#crazyrichasians #sultanjohor #Istana

I was utterly surprised when I came across few article about the land swap between Singapore and the Sultan of Johor, particularly because it made no mention at all of Istana Woodneuk. Here lies a forgotten palace, nestled in the heart of Tyersall, with deep historical ties to the Temenggongs of Singapore, the very lineage that once shaped the early political and social fabric of this island.

Istana Woodneuk wasn’t just an old building, it was a royal residence, a cultural marker, and a silent witness to our shared Malay-Johor heritage. It stood as a symbol of status, diplomacy, and wealth during the colonial era. One could even argue that the Temenggongs and their descendants were among the original “Crazy Rich Asians,” long before the term became popularised in modern fiction.

Yet, in official narratives and transactions, such heritage is often overlooked, perhaps erased quietly by development, bureaucracy, and time. It raises important questions: What parts of our past are we choosing to remember, and which are we letting slip away?

#bangsajohor #Istana #istanawoodneuk #URA #LandSwap #crazyrichasians #sultanjohor