leekuanyew

Events axed or postponed islandwide during week of national mourning

Activities and events have been cancelled or postponed islandwide, in a mark of respect for Singapore's first Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew, 91, who died on Monday morning.

This includes a visit by a foreign leader, sporting events and a travel fair, as the country observes seven days of national mourning, which ends on Sunday.

The People's Association has cancelled its Chingay parade at Nee Soon GRC this Saturday. It was the last of five satellite parades meant to take the annual Chinese New Year street procession to the heartland.

Meanwhile, the inaugural Travel Revolution fair meant to be held this weekend - organised by a group of travel agencies that broke away from the annual Natas (National Association of Travel Agents Singapore) fair - has been pushed back by a week.

Ms Alicia Seah, a spokesman for the fair, said: "The postponement will definitely affect overseas exhibitors and partners around the world, but we felt the need to postpone the event as a mark of respect for Mr Lee Kuan Yew. Singapore is what it is because of this one great man."

And the 77th Singapore Open Track and Field Championships, originally scheduled for this weekend, will take place on April 4 and 5 at the National Stadium.

Free sports activities at the Singapore Sports Hub, part of its Experience Sports community outreach programme, will be cancelled this week, as well as all activities at its library.

Likewise, the Esplanade has cancelled all its free performances at its concourse and outdoor theatre this week.

A Chinese classical music concert at the venue on Sunday has also been cancelled, and those who bought tickets will be given a full refund.

Elsewhere, Resorts World Sentosa has toned down its programming, cancelling its nightly shows and street shows in Universal Studios Singapore, while Marina Bay Sands has cancelled its nightly multimedia light and water show.

Thailand's Prime Minister, General Prayut Chan-o-cha, who was supposed to make his first visit to Singapore yesterday, has postponed his trip, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

"Both sides will work on resuming the visit and the Singapore-Thailand Leaders' Retreat at a mutually convenient time," it said in a statement.

mellinjm@sph.com.sg

Additional reporting by Wang Meng Meng and Jessica Lim

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