Singapore plans new western island by merging Semakau, Bukom
Why it matters: The reclaimed island is meant to host advanced manufacturing, power infrastructure and defense facilities over coming decades.
Singapore plans to merge several southern islands into a larger new western island as part of a long-term push to create space for future industries, power generation and defense uses. Prime Minister Lawrence Wong laid out the plan at the 2026 National Day Rally, saying Pulau Semakau, Pulau Bukom and Pulau Sudong are among the islands being studied for reclamation and consolidation. He cast the project as a successor to Jurong Island, which was built from offshore islands and became a major energy and chemicals hub. The government is also planning a second road link to Jurong Island and a new connection from Jurong Island to the future western island.