For decades, the Umar Pulavar Tamil Language Centre (UPTLC) has stood as a landmark at Beatty Road, nurturing generations of Tamil-speaking students and serving as a hub for language and culture. Come January 2027, the centre will embark on a new chapter as it moves to 1 Victoria Lane, the former premises of Stamford Primary School.
The Ministry of Education (MOE) announced the relocation on Aug 23, 2025, noting that the centre’s current tenancy at 2 Beatty Road will expire in Dec 2026. The new site, within walking distance of Bugis and Jalan Besar MRT stations, will offer modern facilities and greater accessibility for students and teachers.
The upcoming campus will feature larger classrooms designed for hands-on, tech-enabled learning, as well as a sheltered court for beloved sports such as kabaddi (traditional contact team sport). Iconic elements from the current grounds, including the Thiruvalluvar statue, will be preserved and moved to the new location.
In addition, UPTLC will be located closer to partners such as the Indian Heritage Centre, the Little India Shopkeepers and Heritage Association, and the Indian Arts and Cultural Belt, MOE noted.
Speaking at UPTLC’s 48th annual speech and prize presentation ceremony on Aug 23, 2025, Minister of State for Manpower and Culture, Community and Youth Dinesh Vasu Dash said: “For generations, UPTLC at Beatty Road has been far more than just an address. It has been a cultural icon and a heartbeat of our community.”
Even though the centre is moving from a familiar location to a new one, the centre’s commitment to promoting the Tamil language and culture will continue, he said.
Mr Dinesh, who also chairs the Tamil Language Learning and Promotion Committee, added that the new facilities would allow the centre to explore innovative tools such as artificial intelligence in language teaching.
UPTLC director Mdm Santhi Sellappan said the relocation would allow the centre to grow beyond its current enrolment numbers and would be able to accommodate more students if needed.
Although relocation works will begin in June 2026, all classes and activities at Beatty Road will carry on as usual until the move in 2027, she added.
MOE noted that the new site is also close to institutions such as Northlight School, Hong Wen School, and the future campus of the Singapore University of Social Sciences, opening doors for collaborations.
Founded in 1982 as the St George’s Road Tamil Language Centre, UPTLC has evolved into a national resource for Tamil language education. Beyond its classroom lessons, it organises cultural programmes, showcases Indian performing arts, and provides professional development for Tamil teachers, a role it is set to continue, with renewed energy, in its new home.
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10 Apr 2025 18:37
