1      MND’s vision is to make Singapore an endearing home and a distinctive global city. As we help Singaporeans tide over the current economic uncertainty, we will press on with our long-term plans to make Singapore an attractive and highly liveable city, characterized by its vibrancy, greenery and sustainability.

Tackling the Economic Crisis
2      Public housing will remain a key pillar of our social security system.  For HDB households affected by the economic downturn, we will assist them in managing their immediate mortgage repayments and in working out longer term, sustainable solutions, such as switching to smaller flats. We will increase the supply of new 2-room and 3-room flats. We will also increase the supply of rental flats and safeguard them for those who are unable to own a flat and have no alternative housing options.

3      MND will continue to monitor the property and construction markets and if necessary, adopt additional measures to support their efficient functioning and stability.  MND will also put in place measures to build up the capabilities and productivity of our construction firms. For example, we will redesign jobs, step up the training effort and make construction an attractive career option for Singaporeans.

An Endearing Home, An Asset for Retirement
4      For most of us, the HDB flat is where we grow up, raise our children and enjoy our silver years. It provides us a tangible stake in our country. At the same time, it is an asset which can provide for our retirement.  We will strengthen housing support for families, while encouraging prudence and financial adequacy.  We will continue to build a range of flats to meet the varying budgets of households. To help young families buy and keep their flats, we have increased the Additional Housing Grant quantum and expanded the Scheme to benefit more families. We will continue to review our housing subsidy framework so that it is equitable and targeted.

5      To enhance the living environment, we will invest another $5 billion on HDB estate and flat upgrading. We will expand the Remaking Our Heartland (ROH) programme to cover other towns, beyond Punggol, Yishun, and Dawson. We will complete the Lift Upgrading Programme for all eligible blocks by 2014.  We will also accelerate the Home Improvement Programme (HIP) and Neighbourhood Renewal Programme (NRP).

6      To meet the needs of an ageing population, we will continue to offer options for senior citizens to monetize their flats.  Some of these will allow the elderly to continue living in their flats in familiar surroundings, among their friends. For example, we will raise the awareness of the newly introduced Lease Buyback Scheme (LBS) among eligible lessees and will consider expanding it to other groups.  We will also step up the construction of Studio Apartments.

My New Singapore
7      Singapore is fast transforming itself into an exciting and modern metropolis.  We will soon see a new iconic skyline at Marina Bay. The Integrated Resort, Art Park, Business and Financial Centre, and a new waterfront promenade will be progressively completed by 2010. Beyond Marina Bay, we will invest in infrastructure to support new regional growth areas at Jurong Lake District, Kallang Riverside and Paya Lebar.

8      Singaporeans can look forward to more leisure and recreation options. We will complete the first phase of the Gardens by the Bay by 2011. We will triple our park connector network to 300km over the next 5-10 years and join it up to form a continuous loop around the island. There will be new scenic walks along our coast, such as the Punggol Coastal Promenade and Labrador Nature and Coastal Walk. There will be new tourism attractions, such as a new River Safari at Mandai, and the integrated resorts at Marina Bay and Sentosa.

9      MND will implement a programme called “My New Singapore” to encourage Singaporeans to rediscover Singapore, through a series of events and activities as well as organized visits to the various new developments and leisure destinations.

10     We will commence the Concept Plan 2011 exercise this year to draw up long-term plans for Singapore. This comprehensive planning exercise ensures that we will set aside sufficient land and develop adequate infrastructure to meet the needs of our growing economy and population, whilst maintaining a high standard of living for Singaporeans.

11     At the same time, we will invest in new efforts to make future growth more sustainable. For example, MND will intensify efforts to promote the adoption of energy efficient technologies in buildings.  MND will also embark on a large-scale solar test-bed within HDB estates.

12     To support the high quality living environment, MND will ensure that we maintain high food safety standards and supply resilience.  We will continue to strengthen our food supply diversification efforts, such as supporting our companies in investing in agriculture businesses overseas. We will also maintain a high level of vigilance against the introduction of Avian Influenza and other food-borne diseases.

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