SINGAPORE — Singapore’s National Development Minister Chee Hong Tat urged strengthened cooperation between ASEAN and China on urban development on Aug. 1, citing practical examples of joint projects that turn shared ideas into tangible solutions.
Speaking at the 4th ASEAN‑China Ministerial Roundtable on Construction and Housing in Ipoh, Malaysia, Chee highlighted how town, building and housing design can create livable, resilient and sustainable cities. He pointed to the Sino‑Singapore Tianjin Eco‑City as a model for co‑creation that delivers benefits to governments, companies and residents.
Chee said multilateral platforms such as the World Cities Summit offer valuable opportunities for city leaders to exchange best practices. On the sidelines of the roundtable he held talks with Malaysia’s Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming on deepening mutual learning in housing, landscaping, construction technology and urban renewal.
He also met China’s Minister of Housing and Urban‑Rural Development Ni Hong to explore ways to broaden bilateral cooperation, including continued work on Tianjin Eco‑City. Chee, on a four‑day visit to Malaysia that runs through Aug. 2, earlier discussed the Johor‑Singapore Special Economic Zone and transport links with Malaysia’s Economy Minister Akmal Nasir, and exchanged ideas on repurposing civic buildings and supporting an ageing population with Minister Hannah Yeoh.