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The Prime Minister said the expansion, alongside the upcoming NS Square, is expected to attract more visitors, and create new opportunities for Singaporeans in sectors such as hospitality and tourism.
The groundbreaking ceremony for the Marina Bay Sands (MBS) expansion took place on 15 July 2025, weeks ahead of Singapore’s 60th year of independence. In his speech at the event, Lawrence Wong, Prime Minister and Minister for Finance called this milestone a moment to reflect, give thanks, and look ahead.
"When Singapore became independent 60 years ago, very few thought we could make it," he said. "We were a tiny island with no hinterland, no natural resources, no water, no army to defend ourselves. But with imagination, hard work, solidarity, and unity – and perhaps with a little bit of luck – we defied the odds."
The PM went on to talk about the opportunities facing the country as it progressed, and upcoming projects that could lead to further progress in years to come.
A national symbol built from sea
Marina Bay was once just open sea in the 1970s. But Singapore’s founding leaders had a vision – a bold one, as PM Wong called it – to expand the city centre by reclaiming land from the sea.
Each generation, he said, built upon the work of the previous one, investing in infrastructure and growing the business district. Today, Marina Bay is seen as a thriving business and financial hub, a vibrant destination for meetings, conventions, tourism, and entertainment, and a key node that connects Singapore to the global economy. He added that it enables the country to plug into the global network and, in the process, create good jobs and opportunities for Singaporeans.
PM Wong noted that the skyline is instantly recognisable across the world, often featured in movies, documentaries and music videos, and has come to be closely associated with Singapore.
But beyond its economic importance, Marina Bay is also a place where memories are made, he shared. From National Day Parades to year-end countdowns, Singaporeans come together here.
"Marina Bay is a place that Singaporeans are proud to call home."
He also highlighted that for many Singaporean men, Basic Military Training graduation parades are held at Marina Bay, serving as a reminder of why they are defending Singapore and what they are protecting.
The next chapter: Expansion of Marina Bay
PM Wong described the Marina Bay Sands expansion as part of the new chapter for this iconic district. The project will introduce:
- A 15,000-seat arena for world-class concerts and performances,
- A rooftop destination open to the public,
- More convention and exhibition space to strengthen Singapore’s MICE position, and
- New public areas and activities, including kayaking, pedal boating, and dragon boating.
In addition, a new national landmark called NS Square will take shape, as a tribute to National Servicemen and a future venue for National Day Parades, cultural, and community events.
PM Wong said these upcoming developments are expected to add buzz and vibrancy to the area, attract more visitors, and create new opportunities for Singaporeans in sectors such as hospitality and tourism, much like what Marina Bay Sands has contributed over the past 20 years.
Part of a bigger transformation
The MBS expansion is also part of the Greater Southern Waterfront which is a broader transformation project spanning Marina East to Pasir Panjang. This area is six times the size of Marina Bay, with plans for more commercial, recreational, entertainment, and residential developments, including public housing.
PM Wong said: "We will always keep on improving, keep renewing, and keep on moving forward."
A shared journey with strong partners
PM Wong acknowledged the partnership with Las Vegas Sands, which dates back to when Singapore introduced Integrated Resorts in 2005. He described it as a bold commitment from Las Vegas Sands, calling it a major investment that reflected strong confidence in Singapore and its long-term future.
He acknowledged that both Singapore and Las Vegas Sands had to take risks when the partnership first began, noting that the successful outcome seen today was never predetermined.
Building beyond SG60
As Singapore turns 60, PM Wong concluded with a hopeful message for the future.
"Let us do everything we can to ensure that Marina Bay – and Singapore – continue to thrive and shine brightly on the world stage.”
Lead image / PM Wong Facebook (MDDI Photos by Kendrick Wong)
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