By Shawn Lee Miller, Multimedia Journalist
MINISTER Mentor Lee Kuan Yew was welcomed by the chairman and CEO of the Las Vegas Sands Corporation, Mr Sheldon Adelson at his first official visit to the Marina Bay Sands on Tuesday.
Touring the interior of the building, including a visit to the casino, MM Lee expressed his concerns over the success of the integrated resort.
Convention Centres in Singapore: Marina Bay Sands, Singapore Airshow, Singapore Expo
"It's a very big project. When it's all filled up, it will increase our tourist trade and the people who come here multifold. That's quite a job to do in a couple of years so I think this will take 3 to 7 years to reach capacity. The word has got to spread and it can't spread just in one news conference or display. People have to come here, enjoy and bring more in." said Minister Mentor Lee.
Mr Adelson though, challenged MM Lee's forecast.
"I think Minister Mentor Lee is too pessimistic. I think we'll be up and running in full speed by 2011. A property like this has to ramp and it will normally take a year to ramp." said Mr Sheldon G Adelson.
