During a media tour of the Singapore integrated casino development Resorts World Sentosa it was revealed that some staff for the operation have been sent abroad for training to Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida. Now they are using the knowledge gained to teach other employees the business of theme parks and casinos. Priority has been given to employing local residents but overseas staff will be hired when special expertise is needed and not available from the local job market.

Resorts World Sentosa is due to open in the first quarter next year and will provide up to 45,000 jobs, 8,000 by early 2010. Construction continues round the clock and the tower cranes that dominate the site should be dismantled before the end of the year. The project, covering 49 hectares, is estimated to be costing over US$4.4 billion and Universal Studios Singapore, part of the casino complex, is expected to be a major tourist draw. This week the Genting company introduced new-to-the-world rides and attractions within seven theme zones at Universal Studios Singapore, bringing together the best of Universal Studios theme parks in Hollywood, California; Orlando, Florida; and Osaka, Japan.

Universal Studios Singapore features 24 rides and attractions, 18 of them original or adapted for Singapore. Resorts World Sentosa unveiled a pair of the world’s tallest duelling coasters, a castle from the world of Shrek, a celebrity ogre, a live show by the infamous Universal Monsters, celebrity look-a-likes Marilyn Monroe, Betty Boop and more. Supporting the attractions was a sneak-peek debut that included an extensive menu of 30 restaurants and food carts, as well as 20 retail stores and carts.

Mr Tan Hee Teck, CEO of Resorts World Sentosa, said: “Asians love movies and we are proud to introduce the region’s first and only Universal Studios theme park. Universal Studios Singapore will be one of the biggest and most exciting theme parks in the world, and it will be a tourism crown jewel for not just Singapore, but the whole region. We are in the final stages of construction, and for those who have had a sneak preview of Universal Studios Singapore taking shape, it has been an unanimous response that this is going to be a ‘must-see’ when Resorts World Sentosa opens early next year.’’ (E-10.23.09)

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