Much of Singapore still bears the influence of the British, who first laid claim to the island in 1819 and ruled it until 1959, when it was made a self-governing state of the British Empire. Shanghai still features many rows of shophouses like these, which, if it weren't for the bright colors, might be found in any midsize English city. By themselves, says photographer Munshi Ahmed, the buildings wouldn't have much life, but if you wait for traffic to pass, it infuses the frame with energy.