HIDDEN HEROES

Singapore's iconic attractions keep running all year round, thanks to these people working hard behind the scenes

- Yamini Chinnuswamy

KEEPER OF THE LIGHTS

By day, the promenade of Marina Bay Sands (MBS) offers sweeping views of the stunning skyline. By night, it is even lovelier when animated light projections paint the waterfront and every facade of the integrated resort, from its three towers to the lotus-shaped ArtScience Museum.

Whether it is a Singapore flag-inspired livery coloring the MBS towers for National Day or a light-and-water sequence choreographed to American pop star Taylor Swift's music, none of these spectacles is pulled off with the single push of a button, says Mr Edmund Goh, 38, a senior light and water show specialist with MBS.

"Many don't realize the extent of technical expertise and work that is needed to bring these productions to life, from climbing to the underbelly of Sands SkyPark to position our lights, to going into the waters at Marina Bay waterfront to maintain our equipment," says Mr Goh, who joined MBS in 2017.

There are nine people in the team responsible for Spectra - A Light & Water Show, which plays out on the water. The team also oversees the projections on the facades of the MBS towers and the ArtScience Museum.

Some of the nine handle video, sound, lighting and water jets. Others work on rigging and safety.

Mr Goh, who was previously a senior lighting technician in another hospitality company, came in with some expertise in pyrotechnics and lighting design. But he has also acquired other skills, such as operating scissor lifts and pleasure crafts.

A typical day for the Spectra team might involve setting up and testing the lighting systems, and troubleshooting.

For the Spectra show, which takes place at 8 and 9pm daily - as well as 10pm, if it is Friday or Saturday - the team must also coordinate all the moving parts so that showtime goes smoothly.