[九十春秋―新加坡韮菜芭城隍庙史记]
As part of its 90th Anniversary celebrations, a book on the history of Lorong Koo Chye Sheng Hong Temple has been published《九十春秋―新加坡韮菜芭城隍庙史记》. The temple has served the spiritual needs of generations of devotees.

Generations of benefactors have supported it through good times and difficult times. The history of the temple is indeed part of the history of Singapore.

It is good that the committee members and devotees of many of our temples are now more interested in their history. Temples are important reference points in our lives. They are an important part of our culture and tradition, teaching us to be better people.

Chinese temples in Singapore link us back to China. For many Chinese Singaporeans, our belief in Taoism, Buddhism and Confucianism are an inseparable part of our sense of Chineseness. These are deep roots which give us the strength to face the challenges of the present and the future.

Before Singapore’s independence, the Chinese temples played an important role in looking after the poor, providing medical services, helping those in financial difficulties, supporting schools and promoting cultural activities. After we became independent in 1965, the government rightly provided many of these facilities. But it is not good for Singaporeans to become overly dependent on the government. In recent years, our temples are again playing a greater social role. This is a healthy phenomenon which should be encouraged. A strong civil society makes us more resilient.

With more than 100,000 words, this book records the development of the Lorong Koo Chye Temple over the years. This is important for our self-awareness and self-confidence. Without knowledge of how we got here, it is difficult to find our way to the future. Without culture, there is no civilization.

I congratulate all those who contributed to the publication of this book and hope that other temples in Singapore will be inspired to undertake similar efforts.









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