Introduction
Step into Katong–Joo Chiat, and you’ll find more than pastel-hued shophouses and aromatic laksa. This precinct is a living archive of Singapore’s multicultural journey—a tapestry of Peranakan elegance, Eurasian traditions, and Malay roots. At the heart of this vibrant enclave stands Katong Culture, a community initiative born in 2022 to preserve, promote, and rejuvenate the heritage of Singapore’s first Heritage Town.
Our Origins: From Grassroots to Heritage Activation
Katong Culture began as an interest group under the Joo Chiat Community Club Management Committee in 2021, driven by passionate residents and cultural enthusiasts. Today, it serves as the anchor partner for the National Heritage Board’s Heritage Activation Node (HAN) @ Katong–Joo Chiat, curating immersive experiences and fostering community engagement under Our SG Heritage Plan 2.0.
Founder Gavin Chan, a long-time grassroots leader, recalls:
“I grew up in Joo Chiat, surrounded by stories of laksa feuds and Peranakan weddings. These weren’t just tales—they were living memories. Katong Culture was born to keep these stories alive.”
Heritage Through Anecdotes
Katong’s history is rich with colorful anecdotes. Residents remember kindergarten classes held on Teochew opera stages in the 1970s, and wedding photos taken at the iconic Red House Bakery in the 1990s. These personal stories, collected through Katong Culture’s Call for Memories initiative, form a collective portrait of life across decades—from bustling kopitiams to pandemic-era bicycle deliveries.
Community Voices and Cultural Champions
Katong Culture thrives on partnerships—with residents, merchants, and cultural associations. Volunteers, known as HAN Champions, document oral histories and curate experiences like heritage trails, art murals, and culinary workshops. The HAN Launch Festival in 2024 featured 29 programs across nine locations, from Peranakan play readings to interactive heritage races, drawing thousands of visitors.
Preserving Identity Amid Change
Katong’s transformation—from coconut plantations to a bustling heritage hub—mirrors Singapore’s own evolution. Yet, amid modernization, Katong Culture ensures that identity markers endure: murals at Joo Chiat CC, cultural motifs on public spaces, and curated tours that spotlight hidden gems.
Join the Movement
Whether you’re a lifelong resident or a curious visitor, Katong Culture invites you to be part of this journey. Share your memories, volunteer as a Heritage Champion, or simply explore the precinct through our curated experiences. Every story matters—because together, we keep Katong-Joo Chiat alive.
Email: katong.culture@outlook.sg
Facebook: Katong Culture
Katong Culture 
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