Beyond its landfill, Pulau Semakau holds a hidden history: the story of the Orang Semakau, a resilient community of Orang Laut. Evacuated decades ago, they've kept their traditions alive, sharing their culture through food and storytelling. Firdaus Sani, whose family roots are on Semakau, is a key keeper of this heritage.
The Orang Laut team (from left to right: Adam, Hannah, Firdaus, and Elizabeth) and SUSS students (from left to right: Chin Pei Shan – Year 2 Accountancy, Jennica Lin – Year 2 Accountancy, Soon Shi Ting Nikki – Year 2 Marketing, and Ng Kai Li – Year 2 Human Resource Management) come together to celebrate their collaborative effort in reviving and preserving the heritage of the Orang Laut community, proudly showcasing a completed Bubu trap.
As part of their NIE301 Learning with Communities course, five SUSS students worked alongside Orang Laut SG, led by Firdaus Sani, to celebrate and preserve the Orang Laut's rich heritage. At their Tanah Dan Air space in West Coast Park, they hosted 'Bubuku: Reviving Our Maritime Crafts,' providing a unique learning experience through dialogue, workshops, and traditional food.
Good food, great conservation, and even better company!
Sharing a meal is a powerful way to connect, and the event highlighted this beautifully. Participants enjoyed an array of flavourful dishes, lovingly prepared by the resilient Orang Laut community. Aok Diko! The food was a testament to their vibrant culture and warm community spirit
Participants gathered in Tanah Dan Air to listen to captivating cultural narratives and historical insights about the Orang Laut community
Following the meal, an engaging session led by SUSS students introduced participants to the bubu fish trap, a traditional tool essential to coastal communities like the Orang Laut. Their research revealed fascinating cross-cultural connections, demonstrating how similar fishing traps have been developed throughout Asia, underscoring the ingenuity of diverse cultures in marine resource management.
Nikki and Kai Li sharing the bubu’s legacy: a timeless fishing tradition across Asia
The insightful presentation seamlessly led into a dialogue session, featuring Firdaus alongside Mr. Hamzah Mohamad, a Pulau Sudong islander and skilled bubu trap artisan, and Mr. Faizal Sani, a descendant of Pulau Semakau and a passionate practitioner of traditional fishing.
From left to right: Firdaus Sani, Hamzah Mohamad and Faizal Sani having an insightful discussion about Bubu fish traps and livelihoods of former islanders and descendants of Orang Laut community
Building upon the insightful dialogue, the event's pinnacle was the revival of traditional skills. Mr. Hamzah's live demonstration of bubu trap crafting mesmerised participants, revealing the intricate, generational process. Afterwards, participants experienced the unique opportunity to craft their own.
Mr Hamzah demonstrating the process of crafting a traditional Bubu fish trap
The intricate process of crafting a bubu trap sparked profound appreciation, with one participant stating, 'I had no idea how intricate and challenging it was. It gave me a newfound appreciation for the skill and dedication it takes.' This sentiment echoed throughout the event, a resounding success that forged deep connections with Singapore's indigenous maritime culture.
Participants left with a renewed understanding of the Orang Laut's heritage and a shared commitment to preserving these vital traditions.
Attendees of the Bubuku event gather proudly around a completed Bubu trap, showcasing the collaborative effort to revive and celebrate the Orang Laut’s maritime traditions.
SUSS students took on diverse roles, from marketing to logistics, to ensure the event's smooth execution. Event organiser Ng Kai Li, a Year 2 Human Resource Management student, expressed, 'Collaborating with the Orang Laut SG community was a profoundly humbling experience. Their narratives illuminated the challenges and triumphs that have defined Singapore's maritime history.
Experience cultural exchange and appreciation! Join NIE301 Learning with Communities Sustainability in Cities & Communities: Safeguarding Culture and Heritage and deepen your understanding of Singapore's diverse heritage.