Sentosa: Fifty Views on Fifty Years by Sentosa Island

TABLE OF CONTENTS Bob Tan 4 CHAIRMAN'S MESSAGE Island of Never-Ending Discovery Thien Kwee Eng 8 CEO'S FromMESSAGEKampong Island to Leisure Icon JJ Lin 12 The Perfect Getaway Michael Chiang 14 Permanent Vacation Rachel Lim 15 Happy Retreat Munah Bagharib 16 Ever-Changing Nathan Hartono 18 Special Place Russel Wong 19 Moment in Paradise Dick Lee 20 My Beautiful Memory Paige Parker 22 Floating in the Golden Sunset Jeremy Monteiro 24 To Play Again Under the Stars Lelian Chew 25 A Sense of Adventure JOOheng Tan 26 My Creative Sand Playground Darren Lim & Evelyn Tan 28 Home of Our Heart Khir Johari 30 Novel Experience Brian Richmond 32 Cutting-Edge Leisure Spot Sumiko Tan 33 Favourite Hideaway Iman Fandi 34 Go-To Place Joseph Isaac Schooling 35 My Dream Home Jaz Loh 36 That Moment Tracy Phillips 38 Idyllic Long Beachfronts Evan Kwee 40 Brightest Star Victoria Cheng 42 Winning Combination

Neil Humphreys 44 Offbeat Charm Lim Koon Park 46 Positive Influence Benjamin Kheng 48 Homeymoon Jerome Lim 50 Isle of Tranquillity Eliza Chong 52 Lovely Fun Time Koh Ban Heng 54 My Own Pleasure Island Sam Lo 56 Creativity on the Loose Haresh Sharma 58 Peace and Tranquillity Aarika Lee 59 A Day of Fun Claire Jedrek 60 A Magical Place Kyra Poh 62 A Second Home Kit Chan 63 Eternal Summer Inez Alsagoff 64 Rich Marine Biodiversity Ivan Heng 66 My Fantasy Island Jack Ho & Rai Kannu 68 Gusto and Excitement Amanda Tan 70 Extra Special Adrian Pang 72 Coming Full Circle Dawn Sim 74 World-Class Attraction Caden Neo 76 A Surreal Moment Leelian Chua 78 Fond Memories Dr Ng King Kang 79 Like Going Overseas Jeremy Ratnam 80 Truly Magic! Yip Yew Chong 82 Fantasy Escape AJ Hackett 84 Perfect Spot Gurmit Singh 86 A Real Treat Paul Foster 87 Amazing Journey Wee Teng Wen 88 Sense of Wonder Suhaimi Yusof 90 Fishing! Violet Oon 92 How Do I Love Thee?

BOB TAN SentosaChairmanDevelopment Corporation 4

The One Sentosa Experience Our vision for the next 50 years is to see Sentosa become one of the world’s best-loved leisure and lifestyle resort destinations. We can only achieve this by working collaboratively with our Island Partners (businesses on the island) to create a uniquely One Sentosa Experience where discovery never ends.

Sentosa has been designated as a resort island where locals can get away from the hustle and bustle of city living to relax and be rejuvenated and is an important precinct for tourism. It is already a popular getaway for locals, much appreciated particularly in the past two years when international travel was challenging and remains a must-visit destination for our overseas visitors. Our goal is to make Sentosa into an even more attractive and desirable destination for experiential tourism—a place where

memories are made. We want tourists and local visitors to visit Sentosa not just once but repeatedly to experience the exciting array of beautiful beaches, attractions, curated events and activities, wonderful food and hotel accommodation in an environmentally friendly island setting.

ISLAND NEVER-ENDINGOFDISCOVERY

Over the years, SDC has evolved from being a landlord and regulator to that of a growth enabler and facilitator of the island economy. We will continue to ensure that Sentosa is inclusive and accessible to Singaporeans from all walks of life, a place where they can enjoy

entosa has a special place in the hearts of celebrateSingaporeans,allandasweour50th anniversary, I would like to reflect on what makes us special and our journey ahead.

Our vision for the next 50 years is to see Sentosa become one of the world’s best-loved leisure and lifestyledestinations.resort 6

The whole island can be “festivalised” with differentiated offerings at various zones on the island. This partnership which offers a myriad of experiences all on a single island positions Sentosa well as a destination of choice. A Sustainable Sentosa As custodians of the island, we are mindful of our environmental responsibilities. Hence, we launched the Sustainable Sentosa strategic roadmap in 2021 to safeguard our beautiful island for future generations of visitors and Singaporeans. We want our visitors to feel that they are visiting an exceptional resort that truly cares about sustainability. This means many things—building new attractions in a manner that is respectful of Sentosa’s history and natural habitat, leveraging on innovative solutions to harness renewable energy, or simply educating ourselves and others about what it means to be sustainable. It is our goal to be an internationally-recognised resort island that offers an inspiring sustainable development model which enables and furthers Singapore’s sustainability and climate change outcomes. I am glad that we are already on the right track with Sentosa Golf Club voted by the organiser of World Golf Awards as the Most Eco-Friendly Golf Facility in the World for two consecutive years. Sentosa is also certified as a sustainable tourism destination—the first island destination in Asia to be certified by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council. Our People and Our Passion We are able to celebrate the success of the past 50 years because of the hard work and passion of our people, both present and those who were here before us. I am proud of our people and wish to celebrate this success together with every Sentosian. We have so much to look forward to, and may we continue this journey with dedication and passion to build the world’s best-loved leisure and lifestyle resort destination—an island of never-ending discovery!

and relax with their family and friends on a regular basis, and one that they can all be very proudWorkingof. together with our Island Partners, we can amplify the impact of what we have to offer. We can tap on the spectators for an event—for example, a world-class golf event, as a source of business for the hotels, restaurants, or attractions on the island.

THIEN KWEE ENG Chief Executive Officer Sentosa Development Corporation 8

In 1970, the island was renamed Sentosa, derived from Santosha in Sanskrit, which means peace and tranquillity in Malay.

n Sentosa, the noise and bustle of Singapore seem distant despite being a mere 10 minutes away. Even drivers are encouraged to slow down as they approach this modern island resort, as lush trees and free-roaming peacocks welcome them. As you enter, I hope it gives you that sense of calm, freedom, exhilaration and peace or joy. This is our charming little island in Singapore for Singaporeans and tourists to enjoy and love for generations to come.

Fifty years ago, our leaders at that time envisioned great dreams for Singapore when we were still early in nationhood. The year 1965 was fresh on their minds, and we were a little island dreaming of what we could be in theDrfuture.Albert Winsemius, the Dutch economist who was Singapore’s economic advisor, shared that the economic and practical dream to become a global city also meant safeguarding

a place for recreation and tourism. Together with Mr Alan Choe, then-chief of the Urban Renewal Unit (forerunner of the Urban Redevelopment Authority), they came up with a good plan for Sentosa, then known as Pulau BlakangDespiteMati.sharing the same vision, then-Prime Minister Mr Lee Kuan Yew and his cabinet ministers were torn between a recreational or practical use for the island. Was it to be an oil refinery or part of the port of Singapore? Fortunately, they followed their hearts.

Over 50 years, Sentosa has grown to become a leading multifaceted leisure and lifestyle resort destination in Asia, welcoming 19 million visitors annually (pre-COVID). Thanks to the vision and work of many generations of SDC staff and leadership, we have built a myriad of world class attractions and experiences that offer everything from respite and wellness to thrill and excitement, leveraging Sentosa’s unique assets—sun, sand, sea, nature and heritage.

KAMPONGFROMISLANDTOLEISUREICON

The Evolution of Sentosa

In 1970, the island was tranquillitymeansSentosa,renamedderivedfromSantoshainSanskrit,whichpeaceandinMalay.

Working Closely as One Sentosa How could we do it even better? We are proud to have like-minded Island Partners (businesses on the island) that we work closely with, embodying a kampong’s gotong royong spirit to deliver an outstanding and coherent One Sentosa experience to our guests. Since we all belong to different entities on the island, we have to do a lot more engagement and alignment to help bring everyone on the same page. I am happy that the last two years have brought us many good stories to share and shout about working as One Sentosa; how the island came together for the fight against COVID through Safe Management Measures (SMM) and business recovery, how we keep our eyes on the challenges of climate change by forming the Sentosa Carbon Neutral Network with a commitment to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030, how we turned Sentosa into a wellness island retreat with our inaugural Zentosa Fest 2022 with over 400 programmes and even launched a joint recruitment to build a greater sense of community and pride for Sentosians (all Sentosa staff).

We hope that every visit by Singaporeans and our guests will bring them special moments and memories, igniting their desire to return and discover new facets of Sentosa.

Welcoming New Adventures Ahead COVID has also made us reflect on the last two years as we celebrate Sentosa’s 50th Anniversary in September 2022. We treasure our past and commit to building a Sustainable Sentosa that is relevant to our stakeholders while preserving and invigorating the island for enjoyment in theEvenfuture.as we curate more world-class events and experiences and execute the Sentosa-Brani Masterplan, we will stay true to who we are as Sentosa.

To all Singaporeans and guests, you can look forward to an exciting pipeline of new experiences coming on stream in near future— refreshed Sentosa Musical Fountain, iconic dance festival ZoukOut, experiential park Sensoryscape, a lifestyle and entertainment precinct at Palawan Shores, the opening of Raffles Sentosa Resort & Spa Singapore… and the list goes on!

Our vision is to be the world’s best-loved leisure and lifestyle resort destination just like the way Sentosa holds treasured memories and dreams for the future of the 50 fans and friends of Sentosa who have shared their Sentosa story. I am truly honoured to play a part in this story. It reminds my team and me of our responsibility to ensure that Sentosa continues to glow in the years ahead!

JJ LIN is one of Singapore’s top music icons and an international singer and songwriter with a large following in Singapore and Asia. JJ has performed to more than 1.6 million spectators spanning 125 tour stops worldwide and accumulated more than 120 billion streams on major music platforms across the world.

THEGETAWAYPERFECT

entosa has always been the epitome of “the perfect getaway”. In my growing up years, it was a place where I would only go with my most trusted—be they family or friends. It represented Singapore, a spot I would always want to bring friends who were visiting, but at the same time, it has also been a place of sanctuary for me. I think Siloso Beach was my very first beach experience. It was 1984, I was three, and I believe that memory made me love the sand and the sea so much today. Also, my fondest memories include sitting on my grandma’s lap while we kept going in loops on the monorail in Sentosa. Every time we went one round, it seemed like I would discover something new. I’m definitely the beachgoer! I love to just sit on the sand and have a nice cocktail under the evening sun. I would love for Sentosa to continue to draw international recognition from projects like Universal Studios Singapore and Madame Tussauds Singapore. However, to me, Sentosa’s true beauty lies in its geographical uniqueness—a little island off Singapore, which holds much history. I would love to see Sentosa’s beach areas blossom andAsflourish!aSingaporean, no matter how things develop and change, the history and memories of Sentosa remain deeply etched.

PERMANENTVACATION

Singapore to continue my studies. I first boarded the more civilised Sentosa Ferry as a gawky teenager. It felt just as special, transporting me to a different land. And that’s how Sentosa has always been for me—a different state altogether. There’s a holiday air about the island as if everyone is on permanent vacation. Even after I entered adulthood in the 1980s, this sense of it being an outlying state persisted.

MICHAEL CHIANG is one of Singapore’s most respected personalities, with over four decades of experience in journalism, media management and creative work. He wrote hit plays, TV serials and movies.

t began with the ferry. Coming from a small town in Malaysia, I grew up with a great fondness for ferry rides. We used to cross the Muar River on a big wooden ferry—an unstable vessel

When ZoukOut began in 2000, I was already a magazine publisher, lording over painfully hip titles like 8 Days and Style. I can’t forget how I gaped wide-jawed at the frenzied outdoor partying, declaring, “This is so un-Singapore!”Eventhoughthe ferry has long gone, the island is still the perfect go-to for any escapist experience. Somehow the burden of real life seems to vanish once you cross over.

RETREATHAPPY

RACHEL LIM is the co-founder of Southeast Asia's leading womenswear brand Love, Bonito. She started the business online at 19 when e-commerce was at its infancy and has grown the blogshop into a multi-million dollar global brand.

n my teenage years, Sentosa was the happy retreat we looked forward to after exams. I remember how my friends and I would work extremely hard to ensure that we did well just so that we could reward ourselves with a trip to Siloso Beach. It was always a great time as it was free of charge despite being a popular destination in Singapore. We could also bring along our favourite snacks and drinks to share while basking on the beach, making Sentosa an ideal destination we could visit without any worry while we were 15. Beyond being a post-exam retreat, I also fondly remember my netball coach organising outings there for me and my teammates to enjoy. Looking back, my memories in Sentosa fill me with a sense of nostalgia and will always be etched as a beautiful part of my childhood. Sentosa will continue being the vacation destination for me to create new memories with my husband and son.

MUNAH BAGHARIB is an actress, host and content creator. She started her career acting for local television and on YouTube as one half of MunahHirziOfficial, retiring from the channel with a finale show in 2018. She has since furthered her career in acting, presenting and in social media.

entosa has been a big part of my work and my life. My first memory of Sentosa was in 1995, and it was a staycation at Shangri-La Rasa Sentosa!

EVER- CHANGING

My father who travelled a lot for work, when he was in town and had a free weekend, would bring the whole family for a staycation at ShangriLa Rasa Sentosa. And it felt like the best holiday. Like a home away from home. It has remained a special place in my family’s life, Sentosa, and is always a special holiday space to get away from the busy life. Even if it was just one weekend, it will always be special and meaningful. It was when we made the effort to switch off from other responsibilities, just to enjoy the company of loved ones. And I’ve continued this tradition ever since. Have a birthday to celebrate, Sentosa! Have a free weekend, Sentosa! Just want to de-stress, Sentosa! Apart from that, Sentosa has grown up in my life as a place where I got to develop my career in the last few years. I’ve had the opportunity to shoot in Sentosa for campaigns, ads and even for Sentosa itself. I was part of a campaign for the Siloso Beach Party for New Year's Eve to ring in 2019.

I also worked on the SingapoRediscovers Campaign by Singapore Tourism Board where we featured Sentosa and some of my favourite attractions. Recently, I also worked on a series by Viddsee with Paul Foster, to highlight the sustainability efforts in Sentosa. It really does have a special place in my personal and work life. I’m lucky to have work that brings me to Sentosa to do all the adventurous activities there. If you’re an adventure junkie looking for something to do in Singapore, head to Sentosa! I think how I interact with Sentosa and what I do there is also everchanging based on where I am in life. So, it really is always something fresh for me. Today, Sentosa has expanded to so much more, even in terms of conservation efforts which is amazing to see. Sentosa is a game changer, always looking out to serve the best for the people who visit and always looking out for the environment and educating visitors about the importance of taking care of our world. It’s so much more than a tourist destination. It is a way of life. I hope it continues to be a space where we can go to have fun, push ourselves to try something new and always learn something new.

PLACESPECIAL 18

NATHAN HARTONO is an entertainer in Singapore whose career has spanned music, film, theatre and anything else that allows him to live the creative life. entosa holds a special place in every Singaporean's heart. To me, it was my childhood years spent begging my parents to take us to Fantasy Island. And my formative teenage years were spent at school beach parties, bringing my guitar and trying to be cool in front of all the other kids. As a professional musician, I've had the privilege of performing there on multiple occasions, even producing a full concert at the age of 23 in the Coliseum at Hard Rock Hotel back in 2014. Sentosa is seared into many pivotal parts of my memory, and I look forward to creating more memories soon.

RUSSEL WONG, one of the most profiled photographers in Asia, has been the photographer of luminaries like Richard Gere, Michelle Yeoh, Isabella Rossellini and has shot 17 covers for TIME magazine.

Tanjong Beach, having a ball of a time. This sweet memory is still fresh in my mind even though it was of a time far, far away, 25 years ago. It felt like we were on vacation on a tropical island far away from the city life, which was literally only across the bridge. After a swim, we would just rinse them down and take a short walk along the coastal path, enjoying the view of the coconut trees and the sea. A moment in paradise!

MOMENTPARADISEIN ention Sentosa, and it brings back swimmingRetrieversmemoriesfondofmywholepackoffourGoldenin

taycationing in Sentosa these last two years was like going abroad! It was like the holidays I used to enjoy in Phuket, Bali and Koh Samui. I went to ShangriLa Rasa Sentosa, Capella Singapore, W Singapore - Sentosa Cove and the surprising gem, The Barracks Hotel. I never knew of The Barracks. It was like a little hidden surprise, and I was there for my birthday. My friends pointed out something I had never quite registered before. During those holidays to the beach resorts, I never actually went to the beaches—I liked looking at the beach, the blue sea and skies from the holiday villa or room. I Ioved looking at the sunset and hanging out at the pool, enjoying wonderful food and being with good friends, making the holiday special. But I never go to the beach—except for one special memory—so the staycations in Sentosa made MYMEMORYBEAUTIFUL me not miss going abroad so much amid the pandemic.Abeach party in Sentosa has always remained in my mind as a special fashion moment for me. I think it was the late 1970s. My good friends Anaberta Oehlers-Jaen, Brandon Barker, Tina Tan-Leo and myself were all dressed up in white complete with hats, and we went by cable car. We were dressed to kill and couldn’t care less about the hot weather. We spent our time posing for pictures on the beach. We all fashionably drama! The pictures are somewhere. We used to think we were the most stylish people in Singapore. How we all loved It was very hot, and we were very uncomfortable, but we did not care as all we wanted was to look and be fashionable and take pictures of posing.ourselvesItwas so cute, and in those days, there were no facilities like today. I do not remember any air-conditioning—that is my beautiful memory of Sentosa’s early days.

DICK LEE is a Singaporean pop singer, composer, songwriter and playwright. He composed Singapore’s beloved song "Home".

FLOATING IN THE GOLDEN SUNSET

sunset, while feasting on grilled prawns and Chilean sea bass. After travelling overland for over two years, I couldn’t remember the last time I’d been wined and dined like this. We basked in one another’s company, thanks to Sentosa.

Now with Singapore as our chosen home, my family remains enamoured with the island, particularly Sentosa’s cable car. The dangling carriages and panoramic views wowed us then—and still today. To our treasured Sentosa, Happy 50th Anniversary!

n April 2001, on my first visit to Singapore, on a typically warm balmy day, I returned to my hotel after spending several hours drooling over shop windows along Orchard Road. With a twinkle in his eyes, my husband Jim exclaimed: “Put on your dress. I’m taking you out!” On our Guinness World Record drive around the world, ultimately visiting 116 countries, I had no dress in my minuscule suitcase. Tossing on my only skirt, I joined Jim. As our taxi pulled up at the port, he took my hand and led me over to the Sentosa cable car, where we soared over covered treetops and skyscrapers on the island’s southern tip. At our first stop, we drank in the view while sipping champagne at Mount Faber’s restaurant. When the hostess proclaimed, “Mr and Mrs Rogers? This way, please,” I raised an eyebrow at Jim. She guided us to another cable car, this one with a beautifully set dining table. For an hour, we drifted above the harbour, floating in the golden

PAIGE PARKER is author of Don’tCallMeMrs.Rogers, and hosts the podcast, PassthePowerwithPaigeParker. She and her husband Jim Rogers moved to Singapore in 2007.

JEREMY MONTEIRO, Singapore’s King of Swing, is a Cultural Medallion awardee in 2002. Monteiro has performed in Singapore as a resident artiste or with bands and in many festivals worldwide.

n 2009, I was playing for Jazz by the Beach, outdoors on Siloso Beach itself, in the open air—it was truly a special feeling. I have played on some of the best stages and clubs all round the world, but those simple beachside shows—I would like to be able to play again under the stars, on the beach in Sentosa. It will be really great when live music and performances are reintroduced in Sentosa, going forward, to engage in more live performances, not just Jazz by the Beach. I would love to see the building of sandcastles and face painting—all the pent-up creative energy of the last two years amongst Singaporeans to flourish again in this lovely, fun destination.

TO PLAY AGAIN UNDER THE STARS

A SENSE ADVENTUREOF

LELIAN CHEW, founder of The Atelier & Co., The Floral Atelier and The Wedding Atelier, creates the most magical of wedding settings.

work on such an iconic attraction is one I will neverSentosaforget.is also a place that encapsulated an integral part of my childhood. I remember Sentosa before the S.E.A. Aquarium was built (Underwater World, Singapore), so witnessing its transformation over the years is truly poignant—the memory of being a child and that feeling of euphoria crossing to Sentosa. It felt like you were travelling somewhere exotic, and it might very well have been my first time feeling a sense of adventure. ince starting The Atelier & Co. almost a decade ago, I have been fortunate to work on some of the world's most extravagant and exceptional weddings and events. From to spectacular cityscapes, my profession has led me to the most beautiful destinations. But one of my fondest memories is our first Sentosa wedding, where we took over the S.E.A. Aquarium and transformed it into the most incredible underwater wedding backdrop. As a Singaporean, having the opportunity to

n 1997, one of my lecturers invited my classmates and me to try sand sculpting at the beach. No one turned up except for me. And just like love at first sight, I fell in love with this unique art form and have continued Upon my graduation, Sentosa organised an international sand sculpting competition. Even though Singapore was not represented in the competition, I was invited to sculpt a sculpture.tallestthen1999.SandsationSentosasculpturesix-metre-tallwhoppingsandforItwasSingapore’ssandThisevent in Sentosa opened a whole new world for me, which led to the decision to make sand sculpting my career. At Palawan Beach in 2010, I became the first sand sculptor to hold my very own sand sculpture exhibition Shifting Sand. Additionally, I was the creative director and sculptor for Sands of Time—a Singapore Story through Sand. This exhibition marked Singapore’s 50 years of independence in 2015. Siloso Beach was my creative sand playground once again. After 16 long years, Sandsation was reintroduced in 2017, and I held my Shifting Sand 2, to mark my 20 arduous yet fruitful years of sand sculpting! Sandsation was held again in 2018 and 2019. I hope Sentosa Sandsation will be organised again over the coming years so that people can enjoy the theworkshopsparticipateinternationalcompetition,admirethecreationsofsandartistsandinthetospreadartofsandsculpture.

JOOheng TAN is Singapore’s renowned sand sculptor. He has created much of his groundbreaking work at Sentosa Sandsation. He has been lauded internationally.

MY CREATIVE PLAYGROUNDSAND

ARREN: Sentosa has been a part of my life since I was seven or eight years old, from the days my dad cableovertakewouldusby car or ferry to the island; to my teenage years skipping school on Friday afternoons to secure my caddy slot for Saturday, at the Sentosa Golf Club where I learnt golf from watching the players.

EVELYN: When we were courting, Darren already had a powerboat and we would go out boating whenever we had free time. It was a small 24-footer and our playground was the sea. I grew to love Sentosa and our wedding was held at the Shangri-La Rasa Sentosa. We married and lived a normal Singapore life in an apartment and then the children came along,

HOME OF OUR HEART 28

four of them. Darren had this dream of living at sea and said that we only had a small window of time to do this or would regret it later. People thought we were crazy—I thought he was crazy! But Darren is very persuasive and we found ourselves on our sailing boat and setting sail with our children to new adventures each day. It was 2012, we adjusted to living in a small space surrounded by endless sea.

DARREN LIM and EVELYN TAN are actors and hosts who famously took off to sea in 2012 to live and travel on their yacht with their four children.

DARREN: The furthest we sailed as a family was to Phuket, and our home port was the marina at One°15 Marina Sentosa Cove. We came back to live on land because our eldest child was going to be in Primary Six, but we never left the sea. Sentosa is still very much my “home” as we started running a yacht rental service on our sailing boat Gracefully, a Lagoon 400S2, which offers four-hour charters to explore the Southern Islands and overseas sailcation holidays that set off from Sentosa. When I am available, I still like to take our clients out to sea myself. And along the way I share with them some of the stories that I know about the islands. It’s not just about partying, but also understanding Singapore from a different perspective and looking at Sentosa from a different angle is actually quite interesting. It's very lovely. We have a very beautiful skyline, comparable to the best skylines in the world.

EXPERIENCENOVEL

Steps (now Harbourfront)

e shall no longer call it Belakang Mati… It was September 1970, I believe. I remember the announcement on the school PA system vividly while I enjoyed my curry-soaked roti prata at the tuck shop. The age of redevelopment has made its inevitable passage from the main island. It shall be called Sentosa. The then Singapore Tourist Promotion Board’s mission was to turn the island with death in its name into a paradise. Years later, the eldest sister of my neighbour in Kampong Gelam found her life partner from Belakang Mati. Preparations for the wedding were made, and an entourage with hantaran to be dispatched. When the day arrived, we boys and girls were part of this jolly send off party, making our way to the island home of the groom. The setting was amphibious, with houses partially on land cheek by jowl with others entirely over water.Jardine

KHIR JOHARI is the author of TheFoodoftheSingaporeMalays. This marine green makes excellent salad. I saw some clinging to a pier near the fancy yachts of One°15 Marina in Sentosa Cove.

• Ranga, spider conch that islanders foraged in the intertidal spaces. Ranga has a rich umami flavor and if prepared well, has the tenderness of calamari.Alas…Fortunately, as the boat chugged its way back to Jardine Steps, these images crossed the water, surviving the certainty of progress. Its original name may not be fit for tourists, but when I dream, it will continue to whisper to me: Belakang Mati. Still… There are new things to look forward to. That’s the point of change. Sentosa Cove, with its beachfront villas rises like a phoenix from reclaimed land! Like so much else in life, we wistfully recall the past. We bravely look forward to a new world, fashioned by the march of progress. back then was busy with boats ferrying folks from the various islands to and from the main island. I remember the pier where we landed on Belakang Mati, over a network of pelantar wooden planks, connecting one over-water home to its neighbour. It was a novel experience—an urban Kampong Gelam boy enjoying the sound of water lapping under his feet. In 1976, my family moved to Telok Blangah Crescent, a satellite new town. I discovered that many of my neighbours were resettled from Belakang Mati. Through them, I learnt about a lost way of life.Fast forward many years as I worked on my book, The Food of Singapore Malays, I began interviewing former denizens of this isle, now associated more with ritzy hotels, luxury homes and fancy lifestyles. Questions abound on how the erstwhile islanders got their daily Someproduce.snippets on food found in its natural environment before luxury redevelopment:• Latoh: commonly known now as sea grapes.

• Belangkas or horseshoe crabs were sought after mostly for its delicious roe. If there is a caviar we can call our own, it would be these golden pearls!

rode in on a horse for the one and only gig I did in Sentosa—so it was quite a dramatic entrance. It was for a country line dance get together for the client Pioneer if I remember correctly. It was in conjunction with a radio show I used to host called Let’s Go Country every Sunday afternoon. At the time, line dancing was the rage, and I made my entrance on a horse that I did not know how to ride and all I had to do was get on the horse, and a guy led me on the horse into the show. Apart from that one job, Sentosa has always been, for me, a place for leisure and fun. I have even been to the casino and on day trips to enjoy the island life. I am glad that the island has been turned into a BRIAN RICHMOND is a veteran radio presenter, host and Singapore.commentatorsportsin

CUTTING-EDGELEISURESPOT

pleasure island with attractions for children and adults, appealing to locals and wellseasoned tourists. For the first 25 years, Sentosa was less elegant and more down-home. For the last 20 or so years, it has developed into a sophisticated island of fun, and I think they have made the right moves and hope that in the next 50 years, they will continue to make it an even more cutting-edge leisure destination catering to family fun days as well as events.corporate

SFAVOURITEHIDEAWAY

ecause I have lived in the northeastern part of Singapore all my life, Sentosa was not a familiar place for me growing up.The Sentosa cable car accident in 1983 was probably the first time the island captured my imagination.

My first real memory was when I was a journalist in The Straits Times, and the newsroom held an overnight retreat at one of the hotels there (the Beaufort, which is now the Sofitel Sentosa Resort). This was around 1997 when there weren't many hotels on the island. I remember the relaxed, resort atmosphere of the lobby, the long—and spooky—walk to our rooms at night, and having breakfast with colleagues. In the decades that followed, I went to Sentosa more often. It was the place for first dates, staycations with family, Universal Studios Singapore, the Malaysian food court, Underwater World and the venue of the Trump-Kim Summit in 2018. Several years ago, I went on a cable car ride at Mount Faber. It was my first time. It was evening; the weather was clear, and the views below were fantastic. It struck me how much Sentosa has developed to become a favourite hideaway for Singaporeans looking to rest and relax.

SUMIKO TAN is the executive editor of TheStraitsTimes.

GO-TO PLACE

entosa was one of the first places I visited when our family returned home to Singapore from Indonesia, where my father, footballer Fandi Ahmad managed Pelita Raya from the end of 2006 to 2010. In my mind, ever since I was a child, Sentosa has always been the place to have fun with my parents and brothers. At first, it was leisure time spent on the beach, and then Universal Studios Singapore (USS) had just opened when I returned to Singapore to live, and I loved it. USS is still one of my go-to places as well as all the adventure parks to spend a fun day with my IMAN FANDI is a singer-songwritermodel,andex-trackandfieldathlete.Sheluxuriatesinmovement—dance,gymnastics,swimmingand,ofcourse,football—sheisthedaughteroflegendaryfootballerFandiAhmad.

JOSEPH ISAAC SCHOOLING is Singapore’s first and only Olympic swimming gold medallist. He won gold in the 100m butterfly at the 2016 Olympics in Rio De Janeiro.

discovered Sentosa for the first time when I was about seven. Before my Sentosa golfing days—golf is my second love in sports, after swimming—I toured mostly the WWII sites such as Fort Siloso. This discovery gave me fond memories of visiting during my childhood. Even today, I can still see some of the old forts as I drive along the roads and byways of Sentosa.

The Serapong course at the Sentosa Golf Club always brings me back to my childhood when I would play with my late father Colin Schooling. The memories are very precious. The meaning of Sentosa has definitely evolved throughout the years. Today, I always look forward to the journey over for golf or simply hanging out with friends.

MY DREAM HOME

For myself, I’ve always seen my dream home in Sentosa. As you drive over the bridge into Sentosa and through the gates, it gives you a sense of entering a different world. I’ve always liked the concept of being able to retreat to someplace quiet after the city hustle.

As for Singapore, Sentosa is a beacon which reminds us of beauty, but also of tough times in the past.

hen rearedCovid-19itsugly head in early March 2020, I was a Dentistrythird-yearstudent at Newcastle University. I received a call on 20 March from SIA asking me if I could fly back on 25 March. I immediately said yes. Landing in Singapore, I felt a sense of relief. I was home. We were then brought straight to a chartered coach that transported us straight to Shangri-La Rasa Sentosa. I was isolated in a hotel room alone, and my balcony faced the sea. I played on the balcony during that time. I thought of a song that everyone, young or old, would know, and “Home” came to my mind. “Home” has always been my favourite National Day song, and it is a song that represents Singapore for students studying abroad. I decided to play the violin that day as we were asked to stand at the balcony to clap for our healthcare workers at 8pm. I knew everyone would be waiting on the balconies, and I hoped my violin playing would provide some sort of entertainment and comfort. I remember being extremely nervous and

MOMENTTHAT almost backed out but ended up playing after my friends encouraged me. Once I started playing, I blocked out everything else. It was just my violin and I. The melody my violin produced was almost like my voice—a little emotional, heart wrenching and hopeful. I did not expect so many people telling me how touched and emotional they got just listening to me play “Home” alone on the balcony during my isolation. My stay at Shangri-La Rasa Sentosa was a rollercoaster of emotions. On the third day, I spent my birthday alone. I remember crying, as I felt so lonely. After playing “Home” on the balcony on the fifth day, everything changed. I was receiving so many messages from people on Instagram and Facebook, many people wanted to interview me. Having an Instagram community was definitely comforting as many people reached out to me with a lot encouraging words. Some also told me how they were in the same situation, and they felt very emotional watching my performance.

JAZ LOH is a talented violinist who performed at Child Aid 2012 with her cellist brother James Loh. I spent most of my time in the hotel doing exercises and studying for my exams. I contacted the gentleman who played the Chinese flute, and we played Teresa Teng’s “The Moon Represents My Heart”. It was amazing as the performance was impromptu. We just went with the flow. I went back to England to continue my studies in August 2020. I have not been back to Sentosa since my Stay-Home Notice, as I have not been back to Singapore since I left in August 2020. I am ever so grateful for the way things panned out, and all the opportunities I received since my stay at Rasa Sentosa. I would definitely love to go back as a guest. Even as I reminisce that moment of myself playing the violin on the balcony, my heart is still pounding!

hasn'tthoughsosharingSingaporegloballybestfaces,Seeingtoandfireworks,performances,fullbandsaudiencesofup24,000people.aseaofhappysomeoftheDJsandliveactsandourowntalentsthestagewasgratifying.Eventhefestivalhappened in several years now, and I haven't been involved as an organizer in a decade, Sentosa will always remind me of ZoukOut and one of the best festivals in Asia.

Sentosa'sreally10andZoukOutworkingkeptSentosa’sandbeachfrontgrown-uppartiesstaycationsinhotelsthatmecomingback.Butitwasonthefirstin2000thefollowingfestivalsthatimmortalisedspecialness for me. Why? Because I don't think the festival would have been as successful anywhere else but on Sentosa island. It's actually a fact because the one time we tried to not do it on Sentosa and on the plot of land that has since become Marina Bay Sands, everyone said they missed it being on theThebeach.combination of Sentosa's idyllic long beach fronts, the feeling of being out of the

TRACY PHILLIPS, former head of marketing, PR and programming at Zouk for 10 years, has built a career around an intense preoccupation with culture, creativity, causes and cultivating communities. She now heads a lifestyle marketing consultancy, PPURPOSE.

y Sentosa story, much like any Singaporean’s, started in childhood, probably around the age of 10 and on an outing with my cousins. I remember a roller-skating rink, riding on the monorail and thinking how green and spread out everything was. And as I grew into adulthood, there were the more

IDYLLIC BEACHFRONTSLONG city and having a license to run events and sell drinks till morning, unlike most venues on the mainland, made it the perfect dance music festival venue, one where people from across the region really felt they could let their hair down and dance till the sun came up. The space enabled all the things we could not do within the walls of Zouk, like large scale art installations and

resh out of college 20 years ago and just about to join our family’s business at Pontiac Land—my father offered me the opportunity to work on transforming the two Tanah Merah colonial buildings into the luxurious Capella Singapore. Opened in 2009, the hotel launched my life’s work to grow this very special hospitality brand internationally. Sentosa was a simpler tourist attraction then, with a monorail, chalets and resort hotels. The Sentosa Development Corporation (SDC) boldly decided to rebrand Sentosa into a high-end destination for international leisure and business travellers. They invited Pontiac Land to kickstart this initiative through Capella Singapore. We were the pioneers in this re-branding exercise. Resorts World Singapore and Universal Studios Singapore followed soon after.

When we first saw the two Tanah Merah buildings (the name being a reference to Singapore’s lateritic soil—the colour of which is reflected in colonial architecture), they were in a state of disrepair. I vividly remember a discussion between SDC and my father, Kwee Liong Tek. They showed him a map of a threeto four-hectare site with the Tanah Merah buildings in the middle. My father pondered, took out his pencil, redrew the boundaries and said, “If you want us to deliver something

I respected Norman Foster just as I respected the many people who brought their vision and experience to our project. Two hoteliers who supported us throughout this journey were Mr Bob Burns, one of the original founders of Regent Hotels, and Mr Horst Schulze whom we knew from The Ritz-Carlton.

really exceptional, we’ll need this”—the site was eventually almost 13 hectares.

I did not know much about hotels, design, nor development then, but I was blessed to be working with amazing people. We brought on Norman Foster as the project’s architect. He was adamant that we keep the two Tanah Merah buildings, making them the centre of our entire development.

As you drive into Capella Singapore, you will not see any new buildings. Foster taught us that the key to the whole development was the two original Tanah Merah buildings. He wanted guests to arrive on the property, ride up the driveway and only see the colonial buildings sitting amidst this beautiful, sprawling lawn—that would hark back to the old days of living in the colonial era. As you walk through the property, the new structures would unveil themselves and you leave the older buildings behind you. That was his interpretation of what Singapore is today—a modern garden city, with new structures embracing and hugging the old colonial buildings.

BRIGHTEST STAR

EVAN KWEE is the Head of Design and Hospitality at Pontiac Land Group, and the Vice Chairman and Director of Capella Hotel Group.

represents our guests, the centre of all that weBackdo. then, in 2009, there was nothing like Capella Singapore on Sentosa island. We had no idea how Capella would eventually turn out, so it was a bit of a gamble, and we have been very lucky since. This pandemic has really shown us how much Singaporeans love Sentosa and Capella. Sentosa has transformed itself over the last 20 years and now has so much to offer. For Sentosa in the future, I hope it stays its course, and am confident it will. It is heart-warming to see SDC’s efforts in upkeeping and breathing new life into the heritage buildings on Sentosa. Whether it is us, The Barracks, the Amara buildings or other historical attractions, these bring a For us at Capella, we have taken the opportunity in the last two years to add a brand-new dimension to the Capella Curates programme, our showcase of culture and experiences. Resort guests now want to leave with beautiful memories of their stay and our Capella Curates delivers these moments.

Mr Schulze founded Capella Hotel Group, and our family embarked on a joint venture with him in 2006. Later, Pontiac Land acquired the brand from him. I had the best, most visionary mentors, and I also got a lot of help from my cousin, Kwee Wei-Lin, who worked alongside me on this project. Capella is part of the Auriga constellation, the sixth brightest star in the night sky. Our logo comprises two stars—the smaller star is us, our hotel and our whileteam,thebiggerstar

began as a journalist and dining critic for traditional print media, and as a restaurant operator. Over time, I saw a gap in the rise of digital content and started Gastronommy, my first company focused on food and travel-related content. My latest companies SupNerd. tv and Maincard are fuelled by an inherent passion for video games—they focus on tech with a strong presence in e-sports. This is an exciting space to be in where I am on both sides of the show as either the events producer.

COMBINATIONWINNING

Beyond producing shows and content for SupNerd.tv, we are a pioneering gaming platform at Maincard. We get to work with global e-sports bodies in this exciting world of tech where fun with a dash of competitive spirit comes together.

Singapore is positioned to become the next e-sports hub, and Sentosa is the place where a lot of the activity and developments are happening. Sentosa, which I grew up with as a leisure destination, is the place where I am even more connected today through the world of e-sports. Just recently, there were two major e-sports events in Sentosa—first of many. It is a winning combination— the nature orientation of Sentosa with its sun, sea and life in the outdoors offers a very attractive lifestyle backdrop to the progressive world of e-sports. There’s a stigma of gamers being reclusive antisocials, stuck indoors at their computers, eating junk food, never seeing the light of day—but that’s changing. To be a competitive e-sports player, you must be healthy and fit. You need to eat a good diet. You need to exercise because it’s evident that your physical and mental stamina matter in gaming. I get to marry my love of food and traditional sport

VICTORIA CHENG is the founder of tech and geek portal, SupNerd.tv, co-founder and CEO of e-sports platform Maincard.com. with my other lifelong love of video games and where, as ChubbyNinja, my team and I can help solve a need in the e-sports community.

The charm of Sentosa is that it offers a widewithlifestyleoutdoorsrelaxeda range of world-class facilities—Resorts World Sentosa, Universal Studios Singapore and the S.E.A. Aquarium. It is poised to be a part of the fun tech world of the future. Mainstream adoption of e-sports and gaming is relatively new. It's a new frontier where passionate individuals can shape the rules and create the dream.

entosa has been one of the few constants in my Singapore story. Whatever the changes, I keep going back. If anything, the island’s journey mirrors my own.

Singapore’s enthusiastic officialdom. The wellmeaning guy running the miniature golf course listed more rules and regulations than the United Nations. We spent less time playing golf than we did listening to him. And then there was Volcanoland. The attraction might still rank as the greatest live comedy show that I’ve ever seen. Youngsters not born in the previous century have no idea what they’re missing when strolling around Resorts World Sentosa. In the late 1990s, the site hosted an artificial volcano. Back then Sentosa’s story was similar to my Singaporean story. We were trying to find our way, our place, our purpose in a rapidly changing environment. And we would embrace the changes but still find comfort in the familiar. The western corner around Siloso was—and remains—a quieter, greener spot for contemplation and a chance to remember. Even now, the gazetted Fort Siloso brings back warm memories of a stationedHegreatmymyselfbetweenconversationandlate,uncle.was

In 1996, to a then 21-year-old younger, scruffier and endearingly naïve Englishman, fresh off the plane, Sentosa was Disneyland. When I said as much to Singaporeans, they laughed at me. But I grew up on an East London council estate so Sentosa was like a cross between Monte Carlo and the New Orleans Mardi Gras. The island had a Merlion, a rickety monorail, some talking birds at the ferry terminal and a snake charmer at the Imbiah Lookout. The tourist offerings were, er, different. To this day, I’m still not sure if I was hallucinating. But I was swept up by Sentosa’s offbeat charm. Readers of my books will know that I’ve championed the island, warts and all, through its many overhauls, upgrades and makeovers. The island provided induction training for Singaporean life. The old water-based theme park, Fantasy Island, was where I first discovered Singapore sunburn. I couldn’t be touched for days afterwards. Sijori Wondergolf was an early introduction to what might euphemistically be called

OFFBEATCHARM

NEIL HUMPHREYS grew up in East London, visited Singapore in 1996 and didn’t leave, hanging around to become one of the country’s beloved best-selling authors.

I now give primary school talks about Singapore’s heritage, and I always save the best to last—Sentosa— the island with rollercoasters and military forts, water slides and rampaging pirates, fake volcanoes and sunburnt ang mohs. The island that has had everything. And they smile. And that’s Sentosa’s sweet spot really.

in an island at the bottom of the main island and was trying to remember the name which started with a “B”. Finally we realised his Pulau Blakang Mati is my Sentosa. When I think of Sentosa, I think of my uncle. I smile. When I travel on the tram that runs along Siloso Beach, I think of my late father-in-law, a former bus driver, sitting alongside me, insisting that the driver had the dream job, joking he was going to submit a job application before heading back to the UK. I smile.

Like Sentosa, my Singaporean journey acknowledges modern improvements but still cherishes the heritage, the retro, the offbeat and it is wonderful Sentosa is committed to preserving as much of the island’s history and green spaces as possible. The island must maintain that delicate balancing act between offering visitors something fresh and new and giving a little continuity as we briefly escape a bigger island that is forever Sentosachanging.shouldbe both a sexy island and a comforting security blanket, just as it has been for the last 50 years for Singaporeans (and the last 26 for me).

INFLUENCEPOSITIVE

n 2008, we received a cold call asking whether we did theme parks since it was in the firm’s name. It was an opportunity not to be missed, and the rest is history—we were appointed to do the coordinating and technical support for rides at Universal Studios Singapore (USS). Subsequently, we were awarded our first projects as architect, lead consultant and facility manager for the ride, The Puss In Boots at USS, which opened in 2015. This paved the way for more theme-park work, and today, we have a separate team, P+A Projects, working exclusively on theme parks. We are quite separate in how we approach theme park projects and architectural work. I’m still very sensitive to the quality of space and light. Working on USS had a positive influence. It’s a lens that LIM KOON PARK is Principal Architect and Founder of Park + Associates as well as of P+A Projects (working exclusively on theme parks).

focuses on the experience in a space, the drama of the space itself. While earning knowledge credentials at Universal Studios Singapore, we have come to foster relationships with the biggest and most significant names in the business. I believe that a good design should be relevant yet exude a sense of timelessness and withstand ever-changing trends. More importantly, it should retain a humanistic touch in this increasingly detached world. We endeavour to create quality designs and architecture with good bones, regardless of scale.

beach with Atsongstwomusicalcontemplatingfriends,life.At23,IdidaandspentmonthsintheResortsWorldTheatrewithsomeofthecraziestcastandcrewever.At26,mybandsoldoutatTheColiseumforourfirsteverfull-lengthconcert,andIgottosingmyfor3,000people.30,mywifeandIhad our “homeymoon” (our pandemic-friendly honeymoon) in the cosy, timeless Shangri-La Rasa Sentosa.…and so many more memories etched in between those milestones. What an enclave it was and is for the ever-frenetic Singaporean heart. t takenmuchfullythismoment,wasn’tyears,throughoutonmilestonemanyplantedwouldSingaporean,I,givenalmostseemsathatlikeeveryhaveflagsthatislandtheyetitreallyuntilthiswritingout,thatIrealisedhowofmylifehasplaceinSentosa.Atseven,myuncleand I would imitate the voiceover of “Central Beach” (now Palawan) that came over the monorail speakers (we still do so even Attoday).10,I first held hands with a girl at Fantasy Island (thank you, Water Slide!). At 18, I had my birthday at Tanjong Beach Club when I found out I’m horrible at alcohol and spent the night lying on the

BENJAMIN KHENG is a Singaporean musician, actor, writer, director, and vocalist of The Sam Willows, which landed a coveted spot on Forbes' annual 30 Under 30 Asia list.

HOMEYMOON

entosa was a place I could never get enough of as a child. The island offered fun and adventure, something different and an air of mystery. What initially attracted me to the island was the sand and sea, a love for which was imbued in me by my parents’ fondness for seaside spots over many visits to Singapore’s wonderful places by the sea as a child. Many of these spots were redeveloped when Sentosa became a leisure destination. Sentosa, a product

ISLE TRANQUILLITYOF

JEROME LIM is a retired naval architect and heritage enthusiast who captures Singapore’s urban and cultural landscape through his award-winning blog TheLongandWindingRoad most exciting theme park, Universal Studios Singapore (USS) and its thrilling roller coaster, Battlestar Galactica. That was a favourite, especially with my son. On a visit to USS not long after the Battlestar Galactica ride reopened, my then-teenage son went on thirteen consecutive rides on the Cylon side of the coaster, while I managed only seven.

Sentosa holds an attraction for me even today, in the sixth decade of my life. I had the opportunity to build on my connection when I was invited to curate a heritage tour for the opening of The Barracks Hotel in late 2019. It brought my skills in developing my blog, The Long and Winding Road, to life!

of redevelopment, having been transformed from a military outpost to the so-called isle of tranquillity, was a welcome substitute that offered a fair bit more. The short ferry ride to the island from Jardine Steps made each visit an adventure. The one occasion I went across on the cable car was a thrill and a treat. While there was not much by way of attractions in Sentosa’s early days as compared to today, the island had lots to offer. The island would be where I visited an actual fort for the first time in Singapore, went on my first ride on a doubledecker bus and first swam in a man-made lagoon. I remember the lagoon, especially the fibreglass pontoons anchored in the middle. It always felt like a big achievement to swim out to and climb up one of them. Sentosa visits in my late teens brought me the greatest joy. I would cross over regularly to do some canoeing. I was then enrolled in the polytechnic. As members of the Mariners’ Society, my classmates and I had access to the then-“canoeing” lagoon—a section of the swimming lagoon now known as Palawan Beach, which was reserved for sea sports— and we would go over every Wednesday afternoon when there were no classes. These weekly trips provided a sense of camaraderie and a place where I could be with friends and yet alone. As the years progressed, Sentosa would become the destination for family outings. My family enjoyed visits, especially to Underwater World. There would be other sets of adventures as the kids got older. The luge was always a treat, and then there was Singapore’s

The hotel, which occupies four former artillery barrack buildings, has been exquisitely done up. Besides being a great place to chill out, it provides a wonderful example of how the past can be kept alive through repurposing old historical buildings. There are, in fact, quite a few examples of such efforts on Sentosa, one of which being Fort Siloso—Singapore’s latest National Monument. Together, these sites make Sentosa much more meaningful and complete as a destination in which stories of its past come alive in a place now filled with new-age attractions that help maintain its relevance. This, to me, is what heritage is about. Keeping the past is important, but more important is how the past is kept relevant in the present and for the future.

first whereasbeachISentosaninecourtsnormalplayingstartedonvolleyballwhenIwasyearsold.iswherestartedplayingvolleyballateenager.ItisIusedtogofor a day of fun, sunshine and the sea. The first time I felt the sand on my feet, I had this sense of excitement. We enjoyed training in Tanjong Beach, a popular spot for beach volleyball as a leisure activity, too, and at the end of the day, it is wonderful to go chill and have a drink or perhaps a bite at the Tanjong Beach Club. I remember that Sentosa hosted major beach volleyball competitions, and the two most exciting events were held in 2017 and 2018. In September 2017, Singapore hosted 30 beach volleyball teams from the region to compete in the 29th Southeast Asian Beach Volleyball Championships at Palawan Beach, where I competed with teammate Gladys Lee.

Sportstrainingcompetitivemuchbeeninpandemicambassador.Butsincethestarted2020,wehaveonthebeachless,andisattheHub

FUNLOVELYTIME

We had competed the year before at the FIVB World Championships in Switzerland. This was followed in 2018 by the FIVB Beach Volleyball World Tour Singapore held on Siloso Beach from June 21 to 24. Athletes competed for a spot in the World Championship Games held in Hamburg, Germany. On the last two days, Saturday and Sunday, there was a Venus Rising Dance Music Festival and the Sundown Music Festival Live Party—so beach volleyball is part of having a lovely fun time on the beach. It was in 2018 that I became a SportSG

ELIZA CHONG is a Singapore beach volleyball national athlete who has spent many years training, competing and having great leisure time on Sentosa’s beaches.

Beach Volleyball Courts. Socialising on the beach sort of died down. I love beach volleyball because it is two people on each team, and it is an all-rounder kind of game where it is great fun as well. You can sit in your bikini on the beach, play a physically vigorous game, take a dip in the sea, enjoy a drink, and perhaps go play another game. I hope to continue in competitive beach volleyball for at least another two years. I am now 24 and have just graduated in Business Marketing.

y father, Koh Kia How, was the chief cook in an officer’s mess in Pulau Blakang Mati, the former name of Sentosa. I was practically born there in 1948, except for the fact that my mother, Loy Buay Liang, went over to the mainland to give birth at the former Kandang Kerbau Hospital and came home immediately to our house in a kampong called Mei San (美山). The current site of Capella Singapore is the first location of the officer’s mess where my father was a cook. He then moved to become a chief cook in the mess hall located at Serapong Hill. My house on the land of around one acre, leased from the government, was a few hundred meters from the sea. The exact location of my house is somewhere around the current 13th hole, Par 4 of Serapong Course and the compressor rooms of Genting Resorts. The whole Serapong Course was reclaimed land from the shallow waters along the coast. Before reclamation when it was low tide, it was a muddy field where I would catch crabs and prawns for meals.

My four siblings and I studied till Primary Two on the island in a school called Gong Li Xin Hua Xiao Xue (公立新华小学) with just two teachers. Then we went to the mainland by boat every day for school. For me, this was Chao Yang Primary School at Clemenceau Avenue. My primary schoolmates and teachers from my mainland school loved staying with us overnight on weekends. They enjoyed fishing, plucking the guavas and cutting the sugar cane from our garden. During my primary school days, I used to pluck guavas and sell them to the camp of Malay soldiers from Malaya while the British on Sentosa belonged to the Royal Artillery Force (RAF). I also caught spiders to sell to my rich schoolmates on the mainland. After school, I was either in the sea to catch seafood for meals or plucking guavas for sale to get my pocket money. Studying was not in my dictionary. That’s why I failed in primary school. My late wife Quek Ai Choo quipped that she had never heard of any one failing primary school! My Pulau Blakang Mati days ended in 1963 when we moved to the mainland. Nonetheless, I went on to school at Chung Cheng High School. After that I applied to Singapore University (now National University of Singapore) instead of going to Nanyang University (now Nanyang Technological

MY PLEASUREOWNISLAND

in 1974. My whole career has been in oil and gas fields, and I finally retired as the CEO of Singapore Petroleum on 30th June 2011 on my request and was appointed as Senior Advisor till December 31, 2014. I was appointed as non-Executive Chairman of KIT (Keppel Infrastructures Trust) from 2015 to 2021 and now serve on the boards of Nanyang Junior College (NYJC) and Chung Cheng High School (Main) and in Yishun. Our son Henry, an Overseas Merit Scholar with a double degree from Stanford, decided on a different career path and chose to devote his life and career to fencing. He and his daughter Elle Koh have perhaps shown determination equal to mine. Elle, 14, recently won the Gold Medal Individual for épée at the SEA Games 2022. Henry had the greatest joy of training both Elle and the silver medallist. Yes, my memories of growing up in what is now the pleasure island Sentosa were of my own pleasure island of going fishing, crabbing, catching prawns, plucking guavas and catching spiders to sell to my school mates in the mainland.

KOH BAN HENG, retired CEO of SPC (Singapore Petroleum Company), grew up in Pulau Blakang Mati during its pre-Sentosa days.

CompanyPetroleumSingaporeThenSingapore.atimmediatelyjobgotdegreechemistrytheuniversity,Afterappliedmeain1972MobilOilIjoined(SPC)

University) because it offered Applied Chemistry. My wife studied Mathematics at the same university where we met. We were from the Chinese steam. This decision to study applied chemistry was prompted by my childhood in Sentosa as I used to gaze over the sea and was told that the island beyond was an oil refinery—Shell Pulau Bukom—and that jobs in the oil industry paid well. This dream to work in the oil industry because it paid well made me more focused on studies.

SAM LO, AKA SKL0, is a Singaporeancontemporarynon-binaryartist. 56

ne of my approachedSentosamemoriesfondestofSentosatookplaceearlyinmyartisticcareer,freshofftheStickerLadysaga.Theteammeto

create a series of site-specific installations for the island called “Signs on the Loose”, public signage translated in my own visual language. At that time, as a budding young artist with appreciatedpast,controversialaIreallyhow the team embraced my work and took that leap of faith with me. Their confidence in me helped me grow and, most importantly, allowed me to have fun (especially after that stressful time). Some of the best times were spent brainstorming and exploring options of what can or cannot be done—we explored bending signs, creating interactive installations and even a billboard with local flavour in the background. It was truly a playground for creativity! We would laugh, joke and share anecdotes on the island that went into making the work speak and sing to everyone. That energy translated beautifully into the pieces that were displayed for years to come. What truly moved me from that time was not simply the fun and fond memories we had making these pieces; it was because I needed to make them. At that time, I was andworklargertohavingSentosaworkingHowever,disillusioned.withtheteamandthatfreedomexpressmyselfonascale,tocreatethatIwantedtoseeshare,wasapowerfulmomentformeandmyconfidence,whichledmetobecometheartistthatIamtoday.

ONCREATIVITYTHELOOSE

HARESH SHARMA is the playwrightresidentof The Necessary Stage. 58

he word “Sentosa” conjures images and feelings of peace and tranquillity. But my first trip there was anything but! It was the mid1970s, and my family outing to Sentosa began with a ride on the cable car. For someone afraid of heights, it wasn't the highlight of my excursion. Thankfully, we were able to relax into something more grounded—the equally terrifying Surrender Chamber and Fort Siloso. What could a child do? My mother believed that such trips needed to be “educational”. I don't know if I learned anything about Singapore's history that day, but I have never visited another wax museum since. Thankfully, we did end up at the swimming lagoon— but no allowed!—whichswimmingatthattimewasaman-madewonder!Finally,somepeaceandtranquillity.AmanSentosa.

PEACE TRANQUILLITYAND

OFDAYFUN

hen we were kids, my mom would take us to Sentosa for staycations every other school aholiday at what used to be the Beaufort Hotel, now Sofitel Sentosa. It was when the Musical Fountain was still the main feature at the cable car station, and the monorail was still running!

It always felt like such an adventure to be on the island. Fort Siloso was my dad's favourite, and he would take my brother and me through the attraction, telling us his own stories about what he knew of the war. Now, as a parent, Sentosa is still a go-to with the kids for staycations and beach days! We recently learned to paddleboard as a family, and it's definitely been one of our favourite things on Siloso Beach. Being on the island always guarantees a day of fun when we bring the family, but it can also be a great place to just mentally check out for a while when I go on my own. I discovered a few trails recently that are great for walks.

AARIKA LEE is the quintessential multi-tasker: mother, musician, copywriter and marketing director at Elementary Co.

entosa has been in every part of my last 28 years here and has only held the very best and even a sprinkle of romantic pains with ex-boyfriends. When I first came to Singapore, one of my aunts brought my sister and me to Sentosa in 1994. I was 12 years old, and the thrill of being high up off the ground on the monorail seemed like an intimate first discovery. I remember seeing the dinosaur statues from above in the trails. It felt so magical as a young girl. This was something I had never experienced in the UK. As a child, I was too young to travel around Sentosa alone, but once I had reached 18, my first vivid memory was attending ZoukOut for social events. I felt so free. As a young adult, having graduated from university and working part-time in the media industry, pondering what I would do next, I spent the next decade of my life wandering in and out of Wave House, an outdoor automated surfing venue. In every part of my life in Singapore, Sentosa has been a place of magic and a catalyst behind some of the best years of my life. It’s an ongoing romance that will never end. I usually tie in beach visits alongside dining at the beach clubs. It’s always a social event where my kids are safe, our bellies are full and all is right in the world. I have visited

I’m usually doing swim training for the triathlons if I’m on the beach. As a beachgoer, I love sinking my feet into the sand, kicking back with a naughty drink, while the kids play around me. I tend to go to Tanjong Beach Club or Ola as it’s relaxing with great food. I always felt like I am on a proper holiday away from the mainland when I’ve been on staycations on Sentosa. Waking up to the water and boats on the horizon is an almost Zen-like feeling. I’m an ocean lover, so I feel at my best near water. While I was getting to know myself and becoming me, the footsteps I have created are ingrained into the DNA of Sentosa. It hasn’t been till this interview that I realised how much time I spent there. I feel like it has been parent, boyfriend and mentor through my highs and lows, and it will always be there. I feel more invested and connected to Sentosa than I have ever been. It’s a magic place not just for individuals but families and groups of friends. It’s a home for everyone, whether 60

MAGICAL PLACE

A probably every single sporting venue—from bungee jumping, flying fox, luge, and in the last five years plenty of triathlons or sporting competitions. There are so many more to come. I hope my kids will be doing the same oneNowadays,day!

CLAIRE JEDREK is an athlete and is known for being a race car driver and presenter. She is currently the co-owner of The Film Dispensary, a marketing company working in roboticsblockchainand tech. you love the outdoors or not. We can all experience the magic and fun at any age. It’s that one place on the map in Southeast Asia where you can depend on a good time and a beautiful memory. It’s a good amount of urban life, wildlife, history and solace. As a resident of Singapore, I am so incredibly lucky and blessed to have the opportunity to have a magic island that makes me always smile. A reminder that we can choose how we want to view the world. And I view it as a place of curiosity, magic and something like a feel-good hug. We are constantly looking for the right moment to perhaps live on Sentosa one day.

A SECOND HOME

KYRA POH is an indoor skydiving champion. She came in first at the indoor skydiving World Cup in August 2016. She won a gold medal at the indoor skydiving World Cup and bagged two gold medals at the Wind Games 2017. y Sentosa is like a second home to me—when I was a child, I saw this place as a fun destination where once in a while, my parents brought me to play around, create fun memories and moments. When I started to fly at iFly Singapore, monthly visits to this island became weekly visits and quickly transitioned to daily visits—where I would ride the Sentosa Express from the MRT station daily and spend about nine hours flying, it has become the place that I spend most of my time in. For me, the idea of Sentosa is like a shapeshifter! When I’m with my friends exploring the island, I treat it as a place of discovery and adventure. But when I train, it also represents passion and hard work as I have pushed myself to my limits, and without this place and iFly Singapore, I would never be able to fly or have become a World Champion! So, I thank Sentosa for making my dreams come true!

y favourite memories of Sentosa are those from the 1980s when I was a kid, and going to Sentosa by the ferry was like country.anothervisiting I absolutely loved the monorail ride. It seemed so space-age with the one wheel, and I wondered why it did not topple over. I remember visiting the former Sentosa Wax Museum with the family, feeling intrigued and eating homemade nasi lemak picnics at the beach with my aunties, grandma and cousins. An eternal summer haze surrounds these memories, and I get so sentimental reliving them in my head. is one of Singapore’s most established BansheePhotopopmultifacetedandicons.credit:Productions

ETERNAL SUMMER KIT CHAN

During my second trip to Tanjung Rimau, I spotted a blue-spotted fantail ray! It was amazing knowing that we have animals like stingrays swimming right next to us and we don’t even know it! From there, I went on a stand up paddling session at Ola Beach Club to find more stingrays! In less than five minutes, we found a baby white spotted eagle ray swimming gracefully around our boards. It was such an Inexperience!amazingthe

During my time as an environmental studies undergraduate, I learned so much about Singapore’s marine biodiversity and rich natural habitats—I love to find new natural shores around our coasts and islands!

Tanjung Rimau at the tip of Sentosa, or Siloso headland, was a huge moment for me as an intertidal explorer.

ince I was young, I would hang out at Palawan beach with my friends after school, where we would swim and snorkel! I’d spend every hot day in Singapore by the beach. Those early days in Sentosa were part of my journey into the world of the marine environment.

RICH BIODIVERSITYMARINE that many people don’t realise. Among Singaporeans, we see Sentosa as the only nice beach that we have in Singapore—but it’s more than Sentosathat!ismore than a beach, it is an island that hosts a variety of habitats, including coral reefs, seagrass meadows, rocky and sandy shores. Upon learning about the island’s marine biodiversity, I’ve done so much exploring on my own and I see more and more animals each day!

To me, Sentosa is more than a tourist destination. I discovered the “true” Sentosa in 2019—when I heard about the natural landscapes of the island at Tanjung Rimau at low tide, where the sand, rocks and natural habitats were exposed, and we could explore the

Discoveringarea!

Learning about one of the last few intertidal zones on an island that I frequented so often made me so excited! Sentosa is more than a tourist attraction to me; it holds so much history and culture

next hour of paddling around Siloso beach, we spotted two more stingrays swimming or chilling in the sand and it was the best day I ever had at Sentosa. These experiences showed me that Singapore has so much biodiversity out there that we don’t know about. This makes me excited to continue exploring around theInisland!thepast, Sentosa was just a typical beach day to me. My agenda would be to cool off in the ocean, have a tan and grab a drink at the beach club. Now, it’s so much more—I’m always excited to visit the island, wondering what I’m going to find next! Every visit, I’m always looking around for stingrays, otters and any animals.newSentosa is an island

INEZ ALSAGOFF, a passionate marine environmentalist, graduated in May 2020 with a Bachelor in Environmental Studies from the UniversityNationalofSingapore. of an opportunity for me. Right now, there isn’t much attention on the biodiversity on the island because Sentosa is seen as a tourist island and not somewhere that supports habitats or animals. I can’t wait to continue exploring the island to see what else it has to offer!

As Sentosa continues to develop and expand its many attractions, I hope that there will be a focus on protecting the amazing habitats and animals that live around the island! There’s nothing better than having a chance encounter with a wild animal, and Sentosa has the chance to feature these amazing animals!

After university, I worked part-time at the S.E.A. Aquarium where I was an aquarist. I was involved in the daily feeding of animals and maintenance of the larger exhibitions. This was truly exciting as I got to interact with the animals and spent my time in the water— two of my Throughoutfavourites!mylife, I visited Sentosa as a beachgoer and “local tourist”—I’ve gone to every beach in Sentosa to swim, tan, have a meal or visit the attractions! Now, I go as an explorer to find the rich marine biodiversity at the island.

ISLANDFANTASY party, gathered momentum, and by 2004, there were 8,000 revellers travelling from all over Asia attending it. For the LGBTQ+ community, there was an incredible sense of freedom. It was affirming and empowering for a community finally stepping out from the shadows to live in the light. And I think that in 2005, if I'm not wrong, the event was even nominated “Best Event Experience” at the Singapore Tourism Awards. Regrettably, like a fantasy island, it had a short lifespan. But I remember and cherish that sense of pride and possibility.Overthe last two years of the wepandemic,had 66

entosa has always been a kind of fantasy island for me; an island getaway where we can be tourists in our own country. That was what it was like for me in the seventies, of course. Just getting on the cable car, on what seemed to me a feat of engineering that spans the expanse of water. It was exciting. It was jaw-dropping. It was a Then,wonder.inthe nineties, when I lived in the UK, I brought Tony to the island on his first trip to Singapore. Underwater World, with its gigantic aquarium, was mind-blowing. We went to Fort Siloso together. It was a bit creepy with all the waxwork soldiers. But having Tony there reminded me of Sentosa’s significance to the British in Singapore. From 2000 to 2004, I do not know if anyone remembers this, but there was a huge party called the Nation Party, held on National Day, which was the first openly gay party in Singapore. It started with 1,500 revellers. The Nation Party, billed as our nation’s coming out MY

staycations in Sentosa on six occasions, four of which were at the Shangri-La Rasa Sentosa. For Tony and I who live and work together, these getaways were the next best thing to a holiday. They provided a kind of refuge and the opportunity for us to get away from ourselves. We brought our bikes to cycle round the island, and adrenaline junkies that we are, we took flight at iFly Singapore—skydiving indoors!

IVAN HENG is one of Singapore’s most prominent and dynamic creative personalities and the founder and artistic director of Wild Rice, Singapore’s leading theatre company.

As frequent guests, we got to know our favourite rooms, our favourite restaurants, and we got to know the nooks and crannies of the hotels. The staff became like family, providing us with a home away from home. We love Trapizza, which still serves the yummiest pizzas in Singapore. We also had our pick of restaurants at Quayside Isle, brunched at Panamerica and dined at Cassia, Capella’s very fine Cantonese restaurant. For all its charms and the memories it holds, Sentosa has been and remains my Fantasy Island.

e started playing in clubs as young guys, one or two nights a week—we are on our 21st year as a duet! Our very first professional gig was at Sentosa. It was a 24-hour Go-Kart event, and the guys at Sentosa very casually asked us if we would like to play. It was 2002. We have not looked back since. Somehow, we always found ourselves back at Sentosa, playing at the different venues, prepandemic. It seemed that we played every week—every weekend, we were back at Sentosa. We fondly remember playing at amazing parties as clients booked places like Siloso Beach. The fun is that there are many secret spaces and dramatic venues—the beaches, the resort hotels, and often we ended up playing at the super-luxe six-star Capella Singapore. We have also played at several countdown parties at Siloso Beach, and the feeling of high excitement is incomparable.

GUSTO EXCITEMENTAND

JACK HO and RAI KANNU are a singing duo and guitarists whose easy-going and engaging natures make any audience feel right at home. But for us, our Sentosa romance started when we were kids as young as five to six years old; we were not from privileged families to go for staycations the way kids and their families do nowadays. Going to Sentosa was always a treat. First, we went to the jetty and boarded the ferry—our fondest memory, and it was itbecausespecialwas

a little inconvenient and it felt like going overseas. Today you can just drive across the bridge. Life was simpler then. There was no Resorts World Sentosa, and we always went to the beach. Kudos to the management who have kept the magic alive. The island has changed over the years, but one consistent thing has been the enthusiastic spirit of the people working on Sentosa. Our wish for Sentosa for the next 50 years is to continue to grow in its attraction to locals and foreigners alike and that the live music and performance scene return with gusto and excitement.

SPECIALEXTRA

have been playing competitive golf since I was nine, and I am a professional golfer. My parents got my brother and me into golf and joined the Sentosa Golf Club (SGC) around 2012. Since then, I have played at Sentosa as a juniorSGCmember.hasplayed a special place for me in my golfing career. Apart from practising at SGC, it was where I first played my professional event in 2014 in the HSBC Women’s World Championship (HWWC) at the Serapong course. I studied at the Singapore Sports School and then went to Australia to play and practise golf for 18 months in 2016. Then in 2017, at the age of 18, after qualifying for the HWWC, I decided to turn professional and played my first professional event as a pro in the event at the New Tanjong course. This was so very meaningful to me. I also played the China LPGA tour in 2017 and finished in the Top 10 in the order of merit. It was a great sensation!

Following that, in 2021, we had the FTAG pro series in August, where I won my first pro series on the Serapong course. That win really meant a lot to me as we had stopped competing for close to two years, and having that win showed me that I have it in me as a golfer and that I am doing the right stuff in the right direction. Also, being able to capture that win at SGC feels extra special too. Being in SGC makes me feel right at home. Especially in these last two years during the pandemic, I am thankful to be able to practice and play at SGC. Whenever I play the HWWC and hear the overseas players telling me how good they think the course is, it does feel good and allows me to feel so fortunate that I am able to be here on a daily basis. And not forgetting the friendly and warm staff in SGC. They have made my experience and time at SGC a lot more enjoyable and definitely allowing me to feel very comfortable whenever I am there. In April 2022, I went to the USA for a tour, but wherever I play in the 70

AMANDA TAN, graduate of the Singapore Sports School, is one of Singapore’s most promising professional golfers. world, I always look forward to coming home to play at SGC.Moving forward with the number of golf courses reducing in Singapore, I am hoping SGC won’t get affected as it definitely holds so many special memories for me and for many of our golfers. Also, it is great being able to watch the HWWC and the Singapore Open being played at the New Tanjong and Serapong course respectively and allowing people internationally to see what SGC and Sentosa have to offer.

As the years went by, we Pangs would continue to enjoy many happy times at Sentosa: taking our boys on an excitable ride on the cable car; a hysterical time on the iFly Singapore; deliriously whizzing down the luge;

Three years later, I accompanied my four-year-old Zack and threeyear-old Xander on a kindergarten excursion to Sentosa. Being an over-zealous parent, it turned into an unofficial “bring your daddy on a school trip” for the boys because I was enthusiastically joining in with every kids’ activity—building sandcastles, water play by the beach, climbing hills, hide and seek in the Butterfly Park, etc. And yes, sweating my butt off. It was a lovely bonding day. I had to be carried home and tucked into bed by that evening.

y attachmentemotional to Sentosa will always be entwined with my wife Tracie and our two sons, Zack and Xander.Back in 1994 when Tracie and I were pak tor-ing, one of the very wholesome dates we went on was on a monorail (I miss that) expedition around Sentosa. We just spent the whole afternoon chatting on the carriage, occasionally disembarking to take a stroll and take in the sights. All the while, I was perspiring my butt off. At the end of the day, she agreed to another date, and I said to myself, “this girl isn’t put off by my sweatiness—she just might be a Sevenkeeper!”years later, this “keeper” (of my heart) and I were back on Sentosa—at Zoukout. We had a fabulous time dancing the night away by the sea and under the night sky—and me sweating more than ever.

FULLCOMINGCIRCLE

ADRIAN PANG and his wife Tracie are co-artistic directors of Pangdemonium Theatre Company. They have produced award-winning shows. But the two productions they are most proud of are their sons Zack and Xander.

multiple visits to Universal Studios Singapore; or just lazing by the beach getting sunburnt. And now both Zack and Xander are making their own special memories by taking their respective girlfriends to Sentosa on their dates (I don’t think they call it pak tor).So,my Sentosa story has come full circle. This islandoff-an-island will always have special memories for me. I just wish they would aircondition the whole place.

DAWN SIM, a proponent for fitness, is an entrepreneur helming two businesses, including a yoga/aerial studio. She juggles this with running a household and four children.

As a teenager, I went with my friends when I was old enough for fun times to the water theme park. When I grew up, I took my kids and my parents on frequent staycations at their hotels when Resorts World Sentosa cameYes,about.Sentosa has been a place where I grew up, just as the island grew up over

WORLD-CLASSATTRACTION the years. From the time I was little, it has evolved from a more quiet beach getaway island to an exciting tourist destination. But one thing hasn’talwayschanged—wehavealotof fun whenever we are there, and I feel energized and recharged after each visit. For the wider world, Sentosa has grown up to be a must-go destination for tourists and locals alike, whether you are seeking thrills, fun or a good dose of nature.

As for what Sentosa holds for us in the future, for me personally, I want it to continue to be a family-friendly destination, for every member, whether young or old. A mustsee, must-go-to destination to check off the traveller’s bucket list—it is a world-class attraction that never ceases to evolve, with a strong emphasis on protecting its wildlife and educating visitors to respect nature and yet find adventure and thrills even on the small island.

am a mother of four; I run a couple of businesses focused on fitness and yoga.specificallymindfulness,I also have a growing presence as an influencer. In this hive of activity, I still find Sentosa my go-to place to unwind and chill during the week. We head there almost weekly, although the kids have all started going to school—it is our fun way to bond and create great memories together as a family. My earliest memory was taking the cable car ride with my parents and sister. I was about five years old. For my parents and me, Sentosa meant family fun and an escape from the hustle and bustle of the concrete jungle during my growing up years.

MOMENTSURREAL

he year? 2015. The event? The inaugural Sentosa DJ Spin Off Competition. The result? I won the competition, the greatest highlight of my life. This opened doors for my career. 24 participants came to andcompete,I managed to advance to the semi-finals with eight firstIcrownedEventually,participants.otherIwaschampion.wasthrilledtowinmyDJcompetitioninmy life and have the opportunity to perform at the Siloso Beach Party on New Year's Eve. During that countdown party, I was nervous yet excited at once. It was one of my bucket lists to be able to perform at the festival. As it was the opening set (8pm-10pm), the crowd slowly started to gather and crowd the venue. It wasn’t an easy task to attract the crowd at such an early time, but I managed to do so. It was a surreal moment. I was overwhelmed and buoyed up with good spirits as I watched the party-goers dancing and enjoying themselves. 2015 was special as it was my first time performing in front of such a huge crowd. From 2016 to 2019, I was invited back to perform at the Siloso Beach Party. Every year was a magical experience. The yearly countdown spent at Sentosa celebrating the new year with awesome music and partying with my friends as I worked the night at the turntables was such an amazing experience.

CADEN NEO is a DJ. He won the inaugural Sentosa DJ Spin Off competition in 2015 and has been spinning since. Sentosa means fun/vacation/ party. You can try out indoor skydiving, ride the luge, cycling, chilling at the beach clubs, staying at their luxurious resort(s), visiting the massive aquarium and more. I first fell in love with Sentosa in 2008 when I went for a staycation as a 15-year-old with school friends at the Siloso Beach Resort. But the place that holds a special place in my heart is Siloso Beach because it was where I performed as a DJ throughout the years for the countdown party. I sincerely hope Sentosa will be able to host more New Year's Eve parties. Live music is essential!

Oops…ThatApologies!wasoneof my many fond memories of Sentosa. The skating rink has long been replaced; I don’t even remember where it was located exactly. But the wonderful feelings live in my heart. As I grew older, my trips to Sentosa included outings with my Xinyao singing friends—we would play our guitars and sing our hearts out. I have been a “tour guide” to my relatives who visited Singapore and would accompany them to Sentosa. The beautiful pictures taken on this island help me remember my younger days. Years ago, I was asked to voice the announcements for the Songs of the Sea show at the Musical Fountain and other special events such as the Chinese New Year Celebrations. I am truly blessed to have these memories. There will be more wonderful moments now that my young son has started going to the S.E.A. Aquarium and enjoying the fine sand on the beaches.

ave you ever tried the ‘80s roller skates with two parallel rolls of wheels under each boot?

FOND MEMORIES

LEELIAN CHUA is a Singaporean singer and media celebrity whose album releases include APieceofMyDream (2002). She is a television host and a DJ on the radio station LOVE97.2FM Sentosa. Imagine a group of teenage girls, rolling and falling, screaming and laughing in the rink—the other skaters were so distracted by our “noise”, they fell on their buttocks!

When I was in secondary school, there was

oing to Sentosa for us teenagers was like going overseas because we crossed the water, not like for today’s younger generation who really fly off overseas. It was always a special treat, different from similar offerings on the “mainland” with chalets and leisure spaces. We used to go to the beach at Sentosa and spend the night Sentosathere.was different because there were the colonial buildings as well as the fort and offered us a wholesome retreat during our school days at Chinese High School. There was a time when they rented out BBQ pits and some quite rundown havingnightspendusedchalet.atwoforwehouses,bungalowwhichstayedinanightorlikeatholidayWetothe OVERSEASGOING

DR NG KING KANG (吴庆康) is a renowned Singapore media personality and an accomplished journalist, writer and composer.song a BBQ and sit around telling ghost stories as the island was supposed to be haunted—we never encountered any ghosts!

S LIKE

Memories and experiences of the last 10 years have changed, and we have become used to going to Sentosa for the restaurants and events. But the pandemic years saw us going back to Sentosa for getaway holidays. In 2020, when we could not travel, I recreated my overseas getaway experiences, staying at Capella Singapore, the Amara Sanctuary Resort, the beach villas at Resorts World Sentosa, and the TreeTop Lofts.

entosa is the dream! I was very young, my parents said we were going with the family to stay overnight at a hotel in Sentosa—I think it was the Apollo Hotel. After church, we took a taxi there with my parents and siblings. We met other families there. Next day, we planned on swimming and playing frisbee at the beach. I was so looking forward to it—then that night, Dad woke us up. Mummy was having an asthma attack! We had to wrap things up. I was in tears. It was the most disappointing day of my young life. I told myself from that day, I will visit Sentosa every day when I grow up! Sentosa is a very special place! It still is to me. A month after that failed holiday, we went on a day trip and played on the beach and swam. We had a truly magical time. We used to go over by ferry with friends from the World Trade Centre. I celebrated my 21st birthday with friends at Sentosa. I got married at the Shangri-La

MAGIC!TRULY

JEREMY RATNAM is program director and music director for Power 98 Love Songs. Passionate about art, music and astronomy, he is also an astrophotographer and singer. Rasa Sentosa—it was special. The reception was on the lawn right by the beach. Beautiful! The scene was amazing. Just gorgeous. On top of it all, I also work for Sentosa. I do voice-overs for Sentosa on the trams and buses. This makes me really feel part of the island. I have grown up with it from its simpler days to today with its sophisticated offerings. My wife, kids and I go to Sentosa for staycations often. I also give talks across Singapore because of my passion for astronomy. I often share a special moment in 1988 when I brought my secondary school astronomy club members to Tanjong Beach to observe the 1988 total solar eclipse. We saw the sun almost 90 per cent eclipsed from the shoreline. I was in Secondary Three and had set up the first astronomy club in a secondary school. There was also the time I brought my telescope to Shangri-La Rasa Sentosa to observe the transit of Venus across the sun by the poolside, and that attracted quite a few people. Sentosa is magic to me!

ESCAPE

n 2018, with encouragementthe of my wife Pui Ying, I left accounting to become a full-time artist. Sentosa approached me in 2019 and offered me an exciting commission. Initially I was supposed to paint the Skybridge. Fortunately, due to maintenance considerations, it became an artwork at a length of 230 metres in a very eclectic style. Waves of the Straits to celebrate Singapore’s Bicentennial was such a challenge to create, a walk through time showcasing Singapore and Sentosa’s history from the 15th century in a physical walk around Fort Siloso Road. I painted attap houses on rocks, sampans on the road, the windows to history on granite walls. I painted abstract 3D geometries on the wall and used every part of the natural terrain as well as walls and the road as my 230-metre-long canvas. It took me over a month, and I worked under the blazing hot sun, stopping when it rained. This island means so much to me. When I was in secondary school, Sentosa was the playground with all my schoolmates—we ran, cycled, rollerbladed. When I grew up, I proposed to my wife on Fantasy Island. After

FANTASY marriage, we moved to a flat that overlooked Sentosa and saw it growing—Universal Studios, Sentosa Cove, all these came to life under my eyes. Then when we had children, it became a multi-generational playground for my parents, my wife and I and our children. I feel very lucky that I am the last generation to have seen the new Singapore alongside the old Singapore. It allows me to capture memories so that we do not forget. Most important for me is that my art gives me joy, joy in the creation and joy in seeing other people’s enjoyment of my work. Over the years I've seen the ups and downs on Sentosa. From the time of thethekeepinchangethere’safterIslandFantasyandthat,afocustoupwithtimesandinterestsof

YIP YEW CHONG is a prolific muralist. His work reflects his joy in life. He painted Sentosa’s 230-metre-long artwork, WavesoftheStraitsin 2019 for Singapore’s Bicentennial celebrations. people—now nature and the environment are the major interests. I am sure that Sentosa will continue to reflect the pulse of each moment, and I know that this island will continue to be the fantasy escape for Singaporeans for many generations to come.

Sentosa By AJ Hackett and increasingly, this being Singapore—the fourth attraction is the food and beverage at our Summerhouse Beach Club. We have the perfect spot in Asia for a SkyPark on the beach and it’s rare to have the opportunity to create something in an environment like this. Obviously, we've had our challenges over the years but, for us, these years of the coronavirus pandemic has helped us in a way that I think we work better now than we ever have before with the Sentosa Development Corporation and with the island partners. Yeah, so it's beyond what I'm very happy for.

PERFECT SPOT

Our food, mainly Western, and our beverage are in a position to facilitate more of the MICE market, and we’re very lucky to be surrounded by Siloso Beach. We are developing other activities and products that will be added to the site over the next couple of years as things get a lot stronger. Singaporeans come to the SkyPark for the adventure and to chill on the beach to enjoy the food and drinks in our restaurant. We have seen an increasing number of foreigners also coming for the total lifestyle luckyI'moffer,soday.mostandenjoyonexperience.Ithinkwe'rethisplanettoourselvesmaketheofeveryLifehasmuchtoandveryto

Jump,theattractions—threeweSentosa,havemainBungytheSkywalkaswellastheSwingatSkyPark

AJ HACKETT popularised the extreme sport of bungy jumping and created the first commercial bungy site in 1988. SkyPark Sentosa By AJ Hackett is one of Sentosa’s star attractions and is amongst many globally. be able to experience it to the fullest in what is now called extreme sports from my early bungy jumping days and now, to bring this sense of fun in adventure to Singapore and to many countries around the world.

each other, just two boys, and we said to each other, “You know, I think we just climb the hill to the cable car station.” After about half an hour, I remember that we emerged from a bush and there was aunty waiting for us. We went on the cable car and rode so far up above the land below that it felt like going to another country. Just seeing the cable cars, it was a real treat. Sitting up so high for me as far as I was concerned, I was on an aeroplane. That was 47 years ago. The moment I was asked about Sentosa memories, this incident came to my mind straight away!

A REAL TREAT

GURMIT SINGH, Singapore’s most famous funnyman, our beloved Phua Chu Kang, is an actor, comedian and TV personality

Today, it is one of my most favourite places to visit—the hotels, the beaches, the restaurants. At first, the attractions were simple, and when I was growing up, there was not much there—the rides, the butterfly park, a mini golf course on the beach. No kidding! As a kid, I used to think of Sentosa as Disneyland—bring Mickey Mouse over. You have imagination when there is not much money and you have only one or two toys. I love life. I love nature. I love my family. I'm always looking forward to the next adventure. I love road trips. And I can't wait to go on holidays. remember the time when one of my mother's good friends wanted to go to Sentosa by cable car and invited me and my neighbour, another boy, both of us were around 10 years old, to meet her at the cable car station on Mount Faber. Two of us took the bus to the Seah Im bus interchange at the bottom of Mount Faber, and we looked up the steep hill, and there was the cable car station at the lookedSo,top!weat

PAUL FOSTER is a Singaporean of mixed British and Chinese heritage and is an entertainment industry veteran of 20 years as a host, actor and model. It's been an amazing journey. Now I am privileged to be working with Sentosa in their sustainability efforts and many of their vendors or partners who also call this place home, which allows me to continue my ongoing life relationship with our island in the sun.

entosa has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember—from growing up in the 1980s with family excursions on the monorail, through the forts, along the boardwalk—to my teenage years tearing up the water slides at Fantasy Island during the 1990s—partying at the original beach club KM8 or ZoukOut in my early adulthood of the early 2000s—to seeing how much growth and development over the last 15 or so years have happened. We now visit friends who live on the island and enjoy staycations, the beaches, the nature trails, the food and the entertainment.

JOURNEYAMAZING

Tanjong Beach, where I would run free and try to climb the occasional coconut tree—back then, it was the most secluded and most tranquil part of Sentosa. It was a hidden gem, truly Singapore’s best beach. I remember falling in love with the sun, sand and sea later on but finding it ironic for a tropical island like ours (surrounded by the sea) to be lacking much of a beach culture; that was the starting point of Tanjong Beach Club.

ne of my fondest and earliest memories of Tanjong Beach, before it became the thriving, vibrant community that it is today, was when I was a child. I remember my mother taking me to OF WONDER

In some ways, the transformation of Sentosa mirrors many parts of my life. When we were young, life was about the simple pleasures—picking shells, taking in the beach breeze and feeling sand between your toes. Then growing up with ZoukOut and the many bars popping up along the stretch, Sentosa’s vivacious years. Now, for me, it’s rediscoveringabout this backyard with my daughter, the next generation.

SENSE

WEE TENG WEN is founder and managing partner of The Lo & Behold Group, a hospitality company that rejuvenated the F&B and hotel industries with its creative restaurant and hotel concepts.

I’ve always enjoyed the subtle sense of wonder at Sentosa—and I’ll always enjoy sharing this slice of island life with our guests at Tanjong Beach Club. But that sense of wonder also comes with consideration for the future, preserving what we have for the next generation through sustainable practices and an undying love for the beach.

SUHAIMI YUSOF is a Singaporean actor, comedian, entertainer, radio DJ and creative, known for playing exaggerated Malay stereotype characters and his spontaneous sense of humour. and entertainment and the island’s attractions have grown and changed over the years. In Sentosa, I was involved in some shows. I remember it was at the Musical Fountain with its laser light show—once when I was still a MediaCorp artiste with WARNA in the mid1990s and one after I left MediaCorp and the second show was around 2005—I was doing my comedy skits and also emceeing for the shows. Now the Musical Fountain is no more. But back to fishing….there was a second encounter.Fastforward to the early 2000s before Universal Studios Singapore, and my wife Siti with my family brought my mother Cik Fatimah Bte Adenan to Underwater World. While we all were admiring the beautiful fish, my mother was planning the menu for dinner! A giant fish swam past over the glass enclosure. We were ooh-ing and aah-ing at the beautiful colours and gracefulness of the fish, my mother said, “This is perfect for assam pedas.” As another type of fish swam past, she said quite excitedly, “This ikan is perfect for cooking…” My mother was all ready to go fishing!

FISHING!

ISHING spells Sentosa and brings childhood and adult memories that make me LOL! I was a kampong boy, simple in outlook and used to the modest way of living. Our kampong called Kampong Tengah was at the exact site of today’s Rivervale in Sengkang. My family only moved to a flat in Hougang when I was in secondary school. Sentosa was “overseas” to us kampong boys, and when my elder brother brought me to the pleasure island as a treat—it was a big deal. It was in the 1980s, and I remember we took the cable car and went round the whole island in the monorail. We did not get off at any station till we reached the end of the line. Then we were at the beach! Was this what it was all about? What next? This kampong boy was looking for more excitement. “Want to go fishing?” my brother asked. Fishing? I was notTheimpressed.yearswent by, and Sentosa has always been a place we went for leisure

entosa, Sentosa—How do I love thee?

Let me count the ways. I loved thee (mid 1970s) when I was paddled over by sampan to interview the islanders of Pulau Blakang Mati just before all were relocated to the mainland of Singapore. And I loved thee for the sleepy island that waited in vain for the Japanese invasion from the south in 1942…to be transformed into the pleasure destination that was to be Sentosa! I loved thee when I organised the party for the newly built Minister Mr Lee Hsien Loong brought to life— that classical edifice and Versailles-inspired gardens by the press of a switch. In a split second, that pitch dark night was pierced by a brilliant light spectacle to showcase the beauty of the night. I loved thee when Men Could Cook at The Food Paper’s beachside competition (1995). I loved thee when the King and Queen of Norway partied the night away (2004) at the then empty pristine Tanjong Beach in our specially created hawker centre, under the stars and to the beat of strolling minstrels. I loved thee when burly men carved spectacular man-sized ice sculptures on the beach at the then Café Del Mar. It was for delegationa LOVE THEE?

S HOW DO I

VIOLET OON is a chef, restaurateur, writer, food curator and art and music critic. She has grown up with OutstandingLifetimeshenationhood.daysfromSingaporeitscolonialtoitsproudIn2019wasawardedtheAchievementforContributiontoTourismbytheSingaporeTourismBoard. of influential foodies from the USA (2007) courtesy of the then International Enterprise Singapore. I loved thee when…the list goes on and on, and at each juncture of this event organiser’s wild imagination, Sentosa came up tops! The island was a spectacular backdrop, front drop and centre stage for any and every event I could conjure and provided that perfect location, support and infrastructure to make all my wildest party dreams come true. What else can one ask for?

Sentosa Development Corporation would like to thank our interviewees who gave their time graciously and inspired us with their stories and memories of the island. We hope you enjoyed reliving and reminiscing about your experiences at Sentosa as much as we enjoyed the conversations and stories. We would also like to extend our gratitude to Violet Oon and Epigram for their support and contributions in making this publication possible. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Published by Sentosa Development Corporation Interviews by Violet Oon Illustrations by Kim Nguyen and Shian Designed by Epigram All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying or otherwise without the prior written permission of the publisher. eISBN: 978-981-18-5063-9 First edition, August 2022.