As a resident affected by the Ang Mo Kio SERS (Selective En bloc Redevelopment Scheme), watching the new BTO blocks rise-now just waiting for the final “lego” unit to complete the stacks-brings a mix of emotions and reflections.
There’s a sense of inevitability as the construction cranes piece together the future that’s been decided for us. On one hand, I recognize the privilege and opportunity that SERS brings: a chance to move into a brand-new flat, with a fresh 99-year lease, still within Ang Mo Kio, keeping community ties largely intact. The compensation, removal allowance, and rehousing benefits help cushion the transition, and for some, it does feel like “winning the HDB lottery”.
But the reality is more complicated. Many of us have lived in our old blocks for decades-some since they were built in 1979. Our flats were spacious, familiar, and filled with memories. The prospect of moving, especially for seniors, is daunting. The new flats, while modern, often feel smaller, and the cost of renovations, new furniture, and even the move itself can add up, sometimes exceeding the compensation received. There’s also the emotional toll: being compelled to leave a place that’s been home for so long is never easy, and no amount of money can fully replace that sense of belonging.
The process itself hasn’t been without its frustrations. While we were offered priority for up to 10% of the nearby Central Weave @ AMK BTO units, competition is stiff, and not everyone will get their preferred flat. Some residents worry about losing their chance at the designated replacement site if they’re unsuccessful in the BTO ballot. The options for shorter leases or alternative locations, while helpful for some, don’t suit everyone-especially those who want to age in place or stay close to familiar amenities and friends.
As the final pieces of the new blocks are put in place, I can’t help but feel a bittersweet mix of anticipation and loss. There’s hope for a fresh start, but also a quiet mourning for the home and community we’re leaving behind. SERS is meant to renew estates and improve lives, but for many of us, it’s a reminder that progress often comes with trade-offs-some visible in the skyline, others felt only in the heart.