In this episode of The Objects that Made Us, the story starts with a brass steamer used to make idli, an Indian steamed cake. Secondary school teacher Tharmendra’s mother came to Singapore in 1966 from South India. She came from a poor family and the only dowry they could afford was the brass steamer.

After Tharmendra’s father passed away from illness, his mother became a young widow with no source of income. In these dark days, the brass steamer became a lifeline - she used to make idli which she sold to make some money. Coupled with the social welfare aid she received, she managed to feed her children and pull through this period of hardship.

Today, Tharmendra has inherited the brass steamer. Every time he sees the fermented rice and beans transform into delectable cakes in the brass steamer, he feels warmth in his heart, knowing that even the simplest days of our lives can be wonderful and rich.

This podcast is produced by Amy Sim and Yap Seow Choong.
Music and Sound Design by Mandric Tan
Translation by Lim Hui Sin
Voice Over by Lim Fong Wei

This podcast is made possible with the support of the National Heritage Board of Singapore.

Sarongs once worn by her mother, imbued with memories of childhood – familial objects like that informs one’s sense of identity, and are reminders of what one can be proud of.

The most valuable objects found in the home of Cynthia Wee-Hoefer, who has vast experience working in publishing and news, are two century-old batik sarongs. Despite some wear and tear, they remain much cherished for their symbolism, reminders of the Peranakan culture she grew up with.

This podcast is produced by Amy Sim and Yap Seow Choong.
Music and Sound Design by Mandric Tan

This podcast is made possible with the support of the National Heritage Board of Singapore.

For help with cooking three meals a day to feed her family, a Malay woman sat by the radio, pen and paper in hand, over decades, carefully jotting down recipes shared on radio programmes.

The lines of words conscientiously jotted down helped fill her family’s stomachs, and also capture the memories left on their taste buds.

In this episode of The Objects that Made Us, leadership coach Zuzanita shares the Jawi recipe book of her late mother and the tastes of home.

This podcast is produced by Amy Sim and Yap Seow Choong.
Music and Sound Design by Mandric Tan

This podcast is made possible with the support of the National Heritage Board of Singapore.