Gov’t to merge outer islands for future industries

The project will cover Semakau, Bukom, Pulau Sudong and smaller islands.

Singapore plans to merge several islands south of Jurong Island into a larger island to support new industries and infrastructure over the coming decades.

Speaking at the National Day Rally, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said the planned development will involve Semakau, Bukom, Pulau Sudong, and several smaller islands, following a similar approach to the creation of Jurong Island.

“This new island will not just be for petrochemicals,” he said. “ It can support a new generation of industries, including advanced manufacturing facilities.”

It will also include space for the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF), which uses an airstrip on Pulau Sudong during emergencies.

The plans are part of Singapore’s longer-term efforts to create new economic and industrial capacity beyond its main island.

Jurong Island was created through land reclamation and the merging of several islands to support the development of Singapore’s petrochemical industry. It has since become a global energy and chemicals hub, supporting jobs, industries and Singapore’s role in global energy flows.

The government said the new western island is intended to play a similar role in shaping Singapore’s economy over the next 50 years and beyond.

The plans remain under study as Singapore assesses the development and infrastructure requirements over the coming decades, Wong said.