AS a frequent spectator at Sepang, I am thrilled by the prospect of watching another exciting F1 right in our own backyard. To be immersed in the Mardi Gras atmosphere at the race is never the same as watching the F1 on TV in the cool comfort of your home. Just the roar of the engines creates a whole new world of experience.
Singapore can make the F1 a roaring success by not being too regulated and encouraging citizens to let their hair down. For example, offices along the circuit should be encouraged to decorate their buildings to create a festive atmosphere, as we have done with our various ethnic festivals over the years.
For at least one day, perhaps at the start of the F1, employees, including civil servants, working in the circuit area should be allowed to dress down.
There will be inconvenience to the public and businesses but the government should make this as painless as possible. As citizens, we should not complain too much, but instead extend a warm welcome to the world to watch this world-class event either here in person or on TV. The F1 is a great way to showcase not only Singapore's modernisation, but our hospitality, courtesy and warmth.
Palani Pillai Managing Director
Crush Advertising
LOCAL and regional race enthusiasts will certainly embrace the F1 event. The fact that it is going to be a night race will definitely attract the necessary worldwide TV viewership. But the key to making the F1 race in Singapore a roaring success is to get race enthusiasts from the US, Europe and Latin America to attend the Singapore leg and to get non-motor sport enthusiasts in Singapore and the region to also be part of the F1 fever.
The way to do it, in my opinion, is not to look at staging just an F1 race but to stage an F1 festival. Beyond the pre and post activities that happen around any F1 race around the world, organisers should focus on creating an F1 festival that can tie in fashion, music, movies and other entertainment over a three-week period. Especially with the race held at night, there should be enough activities in the day to keep people entertained beyond that which already exists.
Maybe the Power Boat race should be tied in with the F1 for some daytime activity. A Grand Prix cyber game event could also be introduced to add some excitement.
Vijay Iyengar CEO
Agrocorp International
WE visited Melbourne for the First Grand Prix this year and there was a palpable sense of excitement. There were concerts, Formula One parties organised by various institutions and side attractions that included antique car shows and aerial displays.
To make the Singapore race a success, street parties will make a visible difference: Imagine Ferraris packed all along Orchard Road or alongside Clarke Quay. Other events like concerts and arts fests could be organised in tandem so that visitors can be entertained at other times.
To keep up the novelty factor, a different theme could be taken up every year. Of course, local corporates would have to be prepared to sponsor not just the main event, but also peripheral ones.
Looking forward to Sept-Oct 2008!
Celebrate Singapore
Thomas Jakob Chief Executive Officer
T-Systems Singapore
AS a Formula One fan and declared car nut, I am certainly excited about the prospect of an F1 race being hosted here. Since I arrived in Singapore over 10 years ago, the city has steadily - if somewhat slowly - raised its buzz factor and with it also its profile internationally.
While obviously a great opportunity for corporate events (which we will certainly make use of), an F1 race in Singapore should also be accessible to the general public to make the most of it. Recent feedback from other races, though, appears to indicate that F1 tickets are prohibitively priced for many people. If public money is spent to support such an event, let's make sure it will be an inclusive event many people can participate in.
Girija Pande Head Asia Pacific
Tata Consultancy Services
THIS news is excellent and comes at a time when Singapore's image as an exciting global destination is being solidified.
Beyond benefits of widespread brand building from hosting this marquee event, economic gains are likely to be substantial over the years and will benefit all sections of society. We in Tata Consultancy Services are of course delighted as our association with designing Ferrari's racing engine is well known and we consequently hope for their winning streak to continue in the Singapore F1 race.
T Chandroo Chairman/CEO
Modern Montessori International (MMI) Group
THE world stage will be ours come October 2008, but to ensure that the Grand Prix will be a runaway success we must work together with local and international sponsors and broadcasters to launch a multi-million dollar marketing blitz months ahead of race day. Our people should relish this rare opportunity and show the rest of the world that we are not only the most hospitable, but also the most uninhibited (especially in Asia) when it comes to hosting world-class events.
That said, ticket prices for the races should be made affordable and available well in advance to encourage full participation.
Ng Kong Yeam Group Executive Chairman
Sino-America Tours Corporation Pte Ltd
MAKING Singapore a country where one can make money, be assured of security and enjoy entertainment day and night is the greatest concept. The F1 is another brilliant idea. I am glad that Ong Beng Seng was prepared to carry out this project. F1 in Malaysia is a success. Working with them on the arrangement of time and schedule will be even better. With F1 and the IRs, SA Tours will also develop inbound tours in addition to outbound tours.
Wee Piew CEO
HG Metal Manufacturing Ltd
FROM what I've read so far, the F1 may not be a fantastic business proposition but what it represents to Singapore goes beyond simple dollars and cents. It seems to be another part of the jigsaw to reinvent Singapore as a dynamic city in the global community. Along with the award of the Integrated Resorts last year, this latest venture promises to remove any vestige of Singapore's image as a sterile and boring city. The decision to let the private sector lead, with governmental support, is correct. Hotels, food and beverage and entertainment outlets have to work together to come up with F1 themes and think of ways not just to attract local F1 enthusiasts but also global enthusiasts and the rich and famous. And reach out to the international media; the Singapore F1, after all, has the unique features of being a night race and a street circuit.
Derek Goh Executive Chairman
Serial System Ltd
THE hosting of F1 in Singapore for the next five years is a mega spin-off for Singapore.
Industries from motoring to hospitality should gear up for a slice of that $150 million economic pie. The STB together with the major players should start their publicity campaign here and abroad to sell Singapore as a global sporting nation. The Singapore Sports Council and the country clubs can start motoring clubs to raise interest and participation in the sports.
The Traffic Police and the insurance companies can start a safety-first campaign for safe driving and motor insurance.
The IRs can introduce F1 online gaming for their potential customers prior to their opening in 2009/2010.
Singapore will roar louder with the F1!
Light up the night
Terry O'Connor Managing Director
Courts (S) Ltd
I WAS delighted to hear the news that Singapore will be a fixture on the F1 circuit from 2008. The idea of a night race is also a thrilling prospect and hopefully necessary safety precautions will allow this to happen.
On the assumption that it is a night race, I think what needs to be done largely involves public consultation and excellent communication on the impact of road closures as this affects rush hour traffic.
Considering the worldwide attention, the circuit will need to have excellent lighting, a more relaxed approach to brand creativity, neon-type signage and show-stopping wow factors along the route. After all, what is the point of a night race if you don't maximise the glamour factor?
Finally, the city circuit is already a differentiator and positions this race as 'Asia's Monaco'. Not all grand prix cities are equal and thus the links with the hospitality and entertainment operators, including the IR operators, will be the key to making this a must-visit on the tourism and business calendar.
Peter Rigbye Managing Director
PASR Technologies
AS a long-time F1 fan and Singapore permanent resident, I was excited by the announcement. The buzz of an F1 event in a city state like Singapore and raced on a downtown circuit makes it exhilarating. I look forward to participating as a fan and on a corporate level, searching for a way to use it as a business event.
The possibilities to use the event to enhance Singapore as a destination and connect it in a combined role with Sepang or Shanghai should raise the interest factor. A night race could be the winning concept that makes the Singapore stop on the F1 tour unique and enhance the premium experience that fans worldwide have come to associate with the F1.
Since Singapore isn't Monaco, it will be interesting to see just how many Singapore heartlanders will be convinced to buy tickets. My congratulations to Mr Ong Beng Seng for succeeding in bringing F1 to Singapore.
Don Birch, President and CEO
Abacus International
CONGRATULATIONS to all the parties involved in securing a Formula One event for Singapore. This is an inspiring example of the public and private sector hunting together to bring back a prized trophy for Singapore. For Singapore's sake I really hope the organising team can press on and actually secure a unique night event for the Republic.
The city's outdoors are very visitor friendly after dark and the sheer uniqueness of night racing will make this a 'must see' event for afficionados around the world, not just the region.
If the tourism and travel sector can complete the package with a week of action that supports F1's unique fusion of technology, style, glamour, achievement, power and ambition, this can be our 'Hong Kong 7's'.
Singapore F1 can then build up over five years into not just another car race, but one of the most exciting weeks on the global sports calendar.
Dora Hoan Group CEO
Best World International Ltd
THE most important issue will be safety. With the racing cars travelling at high speeds and poor visibility on rainy days, sufficient safety precautions have to be in place to ensure the F1 race can proceed smoothly.
Plans should be made to ensure ample accommodation for F1 fans and other related personnel to avoid unnecessary confusion.
Security is always a concern. As F1 brings an influx of foreigners of different backgrounds to Singapore, there is a need to tighten security in the city area where the race is held and at the airport to reduce any possibility of danger.
Bill Padfield Chief Executive Officer
Datacraft Asia Ltd
I'VE been waiting years for this to become a reality. The key thing is to make the race safe. Even the top drivers are uncertain about holding a night race. However, if anybody in the world can get it right, Singapore can.
Tech it to the limit
Steve Leonard Senior Vice President, EMC Corporation and President, EMC Asia Pacific/Japan
EMC Corporation
MANY factors contribute to F1's success. Driving teams and Singapore, though, will depend on information technology for success. Victory is not only in the hands of the driver but also the teams backing them. Car design and performance are critical but drivers need details about the weather, the track and other environmental factors.
For Singapore, success will be built on teamwork, technology, passion and information. The ability to harness all relevant information at 240 mph determines who wins. EMC's association with the Toyota F1 team has made us intimately involved with the F1 circuit to ensure that all information resources can come together - on and off the track.
J Anton Ravindran Group CEO & Co-founder
Genovate Solutions
FIRSTLY, congratulations to Singapore for winning the rights to host the F1 race in 2008. The win will immediately generate tremendous spin-offs for the Singapore tourism sector in particular, and cement Singapore's image as the top lifestyle destination for this region.
I am sure that the technology sector celebrates this wonderful opportunity to be a part of this exciting global city.
A city that offers a wide palette of lifestyle options such as the F1 will set the scene for Singapore to be further perceived as a city where lifestyle sports and Asia's wealthy can come together.
This would definitely establish Singapore as the destination of choice for technology entrepreneurs and further enhance our reputation as a hub for technology commercialisation.
Mark Leigh President
Avaya Asia Pacific
THE F1 is one of the most exciting sporting events in the world and having a night race through the streets of Singapore will create a new level of adrenaline for drivers and spectators alike.
We believe that the F1 race is a good analogy for doing business today: The pace of change, the unrivalled excitement, and the toughest competition from the best players and technology inventors in the world.
For F1 to be a roaring success, we at Avaya believe that the organisers will need to harness innovative technologies to differentiate Singapore from other countries where this race takes place. Avaya was part of the recent Fifa World Cup, where technology brought this global sports event to millions around the world. We'd like to see the same for Singapore's F1 event.
Charles M Ormiston Director
Bain & Company
First, congratulations are in order. Reading the Sunday Times over the weekend, it is clear that several local business and government leaders have pursued this dream with a passion over many years. That commitment and perseverance is admirable. Formula One is just another example of how Singapore is transforming itself by building on 'hidden assets'. The government is doing a phenomenal job breaking old taboos, taking some risks, and systematically building a new set of opportunities and industries in education, media, tourism and financial services. They appear very focused on competing against global leading cities and seeking innovations that are truly unique (eg. a night-time F1 race, which makes so much sense in the tropics). What is my advice for making it a roaring success?
First, the key attributes - good organisation, good media coverage, good transport and accommodation - are what Singapore is already known for. It is simply a question of execution.
Some businesses in Singapore should experiment with brand-building opportunities created by Formula One. I have been disappointed by the lacklustre Singapore support for events like the Singapore Marathon, the Singapore Golf Masters and the Sentosa Open (Standard Chartered, Caltex, Barclays, Lexus -- all MNCs). It would be nice to have Singapore companies be more aggressive about sports sponsorship in the local community.
Ensure it isn't all about money. When I was 15, I was given a chance to volunteer in the press box at the Indianapolis 500 - a simple job as a runner for telex messages to the various reporters covering the event. I came from a very small town in Indiana, and it was the first time I had been exposed to how print and radio journalists worked, how a press room was organised, the bustle and excitement of covering a major sporting event. I look back and wonder who had the brilliant idea of letting a young volunteer do that job instead of bringing someone in from the professional ranks.
Try to keep the balance. Formula One is all about loud, gas-guzzling over-geared mechanical wizardry. It is definitely a spectacle, but it is not for everyone. Let's hope 10 per cent of the effort put into Formula One is set aside for designating a 50 kmbicycle route around Singapore on Sunday mornings or continuing to build more nature trails like MacRitchie or continuing the great efforts to improve public transport in the country.
