When Michelle Koh first took on the role of Executive Director at Singapore River One (SRO) back in 2013, the idea of “placemaking” was still foreign to many in Singapore. A decade on, she has become synonymous with the transformation of the river precinct – Boat Quay, Clarke Quay and Robertson Quay – from a historic stretch into a vibrant hub where business, culture and community converge.
Walking along the river today, it’s hard to imagine it wasn’t always this way. Between buzzing festivals, curated dining spots and late-night energy, the area has taken on a life of its own. For Michelle, this change did not happen overnight. It was built on trust – convincing landlords, restaurateurs and retailers that SRO wasn’t just another government initiative but a partner invested in their success. “Winning that trust gave us access to the inner sanctum of stakeholders,” she recalls, “and that access is what allowed us to shape a collective vision.”
Building a brand, not just a precinct
One of Michelle’s most significant shifts was reframing the Singapore River not as three separate quays but as a unified destination. That meant cohesive branding, storytelling and sustained programming – moving away from one-off events to long-term identity building.
The Singapore River Festival (SRF) embodies this approach. Over the years, it has evolved into a marquee event that brings locals and tourists together with light installations, architectural tours, and food experiences that showcase the best of the precinct. For businesses, this translates into tangible gains: increased footfall, longer dwell time and new customers who might not have wandered in otherwise.
“The festival isn’t just about entertainment – it’s about community building,” Michelle explains. “From heritage brands to young entrepreneurs, we use events like SRF to tell their stories and help people connect emotionally with the river.”
Helping small businesses ride the tide
Behind the glitz of festivals lies the everyday challenge of keeping small and medium businesses resilient. Rising costs, labour shortages and shifting consumer habits are constant hurdles for many F&B and retail operators. Here, SRO has stepped in with both practical and strategic support.
From forging partnerships with the Singapore Nightlife Business Association – unlocking wins like extended alcohol hours – to hands-on operational initiatives such as joint inspections and precinct-wide clean-ups, SRO is deeply embedded in the fabric of its stakeholders’ success.
Their storytelling series, Voices by the River, highlights everyone from family-run eateries to creative startups, ensuring they’re not lost in the noise of larger, international players. “Sincerity, patience and follow-through are everything,” Michelle reflects. “We meet businesses where they are and make sure they know we’re in it for the long haul.”
Lessons from a crisis
The pandemic tested this commitment like nothing before. Almost overnight, the river’s energy drained away. But SRO pivoted quickly – from webinars on the Temporary Measures Act to virtual tours showcasing Robertson Quay’s businesses, to voucher campaigns worth $200,000 that encouraged spending across 100 outlets.
Even technology became part of the story. Augmented reality experiences were woven into the Singapore River Festival, and in 2025, an AI-generated song debuted as part of the celebrations. What began as emergency measures became long-term innovations, proof that a heritage precinct could embrace the future while keeping its soul intact.
Looking ahead: What’s next for Singapore River?
With Singapore’s tourism rebounding, SRO is setting its sights on enhancing connectivity. Plans are in motion to make the precinct more walkable by 2026, with creative wayfinding that links the three quays seamlessly. The recent relaxation of alcohol restrictions – the first in 16 years – also opens new opportunities for nightlife operators to reinvent themselves.
Through it all, Michelle remains grounded in the fundamentals: building trust, fostering collaboration, and making sure the river belongs to everyone. “Placemaking is a marathon,” she says with a smile. “It’s about ensuring the river keeps evolving, while staying true to its character.”
Singapore River never stands still
For Michelle, the Singapore River is more than just a stretch of water framed by heritage shophouses and skyscrapers. It’s a living, breathing space where businesses, culture and community are constantly in conversation. Under her stewardship, SRO has turned it into a place that isn’t just visited but experienced – whether through a late-night drink, a family day out, or a quiet riverside walk.
And as the river flows on, so does Michelle’s vision: of a precinct that continues to surprise, delight and thrive, long after the festivals end and the lights dim.
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