I REFER to the letter from Miss Tan Qian Hui, "Why is Haw Par Villa neglected?" (my paper, Oct 9). I thank Miss Tan for her comments.

Given its history and unique characteristics, Haw Par Villa is an authentic and attractive tourism destination in Singapore.

Today, the park draws more than 260,000 visitors a year, including Singaporeans and tourists.

As owners of the state title for Haw Par Villa, the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) is committed to preserving it as a cultural park accessible to all.

In this regard, it has appointed an operator to manage the day-to-day operations of the attraction.

To enhance visitors' experience and understanding of the exhibits at the park, we are updating the existing storyboards, and will also install additional ones in the first quarter of next year.

Haw Par Villa is included in the relevant print and online tourism guides published by STB.

Among these are Your Essential Singapore Guide and our website, which can be accessed at www.visitsingapore.com

Among the independently- published visitor guides and brochures on Singapore, the Official Map of Singapore published by Red Dot Inc and which is available in STB's Singapore Visitors Centres, indicates the location of Haw Par Villa.

Mr Muhamad Rostam Umar Director, Communications Singapore Tourism Board

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