[Photo: PR Hubert Ong (second from left) and new citizen Kai Lin (second from right) mingle at a grassroots event.]

By KOH HUI THENG

NEW citizens and permanent residents (PRs) here are kindling new ties through house visits and block parties which evoke the kampung spirit.

Madam Kai Lin, 42, who was born in Myanmar, and Mr Hubert Ong, 43, who was born in Malaysia, told my paper that volunteering for grassroots events is the best way to give back to the community here, which has welcomed them "wholeheartedly".

She became a citizen last year, while he has been a PR since 1992.

Madam Lin, an administrative officer, said: "Singaporeans are quite open-minded and accepting of foreigners. Participating in these events lets me make more friends and communicate with people from different walks of life."

The volunteer with the Nanyang Zone One Residents' Committee (RC) held her first potluck party last night to get to know her sixth-floor neighbours in her Jurong West maisonette better.

While pork is a staple in Burmese cuisine, it did not feature during the party because "some neighbours told me that they don't eat that".

It was a far cry from 2004, when she moved here to join her 46-year-old husband, U Kyi Lin.

Then, she could speak only Burmese and would keep to herself.

Even shopping trips were fraught with difficulties. But now that the mother of two teens has picked up English, thanks to conversations with salesmen and neighbours, she no longer shies away from talking to people.

Besides greeting her neighbours, she would also discuss their children's school progress.

Fellow resident Hubert Ong often accompanies his Member of Parliament, Mr Alvin Yeo, on his visits to the area's 14,100 households. He helps to translate Malay during these weekly walkabouts, which can end as late as 11.30pm.

His RC chairman, Mr Neo Swee Eng, said: "It's rare to get residents who are so involved, so we're very lucky to have Kai Lin and Hubert on the team."

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