Residents can earn Healthpoints as authorities push brisk walking to fight chronic disease

Singapore has launched a new brisk walking movement in Sembawang Central to encourage more active lifestyles in the north, where residents have been found to be less physically active and more likely to face chronic health conditions than the national average.

New Movement Launches in Sembawang Central
The “Let’s Jalan” brisk walking movement was launched on April 12 by Health Minister Ong Ye Kung in Sembawang Central as part of a broader push to improve health outcomes in northern Singapore. The initiative is a joint effort involving the Health Promotion Board, the People’s Association, SportSG, and Active Ageing Centres.

North Region Health Data Drove the Push
The campaign comes after Ministry of Health data showed that residents in the north are generally less active than the rest of Singapore. According to Ong, the median weekly physical activity duration in the north is 100 minutes, compared with 120 minutes nationally, while the prevalence of chronic illnesses such as diabetes and hypertension is also higher in the region.

Residents Can Earn Rewards Through Healthy 365
A key feature of the movement is the use of the Healthy 365 app, which will allow residents to earn Healthpoints while staying active. From June, the app will pilot a new wayfinding feature in Woodlands and Sembawang Central, including maps for parks, fitness corners, walking routes, park connectors, and heritage trails, together with lifestyle tips to encourage regular activity.

Brisk Walking Was Chosen for Accessibility
Ong said brisk walking was selected because it is one of the simplest and most accessible forms of exercise, especially for seniors. It does not require equipment, gym access, or subscriptions, making it easier for more residents to start and sustain as part of daily life. HPB and PA also described brisk walking as a practical aerobic activity that can improve heart and lung fitness, reduce chronic disease risk, support mental health, and lower dementia risk.

Authorities Hope the Model Can Expand Nationwide
The launch included a mass brisk walk at Bukit Canberra involving about 500 residents, and there are now seven brisk walking clubs in Sembawang Central, including two newly formed ones. Ong said he hopes the initiative succeeds locally first, so lessons from Sembawang can eventually be applied elsewhere and walking can become a normal part of everyday life across Singapore.

The “Let’s Jalan” movement shows how Singapore is trying to turn a simple habit into a public health strategy, especially in areas where chronic disease risk is higher and physical activity levels are lower. For Singaporeans, the initiative offers a low-barrier way to improve daily health while using digital incentives to keep participation going. For Indonesians watching regional health policy, it also highlights how cities can use community-based exercise and small behavioral nudges to address bigger long-term health challenges.

Sources: Asia One (2026) , Straits Times (2026)

Keywords: Sembawang Walking Movement, Ong Ye Kung, Healthy 365 App, Healthpoints, Health Promotion Board, Chronic Disease, Active Living