Floyd Cowan: «They Should Turn LKY's Home Into a Museum»
After more than two decades chronicling Singapore’s transformation from within, Canadian writer and journalist Floyd Cowan reflects on the personal journey that brought him to the city-state in 2000. In this wide-ranging interview with finews.asia, he shares his impressions of Singapore at the turn of the millennium, the evolution of its governance and infrastructure, and the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead as he considers returning to Canada after 25 years.
Floyd Cowan, could you tell us about the reasons that led you to Singapore 25 years ago?
I was living in Victoria BC, Canada, at the time and became aware, through the Internet, that there were quite a few editorial jobs in Singapore. I applied for four and got one.
Before that, I had lived in Cyprus, Portugal, Japan, and Gibraltar and had returned to Canada, intending to settle down. After four years of «being settled,» we got itchy feet again and wanted a new adventure.
When my wife, Farah, and I came to Singapore, we didn't have a set time as to how long we would stay – we thought it would be two or three years. Now it is over 25 years that we’ve been here.
How did you perceive the world at the turn of the millennium in Singapore?
The Internet was in its infancy, and changes were already happening. Deciding to take a job on the other side of the world was a bit unsettling, and even more nerve-wrecking was buying an airline ticket online. In both instances, when buying the ticket and considering a new job, I talked on the phone to the agent and my new boss. None of us could believe this was happening.
«Perception seems to have changed more than governance»
Now we constantly buy airline tickets and make hotel reservations online without thinking about it. In 2000, it was not the digital/online world that it is today. We could see changes happening, but we didn't know how far it would go.
Prior to the arrival of the Internet, no one predicted it. The new technology meant I could now email stories to editors. Pictures were difficult because systems couldn't handle high-res photos.
In your opinion, has Singapore’s style of governance become less strict and authoritarian over the years?
Perception seems to have changed more than governance. The laws seem as strict as they have always been in the Republic. The joke back in the day was that you could not chew gum in Singapore because it was so strict.
You could have gum for personal use, but you couldn't import, sell, or manufacture regular chewing gum. Littering was viewed in the same way, and a big deal was made about it. The law is still on the books, but it isn't prominent in the news.
Drug laws are among the toughest in the world. Possession, trafficking, or use of illegal drugs can lead to long prison terms or even the death penalty. Despite that, drug offenses have risen in recent years, especially among younger individuals.
«Singapore has become more liveable»
Control of the media in many areas is stricter than elsewhere. Social media is closely monitored, especially for any negative race race-related comments.
How has Singapore evolved over the past 25 years? Were there key turning points that stand out to you?
Singapore has gradually evolved over my time here. The city has become more liveable. The transit system has been expanded and has become more convenient for both the MRT and buses.
Bike paths have grown in number and length, and parks have been improved with more greenery and park facilities. For me, there were no key turning points as there were no earth-shattering changes, just the continual upgrading and improving of facilities and services.
How did it come about that you, as a Canadian, decided to stay in Singapore long-term?
I didn't 'decide' to stay long-term. It just happened. We made decisions like becoming Permanent Residents (PR) that resulted in us staying here longer, but that wasn't the aim when we made the decision. There were no forces pushing me out, and nothing was pulling us from home.
In your view, how has Singapore changed most significantly over the years?
It has changed from an easy city to live in to a great city to live in. Everything works. It is easy to go about your business. Government and business offices are efficient. When there are problems, most often they are fixed. If an area floods, the problem is taken care of.
Is there a book you would recommend to those wanting to understand Singapore better?
To really understand Singapore, you need to read a variety of books because of the mosaic that Singapore is. When I first came here, I read biographies on Lee Kuan Yew and other leaders. I read WWII history in Singapore and the Japanese period.
I read Indian writers such as Balli Kaur Jaswal: «Voice of the Punjabi-Singaporean Experience». Balli is best known for novels like «Sugarbread and Erotic Stories for Punjabi Widows», which delve into the lives of Punjabi women navigating tradition, modernity, and migration.
«It is time for a change»
I've read about the British role in Singapore. For a small island, there has been a great deal written about it.
From your perspective as a journalist and publisher, how do you experience Singapore’s emergence as a global financial hub?
For my work, I've had the pleasure of interviewing people in Finance and Business. Because of this, I sensed how Singapore was becoming more important as a financial hub. More businesses have moved their headquarters to Singapore, and others have moved and developed manufacturing operations here.
If someone is seeking nature in Singapore, where would you suggest they go?
The coastal areas, but I would like to suggest the Rail Corridor, which is relatively new. It is also known as the Green Corridor – a 24-kilometer walking and cycling trail that traces the path of Singapore’s former KTM railway line from Tanjong Pagar in the south to Kranji in the north. Watch out for the monkeys!
Are there lesser-known places or experiences in Singapore you think visitors shouldn't miss?
The coastal areas outside the urban sprawl – particularly at Changi, where there is now a long walkway that you can stroll along and enjoy being on an island. There are places you can stop for food and drink, such as the Changi Sailing Club that welcomes non-members.
After 25 years in Singapore, why have you chosen to return to Canada now?
At the time of writing, we haven’t made the final decision to move, but Farah and I feel it is time for a change. It is difficult to leave now, as I enjoy it very much here, but the time will come when I have to leave, maybe for health reasons, so it is better to go now when I can physically handle the move.
If I wait longer, I might get an illness or just not be as fit to make such a move. But I hate the thought of leaving so staying longer is quite possible.
Looking ahead, which developments do you believe will most influence Singapore’s future?
From my perspective, it seems that Singapore doesn't put all its eggs in one basket. They keep adding pieces – the Integrated Resorts being one example – and so if one thing fails, it will not bring down everything.
«Lee Kuan Yew’s legacy is still tangible»
The government is constantly looking at new additions to the economy and tweaking things to improve them. The Singapore Tourism Board is tweaking its approach and is now looking at events and facilities that will make Singapore a vibrant place to live and will attract visitors – big events such as Taylor Swift – and they are planning to add more sporting events.
Is Lee Kuan Yew’s legacy still tangible, or is it at risk of fading away?
It is still tangible. He is still highly respected for how he laid the foundations to make Singapore the vibrant place it is. To my mind, they should turn his home into a museum.
When I was in Vienna, I visited one of the apartments where Ludwig van Beethoven lived in. There is really something special about visiting a place where someone has lived to get a great sense of their presence.
I think for LKY’s legacy to continue to be tangible into the future and for coming generations to appreciate who he was, it would be valuable to make his home a museum.
But I don’t really see that happening, as people don’t want to go against his wishes. I think the location of his home also makes it unlikely, as it would probably be disruptive to the residential neighbourhood.
In your view, which challenges will Singapore have to navigate in the coming five years?
Cyber terrorism. It is happening to a greater extent and becoming more sophisticated. Solving the problems of its citizens being targeted for scams. There are many rich people here who want to grow the money they have, so they are susceptible to schemes, and others are just greedy and so fall for promises of big returns.
Real terrorism as evidenced around the world. Random shootings and targeted killings are a problem that the whole world must deal with.
They must not fall prey to protectionism. Free trade with all nations is important to Singapore's economic well-being. I am concerned that with Trump’s tariffs we are going to see rising inflation again.
Floyd Cowan is a Canadian citizen and a Singapore permanent resident. He lived and worked in Europe, the Middle East, and Japan before moving to Singapore in 2000. He is an experienced editor, writer, and publisher with a background in business and lifestyle journalism, as well as political reporting. He is the founder and editor-in-chief of «Asian Journeys» since 2009, with prior editorial roles at «Prestige», «Peak», «XL Magazine», and others.
He is a published author and a ghostwriter with both fiction and non-fiction work. He has published: «Bull Riding – Rodeo’s Most Dangerous 8 Seconds» (1999) he ghost wrote Zero Visibility Douglas Dylan Yeo’s account of his role in rescuing the football team and their coach trapped in the cave in Thailand in 2018, and Short Stories: «The Orange Sofa», «Unicorn Eyes», «Walking Home», «Singapore Circuit Breaker» (books available on Amazon). After 25 years living in Singapore, he is considering moving back to Canada.
