International spotlight on Singapore as it hosts first dedicated urban greenery exhibition in Asia

-          GreenUrbanScape Asia 2013, the first dedicated urban greenery exhibition in Asia, is held in conjunction with theInternational Skyrise Greenery Conference at the Singapore EXPO Convention and Exhibition Centre, from 7 to 9 November 2013

-          The three-day event is expected to attract over 4,000 participants, including 650 conference delegates and speakers from 25 countries around the world

Singapore, 7 November 2013 – GreenUrbanScape Asia, the first dedicated urban greenery exhibition in Asia, opens today in Singapore until 9 November at the Singapore EXPO Convention and Exhibition Centre. Over 130 international brands from 19 countries will be exhibiting at GreenUrbanScape Asia, and they will be showcasing innovative solutions aimed at improving productivity in all aspects of landscape and urban greenery, including planning, design, construction and management. The inaugural event runs alongside the second edition of the International Skyrise Greenery Conference. Jointly organised by the National Parks Board (NParks), Landscape Industry Association Singapore (LIAS), Singapore Institute of Landscape Architects (SILA), and Singex Group, the three-day trade exhibition and conference will facilitate the sharing of ideas and solutions with a cross-section of industry stakeholders on a global platform. It is expected to attract over 4,000 participants, including 650 conference delegates and speakers from 25 countries around the world, making it the first time an event of such scale and range has been organised in Asia.

GreenUrbanScape Asia 2013 was officially launched by Mr Desmond Lee, Minister of State for National Development. MOS Lee also presented awards to recipients of NParks’ Skyrise Greenery Awards 2013 and launched a new book entitled Vertical Garden City, Singapore. The book is published by NParks and the Urban Redevelopment Authority, and it describes the skyrise greening movement in Singapore, with profiles of selected projects in the city that exemplify innovation, creativity and the boldness to try new ideas.

Running in parallel with the trade exhibition is a business forum on 8 November, where regional experts will discuss key global trends, potential opportunities and case studies. A public forum on 9 November will share the latest technology and best practices in urban greenery. Admission to these events is free.

2^nd International Skyrise Greenery Conference will feature renowned international thought leaders and local experts

With the theme of Density & Greenery: Evolving into Collaborative Cities, the 2^nd International Skyrise Greenery Conference will feature the following:

(i) A list of internationally acclaimed distinguished speakers, including Kathryn Gustafson from the USA. She is best known for her award-winning projects in Europe and the United States, such as the Princess Diana memorial fountain at Kensington Palace Gardens. Italy’s Stefano Boeri is also one of the speakers; he is renowned for his role in ‘Bosco Verticale’, the highly-anticipated, first vertical forest in Milan.

(ii) Home-grown industry luminaries behind some of the region’s pioneering greening projects, including Singapore’s Dr Liu Thai Ker, best known for spearheading major revisions to the Singapore Concept Plan and key directions for heritage conservation; and WOHA’s founder, Wong Mun Summ, the award-winning architect behind Singapore’s PARKROYAL on Pickering.

(i) Technical tours for on-site exposure to industry-acclaimed and award-winning projects in Singapore. The tours will include guided visits to sites such as PARKROYAL on Pickering, 158 Cecil Street, Khoo Teck Puat Hospital, ITE College Central, 6 Battery Road, Nanyang Polytechnic and Punggol New Town, where green roofs, green walls, and other forms of greenery have been fitted seamlessly into the built environment.