HDB looks into new challenges as it turns 50

Singapore was stuck in a housing crisis when the Housing and Development Board (HDB) was formed in 1960. But today, with 80 percent public homeownership rates, the country has one of the world’s highest home ownership rates.

To celebrate its 50th anniversary – and share its achievements - HDB will be hosting the International Housing Conference for four days starting Tuesday. This event will gather most of the housing experts to the country, with a number of them keen in picking up some pointers.

Fong Chun Wah, HDB’s development and procurement director, said the board hopes to “share stories from this long journey,” not only to Singaporeans but also to the international community.

More than 30 experts and speakers, including housing ministers from Spain and Finland, will attend the event along with more than 500 foreign and local delegates.

The said conference will focus more on sustainability, something that HDB has embraced in its mission for 50 years “before the word became fashionable”, said Mr. Fong.

“The topic is very current, and sustainable housing is part of a bigger sustainable development trend happening around the world now.”

It will also share its practices in planning housing estates, such as fostering human interaction and construction and design, including the technology breakthroughs in construction, the use of alternative energy sources and the universal design that caters to residents of all capabilities.

The conference will also feature a special session with Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew, who was the Prime Minister at the time when HDB was created, and who implemented the home ownership programme in 1964.

The golden jubilee of HDB “is not just an occasion for (it) to celebrate its success”, said Mr. Fang, who has been with HDB for over two decades.

“It’s also a time for us to focus on realising our vision for the next five decades — and to rise to the challenge of meeting the housing aspirations of a new generation of Singaporeans.”