This is an observation of construction and urban development in Singapore from my visit in April 2024. Functional footpaths and drainage I arrived in Singapore via the shuttle train from Johor Bahru. I wrote a construction report for JB, and the biggest frustration about JB (and Malaysia in general) is how hard it is to walk in […]
Latest posts at Future Southeast Asia
Johor Bahru construction update – 2024 edition
An update on construction projects in Johor Bahru, including the RTS Link to Singapore. I previously visited Johor Bahru in 2022 to report on construction and transport projects. There are now plans to build a 3-line light rail system, and Johor has dreams of becoming the Shenzhen of Southeast Asia. I made a metro concept map that JB […]
Once delayed, MRT Makassar continues this year
[Desain MRT Makassar (IST).] The groundbreaking for the Makassar Mass Rapid Transit (MRT), which was actually due to take place in August 2023, had to be postponed due to various challenges occurring in the field, starting from the lengthy licensing process, the negotiation process with investors, to the impact of the 2019 pandemic. The Main […]
Kuala Lumpur construction update – 2024 edition
This is a summary of the major construction projects in Kuala Lumpur that I visited in April 2024. Merdeka 118 Merdeka 118 Merdeka 118 topped out in November 2021 at 678.9 metres, though it is still not quite ready to open. Merdeka 118 is close to the Chinatown area (a few minutes’ walk), so there will […]
Da Nang construction update – 2024 edition
Updates on construction in Danang, including current and stalled projects in the city and along the coast. I’ve been a regular visitor to Danang over the last decade, and I have been watching the city’s rapid growth. While tourism numbers are now recovering after the pandemic, numerous big projects around the city have not restarted […]
Walkability: What Indonesia could learn from Brisbane
The concept of walkability refers to how the design of an area allows residents to walk from one place to another. Walkability is known for its sustainable nature where the concept enables walking activities as a mode of transportation from one point to another, thereby reducing congestion, increasing the level of proximity between residents and […]
Nha Trang construction update – 2024 edition
Eastern Visayas Metro Rail System: A railway connecting the islands of Samar and Leyte in the Philippines
The Eastern Visayas Metro Rail System is a proposed railway in the Eastern Visayas region of the Philippines. The railway would connect the islands of Samar and Leyte. The Eastern Visayas railway was first proposed in 1999. The plan was revived in 2023 with the announcement of a task force to investigate the feasibility of […]
Koh Phangan Airport: The abandoned airport project in the Gulf of Thailand
Ko Phangan Airport is an abandoned airport project on Ko Pha-ngan, Surat Thani Province, Thailand. The airport began construction in 2012 and was being built by Kan Air (a domestic Thai airline based at Chiang Mai International Airport). The airport plan included a 1,100 runway and a passenger terminal capable of handling 1,000 passengers per […]
Johor Bahru: Redesigning Permas Jaya into a pedestrian-friendly space
Johor is working to improve its market environment to attract investors and boost the region’s prowess. The Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (SEZ) is planned to be established in the Iskandar region, which is part of the Iskandar Development Region and South Johor Economic Region. As Johor Bahru wants to become the next “Shenzhen”, Johor Bahru City […]
