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Singapore's North set for decade of transformation; NDP 2026 heads to National Stadium with fresh ideas: Singapore live news
Singapore's North is entering a bold new chapter, with sweeping plans to reshape Woodlands, Sembawang, and Kranji over the next decade. From 4,000 new homes to the JB-Singapore RTS Link opening in 2026, to the establishment of the Johor–Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS‑SEZ), the region is being reimagined as a vibrant, well-connected gateway to Malaysia and beyond.
The transformation includes a fivefold expansion of Woodlands Checkpoint, a waterfront town replacing Sembawang Shipyard, and a mixed-use hub at Woodlands Gateway. With improved transport, housing, and economic links, the North is set to rival Singapore's most dynamic districts.
NDP 2026 is moving indoors to the National Stadium, promising more seats and bigger moments. The venue hosted the parade only once before, in 2016. Defence Minister Chan Chun Sing says to expect 'fresh ideas' and performances.
Planning runs on a 15‑month cycle, so work is already underway. At the NDP 2025 appreciation event, he saluted the thousands who make the pageant run. Organisers say the parade showcases innovation, grit, and inclusivity. The shift reflects a wider push to match national celebrations with world‑class venues.
Read more in our live blog below, including the latest local and international news and updates.
Decade of change ahead for northern Singapore
Singapore's North Region is stepping into the spotlight with a sweeping redevelopment plan anchored by the Johor Bahru–Singapore RTS Link and the Johor–Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS‑SEZ). The RTS Link, due in 2026, will connect Woodlands North to Johor's Bukit Chagar, moving 10,000 passengers per hour each way and easing checkpoint congestion.
Woodlands Checkpoint will expand to five times its current size over 15 years, with phased openings from 2028, requiring both land reclamation and acquisition. The 'Housing by the Woods' precinct will add 4,000 homes, alongside mixed‑use developments like Woodlands Gateway, integrating offices, retail, and a multi‑modal transport hub.
Sembawang Shipyard will morph into a waterfront lifestyle precinct three times the size of Ang Mo Kio Town Centre, blending heritage with modern leisure. Kranji Racecourse's 130-hectare site is earmarked for 14,000 homes, with the first public housing ready in about a decade.
Analysts predict rising property values as improved connectivity and amenities narrow the gap between the North and other regions. The government's vision mirrors past successes like Punggol, promising vibrant, connected communities.
NDP 2026 goes indoor: Bigger stage, bigger crowd
NDP 2026 will be held at the National Stadium to accommodate more spectators, marking a return to the Sports Hub for Singapore's 61st birthday. The stadium's capacity dwarfs the Padang's, allowing many more to attend in person.
The last time NDP took place at the National Stadium was 2016, its only outing there since the venue opened. Organisers now want to 'try something new', promising a fresh venue with fresh ideas and fresh performances.
Defence Minister Chan Chun Sing announced the move at the NDP 2025 appreciation function, where he thanked volunteers and partners, and framed the parade as a statement of innovation, perseverance, and unity.
Preparations are already in gear: each NDP cycle spans roughly 15 months of planning and rehearsals, with the 2026 team working in parallel as SG60 wrapped.
The appreciation function also celebrated the scale behind the spectacle – hundreds of awards went to sponsors, partners, and crew who keep the show running 'like clockwork'.
Singapore's North Region is stepping into the spotlight with a sweeping redevelopment plan anchored by the Johor Bahru–Singapore RTS Link and the Johor–Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS‑SEZ). The RTS Link, due in 2026, will connect Woodlands North to Johor's Bukit Chagar, moving 10,000 passengers per hour each way and easing checkpoint congestion.
Woodlands Checkpoint will expand to five times its current size over 15 years, with phased openings from 2028, requiring both land reclamation and acquisition. The 'Housing by the Woods' precinct will add 4,000 homes, alongside mixed‑use developments like Woodlands Gateway, integrating offices, retail, and a multi‑modal transport hub.
Sembawang Shipyard will morph into a waterfront lifestyle precinct three times the size of Ang Mo Kio Town Centre, blending heritage with modern leisure. Kranji Racecourse's 130-hectare site is earmarked for 14,000 homes, with the first public housing ready in about a decade.
Analysts predict rising property values as improved connectivity and amenities narrow the gap between the North and other regions. The government's vision mirrors past successes like Punggol, promising vibrant, connected communities.
NDP 2026 will be held at the National Stadium to accommodate more spectators, marking a return to the Sports Hub for Singapore's 61st birthday. The stadium's capacity dwarfs the Padang's, allowing many more to attend in person.
The last time NDP took place at the National Stadium was 2016, its only outing there since the venue opened. Organisers now want to 'try something new', promising a fresh venue with fresh ideas and fresh performances.
Defence Minister Chan Chun Sing announced the move at the NDP 2025 appreciation function, where he thanked volunteers and partners, and framed the parade as a statement of innovation, perseverance, and unity.
Preparations are already in gear: each NDP cycle spans roughly 15 months of planning and rehearsals, with the 2026 team working in parallel as SG60 wrapped.
The appreciation function also celebrated the scale behind the spectacle – hundreds of awards went to sponsors, partners, and crew who keep the show running 'like clockwork'.
