Mr S Iswaran at the launch of the Sentosa Harbourfront Business Association

SPEECH BY MR S ISWARAN, MINISTER, PRIME MINISTER’S OFFICE AND SECOND MINISTER FOR HOME AFFAIRS AND TRADE & INDUSTRY AT THE LAUNCH OF THE SENTOSA HARBOURFRONT BUSINESS ASSOCIATION, 26 DECEMBER 2013, 6.50PM

Mr Tan Hee Teck, CEO, Resorts World Sentosa

Mr Goh Chye Boon, Chairman, Sentosa HarbourFront Business Association

Ms Susan Ang, Vice-Chairman, Sentosa HarbourFront Business Association

Members of the Sentosa HarbourFront Business Association

Distinguished Guests, 

Ladies and Gentlemen, 

INTRODUCTION

It is my pleasure to join you here this evening to launch the Sentosa HarbourFront Business Association (SHBA). The launch of the SHBA marks a milestone in the Sentosa HarbourFront precinct which has undergone a significant transformation over the last five years.

UNIQUENESS OF THE SENTOSA HARBOURFRONT PRECINCT

2          Today, the unique offerings of the Sentosa HarbourFront precinct have helped strengthen Singapore’s value proposition as a vibrant and attractive tourist destination.  A visitor to the precinct can enjoy a vacation on an island resort and yet be a stone’s throw from some of the best shopping, dining and entertainment that the region has to offer; get their adrenaline pumping at the Universal Studios theme park and iFly Singapore, unwind at a beach or hop onto a cruise. There is something for everyone.

3             The expected rise in Asian tourism presents Singapore with the opportunity to continue to attract discerning travelers who seek differentiated and value-added experiences.

4             Looking further ahead, the Sentosa HarbourFront precinct has the potential to become even more exciting and vibrant, with the planned relocation by 2027 of the City and Pasir Panjang Terminals to Tuas, which will free up about 925 hectares of waterfront land. 

OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE SENTOSA HARBOURFRONT BUSINESS ASSOCIATION

5             Against this backdrop, it is encouraging to see the 14 founding members of SHBA, from the attractions, cruise, dining, entertainment, hotel and retail sectors, come together to promote greater business collaboration and synergy.  This will help the development of Sentosa HarbourFront, and strengthen the identity of the precinct as a must-see leisure and MICE destination in the region.  There are 3 areas where, I believe, the SHBA’s collective efforts can have a tangible impact.

6             The first is the MICE sector, which is a highly competitive space and one that Singapore is keen to grow.  Collectively, the Sentosa HarbourFront precinct holds over 3,000 room keys from 14 hotels.  With its distinctive value proposition as a leisure destination, SHBA can work to promote the precinct as a preferred MICE destination in the region.  Our Sentosa HarbourFront can be a very strong contender amongst other resort destinations in the region that have attracted substantial Incentives events, such as Bali, Phuket, Cebu and Hainan Island.

7             Second, SHBA can look at curating precinct-wide content and events development, which will help to differentiate it from competitors who may be catching up in terms of hardware and infrastructure.  Critically, it is the software that really animates the precinct identity and attracts repeat visitors.  To this end, I understand that SHBA is planning its first signature event in April 2014, in conjunction with the Easter holidays, which will enliven the Sentosa HarbourFront precinct with activities across all its members’ properties.  SHBA also plans to bring in anchor international events and create other signature events for the second half of 2014.  I look forward to the successful launch of these events.

8             Thirdly, SHBA can make a difference in staff training and development.  There is much potential for SHBA members to collaborate and reap economies of scale in staff training and development, which will enhance productivity and help workers enhance their skills.   

SHBA’S INVESTMENTS

9             To make all this happen, I understand that SHBA has pledged to invest $3 million dollars in the next three to five years in a destination marketing fund to promote the precinct through joint promotions, events and campaigns.  Resorts World Sentosa, which is currently the secretariat for the Association, has committed to fund 50 percent of the entire marketing expenditure as a demonstration of its commitment to the precinct.

10          With such strong endorsement and commitment from the precinct partners, I am confident that SHBA will succeed in its mission to develop new ideas and initiatives, that will contribute to quality growth in the Sentosa HarbourFront precinct, and Singapore’s tourism industry.

CONCLUSION

11          I would like to extend my congratulations once again to the members of SHBA on the launch of the Association, and I wish you every success. My best wishes to everyone for a happy, healthy and successful New Year.

12          Thank you.