{
  "id": 7327923,
  "title": "Ng Chee Meng unveils pay-it-forward umbrellas in Jalan Kayu, but some Singaporeans are sceptical of its success",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/14/ng-chee-meng-unveils-pay-it-forward-umbrellas-in-jalan-kayu-but-some",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-14T10:34:30.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Independent Singapore",
    "slug": "the-independent-singapore",
    "url": "https://theindependent.sg/ng-chee-meng-unveils-pay-it-forward-umbrellas-in-jalan-kayu-but-some-singaporeans-are-sceptical-of-its-success/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Over the weekend, Jalan Kayu SMC Member of Parliament Ng Chee Meng introduced a community initiative to aid residents in his ward. The concept is straightforward: if you arrive at a bus stop in Jalan Kayu without an umbrella during a downpour, you'll be able to take one from a newly installed Community Umbrella Rack. According to Ng, \"Ever gotten caught in the rain without an umbrella? We’ve all been there.\" He shared photos of a rack bearing his name and face, which reads \"Pay it forward, stay dry.\" The racks are located at Bus Stop 68059 (After TPE) and Bus Stop 68051 (Before TPE). Individuals needing an umbrella can borrow one and return it once they’re done, while those with extra umbrellas are urged to contribute them to the rack for their neighbors' use. Ng thanked the community for the idea, describing it as \"a small idea with a big heart\" and emphasizing that it represents the community looking out for one another. While many praised the community spirit behind the initiative, some expressed doubts about its long-term success. Critics suggested that the racks would soon run out of umbrellas, citing examples of similar projects in the past that failed due to a lack of return. In 2018, another Member of Parliament launched a similar project at Toh Guan estate, but the umbrellas disappeared within a month. Similarly, a project in Joo Chiat in 2023 was shut down after only a few months, with only a small percentage of umbrellas returned. Nevertheless, Ng hopes that the Jalan Kayu Community Umbrella Racks will fare better.",
  "summary": "\"At the bus stops along Jalan Kayu road, we’re trying something simple: Borrow an umbrella when you need it, Return it when you’re done Got a spare at home? Drop it off for a neighbour!\" Mr Ng wrot... This article ( Ng Chee Meng unveils pay-it-forward umbrellas in Jalan Kayu, but some Singaporeans are sceptical of its success ) first appeared on The Independent Singapore News .",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}