In-depth Archaeological Survey Begins on Pulau Ubin at World War II Site

The National Parks Board and ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute (ISEAS) today marked the start of the first in-depth archaeological surveys on Pulau Ubin beginning with World War II historical artefacts. Spanning a period of 18 months from December 2017, the surveys will document and study in detail the archaeological and historical remains at selected sites on Pulau Ubin. As an initiative of The Ubin Project, these surveys will complement ongoing cultural heritage and biodiversity research on the island. The findings of ISEAS will add to information about Ubin’s cultural heritage, serving as a guide for NParks to develop management strategies for these areas to conserve the island’s heritage. The start of the surveys was witnessed by Second Minister for National Development and Minister for Social and Family Development, Mr Desmond Lee who visited the World War II gun emplacement of the Ubin Anti-Motor Torpedo Boat (AMTB) battery which is located within Camp Resilience (National Police Cadet Corps Campsite) today.  

Part of Pulau Ubin’s rustic charm lies in the island’s rich cultural heritage. However, much is still unknown about the island’s history despite there being a number of abandoned historical sites dating to the 1800s.The findings from these archaeological surveys led by Lim Chen Sian, Associate Fellow of ISEAS, will shed light on Singapore’s trade, economic and military history, which will in turn contribute to archaeological and historic research of Singapore and the region. In addition, the information will also be incorporated into educational posters and presentations as part of efforts to strengthen awareness about Pulau Ubin’s cultural and natural heritage.

The surveys will be split into three phases, with the initial phase to be carried out at the No 2. gun emplacement site. The fieldwork for this research will entail transect surveys to identify, map and record heritage features as well as basic sampling such as surface collections. Subsurface probes may also be utilised to conduct analysis in areas where there is a high probability of buried archaeological remains. Depending on the findings from the first phase, subsequent archaeological surveys by ISEAS may be conducted at the same areas or at the western part of Pulau Ubin.