New housing options, parks and improved amenities among plans under URA's draft master plan
Singaporeans now have a glimpse into how the spaces they live, work and play in will look like for the next 10 to 15 years. From new homes in the city to new community and office spaces, a draft master plan by the Urban Redevelopment Authority was unveiled on Jun 25, mapping out the grand plans for the nation's land use. Residents in some areas will get new or refreshed amenities. Some familiar, well-loved sites will be conserved, while others will be made over. Professor Sing Tien Foo, Provost's Chair Professor in the Department of Real Estate at NUS Business School, discusses the draft master plan. He talks about the strategies laid out in this master plan and how conserving heritage plays a role in Singapore's urban planning.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
CNA
an hour ago
- CNA
Better approval ratings for Anwar and his government at mid-term mark, but can they keep it up?
KUALA LUMPUR: Following a positive review from Malaysians at the halfway mark of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's current term, analysts say the government should continue to communicate sensitive policies well and push for wage increases as the next general election draws closer. Public sentiment towards Anwar and his government improved in independent pollster Merdeka Center's latest survey released on Monday (Jun 23) on his government's performance. Anwar's approval rating was 55 per cent, a substantial increase from his lowest recorded rating of 43 per cent in June last year and a slight increase from the 54 per cent in December 2024. The federal government's approval rating of 50 per cent marks an improvement from the 40 per cent in June 2024, but a slight dip from the 52 per cent last December. Survey participants who think the country is heading in the right direction rose to 43 per cent, compared to 29 per cent in June 2024, and 42 per cent last December. Half of the 1,208 voters surveyed believed the country was headed in the wrong direction, lower than the 61 per cent a year ago and 51 per cent last December. Merdeka Center conducted its latest survey between May 12 and 23. 'Several factors may contribute towards this positive outlook – Malaysians are beginning to feel that the country is finally on steadier ground, political turbulence has eased and Anwar now leads a government with a two-thirds parliamentary majority,' Merdeka Center said in its press release on the survey results. Anwar has now served longer as prime minister than his three immediate predecessors – Mahathir Mohamad (in his second stint), Muhyiddin Yassin, and Ismail Sabri Yaakob. 'Despite what detractors say, Anwar is doing more things right than otherwise, but the public mood remains tied to how they feel their finances are coping with meeting their everyday needs,' Ibrahim Suffian, co-founder of Merdeka Center, told CNA. 'I think people are giving Anwar a positive review on his efforts in terms of political stability, investments and international profile even if the lived experiences of people are taking more time to change.' Analysts agree that sustaining this support in the second half of the unity government's term will heavily depend on its ability to manage economic issues, particularly subsidy rationalisation, and effectively communicate its policies on cost of living and wage growth. INFLATION IS MOST IMPORTANT ISSUE TO VOTERS In Merdeka Center's 'National Survey Highlights May 2025' report, 73 per cent of Malaysian voters identified economic issues as the biggest problem facing the country. A-third of participants cited inflation as one of two current issues that are most important to them, followed by 13 per cent who cited enhancing economic growth. The three issues of corruption, job opportunities and preservation of Malay rights/fair treatment of all races were each cited by 7 per cent of respondents, rounding up the top five issues that concern voters. Political scientist Syaza Syukri of the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) told CNA the approval ratings and public sentiments towards the government were slightly unexpected, but could serve as the motivation that the government needed. 'Anwar, specifically, has been on the defensive in the past few months. To know that the people's approval saw an uptick should give him the encouragement to continue with his agenda for the next two years,' she said. In the past week, youths burned a caricature of Anwar during an anti-corruption rally in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. In response, Anwar said dissent is crucial in a democratic country and told the higher education ministry and Universiti Malaysia Sabah not to take action against the students for protesting. Merdeka Center's poll numbers also came as a surprise to Ahmad Fauzi Abdul Hamid, a political science professor at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM). The numbers were good and meant there was a rise in the support for Anwar, especially among the Malay Muslim electorate who are seen as the most discontented with his leadership, he said. Merdeka Center's poll from November 2023 found only 23 per cent of Malays believing the country was heading in the right direction. The figure is 37 per cent in the latest survey. However, this might also be tied to how the opposition is seen by some as 'incompetent' and divided, he told CNA, referring to the Perikatan Nasional coalition made up of Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia, Parti Islam Se-Malaysia (PAS), and Parti Gerakan Rakyat Malaysia (Gerakan). That said, Ahmad Fauzi noted the survey's timing may not have adequately captured public sentiment towards the recent divisive Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) elections, in which Anwar's daughter, Nurul Izzah, unseated Rafizi Ramli from the deputy presidency. Results of the PKR leadership elections were announced late on May 23. 'People assumed Anwar was directly involved in Nurul Izzah's elevation in the party. If that was taken into account, there might be a slight dip in the numbers,' Ahmad Fauzi said. 'Many fence sitters might choose not to vote for PKR and (the Pakatan Harapan coalition) in the next elections. It doesn't mean they will vote for Perikatan Nasional but may choose not to vote at all,' he added. Ahmad Fauzi also credited Anwar's strong international presence, saying Malaysia's global standing has been raised to a level not seen since Mahathir's early days as prime minister in the 1980s. In its press release, Merdeka Center said Anwar has enhanced Malaysia's global profile. He hosted China's President Xi Jinping visit to Malaysia recently and is chairing the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in 2025. These efforts, along with securing new investment deals, fostering trade cooperation, and leading Global South initiatives, have significantly bolstered his image at home, said Merdeka Center, seen as one of the country's reliable pollsters. Anwar has generally maintained a positive approval rating since he came to power in November 2022. He started with an approval rating of 68 per cent but this dropped to 50 per cent at his one-year mark, largely driven by concerns over the economy and how it affected livelihoods, Merdeka Center said at the time. After the dip to 43 per cent in June 2024, his ratings have climbed. MORE TAXES, SUBSIDY ROLLBACKS TO KICK IN Going forward, observers said economic performance and how Anwar's government handles policies on bread-and-butter issues will affect its ratings. Effective communication is crucial for the government to manage public expectations on reforms and address areas affecting public interest, such as subsidy reductions, said Ibrahim. He cited the expansion of the sales and service tax (SST) and upcoming fuel subsidy cuts, noting that public sentiment will hinge on how these policies are explained to the public and how successfully the government counters detractors' narratives. On Jun 16, Anwar said subsidy rollbacks for the country's most widely-used RON95 fuel will proceed as planned, but 85 to 90 per cent of the population would not be affected. Second Finance Minister Amir Hamzah Azizan has said that the rollbacks would be implemented in the second half of 2025. 'From the government's statement it is clear that their intent is to cut subsidies from segments that can afford to go without it. The issue is how it is communicated,' said Ibrahim. 'As was the case with the diesel subsidy cuts in June 2024, it was noisy in the beginning but eventually it was generally accepted,' he said, adding that most of those who express disapproval of the government have partisan political beliefs. As for the SST, a tax rate of 5 per cent or 10 per cent will be imposed on non-essential and luxury goods such as king crab, salmon, imported fruits, racing bicycles and antique artworks from next month. The sales tax rate will remain unchanged for essential goods. A service tax of 6 per cent or 8 per cent will be expanded to include property rentals or leasing, construction, financial services, private healthcare, education and beauty services. Economists have told CNA that although the sales tax increases are targeted at non-essential and luxury goods, they may still impact the lower income. How the government minimises price shocks and whether it rapidly translates investment pledges into real jobs and action on the ground will be key, said Ibrahim. The government should focus on further improving Malaysians' income, employment and food security, said Syaza. The best way to counter price increases from the SST and RON 95 subsidy rationalisation is to continue pushing for wage increases across the board, she said. While the cost-of-living situation is not necessarily bad at the moment, there is an expectation it should be better, she added. 'This is where sentiment plays a huge role because I still see comments going around social media on how things are so expensive today without evidence … But the fact that it's going around shows that there are people who buy that narrative,' she said. Activists will also point out that several reforms promised during election campaigning, including being tough on corruption, have yet to be fulfilled, noted Ahmad Fauzi. 'Some from his own party have also said it. It is part of the pressure Anwar is under,' he said. Subang MP Wong Chen, who is from PKR, said this month that he could not shake a sense of dread that Anwar's government would have little to show in terms of institutional reforms at the end of its parliamentary term. However, it is economic reforms that still matter most to people, Ahmad Fauzi said. While the federal government's approval rating is 'still quite good', he said it falls short of the mandate needed to confidently call snap elections. Malaysia's next general election has to be called by February 2028. The government will have to work harder and, at the same time, convince people that price rises are happening all over the world and are 'inevitable', he said. 'Politics is tricky and the scenario can change in a short span of time,' he added.
Straits Times
2 hours ago
- Straits Times
S'pore's new blueprint will give residents more flexibility to choose ideal home: Analysts
Minister for National Development Chee Hong Tat touring the Urban Redevelopment Authority Draft Masterplan 2025 exhibition, at URA Centre, on June 25, with Minister of State for Culture, Community and Youth Baey Yam Keng and Mayor of Central Singapore district Denise Phua. ST PHOTO: SHINTARO TAY SINGAPORE – Singapore's latest draft masterplan will give residents greater flexibility in choosing an ideal living environment across the island, with amenities – as well as workspaces in some cases – located nearer homes, said analysts. The new masterplan – Singapore's land use development blueprint for the next 10 to 15 years – focuses more on creating an environment that fosters a healthier and more active lifestyle, supports the Republic's ageing population and addresses the challenges of climate change, they added. Ms Christine Sun, chief researcher and strategist at property agency OrangeTee Group, said there is a bigger emphasis on an environment that enhances the quality of life for Singaporeans through the provision of more homes with access to sea, river and park views, as well as more parks and amenities, and the preservation of heritage buildings and cultural sites. Furthermore, there is a dedicated effort to build new sports facilities closer to residential areas to encourage a healthier lifestyle, Ms Sun said. This means that Singaporeans will have a more diverse array of housing options to suit their needs, be they near the city centre, schools, parks or waterways. With each community designed to be better connected with essential amenities, this ensures convenient access to schools, healthcare facilities and recreational areas wherever residents choose to live, added Ms Sun. 'All these initiatives will help to create a more balanced, sustainable living experience for all residents, regardless of age and budget,' she said. At least 80,000 public and private homes will be introduced across more than 10 new housing areas in the next 10 to 15 years, with new neighbourhoods planned in areas such as Dover, Defu, Newton and Paterson. Integrated community hubs with sports facilities, healthcare and community spaces are also in the works for Sengkang, Woodlands North and Yio Chu Kang. Mr Marcus Chu, chief executive of real estate agency ERA Singapore, said that with more housing estates catching up in terms of amenities and accessibility, housing demand may start to be spread more evenly across Singapore. This could, in turn, lead to more even price growth across different regions. More land parcels around MRT stations and more business hubs are also being planned outside the Central Business District to bring work closer to homes, spread the load on the transport network and reduce the need to set aside land for roads, said Mr Mark Yip, CEO of property firm Huttons Asia. One such example is the greater one-north precinct, which has developed into a bustling research-and-development hub with more than 50,000 knowledge workers . Mr Lee Sze Teck, Huttons' senior director of data analytics, said there is therefore a need to provide more homes so that the workers can live near their workplaces. 'This will reduce travelling time and stress on the transport network,' he added. The Dover-Medway neighbourhood in the precinct could see 6,000 new public and private homes built in the first phase, while some 5,000 new private homes could be introduced in Mediapolis, which is also in the area. Ms Sun said building more homes in Dover-Medway and Mediapolis will in turn attract more workers, researchers, students and expats to live there, and support business growth in the area. Mr Ismail Gafoor, CEO of property firm PropNex, said land use for three plots in Ayer Rajah Crescent, near Media Circle in one-north, has been changed from business park to residential, with commercial use on the first storey. That should bring more amenities to Media Circle, which is set to see more high-density housing. In addition, two sites in the nearby Singapore Science Park II have been updated from business park use to residential. This ties in with the ongoing rejuvenation of the Science Park, he added. In the heart of town, Paterson – on the doorstep of Orchard Road – could get 1,000 new private homes as part of an integrated development with retail, food and beverage and office spaces above Orchard MRT station. Ms Sun said expanding the residential landscape in the Orchard Road precinct is a good move due to the scarcity of available land in prime areas. New government land sites in prime areas – especially near Orchard Road – are quite rare, and it has been many years since The Orchard Residences, an integrated development near the heart of Orchard, was launched, Ms Sun noted. But given the luxury property market's slower growth, some of these new sites may be placed on the reserve list of the Government Land Sales (GLS) programme, she added. Such sites are launched for sale when a developer offers a minimum price that the Government accepts, or when there is enough market interest. Mr Lee pointed out that the land parcel above Orchard MRT station has been rezoned to a white site, and the plot ratios have been bumped up. White sites refer to land parcels designated for mixed-use development and allow for flexibility in development plans, while plot ratios measure how intensively land can be developed. 'This is a prime opportunity to build an iconic shopping and residential project as the last GLS site above Orchard MRT was Ion Orchard and The Orchard Residences in 2005,' he said. But the 60 per cent additional buyer's stamp duty on foreign buyers may not give developers the confidence to bid for that site if it is launched for sale, Mr Lee added. Meanwhile, Ms Catherine He, head of research at commercial real estate services firm Colliers, said sites including Paya Lebar Air Base (PLAB), Sembawang Shipyard and the former Singapore Racecourse in Kranji were chosen for redevelopment into housing estates to optimise land use for the maximum benefit of residents, and relocate industrial and commercial activities farther out. In particular, the relocation of PLAB in eastern Singapore from 2030 will be a game-changer, said real estate consultancy Knight Frank Singapore's research head Leonard Tay. With about 800ha of land to be freed up for the development of residences, offices, factories and recreational areas, this means that building height restrictions imposed for the safe navigation of aircraft in surrounding towns could be lifted. Although higher plot ratios around PLAB have not been announced in the latest draft masterplan, Mr Tay said it would be reasonable to expect some collective sale opportunities, as older properties that are no longer constrained by low-rise plot ratios could see an increase in land values after 2030. Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
Independent Singapore
7 hours ago
- Independent Singapore
Too good to be true? S'porean matches on dating app with man claiming $40K salary, Porsche, and condo, wonders if it's a scam
SINGAPORE: A local Reddit user took to the platform to crowdsource information on the most common scams on dating apps in Singapore, having recently matched with a man who seemed rather sketchy. In their post on r/askSingapore on Monday (June 23), u/Beginning_Medium3551 wrote that they were asking the question 'out of curiosity,' explaining that they're not new to dating apps and have experienced a number of 'scammy experiences, including one that was close to money laundering'. Lately, however, they matched with a man who said his monthly salary was S$40,000, bought his own condo studio, and drives a Porsche. The man also talked often about 'this carbon trading thing'. 'Not sure if this is an impending scam or it's another too-good-to-be-true,' the post author added, asking other Reddit users to weigh in on the most common scams on Bumble, Tinder, Hinge, and other dating apps. In the most upvoted comment, a man noted that a couple of dating apps, namely Bumble and Coffee Meets Bagel, now have Singpass verification. However, he added that Bumble's white tick verification process , which uses photos, may have become compromised, based on a recent experience. After he matched with a woman and exchanged pleasantries with her, she asked for his WhatsApp number. However, a few minutes after he gave it, they were unmatched. While she never messaged him, he wrote, 'Next day, I got a cold call survey on my number. LOL, wondering if they were collecting and selling databases.' Another time, when he matched with a woman with a verified white tick on Bumble, she again asked for his WhatsApp number. 'T his time I just casually deflected to Telegram instead, but 'she' insisted on asking me to download WA. LOL. I left 'her' at read,' he added. Another commenter wrote that they encountered two scams, one where the person they matched with asked them to invest in a cryptocurrency, and another where they were asked to open an online store. Fortunately, they did not fall for either of the ruses, but uninstalled the app afterwards. A commenter wrote, 'A dating app scam I heard about from Indian friends in Singapore involved the OKC app. A woman matched with a man, chatted, and dated for a few months. She met his 'family' once at a hawker centre for dinner. Later, he abruptly ghosted her. 'When she and mutual friends investigated, they discovered his identity was fake, and the 'family' were random people from Malaysia posing as his relatives. Heartbroken, she had developed genuine feelings for him. His true identity remains unknown, and this occurred over a short period in 2019.' 'I matched with a girl on Bumble (she was verified, so it's not reliable) who asked me to text on Telegram and then instantly asked for my Instagram, and then she wanted to 'have some fun' and was asking me to video call. The scam is that they'll record/screenshot you on the call and then threaten to send it to your followers on IG and ask you for money. I knew it was a scam to begin with, so I stalled the scammer for a couple of days, then blocked them. Beware, guys!' wrote another. /TISG Read also: Majority of dating app users in Singapore seek serious relationships but only 1% are satisfied
