Modern news cycles seem to move more and more quickly every day, so it’s no surprise that well-known television news presenter GLENDA CHONG likes her home and neighbourhood to have a much calmer vibe like one of Singapore black and white houses. We have a look at her serene Seletar Camp house.
About the home
Style: Black-and-white semi-detached bungalow on approximately 5,000 square feet of land.
Location: Seletar Camp
Who lives there? Glenda and husband Justin, helper Rusmini, Weimaraner dogs Meredith and Cash, and six chickens.
Tell us a bit about yourself and your home
I’m a Singaporean journalist and I live here with my husband Justin, who is the managing partner of his law firm, Justin Chan Chambers. We have two dogs and six chickens here in Seletar’s black-and-white estate.
Where have you lived within Singapore?
I grew up in the east of Singapore and moved to Thomson when I got married. We then moved to this black-and-white at Seleter Camp after we adopted our first dog, Meredith. We wanted her to have a garden to run around whenever she wanted, instead of being cooped up in an apartment. We also wanted to rear some chickens.
How did it happen that you chose a black-and-white?
Justin used to live in one when he was younger so it was pretty easy for us to relocate here.
Why Seletar Camp? Any drawbacks to the area?
We looked at several areas but Seletar Camp “spoke” to us. We love the peace and quiet, plus we’re fortunate to have great neighbours. The community here is friendly and neighbours are very helpful. The cobras are a problem but you adapt!
With this house, what was it that sealed the deal for you?
We enjoy not seeing tall buildings and having an open sky. At dawn, the birds are singing. At dusk, the moorhens do this “rule rul ruaarrrk” thing.
What’s your favourite corner or room in your black and white and why?
I don’t really have a favourite spot – I like the whole house. (Justin says: “The shed – my man cave!”)
Where do you source your furniture and décor from?
I love my sofa set because it’s from my late parents. It’s even older than me. Most of the furniture items in the home were purchased when I lived in China. The dining table was actually a door that we converted into a dining table.
Any favourite pieces of art or homeware you want to mention?
The artwork above the TV; it’s an Ann Niu and I was fortunate to have made her acquaintance when I was living in Shanghai. This is the only purple triptych she did.
My other favourite artwork is the autumn tree by Raffy Napay; I love that it’s not a painting – look closely and you’ll realise it’s embroidery work.
Favourite thing about Singapore?
It’s our home and we are proud to be born and bred Singaporeans.
Any advice for newcomers?
Be prepared to perspire! Get a dehumidifier if you want to keep your leather goods (couch, handbags, shoes) from getting mouldy. The weather aside, be adventurous with your palate as Singapore has lots of local cuisine to experience.
Do you have any special projects on the go at the moment?
We’re expecting our first child so preparing the nursery is top priority for us now.
Any upcoming travel plans – something from your bucket list?
Nothing planned until baby’s arrival!
We are pleased to announce that Glenda and Justin had a healthy baby boy, “Baby Chan”, on 5 March 2025. Congratulations!
Recommendations
Furniture: “LIMS Legacy Singapore and Hock Siong for pre-loved furniture”
Doctors: “They’re all good – just find one closest to you for convenience”
Dentist: “Tooth Art Dental Centre at Wheelock Place in Orchard”
Hair Salon/Barber: “Passion at Palais Renaissance” Fashion: “Take a walk down Joo Chiat Road”
Dining & Drinks: “Long Beach Seafood, Peranakan Inn & Lounge, and CENZO”
Airlines & Hotels: “Singapore Airlines, Marina Bay Sands for a staycation, and Cempedak Private Island (off Bintan)”
Walks & Things to Do: “Check out the hawker centres – the food is cheap and delicious and hawker fair is uniquely Singaporean; hike along the Rail Corridor; get fit with an MMA class at Evolve & Watch OneFC.”