Singapore's 21 Carpenter Hotel Revives the Stories of Migrant Workers

KO YONG-CHUL Reporter

korocamia@naver.com | 2025-03-19 10:13:04

Singapore - Behind Singapore's dazzling skyline lies a history of migrant workers' hardship, now brought to life in a newly transformed space. The '21 Carpenter' hotel, recently added to Marriott Bonvoy's Design Hotels network, preserves the historical value of a 1936 remittance house and shares the stories of the 'coolies' who were the unsung heroes of Singapore's economic growth.

The hotel harmoniously blends modern design with the building's original remittance house exterior, creating a unique atmosphere where past and present coexist. Inside, exhibits and photographs showcasing the remittance house's history allow visitors to experience Singapore's hidden past firsthand.

'21 Carpenter' transcends its role as a mere accommodation, establishing itself as a symbol of Singapore's multiculturalism. A hotel representative stated, "This space commemorates Singapore's history and promotes a society where people from diverse cultural backgrounds live together." They added, "We hope guests will experience Singapore's past and present while staying here and appreciate the value of multiculturalism."

Travelers visiting Singapore can enjoy a special experience at '21 Carpenter' hotel, exploring the city's hidden history and embracing the beauty of multiculturalism.

Additional Information:

Coolies in Singapore: The term "coolie" historically referred to unskilled laborers, often from China and India, who migrated to Singapore in the 19th and early 20th centuries.
They played a crucial role in Singapore's early development, working in various sectors such as construction, transportation, and agriculture.
These workers often faced harsh working conditions and lived in overcrowded, unsanitary conditions.
Remittance Houses: Remittance houses were essential for migrant workers to send money back to their families in their home countries.
These establishments served as vital links between the workers and their families, facilitating the flow of funds and maintaining familial ties.
Singapore's Multiculturalism: Singapore is renowned for its diverse population, comprising various ethnic and cultural groups, including Chinese, Malay, Indian, and others.
The nation's commitment to multiculturalism is reflected in its policies and initiatives that promote social harmony and cultural exchange.
The shophouse that the hotel resides in, is a key part of the architectural history of Singapore. These buildings are a very important part of the heritage of Singapore.
Design Hotels: Design Hotels is a hand-selected collection of privately owned and operated hotels around the globe.
These hotels reflect independent design, architecture, and a destination-worthy experience.

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