New profiling tool aims to engage residents more effectively on community and municipal matters.
Singapore – A recent survey, commissioned by the Municipal Services Office (MSO), has revealed intriguing insights into the attitudes of Singaporeans towards community and municipal issues. The study, which polled 1,050 individuals, identified two primary groups: “Champion Charlies” and “Neutral Nancys”.
According to the survey, 37% of respondents identified as “Champion Charlies” – individuals who are proactive in resolving issues such as noise complaints or working on community initiatives. These residents are notably more satisfied with municipal services, such as estate cleanliness, facility maintenance, and pest control. They are also most likely to take the lead in solving local problems.
In contrast, the majority of respondents (around 21% each) identified with the “Neutral Nancys”, “Tolerant Tinas”, and “Quiet Quinns” profiles. These individuals are less inclined to take action on neighbourhood matters and tend to stay neutral or silent. They were also less satisfied with the services provided by the municipality.
The survey findings indicate a “high willingness” among Singaporeans to participate in community and municipal projects, provided they have the appropriate resources and support. As part of its efforts to engage residents more effectively, the MSO plans to develop a profiling tool to help understand the different attitudes towards municipal issues, with a quiz available on its website by mid-2024.
Additionally, a separate study conducted by the Centre for Sustainable Asian Cities at the National University of Singapore (NUS) explored the cultivation of positive social norms in high-rise, high-density housing environments. The study found that while residents were more likely to participate in community-led initiatives, those who got involved were also more inclined to encourage further participation.
To further these findings, the MSO plans to train members of its OneServiceKakis network to become community facilitators, helping to lead and sustain local initiatives. The initiative is designed to foster greater community partnerships and encourage residents to take ownership of municipal matters.
Sim Ann, Senior Minister of State for National Development, expressed enthusiasm about the survey results, noting the encouraging trend of active engagement among a significant portion of the population.
