The vision of  HDB was to plan new Towns that were highly self-sufficient so that people can meet their daily needs within the New Town.

6 stages of development in HDB's history.

• Initiation
• Consolidation
• Refinement
• Excellence
• Asset building
• “My Place, My Home”

Key policies that HDB adopted over the years:

• Clear target groups
• Keep rules simple
• Strict eligibility criteria
• Integrated service function
• Creative financing scheme

HDB focus on addressing the shortage of housing in Singapore. The quality of the flats 

built in the first and second stages were not of ideal quality as HDB had to deal with 

cheaper materials. 

Dr Liu described some of the planning parameters adopted for New Town HDB planned New Towns with the community spirit in mind Dr Liu described the research done in determine the ideal number of units per segmented corridor, to encourage interaction between neighbors and create a sense of belonging. 

He said that the amount of land given to residential uses was less than 50 per cent,  

and the remaining land was used for roads, commercial and educational institutions, parks and gardens, sports and recreation, places of worship, transportation, etc. 

This comprehensive inventory of community facilities and amenities 

was a major contribution by HDB, in terms of building the community, creating a good environment that is convenient and comfortable, and also contributing to the urban planning of Singapore.