A new Instagram account showcases the unique quirks and candid complaints of life in Singapore.
The Instagram account @publicnoticesg, launched in 2011 by photographer and creative director Kevin WY Lee, began as a passion project where he documented literal signs found around Singapore. The notices often convey complaints or warnings, articulated in perfect Singlish, with a tone that is both passive-aggressive and sincerely earnest—much like the Singaporeans who post them.
These public notices serve as a means of communication that blends the need to address poor behavior with a uniquely Asian sense of “paiseh” (shame). A single notice on a wall may lack impact, but when gathered collectively, they create a visual tapestry that captures the authentic Singaporean experience, particularly through the nation’s favorite pastime: complaining.
Pettiness Made Accessible Kevin notes that the project has gained momentum, now boasting over 17,000 followers. “It grew organically. If you have at least half a decent idea and persist in producing consistently, it’ll find an audience eventually,” he explains.
The account resonates with the public’s sardonic sense of humor, providing comic relief through relatable complaints. For example, one note states, “Do not renovate or drill on weekends. It is against the law. Your mother needs to sleep; other people need to sleep too.” Placed prominently in a lift lobby, it combines anonymity with a healthy dose of public shaming—an essential aspect of Singaporean culture.
Embracing Singaporean Quirks Kevin receives an average of 50 submissions each week, which are curated for the account. Compared to other Instagram accounts that document mundane aspects of life in Singapore, @publicnoticesg stands out due to the enthusiastic contributions from the public. This phenomenon offers an ironic acceptance of local flaws and quirks, encapsulated on sheets of paper.
Messages often range from humorous to absurd, like, “Please not dog urine here. Very slippery,” or a sign advising against lighting joss sticks or candles in the lift, accompanied by a photo of the offender. “Would you STOP clapping your hands early in the morning?” pleads another post-it note.
These signs reflect a unique Singaporean identity—melodramatic yet rooted in a polished and polite society. “If the signs were from other countries, they wouldn’t be as interesting,” Kevin muses.
Expressing Love for Singapore On a ‘Government Service’ envelope taped to a wall, someone wrote, “Urine Again. I call police,” efficiently addressing a serial public urinator. This succinct warning exemplifies the practicality and urgency ingrained in Singaporean life, where efficiency is paramount.
The informal tone and grammatical liberties taken in these notices endear them to the public. These candid messages act as a voice for residents navigating the complexities of daily life in Singapore. Kevin believes that the account serves as a historical archive, allowing viewers to draw their own interpretations from it, whether it be regarding lost pets or the social fabric of the nation.
As @publicnoticesg grows within the landscape of Singapore-related Instagram accounts, it fosters a community filled with inside jokes and sharp quips that only locals would understand.
Ultimately, this project illustrates that acknowledging a country’s flaws can be as profound an expression of love as celebrating its successes. Complaints about Singapore often invoke retorts like, “If you don’t like it here, then move out.” However, loving one’s country might also mean having the courage to confront its shortcomings head-on. What started as a collection of signs has evolved into a deep reflection of the Singaporean psyche—a candid exploration of life in a city that, while manicured, is very much alive and imperfect.
