Through Time: Uncovering a WWII Spy Story Beneath Singapore

CK Chan
Jan 15
2 min read

Skyshot is proud to have been part of Through Time, a powerful documentary series by CNA Insider that uses cutting-edge technology to uncover stories long buried by history. This particular episode, “My Grandfather Was a WWII Spy”, is a deeply personal and visually arresting journey into wartime Singapore — one that blends family legacy, historical investigation, and modern imaging technology.

From Concept to Screen

The concept for this episode was first developed and pitched by CK Chan, founder of Skyshot. Recognising the story's strength and emotional depth, CNA came on board with Protagonist by M to lead the project.

CK Chan served as Executive Producer, alongside Jeevan Nathan and Audrey Anthoney, with Skyshot contributing directly to the production through filming crew and aerial drone operations.

This collaboration brought together investigative storytelling, advanced visual techniques, and on-ground production expertise to create a documentary that feels both intimate and expansive.

A Personal Journey into Wartime Espionage

In this episode, journalist Xin En retraces the hidden past of her grandfather, who was part of Force 136 — the British-led covert resistance unit operating behind Japanese lines during World War II.

As Xin En digs deeper, the story reveals:

Intelligence gathering and economic sabotage under occupation
Secret communication methods disguised as medical prescriptions
The moral complexity of survival, resistance, and collaboration during wartime

Her father’s reflections add another layer — showing how the trauma of war echoes across generations, long after the fighting ends.

Seeing Beneath the Surface with LiDAR

One of the most striking elements of the episode is the use of LiDAR imagery from Flare Dynamics, which allows viewers to see beneath the surface of modern Singapore.

LiDAR scans reveal:

The hidden structures of Fort Connaught, once a key military site
The strategic significance of the former View Road Hospital
Physical traces of wartime infrastructure that are invisible to the naked eye

This fusion of technology and storytelling aligns closely with Skyshot’s philosophy: using advanced imaging tools to reveal perspectives that would otherwise remain unseen.

History Is Never Black and White

As the narrative unfolds, Through Time challenges simple labels of hero and villain. The episode explores uncomfortable truths — including the role of the Indian National Army, unexpected acts of assistance from unlikely sources, and the “nameless” individuals whose sacrifices were never officially recorded.

The result is not just a historical account, but a meditation on memory, identity, and the moral ambiguity of war.

About Through Time

Through Time is a CNA Insider series that brings forgotten worlds back to life. By combining immersive cinematography, LiDAR scanning, archival research, and human storytelling, the series revisits moments from World War II to the disappearance of Singapore’s “Three Worlds” — ensuring these stories are not lost to time.