The “My Endearing Home” exhibition, which began at Marina Square earlier this year, was the result of URA’s effort to showcase and share its plans with Singaporeans by bringing them closer to their homes. Through the exhibition, visitors were encouraged to rediscover Singapore and to enjoy the leisure destinations we have, some of which have been revitalised, such as Changi Point and the Singapore River. At the same time, new plans for Singapore were also highlighted, whetting the public’s appetite for tomorrow’s exciting live-work-play destinations, such as Marina Bay and the Jurong Lake District.
The launch of the exhibition on 16 May 2009 kicked off the Ministry of National Development’s “My New Singapore” programme, which focused public attention on the various developments which the country could expect in the coming years. In his speech, the Guest of Honour, Minister for National Development Mr Mah Bow Tan, paid tribute to Singapore’s 50 years of self-government. He observed that Singapore’s physical landscape had been transformed radically in those 50 years, during which squatter colonies were cleared, rivers were cleaned up, and the city was greened. Today, Singapore has become one of the most liveable cities in the world.
50 years from now, Mr Mah noted, there would be no reason why Singapore could not become even better. In the years to come, not only will there be new growth areas like Marina Bay and the Jurong Lake District, but also new leisure destinations. HDB estates will be rejuvenated and new life will be breathed into downtown areas like Marina Centre and Orchard Road.
The My Endearing Home exhibition provided a glimpse of what Singaporeans could expect, and how Master Plan 2008’s vision would be carried out. As the master planner for Singapore, URA guides the physical development of Singapore with comprehensive, forward-looking and integrated planning through the Concept and Master Plans. Master Plan 2008 envisioned Singapore as a home of choice, a magnet for business, an exciting playground and ultimately, a home to cherish.
Like a sequel to Master Plan 2008, the exhibition reminded visitors that Singapore has a rich architectural heritage that has been conserved for generations to come. These shophouses and historical buildings act as physical markers of our landscape even as the rest of the island continues to develop. In addition to showcasing the numerous island-wide leisure options, the exhibition also informed visitors about the green spaces and the park connectors that will join up all parks in Singapore into a green network.
Visitors were able to check out the attractions and the future plans for their respective regions. For instance, apart from learning about Marina Bay and the Jurong Lake District, residents in the east who visited the exhibition at Parkway Parade learnt more about the plans for the fourth university as well as the upcoming Tampines EcoPark and Paya Lebar Central, a new commercial hub.
The My Endearing Home exhibition at Marina Square was staged over four days. In the end, a total of 10,000 visitors had passed through it, excited about what was in store for Singapore. The new growth areas of Marina Bay and Jurong Lake District attracted the most attention, with visitors drawn to the impressive scale models of these districts, which helped them to visualise how the districts would look when fully developed.
Many were curious and lapped up the nuggets of information on the panels, and posed questions to URA staff manning the exhibition. There were also several visitors who tried the hands–on games and activities scattered throughout the exhibition, such as the “Bicycle Wheel of Fortune” and the children’s games. Before leaving, many took instant photographs and left their handwritten messages on the testimonial wall, affirming that the exhibition was a good way to reach out to the community.
After the first stop at Marina Square, the exhibition travelled to the HDB Hub, Causeway Point, VivoCity, IMM, and Compass Point, before reach its final stop at Parkway Parade in August 2009. Regardless of where one lives, the My Endearing Home exhibition brought the news of Singapore’s past, present and future right to the heartlands, informing and inspiring all who were able to attend.
Rediscover Singapore
Besides hitting the streets to shop or catch a movie on a Friday night, there is actually a lot more to do in Singapore. Green spaces, sporting fun, quaint charming villages are all easily available, if we know where to find them. Thanks to the second edition of the “Rediscover Singapore” guide, commissioned in conjunction with the Leisure Plan under the Master Plan 2008, we now have a unique explorer's guide to various interesting nooks and crannies around Singapore. The guide spells out what to eat, see, do, buy and experience in all the places special to Singaporeans.
Historic Katong, rustic Lim Chu Kang farms, and downtown Singapore are all featured. At the same time, the guide also features some of URA's future plans under the island-wide Leisure Plan for these places as part of our quest to uncover the many recreational destinations that Singaporeans can be reintroduced to. There’s really something for everyone. So, what are you waiting for? Go on, and Rediscover Singapore!
