A journey of purpose, people and place

When URA Chief Executive Officer Lim Eng Hwee first embarked on a career in urban planning, he simply wanted to be a good planner and contribute to shaping a better Singapore. More than three decades later, he leaves the URA having played a part in shaping not only Singapore's physical landscape, but also the organisation and people behind it.

As he prepares to begin a new chapter, he reflects on his journey, the privilege of serving Singapore, and the values he hopes will continue to inspire URA in the years ahead.

URA CEO Lim Eng Hwee at the Singapore City Gallery.

Q: Looking back at your journey, how did you become a planner? Did you ever imagine you'd one day lead URA?

I became a planner partly by chance. I was deciding between studying Engineering or Architecture when I was offered a Public Service Commission scholarship to study Town Planning instead. I was advised that urban planning combined engineering and architecture, on a much larger scale, and that Singapore would need planners as the country continued to develop.

Looking back, I'm grateful for that advice. What began as an unexpected opportunity turned into a lifelong career that I have enjoyed tremendously. When the former URA merged with the Planning Department and the Research & Statistics Unit in MND in 1989 to form the new URA, my scholarship bond was transferred here, and I have been with the organisation ever since.

The thought of becoming CEO never crossed my mind until I was asked to consider the opportunity.

Q: How would you describe your journey at URA?

It has been a most meaningful, satisfying and thoroughly enjoyable journey with the URA family.

I don't feel that coming to work is "work". Friends often tell me they're envious that I work on something I'm passionate about and genuinely enjoy.

I've also had opportunities to visit cities around the world and meet fellow planners and city leaders. While many admire what Singapore has achieved, I'm equally inspired by their passion and love for their own cities. Those exchanges remind me that we should never stop striving to make Singapore even better.

Mr Lim with Minister Chee Hong Tat, Chief Urban Designer Mdm Fun Siew Leng and representatives from the City of London Corporation during a 2025 study visit on the city’s planning and development.

Q: What has leadership taught you over the years?

One of the biggest surprises about becoming CEO was realising that running URA as an organisation is much more than planning.

For nearly three decades, my focus was on planning work. I regarded systems, processes and governance as supporting functions. As CEO, I came to understand that they are the foundations of a strong organisation.

More importantly, I came to appreciate that taking care of our people is fundamental to building a strong organisation. Our officers give a great deal of themselves to their work and as leaders, we have a responsibility to support their growth, create opportunities for them to contribute and ensure they feel valued for what they do.

I also realised that the CEO becomes the face of URA. How you carry yourself, the decisions you make and the way you lead reflect the organisation. I have always felt the weight of that responsibility.

Over time, my leadership style evolved as well. In my early years, I wanted to be involved in almost every key issue. Eventually, I learned to trust my colleagues more, delegate more and empower officers to make decisions. That shift was only possible because of the strong trust within our management team.

Personally, I have also learned to see things more holistically, appreciate different perspectives, and recognise that leadership is never about doing everything yourself. It’s about bringing people along and enabling them to do their best.

Q: Was there a moment that reminded you why this work matters?

Many moments.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, friends often shared how much the Rail Corridor, cycling network and park connectors meant to them. They became places where people exercise, found relief and stay connected.

Even today, seeing families and friends enjoying Marina Bay and our public spaces reminds me of the invisible work of our planners, architects and officers. Those everyday moments are powerful reminders that what we do genuinely improves people's lives.

Throughout my career in public service, serving Singapore and working with colleagues towards national objectives have always been my guiding principles.

Q: What has working with URA officers meant to you?

I've learned so much from colleagues throughout the years - from planning and architecture to technology, project management, communications and stakeholder engagement. They have been my teachers.

We've worked late together to deliver projects, responded to crises like COVID-19, and celebrated milestones together. Over the years, they have become much more than colleagues - they have become friends.

Quite often, people outside URA would tell me, without prompting, "URA has done very good work for Singapore."

It's a simple statement, but one that means a great deal to me. It recognises not just the organisation, but generations of URA officers whose dedication has helped shape Singapore. Every time I hear it, I'm reminded of the responsibility we all have to continue building on the good work of those who came before us.

Mr Lim with fellow URA officers in 1991, early in his career at URA.

Q: What gives you confidence about URA's future?

Our people.

They are professional, creative, passionate and resilient. They genuinely care about creating a liveable city for Singaporeans and never shy away from complex challenges.

What encourages me most is their willingness to adapt. The way we plan, engage and regulate has never remained static. Even as challenges become more complex and resources become tighter, our officers continue to embrace technology, find better ways of working and respond to change with confidence.

I'm fortunate to have inherited a strong team from previous generations of leaders, and equally glad that we've continued building leadership capabilities across the organisation. I'm confident the next generation is well prepared to take URA even further.

As I leave URA, I hope our officers will continue to stay passionate about what they do, care for one another, remain open to new ideas and perspectives, and never lose sight of why our work matters – to shape a better Singapore for current and future generations.

Mr Lim with fellow URA officers at his appreciation party.