STB to partner Temasek Holdings for Mandai nature project

Nicole Tan and Nadia Jansen Hassan Channel NewsAsia 14 Jan 15;

SINGAPORE: The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) will partner with Temasek Holdings to create a large-scale nature project in the Mandai precinct, the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) announced in a press release on Wednesday (Jan 14).

Temasek is the majority shareholder of Wildlife Reserves Singapore (WRS), which operates the existing stable of Mandai attractions - the Singapore Zoo, the Night Safari and the River Safari - and Jurong Bird Park. It submitted a “compelling proposal to build on their existing attractions to shape Mandai into a leading nature destination in Asia”, said MTI.

According to Temasek, the first phase alone, scheduled to be completed by 2020, will cost about S$1 billion.

"The development is still in its early stages. Based on our estimates and this very draft plan, as well as some of the benchmarks that we have done, phase one of the project could cost about a billion dollars," said Temasek's Managing Director of Enterprise Development Neo Gim Huay. "Phase one will include relocation and rejuvenation of the Bird Park, as well as opening up public access areas for everyone to enjoy."

The planned development of Mandai was first announced by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong in September last year. When completed, the precinct outside the Nature Reserves will comprise about 120 hectares, MTI said. This will include the development of new attractions that will be integrated with the existing Singapore Zoo, Night Safari and River Safari. Already, these attractions draw close to 5 million visitors annually.

Temasek said in its own press release on Tuesday that the site includes the former Mandai orchid farm and an abandoned village. Describing the project as an "integrated wildlife and nature heritage precinct", it said the development will be a "multi-generation endeavour" that is expected to be completed in phases over about 10 years.

In addition to new public spaces and waterfront trails, the space will also be used for research and conservation, MTI said.

The idea of a "cageless zoo" is being explored, said Ms Neo, "where we introduce large immersive habitats where the visitors can immerse themselves in the natural habitats of the animals watching them in their natural behaviours - whether it's foraging for food, nesting or even doing courtship. Every visit will be different and every visit will be an adventure in itself".

CREATING A 'WORLD-CLASS DEVELOPMENT'

Mr S Iswaran, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office and Second Minister for Home Affairs and Trade and Industry, said: "Temasek’s concept builds on and significantly enhances the current WRS attractions in Mandai. The proposal is sensitive to the area’s unique environment, while including exciting ideas and developments that will bring benefits to both Singaporeans and tourists."

The area in question is both "rich with potential" and "deeply treasured by Singaporeans," he told Channel NewsAsia. As an important stakeholder in the area, Temasek "will therefore have a very keen understanding of the uniqueness of the place, its importance to Singaporeans and its potential of what can be done there in a manner that is sensitive to the environment while enhancing its attractiveness to all".

With the expertise and experience it has gained from WRS, and its international network, Temasek will be able to create outstanding content for a world-class development in Mandai, he added.

A multi-agency collaboration will guide Mandai’s development, according to MTI. "Both the Government and Temasek strongly believe in the importance of carrying out this development in an environmentally-sustainable and sensitive manner," MTI said. "Through sensitive design and management, the proposed development could potentially strengthen and enhance the nearby Nature Reserves."

Temasek will also work closely with agencies such as PUB to ensure continued reservoir water quality, and consult with stakeholders like nature groups and wildlife experts, it added.

Said Mr Iswaran: "Water bodies there are also sources of water supply to Singapore - we have to preserve the integrity of the water supply system. These are objectives that Temasek and government bodies all share."

Temasek said it has undertaken study trips "to understand best practices and experiences of various nature attractions around the world". It is also working with the National University of Singapore, including the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum, to undertake an Environmental Impact Assessment of the development, and to explore sustainable solutions for water and energy use and design.

BUILDING ON 'CITY IN A GARDEN' CONCEPT

“Our proposal seeks to build carefully and thoughtfully on this wildlife heritage in Mandai for present and future generations," said Mr Dilhan Pillay Sandrasegara, Head of Enterprise Development Group at Temasek. "We see the new Mandai as a haven for our broader community of Singaporeans and visitors, young and old, to enjoy nature in a fun and inspiring way. We aim to do this through an integrated, sustainable and inclusive approach, with Mandai developing as a nature destination to celebrate and protect our biodiversity. We would very much like to build on the concept from the National Parks Board of Singapore as a city in a garden, and also our rainforest and wildlife heritage in Mandai.”

Added WRS Chairman Claire Chiang: "Our Zoo, Night Safari, River Safari and Bird Park are very popular – they are packed during weekends and holidays. This reflects strong public demand for wildlife attractions set in natural habitats. We are looking forward to this as an opportunity to further improve and innovate on the visitor experience, and create more green space for free public access.”

- CNA/xy

Mandai to feature new 'immersive zoo-type experience'
LAURA ELIZABETH PHILOMIN TodayOnline 14 Jan 15;

SINGAPORE — The Government’s plans for a mega-nature attraction at Mandai will possibly feature a new “immersive zoo-type experience”, on top of the three existing wildlife attractions in the area as well as the proposed relocation of Jurong Bird Park from Jurong.

These plans were revealed by the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) and government-owned investment firm Temasek Holdings today (Jan 14) — the latter would be partnering the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) to develop Mandai into a nature-themed attraction in phases, set to be completed around 2020.

A concept video posted on its website showed a “zoo in the air” with aerial walkways weaving through a forest, a waterfall cavern for boat rides and a walkway for wildlife crossings. In all, the development in Mandai, including current attractions, will span 120ha.

But first up is an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), which Temasek will conduct with the National University of Singapore and Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum, under the guidance of the National Parks Board. The plans, first announced by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong last year, had caused concern among nature advocacy groups here, due to its proximity to the swathes of forest in the Central Catchment Nature Reserve, the largest in Singapore.

Temasek, the majority shareholder of Wildlife Reserves Singapore — which operates the Singapore Zoo, Night Safari, River Safari and Jurong Bird Park — will also work with relevant government agencies like PUB to ensure reservoir water quality is unaffected.

The two parcels of land earmarked for the development – one bound by Mandai Road, Mandai Lake Road and part of the nature reserve, and the other bordered by Mandai Track 15 and a military firing range – are in line with plans first floated by the STB in 2007 to develop an eco-tourism project in the area.

The STB reached out to potential partners — international and local — to explore suitable concepts, but went with Temasek in the end.

In a statement, Temasek said it first submitted a proposal in 2010. Apart from discussions with government agencies, nature experts, academics and other potential partners, the company also took study trips to nature attractions around the world to understand best practices and experiences.

Stressing that no plans have been finalised and early concepts are still being developed, Temasek’s managing director of strategic and public affairs Stephen Forshaw said: “We will continue to discuss concepts and plans with nature groups and the wider public as the proposal is further developed.”

While there will be ticketed attractions, Temasek also plans to open up public spaces for free access. “For example, one of the ideas is to open up more trails that could be linked to the park connectors,” he said.

He added: “The relocation of the Bird Park would mean one new attraction, and quite possibly another immersive zoo-type experience, in keeping with the nature surroundings.”

In an interview today (Jan 14) on Singapore’s tourist sector outlook, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office and Second Minister for Home Affairs and Trade and Industry S Iswaran noted the need to rejuvenate Singapore’s existing attractions, but also reiterated that development plans will have to be environmentally sensitive and preserve the integrity of the water supply system.

The initial plans surfaced in 2007 had prompted Nature Society (Singapore) to publish a report in the same year highlighting key concerns. The area’s forests are already in a “fragmented and degraded state” and such a project would degrade the area and result in the loss of habitat variety, the group said. Following last year’s announcement, nature groups had called for buffer zones to be created between any future man-made and existing forest areas.

When contacted, Nature Society (Singapore) executive committee member Ho Hua Chew said: “(Temasek) should wait until EIA is finalised before they consider their plans.”

Animal Concerns Research & Education Society chief executive Louis Ng said he would be meeting Temasek and the relevant agencies to decide on the parameters of the EIA.

Noting that it is premature to comment on the impact of the development, he said: “If the EIA is done, (and) shows they really shouldn’t be used because maybe there are some rare species there, then perhaps we can have alternative sites on standby already,” he said.

Major makeover of Mandai zoo precinct to be led by Temasek Holdings and STB
MOK FEI FEI Straits Times 14 Jan 15;

SINGAPORE - The major makeover and expansion of the zoo precinct at Mandai in the nation's north will be led by the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) and Temasek Holdings.

The Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) said on Wednesday that the partnership will help to realise the Government's vision for Mandai to become a world-class nature themed attraction.

In September last year, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong announced that Mandai would be transformed with a bigger and better zoo by about 2020.

The 41-year-old Singapore Zoo is located at Mandai, along with the Night Safari and the relatively new River Safari. The proposals include using other land in the area to build the larger precinct.

Temasek is a majority shareholder of Wildlife Reserves Singapore (WRS), which operates the existing stable of zoos as well as the Jurong Bird Park.

It responded to STB's invitation to explore concepts for Mandai in about 2010.

MTI said Temasek shared the Government's vision for Mandai and submitted a compelling proposal to build on their existing attractions to shape Mandai into a leading nature destination in Asia.

It is envisioned that the Mandai project will have a total site area of 120 ha when completed, with tranquil and rich green spaces to see wildlife in their natural habitat.

New public spaces and waterfront trails are likely to be built.

Minister in the Prime Minister's Office and Second Minister for Trade and Industry and Home Affairs S. Iswaran said in a statement: "Temasek's concept builds on and significantly enhances the current WRS attractions in Mandai.

"The proposal is sensitive to the area's unique environment, while including exciting ideas and developments that will bring benefits to both Singaporeans and tourists."

Temasek head of enterprise development group Dilhan Pillay Sandrasegara said in a separate statement: "We see the new Mandai as a haven for our broader community of Singaporeans and visitors, young and old, to enjoy nature in a fun and inspiring way.

"We aim to do this through an integrated, sustainable and inclusive approach, with Mandai developing as a nature destination to celebrate and protect our biodiversity."

Temasek said it will work with the National University of Singapore to undertake an environmental impact assessment of the development and to ensure sustainable solutions in the areas of water and energy use.

STB, Temasek to lead Mandai zoo revamp
Mok Fei Fei My Paper AsiaOne 15 Jan 15;

SINGAPORE - The major makeover and expansion of the zoo precinct at Mandai in Singapore's north will be led by the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) and Temasek Holdings.

The Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) said yesterday that the partnership will help to realise the Government's vision for Mandai to become a world-class, nature-themed attraction.

In September, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong announced that Mandai would be transformed into a bigger and better zoo by about 2020.

The 41-year-old Singapore Zoo is located at Mandai, along with the Night Safari and the relatively new River Safari. The proposals include using other land in the area to build the larger precinct.

Temasek is a majority shareholder of Wildlife Reserves Singapore (WRS), which operates the existing stable of zoos as well as Jurong Bird Park.

It responded to STB's invitation to explore concepts for Mandai in about 2010.

MTI said Temasek shared the Government's vision for Mandai and submitted a compelling proposal to build on its existing attractions to shape Mandai into a leading nature destination in Asia.

It is envisioned that the Mandai project will have a total site area of 120ha when completed, with tranquil and rich, green spaces to see wildlife in their natural habitat.

New public spaces and waterfront trails are likely to be built.

Mr S. Iswaran, Minister in the Prime Minister's Office and Second Minister for Trade and Industry, said in a statement: "Temasek's concept builds on and significantly enhances the current WRS attractions in Mandai.

"The proposal is sensitive to the area's unique environment, while including exciting ideas and developments that will bring benefits to both Singaporeans and tourists."

Temasek head of enterprise development group Dilhan Pillay Sandrasegara said in a separate statement: "We see the new Mandai as a haven for our broader community of Singaporeans and visitors, young and old, to enjoy nature in a fun and inspiring way.
"We aim to do this through an integrated, sustainable and inclusive approach, with Mandai developing as a nature destination to celebrate and protect our biodiversity."

Temasek said it will work with the National University of Singapore to undertake an environmental-impact assessment of the development and to ensure sustainable solutions in the areas of water and energy use.