1. Learn about how Gardens by the Bay is a demonstration of a vision come true through foresight, strategic planning and innovation through to a talk on 'Gardens by the Bay: A Singapore Icon',
2. Gain insights and learn about relevant programmes and resources such as Race to Sustainability ! which are sustainability programmes specially curated for schools, and
3. Visit the Flower Dome to view the Sakura floral display.
An enriching talk by Mr Felix Loh CEO of Gardens by the Bay. He studied Horticulture at New Zealand. The talk was held at the Waterview room next to the Flower Dome entrance on 13 March 2026.
Mr Lee Kuan Yew took an active interest in developing our garden city. He put the parks and recreation unit under the prime minister office until 1967. Now it is under National development.
Massive tree planting was carried out in what is known as tree planting day in the 60s.
Planting of rain tree and bougainvillea along the road. In the 60s he started to attract investment. The sight of the trees showed how well plan the country is and attracted the investors. Other than economically, it is also for environmental sustainability. Mangoes and mangosteen were grown in Tampines.
Ecolink @BKE was built to allow animal crossing.
Oriental pied horn bill was extinct but is sighted again, showing the success of our environmental sustainability efforts.
2003 SARS brought challenges to Singapore.
Singapore reclaimed this land and first tenant was Marina Bay Sands Integrated resort. The real cost of building Gardens by the Bay is not 1.3 billion but the opportunity cost of the land use. Does Singaporean endear Gardens by the Bay?
Founders memorial will be built next to Gardens by the Bay. A people garden, a garden for the future generation, not built for tourists. However there is still a charge for the domestic tourists to support the cost.
Outdoor gardens e.g Heritage, colonial garden. Chinese garden
Heritage behind the garden
Cloud forest is number 1 attraction in Singapore. Many are fascinated with the plants built behind the waterfall.
Crazy rich Asian movie was shot at Supertree. Filming took place at night and the music was dubbed only after the filming.
Built on sustainability
Horticulture waste is used to generate electricity However the Biomass only meet 30% of the needs.
The development of a circular system.
.
Gardens by the Bay is a company. 140 million. 70 to 80% of the income is from tourists and local entry fees are subsidised. During COVID-19, GBTB has to cut operating cost by 50% but thanks to Singaporean who continued to support such as friends of GBTB subscription.
Core capability is flower with 100 gardeners research on flowering.
Jurassic 15 million but it helped to attract tourists.
Rejected Harry Porter but accepted Avator cos there is sustainability message in it.
Though number of tourists is high at 16.1 million, the receipts are low when Singapore currency is strong as tourists will spend less.
Felix has impressed me with what he said about Gardens by the Bay in his humorous way.
It is not the cost of building Gardens by the Bay but the opportunity cost of building it.
Learned about the programme in GBTB.
This digital trail with AR is interesting.
2025 Sustainability Race
There are 2 days this year with one specially for secondary and P5, P6 students.
