Back again this year, the Municipal Services Office (MSO) organised the “Love Our ’Hood Youth Challenge” on 27 July. Supported by the National Parks Board (NParks), Land Transport Authority (LTA), National Environment Agency (NEA) and Singapore Kindness Movement (SKM), the challenge invited youths to put forward creative ideas to improve their living environment.

Winning teams stood a chance to receive up to $10,000 to bring their ideas to life.

The challenge attracted 74 sign ups, from youths in schools such as the Singapore University of Technology and Design, Republic Polytechnic, ITE College West, and Metta School, as well as a few teams of young working adults. Together, they brainstormed and came up with ideas to tackle congregation noise, responsible dog ownership, cleanliness, and the responsible use of personal mobility devices.

Sharing and discussion by teams.

Two winning teams from last year’s challenge returned to share their experience in implementing their projects in their communities. Resource persons from the supporting partners also provided plenty of insights and context about the various municipal topics.

After an intensive pitching session where teams were judged on the impact, feasibility, sustainability and innovation of their ideas, five teams successfully clinched the “Top Idea” award and one team the “Special Mention Idea” award.

Teams rehearsing and pitching their ideas to the judges.

The winning ideas included:

• Setting up a “vending machine” that dispenses bags to make it convenient for owners to pick up after their dogs
• Developing a detector/indicator to measure volume levels and display messages to nudge the community to keep noise down
• Using creative messages and visuals to encourage the binning of cigarette butts
• Using beacon technology to encourage the responsible use of personal mobility devices

Follow our Facebook and Instagram pages to keep a lookout for these projects when they are put into action!

Thank you to all participants and supporting partners!