. Left with one and a half battalions to defend the newly formed nation against foreign aggressors as well as threats from within, topped with pressing economic issues, Singapore was nowhere near what she is today. The beginning of a new decade concurrent with the influx of Hippie culture, Singapore once again saw the return of rampant drug use. This time, it was only taking turn for the worse. Led by Singapore gangsters and fugitives, Ah Kong became one of the world’s largest drug syndicates whose notoriety lasted throughout the 70s. In the same era, at the height of regional conflicts in Indochina and the much feared ‘Domino Effect’ of Communism, Singapore learned to protect its national interest through diplomatic relations and foreign policies. Attested to numerous challenges of various nature, Singapore indeed has matured over the years from a sudden nation to an established sovereign state where we are today.

Ep 1 SUDDEN NATION – Pioneer Stories
23 mins

Singapore’s independence was a sudden one. Hear stories of our pioneering leaders - from Gen. Winston Choo to Professor Tommy Koh to Former Chairman of EDB Ngiam Tong Dow, as they share personal anecdotes on the road to independence.

Ep 1 SUDDEN NATION – Pioneer Stories

Singapore’s independence was a sudden one. Hear stories of our pioneering leaders - from Gen. Winston Choo to Professor Tommy Koh to Former Chairman of EDB Ngiam Tong Dow, as they share personal anecdotes on the road to independence.

Ep 2 BANDING UP BROTHERS – Road to National Service (Part 1)
24 mins

During the merger years, Singapore's defence was under the control of the Malaysian Central government. Important facilities were guarded by the Singapore Volunteer Corps and the Vigilante Corps as well as Naval Volunteers. Singapore then was plagued by Konfrontasi and Underground Communist sabotages. Learn why these volunteers were called 'Rat Catchers' and understand their sacrifice. The spirit of volunteerism is exemplified by these...

Ep 2 BANDING UP BROTHERS – Road to National Service (Part 1)

During the merger years, Singapore's defence was under the control of the Malaysian Central government. Important facilities were guarded by the Singapore Volunteer Corps and the Vigilante Corps as well as Naval Volunteers. Singapore then was plagued by Konfrontasi and Underground Communist sabotages. Learn why these volunteers were called 'Rat Catchers' and understand their sacrifice. The spirit of volunteerism is exemplified by these...

Ep 3 BANDING UP BROTHERS – Road to National Service (Part 2)
24 mins

After Singapore's separation from Singapore, the army is left with barely 2 battalions, no planes and hardly any ships. On top of on-going threats such as Confrontation and Communist underground sabotages, the British announced military pull-out. Singapore needed to build up her army fast. Who did Singapore turn to? Find out how in a short span of 2 years - Singapore managed to build up a credible people's army from just one and a half...

Ep 3 BANDING UP BROTHERS – Road to National Service (Part 2)

After Singapore's separation from Singapore, the army is left with barely 2 battalions, no planes and hardly any ships. On top of on-going threats such as Confrontation and Communist underground sabotages, the British announced military pull-out. Singapore needed to build up her army fast. Who did Singapore turn to? Find out how in a short span of 2 years - Singapore managed to build up a credible people's army from just one and a half...

Ep 4 A NEW PERIL – The rise of drugs in the 70s
24 mins

The Hippie Culture came to Singapore in the late 60s, bringing with it its corresponding drug culture. As Singapore’s youth succumbed to drugs, the Central Narcotics Bureau was set up to combat this worrying trend. Find out how Singapore became one of the world’s most successful nation in fighting drug trafficking and addiction.

Ep 4 A NEW PERIL – The rise of drugs in the 70s

The Hippie Culture came to Singapore in the late 60s, bringing with it its corresponding drug culture. As Singapore’s youth succumbed to drugs, the Central Narcotics Bureau was set up to combat this worrying trend. Find out how Singapore became one of the world’s most successful nation in fighting drug trafficking and addiction.

Ep 5 MEN OF STEEL - Cleaning Up a Crime City
24 mins

Singapore in the 60s and 70s wasn't as safe as it is today. Dangerous and lawless gunmen also roamed our streets between 1965 and early 1973. Shoot-outs between these violent gunmen and police officers were frequent. It would take legendary police heroes - Men of Steel - who put their lives on the line to bring these gunmen to justice and eradicate gun violence from the streets of Singapore. Five decades of rigorous police work carried out by...

Ep 5 MEN OF STEEL - Cleaning Up a Crime City

Singapore in the 60s and 70s wasn't as safe as it is today. Dangerous and lawless gunmen also roamed our streets between 1965 and early 1973. Shoot-outs between these violent gunmen and police officers were frequent. It would take legendary police heroes - Men of Steel - who put their lives on the line to bring these gunmen to justice and eradicate gun violence from the streets of Singapore. Five decades of rigorous police work carried out by...

Ep 6 THE TIES THAT BIND - The road to building international relationships
24 mins

The ASEAN countries came together but out of fear of the spread communism. This alliance became a strong political force in the region. And in the fight against the communists, or the fight against the Vietnamese occupation against Cambodia, Singapore and America worked hand-in-hand to establish new ties. Yet, Singapore is still able to defend its decisions and policies, even if it means incurring negative criticisms from the bigger nations...

Ep 6 THE TIES THAT BIND - The road to building international relationships

The ASEAN countries came together but out of fear of the spread communism. This alliance became a strong political force in the region. And in the fight against the communists, or the fight against the Vietnamese occupation against Cambodia, Singapore and America worked hand-in-hand to establish new ties. Yet, Singapore is still able to defend its decisions and policies, even if it means incurring negative criticisms from the bigger nations...

Additional Information

Premiered2014
Genresdocumentary, info-ed
Seasons3
Suitable For All Ages