Singapore (People's Daily) - A group of 14 youth representatives from China and Singapore visited the Punggol Northshore district in Singapore on Tuesday to gain firsthand insights into local practices in sustainable community development and livable urban construction.
Located in northeastern Singapore, Punggol has transformed from a traditional fishing village into a smart eco-town. Today, it is being developed as a smart, low-carbon, and sustainable residential community.
Green and smart technologies such as intelligent environmental monitoring, smart parking systems, and sensor-based lighting are widely used within the community. It is also equipped with daily amenities including waterfront parks, green corridors, commercial centers, supermarkets, and dining facilities.
The Punggol Northshore district in Singapore on Tuesday, March 24, 2026. (Photo: People's Daily)
Some strategies here for sustainability and high-level planning is to be able to maximize views, a representative from Singapore's Housing and Development Board (HDB) said.
The official added that features such as sky gardens and roof gardens further enhance residents' access to surrounding scenery, while natural ventilation is widely used in shared spaces to improve energy efficiency.
Together, these features support a livable environment where housing, transport, and leisure are smoothly coordinated, offering residents a convenient and sustainable lifestyle.
During the visit, Zhang Heyang, a journalist from Singapore's Lianhe Zaobao newspaper, said, "Living in an HDB estate feels extremely comfortable. Whether it's grocery shopping, dining out, or taking a walk along the waterfront, everything is easily accessible. Life, transportation, and the natural environment are well integrated."
Chen Kan, a Chinese architect and principal architect of TAB Architecture and Design, also shared his observations: "High-density living should also deliver high-quality public community life. Sustainability requires not only systematic design, but also meticulous and continuous management. Punggol's public housing offers a strong example."
Chen Kan, principal architect of TAB Architecture and Design, visits the Punggol Northshore district in Singapore on Tuesday, March 24, 2026. (Photo: People's Daily)
The youth representatives also engaged in in-depth discussions on topics such as community planning and green buildings, exploring how the Punggol model can inform broader efforts to achieve ecological livability and sustainable development in other regions.
In recent years, China and Singapore have maintained close cooperation in sustainable urban development. Projects such as the China-Singapore Tianjin Eco-City have become models of bilateral cooperation in green development, providing valuable references for low-carbon and livable urban construction worldwide.
(Produced by Zhan Huilan, Qiao Wai, Xie Runjia, Fan Liuyi, intern Zhou Jiayu and intern Fan Yuting)