URA Challenge for the Urban and Built Environment (CUBE) Competition 2025

Written By: Tsai Enn Nor, Angelina (25S72)

Edited By: Lei Yanyang (25S61)

Team photo of Hwa Chong's participants in the URA CUBE 2025; from left to right: Lin Rui, Avril; Pan Ziying; Teng Zhao En, Cheryl; Teo Jie Jun Jayden; and Eion Chan Jen Sen. Hwa Chong Institution/Pan Ziying

Between 24 and 28 November 2025, our Hwa Chong geography students – Lin Rui, Avril (25A15), Team Leader; Teng Zhao En, Cheryl (25A15); Pan Ziying (25S77); Teo Jie Jun Jayden (25S6K), Assistant Team Leader; and Eion Chan Jen Sen (25S6K) – participated in the

CUBE challenge organised by Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) and achieved stellar results.

The five day workshop and experience allowed participants to gain real insight into urban planning and design in the context of Singapore, giving them the opportunity to learn from industry experts as well. Participating teams had to come up with a development plan to reimagine publicly accessible open spaces near their schools, and create a 3D model following their plan. 

“The competition was such a fun experience,” shared Pan Ziying, one of the participants this year. When asked about their team’s competition experience, she shared how their team was confused on where to start, as there were many polytechnic architecture students also in the competition. These students already had prior knowledge on making models and plans, which made the team feel a little unsure of where to begin. “However, we did lots of research and brainstorming to make our idea stand out conceptually,” the team managed to pull through in the end, obtaining the outstanding award. 

Hwa Chong URA CUBE participants receiving their award from the organisers. Hwa Chong Institution/Pan Ziying

Inspired by the Colugo, their proposal envisioned naturalising the Bukit Timah Canal and shifting the vehicular traffic along Bukit Timah Road underground, allowing nature to be better integrated into daily lives of local residents and users of the space while reducing the urban heat island effect.

Their creativity, resilience and adaptability demonstrated the tenacious Hwa Chong spirit, working together to navigate challenges. The workshop has undoubtedly afforded them valuable experience and deeper insights into urban planning and design, and we extend our heartfelt congratulations to the team.