What Is In It For Me? ... The FIVE Ks !

I have recently met many new friends in my neighbourhood. There was this couple who was so kind and warm as we begin to share about our involvement in voluntary community service. We realised that there were people who serve with a true heart, while there were some who serve with some personal agenda. Well, that is pretty normal by human nature when people begin to ask, "What is in it for me?". If there is no benefit, why should I? In the real world, it is "every one for themselves"!

While Singaporeans are known to have been pursuing the five Cs (Car, Condominium, Cash, Credit card, Children), many people are not aware that Singaporeans have also acquired the five Ks in the process.

What are the five Ks? "Ka-Ki-Ko-Ka-Ki" as it is read in Hokkien dialect! Formally translated, it means "Everyone for themselves".

It is not difficult to find most residents staying in public housing flats have their main door closed and locked the moment they get into their home, some even slam their door as if the neighbours have offended them!!!

By closing the door, it cuts off communication and interaction with the neighbours next door. It is a common situation that most residents do not know who their neighbours upstairs and downstairs are. Why? They have never met and interacted even after more than a decade of staying in the same block.

The older generation of Singaporeans who have experienced the "kampung" ( a Malay word for village) lifestyle would remember that those days, every household would have their doors (front and back) open so that their neighbours are welcomed to visit them. That was where the kampung spirit was developed. A lot more examples can be shared. Perhaps, I should leave them till I write a book on this one day... hehehee...

Having said all these, we should not generalise things. There are Singaporeans who are pretty friendly, neighbourly, and helpful. Well, we just wish that there are more of them.