SINGAPORE – Singapore is honoring the memory of Dr Liu Thai Ker, the visionary planner whose ideas shaped the city-state’s modern skyline and neighbourhoods, after his death on 18 January 2026 at the age of 87, according to Channel NewsAsia. Known affectionately as the “Father of Urban Planning” in Singapore, Dr Liu’s work over decades transformed a young nation grappling with overcrowding and inadequate housing into a model of thoughtful development and liveable communities.
Born in 1938 in Muar and arriving in Singapore as a child, Liu left an early mark on his adoptive home by helping oversee the design and construction of public housing that would later become iconic for its integration of green spaces, community facilities and efficient land use — a hallmark of Singapore’s urban identity. During his 24 years in public service, he led Singapore’s Housing and Development Board (HDB) and later the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA), driving the planning of 20 new towns and more than half a million homes that today house multitudes of residents with dignity and comfort.
Colleagues and leaders across Singapore paid tribute to Dr Liu’s deep commitment to his craft and people-centric philosophy. Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said that Dr Liu often reminded others that creating a great city demands balance “to build a city, one must have the heart of a humanist, the mind of a scientist, and the eye of an artist,” capturing Liu’s holistic approach to planning that wove human experience into the fabric of the city. Singapore’s President Tharman Shanmugaratnam also acknowledged his continuous influence, noting that Dr Liu’s contributions extended well beyond the island, including advisory work in urban projects across Asia and beyond.
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Dr Liu’s legacy wasn’t limited to architecture and planning; he was a mentor and thought leader whose insights shaped generations of planners and architects. Even late in life, he remained engaged in planning discourse, founding his own firm MORROW Architects and Planners in 2017 and advocating for thoughtful, connected cities that anticipate future needs while serving residents today. His firm reflected his belief that cities are living systems, and planning must be rooted in both imagination and pragmatism.
As Singapore bids farewell to a master of its urban canvas, tributes continue to pour in, with many noting how his work quietly but powerfully shaped everyday life — from neighbourhood parks to vibrant mixed-use districts — leaving a legacy of planning excellence that future generations will continue to build upon.
