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| Singapore Kindness Movement | |
|---|---|
| Name | Singapore Kindness Movement |
| Formation | 1997 |
| Founder | Lee Kuan Yew (influence), Goh Chok Tong (support) |
| Type | Non-profit organisation |
| Headquarters | Singapore |
| Location | Orchard Road |
| Leader title | Chairman |
| Leader name | Tharman Shanmugaratnam (past chairpersons include Lim Hng Kiang, Yaacob Ibrahim) |
| Affiliations | People's Action Party, National Courtesy Council |
Singapore Kindness Movement is a civic organisation in Singapore focused on promoting civility, courtesy and social cohesion through educational campaigns and community initiatives. Founded in the late 1990s, it seeks to influence behavior across public transport, workplaces and schools by partnering with government agencies, corporations and grassroots groups. The Movement operates through publicity campaigns, award schemes and volunteer programmes aimed at fostering everyday acts of kindness and maintaining public order.
The Movement traces roots to civic campaigns during the administrations of Lee Kuan Yew and Goh Chok Tong in response to urbanisation challenges in Singapore and rising concerns about public behaviour, similar in intent to public morality drives in cities such as Tokyo and Seoul. Formalised in 1997, it emerged alongside institutions like the People's Association and initiatives such as the Clean and Green Singapore campaign. Early leadership included figures from the public service and business communities, reflecting collaborations with ministries comparable to Ministry of Communications and Information and Ministry of Education. Over time, it adapted to digital media trends influenced by platforms like Facebook and Twitter and partnered with transport bodies such as SMRT Corporation and Land Transport Authority.
The Movement's stated mission mirrors civic engagement goals evident in programmes by United Nations agencies and municipal drives like New York City Mayor's Office initiatives: to cultivate kindness, strengthen social bonds and reduce incivility. Objectives include raising public awareness, embedding courteous norms in institutions such as Nanyang Technological University, National University of Singapore and Institute of Technical Education, and influencing service cultures in corporations like Singapore Airlines and DBS Bank. It also aims to complement statutory frameworks exemplified by agencies such as the Singapore Police Force and regulatory efforts by the Infocomm Media Development Authority.
Programs span school curricula collaborations, workplace seminars and public-transport etiquette drives, echoing elements of civic curricula used by Ministry of Education partners and youth outreach models like Singapore Youth Festival. Initiatives include classroom modules with tertiary institutions such as Lasalle College of the Arts and volunteer training resembling schemes by Civil Service College. Community projects have linked with grassroots organisations like People's Association Community Clubs and social service groups similar to Singapore Red Cross and Touch Community Services. Corporate partnerships with firms like CapitaLand and Keppel Corporation enable outreach in mixed-use developments and housing estates.
High-profile campaigns have deployed mascots, advertisements and public stunts modeled after international campaigns like Keep America Beautiful and Keep Britain Tidy. Media outreach uses broadcasters such as Mediacorp and print outlets including The Straits Times and TODAY to reach commuters serviced by SMRT Corporation and motorists on expressways managed by Land Transport Authority. Digital promotions leverage platforms pioneered by YouTube and Instagram to target demographics reached by events like the Singapore Night Festival and National Day Parade. Collaborative campaigns with arts institutions like Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay and cultural groups such as National Arts Council interweave civic messaging with performances and workshops.
Structured with a governing council, executive committee and volunteer corps, the Movement's governance mirrors non-profit frameworks seen in bodies like Singapore International Foundation and Wildlife Reserves Singapore. Chairs and patrons have included parliamentarians and ministers from portfolios akin to Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth. Funding sources combine government grants similar to those disbursed by National Arts Council, corporate sponsorships from conglomerates such as Singtel and philanthropy associated with family offices like Lee Foundation. Operational partnerships with agencies like Workforce Singapore provide manpower support, while fundraising events draw on venues around Marina Bay Sands and community spaces in Bukit Merah.
Evaluation of impact cites attitudinal surveys comparable to research by Institute of Policy Studies and behavioural studies published alongside work from universities including National University of Singapore and Singapore Management University. Supporters commend reductions in littering and improved queue discipline observed at Mass Rapid Transit stations, while critics question long-term behavioural change versus short-term publicity akin to debates around campaigns by Keep Britain Tidy. Academic commentary in journals referencing social capital theories linked to Robert Putnam and civic trust studies has assessed effectiveness, with mixed findings paralleling evaluations of civic movements in cities like Hong Kong and Sydney.
The Movement has received endorsements and awards from civic organisations similar to accolades bestowed by Singapore Book Publishers Association and recognition at events akin to the President's Volunteerism and Philanthropy Awards. It has partnered on award schemes for schools and corporates paralleling honours from Ministry of Education and business awards like those run by Singapore Business Federation. Individual volunteers and partner organisations have been acknowledged in community award ceremonies held at venues such as Istana and civic halls administered by People's Association.
Category:Civic organisations in Singapore