SOCIAL RESEARCH STUDIES COMMISSIONED BY MSO
Supported by the Ministry of Education (MOE), the Housing & Development Board (HDB), the National Parks Board (NParks), the National Environment Agency (NEA) and the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA), MSO in 2021 collaborated with the Centre for Sustainable Asian Cities, under the National University of Singapore (NUS) College of Design and Engineering. The study was completed in 2023.
The aim was to look into ways to enhance the cultivation of positive social norms and values within Singapore’s high-rise, high-density housing environments. As part of the two-year research collaboration, Toa Payoh East Constituency Office worked with NUS to pilot the Dragon Heart Community Platform , and a community-led project to address the improper disposal of bulky waste in their neighbourhood.
The NUS-led study, completed in 2023, showed that residents can be empowered to participate collectively when provided with appropriate resources and support. Residents who feel a stronger sense of belonging are also more likely to participate in change, although many would be more inclined to join rather than lead neighbourhood projects.
The study highlighted the need to build a pool of community facilitators to help galvanise collective action for change in the community. These facilitators would play a key role in driving sustained engagement of the residents through clear and regular communication.
