Latest news with #LasVegasSands'
CNBC
17-07-2025
- Business
- CNBC
Construction begins on Las Vegas Sands' $8 billion 'ultra luxurious' resort in Singapore
Construction has started on an $8 billion "ultra luxurious" integrated resort in Singapore that will expand the city-state's Marina Bay Sands integrated resort and Las Vegas Sands' presence in Asia. Singapore's Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and Las Vegas Sands co-founder Miriam Adelson attended a ground-breaking ceremony Tuesday, where it was revealed that the development will include a 55-story all-suite resort, luxury retail shops, gaming facilities and 200,000 square feet of meeting space. The project, which has been called Marina Bay Sand's "fourth tower," is not an extension of Marina Bay Sands, Robert Goldstein, CEO of Las Vegas Sands, said at the ceremony. "If you came here expecting to hear about an extension of MBS, you've come to the wrong party," he said. "This is a brand-new building with a brand-new identity." The new resort will include 570 suites and a 76,000 square-foot rooftop space called the Skyloop that will have an observation deck, restaurants and gardens that are open to the public. The rooftop area will also have multiple infinity-edge pools, as well as private cabanas, for hotel guests. A 15,000-seat arena designed by Populous, the design team behind the Sphere in Las Vegas, is set to open at the base of the resort. The new development was designed by Safdie Architects, the architecture firm behind Marina Bay Sands and Jewel Changi Airport. Company founder Moshe Safdie was also present at the ground-breaking ceremony, alongside Singapore's Minister for Sustainability and the Environment Grace Fu and Las Vegas Sands' President and Chief Operating Officer Patrick Dumont. The new development aligns with Singapore's "Tourism 2040" strategy, released in April, which aims to triple tourism revenue from so-called "Mice" travelers, or those who attend meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions. Singapore's long-term tourism goals also rely heavily on attracting leisure travelers with world-class attractions and live music and sports entertainment. Several high-profile launches since the start of the year have boosted the island's tourism industry, including its first all-villa resort Raffles Sentosa Singapore and a zoological park called Rainforest Wild Asia. An upgraded aquarium attraction called Oceanarium, is set to open next week.
AsiaOne
16-07-2025
- Business
- AsiaOne
Las Vegas Sands' new development part of Singapore's broader, more ambitious transformation: PM Wong, Singapore News
SINGAPORE - Singapore's skyline will get a soaring new addition come 2030 when Las Vegas Sands' US$8 billion (S$10.3 billion) new hotel tower is completed. Speaking at the development's ground-breaking ceremony on July 15, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said the plans for Marina Bay are just one part of the Republic's broader, more ambitious transformation of its entire southern waterfront. A 30km stretch of coastline from Gardens by the Bay East to Pasir Panjang that is six times the size of Marina Bay, it will have more commercial, recreational and entertainment options, alongside new residential precincts that include public housing for Singaporeans, he added. The authorities said in May that the first of these homes – around 1,000 Housing Board Build-To-Order flats to be built on the site of the former Keppel Club – will be launched for sale in October. PM Wong said: 'That's what we mean when we say we are never done building Singapore. We will always keep on improving, keep renewing and keep on moving forward.' The Greater Southern Waterfront project was first announced by then Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong at the 2013 National Day Rally, where he outlined a vision to consolidate container port activities in Tanjong Pagar, Keppel, Brani and Pasir Panjang at a unified port in Tuas, freeing up prime waterfront land for redevelopment. PM Wong was addressing about 200 guests gathered at the ground-breaking site next to Marina Bay Sands' (MBS') Hotel Tower 1. They included Las Vegas Sands co-founder Miriam Adelson, chairman and chief executive officer Robert Goldstein, and president and chief operating officer Patrick Dumont. The new Las Vegas Sands complex will comprise 570 luxury hotel suites, a casino, a 15,000-seat entertainment arena, 200,000 sq ft of meeting and convention space, and numerous high-end restaurants. It is set to be completed by 2030 and to open in the first quarter of 2031. Like MBS, it is designed by US-based firm Safdie Architects, and it will have a distinct roof in the form of an elliptical Skyloop, which will have 360-degree views, and both public and private facilities. PM Wong called Marina Bay a symbol of the Singapore Story – that of a thriving financial and business hub, a vibrant destination for meetings, conventions, tourism and entertainment, as well as a key node connecting Singapore to the global economy. But more than just an economic success story, it has become deeply embedded in the national consciousness, he added. Prime Minister Lawrence Wong speaking at the ground-breaking ceremony for the new Las Vegas Sands hotel tower on July 15. PHOTO: The Straits Times This is as the bay is where Singaporeans come together to celebrate milestones such as the National Day Parade and year-end countdowns, and to make memories. The skyline is also instantly recognisable around the world as being Singapore, whether in movies, documentaries or music videos, he said. 'Every recruit who does basic military training, their graduation parades are held here, reminding them of why they are defending Singapore and what they are defending,' he said. 'So we are very proud of what Marina Bay has become, but we're not done yet because we believe the best still lies ahead.' (From left) Populous senior principal Andrew Tulen, architect Moshe Safdie, Las Vegas Sands chief operating officer Patrick Dumont, Las Vegas Sands co-founder Miriam Adelson, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, Minister for Sustainability and the Environment Grace Fu, Las Vegas Sands chairman and chief executive Robert Goldstein, Las Vegas Sands executive vice-president of Asia operations Grant Chum and Marina Bay Sands chief operating officer Paul Town at the ground-breaking ceremony on July 15. PHOTO: The Straits Times He noted that the Las Vegas Sands development will both refresh Singapore's skyline and introduce new attractions, including the rooftop Skyloop and the 15,000-seat arena for world-class concerts and performances. Added convention and exhibition space will also further strengthen Singapore's position as a leading Mice (meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions) destination globally, he added. Alongside the upcoming NS Square, which is set to be completed by 2027, PM Wong said these developments will add buzz and vibrancy to the bay area, which will draw more visitors and create new opportunities for Singaporeans in hospitality and tourism. An artist's impression of the Skyloop from an aerial view. PHOTO: Safdie Architects Singapore is able to keep renewing itself and moving forward because of strong partnerships, such as with Las Vegas Sands, said PM Wong. He noted its 'bold commitment' when the integrated resort was first mooted in 2005. The American casino and resort company committed to an initial investment of $3.85 billion, which is apart from another $1.2 billion in land cost for the site. 'It was... a major investment, underpinned by confidence in Singapore, and in Singapore's future,' he said. 'I'm glad this partnership has flourished, and I'm even happier that we are now taking it to the next level.' Mr Goldstein said that Marina Bay Sands has become the most successful integrated resort in history and the industry's gold standard since it opened in 2010. 'We have every intention of delivering a product that will be the envy of the hospitality industry and ushers in a new era of luxury tourism in Singapore,' the Las Vegas Sands chairman and CEO said of the new tower. This article was first published in The Straits Times . Permission required for reproduction.
Straits Times
15-07-2025
- Business
- Straits Times
Forum: Managing school closure days remains a challenge for parents
Find out what's new on ST website and app. A s a working parent of three primary school-going children, I am grateful for the many ways Singapore supports families. That said, many parents, including myself, face challenges managing school closure days that fall outside official public holidays with our limited parental leave entitlement. Each year, schools close for days such as on Youth Day, Teachers' Day, Children's Day, the day after National Day, and PSLE marking days, which last for four days. In addition, there are occasional early dismissals and home-based learning days, where students stay home and often require parental supervision, especially for younger children. These can easily add up to seven or more working days a year, not counting regular school breaks. Currently, working parents receive only two days of extended childcare leave annually when the youngest child is between seven and 12 years old. This often falls short in meeting caregiving needs. Many parents cope by using annual leave or relying on family support, but this can be difficult for those with multiple children or limited help at home. Perhaps the relevant ministries can consider reviewing ways to better support parents. These could include increasing childcare leave and looking at ways to limit school closure days that require parental supervision. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore Las Vegas Sands' new development part of S'pore's broader, more ambitious transformation: PM Wong Singapore Economic headwinds do not dampen outlook for new Marina Bay development: Las Vegas Sands president Business MAS records net profit of $19.7 billion, fuelled by investment gains Singapore Man charged with attempted murder of woman at Kallang Wave Mall Singapore CDL's long-time director Philip Yeo to depart after boardroom feud Singapore Ex-cleaner jailed over safety lapses linked to guard's death near 1-Altitude rooftop bar Life The Violinist, Singapore's first animated historical film, set for August 2026 release Singapore 'Nobody deserves to be alone': Why Mummy and Acha have fostered over 20 children in the past 22 years Such thoughtful adjustments would help working parents manage their responsibilities at home and at work, making it easier to raise families in Singapore while balancing career commitments. Low Wen Wei
Straits Times
15-07-2025
- Business
- Straits Times
Cuban minister under pressure for saying country has no beggars
HAVANA - Cuba's labor minister denied there are beggars in the poor, Communist-run country in official testimony, prompting rare criticism by Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel of one of his own ministers on Tuesday. "We have seen people who appear to be beggars, but when you look at their hands, when you look at the clothes those people wear, they are disguised as beggars ... In Cuba, there are no beggars,' Labor and Social Security Minister Marta Elena Feito said on Monday, while testifying before a commission of parliament. 'They have found an easy way of life, to make money and not to work as is appropriate,' she said in a statement broadcast live on state television. Her words struck a nerve in Cuba, where years of crisis marked by runaway inflation and scarcity of basic goods have left large swaths of the population living day-to-day and a small, but increasing number of visibly impoverished people on the street, 'These people, who we sometimes describe as homeless or linked to begging, are actually concrete expressions of the social inequalities and the accumulated problems we face,' Diaz-Canel told the same commission on Tuesday. 'I do not share some of the criteria expressed in the commission on this issue,' he said. Feito characterized people wiping windshields on street corners as possibly looking for money to get drunk, and those picking through garbage as unlicensed self-employed recyclers dodging taxes. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore Las Vegas Sands' new development part of S'pore's broader, more ambitious transformation: PM Wong Singapore Economic headwinds do not dampen outlook for new Marina Bay development: Las Vegas Sands president Business MAS records net profit of $19.7 billion, fuelled by investment gains Singapore Man charged with attempted murder of woman at Kallang Wave Mall Singapore CDL's long-time director Philip Yeo to depart after boardroom feud Singapore Ex-cleaner jailed over safety lapses linked to guard's death near 1-Altitude rooftop bar Life The Violinist, Singapore's first animated historical film, set for August 2026 release Singapore 'Nobody deserves to be alone': Why Mummy and Acha have fostered over 20 children in the past 22 years "The economic crisis has exacerbated social problems … the vulnerable are not our enemies,' Diaz-Canel said. The minister was not seen during broadcasts of Tuesday's parliament session. REUTERS
Straits Times
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Straits Times
‘Kpods broke our marriage, shattered our children': Woman on husband's vape addiction
Find out what's new on ST website and app. SINGAPORE – The first sign that something was amiss was when Mary's (not her real name) husband shut himself inside the bedroom, ignoring his wife and two young sons. The once loving husband and father turned violent, wrecking things at home, kicking doors in the middle of the night. One day, he collapsed in the living room, his body slouched against the wall, with a vape in hand. Since The Straits Times launched its anti-vaping campaign, Vaping: The Invisible Crisis , on July 13, several readers have written in to share their experiences about loved ones vaping. Some said they never knew the effects vapes had on a user's health, while others called for vaping legislation to be strengthened. Three readers e-mailed ST about how vaping and Kpods, which contain the powerful anaesthetic drug etomidate , have ruined their families. Used in hospitals for inducing sedation during medical procedures, etomidate is designed to be injected directly into the veins under clinical supervision and never intended to be inhaled. When vaped, etomidate enters the lungs directly, potentially triggering spasms, breathing difficulties, seizures and even psychosis. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore Las Vegas Sands' new development part of S'pore's broader, more ambitious transformation: PM Wong Singapore Economic headwinds do not dampen outlook for new Marina Bay development: Las Vegas Sands president Business MAS records net profit of $19.7 billion, fuelled by investment gains Singapore Man charged with attempted murder of woman at Kallang Wave Mall Singapore CDL's long-time director Philip Yeo to depart after boardroom feud Singapore Ex-cleaner jailed over safety lapses linked to guard's death near 1-Altitude rooftop bar Life The Violinist, Singapore's first animated historical film, set for August 2026 release Singapore 'Nobody deserves to be alone': Why Mummy and Acha have fostered over 20 children in the past 22 years Sons scared of father For years, the two boys, aged seven and nine, had always known their father to be a loving and doting man. But everything changed when the man, 41, used Kpods. Mary, 35, said her husband was so depressed he could not work, and got fired from his technician job. Mary, who works in marketing, said her husband spiralled into repeated episodes of violence, emotional outbursts and dangerous behaviour while using Kpods. One night, the family heard him destroying things around the home as they hid in the bedroom. The next morning, they saw their microwave badly damaged. The microwave that Mary's husband damaged and destroyed after using Kpods. PHOTO: COURTESY OF MARY Mary's younger son, who has autism, became afraid of his father. She said: 'They used to be close and would play badminton together. But he soon became fearful of his father. My husband would also snap at my older son. He was traumatised and anxious after being yelled at so many times.' In May, Mary moved to her mother's place with her sons, and has filed for divorce. She said: 'We dated for 10 years and were married for nine. Now, I don't even know who he is any more. Kpods broke our marriage and shattered our children.' Calling for stronger laws to tackle vaping, Mary added: 'I don't want another family to go through what we went through.' 'My sons are like zombies' One mother, who wanted to be known only as Ms Lim, 53, said she had seen her sons experience seizures from Kpods. When her 27-year-old son got a job as an antique shop assistant after his release from prison in July 2024, Ms Lim was hopeful about his future. Then, he was introduced to Kpods at a nightclub. He became sluggish, skipped work often and got fired. The Singaporean homemaker lives with her husband, who works overseas. She said: 'I can monitor my (older) son only using the CCTV in our home. I see him walking around like a zombie, and my neighbours would tell me they see him walking unsteadily and vaping openly in the park.' Her younger son was also addicted to vapes before he was convicted and jailed for assault in February. Ms Lim sent ST videos of her younger son trembling and struggling to close the gate to their flat after using Kpods in 2024. Her older son was fined by the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) four times for vaping. She said: 'Every time he gets fined and his Kpods get confiscated, he just gets new ones.' Ms Lim's 27-year-old son (left) using Kpods. PHOTO: COURTESY OF MS LIM Ms Lim said her older son has attempted suicide three times due to Kpods. In February, she bought him an e-bike after he promised to quit Kpods and get a job as a deliveryman. She found out he sold the e-bike to gamble and buy more vapes. Ms Lim said: 'I hope possessing and using vapes will become a crime that offenders can be jailed for. If that means my son getting jailed, then so be it. Because once he is behind bars, he will no longer have access to Kpods.' Possessing, using and buying e-vaporisers carry a maximum fine of $2,000. She added: 'My (older) son has attempted suicide before, and we have stopped him. But if he continues using Kpods, it would only be a matter of time before he dies.' Daughter vaped in toilet with boys When Sara (not her real name) received a call from her daughter, 13, at 4.30am to fetch her from a mall in Yishun, she feared the worst. The teen had been caught by the police vaping in a handicap-accessible toilet with three older boys. Sara, 55, who works in social services and is widowed, first found the girl's vape stash in her drawer in 2024. Different types of vapes belonging to Sara's 13-year-old daughter. PHOTO: COURTESY OF SARA Sara said: 'She used to vape secretly, but then vaped openly. She was caught vaping in Orchard (Road) and in Serangoon.' Sara said she had approached agencies for help, but still feels helpless. Her daughter is at a residential girls' home undergoing rehabilitation. To fuel her addiction, she would borrow money from friends and sell her clothes and make-up online for quick cash. She even stole money from her late father's drawer. Sara said: 'I have gone beyond depression, helplessness, tears and frustration. I need to maintain the relationship I have with her. That is all I have. 'But when I remind her about the damaging health effects vaping has, she just sniggers at me. I am at my wits' end.' Referring to ST's anti-vape campaign, she said: 'With this push, I hope there will be a review of the law and (it will) open up space for conversations on this issue. Kids are suffering. Parents are suffering.' Classify etomidate as a drug: Vikram Nair Mr Vikram Nair, chairman of the Government Parliamentary Committee for Home Affairs and Law, acknowledged the growing problem of vaping in Singapore and called for a much stricter regime for etomidate. Mr Nair, who is an MP for Sembawang GRC, said: 'I am in favour of etomidate being classified as a drug. The main purpose is for harsher penalties for those trafficking it. This would also permit ordering mandatory treatment for addicts and those caught using it.' Referring to the ST video of an HSA officer diving into a moving car to stop a suspected vape peddler from escaping, Mr Nair said: 'HSA is doing the best they can about this issue. I have seen stories on their crackdowns and the dramatic video with the car. 'But if the penalties are somewhat limited after their arrests, there is only so much that can be done under the current framework.' Former Jurong GRC MP Tan Wu Meng said more than 10 Clementi residents, mostly young parents, had spoken to him in 2025 of their concerns of vaping before he retired from politics in April. He said one 13-year-old girl told him she was worried her friends could get vapes so easily. In January and March, Dr Tan raised the issue in Parliament. He brought up a case of a parent reporting the child to the police for vaping, and the child getting fined by HSA. Dr Tan then called for agencies to consider helping children curb their addiction rather than handing them fines. He told ST: 'We won't want vaping to be a crack in Singapore's defences against illegal drugs. So, the legislation needs to be looked at, and the agencies need to study ways to handle such vaping devices more effectively and with more muscle.'
