Arab Street
Modern developments have not tainted Arab Street’s reputation and character as a textile haven since its rise to prominence in the 1950s and 1960s. You will find bales of silk, batik, lace, organza and other materials here, where customization and tailoring services are also available.
Among all the Malay textile shops, there are shops run by Chinese! Gim Joo Textiles, Aik Bee Textiles, Hui Leong Textiles and Trading, and Aik Joo Textiles are all discreetly concealed within the depths of the Malay shops and tradition. Did you almost miss them? Despite selling traditional Malay cloths, these shops are owned by Chinese/ have a Chinese shop name. Does this say something about the Chinese/Malay mix of tradition?
Yes, despite Raffles’ Town Plan where all the ethnic groups would be separated, the Chinese must have moved over to Kampong Glam to stay, and started their very own business within Kampong Glam. There are not many of these unique shops, but they are there, and they are surviving.
Among all the Malay textile shops, there are shops run by Chinese! Gim Joo Textiles, Aik Bee Textiles, Hui Leong Textiles and Trading, and Aik Joo Textiles are all discreetly concealed within the depths of the Malay shops and tradition. Did you almost miss them? Despite selling traditional Malay cloths, these shops are owned by Chinese/ have a Chinese shop name. Does this say something about the Chinese/Malay mix of tradition?
Yes, despite Raffles’ Town Plan where all the ethnic groups would be separated, the Chinese must have moved over to Kampong Glam to stay, and started their very own business within Kampong Glam. There are not many of these unique shops, but they are there, and they are surviving.