Simei
Simei is a subzone located in the eastern part of Singapore, situated within the town of Tampines. The name Simei is pinyin for "Four Beauties" in Chinese. Formerly known as Tampines South, it was officially renamed to Simei in 1985.
Simei | |
|---|---|
Subzone of Tampines Planning Area | |
| Other transcription(s) | |
| • Chinese | 四美 |
| • Pinyin | Sì Meǐ |
| • Malay | Simei |
| • Tamil | ஸீமெய் |
| Coordinates: 1°20′36″N 103°57′15″E | |
| Country |  |
| Region | East Region |
| Planning Area | Tampines |
| Area | |
| • Total | 2.78 km2 (1.07 sq mi) |
| Population (2015)[1] | |
| • Total | 42,710 |
| • Density | 15,000/km2 (40,000/sq mi) |
History and Etymology
The name "Simei" is the Pinyinized version of "Soo Bee", after a short minor lane off Jalan Angin Laut, Jalan Soo Bee.[2] It acquired its name during the height of a government policy of "Pinyinization". The current MP serving the Changi-Simei constituency is Jessica Tan.
Simei used to be a Malay kampung. A large part of it was a Chinese cemetery called Hwa San Tng. It was cleared in February 1982 to make way for the HDB estate at Simei. For a brief period, the roads in the estate were named after the legendary Four Beauties (i.e. Xi Shi, Wang Zhaojun, Diaochan and Yang Guifei) in Chinese history. These confusing names were swiftly changed following complaints.
Facilities
Simei is a well-developed estate with plenty of amenities and facilities. There are schools, an MRT station, coffee shops and a shopping mall, Eastpoint Mall. While outside of Simei there is also Singapore Expo and Changi City Point nearby. Commercial tenants of the shopping centres include restaurants, supermarkets, department stores, bookstores, jewellery and gift shops.
NTUC Fairprice, a leading supermarket chain in Singapore, is located on the 5th floor of Eastpoint Mall for 24 hours. Cheers and 7-11 are also two 24-hour convenience stores located near Simei MRT Station. Simei Park is the only park in Simei, consisting of a playground, elderly fitness corner and running tracks. There are different kinds of residential dwellings in the area, comprising landed properties, condominiums, mansions and public housing flats. For medical needs, Changi General Hospital is located here as well, and serves many Singaporeans living in the eastern area.
Amenities
There are wide range of amenities at Simei, including Changi General Hospital, retail outlets and the Changi Simei community centre.
Education facilities situated in the town include ITE College East, the Metta Development School, Changkat Primary School, Changkat Changi Secondary School, as well as the Singapore University of Technology and Design. Being in between Bedok and Tampines, residents are within reach of even more amenities.
Transport
Simei is well served by public transport. Most of the town is within 10 minutes walking distance from Simei MRT station. It also enjoys close proximity to Singapore Changi Airport via the Pan-Island Expressway. Public bus services that serve Simei include 5, 9, 20, 38, 531 and NR7 (which serve Simei MRT station / town centre) and 10, 12, 17, 31, 118 (which serve the outskirts).
Mass Transport System
- EW3 Simei
- DT34 Upper Changi
- DT35 CG1 Expo
Xilin MRT Station will be a future station as part of DTL3 extension, will be completed in 2024 in tandem with the opening of the Stage 4 of the Thomson-East Coast Line.