Bukit Ho Swee fire survivor featured in 2021 NDP animated film dies aged 98
Tan Geok Hak, a survivor of Singapore's 1961 Bukit Ho Swee fire, has passed away at age 98. Her story of resilience was featured in a 2021 National Day Parade animated film, which led to a lasting friendship between her and the production team.
Why it matters
The story serves as a cultural touchstone in Singapore, highlighting the nation's history of overcoming adversity and the importance of preserving personal narratives.
Tan Geok Hak, who survived the Bukit Ho Swee fire in 1961 and had her story featured in an animated short film for National Day Parade (NDP) 2021, died on Tuesday (Aug 4) aged 98.
Local filmmaker Boo Junfeng, 42, who had directed the animated music video for the song We Will Get There, paid tribute to Tan on social media on National Day.
"After the fire razed everything she owned to the ground, Mdm Tan pulled her sewing machine from the rubble, rebuilt her home, and raised her children as a seamstress," he wrote.
"Hers was a story of resilience we felt Singaporeans needed as we navigated our way through the pandemic."
In accompanying photos, Boo and his team are shown visiting her, as well as her attending the NDP.
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