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Today,
16 Nov 04
Economists,
gaming analysts to discuss S'pore's casino plan at IPS public forum
THE idea of having a casino in Singapore has generated much heated
debate. On Wednesday, local public policy think-tank, the Institute
of Policy Studies (IPS), will join in the fray with a public forum
at the Raffles City Convention Centre. The IPS Forum on the Casino
Proposal will see experts in various fields — from economists to gaming
analysts — presenting their views on the multi-faceted impact a casino
is expected to have on Singapore.
Taking up one full day, discussion topics range from the casino model
that will work for Singapore, how to re-engineer the tourism industry,
to its economic and social impacts. Among the list of facilitators
and speakers are IPS chairman Professor Tommy Koh, NUS political scientist
Dr Kenneth Paul Tan, Director of Equities at UBS Securities Singapore
Mr Sanjay Mathur, and National Council of Social Service president
Mr Gerard Ee. The forum will poll the audience on the controversial
issue.
Last Friday, a panel of experts advising the Singapore Tourism Board
(STB) announced its support for the proposal to build an integrated
resort — hotel, retail outlets and convention facilities — with a
casino. The idea of an integrated resort was first brought up in Parliament
in March. The Ministry of Trade and Industry has said that the Government,
while currently studying the idea, has not made a decision.
Registration fee for the IPS forum is $100 per person. |
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