Singapore’s rental flats accommodate a diverse mix of residents, including lower-income families, single parents, and those in transition, such as couples waiting for their Build-to-Order (BTO) flats.

For many, rental flats serve as temporary accommodation while they navigate major life changes. 

With people living in close quarters and sharing similar challenges, I’ve always wondered—does the kampung spirit thrive more in rental flats? Or is that just something we assume?

Acts of Kindness, But With More Boundaries

While acts of kindness still occur, a more detached and individualistic culture has also emerged. The reality of communal living in rental flats today is a complex mix of support, distance, and shifting social dynamics.

Monika (not her real name), 27, has been living in a rental flat under the Parenthood Provisional Housing Scheme (PPHS) while waiting for her BTO flat in 2027. She describes her rental flat community as “helpful, but still distant”.

“To be honest, we’re all just doing our own thing. I was even told not to be too friendly with my neighbours,” she shared.

For some residents, the culture within rental flats prioritises privacy over neighbourly interactions. A neighbour once told her that because rental flats often house people on a temporary basis, some residents avoid forming long-term relationships.

While Monika expected a warmer sense of community, some neighbours remain distant due to the transient nature of rental flats. (Image source: Danial Zainudin via Pexels)

As a result, a noticeable divide exists between those who view rental flats as temporary housing and those who see them as permanent homes. Some long-term residents project a sense of ownership over the space, creating an unspoken boundary between themselves and short-term tenants.

Yet, despite this general sense of detachment, moments of the kampung spirit still shine through.

Monika recalled a time when an elderly resident in her block had a fall. While an ambulance was called, another neighbour stepped in to help.

“He told the household to call him if anything happened, as neighbours should look out for one another,” she added.

While not necessarily an everyday occurrence, these acts of kindness emerge in times of need, illustrating that a latent sense of community still exists.

In another instance, when Monika and her husband moved into their rental flat in 2023, a neighbour’s child helped carry their belongings into their new home.

Another rental flat resident, Amira (not her real name), shared how she once borrowed a heavy-duty trolley from a neighbour to transport heavy furniture.

The 28-year-old said these small yet meaningful gestures made her appreciate her neighbours. Though the support system within rental flats may not be as strong as the kampung spirit of the past, it remains present in quiet, everyday ways.

Community Support Beyond Neighbours

While immediate neighbours may not always provide support, broader community initiatives help fill the gap.

Monika shared how she sought help from her local Meet-the-People Session (MPS), where the Member of Parliament provided useful contacts to help her through a personal crisis.

Her block also holds food collection events on the last Saturday of every month, offering free groceries to households in need. During festive seasons such as Christmas and Chinese New Year, community centres and nearby churches distribute food and essential supplies to rental flat residents, though priority is often given to those who live there permanently.

The rental flat community receives food aid and support from government initiatives and non-profit organisations. (Image source: Red Cross)

The Modern Kampung Spirit

The reality of communal living … is a complex mix of support, distance, and shifting social dynamics.

The kampung spirit in Singapore today is not what it once was, and rental flats serve as a microcosm of this change.

“It’s 50/50 now. It’s not like how it was years ago when people would do so much to keep the kampung spirit alive. 

“In this busy generation, some people bother to stay connected, while others would rather just close their doors as soon as they get home,” Amira shared.

This sentiment captures the evolving nature of communal living in Singapore. The fast-paced, modern lifestyle has made deep community connections more challenging to sustain. 

The kampung spirit has evolved from the past, reflecting a shift in how communities interact and support one another in times of need. (Image source: roots.gov.sg)

Unlike in the past, where neighbours relied on one another for daily needs, today’s residents have other forms of support, whether from government initiatives, community organisations, or digital networks. As a result, the kampung spirit has not disappeared – it has simply evolved.

Rather than longing for a return to the past, perhaps the challenge now is to redefine what community means in modern Singapore. 

Whether through small acts of kindness such as efforts by Kampung Spirit TLC , structured assistance programmes, or casual daily interactions, the essence of looking out for one another continues in different ways. In an era of rapid change, fostering the kampung spirit may require a more intentional effort – but as seen in Singapore’s rental flats, it is still very much alive, even if in a different form.

Is the kampung spirit alive in your neighbourhood?