Singapore Pavilion at 2010 World Expo right on schedule
By Channel NewsAsia's China Correspondent Glenda Chong | Posted: 26 November 2009 2325 hrs

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SHANGHAI: The Singapore Pavilion at the 2010 World Expo in Shanghai is right on schedule. On Thursday, it celebrated the completion of structural works with a topping out ceremony, together with the official launch of its logo and mascot.

Organisers said focus will now shift to the final stage of construction.

Alfred Poon, assistant director, World Expo, Singapore Tourism Board, said: "It means we can now start looking at the interior and incorporating all the fine and nice programmes for the audience."

The official logo for the Singapore Pavilion, designed by the firm Epigram, was inspired by the structure's exterior and musical instruments. An official mascot, called liulianxiaoxing, was also unveiled on Thursday to welcome visitors at the expo, come May 2010.

"He's a cute little 5-year-old Singaporean boy who loves durians and likes to draw the Esplanade. We've actually conceived this idea from two most lovable icons of Singapore – the durian and the Merlion," said Mr Poon.

Spanning 3,000 square metres, the pavilion marks Singapore's largest participation at any World Expos. The island city hopes to showcase the nation's achievements in urban planning, water technology and environmental services, using recyclable materials such as aluminium and steel.

Speaking at the topping out ceremony, Singapore's Health Minister Khaw Boon Wan said that historical links and excellent relations between Singapore and China will also be showcased at the pavilion.

"There will be new areas of cooperation in environmental protection and water management between China and Singapore. World Expo 2010 will give Singapore the opportunity to highlight what we have learned in these areas from Singapore's point of view," he said.

Singapore expects to attract 10 million visitors to its pavilion, out of an expected 70 million participants, during next year's five-month-long World Expo, starting May 1.


- CNA/so