Mr S Iswaran at the Official Opening of the Giant Panda Forest

​SPEECH BY MR S ISWARAN, MINISTER, PRIME MINISTER'S OFFICE & SECOND MINISTER FOR HOME AFFAIRS & SECOND MINISTER FOR TRADE & INDUSTRY, AT THE OFFICIAL OPENING OF THE GIANT PANDA FOREST, 28 NOVEMBER 2012, 11:00 AM AT RIVER SAFARI

His Excellency, Zhao Shucong, Administrator of the State Forestry Administration,

His Excellency, Wei Wei, Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to Singapore,

Mr S R Nathan, former President of Singapore; and Chairman, CapitaLand Hope Foundation

Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

Introduction

A very good morning to all of you.  I am pleased to join you today for the opening of the much-anticipated Giant Panda Forest.  Many Singaporeans, young and old, have been looking forward to meeting Kai Kai and Jia Jia.

Symbol of Close Ties

This is a momentous occasion for two reasons.  First, it marks the culmination of three years of hard work and cooperation between numerous Singapore and Chinese agencies - and it is yet another milestone in the strong bilateral ties between Singapore and China. To mark 20 years of diplomatic relations between our two countries in 2010, the agreement for the collaborative conservation and research of the giant panda was signed during President Hu Jintao’s State Visit to Singapore in 2009.

Today, we see the fruition of these efforts.  After careful consultation with the China Wildlife Conservation Association, Wildlife Reserves Singapore (WRS) has created a truly special home for Kai Kai and Jia Jia. At 1,500 square-metres, the Giant Panda exhibit at River Safari is the largest of its kind in Southeast Asia. 

I understand that Kai Kai, the more outgoing of the two pandas, immediately took to the Giant Panda Forest.  Even Jia Jia, who is usually more reserved, has adapted well to her new home and started taking dips in the pool, and climbing the trees within the enclosure.     

Once again, on behalf of the people and Government of Singapore, I would like to thank the government of the People’s Republic of China for entrusting us with Kai Kai and Jia Jia.  I am confident that through their presence here, our bilateral ties will continue to grow from strength to strength even as we learn more about this endangered species and the values of conservation.

River Safari – Asia’s first and only River-Themed Wildlife Park

The Giant Panda Forest is also significant as it is the first attraction of the River Safari to open to the public.  It was only two and a half years ago that I was at this very same spot for the groundbreaking ceremony of the River Safari. So, it is especially meaningful to me that we are now here to witness the near-completion of this project, and the official opening of the Giant Panda Forest.

The River Safari will profile iconic rivers of the world and the unique animals from each region, including one of the world’s largest collections of freshwater aquatic animals.  As the world’s only river-themed wildlife park, the River Safari will be the newest addition to WRS’ portfolio of successful nature- and animal-themed parks.

One of the reasons for the continued success of WRS is its constant efforts to renew and rejuvenate the visitor experience by adding new and exciting exhibits.  In this regard, the River Safari is a whole new product that will enthral and educate both locals and overseas visitors alike, and enhance the Singapore experience.

Refreshing Our Tourism Offerings – New Star in the Mandai Cluster

The River Safari joins Singapore’s stable of award-winning nature attractions that have impressed many visitors, many of whom do not expect such rich and diverse nature-based attractions in a small, highly-urbanised city like Singapore.  The River Safari, Gardens by the Bay, Jurong Bird Park, Singapore Zoo, and Night Safari are all excellent examples of how Singapore has provided new and refreshing nature-based experiences, reinforcing Singapore’s appeal as a top leisure destination, and adding to our reputation as a City in a Garden.

The River Safari also marks an important step in the further development of Singapore’s Mandai Nature Cluster.  With its tropical rainforest and freshwater setting, and the co-location of complementary animal-themed attractions, the Mandai area’s rich biodiversity makes it an ideal location for a nature cluster, with potential for accommodation, dining, and other leisure facilities.  As the developments in this area continue, I am confident that the Mandai Nature Cluster will continue to build on its own unique identity as a top nature-based destination, with quality attractions and lifestyle activities.

The development of Mandai Nature Cluster is part of the broader process of ongoing rejuvenation of Singapore’s tourism offerings. We have seen robust 11 per cent year-on-year growth in visitor arrivals in the first half of 2012, and additions such as the Giant Panda Forest and River Safari will add further vibrancy and dynamism to our city that can be enjoyed by Singaporeans and visitors alike.

Conclusion

On this note, I congratulate all our partners here once again on the opening of the Giant Panda Forest.  We look forward to the grand opening of the River Safari in 2013.  I wish all Singaporeans and visitors an enjoyable experience with Kai Kai and Jia Jia.  Thank you.