At the final international participants’ meeting in January, the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) made a presentation on the concept of its pavilion design and the message behind it.
“From afar, it looks like a red dot. But as you get close you can see it’s actually covered by over 17,000 recycled discs,” explained Carrie Kwik, executive director of World Expo and special project at STB.
“Our message really is that dreams create future possibilities and this will be reflected in Singapore as a country, a place where animals, nature, wildlife and people live harmoniously together.”
The “red dot” is one of Singapore’s nicknames, and is derived from how the tiny nation is often depicted on world maps.
SLOW TICKET SALES
However, the event is also drawing criticism for rising costs and slow construction.
As of mid-January, Japanese media said only three pavilions out of 47 had been completed, and 10 may not make it in time for the expo’s opening in April.
