As a young nation, Singapore has undergone many rapid developments which have resulted in changes to our country's landscape. In spite of these changes, there are historically significant areas in Singapore which offer an interesting mix of the past and the present, the old and the new. This is the second series of stamps that highlight areas of historical significance in Singapore and trace their development as Singapore grows into a modern city state.

Tiong Bahru derives its name from the Hokkien word tiong (meaning tombs) and the Malay word bahru (meaning new) because it contained a "newer" cemetery in relation to an existing cemetery (since exhumed) for the Cantonese and Hakka communities at Tanjong Pagar. Today, Tiong Bahru is known for its unique Art Deco architecture and Straits Settlement style shop-houses, famous local food fare, traditional trades, as well as new art galleries and stylish cafes.

Balestier Road was once nicknamed "Recreation Road" because of the high number of recreation clubs along its lower stretch. It was also the location of many cottage industries dealing with rattan and sugarcane. Today, Balestier is well-known for its wide variety of local delicacies such as tau sar piah (a Chinese pastry) and chicken rice. It has also earned itself the nickname "Street of Lights" as a result of the many lighting shops which line both sides of the road.

Acknowledgement: Special thanks to the Heritage Institutions Division, National Heritage Board and the Urban Redevelopment Authority, for the provision of text and materials to make this stamp issue possible.