HDB to strengthen fabric of society

HDB’s challenge for the next 50 years is to strengthen the fabric of Singapore’s society in the face of changing demographics, said Vivian Balakrishnan, Minister for Community Development, Youth and Sports, in a community event in connection with HDB’s 50th anniversary celebration.

"Working together with grassroots and community leaders, HDB has done well these past 50 years to integrate different races and communities and build a cohesive heartland community," he said.

Dr. Balakrishnan noted that Singapore’s society is experiencing demographic changes with an influx of new residents and an ageing population, as well as the influence of a globally-connected world.

"The challenge going forward will be on strengthening the fabric of our society, even as we accommodate the differences that these changes bring."

He noted that aside from the S$520 million that has been spent on 53,000 households, the Singapore government has committed an additional S$508 million to improve the living environment of more than 50,000 families in Bukit Panjang, Sembawang and Woodlands.

"I can assure you that as long as we have the financial resources, the government will continue to invest in upgrading programmes to benefit as many Singaporeans as possible," said Dr. Balakrishnan.