Singapore – MORROW Architects & Planners announces, with profound sadness, the passing of its Founding Chairman, Dr Liu Thai Ker, aged 87.
Dr Liu was one of the defining figures of Singapore’s nation-building era. Widely regarded as a founding architect of modern Singapore, he shaped the physical and social foundations of the country—from the homes Singaporeans live in, to the standards of planning discipline that continue to guide the nation’s development today.
He was a principled and rigorous planner deeply committed to the public good. Working closely with then Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew, they laid resolute foundations to transform the nation to a first world garden-city.
Nation builder: housing and the making of a liveable Singapore
Dr Liu led the Housing & Development Board (HDB) in 1969, first as Deputy Chief Executive Officer in 1976, and subsequently serving as Chief Executive Officer from 1979 to 1989. In that decade, Singapore’s public housing programme was consolidated into a model recognised internationally for its scale, quality, and liveability.
Chief Planner: shaping Singapore’s long-term urban future
In 1989, Dr Liu was appointed Chief Executive Officer and Chief Planner of the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA). He played a pivotal role in strengthening Singapore’s long-range planning framework, while placing strong emphasis on preserving Singapore’s historic buildings and landmarks—ensuring that progress did not come at the expense of identity. Dr Liu’s planning philosophy—pragmatic, forward-looking, and anchored in public purpose—remains deeply relevant to Singapore’s future. His legacy is not only historical; it is a standard for what cities must continue to be.
Regional impact: shaping cities beyond Singapore
Beyond Singapore, Dr Liu’s work influenced urban development across the region, notably China. He played a significant part in deepening Sino-Singapore relations. His expertise was notably recognised by President Xi Jinping, who invited Dr Liu to design the Changle International Airport back when President Xi was serving as the Fuzhou Party Secretary. President Xi was also present to officiate the opening ceremony of the Singapore China Cultural Centre in 2015, which was designed by Dr Liu.
Dr Liu’s longstanding relationship with China, and his influence in deepening its relations with Singapore, was brought to life in his solo exhibition, “Liu Thai Ker: Intelligent Planning” in 2025. Organised by the Singapore China Association (SCA), the exhibition was a representation of Dr Liu’s lifelong commitment to sharing his urban planning philosophy with Singapore, China, and even the world.
A legacy MORROW will carry forward
Dr Liu’s leadership, mentorship, and presence shaped MORROW’s ethos: planning with integrity, designing with restraint and purpose, and committing to longhorizon stewardship. He believed that good cities are built not only with skill, but with discipline—by choosing what matters, anticipating what is coming, and never losing sight of the people. MORROW extends its deepest condolences to Dr Liu’s family and loved ones. The Board records its highest appreciation for his lifelong contributions and for the generosity with which he shared his experience and standards with generations of planners, architects, and public servants. MORROW will continue to carry forward his legacy—through thoughtful, sustainable planning and design, and by pursuing the public purpose that defined his life’s work.
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