In our “What We Love in CCK” poll conducted earlier this year, many residents shared heartwarming stories about their affection for CCK Town. In this story, we hear from three residents why CCK Town is the home of their hearts.
Teck Whye Lane: A feast for the sense
Yi Han and his fellow volunteers at last year’s Nine Emperor Gods Festival organised by the Tao Bu Keng Temple at Teck Whye Lane. Photo: Heng Yi Han
Heng Yi Han cannot imagine living anywhere else besides CCK estate.
It was in this town that he met the love of his life, Alessia. When Yi Han and Alessia decided to set up their new home, they unanimously chose to live near both their parents in CCK estate.
Yi Han’s favourite place is Teck Whye Lane, where his family, eats, shops and prays. The 35-year-old who works in cyber security regularly volunteers at the Tao Bu Keng Temple, which hosts the well-known annual Nine Emperor Gods Festival.
Yi Han getting the palanquin ready for this year’s Nine Emperor Gods Festival. Photo: Heng Yi Han
A stroll down the lane offers a captivating glimpse of Singapore’s cultural diversity. He said, “On one side of the road are markets, hawker centres, and coffee shops that bustle with life. I enjoy the sounds and sights, delicious smells, and daily activities taking place at the heart of our neighbourhood.”
“On the other side, you find the spiritual serenity of a church, two Chinese temples and a mosque.”
Yi Han, the father of one-year-old Alaric, loves surrounding his young family with the rich tapestry of local traditions and cultures in Teck Whye.
Many hawkers and shopkeepers there know him and his wife, having seen them grow up. “Over the years, we’ve become friends with many of the aunties and uncles in our estate. This sense of belonging and home is special,” said Yi Han.
He adds: “I hope to grow old here.”
Yi Han, Alessia and Alaric praying at Tao Bu Keng Temple where the couple first met. Photo: Heng Yi Han
Find beautiful ‘sakura’ at Tembusu Park
In March, Singapore’s own ‘sakura’ season blooms with trumpet flowers adorning Tembusu Park. Photos: YC Chern
The neighbourhood Tembusu Park is 31-year-old educator YC Chern’s favourite haunt, which she grew up with.
As a toddler, she took her first tricycle ride in this park. As a child, she often played at its playgrounds and carried lanterns with her friends during the annual Mid-Autumn Festival. As a teen, this was where she hung out with her friends and trained for 2.4km fitness runs.
“As an adult, I still go to Tembusu Park. Sometimes, I’ll jog while my parents walk briskly in the park. It’s a lovely place to exercise,” said the Brickland resident.
Besides being a great place to work out and play, the park is also ideal for bonding. Groups of friends can frequently be seen gathering under the pavilions to chat and enjoy a barbecue.
YC noted that the park is being upgraded under the Neighbourhood Renewal Programme and Remaking Our Heartlands effort: “I am glad it is finally receiving a facelift so duly deserved after faithfully serving residents for over 30 years.”
The works, which are expected to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2025, will introduce a new adventure playground, a basketball court, a 400m jogging track and more.
Artist’s impression of the refreshed Tembusu Park.
A town that keeps improving
Unlike Yi Han and YC, who have been residents of CCK Town for decades, housewife Herdawati Hamzah moved into Brickland only in 2016. However, the mother-of-three’s love for CCK Town runs equally deep.
Herdawati moved from Tampines to CCK Town to be near her in-laws in Bukit Batok.
Herdawati’s daughters enjoying a stroll at their neighbourhood park. From left: Hani, 6, Haifa, 3, and Hana, 11. Photo: Herdawati Hamzah
Some of the best features she appreciates are the peace, greenery, and spacious quality of CCK Town.
During the three years she waited for her BTO flat in Brickland, Herdawati, with her husband and baby, travelled to CCK Town once every three to four months to check on the flat’s progress.
Herdawati’s estate when she first moved in in 2016. Photo: Herdawati Hamzah
“It was very exciting to see the flats rise from just two to 18 storeys tall!” said Herdawati, who is in her 30s.
One thing she really loves about CCK Town is how progressive it is. For example, her estate now has a new bus stop with an additional bus service, which makes commuting more convenient.
“There is always something being done to improve our estate. We have new and upgraded linkways, a fresh coat of paint and facilities like The Arena @ Keat Hong, which has huge playgrounds, futsal courts and more. I’m so glad we made CCK Town our home,” she said.
Herdawati’s kids having a great time together – at The Arena @ Keat Hong (top) and in their estate. Photos: Herdawati Hamzah