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Does the Singapore River need to change course to remain relevant?
Older generations value its role in the nation’s history and remember the area’s heyday as a nightlife hub. How can it better appeal to a younger crowd who may be going out less?
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The Singapore River must continue to be a place where Singaporeans reflect on their history, culture and evolving identity, says the writer.
ST PHOTO: DESMOND FOO
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As a student in the 1980s, I would visit the Singapore River every year, because my piano examinations were in the nearby Victoria Concert Hall. I would then head with my parents to Empress Place Food Centre, in front of what is now the Asian Civilisations Museum.
The stench that rose from the river was horrible, but the food aroma helped mask the worst of it. Still, I would quickly polish off a bowl of beef noodles in order to get away.
