Whilst developments in the Thailand market appear to have completely stalled, the success and prospects of the Singapore market have been lauded by the country’s Prime Minister, Lawrence Wong. 

During a speech at the groundbreaking of the MBS expansion project, Wong’s reflections on how the market was birthed were pertinent given current stagnations across Asia. 

Central to the evolution of the market has been to ensure that they “never take progress for granted”, asserted Wong. 

He outlined: “Progress is not predetermined. It’s not predestined. It’s not inevitable. It takes discipline. It takes effort. It takes belief. And it takes hard work.”

The legislation for integrated resorts wasn’t too dissimilar from what was previously pitched in Thailand. However, Wong was under no illusions that at the time, it was part of the reimagining of their tourism infrastructure and a bold move. 

He added: “There was also a bold commitment from Las Vegas Sands, a major investment underpinned by confidence in Singapore and Singapore’s future. We both had to take risks. It was not predetermined.

“This outcome that we enjoy today, 20 years later, could not have been foretold. But we together made it happen, and I’m glad that this partnership has flourished.”

It comes amidst the significant developments in the country, with the building of a new $8bn ultra-luxurious resort and entertainment destination in Singapore, which will expand its regional footprint and strengthen its commitment to the Republic’s future.

Sands Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Robert Goldstein, commented: “With its opening in 2010, our founder Sheldon G. Adelson embarked on a journey in Singapore with Marina Bay Sands and the people of Singapore that promised to change the face of tourism in the region. 

“Fifteen years later, we have delivered on these ambitions and more. Marina Bay Sands is the world’s most successful integrated resort in history, and the gold standard in the industry. It has been truly incredible to witness Mr. Adelson’s vision come to life, and we are proud to carry his legacy forward with today’s groundbreaking ceremony for our new development here. 

“We have every intention of delivering a product that will be the envy of the hospitality industry and usher in a new era of luxury tourism in Singapore.”

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