Homes for the People
Building homes for the people began as a dauntingly ambitious plan.
Fondly known as "Mr HDB", Mr Lim Kim San spearheaded Singapore's public housing programme, leading HDB to complete building more than 30,000 flats in its first four years. This was often compared to about 23,000 flats built by their predecessor, the Singapore Improvement Trust (SIT), in over 32 years.
When public housing was first promised at this scale, it was dismissed by those at the SIT as impossible. Against all odds, HDB delivered, granting Singaporeans from all walks of life a home to call their own.
A 1977 invitation-to-ballot card for flats in Bedok New Town.
Gift of Mr William Oh. Collection of the National Museum of Singapore, National Heritage Board.
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A crowd gathered to ballot for flats at the Macpherson Estate in 1965.
Ministry of Information and the Arts Collection, Courtesy of National Archives of Singapore.
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Mr Au Seck Ngee and HDB documents from his family's first flat
Mr Au and his family moved into their first HDB flat before he enlisted into National Service. As the eldest son, he and his mother co-signed their lease. Moving away from the familiar surroundings of their kampung was a big step for the family. Before upgrading to a 4-room flat, they applied for a 3-room flat due to financial concerns. As a family that conversed mainly in dialect, they relied on the representatives from HDB to explain the clauses printed in English.
Courtesy of Mr Au Seck Ngee.
Mr E.W. Barker (then Minister for Law and National Development) examining floorplans during a site visit at Park Road in 1968.
Our founding leaders went beyond providing houses for Singaporeans – they created homes. The void decks we use today as social spaces for community activities and gatherings began as an idea from Mr E.W. Barker (then Minister for Law and National Development).
A great advocate for sports, he came up with the idea for void decks after noticing children getting wet from playing in the rain. This reinforced the need for more than just roofs over heads. The population needed their neighbourhoods to feel comfortable and welcoming.
Courtesy of The Straits Times © SPH Media Limited. Permission required for reproduction.
A medal bearing the slogan “Homes for Our People” that was presented to Mr Lim Kim San in appreciation of his contributions as the first Chairman of HDB in 1983.
Gift of Mr Lim Kiat Seng. Collection of the National Museum of Singapore, National Heritage Board.
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