Tiagong HDB is very sad...
Remembering Dr Liu Thai Ker (1938–2026)
We are deeply saddened by the passing of Dr Liu Thai Ker, former Chief Executive Officer of HDB, whose 20 years of service from 1969 to 1989 helped shape the foundations of public housing in Singapore.
Dr Liu joined HDB at a pivotal moment in our nation’s history, when many Singaporeans were living in overcrowded and unsanitary conditions.
As Head of the Design and Research Unit, later Chief Architect and then CEO, he brought a clear and far-sighted vision to the planning of our towns.
He pioneered the concept of self-sufficient HDB towns — thoughtfully designed with homes, schools, workplaces, amenities and green spaces — so that residents could live, learn, work and play within their communities.
Believing that good housing goes beyond shelter, Dr Liu placed strong emphasis on design quality and shared spaces. He championed the creation of communal facilities that encouraged interaction and fostered social cohesion among residents of different backgrounds, helping to nurture stronger and more inclusive communities.
Under his leadership, HDB developed 20 new towns and built more than half a million homes, transforming Singapore’s urban landscape and improving the lives of generations of families. Today, close to 80% of Singapore’s resident population live in HDB flats across towns and estates that Dr Liu helped plan and build.
Dr Liu’s legacy lives on in the homes and neighbourhoods that Singaporeans cherish. We are deeply grateful for his visionary leadership, dedication and enduring contributions to Singapore’s public housing.
Our heartfelt condolences go out to Dr Liu’s family during this difficult time.