Speech | Welcome Address at REDAS 66th Anniversary Dinner by Mr Tan Swee Yiow | 13 Nov 2025
REDAS 66TH ANNIVERSARY DINNER
13 NOV 2025, THURSDAY
ISLAND BALLROOM, SHANGRI-LA SINGAPORE
WELCOME ADDRESS BY
MR TAN SWEE YIOW, PRESIDENT OF REDAS
Good evening
Mr Chee Hong Tat, Minister of National Development,
Patron Mr Philip Ng,
Past Presidents,
Distinguished guests, members and friends,
It is my great pleasure to welcome all of you to the REDAS 66th Anniversary Dinner.
Tonight, we celebrate not just another milestone in our journey, but the enduring spirit that has guided us since our founding.
This is the belief that dialogue can lead to action, and action leads to a difference for our industry and Singapore.
Our Beginnings – Nation-Building through Dialogue
Our story started in 1959, when a small group of developers came together to raise industry standards and support nation-building.
In 1965, as new housing regulations were introduced, we worked with the authorities to ensure balanced outcomes.
The result was a framework that protected homebuyers while still allowing the industry to grow in a sustainable way.
These early efforts formed the foundation of the relationship between the industry, the Government and the larger community.
Dialogue that Creates Change
Through the 1970s, we actively shared ideas to make home ownership more inclusive.
In 1975, REDAS engaged the Government on allowing CPF savings to be used for private housing.
This policy was later introduced in 1980, and opened new pathways for many families to own their first private homes.
By 1977, we took on our present name – the Real Estate Developers’ Association of Singapore – to reflect our expanding role beyond just housing and land.
In the 1980s, our partnership with the Government grew stronger and more collaborative.
We proposed initiatives such as conciliation panels, and clearer marketing guidelines to raise professionalism and strengthen public confidence.
In 1994, we also worked with URA on the Geylang East Development Guide Plan, exploring flexible, mixed-use spaces to meet new urban and economic needs.
These milestones showed how dialogue translated ideas into tangible policies that benefit not just the industry, but the community at large.
Dialogue that Builds a City
As Singapore’s economy matured, our members helped to transform the urban landscape through partnership and innovation.
In the 90s, our members started to work with the Government to revitalise historic precincts such as Clarke Quay, Boat Quay and Bugis.
Thus, beginning our new role to conserve an important part of legacy for future generations.
Around the same time, REDAS also encouraged developers to explore opportunities beyond Singapore, forming partnerships and consortia to undertake larger projects across the region.
By the 2000s, REDAS continued collaborating with agencies to streamline development guidelines, refine building controls, and advance digitalisation.
We also participated in master planning exercises, contributing industry insights to help shape Singapore’s long-term urban vision.
Over the years, our members evolved with Singapore’s needs, moving from housing into a wide range of asset classes including offices, retail, hotels, data centres, integrated and mixed-use developments, and more recently, senior housing.
In every project, our members have continued to enhance quality of life by integrating public art, greenery, sustainability and placemaking into our developments.
Singapore is home to two former Guinness World Record vertical gardens; a reflection of how far our industry has come in reimagining urban living.
Beyond Singapore, our members have also expanded their footprint globally, from fund management and REITs to township, industrial park and healthcare developments, contributing to knowledge exchange and regional growth.
Today, the built environment supports over 620,000 jobs, or about one in six workers, and contributes S$102 billion, nearly 14% of Singapore’s GDP
This is a testament to our role as one of the nation’s largest economic pillars.
Real estate is no longer just about housing; it shapes where we live, work and connect.
Looking Ahead – Transforming Spaces, Building Futures
As we celebrate our 66th year, we also reaffirm our commitment to the future.
Our world is evolving rapidly; with new challenges in climate resilience, digital transformation, and the shaping of future cities
To stay relevant and future-ready, REDAS has refreshed its identity to reflect who we are today and what we stand for in this new era.
Our new logo represents trust, purpose and progress through dialogue.
The logo also carries three dialogue boxes or speech bubbles.
These symbolise our partnership with the Government, Industry, and the larger Community.
It connects our legacy as an Advocate and Nation-Builder with our role today as a Trusted Partner and Builder of Future Cities.
Our tagline, Transforming Spaces, Building Futures, captures our shared aspiration to continue building a sustainable, inclusive, and forward-looking city together.
Closing – Dialogue into Action
To all our members, partners, and friends, a big thank you for your continued trust and collaboration.
Together, we have built more than spaces; we have built relationships, understanding, and shared purpose.
Over the years, our members have contributed meaningfully to the community, supporting various causes.
During the pandemic, the REDAS Solidarity Project Fund extended help to migrant workers and healthcare frontliners.
Through initiatives such as KidSTART and ComLink, and in collaboration with organisations like the Alzheimer’s Disease Association, we were able to support families and children in need.
As part of Singapore’s 60th year of nationhood, REDAS will pledge another $60,000 to the President’s Challenge.
This contribution reflects our Association’s long-standing commitment to social responsibility and community care.
As we move forward, may dialogue continue to guide us — in Transforming Spaces and Building Futures, one conversation at a time.
Conclusion
As REDAS marks 66 years — and Singapore celebrates 60 years of nationhood.
We are reminded that our journeys have always been intertwined in shaping the future of our nation.
The path ahead will bring new challenges, but also new opportunities to grow and evolve together.
How we choose to move forward, with dialogue, collaboration, and purpose, will define the next chapter of our industry.
My heartfelt thanks to Minister Chee for joining us tonight, and to all our members, partners, sponsors, and friends for your steadfast support.
A special word of appreciation to Chairperson Joseph Lim, Hock Chang, and the Organising Committee for their dedication and effort in making this celebration a memorable one.
Here’s to Singapore at 60, REDAS at 66.
And to the continued dialogue and collaboration that will keep transforming spaces and creating futures together.
I wish everyone an enjoyable evening ahead.
