Time Capsule: Recollections from Bishan Thomson-Toa Payoh Residents.
Almost every household in Yew Lian Park have joined its residents’ association.
By Noor Nadiah
Almost every household in Yew Lian Park have joined its residents’ association.
By Noor Nadiah
Since its inception in 1975, almost every household in Yew Lian Park has joined the Yew Lian Park Residents’ Association (RA). With the exception of those tenanted or under construction, the others in this neighbourhood of 237 houses are members of the association.
The association was first set up to get the residents to bond and help each other, said Mr. Sangameswaran, Chairman of Yew Lian Park RA. Mr. Sangameswaran has been in the committee for the past 22 years.
“In 1975, two neighbors were discussing a series of theft that had occurred in the estate, and that was basically how the association was formed,” he said. “It was created to help maintain the bond amongst the neighbors. To make sure that everyone was constantly looking out for each other.”
To keep alive what Mr Sangameswaran refers to it, “the kampong spirit”, the RA plan between 3 and 4 activities a year. The activities are usually varied, but there is usually a one day excursion to a place of interest, and a national celebration.
Other than leisure activities, the RA also engages in social works such as the monthly newspaper collection drive, for which they were awarded a silver medal by NEA. The association has also planned outings to homes and orphanages too.
The association was first set up to get the residents to bond and help each other, said Mr. Sangameswaran, Chairman of Yew Lian Park RA. Mr. Sangameswaran has been in the committee for the past 22 years.
“In 1975, two neighbors were discussing a series of theft that had occurred in the estate, and that was basically how the association was formed,” he said. “It was created to help maintain the bond amongst the neighbors. To make sure that everyone was constantly looking out for each other.”
To keep alive what Mr Sangameswaran refers to it, “the kampong spirit”, the RA plan between 3 and 4 activities a year. The activities are usually varied, but there is usually a one day excursion to a place of interest, and a national celebration.
Other than leisure activities, the RA also engages in social works such as the monthly newspaper collection drive, for which they were awarded a silver medal by NEA. The association has also planned outings to homes and orphanages too.
What motivated him was what he experienced growing up in a kampong. “In my kampong, everyone used to take care of each other,” he said. “I could even go to my neighbor’s house to watch movies, or just run into the house to look for my friend. Hopefully one day, Yew Lian Park can also be like that”
For now, he is concerned about leadership renewal and hopes that the younger residents would take an active interest in the association.
“When a committee member decides to step down, for whatever reason, he or she, along with the remaining committee members, will elect a new member,” he said.
“I just hope that the younger generation will start to take more interest in the association too.”
Mr Sangameswaran, who joined the committee when he was 46 years old, hopes that the activities Yew Lian Park RA organises would help to instill the community bonding.
“Of course, I hope that my son would be interested in joining the association,” he said. “But youngsters nowadays are so occupied with work and studies. That’s why it’s so important to maintain that ‘kampong spirit’; otherwise we won’t have that bond anymore.”
For now, he is concerned about leadership renewal and hopes that the younger residents would take an active interest in the association.
“When a committee member decides to step down, for whatever reason, he or she, along with the remaining committee members, will elect a new member,” he said.
“I just hope that the younger generation will start to take more interest in the association too.”
Mr Sangameswaran, who joined the committee when he was 46 years old, hopes that the activities Yew Lian Park RA organises would help to instill the community bonding.
“Of course, I hope that my son would be interested in joining the association,” he said. “But youngsters nowadays are so occupied with work and studies. That’s why it’s so important to maintain that ‘kampong spirit’; otherwise we won’t have that bond anymore.”