Singapore has plenty of shopping malls. But do they all feel the same?

Veteran interior designer Mike Lim says Singapore’s malls risk blending into one another and should offer more distinctive experiences. He argues that malls must serve as places to meet and take part in social activities, as well as shop, to attract repeat visitors amid competition from online retail.

Lim points to Ombak KLCC in Kuala Lumpur, a six-storey mall whose curved, terraced atrium drew attention after it opened in August. In a 25-year career, he has worked on malls including The Dubai Mall and The Exchange TRX, as well as Singapore properties such as Wisma Atria and Paragon. He has argued since 2016 that shops and malls need their own creative identities, using storytelling, events and flexible spaces to give people reasons to visit.