Lee Kuan Yew World City Prize

Known for its extensive rail network and underground connections, Tokyo and other cities in Japan are taking one step further in transforming some of its major transport nodes further into lifestyle hubs. Hear from Wataru Tanaka, Senior Executive Officer of Nikken Sekkei Ltd, a leading urban designer of large-scale projects, who believes we can do more with our transit-oriented developments (TOD).    Wataru, who spoke recently in Singapore at the inaugural Urban Design Roundtable, emphasises the importance of having a long-term vision for TODs on how these can be more integrated with its surrounding environments to better support immediate neighbourhoods and people’s daily lives.   Grand Green Osaka is one such example. Connected to the central Osaka Station, it transforms former trainyards into a mixed-use shopping complex. Those who access the station can also enjoy the expansive Umekita Park as part of the development. Awarded the Lee Kuan Yew World City Prize’s Special Mention in 2018, Tokyo is recognised for its long-term investment in its extensive public transport network and exceptional public-private partnership model that also contributes to its various TOD transformations.   #LKYWCP #TransitOrientedDevelopment #CityPlanning #UrbanTransformation #LiveableCities

Calling all city leaders and champions, in your constant lookout for the best ideas and innovations to keep learning and growing, here are 3 reasons why you should nominate your city and be part of the Lee Kuan Yew #WorldCityPrize: 1️⃣ Learn - You learn from the best by sharing best practices, innovative solutions and new ideas to tackle emerging urban challenges through the Prize’s events and platforms. 2️⃣ Support - You can explore collaborations and seek expert insight and support for your city efforts with other Prize cities through the Prize’s Network and learning programmes. 3️⃣ Share - You will get to share your cities’ stories, trials and triumphs, and how your hard work and transformative efforts have improved your cities’ environments and people’s lives. Cities interested to apply for the Prize must engage an independent third-party urban expert to nominate them.  Nominations only require a 200-word write-up on the city’s achievements in the following areas: ✅ Outstanding leadership and governance  ✅ Successful urban transformation  ✅ Innovative urban solutions  ✅ Lessons for other cities Could your city be the next LKYWCP winner? Nominate your city for the 2026 Prize cycle by 31 March 2025:  https://lnkd.in/gZmqrYn3 #LKYWCP #LiveableCities #SustainableCities

We were happy to catch up with Suzhou Industrial Park (SIP) officials and consultants late last year. A decade after it was awarded the Lee Kuan Yew #WorldCityPrize 2014 Laureate, Suzhou continues to be a model for other cities in China and globally, with its focus on strategic planning and urban design efforts to create quality environments while preserving its heritage and culture.   Initiated in 1994, SIP’s industrial park model serves as a model for many other industrial parks across China and globally. Supported by a unique international cooperation approach between Singapore and Chinese governments with regular exchanges and training on urban planning, social governance and economic development, the Industrial Park grew from 80 square kilometres to 278 square kilometres and is home to 1.17 million people. It has been China’s top-ranked economic and technological development zone for the last eight years.   Its next phase of development includes:   👉 Reinforcing its imageability through the rejuvenation of its key buildings, rivers and streets 👉 Improving street vibrancy along its central boulevard with pedestrian-friendly features 👉 Strengthening the destination appeal of distinctive Jinji Lake through new offerings such as the upcoming Suzhou Museum of Contemporary Art 👉 Connecting green and blue corridors for a continuous recreational path linking areas such as Jinji Lake and Moon Bay   We look forward to future visits to see how Suzhou continues to grow and evolve. Read more about its transformative efforts here: https://lnkd.in/gjtbyBDJ #LKYWCP #UrbanTransformation #LiveableCities #SustainableCities

We are excited about Vancouver’s latest 2050 Plan! More than a decade after receiving the 2012 Lee Kuan Yew #WorldCityPrize Special Mention, Vancouver continues to focus on long-term planning strategies and good urban design efforts to create more car-lite, liveable neighbourhoods. Its 2050 Plan continues to be visionary in planning for more equitable and complete neighbourhoods, providing job opportunities, creating more walkable streets, and protecting and making space for nature.  As a recipient of the #LKYWCP, we’re glad to see Vancouver continue its vision of creating vibrant, liveable, and sustainable urban communities. Congratulations to City of Vancouver on this milestone! Read more about Vancouver’s success: https://lnkd.in/gAJMsGZU #UrbanTransformation #LiveableCities #SustainableCities

While our cities are imperfect, how can we create perfect moments? Master planner Joe Berridge shares how urban design can create perfect city moments. As cities become denser, Joe suggests increasing the ‘chemistry’ of places for greater urban delight, interaction and interchange. He believes that urban design is the unifying discipline that can bring together all parties and elements to create perfect moments in our cities. Based in Toronto, Joe is a Senior Partner at Urban Strategies Inc. and has led many complex planning and regeneration projects worldwide, such as London’s Canary Wharf and New York’s Battery Park City. Awarded the 2016 Lee Kuan Yew #WorldCityPrize Special Mention, City of Toronto is known for creating quality environments that support and foster community and family life. Joe spoke at the inaugural 2024 Urban Design Roundtable in Singapore on the role of urban design in shaping more liveable cities for the future. How can we create more perfect moments in our cities? What role can urban design play? #LKYWCP #LiveableCities #UrbanDesign

Apart from its beautiful natural landscapes, Rio de Janeiro’s revitalisation of its city’s waterfront downtown area stands out for its delightful 3.5 km promenade of bike lanes and green spaces, anchored by cultural and architectural landmarks such as the Museum of Tomorrow. Awarded the 2024 Lee Kuan Yew #WorldCityPrize, Rio inspires cities to keep growing and improving with boldness and creativity. Initiated in 2009, leading up to the 2016 Olympic Games, the transformation of the Porto Maravilla area has redefined its downtown, moving away from decades of being mono-functional. A pivotal moment is its 2013 removal of its Perimetral Elevated Highway, making way for more walkable streets and engaging public spaces. Its other efforts include introducing its first low emission district in 2019, helping to improve air quality and create a more sustainable city.  This includes an extensive cycling network and vegetation cover, features that could be adapted for other parts of the city. Rio’s commitment to sustainability extends to preserving its heritage. Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site, its Valongo Wharf archaeological site was the landing area for enslaved Africans reaching South America and serves as a reminder of the city’s history. Damien Woon, Senior Planner, part of the Prize secretariat team, shares highlights of his experience visiting Rio. Learn more about Rio’s city's efforts: https://lnkd.in/gyY368nK #LKYWCP #UrbanTransformation #SustainableCities Rio de Janeiro City Hall

We love seeing meaningful exchanges between the Lee Kuan Yew #World City Prize cities! Medellín (2016 Laureate) and Bilbao (2010 Laureate) met recently to explore collaborations and share best practices on how companies have used technology and AI to enhance the healthcare sector. Both cities are known for their transformative efforts, reinventing and redefining their cities and improving citizen’s lives. It is great to see both cities collaborating to find new ways of enhancing the health and well-being of their residents. We look forward to seeing more collaborations and exchanges among cities! #LKYWCP #LiveableCities Bilbao Udala - Ayuntamiento

What a year it's been for the Lee Kuan Yew #WorldCityPrize in celebrating cities' urban transformations and building new connections and collaborations.  We look back at memorable moments in 2024: ✨ The 2024 Laureate and Special Mentions continue to inspire us with fresh city lessons and stories on the challenges and triumphs of building great cities.  ✨ The new City Network has enabled the Prize's Laureates, its founding members, to support one another in significant ways through participation in new summits, competitions and exchanges. ✨ From Asia to Europe, we have reconnected and made new friends in continuing to share new ideas and perspectives on creating liveable, vibrant and sustainable urban communities. Thank you to all the city leaders, experts and champions for sharing your personal stories and insights with us. We look forward to welcoming more cities into our community from the Call for Nominations for the 2026 Prize cycle. We are excited for the Prize to continue as a key connector and platform in encouraging cities' transformative efforts. #LKYWCP #LiveableCities #SustainableCities Centre for Liveable Cities

What should cities focus on in 2025? 💡 Singapore architect Wong Mun Summ, co-founder of WOHA Architects and member of the Lee Kuan Yew #WorldCityPrize Nominating Committee, shares his key ideas for cities for the future in Monocle’s latest Forecast Issue just out. Mun Summ’s forecast for cities reflects the Prize’s mission and role in encouraging cities to keep innovating and growing to create beautiful, safe, and inclusive cities and environments that we can continue to enjoy for future generations. #LKYWCP #UrbanPlanning #LiveableCities #SustainableCities

While Bilbao and Singapore vastly differ in geography and culture, they have something in common—strategic urban renewal and a commitment to creating high-quality urban environments. So we’re thrilled to welcome Eider Inunciaga Serna, Bilbao City Councilor, and Estibaliz Luengo Celaya, Director of Internationalisation, Bilbao International, Bilbao City Council (Bilbao Udala - Ayuntamiento), to Singapore! As the first-ever Lee Kuan Yew #WorldCityPrize Laureate (2010), Bilbao has inspired cities worldwide with its remarkable urban regeneration. During their visit, they delved into a wide range of Singapore’s urban initiatives, from creating dementia-friendly neighbourhoods to strategic city planning; and even heritage preservation through the National Archives. We're also exploring future collaborations within the World City Prize City Network to foster more cross-city learning amongst cities. The City Network was formed in June 2024 with the Prize Laureate cities and related international knowledge organisations as the founding members to deepen knowledge-sharing and explore new partnerships and ideas. We look forward to working closely with Bilbao to continue learning from one another and building more robust capabilities to develop more resilient cities. #LKYWCP #UrbanTransformation #UrbanDevelopment #UrbanPlanning #SustainableCities Image credits: Centre for Liveable Cities, Urban Redevelopment Authority of Singapore (URA)