AN Indian telco and media group is investing US$200 million (S$282 million) in a 24-hour entertainment and shopping complex here, as well as a mobile phone software development centre.

Spice Corp, which has set up its new global headquarters in Singapore, is now looking for a site for the entertainment complex.

The mall will offer round-the-clock dining, shopping, movie screenings and digital entertainment similar to a similar mall the firm operates in Noida, India.

Spice Corp chairman Bhupendra Kumar Modi said on Thursday that Singapore already has a reputation for being a world-class city where people work around-the-clock so entertainment should be available at all times also.

Dr Modi described Singapore's shopping and entertainment scene as disappointing with few choices to offer to business travellers and other visitors in the wee hours.

Despite Singapore's entertainment shortcomings, Dr Modi is sold on the country as a base for Spice Corp, which makes mobile phones, produces movies, operates a chain of mobile phone retail outlets as well as a entertainment mall and movie cineplex.

The region's huge potential prompted Dr Modi, who recently secured Singapore permanent residence and bought a home, to set up an office here.

Spice's 4,000 square foot Singapore base in Kaki Bukit has seven staff but the company is looking to hire more.

Initial plans include selling its Spice-branded phones and developing customised mobile phone software and services for regional customers, as well as finalising plans for the entertainment and shoping complex.

Spice Corp, a privately-held Mumbai-based group worth about US$1.5 billion, recently sold a telecommunications unit for about US$670 million.