Accompanied by over 100 boy scouts, Minister of State (MOS) for Trade, Industry and National Development Lee Yi Shyan launched the Housing Board’s (HDB) ‘Let’s Shine’ (SHare In NEighbourliness) movement, which aims to recreate the old kampong spirit among HDB dwellers.

It is the second event of the HDB’s first-ever community week from May 21 to 27, which aims to promote more graciousness among neighbours.

Back in 2009, the HDB formed a Community Relations Group which looked into nurturing a more caring and close-knit heartland, with a stronger common identity. So far, it has launched the Good Neighbour Award in the same year, and has also organised welcome parties for residents at all newly completed built-to-order (BTO) precincts. In October 2011, they introduced the Roadmap To Better Living in HDB Towns, a plan which guides the HDB to provide a better living environment for residents.

And according to a survey by the Singapore Kindness Movement (SKM) last July which MOS Lee mentioned in his speech today, the HDB has good reason to introduce the community week initiative. Forty-three per cent of Singaporeans polled rated themselves high on graciousness, while only 15 per cent said others were gracious to them. MOS Lee echoed the views of Dr William Wan, general manager of the SKM, about certain Singaporeans not being aware of, or appreciating, the efforts of others, and having a unhealthy level of self-centredness and self-absorption.

First published in ST Online – May 22, 2012