In anticipation of the tourism boom for Singapore and Asia in the coming years, Resorts World at Sentosa (RWS) is adding six extra attractions to up the ante on its destination appeal.

Among the new draws are two rides at Universal Studios Singapore. One of the rides, a coaster, is an addition to another coaster in the original plans to make up a pair. This improved attraction now pits two different roller coasters — one seated and one suspended — against each other in aerial combat. A high-speed launch and heart-pumping near-misses make these coasters unlike any other in the world. The second ride is perennial favourite E.T. Steven Spielberg's timeless classic is brought to life in a fantasy attraction that captures the charm of childhood and the thrill of flying on an intimate scale that's sure to delight grandkids and grandparents alike.

There will be four new shows featuring multi-media, light and sound effects, on top of the three public performances that RWS proposed in its bid for the Integrated Resort in 2006. Four-time Emmy award-winner Jeremy Railton will be designing several of these acts.

As a result of these enhancements, RWS has revised its budget from S$5.2 billion to S$6 billion. This new budget also takes into account contingencies, improvements made to hotels and resort design, as well as the transportation and access infrastructure in the Resort.

Construction development

Construction progress is on track for RWS to open in early 2010. Sixty per cent of excavation works and 40 per cent of reclamation works have been finished to date. The substructure for the 4,100-lot basement carpark is in the process of being laid. Since the construction of the four jetties, huge barges have been transporting materials and equipment to and from the site. There are currently around 500 workers from China, India, Bangladesh and Thailand working and living on-site. RWS expects to have up to 8,000 pairs of hands on deck at the peak of its construction in the later part of 2008. Work is on-going 24/7 to ensure that the Resort will be ready for opening. View our webcast for more details.

HR matters

On the recruitment front, RWS has increased its staff strength by 40 percent to 140 just five months after moving to the new corporate office on Sentosa. Apart from the corporate departments, the company is currently hiring to lay the foundation of both the resort's IT and construction infrastructure.

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Mark Burnett, the famed producer of hit reality TV shows such as The Apprentice and Survivor, entered an exclusive US$ 20-million joint venture with RWS's holding company, Genting International, in October. This partnership saw the birth of Mark Burnett Productions Asia (MBPA), which will be based at Resorts World at Sentosa's corporate office for now and on the Resort premises after it opens in 2010. This new company will develop, produce and distribute game shows and reality programs.

MBPA will begin operations in early 2008. Some of MBPA's productions programs will be made at the resort when it opens its doors in 2010, adding to RWS's cachet as a live entertainment hub.

Corporate Social Responsibility

Resorts World at Sentosa recently formulated its Corporate Social Responsibility plans, which will be rolled out next year. RWS has pledged to be environmentally friendly, caring towards its employees and committed to improving the lives of children.

Resorts World at Sentosa took part for the third time in the SGX Bull Run, an annual charity run organized by the Singapore Stock Exchange.

The charity event raised S$3.5 million. The money goes to 14 beneficiaries, including the Autism Association of Singapore, Straits Times Pocket Money Fund and the Children's Charities Association. On top of a monetary contribution, 60 RWS employees joined the event's 3.2 km run around the Central Business District. This may be third time RWS participated in the event, but it won't be the last.