Remember our earlier post on Chia Yew Siang, Pasir Panjang pioneer, merchant and philanthropist? His only surviving offspring, Chia Boon Leong, used to be a local football icon in the 50s. He is the only Singaporean selected to represent China and play at the Olympics, and was aptly nicknamed “Twinkletoes” for his fancy footwork skills and tricks.

Below is a feature of his journey as a footballer, where he describes playing kampong soccer using 2 coconut trees as goal posts on the sandy beaches of Pasir Panjang. From there, the “Pasir Panjang Rovers” football team was born. Watch the video to enjoy a stroll down memory lane.

Read more about Chia Boon Leong’s father, Chia Yew Siang, a pioneer and philanthropist who had a sprawling compound here in Pasir Panjang. Also check out other pioneers who had roads named for them in our neighbourhood: Chwee Chian Road, Siok Wan Close and Zehnder Road.