In Singapore, Every Problem Has a Campaign

Singapore is probably the only country in the world that believes every national problem can be solved with a campaign.

Other countries debate policies.

We print posters.

Over the years we have had some legendary ones.

First there was Stop at Two.
Then many years later we had Please Have Three or More.

Same country.
Just different mood.

We had the Courtesy Campaign.
Because apparently smiling at strangers needed government support.

We had the Speak Mandarin Campaign.

Then later people realised the children cannot speak dialect to their grandparents anymore.

We had the Keep Singapore Clean Campaign.
Which worked very well because the fine is also very clean and effective.

We had “National Steps Challenge.”
Because apparently Singaporeans need encouragement to walk from the sofa to the fridge without calling a Grab.

Then came the Tray Return Campaign.
Which means after eating chicken rice, you must return the tray like you are checking in luggage at Changi Airport.

Honestly, campaigns are part of Singapore culture.

Other countries have national slogans.

We have national reminders.

Which makes me think we should prepare a few new campaigns for the future.

The “Stand Left, Walk Right” Campaign
Because every morning someone stands on the right side and causes a small traffic jam.

The “Chope With Moderation” Campaign
One tissue packet should not reserve an entire table for six people.

The “Stop Pressing Lift Button 20 Times” Campaign
Pressing it harder does not make the lift come faster.

The “Let People Exit MRT First” Campaign
A revolutionary concept currently under testing.

The “Return Shopping Trolleys From Your HDB Lift Lobby” Campaign

If something doesn’t work,

the solution is very simple.

More campaigns.

And if those don't work, we'll make it a law.