Speech by Minister S Iswaran at the Ground-Seeding Ceremony for the Rejuvenation of Mandai

SPEECH BY MR S ISWARAN, MINISTER FOR TRADE & INDUSTRY (INDUSTRY) AT THE GROUND-SEEDING CEREMONY FOR THE REJUVENATION OF MANDAI ON 16 JANUARY 2017, 11.05AM AT EVENT MARQUEE, OPEN-AIR CARPARK, SINGAPORE ZOO

Mr S Dhanabalan, Chairman of Mandai Park Holdings,

Mr Lim Boon Heng, Chairman of Temasek Holdings

Members of the Mandai Park Holdings Board

Distinguished guests,

Ladies and Gentlemen

1                      A very good morning.  I am delighted to join you today at Mandai Park Holdings’ Ground-Seeding Ceremony, to mark an important milestone in the rejuvenation and future of Mandai.

VISION FOR MANDAI

2           For many of us, Mandai is indelibly linked to our fondest childhood memories.  After its opening in 1973, visits to the Singapore Zoological Park (or the “Zoo”) with our families, and with friends on school excursions, were an essential part of our growing years.

3           Dr Ong Swee Law, then-Chairman of the Public Utilities Board, envisioned the Zoo as a place for Singaporeans to interact with animals and be close to nature.  With the opening of the Jurong Bird Park in 1971, and the Night Safari and River Safari in 1994 and 2014, Singaporeans and tourists have been able to appreciate flora and fauna of diverse habitats in larger spaces.  Today, our wildlife parks collectively welcome 4.6m visitors annually.

4           Over the past four decades, Mandai has grown into a precinct of world-class nature-themed parks for recreation and education.  Besides curating and managing these precious parks in Mandai, Wildlife Reserves Singapore has also dedicated itself to biodiversity conservation in Singapore and Southeast Asia.

5           The new developments at Mandai will build on this excellent work and legacy, further transforming the area into an integrated nature and wildlife precinct, with green public spaces for all of us to enjoy and appreciate nature.

SIGNIFICANCE OF MANDAI’S NEW DEVELOPMENTS

6           From 2020, when the first phase of the Mandai project will be completed, Singaporeans and visitors can look forward to a rejuvenated, and rejuvenating, experience at Mandai.  The new developments will include a new Rainforest Park, a new home in Mandai for the Bird Park that is now in Jurong, an indoor nature-themed education centre, and eco-accommodation.

7           With a strong focus on conservation and sustainability, Mandai will be a hub for nature education and research, as well as a leading nature destination in Asia.  Visitors will be able to retreat from the bustle of city life, be reinvigorated by nature, learn about animal conservation, and spend quality time with family and friends while cycling or hiking.    

8           At the heart of the Mandai development is Singapore’s long-standing commitment to the greening of our city and the appreciation of biodiversity.  Today, Singapore is known as a City in a Garden and the rejuvenated Mandai precinct will further enhance this identity.  It will offer new and different experiences for families.  There will be interesting career opportunities for Singaporeans interested in hospitality, conservation and research.  There will also be tourism benefits, with Mandai helping to attract visitors, from Asia and beyond, who are interested in eco-friendly experiences that complement an urban lifestyle.  

MULTI-AGENCY PARTNERSHIP

9           This major project to refresh our wildlife parks has been made possible by the successful partnership and collaboration between dedicated parties in the public, private and people sectors of Singapore.  Mandai Park Holdings (MPH) has worked closely with nature groups, wildlife experts and government agencies in the overall concept and development planning, and during the Environmental Impact Assessment process, to ensure that the project is conceived and managed sensitively.

10           On this note, I want to thank all volunteers, consultants, members from academia, as well as members of the public for the support they have given to this project.  Our government agencies will continue to work closely with MPH, and engage stakeholders and Singaporeans, on the future development of Mandai. 

CONCLUSION

11           As we come together to sow the seeds for a rejuvenated Mandai for the benefit of future generations of Singaporeans, I want to congratulate the Board, management and staff of Mandai Park Holdings on the launch of this project. I wish you every success in this venture to write the next chapter in the story of Mandai and Singapore’s natural heritage.  Thank you. 

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