Is It Even Possible To Gentrify Geylang?

Geylang, once known for its vibrant yet chaotic atmosphere, has recently attracted a new wave of businesses that some might label as part of a gentrification process. This shift becomes apparent when examining the district's transformation over the past decade. While Geylang was once managed with strict regulations, recent years have seen a reduction in crime rates and an easing of restrictions on nightlife. This has made it more appealing for entrepreneurs to establish themselves in the area.

Vincent Low, co-founder of The Skewer Bar, exemplifies this change. In 2016, he and four friends set up a kushiyaki stall in a coffee shop on Lorong 27, observing the flow of locals and expats living in the surrounding residential areas. After years in the coffee shop, The Skewer Bar moved to its own location at Lorong 25 in 2019, right next to Coronation Baptist Church.

Despite the presence of religious institutions nearby, Vincent acknowledges that some parents are reluctant to allow their children to work in his bar due to its location in Geylang. This illustrates that while Geylang has become more welcoming to new businesses, it still maintains its distinctive character, akin to the rejuvenation seen in other Singaporean districts like Joo Chiat or Chinatown.