The ordinary men and women who built Singapore, did so with simple tools and grit. They eked out a living in their respective trades during the tough times of our country’s pre- and post- independence years. We were the hub of the barter trade and this attracted the immigrants from the Asian diaspora to seek low menial unskilled work as “Coolies” Then these “Coolies” developed considerable skills with simple tools and with the advent of electricity and piped water, we made a quantum leap forward through the decades. Understanding the beautiful crafted tools on display is a platform of the hard work of the pioneer generation who faced the future with grit, innovations and endeavor. This spirit is captured in our exhibits and showcases the evolution of tools over three generations as is a nostalgic, historical and hands-on experience. nnnnnnn