Singapore Land Authority - SLA

Conquering Mount Everest and fuelling the Artificial Intelligence revolution—what do they have in common?

As it turns out, both require an acceptance of the unknown and the courage to continually experiment and innovate. Our SLA colleagues recently explored this connection during the SLA Service and Innovation Excellence Day, where they heard from two distinguished guest speakers.

Mr. Lien Choong Luen, General Manager at Gojek and SLA board member, has ventured to some of Mother Earth’s most inhospitable places. He has summited Mount Everest, participated in an ultra-marathon across the Gobi Desert, and trekked across the Arctic Circle at an unimaginable -50 degrees. He shared how preparation, accepting complexity, and strong mental resilience to thrive in ambiguity are vital to overcoming physically daunting challenges—values that are equally pivotal to staying innovative and driving growth in a business setting.

In his day job at Gojek, he shared about the challenges of running and scaling a consumer tech business that generates millions of transactions through the use of Machine Learning, AI and the human element behind it.

These themes were also explored by Mr. Laurence Liew, Director of AI Singapore and author of AI-First Nation - A blueprint for policymakers and organisation leaders, who discussed how, despite the perceived risks AI has been associated with, such as conceivable redundancies and privacy concerns—its potential is vast and cannot be ignored. Tasks may be displaced but new jobs that require reskilling and upskilling for human intervention to verify AI’s output would be increasingly important. With responsible development and regulation, AI can be leveraged to drive positive advancements. To achieve this, AI Singapore has been driving AI adoption and talent in Singapore through industry collaboration and apprenticeship programs.

Mr. Liew delved deep into the insights of AI capabilities, such as learning from data to improve performance, driving automation, bolstering predictive analysis, and generating new content in text, images, and other media forms. Some AI innovations have already been successfully applied within Singapore’s real estate sector, including in the predictive maintenance of buildings and their design and visualization.

It was an enriching morning of learning from industry experts, with strong takeaways to cap a truly memorable innovation excellence day.

Don’t be surprised to discover a burst of colours the next time you stroll through Chip Bee Gardens!

Along Jalan Merah Saga, artworks now adorn sections along the row of commercial units, adding vibrancy to this beloved estate while its lifestyle offerings get refreshed! Inspired by themes of different craftsmanship, each piece is more than just art—they're also your next photography canvas!

Unleash your imagination and snap your most inspired shots using these as backdrops. Whether you’re a seasoned photographer or just snapping for fun, we want to see your creativity shine!

Share your photos with us by using .

Ready, set, create!

🎗️SLA joined the record-breaking 11,000 participants at this year’s Yellow Ribbon Prison Run!

The enthusiasm from our colleagues for bonding over sports and community events is palpable, and many from various divisions in SLA joined the cause as a gesture of support for the meaningful initiative.

This year’s run marks the 20th anniversary of the Yellow Ribbon Project, set up to inspire community support for ex-offenders through inspiring stories of reintegration through resilience and redemption and to build a more inclusive society in Singapore.

For us at SLA, the route was particularly interesting, as it led us through the rustic Changi enclave, passing by several heritage properties under our care. The experience reminded us of the impact of our work and our role in enabling the broader social causes that bind our communities together.

Kudos to all participants and Yellow Ribbon Singapore for the successful event.

This month, two State properties are available for childcare centre use.

Unit #03-01/02 in Buangkok Community Club, located at 70 Compassvale Bow and 20 Fourth Avenue, are the latest State properties launched in collaboration with Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA), for childcare centre use. These two different properties offer distinct qualities that provide for the various needs of parents and childcare centre providers.

The unit at Compassvale Bow is conveniently located within Sengkang Grand Mall, near the residential cluster and heartland amenities, while 20 Fourth Avenue sits on an expansive plot of 85,411 sq ft within a private residential estate. The property's large land area and GFA of 16,596 sq ft allow for diverse possibilities to create immersive learning experiences.

More details are available in the link below:

70 Compassvale Bow, Buangkok Community Club #03-01/02: https://app.sla.gov.sg/spio/preview/SLP2023080009S

20 Fourth Avenue: https://app.sla.gov.sg/spio/preview/SLP2024080010C

📍Celebrating 20 Years of SVY21 🗺️

SVY21 became Singapore’s official coordinate system two decades ago, laying the foundation for precise mapping and surveying. Based on the Transverse Mercator projection and aligned with the WGS 84 ellipsoid, it’s been vital in shaping the nation's landscape - from defining property boundaries to topographic mapping.

But surveying is more than just maps—it’s the groundwork for the future. As the industry and technologies evolve, SVY21 has also evolved to deliver advancements in sustainability, digitisation, smart construction, and the development of smart cities.

SVY21’s legacy continues to shape Singapore’s journey toward a smarter, safer, and more sustainable world. Here’s to 20 years of mapping excellence and beyond! 🎉

A very Happy Teacher’s Day to all educators, mentors, and coaches who have inspired us and continue to nurture the next generation!

At SLA, we have the privilege of witnessing the passion and dedication of educators as they shape the minds of our future generations, having collaborated with many who have partnered with SLA to activate State assets into educational spaces and foster geospatial knowledge among the young.

Recent collaborations such as Singapore’s first boarding campus for disadvantaged children =DREAMS, the new creative accelerator hub for youth at Vivita Singapore, the conversion of State properties into childcare centres and foreign system schools, to supporting sports facilities for coaching sporting talents, including the ongoing partnership with Ministry of Education, Singapore for the ‘My OneMap Workshop’, continue to motivate us to creatively think out of the box on new ways to ignite the spirit of learning.

On this special day, we thank all teachers for their dedication to shaping young minds and fostering a love for learning.

Any big fans of Nyonya cuisine out there? Violet Oon will be adding to their internationally renowned repertoire of Peranakan cuisine and heritage in Singapore, with their latest lifestyle addition at Dempsey.

An icon of Singapore cuisine, Chef Violet Oon has been globally recognised as Singapore’s food ambassador since the 1980s, representing our country’s rich culinary heritage on the world stage.

The namesake restaurant was awarded the tender at 7 Dempsey #01-05 with a Singapore dining concept, a mobile cooking studio for an immersive Singapore culinary experience and indoor and outdoor dining spaces set amongst lush greenery in the works.

Dempsey is one of the oldest State property clusters with a history stretching back to the 1860s when it was first developed as a British military barrack. We look forward to the transformation of the State property with renewed vibrancy through the preservation and promotion of Singapore’s rich culinary heritage.

A timely and thought-provoking The Straits Times article by Chin Soo Fang, who pondered over the untapped senior-friendly business opportunities in Singapore.

One of the points captured by Professor of Sociology (Practice), SMU, Pauline Straughan, suggested in the article that “some seniors will also consider higher-end residential living on short-term leases, with close proximity to amenities, services like cleaning and food delivery, and facilities like gyms with elderly-friendly equipment and activities.”

This is exactly the area of silver co-living space that SLA hopes to support through our recent tender of the State property at 98 Henderson Road, which received a healthy six bids, accompanied by proposals of senior-friendly short lease accommodation options to complement the overall intergenerational co-living space.

Guided by our vision of , SLA has been pivoting State assets from their original uses to meet the evolving needs of Singaporeans and businesses. We look forward to making progress in addressing our elderly’s diverse needs when the tender is awarded, and operations commence.

Why are letters on product labels, menus so tiny? It’s time Singapore businesses embraced our seniors Singapore’s seniors bring a lot of spending power to the table, but businesses should be alive to their needs. Read more at straitstimes.com.

How Young Is Too Young?

At just 15, Vanessa Ho proved that age is no barrier to success. Starting out early in the media industry, despite some industry doubters, she quickly gained popularity as a host, DJ, actress, and vibrant social media content creator. Today, as a co-founder and fintech leader at FinTech Nation, she continues to defy expectations.

We had the privilege of hearing about Vanessa’s journey in SLA's latest session, where she shared how she is leveraging her media and community growth expertise to help others in their entrepreneurial journey thrive in the fast-evolving world of web3. Her story is a powerful example of navigating challenges, stepping out of comfort zones, and embracing learning opportunities—like how she turned the pandemic's challenges into a lesson in resilience when the fashion startup business that she co-founded before FinTech Nation did not take off during Covid. It was Southeast Asia’s first Fashion, Beauty, and Fashion-Tech Incubator, bridging the gap between fashion, technology, and sustainability. Even though Vanessa views this experience as a failure, it did not deter her from moving forward and was a crucial turning point, giving her insights to recognise start-up challenges.

A clear go-getter, she continually asks how she can add value at every touchpoint in her quest for progress.

Just as SLA's embodies boundless potential, Vanessa’s journey reminds us that opportunities are limitless if one has the right mindset. Thanks for the inspiration, Vanessa!

🚇 What if you could cut 20 minutes off your daily MRT commute?

Meet Joshua, a passionate Singaporean coder who’s making it possible with his app, Next Station. By harnessing the power of SLA’s , Joshua is transforming our daily MRT commute.

From BTO projects near Canberra MRT to new districts like Tengah, OneMap’s up-to-date, local data helps users find the most efficient routes, the closest MRT doors to escalators, and the nearest station exits.

Read the full interview at https://www.sla.gov.sg/newsroom/news-n-events/geospatial-power-next-station-app where Joshua will let you in on lesser-known facts such as the MRT station/s in Singapore with the most number of exits!

🌊🗻 Can integrating land, sea, and cadastral data be the key to tackling global challenges like climate change?

Earlier this month, SLA’s Director of Survey & Geomatics, Dr Victor Khoo, co-moderated a pivotal forum at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, delving into this critical question. Alongside Mr Parry Oei from Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore - MPA, Dr Khoo led discussions on the intricate process of merging terrestrial, maritime, and cadastral domains, with a particular focus on the vital land-sea interface.

The forum spotlighted the UN Integrated Geospatial Information Framework (UN-IGIF) as a crucial tool for building cohesive systems that drive better decision-making and sustainable development on a global scale.

In his role as Vice President of the UN-GGIM Asia Pacific, Dr Khoo also engaged in a meeting where over 50 member states, including Singapore, shared updates on their strategies. A key takeaway was the need to invite member states from the Arab States and African Regional Committees to conduct workshops, fostering greater cross-regional collaboration.

The discussions in New York reinforced the urgency of cross-sectoral dialogue and collective action in confronting global challenges. SLA is committed to advancing these efforts alongside our regional and global partners 💪🏼

How did you spend your weekend? Some of our colleagues volunteered to join about 4,800 participants at this year’s Heartstrings Walk around the scenic Marina Bay! The team’s participation was coordinated by the Community Outreach team under SaLsA - SLA’s staff welfare committee.

It was a fantastic afternoon where the SLA team caught up with each other and got to sweat it out, all for a good cause!

Kudos to the Community Chest Singapore for organising this meaningful event where 100% of the proceeds will be channeled to support over 200 programmes to empower the lives of children with special needs and youth-at-risk, adults with disabilities, persons with mental health conditions, as well as disadvantaged seniors and families in need.

From arts, sports, and F&B, to retail and residential, this month’s wide range of tenders provides ample opportunities to creatively unlock the potential of State properties for various uses.

Visit https://app.sla.gov.sg/spio for more information.

Calling All Tampines Residents! Nearly 300,000 of you now have a powerful new tool to access essential services right in your town! The Northeast CDC, in collaboration with SingHealth and GovTech (Government Technology Agency of Singapore), has launched —the first town-specific platform connecting residents to crucial resources in Tampines.

Powered by SLA’s base map and search API, this platform provides the most accurate and detailed information on healthcare services, government agencies and community services near you.

Simply enter your postal code or a keyword to find what you need, customised for your life stage—whether for the young, families, or seniors.

Check out the platform at www.gowhere.gov.sg/tampinescares/

Website for Tampines residents to search for health and community resources launched Users need only to put in a postal code or keyword to get details of the services near them. Read more at straitstimes.com.

Positive changes are coming to 15-31 Hindoo Road! Originally constructed nearly a century ago as municipal staff quarters, the heritage State property is set for a rejuvenation into a 21st-century residential (co-living) space.

15-31 Hindoo Road was awarded to Kenwa Corporation Pte Ltd which will see the transformation of the 2-storey row of red-bricked colonial-era residential terraces into residential (co-living) use.

With an element of biophilic and environmental conscious design, the internal configuration comprising nine spacious two-storey units with individual backyards and balcony spaces, allows for the possibility of 2-bedroom units and larger 5- to 7- bedroom units for diverse co-living needs.

Co-living concepts are continually evolving, and several State properties have been pivoted from their original uses to support market trends. This is the second State property located in the cultural precinct of Little India to be converted for residential (co-living) use, following the successful award of 79-95 Hindoo Road last year.

Colonial houses boast a far more diverse array of designs than most people realise.

Nestled in the tranquil enclave of Wilmonar Avenue is a uniquely designed collection of colonial homes. This small cluster of single-storey houses, including this featured unit at 20 Wilmonar Avenue, is less about inspiring grandeur and more about functional living.

Each unit sits on a compact plot of land yet still offers ample outdoor recreational space. The distinct curved façade and subtle, interesting features throughout the property give it its own characteristics.

20 Wilmonar Avenue features 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms and is available for rent. To embark on this journey, visit https://app.sla.gov.sg/spio/preview/OLS2024080272 or attend the property viewing on August 24 at 11 AM.

🏉 Enabling a sporting culture across Singapore!

Together with Sport Singapore, SLA has awarded the tender for the plot of State land at Carlisle Road near Novena to Tanglin Rugby Club. This marks the beginning of the transformation of this vacant State land into a new space for Singapore’s rugby community.

The tender is part of broader efforts to activate suitable State land for sports use, allowing diverse communities to enjoy sports at convenient locations. From heartland areas such as LengKok Bahru and Fernvale to lifestyle destinations such as Dempsey and near Haw Par Villa and under-utilised spaces under viaducts like Gali Batu and Jalan Bukit Merah flyover, there can be unlimited space when we think creatively!

Here’s to for a more vibrant sporting culture in Singapore!

This block of heritage flats at 426 Clemenceau Avenue North must have been quite impressive when it was first built.

Like other properties within the Monks Hill Heritage Estate, this building was originally constructed as government quarters. However, unlike other creations of the municipal council within the estate, it represented a departure in style and concept from earlier housing designs.

Stripped off most decorative elements, 426 Clemenceau Ave North seems to be designed with a focus on functionality to support higher-density living. It is the largest property in the estate, with the greatest number of units. The individual units are compact with 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, and a balcony, suitable for small families looking for a rustic estate in a central location near Newton Hawker Centre.

Unit #03-440 is now available for those seeking a unique experience. Visit https://app.sla.gov.sg/spio/preview/OLS2024070259 for more information.

New Tender Alert! SLA has launched a Price-Quality tender for 5A Lock Road at Gillman Barracks for F&B and/or retail use. 🍽️🛍️

A former military barracks dating back to 1936, Gillman Barracks is known for its rustic charm and spacious outdoors surrounded by lush greenery. 5A Lock Road is one of 17 iconic blocks in this cluster, immediately visible from Lock Road.

The cluster is situated along the Alexandra Park Connector, just a 10-minute walk from Labrador Park MRT station. It’s also near MapleTree Business City and the Telok Blangah residential estate, making it ideal for dining and lifestyle concepts that cater to cyclists, food enthusiasts, and the nearby office and residential communities.

Explore the unit at the site showround on 21 August at 11 AM.

For more information, visit https://app.sla.gov.sg/spio/preview/SLP2024080001N. The tender will close on 25 September at 11 AM.

What’s simple for most of us can be challenging for differently abled individuals. That’s why creativity is key in designing solutions for an inclusive society.

Since 2023, SLA has been working with SG Enable to advance inclusivity in our little red dot. We have introduced the barrier-free access (BFA) routing function on OneMap in 9 planning areas including Bukit Merah and Gardens by the Bay, to help persons with disabilities navigate their surroundings more easily 👩🏻‍🦽‍➡️👨🏻‍🦽‍➡️

Creating an accessible environment isn’t just about removing barriers; it’s about reimagining spaces so that everyone can move around independently.

As we expand the BFA feature to more areas in Singapore, we hope to work with more partners, from transport networks to shopping centres and recreational centres for creative solutions that make our city an inclusive and liveable one ❤️🇸🇬

Creatives craft fun, thoughtful ways to boost designs for an inclusive society Designers and businesses are co-creating new experiences for people with disabilities so they can work, live and play better. Read more at straitstimes.com.

Winson and Andy from our Estate Management Team gave a new shine to this old running track from the former Hua Yi Government Chinese Middle School. This meaningful project is a win-win initiative - retaining a piece of the school and the precinct heritage while contributing to efforts.

Best of all, Dawson Estate's residents can now enjoy this expansive recreational space, right at their doorstep.

Watch this video to find out more: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/WYf3X6Kpst7XQsnU/

With its origins as former staff quarters for municipal workers, this property on Rowell Road was designed for compact residential living.

Built in the 1920s, the two-storey row of terraced units comprises different configurations on the ground and upper floors, each with distinct characteristics. The second-floor units, such as 108A featured here, come with one bedroom, one bathroom, and a generous balcony that extends and connects the interior space to the outdoors. These units are also connected via a communal walkway, accessible by a common staircase. Ground-floor units feature direct road access and added front porch and backyard space.

Rowell Road, where the property is located, was named after Dr. Thomas Irvine Rowell, who served as President of the Municipality from 1888 to 1889. The precinct was originally the site of several staff quarters for municipal workers, which were all constructed a few years apart. Similar properties can be found today on Hindoo Road, Veerasamy Road, and Hooper Road.

Interested in the experience at this property? Visit https://app.sla.gov.sg/spio/preview/OLS2024080270 for more information.

Exciting changes are coming to the State-managed row of iconic shophouses on Smith Street! The historic street is set to be revitalised with a new lineup of lifestyle concepts and dining experiences as well as a slew of festivities, events and programmes that celebrate Chinatown’s rich history and enhance the experience for locals and tourists.

SLA, Urban Redevelopment Authority and Singapore Tourism Board today awarded the tender for 11 to 37 Smith Street and the adjacent pedestrian State land to Chinatown Singapore 牛车水/Chinatown Business Association (CBA) to refurbish and transform Smith Street beyond typical retail and dining offerings. CBA’s proposal of differentiated lifestyle concepts, complementary programmes and enhancements to the public realm aims to further promote local Chinese heritage and strengthen the identity of the area.

As a non-profit organisation comprising a diverse group of stakeholders, CBA has worked with its members and partners including business and grassroots leaders, Chinese clan associations, hoteliers, hawkers, retailers and more, to contribute to the vibrancy of the Chinatown precinct, through its placemaking efforts, curation of tenants and organisation of key Chinese festivities that have put Singapore’s Chinatown on the world map.

Congratulations to our colleagues who were conferred this year’s National Day Awards!

The National Day Awards are announced annually to recognise individuals for their merit and service to Singapore. This year, several SLA colleagues were honoured with awards from various categories, including the prestigious Public Administration Medal, Commendation Medal, and Efficiency Medal. Additionally, several colleagues who have dedicated their careers to public service were awarded the Long Service Medal.

We celebrated our colleagues' achievements with a session attended by staff from across divisions. In attendance were also members of our senior management and Chief Executive, Colin Low, who commended the award recipients for their
accomplishments.

The occasion also saw our HR team share the latest initiatives that will support in striving toward our vision of for Singapore.

Kudos to the award recipients, and thank you for flying the SLA flag high!

🌴Island hoppers and beach goers alert ~ It’s time to get ready your 😎 sunglasses and beachwear for that weekend island getaway.

Kusu Island beach and Eagle Bay Beach on Lazarus Island have reopened following good progress of beach clean-up efforts.

The rest of the beaches along Lazarus Island and St John’s will remain closed till further notice. As a precaution, the public is advised against swimming or participating in water activities at these beaches until they are open.

Stay tuned for more updates or visit https://www.sla.gov.sg/properties/management-of-state-land-and-property/visiting-the-sla-managed-islands for more information before visiting the SLA-managed Southern Islands.