Ms Rita Soh, President Singapore Institute of Architects

Mr Ray Simkins, President Getz Bros & Co Inc

Distinguished Guests

Ladies and Gentlemen

1. I am happy to join you this evening for the inaugural SIA-Getz Architecture Prize Presentation Ceremony.

Architecture contributes to distinctive cities

2. Outstanding works of architecture contribute significantly to the creation of distinctive cities. Excellent architecture is not only a beautiful piece of art to behold, but can bring in real benefits in the area of architecture tourism, or enhancement in property values. It distinguishes a distinctive city from the mundane, and reflects an appreciation of quality and creativity among the city’s inhabitants.

3. Cities that aspire to be distinctive seek the skills of established architects in achieving this vision. These architects have achieved international recognition through creativity and hard work. The fact that they are able to transcend geographical boundaries to leave their mark of distinction demonstrates that there is no barrier for architects who possess outstanding competencies.

Importance of architectural recognition

4. I am happy to note that some of our home-grown architects have also been recognised internationally through awards such as the recent ARCASIA Awards for Architecture 2005/2006. The architects from WOHA, Wong Mun Summ and Richard Hassell have won awards for two of their local projects, Rochalie Drive and Moulmein Rise. In addition to the two awards, ARCASIA also specially presented to them the third award, an ‘Overall Commendation Award’. Another local architect, Chan Soo Khian has also won the Gold medal award for conservation projects for the Heeren Street Shophouse. I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Wong Mun Summ, Richard Hassell and Chan Soo Khian for their achievements. They have certainly done Singapore proud and we are confident that they would continue to contribute to Singapore, as well as other Asian and global cities.

The SIA-Getz Architecture Prize

5. The SIA-Getz award is thus an important addition to the industry’s efforts to nurture a higher standard of architecture. The SIA-Getz award aims to give recognition to our architects for their distinctive works and their contribution to the profession. I commend the Singapore Institute of Architects in this effort, as well as Getz Bro & Co for their commitment towards architectural excellence. Such initiative and partnership from the profession will propel architectural standards to even greater heights.

6. It is note-worthy that the SIA-Getz Architecture Prize extends beyond Singapore to other parts of Asia, to promote Asian architecture. It recognises that the architectural development in this part of the world faces unique challenges, but at the same time, presents unique opportunities for creativity. We hope that in the long run, the SIA-Getz Architecture Prize will help to raise the overall quality and standing of architecture in Asia.

Government’s role in A.UDE promotion

7. The government is also committed to promoting architectural and urban design excellence. The President's Design Award is one example. Co-presented by the Ministry of Information, Communications and the Arts and the Ministry of National Development, the President’s Design Award is Singapore’s highest honour for designers working here. One of the categories of the President’s Design Award is Architecture and Urban Design. This is yet another avenue to encourage and recognise architectural talents and their contributions to Singapore. The President will be presenting the award through a Gala Dinner next month.

Conclusion

8. Enough about what is going to happen next month. Tonight, we want to celebrate the success of a local talent who has made Singapore proud. He has established for himself a name not only in Singapore but internationally.

9. I would like to congratulate Mr Chan Soo Khian for winning the inaugural SIA-Getz Architecture Prize. We hope to see more of your distinctive works, both locally and internationally, so as to inspire a future generation of architects and contribute to the richness of architecture in Asia.

10. I wish all of you an enjoyable and memorable evening.

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