JALAN KAYU & RAF SELETAR

Our Story

The Heartbeat of Jalan Kayu & RAF Seletar

Welcome to our community. This is more than just a website, it is a digital archive dedicated to the cherished memories of a generation shaped by the unique environment of RAF Seletar and the vibrant 'kampung' spirit of Jalan Kayu. Every reunion, story, photograph, and family memory preserved here helps to carry that legacy forward.

A Living Archive of Memory

Where service, family, and tradition grew side by side

In the 1950s and 60s, RAF Seletar was a world unto itself. British and local families—including many Indian families—lived and worked together in a disciplined, fast-changing environment that nevertheless remained deeply human.

1950s-60s The era that shaped a generation

50+ Years Reconnecting a community after half a century.

One Spirit Many families, one shared home

A World Within a World: RAF Seletar

RAF Seletar is often remembered as a distinct world with its own rhythm, standards, and way of life. Families lived for decades in British quarters and barracks. Many local Indians served the airbase in various capacities, from administration and officer support to highly skilled technical roles.

Life within the camp instilled a sense of order and progress, shaping the character and outlook of all who resided there.

The Soul of the Village: Jalan Kayu

Jalan Kayu is steeped in military roots and a long local history. Over time, the name has come to represent heritage shophouses, beloved eateries, and the everyday life shared across the neighbouring estates.

Even as the landscape has evolved, Jalan Kayu has retained its "old soul," blending nostalgic character with a rich past that remains tangible today.

The Unbreakable 'Kampung' Spirit

The true history of this region lies in the bonds between neighbours: open doors, shared food, and a spirit of mutual support where the joy of one family was celebrated by all.

Community Gathering Interview

Watch the community gathering and interview here on the page.

A featured in-page video for everyone to watch together.

Jalan Kayu

Watch this special Jalan Kayu community video here on the page.

A featured in-page video for everyone to watch together.

Our Mission: Bridging Fifty Years

The old homes may have been replaced by high-rise apartments, but the connections have never faded. After decades apart, many members of our community have reunited with a singular purpose: to ensure this rich history is never lost to time.

This website exists to revive that 'kampung' spirit, honour the artists, athletes, leaders, and families shaped by this land, and pass their stories on to the youth of today and the generations of tomorrow.

Featured Story Video Watch on YouTube

Special Tamil Audio

Listen to the special Tamil audio

Tap play to hear it directly on this page.

Community Audio Feature In-page audio player.

A featured listening moment for the community.

The Book of Green Memories

Author: Chellapandi Chellaiyya.
This beautifully compiled volume gathers the "green memories" of the generation that lived and grew up in the Jalan Kayu and Seletar region.

Preserving Roots: Safeguarding community history for younger generations.
Reconnecting Lives: Bringing together people who had lost touch for over 50 years.
Celebrating Unity: Highlighting the 'kampung' spirit and the Indian community's profound contribution to RAF Seletar.

Heritage Photos Families, homes, and reunion moments

Living Memory Interviews, celebrations, and voices

Kampung Spirit Shared values, resilience, and belonging

School Legacy

Jalan Kayu Primary School

Built in 1955, this school was the heart of the Jalan Kayu and Seletar educational community for over 30 years. As families transitioned to newer estates, the school moved in 1988 to become Ang Mo Kio Primary.

"Jalinkan Keharmonian" (Work in Harmony)

The school song instilled values of honesty, diligence, and loyalty. Former students fondly recall the spirit of multicultural unity and the dedicated leadership of principals such as Mrs Mona Taylor and Mr Tan Eng Chai.

1955-1988: Decades of service
Original site now the Tampines Expressway (TPE)

Special Event

C. N. Annadurai’s Visit to Singapore

During the late 1960s, C. N. Annadurai, fondly known as Perarignar Anna, visited Singapore as part of his efforts to connect with Tamil communities abroad. This visit took place during his tenure as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu (1967–1969), a time when he actively promoted Tamil language, culture, and social progress.