From bustling industrial fringes to cherished neighbourhood shops, urbanization is quietly reshaping daily life in Singapore. Photography duo Sam & Sam wander through the clang of steel and aroma of coffee in Defu—a dense industrial estate—using their candid lenses to document workers holding on to their spaces, in pursuit of “gaining prosperity” (the meaning of “defu” in Mandarin) and beyond.

Meanwhile, Steve Golden steps into Chinatown and residential estates, photographing more than 70 family-run shops across generations. Arriving unannounced, his camera discovers trades deeply rooted in local identity. Amid herbal scents and shared stories, he captures candid moments as the next generation considers whether to continue family traditions. Through these casual conversations and unscripted encounters, the exhibition weaves a subtle narrative—revealing how the daily choices of ordinary people mark the quiet passage of time.

Samuel He works on commissioned visual projects. He teaches photojournalism and documentary classes at Nanyang Technological University. He is a founding investor in Our Grandfather Story, Singapore’s most well-loved micro-documentary content publisher. He also serves on the company’s board of directors. 

Sam Chin is a Singapore-based photographer and educator. His photographic practice encompasses corporate and commercial commissions alongside an ongoing exploration of social and environmental concerns. Through photography, he examines human interactions, social relationships, and the ways individuals negotiate their place within the broader environment. Sam is also an adjunct lecturer at his Alma Mater, The School of Art, Design & Media, Nanyang Technological University. 

Originally from Maine, Steve Golden is a director at UAS and LASALLE. He arrived in Japan in 1989 with $200 and the desire to travel in Asia. In 2010, he left his job to become a freelance travel photographer. Steve has been published widely in magazines, newspapers, and books.

His books include Reflections of Tan Yeok Nee House (2015), Faces of Yangon (2020), and Heritage Shops of Singapore (2022), which was nominated for a Singapore Book Award. His latest work, Singapore in Plain View (2027) is a continuation of his passion to explore Singapore’s architectural and cultural heritage.