Find My Ah Gong at Kubur Kassim Cemetery

What to Expect

Nestled in a private housing estate on Siglap Road, Kubur Kassim is a quiet Muslim cemetery dating back to the early 19th century. Although burials stopped in the 1980s, the grounds continue to preserve the memories of over 3000 individuals. This place holds particular significance for Sarafian. It was here, in the early 2000s, that he began his journey in heritage preservation. He spent months documenting the graves, befriending families who visit, and recording their stories. The cemetery is also the final resting place for Sarafian’s great grandfather and uncles. During the tour, Sarafian will share some of his personal experiences here. Be warned, tales of supernatural beings linger, so this tour is not for the faint-hearted!

About Find My Ah Gong

Every tombstone tells a story, and every cemetery is a window into our collective past. Find My Ah Gong traces the footsteps of our ancestors, reconnects with our roots and uncovers the forgotten stories that have shaped Singapore’s diverse heritage. MCF2024 takes participants on a memorable journey through twelve cemeteries, each with its own rich history, beautiful architecture and famous residents.Join us in exploring iconic cemeteries throughout Singapore, and you might just learn about more than you expect. Get insight into how each religion remembers and honours their dead with physical monuments, and learn how cemeteries tell tales about their neighbourhoods and the history of the people that rest peacefully in these graveyards.Most of all, you’ll find that you end up earning more about living communities than anything else! Join us this MCF2024 on a visit to these serene, peaceful destinations, and you’ll find that they’re bursting with stories!

About the Host

Sarafian Salleh is a passionate researcher of local history and has, since 1985, spent most of his spare time studying and researching the history of the Malay world. His passion intensified when he began constructing his family tree, most of whom are of Bugis descent. His knowledge and authority on the subject have led to him being honorifically called Tuah Bugis in social media. Sarafian is presently the President of the Bugis Malay Society Singapore, a life member of the Genealogy Society Singapore and Member of the Institute of Engineers Singapore. He is an author of a book called ‘Tuah Bugis – chronicles of the seafaring people of Singapore’.

Who should come?

• Everyone is welcome to participate!
• Participants 12 years and under must be accompained and surpervised by a parent/guardian at all times.

Programme Details

• Approximate Duration: 2 hours (Please arrive 15 minutes before the tour for registration)
• Language: English
• Meeting Point: Meet at the entrance of Siglap Centre, outside McDonalds (55 Siglap Rd, #01-07/08/09 Siglap Centre, Singapore 455871)

• Ending Point: The event will start and end at the same point.

• The events will proceed rain or shine.

What to bring?

• Participants should be dressed respectfully in smart casual (i.e. collared shirt, long pants and covered shoes). Sleeveless attire, shorts/miniskirts or sandals are strictly not allowed. Participants will be denied entry if they dress inappropriately.
  
• Participants should bring along an umbrella and a bottle of water.

• Please ensure that you bring along any personal Medic*tion. Asthmatic individuals are reminded to bring their inhaler.

Other important information

• Parking is available at the basement of Siglap Centre.
• The venue is not wheelchair friendly.
  
• Photography is allowed during the event.

Disclaimer

• All ticket sales are final. There will be no refund if you wish to cancel your tickets.
• Each ticket admits only one participant.
• By agreeing to participate in the tour, every participant will be responsible for any injury, loss of damage due to careIessness of other actions on his/her part or that of children under his/her charge.
• Participants must abide by the house rules set out by the host. Facilitators will brief participants at the start of the programme.
• Videos and photographs may also be taken during the event. By registering for this event, you give My Community full rights to use the photos for marketing and publicity.

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Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Meet at the entrance of Siglap Centre, outside McDonalds, 55 Siglap Road, Bedok, Singapore