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CNA Special - Kwa Geok Choo: Shelter in the storm of separation

CNA Special

Singapore’s split from Malaysia is often told as a political story of a short-lived union. But in the background was another, quieter partnership - between Singapore’s founding prime minister Lee Kuan Yew and his wife, Kwa Geok Choo. What role did the famously private Mdm Kwa play? In this special standalone episode, we hear her for the first time in her own words, through recently released oral history tapes.

Credit: From the oral history interview of Kwa Geok Choo (Accession No 000118, Track No 32), oral history interview of Devan Nair (Accession Number 000049, Track 25) and oral history of Lee Kuan Yew (Accession Number 000080, Track 82), Oral History Centre, National Archives of Singapore.

The Albatross File: Singapore’s Independence Declassified is a permanent exhibition at Level 10 of the National Library Building. Admission is free but visitors have to make a booking at https://thealbatrossfile.nlb.gov.sg/

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CNA Special - Kwa Geok Choo: Shelter in the storm of separation

Singapore’s split from Malaysia is often told as a political story of a short-lived union. But in the background was another, quieter partnership - between Singapore’s founding prime minister Lee Kuan Yew and his wife, Kwa Geok Choo. What role did the famously private Mdm Kwa play? In this special standalone episode, we hear her for the first time in her own words, through recently released oral history tapes.Credit: From the oral history interview of Kwa Geok Choo (Accession No 000118, Track No 32), oral history interview of Devan Nair (Accession Number 000049, Track 25) and oral history of Lee Kuan Yew (Accession Number 000080, Track 82), Oral History Centre, National Archives of Singapore.The Albatross File: Singapore’s Independence Declassified is a permanent exhibition at Level 10 of the National Library Building. Admission is free but visitors have to make a booking at https://thealbatrossfile.nlb.gov.sg/

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CNA Special - The Albatross File (Part 2): How the separation happened

Singapore’s sudden independence on Aug 9,1965 shocked the nation - but Dr Goh Keng Swee’s “Albatross File” shows the split had been taking shape for months. Newly released oral history interviews with key figures, including Singapore’s first Prime Minister Mr Lee Kuan Yew, give an intimate look on what unfolded behind the scenes. Producers Peh Yuxin and Clarisse Goh speak with the Ministry of Digital Development and Information Senior Adviser Janadas Devan to trace the political pressures and turning points that led to separation - all to tackle the big question: Was Singapore pushed out, or did it choose to leave?

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CNA Special - The Albatross File (Part 1): Why Singapore's merger with Malaysia failed

When Singapore joined the Federation of Malaysia in 1963, hopes were high. But a secret file kept by then-Finance Minister Dr Goh Keng Swee, code-named the “Albatross”, reveals a far more fragile union. CNA producers Peh Yuxin and Clarisse Goh sit down with Janadas Devan, senior adviser at the Ministry of Digital Development and Information to unpack the historical reasons, political tensions, clashing economic visions, and rising racial politics that pulled the merger apart. 

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CNA Special - Age of Anxiety: A hyper-connected but lonely generation (Part 2)

When Sneha left the hospital after her suicide attempt, she returned to a reality she loathed. But that proved to be a critical turning point and set her on the road to recovery. With the national infrastructure ramping up to help young people cope with their mental health challenges, other deeper shifts in their personal lives deserve attention too. But who holds the key to tackling these? In part two, Crispina Robert investigates the crucial ingredients to combat this mental health scourge.  WHERE TO SEEK HELP   If you or someone you know is struggling and needs support, please consider reaching out to one of the helplines below.    Youthline: +65 6436 6612 (call), 8533 9460 (text) and over email at hello [at] youthline.sg (hello[at]youthline[dot]sg). Youthline provides free mental health support to youth via phone, email or a live chat service. It runs from 9am to midnight daily. Calls outside of operating hours are redirected to Samaritans of Singapore or the Singapore Civil Defence Force for emergency medical services.   Samaritans of Singapore: 1767 (call), 9151 1767 (WhatsApp text) and over email at pat [at] sos.org.sg (pat[at]sos[dot]org[dot]sg). Samaritans of Singapore provides round-the-clock confidential emotional support for individuals in crisis, thinking about or affected by suicide. The call and text-based services are operational 24 hours a day, every day of the week.   National Mindline: 1771 (call), 6669 1771 (WhatsApp) and through online webchat on the http://mindline.sg/fsmh website. This is a round-the-clock confidential national-level helpline. Beyond immediate counselling, those who require more support can be directed to the appropriate care and resources.  

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CNA Special - Age of Anxiety: What’s driving the youth mental health crisis in Singapore? (Part 1)

It was the call that all parents dread – news that his 17-year-old son took his life. Five years on, “Sean” still grapples with the reasons why. The reality is that one in three young people in Singapore experience significant mental health challenges. What’s driving these numbers? Crispina Robert goes in search of answers and speaks to people living through their own darkness and professionals on the frontlines.   WHERE TO SEEK HELP   If you or someone you know is struggling and needs support, please consider reaching out to one of the helplines below.    Youthline: +65 6436 6612 (call), 8533 9460 (text) and over email at hello [at] youthline.sg (hello[at]youthline[dot]sg). Youthline provides free mental health support to youth via phone, email or a live chat service. It runs from 9am to midnight daily. Calls outside of operating hours are redirected to Samaritans of Singapore or the Singapore Civil Defence Force for emergency medical services.   Samaritans of Singapore: 1767 (call), 9151 1767 (WhatsApp text) and over email at pat [at] sos.org.sg (pat[at]sos[dot]org[dot]sg). Samaritans of Singapore provides round-the-clock confidential emotional support for individuals in crisis, thinking about or affected by suicide. The call and text-based services are operational 24 hours a day, every day of the week.   National Mindline: 1771 (call), 6669 1771 (WhatsApp) and through online webchat on the http://mindline.sg/fsmh website. This is a round-the-clock confidential national-level helpline. Beyond immediate counselling, those who require more support can be directed to the appropriate care and resources.  

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