A note on book covers: while we do our best to ensure the accuracy of cover images, ISBNs may at times be reused for different editions of the same title which may hence appear as a different cover.
Gedung Kuning or the Yellow Mansion was home to the family of Haji Yusoff 'Tali Pinggang' from 1912 to 1999. It was acquired by the Singapore government in August 1999 under the Land Acquisition Act. What used to house six families is now preserved as a historic building under the Malay Heritage Centre. Hidayah Amin, one of Haji Yusoff's great-granddaughters, revisits her childhood home and takes readers beyond the gate guarded by stone eagles, through rooms with big mirrors and marble floors, and shares interesting anecdotes growing up in Gedung Kuning. Through 28 short stories, readers get a historical narrative detailing the lives of people living in Gedung Kuning and the Malays of Singapore from the 1850s to 1999. Hidayah Amin is a great-granddaughter of Haji Yusoff and is known as Cik Idah. She was born and grew up in Gedung Kuning and is the creator of www.gedungkuning.com. She has been a Fulbright Scholar, volunteered in a medical mission in tsunami-stricken Aceh, and taught film-making to Native American children in a reservation.
A note on book covers: while we do our best to ensure the accuracy of cover images, ISBNs may at times be reused for different editions of the same title which may hence appear as a different cover.
Cherished childhood memories of a historic Malay household.
Who is this book for?
If you're interested in Singapore's rich history and Malay heritage, this book takes you inside a beloved family home across decades. Hidayah Amin's stories offer a heartfelt glimpse into daily life and cultural traditions, making history feel alive through personal anecdotes. It’s a charming read that connects the past to the present with warmth and authenticity.
