Mr Seah Moon Ming, Chairman, SMRT Corporation,

 

Mr Ngien Hoon Ping, Group CEO, SMRT Corporation,

 

Mr Abu Bakar, Chairman, Workstation,

 

Mr Tony Heng, President, Stellar Lifestyle,

 

Ms Jane Toh, CEO, Staytion

 

Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

 

Introduction

 

1. Good morning all. Thank you for inviting me to the opening of Staytion Lifestyle Centre @ Dhoby Ghaut by Stellar Lifestyle.

 

2. As the business arm of SMRT, Stellar Lifestyle has been at the forefront of connecting people and places through a world-class transportation system, seamlessly integrating lifestyle spaces with innovative retail and F&B experiences. In 2022, Stellar Lifestyle launched HIVE at Esplanade MRT Station, creating a platform for retail startups and SMEs to collaborate, develop and test new business concepts. In one stroke, HIVE has become an incubator to incubate new concepts, and an accelerator to connect entrepreneurs to customers. HIVE has revitalised retail and F&B experiences, driving the digital transformation of hundreds of retailers across Stellar Lifestyle’s network.

 

Opening of Staytion Lifestyle Centre @ Dhoby Ghaut

 

3. Building on this success, I am pleased to announce that Stellar Lifestyle will be launching another lifestyle space: Staytion Lifestyle Centre @ Dhoby Ghaut MRT Station.

 

4. By partnering with established retailers and promising startups, Stellar Lifestyle aims to transform train stations into vibrant spaces for commuters and local communities. Staytion Lifestyle Centre is curated to better serve these groups, and is strategically situated in this high footfall, high traffic station at Dhoby Ghaut.

 

5. Staytion Lifestyle Centre will bring together wellness, fitness, retail and F&B options, creating a one-stop platform for work and lifestyle spaces. This will provide commuters a convenient and enriching experience while fostering a sense of community and vibrancy within our transit network.

 

6. One of the exciting offerings at Staytion Lifestyle is Mama on Palette, a community initiative involving around 1,000 mothers and members who share their experiences in art and motherhood, while raising awareness and support for mothers’ mental wellbeing. Art is very important, and it is evidence-based that art therapy can improve our wellbeing. Their beautiful creations are displayed here, and I look forward to exploring them later. This initiative was developed in collaboration with Stellar Lifestyle’s Innovation Programme winner, Yzel.

 

7. Staytion will also host weekly weekend fairs called Rehash, showcasing local entrepreneurs. Each weekend, the Stellar Lifestyle Centre will be transformed into a bustling space with up to 32 small businesses and booths selling unique and quality products. This is a wonderful way to maximise the space you have, and it is one way to let entrepreneurs, before they splash out their capital outlay, to try, and confirm that this is the step that they want to take for the next few years. A big thank you to Staytion for supporting our local entrepreneurs and SMEs!

 

Seizing Opportunities to Grow and Transform

 

8. We live in an ever-changing world, where challenges can often turn into opportunities for innovation. It is important that we continue to work together, to help our businesses and people navigate these challenges effectively.

 

9. When we launched the Retail Industry Transformation Map 2025, our key focus was to work together with industry and big and small companies, to strengthen Singapore’s status as a global lifestyle and retail hub, anchored by new experiential concepts and innovative products. We aim to build a core of global Singapore brands that will enhance the quality and longevity of jobs in the sector. With the retail sector poised for further growth and transformation, MTI and Enterprise Singapore are committed to helping retailers adapt to the evolving landscape.

 

10. Spaces like Staytion Lifestyle Centre exemplify innovation and adaptability, providing an excellent platform for collaboration. I encourage retailers and startups to seize these opportunities, to deepen your capabilities and advance the commercialisation of your products and services.

 

Conclusion

 

11. As we continue to build a strong and vibrant retail ecosystem, we look forward to partnering with you - our local retailers, entrepreneurs and companies - to embrace change with resilience and determination. Together, we will navigate the fast-changing landscape and drive success in this exciting journey.

 

12. Once again, I congratulate Stellar Lifestyle on the opening of Staytion Lifestyle Centre @ Dhoby Ghaut MRT Station. I look forward to Staytion playing a pivotal role in fostering meaningful partnerships and collaborations, and I wish you every success on the road ahead.

 

13. Thank you.