Yunnan (West)

Yunnan Garden (West) - Old Tree with Entwining Roots

Yunnan Garden became famous because of Nanyang University. Now its popularity lies with the Nanyang Technological University (NTU) . In the early 1950s, before NU was constructed, the whole of Yunnan Garden belonged to the Hokkien Clan Association which had set up the Yunnan Development Company to develop the area.

Under Tan Kah Kee's guidance and with the support of the masses, NU was founded on 15 March 1956. Over the next 20 years, it nurtured numerous talents who made great contributions to society.However, it was closed in 1980 as it could not conform to social development.

Nanyang Technological Institute (NTI) replaced it on 8 August 1981. Its main role then was to produce a large body of engineering professionals to meet the needs of Singapore's economic development. With the addition of hostels, the formation evolved from an old tree with entwining roots into the roc spreading its wings. In 1991, NTI expanded into NTU and took in more than 7, 000 students.

When China opened up, many former NU graduates rose in importance and instantly became widely sought-after. Although working overseas, they have strong feelings not only for their homeland but their alma mater as well, confirming the effect of good feng shui.

Though Yunnan Garden initially looked set to have a quiet time, much life has since been breathed into it, especially with high-rise residential flats sprouting up in nearby Jurong East. Its future looks promising indeed.

Why is Yunnan Garden so indomitable? From the feng shui perspective, NU was set on an old tree with entwining roots formation which was actually a literary star, thus making the area suitable for education. But NTI and later, NTU, had greatly expanded beyond NU's original central point, the old administrative block. NTU's heartland is now to the right of NU, thus changing the formation to that of the roc spreading its wings

Though both the roc and the eagle belong to the same family, the eagle is closely associated with brawn while the roc is closely linked to literary capabilities. But, the roc is no weakling and possesses both gentleness and strength. It is the symbol of refined generals like the famous Chinese patriot Yue Fei, who was equally adept at wielding the pen and the sword, and who burnt with patriotic sentiments. Legend has it that Yue Fei was the reincarnation of a roc.

Residents in this area should be ambitious and set great goals, for they will be able to build up a great future with their bare hands.

A Roc Spreading Its Wings: Take Note of Interpersonal Relations

A roc is capable of rapid take-offs and covering long distances. This can arouse jealousy, so successful residents here must cultivate good interpersonal relations.

This environment is conducive to those striving for fame and achievements, and benefits people pursuing a career in politics, the armed forces or the arts. As for commercial development, businesses related to the arts or food and beverage will have good potential.

NTU is gradually gaining worldwide accreditation, demonstrating the feng shui power of the roc spreading its wings. People working there are advised to promote good interpersonal relations, study diligently; work hard and refrain from being too vocal and over-critical.

Above all, bear in mind that one must always repay one's gratitude and to remember one's roots.