Boring Singapore To Get Saucy (Press, 19 December 1987)

On 19 December 1987, Singapore's tourism officials announced plans to recreate the notorious Bugis Street, which had been a vibrant red-light district prior to its demolition in 1985 to accommodate an underground railway. The original Bugis Street was known for its lively atmosphere, with open-air cafes, food stalls, and a notable presence of friendly transvestites interacting with patrons, particularly soldiers and sailors on leave during the Korean and Vietnam wars. The area famously hosted fashion shows featuring transvestites and prostitutes in a lighthearted competition. To revive this aspect of Singapore's cultural history, the Singapore Tourism Board intends to reconstruct the 200-metre-long Bugis Street using salvaged materials from previous buildings. This four-million dollar project, scheduled for completion by early 1989, aims to replicate the “rustic scene” and dynamic street life of the original location, including a historic public toilet that served as an impromptu stage for entertainers. However, the proposal has sparked significant backlash, particularly from religious leaders like Geoffrey Abisheganaden, president of the Singapore National Council of Churches. He expressed concerns about the potential for increased A.I.D.S. risk and the negative influence on youth, indicating that while transvestites deserve compassion and support, their display in public could be damaging to societal morals. This initiative comes in response to perceptions that Singapore is one of the most boring destinations globally, as highlighted by a report from the Economist magazine, which ranked Singapore as the least interesting among 48 countries surveyed. In contrast, nations like the Soviet Union, China, and Libya were considered more engaging. As tourist visits primarily revolve around shopping, with an average stay of only three days, the tourism board hopes that the new Bugis Street, along with additional cultural attractions, will encourage longer stays. Despite the ongoing controversy, the tourism officials are moving forward with the project, emphasising the potential for Bugis Street to be a family-friendly environment enriched with cultural performances. Some media outlets have urged the public to embrace the concept, suggesting that recreating Bugis Street could enhance Singapore's tourism appeal by providing the quirky and exotic experiences that many visitors seek.

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