S'pore will not emulate other
countries in its goal to be a global city
By Hoe Yeen Nie/ Jeremy Koh, Channel NewsAsia
| Posted: 04 February 2010 2322
hrs
SINGAPORE: The Economic Strategies Committee has sketched
out broad ideas to make Singapore a global city. But it said
Singapore will have to do it its own way.
That means, what is allowed overseas - like gay parades - may not
necessarily be allowed here.
Lui Tuck Yew, Co-Chair, Global City Sub-Comm, and Acting
Information, Communications & the Arts Minister, said: "We will
have to chart our own way. It is not for us to copy the type of
openness that is seen in New York, London or Paris, some of which
may not be applicable in our own local context.
"But we will do so in a manner which, I think, Singaporeans as a
whole agree on, at a pace that is comfortable, calibrated and
gradual."
Separately, the new National Art Gallery will be the latest
addition to Singapore's growing arts and cultural district. The
area, located in the civic district, includes several museums,
theatres and historical sites.
And it is through developments like this that could make Singapore
a city of culture. Singapore may rank high among global companies
as a place to do business. But it fares less well as a city to live
and play in.
Other plans include weekend markets and new retail options at Bugis
and Bras Basah to make the area more vibrant.
The committee also aims to bring in more top-class educational
institutions by 2020. - CNA/vm
