Speech | Welcome Address at 2025 REDAS Mid Autumn Celebration by Mr Tan Swee Yiow | 3 Oct 2025
REDAS MID AUTUMN CELEBRATION
3 OCTOBER 2025, FRIDAY, 12PM
GRAND BALLROOM, HILTON SINGAPORE ORCHARD
WELCOME SPEECH BY
MR TAN SWEE YIOW, PRESIDENT, REDAS
Ms Indranee Rajah, Minister in Prime Minister’s Office and Second Minister for Finance and National Development
Patrons and Past Presidents,
Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen.
Good afternoon and a very warm welcome to our Mid-Autumn Celebration.
Before I start, I would like to wish all a happy Mid-Autumn Festival – 中秋节快乐.
Welcome
We are honoured to have our Guest-of-Honour, Ms Indranee Rajah, with us.
Thank you for your steady support and for taking the time to join the REDAS fraternity for this celebration.
The Mid-Autumn Festival has always been a cherished tradition for our association.
In this SG60 year, it is a good time to look back at how far our industry has come, and to look ahead to what we must do to keep it strong for the next generation.
Talent Attraction
Over the decades, Singapore’s built environment has grown in scale and sophistication.
Today, our common challenge is bringing in and developing the next generation of talent
I’m heartened by Minister Indranee’s proactive efforts, especially as co-chair of the Taskforce for Architectural and Engineering Consultants, which recently released 11 recommendations in a taskforce report to attract more youths to our sector.
The challenge is real.
Fewer graduates are choosing real-estate disciplines, and professions such as quantity surveying, project management and urban planning risk serious shortages.
Yet a career in the built environment offers endless opportunities, from planning our city in URA, valuing properties in IRAS, and managing townships in HDB, to creating real-estate apps, driving sustainability, advising banks, managing funds, and shaping places as a place-maker.
Some of our own have even gone into public service, like Dr Amy Khor, Cynthia Phua, Dr Faishal Ibrahim and Dr Teo Ho Pin.
This shows how a career in the built environment can help shape Singapore’s future and touch the lives of every citizen.
Industry & REDAS Initiatives
Our industry has stepped forward.
We have been partnering the public sector, and academia on scholarships, internships, and curriculum enhancements, such as the Built environment scholarship under the Singapore-Industry Scholarship programme.
One good suggestion by the recent taskforce report is the “INSPIRE” internship programme.
With longer tenure and higher pay, it creates a deeper, more rewarding experience for interns.
I encourage more members to look into these areas.
Many REDAS members have also adopted the BE CARE Charter, promoting respect and wellbeing to make our sector more attractive to young talent.
We also worked with NUS’s masters students on heritage research, giving them real project exposure and helping developers gain historical insights.
These are small but meaningful steps.
I encourage more members to come on board, whether to offer mentorships, case studies, internships or scholarships.
Each effort helps to inspire and equip the next generation.
Closing
Real estate gives us limitless opportunities to imagine and build the Singapore of the future.
With our collective effort, we can nurture a vibrant pipeline of talent and ensure Singapore’s built environment continues to thrive.
On behalf of REDAS, thank you, Minister Indranee, for gracing today’s celebration and for your unwavering commitment to our industry.
Our heartfelt appreciation also goes to our generous sponsors, members, and friends for your steadfast support, and to Joseph and the Organising Committee for making this event possible.
Finally, 中秋节快乐!
May the Mid-Autumn Festival bring you and your loved ones, joy, good health and togetherness.
Thank you.
