I’ll start with this: This article is going to be 100% biased without a hint of objectivity because that seems to be the trend when it comes to 90s kids memories. Those fortunate enough to have been able to comprehend the sheer amazement that was Kids Central, will fondly remember it being the Singaporean child’s bastion of after-school entertainment. We probably have also created a, somewhat unreasonable, prejudice against its successor Okto and for good reason (let’s say bias is a good reason).

In my opinion, Okto is truly a faded shadow of the straight up OG, Kids Central. Kids Central moulded a part of my childhood from the originals shows they produced to the anticipation of waiting for the programmes to start. It holds a very special place in many of us spread thin by new careers, University or National Service.

The Blank Screen

Remember the blank screen and the music they play during the off hours? I recall sitting in front of the television in the early weekend mornings, just willing the programme to start as if by sheer mental power, I would be able to telepathically tell the producers behind Kids Central to HAUL SOME ASS and give me my DAMN CARTOONS. When they finally got the message and I saw the Kids Central logo in its glorious blue and green, I knew that shit was about to go down.

Rushing home

I would rush home after school to catch my favourite shows. I would get home, throw my back on the floor, get a glass of Soy Milk (I’m lactose intolerant), some honey stars, get myself in front of that TV, turn it on, jittery with excitement, and finally start watching every show until the programme switched to Vasantham.

The ‘Mon’s

Whether Digimon or Pokemon, 90s kids know that Kids Central was the program that introduced us to these adorable monsters of pure destructive power. Personally, I think Digimon outclasses Pokemon in every way possible but we can all hold hands and agree that Kids Central was the real MVP for giving them to us.

Kids United

If this show sounds familiar then go look it up on Youtube and listen to the introduction sequence. “We’ll never be divided cause’ we are Kids United ba ba babababa”

We Are REM

I’m talking about the first one. You would be lying if you told me you did not watch “We Are REM”. They were the Singaporean, real life version, of Totally Spies and completely changed the game.  I recall having a small TV crush on one of the girls (Kim Wakerman in real life) and whenever I missed an episode, I would feel like I lost a chance to connect with her. (Kinda creepy but I was young)

Whizzes of the Void Deck

This show was legitimate. Just three kids in their own void deck base doing their thing with science and being cool (or not) doing it. There’s just something about the show that my young self didn’t find the least bit obnoxious.

Art Factory  

Einstein Kristiansen guys. This man (besides the guy from art attack) probably got you trying to be Picasso and create some masterpiece out of cardboard and $5 paint from the nearby mama shop. You also probably bought a shit load of glue to mix with water and try to make one of those paper maches but it just got you with your hands stuck together and your mom caning you for getting glue all over the floor. I hope it’s not just me but, come on, good times am I right?