Building a sustainable global city – The Singapore approach
Publication Type
Case
Publication Date
8-2026
Abstract
This case is set in March 2026 when Singapore was ranked the top city in the world for standard of living and the sixth best city in the world for people to visit, live and work. Since independence, the founding leaders and the government of Singapore, had been hard at work to not only transform the city state from a third-world state to a first-world state, but also to build a sustainable global city. Four concept plans were developed to guide the 60-year transformation of Singapore. The Fourth Concept Plan, which was launched in 2011, focused on the future generations of Singaporeans. Key features of the plan included an enhanced mobility and transportation infrastructure, affordable homes and a thriving economy that offered good and stable employment, and a focus on sufficient land reserves to cater for a growing population which was expected to reach 6.5-6.9 million by 2030.
In 2003, the Design Singapore Council (DSC) was established to champion design as a national capability. In 2015, Singapore was designated by UNESCO as a ‘Creative City of Design’. By 2026, many multi-generational projects which included the expansion of Changi Airport, the development of world’s largest fully automated Tuas Mega Port and the 800-hectare-land reclamation ‘Long Island’ project had commenced. What factors contributed to Singapore’s rapid success in building a liveable, resilient, sustainable and economically thriving city state? And what was the role of design in shaping Singapore’s future?
This case study examines how design frameworks can be used to reimagine, design and build a global city that is sustainable and liveable. The case also examines top-down and bottom-up design approaches for transforming Singapore from a third-world city state to a first-world city state. Students will be able to evaluate concepts of Design Thinking, sustainability and innovation for urban planning.
Keyword(s)
smart cities, sustainability, city development, Singapore
Discipline
Public Policy | Urban Studies and Planning
Area of Excellence
Digital transformation
Research Areas
Organisational Behaviour and Human Resources
Data Source
Published Sources
Industry
Public administration
Geographic Coverage
Singapore
Temporal Coverage
2026
Education Level
Executive Education; Postgraduate; Undergraduate
Publisher
Singapore Management University
Case ID
SMU-26-0013
Additional URL
https://ccx-shop.smu.edu.sg/products/building-singapore?variant=44686288060458
Comments
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