A great city? Only if Singaporeans take pride in it....

In years to come, Singapore's housing estates may have special zones where residents can get a free rein to beautify their neighbourhoods. The whole island could be ringed by a jogging track, while heartland districts like Jurong could be developed as unique attractions to visitors.

These were ideas thrown up by the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA), which discussed how to make people feel they own this city, and create a buzz to attract global talent. We have to lay emphasis on the need for long-term plans for the country. At such, work to liven up the city has hotted up in the recent years in tandem with the keen competition for global talent. Singapore is banking on high profile, long-standing developments like the new downtown at Marina Bay.

Yet, all these efforts made to enhance Singapore's image internationally and to create a centre of attention for global talent will be futile if we as Singaporeans do not take gratification and ownership of the city, which is a more intangible but vital element. Notwithstanding all that has been done and suggested by the Government and higher authority, Singapore can be a great city only if her people take pride in the city and act like her owners. They cannot leave it all to planners to enhance their neighbourhood.

Here, it all buoys down to the sense of belonging and ownership that Singaporeans have for the country. If Singaporeans do not care about how they want their home and neighbourhood to be like, or what the planners have in mind for them, all the uphill struggles of the government will be fruitless without this appreciation and interest of her people. Rather than waiting for the authorities to come into play, Singaporeans should learn to take the initiative to bump up the appeal of their neighbourhoods. At the end of the day, we are the people living and working there.