14A P R I L 2 0 1 7

ISSUE

l i v e T O G E T H E R / / P U N G G O L T O W N S Q U A R E – A S P A C E F O R A L L

live HAPPY Spaces, Activated08

my LIFE STORY Let’s Talk Green16

live WELL The World Outside My Window

04

Contents 14A P R I L 2 0 1 7

ISSUE

EDITORIAL ADVISERS Director, Policy & Planning

Eileen NeoDeputy Director, Planning

Shivvonne WongExecutive Community

Relations ManagerJeremy Choy

PUBLISHING AGENT

Mediacorp Pte Ltd

Life Storeys is a community publication by the

Housing & Development Board. Filled with lifestyle features, this newsletter brings to you

stories and happenings from your neighbourhood so that you

can know your community a little better and play a more active role

in community-building. Join us in creating a gracious and

harmonious living environment for all! You can also access the

electronic version of Life Storeys at lifestoreys.hdb.gov.sg

or scan the QR code.

Copyright ©2017 Housing & Development Board (HDB)

All rights reserved. No part of this material may be reproduced

or transmitted in any form or by any means.

This publication is printed on FSC™-certified paper. The paper choice and printing methods are

green and environmentally-friendly, leaving behind less carbon footprint.

Printed by Times Printers

l i v e H A P P Y

08 S P A C E S , A C T I V A T E D

m y L I F E S T O RY

16 L E T ’ S T A L K G R E E N

l i v e W E L L

04 T H E W O R L D O U T S I D E

M Y W I N D O W

06 A S W I N G I N G T I M E

07 A C L E A N S W E E P

l i v e G R E E N

12 C O R R I D O R C H A T T E R :

A L L T H I N G S E C O

14 L E A V I N G L I T T L E

T O W A S T E

01 A S P A C E F O R A L L

l i v e T O G E T H E R

F R O M M O V I E S C R E E N I N G S T O M A S S W O R K O U T S ,

T H E N E W L Y - O P E N E D P U N G G O L T O W N S Q U A R E H O S T S

E V E N T S F O R T H E C O M M U N I T Y , B Y T H E C O M M U N I T Y .

l i v e T O G E T H E R l i f e s t o r e y s

A

FORSPACE

ALL

T H E O P EN I N G AT T R AC T ED N U M ERO U S R E S I D EN T S , I N CLU D I N G M E M B ER S O F T H E H E A R T L A N D A M B A S S A D O R P RO G R A M M E

P U N G G O L T O W N S Q U A R E

01PAGE

ungol Town quare

02PAGE

l i v e T O G E T H E R l i f e s t o r e y s

n a sunny Sunday morning, art enthusiast Sathyapriya Subramaniam packed her

supplies and headed to Punggol Town Square, a newly-opened community space next to Punggol Waterway Point. The 36-year-old freelance artist was not alone – she was joined by other artists from Urban Sketchers Singapore. The local art group was attracted to the picturesque views of Punggol that the space offers. While the artists sketched, children at the other end of the Square played traditional games, and seniors cooled down after a mass walk along the nearby MyWaterway@Punggol.

A varied range of activities is just what Punggol residents can expect to enjoy at Punggol Town Square, the latest new-generation town plaza built by HDB. An initiative under the Remaking Our Heartland project, the Square was officially launched on 15 January 2017 by Deputy Prime Minister Mr Teo Chee Hean, Advisers to Pasir Ris-Punggol GRC Dr Janil Puthucheary, Ms Sun Xueling and Mr Zainal Sapari, and HDB CEO Dr Cheong Koon Hean.

Many of the events held at Punggol Town Square will be organised by a dedicated Activation Team, who sought the views of residents to better understand their needs and preferences. This involvement of residents in the activities at Punggol Town Square ensures that it remains a vibrant and cherished community space. “It’s part of our efforts to bring Punggol residents together,” says Mr Teo, who is also an Adviser to Pasir-Ris Punggol GRC.

Residents have contributed more than

300I D E A Sfor activities at

Punggol Town Square. Popular suggestions include concerts and eco-craft workshops.

F I T T E R T O G E T H E R

Those raring to use Punggol Town Square include fitness enthusiasts Shermaine and Shereen Ng. The two sisters, who call themselves the FitNgss, are founders of Strong Mind Fit Body (SMFB), a community exercise group. At the launch of Punggol Town Square, they led participants in an energetic warm-up routine before a

mass walk along MyWaterway@Punggol. For them, the Square is an ideal spot for group workouts. “It’s sheltered and well-ventilated, which means residents can exercise here, rain or shine,” Shermaine, 20, tells Life Storeys. Adds Shereen, 24, “We definitely would like to bring SMFB’s programmes here.”

Teaching young residents to be eco-conscious

Residents learning to make crafts

W A R M I N G U P F O R T H E M A S S W A L K

DID YOU KNOW?

A H I V E O F AC T I V I T I E S AT P U N G G O L T O W N S Q UA R E

03PAGE

D I S C OV E R P U N G G O LMr Teo also opened a three-storey visitor centre next to the Square, the first-of-its-kind in an HDB town. Punggol Discovery Cube boasts an interactive model of the town, alongside exhibits that trace its journey from a fishing village to Singapore’s first eco-town.

“I’ve lived in Punggol for two years [but I know] very little about its history and its future developments. Touring the Discovery Cube has made me proud to be living in a town that embraces both its heritage as well as eco-friendly technology of the future,” says Ms Krishnapriya Kamalesh, 35.

The IT analyst was also one of the many residents who downloaded Our Heartland Trails, a new mobile app that enhances a walking tour of Punggol. The route includes stops at 27 landmarks within the precinct, including the colonial-era Matilda House and nature spot Coney Island. “Knowing more about these places [in Punggol] makes us feel more connected to our new home,” says Mr Peter Ang, 55, who is moving into the neighbourhood later this year.

GET CONNECTED More towns will

be added to Our Heartland Trails in the coming months.

The mobile app is free for download

on the Apple App and Google Play stores.

K N O W I N G M O R E

A B O U T T H E S E P L AC E S

[ I N P U N G G O L] M A K E S

U S F E E L M O R E

C O N N E C T E D T O

O U R N E W H O M E

Mr Peter Ang (2nd from left) and family

“

P U N G G O L D I S C O V E R Y

C U B E

Open daily, except Mondays, from 10am to 8pm. Admission is free.

Besides heritage trails, residents can also take part in HDB’s Eco Learning Journeys programme. This initiative runs guided tours of eco-destinations in Punggol, with 30 journeys already planned for this year. For more information, visit hdb.gov.sg.

l i v e W E L L l i f e s t o r e y s

04PAGE

W H A T S O M E R E S I D E N T S S A Y A B O U T T H E

V I E W F R O M T H E I R A P A R T M E N T B L O C K S .

T H E WO RL D O U T S I D E MY W I N D OW

J O S E P H G O H , R E S I D E N T O F B L O C K 8 0 B A T T E L O K B L A N G A H S T R E E T 3 1

LIGHTING UP THE NIGHT “This shot was taken from a corridor at Block 80C during Chingay @ Heartlands 2015. As a photographer, I was very excited when I heard about the fireworks display. I texted my family and friends who live nearby, and posted on the Telok Blangah Tower Facebook group so that my fellow neighbours wouldn’t miss out.” PAINTED SKIES “At over 30 storeys, Block 80A and Block 80C are among the tallest blocks in my neighbourhood. That means we enjoy unobstructed and gorgeous views of the sunrise and sunset from the higher floors.”

L A T H A K . , R E S I D E N T O F B L O C K 2 5 1 A T B I S H A N S T R E E T 2 2

SEA OF GREEN “I have lived here for more than 15 years, and seen how Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park has been transformed over the years. It is more beautiful now after its revamp (under the Active, Beautiful and Clean Waters Programme by PUB). I get a pleasant view of the park from my second-floor flat.”

KEEPING IN TOUCH Residents of various HDB Build-to-Order (BTO) projects have set up Facebook groups so that they can connect with one another. The groups serve various purposes, from providing updates on the pace of construction to sharing upcoming events — and where to get the best food! Once, a resident of The Peak@Toa Payoh posted that he was on his way to buy oyster omelette. The upshot? He ended up with 30 packets of ‘dapao’ (takeaway) for his neighbours!

Photo Credit: Joseph Goh

Photo Credit: Joseph Goh

05PAGE

B E N E D I C T C H U A , R E S I D E N T O F B L O C K 6 6 7 A T P U N G G O L W A T E R W A Y W O O D C R E S S

GOING WITH THE FLOW “Living along a waterfront means we get a good view of the waterway, which is invigorating after a day’s work. Friends and family are impressed by the scenery. The greenery along the waterway is also a refreshing change from Singapore’s urban landscape.”

S A D I A S H E H Z E E N , R E S I D E N T O F B L O C K 1 C A T T H E P I N N A C L E @ D U X T O N

THE AWESOME CITYSCAPE “Other than The Pinnacle’s central location, the excellent views from our 42nd floor flat played a big role in our decision to stay here. As my unit faces Sentosa island, I get to enjoy the daily fireworks there in the comfort of my home. If I go to the skybridges, I also get a bird’s eye view of the bustling Central Business District area.”

R A I S I N G T H E B A RThe Pinnacle @ Duxton features Singapore’s tallest HDB blocks at 50 storeys. The award-winning project is right in the heart of the city, and boasts two skybridges that offer stunning panoramic views. Depending on the orientation of their unit, residents can see either the shophouses of Chinatown or enjoy a view of the harbour.

A WA L K I N T H E PA R K

Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park, with its lush greenery, is a great hang-out spot as there is something for everyone. You can jog or cycle, or simply stroll around and enjoy the wide diversity of plants and wildlife. See if you can spot the otter family that was first seen in the park in 2015.

DID YOU KNOW? The Pinnacle @ Duxton has made it as a tourist attraction. Online travelling guides, such as Lonely Planet and TripAdvisor, recommend the skybridge on the top floor as a vantage point for tourists seeking a bird’s eye view of Singapore.

FAST FACTWaterway Woodcress is the first HDB housing development to overlook the Punggol Waterway.

The development has been designed in such a way that more than half of its

694

units have a waterfront view.

Community spaces such as a jogging path encourage residents to participate in outdoor activities

with their neighbours.

Photos of Lighting Up The Night and Painted Skies by Joseph Goh. Other photos by Mediacorp Pte Ltd.

f you grew up in the heartlands, chances are you have fond memories

of the HDB playgrounds of your childhood. Your parents, like many others, would have used playground time as an incentive for you to finish your homework. For children, those playgrounds were, and still are, a place of adventure where games are spontaneously invented and friendships forged.

Taevius See’s parents would bring him to the playground near Block 474, Ang Mo Kio Ave 10 once a week. There he made friends with two young children. That was six years ago. Even after his family moved to Hougang in 2012, the three childhood friends still meet at least once a year. “I enjoy playing with Jovita and Liam. Our parents have also brought us on group outings to parks and the zoo,” says Taevius, nine.

In 2015, the National Parks

Board and National Council of Social Service

l i v e W E L L l i f e s t o r e y s

ovita and Taevius first met at a

playground six years ago

P L A Y G R O U N D S H A V E T R A N S F O R M E D O V E R T H E Y E A R S , B U T W H A T D O E S N ’ T

C H A N G E I S T H E J O Y T H E Y B R I N G .

A S W I N G I N G T I M E

F I N D O U T A B O U T I N C L U S I V E P L AY G R O U N D S AT W W W . N C S S . G O V. S G / O U R - I N I T I AT I V E S / I N C L U S I V E - P L AY G R O U N D

introduced inclusive playgrounds to encourage play between children with and without special needs. The first of its kind is at Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park River Plains, where there is a wheelchair-accessible swing and merry-go-round. Similar playgrounds can be found in other community parks such as Paris Ris Park and West Coast Park.

NOT (JUST) CHILD’S PLAYPlaygrounds are also increasingly designed as social spaces for residents of all ages. A 3-generation playground is one where children’s play spaces are integrated with fitness corners for adults, as well as exercise stations for the elderly.

These facilities are specially co-located at the heart of precincts (clusters of housing blocks) so that multi-generational families can play and exercise together. Serving as vibrant community spaces, these playgrounds are also accessible gathering points for neighbours of all ages, races and cultures. Redhill resident

Mdm Tan Bee Leng, 67, brings her six-year-old grandson to the 3-generation playground near their home at Block 76A almost every weekday. “The fitness corner is good for senior citizens who can exercise and keep watch on their grandchildren at the same time,” she says. “I usually sit around and chit-chat with the other ‘regulars’ who always go there at the same time.”

A LEGENDARY DRAGON

The iconic dragon playground in Toa Payoh is one of the oldest

playgrounds in Singapore, but did you know…

It is the brainchild of Mr Khor Ean Ghee, a former HDB Interior designer, who had no prior experience designing playgrounds

The first version of the dragon playground was built in the ’70s. The dragon had a longer spine and a metal head

The sand pits had pipes underneath to drain away rainwater

Mosaic tiles were used because they are maintenance-friendly and do not require repainting

Smaller ‘baby dragons’ modified from the original design can be found in Toa Payoh Lorong 1 and MacPherson (Pipit Road)

3 - G E N E R AT I O N P L AYG R O U N D

3-generation playgrounds are suitable for residents of all ages

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PROJECT SPHEREA T A G L A N C E

F I V E S P R I N G C L E A N I N G S E S S I O N S

T O S P R U C E U P T H E H O M E S O F

N E E D Y E L D E R L Y W E R E H E L D

D U R I N G T H E T H I R D R U N O F T H E

A N N U A L B R O O M I T ! D A Y .

A C L E A NS W E E P

V I S I T W W W. H D B . G O V. S G / C S / I N F O W E B / P R O J E C T S P H E R E . F O R M O R E I N F O R M A T I O N

ighty-one year old Mdm Mary Tan needs a walking frame to move around, so cleaning her home has become almost

impossible. But on 17 February, the widow’s one-room flat was spruced and tidied up — thanks to ITE College Central students and staff volunteers from Singapore Pools and Nippon Paint Singapore Pte Ltd.

About 80 of them got down to work, in a bid to help out the needy elderly living in rental flats at Ang Mo Kio Avenue 6 at Broom It! Day 2017, the third run of the event. The annual event is part of Project SPHERE, a joint initiative between the HDB, Ministry of Education, Singapore Pools and Nippon Paint Singapore Pte Ltd.

The volunteers scrubbed, mopped and dusted 18 homes, and working alongside them were Mr Yap Chin Beng, HDB’s Deputy Chief Executive Officer (Estate & Corporate) and Mr John Teo, Chief Financial Officer of Singapore Pools. “I’m very grateful for this free spring cleaning service. The volunteers even looked out for foodstuff that had expired because my eyesight is no longer as sharp as it used to be,” said Mdm Tan, a resident of Block 123. She has been living alone for eight years.

Firzanah Binte Juhaimee, 17, was more than happy to be of assistance. “I really don’t mind cleaning for these seniors even though it’s hard work. They are very appreciative and seem to enjoy our company too,” said the Year One student.

Apart from the cleaning, there was also a tote bag-designing session at the void deck of Block 120 for some elderly residents, most of them regulars at AWWA Senior Activity Centre (SAC). This was facilitated by about 10 students and part of Broom It! Day. “I really enjoy it when the SAC conducts fun activities for seniors such as this, to occupy our time,” said Mrs Doris Heng, 76, who was at the workshop with her husband Mr Phillip Heng, 85.

Broom It! Day 2017 was also held on the same day at Whampoa, Toa Payoh, and Ang Mo Kio, where volunteers and students from Saint Andrew’s Junior College, ITE College Central and Peirce Secondary School spring cleaned for needy elderly. At the end of the event, about 57 homes had been spring cleaned with the help of about 208 students and staff volunteers.

96,000OVER

MORE THAN

MORE THAN

126,000volunteers have participated

and;

3,000activities were organised

for the elderly

These include: Spring cleaning and gate-painting sessions,

as well as community activities such as carnivals and workshops.

Gearing up to ‘Broom It’

Showing off their hand-painted tote bags

spring cleaning time

S P H E R E S TA N D S F O R “ S T U D E N T S , S I N G A P O R E P O O L S & H D B E N R I C H I N G

A N D R E A C H I N G O U T T O T H E E L D E R LY ”

elderly residents reached out to in over 170 rental blocks.

W E L C O M E T O O U R B A C K Y A R DW O B Y !

l i v e H A P P Y l i f e s t o r e y s

T H E S E O N C E - N E G L E C T E D N E I G H B O U R H O O D S P A C E S

H A V E B E E N R E J U V E N A T E D A N D E N L I V E N E D W I T H

H E L P F R O M T H E H D B F R I E N D L Y F A C E S ,

L I V E L Y P L A C E S F U N D .

S PAC E S , AC T I VAT E D

STOP AND STAYWhat was once an underutilised plot of land between Blocks 96 and 97 of Aljunied Crescent is now a go-to spot in the neighbourhood. It has been fitted with swings for younger users, as well as seats for older folks to rest and chat. Planter boxes filled with greenery add a welcoming touch. This transformation project entitled Welcome to Our Backyard (WOBY!), was spearheaded by non-profit design consultancy Participate in Design (P!D). P!D staff and volunteers gathered feedback from residents over two years via workshops and focus groups before setting to work on a makeover customised for the community.

“From our public engagements, we realised that the space needs to ‘stand out’ enough, so [that] it’s not merely transitional but instead will urge passers-by to stop and stay,” says Ms Mizah Rahman, co-founder and director of P!D. “[We wanted] the amenities and facilities to attract not just the elderly, but also young parents and their children. We leveraged the idea of

A L J U N I E D C R E S C E N T

elcome to Aljunied rescent

P!D staff and residents bonding over painting

08PAGE

play for all ages, as well as nature, [in designing the area].”

WOBY!, which is championed by Ms Tin Pei Ling, the Adviser to MacPherson grassroots organisations, is the culmination of a series of discussions with residents, grassroots leaders, as well as seniors and staff from the Geylang East Home for the Aged (located just in front of the plot of land). Construction for the community space was completed in January 2017, with funding of $10,000 from the HDB Friendly Faces, Lively Places Fund.

The residents of Aljunied Crescent welcome this new ‘addition’ to their neighbourhood. As Mr Rohit Bagul, 34, puts it: “The space looks cheerful and welcoming. I can imagine hanging out here, chatting with my neighbours while my son plays on the swings. It encourages me to be outdoors too.” Chairman of MacPherson Zone 2 Residents’ Committee Mr Pang Kok Meng agrees. “Hopefully, spaces like these will help residents get to know one another, and to form stronger bonds with their neighbours, young and old.”

“S PAC E S W I T H I N

N E I G H B O U R H O O D S H AV E A

L O T O F P O T E N T I A L . R E S I D E N T S

S H O U L D B E I N VO LV E D

I N T H E D E C I S I O N - M A K I N G

P R O C E S S , A S W E L L A S I N

T H E D E S I G N P R O C E S S , O F

[ W H AT ] T H E I R C O M M U N I T Y

S PAC E W I L L B E A N D [H O W

I T S H O U L D] L O O K L I K E . I T I S

A F T E R A L L A S PAC E W E

A L L S H A R E , A N D A N Y

C H A N G E W I T H I N I T W I L L

A F F E C T O U R L I F E S T Y L E S .

AT A GLANCE

13 projects completed or approved by HDB

Close to

$52,000 funding disbursed or committed to

project teams

More than

$80,000 worth of

community match (volunteering hours and other resources

contributed by the community)

Ms Mizah Rahman, Co-founder and Director of design consultancy Participate in Design

E N J O Y I N G T H E S W I N G A T W O B Y !

Working together to personalise the space

participate in design

Painting the planter box

09PAGE

l i v e H A P P Y l i f e s t o r e y s

PLAYGROUND FOR ALLAn empty courtyard at Tampines Street 82 was given a new lease of life as a giant sporting playground – if only for a day. On 14 January 2017, little ones and their parents had fun with hula hoops, blowing bubbles, negotiating an obstacle course, as well as jumping rope and playing hopscotch. The event was part of PlaystreetSG, an initiative by non-profit organisation Singapore Wellness Association (SWA), that its Director Ms Sonia Ong hopes will encourage children to “develop more active habits and also bring communities together in a safe, fun space”.

“My intention with this initiative is to [help in solving] the national problem of obesity and diabetes – a result, in part, of leading sedentary lifestyles. I want

T A M P I N E S S T R E E T 8 2

playstreetsg at Tampines

Residents and volunteers playing jump rope

Playing congkak, a traditional Malay game

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SEND AN EMAIL TO HDB_COMMUNITY_PARTNERSHIPS@HDB.GOV.SG OR CALL 6490 1773.F O R M O R E I N F O R M A T I O N

H D B F R I E N D LY FA C E S , L I V E LY P L A C E S F U N DThe HDB Friendly Faces, Lively Places Fund was created to encourage residents and community groups to initiate community-driven projects that make use of neighbourhood spaces. The programme hopes to facilitate the building of communities by bringing neighbours together to develop stronger place identity in their neighbourhoods. Here’s how to take part:

STEP

01

STEP

04

STEP

05

STEP

03

STEP

02

Submit your draft proposal on ways to activate spaces to bring your neighbours together.

Embark on your project. Remember to enter your efforts and contributions into the log book you’ve been provided with.

Submit the original receipts and invoices for claims within two months after the completion of each milestone. The reimbursement will be processed within 30 working days upon receiving the successful receipt of all the required details from the team.

Wait as your proposal is evaluated and shortlisted. Meanwhile, if you have any questions, you may look for the Community Relations Officer attached to your team.

Discuss the project feasibility/eligibility with HDB’s Community Relations Officer and clarify any doubts that you may have regarding the fund. The resources needed and total project budget will also be determined at this stage.

to ‘con’ people into exercising through movement and as they have fun,” she quips. “I am not picky about [whatever] space we hold PlaystreetSG because after all Singapore is small, and every road leads to some place important.

“I don’t wish to inconvenience people by closing off streets. So sometimes we conduct activities at carparks, void decks and open fields – every available space is a potential PlaystreetSG.”

Aimed at residents aged five to 55, the event received funding from the HDB Friendly Faces, Lively Places Fund.

Mr Chua Seng Chan, 61, was walking to a nearby hawker centre with his grandson when they came upon their fellow residents having fun. “My grandson wanted to join in, and I thought why not?” says Mr Chua. “This event makes the neighbourhood vibrant and lively. I think more of these activities should be organised as they encourage both young and old to have fun and be active together. My grandson is really enjoying himself.”

“I D O N ’ T W I S H T O I N C O N V E N I E N C E

P E O P L E BY C L O S I N G O F F S T R E E T S .

S O S O M E T I M E S W E C O N D U C T

AC T I V I T I E S AT C A R PA R K S , VO I D D E C K S

A N D O P E N F I E L D S — E V E RY AVA I L A B L E

S PAC E I S A P O T E N T I A L P L AYS T R E E T S G .

Ms Sonia Ong, Director Singapore Wellness Association (SWA)

Neighbours playing a ballgame

Children blowing bubbles

12PAGE

l i v e G R E E N l i f e s t o r e y s

R E S I D E N T S O F P U N G G O L T E L L L I F E S T O R E Y S

A B O U T L I F E I N S I N G A P O R E ’ S F I R S T E C O - T O W N .

ALL THINGSECOC O R R I D O R C H A T T E R

THE CONVENIENCE OF HAVING

RECYCLING CHUTES ON EVERY FLOOR

— LIKE WE DO — IS SO UNDERRATED.

INSTEAD OF STOCKPILING ALL THE

ITEMS I WISH TO RECYCLE UNTIL I

HAVE THE TIME TO BRING THEM

DOWNSTAIRS, I CAN JUST POP

OUT OF MY HOME AND BE DONE

WITH THIS IN 10 SECONDS.

Nicol Ong, 25, Stylist, Punggol Field

Punggol has so many green spaces that improve the air quality and enhance the landscape — there really is quite a difference between here and other places in Singapore. Sometimes I feel like I’m in ‘Gardens by Punggol’!

Mary Foo, 58, Retiree, Punggol Walk

I ’M T H A N K F U L T H E FAC I L I T I E S P R OV I D E D I N

MY E S TAT E S U P P O R T T H E FAC T T H AT I D R I V E

A N E L E C T R I C C A R — H AV I N G A R E C H A R G I N G

S TAT I O N I N T H E M U LT I - S T O R E Y C A R PA R K

C L O S E T O MY B L O C K M A K E S I T V E RY

C O N V E N I E N T F O R M E .

Ravi Kumar, 43, Civil Servant, Punggol Central

AS I GO

FOR NIGHT

RUNS AT PUNGGOL

WATERWAY PARK,

I REALLY APPRECIATE

THE FACT THAT

THE LAMPS THAT

L IGHT MY WAY

ARE POWERED BY

SOLAR ENERGY.

Nigel Tan, 22, National Serviceman, Punggol Central

“

“

“ FAST FACT

118,100I was really intrigued to learn that the lifts in my estate utilise a system that conserves up to 20% of the power used to operate them.

While it may seem like a small amount,

energy saving starts with the little things!

Chin Yan Wei, 18, Student, Edgedale Plains

I L I K E H O W

T H E R E C YC L I N G

B I N S I N MY

E S TAT E A R E

C R E AT I V E LY

PA I N T E D . T H E Y

L O O K N I C E A N D

I F E E L H A P P Y

W H E N E V E R

I R E C YC L E !

George Wee, 9, Student, Soo Teck

T H A N K S T O F E AT U R E S L I K E M O R E

WAT E R - E F F I C I E N T F L U S H I N G

S YS T E M S , W E H AV E S AV E D Q U I T E

A L O T O F M O N E Y S I N C E M OV I N G

T O T H E A R E A . H E R E , W E G E T T O

S AV E M O N E Y W H I L E S AV I N G T H E

E N V I R O N M E N T — I T ’ S A W I N - W I N !

Fauzi Azzhar, 28, Creative Professional, Sumang Link

MY B L O C K I S

S T R AT E G I C A L LY B U I LT

T O FAC E P R E VA I L I N G

W I N D S , W H I C H M E A N S

MY H O M E I S A LWAYS

B R E E Z Y. I T A L S O C O M E S

W I T H ‘C O O L WA L L S ’,

W H I C H C U T D O W N H E AT

R A D I AT I O N . T H I S WAY,

I C A N U S E T H E A I R - C O N

L E S S A N D D O MY B I T T O

C O N S E RV E E N E R GY.

Iffah Rakinah, 26, Curator, Treelodge@Punggol

All bathrooms in

Treelodge @Punggol,

HDB’s first eco-precinct, are fitted with an

innovative integrated wash basin-toilet pedestal system.

With this, water used for hand-washing is redirected for future flushing. This helps

residents save nearly

20% more water with

every flush!

The cycling network around Punggol is comprehensive and safe, which allows me to run day-to-day errands, like buying food or picking up household necessities, on my bicycle, instead of driving.

Robert Tan, 62, Retiree, Punggol Drive

RESIDENTS

live in Punggol (as of March 2016)

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l i v e G R E E N l i f e s t o r e y s

leaf litter and food scraps, ready to

be composted

L E AV I N G L I T T L E

T O WA S T EC O M P O S T I N G I S A C O M M U N I T Y E F F O R T

F O R T H E S E J U R O N G W E S T R E S I D E N T S ,

W H O K N O W T H A T A F E W K I T C H E N S C R A P S

C A N G O A L O N G W A Y .

hen Ms Merisa Tham prepares meals for her family, she makes it a point to set aside food scraps

like egg shells and potato peels, instead of throwing them away. “My five-year-old son, who is a recycling enthusiast, reminds me to. He knows that the scraps can go into Auntie Julie’s compost bin,” the homemaker says.

Ms Tham, 33, is one of several Jurong West residents who are doing their part for the environment by reducing their food waste. Instead of throwing away scraps, they give these to Ms Julieanna Fairoz, a fellow resident with a green thumb and a passion for the environment. “Julie” to her neighbours, Ms Fairoz, a 38-year-old freelance fitness trainer, collects the scraps in a composting bin that she stores at Boon Lay Zone H RC’s community garden.

“I started composting around a year ago when I began gardening at the community garden. The soil seemed a little weak and it was difficult to grow anything. I knew that compost would make the soil more ‘nutritious’ for the plants, but ready-made compost is expensive, which is why I decided to make my own,” says Ms Fairoz, who manages the garden.

MAKING BLACK GOLDMs Fairoz talked to residents about her project and found that most were happy to pitch in. “Julie makes it very convenient for us to pass her the scraps. If I don’t see her, I can just hang the bag of scraps on a hook near the gate of her flat,” says Ms Tham.

G R O W I N G S T R O N G ,

T H A N K S T O C O M P O S T

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DO NOT ADD COOKED FOOD, DAIRY OR ME AT PRODUC T S A S THESE WILL AT TR AC T FLIES .Q U I C K T I P

Every Saturday morning, you can find Ms Fairoz at the community garden with her family. Life Storeys joined Ms Fairoz and her two children, aged six and four, during a recent session. “The first step is to add fresh scraps and leaf litter to the bin,” she says, throwing in finely-ground egg shells and tea bags, along with dried leaves that had been collected by the neighbourhood cleaners. She then mixes the compost vigorously with a garden fork, in a process known as turning. “Turning is important because it aerates the compost, which in turn speeds up the decomposition process,” explains Ms Fairoz. This process is repeated weekly for three months, by which time most of the leaves and scraps would have broken down completely.

Showing off a freshly-made batch of compost that resembles fine black soil, Ms Fairoz says, “Composting is a great way to teach kids about decomposing [matter], which they may read about in textbooks, but not fully understand.”

“Julie showed us some compost recently and I was amazed. It’s inspiring to see how a simple act of recycling can make a difference,” says Ms Tham.

Ms Fairoz’s efforts have paid off as the community garden is flourishing and some plants have already borne fruit. “In the past few weeks, we’ve harvested tomatoes and bell peppers, which we’ve shared with neighbours. It feels like a little kampung here, with everybody sharing and helping each other out.”

COMPOSTING 101You don’t need to have an outdoor garden to compost. In fact, you can do it in the comfort of your own home. Here’s how to start:You will need:• A flowerpot, preferably with holes at

the base• Potting soil• Vegetable scraps (finely chopped)• Egg shells (washed and ground into a

fine powder)• Dried leaves or shredded newspaper• An old cotton T-shirt

Fill the pot with a 2.5cm-thick layer of soil.

Add the vegetable scraps and egg shells.

Top this layer with dried leaves. Alternatively, you can use shredded newspaper.

Alternate layers of vegetable scraps and dried leaves as desired.

End with another 2.5cm-thick layer of soil.

Cover your pot with the T-shirt.

Keep the mixture damp, but not soggy. Mix it weekly with a stick, an old spoon or your hands (wear gloves if you do).

Depending on how much recycled waste has gone into the pot, your compost should be ready in a few weeks.

Your compost is ready when you can no longer see vegetable scraps in your pot. The mixture should resemble very dark soil and have a rich, earthy smell.

Add your finished compost to more potting soil. Plant seeds in this mixture to help them get more nutrients.

Ms Fairoz and her two children preparing compost for use

“I N T H E PA S T F E W W E E K S ,

W E ’ V E H A RV E S T E D

T O M AT O E S A N D B E L L

P E P P E R S , W H I C H

W E ’ V E S H A R E D W I T H

N E I G H B O U R S . I T F E E L S

L I K E A L I T T L E KAMPUNG

H E R E , W I T H E V E RY B O DY

S H A R I N G A N D H E L P I N G

E AC H O T H E R O U T.

Ms Julieanna Fairoz, who started composting around a year ago when she joined the community garden

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FAST FACT

Composting is the process of recycling

organic material, such as leaves and

vegetable scraps, into plant fertiliser. The

final product is rich in nutrients and is dubbed

‘black gold’ by gardening enthusiasts.

785.5In 2015, Singapore

generated

of food waste — that’s enough to fill

more than

MILLION KG

1,500

Olympic-sized swimming pools!

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m y L I F E S T O RY l i f e s t o r e y s

LET’S TALK

G R E E NR A D I O D J M R A N A N D K A R A P A Y A I S

D O I N G H I S B I T F O R T H E E N V I R O N M E N T

B O T H O N A N D O F F T H E A I R W A V E S .

aking up at 4.30am every weekday may be a struggle for many people, but not for Mr Anand Karapaya – the radio presenter

bounds out of bed in his HDB flat in Yuhua and heads to work as co-host of Asathal Kaalai, the breakfast show on Tamil-language radio station Oli 96.8FM.

The 32 year-old joined the radio industry in early 2010, straight after he graduated from the National University of Singapore. While studying for his Mechanical Engineering degree, he had emceed events such as wedding receptions and corporate functions, and also dabbled in acting, with roles in various Vasantham television series. Always eager to try something new, Mr Karapaya could not resist the opportunity then to try his hand at radio hosting when a job vacancy opened up at Oli 96.8FM.

He is now in his fifth year in the 6am to 10am morning-drive slot, and it is a role he continues to relish. “My co-host Jaynesh and I are not just

In the radio booth

radio jocks or presenters; we are also producers,” says Mr Karapaya. “We get to make the programme our own and decide how we want to enrich, educate and entertain our followers for those four hours.”

That includes allocating five minutes for a daily ‘Green Tips’ segment, during which the duo gives one tip a day on how to lead an environmentally-friendly lifestyle. A big nature lover, saving the planet is a cause close to Mr Karapaya’s heart.

A SMART AND SUSTAINABLE ESTATE A proud ‘Jurong boy’ all his life, Mr Karapaya – who now lives at Jurong East Street 21 – grew up the middle of three children in a flat near the current Ng Teng Fong General Hospital. “The site used to be a football field, and some of my fondest childhood memories [are of] playing football with my neighbourhood friends,” he recalls.

Mr Karapaya credits his mother for instilling eco-consciousness into him at a young age. She was the one who regularly reminded everyone at home to recycle their trash, and she continues to enforce such eco-friendly habits in the current flat that the family moved into five years ago. So it came as ‘fantastic’ news to Mr Karapaya when Yuhua was selected as the first existing HDB estate to be transformed into a ‘Green Neighbourhood’ (from 2012 to 2015) and to experience ‘Smart Living’ (from 2015 to 2018).

Under the HDB Greenprint, sustainable features like the pneumatic waste conveyance system (which automatically collects and transports waste to a centralised bin centre through an underground pipe network), vertical greenery and green roofs – as well as enhanced cycling and pedestrian paths – were rolled out in Yuhua. As part of an ongoing trial to realise Singapore’s Smart Nation vision, residents are also testing various smart technologies, such as a mobile app that monitors household energy and water consumption.

These developments have led to a more pleasant living environment. “I enjoy walking to and back from the Chinese Garden MRT Station every day, surrounded by greenery and clean air,”

“P E O P L E A R E G E N E R A L LY AWA R E O F

T H E N E E D T O A P P R E C I AT E O U R E A R T H .

B U T B E C AU S E M O S T O F U S H AV E

S U C H H E C T I C L I V E S , W E D O N ’ T PAY

AT T E N T I O N T O [ T H E FAC T

T H AT ] L I T T L E T H I N G S W E

D O C A N P L AY A B I G

PA R T I N A D D R E S S I N G

C L I M AT E C H A N G E .

Mr Anand Karapaya, Radio DJ, co-host of Asathal Kaalai, Oli 96.8FM

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says Mr Karapaya, a newlywed who lives with his wife, parents and younger brother. “The use of technology to create positive change is another step in the right direction and will make our lives better.”

MAKING A DIFFERENCE Mr Karapaya often draws on his own experiences when thinking of ‘Green Tips’ to give during his radio show. For example, he advises his listeners to recycle newspapers or donate unwanted clothes to charity, switch off the computer when not in use instead of leaving it on standby mode,

shower quickly to conserve water, and order only what they can eat when dining out so as not to waste food.

“People are generally aware of the need to appreciate our Earth. But because most of us have such hectic lives, we don’t pay attention to [the fact that] little things we do can play a big part in addressing climate change,” he says. “Being on radio gives me the opportunity to reach out to many people and get them to incorporate green practices into their daily lives.”

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