Cowboy Caleb the liberal arts, grown-up stuff & random mischief

Marina Bay Sands

For those who have yet to witness, this is the conceptual drawing of the upcoming Marina Bay Sands Integrated Resort in Singapore. I was shown this drawing during my stay at the Venetian Macao, a member of the Las Vegas Sands Corp.

The term “integrated resort” is used to describe the concept where a hotel, casino, shopping mall, theme park and convention hall are all lumped together in one single venue. In many ways, the casino is downplayed as only a tiny component of the big thing.

The issue of opening a casino in Singapore has always been quite contentious for the people in the Republic. On one hand, people are saying that it may erode values and bring in social problems for the country. On the other hand, a lot of Singaporeans are already travelling to Genting and going on gambling cruise ships, so it’s not such a big deal after all.

From a purely third person’s perspective, I feel that Singapore has made the right move. In many ways, it’s a difficult choice for them to make: build an integrated resort, or risk losing out billions of dollars in conventions, exhibitions and tourism revenue to neighbouring countries.

Yes, the social concerns are always going to be there, but I reckon they have taken pretty effective steps to prevent that from spiraling out of control.

Understandably, some quarters may be upset about the decision now. But when the nation surges ahead of Bangkok, Hong Kong and Australia in economic growth, perhaps then they might be thinking differently.

This entry is guest-blogged by Kowboy Kenny.

Funny, it was a strange feeling reading this entry as I thought it was WAY too eloquant and articulate for Cowboy’s writing skills until I saw that it was a guest blog which makes sense! Well written! P.S. I agree totally with your conclusion. I for one will make a special trip to visit the resort when it is completed!

That is one slick looking design. definitely one of those buildings that stands out in a skyline.

Ugh. I don’t know why but it seems that the sky garden thing spoils the silhouette.

“I thought it was WAY too eloquant and articulate for Cowboy’s writing skills until I saw that it was a guest blog which makes sense”

HAHAHAAHAHHA

good job spotting it

trust the sg government to make the right choice when it comes to money. heh.

Thats the truth.

Gonzo writer,
C.L.S.
http://www.ChadLSmith.com