Singapore embarks on conquering the motorsport industry

The Government of Singapore announced on Friday that it will work on the development of the motorsports industry in Singapore. This project will involve various private sectors to build a permanent race track located in Changi (eastern part of Singapore).

The government views the motorsports industry as a growth sector that will contribute to the development of sports and the economy in Singapore. In our discussions with the private sector, industry players are considering a permanent track, which would be essential for us within the context of the auto sports industry.

The government has therefore decided to facilitate the development of the private sector with a permanent track. The project will be fully funded by the private sector, stated Vivian Balakrishnan, Minister for Community Development, Youth, and Sports.

A proposal is currently being examined for the track, located on a 20-hectare site, and is scheduled to launch in May 2008. The track is expected to be completed by the end of 2010 or early 2011.

Balakrishnan added: « motor racing is the third most popular sport behind the Olympic Games and the World Cup. Many races receive significant media coverage with global networks. This will certainly give a boost to the practice of this sport, the pursuit of excellence, and the development of industries. »

The development of this sport should lead to the emergence and growth of direct and indirect support for motorsport companies in sectors such as services, engineering, logistics, training, and education. Singapore has the infrastructure, technical expertise, manufacturing capabilities, and a research and development hub to facilitate the growth of the motorsports industry.

Oon Jin Teik, the Chief Executive of the Singapore Sports Council stated: « The Singapore Sports Council has established a division to facilitate the planning and development of the motor sports industry. »

« In collaboration with the Singapore Motor Sports Association and other government bodies, we will focus on talent identification and development, as well as the motor development of local and international events. »

Singapore has many motorsports enthusiasts with more than 100 car clubs, each having from 50 to over 2000 members. The Singapore Motor Sports Association (SMSA) and its subsidiary car clubs have registered over 4000 members who regularly participate in motorsports activities organized by the SMSA.