More than 430 people from the private sector, schools and community groups attended the inaugural Keep Singapore Clean Conference.

Held on Saturday, the conference was organised by the Public Hygiene Council in support of the Keep Singapore Clean Movement, and was supported by the Singapore Kindness Movement.

Five speakers shared on the impact of public hygiene habits on health and the environment, and how comunity volunteers can encourage others to keep public spaces clean.

Participants then had a "Clean Conversation" with invited panellists on how to keep the environment clean. The suggestions raised can be found on the council's website at www.publichygienecouncil.sg. The event ended with all participants taking the Keep Singapore Clean Pledge where they promised to, be considerate, lead by example and advocate for good behaviour.

Dr William Wan, General Secretary of the Singapore Kindness Movement, said: "Singapore can be like Japan in terms of keeping Singapore clean, green and beautiful although we do not have the same centuries-old culture." He added that the Republic had the "kampong spirit" of consideration for others, and this resulted in its people looking out for each other by caring and sharing.