Postcards from Singapore - Alena Limbu

This image is part of a photographic series "Postcards from Singapore" by Zakaria Zainal examining narratives of identity and belonging through the perspectives of children of Nepalese Gurkhas, who were born and raised in Singapore. It comprises of a poignant collection of portraits of these young adults, accompanied by handwritten letters from them dedicated to Singapore, captured a week before their departure from Singapore for good, following the completion of three decades of service by their Gurkha fathers. Their writings conveyed sentiments of sadness and nostalgia at having to leave their lives and memories in Singapore behind, tinged with uncertainty and hope for the future.Portrayed here is Alena Limbu at a park bench where she often gathered with friends to chat at length. She was uncertain if the park would still be around should she visit Singapore in future, but hoped that all the good memories here would last her through her next chapter in life. Documenting the voices and recollections of an essential yet often overlooked community in Singapore's history, this series contemplates on the challenges encountered by this transient and temporal community in navigating the complex emotional and social landscapes that shape their sense of self. While the Gurkha Contingency and their families have resided in isolated encampments out of the public eye to maintain their neutrality, many of these young people have adapted to local norms to fit into Singapore's multicultural society, eventually developing a profound love and attachment for the nation's food, language and people.