SINGAPORE: A DISTINCTIVE GLOBAL CITY

1 When Prime Minister Lee launched URA’s Shaping Singapore exhibition last December, he talked about developing the X factor for Singapore. Since then, it has sparked lively discussion in the media and the profession. What is this elusive element? Does Singapore have it? If not, how can we achieve it?

2 Building up our X factor is integral to our making Singapore a global city of distinction. It is not just about becoming a more beautiful and vibrant city. In this age of intense global competition, it is also about attracting talent, tourists and investments. The issue is not WHETHER we can make it. We HAVE to make it, or we will become irrelevant. The issue is HOW we are going to make it.

The journey so far: where we are today

3 Making Singapore a global city is not a new initiative. Neither is it a passing fad. It is a process that began some 30 years ago, when we embarked on comprehensive urban planning and redevelopment to create a modern city-state. Singapore’s growth and evolution as a city is testimony to the success of this effort.

4 We have already achieved a certain level of distinction. Our excellent physical infrastructure and communication linkages, an educated population, our cultural diversity and cosmopolitan society-- these are attributes that put us in good stead to become a global city. They have been painstakingly nurtured through careful urban planning, sound policies, and time-tested principles of openness, meritocracy and integrity. They are the fruits of the labours of a hardworking and pragmatic people.

5 Today, Singapore is a thriving metropolis. The city centre flourishes with life and colour. Orchard Road has earned a name for being a premier shopping and entertainment belt, bustling with shoppers, events and activities. Singapore River is lined with a variety of entertainment and dining options housed in charming shophouses, with our impressive skyline as backdrop. The Civic District, historical seat of the government, is home to conserved buildings and monuments, many of which now house arts and cultural facilities. Soon, the City Hall and Supreme Court will be converted to a world-class art gallery showcasing Southeast Asian works. Together with Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay, they will put Singapore on the global arts map.

The journey continues: where we are heading

6 We have come a long way from the days when Singapore was a crowded, colonial outpost. But, the process of making a global city is a continuous journey, and one that is especially challenging for a small city-state like Singapore. Great cities of the world like London, Paris, Sydney, Tokyo, have been built over centuries. History is not on our side. Neither do we have the luxury of time to evolve slowly. We have revitalised various parts of Singapore in double quick time, for example, Singapore River, and Tanjong Rhu.

7 We need to do more. We cannot stand still. We need to constantly build on our strengths and create new ones to distinguish ourselves. Even established world cities like New York and London are constantly remaking and reinventing themselves. In this world where competition is not regional but global, Singapore needs to work doubly hard to do the same.

How to get there – hardware development

8 The issue is “how”. The way forward is to nurture both the hardware and software in Singapore’s development. The Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA), with other agencies, will continue to develop key strategic areas in the city. One such area is the Downtown at Marina Bay, which will be a 24/7, live-work-play city, a city in the gardens. Another is the rejuvenation of Orchard Road, for which a package of measures has been announced recently.

9 The Bras/Basah-Bugis area will be see a vibrant and eclectic mix of arts, cultural and community activities. Singaporeans can also look forward to new recreational facilities such as the recently completed tree-top walk at the Central Water Catchment and the bridges at the Southern Ridges.

10 Another element of a distinctive city is innovative, cutting-edge architecture and urban design. In recent years, many cities around the world have looked to design excellence to create a unique identity and branding for themselves. The so-called Bilbao effect has been well documented. There are the sceptics and cynics, including among architects. But there is no doubt that properly applied, it has been immensely successful and beneficial to the community. Apart from the aesthetics, innovative design generates a creative buzz and excitement which in turn attracts investment, talents and tourists. In the next stage of our physical development, we need to pay more attention to architecture and urban design excellence.

>>back to top

Urban design programme open for application today with new website

11 I announced in Parliament last month that URA will kickstart a $3-million Architecture + Urban Design (A+UD) Promotion Programme this year. URA will co-fund up to 50% of the total expenditure of urban design promotion activities by the private sector. The A+UD Promotion Programme is open for application from today. I sincerely hope that design professionals in Singapore will work with URA to foster an active design culture among designers, promote local creative talent, and educate the public on architecture and urban design issues.

12 But architecture and urban design excellence does not mean filling our city with iconic and fanciful buildings alone. We should aim towards having more landmark buildings in Singapore at key sites. Singapore is our home. Like house-proud homeowners, we want to beautify our homes with some outstanding art pieces, well-landscaped gardens and special spaces in different parts of the house.

13 However, we need to resist behaving like the typical nouveau riche who, when they finally own their own dream house, are eager to flaunt it. The last thing we want to do is to emphasise ostentatious display and impractical functionality in buildings. Architecture and urban design excellence is about the pursuit of quality developments and facilities that are not only aesthetically pleasing, but also add value to the community and provide good value for money in the long run. These include quality buildings, a distinctive skyline, user-friendly and comfortable public spaces, accessible and pleasant waterfronts, parks and roadside greenery, excellent infrastructure, and well-connected pedestrian networks. Each of these developments, designed and built with flair and quality, will cumulatively create a quality environment that will distinguish Singapore from other cities.

Building up ‘software’

14 Beyond “hard” amenities, “soft” and intangible amenities such as a cosmopolitan atmosphere, cultural diversity and “urban buzz” are also indispensable in making a distinctive city. Given our unique ethnic mix and geographical location as a key Asia-Pacific hub, there is no doubt that we are one of the most diverse and cosmopolitan cities in the world.

15 But one factor that has always been highlighted is the urban buzz. This may be another element of the X factor that we need to nurture. We must capitalise on our strengths, build on what we have. Over the years, Singapore has become an increasingly exciting place. Along Orchard Road, Clark and Boat Quay, there is no lack of activities, life and diversity. Our cultural diversity is nowhere more apparent than in the three Historic Districts of Chinatown, Kampong Glam and Little India. Each area exudes its own charm and colour that reflect the character and life of its ethnic group. They will no doubt evolve over time on their own. Lately, there is talk that Little India might become Singapore’s SOHO as arts and theatre groups as well as individual artists have been setting up their studios and galleries there. The promenade at Marina Bay, when developed, will be yet another “happening” place where both Singaporeans and foreigners will congregate.

16 Our annual arts calendar has been gradually built up over the years, with notable events like the Singapore Arts Festival, Singapore International Film Festival and Singapore River Buskers’ Festival. Other major celebrations that draw throngs of Singaporeans and tourists to the streets year after year include the Chingay parade and National Day celebrations. There are also the local street carnivals and festival celebrations of the different ethnic groups, like Hari Raya, Chinese New Year and Christmas, even the Hungry Ghost Festival with its “getais” and noisy auctions. These mark the “seasons” in our calendar.

17 To further enhance the buzz, we need the support, response and investment from the private sector as well as involvement of the general public. The “buzz” in a city is often a reflection of the passion, liveliness and character of the people. People must want to come to the places and public spaces in the city and participate in the life and activities there. Developers and business operators must seek to enable interaction and activities. Regulators must loosen up and allow greater flexibility. Together, these will generate activity and variety.

Capturing social memory amid development

18 While we actively create our future through planning, a distinctive global city is also about capturing memory and retaining identity in our physical environment. This is very much part of the “software” that adds character and soul to a city.
Besides developing new areas, URA will continue to preserve local neighbourhoods, the nooks and crannies in our cityscape that have evolved their own intrinsic character over time.

19 After focusing on conserving Singapore’s pre-war built heritage, URA has moved on to review the merits of conserving significant post-war buildings. These buildings are the works of our pioneering batches of local architects, capturing the spirit of our young nation. They stand out today as important landmarks to many Singaporeans.

>>back to top

Nurturing creativity through pro-business processes and policies

20 But building a global city is not just about great visions and plans, buildings, and events. It is also about the policies and processes through which we realise our visions, and make great buildings and places happen. As society evolves and competition heightens, our traditional way of doing things –with orderliness, regulation and incremental changes - needs to be modified in some circumstances. For the next lap, we should move with greater boldness to allow more experimentation and nurture greater creativity.

21 The formation of the inter-agency Orchard Road Development Commission (ORDEC) is an example of Government’s willingness to allow greater experimentation. The ORDEC is set up to enable innovative projects that will contribute to a distinctive Orchard Road. Deserving projects will get development incentives, and be allowed to deviate from current planning parameters. We have also relaxed guidelines and provided incentives for façade and party-wall developments in Orchard Road. I am glad to note that such incentives are beginning to take effect, with some redevelopments already announced.

22 We have introduced more innovative methods to sell land. In the sale of the Business Financial Centre site, the government moved away from the standard approach of offering sites of limited sizes. Instead, it offered a large site for the development of a state-of-the-art financial centre by a master developer. To provide him with flexibility to build the development in phases and to manage his risks, we introduced the use of options on land purchase.

23 Another experiment is the sale of land through new approaches such as the two-envelope system, and the Request-for-Proposals approach. The government has been selling sites in the Government Land Sales programme through an open tender system, where the site is awarded to the highest bidder. This process is suitable for most sites for conventional uses. However, this approach may not be suitable for sites where the `right concept’ is paramount to create wider economic benefit and achieve specific planning objectives.

24 Underlying these new approaches is the concept of using land as a source of value and wealth creation. With the right concepts, development of land can be used to create wider economic benefits for Singapore and enhance the overall value and potential for an area.

Continuing the journey together

25 Measures to develop our hardware and software are being put in place. The environment is set, and the buttons pushed, for Singapore to move into the next stage of growth. We need the participation of public and private partners to make things happen. I urge the private sector to capitalise on these opportunities, push boundaries and exercise their creativity.

26 Our journey towards our aspiration to be a global city began soon after independence 40 years ago. It is still work-in-progress, Singapore has now arrived at this critical juncture in our urban development where we need to ask ourselves where we are heading, how we can get there, and what is stopping us from getting there. If things are not moving, we have to ask ourselves why.

27 Are our building rules and guidelines too stringent that they hinder creativity? URA has tested its guidelines against 100 well-designed buildings around the world and come to the conclusion that they can all be supported here. So why have they not happened in Singapore?
Are there other factors which constrain developers and architects’ efforts to achieve more quality developments? How can we overcome these? These challenges call for consolidated effort and creative solutions.

28 It is for this purpose that the URA has organised this public forum today. The building of this city requires many creative minds and willing hands. Through open discussion and sharing, we can together to come up with ideas to enable Singapore achieve the goal of becoming a distinctive city.

29 Most certainly, the government cannot do this alone. I call upon our partners in the private sector – building owners, engineers, developers, architects – to be bold and creative, to lend their support and join us in our efforts. I also encourage the general public to play their part by demanding good design, actively organising activities and participating in the life of our vibrant city. Together, over time, we can push Singapore to the next level, to make Singapore a truly global city of distinction - exciting, dynamic, and vibrant.

30 I wish URA success in their corporate planning, and look forward to a fruitful discussion at the seminar. Thank you.

>>back to top