In 1998, the Fountain of Wealth was entered into the The Guinness Book of World Records as the world’s largest fountain – a title it held for several years. Located in the heart of Singapore, the Fountain of Wealth calls Suntec City, one of Singapore’s biggest shopping malls, “home”. In fact, the fountain was designed to be the hub of the shopping mall.
During preset times of day, the fountain’s jets are turned off so that visitors may walk around and explore the miniature fountain at its base. Visitors are encouraged to collect a few coins for luck. Between the hours of 8pm and 9pm, the fountain puts on stunning laser light displays, in addition to laser message dedications and live songs.
What many people do not know is that the Fountain of Wealth was designed according to the principles of Feng Shui. In the Chinese culture, water serves as a symbol of prosperity and life. The unique inward motion in which the fountain’s water flows is representative of riches being poured into one’s life. The motion of the water’s flow is also symbolic of the wealth retained in Suntec City, and this is how the fountain came by its name. The design motif has since been utilized in other fountains.
It is believed that visitors who come to the Fountain of Wealth can obtain considerable good luck or riches of their own by walking around the center of the fountain’s base three times while maintaining contact with the water at all times.
The Fountain of Wealth has become a popular element of pop culture. For example, in 2002, the third season of The Amazing Race was being filmed, and contestants on the show were required to collect a clue from the Fountain of Wealth. Likewise, the fountain was prominently featured in the blockbuster Indian movie, Krrish. The fountain is also a favorite location of world renowned magician, Cyril Takayama. He has performed tricks at the fountain’s base on multiple occasions.
The Fountain of Wealth is constructed of silicon bronze. In the center of the fountain is a circular ring that is supported by four large, angled columns. In terms of height, the fountain measures approximately 45 feet tall, and the entire structure occupies a square area of just over 5,500 feet. The design, patternmaking, manufacturing, and installation of the Fountain of Wealth was conducted by DCG Design and Meridian Projects, a firm located in Melbourne, Australia. Surrounding the Fountain of Wealth are five block towers that are symbolic of the five fingers found on the human hand. The fountain is representative the hand’s palm.
Visitors to Singapore are encouraged to visit the Fountain of Wealth. Suntec City, where the fountain is located, is home to some of the best shopping Singapore has to offer, and there are plenty of activities to engage in. Walk around times for the fountain do change according to the season, so a visitor should be sure to check the most recent schedule before visiting.