Kampong Lorong Buangkok

Jul 3

“I have a very simple and open mindset regarding the surrounding urban development: things that are meant to be yours will stay with you, and things that are not meant to be yours will not.”

- Madam Sng, the owner and chief of Kampong Lorong Buangkok

Madam Sng Mui Hong

50 years from now, Singapore’s traditional villages—also known as Kampongs—may no longer exist in our communities. Kampong Lorong Buangkok, the last surviving Kampong in mainland Singapore, is currently owned by Madam Sng Mui Hong. Her family’s connection to the village began when her father, Sng Teow Koon, purchased the land in 1956. To fulfill her father's wishes, Madam Sng has resisted efforts to develop the land and has preserved it for her diverse village members.

At a time when Singapore is undergoing rapid urbanization, Kampong Lorong Buangkok serves as a reminder of the values we should still hold on to. The “Gotong Royong” spirit, which refers to a communal spirit of mutual help, is central to Lorong Buangkok. During my visit to Lorong Buangkok, many of the doors were left unlocked to facilitate daily conversations, and neighbors often shared homegrown produce. They embraced the various ethnicities (Indians, Malays, and Chinese) in their community, showing respect for each other’s lifestyles. One notable way they achieved ethnic harmony was by establishing a local house of worship, open to all devotees.

Madam Sng has positioned herself at the forefront of managing this community. Even after 66 years, she has maintained a rent between S$6.50 and S$30. This choice exemplifies her prioritization of a slow, relaxed lifestyle over commercial concerns. Aligned with Madam Sng’s lifestyle, the majority of the community members also embrace a serene way of life, from teachers to construction workers. Despite differences in social status, wealth, and ethnicity, the community members have united in a shared wish to escape the city's rapid pace.

Kampong Lorong Buangkok reveals a key purpose of historic preservation: to cherish and share the stories of ordinary people who have achieved extraordinary things. Accordingly, Madam Sng embodies the compassion, empathy, and understanding of a true hero. While our usual definition of a hero might require a large-scale, outward impact, Madam Sng and her contribution to Kampong Lorong Buangkok remind us that anyone can be a hero, as long as they have the courage to do so. I encourage you to discover the hidden heroes in your own community who have uplifted local residents and preserved the community's culture!