In all its towering, grim glory, the iconic Changi Prison entrance gate, wall and turrets have been gazetted as a national monument by the National Heritage Board today.
The intimidating facade of the prison became Singapore's 72nd National Monument on the 74th anniversary of the nation's surrender to Japanese forces during World War 2.
Becoming operational in 1937, Changi Prison was designed with maximum security in mind (duh), complete with turrets serving as watchtowers and a 20-feet tall perimeter wall. The prison was historically significant for being an internment camp for civilians and Prisoners of War during the Japanese Occupation — over 5,000 people were packed within its walls, despite a maximum occupancy of 600 prisoners.