07-05-2025
Hidden Histories - Hidden Histories Echoes of Industry
46:46 Min
What secrets lie within the ruins of Singapore's past? In this episode, Reuben Dhanaraj uncovers the turbulent history of the Pasir Panjang Power Station. Built under immense pressure to fuel the nation's rapid growth, it became both a symbol of survival and a target in a political storm. From anti-colonial fervour, fears of communism, and rising racial tensions to foreign agents targeting the station to destabilise the country, Reuben discovers how workers at the station faced their baptism of fire - learning on the job while strikes and protests shook the foundation of this critical power source. Reuben then journeys to the Shell Lubrication Plant in Woodlands, part of the first major industry to set roots in the area in 1963. He uncovers how Shell's pioneering move set off a wave of new entrants, transforming the area from a quiet forest into an industrial powerhouse, paving the way for Singapore's economic future.
About the show:
What secrets lie hidden in plain sight? In this captivating four-part documentary series, we uncover the forgotten stories buried within Singapore's most iconic landmarks and abandoned sites. From derelict military forts to repurposed power stations, grand hotels to historic courtrooms, each episode peels back layers of history to reveal lost secrets, hidden passageways, and pivotal moments that shaped the nation. These places are more than just remnants of the past – they are silent witnesses to ambition, resilience, and transformation, waiting to be rediscovered.
