FORD FACTORY

Along Bukit Timah Road, this building seemed like any other: dull, grey and lifeless. A coincidence since it rained. It reminded me of a folk tale (sorry to digress) that was told to me when I as a child: whenever it rained, it was taken that the heavens were grieving and and the tears were falling from heaven. How apt it was as we were about to embark on a museum journey that portrayed the harsh life during the Japanese Occupation.





The museum manned by older gentlemen seemed to hint to patrons that they were veterans of the war and before actually starting on our tour, I caught glimpse of one of the elderly workers who was leading a group of primary school students. He spoke with much vigor and gusto. This seemed to be the trend as we continued on the museum tour: passionate elderly men speaking to groups with verve.

A long tunnel which marked the beginning of the tour as war artifacts were put on show.


Much of the tour depicted the life lead by the different groups: the Chinese, the Eurasians, Malays, Indians and the Allied POWs. Their treatment varied as the War dragged on. However I did have some observations which I found to be peculiar.







Firstly, I felt much was made of the Sook Ching massacre and much of it was portrayed from a captive's point of view. Let me illustrate.


'Scotch of the rising sun' as we see from above can easily be twisted (if the Japanese were our rulers) to: 'Destroying the Enemy from within'. As the Japanese (again if our rulers) would portray the Sook Ching (probably not called this as well) was necessary to the peace of Syonan. The victors of war tend to be able to write their version of history: in Singapore's case, we write history in order that younger generations, who missed the harsh realities the Japanese Occupation, are imbued with the same if not some sense of protectiveness of their nation's freedom and independence.

Secondly, I was impressed with the extend of the nitty gritty details they provided with the quotes gathered from different ethnic groups which painted a grim but very real portrait of the life during the Japanese Occupation. In addition to the quotes, the images brought to life the bitterness of life back then. Gruesome, painful, emotional draining photos would leave one questioning how could life ever be so heartbreaking.

Thirdly, the entire Ford Factory provides interactive games and overall provides the young child or preteen with entertainment such as Talking map, Syonan race and Syonan Garden. The information packed exhibition would have bored the children and primary schoolers. Ford Factory properly adapts to its audience and people from across the age groups can relate in a fun, nostalgic or mind boggling way. In essence, FOrd Factory is effective in reaching out to the public.