Post by Hazleen Ahmad

Redefining the City: Why I’m finally and officially embracing the title of "Urbanist" The last 48 hours in Singapore have been a masterclass in what it means to build a city that is truly liveable, loveable, for longevity. Looking inside from outside as an insider. Through the WRLDCTY Fellows residency, I’ve moved beyond the Singaporean-level view of Singapore to understand the intricate social and physical systems that define its urban fabric. I am proud to share that I have officially stepped into the role of an #urbanist. My journey has been a deep dive into the intersection of design, sociology, and human ingenuity, guided by our hosts Chris Fair Andrea Curtis Jasmine Palardy, Genine Loo and Heath Gledhill. The "Urbanist" Toolkit: I’ve been equipped with a "Singapore Welcome Kit" that perfectly captures the city's soul: The "Good Morning" Towel is a lesson in utilitarian design and adapting to tropical humidity. The "Chope" Tissue Pack is a masterclass in "loveability" and the social rituals that claim public space. Three Star Medicated Oil”is a symbol of "longevity" - the story of a brand evolving across generations. The Merlion Bag is a reflection on the transition from plastic ubiquity to sustainable, design-conscious futures. Immersion in the Field Centre for Liveable Cities Urban Redevelopment Authority of Singapore (URA) Housing & Development Board The Foundry by The Majurity Trust Walking the "Layered Trails", we explored the "grit" beneath & answered burning questions on governance, homelessness, migrant worker safety, and elderly loneliness. Queenstown: Strolling through Singapore’s oldest satellite town with the "Kakis" (buddies) and sharing a homestyle healthy Malay cuisine by Chef Said at Khong Guan Kopitiam, I saw how a pilot Health District for active ageing is built on community connection. SG Enable Enabling Village: Warren Sheldon Humphries presented the work of architects like WOHA foster dignity and social integration for people of all abilities through inclusive universal design. Tomorrow is Ground-Up Initiative: A 21st-century "Kampung" that proves slower, community-rooted spaces are essential counterpoints to hyper-urban density. This experience has fundamentally shifted my perspective on the built environment. My session, Minds and Voices of the Future"WRLDCTY Connections Stage is on Monday, 15:05pm. What if kindness wasn't just a value statement, but a core design principle? Cities that will perform best in the next decade won't just be the smartest or the greenest. They will be designed to reduce cognitive stress and give every resident a genuine sense of belonging. If you’re in Singapore, I hope to see you at the Connections Stage on Monday. Thank you WRLDCTY kakis for an epic sweaty but sweet 2 days. #WRLDCTY #Urbanism #Neuroinclusion #FutureOfCities #InclusiveDesign #MindsAndVoicesOfTheFuture #QueenstownKakis