Old world charm is safe in Singapore, where historic landmarks are not sacrificed for profit but are instead sensitively woven into the city's futuristic vision.
Chinatown, Little India, Kampong Glam and Singapore River are four neighbourhoods which have been declared conservation areas and are now being restored. Already 5,315 historic buildings have been protected by legislation.
More than 1,000 have been restored and plans are in place to repair another 2,000. So far, 33 landmarks have been declared national monuments.
'Conservation planning is an overall part of planning strategy,' a spokesman at the Urban Redevelopment Authority said.
'The main objective is to retain Singapore's multi-cultural heritage while blending old and new developments.' But architectural conservation is not just an expensive, aesthetic exercise. It can be adapted to pay dividends and some restoration programmes have even fuelled commercial booms.
Boat Quay, once a rundown area, has become the nightlife centre of Singapore.
