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FORUM ON HDB HEARTWARE

The Forum on HDB Heartware will embark on a series of small group discussions and dialogue sessions to consult the public on how Singapore can strengthen communities especially in HDB towns. The Forum seeks to understand the aspirations of the residents, and their vision of the community they want to build and live in. In particular, the Forum would solicit views on how we can foster a stronger local identity, encourage community ownership and participation, build closer ties and develop mutual support in housing estates.

Composition
2. The Forum, led by Ms Grace Fu, Minister of State for National Development, will include Dr Maliki Osman, Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of National Development, and 10 Members of Parliament (MPs) including members of the Government Parliamentary Committee (National Development and the Environment). (Please see Annex A.)

Rationale
3. “An inclusive Singapore society needs inclusive communities within our HDB towns,” said Mr. Mah Bow Tan, Minister for National Development during the Parliamentary debate on the President’s address on 10 November 2006. Hence he has asked Ms Fu to lead a public consultation exercise over the next few months to see how we can better build HDB communities.

4. Today, 85% of Singaporeans live in about 880,000 HDB flats in 26 HDB towns and estates across the island. Over the years, Singapore has worked to build an integrated and cohesive community within HDB estates. Besides public policies such as the ethnic integration policy, the provision of communal space and facilities such as void decks, playgrounds and Residents’ Committee Centres also help to enhance social interaction.

5. The challenges of globalization and ageing population, and the onset of a new generation of Singaporeans with higher expectations, have brought about structural changes, and it is timely for us to consider new initiatives to strengthen community ownership. Minister Mah said, “We must ensure that the HDB living experience continues to be the glue that bonds Singaporeans to their country and to their fellow citizens. It is timely to review the state of community building and consider new initiatives to strengthen communities in HDB towns.”

Consultation
6. Residents from all walks of life will be invited to take part in the focus group discussions and public dialogue sessions. Members of the general public will also have the opportunity to share their views on-line. More details of e-consultation will be announced later.

7. The Forum on HDB Heartware targets to complete its consultation by the first quarter of next year, and present the recommendations to the Government by the third quarter of 2007.

Issued by: Ministry of National Development
Date: 22 November 2006

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ANNEX A

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Last updated on 22 November 2006