Singapore to Reclaim Three Islands in Major Land Expansion Plan
Singapore plans to merge a number of islands in its southern waters to form a new ‘western island’ over the coming decades.
The plan was announced by Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong in his 2026 National Day address on 23 August. Pulau Semakau, Pulau Bukom, and Pulau Sudong are among the islands included in the reclamation plan, according to The Straits Times.
Wong said the project is inspired by the success of Jurong Island, which was formed through the reclamation of several offshore islands and is now a global energy and chemicals industrial hub.
‘Jurong Island is the result of bold decisions, careful planning, and sustained investment over decades,’ Wong said, as quoted by The Straits Times on Tuesday (25/8/2026).
‘Now it is our turn to think boldly, and to build for future generations,’ he added.
According to Wong, Singapore must continue to create new space due to land constraints. This space is needed for housing, jobs, transport, and infrastructure, while still preserving green spaces, biodiversity, and areas of historical value.
‘Sometimes, difficult choices and trade-offs have to be made. If development is necessary, we study the impact carefully, make adjustments, and minimise disruption,’ he said.
He said the Singapore government has a long-term development vision stretching 50, 70, even 100 years into the future.
‘We plan 50, 70, even 100 years ahead. We plan with every Singaporean in mind, both those already born and those yet to be born,’ Wong said.
Under the plan, a number of islands south of Jurong Island, including Pulau Semakau, Pulau Bukom, and Pulau Sudong, will be studied for consolidation into a single larger area. Pulau Hantu, Pulau Jong, and Pulau Sebarok are also mentioned as potentially falling within the reclamation area.
‘In the coming decades, we intend to merge some of these islands into one larger island,’ he said.
Unlike Jurong Island, which is known as a petrochemical hub, the new island will be prepared for the needs of next-generation industry and infrastructure.
‘This new island will not only be used for the petrochemical industry. It can support a new generation of industries, including advanced manufacturing facilities. It can also accommodate new power generation infrastructure to meet Singapore’s future needs,’ Wong said.
The new island will also provide space for defence needs. Currently, Pulau Sudong has an airstrip used by the Singapore Armed Forces in emergency situations.
The government also plans to build a new link between Jurong Island and the western island.
Wong stressed that the entire plan is still at the study stage. However, he sees the project as having the potential to become a new foundation for Singapore’s economy in the coming decades.
Just as Jurong Island helped shape Singapore’s economy over the past 50 years, the new western island is expected to help shape Singapore for the next 50 years and beyond.