The article discusses the little-known 1968 project on Christmas Island, located 1,330 kilometers from Singapore. This project, which consisted of seven residential blocks constructed by Singapore's Housing and Development Board, represents a forgotten chapter in HDB's history. The blocks, known as Poon Saan, still stand today and are a heritage-listed slice of Singapore in Australian territory. The area's significance lies in its connection to Singapore's professional services being applied overseas for the first time and its preservation of early Singaporean public housing design.

The Poon Saan precinct on Christmas Island now sits on the Australian Commonwealth Heritage List, ensuring that the original character of the estate will be preserved for future generations. The area's architectural styles imported from Singapore, along with its role in the island's union movement, are recognized under this heritage protection. Despite being largely unknown to most Singaporeans, the Poon Saan blocks serve as an unlikely monument to Singapore's housing expertise on a remote Australian territory.