My Neighbourhood: Singapore

Navigating communities has always been a huge part of Kai Sotto’s life. Growing up as a third-generation Chinese-Filipino, he moved to Canada as a teenager before settling in Singapore eight years ago. There, as one of Facebook’s first employees, he helped to expand the platform to more than a billion people, later joining Instagram to develop its community strategy. ‘While technology has allowed us to scale the ways in which we connect with each other, the definition of community hasn’t really changed,’ he says.

Four years ago, Sotto launched People & Company, with partners Bailey Richardson and Kevin Huynh, in an effort to break down the fundamentals of creating communities. This culminated in the publication of Get Together: How To Build A Community With Your People, in what he calls ‘a cookbook of ingredients and steps’ to creating a community for yourself.

Much like Sotto himself, Singapore is a mishmash of different cultures. He calls Jalan Besar home – a place that’s bypassed the gaze of developers to retain its family businesses and charming, low-rise character. Read on for Sotto’s guide to his neighbourhood.

‘Housed in an old hardware store, this cafe is a pioneer of third-wave coffee in Singapore. It’s also a beautiful spot for a sunset drink in its magical courtyard and my go-to venue when I’m getting a group of people together for an event.’

‘This is the best char siu roast pork on the island. I order the distinctly Singaporean wonton noodles from the neighbouring stall to pair with it. It’s usually served dry with a sweet sauce topped with chilli, and is different from anywhere else.’ 

‘Away from the expat-centric gyms, Fire City is run by one of the best fitness coaches in Singapore, Samuel Lim (aka Uncle Sam). It’s a no-frills gym where locals go to do gruelling workouts, before hitting the nearby hawker centre for a bite.’a

‘I come here for authentic, no-fuss and affordable Thai street food for lunch. Don’t leave without ordering the pad thai and green curry.’

‘The only 24-hour Tibetan temple in Singapore, swing by to worship, learn about Buddhism or take in the calming atmosphere within. It also contains one of the largest collections of mantra wheels in Singapore.’

 

‘Across the main road in Jalan Besar is the Kallang River. If you follow the riverbank fora walk or a run, you’ll end up down by Marina Bay sooner than you’d expect.’

‘An old drugstore that was turned into a craft-beer pub, the interior retains the original tiles and styling elements of the colonial-era building.’

‘It’s always fun to show up in the evening at this sports complex to watch one of the local track-and-field or football tournaments. There’s also an Olympic-sized public pool.’

‘Community centres are Singapore’s version of town halls, where people hang out with each other. As a photographer and expat, I often go to see a true slice of Singaporean life beyond the malls and affluence that has characterised its recent history.’