Missed out on other MND news over the past month? Here’s a sampling of some of the more significant developments.
My New Singapore!
The Straits Times Life! Section reported on 17 December 2009 that National Development Minister Mah Bow Tan has topped the year's Lifestyle Power List for making "cool moves in an overheated market." In its feature interview, Minister Mah was described as a “homefront hero” who cooled and stabilised the local property market this past year through a series of measures. Life! also noted that MND has a new initiative - My New Singapore - to encourage Singaporeans to rediscover their country through visiting places such as the Henderson Waves and HortPark.
HDB’s Fight Against Killer Litter
Over the next few months, HDB will send out letters to about 900,000 HDB residents urging them to remove dangerously placed items at high-rise buildings, and to report neighbours who fail to do so to the authorities. Posters will also be displayed throughout residential estates. HDB said it would not hesitate to take action against residents who do not comply with its regulations, adding that such actions may include bringing offenders to court, and "in serious cases, compulsorily acquiring the flat." It issued about 5,000 warning letters in the first eight months of this year, compared to 4,650 issued last year. HDB will be embarking on a series of public education programmes in the next few months to urge residents to adopt a zero-tolerance approach on the matter.
A Visit to Singapore’s Largest Commercial Fish Farm
National Development Minister Mah Bow Tan visited Singapore's largest commercial fish farm, Barramundi Asia, off Pulau Semakau, on 10 December 2009. Minister Mah said that the Government targets to increase local fish production from 4 percent to 15 percent of consumption - about 15,000 tonnes of fish - and would require another four or five farms the size of Barramundi Asia. During the visit, Minister Mah also launched the AVA's Food Fund, set up to help diversify and increase Singapore's food sources via co-funding of projects. The funds can be used for possible overseas contract farming, sourcing from non-traditional areas, and research and development in farming technology and production capabilities.
Key Handover Ceremony for the Pinnacle@Duxton
Speaking at a symbolic key handover ceremony for The Pinnacle@Duxton on 13 December 2009, Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew said Singaporeans could expect more public housing of high quality and great height – like the landmark The Pinnacle@Duxton – to replace old flats, as long as the nation continues to grow and do well. MM Lee said flat prices could be expected to continue rising as Singapore’s economy improves, but assured young couples that the Government would help them to own their first flat. HDB will also continue to build affordable homes. MM Lee emphasised the importance of pricing HDB flats differently to reflect their true values and warned against flipping HDB flats for a quick profit. He also elaborated on the advantages of a home-owning society and described the building of The Pinnacle@Duxton as a strong testament of the tenacity and capabilities of Singaporeans.
Engineering expertise for sustainable development
Speaking at the 27th Conference of ASEAN Federation of Engineering Organizations on 1 December 2009, National Development Minister Mah Bow Tan highlighted the need for Singapore to continue building up its pool of engineering expertise to create innovative urban solutions. To do so, Singapore must continue to attract talent into the engineering profession. It must also enhance its capabilities in research and development to support the drive towards sustainable development. Minister Mah said the institutions of higher learning, research institutes, and industries could work closely with one another to explore innovative solutions that are suited to Singapore's tropical climate.