These days, Singapore welcomes more and more foreigners to live, work and contribute to our economy. Unlike in the past, when foreigners put themselves up in upmarket apartments away from the average Singaporean, these days, most live in HDB flats like most Singaporeans.

Most of these new friends come from less developed countries, and their habits, such as spitting and making a lot of noise, although perfectly normal in their countries of origin, may upset their neighbours, and affect integration.

Therefore, it is important to share with our new friends the etiquette of living in public housing on a small piece of densely populated land.

A long time ago, when our grandparents moved from pig farms to HDB flats, there were problems with neighbours, such as dripping wet laundry and loud TV volume. Things have improved with the education of the younger generation and these days, HDB flats can be as pleasant to live in as private apartments.

However, with the influx of foreigners into HDB flats, the problems we have socially may outweigh the progress we make economically.

I am not saying Singaporeans are perfect. But perhaps it is timely to educate everyone on civil behaviour, to complement the money spent on improving the physical attractiveness of our public housing.

Kuah Kar Yoke (Ms)