Dear SIP Members,

I am pleased to share that the SIP AGM/EGM 2024, held on 25th April 2024, was concluded successfully, with over 100 members in attendance and 37 proxies received. At the AGM, the new SIP Council for 2024-2026 was elected, with representations both from public and private sectors. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to all SIP members for their strong support, as well as to HDB for generously providing the venue for the AGM. Special thanks are also due to the SIP Secretariat, whose hard work ensured the success of AGM/EGM 2024.

Over the past two years, the outgoing SIP Council has launched a few initiatives, such as the"Young Planners Mentorship Programme," the inception of the "SIP Knowledge Bank", the initiation of "Plan-Ex," to be held on 13 July 2024, as a bi-annual event fostering dialogue within Singapore's planning fraternity, as well as with our regional partners in Asia.

Apart from the above, significant amendments to the constitution regarding "membership pathways" have been initiated by the outgoing Council to facilitate improved access to SIP membership for public sector planners who have obtained certain level of professional training conducted by URA Academy. Pending approval from ROS, this change is poised to enhance the inclusiveness of SIP membership for all planning professionals in Singapore. I wish to extend my sincere appreciation to the outgoing SIP Council for their tireless dedication and invaluable contributions to Singapore's planning community.

In tandem with these initiatives, the arduous journey of the SICP programme has culminated in the inauguration of its first batch of graduates on 13th July 2024. I wish to congratulate the Certification Committee, led by Mr Wilfred Loo, and express my gratitude to the SICP Certification Panel, chaired by Ms. Hwang Yu Ning, and to all volunteers involved in the SICP examination and assessment process.

Looking ahead, the new SIP Council for 2024-2026 is committed to advancing the array of programs and projects initiated by its predecessors. In addition to the aforementioned initiatives, we remain dedicated to upholding our anchor programs such as the bi-annual SIP Planning Awards, the CPD events, SIP Publications, and partnerships with planning institutions in Asia.

Addressing the changing environment and lifestyle, the New Council will have to review our programme, processes, and look into new ways of presenting our publication (towards e-publication), improving our communications to all members, as well as finding better ways in engaging the different segments of our planning community.  In this journey of improving our programmes and communication in the next 2 years, we sincerely welcome your contributions, suggestions and ideas that I believe will enrich future communication, programme and processes.

Finally, I am looking forward to have closer communication, participation and interactions among SIP members and would like to encourage younger members to come forward to be part of the different committees. I am hopeful that it will foster collaboration within the planning community and lead to the advancement of the planning profession in Singapore.


Yours Sincerely,

 

Djoko Prihanto,

President (2024 –2026)