A Guide to Singapore’s Acronyms

Singaporeans love their acronyms. One can hardly get through a single day without encountering at least one acronym.

If you drive to work, you would have passed through the ERP (Electronic Road Pricing) gantry, and probably had to take the PIE (Pan-island Expressway) or the AYE (Ayer Rajah Expressway). If you took public transport, you would have taken an SBS (Singapore Bus Service) bus, or the MRT (Mass Rapid Transit).

Almost every aspect of daily life is inundated with acronyms, from housing to transport to food and shopping. If you are new to Singapore, these acronyms will no doubt be confusing at first, but fret not, because we have compiled a guide to common acronyms in Singapore you might come across.

In no time, you will know that the PUB is not your weekend watering hole, and the PIE cannot actually be eaten. Ready? Let’s go.

AMK is for Ang Mo Kio, one of the housing estates located in the north-east region of Singapore.

Usage: Hey Ben, have you heard of the really good chicken rice stall at AMK?

BKE is for Bukit Timah Expressway, a highway in Singapore that starts at the Pan Island Expressway in Bukit Timah and travels north to the Woodlands Checkpoint and the Johor–Singapore Causeway.

Usage: If you intend to go on a weekend trip to Johor Bahru, you need to take the BKE.

CBD stands for Central Business District, which is the main commercial and business area in Singapore (but you already knew that, right?)

COE is short for Certificate of Entitlement, a license which is necessary if you intend to own and use a car in Singapore.

Usage: Wow COE prices have dropped recently! Now you can get that car you have been eyeing!

ECP is the acronym for East Coast Parkway, an expressway that runs along the southeast coast of Singapore. The ECP also links to Changi Airport, and was built on reclaimed land.

HDB stands for Housing & Development Board, the statutory board that is in charge for all public housing in Singapore. HDB flats are popular rental choices for many expats due to their relatively lower rental prices.

Usage: If you are just looking for a place to stay, and do not mind not having a gym or swimming pool, then an HDB flat or room will be perfect for you.

LOI is the acronym for Letter of Intent, which is the letter given to your potential landlord to show your intention of renting a property.

Usage: If you are quite sure that you want to rent this place, you should give a LOI to the landlord, together with a Good Faith deposit.

MBFC is short for Marina Bay Financial Centre, which is a mixed-use development located at Marina Bay. The MBFC is where the head offices of major and international banks are located as well, and one of the core financial areas of Singapore.

NDP is short for National Day Parade, which is celebrated on the 9^th of August every year. The NDP is the event of the year for many Singaporeans, and the whole island will see housing blocks decked in the national flag. An integral part of the NDP is also the fireworks segment, which can be seen from nearby housing estates as well.

PUB stands for Public Utilities Board, the board that is in charge of ensuring a sustainable and efficient water supply. If you are renting a place and need to turn on the water supply, PUB is the one to contact. Click here to apply.