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30 April 2010
URA Lifestyle survey 2009 and Concept Plan 2011 online survey
- High public statisfaction with Singapore's Quality of Life
- Close to 85 per cent agree that Singapore offers a great live-work-play environment
- Close to 90 per cent have a strong sense of belonging to Singapore
The Lifestyle Survey 2009 and Concept Plan 2011 Online Survey conducted by the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) reveal high overall satisfaction amongst Singapore residents on the living, working and leisure environment.
URA conducted the Lifestyle Survey 2009 over a seven-month period from August 2009 to March 2010, where 4,000 respondents were interviewed. The public were also invited to give their feedback via the Concept Plan 2011 Online Survey from January to February this year. See Annex A for more information about the surveys.
Data collected on the social and physical aspects of our live, work and play environment will provide useful input to the ongoing Concept Plan 2011 review. The findings from both surveys were also provided to the two Concept Plan 2011 Focus Groups1 as supplementary information for their discussions. Through the surveys, URA will also identify areas for improvement in the current provision of amenities and facilities, and work with the relevant agencies to narrow these gaps.
The full report of the two surveys is available at the URA website at http://spring.ura.gov.sg/conceptplan2011. The key findings are summarised below.
(A) QUALITY OF LIFE
83.8 per cent of the respondents agreed that Singapore is a great place to live, work and play in. This is a 10.2 per cent increase from the Public Perception Survey conducted in 2006. The survey also revealed that more people find Singapore to be a vibrant and exciting city with her own distinctive character. We saw 78 per cent of respondents agreeing with this, a 11.4 per cent increase from the 2006 survey.
Respondents were also asked about how satisfied they were with Singapore’s live, work and play environment. On the whole, there is a 14 per cent increase in satisfaction level with our living environment, 12 per cent increase for working environment, and 13 per cent increase for leisure environment, as compared to the 2006 Public Perception Survey. Please see chart 1.
The surveys revealed that the five most important aspects of quality of life were public transport, food & beverage establishments, healthcare, green spaces, and educational facilities. Respondents also indicated high satisfaction levels of over 80 per cent for all of these aspects.
| Five most important aspects of quality of life |
% of respondents who indicate that this aspect is important |
Satisfaction level* among respondents who indicate that this aspect is important |
|---|---|---|
| Public transport facilities |
69.5 |
85.8% |
| Food and beverage establishments |
61.9 |
91.3% |
| Healthcare facilities |
55.0 |
83.9% |
| Green spaces and beaches |
46.7 |
83.6% |
| Educational facilities |
32.2 |
88.0% |
* % of respondents who are satisfied or very satisfied.
Respondents have also indicated that they would like to see more diverse night-time offerings, events and festivals, healthcare facilities, and vibrant street/public life. They also wanted more opportunities to be involved in deciding how the living environment is shaped.
| Aspects that respondents wish to see more of |
% of respondents (who indicate that this aspect is important) who wish to see more of this aspect |
Satisfaction level* among respondents who indicate that this aspect is important |
|---|---|---|
| Diverse night-time offerings |
60.0 |
63.1% |
| Events and festivals |
57.7 |
79.4% |
| Healthcare facilities |
55.5 |
83.9% |
| Opportunity to be involved in deciding how the living environment is shaped |
55.3 |
52.5% |
| Vibrant street/public life |
54.9 |
76.2% |
Living Environment
Majority of respondents were pleased with the living environment. 92.4 per cent indicated that they were satisfied or very satisfied with the living environment on the whole, in terms of the provision of essential facilities like healthcare and transport, variety of housing types, and the design of the residential environment. This represents a 14.2 per cent increase from the 2006 survey.
Housing aspirations
The survey showed that most people (89.9 per cent) were satisfied or very satisfied with the variety of housing types in Singapore. Public housing is preferred (72 per cent), with HDB 4-room flats being the most preferred housing type among all housing options. In addition, many prefer to stay in high-rise2 residential developments, with half of respondents (49.4 per cent) choosing this over medium-rise (35.6 per cent) and low-rise living environments (15 per cent).
The top three factors influencing where people prefer to stay are cost of housing, proximity to public transport facilities and neighbourhood facilities.
Elderly housing
A big proportion of elderly respondents (78.5 per cent) prefer to live in regular housing and age in place in a familiar environment within the community. Most prefer to grow old with their families and age in a familiar environment, being able to retain their sense of independence and interact with the community at the same time.
The top four factors that elderly respondents take into consideration in their housing option were cost, proximity to public transport facilities, neighbourhood facilities, and adequate provision of healthcare facilities. Respondents indicated that they did not mind living further away from the city in their old age but preferred to be near their families, transport nodes and amenities. The elderly also preferred housing with elderly friendly design.
Seniors ranked elderly friendly housing, exercise areas, activity centres, spaces for inter-generation interaction and barrier-free facilities as the most important facilities to their needs. They also suggested more elderly friendly facilities and amenities to be located within walking distance from home.
Sustainable communities
The surveys showed high demand for green building features. 82.9 per cent of respondents wished that there were more high-rise greenery in housing and office developments. They also hope to see more housing projects incorporate green technologies. Most were willing to pay more for housing with such features. Majority of respondents currently adopt environmentally friendly practices like recycling and taking energy saving measures.
Working Environment
People are generally happy with the working environment. 86.7 per cent of respondents were generally happy with the working environment on the whole, taking into consideration factors such as the proximity to supporting services and facilities, ease of access, and work location. This is 12.4 per cent higher than the previous survey in 2006.
Preferred work location
Currently, most respondents work in either the Central region3 (50.4 per cent) or the Western region (18.8 per cent). However, when asked where they would prefer to work, the majority (65.5 per cent) prefer to work near home or in their immediate neighbourhood if given a choice.
Ease of access to the workplace, proximity to public transport facilities, and proximity to home are the top three factors influencing where they prefer to work.
Commute patterns
The survey showed that public transport usage remained high. 63 per cent of respondents use public transportation to commute to work. Currently, 60 per cent of respondents take 30 minutes or less to travel to work. However, more respondents (69 per cent) prefer to take 30 minutes or less to travel to work.
The top three factors which can encourage greater usage of public transport are cheaper fares as well as higher frequencies for bus and MRT services.
Leisure Environment
Most respondents (83.9 per cent) were satisfied with the leisure environment on the whole, in terms of the range of leisure facilities and activities available. This is 13.4 per cent higher than the previous survey in 2006.
Leisure options
The survey showed that the top leisure activities Singaporeans enjoy are watching TV/movies at home (80.2 per cent), eating out at coffeeshops/hawker centres/food centres (50.3 per cent), shopping (44.3 per cent), jogging/strolling/brisk walking (43 per cent), and surfing the net (42.5 per cent).
While respondents were generally satisfied with the provision of leisure options in Singapore, there is demand for more outdoor recreation facilities. They wanted to see more park connectors, green spaces, unique destinations, and water-based activities and events.
Night buzz
Less than half of respondents (43.2 per cent) are satisfied or very satisfied with the adequacy, variety and vibrancy of night-time activities/events. However, half of respondents are neutral regarding night life.
Respondents indicated that operating hours for public transport and the opening hours of night-time amenities are the top two factors that will encourage them to participate in night-time leisure activities.
Respondents with young children suggested more family friendly facilities and activities such as child minding facilities and services at night, 24-hour family restaurants, and street performances would allow them to participate in night life activities.
See Part 2 of the report for the full results pertaining to Quality of Life.
(B) ENDEARING HOME
The surveys showed that Singaporeans have a strong sense of belonging to Singapore, with 89.8% of respondents agreeing that Singapore is their home, a 22.9 per cent increase compared to the 2006 survey. Many also indicated that they would like to retire in Singapore (73.5 per cent) and hope that their future generations will be based in Singapore (71 per cent)4.
Respondents indicated that housing estates, national icons and destinations, and conservation areas and old buildings are the top three places in Singapore where they have the fondest memories of.
At the same time, the top three features that make Singapore special are parks and greenery, conservation areas and buildings, and national icons and destinations. In particular, 90.9% of respondents agree or strongly agree that greenery contributes to Singapore’s identity.
Heritage
Respondents are generally satisfied with the conservation of heritage buildings and areas in Singapore, with 72.3 per cent of respondents indicating that they are satisfied or very satisfied. Respondents felt that the aspects of conservation areas that appeal to them are the distinctive architecture and building style, their rich history and heritage, as well as traditional trades and activities.
However, a similar proportion of respondents (73.2 per cent) felt that the physical landscape in Singapore changes too quickly, and 64.2 per cent of respondents felt that we do not keep enough familiar buildings and places. Most (73.5 per cent) also felt that familiar places should be kept as they contribute strongly to their sense of belonging.
Housing estates and neighbourhoods
Respondents felt that amenities (such as hawker centres and neighbourhood shops), parks and greenery, and commercial centres are the top three aspects of the neighbourhood that are most important to the identity of the area. In particular, hawker centres are very important, with almost all respondents (96.6 per cent) agreeing that they should be maintained as one of the key amenities in our housing estates.
See Part 3 of the report for the full results pertaining to Endearing Home.
(C) FOREIGNERS
The survey showed that foreigners are happy staying in Singapore. 87.3 per cent of foreign respondents agree or strongly agree that Singapore is a great place to live, work and play in.
81 per cent also agreed that Singapore is a vibrant and exciting city with her own distinctive character. What foreigner respondents like most about Singapore and will attract them to stay here are the clean and safe environment, and the climate.
See Part 4 of the report for the full results pertaining to foreign respondents.
About the Concept Plan
The Concept Plan maps out the long term directions for Singapore’s land use and transportation plans over the next 40 to 50 years. The Concept Plan takes into consideration Singapore’s land use demands including housing, industry and commerce, community, recreation, transport and infrastructure needs. It safeguards land for key growth sectors to ensure we have enough land to meet all our development needs even in the long term. The review is carried out once every ten years and the present review is scheduled to be completed in 2011.
- As part of the Concept Plan 2011 review public consultation exercise, two Focus Groups were formed to discuss four key issues that will shape our live, work and play environment in the coming years.
- High-rise: Above 12 storeys. Medium-rise: 6 to 12 storeys. Low-rise: 5 storeys and below.
- The Central region comprises the Central Area, and the planning areas of Bishan, Bukit Merah, Bukit Timah, Geylang, Kallang, Marine Parade, Novena, Queenstown, Tanglin, Toa Payoh and the Southern Islands.
- The 2006 Public Perception Survey did not include questions regarding preferences on locations for retirement and future generations.
About the URA Lifestyle Survey 2009 and the Concept Plan 2011 Online Survey
The URA Lifestyle Survey 2009 and the Concept Plan 2011 (CP2011) Online Survey were conducted as part of the first phase of the CP2011 review public consultation exercise to engage the general public on their lifestyle needs and aspirations. Findings from both surveys will be taken into consideration by the CP2011 Focus Groups, who will, in turn, provide useful inputs to the ongoing CP2011 Review.
The objectives of the Lifestyle Survey and Online Survey are to identify lifestyle needs and aspirations of residents in Singapore and measure satisfaction levels on the different aspects of the live and work environments, the range of leisure and recreational activities that people engage in, as well as factors that contribute to a good quality of life and enhance our people’s sense of belonging to Singapore.
The data collected on the social and physical aspects of the live, work and play environment will provide useful input to the ongoing Concept Plan 2011 review. The findings from both surveys were also provided to the two Concept Plan 2011 Focus Groups as supplementary information for their discussions.
The surveys are part of URA’s continuing efforts in public consultation to engage and involve residents in our plans to shape Singapore into a great city to live, work and play in.
Lifestyle Survey 2009
The Lifestyle Survey 2009 was launched on 11 August 2009. A sample of 4,000 people representative of Singapore’s demographic composition was surveyed through face-to-face interviews. This includes singles, families with young children, the elderly, as well as foreigners. In addition, 10 focus groups involving about 100 participants were also conducted to gain deeper insights into the lifestyle needs and aspirations of our people. The feedback from focus group participants generally supported the survey results.
The URA Lifestyle Survey is conducted once every five years as part of the regular review of our land use plans. The first Lifestyle Survey was conducted in 2002-2004 where a total of about 4,200 Singapore citizens and permanent residents were surveyed.
Concept Plan 2011 Online Survey
To supplement the Lifestyle Survey, an Online Survey was launched on 23 January 2010 to reach out to the wider public. The survey sought public feedback on how the provision of social and recreational amenities and facilities can be improved, as well as how we can foster a greater sense of belonging to Singapore among residents. More than 1,200 responses were received during the five-week period.
See Part 1 of the report for details on the surveys and demographic profile of the respondents.
