Gary wrote:
I am not advocating every CC to build a large observatory. For small country like Singapore, 2 public large observatory is not considered too much. Maybe still scope for 2 more - one in the East, one in the South.
I agree. Years ago, I visited an NParks exhibit at Singapore Botanic Gardens on the then upcoming Gardens by The Bay and the eastern gardens across the bay (still years away). They were asking for suggestions from the public. I put in a written suggestion for the building of an astronomical observatory at the Gardens by the Bay site, saying that even from Singapore, we have very good views of the Moon and the planets. However, they did not respond to my suggestion (as I recall), let alone followed it. I even spoke to one of the officials there during the exhibition to explain it.
So there you go. I think neighbouring countries are much ahead of us on this. If the largest mirror in the land is a privately owned 18" dob, you know what priority it has. Astronomy, unlike phamaceuticals R&D, wouldn't contribute to economic growth.
Instead, nearby is a casino that shoots out ridiculous ultra bright multiple laser beams every single night from 8pm onwards. The beams assault the night sky for about 2km and is a total waste of electricity. I know because I have to put up with it when I look out my window. Too bad for the environment. But it's good for tourism.