The grand Pacific Ballroom, on Level 1, features a new driveway facing Raffles Boulevard with a contemporary porte cochere that leads into the glowing foyer through four stylish glass doors.  The doors, measuring 2.8 metres wide and 2.35 metres high, are specially designed to allow vehicles and machinery to enter. This feature will interest companies planning for new product launches and exhibition organizers requiring large items to be showcased in a luxurious environment.

Our design brief to the world famous architectural firm, Wimberley Allison Tong & Goo was very simple � �Be Different�.  Their final product, a creation reflecting the mood and style of an �Oasis of Hospitality�, which also complements the original John Portman design of the Hotel, has achieved that objective.  The Pacific Ocean theme incorporates the elements of waves and water and these elements are woven into the interior design, décor and selected furnishings.  The overall ambience achieved is cool elegance, pulsating vitality and timeless panache.

The majestic floor-to-ceiling glass exterior fills the room with sparkling natural light.  The foyer and ballroom feature upholstered wall panels, polished rods over lacquered raffia panels, Sycamore wall paneling and sculptured glass walls, highlighted with cast glass orchid images on a texture of waves.  Classic and contemporary furniture and rich furnishings in navy, beige, cream and earth tones complement the wave-patterned carpet in hues of Capri Blue, Ocean Blue and warm apricot.

Sophisticated lighting is achieved with coffer lighting, perimeter lighting and floodlights filtering through 47 glass ceiling sculptures suspended from domed vaults.  Designed by Lighting Point Consultants, the versatile lighting system comprises indirect coffer lighting with a range of over 30 colours and a pre-set dimming system offering eight scenes for conference, presentations, corporate dining, cocktails and weddings. This programmable controlled lighting feature enhances the ambience as it allows our catering and banquet professionals to customize to individual preferences from a low-level twilight to a bright sunny garden atmosphere.  The low-energy lighting system reduces glare, as the light source is indirect and concealed.

Occupying 805 square metres, the Pacific Ballroom can accommodate up to 750 diners or 1200 reception guests.  Special soundproof wall panels from Germany allow users to partition the ballroom into three rooms, measuring 224 sq. metres, 214 sq. metres and 367 sq. metres respectively.  New state-of-the-art sound system, audio-visuals and high-tech electronic remote controls, which can regulate all the house lights, slide projectors, viewing screens and sound effects, support the functionality of the Ballroom.

With the development of the Marina Bay into a business and social hub of Singapore, the opening of the new Pacific Ballroom is perfectly timed to lead us into the Year 2000 with an innovative image.  �We want to be like no other destination on the island for gracious hospitality and creative dining,� explained Mr. Halliday.  �This Ballroom is geared to handle the growing popularity of international conventions, exhibitions, major social events, local meetings, seminars, VIP banquets and weddings.�

Absolute Care Catering Service

Ms Priscilla Chua, Director of Conference & Catering Services, heads the experienced team of catering and convention service associates.  She states emphatically, �We will be launching a unique concept of food and beverage service, which utilizes the combined talents and creativity of our five well-known chefs from Keyaki Japanese Restaurant, Hai Tien Lo Cantonese Restaurant, Tuscany Ristorante, Western cuisine and desserts.  We want to provide something for Singapore that no other hotel can, we do not have just one executive chef � we have FIVE!�

The catering and convention service team aims to provide guests and clients with the �WOW� factor when organizing events or theme parties.  As focus will be made on wedding functions, Priscilla has designed a new wedding package, believed to the first in Singapore to offer a choice of three delightful, memorable and romantic wedding themes � balloon, candlelight, garden.   The team�s creativity and flexibility will allow them to personalize events or customize party functions to fit individual preferences.

Absolute Technology Programme

The Pan Pacific Singapore plans to bring high speed internet connectivity to our guests and meeting groups.  To ensure that the vision of our hotel is that of an eCommerce platform for guest services, we are studying to include broad bandwidth internet connectivity for the majority of our guestrooms, ballroom and 22 meeting rooms.  We wish to showcase this hotel as having the best high speed internet access for the speediest data transmission offered by any hotel in Asia.  This service is currently under study and will most likely be launched during the first quarter of 2000.

Upgrading Programme

The upgrading activities have seen the completion of our 800 guestrooms and suites, guest corridors, the Pacific Lounge, the opening of additional function rooms, the face-lift of Hai Tien Lo Cantonese Restaurant, the renewal of the Third Floor dining-room and the opening of Tuscany Ristorante, Atrium Lounge and Aromaz Bakery & Deli.

Tentatively scheduled for the year 2000, the next phase of our upgrading programme of our new Ballroom will see additional function rooms open on the second and third floors, all sharing the same concept.  There will be a new lead-in access from the Ballroom foyer via an escalator.  In the same year, the delivery of a new and elegant main entrance and the massive remodeling and transformation of the atrium lobby will achieve the overall design theme of the Pacific Ocean and nature.

Besides providing exceptional services and infrastructure, The Pan Pacific Singapore is strategically located only 20 minutes from Changi International Airport and 15 minutes from Singapore Expo.  The Hotel also enjoys the benefit of a skybridge connection to the Singapore International Convention and Exhibition Centre.  To top it all off, Asia�s largest Duty Free Shop, shopping malls, theatres, cinemas, restaurants, major entertainment centres and tourist attractions are all within walking distance.

The new millennium will see The Pan Pacific Singapore refreshed and revitalized to fully live up to our vision � �To be the preferred business and social address in Singapore�.