We try different approaches & keep what works: PM Wong on S'pore's pragmatic approach to housing, urban planning & more

Singapore's development from the very beginning has been guided not by ideology, but by pragmatism, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said on Jun. 15.

This can be seen in its state-led approach to housing, to keep homes affordable and communities inclusive, he gave as an example.

Speaking on the second day of the 2026 World Cities Summit hosted in Singapore, PM Wong talked about the work of growing and managing cities.

He shared Singapore's approach and experience in terms of its urban planning, housing, and support for seniors.

"Our developmental story has always involved balancing competing priorities... We try different approaches, we keep what works, and we change what does not.

And above all, we focus on what delivers the best outcomes for Singapore and Singaporeans."

Protecting nature in a land-scarce city

While Singapore places great emphasis on economic growth, it also recognises that "a good life cannot be measured by GDP [gross domestic product] alone", PM Wong said.

This is why the country protects its natural and cultural heritage, and dedicates prime land to such spaces despite its small, land-scarce conditions.

PM Wong brought up Gardens by the Bay and the Rail Corridor as examples where Singapore "looked beyond purely commercial considerations" to prioritise quality of life and people's connection with nature.

State-led approach to housing

Singapore decided early on to take a state-led approach to housing, Wong said.

The government believes in the power of markets to allocate resources efficiently, but also recognises that markets alone do not always produce the outcomes it wants.

It thus plays a more active role in areas such as housing.

PM Wong shared that about eight in 10 Singapore residents live in public housing flats today, and the vast majority own their homes.

"We ensure a sufficient supply of new flats to meet demand, and heavily subsidise them to keep home ownership within reach for Singaporeans," he said.

Beyond affordability, the government also seeks to ensure an inclusive mix of residents from different races and backgrounds in the public housing estates.

"We believe a home is not just shelter. It is where communities are built, where neighbours form lasting bonds, and where the social fabric of a city is woven over generations."

Support for seniors

As for its ageing population, Singapore's approach is to foster partnerships and ground-up community participation.

Rather than building exclusive retirement villages for seniors, the country develops "Age Well" neighbourhoods, PM Wong shared.

He said that in such neighbourhoods, older citizens can age in place within their own homes and communities, and still access a wide range of services and support close to home.

To achieve this, there needs to be strong partnerships with healthcare providers, community organisations, caregivers, and volunteers.

Connecting cities

PM Wong described city planning as a continuing process with "no perfect answers or silver bullets".

But cities can nevertheless learn from each other's experiences — something which Singapore can help to do, he said.

"Singapore remains committed to playing our part as a connector — bringing together people, ideas, and cities from around the world."

To further strengthen these connections between cities, Singapore has launched a new initiative, the Mayoral Fellowship.

It will extend opportunities for learning and exchange to leaders beyond the existing circle of cities that have won the Lee Kuan Yew World City Prize.

He also announced the four inaugural Mayoral Fellows, who come from Agra, India; Bucharest, Romania; Kigali, Rwanda; and Tshwane, South Africa.

In addition, PM Wong launched the Liu Thai Ker Distinguished Speaker Series, whose inaugural session will be held later in 2026 in Singapore.

"Cities succeed when they remain open to new ideas, while staying anchored to enduring principles... Singapore has been fortunate to have many urban leaders, who embodied this spirit.

One of them, whom perhaps many of you know, was the late Dr Liu Thai Ker."

Liu, who passed away in January 2026, was a pioneering urban planner who Wong said "played a key role in shaping" Singapore.

This new series is in honour of his contributions and legacy, and aims to inspire new generations of urban leaders to carry it forward.