One Punggol celebrates first anniversary with time capsule and heritage-inspired LEGO showcase

Marking its first year as a hub for learning, play and community connection, One Punggol celebrates alongside Singapore’s 60th year of independence with a day of reflection and festivity.

From heritage-inspired LEGO builds and a symbolic Time Capsule to cultural performances and family activities, the celebration brings residents together to honour the past and imagine the future.

One Punggol first annivesary

One Punggol (OP), the community hub that has quickly become a cornerstone of civic life in the North-East District, will celebrate its first anniversary on Sunday, 28 September, in conjunction with Singapore’s 60th year of independence (SG60). The day-long event, open to all residents, promises a blend of reflection, celebration, and community bonding that encapsulates both Punggol’s heritage and its vision for the future.

The anniversary celebration will be attended by the four Advisers to Punggol GROs. Mr Gan Kim Yong, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry, will grace the occasion alongside Dr Janil Puthucheary, Senior Minister of State for Sustainability and the Environment and Senior Minister of State for Education. They will be joined by Ms Sun Xueling, Senior Minister of State for Transport and Senior Minister of State for National Development, as well as Ms Yeo Wan Ling, Member of Parliament for Punggol GRC.

Their presence reflects the significance of Punggol’s growth as part of the larger Singapore story, and their participation in the Time Capsule Ceremony will mark the moment as a milestone for the town and its people.

A Community’s Voice Sealed in Time

One Punggol will host a Time Capsule Ceremony that invites invited guests and advisers alike to leave their personal mark on history. Guests will pen down wishes, reflections, or messages for the community, which will be sealed within a specially designed time capsule. This capsule will be opened at a future milestone: potentially in three, five, or even ten years’ time, to reveal a snapshot of the aspirations and hopes of today’s Punggol community.

This activity aims to highlight One Punggol’s role as more than just a building; it is a living repository of shared experiences and collective memory. By weaving together personal reflections with a physical record of the present moment, the time capsule becomes a symbol of continuity between generations.

Honouring the Past, Inspiring the Future

Central to this year’s celebration is a specially commissioned LEGO build that brings to life Punggol’s journey of transformation. The installation features two dioramas, each measuring 120cm by 80cm, that together form a visual narrative of how Punggol has evolved. One panel depicts the kampong days of the past, with traditional zinc-roof homes, wooden fences, lush greenery, chickens roaming freely, and families engaging in simple, communal living. The other captures the modern reality of Punggol – high-rise Housing and Development Board flats overlooking the waterfront, pedestrian-friendly walkways lined with greenery, and vibrant community life that thrives in the heart of Singapore’s youngest town.

These painstakingly detailed LEGO models, built in collaboration with a professional builder, will be unveiled during the celebration and displayed for residents to enjoy.

They offer a striking juxtaposition of past and present, serving as both an educational showcase for children and a sentimental reminder for older generations. More than a static display, the builds aim to spark conversations across age groups about how far Punggol has come, and how its story continues to be written.

LEGO Olden-day Punggol Olden-day Punggol

LEGO Modern-day Punggol Modern-day Punggol

A Day of Performances, Play, and Participation

The plaza at One Punggol will come alive with performances, showcases, and activities designed for all ages. Residents can expect to enjoy a vibrant line-up ranging from cultural showcases such as Chinese opera, Malay folk dance, and Indian music to contemporary expressions including ukulele recitals, vocal ensembles, and storytelling skits about Singapore’s history.

For families and children, interactive playzones, bouncy rides, and old-school board games will recreate the void-deck experiences of yesteryear, while snack redemptions and craft booths add to the festive cheer. Visitors can also engage with the Volunteer Constabulary Service showcase, where traffic police bikes and community policing efforts will be on display.

Activities and Snacks Redemption Trail

To create an even more engaging experience for families, the celebration will feature an Activities and Snacks Redemption trail across One Punggol. Visitors can look forward to classic treats such as popcorn, kacang puteh and candy floss, as well as all-day balloon sculpting and face painting for children.

Complementing this is the Finn Plush Redemption activity, where participants can embark on a light-hearted discovery walk across various One Punggol locations. By completing simple activities and snapping photos at designated spots, residents will be able to redeem an exclusive Finn plush – a cheerful keepsake that captures the festive spirit of the day.

“Spend and Redeem” Activity

Adding to the festive atmosphere, visitors will also be able to take part in a special “Spend & Redeem” activity. With a minimum spend of $6 at participating outlets, shoppers can redeem a do-it-yourself canvas tote bag and personalise it with over 30 unique stamp designs, many inspired by Singapore and Punggol icons. This creative activity offers families and individuals a fun way to bring home a keepsake that reflects their pride in the community, while also supporting local businesses within the hub.

A Celebration Strengthened by Community Partnerships

The celebration is made possible through the support of a wide range of partners, including One Punggol Community Club, One Punggol Active Ageing Centre, the Bloodbank, the Land Transport Authority, the Singapore Institute of Technology, the National Library Board, the National Heritage Board, the Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Volunteer Special Constabulary, SoDrama Entertainment, Allswell, Skool4kidz, Chin Li Flute Ensemble, and the National Archives of Singapore. Together, these organisations underscore the collective spirit of collaboration that has characterised One Punggol’s first year.

A Hub of Belonging and Identity

Since opening its doors in 2024, One Punggol has positioned itself as a space for residents to learn, play, and connect. From its community club and hawker centre to its active ageing programmes and family services, OP has become both a literal and symbolic gathering place for the town. Its anniversary, therefore, is not only a marker of institutional achievement but also a reflection of the community’s own growth, resilience, and unity.

As Punggol steps into the next chapter of its development, with new infrastructure, expanding transport networks and deepening community ties, One Punggol remains at the centre of this evolving story. The first anniversary, held in tandem with Singapore’s 60th birthday, reaffirms its role as a place where heritage and modernity converge, and where residents are empowered to shape the future together.

All programmes are free to attend unless otherwise stated, and weekly updates are available via @OnePunggol. Programme schedules are subject to change.

*All information is correct at the time of dissemination and may be subject to change without notice

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