AlywinCycle is one of the most prominent businesses at Teck Whye Shopping Centre. Selling bicycle parts, servicing bicycles and serving old-school tales and advice, uncle Adam has been in Teck Whye since 1997. AlwinCycle started off as a pet/animal shop back in the day, but pivoted into the bicycle-selling business in the early 2000s, after seeing a gap in the market space.
Over the years, they’ve seen how Teck Whye has grown and blossomed into a neighbourhood that’s filled with diverse businesses and colourful people all around.
“It [Teck Whye Shopping Centre] used to be a very prosperous space for business. It still is, but with the addition of Lot One Shopping Centre, Bukit Panjang Plaza and Hillion nearby, there are more options for people to spend their money elsewhere,” uncle Adam shares.
Amidst the ever-growing need for experiences, especially during and after the pandemic, uncle Adam shared that the need for his services increased ten-fold with many being interested in cycling over time. Apart from the various physical and health benefits that it brings, cycling also provides people with an easy and affordable way to travel through the neighbourhoods, exploring the sights and sounds of Singapore that’s not often advertised.
The Teck Whye Community Experience
Having over 20 years of experience running a business in Teck Whye, uncle Adam has also formed a strong digital presence on social media – utilising platforms like Facebook and TikTok to further their reach to customers from all over Singapore. However, the residents of Teck Whye will always be those close to their hearts.
“I’ve seen many generations of people go through my shop. From the little kids who now have their own families, to older folks bringing their grandchildren – it’s nice to recognise and see their families grow.”
With their shop being located near the entrance of Teck Whye Shopping Centre, AlywinCycle’s gentle presence and friendly personalities have made them one of the most well-known businesses here. Uncle Adam makes it a point to say hello to those who walk past his shop, just as a way to recognise their presence, ultimately creating special relationships with both customers and passersby.
Describing Teck Whye as an ‘Old Folks Area’, uncle Adam reminds us of how fleeting life can be. With a majority of residents here being above 65, he is used to seeing people come and go – just part and parcel of life. Uncle Adam even shared a story of a regular passerby who unfortunately passed in his 30s, only finding out through the deceased’s mother.
As we started this project, we wanted to showcase the best parts of Singapore through its people and places. Singapore is always depicted as a fast-paced business hub, a ‘crazy rich asian’ trope – but honestly, the quietness of a space and the simple pleasures of life is enough for many. Living simply shouldn’t be tied to a negative connotation, even when chasing the rat race may seem like the ‘norm’ for many.
It’s these reminders from uncle Adam that makes us steadfast on wanting to create more content with the people in our friendly neighbourhood.
Business Advice from AlywinCycle
Regular customers frequent AlywinCycle not only for uncle Adam’s expertise, but also for his anecdotes and advice. If you’re looking to start a business, uncle Adam urges you to:
Do the ground work.
Understand the gap of what’s needed in the community, and start a business that caters towards their needs.
Don’t be afraid to keep trying, failing and learning.
Lessons learnt from failing isn’t time wasted.
Ask for help.
People are always willing to help, if you ask for it – nicely, of course!
And that’s the story of AlywinCycle: a small shop with a big heart.What stands out is how deeply rooted they are in the community. They’ve watched families grow, greeted familiar faces for decades, and kept things simple in a neighbourhood that values warmth over hype. It’s proof that your business doesn’t have to be flashy to matter.
So next time you’re walking past AlywinCycle, drop in for a chat! You might leave with a tune‑up, a story or two, and a sense of why places like Teck Whye still feel like home.
Remember to say hello!
#neighbourssayhello #alwincycle #teckwhye #teckwhyeshoppingcentre
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