Progress of a Nation
What the future holds for Singapore
41 “Most local fashion labels struggle with balancing quality, manufacturing costs and the perceived price range consumers are willing to pay for local design. In Good Company has somehow managed to get just the right balance. From its store design to branding, to the fabric and hardware used—it’s very well‑executed. I love the store at Jewel [Changi Airport] as it also features Birds of Paradise, another local brand I really like. Their gelato is delicious!— Joanna Dong, singer-actress
42 For a country with few geological formations, Singapore has four man‑ made waterfalls featuring futuristic architectural designs. The Rain Vortex at Jewel Changi Airport takes the crown for the world’s tallest indoor waterfall at 40 metres high. Other cascades: Cloud Forest at Gardens by the Bay, the waterfall at the Singapore Botanic Gardens’ Ginger Garden, and Waterfall Aviary at Jurong Bird Park.
43 “We see Singapore, especially in the future, as a city of contrasts,” says John Lim, founder of Humid House. “So we play with the silhouettes of plants: the spectacular zigzagged lines of arrowroot flowers with the sensual forms of orchids.”
44 “The other day, I went to my favourite heritage pastry store, Tong Heng, which sells these diamond‑ shaped egg tarts. As I munched on my third egg tart, I realised that the brand underwent a full rebranding across its brand mark, packaging, store interior, and even its staff uniforms, which brought it into this era. Turns out the new design was done by one of our design partners, &Larry. I love how talented local designers are refreshing Singapore heritage brands for the new generation and positioned for globalisation, thus creating our own culture.”—jackson Aw, founder and CEO of Mighty Jaxx
Design Wonders
45 Jewel Changi Airport— a tropical forest and waterfall in a mall? Who would have thought?
46 Gardens by the Bay— Garden City personified.
47 Oasia Hotel Downtown—greenery within the urban jungle.
48 Duo / Marina One— modern design in the creative quarter.
49 The Interlace— interlocking blocks of a “vertical village”.
50 To ensure a sustainable water supply, national water agency PUB taps on four water sources: water from local catchment, imported water, Newater and desalinated water. The new Keppel Marina East Desalination Plant can produce 30 millions gallons of fresh drinking water daily, and is the first here that can treat both fresh water and seawater.
51 The thumb drive, patented to Trek 2000 International; Creative Sound Blaster sound card; and Razer gaming mouse— what is Singapore’s next technological innovation to the world?
52 Weightlifter Tan Howe Liang bagged Singapore’s first Olympic medal in 1960, while swimmer Joseph Schooling took home another medal 46 years later. Para‑ equestrian Laurentia Tan won the country’s first Paralympic medals in 2008. Major sporting events may currently be on hold but Singaporeans are eagerly waiting for Majulah Singapura to be played at the winners’ podium soon.
53 Mandai will become an ecotourism hub once the makeover to the nature precinct is completed by 2023. The Singapore Zoo, Night Safari and River Safari will be joined by the relocated Bird Park, a new Rainforest Park, and an eco‑resort sustainably built within forest canopies. The new Jurong Lake District will also be developed for lifestyle tourism by 2026.
54 “I can’t live without that Singapore ‘smell’, because it’s the smell of home. I can’t explain it, but it’s similar to that of a warm market and garden, both uniquely Singaporean and totally comforting.” —Sukki Singapora, burlesque performer
55 There is an increasing social awareness and consciousness among the younger generation, as evident in Project Postcard by 15 former students from the School of the Arts, Singapore. Artworks made into postcards went on sale to provide financial and emotional support to the migrant worker community in Singapore.