Singapore's Friendly Neighbourhood Awards: 12 communities honoured with identity motifs for 'kampung spirit'

SINGAPORE — Twelve neighbourhoods that were chosen as the most welcoming and tightly-knit in Singapore are now recognised with identity motifs which symbolise the neighbourhoods' proactive efforts in nurturing camaraderie and promoting friendliness among neighbours,

These estates will also be marked as Singapore's friendly neighbourhoods on Google Maps, as a testament to the achievements of the communities. The 12 neighbourhoods being recognised are:

• Skyline II @ Bukit Batok, 296A Bukit Batok Street 22.

• West Terra @ Hong Kah North, West Terra@ Hong Kah North (outside RN Centre).

• Blocks 676A & 676B Woodlands Drive 71, 676 Woodlands Drive 71 (Kampung Admiralty Rooftop Garden).

• The Bedok Reservoir Community, 702 Bedok Reservoir Rd.

• Block 2 Holland Ave, Block 2 Holland Ave (Community Library).

• Ping An Green, 43 Chai Chee Street (outside RN Centre).

• Kampung Circuit Community, 94 Pipit Rd.

• Yishun Floral Spring Condominium, Block 440 Yishun Ave 11.

• Regency Park, 3 Nathan Rd.

• Compassvale Helm Singapore, 2 Sengkang Square #01-01.

• Toa Payoh East Zone 6, 261A Toa Payoh E, #01-01, Apex (outside RN Centre).

• Villa Verde, Verde Square, 134 Verde View.

Celebrating neighbourly bonds and unity

These 12 neighbourhoods were acknowledged to have received Singapore’s Friendly Neighbourhood Award (SFNA) during the HDB Community Day on 30 June last year. They had earned the nods out of 234 nominations for the award, which was open to all public and private housing estate residents.

In a media release on Tuesday (2 January), Michelle Tay, Director of the Singapore Kindness Movement (SKM), expressed her admiration for these neighbourhoods.

She said, "These neighbourhoods go above and beyond to showcase a sense of unity and care among neighbours. Exemplifying the kampung spirit, I hope these neighbourhoods will inspire us to be better neighbours in the community."

One such neighbourhood, Toa Payoh East Zone 6, showcased unity amid challenges such as during the COVID-19 pandemic, as the community initiated activities such as monthly recycling events and operating a community fridge named the "Dragon Chiller", which provides essential food items to residents in need.

Mike Chan, HDB's deputy chief executive (estate), emphasised the importance of good neighbourly behaviour in building a harmonious living environment, stating, "We hope that through this initiative, we can inspire gracious living and continue to grow a community of friendly, thoughtful and considerate neighbours in the HDB heartlands."

This award is organised collaboratively by SKM in partnership with several key organisations, including the Housing & Development Board (HDB), People's Association, Municipal Services Office, Ministry of National Development, and SG Cares.

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