The design competition, which received more than 600 entries from the Open, Youth and Fun categories from participants as young as 10, invited participants to share their thoughts on what the transformation of Marina Bay means to them and translate this into symbolic flag designs. Twenty-three year old Lin Anting, the Gold prize winner of the Open Category, was inspired by the energy and “kaleidoscope of activities” that Marina Bay has to offer. As for the Gold prize winner of the Youth Category, 16-year old student Ilman Hariz Bin Osman gave the iconic Merlion a new look which embraced the key elements of Marina Bay in his winning piece titled ‘My Love, My Home’.

The top five winning flag designs of the Open and Youth Categories, together with 10 special art works now line the promenade, creating more buzz, colour and vibrancy to Marina Bay.

“We are heartened by the enthusiastic response from the community. It is very interesting to see the different facets of Marina Bay through the eyes of the people to which Marina Bay belongs. While some associate Marina Bay with splendid fireworks or sparkling waters, others creatively portray Marina Bay as a fun place for everyone,” said Mrs Cheong Koon Hean, URA’s Chief Executive Officer.
“It’s exhilarating to see so much creativity and imagination in the variety of flag designs submitted. Like the participants, I’m excited at how the new city skyline is unfolding and this exhibition will certainly add to the fascination!” said Mr Chris Lee, founder and creative director of Asylum who is also one of the judges for the design competition.

Contributing to a good cause

Although the flags will only be put up until 12 August 2010, they will still be used creatively after their ‘flying days’ are over. The flags will be recycled into collectible eco-merchandise such as tote bags and pouches produced by Women Enterprise Workz (WEworkz). WEworkz is a women’s cooperative which seeks to empower lower-income Singaporean women by giving them a platform to develop skills to supplement their household income.

Hence, the public can own a piece of souvenir from Marina Bay and contribute to a good cause at the same time. The eco-merchandise will be on sale at the new Marina Bay City Gallery later this year.

In addition to these eco-merchandise, URA will also be adapting the flag designs on Marina Bay memorabilia such as umbrellas and badges to allow visitors to “own a piece” of Singapore’s latest destination.