Posts
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Fire at Resorts World Sentosa
A fire broke out at the Resorts World at Sentosa (RWS) on Wednesday afternoon.
It caused thick black smoke to billow from affected parts of the work site, the Straits Times Online Mobile Print (Stomp) reported.
A Stomp reader who was at the nearby Vivo City shopping mall captured images of the fire and provided the tip-off.
A spokesperson for Resorts World at Sentosa (RWS) told Stomp that the incident was caused by a pile of polystyrene foam catching fire.
"The fire was contained and put out by construction workers using fire extinguishers before the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) arrived. There were no injuries or damage to the work site," the spokesperson said.
"SCDF officers who arrived on site deemed it suitable for construction work to resume."
The fire will have no impact on the construction progress, RWS said
Sentosa casino cutting it a little too close?
SINGAPORE, May 30 — With just months to go before it is scheduled to open its doors, Resorts World at Sentosa may be finding itself in a bit of a pickle. First, its much-publicised world tour to recruit 200 performers for its Universal Studios theme park had to be cut short because of fears over the influenza A (H1N1) virus.
Second, its holding company, Genting Singapore, has introduced new shareholders into the fold, which may well complicate the process of getting a casino licence for the integrated resort.
When contacted, a spokesman for the resort said it would open its four hotels and Universal Studios as planned by the end of March next year.
Its audition team toured Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Hong Kong and Manila and had six more cities to go before it returned on May 17. It had aimed to get all performers here in October for rehearsals. Its spokesman said that the team was recalled because of travel health alerts issued in the light of the contagious H1N1 virus. Another factor was “the large crowds that will gather at the auditions”, raising the chances of infection.
A bigger step is obtaining a licence from the Casino Regulatory Authority to operate the casino. It can apply for the licence only when 50 per cent of the resort is completed and 50 per cent of the funds spent.
The Straits Times understands it has yet to apply for a licence. The casino-resort declined to say when it would do so.
Its spokesman said: “We will apply for the licence only when the criteria are fulfilled.”
The authority can be expected to do what is known as “probity checks” to ascertain the company's owners, background, accounts and business links to other operations before awarding the licence. However, it has given no indication of how long this will take.
On Wednesday, Genting's Lim family sold its entire 9 per cent stake in Genting Singapore for S$615 million (RM1,476 million). But even after the sale, they will remain in control of Genting Singapore through its Kuala Lumpur-listed parent company, Genting.
The concern is not only over who the new shareholders are but also whether Genting will have links to other individuals and groups which might be beyond the pale.
One theory is that the family pulled out of Genting Singapore so that it could invest in MGM Mirage's Macau casino.
Given that MGM Mirage is connected to the family of gaming magnate Stanley Ho, who is alleged to have links with organised crime, the Singapore government might not look too kindly at a party with interests in both the Singapore and Macau gaming houses.
Gaming analyst Jonathan Galaviz said the Singapore government has “a very significant responsibility to ensure that the owners and executives of the integrated resorts have absolutely no unfavourable linkages”.
It is no surprise that a casino company would have an interest in Macau, he said, as it is “still a very lucrative strategic play for the next 10 to 20 years”.
Genting is the holding company for the Genting Group, which runs the Genting Highlands Resort, Sentosa's integrated resort and palm oil producer Asiatic Development.
The last time Genting's sister company, Star Cruises — then a partner in the IR — offered to sell Ho a stake in 2007, the company was questioned by the Singapore government. The possibility of a casino licence being denied was also thrown up then. — Straits Times
Friday, May 29, 2009
Sentosa SummerFest at Palawan Beach
Sentosa SummerFest at Palawan Beach
Venue 30 May – 28 June 2009
Time 10am - 6.30pm
Admission Free* event admission
*Island admission and transportation charges payable separately
Join us for a fun and exciting holiday as we unveil different programmes every week! Frolic in bubble parties and challenge your friends at the super soaker shootout. Build wonderful sandcastles and go wild with rock climbing. Or simply express your artistic flair with the various activities and workshops. What are you waiting for?
Join us now!
Download the Programme Guide
Palawan Boogie
Learn the new Palawan Boogie dance steps with LIVE demonstrations at Palawan Beach. Stay tuned for more information.
Sentosa Summer Pass
Adult S$35* / Child S$30*
Get your Summer Pass for double the fun!
- DESPERADOS (2 games) + Sentosa Luge & Skyride (2 rides)
+ Sky Tower
- Free workshops and activities
- Upclose feeding session at Animal & Bird Encounters
- Dining & shopping discounts
Top up $10* and get an individual Islander Membership for
1-year unlimited Island Access.
Purchase your Summer Pass at the following ticketing counters:
Sentosa Station (VivoCity Lobby L, Level 3), Imbiah Lookout Ticketing Counter, Imbiah Station and Beach Station.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Lim family sells Genting Singapore stake for RM1.5b
SINGAPORE, May 28 — The family which owns the Malaysian gaming firm Genting has stunned the market by selling its entire stake in the Singapore unit for S$615 million (RM1.5 billion). Investors got wind of the surprise sale early yesterday morning and swiftly dumped Genting Singapore stock to send the price into its biggest one-day fall in seven years.
Genting Singapore – it is building the Sentosa integrated resort – announced the deal during the mid-day trading halt in response to a Singapore Exchange query about the stock’s substantial trading volume.
The Lim family’s 9 per cent holding in Genting Singapore – or about 854 million shares – was offloaded to institutions in a private placement.
Their stake was being offered at 72 cents to 76 cents a share and was eventually placed out at about 72 cents. That represents a 16 per cent discount to Tuesday’s closing price of 86.5 cents.
Even after the sale, the Lim family will remain in control of Genting Singapore via its Kuala Lumpur-listed flagship firm, Genting Bhd.
Speculation is rife over the sudden move by the Lims to divest their stake. One suggestion is that the family simply wanted to cash in following the stock’s 70 per cent surge since March.
“The share price has outperformed, so it is a good time to lock in gains,” said an industry observer who requested anonymity. “Even at 72 cents, the share price is considered overvalued.’
The stock opened sharply lower at the opening bell, and the selling gathered pace over the next 20 minutes, with the stock plunging by as much as 21 per cent to hit 68.5 cents.
It eventually closed at 71 cents – just below the placement sale price - with a whopping 1.7 billion shares traded.
Analysts feel the recent surge in Genting Singapore shares has been overdone.
An OCBC Research report on Tuesday said: “Genting may also have to contend with higher interest payments as it continues to draw down its S$4 billion loan.”
It added that Genting’s British arm “could continue to languish, given the dismal economic picture there”, and that a rebound would likely come only in 2011.
Industry observers say the S$615 million raised via the private placement will give the Lim family more flexibility if one of its subsidiaries should need funds.
Market rumour suggests there may be a cash call from Star Cruises. In 2002, the Hong Kong-listed firm raised S$152 million with a rights issue to expand its fleet.
Genting Bhd chief executive Lim Kok Thay has a 60.15 per cent interest in Star Cruises, according to data compiled by Bloomberg.
Genting Singapore raised about S$2 billion in 2007 to finance the integrated resort. It has since indicated that additional funding will come from operating cash flows when the complex opens next year.
There is also speculation that the Lims may be raising cash to invest in MGM Mirage’s Macau casino.
Last Wednesday, Genting and Resorts World said they had each agreed to subscribe for US$50 million (RM175 million) of MGM commercial paper with yields of between 10.4per cent and 11.2 per cent so as to boost yields and excess cash.
Goldman Sachs analysts David Ng and Wilson Ng did not rule out the possibility that the Genting group intends to enter the Macau gaming market, but said the ‘situation remains highly fluid, and it is too soon to expect any outcome’.
Genting Singapore suffered a net loss of S$31.9 million for the first quarter ended March 31, against a net profit of S$6 million in the same period last year. – The Straits Times
Reports link Asian gaming giant to possible MGM Mirage deal
The gaming world was abuzz with discussion Wednesday on whether Malaysian hotel and gaming giant Genting Bhd is interested in doing a deal with MGM Mirage -- potentially for the U.S. company's stake in a casino in Macau.
Genting and its Resorts World Bhd subsidiary last week said they bought $100 million of debt issued by MGM Mirage -- debt sold as part of MGM Mirage's balance sheet restructuring.
And today it was reported that family members who control Genting have sold about 9 percent of shares in Genting's Singapore subsidiary, Genting Singapore. This raised $425 million, Reuters reported, citing two sources with knowledge of the deal.
One source told Reuters the sale was aimed at boosting the stock's liquidity after its shares fell recently, prompting questions from the Singapore Stock Exchange.
Others speculated the family may be raising cash to invest in MGM Mirage's Macau casino.
MGM Mirage officials couldn't immediately be reached for comment on the news stories out of Asia concerning Genting.
After New Jersey investigators recommended May 19 that MGM Mirage's partner in the Macau casino be declared unsuitable, one of MGM Mirage's options was to sell the stake in the Chinese casino in order to preserve its New Jersey gaming license.
MGM Mirage has other options though, including selling its stake in the Borgata resort in Atlantic City, or challenging the recommendation that Pansy Ho be found unsuitable because of concerns her father's casino empire is tainted by organized crime connections. Nevada regulators previously found Pansy Ho and her sister Daisy Ho to be suitable partners for MGM Mirage.
"It’s not easy for Genting or Resorts World to take over MGM Mirage's venture in Macau because of their investment in Singapore," Ang Kok Heng, chief investment officer at Phillip Capital Management in Kuala Lumpur, told Bloomberg News. "The Singapore government may not agree, so the family has to come in on their own."
Reuters also reported Genting is interested in business opportunities, but is declining comment on whether it's interested in an investment in Las Vegas or Macau.
"The Group does not comment on investors' speculation but will make the necessary public announcements ... as and when appropriate," Genting told stock exchange operator Bursa Malaysia.
In a statement to Bursa Malaysia last week, Genting commented on the purchase of MGM Mirage notes.
"The notes represent a good opportunity for Genting to expand its investment portfolio and enhance returns on its existing cash balances With yield returns in excess of 10 percent, the investment generates an attractive return compared to what is currently attainable in the money markets or in other secured investments regionally especially within the Genting group's core leisure and hospitality industry.
"Further, the notes will be secured against high quality gaming and entertainment assets in Las Vegas, thereby giving downside risk protection to the investment," Genting said.
Genting is best known for its massive Genting Highlands Resort in Malaysia.
Both Sheldon Adelson's Las Vegas Sands Corp., with its Marina Bay Sands; and Genting, with its Resorts World at Sentosa, are building massive gaming-entertainment complexes in Singapore -- complexes that may compete with casinos in both Malaysia and Macau.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Taking IR visitors on ride of their lives
Want in on Singapore's two integrated resorts (IRs)?
A total of 20,000 jobs will be created when the Marina Bay Sands and Resorts World at Sentosa open, at the year end and next year respectively.
In the second of this two-part series, The Sunday Times checks out five interesting jobs the IRs have to offer.
Slots ambassadors
This job, at Resorts World, requires candidates to master the A-Zs of the various slot machines.
You will be part of a 24/7 team that keeps the fun level up, from helping first-timers to spotting those whose drinks have run out.
You may want to advise someone on a losing streak to change to a different game or machine. You will also urge regulars to sign up for casino membership, where they pay an annual fee rather than pay per entry.
'Slot games can get very complicated these days,' said Resorts World's senior vice-president for human resources and training, Ms Seah-Khoo Ee Boon.
'That's why we need ambassadors to help the customers.' The job calls for someone meticulous, personable and easy to talk to.
'If you like meeting people and want to see that satisfied look on a customer's face, this is a fantastic job for you,' said Ms Seah-Khoo.
Criteria: At least 21 years old, with a deep passion for customer service, meticulous and a team player.
Number of positions: 200
Beverage service team
Over at the Marina Bay Sands, a crew of more than 350 sommeliers, mixologists, bartenders and managers will keep customers' spirits up.
Their job is to select wines for the various wine lists, manage the inventory of wines and spirits and, more importantly, create a drinks menu for guests of the IR.
Every watering hole will be covered, from the luxury hotel's atrium bar to the casino's VIP PaizaClub lounge and restaurant.
'Because of the size of the IR, we need a dedicated and experienced team that specifically looks after the wines and spirits offered to our guests,' said Mr Tamir Shanel, executive director of food and beverage at the Marina Bay Sands.
Training will be provided for most of the crew but sommeliers and mixologists need to be experienced.
A mixologist uses creative ideas to give cocktails a new spin while a sommelier is a wine expert able to give good recommendations.
'A sommelier needs the right disposition and customer service as he'll be serving guests with discerning tastes,' said Mr Shanel. 'He needs to know when to offer the $100 wine - or the $5,000 one.'
Criteria: A passion for beverages and customer service, plus experience for sommeliers and mixologists.
Number of positions: 350
Theme park technicians
They are the guys in overalls, the 'smooth operators' at Resorts World's Universal Studios Singapore. They will maintain all equipment and rides to ensure safe operation.
Perks include a training course at Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida, lasting between three weeks and three months, and being the first to try out the various rides.
With 24 rides and shows here, each technician will specialise in the repair and troubleshooting of a few. Ms Seah-Khoo said: 'They have a critical role to ensure everything is in tip-top condition before the park opens.'
'The safety of the park depends on them and park safety standards are crucial,' she added. 'So we want to hire the very best.'
Criteria: Three to five years of maintenance experience. Experience in an amusement park is a plus.
Must have normal colour vision, and skills and knowledge in mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic and electrical areas. Also, be prepared to perform three shifts.
Number of positions: 50
Security staff
Needless to say, the security at casinos - where large sums of money are involved - has to be flawless.
At the Marina Bay Sands, a security officer does not just patrol the casino and ensure security within its premises. A big part of the job is escorting the cash and chips from the tables to the cage where the cashiers work.
'They have to be highly alert and sharp,' said director of security Tan Puay Kern, since 'they have to work within a concentrated zone, with people milling in and out'.
Besides the security staff tasked with the casino areas, others will patrol the rest of the IR, from hotel towers and retail mall to public areas.
Unlike in the usual mall, the challenge of managing security in an IR is much more intense due to the sheer number of people across the entire property.
'Our security staff will be working in a very demanding environment,' said Mr Tan. 'There's a need to be very focused and coordinated so any incident in one part of the IR does not escalate and affect the rest of the property.'
All security personnel will have to be individually licensed by the police. For those who need it, there will be a basic training course given by the Workforce Development Agency before a police licence is issued.
Criteria: Must be fit and reliable.
Number of positions: 450
Guest services ambassadors
This job, at Resorts World, entails providing a comfortable environment for the guests.
'They are the face, the touch point with customers and basically the lubricant that makes the whole casino flow,' said Ms Seah-Khoo.
Their level of service differentiates a good casino from a bad one. On a typical day, a guest services ambassador scans the casino floor to ensure that customers are having fun and are well taken care of.
They often work with various departments to meet the needs of guests - from arranging theme park visits for children to making dinner and show reservations.
They have to stay cool as they deal with last-minute and even difficult requests.
'To play that role well, one needs to empathise and be sensitive to customers' feelings,' said Ms Seah-Khoo. 'We want someone personable and charming.'
Criteria: At least 21 years old, proficient in spoken and written English. Knowing a second language is a plus.
Also, they have to be able to work under pressure and be willing to work extra hours if need be.
Number of positions: 150
The two IRs declined to reveal salaries for the positions profiled here.
Contact information:
Resorts World at Sentosa: careers@rwsentosa.com
Marina Bay Sands: careers@marinabaysands.com
This article was first published in The Straits Times.
Monday, May 25, 2009
Rise in Qatari visitors to Singapore: Official
The Peninsula/ By Joyce C Abaño
DOHA: Singapore has received a five-percent increase of visitors from the Gulf region, specifically in Qatar, in the first quarter of this year, an official from the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) said. Jason Ong, STB area director for Middle East and Africa, said last year, they had a 16-percent growth of tourists from the Gulf region, around 114,000, and seven percent of those visitors were from Qatar, which is around 7,000.
“This is a good number considering that a few years back, we only had very few visitors from Qatar. Now, the number has grown, and we want to invite more locals to visit Singapore,” said Ong, who divulged that he was amazed at how Qatar has changed in a matter of few months. “Qatar is a growing city and I can see there are a lot of new high-rise buildings being constructed.”
Ong, who is in Qatar to promote Singapore as a tourist destination, said later this year, Singapore will have new places and new establishments to offer its guests, like the Marina Bay Sands.
The Marina Bay Sands, the over US$3bn project owned by the Las Vegas Sands Corporation, will be opened by the end of this year. Sheldon Adelson, chairman and CEO of the Las Vegas Sands Corp., announced in a statement that the Las Vegas Sands Corp. “is excited and ready to join Singapore on a historic journey. As a catalyst for the economic future of Singapore and a launch pad for its tourism industry, Marina Bay Sands will help Singapore solidify its standing among the world’s greatest destinations.”
The Marina Bay Sands, located along the Marina Bay waterfront, will feature three cascading hotel towers topped by an extraordinary sky park, “floating” crystal pavilions, a lotus-inspired ArtScience Museum, retail stores featuring cutting-edge labels and international luxury brands, trendy celebrity chef restaurants, theatres, night clubs and a Las-Vegas-style casino. Business visitors will also enjoy the extensive Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions (MICE) facilities featuring state-of-the-art technology, exhibition halls, and a convention centre that can host over 45,000 delegates.
Singapore will open early next year the Resorts World at Sentosa, which will include a water theme park; and the Universal Studios Singapore.
BEACH BLANKET A GO-GO (ATMOSPHERE STAGE, OUTDOORS)
It's 1962. The heyday of heartthrobs, hot dates and hangin' ten! These teenyboppers twist and shout in front of a live studio audience on the summer sensation: Kowabunga Kove - brought to you by RWS-TV - where it's paradise 365 days a year!
BURNT REYNOLDS (175cm/5'9” - 182cm/6'0”) The Host of Kowabunga Kove. This charismatic television personality has one goal in mind - to have a blast… even with severe sunburn! With a fun, corny attitude, this media magnet carries the show from beginning to end. A compelling triple threat is required for this baritone role.
POLLY ESTER (155cm/5'1” - 163cm/5'4”) This full-figured ingénue needs a big voice. The most popular girl in school is an audience favorite. Obsessed with her style, hair, and on-camera crush - this larger than life musical theatre performer really knows how to cut a rug. A strong vocal belt is required.
STING RAY (172cm/5'8” - 180cm/5'11”) Black male singer who is comfortable singing Gospel, Blues, and Pop music. This `triple threat' needs to be a powerhouse performer with excellent rhythm and vocal skills to match. A strong tenor with an expressive face and magnetic personality, essential.
(MALIBU) DARBY (162cm/5'4” - 170cm/5'7”) The `fairest of the them all'. This true `Tom-Boy' plays the glamorous “Malibu Darby” on screen, and is just plain `Darby' when the cameras aren't rolling. This strong alto provides broad comic relief, and flirtatious moments.
KEN DAHL (177cm/5'10” - 185cm/6'1”) Arguably the biggest teen star on the airwaves, this heartthrob has found his audience. This Teen Idol declares `himself' the poster boy for all tweenyboppers - and the world agrees! With a hip swagger, wink, and a thousand watt smile, this Pop star is a tenor with great vocal range.
PEACHY KEEN (165 cm/5'5” - 172cm/5'8”) Black female with Gospel, Soul, Pop singing ability, similar to the Queen of Soul. Passionate, outspoken and loving, this undisputed icon is a true television star! Must have great rhythm and extensive movement ability.
THE FRAT PACK (ATMOSPHERE STAGE, OUTDOORS)
A group of enthusiastic twenty-something's (with dreams of worldwide celebrity) are given their `big break' to become the coolest guy group in the late-60's. Set to big band music, these fraternity brothers are on a mission to rock the world one screaming fan at a time.
ZACH (182cm/6'0” - 190cm/6'3”) The Ladies Man. The group's leader, and stellar part singer with strong acting skills. Ol' Blue Eyes is his crooning hero and he does one hell of an impersonation. Athletic, smooth, playful and charming.
CASEY (175cm/5'9” - 182cm/6'0”) The Sensitive One. Influenced by current crooner, this strong part singer with solid acting skills has a sweet, soulful voice that makes every girl melt. Shy (until he opens his mouth), smart, adorable and wide-eyed.
BOOMER (177cm/5'10” - 185cm/6'1”) The Heartthrob. With a young Hollywood matinee idol vibe, the world is about to discover his perfect pitch and movie star qualities. Strong acting skills. Handsome, clean cut, cool - and a little dim.
FINK (170cm/5'7” - 177cm/5'10”) The Funny One. Prone to eye rolling and blank takes, this prankster does one mean “Candy Man” routine. Strong acting skills a must. Slick, clever, spirited, witty. (African-American needed.)
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Universal Studios Singapore CELEBRITY LOOK-A-LIKES (VARIOUS ATMOSPHERE LOCATIONS, OUTDOORS)
Confident, high-energy Celebrity Look-A-Likes with engaging personalities, who possess engaging impersonation skills and demonstrate impeccable timing. Look-A-Likes must make smart, show appropriate choices, as well as the ability to ad-lib with resort guests and large groups… and be prepared for the unexpected.
MARILYN MONROE (163cm/5'4” - 170cm/5'7”) Curvaceous female actress to portray American icon. Must be able to convey the subtle, sexy “Blonde Bombshell” nuances, while interacting with resort guests.
CHARLIE CHAPLIN (167cm/5'6” - 175cm/5'9”) Must convincingly portray Oscar winning Silent Screen icon during The Tramp period of his career. Refined manners and gentle spirit required, with the ability to do physical comedy while interacting with resort guests.
PRINCESS FIONA (165cm/5'5” - 172cm/5'8”) Street smart, independent and delightfully engaging, this lovable princess interacts with resort guests as the pre-ogre Fiona from the Shrek® series.
BEETLEJUICE (170cm/5'7” - 177cm/5'10”) The “ghost with the most” possesses minds, bodies and souls - making him the ultimate puppet master. This obnoxious and slightly perverted "bio-exorcist” revels in his grotesque appearance. The character is a mystery; his age and even how he came to die remain unknown.
BETTY BOOP (152cm/5'0” - 160cm/5'3”) With her sex symbol appeal, combined with girl-like persona, this vibrant young woman (with a childlike voice) has more heart than brains. This flirtatious flapper should be bubbly and bright while interacting with resort guests.
SCORPION KING (182cm/6'0” - 190cm/6'3”) The last true warrior who made a deal with Anubis in a bid for revenge. Bigger than life, with a physique to match, this role requires talent who is not body conscience. Should resemble movie character and portray the captivating qualities of a man who knew only death and murder as his purpose in life.
ANCK SU NAMUN (165cm/5'5” - 172cm/5'8”) A beautiful mistress with an agenda, who will go to any lengths to get what she wants. With a statuesque physique and Egyptian coloring and/or olive complexion, this role requires talent who is not body conscience.
Here's a look at Monstro City
MONSTROCITY
(THEATRICAL STAGE, INDOORS)
On a seemingly ordinary night in Dr. Jekyll laboratory, the good doctor buries himself into his latest experiment. He transforms - as the familiar story goes - into the monstrous Mr. Hyde, whose main agenda is to foil Dr. Jekyll's plans to save the world from seven destructive monsters. This brand new creature feature houses a musical concert that includes Pop, Hip-Hop, Rap, and Rock N' Roll style songs as only Universal Studios Singapore can produce.
DR. JEKYLL | MR. HYDE (175cm/5'9” - 182cm/6'0”) Constantly struggling with good and evil, this real-life Dr. McDreamy finds himself lost in a nightmare of his own making. After drinking a potion of his own creation, Dr. Jekyll is transformed into the Rock N' Evil - Mr. Hyde. An electric performer, with acting skills to match - makes this `two-of-a-kind' character a real head case. You can run, but you can't Hyde.
FRANKENSTEIN (182cm/6'0” - 190cm/6'3”) This Universal Monster (thought to be lacking all soul) is indeed `full of the funk!' The thuggish creation, while large, is both agile and articulate. This innovative take on the classic character brings “Frank-E-Fresh” an inner-city vibe. He is a Hip-Hop/Pop singer.
BRIDE OF FRANKENSTEIN (165cm/5'5” - 172cm/5'8”) The Bride is unquestionably the most glamorous of the Goths. The feisty soul mate of “Frank-E-Fresh” is never the bridesmaid… always “The Bride”. She should be a statuesque with a strong belt.
DRACULA (177cm/5'10” - 185cm/6'1”) A mesmerizing and seemingly ruthless seducer, Dracula is the smooth latin-esque lady-killer. This family of ghouls wouldn't be complete without this dashing, sensually hypnotic romancer. Should be a tall, athletic baritone/ tenor with a muscular build.
THE MUMMY (Female) (162cm/5'4” - 170cm/5'7”) Unwrapped and set free by the Pharaoh, this arid goddess is ready to shine. Strong and fierce, ancient but new - The Mummy is geared up to demonstrate her point of view. Should be of medium height, athletic, with a powerful belt.
PHANTOM OF THE OPERA (175cm/5'9” - 182cm/6'0”) Although thought to be gruesomely deformed, loyal fans alike will be awed by the all-new Phantom. A true rock star and musical genius, this “opera ghost” is a debonair leading man with a dynamic, mesmerizing spirit, able to work at substantial heights. Athletic tenor.
WOLFMAN (165cm/5'5” - 172cm/5'8”) This electrifying urban male is the mischievous one of the pack. While clinging onto his animalistic roots, Wolfman beat-boxes like a Hip-Hop star and soars through the air like a martial artist. Wolfman is a Pop tenor with a street flair and must be a strong dancer with a muscular build.
SHE-WOLF (160cm/5'3” - 167cm/5'6”) This wicked temptress stalks her prey and has attitude for days. Granted with extra-human strength and extraordinary senses, this sinful siren has chords of steal. With a catlike body and icy exterior, She-Wolf is a shape-shifter who loves to chase. Powerful belt and excellent dancer.
This will Give you A Idea of what Waterworld well be
WATERWORLD
(AMPITHEATRE, OUTDOORS)
This non-stop, action-packed stunt epic is performed in front of our resort guests' daily. Performers for this show must meet specific requirements in type and ability. Physical stamina is essential.
ALL CHARACTERS: Must be able to swim, work at substantial heights, work with an audience, and be able to perform around various types of pyro techniques and special effects.
MARINER (180cm/5'11” - 187cm/6'2”) Expert stand-up jet skier with strong heroic looks.
Athletic stuntman with acting/performance background with a muscular build and strong upper body strength. Jet ski, hand-to-hand combat, weapons, diving, and 6m/20' high fall required.
HELEN (163cm/5'4” - 172cm/5'8”) Athletic female with a seasoned acting/performance background with strong upper body strength. Heroine-type stuntwoman, with jet ski, boat driving, combat, slide for life, weapons, 6m/20' high fall - who performs daily on a live microphone (Preferably blonde).
DEACON (177cm/5'10” - 185cm/6'1”) Accomplished actor with strong acting and performance background. Stunt experience a plus. Combat, weapons, a big ego - who performs daily on a live microphone (Preferably bald).
SAGE (ATOLLER NO.4) (167cm/5'6” - 182cm/6'0”) Strong interactive skills required, establishes pacing of Pre-Show. Athletic, experienced stuntman with strong improvisational skills - who performs daily on a live microphone.
LACKEY (SMOKER NO.5) (163cm/5'4” - 172cm/5'8”) Deacons' sidekick, small in stature with seasoned comedic timing. Combat, weapons, strong acting and performance skills, stunt experience preferred.
TINY (SMOKER NO.6) (187cm/6'2” - 198cm/6'6”) Imposing figure, boat driver, combat, weapons, high fall, stunt experience preferred. Athletic stuntman with strong acting and performance background.
JET SKIER (JET SKIER AND SMOKER NO.7) (172cm/5'8” - 185cm/6'1”) Experienced Jet Skier catapulted from backstage with Water Skier in tow. Combat, weapons, 6m/20' high fall, athletic with strong acting and performance background.
WATER SKIER (WATER SKIER AND SMOKER NO.8) (175cm/5'9” - 187cm/6'2”) Expert Water Skier launched from backstage into lagoon via Jet Skier. Combat, weapons, boat driver, athletic with strong acting and performance background.
RAPPELLER (ATOLLER NO.9 AND SMOKER NO.9) (175cm/5'9” - 185cm/6'1”) Strong interactive skills required, helps establish pacing of Pre-Show. Athletic rappeller with strong acting and performance background.
FIRE DIVER (ATOLLER NO.10 AND DEACON DOUBLE) (177cm/5'10” - 185cm/6'1”) Strong interactive skills required, helps establish pacing of Pre-Show. Athletic experienced Fire Diver, 12m/40' high fall, gymnastic abilities, combat, with strong acting and performance background
Pink Dolphins at Sentosa Island
 | |
| S$22.90 / Adult, S$14.60 / Child (Aged 3 - 12 years old) Includes admission to Underwater World | |
 | |
 | |
| 10.30am - 6pm daily (last entry 5.30pm) | |
| |
 | |
| 11am*, 1pm, 3.30pm & 5.30pm daily *Training session on weekdays, usual show on weekends and public holidays. Show may be cancelled in the event of rain. | |
| |
 | |
| Palawan Beach | |
Sentosa Luge & Skyride
| Luge & Skyride combo Luge & Skyride: S$11.00 / person Two Luge & Skyrides: S$16.00 / person Three Luge & Skyrides: S$20.00 / person Family Deals Four ride family pass: S$28.00 Eight ride family pass: S$49.00 Child when riding with adult: S$2.00 Skyride only One Way: S$7.00 / person Two Way: S$11.00 / person Families with at least a child below 12 years old | |
| |
| |
| 10am - 9.30pm (including weekends and Public Holidays) | |
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Singapore’s latest luxury hotel, the Capella Sentosa, targets rich travellers and long-staying guests.
By KEE HUA CHEE
Singapore’s latest luxury hotel, the Capella Sentosa, targets rich travellers and long-staying guests.
Few have heard of the Capella hotels, and perhaps that is not at all surprising since there are only eight of them in the world. The Capella Sentosa in Singapore marks the group’s début in Asia.
Opened two months ago, The Capella Sentosa caters to guests with deep pockets — room rates start from S$750 (RM1,900).
Capella Sentosa’s three-tiered swimming pool Sentosa island, now linked to the main island by bridge, is undergoing massive transformation. Malaysia’s Genting Bhd is building Singapore’s second casino here, Vivo Mall is nearby and then there is the Capella.
The Capella’s two main buildings resemble a stately colonial government office rather than a hotel. This is no accident because they are, in fact, the celebrated Tanah Merah buildings erected by the British in 1883 as military barracks.
Over time, the buildings became the nation’s favoured venue for afternoon tea, grand balls and New Year Eve parties. Restored by Lord Norman Foster of London into the Capella Sentosa’s main reception and public areas, the regal Tanah Merah buildings stand in stark contrast to the modernist double wings behind them.
I was mortified when I strolled into the foyer — not by the low ceilings or the large living room size of the reception — but by the signage. There were only two stars attached to the name of this hotel which is supposed to be a six-star establishment
“Fear not, there is a brilliant explanation,” beamed general manager Michael Luible.
A cosy library “Capella is the name of the brightest star in the constellation of Auriga, which is also the name of our spa. Capella is the sixth brightest star in the northern hemisphere and, though it appears as a single star to the naked eye, it actually comprises two binary star systems. Hence the two-star logo.’’
Ah.
The Capella Hotels’ German-born founder Horst Schulze, formerly president of the Ritz-Carlton, decided to position his group at the topmost end, offering a level of personalised service few hotels could match. Each guest, for example, is assigned a personal assistant and a Rolls-Royce Phantom. The lavish spread at the Library (a restaurant, not a repository of books) means you can eat almost 24/7, and service is exemplary.
Capella sits on 12ha of lush rainforest and most rooms face the South China Sea. Alas, the view is often of container ships and barges — not the most picturesque of boats, one must admit.
Army barracks now a luxury hotel. — KEE HUA CHEE Capella boasts the largest hotel rooms in Singapore, with each one a junior suite. There are only 50 deluxe rooms, 61 premier rooms, 11 suites, 38 garden villas and a presidential manor fit for a king.
The décor is impossibly stylish, but you will have to ask your personal assistant to show you how the coffee machine works. The thing is so hi-tech that most coffee drinkers would be confounded as to how to get their fix from it.
Linens are by the prestigious Pratesi. My bed overlooked the gardens, forest, infinity pools and South China Sea. It was pure indulgence to be able to stretch my feet on the vast bed and to soak in the view from the Jacuzzi, and occasionally glimpsing peacocks!
But I swear the large bolster must be filled with rocks. It was so stiff and heavy, it took all my strength to kick it to the floor.
A touch-screen control panel operated everything, including the 46in plasma TV. However, whoever decided on the placement of the light switches should have his brains examined. Any mortal would have thought the bathroom switches should be positioned outside the bathroom, but I searched in vain for them.
Not wanting to call reception and appear a peasant, I pressed hard on the floor with my feet and even went down on my knees to grope furtively for the blasted switches. Finally I gave up and summoned housekeeping.
Guess where the switches were? On the wardrobe wall . . .
The lights in my wardrobe did not work either. Two technicians duly came, armed with a ladder, but after several bulb changes, my closet remained in darkness. Eventually, it transpired that the control panel inside my bedside drawer operated the lights!
There is something to be said about old-fashioned switches that can be pressed, pushed, pulled, clicked and most importantly, seen.
Still, I thought the amenities were stunning. Cassia Restaurant offers incredible Chinese cuisine in exquisite setting designed by Andre Fu of Hong Kong. The Knolls provides all-day dining with sensational views of three cascading pools, and Bob’s Bar is currently Singapore’s hottest watering hole — the republic’s beautiful people congregate here.
One hundred silver carps securely fixed to the walls (I tried removing one, so I know) lead one to Auriga, the other worldly spa, all 1,115 sq m of it. Its wellness philosophy and treatments are based on the phases of the moon.
Since our body is 90% liquid, the moon is said to exert a powerful influence on our inner “tides”! Auriga’s signature treatments reflect the varying energies caused by the waxing and waning of the moon, and are meant to rejuvenate and realign you with nature.
Meanwhile, Capella’s ballroom is Singapore’s first and only circular ballroom with no pillars in its midst and a skylit dome that juts into the garden above. The 780sq m ballroom accommodates 350 to 400 in style. No wonder it is making waves.
For more information, visit www.capellasingapore.com or call +65 6377 8888.
Friday, May 22, 2009
Siloso Hotbods 2009 is the ultimate search for the hottest hunk and babe!
Siloso Hotbods 2009 is the ultimate search for the hottest hunk and babe! We are looking for the most fun-loving, sporty and outgoing beach lovers who best personify Siloso Beach - Singapore's Hippest Beach.
Vote
You decide who's hottest. online for your favourite Hotbods and stand a chance to win fantastic prizes!
Voting begins 20 May to 3 June 2009. The votes will be tabulated and the top 10 Hotbods (5 Babes & 5 Hunks) with the highest number of votes will proceed to the Final Showdown.
And if your favourites are crowned Mr and Miss Siloso Hotbods 2009, you can walk away with some attractive prizes too!
FINAL SHOWDOWN!
Show your support for your favourite Hotbods at 987FM Life's a Beach. The 10 Hotbods will vie for the coveted title through games and a fashion show.
Plus, be entertained and dance the night away with live bands, fun games, exciting activities and more! Stay tuned for more updates.
When : Saturday, 20 June 2009
Time : 4pm till late
Where : Siloso Beach
* Only pictures of shortlisted participants will be uploaded on the website for viewing and voting. Mr & Miss Siloso Hotbods will be determined based on judges' scoring (70%) and the total number of on-ground votes (30%).
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Le Voyage de la Vie Coming in June 2010 at Resort World Sentosa
The Generating Company is producing a new musical acrobatic show entitled Le Voyage de la Vie for Resorts World on the beautiful island of Sentosa, Singapore.
The Generating Company is producing a new musical acrobatic show for Resorts World at Sentosa with an international creative team led by Mark Fisher, architect of blockbuster shows for the Rolling Stones, Pink Floyd and U2. Mark Fisher has also designed some of the most spectacular theatres and shows in Las Vegas.
Due to open June 2010, the show will be resident within the new Resorts World development on the beautiful island of Sentosa, located just off the coast of Singapore. The resort will become Asia’s leading leisure destination and will include Universal Studios Singapore, Marine Life Park, Maritime Xperiential Museum, 6 hotels, a spa and a hotel casino amongst the many other attractions available onsite.
Please visit www.rwsentosa.com for more information on Resorts World at Sentosa.
The Generating Company will be recruiting technical and production staff to help bring this creation to life. Auditions will also be held world-wide to recruit for the 40 strong cast to generate a truly international production.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
The IRs want you!
By Mavis Toh
Bet you are excited.
Singaporeans can expect up to 20,000 job openings when the two integrated resorts (IRs) - Marina Bay Sands and Resorts World at Sentosa - open, at the year end and early next year respectively.
null
What are some unique jobs linked to the IRs? Here are five.
DEALERS
Mr Dennis Andreaci was 23 when he started work as a dealer in Atlantic City in the United States.
Today, the 53-year-old is vice-president for table games at the Marina Bay Sands integrated resort.
Dealers, he said, often make up the largest group of staff in a casino. Their primary job is to operate the gaming tables.
Typically, there are around 19 types of games in a casino and each dealer would be trained to master at least two.
From blackjack to baccarat to roulette, dealers must not only understand the game but also calculate payouts accurately.
At Marina Bay Sands, chosen candidates undertake a 12-week training session where they learn to master games from professional dealers.
Dealers do eight-hour shifts and work a six-day week. During each shift, they would also be given a break after manning a table for 80 minutes.
'Their brain is constantly moving because they need to calculate payouts,' said Mr Andreaci. 'So they need to relax.'
Besides being good with numbers, they also must have a high level of personal integrity because they would be dealing with 'large sums' of money.
They also need to be personable and have good customer service skills.
'The best dealers are ones where the customers keep coming back to their table and everyone is having a good time,' said Mr Andreaci.
Marina Bay Sands is looking to hire about 2,900 dealers. Those looking for part-time work are also welcomed.
Criteria: Must be above 21; past casino experience is a plus.
BUTLER
The word 'butler' brings to mind the image of a manager in a grand household.
At premier hotel Maxims Tower, butlers are at the beck and call of high rollers. The hotel is one of six at Resorts World at Sentosa.
They will have to cater to every whim and fancy of these high-end guests, from how they like their luggage unpacked to what they like to eat.
Butlers are briefed well in advance on such preferences before the guests arrive. Even then, there is always the chance that the VIP might want more - like tickets to already sold-out shows. The good butler will just have to find a solution.
Butlers should also be able to talk intelligently on any topic, if the guest is in the mood for small talk.
'The greatest fulfilment is when a guest leaves happy and asks for you when he comes back,' said senior vice-president for human resources and training Seah-Khoo Ee Boon.
Resorts World is looking to hire 20 butlers.
Criteria: Meticulous and with good customer service skills. Experience in hospitality is a plus.
MASCOT/CELEBRITY LOOKALIKE
If your childhood dream was to play a popular movie character, it could well come true.
When Resorts World opens next year, its Universal Studios theme park will need mascots and celebrity lookalikes to create a buzz.
Mascots don costumes and - voila - they become Shrek, Princess Fiona or even Alex the Lion from Madagascar.
Together with celebrity lookalikes like Charlie Chaplin and Marilyn Monroe, they walk around the park. Their job, said Ms Seah-Khoo, is to 'thrill the guests and act the part'.
The outstanding ones could go on to act in the park's shows.
But only the brave, strong and nimble need apply since the costumes are usually heavy.
For celebrity lookalikes, one must have the ability to imitate and, of course, resemble that said celebrity.
Resorts World is looking to fill 200 such positions.
Though high educational qualifications are not a must-have, having an outgoing and energetic personality is.
'You must love to show off your costume and be bold and fun-loving,' said Ms Seah-Khoo. 'This could be a dream job.'
Criteria: Physically fit, energetic and well-coordinated. Must have a passion for meeting and interacting with people.
STUDIO VIP GUIDE
When 'big shots' go to a theme park, they do not want to be given a map and figure out where the fun attractions are.
Instead, they often ask for tours conducted by personal guides.
Resorts World plans to train 20 studio VIP guides.
'A lot of these guests are well-travelled; we need someone with good general knowledge and be able to strike a good conversation,' said Ms Seah-Khoo.
They also need to be especially meticulous and professional as they are representing the company to host the most important guests.
Criteria: Eloquent with great presentation skills and a professional appearance.
CASINO MARKETING
Hotels and casinos want customers, and that task of bringing them in falls on the marketing team.
At Marina Bay Sands, the team is divided into international marketing and casino marketing.
The main job of the international marketing group is to build relationships with foreign clients and facilitate their bookings.
An experienced team is required, as they would most likely be dealing with high-end customers.
'To build relationships through personal interaction with this group of people takes a lot of time,' said Mr Andreaci. 'That's where the experience comes in.'
For the casino marketing group, its role would be to identify good existing customers and make them members.
Those with solid customer service skills and have worked in hospitality fields would make great candidates.
'Former airline employees would be perfect for the role,' added Mr Andreaci.
Being multi-lingual would also be a plus.
The Marina Bay Sands is looking to hire 310 people for these marketing positions.
Criteria: Good computer and customer service skills. Experience in dealing with high-end customers is a plus.
The two IRs did not want to reveal salaries for the positions profiled on this page. Contact details:
Resorts World at Sentosa: careers@rwsentosa.com
Marina Bay Sands: Jobmatch@marinabaysands.com
This article was first published in The Straits Times.
King Kong Re-Emerges in a Fierce New 4-D Attraction in 2010 at Universal Studios Hollywood
Bigbearsg Note:Wondering if this is what Universal Studio's Singapore King Kong ride will be?
LOS ANGELES - (Business Wire) King Kong, among the screen’s most powerful and enduring icons, will re-emerge on the famed and newly upgraded Universal Studios Hollywood Studio Tour in summer 2010 as a thrilling and ground-breaking 4-D multi-sensory marvel, a new signature attraction for Universal Studios Hollywood.
The new King Kong attraction, based on the Oscar®-winning 2005 Universal Pictures film, will combine thrilling visceral effects with the world’s largest Surround Digital projection system to create a next-generation theme park experience.
Larry Kurzweil, President and Chief Operating Officer, Universal Studios Hollywood, said: “King Kong has been an integral part of Universal Studios Hollywood for decades and, after last year’s fire, we knew he had to be resurrected for our Studio Tour guests. We’re very excited to announce that not only are we re-introducing King Kong, but we’ve completely re-imagined the experience and will incorporate this legendary icon into a truly innovative Studio Tour attraction.”
In the new attraction, guests will don special glasses as they enter a darkened soundstage aboard the Studio Tour trams and will be transported — via the magic of Surround Digital 3D projection — deep into the dark heart of the world of Skull Island. They’ll survive a close encounter with a swarm of monstrous bats, only to be confronted by the terrifying presence of Kong himself. Suddenly, an enormous, ravenous 35’ tall dinosaur will challenge Kong, and guests will feel their trams jolt, roll and shudder as they find themselves caught in the middle of a ferocious showdown between the great ape and the giant lizard. The action will immerse guests in the battle between the two colossal predators.
A previous King Kong attraction was introduced at Universal Studios Hollywood in 1986 and remained a much-admired part of the Studio Tour until it was destroyed last year.
King Kong, known as “the eighth wonder of the world,” has been called “the experience for which movies were invented.” Since first appearing on the screen in the 1933 original classic, “King Kong” has been re-made twice, each time on a tremendous scale, earning a total of seven Oscar and three Golden Globe® nominations.
Most recently, the 2005 version took the best elements of the original “King Kong” story and adrenalized them with up-to-the-minute effects magic and the alchemic talents of a superlative group of filmmakers, cast and crew. Released to critical acclaim in late 2005, “King Kong” was a worldwide box office hit and, with DVD sales, earned well over $700 million, becoming the fourth-highest grossing movie in Universal Pictures history.
The arrival of the new King Kong experience will follow major enhancements to the Studio Tour. Universal Studios Hollywood will introduce an upgraded Studio Tour experience this summer, transforming its trams into “mobile movie theaters” with state-of-the-art flat-screen high-definition monitors and digital playback systems. The new high-definition monitors will feature commentary from filmmakers, including Steven Spielberg, Ron Howard and Stephen Sommers, along with insight from such personalities as Al Roker, Nancy O’Dell, Billy Bush and Whoopi Goldberg. Clips from numerous movie and television productions, corresponding to sites visited along the Tour route, will add a new dimension to the tour of backlot attractions, sets and facades, capturing how they were transformed for various productions.
Famed film locations on the Universal back lot include the “War of the Worlds” set, Western Streets, European Street, Mexican Street, the Psycho House-Bates Motel, and sets from ABC’s hit series “Desperate Housewives” on Wisteria Lane. Back lot attractions include “Earthquake,” “Jaws,” “The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift” and “The Curse of the Mummy’s Tomb.”
Also this summer, Universal Studios welcomes the “The Tonight Show Starring Conan O’Brien” to a newly constructed soundstage at the studio and will celebrate the re-opening of most of the iconic sets damaged in last year’s fire. Studio tours and film production will resume at the world-famous Courthouse Square, Brownstone Street and an enhanced New York Street. Additionally, new film locations will be introduced to meet contemporary film production needs, including a modern urban cityscape, with glass and steel façade structures that will provide film and TV crews with the opportunity to replicate a modern city street scene in a controlled studio environment. The new contemporary cityscape will be the largest modern urban backlot shooting location in Los Angeles.
Universal Studios Hollywood (www.UniversalStudiosHollywood.com) is a unit of Universal Parks & Resorts, a division of NBC Universal, one of the world’s leading media and entertainment companies in the development, production, and marketing of entertainment, news, and information to a global audience.
War of the Worlds © 2009 Paramount Pictures and DreamWorks L.L.C. All rights reserved.
Desperate Housewives © ABC Studios. All rights reserved.
Photos/Multimedia Gallery Available: http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/mmg.cgi?eid=5968173&lang=en
Universal Studios Hollywood
Eliot Sekuler, VP, Public Relations
office: 818-622-6896
mobile: 818-535-9178
eliot.sekuler@nbcuni.com
Microchip wristband becomes a theme park essential
LA Times
By Hugo Martín
At Precision Dynamics, what started out as simple hospital ID product has become a high-tech admission pass, a cashless debit card, a hotel room key and a way to reunite lost children with parents. quiet San Fernando cul-de-sac, a khaki-green machine the size of a buffet table sucks in bright pink ribbon and spits out one of the hottest features in theme parks.
Here, Precision Dynamics Corp., a company that began making plastic hospital wristbands out of a Burbank garage more than 50 years ago, has become the nation's top producer of a new microchip-enhanced wristband for amusement parks, concerts, resorts and gyms.
The wristbands use the same technology as electronic tollbooths, security key cards and the newest U.S. passports. But at Precision Dynamics, this sophisticated electronic know-how has found its niche at theme parks, where the high-tech wristbands act as high-security admission passes, cashless debit cards, hotel room keys and a form of identification to reunite lost children with parents.
In the last year alone, Precision Dynamics' wristbands came on line at Great Wolf Resorts' newest water park in Concord, N.C.; at the Schlitterbahn Water Park in Galveston, Texas; and at Water World, one of the nation's largest water parks, near Denver, Colo. In total, more than 50 theme parks across the country strap the wristbands on visitors.
Company leaders envision a future when they can expand the technology for use in border security and hospital identification, among other purposes.
Precision Dynamics began in 1956 when a friend who worked in hospital supplies suggested that Mosher, a UCLA engineering student, design a better wristband to identify patients at hospitals. At the time, hospitals made wristbands from plastic tubes, using separate tools to cut and fasten the bands on patients. For infants, hospital workers strung together lettered beads that spelled the babies' names.
At the machine shop at Burbank High School, Mosher and two partners devised a one-piece plastic wristband that required no tools to fasten. The business that began with only $2,000 in start-up money has since expanded to 680 employees, a handful of trademark patents and offices in Belgium, Japan, Italy, Mexico and Brazil.
In 2006, Mosher sued Precision Dynamics in a dispute over the election of board members. But the dispute was settled out of court last year with a deal that keeps Mosher as a shareholder and a member of the board.
The idea of using radio frequency identification, or RFID, technology in wristbands came to Mosher about 10 years ago when he learned that microchips were being implanted in dogs and cats to identify them in shelters and veterinary clinics. A short time later, company Vice President Robin Barber moved ahead with the idea after meeting with managers from Great Wolf Resorts, who wanted to let guests buy food and drinks at the water parks without carrying a wallet or cash.
The result was a patented wristband containing a tiny antenna and a microchip only slightly bigger than a postage stamp.
Each microchip is programmed with a unique 16-character code. A separate device known as a reader emits a low-power radio wave that activates the chip to collect the information and upload it into a computer. The reader must come within a few inches of the wristband to connect to the chip. Thus the wristband acts as a key to access a computerized debit account or unlock an electronic hotel room or a clothes locker.
The microchip wristbands now account for about $3 million in annual sales for Precision Dynamics, representing only a fraction of the company's more than $100 million in annual sales, according to company executives. The bulk of the company's business comes from the sales of wristbands that employ simpler bar-code technology to identify hospital patients, among other uses, and plain plastic wristbands with colors that tell security officers at theme parks and concerts who has paid for admission.
At theme parks, parents can use a kiosk to upload amounts that their children can spend, using the wristbands to buy food or play video games at the park. The microchips are coded so that the wristbands can be used only on a specific day. Once a hotel guest or theme park visitor departs, the wristbands becomes obsolete.
Because cashless spending is more convenient, industry reports suggest that visitors who use the wristbands spend as much as 25% more at resorts and parks.
"Our guests appreciate the convenience of it all," said Jennifer Beranek, a spokeswoman for Great Wolf Resorts. Precision Dynamics wristbands are used at seven of its 12 water parks nationwide.
But price remains a barrier for the technology. Simple wristbands that use bar-code technology, for example, sell for as little as 14 cents each; the RFID wristbands sell for about $1 each. An RFID reader sells for about $450, roughly twice the cost of a bar-code reader.
Perhaps the biggest hurdles facing the widespread use of the microchip wristbands are the added costs and the persistent fear that personal information could fall into the wrong hands.
Katherine Albrecht, a personal privacy advocate and a leading critic of RFID technology, has called the microchips used in such wristbands "spy chips" because she fears they will be used to track people's movements. But Precision Dynamics notes that the wristbands cannot be read unless they come within inches of a reader.
Mark Roberti, editor of the RFID Journal, an online and print periodical on the technology, said such fears are unfounded because the wristbands typically hold no personal information. Once the world's business leaders realize the wristbands are safe and effective, he believes, the technology will be widely used.
"Businesspeople have a bit of a herd mentality," he said. "This technology is very convenient, and it will continue to take off."
Paul Chang, IBM Corp.'s business strategy leader for emerging technology, agreed, saying RFID technology is already in wide use in Europe and Asia. But he said the U.S. is still playing catch-up. He noted that tickets issued at the Beijing Olympics were embedded with an RFID chip to stifle counterfeiters.
"Other parts of the world have already adopted this technology," he said.
Barber, Precision Dynamics' vice president, believes the future of the wristbands is in healthcare. The microchips can be programmed to hold a patient's blood type, medical history, drug allergy information and other data to reduce mistakes and confusion.
Unfortunately, too many hospitals today employ a variety of computer systems, many of which cannot communicate with one another, he said.
That, however, is not a problem at theme parks, he said. "The systems at theme parks are much simpler.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Osaka City to Sell Stake in Universal Studios Japan
By Taku Kato and Takahiko Hyuga
May 19 (Bloomberg) -- Osaka city agreed to sell its stake in USJ Co., the operator of Universal Studios Japan, to a unit of Goldman Sachs Group Inc. for 10 billion yen ($100 million).
The city will sell 200,000 shares, equivalent to a 9 percent stake in the amusement park, at 50,000 yen apiece to Goldman’s SG Investments, it said in a statement on its Web site.
A Goldman Sachs-led group, including MBK Partners, in March offered 111.2 billion yen to take over USJ.
New York-based Goldman, the world’s biggest and most profitable securities firm until it converted to a bank holding company, invested 20 billion yen in Universal Studios Japan in 2005. It plans to increase advertising and investment in the park, which features rides based on movies such as Jurassic Park, Jaws and Back to the Future.
Monday, May 18, 2009
Universal Studios Singapore Canceled Audition for US and Australia!
Resort World Sentosa and Universal Studios Singapore has canceled the auditions in Australia and The US. Reason given is the outbreak of the H1N1 virus. Check the Resort World Sentosa web site for up dates, on when the auditions will continue. Also check back here on Sentosathemepark.blogspot.com for up dates.
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Sentosa sardine-packed?
Sun, Apr 26, 2009
The Straits Times
[ The crowd at Beach Station 2 jostling to get into trams that take them to various attractions on the island.]
By Cara van Miriah
Upcoming developments
Life is not quite a beach nowadays along the Siloso shoreline at Sentosa. It is more, well, a mini-construction site.
The opening of Sentosa's integrated resort, Resorts World, is barely a year away and Siloso, the island's main beach, is morphing from a laidback hangout into splash city.
Two massive structures are already being built that will house two of four new attractions planned for the beach.
One is a 7,650 sq m hotspot with three wavepools and a three-storey complex with bars and a restaurant.
The other site spans 1,870 sq m with a double-storey entertainment complex, offering activities such as banana boat rides.
Another new hang-out is a treetop high-rope course, where participants swing over obstacles. All are due to open this year and by next year, Singapore's first indoor skydiving simulator will be located on the 1.2km beach too.
When the three attractions are completed, there will be 29 attractions on the 500ha Sentosa, including bars, mostly along the 3.2km stretch that includes Siloso, Tanjong and Palawan beaches.
Siloso Beach alone will have about 10 attractions, including bars, and this is getting too crowded for some visitors who fear their chill-out zone is becoming a concrete zone.
Secretary Cheryl Ho, 29, who prefers the quieter Palawan Beach, says: 'Siloso Beach is a mini-city now. It has become too built-up.'
Visitors lament that it has become hard to find a tranquil spot too. They point to the shoreline, deck chairs spill out onto it from Coastes beach bar and Cafe del Mar bar, eight volleyball courts are packed with teens, and sunbathers hog the beachfront just before the Sapphire Pavillion event hall.
The only portion of unspoilt beachfront is a 25m gap between the bars and the shoreline, they grouse.
Ms Cindy Berlandier, 52, ran Sentosa's first beach bar Sunset Bay from 1995 to 2006.
She recalls: 'Siloso Beach was just sand, sea and jungle. It had the kampung vibe. In the 1990s, people had to take the bus to Mount Imbiah and walk down to the beach.
'There were only three snack bars in Siloso Beach then.' She now runs Sunset Bay in East Coast Park.
In the last 15 years, the sleepy beach has undergone several phases of development.
In 1997, the width of the beach was doubled to between 40m and 60m. About 38,000 sq m of beach was added to the existing 35,000 sq m.
Today, Siloso Beach spans 100,000 sq m.
In the last five years, more attractions appeared, including Siloso Beach Hotel, multimedia show Songs Of The Sea, Cafe del Mar, Coastes bar, Bikini Bar and Sentosa Luge & Skyride.
They are part of Sentosa's efforts to diversify its lifestyle offerings, with Siloso positioned as a hip party zone.
Mr Mike Barclay, chief executive officer of Sentosa Development Corporation, tells Life!: 'The energy at Siloso will start to build up with the opening of a new attraction from June. There is never a dull moment on our sandy stretch, especially at Siloso Beach.'
On the concrete build-up, Ms Suzanne Ho, deputy director communications of Sentosa Leisure Group, says: 'Siloso Beach is for the young and energetic. It's about beach volleyball, fun in the sun and soon, adventure. Thrill-seekers to the new attractions will find some action at every turn.'
The group is the overall operator of Sentosa.
Many visit Siloso Beach as it is near Mount Imbiah which has 10 other attractions, such as Images Of Singapore, Merlion Walk and Tiger Sky Tower.
Visitors can also take a short tram ride from Siloso Beach to Palawan and Tanjong beaches.
Palawan has four attractions popular with families including the Animal & Bird Encounters, Dolphin Lagoon and Southernmost Point Of Continental Asia.
Tanjong, at the far end of the southern coastline, is the least populated of the three. It has no attractions, but a beach bar, The Shack, opens next month.
But some visitors wonder if Tanjong and Palawan beaches will go the way of Siloso Beach.
Office manager Harpal Singh, 42, who visits Palawan Beach twice a month with his family, says: 'The new attractions will draw more visitors and the other beaches may be further developed when Resorts World opens.'
Ms Ho of Sentosa Leisure Group points out: 'Palawan Beach is a family-themed beach and Tanjong Beach will retain its chill-out atmosphere.'
About 300,000 visitors, or about 3.6 million annually, visit the three beaches every month, says Sentosa's Mr Barclay.
In 2007, Sentosa saw a record 6.1 million visitors, a 7.9 per cent increase over 2006. Of these, 3.8 million were beachgoers, up from 3.4 million visitors in 2006.
No wonder hotel operators want a slice of the action. The five-star Movenpick Hotel Sentosa opens next year near the Beach Station and will be the fourth resort in the Siloso area. The others are Siloso Beach Resort, Costa Sands Resort (Sentosa) and Rasa Sentosa Resort.
Nature lovers such as housewife Diana Chow, 32, gripe that there is 'too much concrete, too little greenery' at Siloso Beach.
Mr Shawn Lum, 46, president of the Nature Society (Singapore), says: 'When the structures are built, it will take away the tranquility that has been there before.'
But he adds, 'key areas like Mount Imbiah retain the greenery of the Siloso Beach'.
Lifestyle operators such as Mr Tom Lochtefeld, 56, who is developing the new Wave House Sentosa at Siloso Beach, say they are drawn to the 'thriving beach culture'.
During Life!'s two visits there, hundreds of visitors, mostly tourists and expats, were hanging out at beachfront bars such as Coastes, Bikini Bar, Sand Bar and Cafe del Mar.
The beach culture reminded some of the vibe on Spain's famous fun isle of Ibiza, known for its bars and beach parties.
Local partygoers say Siloso Beach lives up to its hip quotient, hosting numerous bashes such as the annual ZoukOut dance music festival. The duskto-dawn party drew a record of 26,000 revellers last year.
And tourists like what they see at Siloso Beach.
Briton Jeremy Lale, 42, who is here on a holiday with his fiancee, raves: 'It's a refreshing change from the sardine-packed beaches in Brighton where everyone is 5cm away from you.'
caravm@sph.com.sg
This article was first published in The Straits Times.
Resorts World at Sentosa picks agencies for creative review
by Kenny Lim 12-May-09, 11:34
SINGAPORE - Resorts World at Sentosa (RWS) has selected seven agencies, among them Euro RSCG, McCann Worldgroup and Y&R, for its creative review.
Three local agencies have also been invited to pitch, say sources, though RWS has declined to disclose participants.
The integrated resort’s creative account came into play late in April when TBWA resigned the business after two years.
Robin Goh, assistant vice president, communications, Resorts World at Sentosa, said at the time: “Resorts World at Sentosa is on track for its opening early next year, and will be exploring options for its next creative agency.”
Saturday, May 16, 2009
No whale sharks at IR
| By Grace Chua The Straits Times | ||
 |  | The whale sharks had been touted as a star attraction for the 8ha oceanarium, the world's largest, when Genting International's RWS won its bid for the Sentosa integrated resort (IR) three years ago. -- PHOTO: GENTING INTERNATIONAL |
The creatures had been touted as a star attraction for the 8ha oceanarium, the world's largest, when Genting International's RWS won its bid for the Sentosa integrated resort (IR) three years ago.
The plan drew intense flak from animal welfare organisations such as the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA), which highlighted the limited space for huge animals that can grow to over 12m long, and their dismal survival rate in captivity.
The developer stuck to its guns - but now may have realised it made a mistake.
RWS spokesman Krist Boo admitted the resort was hoping to back out of its original plan as it believes it may not be able to care for the animals.
She told The Straits Times on Friday: 'We are discussing and exploring an alternative proposal to having whale sharks.'
The new proposal, like any change to the original IR plan, must be presented to the Government.
Lobbying against the whale shark plan began almost as soon as it was announced. In recent months, however, it has increased, with groups such as the SPCA, Animal Concerns Research and Education Society (Acres) and Sea Shepherd Conservation Society chiming in. An online petition with 9,000 signatures and a Facebook group now numbering 2,000 members have also come up.
RWS said it has been engaging the groups since 2007, though Ms Boo said that its action was not governed by 'fleeting public opinion', but 'conservation of this species'. Only the whale shark exhibit would be changed, she said, adding that the replacement would be conservation-focused.
The change is not expected to affect the cost of the IR, an expected $6.59 billion. The opening date of the Marine Life Park has yet to be confirmed, but will be after RWS' first section opens early next year. It is not clear whether earlier plans to have 700,000 marine creatures, including tiger sharks, piranhas and dolphins, are still in place.
Friday, May 15, 2009
Sentosa Transportation
SENTOSA EXPRESS – GET CLOSER TO THE FUN!
The Sentosa Express is a S$140 million light rail system that provides easy access to Sentosa, HarbourFront Center and St. James Power Station. Expect to be transported in quick comfort to the resort island in less than four minutes from the Sentosa Station at VivoCity (Lobby L, Level 3)
FARE & TICKETING
With the launch of the new Sentosa Express, a contactless smart access card called Sentosa pass has been introduced. This Pass includes admission to Sentosa Island.
The Sentosa Pass is available at S$3 a person per day from the following locations:
- All Sentosa Express stations (except Waterfront Station)
- Cable Car Ticketing counters at Mt Faber and HarbourFront Tower II
- Ticket vending machines at all Sentosa Express stations (except Waterfront Station)
Payment can be made by cash, NETS and major credit cards (VISA, MasterCard, AMEX and JCB).
Islander rides for FREE
Simply tap your Islander card (contactless cards) to ride on the Sentosa Express for FREE and UNLIMITED number of times!
Entry Points are located at:
- Sentosa Station (VivoCity, Lobby L, Level 3)
- Visitor Arrival Centre
- Drive-in Booths
- Walk-in Booths
Operating hours:
First train – 7.30am
Last train – 10pm
Beach Station:
First train – 7.30am
Last train – 10pm
Call 1800-SENTOSA (736-8672) for more enquiries.
By Car:
Car owners will be required to purchase the S$2 per car per entry charge; and island admission applies for all passengers onboard at S$2 per person. Various parking lots can be found at designated carparks on the island.
By MRT:Take the North-East Line and alight at the HarbourFront MRT Station. From there, you may either go to the 3rd level of VivoCity shopping mall, transfer onto our Sentosa Express or you may follow the signs to the HarbourFront Bus interchange. Hop onto the orange Sentosa bus and you'll be on your way to Sentosa. Train fares vary.
By Public Bus:Take a bus and alight along Telok Blangah Road. Make your way to the HarbourFront Bus interchange and hop onto the orange Sentosa bus. You may seek assistance from the friendly bus captain to find out where to alight.
Bus fares vary.
Bus numbers: 65, 80, 93, 188, 855, 10, 30, 97, 100, 131, 143, 145, 166
By Sentosa Bus:Guests boarding the orange Sentosa bus from HarbourFront Interchange will alight at the Beach Station. Remember to purchase your Songs of the Sea admission tickets from the Ticketing booth nearby!
Operating hours (Sentosa – HarbourFront Bus Terminal | 10 – 20minutes frequency):
7am – 12mn (Sun – Thu & Public Holidays)
7am – 12.30mn (Fri, Sat and eves of Public Holidays)
Last bus leaving from Beach Station to HarbourFront Bus Terminal:
12mn (Sun – Thu & Public Holidays)
12.30am (Fri, Sat and eves of Public Holidays)
When leaving the island, guests may either board Sentosa Express or the orange bus from Beach Station once more.
Ticketing: S$3 per person (Adult and Child aged 3 and above). Payment is made at HarbourFront Interchange Ticketing Counter.
By Cable Car:
Normal Cabin
One-way: S$17.90 / Adult; S$9.00 / Child (3-12 years old)
Two-way: S$18.90 / Adult; S$9.50 / Child (3-12 years old)
Glass Cabin (2-way)
Two-way: S$21.90 / Adult; S$12.50 / Child (3-12 years old)
Operating hours
8.30am - 11pm daily
Songs Of The Sea
Songs Of The Sea
Beach Station
phone: +1800 736 8672
Get ready to fall under the spell of a new nightly extravaganza set in the sea. Songs of the Sea brings you a mesmerizing show with a live cast and dramatic effects pyrotechnics, water jets, brilliant lasers, special computer imaging, captivating music and stunning flame bursts. It's a one-of-a-kind entertainment that's not to be missed. Songs of the Sea is an outdoor, rain or shine event.
The Story
Li, a young man gifted with a charming voice, is singing by the sea with his friends when he is stunned by the sudden vision of a beautiful sleeping girl, Princess Ami. Guided by a group of mischievous Sea Creatures, Li learns that she’s under the spell of an enchanted village...What happens next? Come find out for yourself!
What’s more! Bringing home sweet mementos from Oscar & Co. will complement your unforgettable experience at Songs of the Sea. Fun souvenirs from plush toys, children's slippers, lightwands and photo frames are available for your selection.
Hours:
Daily: 7:40pm & 8:40pm
Genting Singapore posts loss
By Elizabeth Wilmot
Singapore Straits Times
PROFITS shifted sharply into reverse at gaming firm Genting Singapore during the first quarter of the year with the company suffering a net loss of $31.9 million.
The dive into the red - which compares to a net profit of $6 million over the same period last year - was incurred on revenue reduced by 36 per cent to $105.4 million.
The company blamed the net loss partly on derivative financial instruments losses amounting to $6.7 million.
Also cited was a $7.1 million increase in pre-operating expenses for the integrated resort (IR), mainly caused by acceleration of recruitment, training, sales and marketing programmes at the IR prior to its launch.
The group said that the above losses and expense increases were mitigated by higher operating profits of $1.3 million recorded at its UK casinos. This compares to a loss of $1.4 million for the corresponding quarter last year.
The turnaround was down to stringent cost control measures and lower operating overheads put in place by management, despite lower revenue from casino operations.
The group expects Resorts World at Sentosa to increase investment in the IR to $6.59 billion from $6 billion, which will be funded by operating cash flows when the IR opens next year. Construction is said to be on track for the IR's soft opening in early 2010.
Genting warns that pre-opening costs incurred will be significant, with staff and payroll-related costs forming a large part. The group also projects that by IR opening time capital expenditure will be less than $6 billion.
The group made a loss per share of 0.33 cents, compared with earnings per share of 0.06 cents for the same period last year.
Net asset value was 28.98 cents as at Mar 31, compared with 28.41 cents at Dec 31. On Wednesday Genting Singapore's shares rose 0.5 cents to close at $0.755.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
