New York City Awarded Lee Kuan Yew World City Prize 2012

By Tengku Noor Shamsiah Tengku Abdullah SINGAPORE, March 21 (Bernama) -- The Lee Kuan Yew World City Prize 2012 has been awarded to New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg and the Departments of Transportation, City Planning and Parks and Recreation for New York City’s remarkable transformation from one at risk in the post-Sept 11 period, to one scaling new heights. Within a short span of time, the city has re-invented and rejuvenated itself to give residents and tourists renewed confidence and optimism for the city’s future. Jointly co-organised by the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA), Singapore’s land-use planning and conservation authority, and the Centre for Liveable Cities, the biennial international award honours outstanding contributions towards the creation of vibrant, liveable and sustainable urban communities around the world. The City of New York is the second Laureate named since the world city prize started in 2009. It was selected by the Nominating Committee and Prize Council from 62 nominations received worldwide after a rigorous two-tier selection process. Bloomberg said: “Receiving the Lee Kuan Yew World City Prize is not only a great honour, it is an affirmation of our vision for New York as a global leader of sustainable development and innovative public spaces. "Our vision has been informed by the experiences of other cities around the world, including Singapore. "We hope our story helps inspire other city leaders to promote economic growth by fostering a culture of freedom and innovation." The Lee Kuan Yew World City Prize is a major highlight of the upcoming World Cities Summit from July 1 to 4. The Laureate will receive the prize at the Lee Kuan Yew World City Prize Award Ceremony on July 2. The prize comprises S$300,000 (about US$218,000), a gold medallion and an award certificate, fully sponsored by Keppel Corporation. -- BERNAMA