Although the term “Grandfather’s Road” is colloquially used to chide drivers and pedestrians with a sense of entitlement, did you know that approximately 17% of our roads are named after men?
In this article, we will explore three unassuming streets and recognise the transformation of each from past to present. We will wrap up with the golden question: Can you name a street after your father for an extraordinary Father’s Day present, creating your very own “Father’s Road”? Let’s go!
1. Mistri Road
We start off with Mistri Road, nestled along Shenton Way! Named after Navroji R. Mistri, a Parsi entrepreneur who ran a successful soda water business in Singapore.
He was also known as the “bachelor godfather” of Singapore’s poor children since Mistri donated a large part of his wealth towards the improvement of medical services in Singapore. Mistri was awarded the King’s Commendation in 1947 for his efforts during occupation as well.
His dedication and generosity left a lasting impact on the medical landscape of the nation, particularly for those who could not afford medical care. In honour of his contributions, Mistri Road was named after him in 1955. His contribution to pre-Singapore General Hospital has also earned him a medical wing.
The 90m road is one of several roads in the area that were named after Parsis since the area used to be a burial ground for the Parsis in Singapore. Today, commercial buildings are along the street together with Lumiere, a residential building with commercial shops on the first floor.
2. Zubir Said Drive
Next, does the name Zubir Said ring a bell? Zubir Said is a name that resonates deeply within Singapore’s cultural and historical tapestry. As the composer of the National Anthem, “Majulah Singapura,” his contributions have left an irreplaceable mark on the nation’s identity.
Originally hailing from Indonesia, Said’s journey to becoming a celebrated figure in Singapore was far from straightforward. He faced numerous adversities in his pursuit of a career in music and songwriting, yet his determination and passion never wavered. His story is one of resilience, perseverance, and an unwavering dedication to his craft.
In recognition of his monumental contributions, Singapore’s first specialised pre-tertiary arts school, the School of the Arts (SOTA), chose to commemorate Zubir Said’s legacy in a lasting and meaningful way. When the school opened on 2 January 2008 at its temporary Goodman Road campus off Mountbatten Road, the decision to name its permanent address No.1 Zubir Said Drive was a fitting tribute. This physical manifestation of honour serves to remind future generations of Said’s invaluable contributions to the nation’s cultural heritage.
Choosing this particular honour was not arbitrary but deeply symbolic, reflecting Zubir Said’s love for teaching and nurturing young talent. Throughout his life, he remained committed to educating the next generation of musicians. Even in his later years, he could often be found imparting his musical knowledge to eager young minds at his home in Joo Chiat. This commitment to education aligns perfectly with SOTA’s mission to nurture young artistic talent.
3. Lim Ah Pin Road
Lastly, we have the Lim Ah Pin Road with a bonus backstory of Florence Road/Close. You may recognise the roads, especially if you were a student of the former Serangoon Junior College. Additionally, Florence Road was featured in our previous article about our Grandmother’s Roads.
Lim Ah Pin (林亚柄) was a famous vermicelli manufacturer in the 20th century. Nicknamed the “Bee Hoon King,” he was a generous man who built several markets and community spaces for people in the Upper Serangoon vicinity. Together with his wife, Florence Yeo, they owned and rented properties in the area.
Their residence used to stand along Upper Serangoon Road, at a location where the parallel roads of Lim Ah Pin Road and Florence Road exist today.
In 1951, Lim Ah Pin Road became home to one of the pre-National Library Board’s first small collection branches, serving the residents of Upper Serangoon.
Today, few public amenities still carry the names of Lim Ah Pin. The Lim Ah Pin Road Post Office remains in operation to this day at its original location. Both Lim Ah Pin Road and Florence Road/ Close currently house private properties from condominiums and apartments. A few streets over from Florence Close lies the famous Ponggol Nasi Lemak stall (Yums)!
So How Are Singapore Roads Named?
You might have noticed a trend over the article? That is right!
Official road names now fall under the jurisdiction of the Street and Building Names Board (SBNB). In early Singapore, the responsibility of naming streets fell to the Municipal Councillors or Commissioners.
Streets were often named after notable individuals as a gesture of gratitude for their contributions to the community, society, or state. Consequently, each street name carries a story about the person it honours, recognising their role in shaping Singapore into the city it is today. There are so many other street names whose story is untold.
Final Thoughts: Can I Have A Road Named After My Father for a Father’s Day Present?
Good question. According to SBNB’s Handbook on Naming Streets, names of individuals (whether alive or deceased) are generally not used for naming new streets unless there is a compelling justification.
However, when appropriate, the SBNB and the government may consider naming new streets or places after exceptional individuals who have made significant contributions to Singapore in areas such as economics, the arts, sports, education, or politics.
So, if your father has made some amazing contributions, it might be worth putting together a great case highlighting his achievements and presenting it to the authorities. Who knows? You might just get a street named after him! And if not, there are always other fun and heartfelt ways to celebrate Father’s Day that will mean the world to him.
From Zubir Said Street to Lim Ah Pin Road, what other iconic roads named after forefathers have you encountered? Wishing all fathers a Happy Father’s Day! Have a wonderful celebration!
