04-07-2025
RWS to unveil ocean conservation hub, as part of S$6.8 billion expansion
[SINGAPORE] Visitors to the Singapore Oceanarium can expect to see a range of marine species, including endangered ones such as the bowmouth guitarfish and the Indo-Pacific leopard shark, when it opens its doors to the public on Jul 24.
Previously known as the SEA Aquarium, the facility will be three times larger than its predecessor and mark the transition into an aquarium-based conservation institution.
This move has been 13 years in the making and is part of the S$6.8 billion transformation of Resorts World Sentosa (RWS), said Lam Xue Ying, acting senior vice-president of the upcoming attraction.
The aim is for Singapore Oceanarium to be Asia's leading aquarium-based conservation institution, as well as to educate the public on 'the threats that the oceans face', she added.
The Oceanarium will have 22 immersive zones that depict the evolution of marine life. ILLUSTRATION: SINGAPORE OCEANARIUM
The Oceanarium will introduce new species such as the Titicaca water frog and the American paddlefish.
'We must not only consider if we can provide the right environment for them, but also how new species fit into our broader mission – whether they help to tell important stories about biodiversity and conservation challenges,' said Lam.
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The institution will thus collaborate with various partners – including the National University of Singapore (NUS) under the RWS-NUS Living Laboratory, a five-year applied research agreement.
Singapore Oceanarium aims to educate the public and highlight the effects of climate change on the ocean, says Kim Hoon, its assistant vice-president of planning and growth. PHOTO: SINGAPORE OCEANARIUM
The S$10 million tie-up will help to position Singapore and the Oceanarium as a hub for the conservation and restoration of vulnerable marine organisms and habitats.
The project also contributes to the city-state's commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals of conserving and sustainably using the seas and marine resources.
Kim Hoon, assistant vice-president of planning and growth at the Singapore Oceanarium, said that there is 'a very clear purpose' behind the milestone transition from aquarium to conservation institution.
'We would like to drive meaningful progress in marine science through collaborative research,' she said, adding that the efforts go beyond Singapore through participation in international forums.
Visitors to the Oceanarium can walk through 22 immersive zones that depict the evolution of marine life. These zones support its mission to educate the public and highlight the effects of climate change on the ocean, she added.
The Oceanarium aims to tackle issues ranging from pollution to over-exploitation. PHOTO: SINGAPORE OCEANARIUM
Grant Abel, assistant vice-president of life sciences at Singapore Oceanarium, said that the institution aims to tackle issues ranging from pollution to over-exploitation, which have 'taken a devastating toll, leading to widespread ecosystem damage and biodiversity loss'.
He added that the goals for the next few years include accelerating conservation efforts for species that have been prioritised for conservation because of their vulnerability and their representation of broader ecosystem needs.
The institution also aims to support the relevant authorities in implementing robust policies on sustainability, among other roles.
