The banana is one of the world’s most recognisable fruits—convenient, nutritious, and ever-present in our kitchens. But behind its easy familiarity lies a complex history. Once a symbol of colonial exploitation in Latin America—where plantations fed global demand at the cost of local lives and land—the banana’s journey to Southeast Asia followed trade routes shaped by empire, migration, and agriculture. Over time, the region made the fruit its own. In Malaysia and Singapore, bananas became not just a snack or dessert, but a staple: used in curry, fried into fritters, steamed in kueh, or served on festive platters.
In Renggam, Johor, we trace that history forward to the present, meeting the farmers who now keep this everyday fruit in steady supply. Lee Soon Wah and Eric Lim are part of a quiet but essential system that feeds Singapore. Mr Lee, a former accountant, now leases land to Eric, whose hands-on efforts sustain the banana farms that support households across the border. For them, farming is not just about produce—it’s about consistency, pride, and cross-border cooperation built on trust and shared rhythms.
Part of the MY-SG series, this programme highlights the deep connections between Malaysia and Singapore—historical, cultural, and logistical. As we follow the banana’s journey from plantation rows to distribution centres and then to wet market shelves, we also honour the people and partnerships behind the scenes. The story of the banana is global and local, troubled and nourishing, old and ongoing—and it’s continuing to be told daily by farmers like these.
Meet Mr Lee Soon Wah, a 65-year-old accountant turned farmer who now owns and manages an oil palm plantation in Johor. Farming has provided him with a meaningful second career. He comes from a farming lineage—pursuing agriculture feels natural to him as it is part of his family heritage and roots. Today, Mr Lee leases part of his plantation land to fellow farmer Eric Lim, forming a practical and community-driven partnership.
Eric Lim, 54, is a Teochew farmer with roots tracing back to Guangdong through his grandfather. After working as a machinist in Singapore and running a coffee shop in Kluang, Eric turned to farming during the COVID-19 Movement Control Order (MCO) period. Invited by one of his workers to try his hand at agriculture, Eric discovered that bananas were both resilient and relatively simple to grow. With Mr Lee’s land and his own dedication, Eric now cultivates several banana varieties, including Raja, Berangan, Rastali, and Tanduk. Together with his farming partner, Eric manages the entire growing cycle—from weeding and fertilising to harvesting and delivering the produce to collection points. Their collaborative work showcases the resilience, adaptability, and cross-generational cooperation that continues to define small-scale farming in the region.
Jackie Neo is a licensed tourist guide based in Singapore, active in the profession since 1996. As a long-time volunteer with My Community, Jackie is a familiar face at many events, especially as a guide for the My Boon Keng and My Clementi tours.
Jackie’s extensive guiding experience enriches every tour he leads, offering participants meaningful insights into the history and culture of Singapore’s neighbourhoods. He is known for his warm presence in the community—jovial, friendly, and always eager to engage with participants.
His long-standing involvement reflects a genuine commitment to sharing Singapore’s everyday heritage with heart and humour.
Lim Xin Yi has been an active volunteer with My Community since 2022, contributing primarily to its cultural mapping projects. As a key member of the mapping team, Xin Yi helps document neighbourhood stories through resident interviews, walks, and observations.
In addition to her work with My Community, Xin Yi is an avid volunteer across various civil society initiatives, reflecting a strong commitment to community service and public engagement.
Her contributions support My Community’s mission to preserve and share Singapore’s everyday histories in Queenstown through genuine befriending efforts and oral history campaigns.
Participants are encouraged to dress comfortably and wear covered shoes.
Parking is unavailable at the event premises. The nearest carpark is at Jurong Eco Park which is right beside.
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