S’pore must balance the new with the familiar

I concur with Mr David Teh’s views on preserving places of heritage value that hold significant memories for Singaporeans. Progress is not measured merely by the pace of redevelopment. (“Jurong Bird Park holds Singaporeans’ shared memories”; Sept 17)

I have been in Singapore for 12 years and am surprised at the rapidly changing landscape. It is sad to see old buildings, for example, the old National Library at Stamford Road, taken down for new constructions.

In Woodlands, where I live, green patches are being taken up for commercial and private housing projects. Are we moving towards creating a concrete jungle out of this beautiful garden city?

A country must have the right balance between the familiar and the new to instil a sense of belonging in its people. Otherwise, the Singapore we experience as we grow old will be one we are unable to identify with.