Peel the day with a tour of Soon Wah and Ren Yii’s banana plantation as they regale you will tales of friendship, determination and the bountiful world of banana farming in Renggam.
In Renggam, Johor’s oldest town, an enchanting world of banana farming awaits. Meet the dynamic duo of Lee Soon Wah and Wang Ren Yii, whose friendship was cultivated through their shared love for agriculture. Experience what it is like being a banana farmer, and understand what it takes to grow, harvest, wash, ripen, and pack our bananas before it comes to Singapore. End the trip at Pasir Panjang Wholesale Centre, where we will speak with a banana wholesaler and his experiences and challenges working in this business.
Lee Soon Wah, a 63-year-old accountant turned farmer, shares a unique friendship with Wang Ren Yii. While Soon Wah owns an oil palm plantation, he leases the same land to Ren Yii for his banana cultivation. This business arrangement brought them together, and they developed a strong bond over time. For Soon Wah, farming has provided an opportunity to support his children’s education, a feat he might not have achieved solely through his accounting career. With two daughters studying in Kuala Lumpur and another in Australia, farming has played a crucial role in shaping their future.
Both Soon Wah and Ren Yii share a common upbringing in Kluang. While Ren Yii’s family resides in Johor Bahru, he still holds a deep attachment to the life and memories of Kluang. Ren Yii’s decision to pursue agriculture came during his first year of university in Taiwan when he realised that city life was not for him. His aspiration is simple yet profound: to be able to sleep and wake up naturally every morning. To achieve this, he knows that hard work and dedication are essential. Together, Lee Soon Wah and Wang Ren Yii navigate the challenges and joys of banana farming, creating a unique partnership driven by their shared passion for agriculture.
Saturday, 19 August 2023
(excluding Eventbrite service fee)
Join first-generation shopkeeper Ho Siew Zhen, affectionately known as the “social butterfly” of the complex, on a lively and heart-warming tour of the pioneer trades and businesses. Get ready to be captivated by her colourful tales of friendships and incredible stories that have unfolded within the walls of this cultural icon.
Neighbours Solomon and Lai Yee’s paths crossed during a community rooftop garden initiative for their new Punggol homes. While the project itself may not have unfolded as planned, it became the catalyst for a blossoming friendship filled with food and chatter. Bursting with flavours from a diverse range of cuisines, come down and taste Solomon’s babi ponteh and Lai Yee’s pig stomach soup for yourself.
Join us on a cosy evening as the wives of college-friends-turn-Siglap neighbours Tunula and Smita whip up delicious Bhutia momos (or dumplings) and Uttarankhand rajma masala (or mutton and kidney bean stew) and add an extra sprinkle of joy in their cosy kitchens.