This morning, I take pleasure in sharing with you Singapore’s perspective on defining model cities. First, let me qualify what I mean by "model cities". The idea of a model city does not and should not refer to a single universal ideal. In reality, no city can claim to be the ideal city.

Given their varied social and cultural backgrounds, different cities are faced with different challenges and complexities peculiar to their history and stage of development. As no two cities are alike, each city is likely to pursue its own "ideal" model based on the needs and aspirations of its people. Therefore, rather than restricting ourselves to a single model, it is better to focus on the "best practices" in urban development, factors that have consistently contributed to creating conducive environments for work, play and living. These practices could serve as benchmarks for self-evaluation and continuous improvement, and inspire the making of successful urban environments.

I would like to propose that the following be considered:

For each of the above facets of a model city, I would like to share with you some of Singapore’s experiences on how this process of self-evaluation and continuous learning is helping us to improve our urban development practices.

Firstly, an accessible city. The provision of efficient and effective infrastructure remains a challenge and an elusive goal to many cities. Indeed, many cities are mired in traffic grid-lock because their transportation network is unable to cope with the increase in traffic. Environmental pollution, loss of economic competitiveness and wastage of resources are just some of the dire consequences if traffic congestion is left unchecked in the medium to long term.

In this respect, cities like Hong Kong and London have done very well in containing traffic congestion with their efficient public transportation systems, in particular, their comprehensive rail network. Singapore, being a land-scarce city with a land area of only 650 sq km is also faced with the challenge of ensuring smooth traffic flow without curtailing the aspirations of an expanding middle-class population to own cars.

Over the years, our Land Transport Authority has implemented a set of traffic management systems to keep traffic flowing smoothly on Singapore’s roads. Several of these, like the Area Licensing Scheme (ALS) and the Certificate of Entitlement (COE) scheme are local initiatives. The ALS helped us to moderate peak-hour traffic flow into the central business district, while the COE keeps the growth of vehicle ownership in check. Last September, the Electronic Road Pricing (ERP) system was introduced to replace the ALS and increase the management of traffic to include traffic flow along major expressways. These systems offer an interesting study on how traffic growth and flow are managed through the pricing of the true economic costs of car ownership and usage.

In addition to such regulatory mechanisms, we are also looking at ways to improve and enhance our public transportation system. The expansion and integration of the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) network and secondary systems like the Light Rail Transit (LRT) and buses aim to make public transportation a convenient, affordable and attractive mode of travel in our city-state.

Secondly, model cities should also be business cities. With the explosive growth of the Internet and E-commerce, a new pattern of co-operation and competition in global trade has emerged. Cities that are likely to thrive in this IT-based economy are those that are able to take advantage of the information superhighway to forge new economic and cultural ties with other cities regardless of their size and geographical location. The terms of trade are likely to tilt favourably towards cities that can manage their knowledge and financial resources effectively. Cities with the right policies, infrastructure and talents will be better placed to exploit the full potential of the information revolution to create efficient, innovative and economically-productive urban environments.

Singapore is well on its way to becoming the world’s first digital city. Key infrastructure, like the island-wide broad-band cable network, Singapore One, is wiring up every home. Strategically, this will help turn Singapore into a highly efficient switching centre for goods, services, capital, information and people. Just as Singapore had previously added value to products coming along the main trade routes, like refuelling ships and entrepot trade, we are now moving towards producing "knowledge" products as a technology hub in the region. We are therefore consciously cultivating a pool of expertise and encouraging continual manpower training and upgrading to support this national IT plan.

To further develop Singapore’s capabilities in research and development (R&D), the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) has also identified science and technology corridors near our two universities. In many ways, the compactness and manageable size of the city becomes a competitive advantage in the knowledge-based economy. With services, R&D and manufacturing all within proximity of each other, a lot of work can be done easily and quickly, leading to synergy and substantial reductions in overall business costs.

It is important for a city to be attractive. One of the undesirable aspects of rapid urbanisation is the tendency for cities to look alike. Many urban environments, although functional, are harsh concrete jungles with uninviting public spaces. Some cities have managed to counter this by enhancing their sense of identity through their cultural and built heritage, open spaces and environmental conservation. For example, Barcelona is renowned for its public spaces and quality urban design; Rio de Janeiro and Capetown have vibrant and breathtaking waterfronts; and Paris, Heidelberg and Berlin have rich cultural offerings and heritage.

Singapore possesses a highly built-up environment. We are constantly faced with the challenge to soften this image. We have responded over the last three decades through efforts spearheaded by the National Parks Board to develop and integrate a comprehensive network of open spaces, waterfronts and greenery in our urban landscape. Today, Singaporeans and visitors alike live, work and play in a city set in a garden environment surrounded by trees, parks and landscaped gardens.

Our historical districts and monuments are protected and conserved under a pro-active conservation programme. Districts like Chinatown, Tanjong Pagar, Little India and Kampong Glam have very distinctive and unique traditional low-rise shophouses which are carefully restored and given a new lease of life. This mix of old and new, high and low in the urban landscape has without doubt contributed to Singapore being a more attractive city. A cosmopolitan city like Singapore is also a rich source of cultural traditions and artistic inspiration. Projects like The Esplanade-Theatres On The Bay, the soon to be completed arts centre at the Marina Bay, will offer a new focal point for artistic expression and creativity.

Last, but not least, a model city must be one that provides adequate housing and a conducive living environment for its people. Having a home and a sense of community are intimately connected to the well-being of any city and its citizens. Affordable and decent housing provides citizens with a sense of ownership and security, which in turn forms the basis for social cohesion. Indeed, many social problems stem from the inability of cities to adequately address housing needs.

Public housing, under the charge of the Housing and Development Board (HDB), has formed the backbone of Singapore’s housing policy since independence. Today, more than 85% of Singaporeans live in public housing, with 9 out of 10 households owning their flats. Unlike many other cities where public housing entails a certain amount of social stigma, HDB has proven otherwise with its high-quality yet affordable public housing programme. To meet the rising expectations of Singaporeans, HDB has introduced various design and quality improvements to make public housing even more attractive.

While our public housing programmes have ensured that Singaporeans have affordable and decent homes, the demand for private housing, including landed property, is not neglected. The government land sales programme ensures that sufficient land for private housing is released over time to cater to demand.

Good housing must also be complemented by amenities and facilities such as community clubs and schools within easy reach. These amenities are an integral part of community life, and they help to foster closer bonding between citizens and families.

In Singapore, the focal points of many HDB estates are the community centres and clubs which provide a wide range of sports, recreational and cultural activities for residents of all age groups. Parks with jogging and cycling tracks, and public swimming pools located near town centres are also popular spots for family outings and enjoyment.

Neighbourhood police posts are conveniently located in the estates, enhancing the sense of security that has made Singapore one of the safest cities in the world. Neighbourhood schools are also located within easy walking distance from homes and MRT stations, and are well-equipped with state-of-the-art facilities like computer classrooms with Internet access. The accessibility and convenience of these facilities, the sense of security and the active community life all contribute towards making urban living pleasant, meaningful and productive.

Ladies and gentlemen, I hope that the four facets of a model city presented above can serve as a useful basis for your discussion. I also hope that I have given you a fair snapshot of the Singapore experience.

As you present your thoughts and findings over the next two days, I encourage the Conference to assemble a comprehensive set of "best practice" indicators or benchmarks for cities around the globe to use in their pursuit of an ideal model for themselves. I am confident that the diversity of voices, groups and cities represented at this Conference would translate into an exciting and productive meeting of minds. I urge you to share your ideas, success stories, and lessons learnt in relation to your cities, so that we may all benefit and learn from each other’s experience to pave the way for a better future.

Thank you.

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