As part of his official state visit to Singapore, His Excellency President Dr Mohamed Muizzu visited the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) today, engaging with Singapore’s top city planners and policymakers to gain insights into one of the world’s most admired urban development models.
Upon arrival, President Dr Muizzu and his delegation were received by Ms Adele Tan Shiao Ling, Deputy Chief Executive Officer and Chief Planner of URA, and Ms Sia Tze Ming, Director of Policy and Property at Singapore’s Housing and Development Board (HDB). The visit underscores the Maldives’ interest in learning from Singapore’s integrated planning strategies and climate-resilient infrastructure models as it develops its own national urban development frameworks.
The delegation was presented with an in-depth overview of Singapore’s polycentric urban planning approach, designed to ensure accessibility, sustainability, and livability across multiple urban zones. The presentation emphasised Singapore’s long-term strategy to create smart and inclusive cityscapes that prioritise the wellbeing of its residents while responding to pressing environmental and spatial challenges.
Following the briefing, a Q&A session facilitated further discussion on key policy innovations, including how Singapore incorporates public engagement into urban planning decisions, its holistic design philosophy that merges urban density with green spaces, and the country’s approach to delivering affordable housing through coordinated government and community efforts. The session also touched on strategies for enhancing climate resilience, a theme that strongly resonates with the Maldives as a low-lying island nation facing similar challenges.
President Dr Muizzu was then given a tour of the Singapore City Gallery, a permanent exhibition that showcases Singapore’s transformation from a densely populated city-state with limited land to a global leader in urban planning. The gallery, operated by URA, features interactive models and exhibits that highlight the complexities of city management and the innovative solutions Singapore has adopted over the years.
URA, Singapore’s central authority for land use planning, urban conservation, and government land sales, is globally recognised for its pioneering efforts in creating people-centric, eco-conscious city environments. Its district conservation programme and long-term urban strategies have become a benchmark for sustainable development globally.
The President’s visit to URA highlights his administration’s commitment to engaging with international best practices in urban policy, infrastructure resilience, and housing development. With growing urbanisation in the Maldives, especially in key islands such as Malé and Hulhumalé, the insights gained from Singapore’s experience offer valuable lessons in spatial planning, public housing policy, and integrated land use.
This engagement also aligns with the Maldives’ broader goals under Vision 2040, which include the creation of climate-smart communities, sustainable cities, and modern infrastructure that meets both the needs of citizens and the realities of environmental change. The visit concluded with a renewed emphasis on pursuing technical exchanges and institutional partnerships that support the Maldives’ evolving urban development ambitions.
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