SS- Principle Of Being Forward Looking

2007-01-25T03:14:00.000-08:00

Today, I am going to talk about the principle of being forward looking.

Being forward looking means to have the ability to plan ahead to meet the future needs of the country. Therefore, the leaders must have the foresight, vision and imagination to come up with the right policies.

One example of our government being forward looking is the water agreements with Malaysia. If the water agreements are not being renewed, Singapore would have to find alternative sources of water. Therefore, the government actually plans to build a desalination plant although they are costly projects. This is one way to reduce Singapore's dependence on imported water supply. The building of the desalination plant proves that our government is being foward looking such that no unexpected problems will affect us to a huge extend. [Being prepared for the future]

The policy that I am going to introduce is the government's decision on setting up the Integrated Resort in Sentosa.

Singapore awarded its second casino resort contract to Genting International, whose $3.38 billion proposal promises to lure family tourists with a Universal Studios theme park and a huge outdoor marine park. Malaysia's Genting, partnered with Star Cruises, was chosen over two competitors largely based on its ability to attract new and repeat tourism and raise Singapore's profile as a family destination.

The plan includes six hotels -- one designed by American architect Michael Graves -- with more than 1,800 rooms. There will also be a 20-acre marine park, including a whale shark lagoon.
Resorts World at Sentosa will also include a Universal Studios theme park -- the second in Asia -- with 22 attractions, 16 designed specifically for Singapore and an animation studio. The resort will have meeting facilities, retail stores and a 1,600-seat theater for a resident show. The resort will adhere to Sentosa guidelines that ensure 70 percent of the island remains "green" with plant life. A futuristic version of its Bahamas Atlantis resort that would have included the world's largest aquarium will also be built.

I feel that this project will be a very beneficial project.

Firstly, the Integrated Resort is located in an accessible area as the resort is linked to mainland Singapore by a causeway and monorail.

Accessibilty is very important to development of a tourist spot. Most tourists will travel to easy accessible destinations because these places are usually faster, easier and cheaper to reach. This has increased the mobility of people and accessibilty of places that were once hard to reach. This will definitely gain the popularity of tourists towards our resort. This also proves that there is good telecommunication facilities. This is also important as many tourists still want to stay in contact with family and friends. Therefore, I believe this will be able to attract many tourists.

Most tourists also look for comfort and ease. They want to go to a place with facilities that are provided for their comfort, convienience and enjoyment. Therefore, ammenities such as hotels will be needed. Therefore, the 6 hotels that are included in the Integrated Resort will be able to sastisfy the tourists in this area.

Tourists also often choose their destinations based on the attractions a place has. The more attractions and the more attractive they are, the more tourists that place will attract. Attractions such as Quest Marine Life Park, the world's largest oceanarium that will be home to as many as 700,000 aquatic animals as well as a lagoon that allows visitors to snorkel and dive with whale sharks, the largest fish in the world. The Equarius Water Park, which is nestled under the natural canopy of Sentosa's lush natural forest. Maritime Xperiential Museum and the Universal Studios Singapore, a theme park that draws on Universal's rich Hollywood heritage, will contribute in creating an enjoyable experience for the tourists. Singapore has also lifted its 40-year ban on casinos as part of plans to spruce up its staid image and draw more tourists. Such attractions have been getting more and more popular and the demand for them is high. Therefore, I believe that they will attract many tourists to the integrated resort.

To me, ensuring that the island still stays 70% green is a very good choice made by the government. Ecotourism which includes nature trails are gaining popularity, especially within the younger generation who want different experiences when they travel.

Good accessibilty, ammenites and fantastic attractions together will the integrated resort more anticipating then ever. People from around the world would want to come here and have an experience of their lifetime. These factors that are included in the Integrated Resort will be able to attract many tourists and even locals to visit the place and this will boost of tourism. Boosting tourism also means boosting our economy. We will have a strong economical impact especially in Singapore. The Integrated Resort can become a significant source of income for our country and create employment opportunities, enabling us to have a higher standard of living. In addition, this Integrated Resort will also generate employment for many. This will also enable the people to enjoy a higher standard of living leading to more equal distribution of wealth.

When tourists from the wealthier and more developed countries visit us, the money they spend generates income for us and can be used to improve the lives of our people. Having this Integrated Resort also frees us from being heavily dependent on one source of income. It will become an alternative source.

Hence, I believe that this Integrated Resort will boost our economy and generate employment for the people.

Since the Integrated Resort has so many benefits that will have a long term positive impact of Singapore, the government's decision of setting it up proves that they are forward looking as they know that it will not only generate income for the country but also reduce the rate of unemployment.

In conclusion, this policy proves the ability of Singapore's government to be forward looking.

Social Studies

SS- Principle Of Being Forward Looking