Simei
| SImei | |
|---|---|
| Subzone of Tampines | |
| Other transcription(s) | |
| • Chinese | 四美 |
| • Pinyin | Simei |
| • Tamil | ஸீமெய் |
| Coordinates: SG 1°20′36″N 103°57′15″E / 1.34333°N 103.95417°E | |
| Country |
 Singapore |
| Region | East Region |
| Town | Tampines |
| Area[1] | |
| • Total | 2.78 km2 (1.07 sq mi) |
| Population (2015)[1] | |
| • Total | 42,710 |
| • Density | 15,000/km2 (40,000/sq mi) |
Simei is a subzone located in the eastern part of Singapore, situated within the town of Tampines. The name Simei is pinyin for "Four Beauties" in Chinese. Originally the area was carved from Tampines South area. It was officially renamed to Simei in 1985.
History
Simei used to be a Malay kampung. It was cleared in February 1982 to make way for the HDB estate at Simei. For a brief period, the roads in the estate were named after the legendary Four Beauties (i.e. Xi Shi, Wang Zhaojun, Diaochan and Yang Guifei) in Chinese history. These confusing names were swiftly changed following complaints.
Facilities
Simei is a well-developed estate with plenty of amenities and facilities. There are schools, an MRT station, coffee shops and a shopping mall, East Point Mall.
NTUC Fairprice, a leading supermarket chain in Singapore, is located on the 5th floor of Eastpoint Mall for 24 hours. Cheers and 7-11 are also two 24-hour convenience stores located near Simei MRT Station. Simei Park is the only park in Simei, consisting of a playground, elderly fitness corner and running tracks. There are different kinds of residential dwellings in the area, comprising landed properties, condominiums, mansions and public housing flats. For medical needs, Changi General Hospital is located here as well, and serves many Singaporeans living in the eastern area. The buses that serve the Simei estate are SBS Transit bus services 5, 9, 12, 20 and 38. Bus services 2, 10, 17 and 31 also pass through the outskirts of Simei. As of 2015, the MP serving the Changi-Simei constituency is Jessica Tan.
Amenities
There are wide range of amenities at Simei, including Changi General Hospital, retail outlets and the Changi Simei community centre.
Education facilities include the ITE College East, the Metta Development School, Changkat Primary School and Changkat Changi Secondary School.
There is an international school near Expo and also the 4th University in Singapore called Singapore University of Technology and Design.
Transport
Transport links include the Simei MRT Station and close proximity to Singapore Changi Airport via the Pan-Island Expressway.
Simei MRT Station is part of the East West Line. There are bus routes which plies along Simei area, they are 5, 9, 20, 38, Premium 531 and NR7. For the bus services that plies at the outskirts, they are routes 10, 17 and 31 which is from Simei Avenue, and also route 12 in Simei Street 1.