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Singapore and Cambodia launch first multi-agency training programme in urban planning and development

- Programme introduces Singapore's land management, urban planning, building codes and regulations to 1,140 Cambodian government officials
- Started in Phnom Penh on 1 August 2011, the programme is supported by the Temasek Foundation financially at S$265,000, initiated by IE Singapore and led by Singapore's Building and Construction Authority

Phnom Penh, 8 September 2011 - Temasek Foundation and Singapore's Building and Construction Authority (BCA) launched a programme to train 1,140 Cambodian government officials in land management, urban planning and building control. Initiated by International Enterprise (IE) Singapore, this training programme is being conducted in Phnom Penh by a team of senior officials and experts from the BCA, Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) and Singapore Land Authority (SLA).

The first batch of 140 officials from the Ministry of Land Management, Urban Planning and Construction of Cambodia (MLMUPC) participated in this customised programme which started on 1 August 2011. It will conclude officially on 9 September 2011.

Temasek Foundation committed a grant of S$265,000 to this programme. It supports the Cambodian government's strategies in urban development for the country's economic growth.

Through the programme, the Cambodian officials learned about:
(a) Singapore's strategies in national development in land management, urban planning and building control;
(b) the policies and regulations that were developed for these strategies;
(c) the resources and expertise needed to administer these policies and regulations; and
(d) Singapore's building codes and regulations, including the issuance of construction permits.

Commenting on the programme, the Senior Minister of Cambodia's Ministry of Land Management, Urban Planning and Construction, Mr Im Chhun Lim said: "Cambodia's population growth has continued to increase steadily which can be a source of pressure on the demand of land use, both for housing and economic development as well as for urban development. With proper land management or land use planning, we can better manage the country's resources in a proper, highly effective and sustainable manner."

"We consider this training programme co-operation as another new starting point for our bilateral cooperation which has a new form and approach by sending Singapore experts to offer training in the Ministry," he added.

Temasek Foundation Chief Executive Officer Mr Benedict Cheong said: "Temasek Foundation is pleased to support this programme to help the participants enhance their capabilities in developing long-term strategies for Cambodia's land management and urban planning. The programme is very much in line with efforts to strengthen institutional capabilities that lend to development and growth. Singapore had in its early days benefited from training programmes and scholarships offered by other countries across a whole range of areas such as education, healthcare, public administration and others. It is therefore fitting for Singapore agencies to play their part to support on-going efforts of Asian communities to build people, build communities, build institutions and rebuild lives."

BCA Chief Executive Officer Dr John Keung added: "The programme is unique and significant as it provides insights into Singapore's urban development journey underpinned by our key principles in urban governance. Through the joint efforts of several Singapore agencies, including BCA, URA and SLA, this programme will share how Singapore has evolved to her current state of infrastructure development through careful and systematic planning, as well as a robust regulatory framework."

Following the programme, the participants will share what they have learnt with about 1,000 officials across the 24 provinces and municipalities in Cambodia. In addition, the participants will use what they have learnt to identify new initiatives, policies, reforms and processes that will contribute to Cambodia's 'National Urban Development Strategy' and 'Construction Policy and Law Formulation Initiative'.

Said Deputy Chief Executive Officer of IE Singapore, Mr Chua Taik Him: "The training programme will help Cambodia to build critical capabilities in its effort to urbanise. We are happy that Singapore agencies are coming together to share their expertise and best practices. This multiple-agency training programme will pave the way for more investments by the private sector and contribute to the sustainable growth of Cambodia."

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Issued jointly by the Building and Construction Authority, International Enterprise Singapore and Temasek Foundation

About Building and Construction Authority

The Building and Construction Authority (BCA) of Singapore champions the development of an excellent built environment for Singapore. At BCA, our mission is to shape a safe, high quality, sustainable and friendly built environment, as these are four key elements where BCA has a significant influence. In doing so, we aim to differentiate Singapore's built environment from those of other cities and contribute to a better quality of life for everyone in Singapore. Hence, our vision is to have "the best built environment for Singapore, our distinctive global city". BCA works closely with its education hub, the BCA Academy of the Built Environment, and industry partners to develop skills and expertise that help shape the best built environment for Singapore. For more information, visit www.bca.gov.sg

About International Enterprise Singapore

International Enterprise (IE) Singapore is the government agency driving Singapore's external economy. It spearheads the overseas growth of Singapore-based companies and promotes international trade.

The agency partners Singapore-based companies in their international expansion through its "3C" framework of assistance (Connections, Competency and Capital), and through its global network in over 35 locations spanning many emerging markets.

It also anchors global trading companies in Singapore and promotes the country as a base to expand into the region in partnership with Singapore-based companies.

Visit www.iesingapore.com for more information.

About Temasek Foundation, Singapore

Temasek Foundation is a non-profit philanthropic organisation anchored in Singapore that seeks to contribute to sustainable growth and a bright future of hope and opportunities for people in Asia. The foundation works with partners to support programmes that develop people through health care, education and research, programmes that build bridges between peoples, programmes that build institutions of excellence through governance and ethics, and programmes that rebuild lives and livelihoods affected by natural disasters.

For more information, visit www.temasekfoundation.org.sg.

Footnote

Portable document format version of the media release is also available (60KB .pdf).