Nostalgic Photo Exhibition
At the Medical & Health Station, a heartwarming “Handmade Nostalgic Photo Frame” workshop brought together 16 seniors over the age of 70. Among them, 100-year-old Madam Wong Fah Mooi participated energetically, sharing her creativity with everyone. Under the guidance of instructor Chan Swee Shum, they each created one-of-a-kind DIY frames for their treasured old photographs.
The tables were filled with cardboard, glue, twine, dried flowers, and twigs—used to decorate frames that gave new life to black-and-white photos full of memories. These images document their days at the Valley of Hope and the joy of past Wesak Day celebrations. As they crafted these frames, they were not just making art—they were weaving tender memories, adding a rich human touch to the exhibition. Though the years have passed, the shared memories continue to shine through these handcrafted works.
A talented troupe of young performers, descendants of the inmates, takes the stage at the Wesak Day celebration in the 1970s, carrying forward a legacy of faith and resilience.
Resident Artist: Laura Chong Yek Lee
Age: 81
Medium: Handmade Photo Frame
Year of Creation: 2025
Dimensions: 6R
In the early days, the Buddhist Temple’s chanting group was composed entirely of settlement residents. Their dedication even led them to represent the Valley of Hope in a cultural exchange in Singapore, showcasing their devotion beyond national borders.
Resident Artist: Lim Booi Nya
Age: 77
Medium: Handmade Photo Frame
Year of Creation: 2025
Dimensions: 8R
Monks solemnly chant sutras at the Buddhist Temple during the Wesak celebrations, filling the air with sacred reverence and spiritual devotion,1980s.
Resident Artist: Tan Cheng Guan & Low Chang Leng
Age: 86 & 86
Medium: Handmade Photo Frame
Year of Creation: 2025
Dimensions: 8R
Performers dressed in elaborate costumes representing various characters pose in front of the Buddhist Temple during the Wesak celebrations,1980s.
Resident Artist: Ng Lean Ee
Age: 67
Medium: Handmade Photo Frame
Year of Creation: 2025
Dimensions: 8R
The vibrant band, a highlight of the Wesak Day celebration, strikes a proud pose in front of the Buddhist Temple, their music echoing the joy of the occasion.
Resident Artist: Tan Siew Hua
Age: 78
Medium: Handmade Photo Frame
Year of Creation: 2025
Dimensions: 6R
Residents transform into celestial beings, dressed as revered Chinese deities, embodying the spiritual grandeur of the Wesak Day festivities.
Resident Artist: Yee Sooi Siam
Age: 71
Medium: Handmade Photo Frame
Year of Creation: 2025
Dimensions: 6R
Members of the Kwong Sai Old Folk's Association (广西老人会) lead the Wesak float procession on a trishaw, holding star lanterns that illuminate the night with a festive glow，1970s.
Resident Artist: Vincent Yeoh Soon Hwa
Age: 73
Medium: Handmade Photo Frame
Year of Creation: 2025
Dimensions: 8R
Clad in solemn ceremonial robes, members of the chanting group gather in front of the Buddhist Temple. Under the fluttering Buddhist flags, they stand in reverence, witnessing this sacred religious ritual.
Resident Artist: Wong Swee Lian
Age: 80
Medium: Handmade Photo Frame
Year of Creation: 2025
Dimensions: 6R
Dressed in beautiful traditional attire, children clutch their flower lanterns with excitement, eagerly awaiting their turn to illuminate the Wesak Day procession, 1970.
Resident Artist: Wang Mui
Age: 75
Medium: Handmade Photo Frame
Year of Creation: 2025
Dimensions: 6R
The second generation of residents actively participates in Wesak celebrations through vibrant performances. Pictured here is a young dancer gracefully performing the butterfly dance, a testament to the enduring spirit of the community.
Resident Artist: Laura Chong Yek Lee
Age: 81
Medium: Handmade Photo Frame
Year of Creation: 2025
Dimensions: 8R
A spirited drum troupe from the Teochew Association stands proudly alongside elegantly dressed "celestial maidens" in front of the Buddhist Temple, adding grandeur to the Wesak celebrations, 1970s.
Resident Artist: Wang Mui
Age: 75
Medium: Handmade Photo Frame
Year of Creation: 2025
Dimensions: 8R
Members of the Teochew Association posing for a group photo in front of their association building at the Central Section before the Wesak Day procession, 1960s.
Resident Artist: Low Siew Yong
Age: 74
Medium: Handmade Photo Frame
Year of Creation: 2025
Dimensions: A4
The Buddhist temple was filled with devotees, monks, and performers during the Wesak Day celebration in the 1980s.
Resident Artist: Vincent Yeoh Soon Hwa
Age: 73
Medium: Handmade Photo Frame
Year of Creation: 2025
Dimensions: A4
Teochew Association members gathered at the "Attap House" before the Wesak Day procession, 1960s. In the front row, from left, are inmates dressed as Sun Wukong, the Monkey King, and Xuanzang, the monk—iconic characters from the classic Chinese epic Journey to the West.
Resident Artist: Ong Yoke Lian
Age: 78
Medium: Handmade Photo Frame
Year of Creation: 2025
Dimensions: A4
Each year, the grand Wesak Day celebration attracted hundreds of devotees who came to pray for good health and happiness under Buddha’s guidance.
Resident Artist: Goh Sooi Seong
Age: 83
Medium: Handmade Photo Frame
Year of Creation: 2025
Dimensions: A4
Dressed in traditional Chinese attire, women gracefully take part in the night time Wesak procession. In the background, elderly men carry luminous kerosene lamp on their heads, illuminating the streets with a warm, sacred glow，1950s.
Resident Artist: Chiang Ooi Chee
Age: 87
Medium: Handmade Photo Frame
Year of Creation: 2025
Dimensions: 8R
The Teochew Association's grand Wesak procession is a sight to behold, featuring a magnificent handcrafted lantern float and a graceful procession of "celestial maidens" carrying flower baskets, embodying the beauty and festivity of the occasion.
Resident Artist: Low Chang Leng
Age: 85
Medium: Handmade Photo Frame
Year of Creation: 2025
Dimensions: 8R
On Wesak Day, the Buddhist Temple offers free vegetarian meals to all, fostering goodwill and inviting devotees to share in the joy of the Dharma.
Resident Artist: Low Siew Yong
Age: 74
Medium: Handmade Photo Frame
Year of Creation: 2025
Dimensions: 6R
Children, dressed as Chinese deities, take part in the Wesak Day procession. Their intricately designed costumes, crafted by the settlement’s own residents, reflect the community’s creativity and deep cultural roots，1976.
Instructor: Chan Swee Shum
Age: 55
Medium: Handmade Photo Frame
Year of Creation: 2025
Dimensions: 8R
Residents carry the Buddha palanquin in a solemn procession to the Indian temple within the settlement for worship. The scene captures the harmonious multicultural spirit of the Wesak celebration, with Indian community members also joining the procession.
Resident Artist: Wong Swee Lian
Age: 80
Medium: Handmade Photo Frame
Year of Creation: 2025
Dimensions: 8R
Dressed in exquisite opera costumes, the inmates dance gracefully in front of the festive float, their faces lit with joyful smiles. Though life has been marked by hardships, they express their love for life through dance and drumbeats, celebrating the peace and joy of Wesak Day.
Resident Artist: Ong Yoke Lian
Age: 78
Medium: Handmade Photo Frame
Year of Creation: 2025
Dimensions: 6R
A young inmates’ band, armed with trumpets, accordions, saxophones, and drumsticks, fills the air with melodies of youthful passion in an era of fervent energy. Behind them, a banner reading "Celebration" and "Wesak Day" reflects their enthusiasm and dedication to cultural heritage.
Resident Artist: Goh Sooi Seong
Age: 83
Medium: Handmade Photo Frame
Year of Creation: 2025
Dimensions: 6R
An inmate meticulously decorates a magnificent dragon float for the Wesak Day celebration at the Buddhist Temple, 1970, bringing devotion and artistry to life.
Resident Artist: Wong Fah Mooi
Age: 100
Medium: Handmade Photo Frame
Year of Creation: 2025
Dimensions: 6R
Dressed as legendary Chinese figures, a performer as Chang’e stands elegantly on the right, while Wu Gang is in the center, and Hou Yi on the left. This float brings mythology to life as part of the grand Wesak procession,1970s.
Resident Artist: Tan Siew Hua
Age: 78
Medium: Handmade Photo Frame
Year of Creation: 2025
Dimensions: 8R
In celebration of Wesak, the Buddhist Temple hosts a captivating lion dance performance at its entrance, bringing joy, energy, and auspicious blessings to the festival,1970s.
Resident Artist: Lim Booi Nya
Age: 77
Medium: Handmade Photo Frame
Year of Creation: 2025
Dimensions: 8R
Devotees gather at the Buddhist Temple to celebrate the 70th birthday of Venerable Ben Dao, the esteemed founder of the Sungai Buloh Buddhist Temple，1960s.
Resident Artist: Yee Sooi Siam
Age: 71
Medium: Handmade Photo Frame
Year of Creation: 2025
Dimensions: 8R
Children in unique and elaborate costumes participating in a Wesak Day performance in the 1980s. Standing in the middle of the front row is a monk alongside the "Seven Fairies."
Resident Artist: Tan Cheng Guan
Age: 86
Medium: Handmade Photo Frame
Year of Creation: 2025
Dimensions: A4
Dressed in elaborate costumes, standing before a solemn Buddhist temple, and accompanied by a spirited band—this grand Wesak Day celebration in the 1960s brought together devotees and performers in a vibrant tribute to faith and tradition.
Resident Artist: Wong Fah Mooi
Age: 100
Medium: Handmade Photo Frame
Year of Creation: 2025
Dimensions: A4
Members of the Fuh Huey Kong Association dressed in traditional warrior and noble attire for the Wesak Day celebration, embodying the spirit of the past while embracing the blessings of Buddha.
Instructor: Chan Swee Shum
Age: 55
Medium: Handmade Photo Frame
Year of Creation: 2025
Dimensions: A4
Dressed as valiant opera warriors, the children made a spirited and dazzling entrance. Surrounded by elders and young onlookers cheering in delight, the scene offers a heart-warming glimpse into the joyful festivities of the old Buddhist hall.
Resident Artist: Chiang Ooi Chee
Age: 87
Medium: Handmade Photo Frame
Year of Creation: 2025
Dimensions: A4