Speech by 2M Indranee Rajah at The Launch of URA X InstaSG 'Mad About Singapore' 2024 Exhibition

Jun 22, 2024

A very good afternoon to everyone.

I am delighted to join you here at the launch of the 'Mad About Singapore' 2024 exhibition.

Space for Our Dreams

‘Mad About Singapore’ is a ground-up campaign initiated by InstaSG in 2011 to connect passionate photographers on Instagram and showcase the vibrant community spirit and the unique architecture in our city-state. InstaSG has created a vibrant community that captures the essence of our nation through photo walks, workshops, exhibitions, and online activities.

This year, for the first time, URA has collaborated with InstaSG on this campaign. The theme for this year’s campaign is 'Space for Our Dreams’, which is also the theme for the ongoing Draft Master Plan 2025 public engagement, as well as the Long-Term Plan Review which concluded in 2022.

Over the years, Singapore’s urban landscape has transformed significantly – look around us and we see how rich our architecture is, from new residential and commercial skyscrapers to heritage buildings and shophouses. Perhaps, if you are away from Singapore for six months or a year, when you come back, there will be parts of Singapore that have changed again. Modern designs stand side-by-side with conserved historical structures, showcasing our dreams and aspirations while at the same time offering meaningful insights to our history and heritage.

Beyond buildings and infrastructure, the value of good design must also be melded in our everyday lives, so that our spaces and places uplift spirits, evoke memories, and inspire our people for years to come.

It is fitting that this edition of 'Mad About Singapore' embraces the 'Space for Our Dreams' theme, because it showcases our journey to becoming a liveable, inclusive, and endearing city, as we remake it for this generation and beyond. That is a very important endeavour. There are other cities and places that are struggling with the journey to a sustainable future; but here in Singapore, we are not only trying to make that happen. We are, through your Instagram shots, journaling and capturing steps as we move towards a sustainable future Singapore.

Encouraging community partnership and involvement

This year, we received over 5,600 entries, and 100 stunning photographs –arranged to form the Singapore island – were selected for this exhibition.

Amongst them, two stand out for their unique perspectives and skilful execution. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Nathan Chong and Ian Kwan, who emerged as our winner and runner-up respectively. They have masterfully captured two iconic structures that are familiar to so many Singaporeans – the ArtScience Museum and the Marina Barrage, and presented them in their unique perspectives.

URA has also selected 32 photographs exemplifying the four themes of the Draft Master Plan 2025. These photos capture the diverse elements of our urban environment, from bustling hawker centres to serene nature spaces, warm housing estates, and unique heritage architecture. 

I would also like to congratulate Andy Lum and Joshua Ng, who are this year’s Instagrammers of the Year. Their high-quality photography and contributions to the local Instagram community, through photo walks and 'Insta-meets’, have united fellow enthusiasts and showcased Singapore from refreshing angles. 16 curated photographs from each of them that creatively depict the people, places, and culture of Singapore are also on display here today.

‘Mad About Singapore’ is a reminder of how Singaporeans from all walks of lifeand across  platforms, can bring different perspectives and lived experiences to enrich our discourse on design and our urban environment, and foster a deeper appreciation for Singapore's distinctive character and charm. I hope that more Singaporeans will be inspired by this exhibition and step forward to shape our future city together.  

Draft Master Plan 2025

Before I conclude, let me say a few words about the ongoing Draft Master Plan 2025 public engagement. The vibrant urban landscape we enjoy today is the result of decades of planning, guided by the principle of careful stewardship and planning for future generations.

We are inviting ideas and feedback through a series of public engagement exercises as part of the Draft Master Plan Review 2025. The Draft Master Plan 2025 will translate broad strategies from the Long-Term Plan Review into detailed plans for the next 10-15 years, including on our new housing areas and recreation opportunities.

In the coming months, URA will continue to engage the public on our updated proposals, such as our Identity Corridors and decentralisation plans to bring more jobs closer to homes. I look forward to the active participation of Singaporeans and stakeholders in these initiatives.

Conclusion

To conclude, I would like to thank the organisers – URA and InstaSG – for a successful campaign, as well as all participants for your contributions to 'Mad About Singapore' 2024. As you view and enjoy the display of photographs, I encourage you to share your views on how we can shape the future of our city together.

Thank you very much.