First Generation

The First Generation Sculpture is one of Singapore’s most unusual artworks.

Installed at Boat Quay outside the Fullerton Hotel, the sculpture was made in 2000 by the artist Chong Fat Cheong, after being commissioned by the Singapore Tourist Council.

First Generation, Statue, Sculpture, Artist, History & Location, Singapore

The objective was to create a series of sculptures that mirrored scenes during ancient Singapore when people were still living alongside the river.

The sculpture’s unique dynamic design features five boys made out of bronze leaping into the river. The protagonists signify Singapore’s first immigrants, while the river highlights the importance of the river back then.

Chong Fat Cheong explains that the river was used as a large swimming pool for the kids; simple joys were a sign of the times back then as they had no toys. People stopped swimming in the river in 1983 when the Clean Rivers project was completed.

Chong Fat Cheong is a self-taught sculptor, best known for his imaginative First Generation piece.

Find it near Cavenagh Bridge, opposite the Fullerton Hotel.