Hougang

Hougang (locally /ˌ(h)aʊˈkɑːŋ, -ʌŋ/ (h)ow-KUNG), also known as Aukang, is a planning area and mature residential town located in the North-East Region of Singapore. It is the largest housing estate in Singapore based on land area, and is home to 247,528 residents as of 2018. Hougang planning area is bordered by Sengkang to the north, Geylang to the south, Bedok to the southeast, Toa Payoh to the southwest, Serangoon to the west and Paya Lebar to the east. Subzones Hougang is separated into 10 subzones, Hougang East, Defu Industrial Park, Tai Seng, Lorong Halus, Kangkar, Hougang West, Trafalgar, Lorong Ah Soo, Kovan and Hougang Central. Hougang is situated upstream or at the back of Sungei Serangoon. Historically, the area just beyond the seventh milestone along Punggol Road was considered part of Punggol; however, it is now part of Hougang, and that specific stretch of Punggol Road has been renamed Hougang Avenue 8, with Punggol Road itself starting further north. The name "Hougang" originates from the Teochew term "Aukang," which refers to the river tributary behind Sungei Serangoon. While it was officially renamed using pinyin, specifically "后港" in Mandarin, following the Speak Mandarin Campaign (SMC), the name "Aukang" remains commonly used among the older generation or is used to convey a sense of nostalgia. The Catholic history of the region began in the mid-1850s when Father Ambroise Maistre purchased land to establish a chapel and allocate parcels to Catholic settlers. This community was predominantly composed of Teochew migrants from Shantou, leading to the area being colloquially known as the "Teochew Kingdom."