Discover why Sng Mui Hong, owner of Singapore’s last kampung, refuses to sell her S$70 million property and what it means for the city’s cultural heritage.
Singapore’s rapid development has left little room for nostalgia, but one woman remains a beacon of resistance against the city-state’s fast-paced urbanization. Meet Sng Mui Hong, the owner of Singapore’s last surviving kampung, nestled in Lorong Buangkok. As the land around her skyrockets in value — now estimated at a jaw-dropping S$70 million (IDR 827 million) — she continues to refuse offers to sell, choosing community over commerce. But what’s driving her decision to hold on to this rare piece of history?
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The Kampung Spirit in a Concrete Jungle
Lorong Buangkok stands as a relic from Singapore’s past. Built in 1956, it is the last traditional village in a city now dominated by glittering skyscrapers and high-rise HDB flats. Sng Mui Hong’s kampung is not just a patch of land; it’s a living symbol of Singapore’s roots, where neighbors still greet each other by name and the sound of birds and cicadas fills the air instead of honking cars.
How Much is Enough?
The current valuation of Sng’s land is a mind-boggling S$70 million, which is enough to live luxuriously for several lifetimes. With land prices soaring and housing demand at an all-time high, many Singaporeans wonder why Sng won’t cash in on what seems like an unbeatable offer. After all, this land could be transformed into high-end condominiums or commercial buildings, bringing in even more revenue. Yet, for Sng, the allure of wealth pales in comparison to preserving the kampung way of life.
This decision to not sell isn’t just about sentimentality; it’s about values. Her father, who purchased the land in the 1950s, always intended for it to be a home for generations of families, not a commodity to be traded.
Kampung Buangkok: A Hidden Gem
Tucked away in a quiet corner of Buangkok, Lorong Buangkok’s charm lies in its simplicity. It’s a stark contrast to the bustling heart of Singapore. Wooden houses, large leafy trees, and narrow dirt paths remind visitors of a time long gone. For those who grew up in the kampung, these memories are irreplaceable. It’s a piece of authentic Singaporean heritage, untouched by time and modernization.
Sng’s refusal to sell taps into a deep cultural vein, where older generations fondly remember their kampung days as a time of simplicity, connection, and mutual help. In a way, it’s a form of quiet rebellion against Singapore’s breakneck modernization.
A Vanishing Heritage
Singapore is known for its ability to adapt and grow, often at the cost of heritage and history. Iconic buildings like the National Library at Stamford Road have made way for new developments, and it’s hard to find a piece of land that hasn’t been touched by construction cranes. Sng’s decision to hold on to the kampung is a powerful reminder that not all progress is measured in dollars and square footage.
While the kampung may not last forever — and there’s no telling when the government might intervene — Sng’s stance serves as a rallying cry for those who believe that progress doesn’t have to come at the cost of history.
What Happens Next?
Sng Mui Hong’s unwavering dedication to preserving the kampung is both heartwarming and thought-provoking. In a country where land is one of the most valuable resources, her choice not to sell sends a powerful message about the value of heritage, community, and human connection. As Singapore continues to grow, will more residents like Sng step forward to protect the country’s fading cultural landmarks?
For now, Lorong Buangkok remains a tranquil reminder of a simpler time. How long that will last is anyone’s guess. But as long as Sng is there, the last kampung of Singapore stands strong against the forces of progress, rooted in something far more valuable than money.
Sources:
[1] Owner of Singapore’s last “kampung” refuses to sell her land, now valued
at nearly RM225 million (S$70 million)
[2] Wan & Zal
