Integrated Resorts: Two Sides of a Coin
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Integrated Resorts: Two Sides of a Coin
Concerns over the social costs aside, the Integrated Resorts will certainly benefit Singapore, economics professor Winston Koh tells Challenge. - By Susan Tsang
Since the government first mooted the idea of Integrated Resorts (IRs) in Singapore, the topic has generated heated discussion, with those opposed fearing the social costs while others were keen to have theme parks and casinos within a convenient distance.
Now that Resorts World Sentosa (RWS) has opened, with Marina Bay Sands Resort due to follow soon, a clearer picture is emerging.
Singapore Management University Professor of Economics, Winston Koh, observes that people are excited enough by Universal Studios Singapore to express frustration when some of the best rides were not yet operational by March.
“To have such a theme park in your backyard – there’s the novelty factor, and it offers a place where you can spend a day and have a good time,” he says.
Prof Koh is the author of a paper on “An Integrated Resort-Casino for Singapore: Assessing the Economic Impact” for the IPS (Institute of Policy Studies) Forum on The Casino Proposal. Certainly, according to him, the IRs have their advantages.
“They make Singapore a more exciting tourist destination, and make us compare better with, say, Hong Kong, which has Disneyland,” Prof Koh says.
Jobs, Revenue and Buzz
The casinos will generate more jobs and revenue for the country, as Singaporeans who normally play overseas flock to the new premises at home. Gamers from abroad will also boost income.
And with Sands promising Las Vegas-type entertainment when it opens, the IRs will add a spark to the urban environment, in the same way the Esplanade did. “There will be a positive buzz,” says Prof Koh. “It makes
Topic Page
* Article - Integrated Resorts: Two Sides of a Coin 2 * Essay - Integrated Resorts: Two Sides of a Coin 5
* Reference List 9
Integrated Resorts: Two Sides of a Coin
Concerns over the social costs aside, the Integrated Resorts will certainly benefit Singapore, economics professor Winston Koh tells Challenge. - By Susan Tsang
Since the government first mooted the idea of Integrated Resorts (IRs) in Singapore, the topic has generated heated discussion, with those opposed fearing the social costs while others were keen to have theme parks and casinos within a convenient distance.
Now that Resorts World Sentosa (RWS) has opened, with Marina Bay Sands Resort due to follow soon, a clearer picture is emerging.
Singapore Management University Professor of Economics, Winston Koh, observes that people are excited enough by Universal Studios Singapore to express frustration when some of the best rides were not yet operational by March.
“To have such a theme park in your backyard – there’s the novelty factor, and it offers a place where you can spend a day and have a good time,” he says.
Prof Koh is the author of a paper on “An Integrated Resort-Casino for Singapore: Assessing the Economic Impact” for the IPS (Institute of Policy Studies) Forum on The Casino Proposal. Certainly, according to him, the IRs have their advantages.
“They make Singapore a more exciting tourist destination, and make us compare better with, say, Hong Kong, which has Disneyland,” Prof Koh says.
Jobs, Revenue and Buzz
The casinos will generate more jobs and revenue for the country, as Singaporeans who normally play overseas flock to the new premises at home. Gamers from abroad will also boost income.
And with Sands promising Las Vegas-type entertainment when it opens, the IRs will add a spark to the urban environment, in the same way the Esplanade did. “There will be a positive buzz,” says Prof Koh. “It makes
Cited: 21st September 2010