Construction works for the expansion of Resorts World Sentosa (RWS) will commence in 2Q2022, starting with Universal Studios Singapore and Singapore Oceanarium (SGO).
Minion Land, a new highly immersive themed zone, will join the Universal Studios Singapore theme park, offering multiple rides including one that will be the world’s first original ride exclusive to the theme park. Themed shops and restaurants are planned for this zone too.
The existing S.E.A. Aquarium will be rebranded as SGO and grounds will be tripled in size to take in a larger scale and depth of content. Backed by rich marine science knowledge, exhibits will provide immersive and multi-sensory storytelling of the evolution of the oceans’ inhabitants, fascinating oceanic zones such as the largely unexplored deep ocean, as well as unique representations of Singapore’s coastal ecosystems. It will offer fresh and enriching educational experiences and programmes that inspire positive mindset change and drive action to protect the oceans.
SGO will also encompass a Research and Learning Centre that is carbon-neutral. Fully equipped with immersive learning labs, collaborative workspaces, seminar rooms and a rooftop event space, the Centre will augment SGO’s educational offerings and provide advanced facilities for scientists and researchers to conduct valuable research work and drive marine science outreach on-site. It aims to catalyse the test-bedding of innovative solutions for real world challenges, and empower students and the community at large with hands-on learning experiences.
The two upgraded attractions are key components of RWS’s expansion plan, also known as RWS 2.0 when it was first announced in 2019.
According to RWS, the two attractions are envisioned to become Singapore’s new tourism icons and purpose of visits.
Backed by a S$400 million (US$297.6 million) investment, RWS 2.0 will bring a mix of new attractions, entertainment and lifestyle offerings to the integrated resort and facilitate the property’s contribution to Singapore’s tourism recovery.
Refurbishment of three existing hotels – Hard Rock Hotel Singapore, Hotel Michael and Festive Hotel – is also part of the plan, and work will be carried out in phases from 2Q2022 through 2023.
Festive Hotel will be refashioned into a bleisure (business-leisure) and workation (work-vacation) hotel with a variety of mobile working spaces and lifestyle offerings that will meet new work trends.
Resorts World Convention Centre will also enjoy an upgrade to strengthen RWS’s position as a premier business destination.
RWS CEO Tan Hee Teck said: “With our upcoming RWS 2.0 developments, we are confident that RWS will be well-positioned to lead the recovery of Singapore’s tourism as borders gradually reopen. We are excited to welcome the return of more international travellers with an even more vibrant RWS in the near future.
“RWS’s vision for the next decade is to become a sustainable and innovative top tourism destination in line with the Singapore Green Plan. As we begin construction works on our expansion, we continue to pursue a holistic approach to destination building. We are acutely aware of the need to embody into our designs a more sustainable environment, and are engaging various stakeholders and consultants to incorporate the latest technology and research into our developments to achieve this goal.”
Frasers Hospitality will open its first property in Phnom Penh come October 2022, the first of three openings slated for Cambodia over the next few years.
By 2026, Frasers Hospitality will have three properties in Cambodia – the 88-room Capri by Fraser, Phnom Penh in October 2022; the 78-room Capri by Fraser, City Centre in 2024; and the 200-room Fraser Residence Sen Sok, Phnom Penh in 2026.
Tonya Khong, senior vice president, head of Asia-Pacific at Frasers Hospitality, said: “Our three properties will be operational in the next few years and ready to accommodate the return to travel, as well as the anticipated boost from regional events such as the 2023 Southeast Asian Games and the RCEP. Moving into Cambodia signals our long-term ambition to grow our presence in the country and South-east Asia.”
Both Capri by Fraser properties are located in the heart of the Cambodian capital, and only a five-minute drive from each other. Both properties will have a mix of hotel rooms, studio apartments and one-bedroom units, designed to cater to transient business travellers and mid-level executives on extended stays.
In the vicinity are banks, finance, real estate and pharmaceutical companies, as well as non-profit organisations. The properties are also within walking distance of government offices, embassies, malls and F&B outlets.
Guests can expect the hallmarks of the Capri by Fraser brand such as the Spin & Play concept, where they can utilise self-service laundrettes while having a go at video games on the latest consoles, and a 24-hour gymnasium. Another signature social space is The Den, a large communal and versatile space fitted out with the latest technology.
Meanwhile, Fraser Residence Phnom Penh is in Sen Sok, an up-and-coming district on the north-west fringes of the city centre. Slated to accommodate expatriates on extended stays, the serviced apartment is part of an integrated development that includes a retail mall, medical centre and an office tower. It is also close to amenities such as international schools, malls and a golf course, and a 15-min drive to the CBD and industrial parks.