The world's media will converge on Singapore. It is a city-state they have heard so much about - of how it can organise mega conferences without much fuss, problems or hiccups.
Just to put on records our Eventful Years of 2006 & 2007. This year - Asean Summit & last year we had The International Monetary Fund and World Banks's annual meetings in September ( representatives from 180 countries) .
Maria Sharapova, the world's most marketable tennis player, makes her Singapore debut next Sunday. It would signal the start of more than just a tennis match.
In September, the world's eyes will again be on the Republic, as its streets host Formula One's first night race. Come December, the Volvo Ocean race will make a pit-stop in Singapore, with Sentosa playing host to one of the world's most prestigious yacht races
With next year's action-packed sports calendar, Singaporeans, event organisers and promoters will look forward to benefit from it.
Outside of the sporting arena, the retail and hospitality industries and ordinary Singaporean can help to make the overall experience of the guests pleasant. With next Sunday's Sharapova-Chakvetadze match, let's take this as our first test of how wonderful hosts we can be.
I am sure Russian media will be keeping a close eye on how the Republic organises the event. After all, Moscow and Singapore are the favourites going into the last leg of the race to host the inaugural 2010 Youth Olympics. Let's hope that they will return home with nice things to say about how efficient a nation we are and how Singaporeans can go out of their way to host a successful sports events.
With Dubai, Shanghai and Doha trying to establish themselves as Asia's sports hub. Singapore should not fall behind in that race.
Let's us make a Christmas Wish that Singapore will emerge as a choice destination for major sporting events, for the top sports and stars to continue wanting to come to Singapore.
So, in order for that to happen, everyone has to do his part. Be a generous giver and an excellent receiver.
