Hougang

Facts and Figures

An estimated 179,500 HDB residents call Hougang home, and in the town, we manage 54,328 flats (as of 31 March 2018).

Hougang is the largest HDB town based on land area.

History of Hougang

The name Hougang stems from the Hokkien and Teochew word Au-Kang, which refers to the ‘river end’, as Hougang is located upstream or at the back of Sungei Serangoon.

It was once a large area of forested land, with pig-rearing farms. The last of these pig farmers were relocated to new HDB flats built in the town by the mid-1990s.

Evolving Through The Years

Walk through the town and you might encounter many Singaporean Chinese residents speaking the Teochew language. This is because many settlers from the Teochew community at Kampung Punggol were relocated to Hougang. 

In January 2011, it was announced that Hougang would be 1 of 3 heartland areas that will undergo comprehensive redevelopment under the Remaking Our Heartland programme. The plans will rejuvenate the town centre and enhance the town's rich history and heritage.

Notable Places

Hougang is home to Punggol Park, a scenic 16ha space where residents can play and exercise. The park is also connected to the North Eastern Riverine Loop by the Park Connector Network.

At Hougang Street 21, there is a well which marks the location of the former Teochew Village, called ‘tua jia ka’ or ‘foot of a big well’. The village was popular for its food and street opera, or wayangs. Today, this well is located within the area known as Kovan City, a bustling centre where you can find shopping amenities and a wide array of food choices.