Major land reclamation plans unveiled at National Day Rally 2026

Prime Minister Lawrence Wong unveiled an ambitious set of land reclamation and island development plans at the 2026 National Day Rally on Aug 23. A central element, reported by multiple outlets, is Singapore's intention to reclaim more land and merge existing islands to support what Mr Wong called a 'new generation of industries' in the coming decades. The plans include the creation of a new western island through the merging of several southern islands, and further reclamation at Pulau Tekong.

PM Wong framed the initiative as planning ahead for future generations, comparable to the vision of Singapore's pioneers. He stressed that Singapore's approach is to plan 50, 70, even 100 years ahead, and to think boldly, building for the next generation, drawing on the example of Jurong Island, which was formed by reclaiming several offshore islands and has since become a global energy and chemicals hub.

Formation of a new western island

The specific proposal for the western island involves merging islands such as Pulau Semakau, Pulau Bukom, and Pulau Sudong, with Pulau Hantu, Jong, and Sebarok possibly included, according to The Straits Times. The island will accommodate new industries, power generation infrastructure, and defence needs. Notably, Pulau Sudong has an airstrip used by the Singapore Armed Forces during emergencies, as reported by The Straits Times.

The Straits Times quoted PM Wong as acknowledging the trade-offs between development and preserving green spaces, noting that 'every piece of land matters in Singapore' but sometimes difficult choices and trade-offs must be made. He pointed out that nearly half of Singapore is covered in greenery, while stressing the importance of carefully studying the impact of development.

The plan also includes constructing a second road link to Jurong Island, whose existing causeway is heavily used, and a new link connecting Jurong Island to the planned western island. These details were reported by both CNA and The Straits Times.

Study into undersea tunnel to Pulau Tekong

A notable announcement concerned the study of undersea tunnels to connect Pulau Tekong, Singapore's largest outlying island, to the mainland. CNA, The Straits Times, and The Star reported that Pulau Tekong currently has no land connection, and recruits traveling for military training must use boats. Bridges were considered but would crossing busy shipping channels; hence the plan to go undersea.

PM Wong called the proposed tunnels a 'major engineering undertaking', noting Singapore has never built undersea tunnels of this scope, though it has underground road tunnels. He said the project will bring the outer islands much closer to the rest of Singapore.

Pulau Tekong was once two islands, Tekong Besar and Tekong Kechil, which reclamation has since connected, as noted in several reports. More reclamation at the southern end will create additional space for the military, and after meeting defence needs, about 500 hectares will remain for future civilian use, with no decision yet on its use. The Star placed early plans for a road connection in the 1991 Concept Plan.

Sentosa and Pulau Brani to become integrated destination

Sentosa and neighboring Pulau Brani are undergoing a major transformation under the Greater Sentosa Master Plan announced in July, according to The Straits Times. PM Wong unveiled plans to improve access to Sentosa's western coastline, preserving its natural character and allowing more people to discover its hidden features, as reported by The Straits Times and CNA.

Port operations at Brani Terminal, as well as Tanjong Pagar and Keppel terminals, will move to Tuas Port by 2027, opening up the 120-hectare Pulaui Brani for development. The plan includes land reclamation linking Brani to Sentosa, creating an integrated destination with new attractions and experiences, according to multiple reports.

A new Downtown South resort, under the leisure and recreational arm of NTUC, will be built on Pulau Brani, with early concepts floated by then-Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong in 2019. Connectivity will be enhanced with a new people mover system connecting mainland Singapore to Sentosa and Brani, and water taxi service are being explored.

Other major public investments discussed include the Long Island project and the merging of western islands, which PM noted will take decades to complete and require investment over many terms of government. The overall message, delivered across multiple outlets, is of a long-term vision to create more space and opportunities for future generations.