Tampines 1

The anticipated mall that created some jobs amid this recession is going to open this week on 9 April!! Being a resident in Tampines, I am excited and can't believe that this neighbourhood has transformed to what it is today, creating so much value in such a short time. Three shopping malls surrounding the MRT station with so many office buildings sprouting out, there are still untapped space waiting for more change.

Fortunately or unfortunately, Tampines 1 is to be run by AsiaMalls. Looking at the existing malls managed by them (Century Square, Tiong Bahru Plaza, White Sands, the disaster goes on...), how is this going to mall leader? Will this be their saviour?

The delicious tenants line up seem to appeal to many. Myself included, I can't wait to visit Uniqlo, brought in from Japan, promising to deliver "cheap-chic" apparel. Japanese-themed food shops will feed teenagers who don't go home after school and make them more obese than before. My question is, will this last, and for how long? My guess is only till Ion Orchard opens.

And talking about ill-disciplined students studying in Tampines, they are becoming from bad to worse. So many fastfood restaurants around to stain bad influence on them, schools might consider holding their recess time in one of them as it does not make any difference at all.

Until the smell of paint fades in Tampines 1, we are in for more people visiting the second last stop in the East-West line. I will stay home during weekends and visit the malls when the kids are in school.