Author Robin Low criticizes claims that $500K HDB flats are affordable, urging more empathy towards current housing struggles.
SINGAPORE — Author and social innovator Robin Low recently voiced his concerns regarding Singapore’s public housing crisis, taking to social media to express his frustration. In a post on Thursday (Feb 9), he urged the public to stop claiming that $500K HDB flats are affordable, calling it a form of gaslighting.
Mr. Low shared a critical view on the narrative surrounding affordable housing, especially when people boast about their past struggles. He cited a widely circulated quote where an individual reminisced about working tirelessly to succeed, owning properties across the globe, and suggesting that anyone could do the same with hard work. Mr. Low countered this by asking, “If your father had passed away when you were 15 and you were forced to work 16 hours a day, could you afford an HDB flat today? Are these flats really affordable?”
The social media post was shared in an online group focused on Singapore’s opposition, where it gained traction. Many echoed Mr. Low’s sentiments in the comments, sharing their own concerns about the housing situation. One commenter expressed worry over the future of their children, questioning whether they would even be able to afford a 2-room flat. Another pointed out the drastic difference in housing affordability now compared to the past, where hard work allowed a contractor to buy several properties, whereas today, wages, living costs, and property prices have become unsustainable for many.
