Singapore's commitment to cleanliness is a testament to its dedication to sustainability and community well-being. The Keep Singapore Clean 2026 campaign, launched with an innovative blend of mall videos, exhibitions, and an islandwide relay, is a strategic move to foster a culture of responsibility and environmental stewardship. This initiative, led by the Public Hygiene Council (PHC) and CapitaLand Investment (CLI), is not just about maintaining the city's pristine reputation but also about empowering individuals to take ownership of their environment.
One of the key strengths of this campaign is its ability to leverage everyday spaces like malls to spread its message. The 30-second video, screened across 16 CapitaLand malls, serves as a subtle yet effective reminder of the importance of responsible waste disposal. By targeting shoppers and tenants, the campaign aims to create a ripple effect, encouraging a collective effort to keep Singapore clean. The roving exhibition, with its interactive stations tracing the PHC's 15-year history, further reinforces the message by providing a deeper understanding of the challenges and achievements in maintaining public hygiene.
The Cleanliness Champions Relay, a month-long initiative involving 20 partners, is another innovative aspect of the campaign. By having schools and companies take turns as symbolic baton holders, the relay not only promotes cleanliness but also fosters a sense of community and shared responsibility. The first leg of the relay, held at Kent Ridge Park, set the tone for a series of activities planned in various locations, including Newton, Chua Chu Kang, Sengkang, West Coast Park, and East Coast Park. These activities not only clean up public spaces but also educate and engage the community, making cleanliness a shared value.
The survey of 411 Singapore residents conducted by the PHC in March provides valuable insights into the public's perception of cleanliness. While a significant majority (74%) felt that public spaces are cleaner today than they were 15 years ago, the survey also highlighted ongoing concerns, such as dirty public toilets, improperly discarded food and drink packaging, and dirty tables at food courts, hawker centres, and coffee shops. These findings underscore the need for sustained efforts and a collective approach to cleanliness.
The launch of the campaign by Coordinating Minister for Public Services Chan Chun Sing emphasized the deliberate and long-term efforts that have made Singapore one of the world's cleanest cities. He highlighted the role of founding leaders like Lee Kuan Yew in shaping the city's cleanliness and the importance of personal responsibility and accountability. The minister also stressed that cleanliness is not just physical but reflects the kind of people and society Singapore aspires to be, and that each generation has a duty to pass on a better Singapore to the next.
In my opinion, the Keep Singapore Clean 2026 campaign is a brilliant example of how a city-state can leverage its resources and partnerships to foster a culture of responsibility and environmental stewardship. By combining innovative initiatives like the mall videos, exhibitions, and the Cleanliness Champions Relay with a deep understanding of the community's needs and concerns, Singapore is setting a powerful example for other cities to follow. The campaign's success will depend on the active participation of all stakeholders, from individuals to businesses and government agencies, in embracing the values of cleanliness and sustainability.
One thing that immediately stands out is the campaign's focus on empowering individuals to take ownership of their environment. By making cleanliness a shared value and involving the community in various initiatives, the campaign is not just cleaning up public spaces but also cleaning up minds and hearts. This approach, in my view, is a key to long-term success and a more sustainable future for Singapore and beyond.
