During the recent Olympics opening ceremony, Team Singapore proudly carried the country’s flag down the Seine River. More than just a picturesque backdrop, the Seine has shaped Paris’s history and economic growth, remaining vital for transportation and commerce. For Michelle Koh, Executive Director of Singapore River One (SRO), the Seine represents the vision she has for Singapore’s rivers.
Despite its rich history, Singapore River—encompassing Boat Quay, Clarke Quay, and Robertson Quay—is often not regarded as a top attraction in the Lion City. However, since becoming a placemaker, Michelle Koh has been driven by a singular mission: transforming this iconic waterway into a landmark as celebrated as the Seine in Paris or the Thames in London. This has been her driving force for over 10 years.
One of SRO’s pivotal strategies? Reviving nightlife. Nightlife activities are the beating heart of Singapore’s tourism industry, which has faced significant challenges, even two years post-pandemic. With 350 businesses seeking closure support from The Singapore Nightlife Business Association (SNBA), the outlook was grim, further impacting tourism.
Yet, in this paradoxical chicken-and-egg situation, SRO pushed through bureaucracy and red tape, spearheading initiatives that resurrected nightlife and, in turn, the Singapore River’s global prominence. By easing tight regulations for nightlife spots and vendors, and working closely with the Tourism Board to grant the river a “Must Visit” status, SRO’s efforts have revitalized the nightlife scene. Events like the Grand Prix Season Singapore (GPSS) and the annual Singapore River Festival now draw crowds.
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Additionally, to sustain these efforts, SRO has partnered with Pernod Ricard on their “Drink More…Water” campaign at Boat Quay for two consecutive years. They also collaborated with the Singapore Police Force’s “Safe Clubbing” initiative to ensure the safety of all involved in nightlife activities.
We had the opportunity to sit down with Michelle Koh, who shared insights into the strategies SRO undertook to revitalize the nightlife surrounding Singapore River post-pandemic. She elaborated on SRO’s collaboration with the Ministry of National Development (MND) and the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI), and how these efforts are reshaping Singapore’s nightlife and tourism landscape. Michelle also recounted the challenges and triumphs experienced during the riverfront nightlife revival and shared her vision for the future of Singapore’s riverside nightlife.
