As a transport hub that gives access to the rest of the world, Singapore offers more than just being a transit stop. An exciting array of events takes place every year to fill up the calendar. To highlight just a few of the other events that take place during the year - Mosaic Music Festival, PARCO and NEXT, Singapore Arts Festival, Singapore Garden Festival, Youth Olympics, World Gourmet Summit, and the shopping extravaganza, the Great Singapore Sale.

Set to take place between the 17th and 26th of September in 2010 is the Formula 1 Singapore. Not only can one see the races, but an unbelievable array of events, festivals and functions will take place, offering something for everyone. The whole of Singapore is converging to offer a range of experiences such as special dining, hotel promotions and shopping opportunities for everyone who attends the races which helps to boost up the hospitality industry in Singapore. It brings in the tourism monies and most importantly, the intangible benefits of global recognition and publicity for Singapore as a world- class city. Singapore is such as a small island and yet it is able to hold such a worldwide event even better than some developed countries.

Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports (MCYS) is considering building the permanent track facility off the East Coast Parkway, near the Changi Naval Base, which could cost between US$150 million and US$200 million ($228 million and $304 million). "I feel that it is critical that Singapore takes advantage of the momentum, when it wins the rights to host an F1 race in Singapore. A permanent track is ideal because we can't possibly close our streets regularly. It is just not viable," expressed by Singapore Sports Council chief executive officer Oon Jin Teik. I believe that building a proper F1 track not only can be used for motorbike racing but also helps to maintain the productivity level of people whom working or living around Changi as F1 created unnecessary traffic jams, business affected or even noise which is not always appreciated by others. The inconveniences to local drivers and shops located around the Marina street circuit can be resolved with understanding and creative arrangement. F1 is well worth staging if it remains a top sporting event for the next few decades.

In conclusion, I personally feel that F1 Singapore benefits Singapore economically. Although there are still problems to be overcome, but i am sure that Singapore will gains benefits from organizing F1 races in Singapore.

By Hui Min