REThink Old vs New: socioeconomics, sustainability and best practices in conservation

In Singapore’s early years – as the country was grappling with urban renewal and economic growth – conservation had to be balanced against the pressing needs of development and modernisation. Today, conservation has however grown beyond its role in preserving history and heritage. The adaptive reuse of old buildings, for example, now plays a dual role in sustainability as well as placemaking, and presents itself as an alternative to tearing down and rebuilding anew. What then is the trajectory for the future?

On 21 March 2025, at the REThink Old vs New 2025 forum, we invited thought leaders to talk about conservation and sustainability, why it matters, and the socioeconomics that make this endeavour viable.

Speakers

Tan Huey Jiun | Director, Conservation Planning | Urban Redevelopment Authority

Ho Puay Peng | Professor of Architecture | National University of Singapore

Teoh Hai Pin | Director | DP Architects

Joseph Ooi | Co-Director | NUS Institute of Real Estate & Urban Studies

Carrie Wong | Director, Land Operations, Business Planning & Development | Singapore Land Authority

Clemence Lee | Executive Director, Capital Markets | CBRE Singapore

Panellists

Mok Wei Wei | Managing Director | W Architects

Darren Teoh | Director, Sustainability Strategy | Warburg Pincus

Tan Szue Hann | Head of Sustainability (Real Estate) & Deputy General Manager, Sustainable Urban Renewal | Keppel

Ashish Manchharam | Founder & Managing Partner | Elevate Capital

Hosts / Moderators

Professor Khoo Teng Chye  |  Chairman, Institute of Real Estate and Urban Studies

Professor Qian Wenlan  |  Director, Institute of Real Estate and Urban Studies

Professor Joseph Ooi  |  Co-Director, Institute of Real Estate and Urban Studies

Leslie Yee  |  Adjunct Senior Research Fellow, Institute of Real Estate and Urban Studies