Minister emphasizes proactive city planning and policies aimed at fostering interaction across different socio-economic backgrounds.
On January 24, 2022, Minister for National Development Desmond Lee spoke at the closing of the Singapore Perspectives conference, highlighting how Singapore’s housing policies are designed to promote integration and mobility, while fostering interaction among residents of different socio-economic statuses.
Lee emphasized that in today’s increasingly polarized societies, both locally and globally, physical spaces and housing play a critical role in bridging divides. Drawing from insights by MIT professor Carlo Ratti, Lee noted that shared spaces in cities act as an “antidote” to societal fragmentation. By creating environments where individuals from different backgrounds—whether in terms of race, religion, or socio-economic status—live in proximity, the city fosters opportunities for interactions that help mitigate social polarization.
Lee further pointed out that Singapore’s government policies actively support the integration of lower-income residents in prime housing locations. This is done with the aim of ensuring that all groups have access to opportunities for mobility and social interaction, which in turn helps build a more cohesive society.
