Yishun

Yishun 义顺
Planning Area and HDB Town
Other transcription(s)
• Chinese	义顺
• Pinyin	Yì shùn
• Malay	Yishun
• Tamil	யீஷூன்
From top left to right: Aerial view of Khatib, Masjid Ahmad Ibrahim, Lower Seletar Reservoir, Aerial view of flats in Yishun, Khatib MRT Station
Yishun Location of Yishun within Singapore
Coordinates: 1°25′49.32″N 103°50′7.31″E
Country	Singapore
Region	North Region
CDC	North West CDC Central CDC
Town councils	Ang Mo Kio Town Council Nee Soon Town Council Sembawang Town Council
Constituencies	Ang Mo Kio GRC Nee Soon GRC Sembawang GRC
Government
• Mayor	Central Singapore CDC Denise Phua North West CDC Teo Ho Pin
• Members of Parliament	Ang Mo Kio GRC Intan Azura Mokhtar Nee Soon GRC K. Shanmugam Lee Bee Wah Louis Ng Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim Sembawang GRC Ong Ye Kung
Area
• Total	21.24 km2 (8.20 sq mi)
• Residential	3.98 km2 (1.54 sq mi)
Population  (2018)
• Total	214,940
• Density	10,000/km2 (26,000/sq mi)
Demonym	Official Yishun resident
Postal districts	26, 27, 28
Dwelling units	56,698
Projected ultimate	84,000

Yishun (Chinese: 义顺, Template:Lang-ta), formerly known as Nee Soon, is a residential town located in the northeastern corner of the North Region of Singapore, bordering Simpang and Sembawang to the north, Mandai to the west, the Central Water Catchment to its southwest, Ang Mo Kio to its south, as well as Seletar and Sengkang to its east.

Etymology

The name Yishun (Chinese: 义顺) is a Mandarin romanisation of Lim Nee Soon (Chinese: 林义顺), a prominent industrialist who made his fortune from the rubber and pineapple plantations he had in the area.

Lim Nee Soon was also a banker, contractor and general commission agent. He was the first general manager of the Bukit Sembawang Rubber Company Limited, formed in 1908. Nee Soon and Company was formed in 1911.

Nee Soon was one of the pioneers that opened up Sembawang. He served on the Rural Board from 1913 to 1921 and was also appointed a Justice of Peace. In the field of education, he was one of the founders of Chinese High School and was a member of the Raffles College Committee. Nee Soon Road was officially named in 1950 by the Rural Board to facilitate postal services. Several roads in Yishun are named after his business concerns and family members. Nee Soon was a leading member of the Teochew clan association poit ip huay kwan, and a close friend of Dr Sun Yat Sen.

The name Nee Soon was one of those changed at the height of the campaign to replace dialect names with Mandarin ones. While the government later revoked some of its decisions and reinstated names like Bukit Panjang (for Zhenghua), Yishun remained unchanged and is now the name attached to streets, roads, parks and many amenities.

Development

The development of Yishun started in 1976 with the first HDB apartments being built at the Chong Pang area. Yishun Neighbourhood 1 was developed in 1981, followed by Neighbourhood 7 and Neighbourhood 2. Neighbourhood 6, 8 and 9 were developed in 1987, together with the Town Centre. Neighbourhood 3 and 4 followed slightly later in 1992. Construction of Neighbourhood 5 was started in 2009 and was completed in 2015. Within the Yishun vicinity, 8 of its neighbourhoods are allocated for construction of HDB apartments namely Yishun Neighbourhood 1 (Yishun North), Yishun Neighbourhood 2 (Taman Yishun), Yishun Neighbourhoods 3, 4 and 5 (Yishun East), Yishun Neighbourhood 6 and 9 (Yishun Central), Yishun Neighbourhood 7 (Yishun West), and Yishun Neighbourhood 8 (Yishun South).

Yishun planning areas contain the subzones of Yishun South, Yishun West, Northland, Yishun East, Nee Soon, Springleaf, Lower Seletar, Khatib and Yishun Central. Areas in Springleaf and Nee Soon are largely private housing.

Amenities

Shopping/ Leisure Areas

• Northpoint City - The largest shopping mall in the North, it is located beside Yishun MRT Station. Previously known as Northpoint Shopping Centre, it underwent its first expansion which was completed in 2010. It included a new building connected to the main shopping mall built on a plot of land next to it. The expansion increased the square footage of Northpoint Shopping Centre and had more shops as well. Additionally, Yishun community library moved to its new location, at the top floor of Northpoint Shopping Centre. The shopping centre was opened in 1992 making it the first modern sub-urban mall in a major housing estate (new town). Currently, sub-urban malls are almost a standard feature in all housing estates. Northpoint Shopping Centre was then renamed Northpoint Ciiy. After undergoing a massive expansion, it is the first shopping mall in Singapore which includes an Integrated Transport Hub (ITH), a condominium called North Park Residences, a Yishun Public library, connection to Yishun MRT station and Nee Soon Central community club. The latest expansion brings the number of shops and restaurants to 500.
• GV Yishun - The first Golden Village Cinema opened in May 1992, it was then the largest multiplex with the most screens (10 in all) in Asia. On 1 November 2010 GV Yishun completed a three-month S$5 million refurbishment and opened as Asia's first green multiplex, featuring a cinematic experience enhanced by energy efficiency, water efficiency, sustainable operations and management, and indoor environmental quality. GV Yishun has a capacity of 1477 seats with 20 berths set aside for wheelchair-bound patrons, and its signature ten cinema halls have seen three of them upgraded to full 3D digital halls. Restaurants like Arnold’s Fried Chicken and Gelarè can be found at the ground level of GV Yishun.
• Junction Nine - The first mixed development in Yishun. Situated at the junction of Yishun Ring Road and Yishun Avenue 9, Junction Nine is a seven-minute walk away from Yishun MRT station with Sheng Shiong Supermarket as one of its anchor tenants.
• Wisteria Mall - Opened on 28 July 2018, Wisteria Mall is the only heartland mall in the southern part of a mature Yishun estate. Wisteria Mall has Fairprice Finest supermarket and Kopitiam food court as its anchor tenants.
• Chong Pang City - Chong Pang City is located in Neighbourhood 1. It has a collection of shophouses, a hawker centre and a market. There are small and family-run businesses, as well as major retailers such as a Giant supermarket, CK department store, McDonald's, Watson's and Guardian pharmacies, and 7-Elevens. Chong Pang City was the largest neighbourhood centre in Yishun until the opening of Northpoint Shopping Centre and Yishun 10.
• Neighbourhood Centres - There are various neighbourhood centres such as Nee Soon East (Neighbourhood 2) and Khatib Central (Neighbourhood 8). A typical "heartland" neighbourhood centre would consist of stores such as provision stores, eateries (commonly called coffee shops), supermarket chains, mini-marts, clinics, local banks, and salons. In the last few decades, fast food outlets like McDonald's, KFC as well as pharmacies have opened in these areas.
• Yishun Park Hawker Centre - Operated by the Timbre Group, the Yishun Park Hawker Centre at Yishun Avenue 11 opened on 20th Sep 2017. Familiar names at the 800-seater hawker centre include Chit Chaat Chai and Fishball Story, which also have outlets at Timbre+ in one-north. The hawker centre has family-friendly features such as a play area, and a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tray return system. It also has top-up kiosks for cashless payments and is due to host arcade games and pinball machines, as well as weekend activities for community bonding.
• ORTO - Formerly known as the Bottle Tree Park, it is Singapore’s First 24 Hour Multi Recreationally Leisure Park. Activities such as prawning, fishing and drift karting are offered. A trampoline park, children's activity area and longkang Fishing can also be found. Additionally, ORTO caters for corporate events and weddings.
• Yishun Community Library - Yishun Community Library was previously located at Yishun Street 22 and has since relocated to Northpoint City. It was renamed Yishun Public Library and now features a larger floor area to cater to the different needs of the Yishun population, with books for both children and adults similar to most NLB neighbourhood libraries.
• ActiveSG Yishun Sports Centre - the Stadium, Sports Hall and Gym is located along Yishun Avenue 1 with the Swimming Complex approximately 2km away.

Religious Buildings

• Holy Tree Sri Balasubramaniyar Temple
• Masjid Darul Makmur
• Our Lady Star of The Sea Catholic Church
• Chong Pang Combined Temple (Yishun Columbarium)
• Nam Hong Siang Thong
• Chern Nam Kong Siew Temple
• Sembawang Tamil Methodist Church
• Yishun Christian Church
• Sree Maha Mariamman Temple
• Evangel Family Church
• Dong Shan Temple
• Gurdwara Sahib Yishun
• Masjid Ahmad Ibrahim
• Spiritual Grace Presbyterian Church

Medical Facilities

• Khoo Teck Puat Hospital (KTPH)

Initially named Northern General Hospital, the new general hospital was named Khoo Teck Puat Hospital after receiving a S$125 million donation from the late Mr Khoo's family. Spanning over 3.5 hectares in the Yishun Central Area, the 590-bed general and acute care hospital is managed by Alexandra Health System. Opened in June 2010, KTPH offers a comprehensive range of medical services and specialist care to the community in the north. It overlooks the scenic Yishun Pond.

• Yishun Polyclinic

Yishun Polyclinic was located at 30 Yishun Central beside Khoo Teck Puat Hospital and is managed by National Healthcare Group Polyclinic (NHGP). It moved to a new location opposite Nee Soon East Community Club in 2018.

• Yishun Community Hospital

The new Yishun Community Hospital (YCH) with about 425 beds provides sub-acute, rehabilitative, dementia and palliative care for patients. Opened in December 28, 2015, YCH receives post-surgical, post-stroke patients and patients who are recovering from medical illnesses/trauma from the neighbouring Khoo Teck Puat Hospital (KTPH), other acute hospitals and nursing homes.

• Khatib Polyclinic (Opening in 2023)
• Other Private Clinics and Dental Clinics

Currently, the Yishun estate is well served by the Yishun Polyclinic as well as many private medical clinics and dental clinics situated at void decks

Country Clubs

SAFRA Yishun Country Club

• SAFRA Yishun Country Club - SAFRA Yishun Country Club is a country club owned by SAFRA, which aims to build morale and camaraderie amongst NSmen in Singapore. The club was opened in 2001. It also has a wide range of amenities like a Bowling centre, Gym, Tennis court, Adventure Sports Centre (Rock Climbing), Western and Chinese restaurants, Swimming Pool and a Karaoke Centre. To create various choices among NSmen, SAFRA Yishun Country Club is destined as an Adventure Sports Hub within the group of SAFRA club houses.
• Orchid Country Club - Opened in 1993 is located near the scenic Seletar Reservoir. The club aims to improve the social status of its members. Activities there include Paintball. There is also a Chinese restaurant, Bowling alley. Member facilities include a gym, swimming pool, golf driving range as well as tennis courts. They also offer accommodations as well for staycations.
• Seletar Country Club
• HomeTeamNS Khatib - Yishun Country Club is slated to be opened in 2020 will be replacing an existing one in Sembawang. It will feature indoor sports and recreational facilities.

Transport

Bus Interchange

Yishun Integrated Transport Hub

Main article: Yishun Bus Interchange

The old Yishun Bus Interchange was built in 1987 and was closed on 14 March 2015 serving 28 years of service to Singapore residents so as to make way for Northpoint City. The Yishun Temporary Bus Interchange was later opened at a land parcel adjacent to Golden Village Yishun. This interchange operated throughout the construction of the Integrated Transport Hub where it was being built at the old site of the Yishun Bus Interchange. On 8th September 2019, the newly constructed air-conditioned Yishun Integrated Transport Hub (ITH) officially opened its doors facilitating the integration of Yishun Bus Interchange, Northpoint City and Yishun MRT station.

Mass Rapid Transit Stations

Yishun MRT Station

Main article: Yishun MRT Station

Yishun MRT Station (NS13) is an elevated Mass Rapid Transit station on the North South Line in Yishun, Singapore. The station used to be the terminus of the line between 1988 and 1996 until the North South Line Woodlands Extension was completed and opened on 10 February 1996. But currently, certain train services would terminate at this station for the short trip between Yishun and Marina South Pier, which only operates during morning peak hours and early evening hours for weekdays, and late evening hours on all days.

Khatib MRT Station

Main article: Khatib MRT Station

Located south of Yishun MRT Station on the North South Line, it was formerly named Nee Soon South MRT Station, it was renamed to Khatib on January 1987 after Sungei Khatib, a river nearby, and a military base nearby, along with Yishun MRT Station which was initially named Nee Soon.

Springleaf MRT Station

Main article: Springleaf MRT Station

Springleaf MRT Station is on the Thomson-East Coast MRT Line and would be located next to the row of 2-storey shophouses along Upper Thomson Road. When completed, this station will serve the nearby housing estate of Springside and Nee Soon army camp. The tracks between this station and Woodlands South are the longest on the Line.

Parks, Gardens and other Recreational Facilities

2 major parks:

• Yishun Park (managed by National Parks Board)– a 13 ha park in the centre of the housing estate. Used to be a rubber estate, it is thickly covered with natural vegetation. Part of the land was developed into the SAFRA Yishun Country Club.
• Lower Seletar Reservoir Park (managed by NParks and PUB)– this small 3 ha park at the southern edge of the housing estate bordering the northern edge of the reservoir. Under the PUB's Active, Beautiful, Clean Water for all (ABC) programme, there are plans to open up the reservoir to more water sports. Currently there is a smaller water sports rental facility, and occasionally there are dragon boat competitions held there. Viewing benches, riderside deck and possibly a stage will be in the works if the project take off.

Small Parks:

• Nee Soon East Park– Located opposite Block 407 Yishun Avenue 6. Facilities include a basketball court and fitness corner.
• Yishun Neighbourhood Park - Bounded by Yishun Ave 2, Ave 7 and St 22 and featuring an open lawn for picnics and facilities such as fitness corner and playgrounds.
• Yishun Pond Park- Located along Yishun Central, in front of Khoo Teck Puat Hospital. Features a spiral tower where visitors can get a bird's eye view of the area.
• Yishun Neighbourhood N8 Park - Located at Blk 810 Yishun Ring Rd. Facilities include fitness corner, playground and a running track.
• Yishun Nature Park- Located at 329 Yishun Ring Road has a basketball court, playground and exercise corner.
• Khatib Bongsu Park
• Rower's Bay Park- Located at Seletar Club Road
• Yishun Green Link- Located at Yishun Street 61
• Rockridge Park- Located at Yishun Street 51
• ORTO Park
• Springside Park- Located at Springside Plac
• Springleaf Nature Park- Located at 1230 Upper Thomson Road S(787129)
• Oasis Waterpark @ Nee Soon East

Yishun Park Connector:

• The Yishun Park Connector Network links the Khatib Bongsu Park Connector to the Canberra Park Connector, passing through the Simpang Kiri Park Connector and Canberra-Sembawang Park Connector, and running by Yishun Swimming Complex.

Sports Facilities

• Yishun Stadium and Sports Hall:

Located at the Southern end of the town, the Yishun Stadium was opened on 2 January 1992. In 1993, it played host to the Karate event during the 1993 SEA Games in Singapore. In 1996, it was the home ground for the Sembawang Rangers FC in the S-league. Eventually the team was dropped from the league in 2003. Later on, it hosted the Young Lions in 2005 season, Sporting Afrique FC in 2006 season and currently it is the home for Korean Super Reds FC for the 2007 season. Other than the main stadia with the soccer field and 8-lanes running track, it also houses a ClubFitt gym. The sport hall seats 800 people and it can be use for badminton, basketball or other indoor sports.

• Yishun Swimming Complex

Opened in 1988, it has a competition pool (with 430 seating), a children pool and a training pool.

• Nee Soon Sports Centre

The Nee Soon Sports Centre, managed by FutsalArena, is envisioned to be the hub for healthy-lifestyle activities. Built amidst lush greenery surrounding Yishun Pond, the Sports Centre is located just two-minutes away from Yishun Bus Interchange by foot. Its proximity makes it extremely accessible to Yishun residents as well as futsal enthusiasts from other parts of Singapore. The Arena has 5 futsal courts and 3 basketball courts. It operates from 9am to 1am daily.

Industrial Park

The Yishun Industrial Park is a small industrial park situated between Avenues 6 and 7 which comprises some well known companies such as Murata, Philips Lumileds, Agilent, Avago Technologies, ATS, ASM-Frontend, STATS, Inc. and many other smaller companies. Commercial buildings like A’Posh Bizhub, Northpoint Bizhub, North Spring Bizhub, YS- One and North View Bizhub can be found at the Yishun Industrial Park. It can be reached by Bus service 811 from the Yishun Bus Interchange.

Educational Institutions

Main article: Schools in Yishun

There are 10 primary schools, 9 secondary schools, a junior college, Yishun Junior College, and an International School, Gems World Academy

Notable residents

Halimah Yacob, the 8th and current President of Singapore, lives in Yishun.

• Halimah Yacob, 8th President of Singapore
• Dr Mohamed Fatris Bakaram, Mufti of Singapore

Reputation

In recent years, Yishun has developed a tongue-in-cheek reputation for being a hotbed of crime, especially after a spate of cat abuse incidents surfaced in the media.

Sources

• Victor R Savage, Brenda S A Yeoh (2003), Toponymics – A Study of Singapore Street Names, Eastern Universities Press, ISBN 981-210-205-1
• SAFRA Online. (2006). About SAFRA. Retrieved on 5 April 2007. [1]