(From left) Kim Siew, Ng, Axcel International School chief education officer and co-founder Wynce Low and Jen Uyin having a chat at the upgraded outdoor library. — Photos: CHAN TAK KONG/The Star
COMMUNITY involvement and mutual collaboration are key to successful placemaking projects, says Kinrara assemblyman Ng Sze Han.
“Partnerships between the government and community are crucial to the success and sustainability of such initiatives.
“The people may not appreciate the outcome of certain projects if they are done by the government alone.
“By working together, we can also reduce costs and create spaces that truly benefit the community,” he said.
Ng, who is Selangor investment, trade and mobility committee chairman, said this after launching an upgraded outdoor library in Taman Wawasan Recreational Park, Puchong.
The upgraded library, which was fully sponsored by Axcel International School in Puchong, was designed to expand on the existing facility’s capacity while safeguarding its collection from the weather.
The idea for the library came from retired headmaster Lee Kim Siew, who wanted to foster a culture of reading within the community and parkgoers.
Ng also highlighted the potential of underutilised public spaces, such as areas beneath flyovers.
While acknowledging the need for safety and accessibility considerations, he emphasised the importance of maximising the use of these spaces to prevent them from becoming eyesores.
Students from Axcel International School planting trees and sprucing up the grounds outside the library.
“We can draw inspiration from international examples, such as the outdoor gyms beneath flyovers in South Korea.
“Selangor still has a lot of underutilised public spaces that could be transformed into vibrant community hubs,” he said.
Subang Jaya City councillor Lee Jen Uyin, who was also present at the launch, urged the public to contact her team if they wished to propose any placemaking ideas in Taman Wawasan Recreational Park.
