Meet the Volunteer Bringing Back the Kampung Spirit in Geylang East
Every second Monday of the month, Sumiyati Kartosumito gathers with familiar faces and new friends at the public garden on Level 2 of Block 63 Sims Place – bonding over hearty conversations and plates of home-cooked Malay fare she lovingly prepares herself.
This warm spirit of connection is at the heart of Kumpul Kumpul Kopi (“Gathering over Coffee” in Malay), a ground-up initiative co-created by MWS Active Ageing Centre – GreenTops@Sims Place (GTAAC) and volunteers like Sumiyati to strengthen neighbourly bonds within the Malay community in Geylang East.
Held just one floor above the Centre, the monthly gathering offers Malay seniors an afternoon of camaraderie, games and culture – from teka-teki (riddles) and chair exercises to sing-alongs of cherished classics like Dayung Sampan. The highlight? A mouth-watering spread of traditional Malay fare like lontong, nasi lemak, and mee soto.
“I want to bring the Malays in this community together,” shared Sumiyati, a 69-year-old retiree and former chef who co-leads the initiative, going door to door with other volunteers to personally invite their neighbours. “There aren’t many Malays living in this neighbourhood, so it’s important we look out for one another.”
Launched in September 2024 with just 17 participants, Kumpul Kumpul Kopi now draws a lively crowd of 30 seniors each month. “Everyone enjoys themselves during the sessions,” said Sumiyati. “The Malay community here feels more close-knit now. It makes me happy to see everyone coming together – it really feels like kampung spirit.”
Among the regulars is 66-year-old Jamil Abdullah, who calls Kumpul Kumpul Kopi his favourite programme at the AAC. “It reminds me of the kampung spirit during my childhood in Geylang Serai, where people would gather outdoors to chat and share food,” he shared.
After retiring from his sales job in 2023 due to health issues, Jamil – who is divorced and wheelchair-bound – found himself increasingly isolated. When MWS staff visited him in June 2024, Jamil shared that he felt too weak to get out of bed and was in pain. A house doctor diagnosed the cause as poor diet and lack of physical activity and recommended regular exercise. With encouragement from MWS staff, Jamil began joining strengthening and boccia sessions at MWS GTAAC which has improved his mobility. Meanwhile, programmes like Kumpul Kumpul Kopi help him to stay social and engaged. “I feel happier coming here instead of just lying in bed all day watching TV,” he said. “I’ve made new friends too.”
Beyond building bonds, Kumpul Kumpul Kopi reflects the AAC’s commitment to offering inclusive, culturally relevant programmes that celebrate Singapore’s diversity. It ensures that minority groups have access to activities that resonate with their culture and preferences, fostering a sense of belonging. Since its launch, the initiative has also encouraged more Malay seniors to join the AAC’s other programmes, strengthening community ties even further.
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