Characterised by its two Chinese-style gateways, Chong Pang City is the first neighbourhood centre in Yishun New Town. The name “Chong Pang” was taken from Chinese pioneer and businessman Lim Chong Pang (1904-1956) and there used to be a village called Chong Pang Village located near where Sembawang Mass Rapid Transport (MRT) Station is today. When the centre was launched in 1984, most of the shopkeepers here were former residents from nearby villages. They formed the Chong Pang Merchants’ Association later to meet mutual interests and provide support for each other.
In 1992, when Northpoint was opened, business at the neighbourhood centre declined by 20% or more. To meet the competition, the entrepreneurial shopkeepers decided to spruce up the centre, using their earnings combined with funds from the Town Council. Metal awnings were installed, concrete pavements were constructed, shop fronts were beautified and the two Chinese-style gateways were erected. These measures resulted in a more attractive shopping area and improved the business of the neighbourhood centre by almost 30%.
To top that, the Association decided to embark on a business and cultural exchange programme with China too. In 1994, Chong Pang City signed an agreement with the town of Xindu in Chengdu, China, to become sister towns. Cultural programmes such as bringing over arts performances from China and student exchange trips were carried out. As a mark of the friendship between the two cities, Chong Pang City presented Xindu with a statue of a Merlion. In return, Xindu presented a statue of a mother and baby panda as a gift. Look out for the statue when touring the neighbourhood centre!