News Room

Distinguished guests

Ladies and gentlemen

Introduction
       It is my pleasure to be here today at the opening of the International Housing Conference. This is one of the key events marking the 50th anniversary this year of Singapore’s Housing & Development Board, or HDB. May I warmly welcome all delegates, including our distinguished international guests, especially Mr Jan Vapaavuori, the Minister for Housing from Finland; Ms Beatriz Corredor, the Minister for Housing from Spain; Dr Raphael Bostic, Assistant Secretary at the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development; Ms Eva Cheng, the Hong Kong Secretary for Transport & Housing; and Mr David Borger, the Minister for Housing from New South Wales in Australia.

Theme of Conference
2     In this globalised world, we face many common challenges: climate change, migration, demographic shifts, shrinking resources, among others. These changes impact all cities alike, large or small, developed or developing, sooner or later. We are all involved in the business of housing people – whether as policy makers, implementers, analysts, or customers. This conference – “Sustainable Housing: Charting New Frontiers” – seeks to address the issue of housing, from the perspective of different cities, and taking into account the diverse issues confronting us.

3     In Singapore, HDB has been in the business of providing affordable homes for the past 50 years. Principles of sustainable development have underpinned HDB’s approach in discharging its mission to provide public housing, and to develop towns and communities. The conference today is an excellent platform for us to share experiences and exchange ideas on how we can do a better job in housing our people, given the new challenges that we face.

Challenges Faced by Singapore
4     Singapore is a small city, densely populated, with few natural resources and an open economy. Global problems, from the financial crisis to the threat of climate change, cast a large shadow on our small island nation.

5     We are a city-state of close to five million people on a small island with no natural hinterland. We import much of what we consume. All the elements of a functioning state – our homes and offices, factories and power plants, parks, roads, reservoirs, airports – have to be located within these 700 sq km. At the same time, we need to ensure that our people have a clean, green, and comfortable environment to live in.

6     With globalisation and changing demographics, we also see an increasingly affluent population with a growing international outlook and rising expectations. Through immigration, the population is growing and becoming more diverse with different needs. Like many other countries, the society is also ageing.

7     As the public housing authority, HDB’s key task is to find innovative ways to accommodate our people, taking these challenges into account.

8     Today, I will share with you Singapore’s approach to sustainable development, and explain how this is adopted in the area of public housing. I will also illustrate how sustainable development principles have been incorporated into the development of our new housing estates.

Singapore’s Sustainable Development Model
9     Singapore’s overall goal is to grow in an efficient, clean, and green way. We want to develop without squandering resources and causing unnecessary waste. We want to develop without polluting our environment. We want to develop, while preserving greenery, waterways, and our natural heritage.

10     We do this so that future generations of Singaporeans can enjoy both economic growth and a good living environment. The three key guiding principles are first, long-term, integrated planning; second, pragmatism and cost-effectiveness, and third, flexibility.

11     What does this mean? Under our long-term, integrated planning approach, we align our policies – from energy to transport to industry and urban planning – and take a long-term, holistic view of our needs and circumstances.

12     We also adopt a pragmatic and cost-effective approach. We recognise our strengths and weakness. We aim to achieve economic growth without degrading the environment. We strive to do so in the most cost-effective way, recognising that public resources are finite.

13     We need to be nimble and flexible. The task of maintaining economic growth and a good environment is always work-in-progress. We have to remain adaptable, and adjust flexibly to changes in technology and in the global environment. We will invest in building our capabilities today to give us more options to respond to challenges tomorrow.

Sustainable Public Housing in Singapore
14     Through HDB’ public housing programme implemented over the last 50 years, over 80 percent of Singaporeans live in 900,000 HDB flats across the island, with 95 percent of them owning their homes. As the largest housing developer in Singapore, HDB plays a key role in spearheading sustainable development practices.

15     HDB has put in much effort on this front. Our public housing programme focuses not just on providing physical shelter, but also on offering a quality living environment and homes that meet the needs of residents.

16     From the onset, HDB planned and developed homes that are affordable and sustainable, and which promote the building of a cohesive community. HDB’s efforts in public housing may be viewed from three key dimensions of sustainability: environmental sustainability, economic sustainability, and social sustainability. Let me elaborate on each of these aspects.

Environmental Sustainability
17     Environmental concerns have been a major and constant consideration in the design of HDB towns and flats. This was a journey that started from the planning of the very first HDB towns. These towns are planned comprehensively to include major facilities to create a Work-Live-Learn-Play environment meeting the residents’ daily needs. The holistic town planning approach takes into account various considerations.

18     First, the optimisation of land use to overcome the constraint of land scarcity. In Singapore, this translates into high-rise high-density buildings, integrated with lush green areas and landscaping, and a network of open spaces within the town to provide visual and spatial relief.

19     Second, the creation of a work-live-learn-play living environment, guided by the principle of self-sufficiency. Each town contains a comprehensive range of facilities, such as markets, shops, schools and community centres to provide convenience to the resident. It also reduces the need to commute.

20     Third, we have an efficient transportation network integrated into the land-planning framework to optimise our land-use and resource utilisation as a country.

21     Besides town planning at the macro level, HDB also developed green strategies for individual buildings. Design guidelines are developed to take into account Singapore’s tropical climate. For example, the orientation of housing blocks, layout and design of dwelling units will need to maximise cross ventilation and minimise heat gain. The choice of materials, design and construction methods are also carefully considered, as they have major bearings on buildability, resource consumption, and future maintenance requirements.

22     In Singapore, we have a Green Mark Scheme under the Building and Construction Authority. This is a green building rating system, promoting the adoption of green building design and technologies. Under this scheme, buildings are assessed on factors including energy and water efficiency, indoor environmental quality and environmental protection. We have set a target that at least 80 percent of buildings in Singapore should attain Green Mark certification by 2030.

23     The Singapore Government is taking the lead in embracing the green mark standards for all public sector buildings. For its part, HDB is aiming for the Green Mark Platinum standard, the highest green mark rating, for some important public housing projects.

24     Research and development in green building technologies have also helped us to create green, sustainable homes for the future. Through HDB’s Building Research Institute, we undertake R&D on green building technologies and solutions to promote sustainable development in our estates.

Economic Sustainability
25     Let me focus now on economic sustainability. Our Home Ownership Programme must be financially sustainable over the long term, for the Government as well as the flat buyer. In spite of its coverage for over 80% of Singaporeans and the increasing scope of public housing over the years, we have been able to keep our public housing budget within one percent of our GDP. This is achieved by a strong focus on financial prudence and targeted allocation of housing subsidies, with greater help for the lower income.

26     On the other hand, the majority of Singaporeans are able to service their mortgage loans for HDB flats over the long term, due to generous housing subsidies. HDB also provides loans at concessionary interest rates to Singaporeans buying their flats. In fact, most of our flat buyers service their mortgage loans using savings from their Central Provident Fund account, without having to dip into their take-home pay. In addition, HDB offers a wide range of flat types to cater to the various population segments with different budgets.

27     The various housing schemes and policies have ensured that our flats are affordable, within reach of the vast majority of citizens. Through home ownership, Singaporeans have acquired a hedge against inflation and a store of value which they can encash in times of need.

28     By allowing flat owners to share in the nation’s growth through appreciation in value of their flats, the benefits of growth percolate to the lower income groups as well. Therefore, the extensive home ownership in Singapore not only contributes to the social stability of the country, but also creates a virtuous cycle for the economic development of this country.

Social Sustainability
29     Social sustainability is a further key consideration in public housing. One of Singapore’s public housing objectives is to promote rootedness and social integration, set against the broader context of the building of a new nation. Our experience has shown that home ownership generates immense pride and a sense of belonging. Home-owners are more likely to take better care of their flats, sink their roots, and develop strong bonds with their neighbours and neighbourhood. This is really the first step in achieving sustainable communities.

30     We are a multi-ethnic, multi-religious and multi-cultural society, and we recognise that social harmony threads all groups together. One of our most fundamental public housing policies is the Ethnic Integration Policy. Implemented in 1989, the EIP seeks to prevent the formation of racial enclaves by setting the maximum allowable proportion for each ethnic group in every HDB neighbourhood and block. This ensures a balanced mix of residents of different ethnic groups to encourage interaction and foster cohesion. Through the public housing programme, members of Singapore’s diverse society can share common experiences and forge a common identity.

31     Our public housing estates are also designed physically to promote interaction. In the planning of HDB estates, flats of varying sizes are provided within each precinct and block, so that households of different income and social profiles can live and interact.

32     In recent years, we have actively encouraged community involvement in the upgrading of estates and the development of public housing. To promote community bonding and a sense of belonging, HDB solicits public feedback on various policies and programmes. Social ties are also fostered through local events such as community gardening and participation in grassroots events.

The rejuvenation and remaking of our towns
33     As the towns age and the demographic profile changes, rejuvenation becomes important to ensure their long-term sustainability. In this, HDB adopts a two-pronged strategy. First, upgrading. This involves improving the physical conditions of the precinct, the blocks and the interior of the flats to standards comparable to those in newer estates. The upgrading programme enhances the living environment and helps to sustain the value of the flats, without uprooting the residents from their familiar environment and community.

34     Second, redevelopment. This entails redeveloping an existing housing precinct by relocating its residents to a nearby site and demolishing the existing flats. In 1995, we introduced the Selective En bloc Redevelopment Scheme, or SERS, as part of the Government's plan to rejuvenate and intensify development in older estates. Besides replacing old housing with new, the additional housing units developed also facilitates the injection of younger households to a mature estate to rejuvenate the ageing demographic profile.

35     This approach of upgrading and redevelopment has helped to sustain the built environment as well as the communities living within it. It has allowed HDB to regenerate older public housing estates, keep the towns relevant, exciting and vibrant, whilst enabling the community to continue to grow.

36     With nearly one-third of our flats built before the 1980s, there will be more flats reaching the 40 to 50 year age mark within the next decade. Estate renewal has therefore taken on even greater urgency.

37     To enhance the renewal of our towns, HDB launched a major programme in 2007, which we call “Remaking Our Heartlands”. Under this programme, we formulated bold new plans to transform young, middle-aged and mature HDB towns into vibrant homes for Singaporeans. Pilot towns were selected to showcase how such broad remaking efforts could be applied.

38     One of the pilot towns is Punggol – envisioned with attractive waterfront housing along a new waterway. Homes will be developed to be environmentally friendly. And there will be a full slate of commercial and recreational facilities. Together, the strategies and plans will help us realise the vision of Punggol as a “Waterfront Town of the 21st Century”. Let me share some of these exciting new plans for Punggol.

Punggol as an Eco-Town
39     Punggol is a coastal town located at Singapore’s northeast. From its humble beginning as a fishing village in the 19th century, it was developed into an agricultural area in the 20th century, with activities such as poultry and pig farming, as well as rubber and coconut plantations.

40     One of the key developments in our 21st century Punggol vision is a new waterway traversing through the town. The opportunity for a waterway arose from plans to dam up two rivers bordering the town – Sungei Serangoon and Sungei Punggol – to form fresh water reservoirs. Instead of constructing a conventional drain or pipeline to balance the waters at the two new reservoirs, HDB worked with other government agencies and conceptualised a landscaped waterway meandering through Punggol.

41     To realise the concept of new waterfront public housing, we launched an International Housing Design Competition in 2008 to solicit innovative and new design ideas for high-rise public housing along the waterway, and to introduce new concepts and features in line with sustainable development. More than 100 firms participated, half of which were from foreign firms from as far as Spain, the Netherlands, Japan and Hong Kong.

42     HDB is also developing its first Eco-Precinct, named the Treelodge@Punggol. With its eco-friendly features that capitalise on nature and the use of green technologies, the precinct will create a green living environment and raise popular awareness of environment sustainability.

43     Punggol will serve as a 'living laboratory' to test new ideas and technologies in sustainable development, integrating urban solutions to create a green living environment. R&D studies will be conducted to address the diverse expectations and changing aspirations of residents. Urban solutions in the areas of energy, waste and water management will be explored. Eventually, HDB hopes to lower the implementation cost of these solutions and to replicate them across other towns.

Future Challenges
44     Ladies and Gentleman, we recognise that public housing in the 21st century must evolve to meet changing needs. Yet the core mission of HDB remains unchanged: that of providing Singaporeans with affordable quality homes, and building up cohesive communities. And that is a commitment we will keep.

45     But HDB will face increasing challenges due to shifting demographics. This includes an aging population, which may require further innovations in housing policies or building design. In addition, with more new Singapore citizens, greater integration efforts will be required. Rapid globalisation and rising affluence may also prompt other lifestyle changes, and along with it, increased expectations on what public housing can provide.

46     We are also facing the steadily aging profile of HDB flats and towns. There will be an urgent need to upgrade, redevelop and rejuvenate the older estates as the flats age. We also need to minimise the impact of growth on the environment and to use resources efficiently. This will enable Singapore to become one of the most liveable cities in Asia – one which is clean, green, safe and efficient, now and in future.

47     HDB must rise up to meet these challenges and continue its efforts in achieving the three dimensions of environmental, economic and social sustainability. This will contribute to Singapore’s overall quest to provide a green and healthy living environment for our people through careful long-term planning and sound policies.

World Cities Summit
48     Before I end, I would like to highlight an important event for your attention. This year, Singapore will host the second World Cities Summit from 28 to 30 June. The theme for the Summit is “Liveable and Sustainable Cities for the Future.” We will discuss issues of urban leadership and governance, building eco-friendly cities and fostering harmonious and sustainable communities. We expect leaders and policy-makers, mayors, business figures, officials from international organisations and other experts, to come together and identify practical, scaleable and replicable solutions to the challenges faced by cities today.

49     At the Summit, HDB will chair an expert panel session, “Beyond Affordable & Quality Housing: Gracious & Harmonious Living Environments." For this session, experts and industry leaders will discuss how cities can move towards shaping sustainable living environments, where people can live together harmoniously whilst meeting their housing needs.

50     I would like to invite our distinguished delegates to join us again in June to exchange ideas and share innovative urban solutions towards building liveable and sustainable communities across the globe.

Conclusion
51     In conclusion, let me congratulate HDB on its 50th anniversary. In this past half century, HDB has achieved much for Singapore and garnered significant international recognition, including the United Nations Public Service Award. HDB must continue its relentless pursuit of sustainable public housing for Singapore, for the next 50 years and beyond.

52     Meanwhile, I look forward to insightful discussions and a lively exchange of ideas at this conference. I wish all delegates a very fruitful and enriching conference. Thank you.