Choa Chu Kang, or just “CCK” to locals, was originally a kampong (Malay for “village”) between the late 18th to early 19th centuries. Settled largely by Chinese immigrants, most of the earlier inhabitants in the area were of the Teochew dialect group who planted gambier and pepper along the riverbanks. The name “Choa Chu Kang” is derived from the Teochew word “kang chu”, with the word “kang” referring to the riverbank, “chu” meaning “owner”, and “Choa” being the clan name of the first headman. Hokkiens moved in to the area later, establishing plantations growing pineapple, rubber, and coconut, as well as vegetable and poultry farms. Choa Chu Kang was also infamous for the wild tigers that used to roam free here, but the last ones were k
Facts and Figures
Choa Chu Kang has an estimated HDB resident population of 169,000 and we manage 48,900 flats in the town (as of 31 March 2018).
The town consists of 7 neighbourhoods including Keat Hong, Yew Tee, and Teck Whye.
History of Choa Chu Kang
The name Choa Chu Kang was derived from the Teochew word ‘kang chu’. The plantation owners were known as Kangchu – the word ‘kang’ means river and ‘chu’ is the clan name of the first headman in charge of the plantations in the area. The river banks of Choa Chu Kang had gambier and pepper planted along them.
Evolving Through The Years
Choa Chu Kang’s first neighbourhood was completed in 1977 at Teck Whye Avenue. Design motifs and features reminiscent of its rural past bring a touch of nostalgia to the designs of many HDB blocks.
The old attap houses, street hawkers, and kampungs in the area have long disappeared, and Choa Chu Kang has since evolved into a modern housing estate with ample community and recreational facilities.
Notable Places
Choa Chu Kang Park is a favourite amongst residents on weekends, where visitors can walk through the remnants of the old fruit tree plantations and get closer to nature. The park also has a small skate park and a wide range of fitness stations.