Kallang Wave mall ready to roar

SINGAPORE - One is more used to giving instructions on the field, while the other does that in the pool.

But yesterday, Lions XII coach Fandi Ahmad and swim coach Ang Peng Siong found common ground.

They became fashion models as they sportingly took to the catwalk at the official launch of the Kallang Wave mall at the Singapore Sports Hub.

Along with wushu star Vincent Ng and bodybuilder Agnes Lee, they modelled sports fashion attire from various sponsors among the mall's tenants while juggling footballs, striking bodybuilding poses and performing wushu moves.

Ang, 52, told The New Paper: "This is definitely my first time doing any form of catwalk and it was actually fun and a unique experience."

Kallang Wave's official opening yesterday highlighted the mall's vision of an integrated retail and sports experience.

Aside from the fashion show, the ceremony also featured young martial arts students from Wufang Singapore and Pioneer Generation members from Team Strong Silver, who dazzled the audience with martial arts and tai chi-yoga moves.

The mall is a joint venture among several subsidiaries of SMRT Corporation and NTUC FairPrice, and is managed by SMRT Alpha.

Apart from food and retail outlets, the 41,000 sq m mall has climbing walls and a rooftop water park.

In celebration of its official opening yesterday, Kallang Wave mall is offering special promotions that will last until tomorrow.

For example, Sogurt and Choco Express are offering 30 per cent off all regular-price items, while at Runner's Edge and Gymlocker you will get a 30 per cent discount when you buy your second item.

Mr Desmond Kuek, SMRT president and group CEO, said: "Kallang Wave mall caters to a broad spectrum of the community including families, youths and seniors."

Mr Tan Kian Chew, group CEO of NTUC FairPrice, added: "We are confident that this development will drive more traffic and buzz to the area, contributing to its success and vibrancy."

That's good news to former swim star Ang who feels the new mall is a long overdue development.

"At the old Kallang Stadium, there were only vendors selling curry puffs and drinks. Now, there's a wide range of food choices available, making it more convenient for athletes and fans to enjoy sports without going hungry," he said.

He added that he hoped to see a greater variety of sports shops opening, such as Pilates studios and fitness gyms.

Agreeing, Fandi, 52, said Kallang Wave mall's proximity to SMRT's Circle Line and East-West Line makes it convenient for families to enjoy a day out watching sports and shopping.

This article was first published on February 27, 2015.
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