Baywatch Jul-Sep 2019

B AY WATC H

NEWSLETTER TEAM

WRITERS Aw Ching Yi . Irene Wong
DESIGN & LAYOUT Patricia Lee
EDITOR Ong Yan Szu

0 8 FYAaCpESCBhYinTHSEiaBnAYg
Deputy Chief Executive Officer

3 6 DSIcSePnLAtsYaFtEioAnTUaRl EOrchids, Rose Romance,
Orchid Extravaganza

4 6 NCAeTlIeObNrAaLteDAOY FuErASTUinRgEapore
5 0 TSUrSaTsAhINTAaBlIkLITY MATTERS:

B AY WATC H
PLANTS . PEOPLE . HAPPENINGS AND MORE!

July - September 2019 Issue

DEAR
COLLEAGUES,

Gardens by the Bay has positioned itself as transformed the entire Supertree Grove over 43,000 attendees, and saw The The success of curating an engaging and
a people’s garden from the time when we into a mega toy land, enlivened by Meadow teeming with Singaporeans interesting palette of programmes for the
opened in 2012. Since then, we have seen family-friendly games and activities decked in red and white celebrating the People's Garden is made possible with the
the birth of another people’s garden – inspired by the well-loved Toy Story birthday of our nation with their loved immense contribution of many colleagues
Jurong Lake Gardens – as well as the characters. Familiar movie tunes filled the ones. This partnership with Mediacorp also who toiled to meet timelines and ensure the
people’s island, Sentosa. Supertree Grove, with Toy Story characters raised the profile of the Gardens, with our smooth delivery of the events. My special
While local visitorship to other attractions making delightful appearances on iconic conservatories and Supertrees thanks goes to my dear Programming team,
is reportedly on the decline, GB is cloud-shaped projection screens hanging shown on Mediacorp’s free-to-air channels for being with me through thick and thin,
fortunate to buck the trend as we continue amongst the Supertrees. nightly and mentioned frequently on its along the way taking up many challenges
to push out efforts to sustain interest and The theme for this year's Mid-Autumn radio stations. The TV broadcast of the and forging strategic partnerships to
support for the Gardens. Interestingly, Festival is “Legacies” (传承). The event concert was run on 18 Aug to coincide with engage the community. It has been a
sustaining local support has a positive featured huge lantern sets that depicted the National Day Rally, and this helped to difficult decision to move on to complete
effect on visitation by foreign visitors, as stories of Chinese tradition and heritage. increase viewership of the concert what I had started with the development of
increasingly, well-travelled and discerning This year’s festival boasted the tallest and programme. To add to the celebrations, Bay East. With DCEO’s stewardship and
tourists are finding places where locals widest-ever display of floating lanterns in visitors were treated to the Bicentennial everyone's support, I trust that our
patronise to be more attractive and hence, the Gardens, as well as our first Giant Edition Garden Rhapsody, which featured community engagement efforts will remain
will likely make a visit. Revolving Lantern. well-loved songs rearranged and performed a key aspect that anchors the Gardens and
The support of our local community is The public played an active part in this by local musicians. Over at the outdoor enables it to meet future challenges.
crucial in making Gardens by the Bay what year’s edition of the festival. The festival gardens, visitors got to enjoy the Legends of
it is today, and something that is cultivated was opened on 30 Aug by Guest of Singapore live performances. Indeed, there Ong Chui Leng
over an extended period of time. The Honour, Minister for National is something that appeals to everyone at
support that the Gardens received from the Development and Second Minister for Gardens by the Bay. Meanwhile, head over Project Director
many ambassadors, well-wishers, sponsors Finance Mr Lawrence Wong with a to the National Day feature article on page Bay East Project Office
and partners are a result of endearment light-up ceremony at Bayfront Plaza, who 46 of this issue to revisit this year’s National Gardens by the Bay
schemes that were put in place over the also went on a lantern walk with Day celebrations in the Gardens!
years. These take the form of our Friends of community groups. And on 14 Sep, (Senior Director, Programming from 2012 till Aug 2019)
the Gardens membership, volunteer and Gift members of the public went on a mass
of Gardens programmes. At the same time, lantern walk with complimentary fabric
our educational and outreach programmes lanterns, which brought them through the
have brought visitors even closer to nature. Gardens amidst beautiful lantern sets,
As a way to thank all Singaporeans for accompanied by a magnificent LED
their love of the Gardens, we have curated Dragon, mascots and giant LED fish
a line-up of exciting events in this lanterns. The North Colonnade was also
Bicentennial Year of celebration. These transformed into the Colonnade of Lights
include signature events such as the during this festival period, featuring paper
Children’s Festival, the perennial favourite lanterns painted by people from all walks
Mid-Autumn Festival as well as a special of life.
National Day concert. The latest addition to our community
We have had another successful run of the engagement festival series was the two-day
Children’s Festival this year. The event ran Gardens by the Bay and Mediacorp National
from 15 to 30 Jun over the school holidays Day Concert on 10 and 11 Aug 2019. Our
and drew over 600,000 to the Gardens! Patron and President of the Republic of
The collaboration with the Singapore Singapore, Madam Halimah Yacob,
Tourism Board, Disney and PICO graced the event on the first night at The
Meadow. The event’s opening night drew

CALENDAR OF EVENTS:

LATEST
HAPPENINGS

Rhododendron Radiance Youths Celebrate! Seniors Tuesday Special Poinsettia Wishes

27 Sep – 28 Oct / 9am – 9pm daily 18 – 27 Oct / 7pm – 11pm daily 12 Nov, 10 Dec / 9am – 9pm 8 Nov 2019 – 5 Jan 2020 / 9am – 9pm daily
Flower Dome Supertree Grove (last entry at 8pm) Flower Dome
Admission charge to the Flower Dome Free admission Flower Dome Admission charge to the Flower Dome
applies Complimentary applies
Youths Celebrate! is back with more fun, music, and Come experience our Poinsettia Wishes display this
Rhododendrons are among the showiest flowering entertainment! Watch the Supertree Grove Singapore’s Pioneer Generation (PG) and Merdeka Christmas as we go on a journey through Denmark,
shrubs admired for their big, beautiful and bright transform into an enchanting neon jungle and enjoy Generation (MG) enjoy complimentary admission to Sweden, Iceland, Finland and Norway. Taking its
blooms. Amidst this lush and vibrant landscape filled a host of programmes from movie screenings to the Flower Dome every second Tuesday of the creative direction from the Ambassador of Denmark
with over 80 varieties of rhododendrons in white, performances by local youth talents. Be sure to visit month. PG/MG visitors can simply flash their to Singapore, Her Excellency Dorte Bech Vizard,
yellow, orange and red, spot the Gardens' adorable the neon night market and the fun zone, where you PG/MG card or MG Package eligibility letter at the this floral display will feature a unique Christmas
bear mascots soaking up the great outdoors! get to experience games and activities in the dark. Flower Dome’s entrance for free entry to the twist to the iconic architecture of the Nordic
conservatory. countries.

ASK Me! Tours

Pick up a Poinsettia Wishes Garden Trail, or
join in the ASK Me! tours to find out more
about the plants and design of the floral
display.

ASK Me! Tours Bayfront Pop-Up Market Garden Troopers Christmas Wonderland

Pick up a Rhododendron Radiance Garden Trail, or Every Sat & Sun in October, 16 – 17 Nov, 16, 18 & 22 Nov / from 9am 29 Nov – 26 Dec / 5pm – 11pm daily
join in the ASK Me! tours to find out more about 21 – 22 Dec / 11am – 9pm Outdoor Gardens Supertree Grove and The Meadow
the plants and design of the floral display. Bayfront Plaza Registration fee applies Admission charge applies
Free admission
Get Crafty: Rhododendrons Garden Troopers is a fun and educational holiday The season of joy is here with Christmas
Visit the Bayfront Pop-up Market, where local programme that brings kids on a horticultural Wonderland 2019! This annual holiday
26 Oct / 2pm – 5pm businesses and social enterprises showcase a variety adventure around Gardens by the Bay to discover extravaganza promises to delight with a dazzling
The Canopy of unique wares, artisanal products and handmade the amazing wonders of the plant world. array of light sculptures, specially curated
Free admission knick-knacks! Participants can choose between three different entertainment, carnival games, a European-style
Fold origami rhododendrons with us and learn programmes for children from 5 to 12 years old: A festive market and more!
more about these spectacular shrubs with Play-Date with Plants, Green Encounters! and My
attractive flowers! Outdoor Adventure! *Information is correct as of time of print.

For more information on Garden Troopers, visit
www.gardensbythebay.com.sg.
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BAYWATCH: GB Healthy Lifestyle Month: August 2019

HR BULLETIN This August, staff enjoyed free salad bowls on 6 Aug, as well as an
hour-long fitness fusion class organised by our Baywatch Committee on
the afternoon of 21 Aug, as part of the GB Healthy Lifestyle Month.
Staff also took part in the free annual health screening, held on 27 and 28
Aug at the Waterview Room.

CEO Dialogue Session The fitness fusion class kicked off with a short speech by DCEO to encourage staff to Over 50 colleagues took part in the fitness
lead a healthy lifestyle fusion class, and participants enjoyed
Our second CEO Dialogue of 2019 was held on the afternoon of 6 Aug at bananas after the event
the Waterview Room.
As part of the event, CEO Felix Loh shared with staff on some of the Fruit Days
company’s challenges and announced several key changes to our (Oct – Dec 2019)
organisation structure moving forward. Wrapping up the event was a
short note by DCEO Yap Chin Siang, who touched on the importance of 29 Oct: Pear
working together towards the common goal of GB’s success. 26 Nov: Plum
Staff also enjoyed refreshments after the event. 24 Dec: Dragonfruit

Toy Story 4 Movie Screening VGfIonoerflnouMernmretaerateditorieosnknaSStaefsfsiaonnd *Fruits subject to availability

Staff were treated to a screening of Toy Story 4 at Suntec GV on the An information session for our Upcoming Courses
afternoon of 5 Jul. Merdeka Generation (MG) staff (Nov 2019)
The event kicked off with a short speech by DCEO Yap Chin Siang and volunteers was held at the
and saw attendance by some 100 staff, who also enjoyed Lotus Room on 28 May. 4 Nov: Basic Conversational
complimentary popcorn and drinks as part of the event. Conducted by MG Ambassadors Foreign Language (Korean &
100 movie tickets were also set aside for frontline staff who were from the Pioneer Generation Office Japanese) for Frontliners
unable to make it for the screening that day. and facilitated by our HR team, the 21 Nov: Winning with Difficult
information session sought to keep People
our MG staff and volunteers
updated on the newly launched
benefits for the MG.

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DCEO Yap Chin Siang giving a short speech to open the event

BBAAYYWWAATTCCHH:: HwiithCuhsin! Siang, thank you for spending your morning

FACES The pleasure’s all mine!
BY THE BAY
Before we know it, you’ve been with us for some six
Interview by Ching Yi Aw months now! How has the journey as our DCEO been?

Hardly a stranger to Gardens by It’s been an energising experience so far! Even though I had been
the Bay, DCEO Yap Chin Siang on the Board for several years prior to becoming DCEO, nothing
had been a member on the beats getting directly involved and putting your hands to the
Gardens' Board of Directors plough. I’m still ground-sensing my way around here but with the
since June 2013 before taking on help of my colleagues, I’m learning something new every day and
the role of Deputy Chief settling down nicely.
Executive Officer in March
2019. In this issue of Baywatch, Wprohbilaebylyouq’ureitenontewenttoirmelaynnyeowf otourthcoellGeaagrudeesn.sT, oyosuta’rret
we chat with Chin Siang over a off, could you tell us a little about yourself and what
cup of coffee at Satay by the Bay, your area of specialty is?
where he shared his thoughts on
the Gardens, work-life balance Thanks to God, I am wonderfully
and his early aspirations as a blessed with a fantastic wife who has
professional musician! kept me sane throughout our 21 years
(and counting!) of marriage and two
teenagers. We enjoy taking the
occasional holiday and spending time
together as a family. This gives us
many happy memories and helps us
bond with one another.

Chin Siang with his wife Jessica
and kids, Simeon and Christa.

PAG E 8 JULY-SEPTEMBER 19 PAG E 9

JU LY-SE PTE MB ER 19

I majored in Economics in university, though I have being the curious person that I am, I decided to You’ve been on GB’s Board of Directors since So far, none of these impressions have changed! I
never once practised as an economist throughout my take up the challenge and see where that would 2013, which makes you one of our “pioneer am tremendously proud to be associated with this
career. As a left-brain person, I had enjoyed reading lead me. I would go on to spend more than six bDaCtcEhO" BcooamrdpaDreirteocttohrast! oHf oawBdooaerds tDheirreoclteoro?f national icon that has come to be cherished by
this subject tremendously. The exposure to years at STB – my longest-ever stint with an many of our visitors, both local and from abroad.
macro-level issues has given me insights and a useful organisation to-date – before this secondment.
lens to perceive and grasp the happenings around the From what you’ve seen up till now, is there
world, such as trade tensions, global economic Chin Siang at the 2018 STB Dinner & Dance anything about GB that stands out from the
development and financial markets. It also made me potrheevriouosrlgya?nisations that you’ve been at
deeply appreciate the economic miracle that is
Singapore, as witnessed through the transformation That would have to be the people at GB.
of our nation since its founding in 1965. There’s a very talented, dedicated team here with a
flair for all things creative. Our floral displays are
tIoddiadya, lainttdled“ihsocomveewreodrkt”haptriyoorutocooumremferoetminga never just about the flowers: how we design and
very diverse background, career-wise! display our plants make a big difference to the way
people look at and interact with them.
I have been blessed with a very interesting and, yes,
diverse career path that brought me to different Chin Siang with fellow Board Directors at a photoshoot for our
organisations. Each of these organisations has a FY2014/15 Annual Report
unique culture and brings a different learning
dimension, all of which helped shape my perspective
and honed my inclination to consider things in a more
holistic way and be open-minded to new ideas.

Scoomunindgs oenxbciotainrdg!thWe hGaatrddeinds?you do before I get to contribute to the Gardens in different ways as Sakura Matsuri and
a Board Director and as DCEO. Tulipmania are among
I started out my career in the civil service. I was A Board Director’s role is to exercise governance Chin Siang’s favourite
fortunate enough to be the recipient of a government oversight of the Gardens and provide strategic floral displays!
scholarship, and returned upon graduation to serve in guidance to the Management. We do not typically get
the Ministry of Trade & Industry (MTI). There, I was Chin Siang at his farewell party with STB colleagues involved in the day-to-day management of the
part of the team looking at ways to advance organisation.
Singapore’s economic interests through our wWhoewn, iytouc’aremereatollycaqrueietre tchheoicdeasr!edFeavsitl Conversely, as DCEO, I have to manage day-to-day
internationalisation efforts and had a hand in forward to today: how did you come to operational issues in a hands-on manner. This will
signature projects such as the China-Singapore take up the role as GB’s DCEO? require a deeper appreciation of the challenges faced
Suzhou Industrial Park project. by GB staff, so that Management can support them
After some time in public service, I became curious Felix approached me late last year and asked if I’d with clear direction and effective resourcing, and help
about the private sector and where this would bring be keen to take up the position of DCEO at foster an organisational culture that encourages
me. That interest eventually plunged me down the Gardens by the Bay, following Peggy’s retirement. teamwork and innovation.
path of a decade-long banking career, which brought What really impressed me was his vision for the
me to several international financial institutions Gardens and how, despite our notable success so WtshinehcaeGtyaworeudreaensssso?ummDeeidodfthytheoeuryroleceahoralfnyDgiemCpiEnrOeas?nsiyonws aoyf Unlike other companies which typically operate on
including ABN AMRO, Standard Chartered Bank far, Felix perceived the GB story as one that is not a five-day work week, GB is open every day, all
and Citibank. yet completed. For the next chapter, it is From day one, I was of the impression that GB is a year round. Some of our colleagues work into the
My banking stint had been an exhilarating (though imperative to build a strong foundation to take the garden that never sleeps. wee hours to make sure our displays look good,
not for the faint-hearted) and rewarding ride. I was Gardens forward to scale new heights. Looking at the Gardens from afar as a Board while others willingly sacrifice their weekends to
cruising along until an ex-MTI colleague asked if I This is the main motivation for me to come Director, I was always intrigued by the immense manage event logistics, get our event venues ready
would come back to helm the North-east Asia alongside him on this meaningful journey, and creativity that permeates the Gardens – be it staff’s and make sure we deliver for our clients without a
directorate. It was not an easy decision to make, as I work together to build the Gardens as a lasting fresh ideas that inform each unique floral display, the word of complaint. Our staff works hard, and I’m
was then fairly established in the banking circle. legacy that future generations of Singaporeans can ingenious thought behind the design and construction really proud of all of you!
Eventually, it took more than six months before I was be proud of. of our spectacular structures that have become
won over by the higher purpose of serving the public. well-loved local icons in their own right, or the
To me, achieving significance through the betterment Gardens’ diverse range of curated programmes that
of others’ lives is much more meaningful than the cater to people from all walks of life.
continuing pursuit of individual success. I was also very impressed by our staff, who are
My career path took another turn further down the palpably passionate about what they do and excellent
road, when Lionel Yeo, then-CEO of the Singapore at implementing every project that comes their way.
Tourism Board (STB), asked me to join him. That
came as quite a surprise. Those who know me would
agree that I’m the last person you’d expect to venture
into tourism: I’m totally not a lifestyle kind of guy. But
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Team GB is also able to respond nimbly to First up: The olive trees at the Flower Dome are a
challenging situations. A recent episode was the are you into rare treat for us in the tropics. I’m also
sighting of a Lesser Whistling Duck family in the plants/nature? amazed by the fact that there’s a 1000-year-
Gardens. Netizens had appealed to the Gardens to old olive tree (and a fruiting one, at that!) that
assist the distressed parents in protecting their Not particularly, but I’ve definitely come to originated from another part of the world just
ducklings against predators. appreciate plants more since I started working in a short walk from my office. This is a
While it initially seemed like we were headed GB – our colleagues have been most generous in wonderful manifestation of what we try to do
straight for a PR disaster, our team was able to sharing their plant knowledge with me. I have also here at the Gardens – that is, to bring the
work together amidst pressure to address public enjoyed getting up close and personal with some of world of plants to all!
concerns swiftly and effectively. More importantly, our plants, such as our beautiful Oncidiums and the
no further ducklings were lost as a result! majestic 1000-year-old olive trees.
I believe people have an innate affinity to nature. I
In your opinion, what are some things that have come to feel this keenly myself: making my
GB has to contend with in today’s global way to the office every morning, I can’t help but feel
climate? an uplifting of my soul when I see our plants and
breathe in the crisp, fresh air. That’s why working at
As a world-class attraction, we are expected to the Gardens and making it accessible to everyone in
deliver a world-class experience for all. Visitors
today are better travelled and more discerning. an engaging way is meaningful to me. It is a tall
They desire to go off the beaten track, see order, yes, but I believe that people have
something fresh, and look out for more immersive the aptitude to be converted at some
(rather than touch-and-go) experiences that will point to love nature and gardens.
evoke emotive connection with the destination. Amidst the rapid developments
Simply put, our clientele is much more demanding springing up all around us, it is also
today than ever before. This is something that we deeply comforting to know that
must keep in mind as we design our displays, there will always be a green space set
programmes and service offerings. aside in the heart of the city for the
Secondly, we also see rising competition as enjoyment of all.
attractions here seek to up their game and chase
after the limited leisure dollars. Just to cite a few Felix pointed out some scented
examples, our two integrated resorts recently Oncidiums to me, which I
announced multi-billion-dollar expansion plans, encountered for the first time at
Jewel Changi Airport had just opened to much Floral Fantasy. Their vanilla-
fanfare, and the Mandai Nature Park is slated to chocolatey fragrance was Do you have a
open in a few years’ time. unforgettable, and I’ve gone on to favourite part of
Gardens by the Bay has been a notable success introduce this amazing orchid to all the Gardens?
story so far, having just opened its doors seven our guests!
years ago. The question for all of us is whether we
will still be successful amidst these trends. Will I don’t have a favourite part of the What are your
something that had worked in the past continue to Gardens per se, but I enjoy our thoughts on
be relevant in the future? Do we, as a company, vibrant, changing floral displays. I’m work-life
have the ambition and aspiration to make the always looking forward to seeing balance?
Gardens even better than it is now? In a world how our designers can come up with
rapidly disrupted by digitalisation and data brand-new narratives and floral
proliferation, do we have the people with the right designs in creative ways!
set of competencies to take us further, and are we
doing enough to equip our staff so they can Thanks for sharing I’m a firm believer in work-life balance.
navigate these changes deftly? all that with us! Understandably, there are busy periods where we may
For us to stay relevant and ahead, we must Let’s move on to need to work over time or during weekends, and we’ll
encourage a strong collaborative culture in the some more need to manage that. But family gives meaning to who
workplace. As the saying goes: if you want to go we are as individuals, and we should never neglect our
fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together. We personal questions. family because of work. It is also important that our
must endeavour to support one another, and to staff’s family members support what they are doing at
achieve and celebrate success together as one Team the Gardens and celebrate in the Gardens’ success as
GB. well.
We should also continue to imbue into our DNA a
pioneering spirit, always willing to challenge
ourselves and push boundaries. And even if these
don’t work out (as they often do), we can learn
from it and do better next time!
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What are three My phone, wallet and glasses. BAYWATCH:
things you never For me, functionality is key. My phone and
leave home wallet are essentials that enable me to go GUESTS IN
without? about my day-to-day activities. THE GARDENS
In time, we (hopefully) gain wisdom but
inevitably aspects of ageing as well – like 1 1 26 May: Mr Kim Jong Dae, Member of the
long-sightedness (and that’s why I need my National Assembly of Korea (second from
reading glasses). This also is a reminder to 4 left) and delegation
self to seize the day and live every day as
purposefully as possible! 2 2 3 Jun: Ms Andrea Thompson, Under
Secretary of State for Arms Control and

International Security, USA, who was in

Singapore to attend the Shangri-La

Dialogue.

I am! But that wasn’t always the case. I Are you a 3 6 Jun: South Korean delegates from the
used to be quite conservative when it came foodie? International Festivals & Events
to food (unlike other things in my life!), Association (IFEA)
and was happy to stick with the same few
tested-and-tried dishes. At the behest of 4 16 Jul: CAPT (Navy) Francesco
my wife, who is the complete opposite of Procaccini, Head of International
me, and possibly also because of my Relations Office, Italian Ministry of
experiences at STB, I’ve grown to enjoy Defence (third from left)
and appreciate food a lot more!
(L-R): MINDEF officers Mr Boaz Ho and
Nice! So what’s Local food – anything from Ms Rachel Ong, CAPT (Navy) Francesco
your go-to chilli crab to black pepper Procaccini, Lieutenant Commander
comfort food? crab, Peranakan food and Eugenio Paracolli, Desk Officer
Hokkien Mee! And who can International Relations Office, Italian
resist a wholesome bowl of Ministry of Defence
laksa? Singaporean delicacies
are simple, but truly heavenly! I used to play the keyboard and the 5 16 Jul: Mr Pieter Elbers, President of KLM
guitar but don’t ask me to perform as I
Haha. I’m am quite an amateur. For a period of 3 (fourth from left)
guessing you are time during my youth when xinyao (a
a chilli-lover… contemporary Mandarin vocal genre (L-R): Mr Gijs Van Popta (General
unique to Singapore) was the rave, I Manager, South East Asia and Oceania),
was part of a singing group myself and Mr Pieter Elbers (President and CEO of
had actually thought about turning KLM), Mr Nicolas Ricard (Country
professional one day. Thankfully, my Manager, Singapore) and Mr Guilhem
better sense prevailed and a disaster was Laurans (Commercial Director, South East
avoided! Asia and Oceania)
I had a rebellious streak in my primary
Yes, I’d like to think school days. I was quite a terror in 6 1 Aug: Mr Jamie Eichenberger, Treasurer
my chilli tolerance is school, and following rules was not my of the Water Environment Federation
pretty high! cup of tea. In fact, I was one of several (WEF), USA and his spouse Mrs Julia
prefects that had suffered the ignominy Eichenberger. Mr Eichenberger was in
of being stripped of this honour for Singapore to attend the “Advancement in
misbehaving. Not something I can be Water and Wastewater Treatment &
proud of looking back, but definitely a Reuse” Conference, which is co-organised
good lesson! by WEF and the Environmental
Thanks to my mum’s superb cooking Engineering Society of Singapore.
skills, I was well-fed and became
plumpish in my younger days. My 56
schoolmates had then nicknamed me
To end off the “Ah Bui” (meaning “fatso” in dialect),
interview, but fast forward to today, while they still
please tell us call me by this moniker whenever we
three meet up, many of them (especially those
little-known who have since outgrown me) are
facts about struggling to remember why.
yourself!

Chin Siang onstage with his singing group
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Information and images for this section were provided by Choo E-Hui from Partnerships team, as well as Jasmine Woo
and Jennifer Loh from Visitor Services. Thank you!

BAYWATCH: Children’s Festival featuring Disney and
Pixar’s Toy Story 4
IN & AROUND
THE OFFICE The event also saw the first Disney and Pixar’s Toy Story
4-themed Marble Run in Asia, where a 1.5-metre
Events Recap marble weaved around a track surrounding a
Supertree, accompanied by familiar tunes from the
Community Chest Sharity Day 2019 Toy Story films. Towards the end of the twice-hourly
show, visitors were treated to a little surprise and gift
– Styrofoam planes.

This year, for the first time, the Sharity From 15 to 30 Jun, the Supertree Grove In conjunction with the Festival, we presented a
Musical segment featured youth volunteer transformed into a carnival filled with missions to special edition of the Garden Rhapsody light and
performers with special needs. befriend and rescue Toy Story 4 characters! Children sound show, with projections on ‘clouds’ suspended
of different ages had fun charging up Buzz amidst the Supertrees.
The Community Chest Sharity Day 2019 was held in the Gardens on the Lightyear’s battery in his space suit, saving Jessie On 14 Jun prior to the opening of the Children’s
morning of 14 Aug. from a sea of balloons, and helping Sheriff Woody Festival, GB staff were invited to an exclusive
A joint partnership with the Community Chest, Sharity Day celebrates find Forky by shooting down bottle targets. There meet-and-greet session with the very animated
caring and sharing and provided opportunities for inclusive play for were also meet-and-greet sessions, workshops, as Sheriff Woody and Buzz
children of all abilities. Launched by Guest of Honour and Minister for well as stage performances that fascinated both the Lightyear. Besides the
Education Mr Ong Ye Kung, the event saw attendance from over 1,500 young and young at heart. opportunity to take
guests, volunteers and students from pre-schools, as well as primary and photos with the two
special education schools. Band Fiesta – National Day Edition iconic characters from
This is the second year that Sharity Day is held in Gardens by the Bay. The Young talented musicians gathered under the lattice the movie, the host also
2019 edition of Sharity Day saw student participants enjoying themselves at Bayfront Plaza in the last weekend of July for the interacted with the
at inclusive carnival game booths, an animation screening, the Sharity Band Fiesta – National Day Edition. Presented by audience and conducted
musical and a guided learning adventure that brought them to one of our the Band Directors' Association (Singapore) in a short quiz (with
conservatories. The materials for the conservatory Adventure Trails were collaboration with Gardens by the Bay, the event prizes!) to hype up the
developed in hand with our Education team. Our Education and saw more than 20 school and community bands from crowd.
Volunteers teams also trained the volunteers from the Community Chest all over Singapore perform a repertoire of pop and
and the Gardens who facilitated the Adventure Trails. classic pieces, including some of our National Day Hear from our visitors!
favourites, in celebration of our nation’s birthday.
For the first time, Sharity Day 2019 was
supported by some 120 secondary school
students from St Patrick’s School and
River Valley High School, who facilitated
various activities and interacted with the
student participants.

@curious_early_learner –
Bo Peep's Adventures!
It is basically an obstacle course
where the children have to work
their way through. It would be
much more adventurous when
they imagine themselves in a
real adventure trying to save the
other toys and were faced with
challenges! But after all, they did
have fun and worked together
as partners. Yay!
June 2019 School Holiday to
Gardens by the Bay,
Disney-Pixar's Toy Story 4
themed Children's Festival!
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Sharity the elephant has been instilling the Students enjoyed themselves at the The beautiful Adventure Trail map
values of caring and sharing in primary inclusive carnival game booths developed by our Education team in hand
school students for the past 35 years. with Community Chest!

Information for this write up was contributed by Jun Tan, Agatha Koh and Michelle Chan from Programming. Thank you! @princeszqi –
Jessies to #gbbchildrensfest

Filming in the Gardens

Indian variety show: Happy-Go-Lucky (欢喜没烦恼) MCCY Youth Campaign video Hello Miss Driver
Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah A production by Mediacorp Channel 8, MCCY filmed a series of videos as part of their GB appeared in the final episode of Channel 8
Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah is India’s longest Happy-Go-Lucky is Singapore's first magazine variety youth campaign, Spark the Next, which featured drama Hello Miss Driver, a story about how a female
running comedy family show. This was a project by programme in dialect, hosted by local comical duo young Singaporeans striving to make a difference in driver (played by Carrie Wong) coped with
travel agent Thomas Cook in hand with India TV Mark Lee and Henry Chia. GB was featured in their respective fields. Of these, a video featuring difficulties such as loss of a loved one and debt. In
station SAB TV to promote Singapore travel. episodes 1 and 16 of this programme, which aired on local musical talents The Sam Willows was filmed on the drama, Carrie enjoyed a fun day out at the
Filming took place on 8 Mar, and the episode 26 Apr and 9 Aug respectively. 21 May at Gardens by the Bay. The videos were Cloud Forest and Supertree Grove with her family
featuring the Gardens was released on 4 Apr. As of published in June and July 2019. members.
19 Aug 2019, the video had been viewed over Image credit: Mediacorp (Toggle)
394,000 times! Image credit: Youtube (MCCY) Image credit: Mediacorp (Toggle)

Image credit: YouTube Pinkfong & Baby Shark
Pinkfong and Sam came to the Gardens on 14 Mar
to film a video for their YouTube channel, which
was released on 5 Apr. As of 22 Aug 2019, the video
had surpassed 3.1 million views!

Image credit: YouTube

Asia's Got Talent 3 "Voices of Legends" Promotional Video
Two scenes as part of the AXN regional reality The filming of the promotional video for “Voices of
show, Asia's Got Talent 3, was filmed at Gardens by Legends”, a large-scale musical concert held at
the Bay. The first featured famed Canadian Suntec City on 19 Jul with support from the
musician and producer David Foster enjoying the Singapore Tourism Board, was done at Floral
view of the Singapore skyline from Bay East Fantasy on 18 Jul. Filming was facilitated by the
Garden. Foster was one of the judges on the Comms and Protocol teams, while Joyce Fernando
programme. GB was also featured in the opening (Legal Counsel) hosted legendary maestro Dr S.P.
scene of the episode, where the nine finalists of the Balasubrahmanyam, who was featured in the video.
programme sang and danced to a choreographed
routine. Filming took place in the Gardens on 3 and
7 Apr, and the episode aired on AXN on 11 Apr.

Image credit: YouTube
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HSBC Rugby Sevens Captains The Louvre Bridal Catalogue Shoot
16 HSBC Singapore Rugby Sevens captains did a A series of photos for local bridal studio The
photoshoot at the Cloud Forest on 10 Apr, as part Louvre Bridal’s gown catalogue was shot in Floral
of promotional activities for their games at the Fantasy on 11 Jun.
National Stadium on 13 and 14 Apr.
Image credit: The Louvre Bridal

Awards Updates GB in the Spotlight - Highlights Rose Romance
Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong posted photos of
TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence Hall of Fame GB Wins at BCA Awards 2019 Children’s Festival Rose Romance taken by him during his #jalanjalan on
For earning a Certificate of Excellence (COE) on Gardens by the Bay received the Building and featuring Disney and Pixar’s Toy Story 4 23 Jun.
TripAdvisor every year from 2015 to 2019, three Construction Authority (BCA) Universal Design
listings – Gardens by the Bay, Flower Dome and Mark Award – Gold Plus (Design) for having Image credit: PM Lee’s Facebook page
Cloud Forest – have qualified for the Certificate of well-conceived, practical and aesthetically pleasing
Excellence Hall of Fame! design features in various stages of the development
The COE is awarded annually to approximately 10% of City Gateway (former working title for the new
of all businesses on TripAdvisor, which have Bayfront Plaza).
consistently achieved good reviews over the year. On top of that, the Bayfront Plaza site is also
With five COEs under our belt, the Hall of Fame is certified Platinum under the BCA Green Mark for
an even greater honour that strengthens GB’s New Non-Residential Buildings. The BCA Green
position as a world-class horticultural attraction. Mark is a green building rating system to evaluate a
Other locations in GB that received the TripAdvisor building’s environmental impact and performance
COE this year are the Supertree Grove and Far East based on factors like energy efficiency, water
Organization Children’s Garden (for the first time!). efficiency, environmental protection and other green
A big thank you to everyone who contributed to the features. The Platinum rating is the highest form of
positive guest experience and stellar reviews on recognition awarded to buildings that achieve a
TripAdvisor! Green Mark score of 90 and above.
The BCA Awards Night was held on 29 May at
Resorts World Sentosa, and the awards were
received by DCEO Yap Chin Siang on behalf of GB.

Marziah Haji Omar, Senior Assistant Director of
Conservatory Operations, was interviewed by
Berita Harian on Rose Romance.

GB Ranked Among Singapore’s Top Ten Brands in Kudos to Team GB for their hard work, which has This year’s Children’s Festival was featured
YouGov’s Brand Health Index 2019 helped the Gardens leave a positive experience and extensively in media, including The Straits Times,
The Gardens earned the sixth position amongst impression on the public’s minds! Lianhe Zaobao, Channel 8, TODAY, The New Paper,
Singapore's top 10 brands in the YouGov Brand and Kiss 92FM.
JULY-SEPTEMBER 19 PAG E 2 0 Health Index 2019 with a score of 37.9, ahead of On 4 Jun, Lynn Lee (former Senior Manager, The floral display was also featured in Channel 8 JULY-SEPTEMBER 19 PAG E 2 1
brands like Facebook, Google, DBS and Channel Programming) shared about the Festival on 96.3 News (online) and Mothership, and mentioned in a
NewsAsia. In the category of Singapore brands, GB HAO FM, while local musician and composer Bang report by Shin Min Daily News about the first
ranked at number 3, just after Singapore Airlines and Wenfu explained the process in creating the Garden Seniors Tuesday Special on 11 Jun.
Changi Airport Group. Under the Singapore Travel Rhapsody soundtrack.
Destinations category, GB ranked at number 2. On 6 Jun, radio station UFM1003 conducted a live
YouGov brand-tracking is an unsolicited and interview with Teo Ying Er (Assistant Director,
independent ranking done by market across the Programming) and Lynn. Ying Er and Lynn talked
globe, measured across a large base of online extensively about Children’s Festival this year,
respondents on a continual basis. The 2019 Index including the concept and highlights like the Marble
Rankings were compiled based on each brand’s Run and a special edition of Garden Rhapsody with
overall brand health, an average score of the brand’s sound tracks from the movie. The interview was also
scores on Impression, Quality, Value, Satisfaction, streamed live on UFM1003’s Facebook page.
Recommend, and Reputation, within each market, Lynn was also interviewed on Channel 8’s evening
based on data from 1 Jul 2018 to 30 Jun 2019. news programme Hello Singapore on 20 Jun, and
radio station Love 97.2FM on 21 Jun.

Scentsational Orchids National Day Celebrations GB and SP Group Pilot Gasification
Technology on Waste Management
On 30 May, Taiwanese artistes Xiao Bing-Chih and On 1 Aug, Channel 8’s Hello Singapore featured the
Bai An visited GB and participated in a blindfold Orchid Extravaganza floral display and interviewed On 6 Jun, SP Group and Gardens by the Bay, with
test of the orchids featured in our Scentsational Gary Chua (Deputy Director of Conservatory the support of Singapore investment company
Orchids display at the Cloud Forest. This was Operations), who introduced three heritage orchids Temasek Holdings, signed an agreement at the
covered by Zaobao Entertainment (Instagram). in the studio. Ecosperity Conference 2019 to put a gasification
Radio station 938NOW interviewed Senior system on a two-year trial.
Assistant Director of Research & Horticulture Lim This system converts waste into thermal energy and
Mei Leng on 24 May, who shared about the display. biochar (carbonised biomass) through compact
gasification technology, and could help reduce carbon
Other Features and Mentions emissions by 20%. The signing was witnessed by
Minister for the Environment and Water Resources
On 15 May, Danish Broadcasting Corporation This was followed by a live cross at Bayfront Plaza, Mr Masagos Zulkifli.
interviewed Ng Boon Gee, Senior Director of where Ong Chui Leng (Project Director of Bay East The collaboration received extensive coverage in the
Conservatory Operations, who talked about the Project Office and former Senior Director of media, including in The Straits Times, Lianhe Zaobao,
importance of gardens to Singapore and how GB is Programming) spoke about the Legends of Singapore Lianhe Wanbao, Shin Min Daily News, among
a garden that helps improve people’s lives in a performances and a full-dress rehearsal of “The numerous other media platforms.
fast-paced urban culture. Friendly Snake” took place. Senior Director of Research & Horticulture and
Engineering Thomas Seow, together with CEO,
Floral Fantasy Bus Ads Hit the Road! Singapore District Cooling, SP Group, Mr Jimmy
Khoo, were quoted in reports by The Straits Times,
Four double-decker buses bearing our Floral Channel 8 News, Channel NewsAsia and 938NOW.
Fantasy advertisements made their first appearance
on our roads in mid-May! These buses – service Seniors Tuesday Special
numbers 133, 31 and 69 – made their rounds around
the CBD and in the heartlands from 17 May to 8 Under the expanded Gift of Gardens community
Sep. outreach initiative, Pioneer Generation or Merdeka
Generation card holders can enjoy free entry to the
Information and images for this write up were contributed by Jas Flower Dome every second Tuesday of the month
Lin and Celin Foo from Marketing Communications. Thank you! from June 2019 to May 2020. The first Seniors
Tuesday on 11 Jun was well-received, with over
2,600 seniors visiting the Flower Dome. This was
reported by Lianhe Zaobao, Capital 95.8FM,
Channel 8 News and Lianhe Wanbao.
We hope the seniors enjoyed their trip to the
Gardens, and look forward to welcoming many
more in the upcoming Seniors Tuesdays!

Seniors
SeVniisoitrosrTsuheipsdoanys
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Senior Assistant Director of Conservatory 9 Jul 3,865
Operations Marziah Haji Omar was interviewed on 13 Aug 2,976
23 May for a bicentennial-themed documentary on 10 Sep 3,179
Suria. She spoke about the history of GB, as well as
the inspiration behind the Supertrees.

Collaboration with SMRT Supertrees featured in NYBG’s 17th New GB Publication – Guides to
Annual Orchids Show Gardens by the Bay: Sculptures
The Gardens embarked on a year-long collaboration
with SMRT this August, which seeks to jointly Our Supertrees were featured in the New York The fifth and latest title in our Guides to Gardens by
promote our free programmes and enhance Botanical Gardens’ (NYBG) 17th Annual Orchids the Bay book series, Guides to Gardens by the Bay:
commuter experience. Show, which took place from 23 Feb to 28 Apr 2019. Sculptures hit our gift shops’ shelves in June 2019.
As part of the collaboration, SMRT will provide the Themed “Singapore” and inspired by our nation, the A follow up to our first book on the sculptures in
Gardens with additional advertising space in their NYBG 17th Annual Orchids Show was developed in the Gardens published in 2013, Guides to Gardens by
properties and on trains to drive greater awareness of partnership with Gardens by the Bay and Singapore the Bay: Sculptures touches on several prominent
our free programmes. In return, the Gardens will run Botanic Gardens, and incorporates design elements sculptures in the outdoor gardens and the two
free activities in a selected MRT station, provide that pay homage to our iconic Supertrees and the cooled conservatories. Featured sculptures in this
ticketing discounts to SMRT staff and offer free National Orchid Garden’s well-known orchid arches. title include Watching Clouds by Paul Vanstone and
conservatories tickets as rewards for commuters. The show featured thousands of orchids of various Moongate by Chong Fah Cheong in the outdoor
shapes, colours and sizes from NYBG’s orchid gardens; A Matter of Time by Paul Baliker and The
Some of our Mid-Autumn Festival ads which recently made an collection, as well as varieties that showcase Rush of Nature by Marc Quinn – the same artist
appearance on SMRT trains! Singapore’s achievements in orchid cultivation, who created Planet – in the Cloud Forest; as well as
research and conservation. Held in NYBG’s Enid A. the “Aloes in Wonderland” collection and various
Haupt Conservatory, the exhibition saw over 230,000 pieces by James Doran-Webb in the Flower
visitors in its two-month run. Dome.

Guides to
Gardens by the Bay:
Sculptures retails at $11
a copy in our gift shops –
flash your staff pass to
enjoy a 10% discount off
this title! Browsing copies
are also available in the
GB HQ library for staff

reference.

“Modern Love” Collaboration with Information and images for this write up was provided by Jas Lin The Supertree in The Orchid Show: Singapore
Tiffany & Co. from Marketing Communications. Thank you!
Image credit: NYBG
In conjunction with the launch of its new ring GB Signs MoU with Dümmen Orange
representing the celebration of love in the modern age, Pollen Terrace rebranded to Fennel Café
Tiffany & Co. replaced 10 benches at Golden Garden GB signed a Memorandum of Understanding
with ones painted in their iconic colour, and added (MoU) with Dümmen Orange, the world’s largest Pollen Terrace (the second level of Pollen Restaurant
four more Tiffany & Co. blue benches to Floral breeder and propagator, on 27 May to develop and in the Flower Dome) had been rebranded to Fennel
Fantasy. This was part of their campaign which sent broaden the two organisations’ collaboration. Café in July.
Singaporeans on a hunt for the Tiffany & Co. blue The MoU will create access to the best of both Boasting an open kitchen bar, garden-like atmosphere
benches at eight locations around Singapore. The worlds in three areas. Firstly, both parties will and panoramic views of Marina Bay and Singapore
benches were rolled out at a different location every collaborate in the display of Dümmen Orange’s Flyer, Fennel Café offers an all-day, casual dining
day between 17 and 25 May. finest cultivars of flowers at Gardens by the Bay, experience serving French-Mediterranean cuisine.
Here's a look at the Tiffany & Co. blue benches that including new cultivars that have yet to be
were in the Gardens, as well as some photos of local introduced at the Gardens or in Asia Pacific. The For more information, visit
influencers Andrea Chong and Narelle Kheng with collaboration will also enrich Gardens by the Bay’s https://www.gardensbythebay.com.sg/en/dining/pollen.html.
the benches! horticultural offerings and support its continual
efforts in presenting flowers from around the world
that are not commonly seen in Singapore and the
tropics. Last but not least, the collaboration will help
Dümmen Orange select the best varieties for its
broader Asia Pacific market.

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(L-R) Mr Biense Visser (CEO Dümmen Orange), Mr Felix Loh
(CEO Gardens by the Bay) and Mr Harry Kloppenburg (CCO
Dümmen Orange) at the MoU signing.

Overseas Learning Trip Zaryadye Park’s outdoor gardens are designed to be sustainable and This visit to Moscow was a first
hospitable to biodiversity. Solar power is an important source of energy for CEO, Gary and Justin. Aside
CEO Felix Loh, along with our colleagues Justin Wu (Deputy for them, and so the winter months are a challenge, particularly with the from Zaryadye Park, they also
Director, Corporate Strategy) and Gary Chua (Deputy Director, extreme temperatures that Russia experiences. visited several attractions in
Conservatory Operations), went on an overseas learning trip from Moscow, including the Red
1 – 10 Jul that brought them to Moscow, London and Dublin. Square, VDNKh (The
Exhibition of Achievements of
In Moscow: The GB delegation toured Zaryadye the National Economy) Park and
Park in Moscow with their hosts Mr Muzeon Park of Arts.
Pavel Trekhleb, CEO of Zaryadye
Park, and Mr Petr Kudryavtsev, “This was a really eye-opening
CEO and Partner for Citymakers experience for me. Contrary to
International. During the tour, they popular associations of Russia with
visited Zaryadye Park’s main the Soviet Union and spies, I found
attractions and sights, including the Moscow to be a very safe and clean
outdoor gardens, indoor greenhouse, place, and the Russians very friendly
4D ride and Ice Cave. people. Russian architecture –
including park architecture – is
intriguing and unique, even by
European standards.” – Gary Chua

CEO presenting at Parklab CEO with Mr Pavel Trekhleb, CEO of Zaryadye Park.
Zaryadye (pronounced “Ze-ra-deer”) Park was opened
As part of the trip, CEO, Justin and Gary presented at two in 2017. It is built on what was previously a hotel site
up-and-coming urban conferences in Russia – the Parklab and has since seen 12 million visitors!
programme and Moscow Urban Forum (MUF) – by invitation of
the event organisers. The two conferences were aimed at discussing Image credit: Zaryadye Park
parks management and the development challenges of megacities
respectively. Our colleagues delivered a total of seven lectures at the Our colleagues and their hosts also A wildlife-friendly area in Zaryadye A unique architectural complex that blends
conferences, covering a range of topics including the genesis of visited Paryashchiy Most (“Soaring Park’s outdoor gardens, which is green spaces with infrastructure, VDNKh is
Gardens by the Bay, GB’s management model, the ways in which Bridge”), a cantilevered bridge and deliberately left unpruned. also a key event venue for festivals and
GB cultivates its botanical collection, key activities at the Gardens one of the highlights at Zaryadye exhibitions. Highlights include several
and the role of hybrid parks in the world today. Park. Overlooking the Moskva pavilions with interesting architectural
The GB delegation also visited key parks in Moscow, London and River, most sections of this unique designs, as well as two fountains –
Dublin on this trip, where they gathered new ideas for the Gardens’ bridge has no railings and is instead Friendship of Peoples and Stone Flower –
horticultural displays and festivals, exchanged best practices on flanked by transparent glass panels which are captured in these snapshots by
parks management and built relationships with overseas of about 1.7m in height. Gary.
counterparts.

"The trip to Moscow was a first for me.
It debunked many myths, be it related
to the infrastructure, landscape or
people. Beyond the physical sights, it
was clear to me that Moscow is making
big steps to make the city more
liveable. Zaryadye Park is just the first
of many such examples.” – Justin

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CEO on one of the panel discussions at the MUF. Now into its ninth year, the MUF Paryashchiy Most (“Soaring Bridge”) Justin standing in front of the St. Basil's
brings together representatives of city administrations from around the world, Cathedral at the Red Square
architects, urban planners, developers, start-ups and investors. Image credit: Zaryadye Park
Image credit: Zaryadye Park

In London: Development and Revamp Projects

New Nursing Room and Temporary Storage Facility
Temporary Storage Facility

Meanwhile, the Engineering team is working with
the Security team to install an access card reader to
facilitate staff access to this storage facility, which is
expected to complete by October 2019.

The new storage facility

Before

The second leg of the trip brought the GB delegation to London, where The space just behind GB HQ had recently been Work in progress
CEO, Gary and Justin visited the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) converted to a temporary storage facility. Located to
Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival, the world’s largest flower show the back of GB HQ near the bus stop, this storage
at 34 acres. The one-week show sees some 140,000 visitors annually! facility has an area of about 50m2 and contains 44
storage cabinets, where the departments’ reference
In Dublin: materials are stored. There's also a sheltered walkway
linking GB HQ to the storage facility to keep our
colleagues and documents dry in the event of rain!

Completed in early August 2019, this project was Our team testing the
initiated by the Development & Planning department width of the space
in response to freeing up space within GB HQ to between the rows of
accommodate more workstations as our staff strength cabinets in the storage
grew. Our Engineering colleagues, in particular, room, to make sure that
provided much support in terms of setting out the trolleys can move with
technical specifications and requirements for this new ease.
facility, and overseeing the construction of this
storage building to ensure that it was completed in
about a month’s time. Colleagues from Gardens
Operations and Design also lent their support to this
project with the basic design and greenery provisions.

In Dublin, Ireland, the GB delegation visited the National Botanic Our colleagues also met nature activist, New Nursing Room
Gardens in Glasnevin, where they met the Irish Ambassador to reformed Landscape Designer and the A nursing room, converted from a storage room on
Singapore His Excellency Pat Bourne (second from left) and Director of youngest-ever Chelsea Flower Show gold GB HQ level 1, was also completed as part of the
National Botanic Gardens in Glasnevin Dr Matthew Jebb (third from medal winner Ms Mary Reynolds in Dublin. project. An initiative by our previous DCEO Peggy,
left). A feature-length film, "Dare to be Wild", was the nursing room is furnished with a fridge, power
made based on her life story. Here, CEO points, sink and basin, table, cabinets and an
poses for a picture with Ms Reynolds and armchair. A timber striped ceiling and a warm, brown
His Excellency Pat Bourne at the National flooring were installed to create a cosy atmosphere, in
Botanic Gardens in Glasnevin. consultation with our Design team. Engineering team
also provided inputs on various technical elements,
including light fittings and air-con outlet relocation.

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“The new nursing room is really nicely done up with all the Prior to the conversion, the nursing room was a storage room. The
essentials that a nursing mom needs. It provides a nice cabinets that were outside this storage room have also been
and soothing environment, and helps working moms meet shifted to make room for new workstations.
their baby’s needs while easing back into their work
routines!”
– Gladys Goh (HR & Corporate Services)

Information and images for this write up were contributed by Justin Wu (Corporate Strategy) and Gary Chua (Conservatory Operations). Information and images for this write up were contributed by Shane Wong and Annie Loh from Design & Development. Thank you!
Thank you!

New Landscaping at Satay by the Bay This project was also completed with the
help of four students from the Association
The landscaping works at a glance for Persons with Special Needs (APSN)
who were interning with our landscaping
Those of us who frequent Satay by the Bay may have noticed some First, our team back-filled the pond with soil contractor. With approval from GB and
recent changes to the landscaped pond there. and added subsoil drainage across the under the contractor’s supervision, the
A project involving our colleagues Boon Gee, Yani, Irene Chong and landscape to drain off excess water from interns assisted our Gardens Operations
Alris, the landscaping works at Satay by the Bay took about a month the planter bed. team with maintenance work for some four
to design and complete, and was ready in mid-May this year. This also The wet soil was left to dry and drain out for months, during which they got hands-on
marks the first time that our team revamped this area since Gardens a few days. experience in horticultural tasks like
by the Bay opened to the public in 2012. Drainage systems were also added in planting, pruning and mulching.
Before the revamp, the existing shallow pond was looking a little tired between the planter bed and the other side
and overgrown. The wooden edging along the planter beds in this area of the pond to prevent water from flowing Our team also refreshed the plant palette for this area. Aside from
had also worn out over the years, which in turn led to signs of soil back to the planter bed. aesthetics, the plant selection for this new landscaped area took into
erosion along the planters. These prompted our team to think of ways consideration practical functions. The team chose a mix of sun-loving
to rejuvenate and transform the pond and its surroundings into a Our team then replaced the existing larger and semi shade-loving plants, including several tropical plants, to give
landscape area that is not only aesthetic but also easy to maintain. plants in the area with shrubs transplanted variety and interest to the vegetation in this area. Drought tolerant
from Bay East, and planted the rest of the plants were also used to improve maintenance efficiency. Read on to
area up with flowering shrubs. learn about three plants to look out for when you next visit Satay by the
Bay!
Spot these 3 plants at Satay by the Bay!

“While having lunch at Satay by the Bay, Before Ruellia simplex Fagraea ceilanica (variegated) Neomarica longifolia
we observed that our view of the The wooden edging before the revamp Commonly known as the Native to Sri Lanka, India, This three-petalled ornamental
Waterfront Promenade was blocked by Mexican petunia or Mexican south-east Asia, China and plant has a fascinating common
the larger plants around the shallow bluebell, this hardy perennial is Taiwan, Fagraea ceilanica takes name: the Yellow Walking Iris or
pond. We thought it would be nice to often found along stream banks the form of a large shrub with a Traveling Iris, which references
open up this space for visitors to enjoy a in their natural habitat. Its dense canopy. The genus its characteristic of throwing out
view of the Marina Reservoir. At the trumpet-shaped flowers come in Fagraea is named after Swedish aerial plantlets along its
same time, visitors taking a stroll along three different colours – white, physician, naturalist and inflorescence stalk from spent
the Waterfront Promenade would also be pink and purple – set against botanist Dr Jonas Theodorus flowers. The growing plantlets
able to see the food stalls at Satay by the deep green, lance-shaped leaves. Fagraeus; while this plant’s gradually weigh down the stalk,
Bay. It seemed like a win-win situation!” Seeds of the Mexican petunia are specific epithet ceilanica (which bending it towards the ground,
– Irene Chong released explosively from their means “from Sri Lanka”), where the plantlets take root and
seed capsules, and produce a references its origins. Be sure grow upon contact with the
gel-like substance that sticks to to look out for the interesting ground. Sporting bright yellow
surfaces as they dry. variegated leaves of our plants flowers speckled with brown
at Satay by the Bay! spots in the centre, this hardy
species is low maintenance and
prefers well drained soils. It is
native to southern Mexico,
Central America, Colombia and
Venezuela.
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How the area looks like After Information and images for this write up were contributed by Irene Chong, Muhd Hazri
after works were Black lava rocks – a material that was and Alris Loh from Gardens Operations. Thank you!
completed. Notice the decided on after several rounds of
subsoil drainage, which brainstorming – were then used to revamp
runs through the centre the wooden edging of the planter beds in the
of the plantings. area. Black lava rocks help with soil
retention, create a natural-looking
landscape and encourage the growth of
ferns to add to the area's aesthetics.

Rejuvenated Filter Bed near Silver Garden As this is a relatively major landscaping project, works were split Interesting plants in the
into three phases: filter bed

PHASE 1 PHASE 2 PHASE 3 Blue Rush
(Lepironia articulata)
Substrate Planting Interpretation and
improvement works evaluation Vetiver Grass
(Chrysopogon
Yani on site at the Silver Garden filter bed The first phase involved removing and replacing accumulated silt with zizanioides)
a course filtering medium that included sand and gravel. The previous
The filter bed near the Silver Garden – the largest one in the Gardens Kaslin in discussion with Dr Fisher water treatment system was not functioning as well as it was designed Sweet Flag
at 1,827m2 – recently underwent a revamp to help it look and work to, due to the presence of a thick layer of silty clay that made it difficult (Acorus calamus)
better. A close up of the plantings at the for water to drain through, and the lack of controlled percolation. To
This project was led by our colleagues Yani and Kaslin from Gardens rejuvenated filter bed tackle these issues, the team developed a new water treatment concept Dwarf Papyrus
Operations, who were in charge of infrastructure improvement and that enabled longer water retention and controlled percolation through (Cyperus haspan)
landscape curation respectively, as well as Ping Ping from Design, THREE GOALS OF the system. Bamboo Orchid
who provided the artistic vision for the overall planting design for the THIS PROJECT Yani and Kaslin also reimagined the planting scheme, and replaced (Arundina graminifolia)
revamped space. Several colleagues lent their support to this project, a Canna monoculture with a diverse garden of 16 aquatic filtration Information and images for this write up
including Anton van der Schans and Renee Koa who offered their plant species. This plant palette not only helped to effectively were contributed by Yani Mohamed Nor,
aquatic plant expertise; Janelle Jung who helped edit the signage that absorb excess nutrients in the water and prevent algae bloom, but Kaslin Daniels and Sharifah Osman from
will tell the important story of clean water at Gardens by the Bay; as were also specially selected in hopes of adding interest to the area Gardens Operations. Thank you!
well as Arthur Voo who conducted follow-up wildlife surveys. Our for our visitors, and making the area welcoming to wildlife.
team was also assisted by their Research Adviser Dr Paul Fisher from The third and final phase of this project – interpretation and evaluation
the University of Florida, who endorsed the proposal and formulated – is underway. Upon completion of the Silver Garden filter bed project,
evaluation methods. the team will go on to rejuvenate the three smaller filter beds along the
Dragonfly Lake.

“I used my office fish tanks to
prototype filtration features. It's
an unassuming operation, but I
learned a lot about the use of
plants, harvesting, and substrate
mediums that we adopted for this
project. The guiding principles
are zero maintenance and 100%

sustainable!” – Yani

Tiled Pathways at Discovery and World of Palms year and part of our team’s efforts to experiment with
something new. The greenish-grey tiles are made of
Works in progress FILTRATION leftover pebbles from earlier landscaping projects
compacted together, while the brighter, yellow ones
Prior to the revamp, the filter bed was overgrown, difficult to The system functions to treat are made from pebbles purchased for this purpose.
maintain, and not functioning optimally. Rejuvenating this area would stormwater runoff by absorbing The pebbled tiles are porous, making them effective
be a great opportunity to both improve the ecological function of our nutrients and other pollutants. in draining away any excess water and preventing
lake system and to create a garden that is beautiful and engaging to the ponding. Yani had also chosen to lay these tiles over
public. BEAUTY areas where there are subsoil drains below, which
collect the water and channel it to the main pipe for
The planting design will provide a discharge. In this way, the tiles improve drainage in
dynamic, diverse, and relaxing the area and make the area more aesthetic by
aesthetic for our visitors, and a avoiding the need for unsightly open drains.
healthy habitat for wetland
Lorong Halus Our team began planning for wildlife. The Baywatch editorial team noticed some new tiled Yani giving a demonstration to
Wetland this project in the final quarter pathways on a recent visit to the outdoor gardens. illustrate the porosity of the
of 2018. In preparation for the LOW MAINTENANCE These unique tiles are made from compacted pebbled tiles. He pours some
project, they visited pebbles, and come in two coloured varieties – yellow water onto the tiles, which
Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park and We aim to achieve a ones (which you’ll find mostly at Discovery), and passes out cleanly from the
Lorong Halus Wetland, which self-sustaining natural system, greyish-green ones (you’ll spot these at the World of other side of the tile!
have similar water filtration Palms).
features, and researched with minimal maintenance A brainchild of our colleagues Yani (Gardens Beyond making for a more comfortable stroll, the
different models and design requirements. Operations) and Ping Ping (Design), these tiled tiled pathways, in particular the cheerful, yellow
elements of constructed pathways were installed in the first quarter of this ones, are also eye-catching, thereby drawing the eye
wetlands to determine their of visitors and encouraging them to explore the area
approach. further on foot.

Information for this write up was provided by Muhd Hazri and Yani
Mohamed Nor from Gardens Operations. Thank you!
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Bishan-Ang Mo
Kio Park

What’s Blooming White Bat Lily Barringtonia papuana
Tacca integrifolia When you head to the
Silk Floss Tree Bat Lilies are bizarre plants. They look nothing like Understorey garden at
Ceiba speciosa their relative the Zanzibar Yam (Dioscorea night, you might find
The Silk Floss Tree, a relative of the fragrant Vanilla sansibariensis), and are rather nondescript when yourself face to face with
Cotton Tree (Ceiba schottii) and Kapok Tree (C. they are not in bloom. Their inflorescences are one of these nocturnal
pentandra), is currently flowering throughout the elaborate, with several plug-like flowers, two beauties!
Gardens! showy hood-like bracts and multiple thread-like Barringtonia papuana is a member of the
The Silk Floss Tree is native to the southeastern regions filaments. These flowers were initially thought to be Lecythidaceae, and counts among its relatives the
of South America – namely Argentina, Bolivia, pollinated by flies, but their pollinators were later Cannonball Tree (Couroupita guianensis) and the
Paraguay, Uruguay and southern Brazil. This confirmed to be miniature midges instead. Calabash (Crescentia cujete). This lanky tree is native
semi-deciduous tree occasionally sheds its leaves, One species, the White Bat Lily, boasts large white to the humid rainforests of New Guinea, and can
leaving the branches bare before sending out flowers bracts with purple veins, and is currently flowering grow to about 10 metres in height without any
that would spread across the canopy. Unlike its cousins, at the moment! Native to the tropical and branching!
this species produces brightly coloured flowers that subtropical regions of Pakistan, India, Nepal and A unique feature of this tree is the long
range from shades of white to pink or magenta. This China through to continental Southeast Asia, this inflorescence growing straight out of its trunk. The
trait earns it its species epithet speciosa, which means odd shrub can be found in rainforest understories, inflorescence bears curious, pompom-like flowers
handsome or showy! growing among leaf litter. that take several days to develop, and which only
Find these flowering beauties throughout The Canyon, Spot these Bat Lilies opposite the mushroom hut at open for a single night. Upon fertilisation, the ovary
Sun Pavilion and the Canopy (around the Floral Understorey, in the World of Plants gardens! will develop into a long, sausage-like, blue fruit.
Clock)!
Blue Twilight
Changkai Pseuderanthemum andersonii
Borassodendron machadonis The next time you walk under the sheltered path that
Not many would think of palms as plants with scented leads to Bayfront MRT, look out for the orchid-like
flowers but those of Borassodendron machadonis are flowers of Pseuderanthemum andersonii!
difficult to miss. Commonly known as Blue Twilight or Florida Twilight,
Known as Changkai in Malay, this rainforest palm is these low-growing shrubs are native to the shaded hill
native to Peninsular Malaysia and southern Thailand. forests of south China and Southeast Asia, through
These palms are dioecious, meaning that they bear male Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines. These
and female flowers on separate plants. Borne on thick, frequent bloomers produce bunches of five or more
pendulous, catkin-like clusters, the male flowers emit a purple flowers that stand out against their dark foliage.
strong, musky odour while the female flowers are not
scented. Information and images for these write ups were provided by Muhd Hazri (Gardens Operations). Thank you!
Spot both male and female representatives of these
magnificent palms at the Supertree Grove, near the
Heritage Garden lift, as well as within the World of
Palms!

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Female Male

To most pollinators, sweet fragrances are
associated with liquid nectar and pollen that
contain highly nutritious sugars, both of which
orchids do not have. As pollinators go from flower
to flower in search of food, some witty orchids will
deposit their specialised pollen sacs on them. Other
orchids emit foul odours similar to that of rotting
meat or faeces in hope of attracting flies, gnats, or
beetles, which are their pollinators.

Due to the large amount of energy needed to
produce fragrance compounds, the scents of
different plants are usually released at different
times of the day according to the daily habits of
desired pollinators to increase their chances of
pollination. For example, orchids that are
pollinated by moths are the most fragrant at night
when moths are active, while orchids that are
fragrant during the day smell the strongest when it
is warm and sunny to attract birds and bees.

In Scentsational Orchids, orchids are divided into
four basic fragrance groups: Delicate Floral,
Sweet Floral, Spicy Floral, and Intense Floral.

DISPLAY FEATURE:

SCENTSATIONAL
ORCHIDS (19 APRIL – 13 OCTOBER)

Words by Irene Wong

Scentsational Orchids is the fourth installment of the bi-annual changing
orchid display in the Cloud Forest. Launched in September 2017, the
changing orchid displays aim to educate visitors on the different orchid
genera and showcase their fascinating forms and myriad colours.
While orchids may not be the first that come to mind when we talk
about flowers with fragrances, did you know that orchids also have an
assortment of scents?
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Delicate Floral: Sweet Floral: DISPLAY FEATURE:
Oncidium Sharry Baby ‘Yuki Sakura’ Phalaenopsis bellina
Oncidiums are known for their unique flower shape ROSE
resembling a dancer wearing a long dress, and are Native to Borneo, Phalaenopsis bellina can be found ROMANCE
therefore sometimes referred to as the ‘dancing growing in shady, humid, lowland and swampy
lady’ orchids. Featured in Scentsational Orchids is riverine forests. Due to desirable traits such as wide (31 MAY – 14 JULY)
Oncidium Sharry Baby ‘Yuki Sakura’, which has petals, a sweet rosy-floral fragrance, and deep
small flowers that are maroon and white. This saturated colour, this variety is commonly used in Words by Irene Wong
orchid emits a mild vanilla or chocolatey fragrance, breeding scented Phalaenopsis.
and is a hybrid between Oncidium Jamie Sutton and
Oncidium Honolulu.

Intense Floral: Spicy Floral: Roses are flowering shrubs belonging to the
Maxillaria tenuifolia Rhynchonopsis Selina Kuok 'Perfume Queen' genus Rosa and the rose family (Rosaceae).
Orchids in the Spicy Floral group smell like spices All roses were originally wild and are native
The Intense Floral fragrance group, with its we are familiar with – clove, cinnamon, and mint, to to North America, Europe, northwest Africa
extremely strong scent, can desensitise one’s sense name a few. One example is the Rhynchonopsis Selina and many parts of Asia and Oceania. Over
of smell, so you might wish to take a breather after Kuok 'Perfume Queen' in our Scentsational Orchids time, they have been specially bred to
taking a whiff of this heady-scented orchid before display, with reddish-purple and fleshy flowers. produce a wide variety with a broad range
visiting another scented flower! One example of an This orchid is a hybrid of Rhynchonopsis Suree and of hues. Today, roses are synonymous with
orchid in this group is Maxillaria tenuifolia, which is Rhynchostylis gigantean, and its smell comes from the love, affection or just plain friendship, and
commonly known as the Coconut Orchid as it father plant (i.e. the plant that contributes the are popularly used in floral bouquets.
smells strongly of the fruit. This orchid can be pollen), Rhynchostylis gigantean.
found growing on trees in open or dense forests This year, roses made a comeback to the
ranging from Mexico to Nicaragua. With its deep Want to learn more about scents in plants and their Flower Field – some five years since it was
red blooms and strong coconut scent, it is the most pollinators? Refer to the Of Seeds and Senses article in first featured in our 2014 War of the Roses
popular species in cultivation among the members display. In Rose Romance, visitors were
of its genus. the July/August 2018 issue of Baywatch! encouraged to stop and smell the roses as
they stroll through a romantic European
garden setting with over 40 varieties of
roses.
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The centerpiece of the Flower Field was a “Juliet’s tower”,
inspired by the “balcony scene” in Shakespeare’s play Romeo
and Juliet, where the star-crossed lovers professed their love for
each other.

Did you know? Peter Beales’ Classic Roses

Not your usual rose Another acclaimed British rose breeder, the late Peter Beales specialised
in the preservation of old-fashioned, historic and rare roses, enabling
The first type of rose that usually comes to mind is the Hybrid Tea them to continue to exist for the enjoyment of generations to come.
Rose, which gained widespread popularity from the 20th century. Did Beales opened his first rose nursery – Peter Beales Roses – in 1968,
you know that roses before the 18th century looked significantly which has grown millions of roses since then.
different from the ones we know today?
Hybrid Tea Rose
Pre-1867 roses known as Old Garden
Roses tended to have rosette-shaped Image credit: gardeningexpress.co.uk
flowers, were hardy growers, and very
fragrant. Some date back to the pre-15th
century!

Old Garden Rose

Image credit: David Austin Roses

David Austin’s English Roses Ely Cathedral Prosperity The Fairy
With splendid red ruffled This rose was introduced in Flowering almost continuously
The late David Austin was a prominent rose breeder who gained blooms, this rose is named 1919, making it 100 years old throughout summer, The Fairy
recognition for introducing a distinctive cultivar he called “English after the Ely Cathedral in
Roses”. It combined the shape and scent of old roses with the colour England, which is often this year! It has strongly has sweet pink blooms that
range and frequent-flowering characteristic of modern roses (Hybrid acknowledged as one of the scented, creamy-white flowers grow up to a height of two
Tea Roses). Austin and his firm had introduced over 190 rose cultivars ‘Seven Wonders of the Middle
since 1961. Many of the roses were named in honour of his family, which stand out against its inches.
famous rosarians and people, as well as historical events. Here are some Ages’. dark glossy leaves.
David Austin roses featured in Rose Romance!

Did you know? Thorns
Prickles
Thorns or Prickles?
Lady of Shalott Princess Anne Boscobel
This flower has orange-pink Named after Queen Elizabeth This rose with salmon pink Although the term "thorn" is often used to
buds, which open to loosely blooms is named after the describe the sharp protrusions along the outside
arranged orange petals with II’s daughter, this rose Boscobel House in England, of a rose’s stems, they are more accurately called
pink outer petals. The name is produces blooms that start out known for the oak tree that "prickles”.
taken from one of Alfred, Lord King Charles II hid in during
in a deep pink, which then Thorns refer to the woody ends embedded in a
Tennyson’s poems to fades to a paler shade. the English Civil War. plant’s stem or branches that are hard and
commemorate the 200th sharp, and usually can't be broken off easily.
anniversary of his birth.
Prickles, like those on roses, are smaller outgrowths from a plant's
outer layers. Since they don't have deep roots within the plant,
prickles are much easier to break off. Prickles help roses hang onto
other vegetation when growing over them, or protect them from
herbivores which are attracted to the flower’s sweet scent.
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DISPLAY FEATURE:

ORCHID
EXTRAVAGANZA

(26 JULY – 15 SEPTEMBER)

Words by Irene Wong

This year’s Orchid Extravaganza celebrated Singapore’s pop culture with
the theme “Our SingaPop Edition”. Creatively directed by renowned
Singaporean singer-songwriter Dick Lee and fashion designer Yang
Derong, the display featured popular local food, architecture and other
objects that were given a playful makeover in bold colours. Here’s a look

at some highlights of the display!
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Dragon Playground Ah Meng and Ishta Singapore Port

The Dragon Playground is a familiar icon that has This adorable display is a tribute to the late Ah Singapore has come a long way from its beginning
become part of Singapore’s unique heritage, and Meng, a female Sumatran orang utan that found a as a humble fishing village and trading port to a
one which evokes fond childhood memories for home in the Singapore Zoo in 1971 when she was 11 global maritime hub, as depicted by the quay crane,
those growing up in Singapore in the 1970s. Built years old. She was the poster girl of the Singapore colourful containers and automated guided vehicle
by the Housing Development Board in the 1970s Zoo and special tourism ambassador for Singapore. (AGV) carrying everyday items from perishable
and gradually phased out from the 1990s, these Ah Meng passed away in 2008 of old age, but she goods to electronics and luxury bags. This section of
playgrounds had a dragon head façade with a has remained a household name. In 2016, the display was made possible by supporting
winding steel-ribbed body shaped like a Slinky. four-year-old Ishta, the granddaughter of Ah Meng, partner PSA Singapore.
Children could climb through the dragon’s ‘spine’, was named the new face of the Singapore Zoo.
slide down the slides made of terrazzo, and play
“catch” with their neighbours around the
playground before the days of smart phones and
tablets.

The replica of a dragon playground in Orchid
Extravaganza spanned 20m from head to tail, and
was 4m tall. The dragon’s body was decorated with
orchids, forming an orchid ‘tunnel’ which allowed
visitors to walk through.

Housing F lats Ice Kacang Heritage Orchids

With some 80% of Singaporeans living in public Nothing beats a bowl of refreshing, Singapore has been a centre of orchid breeding from as early as the 1930s. Some early hybrids
housing, flats are a common sight in Singapore and thirst-quenching shaved ice on a sunny day in have left important footprints in the orchid world and become part of Singapore’s floral
found in almost every neighbourhood. At the Singapore! A popular dessert found in local hawker heritage. They are internationally awarded, important in the cut-flower trade, or named after
Flower Dome’s viewing gallery, a colourful housing centres, this giant ice kacang – in a mix of bright historical figures. Here’s a look at the heritage orchids featured in Orchid Extravaganza!
block complete with community posters and notices colours to represent multi-racial Singapore – added
in the void deck was a popular photography spot for a splash of fun to the display. Besides popular
visitors. toppings such as palm seeds and red beans, there
were also a special topping just for Orchid
Extravaganza – orchids! Arachnis Maggie Oei Aranda (syn. Mokara) Singa Gold Dendrobium Tay Swee Keng

Also known as the Scorpion “Singa” means “lion” in Sanskrit and This dendrobium is a popular cut
Orchid, this was the first refers to Singapore, the Lion City. flower appreciated by both local
Singaporean hybrid grown The golden blooms make this hybrid and overseas markets for its deep
commercially as a cut flower. It a popular landscaping plant. Bred by purple blooms. With blooms that
was widely cultivated in the 1950s the Singapore Botanic Gardens, it can last up to 14 days, this is one of
and 60s, and comes in a variety of has won the “ACE Grand Champion several outstanding dendrobium
colours including red, white and for Cut Flower Trophy”, a Silver hybrids by Koh Keng Hoe, a
yellow. Medal at the 18th World Orchid passionate local pioneer breeder
Conference in Dijon, France, and a who has played an important role
ribbon prize at the 22nd World in the cut flower industry in
Orchid Conference in Guayaquil, Singapore.
Ecuador.
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We would like to thank the Education team for sharing their ASK Me! training notes with us.

NATIONAL DAY FEATURE: 2 – 4 & 16 – 18 August

CELEBRATE Legends of Singapore
OUR SINGAPORE
In the series of performances for Legends of Singapore,
Words by Irene Wong two Singaporean folk tales were told through song,
dance, drama and puppetry at our outdoor gardens
To celebrate the National Day this bicentennial year, for the first time.
Gardens by the Bay held a series of events and performances
Under the lattice structure at Bayfront Plaza,
in August. Let us take a look at what went on during this performers presented the story of “The Friendly
month-long floral, musical, and theatrical fiesta! Snake” that is about a beautiful friendship between a
girl and a snake. At the Malay Garden, the story
26 July – 15 September featured was “The Scourge of the Swordfish”, which
tells the tale of a witty young boy saving his village
Orchid Extravaganza: Our SingaPop Edition from an attack by ferocious swordfish, and how the
The Orchid Extravaganza floral display themed “Our SingaPop Edition” name of Redhill or “Bukit Merah” came about.
featured familiar local landmarks and food under the creative direction
of local composer Dick Lee and fashion designer Yang Derong. These performances were produced by Dick Lee
Singaporean visitors would feel right at home here, with the display Asia, with creative direction by Dick Lee and
showcasing a giant bowl of ice kacang filled with orchids, the beloved costume design by Yang Derong. It was scripted by
Ah Meng from the Singapore Zoo and her granddaughter Ishta, as well Jean Tay, co-directed by Lewin Bernard and Bright
as the iconic dragon playground that has become part of Singapore’s Ong (who also served as the puppet consultant). The
heritage. live music was performed by SAtheCollective and
Read more about this floral display in the Display Feature on page 42! Orkestar Trio.

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10 & 11 August Garden Rhapsody: Songs of Singapore

Gardens by the Bay and Mediacorp National Day Concert For National Day this year, we presented a special
edition of the popular Garden Rhapsody show titled
The Gardens by the Bay and Mediacorp National Day Concert brought National Day Concert “Songs of Singapore”, featuring lights in red and
together Singaporeans to celebrate Singapore’s birthday at The in Numbers! white dancing to eleven familiar Singaporean tunes.
Meadow with local stars, and saw a turnout of more than 60,000 people
over two days partying to great chill-out vibes. No. of Covered by local singers such as Aisyah Aziz, Joanna
performances Dong, Linying and Rani Singam, the songs were
The concert on Day 1 reached its climax during performances of specially developed and recorded for this edition of
headliners Dick Lee and Kit Chan, after a medley of songs in multiple 24 acts over Garden Rhapsody, and included classic tracks like
languages sung by talented local artists. It ended on a high note with a 2 days “Munnaeru Vaalibaa”, “Bunga Sayang”, and “Xiao
mass singing session, where the Guest of Honour President Halimah Ren Wu De Xin Sheng (小人物的心声)”.
Yacob took the stage and joined in to sing the national anthem and
recite the pledge, followed by a heartfelt singing of the all-time favourite 25 July
"Home".
Media Conference
The second day of the concert featured next generation performers
including Jasmine Sokko who made one of her first public appearances A media conference was held in the Waterview Room to
in Singapore, home-grown singer-songwriters Aisyah Aziz and Gen announce the exciting series of events held in the
Neo, as well as stand-up comedians Kumar and Fakkah Fuzz. Gardens. Following CEO Felix Loh’s opening address,
designers of Orchid Extravaganza: Our SingaPop Edition
There were also lots of buzz to hype up the crowd before the concert, Dick Lee and Yang Derong shared more about their
with a wide range of exciting fringe activities and food options that design concept for the floral display, while SPOP Sing!
lasted through the night. Our visitors had a delightful time at the champion Jarrell Huang talked about the National Day
inflatable challenge, face painting booth, sand art, screening of Channel Concert and other programmes. To show media and
5 drama series “Fried Rice Paradise”, live broadcast of Mediacorp radio guests a teaser of what could be expected, local veteran
stations from The Meadow, getting up close to Mediacorp stars, and lots singer Rahimah Rahim hyped up the crowd with an
more! The event also saw visitors bringing home a potted plant gift and energetic performance while actors from Legends of
partners' members receiving special refreshment packs on day one. Singapore presented an extract of “The Scourge of the
Swordfish” complete with full makeup, costumes, and
A huge thank you to all staff who played a part in making this concert a even props!
success!
JULY-SEPTEMBER 19 PAG E 4 8 Turnout
JULY-SEPTEMBER 19 PAG E 4 9
more than

60,000

Duration per day

5.5 hours

(fringe activities
+ actual concert)

SUSTAINABILITY MATTERS: WASTE: A SERIOUS PROBLEM OF Scan the QR code below to
GLOBAL MAGNITUDE access a short video
TRASH TALK
According to the World Bank’s 2018 Global Waste Report, humans generated summarising the 2018 World
Words by Dex Chen over 2 billion tonnes of solid waste in 2016. If all this waste was put on trucks, Bank Global Waste Report.
the trucks bearing the waste, when lined up, would circle the Earth 24 times.
Coupled with the growth in human population, the amount of waste generated
per year could go up to 3.4 billion tonnes in 2050!

The numbers speak for themselves, and it is clear that the waste problem is one
that has a far-reaching, global impact. So, what caused it?

In this second chapter of When human beings landed on the moon, we made two important The Rotten Truth
our Sustainability Matters discoveries. Firstly, we celebrated human ingenuity and perseverance.
series, let us better Looking at the moon from afar, we also came to realise that our planet Over the past 200 years or so, societies thrived on a linear economy, which can
understand how serious has limits and how wrong we were to think that throwing our waste away be summed up in three words: take, make, waste. Resources extracted from the
the waste issue is, what is possible. environment are used to make a commodity; which is then sold, used and
caused it and how we can disposed as trash when it is spoilt, or when one purchases a replacement.
ameliorate it at the As the saying goes: out of sight, out of mind. However, in reality, most
global, national, waste, after we throw them away into bins, persists in landfills or in the THE LINEAR ECONOMY IN A NUTSHELL
corporate and individual ocean for years. Some materials, such as Styrofoam, may even take
levels. We’ll also take a millions of years to fully break down! TAKE MAKE WASTE
look at the Gardens’
efforts in re-using waste A linear economy has brought us numerous benefits, including the creation of
as a resource to benefit economic wealth, job opportunities, as well as an improved quality of life. While
our plants and it has served us well in the past, the linear economy has created a problem of a
operations. global magnitude: an ever-increasing amount of accumulated waste.

Despite our best efforts to throw commodities “away”
responsibly after use, many disposed products end up in
landfills and continue to persist in the environment. For
instance, it takes a plastic bottle 450 years to decompose in the
environment. That means that if Sir Stamford Raffles had
disposed of a bottle of mineral water when he founded
Singapore in 1819, that plastic bottle would still be around
today, and would remain with us for at least another 250 years!
JULY-SEPTEMBER 19 PAG E 5 0
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Image credit: Alexandre Magnin

TIME NEEDED FOR COMMON COMMODITIES TO Enter the circular economy. Drawing from various
NATURALLY BREAK DOWN IN THE ENVIRONMENT schools of thought that developed since the 1970s,
the circular economy concept was introduced at the
D2A-1Y0S 3-14 12 80-100 2012 World Economic Forum. Essentially, the
MONTHS YEARS YEARS circular economy seeks to eradicate waste through
BaPneaenl a the perpetual cycling of goods and materials.
CigBaurtettte
By recognising that most of our “waste” comprises
30-60 Thread 15-100 SCoadna valuable resources for future use and then creating
DAYS YEARS systems, companies and processes to ensure that all
6 500-800 materials are cycled back through the economy in
SCuagnaer MONTHS PBlaasgtic YEARS perpetuity, new economic value can be created
while significantly reducing collective
1-5 OPraenegl e 25-40 SNaanpitkainry environmental impact.
MONTHS YEARS
VARIOUS SCHOOLS OF THOUGHT THAT
13-14 1,000,000 INFLUENCED THE CIRCULAR ECONOMY MODEL
MONTHS YEARS
The circular economy model's practical applications to
economic systems and industrial processes have gained
momentum since the 1970s. While its origin cannot be traced
back to a specific source nor date, the circular economy has
been refined and developed by seven key schools of thought.

Cotton LSehaotheesr

2-5 Rope 30-40 GJlaasr s
MONTHS YEARS
5 NEVER!
PBaapger YEARS JNayclkoent
Biomimicry Blue Economy Cradle to Cradle Industrial Ecology
Applying innovations inspired by Using resources in cascading Designing products for continuous Shifting to closed-loop systems
nature to solve human problems systems to maximise resource recovery and re-utilisation where waste is an input instead of
efficiency and minimise pressure an undesirable by-product
on natural resources

CTaerttroan CPonlatastinicer

Global movement to close the loop

The global community recognises the shortfalls of the linear
economy model and the need for a new system of operation. In this
new economic system, the concept of waste has to be removed from
the products’ design process. This involves careful thought of how
materials can be extracted from products at the end of their shelf
life and reused to create new products. This would ensure that
resources are kept in use for as long as possible.
JULY-SEPTEMBER 19 PAG E 5 2 Learn how we can
JULY-SEPTEMBER 19 PAG E 5 3re-design the way our
economy works through a Natural Capitalism Performance Economy Regenerative Design
change in perspective! In Recognising the value of human Promoting services as a product; Supporting systems that can be
this YouTube video, see (e.g. labour, knowledge and skills renting rather than owning restored or renewed through
how design enables etc.) and natural (e.g. integrating natural processes,
products to be 'made to be environmental resources) capital community action and human
made again' and powered and reinvesting in it behaviour
by renewable energy, and
consider if a circular
economy can be built with
creativity and innovation.

TOWARDS A ZERO WASTE NATION WASTE MANAGEMENT AT THE GARDENS

In the first chapter of this series, we looked at the Waste also impacts us at Gardens by the Bay. More than 2,000 tonnes of waste (the
ingenuity of Semakau Landfill, Singapore’s only weight of 1,000 cars!), is collected every year in the Gardens. Approximately half
remaining landfill. While an innovative solution to of this waste originates from our horticulture operations, while the rest comes in
cope with a linear economy, Semakau Landfill will the form of general or mixed waste.
run out of space by 2035, given the growing rate of
waste generation in Singapore. So how does GB handle the waste generated by its day-to-day operations? Check
out the figure below, which illustrates how our waste is processed within and
There is therefore a pressing need for Singaporeans outside GB in a way that’s in line with the circular economy model!
to recognise the urgency of the issue at hand. This
would in turn encourage Singaporeans to be better MANAGING WASTE AT THE GARDENS
stewards of our limited resources and take greater
IAmvagieewcroedf iSt: enmytiamkeas.ucoLmandfill from above. ownership of their role to protect the planet. With Ash is transported out of the
this in mind, the Singapore Government designated Gardens and used to increase
At home, the waste challenge is a growing one as well. 2019 as the Year towards Zero Waste, with a
Singapore’s economic and population growth have masterplan put in place to reduce e-waste (that is, the pH of acidic soil around
contributed to an increase in the amount of waste any electrical or electronic equipment powered by Singapore.
disposed of locally by about seven-fold, up from 1,260 an electrical source), food waste and packaging
tonnes a day in 1970. waste.

Businesses Growing Green Most of the matured Contractors transport the
compost is applied to trimmings out of GB and
Businesses are also quickly catching on to this compost up to 50% of them at
movement. While zero waste options were few and parks and gardens their recycling facilities. The rest
far between in the past, this is set to change as around Singapore. is sent to horticultural waste
businesses begin to transform their operating
models. SINGAPORE Some of the matured recycling facilities.
compost is then
On 8 June 2019, 59 local companies operating 1,600 In addition to the heat and
premises, including restaurants, malls, hotels, transported back to electricity, ash is also
supermarkets and schools, pledged to take steps to Gardens by the Bay and produced.
encourage consumers to reduce their use of
disposables such as plastic bags and takeaway applied to the outdoor The ash contains a significant
containers. These businesses will implement gardens. amount of calcium, a primary
initiatives such as providing only reusable straws, substitute for lime to increase
offering discounts to customers who bring their own
food containers, removing plastic bottled water in the pH of acidic soils.
meeting rooms and reducing the use of cling wrap in
kitchens. Toast Box offers customers a discount when they use their own > 50 tonnes of horticultural Plant trimmings are
reusable containers. waste derived from chipped tree collected around the
Some well-known brands that have come on board H&M publishes an extensive Sustainability Report on their prunings collected from around
the green movement include Toast Box, H&M and website that's free for public download and also charges a small Singapore is transported to GB Gardens
Nespresso, among others. fee for shopping bags. Electricity and heat
every day.
Being a garden that mostly produced is utilised in GB.
deals with living plants, plant
trimmings from GB have high
water content, which reduces
the efficiency of our biomass
plant. That's why we bring in

dried waste wood chips
collected from outside GB to

power our biomass plant
instead!

Horticultural waste is burnt
in the Energy Centre.

As we grow our visitorship and the Gardens, we can expect the amount of waste
produced to increase as well. Not only will this raise the demand for waste storage
space onsite and increase waste management costs, the transportation of waste out
of the Gardens will also increase carbon emissions. This is why we have to
continually seek and trial creative solutions that can help us better manage our
waste.
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Nespresso's coffee capsule recycling initiative invites customers to
return and recycle used coffee capsules. The used coffee grounds will
be made into compost, while aluminium extracted from the capsules is

re-used to make everyday objects like pens and bicycles.

From our Gardens, for our Gardens A closer look at our Horticultural waste as a resource: Mulching
gasification system
Mindful of our energy needs, GB’s pioneer team made the sound Some of our colleagues have also found creative Aside from being free and environmentally-friendly,
and sustainable ways to utilise garden waste. One using our own horticultural waste to mulch allows our
decision to allocate precious garden space to a biomass plant. Powered example is our Principal Horticulturist Anton's use team to customise the type and amount of mulch that
of horticultural waste collected around the Gardens they want to use. For example, finer leaf litter or
by chipped waste wood collected from around Singapore, our biomass Able to process up to to do mulching in the outdoor gardens! clippings can be used around smaller shrubs, while
plant supplies renewable energy to cool our domes. 1 tonne of waste per day larger and coarser leaves can be applied around plants
(for context: about 2 – 3 Mulching is the act of covering soil around plants that prefer a thick layer of organic matter.
More recently, in an attempt to tonnes of general waste with either organic (e.g. decaying leaves, bark, Alternatively, larger leaves can be broken apart
move towards a Zero Waste compost, etc.) or inorganic (e.g. pebbles, gravel, further to create finer mulch. Another reason to use
and 2 – 3 tonnes of etc.) material. This helps to regulate the our horticultural waste to mulch is that we can recycle
horticultural waste is temperature and moisture of the soil around the and return the nutrients to our plants!
collected in GB daily) plants, as well as suppress the growth of any weeds.
Anton has been doing mulching in the Gardens for
garden, Gardens by the Bay some three years now, using mainly leaf litter. At
times, aquatic plant material is also used on bare,
partnered Singapore Power As of 26 Aug 2019, Hot water produced sloped areas to prevent erosion and add nutrients to
Group to conduct a two-year pilot has a temperature of the soil. Mulching is done basically everywhere in
to testbed the use of gasification the Gardens’ planting beds, except the lawn areas.
up to 58°C

technology from July 2019. The > 2,042kg of waste gasified

gasification system can process > 160kg of biochar produced

both horticultural and general Reduced the mass of waste
waste to produce hot water and a generated by > 92%
solid carbon by-product known as
biochar. The hot water is used in Reduced the a(mexoculundt ionfgCO2
the Supertree Food Hall for produced
transportation) by
close to 588kg

washing, while the biochar will be Water tank at Supertree Food Hall, If successful, the gasification THE MULCHING STEP 2
tested for its qualities as a soil containing the hot water produced by system will bring us one step
amendment within the Gardens. the gasification system. closer to a circular economy by PROCESS Leaf litter is separated
allowing us to process waste from from other unusable
our Gardens, for our Gardens! materials in the bags.
Sometimes, leaves will be
grouped according to Anton spreading the mulch
their sizes and texture.
GASIFICATION STEP 1
IN OUR GARDENS STEP 3
Our team brings in bags
SINGAPORE of horticultural waste
collected by our

landscaping contractors
throughout the
Gardens.

The gasification system at the Gardens. The leaf litter is then
spread over the

planting beds, and the
empty bags returned

to the contractors.

Information and images for this section were contributed by A mulched planting bed. The light-coloured layer of mulch in the
Muhammad Hazri and Anton van der Schans from Gardens foreground is made up of fallen bamboo leaves, while a coarser,
Operations. Thank you! thicker layer is used in the back. Bamboo leaves create a thin layer
of mulch and help minimise soil erosion as they cling well together.

Both horticultural waste and Biochar produced is used Retailing green! Psst… flash
plant trimmings from the within the Gardens for your staff pass
Gardens can be fed horticulture research (if Hot water generated by In line with the Gardens’ for an extra 20%
immediately into the the system (up to 58°C) is sustainability efforts, our Retail off published
gastification system. successful, can be used in team has also introduced several
the outdoor gardens to used for washing. green, reusable GB house brand prices!
> 50 tonnes of horticultural improve soil quality) products to our shops.
waste derived from chipped tree GB Batik fabric
prunings collected from around cup holder: $7
Singapore is transported to GB
GB cloth tote bag:
every day. $15 (black & white designs)

$19 (coloured designs)
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Aside from being eco-friendly GB stainless steel straw set
alternatives, these items also make with cleaning brush:
great gifts for friends and loved
ones. Here’s a look at some of them! $9.90 (comes in four designs)

You can do it too! ELECTRONICS

As individuals, we can also play our part by consuming responsibly. Small Don’t replace, repair!
steps, like refusing what we do not need, reducing waste via the choices we
make and actively recycling and reusing commodities today, constitute Get your broken electronics fixed for free at Repair
towards a big leap towards a Zero Waste tomorrow. Kopitiam! Every last Sunday of the month, Repair
Kopitiam sets up shop at Block 444 Jurong West
Read on to learn about ways in which you can get involved and how you can Avenue 1 and Block 890D Tampines Avenue 1, from
make a difference! 10am – 3pm to fix broken items.

FOOD PACKAGING Look for e-waste recycling points
Buy, order or cook only what you can finish Choose products with the
“Reduced Packaging” Logo Various organisations provide free recycling
Plan ahead and get portion control sussed. If you facilities to encourage proper recycling of e-waste.
are a family of five, don’t cook for a family of 20! If In 2017, packaging materials made up a third of the Scan this QR code to find an e-waste collection
we cooked what we need, as opposed to 1.67 million tonnes of domestic waste in Singapore point near you and drop off your e-waste there!
over-catering, then we – that’s enough to fill up more than 1,000
would not only save Olympic-size swimming pools! By opting to not
money but also send a purchase products with excessive packaging and
whole lot less food waste giving feedback to firms and asking for less
into the landfill. Scan this packaging, customers could nudge companies into
QR code for some quick making positive changes.
tips to help you make the
most out of every dollar in Instead, buy products
Singapore!
with the Logo for
Turn leftovers into dishes
Products with Reduced The Next Chapter
Not sure what to do with
unconsumed or excess Packaging (LPRP) – a In the next chapter of the Sustainability Matters
food at home? Scan this series, we will bring you on a journey to
QR code to try out these voluntary eco-label understand how energy is used in the Gardens.
recipes developed by
culinary students from identifying products
ITE College West!
which have undergone
Donate excess food
improvements to reduce
The Food Bank accepts
canned and packaged the amount of packaging www.toIwmaargdeszcererodwit:aste.sg Trash Talk:
food (including unopened In a Nutshell
chips, rice, powder materials used.
drinks, cereals, etc.) that
have not expired. Simply Avoid disposables When we dispose of our waste, nothing truly
pop your excess food into goes away.
Bank Boxes located Single-use disposable items such as plastic bags,
island wide: scan this QR plastic cutlery and batteries create unnecessary Guided by the circular economy concept, we
code to learn more! wastage. We should try to avoid buying and using can work towards a Zero Waste tomorrow.
disposable items where possible. Start by using the
reusable lunchbox given out at InnoFest 2019! Small steps and choices you make today will
constitute towards a big leap towards a Zero
Waste tomorrow.
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