Adeline Tay, a 26-year-old resident of Tanglin Halt, has been confronting a challenging situation as her estate undergoes the Selective En bloc Redevelopment Scheme (SERS). Faced with a lift lobby cluttered with trash and debris left by residents preparing to vacate, Tay decided to take matters into her own hands by cleaning up the mess herself.
Instead of merely complaining, Tay grabbed a broom and began tidying up the lift lobby, which she noted posed a safety risk for the elderly residents in the area. In a heartwarming TikTok video shared on May 4, Tay showcased her efforts, quickly capturing the attention of viewers with over 70,000 views at the time of writing.
The SERS initiative is part of the Housing and Development Board’s (HDB) efforts to rejuvenate older housing estates in Singapore. However, the clutter left behind—plastic bags, old furniture, and a particularly concerning pile of shattered glass—prompted Tay to take immediate action. “We live in an estate where there are a lot of elderly, so this is not safe,” she explained in her video. She also expressed concern for the welfare of local pets, stating, “I wanted to contain the glass.”
During her cleanup, Tay discovered a pail among the trash and used it to collect the broken glass. While she acknowledged that professional cleaners would come to address the situation the following morning, she felt it was important to help in any way she could. “It’s nice to help out a little, as they have been working really hard,” she noted.
Tay emphasized her desire to raise awareness about proper waste disposal through her video. “Normally, I wouldn’t film myself cleaning, but I thought it was essential to use this platform to highlight the issue,” she said. Additionally, she expressed gratitude for her supportive neighbors and her wish to foster a sense of community.
The video resonated with many netizens, who praised Tay’s selfless actions in the comments. One user remarked, “You have a heart of gold,” while another pointed out her kindness and consideration for others.
Tay is no stranger to addressing important topics on her TikTok account; she previously opened up about her experience with alopecia, engaging with her audience on the medical condition.
AsiaOne has reached out to Tay for more details about her recent initiative and future plans. Her story serves as a reminder of the impact one individual can make in their community, inspiring others to take action in the face of challenges.