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SHANGHAI : Singapore has became the latest nation to announce its participation at the Shanghai World Expo in 2010, joining 221 other countries and organisations.
Singapore's Consul General in Shanghai, Yip Wei-Kiat, said it will be the largest participation by Singapore for any expo yet.
"This reflects not only the growing stature of the World Expo, but also the close ties between Singapore and China," said Yip.
Organisers said the Shanghai Expo Theme of "Better City; Better Life" is reflective of Singapore's sustainable development.
Hong Hao, director of the Bureau of Shanghai World Expo Coordination, said: "Singapore's experience in building a garden city is beneficial for China's urban construction, especially for Chinese cities."
For 2010, Singapore is drawing from its successful participation in the last World Expo in Aichi, Japan.
This time, it wants to showcase what the public thinks is the best of Singapore. A four-month online competition will be held to gather suggestions to help enhance the Singapore Pavilion.
"We are hoping to tap on them to give us ideas and hopefully a different perspective of what Singapore means to them, and this would go towards the content pavilion. We are also asking people to suggest a theme," said Leong See Kay, director of World Expo, Singapore Tourism Board.
Singaporeans and anyone who has travelled to, studied, worked or stayed in Singapore can participate in the competition. Entries will be judged on their creativity as well as ability to capture the essence of Singapore within the context of the working theme for the Singapore Pavilion, and the five sub-themes of Shanghai World Expo 2010.
Winners stand to win attractive cash prizes as well as a pair of return air tickets from Singapore to Shanghai or vice-versa, visitor passes to attend the Shanghai World Expo 2010 and hotel accommodation.
Meanwhile, the countdown to 2010 has begun. Much will be on offer at the expo as countries showcase their best.
Tickets for the expo go on sale at the end of next month and are priced from 160 yuan (S$32) and above.
With an estimated 70 million visitors, organisers said the 48-hour transit visa will be extended to seven days. The Shanghai World Expo 2010 will run from the beginning of May till the end of October.
The Singapore Tourism Board will launch its online portal of the expo at www.SingaporeAtWorldExpo.com.sg on August 25. - CNA /ls
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