HDB is the only award winner in the Asian region, among 12 worldwide, for our Home Ownership Programme.

Catch the Video Highlights or read the speech by Mr. Mah Bow Tan, Minister for National Development on HDB winning the 2008 UN Public Service award.

The Award is one of the most prestigious international recognition of excellence in public service. It is given to public institutions for their creative achievements and contributions that lead to a more effective and responsive public administration.

View :

• Video Highlights of Mr James Koh Cher Siang, Chairman(centre) and Mr Tay Kim Poh, CEO(left) receiving the prestigious United Nations Public Service Award (UNPSA) on behalf of HDB in New York on 23 June.

• Corporate Ad to commemorate HDB winning the UNPSA published on Sun, 29 Jun 08.

• Press Release of HDB's Chairman, Mr. James Koh Cher Siang, and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Tay Kim Poh, receiving the UNPSA.

A Home for every Singaporean

HDB was set up to solve the housing shortage in the '60s, a time when many people were living in unhygienic slums and squatter colonies. Taking over from its predecessor, HDB quickly took charge of the housing situation and built more than 50,000 flats within 5 years. Within 10 years, Singapore's housing shortage was largely resolved. With the introduction of the Home Ownership Programme in 1964, it helped Singaporean families own their HDB flats. Today, there are almost 900,000 flats across Singapore, housing over 80% of our population. Of the people living in HDB flats, more than 95% own their homes.

A Valuable Asset

HDB has achieved near full home ownership for Singaporeans through our Home Ownership Programme. The cornerstone of Singapore’s public housing, it has given Singaporeans a stake in the country and its future. It is also an asset that can be monetised in times of need.

Affordable Homes

To make it easy to buy and own a flat, the Government allows the use of CPF savings to aid housing payments. HDB also provides housing subisidies and home financing at concessionary interest rates for flat buyers. Based on the current income ceiling, 8 out of 10 Singaporeans are able to enjoy the benefits of subsidised public housing.

Attractive Housing

Through innovative approaches in building design and housing schemes, our Home Ownership Programme has evolved to cater to Singaporeans’ changing housing aspirations.

Rising to the challenge for better flats and more comprehensive facilities, HDB living today boasts modern sky-rise homes and rooftop gardens.

Building Communities

From the start, public housing in Singapore was not just about bricks and mortar, it is about people. Through providing different flat types and facilities that cater for all races and ages in each HDB estate, as well as implementing the ethnic integration policy, Singaporeans of different ethnic and socio-economic groups can live together and interact with one another. This common experience of HDB living bonds Singaporeans from all walks of life, fostering community cohesion.

Meeting Lifecycle Needs

Our public housing also caters for the lifecycle needs of Singaporeans. Besides helping newlyweds buy their first flats, families are facilitated in upgrading to bigger flats. The value of their flats is maintained and enhanced through regular maintenance and upgrading programmes, where Singaporeans share in the country’s progress. The HDB flat can also supplement their retirement income as residents grow older.