SPEECH BY MR S ISWARAN, SENIOR MINISTER OF STATE FOR TRADE & INDUSTRY AND EDUCATION, AT THE OFFICIAL OPENING OF THE NEW DOLPHIN LAGOON ON FRIDAY, 2 JULY 2010, 1915 HRS AT UNDERWATER WORLD SINGAPORE, SENTOSA

Mr Wee Ee Lim, President & CEO, Haw Par Corporation and Chairman, Underwater World Singapore

Mr Chng Hwee Hong, Executive Director, Haw Par Corporation and Deputy Chairman, Underwater World Singapore,

Distinguished guests,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Good evening.

Introduction

I am pleased to join you this evening for the official opening of the Underwater World Singapore’s new Dolphin Lagoon.

Underwater World Singapore

Since it first opened in 1991, Underwater World Singapore otherwise known as UWS, has been one of Sentosa’s most popular attractions.Over 30 million visitors have visited UWS. This success is due largely to UWS’ consistent efforts to reinvent itself and ensure memorable oceanarium experiences for its visitors.It has added further depth to its slew of offerings by incorporating a strong educational element. Innovative programmes such as the “Living in the Ocean” sleepover for children also help to promote awareness of the marine ecosystem.

‘Swim with the Dolphins” at UWS’ Dolphin Lagoon is yet another popular programme. UWS first opened the Dolphin Lagoon in 1999. Offering a natural environment similar to the mammals' original habitat, it was the first of its kind in Asia. Visitors could come close and interact with Indo-Pacific Humpback Dolphins, or pink dolphins as they are more popularly known.A few years later, UWS became the first marine park in the world to have the successful documented birth of a pink dolphin.

The opening of the new Dolphin Lagoon today marks another milestone for UWS. This will mean a seamless experience for visitors as they move through the various attractions of UWS.It will also mean an improved environment for the dolphins as there will be an advanced filtration system and water quality tests to ensure consistently optimal water conditions for the dolphins.Two holding pools have also been catered specifically for mother-and-calf bonding periods.

Sentosa – Choice Tourist Destination

UWS’ latest attraction will add to the growing buzz and vibrancy of Sentosa’s leisure and entertainment offerings. Together with the recently opened Resorts World Sentosa, WaveHouse Sentosa, MegaZip and Azzura Beach Club, Sentosa is well on track towards becoming a choice international tourist destination.

Today, Sentosa hosts over 200 leisure and lifestyle offerings. They range from gourmet dining to heritage and nature attractions, beaches, championship golf courses, a deep-water yachting marina and exclusive residences. These new developments have helped to transform Sentosa into a premier lifestyle and resort destination in the region.From drawing less than 3 million visitors in early 1990s, Sentosa now attracts over 6 million visitors a year. The Sentosa Development Corporation is confident that in the next few years, this figure will more than double.

And to achieve this target, Sentosa will continue to refresh its multitude of unique leisure and entertainment visitor experiences.One area of focus will be nature-themed attractions. With increasing public awareness and consciousness of the environment, attractions such as Underwater World, Butterfly Park and Insect Kingdom, Sentosa Nature Discovery, and Animal Encounters, will play an important role in promoting a better understanding of marine and wildlife, and the importance of conserving the environment.

Transforming Singapore’s Tourism Landscape

Sentosa’s continuing reinvention of itself reflects the larger transformation taking place in Singapore’s tourism landscape. Over the last two decades, the number and quality of attractions and events in Singapore have grown significantly.The Integrated Resorts have commenced opening in phases.Later this year we will host our third Formula One race and the inaugural Youth Olympic Games. Events and attractions such as these will further enhance Singapore’s reputation as a vibrant global city and a “must-visit” destination for visitors.

Conclusion

In closing, I would like to extend my heartiest congratulations to the management and staff of Underwater World on your new Dolphin Lagoon. This marks a new milestone, not just for UWS, but also for Sentosa and Singapore’s tourism industry. I wish you every success.

Thank you.