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Hidden Histories

Behind Singapore’s modern skyline lies a hidden world of forgotten places, untold stories and extraordinary people. Hosted by real-estate entrepreneur and architecture enthusiast Reuben Dhanaraj, Hidden Histories uncovers the secrets embedded within some of the nation’s most iconic landmarks. Through exclusive access, archival discoveries and first-hand accounts, the series reveals how military sites, civic monuments and industrial landmarks helped shape Singapore’s journey from colony to nation.

Hidden Histories - Secret War Legacies

What lies beneath Singapore’s modern façade? In this episode, Reuben Dhanaraj explores the forgotten ruins of Fort Serapong on Sentosa and the historic Tanglin Barracks at Dempsey Hill. Through abandoned military sites, wartime stories, and insights from experts and veterans, he uncovers the hidden legacies of these once-strategic strongholds and their role in Singapore’s defence and survival.

Hidden Histories - Monuments of Memory

What hidden histories lie behind Singapore’s most iconic landmarks? In this episode, Reuben Dhanaraj explores the National Gallery Singapore, uncovering secret passageways, historic chambers, and untold stories that shaped the nation’s early years. He then visits Victoria Theatre & Concert Hall, where wartime events and pivotal broadcasts left their mark on history. Guided by experts, Reuben reveals the forgotten stories and hidden legacies of these remarkable sites.

Hidden Histories - Echoes of Industry

What stories lie behind Singapore’s industrial heritage? In this episode, Reuben Dhanaraj uncovers the turbulent history of Pasir Panjang Power Station, a symbol of the nation’s development amid political unrest, social tensions, and rapid change. He then explores the former Shell Lubrication Plant in Woodlands, whose arrival helped transform a quiet forested area into a major industrial hub. Through these landmark sites, Reuben reveals the challenges, ambitions, and turning points that shaped Singapore’s economic rise.

Hidden Histories - Foundations of Community

What secrets lie within the walls of the iconic Goodwood Park Hotel? In this episode, Reuben Dhanaraj uncovers the remarkable history of this landmark building, from its beginnings as a German club to its role during both World Wars and the Japanese Occupation. Following the trail of a mysterious portrait linked to the post-war years, he reveals stories of intrigue, justice, and historical transformation. A fascinating journey into the hidden past that helped shape Singapore’s identity and legacy.

Byte The Habit

What if the technology designed to connect us is quietly taking us away from the people who matter most? Led by behavioural scientist Dr. Jean Li, three families put their digital habits under the microscope through a series of eye-opening real-life experiments. From digital detoxes to screen-time rewards, parents and children discover the hidden impact of technology on their relationships, wellbeing, and daily lives. A revealing, emotional and universally relatable journey into finding balance in a hyperconnected world.

Byte The Habit - The Journey Begins

“Who uses their phone in bed the most?” asks the game master. “Mum!” comes the unanimous reply. Through candid conversations, playful family challenges and surprising revelations, three Singaporean families uncover the hidden role technology plays in their everyday lives. Guided by behavioural scientist Dr. Jean Liu, they embark on tailor-made experiments designed to replace guilt and judgement with curiosity, insight and lasting change.

Byte The Habit - Digital Detox: No One Size Fits All!

We use our devices to work, play and stay connected. But what happens when we choose to step away from them? In this episode, Wani, Danial and Elvin each embark on a digital detox tailored to their lifestyle. As they replace screen time with time for themselves and their loved ones, they begin to realize that many of the digital habits they thought they controlled had quietly become routines they rarely questioned

Byte The Habit - Chasing Dopamine

Do screen-based rewards build discipline or fuel a growing dependence on screens? In this episode, Dr. Jean Liu explores how digital rewards shape children’s motivation through a series of real-life family experiments. As children choose between screen time and traditional rewards such as Play-Doh or chocolate, surprising preferences emerge. The results reveal what truly drives behaviour and the fine line between healthy motivation and the pursuit of instant gratification.

Byte The Habit - We Are Social Beings

In an age of endless notifications, are we still truly present for the people around us? Guided by Dr. Jean Liu, two families take part in a series of revealing and often playful experiments. While Fadzly is challenged to stay focused on his loved ones despite constant digital distractions, Elvin discovers how technology can become a powerful bridge between three generations. A heartwarming and relatable exploration of our fundamental need for human connection.

Byte The Habit - Time-Fillers: Screentime During Downtime

What do we really do with the countless “in-between” moments of our day? Guided by Dr. Jean Liu, two working mothers swap their usual social media scrolling for more intentional digital habits from micro-learning to guided meditation. As they put these alternative “time-fillers” to the test, they discover how the content we consume in spare moments can shape our mood, focus and wellbeing in unexpected ways.

Byte The Habit - Task Switching

We pride ourselves on multitasking but what if constantly switching between tasks is actually making us less productive? In this revealing experiment, Dr. Jean Liu explores the hidden cognitive cost of juggling emails, messages and social feeds. Two families put their focus to the test, tackling the same task with and without digital distractions. The results challenge our assumptions about efficiency and reveal what it truly takes to concentrate in a hyperconnected world.