First Generation

A stone’s throw away from the Fullerton Hotel and at the fringe of the Singapore River situates a bronze and granite sculpture that captures the essence of life near the iconic place in the past. The sculpture, titled “The First Generation” was made by Chong Fah Cheong, a local sculptor well known for his life sized and massive bronze public sculptures. His work is one of the series of sculptures done by various sculptors and installed at historically significant sites along Singapore River promenades.

‘The First Generation’ is a sculpture which freezes the motion of five young boys, jumping naked and freely in the river. From a distance, the sculpture looks almost real-like because of its life-sized dimensions. It depicts a re-enactment of a favourite local past time. Swimming along the river is a sport regularly practised by children of the first immigrants to Singapore. To these children, the river was like one giant swimming pool and the source of simple pleasure and high adventure alike. The sculpture which was unveiled in 2000 indeed honours the first immigrants and the major role the river played in their lives.

Supported by The Singapore Board, the aim of the sculpture is to chart and preserve some of the country’s past and colourful river scenes among river dwellers. As Singapore thrives as a globalizing island, such sculptures will remind its people of immigrants who contributed much to Singapore’s social and economical growth.