Over the last couple of decades, Singapore has gained a reputation for forward-thinking policies and its commitment to sustainability. The green zones all over the country, including in malls and residential balconies, are refreshing testaments to its commitment to oneness with nature.

The recent docuseries “Live to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zones” by Dan Buettner, argued that – in line with their studies world over – Singapore has many of the elements that increase longevity and health of PEOPLE. Inspired by this, our team took a deep dive into what Singapore has been doing with PROCESSES and PURPOSE as well (the 3 tenets of RENEWALism in capitals) to set an example for the rest of the world.

We spent 3 weeks in Singapore and discovered how this country has truly created the environment necessary for its people to embrace the habits of Symbiotic RENEWAL (Purpose-oriented) and Systemic RENEWAL (Process-oriented) !

In this blog post, we’ll explore how the RENEWALism movement’s habits map 1on1 with Singapore’s initiatives, providing a veritable and duplicatable blueprint for inspiring other nations to operate at higher levels of sustainability and fulfilment.

Before you wonder about the numbering below, habits 1 to 10 are about Self RENEWAL (People-oriented), which is deeply personal and helps align People in body, mind, and spirit. Symbiotic RENEWAL is about Purpose and our relationships with others and the planet, while Systemic RENEWAL is about revisiting Processes. Hence this post begins with Symbiotic RENEWAL; Habit 11.

Habit 11: Carry Your Stuff

The RENEWALism habit of carrying a bag around aligns with Singapore’s efforts to reduce waste and promote sustainability. The government’s plastic bag levy and recycling programs encourage individuals to minimize their environmental impact by opting for reusable items. The pic above, incidentally, is a mall.

Habit 12: Fortify Your Diet with Consciousness

Mindful eating, a core principle of RENEWALism, is supported by Singapore’s focus on public health. The National Food Agency’s initiatives like the Healthier Choice Symbol and the Food Label Code provide guidance for making informed dietary choices.

Habit 13: Share Your Qigong Routine with the Community

While there might not be a direct government policy, Singapore’s emphasis on community well-being and active lifestyles indirectly supports the sharing of wellness practices like Qigong, which are practiced at the numerous public parks and spaces.

Habit 14: Ventilate, Travel, Mingle

Singapore’s emphasis on urban planning that encourages outdoor activities and social interaction aligns with this habit. The extensive public transportation system and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure promote an efficient and connected lifestyle.

Habit 15: Follow the 10-minute Rule for Power and Water

Singapore’s water conservation efforts, such as the Water Efficiency Label Scheme and the Water Efficiency Fund, directly support this habit. The government encourages individuals to reduce their consumption of water and electricity.

Habit 16: Buy Concentrates

While there isn’t a specific government policy, Singapore’s focus on reducing waste indirectly supports this habit. Buying concentrates helps reduce packaging and waste. It is heartening to see laws that force manufacturers to change product specs, such as 12% sugar in sodas. Soon packaging laws may arise.

Habit 17: Plant Trees. Gift Plants. Gift Services

The National Parks Board’s various green initiatives, such as the Community Gardening Program and the Tree Planting Program, align with this habit. Singapore encourages its citizens to contribute to the greening of the city.

Habit 18: Tidy Up Space and Maintain It

Singapore’s strict cleanliness and hygiene regulations, as well as initiatives like the Keep Singapore Clean campaign, support this habit. The government emphasizes the importance of maintaining a clean and tidy environment.

Habit 19: Tidy Up Time and Maintain It

While there might not be a direct government policy, Singapore’s emphasis on efficiency and productivity indirectly support time management. Effective time management contributes to a more balanced and fulfilling life.

Habit 20: Tidy Up Energy of body, speech, and mind

Singapore’s emphasis on mental health and well-being, as seen in initiatives like the Mental Wellbeing Fund and the National Mental Health Blueprint, indirectly encourages this habit.

Habit 21: Write a Renewal Message Every Day

This habit prompts citizens to speak up about systemic changes that will result in the greater good. Singapore’s policy makers have an open door communication with an emphasis on development and contributory learning, which positively supports this habit.

Habit 22: Take a Systemic Decision Every Month

To experiment with how new systems would work, RENEWALism charts a path with monthly reviews. Singapore’s emphasis on evidence-based decision-making and long-term planning provide fertile soil for this habit.

Habit 23: Explore Homeschooling for a while

While homeschooling is not a widely practiced option in Singapore, the government’s emphasis on education quality, relevance, and choice eliminates the need. Moreover, the education system offers flexibility that is not common in other parts of the world.

Habit 24: Value conscience over gains

Singapore’s emphasis on integrity and ethical conduct in public life allows this habit to manifest systemically. The mandatory military program – National Service – builds character among young men and ingrains in them the ability to understand the implications of morality and ethics.

Habit 25: Meet elders often

To help citizens cultivate this habit Singapore offers a Proximity Housing Grant to incentivize elderly parents and children to live near each other. The country’s focus on family values, and initiatives like the Silver Generation Fund, also promote intergenerational interactions.

Habit 26: Learn a new language

Singapore’s bilingual education policy and emphasis on multilingualism take this habit into everyday schooling. Being a hub for multicultural business interaction, its executives naturally feel driven to embrace this habit for professional betterment.

Habit 27: Use the Internet but connect humanly

With four mobile network operators and 11 virtual network operators in an area of 750 sq. kms, Singapore offers strong connectivity everywhere. Its emphasis on the use of technology is visibly complemented by its deliberately curated meeting spaces on the waterside; next to CBD, for quick business discussions.

Habit 28: Keep your vehicle perfect, if you must keep it

Singapore’s strict vehicle maintenance regulations and roadworthiness tests serve as litmus tests for vehicle owners. Only 11% of Singaporeans opt to buy vehicles though – due to the laws governing the prices of vehicles and prohibitive taxes for road use.

Habit 29: Reduce dependence on medicines and doctors

Singapore’s emphasis on preventive healthcare and healthy lifestyles help make this habit a reality. The insurance industry, which precipitates medical expenditure, is controlled by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) levying reasonable controls.

Habit 30: Recycle, reuse, refurbish, regenerate, regrow

Initiatives like the popular 3R program (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) check off the essence of this habit. The pic above is a poster that spurs individual consciousness to ‘regrow’ in private balconies, as in this hotel.

Conclusion

By being nudged into RENEWALism habits, Singaporeans are responding to the environment that helps create a sustainable and fulfilling society. Symbiotic and Systemic RENEWAL habits align with the government’s initiatives in environmental protection, public health, and community engagement… which is laying out a proven path for larger countries to replicate in consultation with RENEWALists. Contact us if you can take a decision for your country/region.

References

1. National Environment Agency: https://www.nea.gov.sg/
2. National Food Agency: https://www.sfa.gov.sg/
3. National Parks Board: https://www.nparks.gov.sg/
4. Land Transport Authority: https://www.lta.gov.sg/
5. Ministry of Health: https://www.moh.gov.sg/
6. National Council for the Arts: https://www.nac.gov.sg/
7. Ministry of Education: https://www.moe.gov.sg/
8. Singapore Economic Development Board: https://www.edb.gov.sg/
9. Ministry of Home Affairs: https://www.mha.gov.sg/
10. Ministry of Manpower: https://www.mom.gov.sg/