By: Noreen Shazreen
While some might think the kampung spirit is a relic of the past, others believe it can be revived with simple, yet powerful acts of kindness.
For many Singaporeans, sharing meaningful moments with their neighbours, such as a heartful conversation or a shared meal with someone living next door, feels like a fading memory in Singapore’s fast-paced urban environment.
In modern Singapore, it’s becoming more common for neighbours to remain strangers despite only living a few steps apart. Polite nods in the hallway and the occasional greetings in the lift are the extents of neighbourly interactions in today’s HDB estates. The preoccupation of mobile phones, the fear of rejection, and an increasing preference for privacy have left many longing for a sense of community that seems to have faded with time.
Loneliness Amidst the Decline in Kampung Spirit
In an era of constant connectivity, the irony is stark. With social media and technology, and the constant presence of mobile devices, we are in an age where communication is most convenient. However, loneliness has become one of Singapore’s most pressing social challenges.
An Institute of Policy Studies (IPS) poll revealed that more than half of Singaporeans aged 21 to 34 feel anxious about face-to-face conversations and prefer online interactions. Similarly, a CARE study found that 39 per cent of elderly Singaporeans report feelings of loneliness.
For many, loneliness is not a choice but a circumstance, made worse by the fading kampung spirit—an integral part of Singapore’s cherished heritage. Social media often replaces meaningful real-life connections with curated online exchanges, leaving neighbourhoods disconnected and individuals longing for belonging.
The Importance of Kampung Spirit
The ‘kampung spirit’ can only exist and thrive in spaces designed to foster interactions. Without these spaces, social barriers often arise, particularly for those who are introverted or hesitant to take the first step in connecting with others.
These ‘kampung’ spaces are vital in fostering multi-generational interactions that bring a community closer together.
Void decks, playgrounds, community gardens, reading corners, and communal corridors, offer more than just functionality. They are the heartbeats of connection, where children play, parents bond, and seniors gather for morning chats.
These environments can bridge generational divides and offer a sense of belonging. They encourage residents to step outside their homes and form relationships that go beyond the occasional nod in the lift.
By integrating well-designed community spaces into our neighbourhoods, Singapore can revive the kampung spirit. In Singapore Kindness Movement’s short film Bubur Cha Cha, such spaces were pivotal in fostering community bonds.
The film depicts residents of Sang Nila Estate coming together at a void deck during a blackout, showcasing how shared moments can strengthen relationships.
More Than Just Neighbours
Steven Lim, 57, a car broker, is living proof that one person can revive the kampung spirit.
Since moving into his HDB block in 2001, Steven once only shared polite nods and occasional greetings with his neighbours. But in October 2022, a Home Improvement Programme (HIP) project transformed those interactions.
During the ten-day construction period, Steven and his neighbours began chatting as they waited outside their homes. This newfound connection gave him the epiphany to host a gathering to celebrate the project’s completion.
“To my surprise, everyone agreed and was very spontaneous to host a party,” he recalled.
Since then, the four households on Mr Lim’s floor have celebrated Chinese New Year, Christmas, birthdays, and even embarked on trips to places like South Korea and Malacca. They’ve become more than just neighbours—they’re like family.
“The HIP was the (catalyst) that started these gatherings,” Mr Lim said.
One of his neighbours, who has a married son and daughter, occasionally invites their spouses and extended family to the gatherings. As a result, some of these events see over 30 attendees, creating a lively atmosphere.
These relationships extend beyond celebrations. Mr. Lim fondly recalls when his neighbor, Paul Cheow, 57, helped bring his mother, who suffers from early-stage dementia, home after she got lost at the market. In turn, Mr Lim recently drove Mr Cheow to the hospital when he fell ill. These moments exemplify the deep trust and care that came from building genuine connections with his neighbours.
“These environments can bridge generational divides and offer a sense of belonging”
The idea to host gatherings first came to Mr Lim during his time volunteering at the Meet-the-People Session (MPS). He noticed that most of the complaints came from numerous disputes between neighbours. From there, he realised that many of these issues stemmed from the lack of meaningful relationships among those living closest to each other.
“There is no rule or law that can mend (these issues). The best way is to not start such soured relationships,” Mr Lim added.
“Rather, we should start a friendly relationship with each other. That will make the whole neighbourhood’s living environment much better.”
Reviving the Kampung Spirit Starts with You
Mr Lim’s gatherings, now widely shared on social media, have inspired others to follow suit, proving that small efforts can create lasting bonds.
In fact, rekindling the kampung spirit doesn’t require grand gestures—it begins with small, intentional acts of connection. Say hello to a new neighbour, share a meal, or simply lend a helping hand, these efforts can turn strangers into friends, and even family.
As Mr Lim advises, it doesn’t have to be a large gathering; let’s not limit ourselves by numbers. Even a single interaction can be the start of building a meaningful connection with a friendly neighbour.
What are some kampung spirit moments in your neighbourhood? Let us know in the comments!