Boredom in Singapore? Impossible!

The Braddell Heights Community Centre Ensemble, lead by Mr. Yan Yin Wing

Mr. Yu Shuhuai conducting a ballet class for adults at the Bukit
Timah Community Centre

Dancing their hearts away during the Lunar Chinese New Year Celebration at the Braddel Heights Community Centre

Toastmaster Saint presenting her project evaluation at the Bedok Toastmasters Club at Bedok Community Centre
Looking on is Michael Rodrigues, our pioneer for Changi Prison Speechcraft.


It is amazing how often I hear people complaining that it is really boring living in Singapore! I have lived in Singapore since 1983, and I have never felt a day of boredom!

How does anyone get bored with so many activities around us. ? Just take the activities at the many community centres in this little island. There are activities for people of all age groups to participate. I appreciate the government's foresight in building community clubs throughout the island, so that it is within walking and travelling distances for everyone. There are so many interesting and beneficial activities that we are spoilt for choice. Moreover, the membership, at $20/- for 3 years is very affordable, and the fees for the various courses reasonable, so that no one should complain or envy those who are able to afford private club memberships. Morever, the passion card, as the membership card is called, gives special discounts and privileges to some concerts and events. Flash the card, and members will also get special discounts at a number of selected food outlets and stores.

For those who like to upgrade and improve their skills and learning, there are language classes and toastmasters clubs to attend.
Music and dance lessons are also made affordable with qualified teachers at hand. I was thrilled when I saw adults dancing the evening away during the Lunar New Year celebration, and mind you, these mature folks can really dance.! For the sporty ones, there are the gymnasiums, basket ball and badminton courts!

It is also interesting to find many activities in the multi purpose halls. During the day, they are used as badminton courts and gatherings; in the evenings they are sometimes used for concerts and weddings. It truly promotes better relationship and understanding among the multi-ethnic groups in Singapore.

Some people have the notion that unless the country is big with huge land, the smallness of the size will make the country boring. Yet in Australia and Canada, for example, I have also heard people complaining that it is so boring during night time and winter, for all is quiet. During winter, people can downhill ski, skate, cross country ski, skidoo or ice skate. Yet some people would not venture out of their homes because it is too cold!

In conclusion, the government has made full use of this small and compact island. It is for all of us to avail ourselves of opportunities presented so that we can get the most out of what we have, and not what we don't have.

Gan Chau