Singapore’s Resorts World Sentosa will officially open its new Singapore Oceanarium on 23 July, described as a landmark institute dedicated to marine education, research and conservation.
Part of the property’s ongoing RWS 2.0 transformation and expansion project, Singapore Oceanarium represents a reimaging of the former S.E.A. Aquarium and is three times larger than its predecessor, the company said in a Monday announcement. It will guide guests along a journey through 22 purposefully designed zones designed to build a powerful emotional connection with the marine world.
Thematic environments will include Ocean Wonders, home to one of the world’s largest kreisel habitats and housing thousands of moon jellies, Singapore’s Coast where mangrove-inspired landscapes and interactive habitats spotlight native biodiversity, and Ancient Waters and Conquering Land featuring life-sized prehistoric animals and living fossils that trace the story of evolution.
Open Ocean will be highlighted by an enormous 36-meter-wide viewing panel allowing visitors to observe thousands of marine animals including Reef Manta Rays and Zebra Sharks.
RWS said the experience is designed to deepen understanding through multisensory storytelling and immersive digital displays, with a focus on marine protection and an appreciation of the aquatic world.
Singapore Oceanarium has also partnered with top academic institutions to push the boundaries of marine research, including a five-year applied research collaboration with the National University of Singapore and a two-year research collaboration with the Earth Observatory of Singapore at Nanyang Technological University on climate resilience and marine conservation.
The attraction is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and holds memberships in the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums and the Southeast Asian Zoo and Aquarium Association, RWS added.
“Singapore Oceanarium represents the next frontier for marine education and sustainability,” said RWS CEO, Tan Hee Teck. “We have created not just a destination, but a catalyst for change, a place where curiosity transforms into knowledge and knowledge into real action.”
Lam Xue Ying, Vice President of the Singapore Oceanarium, added, “This transformation from S.E.A. Aquarium to a purpose-driven institute has been years in the making. We are dedicated to inspiring a new generation of ocean stewards by taking ocean education and interactive storytelling to the next level, through naturalistic habitats and immersive technology.
“Supported by academic partnerships, international accreditations and memberships, as well as our new Research and Learning Centre, we’re furthering our commitment to marine conservation, research and education.”