Singapore begins Construction at World Expo 2010 Shanghai

A work commencement ceremony was held on Sunday to mark the start of construction for the Singapore Pavilion at the World Expo 2010 Shanghai China.

The occasion was graced by the Prime Minister of Singapore, Mr Lee Hsien Loong and the Executive Vice Mayor of Shanghai, Mr Yang Xiong.

Singapore’s participation in the World Expo 2010 Shanghai China is its largest to date at the World Expo, signifying its strong and close bilateral ties with China.

The Singapore Pavilion will showcase Singapore’s achievements in urban planning, water technology and environmental services while promoting closer people-to-people relations between China and Singapore.

The pavilion will also highlight Singapore’s ability to offer a high quality and integrated environment to live, work and play within a compact area through sustainable planning and development.

At the ceremony, Ms Aw Kah Peng, Chief Executive of the Singapore Tourism Board (STB), presented an orchid hybrid named Dendrobium Singapore Shanghai Symphony (新沪交响曲) to Mr Yang, which was exclusively created to commemorate Singapore’s participation in the World Expo 2010 Shanghai China.

The striking jade and gold-hued hybrid is adorned with delicate parallel veins, symbolising the beauty of Singapore and Shanghai and the two cities’ correspondent transformation into vibrant global destinations.

The resilient nature of the hybrid reflects the strong bilateral relations between China and Singapore who will be sharing their approaches to innovation and sustainable development at the World Expo 2010 Shanghai China.

The orchid hybrid also underlines the Singapore Pavilion’s over-arching theme Urban Symphony.

Under this theme, the pavilion will feature a multi-sensory journey that echoes the Singapore experience.

Resembling a music box, the façade of the structure will draw visitors in to explore the pavilion as they hear music emanating from its core.

The musical odyssey through the pavilion will culminate in a breathtaking rooftop garden which will showcase the best aspects of Singapore as a city in a garden.

“We hope a journey through the Singapore Pavilion will inspire visitors to come to Singapore to explore our unique attractions and way of life. And we welcome visitors to explore and discover Singapore’s approach to innovation and sustainable development, where nature along with an ensemble of modern and traditional cultural influences live, work and play together in harmony,” said Ms Aw Kah Peng, Chief Executive, STB.

The Singapore Pavilion design will be on display at the Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Centre (SUPEC) from 9 to 30 June 2009. China Construction (South Pacific) Development Co Pte Ltd (CCDC), a regional subsidiary of China State Construction Engineering Corporation (CSCEC), will be commencing foundation and piling work for the pavilion.

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