James Suresh, one of the artists for the wall mural at Toa Payoh MRT station, said he discovered many interesting facts about Toa Payoh while researching this project. (Image: SMRT)
Thirty-five MRT stations operated by SMRT Trains will receive heritage-themed, comic-style wall murals in commemoration of the rail operator’s 35th anniversary this year.
The installation of heritage-themed wall murals is part of Comic Connect, a collaboration launched today (Jun 23) between SMRT Trains and members of the local art community.
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35 MRT Stations To Receive Heritage-themed Wall Murals
NS 19 Toa Payoh MRT station
Toa Payoh MRT station platform. (Image: SGTrains File)
Senior Minister of State for Finance and Transport Chee Hong Tat, also Member of Parliament (MP) for Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC, unveiled the first mural installed at Toa Payoh MRT station.
The North-South Line (NSL) MRT station was selected as it was one of the first five stations to begin operations in 1987.
SMRT said the wall mural at Toa Payoh MRT station features “interesting stories about Toa Payoh’s significance as home to various milestones in Singapore history”.
One of it being the “first town to be entirely designed and built by the Housing and Development Board (HDB)”, the rail operator added.
Heritage-themed wall murals invite commuters to feel the “Kampong Spirit”
“Mr James Suresh, one of the artists who worked on the mural in Toa Payoh station and also co-creator of the Mr Kiasu comics.” (Image: SMRT/Facebook)
“Showcasing the unique heritage and sub-culture of respective neighbourhoods, the murals invite commuters to feel the ‘kampong spirit’ and to embrace SMRT-operated train stations as an integral part of their homes and community.”
The rail operator said these wall murals also offer affectionate reminders to the community of each neighbourhood’s key moments in history.
It highlighted the iconic Old National Library Building in the vicinity of City Hall MRT station and the first branch library, Queenstown Library, near Queenstown MRT station.
For Comic Connect, SMRT will also work with young talents from the School of the Arts (SOTA) and Visual Arts Centre to “create murals to educate, enlighten and excite”.
Progressively installed across 35 MRT stations by the end of 2023
“From L to R: Mr Lam Sheau Kai, President, SMRT Trains; Mr Goh Teck Seng, Deputy Chief Executive, Land Transport Authority; Mr Seah Moon Ming, Chairman, SMRT Corporation Ltd; Mr Chee Hong Tat, Minister of State for Finance and Transport, Member of Parliament in the Bishan-Toa Payoh Group Representation Constituency; Mr Yap Kim Wah, Director, SMRT Board of Directors; Mr Walter Sia, one of Seah Eu Chin’s descendants” (Image: SMRT/Facebook)
The heritage-themed, comic-style wall murals are created on vinyl stickers for durability and easy maintenance.
“By the end of 2023, the murals will be progressively installed across 35 stations, which have been chosen for their historical significance, among other factors,” the rail operator said.
Chairman of SMRT Corporation Seah Moon Ming said SMRT’s public transport service has played a vital role in the growth and development of Singapore.
“Over 35 years of service, we have connected communities and changed the way Singaporeans live, work and play,” he said.
He also hopes the murals “can bring to life the unique stories of the local communities and inspire our commuters and residents as we build our social cohesion and strengthen community resilience over the next 35 years”.
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Related Links
History of the MRT System – SGTrains
North-South Line – SGTrains
East-West Line – SGTrains
Circle Line – SGTrains
Thomson-East Coast Line – SGTrains
External Links
SMRT Trains engages local art community to produce wall murals showcasing Singapore’s heritage in vicinity of train stations – SMRT [Accessed 23 Jun 2022]
“Yesterday (23 June), SMRT Trains launched Comic Connect, a collaboration with members of the local art community to install heritage-themed, comic-style wall murals at some of our stations.” – SMRT/Facebook [Accessed 24 Jun 2022]
Images by SMRT, SGTrains File and SMRT/Facebook.
This article first appeared on SGTrains.
Last updated on 24 Jun 2022.