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World Cities Summit Issue, Jun 2008
The Twin Pillars of
Estate Rejuvenation
Tay Kim Poh
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THE HOME OWNERSHIP PROGRAMME
The Home Ownership Programme is the cornerstone of Singapore's public housing. Started in 1964, the programme aims to give Singaporeans a stake in the country and its future, and promotes rootedness and a sense of belonging among Singaporeans, which contributes to the overall economic, social and political stability of the country. It also provides Singaporeans with an asset and a store of value that can be monetised in times of need.
Today, a framework of housing and mortgage subsidies and the availability of Central Provident Fund (CPF)1 savings to aid housing payments, make HDB flats affordable for Singaporean families. Together with comprehensive land use planning, cost-effective design and construction, and responsive public housing policies, HDB has achieved near full home ownership for Singaporeans. This common experience of HDB living thus bonds Singaporeans of different ethnic and socio-economic groups, fostering community cohesion.
For its achievement in the development and administration of the Home Ownership Programme that has benefited Singaporeans and improved their quality of living, HDB received the 2008 United Nations Public Service Award. This Award is given to public institutions for their creative achievements and contributions that lead to a more effective and responsive public administration in countries worldwide. |
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Tay Kim Poh is Chief Executive Officer of the Housing and Development Board (HDB). His role is to lead HDB to develop affordable homes, vibrant towns and cohesive communities. Mr Tay joined HDB in 1986 and took on various management positions, including Deputy Chief Executive Officer of HDB’s Estates & Corporate Groups, before he was appointed Chief Executive Officer in 2006. Prior to his current role, Mr Tay was also Deputy Secretary in the Ministry of National Development where he was in charge of housing and strategic planning.
| NOTES |
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The Central Provident Fund is Singapore’s social security savings plan for working Singaporeans. |
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Punggol town, where development started in 1998, is one of the youngest HDB towns. Located in the northeastern region of Singapore, it is bounded by water bodies on three fronts—the north, west and east. |
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Yishun falls under the category of middle-aged towns that were largely developed in the 1980s. |
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Dawson estate is located in the central region and where development started as early as the 1950s. |
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The concept of “Housing in a Park” sets public housing within a scenic park-like environment, where residents can enjoy lush greenery close to home. It complements Singapore’s vision of “City in a Garden”. The provision of Sky Gardens enables residents to enjoy greenery at mid-level of residential blocks, and helps to soften the urban built environment. |
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