Embark on a walking tour with artist Syahrul Anuar and Yong from The Urbanist Singapore that delves into Singapore's dynamic and urban Tanjong Pagar district.

By traversing the lines between the contemporary and historical, the factual and the fictional, this immersive walk encourages you to deepen your understanding of the land we inhabit. Discover sites around Tanjong Pagar that were once hills, now flattened, revealing the untold narratives that forged our nation.

This walking tour is held in conjunction with the exhibition, SAM Contemporaries: How To Dream Worlds.

About the Artist
Syahrul Anuar explores the notion of merantau (Malay for “migration”), drawing inspiration from his family's diaspora across the Indo-Malay world. By engaging with the rich contemporary narratives and histories of the Indo-Malay world, Syahrul examines human movement, the built environment and the geographical landscape. Through his research-driven practice, he explores the spaces between fact and fiction, blending past and present, reality and fiction.

Syahrul has a background in photography, but his interdisciplinary practice probes emerging technologies, exploring artificial intelligence, machine learning and computer graphics. These tools serve not only as mediums but also as frameworks for reimagining and reconstructing photography within the complexities of Southeast Asia's dynamic contemporary landscape.

A graduate of Nanyang Technological University, School of Art, Design and Media, with a BFA in Media Art (Photography), Syahrul was honoured with the Kwek Leng Joo Prize of Excellence in 2021. His artistic endeavours have been showcased in exhibitions across Singapore, China, the Netherlands and the United States.

About The Urbanist

Yong Min (@urbanist.singapore) is a passionate heritage educator who is transforming Singapore's cultural storytelling landscape. As the founder of The Urbanist Singapore, he has captivated over 60,000 followers across TikTok and Instagram with his engaging content that breathes life into the city-state's rich history and urban design.

An advocate for preserving Singapore's cultural legacy, Yong's journey began with his award-winning honours thesis. His honours thesis at the National University of Singapore earned him the Preservation of Monuments Board's Best Thesis Award in 2009, affirming his love for Singapore heritage.

An innovator in educational outreach, Yong has seamlessly blended digital storytelling with immersive experiences. His curated heritage walks and social media content offer fresh perspectives on Singapore's architectural marvels, making history accessible and exciting for a new generation.