17J A N U A R Y
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l i v e T O G E T H E R / / R E S I D E N T S H A V E F U N A T H D B ’ S ‘ L E T ’ S P L A Y ’
my LIFE STORY The Ah Boy
Next Door16
live WELL Life Through A Lens
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live HAPPY Friends Before Neighbours
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l i v e H A P P Y
10 C O R R I D O R C H A T T E R : R I N G I N G I N T H E N E W Y E A R
12 F R I E N D S B E F O R E N E I G H B O U R S
Contents 17J A N U A R Y
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ISSUE
EDITORIAL ADVISERS Director, Policy & Planning
Eileen NeoDeputy Director, Planning
Shivvonne WongCommunity Relations
ManagerTan Xiao Rong
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 G R E E N
14 H E A R D I T T H R O U G H T H E G R A P E V I N E
m y L I F E S T O RY
16 T H E A H B O Y N E X T D O O R
l i v e W E L L
04 L I F E T H R O U G H A L E N S
08 D E A R H O M E O W N E R S
01 L E T ’ S P L A Y
l i v e T O G E T H E R
R E S I D E N T S Y O U N G A N D O L D P L A Y E D T O T H E I R
H E A R T S ’ C O N T E N T I N A S E R I E S O F H D B E V E N T S
D U R I N G T H E Y E A R - E N D S C H O O L H O L I D A Y S .
l i v e T O G E T H E R l i f e s t o r e y s
H A P P Y C H I L D R E N W I T H T H E I R S C U L P T E D B A L L O O N S L E T ’ S P L A Y
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amily fun timeLET’S
PL AY
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l i v e T O G E T H E R l i f e s t o r e y s
IN THE GIFT-GIVING MOOD
With one month to go until Christmas, seven-year-old Elizabeth Wang knew what she wanted to do. “My daddy helped me make
this ‘Merry Christmas’ card. I’m going to give it to my friend who lives in the same HDB block as me,” said Elizabeth, while at Bedok Town Square on 25 November 2017 with her family. They were among the many residents present that day as HDB launched a special series of fun events, called ‘Let’s Play’.
Held over three consecutive weekends, Let’s Play was created for residents of all age groups to come together at various town squares and community plazas to indulge in the simple, pure joy of play. Each day comprised fun-filled activities from morning to night, including a bouncy castle and carousel, balloon-sculpting, art and craft workshops, game booths, skit performances, cooking demonstrations and movie screenings. Booths set up by student and resident volunteers further brought out the carnival-like atmosphere.
The card-making activity that Elizabeth engaged in was planned by students from Catholic Junior College (CJC), who manned not one but four booths at Bedok Town Square. Besides writing messages of appreciation for their neighbours and families, residents could also participate in recycling-themed games, or walk blindfolded through an obstacle course intended to simulate a messy HDB corridor. “We wanted to raise awareness of the 3Rs — Reduce, Reuse, Recycle — as well as promote neighbourliness through our activities,” said Jonathan Lim, 17, one of the CJC student volunteers. “To put the 3Rs into practice,
we utilised only recyclable materials such as cardboard, used newspapers and empty Yakult bottles.”
Likewise, a smaller group of Victoria Junior College students, including Tamara Fernandez, organised an upcycling workshop, where residents learnt how to repurpose the pockets from old denim jeans into sling purses or luggage tags. “Fabric waste is a big problem in Singapore. What better way to address it than by getting residents to make something useful out of their old clothes instead of throwing them away?” said Tamara, 17. “The purses and luggage tags can also be given to neighbours or family members as gifts.”
C A R N I V A L G A M E S A N D A C T I V I T I E S
Showing off their tote
bag designs
Creating art and craft
THE ART AND CRAFT BOOTH IS GREAT AS
IT ENABLES US TO PARTAKE IN A CREATIVE
ACTIVITY TOGETHER WITH OUR NEIGHBOURS.
THE FINISHED PRODUCT — A D - I -Y CARD
IS ALSO A MEANINGFUL ITEM WE CAN
GIVE TO THOSE AROUND US.
“
Mr Rahul Tyagi, 36, a Bedok resident whose daughter Shaanvi, 5, made a card saying “I love you” for her mother at HDB’s Let’s Play event
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To f i n d o u t m o r e a b o u t t h e F r i e n d s o f O u r H e a r t l a n d s v o l u n t e e r n e t w o r k ,v i s i t w w w . h d b . g o v. s g / F O H . F o r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n o n t h e F F L P F u n d , v i s i t w w w . h d b . g o v. s g / F F L P F u n d
A KAMPUNG VIBE The second installment of the three-part Let’s Play series took place at Kampung Admiralty Community Plaza on 2 and 3 December 2017. Highlights included the ITE College West students’ interactive game corner featuring classics like Snakes and Ladders, darts, Spin the Wheel as well as charades, which sought to inculcate good neighbourly habits. “When Lucas and I play Snakes and Ladders at home, it is usually just the two of us,” said Ms Jessie Teh, 48, a Woodlands resident whose son Lucas, 10, is an only child. “Being here today gives him a chance to play with more people and make new friends.”
Another Woodlands resident, Ms Susan Ho, 56, volunteered for the event and — together with her two teenage daughters, a colleague and a neighbour — ran a marbled paper workshop. It attracted children and adults alike, as they exercised their creativity while using cooking oil and water-based food colouring to create a marbled effect on paper. “The workshop is not only an outlet for people to have fun; it also has educational value,” said Ms Ho, a pre-school educator. “Children learn about science, specifically the fact that water and oil repel. They also learn how mixing primary colours, such as yellow and red, creates secondary colours like orange.”
The Let’s Play series wrapped up on the weekend of 9 December 2017 with a two-day event at Punggol Town Square.
T h e L e t ’s P l a y s t u d e n t v o l u n t e e r s a l l h a v eo n e t h i n g i n c o m m o n : t h e y a r e v o l u n t e e r s u n d e r H D B ’s F r i e n d s o f O u r H e a r t l a n d s n e t w o r k . U n d e r t h i s n e t w o r k , v o l u n t e e r s a r e t r a i n e d t o b e c o m e c h a m p i o n s f o r g r a c i o u s a n d r e s p o n s i b l e h e a r t l a n d l i v i n g . T h e y c a n a l s o p l a n a n d e x e c u t e p r o j e c t s t o s t r e n g t h e n c o m m u n i t y t i e s , i n t h i s c a s e t h e L e t ’s P l a y a c t i v i t i e s . T h e s t u d e n t s — a s w e l l a s M s H o — a l s o r e c e i v e d s u p p o r t 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 F L P ) F u n d , w h i c h e n c o u r a g e s r e s i d e n t s t o i n i t i a t e c o m m u n i t y- d r i v e n p r o j e c t s t o l i v e n u p t h e i r n e i g h b o u r h o o d s .
“
COMMUNITY CHAMPIONS
P E O P L E T O DAY A R E A L M O S T A LWAYS
O N T H E I R S M A R T P H O N E S O R I PA D S .
W E WA N T E D T O P R OV I D E GA M E S T H AT
E N C O U R AG E FAC E -T O - FAC E C O M M U N I T Y
I N T E R AC T I O N S , A S W E L L A S B O N D I N G
B E T W E E N M U LT I -
G E N E R AT I O N A L
FA M I L I E S .
Fateha Muhamad (right), 18, ITE College West student and Let’s Play volunteer
More fun for the little ones
l i v e W E L L l i f e s t o r e y s
T H E S T O R I E S B E H I N D
T H E W I N N I N G
S N A P S H O T S
F R O M T H E 2 0 1 6
C E L E B R A T I N G L I F E
I N T H E H E A R T L A N D S
P H O T O G R A P H Y
C O M P E T I T I O N .
LIFE
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eld in conjunction with HDB Community Week, the “Celebrating LIFE in the Heartlands” photography competition is organised biennially and invites Singaporeans to contribute photos that
capture the heartwarming stories of community ties in the heartlands. This nationwide competition aims to strengthen residents’ sense of belonging and to encourage them to play a more active role in community-building. The photographers behind some winning entries in 2016 tell Life Storeys about the inspirations behind their images.
“I’ve been taking photos for over 40 years. I took this one in particular while on a freelance job assignment in Jurong East. To me, it truly captures the essence of heartland living, as residents — of different races — are seen gathering to work together to ensure their community garden flourishes. This is exactly how life in Singapore should be like.
FRUITS OF LABOUR (Open Category, Merit Prize) Residents beaming with joy at having gathered a hearty harvest from their community garden.
I find community gardening a great concept. HDB residents may not have their own backyard or lawn like those living in private estates, but these gardens enable us to tend to plant and grow vegetables. Better still, the harvest can be shared with all!”
C H I N B O O N L I A N , 6 7 , F R E E L A N C E P H O T O G R A P H E R , J U R O N G W E S T R E S I D E N T
T H RO U G H A L E N S
I find community gardening a great concept. HDB residents may not have their own backyard or lawn like those living in private estates, but these gardens enable us to tend to plant and grow vegetables. Better still, the
CHIRPS AND CHATTER (Open Category, Merit Prize) Visiting the bird-singing corner is a treasured weekly ritual for bird-lovers.
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AT A GLANCELaunched in 2013,
the “Celebrating LIFE in the Heartlands”
photography competition has attracted more than
8,200 photo entries from 2,400 participants,
received over 3 competitions held in 2013, 2014 and 2016.
“I took this photo in my Ang Mo Kio neighbourhood on a Sunday morning. I wanted to showcase a popular leisure activity that my fellow heartland residents embark on. Most of us call it the bird-lovers’ corner. Enthusiasts frequent this unique space not only to admire birds, but also to chit-chat. Often, they seem to be in a joyful mood, just like in this photo. Besides bird-lovers’ corners, HDB estates are designed with many other features that encourage communal living such as void decks, playgrounds and gardens. One can usually find bus stops, train stations, shops, markets and food centres nearby — an HDB estate is really a convenient living space.”
T A N A I L I A N , P E R S O N A L A S S I S T A N T , A N G M O K I O R E S I D E N T
GLORIOUS AND BRIGHT (Merit Prize) by Richard Torres
AT A GLANCE
STORIES ACROSS STOREYS (Open Category, 1st Prize) by Hang Loo Ming
A GOLDEN GLOW (Merit Prize) by Mohamad Hafi z Bin Sulaiman
INSTAGRAM CATEGORY
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“There aren’t many of these iconic playgrounds left in Singapore, and that’s why I thought to capture it — for the memories. I shot this at Toa Payoh, and the boys in the frame were accompanied by their father, who looked over at them from the side. Most children these days might prefer playing computer games, so it’s nice to see them running around outdoors and in a public community space, where they
can meet and play with other kids, as we did back in the day. I find Toa Payoh fascinating because the neighbourhood has a good mix of distinctive old structures, like this playground, and also new flats and hip cafes. There’s a sense of society moving on with the times, but without forsaking history or heritage.” W O N G C H E K P O H , 6 1 , T U T O R , E U N O S R E S I D E N T
OLD IS GOLD (Instagram Category, Merit Prize) The dragon playground has brought joy to different generations of residents.
REFLECTIONS OF PHOENIXES (Merit Prize) by Koh Meng Hua PICKING THE BRIDE (Merit Prize) by Chua Boon Ping
OPEN CATEGORY
“I was drawn very much to the sense of unity and high spirits shown by the residents within this frame. They look focused and driven, and I wanted to capture that energy. This photo was taken at Bras Basah. As Singapore progresses, many changes have been made to our HDB estates, from their designs to facilities. The concept of living close to other households, however, continues to enable the fostering of good relationships between neighbours and sometimes even between folks from other blocks too.”C A L V I N C H A N W A I M E N G , I T E N G I N E E R , T A M P I N E S R E S I D E N T
FRIENDS AT PARK (People’s Choice Award) by Chan Wai Meng HEARTLAND WARRIORS (Merit Prize) by Abdullah Suhaimi
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TAI CHI MASTERS (Instagram Category, 1st Prize) Like a martial arts movie scene set against the backdrop of HDB fl ats — regular Tai Chi sessions allow residents to build their fi tness levels and communal bonds with their neighbours.
TAKE A SHOTKeep a lookout for
the upcoming 2018 edition of the photo competition!
Follow the competition Instagram account
@LIFEPhotoComp for more details to be announced!
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D E A R
H E R E ’ S A Q U I C K G U I D E O N H O W T O
U P K E E P Y O U R H D B F L A T S O I T S T A Y S
I N T I P - T O P S H A P E .
erforming regular maintenance work for your flat is important in order to keep it in good condition. In doing so, you can spot
a problem before it causes serious damage and requires extensive repairs. Early problem detection and the necessary preventive or corrective action can save you both time and money!
H O M E O W N E R S
WA L L SCommon problems include cracks along the joints between/in the block wall
Why this happens: Different materials expand and contract with
temperature changes. Over time, this differential movement will result in cracks along the joints
Solutions:• For hairline cracks: re-paint the wall
with a fl exible sealant/elastomeric paint to seal the cracks
• For wider cracks: engage a contractor to carry out the repair works
Preventive measures:
Facilitate cross-ventilation in the fl at
Re-paint the walls regularly
F L O O R F I N I S H E SProlong the life of your fl oor fi nishes with a few easy precautions.
TILED FLOORSCommon problems include:
Stained tiles or jointsWhy this happens: Spillage of food and beverages Accumulation of dirt
Solution:• Use a suitable tile-cleaning
agent to remove stains
Dislodged or popping tilesWhy this happens: Expansion and contraction of tiles because of
thermal movement and water absorption
Solution: • Remove and re-tile the affected areas
Cracked tilesWhy this happens: Impact from heavy object Different rates of expansion or contraction
between the tile and substrate
Solution: • Remove and re-tile if necessary
Maintenance tips:
Mop the fl oor regularly Clean any spillage that may stain the fl oor Attach rubber soles or paddings to the legs
of your movable furniture Use suitable tile-cleaning agents to
remove stubborn stains
PARQUET FLOORSCommon problems include:
Varnished surfaces that are lacklustreWhy this happens: Wear and tear of varnished surfaces
Solution: • Re-varnish the parquet fl oor
Open gap between timber stripsWhy this happens: Prolonged exposure to a dry environment
causes timber to shrink
Solution:• Seal obvious gaps with matching putty• Re-varnish if necessary
Hollow or bulged-up parquet stripsWhy this happens: Water seeps underneath the parquet fl oor,
causing loss of adhesion
Solutions:• Find out the source of water
seepage and prevent contact with water
• Replace the hollow strips where necessary
Maintenance tips:
Avoid exposing the parquet fl oor to excessive dampness
Ventilate rooms to avoid excessive humidity that may affect the parquet fl oor
Attach soft paddings to your furniture legs to prevent scratches on the parquet surface
F L O O R T R A P SYour bathroom or kitchen fl oor trap may have a foul smell or water overfl owing. Common problems include:
Water overfl owing from a choked fl oor trap
Why this happens: Solid matter and/or grease in the
fl oor trap blocks the fl ow of water
Solution:• Remove the solid materials
causing the choke. For serious cases, engage a licensed plumber
FOR MORE TIPS ON HOME MAINTENANCE, PLEASE VISIT W W W. H D B . G O V. S G /C S / I N F O W E B/ R E S I D E N T I A L / L I V I N G - I N -A N - H D B - F L AT/ H O M E- M A I N T E N A N C E / H O M E- C A R E- G U I D E
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To discuss important matters regarding housing administration services,
maintenance of rental properties and safe renovation works, HDB’s 21 branches
and three service centres are ready to help and serve you.
NEED FURTHER HELP?
Maintenance tips:
To prevent chokes, close the grating to prevent particles such as hair and other solid materials from choking the fl oor trap
Avoid pouring cooking oil down the fl oor trap
Clean your bathroom and kitchen daily with diluted household bleach (1 part bleach; 99 parts water)
Foul smell from fl oor trapWhy this happens: Foreign particles are trapped in the fl oor trap Toilet has not been in use for a long period. This may
cause the foul smell to break through the water seal level inside the fl oor trap
Solution:• Remove the foreign particles, then fl ush
and clean the fl oor trap• Flush the toilet regularly
Maintenance tips:
Seal the fl oor trap cover temporarily when it is not in use for an extended period
Avoid pouring dirty liquid or oil down the fl oor trap
Install an anti-mosquito device at the fl oor trap
T H E RO L E O F T H E
TOWN COUNCILTown Councils control, manage, maintain
and improve the common property of HDB residential fl ats and commercial property
within the Town. Common property includes corridors, void decks, lifts,
water tanks, public lighting and open spaces. Contact your respective Town Councils on matters concerning the maintenance of, and improvement
works on, these areas.
R E S I D E N T S S H A R E T H E I R C L O S E - T O - H O M E A N D I N T I M A T E C O U N T D O W N E X P E R I E N C E S .RINGING IN
New Year ’s Eve tends to be a low-key af fair for me. I usual ly stay in with my family and enjoy a home-cooked dinner and movie. I f I can, I squeeze in an af ternoon swim at the publ ic swimming complex in my neighbourhood, as my resolut ion for 2018 is to exerc ise more regular ly.
Sonia Hundal, 35, Marketing Executive, Clementi
Sometimes, the best celebrations happen in the heartlands. Last year, I got to rub
shoulders with local celebrities Tosh Zhang and Kelly Poon at Nee Soon South’s New Year ’s party. It was a lot more exciting than I thought it would be and the night even ended with a spectacular fireworks display!
Joshua Tan, 25, Student, Yishun
ECOl i v e H A P P Y l i f e s t o r e y s
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I typically spend the New Year on a weekend getaway with a few friends. We really look forward to that brief escape. Before I leave, I try to make time for a small get-together at home with my family and close relatives. Chong Kong Yeong (left), 36, Process Engineer, Bukit Merah
C O R R I D O R C H A T T E R
THE NEW YEAR
I l i ke hav ing a qu i e t n i gh t t o r i ng i n t he N ew Ye ar bu t t ha t d o esn ’ t me an ce l e b r a t i ng a l one — some t imes , my ne ighbour comes ove r f o r a ho t d r ink and we cha t f o r hours t i l l m idn igh t . Then we tune in t o T V spe c i a l s and make up s i l l y r e so lu t i ons t ha t we w i l l n eve r ke e p!
Usha Venkatramaiah, 55, Educator, Sengkang
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“I look forward to my fami ly ’s New Year ’s bash because there’s a lways a grea t spread of food. There’s sa tay and br iyani and grea t company — what more can you ask for?We open our doors to the neighbours as wel l, so that everyone can en joy the fes t ive sp i r i t toge ther.”
Maya Vinodini, 25, Property Executive, Ang Mo Kio
Fami ly comes f i rs t fo r me, so I make sure to spend a t l eas t par t o f New Year ’s Eve wi th them. We usua l ly have d inner toge ther a t a res taurant c lose to home, and then I ’ l l head ou t to mee t my f r iends .
Azhan Aziz, 36, Service Engineer, Serangoon
AWAY FROM THE HEARTLANDS
Apart from the smaller-scale celebrations
rolled out in various pockets across the island, Singapore’s largest countdown event is the Marina Bay Singapore
Countdown. The 2018 Countdown featured
I ’ve been to a countdown par ty held in my neighbourhood. I t was organised by
Eunos Community Centre and held at Bedok Reservoir. Al though i t dr izz led, many people — famil ies especial ly — remained undaunted. There were snacks, a lucky draw and also Zumba and drum per formances. Everyone seemed to be in a good mood, just enjoying themselves. I guess i t ’s a great way for families to be together on New Year’s Eve.
Safi yyah Shariff, 33, Public Servant, Eunos
Fami ly comes f i rs t fo r me, so I make sure to spend a t l eas t par t o f New Year ’s Eve wi th them.
have d inner a t a res taurant
c lose to home, and then mee t
Azhan Aziz, 36, Service Engineer, Serangoon
5rounds of fi reworks,
culminating in a spectacular six-minute fi nale of light
projections and fi reworks, set against the backdrop of
the city skyline.
The countdown party in my neighbourhood takes place at the hard court opposite Choa Chu Kang MRT Station. The appeal of such a celebration, besides being able to get to know fellow residents, is the proximity to home. I can attend the event in a comfortable T-shirt with shorts and slippers. When it ends — and there’s usually a fireworks display — I can simply walk back home. There’s no need to worry about large crowds and terrible traffic jams.
Summer Chan, 40, Real Estate Agent, Choa Chu Kang
besides being able to get to know fellow residents, . I can attend the event in a
. When it ends — and there’s usually a fireworks display —
worry about large crowds and terrible traffic jams.
l i v e H A P P Y l i f e s t o r e y s
F RI E N D S B E F O RE
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S O C I A L M E D I A B R O U G H T
T H E S E N E I G H B O U R S
T O G E T H E R W E L L B E F O R E
M O V I N G D A Y .
N E I G H B O U R Sfew months after selecting their flat at the HDB office, newlyweds
Dr Joshua Chong and Ms Goh Jean Woon decided to log onto Facebook to find out more about their upcoming home at Fernvale Woods. “A few of my friends told me that there were bound to be Facebook groups for new developments, where neighbours could share updates and get to know one another before
moving in,” explains Jean Woon, a 27-year-old civil servant.
It didn’t take the couple long to find the Fernvale Woods (Residents) group, which already had some 400 members. Once accepted as group members, they were able to view, post and share updates about their future home, which will be ready in 2019. “I really enjoy seeing the updates, especially because I’m not able
to drive past our new home every day,” says Joshua, 28, a dentist. “Sometimes, users post updates about a new floor going up or a certain portion of the block being painted. It’s really exciting.”
PALS BY PROXIMITY The group is currently managed by Mr Keith Chong, who will be moving into Fernvale Woods with his wife Ms Carol Chan, 28. Keith, 28, took up the role of
“G RO U PS O N SO C I A L M E D I A
A R E A G R E AT WAY TO G ET TO
K N OW YO U R N E I G H BO U R S .
W E C A N A L SO H E LP TO K E E P
TH E N E I G H BO U R H O O D SA FE
BY BE I N G O N TH E LO O KO UT
FO R SUS P I C I O US C H A R ACTE R S
I N TH E ES TATE . TH I S I S
I M P O RTA NT ES PEC I A L LY W I TH
TH E R EC E NT FO C US O N TH E
S GS EC U R E MOV E M E NT.
Mr Keith Chong, the administrator of the Fernvale Woods (Residents) group on Facebook
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N E I G H B O U R S
group administrator after the previous administrator had to leave for personal reasons. “At first, I was just involved in housekeeping matters like keeping out advertisers,” the research engineer explains. “But after a while, Carol and I found a few friends — and soon-to-be neighbours — who shared common interests with us.”
One of these interests is café-hopping, which Keith and Carol engage in almost every weekend. When they found out that Joshua and Jean Woon were just as passionate about freshly-ground coffee and novel dining concepts, they were ecstatic. When Life Storeys met the two couples, they were sipping lattes at a café near Seletar Aerospace Park, a stone’s throw from their future home.
“It’s nice to put a face to the digital profile,” says Carol, who works in corporate communications. “The bonds of friendship may have been forged online but they have definitely been strengthened by our regular meet-ups.” Adds Joshua, “We no longer just talk about our new homes — work and family-related topics have
also been weaved into our conversations.”
A ‘DIGITAL KAMPUNG’What drew all four members to the Fernvale Woods (Residents) group was its informal, ground-up nature. “I think the fact that it was started by residents for residents made it a lot more attractive than groups run by dedicated institutions,” shares Keith. “It means that everyone in the group really wants to be there and contribute to it — sort of like a digital kampung.”
And having it on Facebook means sharing updates is a quick, hassle-free experience. “There is no email to send or poster to design — basically, take a picture and upload it,” says Carol, who checks the group’s updates every week. Another advantage of joining such Facebook communities are the group deals on household essentials and renovation packages. “Buying as a group with other neighbours allows us to save quite a bit of money,” explains Keith. “For newlywed couples, that’s definitely a huge plus.”
From left, Ms Goh Jean Woon, Dr Joshua Chong, Mr Keith Chong and Ms Carol Chan
• SHARE THE LOAD. Having two to three administrators keeps the group running smoothly and encourages ownership of it.
• RESPECT MATTERS. To Keith, nothing is more important than digital etiquette. “Sometimes, one can get carried away with comments on social media — remember to treat people behind the screen with respect.”
• BRING IT OFFLINE TOO. Digital connections are great; supplementing them with block parties will forge stronger bonds between members of your Facebook group. “That’s something we might do once everyone’s settled into their new home!” shares Carol.
HANDY TIPS FOR RUNNING A FACEBOOK GROUP FOR RESIDENTS
l i v e G R E E N l i f e s t o r e y s
grapes typically grow in temperate
climates
H E A RD I T T H RO U G H
THE GRAPEVINEL I F E S T O R E Y S F I N D S O U T H O W H D B - D W E L L E R S
H A V E B E E N G R O W I N G T E M P E R A T E C R O P S S U C H
A S G R A P E S A N D B L A C K B E R R I E S .
s seen by the growing number of urban farming classes being offered of late, it’s
clear that the “grow-your-own-food” movement is taking root in Singapore — literally. Our island’s hot and wet climate lends itself to the best tropical produce, making it easy for even the most casual of gardeners to harvest tomatoes, chilli and garlic.
But walking along the ninth floor of Block 781 at Yishun Ring Road is an experience that will take you to another world. Instead of the tropical plants that most urban farmers here opt for, Mr Alex Ng has beautified his common corridor with a collection of temperate produce. He has lined his plants neatly against the corridor wall to keep the common corridor clutter-free. The most spectacular of these are his grapevines and their ruby-red fruit, which were just about ready for harvesting when Life Storeys paid a visit.
Other interesting produce he grows includes coffee, blackberries and flowergourd. The 45-year-old says his love for gardening stemmed from his childhood experience in Kampong Mandai Kechil. Having grown up in this village in northern Singapore, Mr Ng always felt close to nature. “Eating fruit didn’t mean a trip to the supermarket — it meant going to the papaya tree or rambutan tree and picking what we wanted to eat,” the pastry chef says with a laugh. Following an overseas stint a few years ago, he discovered a love for temperate produce and was
M R N G S H O W I N G
O F F H I S G R A P E S
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MY NE IGHBOURS SAW MY CROPS AND
WERE QU I TE INTERESTED — FR I ENDSH IPS
FORMED NATURALLY AFTER .
“
Mr Alex Ng, 45, Pastry Chef
determined to grow these back home. Although he faced some initial
challenges, he adopted a “can-do” attitude and faced his challenges with a cheerful demeanour. He was also determined to make the most of his circumstances. “I saw that I had a lot of things working for me and was encouraged by this,” he says. His persistence paid off and a few years ago, Mr Ng harvested his first batch of grapes.
BLOSSOMING FRIENDSHIPSSurprisingly, his love for urban farming has borne fruit in another part of his life: he is now more active in the community, having befriended more neighbours. “My neighbours saw my crops and were quite interested — friendships formed naturally after,”he says.
Some families in the estate have also approached Mr Ng to ask for cuttings of his grape and blackberry plants, which he readily shares. “Some do a lot better with the cuttings than others,” he quips. “Like most things, urban farming requires solid time and commitment.” Besides cuttings, Mr Ng also happily shares advice on gardening with his neighbours. But as he points out, learning is a two-way
Mr Ng also grows coffee and blackberries in his HDB corridor
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street. “I also pick up tips from them and share my knowledge,” he says.
What’s next for the man with the green thumbs? “I hope to grow an assortment of pumpkins,” he shares, showing a collection of pumpkin seeds he has just bought. “They’re beautiful crops and I hope to be able to harvest them soon!” Given his habit of sharing crops with his neighbours, we expect residents of Block 781 Yishun Ring Road to be enjoying fresh, home-grown pumpkins in the near future!
QUICK TIPSimply throwing the seeds of
the supermarket-bought grapes that you’ve eaten into a pot is not the best way to ensure a bountiful
harvest. Although the seeds may sprout, it’s likely they won’t bear fruit, says Mr Ng. It’s better
to buy dedicated seeds from a speciality farmer, as these will
sprout hardier seedlings that are more likely to bear fruit.
WHAT’S IN YOUR POT ?Life Storeys readers share their favourite crops:
CURRY LEAVES ARE A STAPLE IN INDIAN COOKING AND I’M HAPPY TO BE ABLE TO JUST WALK OUTSIDE AND PLUCK THEM FROM MY MINI-TREE HERE.Ms Latha K. from Bishan
ALTHOUGH IT’S NOT AN EDIBLE CROP, I WAS VERY PROUD OF THE COTTON THAT MY DAUGHTERS AND I GREW!Ms Julieanna Fairoz from Jurong West
JUST WALK OUTSIDE AND PLUCK THEM
ALTHOUGH IT’S NOT AN EDIBLE CROP,
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WHAT’S IN YOUR POT ? readers share their favourite crops:
CURRY LEAVES ARE A STAPLE IN INDIAN COOKING AND I’M HAPPY TO BE ABLE TO JUST WALK OUTSIDE AND PLUCK THEM JUST WALK OUTSIDE AND PLUCK THEM
Curry leaves
DECLUTTERBe considerate
to your neighbours. Ensure that your plants
are arranged neatly to keep the common
corridor clutter-free!
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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
harlie Goh may have been in all four installments of the popular comedic film franchise Ah Boys
To Men and a regular face on Channel 5’s longest-running television series Tanglin, but to his neighbours, the FLY Entertainment artiste is still that child they used to play with after school — except he’s all grown up now. “They really don’t bat an eyelid at all. And why should they, right?” says Charlie, 29, on whether his fellow neighbours in his Bishan estate get star-struck when bumping into him these days. “Some years ago I was just that playful ah boy running up and down the block after all.”
And play Charlie did, almost religiously, all through his schooling years. “A bunch of us would gather every single day, and find creative ways to entertain ourselves,” says Charlie, chuckling at the memories. “We’d be
THE
AH BOY
F O R A C T O R C H A R L I E G O H , P L A Y I N G A L M O S T
E V E R Y D A Y W I T H H I S N E I G H B O U R S W A S
P A R T A N D P A R C E L O F H I S E X P E R I E N C E
G R O W I N G U P I N A N H D B E S T A T E .
NEX T DOOR
at the playground of course, or we’d be playing ‘catch’ up and down the block’s stairwell. We would play along the corridor, and also used to play soccer at the void deck. That was all I did after class, until my parents returned from work.”
This fun-packed childhood was a memorable part of his experience growing up in an HDB estate, says Charlie, who has lived in the area since he was born. “One of my fondest memories is playing with everyone regardless of their race,” he says. Throughout his primary school and lower secondary school years, Charlie was
“Both our temperaments mellowed a fair bit after getting married. Wei Ming just wants to spend time at home with his family, and similarly, I go out less frequently with friends in the evenings. Instead, I have dinner with my wife on most nights. Our priorities have changed.”
While being a family man is somewhat new, the idea of becoming an actor on the other hand is one that Charlie has toyed with since his polytechnic days. Enrolled in the Banking and Finance course for the lucrative prospects such a path offers, the former Singapore Polytechnic student was also a member of his school’s theatre club. “I realised then that I thoroughly enjoy the process of putting up a production and performing,” he says. “My parents didn’t know this back then, but I didn’t have any interest at all in my course because I could not grasp what was going on, and so I only came to school to attend my co-curricular activity. I skipped the lectures and tutorials!”
Charlie confesses that it was initially very difficult to get his foot into the industry, recounting a long streak of failed auditions. Fortunately in 2012, he was picked to play a cameo role in Ah Boys To Men, which went on to become a local favourite, raking in about $20 million in total. Charlie is immensely thankful also to be on-screen as part of the Tanglin family. “Both the movie and drama series are long-running, which means fewer chances of me being out of a job!” quips Charlie. “Seriously though, I’m just really glad my career took off, and that my wife has been extremely supportive throughout this sometimes rocky journey.”
Catch Charlie Goh in Tanglin on Channel 5 every weekday at 8.30pm.
SOME YEARS AGO I WAS JUST THAT PLAYFUL
A H B O Y R U N N I N G U P A N D D O W N T H E
B L O C K . . . A B U N C H O F U S W O U L D G AT H E R
E V E RY S I N G L E D AY, A N D F I N D C R E AT I V E
WAY S T O E N T E R TA I N O U R S E LV E S .
Charlie Goh, Actor and FLY Entertainment Artiste
“
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cared for by his grandmother, who lived about a 10-minute walk away from his parents’ flat, while the latter went to work. “After school, I’d go back to my grandma’s house, and play until evening when my parents would take me home to do my homework,” says Charlie, who adds that his grandmother has always been extremely protective of him — her first grandson — and would not allow for him to be scolded by his parents.
Charlie’s parents have since moved to the northeastern part of Singapore, but Charlie and his wife — they got married in September 2017 — now live with his grandmother, 88, with whom he maintains a close relationship. “Despite her age, she is still quite healthy and walks to the market nearby — by herself — for groceries. And she still cooks for us,” he says, beaming. Such familiar practices evoke memories of his childhood, and also reinforce his sense of belonging to the neighbourhood.
REAL AND REELInterestingly, Charlie’s character in Jack Neo’s Ah Boys To Men 4 — which premiered in November 2017 — Tan Wei Ming, is also a recently married man. “It was a funny coincidence,” Charlie notes.
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