SINGAPORE - A book chronicling the rich heritage of Sembawang told through interviews with 50 of the area's long-time residents, was launched on Sunday.

The Chronicles of Remembrance will offer readers insight into Sembawang's beginnings, including its history as a former British naval base, and will also feature residents' anecdotes about growing up there.

The interviews were done by students from Nanyang Polytechnic, Republic Polytechnic and Singapore Polytechnic and volunteers from the Sembawang GRC.

A total of 1,500 copies of the book, which contains a preface by President Tony Tan Keng Yam were printed. Free copies of the book were given out to 800 residents while a number were also placed in libraries, universities and polytechnics.

The organising chairman of the project, Mr Law Shun Yong, said: "The younger generation of Singapore should know how Singapore was transformed into the current vibrant and harmonious metropolis with a thriving economy due to the hardwork of our forefathers."

The book was launched by Minister for National Development and Sembawang GRC MP, Khaw Boon Wan.