So we want them to enjoy their stay here."
- by Bernice Han The authorities are asking the entire population to show "four million smiles" when 16,000 VIPs converge here for a week-long gathering culminating in the International Monetary Fund and World Bank meetings on September 19-20.
The main business district where the meetings will take place has been given a major makeover: streets have been spruced up with new plants, and bridges and pavements given a fresh coat of paint.
A national "Four Million Smiles" project was launched in June to encourage Singaporeans and resident expatriates to submit photographs which will be fused into a large digital mural to welcome delegates.
"Our reputation is on the line," Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said in a televised speech last month.
"It's bigger than anything we have done so let's work together to make it the