Singapore official in charge of Tianjin Eco-City to live there

Ho Tong Yen, Singapore's top official in charge of the Tianjin Eco-City, will be one of the first residents to move in and test its eco-friendly features when it starts to become populated early next year.

"Once the Eco-City is ready to receive residents, I will move in, because the only way to know a product is to use it personally and then you will know its strengths and weaknesses and how it can be improved," Ho told the Singapore Straits Times.

The project built on a land of 30 square kilometers includes "100 percent green buildings" which meet water and energy efficiency standards, and have better sunlight and ventilation.

It will also include a green transportation system that may include electric trams, hybrid cars and bikes. Essential facilities such as supermarkets and clinics will be located close to homes so people can walk rather than drive.

The flagship bilateral project is one of China's most high-profile green cities as well as Singapore's largest international project in sustainable development.