I have witnessed the evolution of Orchard Road, one of the most famous shopping districts in Singapore. From the opening of the first shopping mall in the 1970s to the present day, Orchard Road has always been a vibrant and bustling area, attracting both locals and tourists alike. However, there is one aspect of Orchard Road that I must admit I miss, despite its negative connotations – the sight of prostitutes touting for customers who walk by.

Before the government’s crackdown on vice activities in the area, Orchard Towers, also known as the “Four Floors of Whores,” was notorious for its S trade. Every night, the building would come alive with women of various nationalities touting for customers who walked by. While it was a seedy and unsavoury sight, it was also a reminder of the diversity and complexity of Singapore’s society.

As a young man, I would often walk by Orchard Towers, curious about the women who stood outside, dressed in skimpy outfits and beckoning to passersby. I never indulged in their services, but I couldn’t help but feel a sense of fascination and intrigue. It was a side of Singapore that I didn’t see in the sanitized shopping malls and tourist spots.

However, in recent years, the government has taken a hardline stance against vice activities, and Orchard Towers has been one of the areas targeted for cleanup. The trade has been driven underground, and the women who once stood outside Orchard Towers have disappeared from the streets. While I understand and support the government’s efforts to clean up the area and protect the public, I can’t help but feel a sense of loss for the vibrant and gritty atmosphere that once defined Orchard Towers.

As a Singaporean, I am proud of my country’s efforts to maintain law and order and create a safe and secure environment for its citizens and visitors. However, I also believe that there is value in preserving the complexities and nuances of our society, even if they are unsavory or unsightly.