Singtel to contribute S$10 million to a new Esplanade theatre

Source: Esplanade. From left: Singtel VP, Group Strategic
Communications and Brand, Lian Pek; Esplanade CEO-
Designate, Yvonne Tham, and Esplanade CEO Benson
Puah.

Singtel will contribute S$10 million towards Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay’s development of a new medium-sized theatre to address expanding audiences and growing artistic needs. Singtel’s contribution is the largest single donation that the national performing arts centre has received since its inception in 2002. 

In appreciation, the new theatre along the Esplanade Waterfront will be named after Singtel for a period of 15 years, from the time it opens in 2021. With a seating capacity of 550, Esplanade's first medium-sized theatre will enable it to meet the needs of the Singapore arts community as the majority of works produced in Singapore today are best suited for mid-sized venues. Its existing theatre spaces currently seat either large audiences of close to 2,000 each, or are built for smaller audiences of no more than 245. 

Chua Sock Koong, Singtel Group CEO said, “We have a long tradition of championing the local arts scene as a Singapore-grown communications company, and like Esplanade, we believe art is for everyone. Through our contribution towards the new waterfront theatre, we hope the works of more Singapore artists and companies can reach as wide an audience as possible.” 

Yvonne Tham, CEO-Designate, The Esplanade Company said, “Singtel’s generous gift towards our new waterfront theatre will not only enable a new generation of artists to create works that will shape Singapore’s culture and identity, it will also help us to bring more meaningful arts programmes to engage, educate and inspire the youths, families, elderly and other communities that Esplanade serves.” 

Construction of the S$30 million theatre is expected to start in early 2019. With Singtel’s donation of S$10 million and another S$10 million from the government, the remaining funds will be raised by Esplanade through corporate sponsorship and public fundraising.