Use of Population Planning Parameter of 6.9 Million by 2030 in Development of New HDB Estates

Mr Low Thia Khiang asked the Minister for National Development whether the population planning parameter of 6.9 million by 2030 as outlined in the Population White Paper is being used in the development of new HDB housing estates and, if so, what is the targeted percentage of the population living in public housing by 2030.

Mr Khaw Boon Wan: The 6.9 million population scenario presented in the Population White Paper is a stretched scenario, which we use to plan for overall land and infrastructure, and not for the development of public housing estates alone.

This population scenario projects that Singapore's resident population will range between 4.2 and 4.4 million by 2030, of which citizens will make up 3.6 to 3.8 million, while the population of Permanent Residents is kept stable at between 0.5 and 0.6 million. The rest of the 6.9 million is made up of non-residents, who are transient and heavily dependent on our social and economic needs, as well as global conditions. This includes foreign workers who are largely housed in dormitories, foreign domestic workers and students.

In planning for public housing, MND/HDB ensures that our flat supply remains relevant and responsive to the housing needs and preferences of our resident population. There is no target in terms of the percentage of the population living in public housing by 2030.