Oh, the tales that the Nanyang University Arch could tell!

Its rise and fall had been decided from the very start…

“Very quietly I take my leave, as quietly as I came here; gently I flick my sleeves, not even a wisp of cloud will I bring away.”

Every time I pass by Jurong West Street 93 and see the Nanyang University Arch hidden amidst this residential area, Xu Zhimo’s famous poem Saying Good-bye to Cambridge Again pops up in my head.

This old arch belonging to the then-Nanyang University has seen its fortune change over the decades. When Nanyang University (Nantah) was established in 1955, this arch was its sign and main entranceway. Back then, the arch proudly displayed “1955 Nanyang University” in Chinese, welcoming bright young students that graduated as scholars and aristocrats.

With a change in education policy, the Singapore government decided in 1980 to merge Nantah with Singapore University to form the National University of Singapore (NUS). The original Nantah campus became “Nanyang Technological Institute” and thus, the Chinese characters on the arch were changed to English, displaying “Nanyang Technological Institute”. In 1986, the school decided to move its main entrance to Jalan Bahar, and closed this entranceway. With that, this once-important symbol of the Nantah spirit faded from memory.

No one can stop the passing of time, but we can use “Flying Star” feng shui theory to analyse the changes it has wrought upon us.

The old Nanyang University Arch faces the Northwest (Qian) and Southeast (Xun) direction. Qian conveys resolve and grit, while Xun conveys gentleness, humility, and attention to detail. These qualities happen to represent the “Nantah spirit”.

At the same time, according to Flying Star feng shui theories, the Qian and Xun directions will enjoy excellent luck during years 1944–1963 and 1964–198, followed by a decline from 1984–2004. Nantah’s history does indeed seem to follow this analysis! Sometimes we can’t help but admire the wisdom of the ancients.

The Nanyang University Arch has weathered decades of ups and downs, witnessing historic changes in Singapore’s education system. On hindsight, this arch stopped serving its original purpose as the university’s main entranceway long ago in 1986, becoming the sign for the Yunnan Gardens private residences.

The arch is now a designated National Monument. Like a retired old man, it sits alone in the peaceful Yunnan Park. This entranceway is always open and awaiting visitors. However, the sprawling park seems perpetually empty, with only MRT trains passing by with indifference. It can only stand alone, as dignified as ever, sombrely upholding that unyielding spirit of Nanyang University.

In such a scenario, we can only lament: “Very quietly I take my leave, as quietly as I came here; quietly I wave good-bye to the rosy clouds in the western sky.”