Local charity installs free WiFi at Ang Mo Kio HDB void deck to help low-income community

This is a pilot program meant to bridge the digital divide in Singapore.

Jason Fan| August 20, 2020, 05:14 PM

(Editor's note: We were informed that Bridge the Digital Divide is not the main organiser of this project, but a corporate partner instead. We have made the necessary edits.)

Residents in select blocks at Kebun Baru will now enjoy free WiFi at their void deck, thanks to a pilot programme called Kebun Baru WiFi project.

The project was launched by Beyond Social Services, a local charity, with the support of Kebun Baru MP Henry Kwek, and led by Rebecca Chiu, a volunteer with Beyond.

Pilot program beginning with two blocks

According to Beyond, this is a pilot program meant to bridge the digital divide in Singapore.

The programme aims to provide access to the internet for the low-income community in Singapore, particularly those living in rental HDB flats.

It will start with the void decks at Blocks 244 and 245 at Ang Mo Kio Avenue 3, in order to tie in with Kwek's plan for developing a study corner at the void deck of Block 245.

Image via Bridge The Digital Divide/FB.

"Covid-19 has made digital inclusiveness an even more urgent task. On behalf of our families in Kebun Baru, I would like to thank Rebecca, Beyond Social Services, and the various sponsors for making this happen. We are making a good start with Block 245. I'm determined to find a way to do so for more rental blocks within Kebun Baru," said Kwek.

As of Aug. 19, 2020, the void deck at Block 245 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 3 is the first to be equipped with free WiFi.

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Top image via Bridge The Digital Divide/FB.