Few locals can say that they grew up attending school in Orchard, but the Singapore Chinese Girls’ School (SCGS) alumni are one of the rare exceptions. Known affectionately by students as the “Grand Old Lady”, the former SCGS building at 37 Emerald Hill was a 2nd home for generations of girls for 70 years until the school relocated.
In recent years, the campus has sat largely empty since the last international school moved out in 2020, but it remains far from forgotten. While the area is slated for redevelopment soon, parts of the cherished school compound will be preserved, honouring Orchard’s lesser-known past.
Chinese Girls’ School students having lessons outside the school at Hill Street, circa 1900.
Image credit: National Archives of Singapore
Founded in 1899 by Dr Lim Boon Keng, lawyer Song Ong Siang, and scholar Khoo Seok Wan, Singapore Chinese Girls’ School (SCGS) had humble beginnings. It opened the doors to its shophouse-turned-school for the 1st time at Hill Street to just 7 students. One of the earliest members on the teaching team was, in fact, Dr Lim Boon Keng’s 1st wife, Margaret Wong, who taught Chinese to the older students.
The school’s admirable aspirations to educate young Chinese girls at a time when it was far from the norm took a while to gain traction. However, SCGS’s early years were not all smooth-sailing, plagued by financial issues, high teacher turnover rates, and problems with underqualified staff.
Despite this, enrolment grew, and the school moved between locations for a few years, eventually having to relocate by 1924 when the government sought to reclaim the land to build the Central Fire Station. Fun fact: That’s also where the Civil Defence Heritage Gallery is currently located.
In 1925, the school moved to a 2-storey building at Emerald Hill that belonged to Dr Lim.
Plan of the proposed SCGS building at Cairnhill Road (37 Emerald Hill Road) in 1924.
Image credit: Building Control Division of the Public Works Department via the National Archives of Singapore
The renovations cost $60,000, but SCGS now had 12 classrooms, an assembly hall, a staff room, and a principal’s office.
Image adapted from: Singapore Press Holdings via National Archives of Singapore, Keep 27 Emerald Hill via Facebook
As SCGS established itself at Emerald Hill, its traditions took shape, including a new school crest, school houses, a Guide Company, and a uniform of white samfu top and trousers that was later replaced by the iconic blue pinafore we know today.
The former SCGS building was painted in camouflage during its use by the Japanese forces in the late 1940s.
Image credit: Mr Eddie Teo, courtesy of Keep 37 Emerald Hill via Facebook
But the days didn’t always remain bright and sunny. As World War II made its way to Singapore’s shores, the school was reportedly repurposed by Japanese forces into quarters for “comfort women” from 1942 to 1945.
Girls playing in the open field facing the shophouses, which later became the site of the Song Ong Siang block.
Image credit: Keep 37 Emerald Hill via Facebook
After World War II, the school began expanding its enrollment criteria to include girls of all ethnicities in 1947. At the same time, the school compound also expanded to accommodate the flock of new students.
Image credit: Thew Guat Hoon via Google Maps
One such addition was the Song Ong Siang block fronting Emerald Hill Road, named after one of the founders. Completed in 1956, the open field was turned into a 3-storey block with another hall, 8 classrooms, a science lab, and a room for domestic science or Home Economics as it was later called.
After 70 years, the school’s golden years at 37 Emerald Hill were numbered. On its 90th anniversary in 1989, SCGS became an independent school, and at the same time, they were offered a spot by the government along Dunearn Road in exchange for the land at Emerald Hill. In 1994, they said goodbye to the “Grand Old Lady” and officially relocated.
The National Heritage Board (NHB) later recognised the building as a heritage site in 1997, and a revolving door of international schools went on to occupy the space, the last of which was Chatsworth International School until they also moved out in 2020.
Image credit: Keep 37 Emerald Hill via Facebook
Here’s another fun fact: The original SCGS building even made a cameo in local filmmaker Sandi Tan’s documentary, Shirkers. It debuted at the 2018 Sundance Film Festival and won the World Cinema Documentary Directing Award before releasing on Netflix.
Yet, even in the late 2010s, there were debates over the threat of potential redevelopment, leading to an 11,500-strong petition created by former alumni to push for the site to be granted official conservation status. In May 2019, the group produced a 143-page report detailing ideas for repurposing the building into a museum, Peranakan-themed cooking school, and boutique hotel.
The Keep 37 Emerald Hill Facebook group was also set up to garner public support for their efforts, and it has since gained over 800 followers, at the time of writing.
Image adapted from: Lim Su Min, Peranakan Museum
Many alumni fought to preserve the site, including Stella Kon. Not only is she the great-granddaughter of Dr Lim Boon Keng, but she’s also more famously known for penning the award-winning play, Emily of Emerald Hill.
Their efforts paid off as the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) assessed that the Main Block, Principal’s House, and the Song Ong Siang Block held important historical and architectural value.
An artist’s impression of the mixed-use development planned at 37 Emerald Hill.
Image credit: Singapore Tourism Board
As recently as May 2026, the government has put up a tender for 37 Emerald Hill with plans to build a mixed-use development on the site featuring a hotel, lifestyle products and experiences, and public spaces while still honouring the site’s history. The conserved buildings will still be kept and incorporated into the redevelopment process.
Image credit: Muhammad Iqbal via Google Maps
Today, the historic site remains a shell of its former self. Save for an NHB plaque with a short write-up on the site’s glory days, the area has been left frozen in time for now.
Image credit: T Saka via Google Maps
While the school compound has changed hands and undergone transformations over the years, it’s not too hard to close one’s eyes and imagine the chatter of schoolgirls and the hubbub of lessons these walls once bore witness to.
Image adapted from: National Archives of Singapore, Muhammad Iqbal via Google Maps
The final public tour of the school compound was held on the last 2 weekends of May 2024 as part of the Singapore Heritage Festival, drawing crowds of close to 300 visitors.
Today, the site seems to be closed off to the public, with no new updates on Google Maps in months. That said, if you’re feeling nostalgic, you can still stop by the Song Ong Siang block on Emerald Hill Road and snap a few photos to keep the memories alive.
The former SCGS building is not the only historic landmark confronting change. The former Teachers’ Training College campus, where teachers trained before the National Institute of Education (NIE), may be at risk amid redevelopment plans for the wider Paterson area. Only time can tell the fate of these buildings, so consider this your sign to visit the spots the younger version of you may have taken for granted while they’re still around.
More articles on Singapore’s heritage:
Cover image adapted from: National Archives of Singapore, Muhammad Iqbal via Google Maps
The 3D keycaps include designs like soft-boiled eggs and iced gem biscuits.
Even car owners might want to hitch a ride on this bus to avoid the…
Step back in time at this budget-friendly hotel on your next JB trip.
Here are all the best things to do this weekend in Singapore.
A symbolic yet pragmatic approach to honouring our beloved.
Get up to S$3 cashback when you scan to pay at participating merchants overseas.