Burmese people in Singapore
| Total population | |
|---|---|
| 200,000 (2021)[1] | |
| Languages | |
| Burmese, English; some study Mandarin as a second language | |
| Religion | |
| Buddhism, Catholicism, Protestantism | |
| Related ethnic groups | |
| Burmese diaspora |
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| Singaporeans |
|---|
Burmese in Singapore consist mainly of Myanmar expatriates. The Myanmar community in Singapore is estimated to number at least 200,000, made up of students, healthcare workers and foreign domestic workers, as well as skilled professionals.
The Burmese Buddhist Temple in Singapore is Singapore's oldest Theravada institution founded in 1875 by a Burmese emigrant.[2] The 10-tonne Buddha image within the temple was transported from Mandalay in 1921[3] Today, it remains the only Burmese Buddhist temple built in the traditional Burmese style and serves as a landmark for many Burmese immigrants in Singapore.[4]
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Peninsula Plaza, located close to Singapore's former City Hall is home to a Burmese enclave with traditional wear, Burmese restaurants and stores located inside the plaza's mall.[5] The area was once home to Tan Kim Ching and the Peninsula Plaza was built in 1979 and was designed to preserve the sea view from Fort Canning. It eventually became a hub for the local Myanmar community in the 1990s with early businesses and a Burmese-language library opening in the Plaza.[6]
Myanmar nationals in Singapore often work as maids, who are cheaper than their counterparts mainly because they typically lack full knowledge of the English language. These Burmese maids form their own communities, including four Chin language Christian Churches within Singapore.[7]
References
[edit]- ^ "Myanmar nationals in Singapore show support by spreading awareness and giving financial aid". The Straits Times. Singapore. 11 February 2021.
- ^ Ah Win Daw; Renuka M. (2010). "Burmese Buddhist Temple: Sasanaramsi Burmese Buddhist Temple". Singapore Infopedia. National Library Board. Archived from the original on 20 December 2013.
- ^ Lu, Grace (1 December 2016). "Deepening cultural ties between Singapore and Myanmar". Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth Singapore.
- ^ Information obtained from a plaque at the temple erected by the National Heritage Board of Singapore.
- ^ Leong, Faith (19 September 2022). "Peninsula Plaza Is A "Little Myanmar" In City Hall You're Probably Walking Past Without Realising". The Smart Local.
- ^ "Peninsula Plaza". Roots.gov.sg. Retrieved 13 November 2023.
- ^ "The Invisible Burmese in Singapore". The Independent Singapore. 6 May 2016.
