Tengah

Tengah, Singapore’s newest smart and eco-friendly town, is a planned residential district designed to accommodate 42,000 new homes while prioritizing sustainability and smart living. Dubbed "Singapore’s Forest Town," it integrates green corridors, car-free zones, and smart energy management systems. Tengah features district-wide cooling, automated waste collection, and AI-driven urban planning, making it a model for next-generation public housing under the Housing & Development Board (HDB). Unlike existing neighborhoods, Tengah’s layout prioritizes walkability and connectivity, with a planned Jurong Region MRT Line improving access. Though still under construction, Tengah represents Singapore’s commitment to sustainable urban development, balancing high-tech innovation, environmental conservation, and livable urban spaces for future generations.

Tengah is not a new city, but rather a new planned district within Singapore. While it is often referred to as Singapore’s newest town, it remains part of the larger Singapore metropolitan area and falls under the governance of the Housing & Development Board (HDB).

Unlike true new cities like Navi Mumbai or Dholera, which are built independently with their own municipal structures, Tengah is an extension of Singapore’s urban planning strategy, designed to accommodate population growth. It is unique because of its smart city infrastructure, green corridors, and car-free zones, but it functions as an HDB-planned housing district, rather than a standalone, self-sustaining urban entity separate from Singapore.

Tengah is not fully realized yet, but it has all the right ingredients for success. If its eco-friendly vision, smart infrastructure, and strong residential demand translate into a vibrant, livable city, it could rise into the 80+ range in the next decade.

Strengths:

• Singapore’s First Smart & Eco-Friendly Town – Tengah is designed as a "Forest Town", featuring car-free zones, green corridors, and sustainable urban planning.
• Strong Government Backing & Execution – As a Housing and Development Board (HDB) project, Tengah benefits from Singapore’s world-class urban planning and infrastructure investment.
• High Demand for Housing – Singaporeans eagerly applied for Tengah’s HDB flats, showing that residential demand is strong.
• Excellent Transport & Connectivity Plans – The new Jurong Region Line MRT and well-integrated roads will connect Tengah to Singapore’s economic hubs.

Challenges:

• Still Under Construction – Most of Tengah is not yet inhabited, and large portions remain in development.
• Lacks Economic Anchors for Now – Unlike Jurong or Punggol, Tengah doesn’t yet have major business districts or job hubs, meaning it may initially serve as a residential commuter town.
• Long-Term Viability Still Unproven – While Singapore has an excellent urban track record, it’s too early to assess whether Tengah will develop strong community life and self-sustaining economic activity.