This Singaporean is bringing back the kampung spirit with community void deck dinners

Mr Ngoh Shian Bang, a 32-year-old resident of Tampines, is reviving the concept of "kampung spirit" through community dinners held on void decks. The concept started when he transformed his own void deck into a communal dining space, inviting neighbours and strangers to join him for free meals. After six gatherings, the initiative has expanded to include hundreds of participants, with the most recent event drawing 100 attendees and a waiting list of 163.

Mr Ngoh's passion for food led him to hospitality school SHATEC, where he graduated in 2015. He initially hosted dinner parties for friends, discovering joy in sharing meals with others. His desire to bring people together intensified during the COVID-19 pandemic, as he observed increased social isolation. He wondered how he could open his dinner table to a wider community and found that void decks could serve as potential spaces for such activities.

The first gathering in May attracted about 50 people, a mix of friends, strangers, and curious neighbours. The event sparked conversations among long-lost acquaintances, with many people expressing gratitude through messages. For the National Day barbecue, 100 people registered, with 163 more on the waiting list. The initiative has also attracted 48 volunteers, who help with preparations for each event.

Mr Ngoh funds the gatherings from his own savings, spending approximately $2,800 so far. He believes that starting a meaningful initiative requires effort and personal investment. He envisions the gatherings as a way to revive the kampung spirit, fostering a sense of community and reducing loneliness. The idea has gained traction, with volunteers traveling across the island to participate, including one who traveled from Bukit Panjang to Tampines.

Looking to the future, Mr Ngoh plans to extend the initiative beyond Tampines, partnering with other community networks and inspiring other Singaporeans to organize similar events. He emphasizes that food has the power to bring people together, regardless of their backgrounds or circumstances. For him, it represents a return to human connections and the spirit of community that defines a neighborhood.