He May Be Singapore’s Last Traditional Songkok Maker—And He’s Still Going

A small shop in Singapore. The morning begins with sweeping. The floor is slowly cleaned. Then an old man sits in front of a sewing machine. His name is Haji Wahab. He has been making black songkok by hand for many years. 

A video circulating on social media has once again brought to the fore the story of his silent yet important work. Even in the hustle and bustle of the modern city, he maintains a traditional profession.

Silent Morning Begins

Every morning, Haji Wahab enters the shop and first sweeps the floor. Then he patiently cuts the cloth and sits at the sewing machine. He makes each songkok with great care. The folds of the black cloth, the stitching lines—everything has a perfect calculation. 

Later, he adjusts the shape with scissors. This slow process highlights the specialty of his work.

Symbol of Tradition

The songkok is basically traditional headgear for Malay men. It is worn on social and religious occasions. In Singapore, songkok is more commonly used during Hari Raya Puasa and Hari Raya Haji.

According to history, this headgear has been in use since the 13th century. Although there are various designs today, the black songkok is the most familiar form.

Endangered Crafts

The profession of making handmade songkok in Singapore is now almost extinct. Most songkok are now imported from neighboring countries. In this reality, many see Haji Wahab as the last songkok craftsman in Singapore. 

Netizens believe that over time, many craftsmen have given up this profession. Therefore, his work is not just a product but a living tradition.

Love of People

After the video was released, many people expressed their emotions. Some said that their father uses the songkok made by Haji Wahab and has deep respect for his work. 

Others said that they have known his family for a long time and that they are very humble and friendly people. 

Some prayed that Allah grant him a long life and sufficient sustenance. These reactions show how much his work has taken a place in people’s hearts.

Watch the video here.

@skantilydun

My dad, Hj Wahab. Singapore’s songkok maker. #songkoksgdotcom #singaporesongkokmaker #songkok #malaytradition

♬ Little Things – Adrián Berenguer

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