Singapore: On Singapore’s outlying island of Pulau Ubin, a group of longtime residents still recount the arrival of a solar grid 11 years ago as a transformative moment.
For those living in this small rural haven, the solar power system represented more than just a practical improvement- it was a miracle in a place where electricity had once been a costly luxury.
The island, spanning just 10 square kilometers (4 square miles), is a rare patch of nature in contrast to the sleek skyscrapers of Singapore’s bustling urban centre.
Home to rich biodiversity and wetlands once at risk of reclamation, Pulau Ubin is a peaceful escape just a 10-minute ferry ride from the city. While the island’s tranquil lifestyle attracts visitors seeking a break from the city, for its remaining residents, the grid is a life-changing feature.
Chu Yok Choon, a 79-year-old who has lived in Pulau Ubin for most of his life, recalls the days before 2013 when electricity was supplied through noisy, polluting generators and water had to be drawn manually from a well.
Chu is among about 30 people still residing in Pulau Ubin, where the youngest inhabitants are in their 50s. The village, which was once home to nearly 4,000 people in the mid-20th century, now faces the challenge of an aging population.
In its earlier years, Pulau Ubin supported a thriving community with granite quarries and plantations. However, with the closure of the largest quarry in 1970 and the allure of city life, many moved to Singapore’s urban heart.
Though the small island offers a relaxing refuge for the few remaining residents, the ferry system is often inconvenient. A trip to the city means waiting for the boat to fill up with 12 passengers or paying S$48 ($36) to hire the entire boat privately. However, despite the inconveniences, many of the older residents remain in the community.
Even though the island appeal in its simplicity and the natural energy, experts are concerned about its future. With no young people settling on the island, and with many children of current residents having moved to the city, Pulau Ubin’s population continues to shrink.
The Singapore government, which has long recognised the island’s historical and ecological significance, now focuses on preserving it. Each year, Singaporeans celebrate “Ubin Day,” a tradition that has been going on for nine years, bringing together locals to honour the island’s heritage and discuss its future. However, despite efforts to conserve Pulau Ubin, the reality is that its days as a living community may be numbered.
POPULAR | Meta, Google urge Australia to delay child social media age ban
