President Halimah launches enhanced swan pond at Istana
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SINGAPORE - When President Halimah Yacob met the students of Bukit Merah Secondary School (BMSS) in 2021 at the launch of their after-school activity centre, they peppered her with questions about her life as Singapore’s head of state.
They also asked to visit the Istana, to which Madam Halimah replied: “Why not?”
Their wish was granted on Wednesday, when a group of 30 BMSS students and alumni were invited to visit the Istana grounds for the launch of the newly enhanced Swan Pond, the largest pond there which was constructed in 1968. The students also toured the Istana building and interacted with the President.
After 18 months of enhancement works, the pond has new features including a viewing deck incorporated within the newly curved bank for a more natural feel. With softened edges that extend over the water, visitors are brought closer to the landscape for a more immersive experience.
Mr Ryan Lee, National Parks Board’s (NParks) group director for Fort Canning Park and Istana, told The Straits Times that after 55 years, it was time to rejuvenate the Swan Pond for members of the public and foreign dignitaries.
A curated selection of flowering and fragrant shrubs have been planted along the stream, creating a thriving habitat for dragonflies and butterflies.
The concrete drain connected to the pond, meant to capture and channel surface run-off on the lower lawn, has also been naturalised into a perennial garden stream. Lined with lava rocks, the garden stream not only cleanses surface run-off but also continuously circulates water from the pond to promote aeration and maintain water quality.
“It’s a good idea to take this chance to convert the concrete drain into something that will contribute to the biodiversity of the Istana,” said Mr Lee.
To officially mark the launch of the enhanced Swan Pond, Madam Halimah planted a Cynometra mannii, a tree boasting tassel-like leaves with distinctly notched tips that transition from red to green over time.
President Halimah Yacob planting a tree with students from Bukit Merah Secondary School to mark the launch of the enhanced Swan Pond at the Istana on April 5, 2023.
ST PHOTO: CHONG JUN LIANG
“(NParks) sometimes test-plants trees here in the Istana Garden to see how it responds to the environment. If suitable, it’ll be planted islandwide,” she said.
“But it’s also just such a beautiful plant. As you drive up, you can see all the ‘handkerchiefs’ draping down. It’s just so pleasant to your eyes.”
She added that it was especially meaningful for the BMSS students to attend the launch of the enhanced pond. “Many of them have not had a chance to come to the Istana, and I’m really glad for them because they get a chance to see (their heritage) first-hand. I hope this will enrich their learning experience.”
For the students – who were in Secondary 2 and 4 – being able to explore the Istana was an experience that exceeded their expectations.
Students from Bukit Merah Secondary School touring the Istana grounds on April 5, 2023.
ST PHOTO: CHONG JUN LIANG
“I really didn’t expect to see so much flora and fauna, because I think there’s a stereotype that the Istana is a place where the President just works,” said student Isabelle Thong.
She was also pleasantly surprised to see the many batik paintings and ceramics made by local artists displayed in the Istana. “I think that gives a lot more insight into how much we should appreciate our local artists and local heritage, and it’s great to see that it’s being displayed in the Istana,” she said.
