Celebrating design with SG60, new hotels and theme parks

Architecture and urban design take centre stage in 2025, with marquee events such as a year-long celebration of Singapore's 60th year of independence (SG60) and launches of Sentosa attractions to enhance the destination's "islander allure".

- Chantal Sajan

The first event to mark the nation's 60th birthday kicked off recently with the ONE Countdown 2025, in which 17 heartland hubs ushered in the new year with community programmes and fireworks, organised by the People's Association grassroots organisations.

The overarching theme of SG60, "Building Our Singapore Together", aims to encourage Singaporeans to reflect on shared values such as multiculturalism, boldness, resilience and openness, says the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth.

These 2025 events include Chingay, Exercise SG Ready, Racial and Religious Harmony Month, and Project Citizens - The First Million, a Founders' Memorial tribute to the founding generation.

There is also the Singapore Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka in Japan. Inspired by Singapore's nickname the "Little Red Dot", the giant red orb - 18.5m in diameter and 17m at its highest point - is called the "Dream Sphere". It is expected to debut in April 2025.

There are more platforms to engage the public, including the SG60 Youth Engagements organised by the National Youth Council and PA, as well as consultations under the Urban Redevelopment Authority's (URA) Draft Master Plan Exhibition.