What to Expect?
Rise and shine with the vibrant heartbeat of Little India as we take you through an early morning exploration of Tekka Market — one of Singapore’s most storied and culturally rich wet markets. This tour begins before the bustle peaks, when stallholders are setting up, regulars are picking out the freshest produce, and the aroma of breakfast fills the air.
You’ll meet veteran stallholders like a chicken seller who’s seen Tekka evolve from its original days as a Chinese-only market to the multicultural hub it is today. Hear firsthand accounts of the days when villagers brought live chickens to sell — and watch as they were slaughtered on the spot, blood draining into the earth. Learn how a fire in the 1970s forced the community to relocate to the current Tekka Centre in the 1980s, where the spirit of the old market lives on in the people who still call it home.
Discover how the market has adapted to its new customers, with specialty stores now catering to foreign workers and their tastes — like freshwater fish that are less familiar to Singaporeans used to their usual saltwater favourites. Then take a break from the sensory feast with a comforting cup of teh tarik at Ar-Rahman Cafe — the same stall where former President S R Nathan used to get his fix. Watch a live demonstration of this pulled tea in action, and taste why it’s stood the test of time. Come hungry for stories — and breakfast.
About After Hours @ My Community
Singapore is a city which never sleeps. A plethora of activities continue deep into the night, even as most of us head to bed. Follow us on an unforgettable adventure in our neighbourhoods and meet the unsung heroes keeping the island’s essential services running after dark.
You might be fast asleep or up late on Netflix. As you rest or unwind, a whole workforce of graveyard shift workers disperses across the country to ensure the island’s essential services operate seamlessly.
Our neighbourhoods thrive because of the dedication and unwavering commitment of these hardworking individuals. Make a trip to our neighbourhoods during MCF2025 and express our gratitude to the heartland heroes!
About your Guide
Chan Boon Kian is a Singapore-based educator deeply involved in both curriculum development and student mentorship. He wears many hats: geography teacher, community heritage volunteer, and active participant in professional teacher associations. Outside of work, he's a traveller, athlete, and lifelong learner who shares content on Instagram and engages with global communities via Couchsurfing.
Who should come?
- Everyone is welcome to participate in this exciting tour!
Programme Details
- Approximate Duration: 2.0 hours (Please arrive 15 minutes before the tour for registration)
- Language: English
- Meeting Point: Meet at Little India MRT Station, Exit C, Street Level (60 Bukit Timah Road, Singapore 229900)
- Ending Point: The event will start and end at the same point.
- The tour will proceed rain or shine.
What to bring?
- Participants are encouraged to dress comfortably and wear covered shoes with good soles grip.
- Participants may need to walk on wet floor during the tour.
- Participants should bring along an umbrella, hand sanitisers, insect repellent, and a bottle of water.
- Participants are encouraged to bring their own earphones (with a standard 3.5mm audio jack) because we will be using radio guides for the tour!
- Please ensure that you bring along any personal medication. Asthmatic individuals are reminded to bring their inhaler.
Other important information
- Parking is available at Tekka Place Carpark.
- The venue is not wheelchair accessible.
- Photography is allowed at event premises.
Disclaimer
- Each ticket admits only one participant.
- By agreeing to participate in the tour, every participant will be responsible for any injury, loss of damage due to careIessness of other actions on his/her part or that of children under his/her charge.
- It is compulsory for a parent/guardian to accompany any child of or under the age of 12.
- Videos and photographs may also be taken during the event. By registering for this event, you give My Community full rights to use the photos for marketing and publicity.
For updates:
- Follow us at @mycommunitysg on Instagram and @myqueenstown on Facebook.
- Visit mycommunity.org.sg to learn about our initiatives.
- Visit mycommunityfestival.sg for all our latest updates
