Are million dollar HDB flats a phenomenon or just the realisation of an underlying issue? In this episode, we sit down with renowned sociologist Chua Beng Huat Emeritus Professor, NUS and Visiting Fellow, SMU, to understand the factors that have led to this situation. Professor Chua provides insights into the origins of Singapore's public housing policy and how HDB flats have transitioned from being a social welfare good to an instrument for private wealth accumulation. He explains how this unintentionally contributes to income inequality in Singapore. As the discussion delves deeper, Professor Chua shares his perspective on whether the government is still in control of the housing market and if selling your million dollar flat is a smart move. Don't miss this fascinating conversation that sheds light on the complexities surrounding the future of affordable public housing in Singapore. Tune in to get Prof Chua's analysis and hear more about the larger moral and political implications at play. Professor Chua's provocative analysis of how Singapore's public housing policy in his book "**Public Subsidy, Private Accumulation: The Political Economy of Singapore's Public Housing**" is a must-read for those seeking a deeper understanding of the unintended consequences of well-intentioned social programs. 02:47 - Could you share the journey that led to your current, widely recognised position? 06:20 - Could you briefly introduce your book and its core message for our audience? 10:29 - Could you provide our audience with an understanding of the factors behind the phenomenon of million-dollar flats? 19:31 - Is it accurate to say that a primary goal of the BTO scheme is to stabilize HDB prices, potentially impacting homeowners? 24:05 - What advice do you have for professionals using the HDB system to enter the private market? 32:07 - How can we maintain the affordability of HDB while acknowledging its quality and benefits? 36:40 - What is your perspective on the new HDB Plus and Prime initiatives? 40:48 - What advice would you offer to working professionals based on your experiences? --- Welcome to The Financial Coconut, your source for empowering financial knowledge and unlocking possibilities. Join us as we explore personal finance, investing and more. Get ready to take control of your financial future and live your best life, financially wise: https://linkin.bio/thefinancialcoconut [Podcast, Vodcast] Spotify: https://rebrand.ly/TFC-spotify Apple Podcast: https://rebrand.ly/TFC-applepodcast YouTube: https://rebrand.ly/TFC-youtube [Connect with us] Instagram: https://rebrand.ly/TFC-instagram Tik Tok: https://rebrand.ly/TFC-tiktok Telegram: https://rebrand.ly/TFC-telegram Whatsapp: https://rebrand.ly/TFC-Whatsapp-channel Newsletter: https://rebrand.ly/TFC-Newsletter Disclaimer: The content discussed in this episode is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered as financial advice. The information provided is based on our understanding at the time of recording and may not reflect the current regulations or market conditions. The opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily represent those of The Financial Coconut. Please do your due diligence before making any investment or financial decisions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.