Suggestions to enhance commonality and identity of Chinatown

In my opinion, enhancing sense of commonality would affect the identity of Chinatown as common space is a contradiction to the identity of having mainly Chinese in Chinatown. However, as common space is important for the country, it cannot be excluded from Chinatown. There is quite a lot of common space in Chinatown currently hence I do not think anymore should be created but more efforts should be put to develop the current ones so as to facilitate a much more effective interation. At the same time, the identity of Chinatown can be further preserved as well by bringing in elements of the old chinatown etc. 


Most stallholders have reflected that there are no activities going on or at least most of them have not heard of any. According to a Chinese antique shopkeeper, there is not much efforts by the government to promote multi-cultural activities. Hence, suggestions to have an effective common space would be to organise more events that allow the participant of all races for example a cooking competition. Flyers and brochures can be given out to all stallholders and residents living in Chinatown to inform them of the events and encourage them to participate by perharps including attractive prizes to be won. 

coffee shop 

Coffee shops can also include a wider and larger variety of food catered to all races like chicken rice (Chinese), Nasi Lemak (Malay), Roti Prata (Indian). Shopping centres can sell Malay and Indian clothings and accessories as well.  


As for ways to enhance the identity of Chinatown, authentic Chinese arts such as Chinese calligraphy, dancing, drama and martial arts can be displayed along the streets or in museum or theatre for showcasing. Bullock carts and trishaws can be placed along the streets for display as well. More street stalls and night markets should be set up as well to liven up Chinatown.