New York awarded Lee Kuan Yew World City Prize 2012

In recognition of New York City's remarkable transformation, rising above the difficulties of the post-September 11 period, the city has bagged this year's Lee Kuan Yew World City Prize.

The award, which was accepted by New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg (pictured) and the Departments of Transportation, Parks and Recreation, and City Planning, gives due recognition to the city's reinvention to give residents and tourists "renewed confidence and optimism for the city's future," said the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA).

The biennial award, co-organised by the URA, Singapore's land-use planning and conservation authority, and the Centre for Liveable Cities, "honours outstanding contributions towards the creation of vibrant, liveable and sustainable urban communities around the world."

Since the start of the Prize in 2009, New York is only the second city to receive the award, besting 62 nominations worldwide.

Kishore Mahbubani, Chairman of the Prize Nominating Committee, praised New York for being an "inspiring story of urban rejuvenation. With bold vision, strong leadership, sheer determination, and excellent partnership between government and citizens, there is now a new sense of direction in the city."

Mayor Bloomberg said, "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."

Choo Chiau Beng, Chief Executive Officer of Keppel Corporation, extended his congratulations to Mayor Bloomberg and the various agencies "who have boldly executed and built on transformative initiatives in the city over the past decade." Related Stories:LTA unveils plans for Bukit Brown road project

HDB makes revision to SERS scheme

Applicants may abuse new HDB scheme for couples: experts