Singapore installs APEC time capsule
Singapore, 15 March 2010 - Today, in a ceremony at the APEC Secretariat, representatives of the APEC Singapore 2009 Organising Committee installed a time capsule that conserves the spirit of APEC Singapore 2009.
Hosting APEC means more than just organising a get-together for world leaders. It means planning and coordinating scores of events. With 123 separate events held over the course of the year, hosting APEC 2009 turned out to be an island-wide affair for Singapore.
APEC turned 20 in 2009 against the backdrop of one of the greatest economic downturns in recent history. Still, APEC Leaders came together and renewed their commitments to keep protectionist measures at bay and to position the region for recovery. In fact, the crisis showed just what APEC could do to ameliorate the situation: accelerate regional economic integration and continue to advance the free and open trade and investment agenda.
40 public agencies, 330 private sector companies and 20,000 individuals contributed planning, logistical and administrative support. Among the 1,000 volunteers were a 15-year old student and a 61-year old retiree, both of whom assisted the international delegates.
Over the course of the year, more than 14,000 delegates from across the Asia-Pacific travelled to Singapore. Of course, for those living in the city, this meant a little inconvenience getting around - slow traffic, congested streets and heavy security. But for many, hosting APEC - or, to a degree, hosting the world - meant the opportunity to let their heart show.
A total of 376 local artistes performed for the region's Economic Leaders in musical and interactive performances that showcased Singapore's cultural diversity. Set against an iconic architecture and waterfront landscape, APEC delegates also experienced the island's culinary diversity and savoured a wide range of local foods from the different ethnic groups that make up Singapore. Projecting the economy as a vibrant and welcoming host, the events highlighted Singapore's multicultural history, love for fine cuisine and friendly graciousness.
To preserve these memories, on 11 December 2009, Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong sealed a time capsule containing APEC 2009 memorabilia. In today's ceremony attended by Ambassador Muhamad Noor, Executive Director the APEC Secretariat, Ms Koh Lin-Net, Chair of the APEC Singapore 2009 Organising Committee, and other delegates, the capsule was installed at the APEC Secretariat, which is permanently based in Singapore. The capsule will remain sealed until Singapore next hosts APEC.