Zine, a research project about a place in Singapore I am unfamiliar with. After doing some on site research, we are to produce a short zine on the location we are assigned to, in this case for me, Mandai. “Beyond Trees” is a zine containing 5 things you probably missed out about Mandai.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  

 

 

Relevant Statistics gathered: (because not all can go/ are suitable for slides presentation) 

 

TOTAL DEATHS BY YEAR: (with mostly a decade interval) 

1960 – 10210 deaths

1970 – 10717 deaths

1980 – 12505 deaths

1990 – 13891 deaths

2000 – 15693 deaths

2010 – 17610 deaths

2012 – 18481 deaths

2014 – 19393 deaths

2016 – 19988 deaths

 

PERCENTAGE OF DEATHS BY GENDER FOR THE LAST 5 YEARS: 

2012 – MALE (10075 deaths) = 54.5%   FEMALE (8406 deaths) = 45.5%

2013 – MALE (10426 deaths) = 56.6%   FEMALE (8010 deaths) = 43.4%

2014 –  MALE (10534 deaths) = 54.3%  FEMALE (8858 deaths) =45.7%

2015 –  MALE (10779 deaths) = 54.3%  FEMALE (9073 deaths) = 45.7%

2016 –  MALE (10977 deaths) = 54.9%  FEMALE (9011 deaths) = 45.1%

 

CREMATION STATISTICS FOR 3 YEARS: 

2012 – ( 14620 deaths out of 18481 deaths ) = 79.11% cremated

2013 – ( 15160 deaths out of 18938 deaths ) = 80.05% cremated

2014 – ( 153700 deaths out of 19393 deaths ) = 79.26% cremated

 

PRICE OF CREMATION INCREMENT OVER THE YEARS:  

As this is not quite available online, I sent an email in to  enquire about it.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

References:

Google Map

Singstats

South Park Characters

 

MANDAI (Man-Die?)

When I first received the brief and location assigned, I was a little taken aback. Contrary to the places I am familiar with (Bedok and Marine Parade), Mandai is relatively out of town and I am very unfamiliar with it. After researching on the area, I shortlisted 3 places within Mandai, namely the Mandai Bird Sanctuary , Upper Seletar Reservoir and the Mandai Crematorium. Although there is the night safari and Singapore zoo, I intentionally steered away from popular tourist attractions.

 

When I first reached the mandai area, all I could see was trees and more trees, making it seemed more ulu than I thought.

My first stop of the visit was Upper Seletar Reservoir.

After walking around for quite a while, I feel that it is quite similar to other parks and reservoirs, making it not so ideal for my zine project.

I then moved on to the Mandai Bird Sanctuary.  Mandai Bird Sanctuary has been something of a secret for the past two decades, since it opened in 1994. The sanctuary was previously open only to experts and academics from around the world, and as a place for research development in bird breeding. The sanctuary’s lease was originally set to expire by the end of May. However, an extension by the Singapore Land Authority meant they have till February 2017 to move to Sungei Tengah.

The sanctuary currently sits on two hectares of land along Lorong Lada Hitam, and has long bred exotic species. It has eight aviaries which house about 2,800 birds from more than 120 species. Many of them are rare, and some are also endangered. They include breeds such as the Black Palm Cockatoo and Eclectus Parrot. Mandai Bird Sanctuary is one of only two farms in Singapore which have been approved by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) – an international treaty to protect endangered wildlife.

However, when I reached 31 Lorong Lada Hitam, the rusty metal gates were closed. I called the office hotline many times, only to reach an engaged tone. There was not a single soul in sight even though I stood at the gate and called out several times. Despite that, loud chirping sounds were heard from within.

Stoning outside the gate for some time, the only pictures of birds I took were of these 2 cuties. They seems to have some synchronised actions. Also, minor bullying spotted (3rd pic).

Perhaps I was too late, the sanctuary was already closed since it was nearing the end of February already. Feeling disappointed, I moved on to my next venue.

Upon reaching Mandai Crematorium, I spotted many army men walking around. Not thinking much about it, I visited the columbarium first.

Strangely, I noticed that the fishes in the pond at the ground level of the columbarium were hardly moving. Thinking that they may be artificial fishes, I stood there to observe them. While I confirmed that they are alive but with very minimal movements, I really wondered why. (Is it too spooky?!)

 

As I walked up, I also noticed a small poster attached on the walls. Perhaps these are caused by lighted candles or joss sticks. (One of the Chinese Traditions for the deceased)

As I walked through the rows of niches, I noticed that besides from flowers, there are many other little objects like stuffed toys, cards, animals figurines placed on the little platform in front of the tablet.

(I told the deceased about my project before taking these photos) From cards to small soft toys, keychains and figurines (the variety was interesting),  we can see the love their family have for them and the area was well maintained.

      

    

    

   

    

As I proceed to the service halls, I noticed many army men putting on black arm bands.

They stood in 2 uniformed rows opposite each other and not long after, a hearse appeared and the army men started saluting one by one.

The state flag was seen draped on the coffin as it was lifted out of the hearse.

Meanwhile, another group was standing in line waiting to march into the empty area in front of the service hall.

This is then followed by the rifles salute with 18 shots into the air.

Shortly after, an army officer began blowing the trumpet.

 

They then proceeded to march out.

After that, the team then began searching for the bullets lying around amongst the grass.

I then proceeded to the viewing hall. As the viewing hall was too crowded for the deceased army official, I went to the next viewing hall instead. (I also briefly explained the project to the deceased’s relatives before taking any action)

Some other sightings at the crematorium:

(The person in charge was there and he did not mind me taking the photos)

I think I have never been at the crematorium for this long before. It was an interesting on site research journey and coincidentally, I have also seen things that are otherwise normally not seen in more common spaces in Singapore.