IF IT is true that in crisis lies opportunity, the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) is not letting this downturn go to waste.

As Singapore's master planning agency celebrates its 35th anniversary this year, it is kicking off a string of initiatives to plan for the eventual recovery and to expand its own role locally and globally.

It is also hoping to reacquaint Singaporeans with the city and renew their love for it, said National Development Minister Mah Bow Tan at the URA's annual Corporate Plan Seminar on Friday.

While Singaporeans love to travel, there is also much to enjoy at home, he told the 400-strong audience, comprising URA's partners from the public and private sectors, at Swissotel Merchant Court.

'Perhaps during this downturn it is timely for Singaporeans to take some time to get to know their own city better, enjoy what we have to offer here in Singapore, and maybe save a little bit of money at the same time,' he said.

'So let's do what we would like to do overseas - let's do our shopping, our eating, our sightseeing - let's travel around Singapore, revisit the places we have not visited for a long time, maybe even discover some new surprises.'

After all, a 'new Singapore cityscape' will emerge over the next few years with the development of areas such as Punggol, which will boast unique features such as a coastal promenade and a 'heartwave wall' with a mini waterfall.

To encourage Singaporeans to rediscover their city, the Ministry of National Development and the URA will launch a programme called My New Singapore. Among other things, Singaporeans will be able to visit the new Marina Bay and find out what plans are in store for their own neighbourhoods.

As part of the programme, the URA will start a roving exhibition, My Endearing Home, at major malls next month for Singaporeans to learn more about the city and sign up for visits to places such as Sungei Buloh and the Changi Boardwalk.

Similarly, the Housing and Development Board (HDB) will also conduct a series of exhibitions next year - in conjunction with its own 50th anniversary - showing how HDB neighbourhoods have changed over the years and presenting future public housing plans, said Mr Mah.

Read the full story in Friday's edition of The Straits Times. .