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.

Singapore came through independence with flying colours. With education, housing and employment matters settled, there was time on our hands. The Arts, Singapore fashion, original music composition, both Chinese and English started in this era. But there were new problems that rose. Hell riders plagued our streets. The economy faced new challenges… How did our pioneers overcome these?

Ep 1 RAISING HELL
24 mins

A new menace came onto the horizon in the 80s that was to last almost a decade - Hell Riding. With serious triads eradicated, the minor gangs found a new recreation - street racing, which led to increasing death tolls from motorbike accidents, illegal gambling, public disturbances and other related criminal activities…

Ep 1 RAISING HELL

A new menace came onto the horizon in the 80s that was to last almost a decade - Hell Riding. With serious triads eradicated, the minor gangs found a new recreation - street racing, which led to increasing death tolls from motorbike accidents, illegal gambling, public disturbances and other related criminal activities…

Ep 2 HOME SONGS
25 mins

In the 60s and 70s, there was a dearth of locally composed music. Come the 80s, a spark started from an unlikely corner in Singapore - the Junior Colleges and Polytechnics. This spark marks the beginnings of a whole new music genre, Xin Yao, and forms the...

Ep 2 HOME SONGS

In the 60s and 70s, there was a dearth of locally composed music. Come the 80s, a spark started from an unlikely corner in Singapore - the Junior Colleges and Polytechnics. This spark marks the beginnings of a whole new music genre, Xin Yao, and forms the...

Ep 3 STAGE IDENTITY
25 mins

The 80s saw a burst of creative energy in Singapore. A time of experimentation and innovation, pioneers of theatre and indie music embarked on a quest for a Singapore identity through original compositions. The glory and vigour erupted with The Substation, as home...

Ep 3 STAGE IDENTITY

The 80s saw a burst of creative energy in Singapore. A time of experimentation and innovation, pioneers of theatre and indie music embarked on a quest for a Singapore identity through original compositions. The glory and vigour erupted with The Substation, as home...

Ep 4 A THREAD IN TIME
25 mins

As Singapore prospered into the 80s, fashion became an essential part of life. Local labels dominated the market while home grown designers ascended to the status of celebrity. Fashion events became prevalent and much sought-after. It was an era of glamour and...

Ep 4 A THREAD IN TIME

As Singapore prospered into the 80s, fashion became an essential part of life. Local labels dominated the market while home grown designers ascended to the status of celebrity. Fashion events became prevalent and much sought-after. It was an era of glamour and...

Ep 5 Every Singaporean’s Duty
24 mins

As Singapore enters the economic boom of the 1980s, internal security takes centre stage. The Neighbourhood Police Post was implemented in the 80s to foster public trust and engage the community in crime prevention. But the 1990s was to witness a new threat, the...

Ep 5 Every Singaporean’s Duty

As Singapore enters the economic boom of the 1980s, internal security takes centre stage. The Neighbourhood Police Post was implemented in the 80s to foster public trust and engage the community in crime prevention. But the 1990s was to witness a new threat, the...

Ep 6 Economic Road Warriors
24 mins

The 80s came our very first recession since independence. Hear first-hand from former EDB Chairman Philip Yeo and Minister Lim Swee Say, a former EDB road warrior, on how Singapore overcame challenges of recession. Learn how they chased down and created...

Ep 6 Economic Road Warriors

The 80s came our very first recession since independence. Hear first-hand from former EDB Chairman Philip Yeo and Minister Lim Swee Say, a former EDB road warrior, on how Singapore overcame challenges of recession. Learn how they chased down and created...

Additional Information

Premiered2015
Genresinfo-ed
Seasons3
Parental guidance advised for young children