Singapore to raise marine awareness

To celebrate its participation in the upcoming Yeosu Expo in May, Singapore plans to hold a special two-day outdoor event at Seoul City Hall this Saturday.

Visitors passing by city hall will be able to write and hang messages of hope to protect the ocean and environment, dubbed “Fishes of Friendship.”

The messages will be shown at the Singapore Pavilion at the Yeosu Expo.

The Singapore government hopes to raise awareness in protecting ocean resources and the environment through the message board.

“These ‘Fishes of Friendship’ will celebrate the strong ties and friendship between people of Korea and Singapore,” said Bernard Tan, director of the Singapore Pavilion.

“Together, we will be able to conjure and complete the spirit and life of the fish, and pledge for a better today and tomorrow.”

According to a Singapore Pavilion organizer, more than 70 percent of the pavilion is completed, with 45 days until the opening of the expo.

The Singapore Pavilion under the theme “Paradox-ity: City of Contrasts” depicts the rich marine biodiversity around Singapore’s Semakau Landfill, which is the world’s first and largest offshore landfill.

One of the unique features of Singapore’s pavilion is that it is decorated with works shaped as various fish using recycled and reused materials by Singaporean artists and students.

The aim is to show the underwater sights of the Semakau Landfill, which has become a scenic and natural home to birds, plants and marine life.

By Lee Ho-jeong [ojlee82@joongang.co.kr]