Letter of the day Preservation of heritage areas must also cater to younger generation

The Forum letter "Save traditional businesses and trades in heritage areas" (March 7) highlights a key dilemma: Which individuals and businesses get left behind in the face of progress?

- Karen Chia Hwee Kim

When I was buying wooden clogs for a photo shoot at Chinatown Complex in 2024, the woman running the shop commented that few people buy them any more. She recalled a time when Chinatown had many clog makers. I turn 50 in 2025, and don't recall ever seeing one. If such a business still existed, would I visit it to see how clogs are made? Yes, out of curiosity. But is it still relevant? No.

While preserving heritage businesses is important, change is both natural and necessary for society and, by extension, neighbourhoods to evolve.