A Unified Vision to Empower the Malay-Muslim Community and Celebrate Cultural Identity
Singapore – Amidst a backdrop of global uncertainty, the redevelopment of Tanjong Katong Complex (TKC) has been awarded to a joint consortium comprising Elegant Group, CALX Consulting, and SMCCI Enterprise Pte Ltd, the business arm of the Singapore Malay Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SMCCI).
With a proposed Gross Floor Area (GFA) exceeding 320,000 sqft, this redevelopment is more than a construction project, it is a commitment to unity, heritage, and opportunity. Located at the historic confluence of Tanjong Katong Road, Geylang Road, and Sims Avenue, TKC is deeply woven into the emotional and cultural tapestry of Singapore’s Malay-Muslim community. “TKC is not just a building, it’s a landmark of memory, meaning, and belonging,” the consortium stated. “Our shared vision is to renew this space as a sanctuary of faith, enterprise, and harmony.”
A Place That Lives in the Hearts of the Community
For decades, TKC has played a central role in the lived experiences of Malay-Muslim families, especially during Ramadhan and Syawal, when its atmospheric buzz, festive spirit, and spiritual significance turn the precinct into a community epicentre.
In that spirit, the new TKC will serve as a one-stop civic hub that integrates:
- The headquarters of Yayasan MENDAKI
- An office for the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (MUIS)
- The relocated Geylang East Public Library, enhancing educational access
Malay Pantun, Malay Philosophy: A Development Rooted in Soul
The philosophical foundation of the project is reflected in the Malay proverb:
“Benang bercerai-berai bukannya kain, dek rapat tetal tenunan kain, jarum pun tidak menelusnya.” (“Loose threads do not make cloth; only a tightly woven fabric is impenetrable—even by a needle.”) This verse guides every element of the partnership: honesty, harmony, and the power of sincere relationships across government, business, and community.
At the heart of the architectural approach lies “Zahir dan Batin” (form and substance) where the physical design must be as meaningful as the purpose behind it. This is reflected in the preservation of TKC’s four iconic drums and slanted columns, heritage features that will now live side-by-side with civic, cultural, and commercial innovations. “Our job is to translate deep community identity into architectural expression. It’s not just a space, it’s a feeling, a philosophy,”said Anwar Rashid, Associate Partner of CALX Consulting.
Economic Empowerment Through Cultural Enterprise
At the heart of the redevelopment lies a purposeful commitment to economic empowerment rooted in cultural identity. A dedicated 1,500 sqm space within the new Tanjong Katong Complex will be reserved for Malay/Muslim entrepreneurial incubation and heritage trades jointly conceptualised by Elegant Group and SMCCI. This space will serve as a launchpad for culturally driven enterprises and next-generation entrepreneurs, offering mentorship, visibility, and business infrastructure. “This is more than preservation, it is progress,” said Dr Abdul Malik Hassan, President of SMCCI. “We are creating an ecosystem where heritage, commerce, and community intersect to uplift our people meaningfully and sustainably.”
SMCCI participated in this joint tender for the redevelopment of TKC to combine commercial expertise with deep community insight. This strategic collaboration ensures the project goes beyond business viability reflecting the cultural identity, aspirations, and social needs of the Malay/Muslim community. As part of the consortium, SMCCI brought cultural credibility, strong community networks, and a deep understanding of the Malay/Muslim business landscape. These strengths added value to the proposal, aligning it with national priorities on inclusivity, heritage preservation, and community development. SMCCI also played a key role in conceptualising community-centric spaces and engagement strategies within the proposed development. This marks SMCCI’s first participation in a joint public tender, a significant milestone reflecting our commitment to contribute actively to nation-building and inclusive economic growth through strategic partnerships and place-making initiatives. Looking ahead, SMCCI is exploring the possibility of having a presence such as a management or operational office within the redeveloped TKC. This would allow closer, on-site engagement with entrepreneurs and the community, further reinforcing our mission of serving and uplifting our stakeholders.
A Beacon of Hope, Harmony, and Forward Thinking
Elegant Group will lead efforts to explore improved connectivity, including seamless, sheltered access from Paya Lebar MRT, enhancing the precinct’s accessibility for residents and visitors alike. “In a world increasingly defined by division, this project is a statement that harmony is still possible. TKC will stand as a beacon of unity in diversity. We envisage a space where culture and commercial creates a perfect bond.” said David Cheong, Managing Director, Singapore, Elegant Group. The consortium further emphasised that this project is not only a commercial exercise, but also a social commitment, to honour the Malay/Muslim community’s past, uplift its present, and invest in its future.
About the Consortium
- Elegant Group (EG) – Developer, bringing its expertise in complex mixed-use projects.
- CALX Consulting – Design and cultural strategy lead, grounding the project in urban wisdom and identity.
- SMCCI Enterprise Pte Ltd – Community and enterprise partner, representing the aspirations of the Malay/Muslim business ecosystem.
Next Steps
With construction scheduled to begin in 2H2025, the consortium will continue to engage the community through dialogue and participatory design. TKC’s new chapter aims to be not only iconic in design, but inclusive in spirit.