New Villages were originally established by the government as a roadside relocation settlement for rural Chinese communities during the Malayan Emergency, a period of intense conflict during the British ruling. Since then, many New Villages have turned into residential towns and villages. These historical sites have recently hit headlines, after the National Heritage Department selected seven New Villages across the country to be nominated as world heritage sites recognised by UNESCO. We unpack the significance of this nomination, as well as the uniqueness and deep cultural identity associated with New Villages.

Image Credit: Shutterstock