Did you notice the towering bronze sculpture before us? It is the Progress and Advancement Sculpture. This artwork stands tall outside Raffles Place MRT.
Let me tell you about this impressive piece. The Progress and Advancement Sculpture was created by Taiwanese sculptor Yang-Ying Feng. George Lien, founder of Overseas Union Bank or OUB, commissioned it. The sculpture was donated on August 8, 1988.
This 4-meter-tall sculpture is a detailed representation of Singapore’s CBD. Look closely. You can see the skyscrapers forming the focal point. These buildings are surrounded by engravings. The engravings depict more buildings sculpted into the metal. This arc represents a busy, industrious city. It fits perfectly here in the heart of our CBD.
The Progress and Advancement Sculpture also honors Singapore’s past. It recognizes our history as a bustling trading port. Notice the external facade. You can see Western and Eastern trading ships from the 17th to 19th centuries. Mini figurines of bumboats are visible. Sailors, traders, and coolies are also depicted. They are all going about their activities.
The Progress and Advancement Sculpture symbolizes our progress. It shows how Singapore has advanced. We transformed from a colonial trading port to a modern financial center. We are now deeply connected to the world economy.
This sculpture truly embodies our nation’s motto. Onward Singapore. Majulah Singapura.