ISSUE 2 | DEC 2011

Live Together GOOD NEIGHBOURS GOOD TIMES

LIVE WELL 7 For the Long Haul LIVE HAPPY 12 Work (Out) and Play

LIVE GREEN 14 Power to the Youth

LifeStorey Cover.indd 2 30/01/2012 4:01 PM Live TOGETHER Contents

Live TOGETHER 3 Petite Painters 4 Good Neighbours

Good Times Category A winner Bi Hong 6 Home Network Ying (centre) with her parents in their fl at

Live WELL Hong Ying (left) and Simone (right) with some 7 For The Long Haul of their winning tools 8 Picture Perfect

Live HAPPY 10 Hubs Of Activity 12 Work (Out) And Play

Live GREEN 14 Power To The Youth 16 Secret Gardens

My LIFE STORY 18 Home is Where The Neighbours Are

Category B winner Simone Lao (left) with her parents in her art-fi lled fl at 2

2-3 Heartland Competition.indd 2 27/01/2012 4:55 PM Petite Painters utting the “art” in “heartland”, over 4,000 Pbudding young artists took The two budding Picassos combined part in the second HeartlanD Beat Art Competition held their love for art and their neighbours to between May and August 2011. produce winning masterpieces for this The competition had primary year’s Heartland Beat Art Competition. school students submit their artistic interpretations of the year’s theme “My Favourite to China, so we have to make the neighbours, Simone is especially Neighbours”. eff ort to integrate ourselves into fond of Auntie Sally, an elderly Bi Hong Ying, a Primary the community and understand neighbour who lives several 2 student at First Toa Payoh everyone’s cultural diff erences.” blocks away. “I got to know her Primary School, took home the Like Hong Ying, Category B 10 years ago as she was a familiar fi rst prize for Category A (Lower (Upper Primary) winner Simone face around the estate I’d bump Primary) with her art piece titled Lao, 10, is lucky to have good into at the void decks,” Simone’s Holding Hands of Friendship and neighbours. “My neighbours mum Karyn Peng, a fi nancial Kindness. Circling the hands are are my inspiration,” says the St. analyst, recalls. fi gures of diff erent races holding Hilda’s Primary 4 student. “I have “Auntie Sally really doted hands, while a mosaic pattern special memories of each person on Simone, buying her gifts like oof images scattered around it I draw.” clothes whenever she went on sshows scenes of neighbourly Simone’s art piece, titled holidays. She baked a birthday ccare. These include children My Neighbours – From the cake for Simone every year until she playing with one another, helping Window of My Heart, illustrates turned six!” Auntie Sally, who turned tthe elderly across the road and how she views her Pasir Ris St 87 this year, only stopped baking ggreeting one another with a 51 neighbourhood through the due to old age. Karyn, Simone ssmile along the corridor. “window of her heart”, as she and the family still visit Auntie “The hands clasping each describes it. Framed in the shape Sally every Chinese New Year. oother show the strong friendship of a heart, smiling neighbours It’s this strong sense of I have with my neighbours, all of all ages are shown coming community and “a warm feeling oof whom come from diff erent together in a HDB common seeing familiar faces” that bind races,” explains the eight-year- area to play, exercise and simply Simone to her neighbourhood, oold Toa Payoh Lorong 1 resident. hang out. that explains why she would ““Celebrating birthdays, holding “My neighbours are the be reluctant to move away. But tthe lift door open and watering ones who make where we live a what if those familiar faces move plants are just some of the home,” she explains. “We help one out and new ones move in? “We kind acts my neighbours have another, play together and never just have to be more proactive done for my family and I. I wish fail to greet one another, regardless by visiting the park and void deck that everyone can have that of race, age, language or religion. more often,” Karyn, 44, says with kind of connection [with their My artwork depicts the scene a laugh. “It’s how we’ve gotten neighbours].” where my favourite neighbours to know many of our neighbours Hong Ying learned to show and I usually meet, because it over the years and hopefully, we appreciation to her neighbours always warms my heart.” can continue building new bonds from her mother Zhang Wei after Blessed with good that way.” they moved here from China two years ago. “I taught Hong Ying HEARTLAND CLICKS the importance of small gestures Want to get in touch with your community, be updated on like smiling at and greeting upcoming competitions and the latest fun events and parties? our neighbours,” explains the You’ll fi nd these and more at HDB’s Heartland Beat website at 32-year-old, who works as an www.hdb.gov.sg/heartlandbeat. Fun e-games are available too. assistant to a Traditional Chinese It’s an interactive portal that’ll keep you in the loop about Medicine physician. “ is what’s happening in your neighbourhood, so keep on clicking! more racially diverse compared 3

2-3 Heartland Competition.indd 3 27/01/2012 4:55 PM Live TOGETHER Good Neighbours Good Times e sure to say hello if you see two women in their Whether 61 or 11, two recipients of 2011’s B60s taking a stroll around Good Neighbour Award show that being , giggling and whispering girlishly. Best friends gracious and helpful transcends all ages. Iruthayamary D/O Arulnathan and Puspavalli D/O Suppiah may even invite you on one of their near-daily strolls. “We’re like sisters; I can’t imagine life without her,” says retiree Puspavalli, 61. She nominated Iruthayamary (better known in the neighbourhood as Mary) for the Good Neighbour Award (GNA) last year because “it was high time to celebrate her kindness.” Mary has touched many hearts in her community with her kind acts. The 61-year-old housewife thinks nothing of brewing chicken soup and cooking porridge for neighbours who may be feeling unwell. She also picks up litter, especially plastic bags, off the fl oors of the void deck and the corridors in case people slip on them. Launched in 2009 and organised by the HDB and People’s Association, the GNA honours residents who go the extra mile to be gracious to their neighbours. The 11 winners (fi ve in the Open Category for adults, and six in the Student Category for primary and secondary school students) were nominated by their neighbours. When Puspavalli moved into the neighbourhood 15 years ago, she and Mary merely exchanged smiles and casual greetings when passing each other at the void deck. It was only fi ve years later that their friendship truly blossomed. “I was going BFFs Iruthayamary (left) and Puspawalli 4

4-5 Good Neighbours award.indd 4 27/01/2012 4:55 PM Good Neighbour Award winner Claire See (right) has much love for her classmate Lim Si Tong (left) and all her neighbours

to have day surgery to remove Claire, a cheerful and polyps [abnormal tissue growth] outgoing student, was from my stomach,” recalls nominated by Lim Si Tong, WANT TO BE A Puspawalli. “When Mary found her classmate and fellow GOOD NEIGHBOUR? out, she cancelled all her plans, Circuit Road resident, for HERE’S HOW TO DO IT. accompanied me to the clinic always being ready to help and stayed with me throughout others with schoolwork. “Be proactive and have an the day. She’s someone who “She’s generous and kind,” 1 open heart. Be understanding always thinks of other people.” explains Si Tong, 11. “She about inconveniences from That kind act touched won’t laugh at me if I don’t neighbours, like occasional noise. Puspavalli so much that she understand the lessons Don’t make a fuss over small sought out Mary’s company taught, and takes the time to things.” – NICK LAO, 46, regularly from then on. Now, explain them to me.” She has PASIR RIS ST 51 jaunts to Little India to catch also observed Claire helping Bollywood fl icks together and teachers clean the classrooms “When the monthly washing daily phone calls to talk about and running errands for them. 2of our corridors takes place, their day are regular occurrences Claire is inspired by her my neighbour and I try to take in their lives. neighbours’ acts of kindness, each other’s shoes into our In return for this kindness, and seeing them in action homes so that they don’t get Mary has never asked for has reinforced her desire wet. Small helpful deeds like anything, save for a smile to continue helping others. that are what make living within and a word of thanks. “When I “Since I was eight, I’ve noticed a community wonderful.” – do an act of kindness for people, a middle-aged woman ANGELINA PEREIRA, 40S, it fi lls me with joy to see how delivering food to one of my SENJA ROAD happy they are,” she says. “I feel elderly neighbours several like they’re blessing me with times a week,” she recalls. “Be accommodating and their gratitude.” “I greet her whenever I see 3respect your neighbour’s This sentiment is shared by her, but I’m too shy to talk to space. We share a common MacPherson Primary School her. But it’s this selfl ess act corridor, so I arrange my shoes student Claire See. “I like to that has really inspired me neatly.” – MAHENDTHIRIAN see people smiling after I’ve to try my best to help the SUBRANANIAM, 33, CHOA CHU helped them,” says the Primary people around me, no KANG AVE 2 5 student. matter what.” 5

4-5 Good Neighbours award.indd 5 27/01/2012 4:55 PM Live TOGETHER Home Network

Why be a stranger SAFE SURFING TIPS in your community Heed these tips from the when the world’s Singapore Police Force for at your fi ngertips? safer surfi ng. Install a good fi rewall and up-to-date anti-virus nowing the neighbours programme on your fl oor is all well Don’t publicise personal Kand good, but what if you Over at , information such as your could reach out and get in touch Segar Meadows’ residents mobile number and credit with the entire block, or even the had a Facebook group up and card details on your profi le whole estate just via a few clicks? running about three years ago, Delete messages from A quick trawl through the even though the fl ats were only e-mail addresses you Internet will show that thousands offi cially completed in May 2011. don’t recognise, especially of HDB residents are already “It began when a few of if they contain a fi le or connected through online us got to know one another website link. These could communities such as Facebook through other online forums,” be from hackers trying to and MyHomeTown.sg. An example recalls resident Hilda Ng, one of contaminate your computer of a connected neighbourhood the four administrators of the with viruses. If these are is the 21 group on Segar Meadows group. “While from people you know, but Facebook. Formed in March waiting for our estate to be built, are sent from an unfamiliar 2010 by resident Patrick Pang, we decided to start our own address, send them a fresh the group now boasts more than Facebook group so we could email at the familiar address 3,800 members. “I started the be kept updated on its progress. to ask if they had indeed group to serve as a platform for Having developed a bond, sent you such a link or fi le residents to share information there’s now a strong kampung on the estate as well as ideas on (Malay for ‘village’) mentality. If fellow residents claim how to make the neighbourhood For example, if a member needs that he or she is in trouble a better place,” says Patrick, overseas and needs you a 28-year-old administrative to send money urgently, offi cer who has lived in Punggol GETTING STARTED report the matter to the for six years. If you’re looking to know more police as it could be a scam The group wall is peppered about your neighbourhood If you are meeting a with notices and updates such and community, a good place resident you’ve never met, as the extension of the North to begin is MyHomeTown.sg go in a group with family East Line train service — where (www.myhometown.sg). members, or with residents Punggol station is located — on There, you will fi nd a list you’ve met and trust Friday nights and the opening of of the 28 postal districts Punggol Waterway in October in Singapore. Click on the 2011. Information and photos relevant district and you will be additional tiles for, say, their living of places of interest such as the sure to fi nd a topic of interest room, he can go online and ask water and sand play areas for to you; the links for food (the if anyone has any matching children at Punggol Waterway best chocolate cake in your spare ones. are also uploaded. Postings neighbourhood, anyone?) Getting to know so many have evolved into real-life and recommendations for future neighbours online added meetings, with Patrick organising renovation contractors are of to the anticipation of settling into get-together sessions for the course, very popular! So start her apartment for the 28-year- members. The most recent one a topic or contribute your old marketing executive. was during the annual Punggol two-cents worth. All you have “I felt that I wasn’t just moving North Racial Harmony Street to do is register — for free! into a new home; I was going to Parade in July 2011. be part of a community.” 6

6-7 Home network & Long Haul.indd 6 27/01/2012 4:56 PM Live WELL For The Long Haul building, sales and even the Like wine, friendship gets better with time. recent eclipse. Just ask residents Janet, Amy Not once in the years has there been even a squabble and Monica who have been neighbours or hint of discontent with one and friends for over 25 years. another, they reveal. So what’s their secret to such friction-free neighbourliness? anet Pereira, Amy Kang, even have a photo of Monica They agree that taking the Monica Lim and their carrying Jeremy when he was a initiative to be friendly is the key Jrespective families have baby!” says Albert. Jeremy, now to friction-free neighbourliness. been neighbours for over a 23, is a law student at National While they concede that some quarter of a century, and they University of Singapore. The people may be shyer and have gotten along swimmingly couple also has a younger son, prefer to keep to themselves, all these years — an impressive now 20. being a natural introvert does feat that not many can claim to Monica, 61, owns a retail not necessarily hinder the come close to. store selling computers and IT spirit of neighbourliness. They Sharing the same corridor accessories at Hougang Mall. off ered some valuable tips on on the tenth fl oor of a block Her husband is a taxi driver. how to cultivate and maintain at Hougang Avenue 10, they They have a daughter, 31, who good relationships with one’s have witnessed not only one is married with two daughters. neighbours. another’s children growing up Amy, 62, is a widow who just but also the transformation of retired. She lives in the fi rst the neighbourhood from a quiet apartment right next to the lift estate into a town brimming lobby with her 34-year-old son THE ART OF BEING with amenities. and 29-year-old daughter. NEIGHBOURLY Be a friend fi rst. “Start with Their friendship goes back to The three families try to knowing your neighbour’s 1985 when they all moved into meet during festive occasions name. When you’re friends, the block around the same time. whenever they can. It’s clear to the trivial things become a Janet’s husband, Albert, recalls, anyone witnessing their easy non-issue.” ALBERT PEREIRA “We were so excited to get to tête-à-tête over wine and cake know each other then. We went next to the twinkling Christmas Friendship is a two-way street. to each other’s houses to have tree on the balcony of the “If we want our neighbours a look. It was a good start and a Pereiras’ residence, that one is to be friendly with us, we great bonding experience.” in the company of old friends. must start fi rst, only then will Albert, a civil servant, and Their conversations cover a they reciprocate.” The simple Janet, a homemaker, both 50, gamut of topics which include things count, like smiling, remember how their eldest their children, home renovations, saying ‘hello’ or helping your son, Jeremy, used to swing by church activities, politics and neighbour to hold the lift Monica’s fl at “to tinkle on her current aff airs, new neighbours doors.” JANET PEREIRA piano when he was a kid”. “We who have moved into the Be friendly, not nosy. “We make small talk without prying into people’s business. We are on wonderful terms because we give and take.” MONICA LIM

Be open to diff erences. “We accommodate one another’s Neighbours of customs, races and religions.” over 25 years, from left to right: AMY KANG Monica Lim, Amy Kang, Janet Pereira and her husband, Albert Pereira 7

6-7 Home network & Long Haul.indd 7 27/01/2012 4:56 PM Live WELL

It’s a blast from Rachel Chan’s past in her family pictures Picture Perfect Nine artists from the Singapore Contemporary Young Artists society refl ect on family ties through photography, painting and videos.

here’s a saying that home photographs features his is where the heart is, but family’s Chinese New Year Tfor nine young artists, it’s celebrations in 2010 at his also where they’ve tapped into a home. He wealth of ideas for an exhibition was interested in capturing student Rachel Ellfi n, growing titled ‘Family Pictures’. the range of emotions up in her North four- In January, these artists from expressed when relatives room fl at has contributed to the Singapore Contemporary gather throughout the 15-day stimulating her creative juices. Young Artists (SCYA), a non-profi t celebration. He says that these “I’ve heard people complain society that promotes budding pictures also remind him of his that their fl ats are too small, but artistic talent in Singapore, will primary school days when he I fi nd mine to be just the right show works inspired by the would go to his grandmother’s size,” says the 18-year-old. “I’ve family unit, through diff erent three-room fl at in Toa Payoh covered the walls of my room mediums such as photography, Lorong 6 after school. with pictures and photographs paintings and videos. For some “My father was working from various artists that I of these artists, it meant looking overseas and my mum was respect. I like a space cluttered at their families and home from a working in a bank, so I’d stay at with inspiration. If it was too big diff erent perspective. my grandmother’s place after a space, I suspect I’d lose focus Jacquelyn Soo, SCYA school,” recalls the 23-year-old and get lost in my thoughts.” chairperson and a participating artist, who is also curating the Freelance photographer artist, decided to take a fl y-on- ‘Family Pictures’ exhibition. “My Rachel Chan, 25, also derives the-wall approach by attaching uncle, his wife and three children inspiration from growing up a miniature video camera to her lived there as well – it was a busy in her Ave 11 HDB clothing. The result is a video household! I’ve fond memories maisonette. In fact, art has been installation that represents of watching TV programmes an everyday aff air for her, thanks everyday life in a typical HDB fl at. and playing with my youngest to her family. “I’ve done paintings and drawings cousin. And when my mum Her younger brother, of my family before but never a came to fetch me after work, a 20-year-old polytechnic video, so this exhibition gave me she’d bring me to the nearby student, has had a love aff air an opportunity to explore a new ‘mama’ shop (neighbourhood with Irish music since 2008, medium,” explains the 30-year-old convenience store) to buy me learning to play instruments Bedok South resident. “I taped my sweets and ice-cream.” like the Irish fl ute on his own. mother and brother to catch them Her mother, a 63-year-old in unscripted, candid moments WHERE THE ART IS homemaker, is an avid painter at home, like when they’re eating The family and homes of while her father, a 65-year- or chatting to each other.” the artists have served as old retiree, spends his time important subjects to explore pursuing his passions in music HOME AND AWAY in their work. But for some, like and carpentry. “He loves playing Benedict Chen’s series of LASALLE College of the Arts the guitar,” she says. “He’s got 8

8-9 Picture Perfect SCYA.indd 8 27/01/2012 4:56 PM A video still from Rachel Ellfi n’s piece featuring her grandmother

several at home that range from acoustic to electric. He’s also always transforming pieces of old wood and other odds and ends into beautiful furniture. While other children played with dolls and computer games, I was doodling, painting building blocks and creating my A video own toys.” still from Jacquelyn’s Her contribution to the piece showing her Bedok exhibition is a series of old South estate photographs of her parents in their younger days. The pictures trace their journey from before WANT TO SHOOT SOME PICTURES WITH YOUR they met to their wedding in NEIGHBOURS? BENEDICT GIVES SOME TIPS ON 1984. “I hope that visitors get a CAPTURING THOSE MAGICAL MOMENTS. sense of nostalgia when they look at my display,” says Rachel. Any camera is fi ne, even a mobile phone camera. Some camera “I want to show how the notion 1 phone images are good enough to produce A4-size prints of family ties and memories are universal, regardless of race Avoid adding photo eff ects, like fake backgrounds or sepia and culture.” 2 tones. It can look tacky and the novelty doesn’t last

WHERE TO CATCH THE Focus on people’s actions and feelings. Capture candid EXHIBITION 3 moments, like when they’re laughing, talking and gesticulating ‘Family Pictures’ runs from 13 to 27 January 2012 at the Save the pictures on your computer. This way, you’ll always have Goodman Arts Centre, Block B, 4a backup if you ever lose your camera #03-08, 90 Goodman Road. Open from Tuesday to Print and store your pictures in an album. Keeping them as Saturday from 12pm to 9pm. 5computer fi les is great, but they don’t last. Computer hard disks Closed on Monday and Sunday, have a life span of around 10 years if used moderately, but a good and Chinese New Year (23 and photo print can last up to 60 years 24 January). 9

8-9 Picture Perfect SCYA.indd 9 27/01/2012 4:56 PM Live HAPPY Hubs Of Activity Whether it’s learning a new skill or making new friends, senior citizens have plenty to look forward to at Senior Activity Centres.

enior citizen corners at void decks are a common Ssight in many HDB estates. They are equipped with basic facilities like benches, tables and fans to provide relief on warm days. However, some seniors aren’t content with just idly whiling away the hours at these open-air spaces. It’s for these active agers that many voluntary and non-profi t welfare organisations have opened Senior Activity Centres (SACs). Located at the void decks of one and two-room HDB rental fl ats, SACs off er community outreach programmes and recreational activities to keep our The Sunlove-Kampong Chai Chee SAC’s doors seniors engaged. are open to all seniors, regardless of race, language and religion SERVICE PROVIDERS The Moral Seniors Activity Centre activities like movie screenings from free weekly English lessons in Toa Payoh is run by the Thye and karaoke sessions, and to public awareness talks on Kuan Moral Society. Opened provides services like free haircuts dengue prevention. Monthly in 1995, they receive subsidies and blood pressure checks. excursions are also organised to and funding from the HDB and Sunlove-Kampong Chai places of interest like Chinese the Ministry of Community Chee SAC at Chai Chee Avenue mythological theme park Development, Youth and Sports off ers around 40 programmes Haw Par Villa and the Botanic (MCYS). This SAC organises for senior citizens. These range Gardens. Apart from its diverse curriculum of activities, this SAC Two seniors keeping their minds stands out in this estate of beige active in an intense- and cream-coloured blocks with looking game of Chinese chess its bold, striking mural. It takes up one of the walls entirely, with bright rainbows stretched across the bottom and illustrations of HDB fl ats and stars lining the upper half.

COME TOGETHER Since the Sunlove-Kampong Chai Chee SAC opened in 2000, Chai Chee Avenue resident Edwina Tessensohn has been stopping by the SAC at least twice a week, for three to four 10

10-13 Sunlove & Workplay.indd 10 27/01/2012 4:57 PM Basic English lessons are fun and free of charge here

hours each time. “I’ve enjoyed everything the SAC has done for us, especially the quaint trips around Singapore that they organise,” says the 85-year-old. “However, what I like most are the people. I love coming down to catch up with everyone, from the staff to the volunteers to my neighbours in the estate. It’s comfortable and convenient.” This SAC is run by voluntary welfare organisation Sunlove Seniors coming Abode for Intellectually-Infi rmed, together for with fi nancial assistance from an afternoon Bingo game MCYS and HDB. “The aim here is to improve the lives of the elderly,” says Sunlove Chief GAME ON Programme Offi cer Raja Mohan, We fi nd out what brings other residents together. 50. “It’s why we have so many programmes and activities — to “A group of us have qigong sessions three times a week in the keep their bodies and minds 1 park nearby. We’ve had many neighbours around the estate join active. More importantly though, us when they see us during their morning walks.” AGNES CHAN, 55, we want these residents to AVE 4 interact and form bonds, so they can look out for one another.” “If I need to look for my friends, I can always fi nd them at the 2coff eeshop near my block. It’s convenient to meet there and To fi nd a Senior Activity catch up on each other’s lives over a kopi.” ISMAIL BIN SIRAJ, 75, Centre in your neighbourhood, CENTRAL check out The Centre for Enabled Living (CEL) “Since I started going for opera singing classes a year ago at the ! 11

10-13 Sunlove & Workplay.indd 11 27/01/2012 4:57 PM Live HAPPY Work (Out) And Play Look out for the 3G Fitness Corner in your neighbourhood, where you can engage in a rigorous workout or enjoy quality play time with your family.

e all know that exercise they can stand on to do twisting is important but gym exercises to strengthen their Wmemberships can be stomach and back. There’s also pricey and may not be located a playground for children to run close by. But what if the gym is around and play in. at your doorstep, and better yet, The 3G Fitness Corner is free? concept was the brainchild in 2003. Since then, more have Just look for the 3G of then-Minister for National sprouted around the island, (3-Generation) Fitness Corner Development and Adviser to especially in new estates like in your estate, with separate GRC Mr Mah Bow Tan. and Punggol. Some exercise areas for adults and On a trip to Shanghai, China, older playgrounds have also the elderly. Each comes with in 2002, he visited a public been replaced with 3G Fitness fi tness machines similar to ones fi tness park with gym equipment Corners, like in Serangoon Ave 4 you’d fi nd in a gym. For adults, designed to cater to the elderly, and Commonwealth. the stations target muscle adults and children. development with machines like Inspired by what he saw, Mr FAMILY FUN the seated chest press and the Mah, with the help of grassroots Today’s HDB playgrounds leg press. For the elderly, the leaders and corporate sponsors, have evolved from the animal- stations focus more on keeping opened Singapore’s fi rst 3G shaped concrete and metal their joints limber, like a disc Fitness Corner in Tampines East structures on sand beds you can still see in some older estates. Sit-ups help Many playgrounds are now to burn that fl ab and keep brightly coloured plastic-and- you trim metal frames on rubber mats, with slides, steps and platforms for the young ones to clamber over. But whatever form they take, their purpose remains the same: for children and their families in the estate to play and come together. “They’re great areas to spend some family time,” says John Wayne Berry, 31. “[My wife] Arul and I will bring [our 13-month- old daughter] Jaina down to play a few times a week. It’s an opportunity for Jaina to know other children, and for us to 12

10-13 Sunlove & Workplay.indd 12 27/01/2012 4:57 PM SAFETY FIRST Trying out an IPPT fi tness station for the fi rst time? Bear in mind these pointers from Mindef.

Have adequate rest before 1 and after exercise. This will enable your body to recover

Drink lots of fl uids 2 immediately after training, and eat a high carbohydrate meal within two hours of completing training

Stretch before and 3 after training to help prevent muscle cramps and After stretching, go strains. Stretch gently till for a light jog on the track around you feel tension, but not till the 3G Fitness there’s pain Corner to warm-up

meet other parents in the estate.” The Halt resident adds that he takes the opportunity to slip in a few sets of pull-ups and sit-ups at the adult fi tness stations. “Even though I’ve fi nished National Service, I still have to take my IPPT (Individual Physical Profi ciency Test). I try to maintain my fi tness levels whenever I can as part of my NSman (Operationally-Ready National Serviceman) commitments. I’m proud to say that I passed my IPPT in November last year.”

MAINTAINING STANDARDS NSmen like John, as well as anyone else who has to take Pull-ups are a great exercise that IPPT, were given more help in train your back, their training eff orts in June shoulders and arms last year. Ninety six 3G Fitness Corners were enhanced to fi tness corner, I used to make fl exibility and convenience of include components relevant use of the training facilities in my exercising on weekends as well.” to the diff erent IPPT stations. camp,” said Singapore Armed The Segar Road resident adds These include sit-up benches, Forces regular Second Warrant that because he now trains near chin-up bars, shuttle run stations Offi cer Soh Thiam Kee, 35. home, his wife has also started and standing broad jump mats. “This meant that I had to either to join him on his runs. “She now Running routes for 2.4km come in early before work or intends to start running longer practice runs were also clearly stay back after to train. Having distances with me, as it’s been a marked out. an IPPT fi tness corner in my very enjoyable experience for the “Prior to using the IPPT neighbourhood gives me the both of us.” 13

10-13 Sunlove & Workplay.indd 13 27/01/2012 4:57 PM Live GREEN

Polytechnic students gathered at the Punggol Waterway before embarking on their ambassadors’ mission to spread the green message Power To The Youth Primary school and polytechnic students show the way to living green — thanks to HDB’s Heartland Ambassador Programme.

hen it comes to leading an eco-friendly lifstyle, Weveryone can — literally — take a leaf from the younger generation’s book. Inspired by the HDB’s Heartland Ambassador Programme, students are now able to help spread the green living message by becoming Heartland Ambassadors. The programme, launched in October 2010, teaches students from primary and secondary schools as well as polytechnics how to adopt eco-friendly lifestyles. The programme also includes inspiring these students to be a good and gracious A student ambassador encouraging residents neighbour!” to make a pledge to be a good and eco- The one-day programme is friendly neighbour fi lled with workshops, games, skits and other fun activities Ahamadi and his six teammates to help students gain eco- were busy showing residents awareness. These student how to fold pandan leaves into ambassadors then visit various rose and grasshopper shapes. housing estates to share what In this way, the pandan leaves they have learned with the — which are commonly used as residents. insect repellents — can also be used as household decorative SMELLS LIKE TEEN SPIRIT items. They also taught residents Some polytechnic students how to use soap remnants to put their newfound knowledge create new bars of homemade into practice at the recent soap. Punggol Waterway Fiesta on “It took us about two-and- 23 October, an event held in a-half weeks to plan everything, conjunction with the offi cial from researching to coming opening of Punggol Waterway. up with a workable recipe for Distinctively clad in red making the bars of soap and Primary school Heartland Ambassador T-shirts, scouring [the Internet] for videos heartland ambassadors playing tour guides Republic Polytechnic student on how to make origami out of to Mr Yeo Guat Muhammad Waqiuddin Bin pandan leaves,” said Waqiuddin, Kwang and residents at the Wu Wo Yuan community garden 14

14-17 Ambassadors & Green.indd 14 30/01/2012 4:01 PM PUTTING IT INTO PRACTICE You don’t have to be green experts to do your bit for the environment. Chip in through these tips.

Energy Saving Tips Use an air-conditioner and a refrigerator with at least three ticks on their energy labels a Year One student in Sports and these small steps which will Exercise Sciences. contribute to a bigger thing — Set the temperature “We then had to master the an eco-friendly environment.” of your air-conditioner techniques [ourselves] before the The Biomedical Science at 25 degree Celsius event. I feel our eff orts have been student’s “partner-in-crime”, worth it. We hope that everyone Juan Yeo, a Year Two Chemical Switch off all unused will be further encouraged to Engineering student, was equally electrical appliances reuse, reduce and recycle,” the enthusiastic. “I defi nitely don’t at the power socket 18-year-old team leader added. mind spending a Sunday doing Other ambassadors this — talking to residents and Replace older light distributed paper fans to teaching them how to recycle,” bulbs with energy- residents who had pledged he said. saving lamps to be good and eco-friendly neighbours. EARLY BLOOMERS Water Saving Tips Said Temasek Polytechnic An even younger batch of Install water Year Two student Nur Ayu Afi ra: Heartland Ambassadors from thimbles in taps and “We are sharing with the public Xinmin Primary School also got showerheads the 10 tips which we had learnt to put what they learnt to the on how to live in a cohesive test on 12 November, at the Take shorter showers and eco-friendly environment. offi cial launch for the adoption and turn off the tap We hope that residents will take of Wu Wo Yuan community while soaping garden at Hougang Avenue 4. The project is also a Wash dishes and Community in Bloom – in the vegetables in a sink Heartlands initiative that aims fi lled with water, to encourage green enthusiasts and not under a to actively participate in the running tap community via gardening. Fourteen of these primary Run the washing school ambassadors guided machine on a and briefed Grassroots Adviser full load Mr Yeo Guat Kwang, the guest- of-honour and MP for Ang Mo Kio GRC, as he explored the up a recycling booth to share community garden. They also simple recycling tips with the showcased the results of the residents. Prior to this, these blossoming garden — among students had participated in them were sweet potato, bitter HDB’s ‘I love my Community gourd, and sand ginger — to Garden!’ — a one-day learning residents from the neighbouring trip where they learnt more blocks who had dropped by. about gardening in the These ambassadors also set heartlands. 15

14-17 Ambassadors & Green.indd 15 30/01/2012 4:01 PM Live GREEN

An estate in Link with PEG gardens on roofs of the fl ats there

A close-up look at the Secret symmetrical -patterned PEG gardens on a cark park roof in Woodlands Gardens Drive 73 in new estates like Punggol and Sinagpore’s reputation as a garden city soars Sengkang have green roofs to new heights in the heartlands — literally! incorporated into them. Some, like Teck Ghee Vista in Ang Mo Kio Ave 1, has a wider variety of laces like park in Punggol was converted fl ora which includes trees and Nature Reserve and Upper into a colourful landscape of shrubs, and even amenities like PPeirce Reservoir Park grass and other plants planted in playgrounds and fi tness areas. are often the fi rst to come to spiral patterns. Apart from being “I think it adds more colour mind when you think of getting easy on the eyes, the main aim to the neighbourhood,” says back to nature. But for a green was to reduce the Urban Heat Punggol resident Paul Goh, 32, sanctuary closer to home, look Island eff ect — ambient heat whose tenth-fl oor unit overlooks no further than the roof of your generated from the sun beating one such garden. “People multi-storey car park. down on exposed hard surfaces. seldom park on the roof of a car Currently, 14 such car parks The experiment was a park anyway. The sun beating around Singapore have had success, as the green roof down on your ride can turn it their stark, bare concrete roofs reduced the heat on the car into a sauna, and if it rains, you’ll transformed into lush green park’s surface between 10 and be drenched trying to get to or crowns, with plans for more to 15°C. It also helped diminish from your car.” come. This initiative stemmed the harsh glare refl ecting off However, the older multi- from an experiment conducted the facade, an annoyance to storey car parks aren’t able to in May 2003 by the HDB and the residents of neighbouring support the weight of these National Parks Board (NParks). blocks. Since 2005, the top plants and facilities. To get around The top of a multi-storey car decks of multi-storey car parks this, the HDB, NParks and UGL 16

14-17 Ambassadors & Green.indd 16 30/01/2012 4:01 PM FLORA FILE Here are some of the plants that are helping to beat the heat in your neighbourhood

PEG GARDENS Cyanotis Cristata This plant is indigenous to Singapore and usually found in sandy or grassy spots. Growing to a height of around 30cm, the edges of its sword blade-shaped leaves are covered with fi ne hairs. Usually green under shade, the leaves turn reddish in the sunlight. It’s a tough plant that can endure around two weeks without rain.

Zephyranthes Rosea Originating from Central America, it has narrow dark green leaves. During long periods of drought, the leaves may wither but new ones will reappear when rain returns. Rose-pink fl owers bloom during the wet season. Teck Ghee Vista ACCESSIBLE GARDENS “I think it adds more colour to the Bauhinia Kockiana neighbourhood,” says Punggol resident Because of its vine-like climbing nature, you’ll fi nd Paul Goh, 32, whose tenth-fl oor unit this plant growing thickly overlooks one such garden. “People on trellises to create shaded walkways. In its native seldom park on the roof of a car Malaysia, it’s been known park anyway.” to climb more than 20m up forest trees. It’s recognisable Premas, a real estate and property Roofs of fl ats in areas like from its yellow and orange management company, devised Toa Payoh Lor 1 and Everton fl owers that grow in bunches. a solution — the Prefabricated Park (off Neil Road) have also Extensive Green (PEG) roof tray been given this eco-face lift. Syzygium Myrtifolium system. They’re basically small, And in cutting down the heat This Singapore native is a portable plastic trays hosting transferred into the blocks, shrub that grows to around hardy plants that can withstand PEG gardens lower energy three to fi ve metres tall. Its the tropical heat. Placed side consumption and costs that hardy nature and dense by side, there’s no need for would have been directed canopy also means that it can any additional construction or towards powering fans or be pruned into various shapes. renovation. You can fi nd the PEG air-conditioners. However, it’s Younger leaves are bright trays carpeting roof tops of older important to note that unlike reddish-orange, adding a nice car parks like Blk 465A at Upper the rooftop gardens in newer contrast to its predominantly Serangoon Road and Blk 306 at estates, PEG gardens aren’t dark green colour. Anchorvale Link. accessible to the public. 17

14-17 Ambassadors & Green.indd 17 30/01/2012 4:01 PM My LIFE STORY

(Left to right) Joshua, Amy, Chandran and Jivan in the living room of their Dover Crescent fl at Home Is Where The Neighbours Are — Amy and Chandran can’t You see them on stage and screen, but imagine staying anywhere else in don’t be surprised to fi nd artiste Amy Cheng Singapore other than their Dover Crescent 5-room fl at. and her husband R. Chandran in your estate “We’ve got everything we as well. need within walking distance,” says Amy, 41. “The food court, NTUC supermarket and multi- ith more than a Asian Television Awards. storey car park are only minutes decade of TV and Her husband R. Chandran, away. And because we are on the Wstage appearances, the founder-director of children’s 32nd fl oor, we’ve got an amazing Amy Cheng is defi nitely one theatre group Act 3 Theatrics, view of Bukit Timah Hill.” of the more well-known faces may be spending most of his But more than the in Singapore. Who doesn’t time behind the scenes these convenience and breath-taking remember her as Karen, the days, but he is still a familiar face. view, it’s the close bonds girlfriend, then wife to the fi ery Chandran has made his fair share they have formed with their tempered eldest son in the family of TV guest appearances, more neighbours that keep Amy and drama series, Growing Up? recently on the sitcom Anything Chandran rooted to their estate. The role of the long-suff ering Goes and legal drama The Pupil. “I’ve been living in HDB fl ats Karen earned Amy the Best But there is no celebrity since 1973, back when everyone Actress nomination at the 2001 reclusiveness for this couple in the kampung [Malay for 18

18-19 LifeStorey.indd 18 27/01/2012 4:57 PM Chandran chimes in, “You won’t fi nd that around your condos!” The family helps to keep an eye on their neighbours’ homes and vice versa, whenever anyone is away on holiday. Bonding over a meal during festive events is also a regular aff air. “During Deepavali, we invite neighbours on our fl oor over, and on Chinese New Year, Aunty Suzy [a housewife in her 50s] who lives opposite invites us to her The fantastic view of Bukit Timah Hill place,” says Chandran. from Joshua’s room “She dotes on Jivan, giving him treats like sweets. It was a Chandran and Amy love to live “Neighbours at Dover Estate problem during the Mid-Autumn it up HDB-style would always have their doors Festival though when he received open, and would greet me or mooncakes from her. He really make small talk whenever I liked them and kept asking walked past their fl ats to get to for them after the season had my corner unit. At fi rst, I wasn’t passed. I had to explain to him used to so much interaction, that there weren’t any more!” but I came to appreciate it. Such relationships didn’t “The neighbours were all so evolve from grand gestures. welcoming, so I knew it was a Chandran says that a smile safe neighbourhood. It was and a greeting is all it takes to very reassuring.” get the friendship ball rolling After they got married in – something he shows by 2005, Chandran moved into the example to Joshua and Jivan. Dover Road fl at. They relocated He likens the estate to a real-life to Dover Crescent, which is only “educational tool”. “All kinds of village] was being relocated,” a few roads away from their events are usually going on at says Chandran, 55. “It’s always previous home, in 2010. the void deck and multi-purpose been natural for me to be “The location is great for hall. There are birthday parties, friendly and get to know my the kids,” says Chandran. “It’s weddings and funerals,” he neighbours.” near Fairfi eld Methodist School explains. “It’s good for the kids The couple, together with (Secondary) where Joshua to see how neighbours come their sons Joshua, 14, and Jivan, studies, and there’s plenty of together for diff erent occasions.” three, have made the Dover space in the house for Jivan to zip Amy relishes one particular Crescent fl at their home for about on his little bicycle. And if incident of friendliness. When about a year and a half now. he needs a little more room, he’s the family fi rst moved into The family had previously lived got an entire corridor as well as their current fl at, they met a in a 4-room fl at at Dover Road, the playground downstairs.” neighbour along the corridor. but moved out as their block in It seems that when Joshua, “She told us, ‘Eh, your unit Dover Estate was earmarked for 14, was younger, he used to be number very lucky, won fi rst en bloc redevelopment. jealous of his cousins who lived prize in 4D before!’ That broke Growing up, Amy lived in in condominiums with swimming the ice, but sad to say, we a terrace house at Chip Bee pools. But a few months ago he haven’t had similar luck, although Gardens. Moving to a Dover Road told his mother that he had really we have our fi ngers crossed,” fl at in 2003 was a bit of a “culture appreciated their Dover Road fl at. says Amy with a laugh. shock” at fi rst, she admits. “He said he loved the “There, people kept to traditional food that was sold *****Catch Amy Cheng in her themselves more. It was at the nearby wet market,” Amy 13-episode new drama, Perfect something I grew to accept,” she says with a smile. “Especially Deception. It premiered on explains. “But Dover Estate was the muah chee [a glutinous 6 Dec 2011 at 10.30pm on quite an old estate, and it had rice snack covered in grounded MediaCorp Channel 5 and will more of a kampung atmosphere. peanuts] and peanut pancakes.” run till 28 Feb 2012. 19

18-19 LifeStorey.indd 19 27/01/2012 4:57 PM HAVE A STORY TO TELL? Send us stories of your best experiences with your neighbours or your feedback to [email protected]

Life Storeys is a bi-annual publication by Housing & Development Board. Published by Mediacorp Pte Ltd Caldecott Broadcast Centre Andrew Road, Singapore 299939

All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part is prohibited. Copyright is held by the publishers. Printed by KHL Printing Co Pte Ltd

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Editorial: Publishing Consultant Mediacorp Pte Ltd Senior Editor Agatha Koh Brazil Writers Gene Khor, Fairoza Mansor Senior Designer Frances Sim Account Manager Michele Kho Managing Director Jessie Sng

LifeStorey Cover.indd 1 30/01/2012 4:01 PM