Resorts World @ Sentosa (Genting, StarCruise, Universal Studios) [Archive]

babystan03

June 4th, 2006, 12:23 PM

Business Times - 03 Jun 2006

Too early to write off Temasek-linked bidders in race for Sentosa IR

By LESLIE YEE
SENIOR CORRESPONDENT

NOW that Las Vegas Sands has won the bid for the integrated resort (IR) at Marina Bay, many think that the eventual winner of the Sentosa IR project would also be sans a Temasek link.

And with the land price for the Sentosa IR fixed at $605 million or half the $1.2 billion price tag for the Marina Bay IR, more proposals than the four submitted for the Marina Bay IR and greater participation from local companies are more likely now.

But a look at other 'lessons' from the Marina Bay IR award paints a different picture.

Sands is headed by Sheldon Adelson, an entrepreneur who has been behind some truly ground-breaking world-class developments.

Therefore, come the end of this year, when the winner of the Sentosa IR is announced, following in the footsteps of Mr Adelson could be another entrepreneur who has done ground-breaking world-class projects, namely Kerzner International chairman Sol Kerzner. He developed Africa's largest entertainment and gaming resort, Sun City in South Africa, and the epic Atlantis resort and casino in the Bahamas.

CapitaLand, in partnership with Kerzner, may thus be lucky second time round. Sure, investors probably overplayed the expectation that a Temasek-linked entity would feature in the winning team for the Marina Bay IR. But for the Sentosa IR, the reverse may be true.

As for the notion of more bidders and local firm participation, things won't pan out that way.

There are 12 short-listed bidders but only five groups are known to have bought the request for proposal documents. Besides Kerzner with CapitaLand, they are: Genting International with Star Cruises - the favourite because they have roped in Universal Parks & Resorts to build a theme park; Harrah's Entertainment with Keppel Land; Eighth Wonder Asia; and Sun International.

Already, Sun International has pulled out because, as it puts it, bidding for the Sentosa IR will involve too great a diversion of resources from other opportunities and initiatives.

The Sentosa IR project looks to be a riskier proposition for the developer than the Marina Bay IR as the latter is in the heart of the new downtown while the former needs to establish itself as a premier island resort destination.

In sports, people say that it is the taking part and not the winning that counts. But this is unlikely to be the case for parties submitting proposals for the Sentosa IR.

Preparing a proposal takes months of intense work and absorbs precious time of senior management. Limited resources get diverted from other opportunities and initiatives as highlighted by Sun International. There are also chunky fees to pay to consultants and advisers. If the outcome is not success, the share price may react negatively and staff morale takes a hit.

Chances of success are carefully weighed before proposals are submitted, so odds are the number of proposals submitted for the Sentosa IR may be four or fewer.

As for greater local firm participation, remember City Developments Ltd (CDL) which withdrew from being Sands's equity partner for the Marina Bay IR? CDL executive chairman Kwek Leng Beng had said that some of the probity requirements would have taken too long to meet and some in his organisation were unwilling to disclose their full financial background.

Surely, other Singapore companies would be faced with some of these issues cited by Mr Kwek.

There's one other factor: investment size. The $3.85 billion that Sands committed to invest in developing Marina Bay Sands was the largest of the sums pledged by the four bidders for the Marina Bay IR. Imagine the questions that will arise should the winner of the Sentosa IR not be the party who was willing to put the most money on the table. After all, every party who submits a proposal for the Sentosa IR can be expected to come up with a top-class design and be a proven business operator.

So while the favourite may be the Genting-Star Cruises consortium, it is far too early to rule out the others. Given their property development track record in Singapore and elsewhere in Asia, CapitaLand and Keppel Land do have much to offer to their foreign bid partners. Perhaps this time around, one of these Temasek linked entities could give their foreign partners precious local insights that ultimately gives their team the vital winning edge.

Copyright © 2005 Singapore Press Holdings Ltd. All rights reserved.

Charging Bull

June 5th, 2006, 12:07 PM

Jun 4, 3:47 PM EDT

Harrah's Faces Possible Shutout in Asia

By RYAN NAKASHIMA
AP Business Writer

LAS VEGAS (AP) -- Five years ago, the casino company that is now Harrah's Entertainment Inc. decided not to bid for a gambling license in the booming Chinese enclave of Macau while its competitors pushed in their chips.

Now, the world's largest casino operator faces the prospect of being shut out of Asia - regarded as the world's most dynamic gambling market - after losing its bid last week to build a new resort in Singapore's Marina Bay.

Wall Street hailed bid winner Las Vegas Sands Corp., a company that earned credibility in the Far East by becoming the first North American casino company to open shop in Macau in May 2004. Las Vegas Sands now boasts nearly double the market capitalization of Harrah's, around $25 billion, primarily because of its Asian growth prospects.

Jefferies & Company analyst Lawrence Klatzkin increased his target for Sands' shares by $8 to $88.25 after the Singapore license win. Sands now trades around $71.

Meanwhile, Harrah's is playing a game of catch-up in a region in which its Las Vegas-based competitors, Sands, MGM Mirage Inc. and Wynn Resorts Ltd., are plowing billions of dollars and counting on rich returns.

"It's a concern," said Harrah's spokesman Alberto Lopez. "It's an area of concentration. It's an area where we know that we need to move forward deftly, if you will."

Analyst Dennis Forst of Keybanc Capital Markets said the loss puts Harrah's in a difficult position.

"It is a hole in their portfolio and something that they are probably spending a lot of time analyzing how to get into both Macau and other places in the Far East," Forst said. "It puts them obviously at a disadvantage in that part of the world."

Some observers say the game is almost up.

Wynn's $1.1 billion Wynn Macau resort is set to open Sept. 5, followed by a second Sands project, the $1.8 billion The Venetian Macao next year. Also, an MGM-Pansy Ho joint venture, the MGM Grand Macau, costing about $975 million, is scheduled to be completed late next year, while others are in the works.

Macau is not likely to expand the number of gambling concessions and sub-concessions - there are six - at least through 2009 after overturning a monopoly in 2002, according to University of Macau law professor Jorge Godinho.

That leaves a second Singapore license - on the resort island of Sentosa - the only remaining opening in Asia for what could be a decade.

"Any contenders for that concession are all fully aware that it's a make-it-or-break-it decision," Godinho said. "If they fail to get a license there, well, that's it. They would have to explore other markets in Europe or other parts of the world in the immediate future."

Before the government in Macau handed out new casino licenses in 2002, many casino operators were hesitant to enter the former Portuguese colony, which once was rife with gangsters and had just reverted to Chinese control in 1999.

Lopez said Harrah's decided not to bid partly because it could not offer the upscale Caesars brand, which it acquired through a megamerger last year. And even after Wynn won a Macau license in 2002, the company stalled construction over concerns about regulations that prevented casinos from extending credit.

But when the Sands Macao opened, casino companies came to a collective realization: Asians like to gamble.

The Sands paid off the $265 million it took to build its casino within a year. Wynn quickly broke ground, then in February sold off a sub-concession to a pairing of Hong Kong-based Melco International Development Ltd. and Australian firm Publishing and Broadcasting Ltd. for a staggering $900 million.

Last year, gambling wins in Macau - the net amount players lost after all the chips were counted - rose 8 percent to $5.7 billion, surpassing the Las Vegas Strip's take of $5.3 billion.

Experts see Macau's gambling revenue growing quickly to $9 billion to $11 billion by 2010 and upward of $15 billion by 2012.

"Asia is where the future of gaming is," said David Schwartz, coordinator of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas Gaming Studies Research Center. "It's definitely proving too good of a market to stay out of."

It's not yet clear how successful gambling will be in Singapore, and Harrah's has said it has yet to decide whether to make another bid. The company spent considerable effort on its Marina Bay proposal, bringing in Hollywood director James Cameron to create attractions based on hit movies like "Titanic" and "Aliens." In March, Harrah's CEO Gary Loveman called the Singapore bid "our highest priority."

MGM and Sands have said that Sentosa is too much of a tourist playground for an integrated resort with meeting and convention space to work, and both companies have no plans to bid. Wynn boss Steve Wynn withdrew from Singapore altogether last year, complaining of government heavy-handedness in the bidding process.

Unlike Macau, where gambling existed even before the Portuguese arrived in the 16th century, Singapore only last year lifted a decades-long ban on gambling to attract tourism dollars.

William Weidner, Sands' president and chief operating officer, said its planned $3.6 billion hub in Singapore and seven more casinos it plans to develop in Macau with hotel partners, including the Four Seasons and Shangri-La, will help give it a dominant footprint in Asia.

"We believe this is the beginning of the Asian century, and with an emerging China, with an emerging India ... we ought to be able to fill our hotels profitably and contribute to the economies of Singapore and Macau greatly," he said.

Weidner said the Sands already has seen high-end gambling play double at The Venetian in Las Vegas since opening the Sands Macao, thanks to having a familiar brand to attract Asian gamblers to the United States.

"It has not been cannibalistic, it has been complementary to our business," he said.

Stifel Nicolaus & Company Inc. analyst Rod Petrik said the Sands' win in Singapore will allow it to capitalize on burgeoning demand to hold conventions and exhibitions in Asia - and geographically cover areas that Macau could not reach.

"I think the combination of those two make them one of the premier, if not the premier gaming company in the world," he said.

After losing out, Harrah's heaped praise on the Singapore bid process and said it would continue to pursue its other projects in the Bahamas, Spain and Slovenia - plans that Bear Stearns analyst Joe Greff said represent "one of the deepest and most diverse development pipelines in the sector."

Petrik read more into Harrah's statement, which included accolades for the professionalism of the Singapore Tourism Board and fondness for the country.

"There was no ticked-off attitude," Petrik said. "It certainly sounds like someone going to make another bid."

Pengui

June 6th, 2006, 04:16 PM

I want to have a Universal studios in singapore.

You're not alone ! \o/
;-)

babystan03

June 17th, 2006, 04:22 PM

Business Times - 17 Jun 2006

A hint of Monte Carlo on Sentosa would be perfect

By SURESH MENON
FOREIGN EDITOR

THE waves caressing the coral beach are crystal clear. It's sunny, as always, and pleasantly cold. Maseratis and Lamborghinis roar along the serpentine roads near the beach. In the city centre, tourists are watching the rich and famous of the world emerge from casinos, cafes and hotels as the attendants valet-park their expensive machines. Welcome to Monte Carlo!

Ernst & Young's World Entrepreneur Award has just been concluded, the Monaco Grand Prix is a one-month-old story. More exciting events are on the calendar. Important conventions and indulgences go hand in hand to justify Monaco's privileged existence - a city in constant celebration.

Ernst & Young's programme coordinator from Singapore, Simon Yeo, in Monaco for the event, has found a decent Chinese restaurant at last in the old city. He narrowly escapes ordering a wine that costs 4,000 euros at another restaurant; someone spots just in time that there is no decimal point between the final two figures - the sum is equivalent to a whopping S$8,000!

Mr Yeo regrets this spectacular event cannot come to Singapore. He wishes the juggernaut of the world's best entrepreneurs and the assorted stars of the business world could have been strolling the beach in Sentosa. 'What a morale boost it would be for the entrepreneur in Singapore!' he says.

Who knows? Once the IRs are here, Singapore may resemble Monaco, the land of the rich and the super rich. But then again, it might not. Some of Monaco's attributes - such as the weather and the liberal social attitudes - are there as an accident of geography or history.

Monaco's fascinating history is dotted with barbarians, kings and even a movie star. It's a story of castles, epic battles and untold riches. Monaco is the country and Monte Carlo a district. The size is irrelevant. It's all in the name. In Greek, Monaco means money, right?

No tax there. It has more millionaires per capita than any other country. The apartments perched on the submissive mountain cost a fortune, even though from the outside they appear undistinguished. The balconies are deserted this morning. Where are the people, except those on the beach? Maybe Monegasques (the people of Monaco, that is) are insomniacs. Or perhaps they emerge only after sunset, to hang out at the casinos, rolling dice, playing roulette. Or to party till morning.

It was on a night, perhaps similar to the full-moon one last Saturday, that the history of this principality's ruling dynasty began. That night in 1297, Francois Grimaldi seized the fortress of Monaco from a rival Italian faction - disguised as a monk, he led a small army into the fortress and took control. The legacy is recorded on Monaco's coat of arms, which bears two monks brandishing swords.

In 1997, the Principality of Monaco celebrated the 700-year reign of the Grimaldi dynasty, supposedly the longest on the planet. Prince Albert is the present monarch and his liberal-minded rule means that his prosperous subjects and visitors to his statelet exhibit a carefree attitude.

Bare-chested women and men dot the beach, and Sunday siestas on the sand are the norm. The prince last month announced the existence of his second illegitimate child, Jazmin Grace, whose mother is American waitress Tamara Rotolo.

The prince, who has dated a number of attractive women, including supermodel Claudia Schiffer and American pole-vaulter Alicia Warlick, is yet to find a princess.

Togo-born flight attendant Nicole Coste is the mother of his first illegitimate child, Alexandre. Gossip about other liaisons occasionally surfaces in the press. But Monegasques admire the prince for his more worthy economic and charitable efforts, it seems. The monarch's mother, Princess Grace, the former American actress Grace Kelly, rests in peace in Monaco. On the way to town, someone has left a rose on her statue.

Some statistics show how Monaco is unique. It is the world's second smallest country, after The Vatican - about two-thirds the size of Sentosa island. Population? Just 32,409, including the many who have bought the right to stay here. Only one in five are citizens.

Mafia members and other criminals may frequent the place - but no trouble, please. Celebrities can walk free of attention. Monaco has the largest police force and police presence in the world, both per capita and per square kilometre. (The principality's area is two square kilometres.)

On June 11, Ernst & Young celebrated the 2006 award at the Grimaldi Forum in true Monegasque style. Impeccably choreographed acts, fireworks, confetti. Entrepreneurs from all over the world danced into the morning. The champagne never stopped flowing. Singapore's contender Vikas Goel and jury member Tay Liam Wee of Sincere Watch were at the bash. India's billionaire couples, the Birlas and Mittals, were on the floor.

Outside, the midnight moon is full and bright. Deserted streets. Deals being made indoors, toasts at the casinos. A city of tuxedos, furs and Ferraris.

At the French airport of Nice, the closest to the principality, I ask the cabbie: 'Am I supposed to tip you?'

'As you wish,' he says with his hands going up in the air. I say: 'I have no small change.'

He: 'No problem.' I pass him a 20 euro note (that is, S$40), expecting him to return what was not due to him in my scheme of things. He neatly folds the money and slides it into his wallet. 'Merci,' he says, and the Merc is gone.

The previous night, after the awards, while strolling along the moonlit beach, between the foot of the Southern Alps and the Mediterranean, I saw a man in casuals with a guitar. He was singing: 'We are all business here.'

Au revoir, Monte Carlo!

Copyright © 2005 Singapore Press Holdings Ltd. All rights reserved.

Mr.ASAP

June 17th, 2006, 04:46 PM

when i read that news title, i thought that the idea of F1 is also considered in Sentosa :D .....Monte Carlo....

babystan03

June 17th, 2006, 04:56 PM

Perhaps the author was hinting that as well....:lol:

Charging Bull

June 27th, 2006, 03:20 PM

Good news for those going to HK Disneyland: just pay HK $450 (S$92), you will have unlimited access to the theme park from 1st July 2006 to 28th September 2006 (3 months). Ticket on sale from tomorrow.

Will the proposed Universal Studio here(if any) suffer the same fate or not?

香港迪士尼救亡一票玩三个月

（香港）大公报 (2006-06-27)

　　人气急跌的香港迪士尼乐园，为了达到首年有五百六十万人次入场的目标，将於今年暑假期间全力谷客。迪士尼昨日宣布推出夏日通行证，每名成人只需付出四百五十元，便可於下月一日至九月二十八日期间，无限次到乐园游玩。

　　迪士尼表示，通行证将由本月二十八日至九月二十七日发售，旅客只要拿着通行证，便可於七月一日至九月二十八日期间（九月十二日开幕纪念日除外），无限次任玩乐园内所有游戏及欣赏各项表演。通行证的价钱为成人四百五十元、小童三百二十元、长者二百七十元。

nicholasliha

June 28th, 2006, 11:28 AM

Asia has royals to romance. SouthEast Asia is already sprinkled with burgeoning dynasties in the Phillipines, Indonesia and Thailand, who are all probably ready to be feted in a Monaco like environment.

Unfortunately, Singapore lost its class of silverscreen legends in the 60s when uncompromising situations drove Cathay Keris back to Malaysia (where it floundered nonetheless) and Shaw over to HongKong, which is today as legendary as the epics it has produced on screen.

Also, the local bourgeosie class (usually formed around elite entrepreneurs with dynasties to match) lost its footing in Singapore after social ownership in Singapore was linked to Communism during the 60s. Where is our millionaire club of part time philantropists / dilletantes who might populate a social cushion for the rich and famous? They are today our MPs who get sucked into politics beyond a certain level of familiarity in public.

A most Monaco like setting today might occur in a coastal township in Thailand. Sentosa will take a lot of coaxing for the rich and famous.

Of course this is just my hypothesis.

Business Times - 17 Jun 2006

A hint of Monte Carlo on Sentosa would be perfect

babystan03

July 11th, 2006, 02:20 PM

11 July 2006
Kerzner names architect for Sentosa IR

The posturing between the potential bidders for the Sentosa integrated resort has started...

US-based Kerzner International and its Singapore partner CapitaLand announced the appointment of Frank Gehry as the principal architect and designer for the casino-linked resort that they are proposing.

Mr Gehry is the winner of the prestigious Pritzker Architecture Prize, what's commonly regarded as the Nobel Prize of architecture.

His creations include the world-famous Guggenheim Museum in Spain, which has been described as a construction feat.

Mr Gehry says he's honoured to be taking part in the Sentosa IR project.

He added the site at Sentosa is like a jewel that needs to be treated gently and respectfully.

Chairman and founder of Kerzner, Sol Kerzner says the company is planning a creation for the Sentosa IR that will establish Sentosa as a significant family destination resort.

Copyright © 2006 MediaCorp Radio New Media Development

11 July 2006

Kerzner appoints Bilbao Guggenheim Museum architect for Sentosa site
By Matthias Chan, Channel NewsAsia

SINGAPORE : Singapore's CapitaLand and its partner Kzerner International have roped in celebrated architect Frank Gehry to help in their bid for Singapore's second integrated resort.

Mr Gehry, who will serve as their principal architect and designer, is the man who created the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, Spain.

Other parties expressing interest in the Sentosa project include Eighth Wonder, Genting International and Harrah's.

Tenders for the Sentosa casino close on October 10 and the government is expected to name the winner before the end of the year. - CNA /ls

Copyright © 2006 MCN International Pte Ltd

Cliff

July 11th, 2006, 02:23 PM

OMG!! despite the high probability that it will look like a pile of crushed paper, I'm still excited about gehry doing the sentosa one.:D

babystan03

July 11th, 2006, 02:57 PM

OMG!! despite the high probability that it will look like a pile of crushed paper, I'm still excited about gehry doing the sentosa one.:D

Whats your expectation?? :?

babystan03

July 11th, 2006, 11:56 PM

This story was printed from TODAYonline

Kerzner-CapitaLand show their first card

IR hopeful reveals they have famed architect Frank Gehry on board their Sentosa IR bid

Wednesday • July 12, 2006

Val Chua
Deputy News Editor
val@newstoday.com.sg

WITH just three months to go before the Sentosa integrated resort (IR) bid closes, one hopeful has revealed its first card.

Bahamas-based Kerzner International, which has remained tight-lipped about its bid so far, has roped in celebrated architect Frank Gehry into its team.

With this, Kerzner — which counts CapitaLand as its 40 per cent equity partner — hopes Mr Gehry will bring to Singapore the iconic touch of his most famous work — the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, Spain.

That project helped to transform the Basque city into a vibrant cultural centre, and heralded a string of international awards for the 77-year-old architect, who is known for building curvaceous structures often covered with metal. The man himself considers the 49-hectare Sentosa site a "jewel" that needs to be treated "gently and respectfully".

Apart from partnerships and track records, the architecture of Singapore's first IRs has come to command keen interest, especially after the controversial three-tower design of Marina Bay Sands attracted a split in public opinion.

Feng shui masters have also thrown in their lot with the Sentosa site, warning bidders not to ignore the island's bloody World War II past.

The Kerzner-CapitaLand team will be up against two other consortiums vying for the Sentosa IR — favourites Genting International and Universal Studios, as well as United States-based casino resort developer Eighth Wonder.

Harrah's Entertainment-Keppel Land, which earlier lost out in the tightly-fought race for the Marina Bay IR, has yet to make a decision on its participation in the Sentosa round. The US-based casino giant, which is still assessing its chances for Sentosa, has until July 31 to indicate its interest.

Analysts expect the winner to fork out US$2 billion to US$2.3 billion ($3.2 billion to $3.6 billion) for the Sentosa spot, whose land price alone is $605 million.

With its latest announcement, Kerzner sheds a little more light on its low-profile bid. But it has yet to reveal updated investment numbers or comment on whether it will have a theme park, something the Government has expressed interest in the family-themed IR.

The architectural component holds a reduced weight of 25 per cent in the Sentosa race compared to the 30-per-cent weightage for its conventions-based Marina Bay cousin. The 5 per cent difference has gone to tourism appeal, which now garners 45 per cent of the vote, up from 40 per cent.

The last two criteria — development investment and partnership — remain the same, at 20 per cent and 10 per cent respectively.

Hopefully, Kerzner's chairman and founder Sol Kerzner may share more details when he flies into Singapore today.

The colourful South African billionaire is said to keep a "close eye" on all his projects, spanning The Bahamas, Mauritius, Dubai, the Maldives and Mexico.

He has also invigorated the tourism sectors where his casinos are based — first, in South Africa and then in the Bahamas.

Said CapitaLand CEO Liew Mun Leong: "His Sun City resort contributed almost single-handedly to the spurt in tourism in South Africa. Similarly, he boosted tourism in the Bahamas through his Atlantis, Paradise Island resort ... and for his first work in Asia, he is extending his visionary track record to Singapore, in what may lead to his best work yet."

Tenders for the Sentosa casino close on Oct 10, and the Government is expected to name the winner before the end of the year.

Copyright MediaCorp Press Ltd. All rights reserved.

babystan03

July 12th, 2006, 11:59 AM

12 July 2006

Kerzner plans to invest more than US$1.5b on Sentosa integrated resort
By Matthias Chan, Channel NewsAsia

SINGAPORE : Kerzner International intends to invest more than US$1.5 billion to develop the integrated resort on Sentosa.

The US resort operator, which is partnering CapitaLand for the project, hopes that it will be able to yield returns of some 12 percent per annum.

Kerzner International, the US-based gaming giant, says its focus for the Sentose resort will be on family-oriented resort attractions.

On the sprawling 49 hectare site, the retail component will occupy some 10,000 square metres of lettable area and conventions space of some 20,000 to 25,000 square metres.

Best known for the Atlantis, Paradise Island in the Bahamas, Kerzner is currently developing a second Atlantis resort in Dubai at a cost of some US$1.5 billion.

It is also expanding the Atlantis in Bahamas, which will bring its total investment on the project to some US$2 billion.

Kerzner says its plans for Singapore will be equally grand.

"We are sufficiently advanced in planning so we are able to say it will be in excess of US$1.5 billion. Our returns, we would hope would be anything from 12 percent. If we can get anything above 12 percent, it's fine, but 12 percent will be an acceptable returns to begin with," said Sol Kerzner, founder of Kerzner International.

Kerzner believes that the Sentosa resort will open later than Marina Bay Sands, which is scheduled for 2009.

"We don't anticipate phasing, we believe it will be a total built-out, one hit, one shot. And again, it depends on when decisions are made, our planning by the time we ready to present the project. I would think that opening in 2010 would be realistic," said Mr Kerzner.

The project will be positioned to attract the mid to top-end of the market.

On Tuesday, Kerzner and CapitaLand announced that they had roped in renowned architect Frank Gehry - who created the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, Spain - for their Sentosa bid.

Kerzner faces competition from a tie-up between Malaysian Genting International and Universal Studios, and US-based Eighth Wonder.

The tender for the Sentosa integrated resort ends on October 10. - CNA /ls

Copyright © 2006 MCN International Pte Ltd

babystan03

July 13th, 2006, 12:14 PM

13 July 2006

Kerzner's transparency in Sentosa details a plus but 2010 opening may hurt chances
By Matthias Chan, Channel NewsAsia

SINGAPORE: The move by Kerzner International to be as transparent as possible by revealing details of its bid for the Sentosa integrated resort is seen as a plus by some analysts.

They say the plan to dedicate a substantial portion of the site to resort attractions is a strong point in Kerzner's favour, but a later-than-expected scheduled opening date could hurt its chances.

Kerzner International was surprisingly candid when it shared details about its Sentosa bid on Wednesday.

It will invest in excess of US$1.5b in the development, and is targeting a 12 percent annual return.

The US resort operator hopes to complete the project in 2010, and the retail and conventions space component will be small.

Some analysts say there is merit in revealing much, so early in the game.

"They are trying to replicate what Sands did at Marina Bay proposal. It was very transparent. Most people knew what they were after and they featured a prominent architect as well as a clear investment size. So those were the features which we are seeing here," said David Lum, Senior Investment Analyst, Daiwa Securities.

Kerzner is planning to set aside only about 10 to 15 percent of the stipulated built-up area of close to 280,000 square metres at the site for retail and conventions.

Dedicating the bulk of the Sentosa site to resort attractions will certainly earn points for Kerzner when it comes to the "Tourism Appeal" criteria.

However, analysts think it is too early to say whether this will be its trump card until the other bidders reveal more details about their plans.

Some analysts believe the authorities would prefer to have the two integrated resorts at Marina and Sentosa open at about the same time, but Kerzner is only planning to open the resort in 2010, a year after the Marina Bay Sands.

"Being honest and being realistic should not hurt their chances. Having said that, we don't know what the other bidders are proposing. If they are much more aggressive in their completion date, if they have a credible plan to put up their proposals much faster, then it might be a factor," added Mr Lum.

Kerzner is teaming up with CapitaLand to bid for the Sentosa site. - CNA /dt

Copyright © 2006 MCN International Pte Ltd

babystan03

July 13th, 2006, 04:12 PM

13 July 2006

Sorry Mickey Mouse, Kerzner works alone
By Val Chua, TODAY

If Walt Disney were to approach Mr Sol Kerzner to build Disneyland in Singapore, the 70-year-old resort developer would probably walk away.

Snubbing Mickey Mouse isn't personal — it's just the way Kerzner International, named after its founder, develops its resort-casinos all over the world.

"I would rule out working with third-party theme park operators. We prefer to run all the attractions ourselves," said Mr Kerzner, who is in Singapore for a site visit in preparation for its Sentosa integrated resort (IR) bid.

The Bahamas-based casino resort — which has partnered Temasek-linked CapitaLand here — also plans to spend over US$1.5 billion ($2.4 billion) in Sentosa, if it bags the $605 million site by the end of the year. It also pledged to open 100 per cent of its resort in 2010.

But first, it has to contend with Sentosa favourites Malaysia-based Genting International, who has a trump card in Universal Studios.

Acknowledging the strength of the competition, Mr Kerzner said: "We respect what the analysts are saying. Obviously, Universal is very successful. What we'd bring to Singapore is different. We have demonstrated over the years we have the capacity to innovate with new concepts so that you can't go from one of our resorts to another and see the same thing."

Ruling out working with a third-party theme park operator — apart from Universal, the other big player is Disneyland — may sound suicidal to some, considering the hype and mass appeal accompanying such mega parks.

But Kerzner's approach of integrating family attractions within its resorts has proved successful, said Mr Kerzner, who promised to "break new boundaries" in Sentosa.

Case in point is its flagship project, the Atlantis, Paradise Island, a 2,317-room, ocean-themed resort located in the Bahamas.

The South African billionaire and a former professional boxer, woke up the sleepy Bahamas by creating his fantasy land using the lost continent as its theme.

With attractions like a shark-infested water slide park, waterfalls and underwater tunnels for visitors to marvel at the marine life, the Atlantis has been able to attract family tourists, which make up 75 per cent of arrivals.

"We brought the ocean into the resort. We don't build aquariums. We don't build a theme park where you pay at the gate. We create a destination integrated resort with the attractions built in it," he said.

Its Sentosa attractions will be complimentary for hotel guests, who are expected to pay an average rack rate of $450 to $500 a night, but day visitors will pay a fee.

Asked how the perceived high-end image of its resorts — which attract stars like Tom Cruise — would gel with the mass-market appeal of a family-themed resort, he said: "If you look at our destination resorts starting with Sun City (in South Africa), what we have been able to do is really cater from the mid-market to the absolutely top-end of the market."

He also described roping in celebrated architect Frank Gehry, who was behind the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, Spain, as a "coup".

On the 49-hectare Sentosa site, retailers will occupy 10,000 square metres of lettable area while the conventions folk will have 20,000 to 25,000 square metres.

The IR is expected to have annual returns of 12 per cent in the first two to three years, said Mr Kerzner.

Tenders for the Sentosa casino close on Oct 10, with the winner to be announced by year end. //rose/CNA

Copyright © 2006 MCN International Pte Ltd

RafflesCity

July 13th, 2006, 04:20 PM

I just feel the Disney concept is getting stale...especially after the HK Disneyland.

For the Sentosa IR I look forward to dramatic architecture and alternative attractions.

babystan03

July 13th, 2006, 04:30 PM

I just feel the Disney concept is getting stale...especially after the HK Disneyland.

For the Sentosa IR I look forward to dramatic architecture and alternative attractions.

280,000 sq m - 35,000 (Retail + Convention space) = 245,000 sq m

Seems like the theme attraction is a major portion of Kerzner.....:yes:

Looking at the Atlantic Resort, I do think that it's very different from Disneyland.......very unique and classy...like going to a paradise.....:yes:

Hopefully the Kerzner design is something as revolutionary and beautiful as the Atlantic.....:yes:

The retail and convention space seems rather small......I wonder if they've taken Vivocity and Marina Bay Sands into consideration?? :?

RafflesCity

July 13th, 2006, 04:46 PM

Is convention space and retail still a major expectation for the Sentosa IR?

I think its definitely not the main thing here I guess...I expect something with a more unique theme...

babystan03

July 13th, 2006, 04:51 PM

Is convention space and retail still a major expectation for the Sentosa IR?

I think its definitely not the main thing here I guess...I expect something with a more unique theme...

A major part of the IR would be the theme park.....followed by hotel, casino, convention, Retail.....:yes:

I supposed the resort are the kind where u can stay 1-3 days exploring......:yes:

Mr.ASAP

July 13th, 2006, 05:24 PM

retail will be taken care of by VIVO City and convention will be taken care by WTC....this IR should focus well the theme as stated- family type- dont expect any skyscrpers, but i do hope the architects and developers will come out with something that is unique only to Singapore and not an IR that can be found in USA or elsewhere

babystan03

July 13th, 2006, 11:48 PM

^ Where got WTC?? :?

The conventions they are targetting are those smaller meetings (complement the big meetings at Marina Bay Sands and Suntec) I guess....:yes:

Cliff

July 14th, 2006, 03:45 PM

few can accept the fact that our World Trade Centre(something that every other city has) has become a typical harbourfront mall...

RafflesCity

July 14th, 2006, 03:50 PM

Whats your expectation?? :?

maybe this article may give a clue? :D

He thinks outside the box

13 Jul 06

Architecture great Frank Gehry may get a chance to unleash his free-form, unpredictable style on the Sentosa IR

By Cheong Suk-Wai, SENIOR CORRESPONDENT

HE IS architecture's equivalent of a Nobel laureate. Eight million people have flocked to Bilbao in Spain just to ogle his best-known building, the titanium-clad Guggenheim Museum, since it opened in 1997.
Busloads of architectural students regularly stop outside his chain link-and-corrugated metal bungalow in Santa Monica, California, which he shares with his wife Berta.

He is also famous for his occasional lines of quirky and extremely pricey furniture, as well as occasional home accessories such as kettles. In April, jewellers Tiffany & Co announced that he would design six bauble collections for them.

http://straitstimes.asia1.com.sg/STI/STIMEDIA/image/20060712/ST_IMAGES_LIFSUKGEHRY-7PVt.jpg

Now, the creative hand of world-renowned American architect Frank Gehry might at last be seen in Singapore.

On Tuesday, Singapore-based developer CapitaLand Group and South Africa-born resort developer Sol Kerzner named him as the trump card they are playing to win the right to build and run Singapore's second integrated resort (IR), on Sentosa.

Mr Kerzner is best known for his ultra-luxe Atlantis resort in the Bahamas, and expects Mr Gehry's vision of Sentosa to cost more than US$1.5 billion (S$2.4 billion) to build.

Mr Kerzner is up against Eighth Wonder and Genting International. Harrahs Entertainment has yet to confirm if it will enter the Sentosa IR race. The winner will be known by year-end.

Mr Gehry flew in from Abu Dhabi on Monday and hit the ground running with a tour of the Harbourfront marina and the proposed IR site at Sentosa. If his design, which has yet to be unveiled, clinches the bid for Kerzner-CapitaLand, it will be the first big project in Asia for the Canada-born architect.

His appointment comes hot on the heels of the May 27 announcement that Israel-born architect Moshe Safdie is designing the Marina Bay IR, to be owned and run by American casino group Las Vegas Sands. (Several Marina Bay IR bidders, it seems, asked Mr Gehry to design it too; he said no). There have been clashes in thinking, if not of feeling, between these two global icons of design.

Mr Safdie thinks boxes, Mr Gehry thinks free forms, and the twain, perhaps, shall never meet.

As Mr Gehry told The New Yorker in 2003: 'Moshe thought my work was a jumble, he thought it was a big ego trip or a joke or something. He asked me to stop being Stravinsky and be Sibelius. Be peaceful, he said. We need peace.'

It will be interesting, to say the least, to see what would happen if Mr Gehry does get to pit his IR design against that of Mr Safdie's Marina Bay.

Building from the inside out

THE architect's tone throughout Life!'s chat with him is precise and measured, leavened with bone-dry wit, so unlike his designs which swoop and soar every which way.

One gets the feeling that he is still fighting to be accepted by his peers. By his own reckoning, he has gone from being the odd man out in architecture to 'the odd man in'.

What's that like, you wonder.

In between sips of green tea at the Summer Pavilion restaurant at the Ritz-Carlton Millenia hotel, he says: 'It means that people like me, want my books signed. But when it comes to actually hiring me to do a building, they get a bit nervous still.'

But as he then points out: 'If I know what I'm going to do in advance, then I won't do it. It's much more interesting to be intuitive and work with the client, the place, the moment.'

He is famous for creating sensuous structures which are habitable sculptures, variously described as artichokes, birds' nests and even Victorian ladies' dresses. He builds from the inside out, which results in his buildings looking as if some hidden life force is swelling from within, what with pregnant bumps and swooshes of roofs that look as if they are about to be blown off.

His crowning glory, the Bilbao Guggenheim, resembles overlapping music sheets flapping about in mid-air.

Fans gush over how his playful, curvy and multi- layered museums, concert halls and pavilions are spot-on structures for depicting the spirit and letter of the arts. Critics chafe at what they see as his sculpture-like monoliths overshadowing the art such that with, say, Bilbao, there is apparently not enough wall space for exhibits.

Depending on your persuasion, upon seeing his creations, your heart will either do a skip and jump in delight - or horror. Not for nothing has he been dubbed 'Scary Gehry' by some.

A native of Toronto, Canada, his family later resettled in Los Angeles. After a stint in the US Army and night classes, he got his architectural degree from the University of Southern California (USC) in 1954.

He dropped out of Harvard design school in the late 1950s after studying city planning there for a year. In later years, he would teach at Harvard, but he taught mostly at Yale.

He only really grabbed the architectural world by the collar in 1978 when, of all things, he renovated his pink bungalow by incorporating chain link fences, corrugated metal and plywood as its interior. The odd man out had brought the outside world into his living room.

Still, for a while, he was held back by his own inventiveness. It was only after technology caught up with his imagination in the 1980s that he was able to test out his dreams in bits and bytes and then commit them to bricks and mortar.

Today, his firm, Gehry Partners, is at the forefront of computer-aided design. It's based in California, where he has lived since 1947.

When you mention that people say his buildings look like they were designed by crumpling paper, he is annoyed but, ever the gentleman, tries hard not to show it.

That, he says evenly, is an 'oversimplification' of his process. 'An insult, almost,' he huffs finally. At most, he will concede that he works towards his final designs with 'informed crumpling'.

Then, impatient but not incensed, he balances my recorder on his half-full teacup, then pushes the teapot and vase on the table towards it. Voila - an urbanscape in miniature. He sniffs. 'That's dumb simple, but that's not how I design.'

Then, he checks himself. 'I mean, that's part of it, but it's also trying to understand the scale of the pieces, its function, its engineering, there are so many parts to it.'

He presses on. 'You gotta hang on to so many pieces at the same time, keep them in your head and then come together. It's like conducting an orchestra without a score.'

The odd man out

HIS odd man out reputation was cemented by the 1960s, thanks to his preference for mingling with artists - among them Jasper Johns, Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen - rather than architects.

He has translated his hobnobbing into his designs such that, more than most, he will go down in history books as the man who thought of buildings as sculptures.

Doing things his own way means paying a certain price, and a pretty high one at that. He muses for a bit about how younger designers - he names Italian Renzo Piano and Frenchman Jean Nouvel - are getting 'plenty more' commissions than him.

All because he's now the odd man in.

He nods slowly.

What's that like? 'It's unpredictable, maybe,' he says. 'They're not sure what I'm going to do.' He then sweeps his hands to and fro like pendulums, which he says is how most of his clients gesticulate whenever they want him to build something. 'They ask me 'Can you do another Bilbao?' Well, I did that, I'm not going to repeat it. It's healthy to be predictable, but that leaves fewer people willing to let you participate.'

Not that he's complaining, he's quick to add. 'I've got plenty of work.'

It helps, perhaps, that he won architecture's greatest honour, the Pritzker Prize, in 1989, eight years before his Guggenheim triumph. In fact, the awards jury made it clear that they gave it to him as 'encouragement' for his 'extraordinary' vision.

But peer recognition has been very slow in coming. As he told the journal Architectural Record after finally winning some peer recognition by being awarded the Gold Medal by the American Institute of Architects in 1998: 'It's like in your family: You know they don't think very much of you and then, all of a sudden, you find out they love you.'

It's a qualified love at best, it seems.

Currently, he has residents in the New York suburb of Brooklyn up in arms over his proposed new hotel-office-condominium design dubbed Miss Brooklyn, because the high-density project looks like a sleeveless wedding gown.

'They should be yelling at the city planners, not yelling at me,' he says, somewhat irritated.

What of new minimalism, the architectural movement of the moment, then? Pah, he says. All that phony pastiche with the 'ascetic boxes' and 'all-white rooms'. 'I don't think it's comfortable living in them. Somehow to me, they lose all their sense of humanity.'

He adds: 'If you're very rich, you're okay because you have people picking up after you. But I couldn't live in one of those because I have books all over the place, I throw my jacket on the floor, I have dogs and kids and all kinds of stuff, so it wouldn't work.'

Why is minimalism's appeal so huge then? He says wryly: 'It's easier to understand. It's predictable.'

For him, messy is good. 'It seems human. It seems to be the way we live.'

But even messiness has its limits. He can't abide the squabbling factions in the urban United States, from city planners to preservationists to environmentalists. 'That kind of messiness, I don't like.'

But just how he does it, intuition and all, you wonder. He bristles at this. 'I mean, pretend you're talking to Picasso. Would you still ask me how I do it? No, you wouldn't. And the thing is, I don't know how.'

He prefaces almost all his answers with 'I don't know' when what he means, really, is that he does know but is too modest - or polite - to say so.

Slightly later, he adds: 'The intuitive process can get out of line. After all, a building has to stand up, having plumbing and all those things.'

But this is Frank Gehry, the shock-haired dude who signs off as FOG on his memos (his middle name is Owen). Getting out of line is just all in a day's work for him.

As he puts it: 'It's easy to make people feel good and comfortable in something they've seen before. It's hard to make them feel good in something they have never seen before.'

So, he adds, he finds ways to give them 'handrails to hang on to' so 'they don't run from the building out of fear'.

What he does intend for Singapore's second IR - if the Kerzner-CapitaLand bid wins - is 'not a Martian that came from outer space and landed and has nothing to do with Singapore'.

'You have a few spaceships out there, I saw a few of those around,' he quips and laughs.

Turning serious again, he says his vision for the Sentosa IR is 'something that's not been seen before, that has an honesty, directness and a beauty' that resonates with Singapore.

He avers: 'It will not be a throwaway.'

That, crumpled paper designs or otherwise, is something to bet on.

babystan03

July 14th, 2006, 05:26 PM

^ Hmm....something unique I guess.....:yes:

RafflesCity

July 14th, 2006, 05:28 PM

I hope so...he seems to being referring to the new Supreme Court here :lol:

What he does intend for Singapore's second IR - if the Kerzner-CapitaLand bid wins - is 'not a Martian that came from outer space and landed and has nothing to do with Singapore'.

'You have a few spaceships out there, I saw a few of those around,' he quips and laughs.

babystan03

July 14th, 2006, 05:32 PM

Charging Bull

July 15th, 2006, 02:29 AM

Rivalry and to outshine Moshe Safdie (with his titanium material) :laugh: might be the reason why he wants to take up this project. This is the best way to find out who is BOB - Best Of the Best :D

宝刀屠龙号令天下

倚天不出谁与争锋

The Marina Bay Sands Skygarden really look like a sabre.

Some of his works:

http://www.greatbuildings.com/architects/Frank_Gehry.html

Charging Bull

July 20th, 2006, 03:28 PM

S'pore cruise centre, Genting in tie-up talks
Discussions dovetail with latter's bid for Sentosa integrated resort

By DONALD URQUHART

Email this article
Print article
Feedback

(SINGAPORE) The Singapore Cruise Centre (SCC) and Genting International are in talks on a possible tie-up for the second casino project at Sentosa, which could see two new berths added to the cruise terminal.

"If the SCC ties up with Star and they secure the IR2 project at Sentosa - bingo - it's perfect.'

- Cruise industry executive

Industry sources told BT that the Malaysian casino and cruise operator has been in discussions with the cruise centre on some form of a tie-up as part of its bid for the second integrated resort (IR) project located opposite Singapore's cruise centre.

The sources also said that the SCC plans to expand its HarbourFront Centre facility, adding two more berths so that three or four cruise ships can dock at the same time.

The Genting group's earlier unsuccessful bid for the Marina Bay IR project included a proposal for Star Cruises to operate a cruise terminal at Marina South.

But industry executives say that the Sentosa projects' location, combined with Genting's cruise focus, could give it an extra advantage in the bidding.

Although the Sentosa casino will be located on the southern waterfront of Cruise Bay, it is not feasible to have cruise berths of its own due to space and depth considerations, but it will nonetheless be in an ideal position to benefit from the SCC facilities.

'If the SCC ties up with Star and they secure the IR2 project at Sentosa - bingo - it's perfect,' says one cruise industry executive.

The SCC's proposal, now being considered by the authorities, is to add a T-shaped pier to the current Berth 1, creating two 300-metre-long berths at a right-angle to the existing 250 and 300-metre facilities.

The berths could be operational in as little as 12 to 18 months and would be a cost-effective addition, as it would not require any other major new infrastructure like terminal buildings, the sources say.

SCC president Cheong Teow Cheng declined to comment on the expansion plan, but said that he has been in discussions with Genting/Star over the possibility of the Malaysian gaming and cruise group getting more priority berthing facilities should it win the contest to build and operate the Sentosa resort.

'If they get the IR, they will put more ships here, but they want to gain the rights to more berths,' says Mr Cheong, adding that only the Star Virgo has priority berthing rights at the SCC currently.

He says that there had been earlier discussions regarding the proposed cruise terminal at Marina South as part of Genting's bid for the Marina Bay resort.

While Marina South was originally identified in the Urban Redevelopment Authority's Masterplan 2003 as the site of a new international cruise centre, no decision has been announced.

Cruise industry executives say that they are frustrated at what they see as a lack of direction in Singapore's cruise strategy.

'We're not getting any answers,' said an industry representative who declined to be named. 'We ask a lot of questions but everybody is silent. Nobody wants to commit.

'We've been telling them not to wait until it's too late; it's already half-way through 2006. Although cruise growth has been fairly flat over the last couple of years, the interest in Asia is building and it's just a matter of time before it takes off, but the question is whether the berths will be ready before the cruise ships come.'

Mr Cheong is already having to cope with intensive use of Singapore's only cruise facility. There were 450 ship-calls last year, which meant an average usage of roughly 1.3 berths per day - and there are only two available. 'Looking at indications of who's placing ships in Asia, we project something like 2009, at latest 2010, in which the demand will exceed the two berths,' he says.

But in reality, the crisis point is likely to be reached by 2008, he said, because much of the cruiseship traffic is at the weekends. 'Mathematically, the assumption is that the ships come every day, but in reality, I'm facing problems even today because every ship wants to come on Saturday or Sunday,' he says.

Cruise industry executives agree that the two additional berths would be crucial to alleviating this weekend congestion and would help to bridge the gap until a new cruise centre is built. This probably will not happen before 2010 - under the most optimistic scenario.

Even then, this expansion would not help solve the problem of the four or five round-the-world cruise ships that call at Singapore each year. They cannot use the SCC site because they exceed the maximum 50 metre height restriction, which is necessary due to the cable car crossing to Sentosa.

These large cruise ships now berth at PSA Corporation's container terminals, but surging container usage has made this an increasingly untenable proposition - and hardly an ideal one from a tourism perspective.

Other options such as the Pasir Panjang Wharf and the beach-side of Sentosa appear out of the question because of intended development for both sites as a container terminal and leisure site, respectively.

Meanwhile, the industry's best long-term hope appears to remain with Marina South, with the lead agency on the issue - the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) - saying it is initiating technical studies at a site next to the recently opened Marina South Pier.

'The hydrodynamic study will determine how berths will be affected by the tide and current patterns and the wave study will determine the effect natural waves and waves generated by passing ships will have on the safe manoeuvring and berthing of cruise ships,' says Chang Chee Pey, STB director of cluster development (sightseeing and cruise), in response to queries.

BT understands that the tender process for the studies recently closed, and the bids are being evaluated. Once the tenders have been awarded, it is estimated that the studies will take three months to be completed.

babystan03

July 21st, 2006, 12:38 PM

Business Times - 21 Jul 2006

LETTER TO THE EDITOR
S'pore's cruise strategy on target

I REFER to the article 'S'pore cruise centre, Genting in tie-up talks' (BT, July 20) and wish to clarify that Star Cruises' views were not sought for this story.

Star Cruises regularly meets industry players like the Singapore Cruise Centre (SCC) to explore opportunities to improve cruise infrastructure and our services, and to grow the cruise business in Singapore. Our sister company, Genting International, does not represent us in these discussions. As the leading cruise operator in Singapore, Star Cruises would also like to express its disagreement with the view of unnamed industry executives in the story that there is 'a lack of direction in Singapore's cruise strategy'.

On the contrary, based on our experience working with the authorities, we believe positive and proactive steps have been taken to enhance the development of the cruise industry in Singapore.

One example of this is the recent introduction of the Fly-Cruise Development Fund. Star Cruises is fully supportive of this initiative which will not only benefit the cruise industry but will also boost air travel here. Star Cruises has submitted an application, together with our plans, to draw from the fund so as to further enhance our fly-cruise offerings.

On the issue of berthing facilities in Singapore, Star Cruises believes that the right approach is being taken to assess both the technical and commercial issues. Star Cruises is committed to growing its cruise business in Singapore. We continue to explore our options to expand our presence here, be it at the existing HarbourFront cruise terminal or the proposed one at Marina South.

Our decisions will be based on the relative merits of the proposed facilities.

Michael Goh
General manager
(Singapore)
Star Cruises Pte Ltd

Copyright © 2005 Singapore Press Holdings Ltd. All rights reserved.

redstone

July 23rd, 2006, 02:43 PM

Is the Harbourfront cruise centre going to be demolished?

babystan03

July 24th, 2006, 03:33 PM

24 July 2006

8th Wonder Sentosa proposal to draw 5-6m tourists

US-based Eighth Wonder says its proposed integrated resort on Sentosa can be expected to attract as many as ten million more tourists to Singapore.

The casino resort developer is one of the four bidders for Singapore's second IR project.

Eighth Wonder's founder and chairman Mark Advent is best -known for creating the New York New York development in Las Vegas.

Meeting the media today, Mr Advent says the company is signing on a few more equity partners for the Sentosa IR project.

He says the company is in the final stages of a discussion to formally team up with Starwood Hotels Group.

Eighth Wonder is also in talks with other parties in the retail and entertainment businesses.

If the company wins the bid, Mr Advent expects the gaming component of the Sentosa IR project to generate over 45 percent of the group's taking.

The gaming component for the New York, New York resort amounts to about 45 percent of total revenue.

"We're going to attract a 100 percent of the current tourist market that's coming to Singapore and we'll do better than that because we going to create a destination that's going to be known worldwide and we'll have people from all around the world coming to Singapore just to see it. And some of them probably won't even be casino customers they will be leisure customers that are coming for just the experience."

As comparison, Mr Advent says in Macau the casino resorts generate as much as 90 percent of total revenue.

Eighth Wonder is planning to spend more than a billion US dollars on the Singapore project, which will be partly financed through equity and debt.

Mr Advent is in Singapore for a casino executive summit, but it's understood he's also here for some mandatory probity checks by the Singapore Tourism Board.

STB will do background checks, such as personal financial information, for all IR bidders.

Copyright © 2006 MediaCorp Radio New Media Development

babystan03

July 24th, 2006, 11:51 PM

This story was printed from TODAYonline

Many firsts for unknown Eighth Wonder

Sentosa IR is its raison d'etre, says casino developer

Tuesday • July 25, 2006

Tor Ching Li
chingli@newstoday.com.sg

The odds may be stacked high against Eighth Wonder, but the US casino developer lacks no confidence in bidding for the Sentosa integrated resort (IR) project.

Should Eighth Wonder beat its rivals Kerzner-CapitaLand and Genting International, it will be the first time the company with a staff of 25 will be hunkering down to operate such a large-scale IR.

It's also the first project that chairman Mark Advent will be undertaking under the relatively unknown three-year-old Eighth Wonder brand.

"The company was formed in 2003 with this project in mind. We've been looking for a site for this development and when Singapore decided to legalise casinos in 2004, Sentosa proved to be the perfect site," Mr Advent, 45, told Today during a casino conference yesterday.

The company is attuned to buying and developing land for entertainment projects rather than running them.

Mr Advent conceptualised and built Las Vegas' first city-themed casino New York-New York in 1997, which he claimed spurred the development of similar themed casinos such as The Venetian. He then gradually sold off all his shares in it to MGM Mirage by 2000.

Refuting naysayers who wonder what Eighth Wonder is doing in such a high stakes game, he pointed to the success of New York-New York.

"Everybody thought New York-New York was a crazy idea, that it wouldn't work. Today, it's still attracting 620,000 visitors a week," he added.

He said Eighth Wonder was in the final stages of negotiations with Starwood Hotels & Resorts for its Sentosa bid.

Its only other named partner so far is the Isle of Capri Casinos, an owner of 15 riverboat and land-based casinos, which will manage the Sentosa casino.

Eighth Wonder remains "wide open" to the possibility of engaging local partners for the project, he said, adding it would cost "not less than US$1 billion ($1.6 billion) to develop".

Debunking analysts' doubts regarding the privately owned outfit's ability to raise sufficient capital, Mr Advent called the financing aspect of the project a "no-brainer".

"There was money standing in line to finance (the Marina Bay Sands)," he said.

According to his estimations, the proposed Sentosa IR alone would be able to attract about 10 million visitors a year. Last year, Sentosa attracted 5.1 million visitors.

Taking a dig at Genting's plans to rope in Universal Studios, Mr Advent pointed out that the theme park, which has operations in Japan and the United States, was not "something new, fresh and never seen before".

He considered his company's youth a draw.

"We think of ourselves as the next-generation gaming guys. We think outside the box and believe we have a good sense of what will establish Singapore almost overnight as a must-see destination," he said.

Copyright MediaCorp Press Ltd. All rights reserved.

RafflesCity

July 25th, 2006, 11:46 AM

Is the Harbourfront cruise centre going to be demolished?

never heard of that, but I'm sure definitely after the future cruise centre at Marina South is up and running - assuming if Marina South is intended as a final replacement.

babystan03

July 25th, 2006, 12:57 PM

Business Times - 25 Jul 2006

Investors will queue up to finance IR: banker

By ARTHUR SIM

US CAPITAL markets are very bullish on gaming stock. It seems all a casino operator needs to do is say the word and money comes flooding in.

UBS managing director (head of US gaming and leisure) James Stewart said that in March it helped MGM Grand raise US$750 million in just one day.

In 2000, when MGM was looking to raise US$850 million - a deal he also worked on - it took a gruelling two-and-a-half weeks of road shows and investor meetings.

The market cap for the largest US gaming company went from US$730.7 million in 1989 to US$25.4 billion today, he said.

Looking back, Mr Stewart also notes with some irony that in the 1960s and 1970s, there were very few banks that would lend money to the gaming industry.

'There is a flood of capital today. The question is just what rates you want to give . . . and rates have never been better.'

At the moment, Mr Stewart said that these rates are about 6 per cent, regardless of whether the gaming stock is of investment grade or not.

In the US, only Harrahs Entertainment's stock is of investment grade.

Mr Stewart was in Singapore to speak at the 11th Annual Asian Casinos Executive Summit. Speaking to BT, he said there would be no lack of interest from institutional investors for Las Vegas Sands' upcoming Marina Bay Sands, stopping short of saying if UBS has had any discussions with the integrated resort operator.

Much of Mr Stewart's enthusiasm comes from the success of Macau, and the many new developments there. On a recent trip there, he was amazed to see people lining up to gamble at the casino tables.

As such, competition with Singapore is inevitable although Mr Stewart adds: 'When you look at the amount of supply versus the population (in Asia), this region has an immense way to go before competition starts to have an adverse effect.'

Mr Stewart also argues that competition is good. 'The value of the enterprise in Macau is larger now than when there was only a sole licensee.'

Similarly in Las Vegas, he points out that it was the Mirage Hotel built by Steve Wynn at a cost of US$630 million in 1989 (a very large amount at the time) that resuscitated life on The Strip there. 'When you have a situation with less critical mass, you can't create enough buzz,' he added.

It becomes clear Mr Stewart does not see Asia's gaming industry starting in Macau and ending in Singapore. 'I would be surprised if other governments are not looking at Singapore now.'

Existing data shows that Korea's gaming industry is worth US$1.5 billion. Philippines' is worth US$750 million while even Cambodia has a gaming industry worth around US$600-700 million. Thailand and Taiwan are also said to be climbing on the bandwagon.

'Will other countries follow Singapore's lead and set up smaller casinos faster? It is hard to predict,' he said.

Copyright © 2005 Singapore Press Holdings Ltd. All rights reserved.

Charging Bull

July 25th, 2006, 03:33 PM

How to achieve this :14 million people a year? Unless they provide three free meals a day for NYP students @ Sentosa :lol: :lol:

Eighth Wonder IR targets 40,000 visitors a day
It expects almost every Singapore tourist to visit its proposed IR

By DANIEL BUENAS

Email this article
Print article
Feedback

EIGHTH Wonder, one of the bidders for the Sentosa integrated resort (IR), hopes to attract some 40,000 people a day - or over 14 million people a year - to its development if it wins the proposal to build the Sentosa IR.

Mr Advent: Says Eighth Wonder's project will be financed with a well-thought out equity and debt formula
'I believe, with the type of project that we are envisioning, that it will attract nearly 100 per cent of the entire tourism market coming to Singapore,' Eighth Wonder chairman Mark Advent told BT on the sidelines of a casino conference he was speaking at yesterday.

In a separate interview with the media, Mr Advent - who was the driving force behind the New York New York casino resort in Las Vegas - reiterated that the company's project would be 'at least' US$1 billion, but declined to reveal specific details of his proposal.

'We will be bringing a substantial amount of equity to the table and a huge financial commitment because the proposition warrants it,' Mr Advent said, adding that finding financing for the project would be a 'no-brainer'.

'Money is standing in line to finance (Las Vegas Sands') proposition at Marina Bay, and we expect the same sort of reaction to our project,' he said. 'Our project will be financed with a well-thought out equity and debt formula. We'll make those final decisions as we get closer to having to make those decisions, and a lot of it will be based on how the markets are at that given time.'

On a possible listing if his company won the bid, Mr Advent said that there were no plans currently to list.

However, he did not rule out the possibility in the future, citing 'market conditions'. 'There are no plans to date, but certainly . . . we have no predispositions not to do a public listing in Singapore,' he said. 'Quite frankly, we are excited about the possibility down the road, but right now . . . it would almost seem inappropriate to make that kind of a commitment so far in advance.'

When asked on the status of the company's previously announced plan to tie-up with US-based Starwood Hotels & Resorts for the bid, Mr Advent said it was in the 'final stages of discussions' with Starwood.

'We are very optimistic that we will conclude a formal transaction that we can announce as we submit our proposal,' Mr Advent said. Eighth Wonder has also roped in Isle of Capri Casinos Inc for its bid. Although he did not go into details, Mr Advent said that his company's proposal for Sentosa was 'more compelling' than New York New York, although it would not be more of the same.

'The (theme) is respective to what I would call multi-nationalities and cultures, which is where you want to be,' he said. 'The bottom line is, the world is your oyster.' Contenders for the Sentosa IR have until Oct 10 to submit proposals, and the government is expected to announce the winning bid by year-end.

Also speaking at yesterday's conference was Che-Woo Lui, chairman of Macau casino operator Galaxy Entertainment Group.

Dr Lui, who spoke about Macau's gaming industry, told BT that Singapore and Macau would not be 'head-on' competitors, and would instead complement each other. He said that the gaming markets for the two jurisdictions had 'very different management and concepts', and that there was unlikely to be 'strong competition' between the two.

According to Dr Lui, this will be true even for the meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions (MICE) front - which was one of the key focuses of Las Vegas Sands' winning Marina IR bid.

'The two (Singapore and Macau) may look like they are competing in the same (market segment), but they have different characteristics and facilities,' Dr Lui said in Cantonese. 'They are two different concepts provided to tourists.'

babystan03

July 25th, 2006, 11:49 PM

This story was printed from TODAYonline

Harrah's ready to fold 'em?

Keppel Land's US partner may opt out of race for Sentosa IR

Wednesday • July 26, 2006

Tor Ching Li
chingli@newstoday.com.sg

CASINO giant Harrah's may have given its hand away.

The three-day Asian Casinos Executive Summit — which ends today — was packed with players expected to fight it out for the Sentosa integrated resort (IR).

CapitaLand registered four delegates, Genting International had two, while casino developer Eighth Wonder sent both their chairman and chief executive.

In contrast, the sole delegate registered under Harrah's Entertainment failed to turn up. Its partner Keppel Land did not even bother to register a representative at the conference.

To those observing the race to land Singapore's second casino, this seemed yet another sign that the two will probably not show up at the Singapore Tourism Board next Monday — their deadline to submit $400,000 and relevant documents for mandatory probity checks.

There have been other telltale signs hinting that Harrah's heart is no longer in this race.

According to sources close to the proceedings, Harrah's-Keppel Land have released their appointed Sentosa IR architect: United States-based Jon Jerde, who helped design the Bellagio and Wynn casinos in Las Vegas.

Said the source: "Either they've found a new architect, or they're out of the race."

Word among architects here is that Harrah's-Keppel Land has not engaged any local architectural firm so far. For the Marina Bay bid, in which Harrah's were considered front-runners before eventually losing out, they had engaged P & T Consultants here to support the internationally-acclaimed Daniel Libeskind.

P & T declined to comment on whether it will continue to be involved in the Sentosa IR bid.

Sources within the government-linked Keppel Land also revealed that 20 staff — or half of the original team formed to work on the Marina Bay IR — have since been redeployed to other departments.

Said Merrill Lynch gaming analyst Sean Monaghan: "I think it is reasonable to assume that Harrah's will not be continuing with the bid. They are a good company but what is their competitive advantage for Sentosa? Genting is going to be very aggressive, and with their Universal tie-up and relationship with Star Cruises, they are going to be tough to beat."

Said another industry source: "They've probably done their sums, carried out an internal review and decided that the odds are not worth the risk."

Harrah's-Keppel Land would have easily spent at least $10 million participating in the first bidding process, say analysts.

Mr Monaghan also said that Harrah's may be considering Japan as an alternative footprint in Asia, albeit after 2010 when casinos may be legalised in Japan.

Japan's gaming adviser Toru Mihara said yesterday at the casino conference that the country was in talks with casino operators such as Harrah's Entertainment and Las Vegas Sands to operate Japan's first casino.

Meanwhile, Harrah's-Keppel Land is keeping a poker face over the speculation.

Both parties said they were "still considering their position on the Sentosa IR and will make an announcement in due course".

"From my understanding, Harrah's was not so keen to go ahead, but as a property developer with no casino operating expertise, Keppel Land obviously couldn't go it alone," said a source.

The first hint of Harrah's possible withdrawal was in its press release after the Marina Bay site was awarded to Las Vegas Sands. The company said that "going forward" it would focus on "international and domestic projects", citing projects in the Bahamas, Spain and Slovenia, but not Sentosa.

A no-show by Harrah's-Keppel Land would mean a three-horse race for the Sentosa site, leaving CapitaLand-Kerzner, Genting International-Star Cruises and Eighth Wonder to submit their proposals by Oct 10.

The Government is expected to name a winner by the end of the year.

Copyright MediaCorp Press Ltd. All rights reserved.

^tamago^

July 26th, 2006, 08:45 AM

Keppel Land's US partner Harrah's may opt out of race for Sentosa IR

26 July 2006 1401 hrs (SST) 0601 hrs (GMT)

Casino giant Harrah’s may have given its hand away.

The three-day Asian Casinos Executive Summit - which ends today - was packed with players expected to fight it out for the Sentosa integrated resort (IR).

CapitaLand registered four delegates, Genting International had two, while casino developer Eighth Wonder sent both their chairman and chief executive.

In contrast, the sole delegate registered under Harrah’s Entertainment failed to turn up. Its partner Keppel Land did not even bother to register a representative at the conference.

To those observing the race to land Singapore’s second casino, this seemed yet another sign that the two will probably not show up at the Singapore Tourism Board next Monday — their deadline to submit $400,000 and relevant documents for mandatory probity checks.

There have been other telltale signs hinting that Harrah’s heart is no longer in this race.

According to sources close to the proceedings, Harrah’s-Keppel Land have released their appointed Sentosa IR architect: United States-based Jon Jerde, who helped design the Bellagio and Wynn casinos in Las Vegas.

Said the source: “Either they’ve found a new architect, or they’re out of the race.”

Word among architects here is that Harrah’s-Keppel Land has not engaged any local architectural firm so far. For the Marina Bay bid, in which Harrah’s were considered front-runners before eventually losing out, they had engaged P & T Consultants here to support the internationally-acclaimed Daniel Libeskind.

P & T declined to comment on whether it will continue to be involved in the Sentosa IR bid.

Sources within the government-linked Keppel Land also revealed that 20 staff - or half of the original team formed to work on the Marina Bay IR — have since been redeployed to other departments.

Said Merrill Lynch gaming analyst Sean Monaghan: “I think it is reasonable to assume that Harrah’s will not be continuing with the bid. They are a good company but what is their competitive advantage for Sentosa? Genting is going to be very aggressive, and with their Universal tie-up and relationship with Star Cruises, they are going to be tough to beat.”

Said another industry source: “They’ve probably done their sums, carried out an internal review and decided that the odds are not worth the risk.”

Harrah’s-Keppel Land would have easily spent at least $10 million participating in the first bidding process, say analysts.

Mr Monaghan also said that Harrah’s may be considering Japan as an alternative footprint in Asia, albeit after 2010 when casinos may be legalised in Japan.

Japan’s gaming adviser Toru Mihara said yesterday at the casino conference that the country was in talks with casino operators such as Harrah’s Entertainment and Las Vegas Sands to operate Japan’s first casino.

Meanwhile, Harrah’s-Keppel Land is keeping a poker face over the speculation.

Both parties said they were “still considering their position on the Sentosa IR and will make an announcement in due course”.

“From my understanding, Harrah’s was not so keen to go ahead, but as a property developer with no casino operating expertise, Keppel Land obviously couldn’t go it alone,” said a source. - TODAY/ra

http://www.channelnewsasia.com/palmnews/singaporebusinessnews/view/221290/1/.html

babystan03

July 26th, 2006, 01:40 PM

26 July 2006
Keppel Land could join other bidders if Harrah's pulls out of Sentosa IR bid
By Matthias Chan, Channel NewsAsia

Local developer Keppel Land could look for a new partner for its bid for the Sentosa integrated resort if Harrah's Entertainment pulls out.

This is according to analysts Channel NewsAsia spoke to.

Media reports have said that US gaming giant Harrah's is planning to throw in the towel.

Harrah's has yet to make an announcement on the matter.

But at its results briefing on Wednesday, Keppel Land denied the media reports.

Its managing director Kevin Wong said that the consortium was not out of the bid and it was still reviewing the situation.

But even if Harrah's were to pull out, analysts say Keppel Land may not be out of the equation.

Jonathan Galaviz, gaming analyst at Globalysis, said: "Keppel Land has significant strategic assets adjacent to and around Sentosa and various projects lined up for development. So Keppel Land definitely has indirect interest in the Sentosa integrated resort and it will definitely benefit Keppel Land to optimise its position with its assets, to try and figure out if it could get a position with one of the other bidding teams."

There are three other potential bidders for the Sentosa project.

Analysts say that all of them have the capability to develop a world-class family leisure-centric resort.

Galaviz said: "Kerzner and CapitaLand have a very a strong history and capability of executing that type of development. Of course, Genting, with its relationship with Universal Studios, can also execute that vision. Eighth Wonder has indicated that it has the creative capability to be able to implement the government's family leisure-centric destination at Sentosa."

Potential bidders have up till July 31 to pay up for probity checks.

All bids have to be submitted by October 10. - CNA/ir

babystan03

July 26th, 2006, 11:55 PM

This story was printed from TODAYonline

Keppel Land still eyeing Sentosa IR

Thursday • July 27, 2006

Keppel Land insists that it is still in the race for the Sentosa Integrated Resort (IR) despite a report saying that its partner in the bid, Harrah's Entertainment, is likely to pull out of the bid.

Speaking at a results briefing yesterday, Keppel Land managing director Kevin Wong said both the developer and Harrah's were reviewing their proposal for the Sentosa IR.

Keppel Land has until Monday to submit $400,000 and relevant documents for mandatory probity checks.

The developer reported that for the second quarter ended June 30, its net profit was $44.3 million, or 6.2 cents per share, compared with $30.8 million, or 4.3 cents per share, a year ago. Revenue rose 60.6 per cent to $231.6 million.

Keppel Land plans to launch two high-end waterfront residential projects in Singapore over the next nine months, said Mr Wong. One of the projects will be the first residential development at the Business and Financial Centre. In the first phase of the project, Keppel Land will be launching 200 units. — 938Live

Copyright MediaCorp Press Ltd. All rights reserved.

babystan03

July 27th, 2006, 10:08 AM

July 27, 2006
Genting plans Universal theme park in Sentosa IR bid

MALAYSIA's Genting International says it will build a Universal Studios theme park if it wins the bid for the Sentosa integrated resort (IR) project.

Genting and Star Cruises, both part of the Malaysian casino operator Genting Group, have tied up with Universal Parks and Resorts of the United States to bid for the project.

The proposed theme park will offer a wide range of thrill rides and entertainment attractions to 'entice visitors to stay for more than one day', Genting said on Thursday.

'Singapore's status as an aviation hub, its political stability, cosmopolitan society and love for Hollywood movies make it a prime location for a theme park in the region,' added Genting.

Universal Studios theme parks already operate in Japan and the United States, offering attractions including 'Revenge of the Mummy - The Ride' and 'Terminator 2:3D'.

Genting said the Sentosa project would be larger than the Universal theme park in Hollywood.

Chairman and Chief Executive of Universal Parks and Resorts, Tom Williams said that Genting International, Star Cruises and Universal have excellent track records in the hospitality, gaming, leisure and theme park entertainment industries.

'This is a formidable and game-changing partnership, one that will be highly beneficial to Singapore's tourism industry,' he said.

Four other firms have expressed interest in the Sentosa development - Bahamas-based Kerzner International, South African casino operator Sun International, privately-held Las Vegas casino developer Eighth Wonder, and US gaming giant Harrah's Entertainment.

Singapore's Tourism Board said the Sentosa casino complex will occupy 49 hectares to provide about 343,000 square metres of gross floor area.

It set the land price for the project at S$605 million, allowing bidders to focus on other aspects of the project instead of engaging in a price war for the location.

The deadline for the Sentosa bids is Oct 10, and the winner will be known by the year-end. -- AFP

Copyright © 2006 Singapore Press Holdings. All rights reserved.

PJCCUK

July 27th, 2006, 10:20 AM

sold!

Genting now gets my vote! :D

babystan03

July 27th, 2006, 01:32 PM

27 July 2006
Universal's Sentosa theme park to be larger than in Hollywood

SINGAPORE : Genting International is promising to bring in a Universal theme park to Sentosa, if it wins the bid for the integrated resort there.

And the Sentosa attraction will be much bigger than the Universal theme park in Hollywood.

This was revealed on Thursday as Genting unveiled details of its plans for the Sentosa site.

Best known for its movie-related rides in its parks in Hollywood and Orlando, Universal promises new attractions in Singapore.

"We have made business out of combining state-of-the-art technology with the highest level of creativity, so we have a portfolio of attractions that are recognised as being top tier entertainment. We intend to bring a variety of those and a variety of new attractions, specifically designed for Singapore, here," said Mark Woodbury, Chief Creative Officer of Universal.

While the request for proposals for the Sentosa site was launched only in April this year, Universal has been conceptualising its plans way before that.

"We would only bring the very best creative thinking to bear on behalf of Singapore. And as you can imagine, we have had a number of work sessions and this has been going on for over a year as we've been developing concepts for Singapore. As you know, this is a competitive situation so we would rather keep some of our surprises for later," said Tom Williams, Chairman and CEO of Universal.

For Universal, it is another attempt at a bite of the cherry.

It revealed that it had earlier considered building a theme park in Singapore but did not proceed because it could not get the approvals and incentives it wanted.

As the focus on the Sentosa integrated resort will be on family leisure-centric attractions, Universal says its theme park here will be significantly larger than the 17-hectare facility in Hollywood.

However, Universal will not take an equity stake in the bid even though it will spearhead the theme park development here.

And analysts say this could work against the Genting effort because 10 percent of the scoring goes to the strength of the consortium.

There are four potential bidders for the Sentosa site including Eighth Wonder and the Harrah's-Keppel Land partnership.

Kerzner International is the only other bidder which has given details of its plans.

It said it will invest in excess of US$1.5 billion in the development and hopes to open the resort by 2010. - CNA /ls

Copyright © 2006 MCN International Pte Ltd

RafflesCity

July 27th, 2006, 03:54 PM

THAT sounds interesting! :happy:

babystan03

July 27th, 2006, 04:07 PM

^ Yes.....sounds very major....:D

babystan03

July 28th, 2006, 12:26 PM

Business Times - 28 Jul 2006

Sentosa could get huge theme park

By DANIEL BUENAS

GENTING International, which has partnered Star Cruises and Universal Parks & Resorts in its bid for the Sentosa integrated resort, plans to build a theme park that is 'significantly bigger' than Universal's 17-hectare Los Angeles development if the consortium is successful.

And Universal executives say the rides could be based on popular Asian movies to appeal to regional markets.

Speaking to the media via telephone yesterday, Universal Parks & Resorts chief executive Thomas Williams said that Universal has had a 'long-standing interest' in Singapore.

He added that Universal had previously attempted to set up a theme park in Singapore but the conditions had not been favourable.

'We are convinced that we can make the difference, not only in the short term but the long-term success and overall viability of the whole concept of enhancing tourism beyond its current high level in Singapore,' Mr Williams said.

Universal will not be an equity investor in the project and will not run the resort's hotel, although it is fully involved in the design, development, training, operations and marketing of the project, he added.

According to Genting, the theme park would offer a 'wide range' of thrill rides and attractions aimed at enticing visitors to stay for more than a day.

Universal Studios, which is famous for its movie-themed rides such as Jurassic Park - The Ride, also operates water-themed parks.

Mark Woodbury, chief creative officer at Universal Parks & Resorts, said the scale and scope of the Singapore project would be 'equivalent to any other park that we have developed, relative to the market that it is in'.

Universal's Los Angeles development is about 161 hectares in size, but most of that is made up of movie studios and sound stages. Not counting the studios, its theme park elements occupy about 17 hectares.

Mr Williams declined to reveal exact details of how many 'anchor' rides the Sentosa attraction would have - a key indicator of the scale and cost of the park, as each ride could cost in excess of US$100 million to build.

However, he did reveal that the Los Angeles theme park - along with accompanying retail and entertainment venues - draws some 8.5 million visitors a year, with the theme park component alone accounting for about half that figure.

Copyright © 2005 Singapore Press Holdings Ltd. All rights reserved.

babystan03

July 31st, 2006, 01:08 PM

Great!!! More competition....:D

Business Times - 31 Jul 2006

Harrah's, Keppel will bid for S'pore's second casino

SINGAPORE - US casino group Harrah's Entertainment Inc and Singapore developer Keppel Land on Monday said they would go ahead with a bid to build and operate Singapore's second casino.

'Harrah's Entertainment, along with Keppel Land, will develop a proposal in response to the Singapore Tourism Board's (STB) request for proposal for an integrated resort at Sentosa island in line with STB's guidelines,' the companies said in a statement.

Singapore awarded its first casino licence to Las Vegas Sands Corp in May after the US firm promised to invest more than US$3.2 billion in the project. The republic hopes the two gambling resorts will give a much-needed lift to tourism and boost economic growth.

Other consortia bidding for the second casino - to be located on the island of Sentosa - include Bahamas-based resorts developer Kerzner International Ltd with Southeast Asia's largest developer CapitaLand, and privately held Las Vegas casino developer Eighth Wonder, together with Starwood Hotels & Resorts and Isle of Capri Casinos Inc. -- REUTERS

Copyright © 2005 Singapore Press Holdings Ltd. All rights reserved.

babystan03

July 31st, 2006, 01:11 PM

31 July 2006
Four groups file disclosure forms for Sentosa integrated resort bid

SINGAPORE : Four groups including US gaming giant Harrah's Entertainment have submitted disclosure forms ahead of bids for a second Singapore casino licence, the Singapore Tourism Board said Monday.

Harrah's has teamed with Singapore property firm Keppel Land to develop a proposal for the site on Sentosa island.

The tourism board identified the others who filed disclosure forms as: Eighth Wonder Asia, Malaysia's Genting International and Star Cruises, and Bahamas-based Kerzner International which has teamed with CapitaLand, another Singapore property firm.

Disclosure forms were required as part of the Request for Proposals exercise for the "integrated resort" on Sentosa, said Margaret Teo, the tourism board's director for integrated resorts.

South African casino operator Sun International had expressed initial interest in the Sentosa project but did not file disclosure forms by the deadline.

"Proposers are required to submit the forms by today to allow the probity checks to be completed by the close of the RFP in October 2006," she said.

In a separate statement, the Harrah's-Keppel Land team confirmed they "will develop a proposal" for the Sentosa project.

Last week, Las Vegas-based Eighth Wonder said it will build the world's "most talked about resort" if it wins a casino licence in Singapore, but did not give details.

Genting and Star Cruises, both part of the Malaysian casino operator Genting Group, announced they have tied-up with Universal Parks and Resorts of the United States to build a Universal Studios theme park as part of the development if they win.

Sentosa, a small island just south of Singapore, is already home to beaches, luxury residential development and an entertainment complex.

Singapore last year ended a ban on casino gambling in a bid to spruce up its staid image and attract more tourists. It then announced plans for two casino "resorts" -- facilities that would include hotels and other facilities as well as gaming areas.

The city-state in May awarded Las Vegas Sands a licence to build a casino project in the waterfront Marina Bay area, with the opening due in 2009. - AFP/ms

Copyright © 2006 MCN International Pte Ltd

babystan03

July 31st, 2006, 01:15 PM

31 July 2006
Analysts: Genting-Star Cruises will win

The Genting International-Star Cruises consortium is the front runner to win the Sentosa IR.

According to two analysts that 938LIVE to, the consortium has the strongest attributes among the four bidders to draw the leisure and family-oriented visitors to Singapore.

Trailing after the Genting-led team, they say, are CapitaLand-Kerzner, Keppel Land-Harrah's, and Eighth Wonder.

DBS Bank, James Tan, on why he maintains the top two contenders.

"My bet still lies with Genting International to outrace the race as they still have the trump card which is Universal Studios. I think for a long time, Kerzner in terms of their theme park, Paradise, has always done very well in the eyes of public governments."

Despite the media statement by Keppel Land-Harrah's stating it is still in the race,

Cushman and Wakefield's Managing Director, Donald Han, says the consortium may still pull out in the run-up to the bidding deadline in October.

"The real test will come at a later stage when the consortia are required to put a non-refundable deposit, I think that's when we'll see the true test as to putting money on the table and to pursue with the formal bidding process, with regards to coming out with the proposal through the RFP."

Copyright © 2006 MediaCorp Radio New Media Development

babystan03

July 31st, 2006, 01:46 PM

Feng shui again.....:D

The Electric New Paper :
POOR LUCK GOOD LUCK
Sentosa's Fantasy Island, Asian Village, Volcano Island here all failed
Although new Sentosa IR to be built on same site, geomancers say it will not fail

By Desmond Ng
31 July 2006

FROM the ashes of Volcano Land, a majestic $2 billion phoenix will arise.

The mythical phoenix will assume the form of the new billion-dollar Sentosa integrated resort (IR) project - which will give the island that much needed shot in the arm.

The project will rest on the site of failed theme parks like Volcano Land, Asian Village and Fantasy Island, with the famed Musical Fountain also making way for it.

This time round, the new kid on the block is expected to have better luck with tourists and locals alike.

Even the fengshui masters have given their thumbs up.

Geomancer Ang Kian Cheong says the resort's orientation will make all the difference to its success, according to a Straits Times report last month.

'Sited in the north-western part of the island, it's blessed with an auspicious site,' he says.

As for the building design, the geomancers agreed it should avoid irregular or sharp angles.

The Sentosa IR - envisaged as a family-style resort compared to the more business-oriented Marina Bay Sands - will sprawl over 49 hectares, just slightly smaller than the Botanic Gardens.

To be ready by 2009, the Sentosa IR will be a quick five-minute train ride via the new light-rail Sentosa Express from Harbourfront MRT station.

Expect resort hotels, spas, dining and retail outlets, corporate meeting facilities, incentive travel venues as well as a casino within it.

The Singapore Tourism Board says the IR should also enhance and complement existing attractions on Sentosa and contribute to the buzz and vibrancy of upcoming activities and attractions there.

Three competing players are now eagerly waiting to snap up this lucrative pie.

They are the Kerzner-CapitaLand and Genting International-Star Cruises partnerships plus lone ranger Eighth Wonder Asia, the underdog.

It's still not clear if a possible fourth player, Harrah's Entertainment-Keppel Land, will pull out of the bid.

The tender for the Sentosa IR project will close on 10 Oct, and the winner will be announced by the end of the year.

The Genting partnership said its planned Universal theme park at Sentosa will be larger than their 17-hectare theme park in Hollywood, Los Angeles.

That's about the size of three National Stadiums - enough thrill rides to last you more than a day.

On its part, Eighth Wonder says it hopes to attract some 40,000 people a day, or over 14 million people a year, if they win the bid.

Surely great news for an island which is itself undergoing a comprehensive $3 billion makeover.

This includes sprucing up the Siloso, Palawan and Tanjong beaches and launching new attractions like the Carlsberg Sky Tower and Sentosa Luge, where you can cruise down from the hilltop to the beach on a three-wheeled cart.

Come 2008, the $4 billion Sentosa Cove will also be one of the most coveted residential and commercial developments in Asia, with oceanfront homes, retail, resort and even marina amenities.

BIG DEMAND

With the nearby IR expected to boost the prices of their homes, owners there could well be laughing all the way to the bank.

Jones Lang LaSalle's (Asia Pacific) CEO Peter Barge says most casinos have had a positive impact on real estate, depending on the nature of the casino, its location and the operator's profile.

'When it comes to gambling and casinos, much has been said about winners and losers. But one winner that few will bet against is the real estate industry,' he says.

Assuming the IR is ready in 2009, real estate watchers are predicting a multiplier effect on housing.

Mr Barge says that the demand by foreigners is estimated to be between 125 to 415 housing units per year. This is estimated to add up to 750 by 2009.

With all that buzz around the island, Sentosa had better brace itself for heady and happy days ahead.

GOLD FOR IR AT THE END OF THIS RAINBOW?

The New Paper on Sunday reader snaps this photo of a rainbow ending at where the new Marina Bay Sands IR is to be built.

http://newpaper.asia1.com.sg/mnt/media/image/launched/2006-07-30/NP451959901_01_0001.jpg
Picture courtesy of Low Sung Sheng

AT the end of every rainbow lies that proverbial pot of glittery gold.

Well, the above photo could herald a picture-perfect start for the new Marina Bay Sands integrated resort (IR) come 2009.

With a full rainbow arched between the Marina Bay and the new IR site, this could be a blessing, not to mention prosperous sign for the operator Las Vegas Sands, which was awarded the $5 billion dollar project in May.

Sands, bidding without a formal Singapore partner, beat three strong alliances with local links - Harrah's Entertainment/Keppel Land, MGM Mirage/CapitaLand and Genting International/Star Cruises.

RARE

The New Paper on Sunday reader Low Sung Sheng, 26, said he took some pictures of the Marina Bay area during a kayak expedition last month.

He was a safety officer on a speed-boat then.

Said the undergraduate: 'It's rare that you can see a full rainbow in all its glory, and the best thing - it ends at the Marina Bay where the future IR is going to be built. It looks like a good omen.'

It may be a sign from the heavens, and it's certainly a good start for Marina Bay, what with its morbid past.

Then, Mah Jies (servants who take a vow of celibacy) were locked in cages and drowned by other maids of the sisterhood in the 1800s for sins like breaking their vows of celibacy, according to a Straits Times report last month.

And that's why Sands' ArtScience Museum is shaped like the divine lotus, said geomancer Master Chong Swan Lek.

The art of feng shui aside, the resort will also boast a 3,000-seat amphitheatre where a nightly light and water show will be held.

Guests in three 50-storey hotels will also be greeted by views of the city skyline and the bay area.

For the operator, and the Government, the picture above could literal as a magical income-generating pot of gold.

Copyright © 2005 Singapore Press Holdings Ltd. Co.

Charging Bull

July 31st, 2006, 02:07 PM

Harrah's, Keppel will bid for S'pore's second casino
Email this article
Print article
Feedback

SINGAPORE - US casino group Harrah's Entertainment Inc and Singapore developer Keppel Land on Monday said they would go ahead with a bid to build and operate Singapore's second casino.

'Harrah's Entertainment, along with Keppel Land, will develop a proposal in response to the Singapore Tourism Board's (STB) request for proposal for an integrated resort at Sentosa island in line with STB's guidelines,' the companies said in a statement.

Singapore awarded its first casino licence to Las Vegas Sands Corp in May after the US firm promised to invest more than US$3.2 billion in the project. The republic hopes the two gambling resorts will give a much-needed lift to tourism and boost economic growth.

Other consortia bidding for the second casino - to be located on the island of Sentosa - include Bahamas-based resorts developer Kerzner International Ltd with Southeast Asia's largest developer CapitaLand, and privately held Las Vegas casino developer Eighth Wonder, together with Starwood Hotels & Resorts and Isle of Capri Casinos Inc. -- REUTERS

Charging Bull

July 31st, 2006, 02:32 PM

babystan03

July 31st, 2006, 02:51 PM

^ Yes....so Genting better come up with something extraordinary.....:yes:

RafflesCity

July 31st, 2006, 04:27 PM

The art of feng shui aside, the resort will also boast a 3,000-seat amphitheatre where a nightly light and water show will be held.

Guests in three 50-storey hotels will also be greeted by views of the city skyline and the bay area.

exciting!

that rainbow pic is stunning...must be even more thrilling in real life :eek:

babystan03

July 31st, 2006, 04:36 PM

exciting!

that rainbow pic is stunning...must be even more thrilling in real life :eek:

Yes....must be a once-in-a lifetime experience.....:D:yes:

Gerardtam

July 31st, 2006, 06:08 PM

babystan03

August 3rd, 2006, 01:38 PM

Business Times - 03 Aug 2006

Harrah's needs a strong leisure partner for Sentosa bid

It has to match Genting's trump card in Universal Studios: analysts

HARRAH'S Entertainment Inc, which is in the competition to build Singapore's second casino resort, needs a strong entertainment partner to rival Genting Bhd's Universal Studios, analysts say.

Harrah's, the world's largest casino company by sales, is up against Eighth Wonder and Kerzner International Ltd, as well as Genting, which analysts say has the highest chance of winning because of its partnership with Universal Studios.

'Universal Studios is a very strong trump card,' said James Tan, analyst at DBS Vickers Securities. 'Harrah's needs to come up with something comparable to Universal Studios, and I expect them to excite the market with a strong entertainment partner.'

The four bidders are competing ahead of an October deadline to come up with the best entertainment concept to tap into Asia's growing tourism market fuelled by cheaper travel.

The ability to attract leisure tourists is the key criteria for awarding the licence, making up 45 per cent of the government's evaluation process.

Mr Tan said he expects the bidders to propose investments of as much as $5 billion, including the $605 million land cost the government had set on the Sentosa site.

Genting, which is Asia's biggest casino operator, said last week that the Universal Studios theme park it's proposing will be bigger than the location in Los Angeles.

Eighth Wonder cited the roller coaster in the New York New York casino resort it built in Las Vegas as an example of family attractions, while Kerzner's Atlantis in the Bahamas is known for its water rides and the world's biggest aquarium.

The entertainment attraction is 'the crown jewel where you draw the crowd and give them the experience that's unique in this part of the world', said Wallace Chu, senior research manager at Savills Singapore, a property consulting company.

With a well-known partner, Harrah's and other bidders 'don't need to develop the brand name themselves'.

Harrah's, which is teaming up with the city-state's third-largest developer Keppel Land, has yet to unveil plans for the project and said in a statement it declined to comment on this report.

The two companies reiterated their intention to stay in race this week, after their architect Jon Jerde stopped listing the Sentosa project on his company's website.

'I don't think anything has changed even though they got into the game,' said Winston Liew, analyst at OCBC Investment Research, whose top pick is Genting. 'They've not come up with anything that would change their chances so far.'

The Las Vegas-based company failed in an earlier bid for the city's first casino site, where it had proposed a theme park created by Hollywood director James Cameron, known for films such as Titanic.

Las Vegas Sand Corp, the biggest casino operator by market value, was named the winning bidder in May.

'Considering the fact that it's the last licence left for a while, participating in first tender does give it a competitive advantage, and they can learn from their mistakes,' said David Lum, an analyst at Daiwa Institute of Research in Singapore.

'Their concept has to fly, and it must be compelling for them to win.', he added. - Bloomberg

Copyright © 2005 Singapore Press Holdings Ltd. All rights reserved.

babystan03

August 5th, 2006, 01:35 AM

This story was printed from TODAYonline

Genting will reveal Sentosa IR plans only if it wins

Weekend • August 5, 2006

Don't count on Genting International, considered a frontrunner to operate the Sentosa casino, to reveal its cards anytime soon. After it unveiled its Universal Studios theme park trump card a week ago, the other aspects of its bid will stay under wraps — unless it wins.

"Obviously, Universal, as the theme-park side of things, would be a major feature in our proposal but I must say that's not the only feature that we plan," Genting's chief executive officer Lim Kok Thay told reporters in Malaysia on Friday. "The rest, if we win it, the world will know. If we don't win it, then it remains a secret," said Mr Lim, as quoted by Bloomberg.

The Malaysia-based, Singapore-listed casino player lost in the first casino race for Marina Bay, only to emerge as a strong contender for the Sentosa round. It is up against another favourite, Kerzner International, which counts Temasek-linked CapitaLand as its partner. The other bidders are Eighth Wonder, a relative unknown in Asia, and Harrah's Entertainment/Keppel Land, a surprise last-minute entry.

The four have to submit their proposals by Oct 10 and the winner will be picked by the year's end.

Copyright MediaCorp Press Ltd. All rights reserved.

redstone

August 5th, 2006, 01:54 PM

I'm not that confident with Genting. :(

Oh ya, more $$$ doesn't mean better. :yes:

RafflesCity

August 29th, 2006, 03:21 AM

Kerzner says Bahamas project gives it edge for Sentosa resort bid

28 Aug 06

http://www.channelnewsasia.com/imagegallery/store/phpw0GgVQ.jpg

BAHAMAS : US resort operator Kerzner International is counting on its success in the Bahamas to tip the balance in its favour in the race for the Sentosa integrated resort.

The Kerzner-run Atlantis resort was seen as instrumental in pulling the Bahamas out of a six-year-old recession and turning tourism into a key pillar of the economy.

Kerzner, together with CapitaLand, is one of the key contenders for the Sentosa integrated resort.

It believes that its success in the Bahamas may give it the much-needed edge against rival bidders.

There are three key similarities between the Atlantis and the upcoming Sentosa integrated resort.

The Atlantis resort is built on the small Paradise Island, very much like Sentosa, and also connected to the mainland via a bridge.

Secondly, the casino is a very small component of the resort, occupying 55,000 square feet or just slightly more than 1% of the existing property.

For the Sentosa site, the maximum allowable space for the gaming component is 150,000 square feet or below 3 percent of the total land area of 49 hectares.

And third, just like the Sentosa resort, the focus of the Atlantis is on the family.

Some 75 percent of its revenue is generated from non-gaming sources.

The resort was seen as instrumental in helping to turn the economy around, pulling it out of a recession that lasted six years.

And tourism has become a key pillar, now accounting for 60% of GDP.

The resort created 6,000 jobs, 99% of which went to locals. And another 14,000 jobs were created to support the resort.

This helped to push the overall unemployment rate down from 14% in 1993 to 6% in 2003.

Kerzner is hoping to repeat the success in Singapore and is promising to pump more than US$1.5 billion to develop the Sentosa site.

It is facing stiff competition from Genting International which has promised to build a Universal Studios theme park on Sentosa.

Other bidders include Harrah's-Keppel and Eighth Wonder which have yet to disclose details of their plans.

By Matthias Chan, Channel NewsAsia

spikeshamz

August 29th, 2006, 10:16 AM

Went to the Atlantis website and it does not surprise me too much. Although everything is propre and clean, similiar to what the government has been doing. This will give Kerzner an edge.
I will put my bets on Genting though. Just hopped that it will be better than genting highland and they are able to roped in more juice than just universal studios.

babystan03

August 30th, 2006, 01:50 PM

30 Aug 2006
Kerzner's Sentosa IR plan could overtake Atlantis

Resort developer and operator Kerzner International says given what it's proposing for the Sentosa project,

the amount of revenue generated here could potentially overtake that at its flagship Atlantis resort in the Bahamas.

Infact, the company's CEO Butch Kerzner says if his company wins it, the Sentosa project will be the most significant one for the developer in the next 10 years.

Kerzner International says it believes Asia is where the action will be for the tourism industry in the next twenty years..

And this is why the creator and operator of the Atlantis in the Bahamas is keen to be part of the region's transformation by securing the Singapore Sentosa IR licence.

Given the expected growth in the Asian tourism market, CEO Butch Kerzner is confident income from the Singapore project will be more than the 600 million US dollars a year that the Bahamas resort rakes in currently.

While the developer won't give details of its Sentosa proposal, Mr Kerzner says together with its Singapore partner CapitaLand, the consortium will create a product so revolutionary and ambitious that it can't be replicated anywhere else in the world.

"I think that we would have failed if a customer were to come and visit and see a similar product, or go to Vegas or go to Macau, or go to Bahamas or go to Orlando, or go to any place and see something similar. I think because of pressure from government to come up with something different, we really have come up with something different. If we were to win, I think the product we have planned will be more ambitious than anything we have ever done before. If that doesn't bring forth a stir in the tourism market, then I'm just not quite sure what would."

Kerzner appears to be positioning itself differently from famous theme parks, such as Disney, where the same concept and look are adopted in different parts of the world.

This may be why the Kerzner-CapitaLand consortium doesn't want to disclose if the Atlantis brand name will be used at the Singapore development.

The consortium also wouldn't reveal the employment numbers and economic impact of its proposed Singapore project.

It did say that at the Bahamas resort, over 90 percent of its employees are locals and that it spends 50 to 60 million US dollars a year on marketing.

Mr Kerzner's father and founder of the company, Sol Kerzner had said earlier in Singapore that the group will pour in over 1.5 billion dollars into the Sentosa project.

It's also appointed the creator of Spain's Guggenheim Museum, Frank Gehry, to be the principal architect at the Singapore project.

Copyright © 2006 MediaCorp Radio New Media Development

babystan03

August 31st, 2006, 01:30 PM

Business Times - 31 Aug 2006

Kerzner earmarks 99% of Sentosa IR jobs for locals

Company plans to set up staff training institute here if it wins bid

By DANIEL BUENAS

(SINGAPORE) Ninety-nine per cent of the jobs at the Sentosa integrated resort will go to Singaporeans if Kerzner International wins the bidding, and the company will set up a staff training institute here.

Kerzner's Atlantis resort in the Bahamas employs 6,000 staff - 99 per cent of them local. And Kerzner International chief executive Butch Kerzner says things would be the same in Singapore. Interviewed by Singapore journalists this week, Mr Kerzner said he 'absolutely' expects that 99 per cent of the IR's staff would be Singaporean - a view shared by Howard Karawan, the president and managing director of Kerzner International.

This is a far larger proportion than the 75 per cent of the 10,400 jobs that Las Vegas Sands, winner of the Marina Bay concession, has said it will provide to locals.

Kerzner - which has a training institute called Atlantis University in the Bahamas - also plans to open a similar entity here, should it win.

'It's inconceivable that you can have any hope of developing a unified service culture if you don't,' Mr Kerzner said. 'It's not just the technical standards - it's the leadership skills and attitude, it's the culture of the organisation, which is what your customer ultimately feels.'

Kerzner spends US$3 million a year on staff training and development, and Atlantis University teaches over 30 courses in areas such as performance management, effective communication and team-building.

'What I really focus on is employee satisfaction, not customer satisfaction,' Mr Kerzner said. 'I am totally convinced that at the end of the day, if we treat our employees right, if our employees are happy, then our customers will be well treated.'

Merrill Lynch analyst Sean Monaghan said it makes economic sense to hire as many locals as possible, although he believes the eventual employment mix remains to be seen.

'At the end of the day, I don't think anyone has got a good idea as to what the proportion is going to be, except that local employment is going to be the vast bulk of the jobs,' he said. 'I mean, the more people you employ, the greater the percentage of locals will be, although its difficult to tell.'

Apart from employment pattern, Mr Kerzner revealed that Kerzner will bring in food and beverage partners at the Sentosa IR if it wins, though he did not give details. 'Some of those elements will be nice to add variety, so yes, on food and beverage and restaurants, it makes sense to bring (partners) in,' he said.

'It's great having variety and bringing other people in, so we will, as it adds frosting on the cake. But the execution of the big ideas - we better have the competence.'

Copyright © 2005 Singapore Press Holdings Ltd. All rights reserved.

babystan03

September 2nd, 2006, 05:41 AM

Seems like Genting has a formidable competitor......Mr Kerzner seem to be as aggressive as Sand's boss.....

This story was printed from TODAYonline

Rising above Atlantis

Sentosa IR hopeful Kerzner promises its new design will be something the world has never seen before

Weekend • September 2, 2006

S Murali
Associate Editor
murali@newstoday.com.sg

IMAGINE building an entire resort facility based on a legendary city, and making it such a success that it is replicated in another part of the world.

Now imagine topping that success by creating something in Singapore that is "so revolutionary, so unique" that it will "blow every other tourist attraction away".

That is the promise of Kerzner International, which is bidding to build such a dream integrated resort (IR) on Sentosa Island, along with its partner CapitaLand.

The creator of Atlantis, the world-renowned resort in the Bahamas that is now being reproduced in Dubai, is one of four bidders aiming to win the licence to build on Sentosa, a decision that the Singapore Government is likely to make by the end of this year.

Though it is reluctant to reveal its hand until all bids are submitted, in an interview with Singapore journalists at its exclusive resort in the Caribbean over the weekend, Kerzner chief executive officer Butch Kerzner promised that his company is going to live up to its core value No 1, which is to "blow the customer away".

With world famous architect Frank O Gehry on the books, Mr Kerzner says that his Singapore design will be "one so revolutionary that people cannot find it anywhere else in the world".

But why should one believe him? How can Singapore be certain that the Kerzner-CapitaLand product will be something so different, and that what's been promised is not just hype?

Said the South African developer, whose father Sol founded the company: "A lot of it comes down to the combination of being original and inventive, together with flawless execution. When my father developed Sun City in the 1970s in South Africa, most people thought he was crazy.

"Yet, this destination resort became the forerunner in developing an overall tourist destination, where gaming was just one small component. It became the second most visited tourist destination in South Africa.

"A similar story happened with Atlantis in the Bahamas. In both cases, we combined a pretty bold vision of a project that had never been done before, together with executing the millions of small details that gives these projects a feeling of authenticity.

"For the Singapore IR, if we are fortunate enough to be selected, we have plans to push the envelope even further to create something that is truly original, revolutionary. What is driving us is the objective to deliver on the promise of originality. If we do this then I am sure the product will be timeless and not vulnerable to what folks may or may not develop in other parts of Asia or anywhere else in the world.

"It will be unique."

Unique is as Unique does

Those who have visited the Kerzners' creation at Atlantis would probably understand his reason for confidence.

The project that no one believed would succeed now attracts more than a million visitors a year, which is expected to double once the resort completes Phase III of its development next year.

Apart from being set in a stunning locale — with the world's clearest waters (scientifically proven) and white sandy beaches — Mr Sol Kerzner's gamble on theming his development along the lines of a resurrected version of the lost city of Atlantis has paid off handsomely.

Atlantis now boasts the world's largest open-air, man-made marine habitat, containing more than 50,000 animals, many of which are usually only seen in the open ocean.

Apart from the eternal favourites, sharks, visitors to the resort can get amazing close-up views of marine creatures such as the magnificent Manta Ray, which can grow up to 7m in wingspan.

Watching such rare creatures glide through the 14-hectare water habitat is made easy by going through the Dig, an artificially created excavation site that recreates the lost city of Atlantis, made famous by the philosopher Plato.

Inside the Dig, the creators of the resort conceptualised and created a variety of artefacts that help give the myth a realistic feel — but the real thrill is the glass windows that offer spectacular views of the marine life collected by an animal specialist team.

From 90-kg groupers to moray eels, the Dig is a treasure trove of marine life and a big hit with Atlantis' visitors, especially the kids. The attraction is going to only get stronger when it opens a 4.5-ha dolphin lagoon next year, which will allow visitors to interact with dolphins displaced by Hurricane Katrina last year.

One for the ages

And it is with their captive kids market that the Kerzners' believe they have really distinguished themselves from the competition, having been named one of the world's top family destinations by several publications.

It is also this emphasis on providing a family vacation that the Kerzner-CapitaLand bid hopes will be its trump card for Sentosa, which the Government has earmarked as a family destination.

The company firmly believes that the expertise it has shown in making Atlantis appeal to the whole family would work again in Singapore.

Said president of Kerzner International, Mr Howard Karawan: "More than 25 per cent of our visitors are repeat customers, so we do believe that we have a good formula. All the marketing in the world is not going to beat the word of mouth of the satisfied customer. And that is what we have achieved here."

To illustrate the point, Mr Karawan revealed that more than 75 per cent of Kerzner's Atlantis revenue comes from non-gaming sources, with most of its guests not even citing its casino as one of their top 10 reasons for going to the mega-resort.

Though he admits the Singapore model may provide a larger share from gaming revenue, due to the fact that they will not be able to have the same number of hotel rooms, Mr Karawan believes the company's basic philosophy of providing entertainment for the whole family will not diminish.

That is why the Kerzner-CapitaLand bid, which promises to be something the world has never seen, remains undaunted in the face of a challenge from a tried-and-tested attraction like Universal Studios, which has linked up with main rival Genting International.

Said Mr Kerzner: "I agree that it is important that there is confidence that the product and vision can be executed with 100-per-cent certainty. No one should be expected to take the gamble as to whether the proposal can be successfully executed.

"So, a track record in executing innovative mega-destination concepts is important. Building upon one's core competencies is important.

"The challenge we have set for ourselves is: How do we continue to push the boundaries in order to deliver something truly unique, while at the same time being sure that we are leveraging off the skills and competencies that as an organisation we have built up over decades?"

Star power and a world icon

Apart from its ability to create a resort for all ages, Kerzner promises to bring in a star quality to Sentosa, building on years of contacts in the American entertainment industry.

Spearheading this effort will be the highly colourful Jerry Inzerillo, whose claim to fame in this part of the world, among other things, includes once being married to former Singapore model Noor Ariffin.

Kerzner's executive vice-president of public affairs and entertainment, who counts among his personal friends Michael Jordan and Tiger Woods, brings star power to the Atlantis resort, enticing big movie productions such as the latest instalment of James Bond movies — Casino Royale — to film there.

He promises a similar flow of top Hollywood and Asian talent to Singapore, if Kerzner-CapitaLand's bid is successful.

Said Mr Inzerillo, who also markets Kerzner's world famous One & Only Resorts: "When we come to Singapore, we're going to be doing a lot of movies, a lot of television specials, a lot of personal appearances. We already have several major things lined up on the sports, film and music side."

The former chief operating officer of Kerzner's Sun City expects Singapore to be the "crown jewel" in the Kerzner stable of properties, a worldwide icon that everyone will want to come to.

It is a dream shared by the father-and-son team that helms the company.

As Mr Butch Kerzner told Today: "My father and I are driven by the goal of creating something extraordinary. This is not just a business for us; it is a creative endeavour. We want to make sure that when our time comes to depart this world, we'll have left behind a few things that folks will admire for their originality and boldness.

"That is what makes this fun. It is the challenge. I hope that if we are fortunate enough to be selected, we will create something about which all Singaporeans will be wonderfully proud."

Copyright MediaCorp Press Ltd. All rights reserved.

babystan03

September 5th, 2006, 11:37 AM

05 September 2006
Kerzner International plans US$1.5b integrated resort for Sentosa bid
By Matthias Chan, Channel NewsAsia

Kerzner International is planning to pump more than US$1.5 billion into the Sentosa integrated resort if it wins the bid for the project.

But that is only the initial outlay.

The US resort operator says it is prepared to put in more investments just as it has done for its Atlantis resort in the Bahamas.

Our reporter was in the Bahamas recently and he filed this story.

It has only been 12 years since its opening but already the Atlantis resort in the Bahamas is looking very different.

Back in 1994, Kerzner spent a total of US$265 million to spruce up the property but, to date, it has invested another sixfold - or US$1.6 billion more.

The money went towards a new 1,200-room hotel tower and the construction of a new extension - called Phase Three.

Kerzner says reinvestments is key to its overall strategy.

Howard C Karawan, President, Kerzner International, said: "We kind of look for annually, maintaining the product and adding refreshers and once every five years, something really major to keep relevant. The product and the demand the customers put on you change very quickly and this is an industry that you cannot build something and walk away. You have to stay on top of it. You have to keep it fresh, to be relevant. So we are big believers in keeping a bit of land, to do some more."

Phase Three in the Atlantis is about three-quarters the size of the existing property and is scheduled to be completed soon.

When Phase 3 of the expansion, located to the west of the existing complex finally opens in the first half of next year, Kerzner expects visitorship to improve by 25 percent.

And because of the new attractions, average daily spend of the entire property should improve by 10 to 15 percent.

Kerzner says it will adopt a similar strategy for the Sentosa site.

Howard C Karawan said: "We are a little constrained by the footprint. We only have so much land. We have kept a portion so that we can come back with a second phase. We also believe in the product itself, there is a lot of things we can do to change, to jazz things up, to make them new, to make them better, to make them fresher. Technology is going to come in and play a lot now and in the future so to change things, add attractions may be a lot easier by applying technology and not just construction."

Kerzner is bidding for the Sentosa integrated resort together with CapitaLand.

Other bidders include Genting, Harrah's-Keppel and Eighth Wonder. - CNA/ch

JoSin

September 5th, 2006, 01:04 PM

No matter what I still want a universal studios just right at my doorstep.

Charging Bull

September 6th, 2006, 11:23 AM

IR jackpot could be bigger than predicted
By Val Chua, TODAY | Posted: 06 September 2006 1236 hrs

Photos 1 of 1

The casino windfall could be bigger than anything anybody projected.

Despite the fact that casinos look set to pop up all over Asia, the tycoon who bagged the Marina Bay integrated resort has made a bold prediction: It could rake in up to US$2 billion ($3.1 billion) a year in gaming revenue alone.

This aggressive estimate by Las Vegas Sands’ chairman Sheldon Adelson surpasses earlier projections by analysts — that it would take both the Marina Bay and Sentosa resorts to bring that kind of money into Singapore.

And who will bring in that moolah?

Tourists from Asian markets — such as India, Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia —that are within five hours of Singapore by air, said Mr Adelson in a Bloomberg interview.

“Just 1 per cent or less of the population within three to five hours by air is what we need to be successful. I haven’t even mentioned Japan, Korea, China,” said the feisty 73-year-old.

He added that he needs only half of the additional 8 million tourists that Singapore is wooing by 2015 to make Sands’ US$3.6-billion investment worthwhile. “We’ll break even or make money after half of that number,” he said.

Mr Adelson’s ambitious projection comes amid a growing gambling market in Asia as governments in Japan, Thailand, South Korea and Indonesia look set to either break their gambling bans or issue more casino licences.

Sands is openly eyeing a casino in Japan, should the government decide to follow Singapore’s footsteps in allowing one. Nearer home, there has been talk that Indonesian islands Batam and Bintan may also see a licence or two.

Macau, where Sands is expanding in, remains the world’s fastest-growing gambling market.

Given all the competition that Singapore is facing, is Mr Adelson overly optimistic of his potential cash cow in Marina Bay?

Mr James Tan, an analyst at DBS Vickers Securities, doesn’t think so. Predicting greater differentiation in the types of gamblers, he told TODAY: “Macau will always be Macau. Singapore will attract a different class of tourists — the more conscientious gambler and the family-oriented ones.”

Compared to its Sentosa cousin, the Marina Bay site is likely to command $55 of every $100 in combined gaming revenue here, due to its location and accessibility, said analysts.

There is also potential for the gaming revenue in Asia — estimated to be US$13.4 billion this year by investment bank Merrill Lynch — to grow.

“If you look at the three-to-five hour flying radius, you already have close to half the world’s population at your arms’ reach,” Mr Tan told Bloomberg.

Added Merrill Lynch’s research analyst Sean Monaghan, speaking to TODAY: “Given Sands’ footprint in Macau, Mr Adelson probably knows better how the ground is performing. And don’t forget, Sands has a good track record of surprising people.” - TODAY/ra

Charging Bull

September 6th, 2006, 11:44 AM

babystan03

September 12th, 2006, 12:37 PM

Sep 12, 2006
'No impact on Sentosa bid'

BE IT financing or the level of commitment, analysts say Genting's purchase of Britain's Stanley Leisure would not have an impact on its bid for Singapore's second casino resort on Sentosa.

The company is a hot favourite among the bidders.

Merrill Lynch gaming analyst Sean Monaghan said that if anything, Genting will now bring to the table a player base stretching from Asia to Russia, Britain and the rest of Europe.

Genting already owns London's Maxims Casino. With the four casinos under Stanley's stable, it will now have five casinos in Britain.

DBS Vickers analyst James Tan said the deal could add shine to the Malaysian brand. 'Genting International is trying to say to the market that it is an international player,' he said.

Copyright © 2006 Singapore Press Holdings. All rights reserved.

redstone

September 15th, 2006, 04:12 PM

Any map on the IR plot there?

RafflesCity

September 26th, 2006, 04:27 PM

Genting reveals big Universal plans for its IR

26 Sep 06

SENTOSA will get a Universal Studios theme park with more than 20 rides and shows if Genting International wins the bid for Singapore's second casino resort.

With only two weeks to go before bidders hand over their proposals to the Government, the Malaysian gaming giant unveiled its heavyweight drawcard in Orlando, Florida on Tuesday, which it hopes will have enough clout to beat off the competition when the tender is awarded at the end of this year.

At least 16 of the attractions at the park will either be original, or redesigned especially for Sentosa, the operators of the movie-themed park said on Tuesday.

Universal, which will be Genting's non-equity partner, reckons the park would pull in more than five million visitors a year to its Sentosa park, the kind of numbers that could prove decisive when the Government makes its choice.

In return, Genting, which is using the park to anchor its bid, will pick up the more than US$1 billion tab Universal expects to spend on its first foray into South-east Asia.

Universal currently has parks in Orlando, Los Angeles, Barcelona and Osaka.

If it gets built, Universal Sentosa will have six themed zones encircling a landscaped lagoon. Its chief creative director Mark Woodbury said the six zones will broadly cover themes such as Hollywood, The Lost World, Egypt, superheroes and cartoons.

Within each zone will be famous Universal thrill rides like the Jurassic Park, Revenge of the Mummy, Twister, Shrek, Waterworld and Spiderman.

The company will also introduce new rides with storylines from Sesame Street and blockbuster movies King Kong and Madagascar.

pedang

September 28th, 2006, 02:24 PM

Hollywood lure in Genting’s bid

SINGAPORE: Gaming giant Genting International plc and partners Star Cruises Ltd and Universal Parks & Resorts have unveiled a plan to build a US$1bil Universal Studios theme park here if it wins the bid for Singapore’s second integrated resort on Sentosa Island.

The Universal Studios Singapore theme park, which could draw five million visitors a year, would feature over 20 attractions in six themed areas, of which at least 16 would be custom designed specially for Singapore, local media reported.

“We see Universal Studios Singapore bringing to life the biggest names in Hollywood,” Universal Parks & Resorts’ senior vice-president and chief creative officer Mark Woodbury told the Singapore media in Orlando, Florida, on Tuesday.

Currently, Universal operates three theme parks in Orlando - Universal Studios Orlando, Islands of Adventure, and water theme park Wet & Wild. It also has theme parks in Los Angeles, Japan and Spain.

“The attractions for Singapore were selected as part of a detailed study of tourism markets in the region and the physical design of the theme park, which will be larger than the Universal Studios theme park in Hollywood, is uniquely tailored to the environment and the surrounding area,” Genting and Universal said in a joint statement.

The attractions will include rides inspired by films such as Incredible Hulk, Shrek, Spider Man, Madagascar, King Kong as well as children’s television series Sesame Street.

The six themed areas, to be located on a 22ha site, are “Hollywood”, which will bring to life locations from blockbuster movies, Cartoon Studio featuring Snoopy and the entire Peanuts family and The Lost World Jurassic Park, which will be built in collaboration with Hollywood director Steven Spielberg.

Others in the running for the Sentosa casino resort bid include Kerzner International-CapitaLand consortium, Harrah’s Entertainment and Keppel Land, and Eight Wonder.

The closing date to submit the bid is Oct 10 while the results will be announced end of this year. – Bernama

pedang

September 28th, 2006, 02:31 PM

Genting's casino ace: Universal Studios in Singapore

September 28 2006

SINGAPORE: Malaysia's gaming giant Genting International and partners Star Cruises and Universal Parks & Resorts have unveiled a plan to build a US$1 billion (RM3.68 billion) Universal Studios theme park here if it wins the bid for Singapore's second integrated resort on Sentosa Island.
The Universal Studios Singapore theme park, which can draw five million visitors a year, will feature over 20 attractions in six themed areas, of which at least 16 will be custom-designed specially for Singapore, local media reported.

"We see Universal Studios Singapore bringing to life the biggest names in Hollywood," Universal Parks & Resorts' senior vice-president and chief creative officer Mark Woodbury told the Singapore media in Orlando, Florida, yesterday.

Currently, Universal operates three theme parks in Orlando - Universal Studios Orlando, Islands of Adventure, and water theme park Wet & Wild. It also has theme parks in Los Angeles, Japan and Spain.

"The attractions for Singapore were selected as part of a detailed study of tourism market in the region and the physical design of the theme park - which will be larger than Hollywood's Universal Studios theme park - is uniquely tailored to the environment and the surrounding area," Genting and Universal said in a joint statement.

The six themed areas, to be located on a 22ha site, are "Hollywood", which will bring to life locations from blockbuster movies, "Cartoon Studio", featuring Snoopy and the entire Peanuts family, and "The Lost World Jurassic Park", which will be built in collaboration with Hollywood director Steven Spielberg.

Besides Genting, others in the running for the Sentosa casino resort bid are Kerzner International-CapitaLand consortium, Harrah's entertainment and Keppel Land, and Eight Wonder. - Bernama

Charging Bull

September 28th, 2006, 02:49 PM

Genting Ha Ha, still got chance? relationship now at boiling point

Malaysia summons Singapore's ambassador over Lee Kuan Yew's remarks on ethnic Chinese

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (AP) -- Malaysia summoned Singapore's ambassador Thursday to explain elder statesman Lee Kuan Yew's claim that ethnic Chinese minority citizens in Malaysia and Indonesia were being marginalized, an official said.

Malaysian Foreign Ministry Secretary-General Rastam Isa met with Singapore's High Commissioner T. Jasudasen after Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi earlier this week sent a letter to Singapore's government, apparently to seek an apology for Lee's comments.

Ministry officials wanted to "seek clarification" over Lee's remarks, a Singapore High Commission official said on condition of anonymity. Singapore "will respond through appropriate channels in due course," the official added.

Foreign ministry officials declined to comment.

Lee, Singapore's founding father who holds the Cabinet post of minister mentor, told a forum in Singapore on Sept. 15 that Malaysia and Indonesia "have problems with the Chinese. They are successful, they are hardworking, and therefore, they are systematically marginalized."

Indonesia also summoned Singapore's envoy earlier this week to explain Lee's remarks at the forum that Malaysia and Indonesia "want Singapore, to put it simply, to be like their Chinese - compliant."

Malaysian Foreign Minister Syed Hamid Albar said his country expects Singapore "to say sorry for Lee's remarks," the New Straits Times newspaper reported Thursday.

"I believe Singapore's motive is to make Malaysia look bad to foreign investors but they won't succeed because the world can see we Malaysians always stand together as one nation," Syed Hamid was quoted as saying.

Prime Minister Abdullah has expressed displeasure at Lee's remark, suggesting that it could stir up Malaysia's Chinese, who make up about a quarter of the country's 26 million population and are its second largest ethnic group. He has also noted that race relations in ethnic Chinese-majority Singapore are also not perfect.

The ruling United Malays National Organization, which is led by Abdullah, planned to discuss action that could be taken against Singapore over Lee's remarks at a Supreme Council meeting scheduled later Thursday, the New Straits Times added.

Malaysia and Singapore have close cultural and economic ties, but a history of quarrels, bad blood and rivalry. In recent years the neighbors have sparred over the price of water, and took a territorial spat over a tiny islet to the World Court.

© 2006 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Learn more about our Privacy Policy.

LATEST
BUSINESS

HEALTH JUST WOMAN
MOTORING

TRAVEL DIGITAL
WINE DINE & UNWIND

RafflesCity

October 2nd, 2006, 03:03 AM

Well...before Sands won the bid for the Marina IR, their proposal received lots of media coverage...would it be the same story for Genting then?

Genting unveils top US architect for IR bid

2 Oct 06

Michael Graves slated to design the Sentosa integrated resort

IN PRINCETON, NEW JERSEY - THE ace in Genting International's pack is out - top American architect Michael Graves.
Hailed by The New York Times as 'the most original voice' in recent American architecture, Mr Graves will design the Sentosa integrated resort (IR) if Genting's bid wins.

His works often favour blocks, domes, natural materials and cosy colours - frequently signed off with a whimsical touch.

The addition of Mr Graves and his Princeton-based firm, Michael Graves & Associates (MGA), enhances Genting's chances against rival Kerzner International, which has a formidable design team helmed by Mr Frank Gehry of Guggenheim museum fame and Kerzner founder Sol Kerzner.

In a meeting with reporters, senior MGA executives showed drawings of their idea of the resort, but citing the competition, would not allow the pictures to be published.

Mr Graves, recuperating from a recent operation, was absent.

Visitors to Genting's resort could expect to be welcomed by a signboard like the one in Hollywood, posted on a lush green waterfall.

There will be several public plazas, including one with an overhanging glass canopy etched with leaf patterns.

The buildings will be mostly symmetrical, without the curves favoured by Mr Gehry.

Two of the taller hotels on the site sport greenish copper dome roofs for an interesting 'roofscape', said the project's principal-in-charge Patrick Burke, and the casino will have high ceilings and - unusually for casinos - let in natural light.

'We are trying to keep the place family-friendly... make it a nice place to be in at all hours, not this dark box. You are not prisoner there,' he added.

A Genting spokesman said the firm picked Mr Graves from a list of top architects because of the 'playful' quality in his work.

For instance, the Graves-designed Walt Disney corporate headquarters in Burbank, California, has Snow White's seven dwarfs adorning the building's otherwise stern facade.

Singapore architect and former Singapore Institute of Architects president John Ting said Mr Graves is familiar with Singapore and could be 'as creative' as Mr Gehry.

Since MGA was set up 42 years ago, it has designed more than 300 buildings - including the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin hotels in Florida; the Fukuoka Hyatt Regency in Japan; and five resort hotels in Egypt.

A household name for making consumer products such as the cult Alessi tea kettle with the whistling bird on the sprout, MGA will also open its first retail store outside Princeton at the resort.

It will take charge of the interiors of all the hotels - expected to number four or five - at the resort's 49ha site.

Besides Genting, which has tied up with sister firm Star Cruises, the other contenders are Kerzner-CapitaLand, Harrah's Entertainment-Keppel Land and Eighth Wonder.

By Krist Boo

RafflesCity

October 2nd, 2006, 03:04 AM

^^

more on the proposed hotel:

Hotel will showcase his designs

GENTING International plans to devote an entire hotel to celebrate the works of architect Michael Graves.
Christened The Michael Hotel by the 72-year-old architect himself, the 406-room boutique hotel will be one of several different-tiered hotels - if Genting wins the bid, that is.

About nine storeys high and with a view of the public plaza, The Michael Hotel will have a facade divided into seven towers lined up and stacked with a row of copper-green dome roofs.

Mr Patrick Burke, the principal architect overseeing Genting's project, said: 'We will design everything in it. We will do the interiors, the furniture, all the products inside it.'

While boutique hotels tend to be 'dark, moody' and built for the young crowd, Mr Burke said the hotel will cater to families.

A Genting spokesman said that there are plans to commission items unique to its integrated resort (IR) on Sentosa.

He said: 'This hotel will celebrate Michael Graves as a person, as well as design itself.

'This will be the only hotel in the world that celebrates design.'

The IR will also have a Michael Graves shop stocked with products designed by Michael Graves & Associates (MGA) design studios.

MGA has designed more than 2,000 items - ranging from dog dishes to tableware and toasters - for the Italian kitchenware retailer Alessi and American hypermart chain Target.

KRIST BOO

babystan03

October 2nd, 2006, 11:35 AM

Wow....getting more exciting.....:D

Charging Bull

October 3rd, 2006, 08:29 AM

This could be the design:

http://img155.imageshack.us/img155/5193/teapotiu1.jpg

Graves favourite TeaPot.:lol: :lol:

spikeshamz

October 4th, 2006, 12:55 AM

I wonder where you got the teapot picture but it looks awfully hilarious. From what i knex the teapot is in metal ( i think so ) if i am not wrong, we could get it at forum shopping mall.

RafflesCity

October 6th, 2006, 04:03 AM

Eighth Wonder beefs up IR bid with hotel plan

5 Oct 06

It plans to partner Starwood which will manage at least 4 hotels including the hip 'W' brand

(SINGAPORE) In a move aimed at bolstering its chances of winning the bid for the Sentosa integrated resort (IR), Eighth Wonder - which intends to partner US-based Starwood Hotel & Resorts for the project - has plans for at least four hotels, including one with Starwood's uber-hip W Hotel brand, if it wins.

http://business-times.asiaone.com/mnt/media/image/launched/2006-10-05/BT_4897439_04_10_2006.jpg

Although Eighth Wonder had announced its tie-up with Starwood last year, chief executive Mark Advent had told Singaporean media in July that the two companies were still in 'the final stages of discussions' for an agreement. Starwood yesterday said that it was 'very interested in working with Eighth Wonder' for the bid, although no official agreement has been inked, the company said.

'We will be managing four of the hotels in the project with Eighth Wonder,' a spokeswoman from Starwood's Asia-Pacific division told BT yesterday. 'One of them will be a W Hotel, which is one of the more funky brands in our portfolio.'

Which brands the other three hotels would have are yet to be decided, the spokeswoman said. 'The other brands are still under negotiations,' she said. 'It could be any one of the nine brands.' Starwood owns nine hotel brands, including the Sheraton, St Regis and Westin.

The first 'W' property opened to rave reviews in New York City in late 1998. It was designed by a team that included architect and designer David Rockwell and nightlife impresario Rande Gerber. The chain touts itself as 'a new brand of business hotels . . . providing the personality and style of a boutique hotel with the reliability and comprehensive business services travellers expect'.

There are a total of 20 W Hotel properties worldwide, mostly in US cities, representing about 5,950 rooms. The Sentosa W Hotel would be the first hotel carrying the 'W' brand in South-east Asia, although there is already one in Seoul and another was opened just last week in the Maldives.

No details were available as to how many rooms the Sentosa W Hotel would have, or whether there were any big-name architects or designers involved in the project.

When contacted about the tie-up with Starwood, a spokeswoman for Eighth Wonder declined comment.

Eighth Wonder is seen by analysts as an outlying bidder for the Sentosa IR, with many favouring Genting International - which has partnered with Star Cruises and Universal Parks & Resorts - and the Kerzner International-CapitaLand consortium as the race's frontrunners.

Last month, Eighth Wonder said it had hired a security firm headed by former New York mayor Rudy Giuliani for consultancy on employee background checks, security features and disaster response - a move which some market watchers found puzzling, given that security is not seen as a crucial component in winning the Sentosa IR bid.

The final bidder in the project, the Harrah's Entertainment-Keppel Land consortium, has remained uncharacteristically low-key about its Sentosa bid, given the slew of tie-up announcements it made in the lead up to the Marina IR bid. This has led to much market speculation over its plans for Sentosa.

And, with the US$15.1 billion takeover offer from Apollo Management and Texas Pacific Group announced on Monday, analysts wonder if the consortium will take part in the final bidding process at all - a rumour that had already been circulating within the industry for some time.

In response to media queries over the proposed takeover bid, a spokeswoman for the Harrah's-Keppel Land consortium said yesterday: 'In the light of Harrah's current circumstances, we are evaluating our options.' A spokesman for Texas Pacific Group said the company was 'not making any comment at this time' with regards to how committed the group would be to the Sentosa IR process, should the takeover go through.

Merrill Lynch research analyst Sean Monaghan said the proposed deal could 'change the entire financial structure' of Harrah's, and could also throw up issues relating to probity. 'If you do have a change in control, then there'll have to be probity checking done,' he said. 'Who will control the new entity, do they pass probity at the same standard as what the Singapore government wants?'

When asked what the takeover bid might mean for the Sentosa IR process, Singapore Tourism Board (STB) director of IRs Margaret Teo would only say: 'The STB will issue an official statement on the Sentosa IR request for proposals submissions received on Oct 10 after 4pm.'

By DANIEL BUENAS

Charging Bull

October 6th, 2006, 03:35 PM

No Good.
Game Over before Game Starts
Help!!Help!! Could someone please make a buyout offer for both Genting and 8th Wonders please....:laugh: :laugh:

Harrah's drops Singapore casino bid as too costly
By Sebastian Tong

SINGAPORE, Oct 6 (Reuters) - Malaysia's Genting group and an alliance led by U.S. gaming firm Kerzner International have emerged as the two favourites to win Singapore's second casino project as yet another rival pulled out, citing costs.

Harrah's Entertainment Inc. , the world's biggest casino operator by revenue, dropped out of the running for the multi-billion dollar project on Friday, just days before the final bidding deadline on Tuesday.

The firm, which had teamed up with Singapore developer Keppel Land to bid for a 30-year licence to run a casino on the resort island of Sentosa, said it would not be able to meet its financial objectives if it went ahead with the project.

"Regrettably, we determined it would not be possible to deliver a development on the scale we envisioned while meeting our financial objectives for this project," Harrah's spokeswoman Jacqueline Peterson told Reuters.

The firm, which does not yet have a gambling licence in Asia, the world's fastest-growing gaming market, said earlier this week that it was reviewing its Singapore bid after becoming the target of a buyout offer from two U.S. private equity firms.

But Peterson said the decision to pull out of the race was entirely unrelated to the surprise buyout offer.

The Harrah's-led consortium is the second bidder to withdraw from the race; South Africa's top casino operator Sun International pulled out in June, saying the project would be too expensive.

Singapore scrapped a ban on casinos last year, and decided to invite bids for two gaming resorts in a bid to boost tourism.

The first casino initially attracted 12 interested parties, but the field was whittled down to just four consortia after Australia's Publishing & Broadcasting and South Africa's Peermont Global dropped out citing project costs.

Las Vegas Sands won the first licence in May after it promised to spend more than US$3.2 billion on the landmark waterfront project.

FEWER SUITORS

The second casino has attracted a fewer suitors, even though the total costs are expected to be lower. Singapore has set a S$605 million ($382.4 million) price tag for the 49-hectare site.

The amount of capital that each bidder would be willing to commit would be reflective of their individual expectations for returns, said Jonathan Galaviz of Globalysis, a Las Vegas-based consultancy focused on Asia's tourism sector.

"Singapore will still receive high quality bids, which would ultimately achieve the goal of generating tourism for the country," he said.

Genting, which is bidding through its two affiliates Genting International and cruise operator Star Cruises Ltd. , is widely seen as the frontrunner, given its tie-up with theme parks giant Universal Studios.

"The bidders have been tight-lipped about their proposals, but a lot of people have already made up their minds who the winner will be," Merrill Lynch analyst Sean Monaghan said, who thinks Genting has the strongest chance of winning.

The Malaysian firm has also hired U.S. architect Michael Graves, reponsible for the International Finance Corp building in Washington D.C. and for Disney's headquarters in California.

Bahamas-based Kerzner, which has teamed up with Southeast Asia's largest developer, CapitaLand , has hired Frank Gehry, who designed the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao.

Kerzner, which built a resort in the Bahamas based on the legendary lost city of Atlantis, has not said how it proposes to boost tourism other than promising a "revolutionary" project.

Local media have reported that the third bidder, privately held Las Vegas casino developer Eighth Wonder, is trying to replace its partner Isle of Capri Casinos Inc. with Australia's Publishing & Broadcasting to run the casino.

Eighth Wonder founder and head Mark Advent declined to comment, but a source close to the company said Mississippi-based Isle of Capri remains an equity partner in the bid.

redstone

October 7th, 2006, 04:26 PM

No render releases yet?

Btw... GEHRY IS COMING!!!! :banana:

babystan03

October 8th, 2006, 11:12 AM

08 October 2006
Three expected to submit bids for Singapore's second integrated resort

SINGAPORE: Three groups are expected to submit their bids on Tuesday for Singapore's second integrated resort after the last-minute pullout of the world's biggest gaming operator, Harrah's Entertainment.

The lead-up to the bidding process for the smaller second project on Sentosa island has been relatively subdued compared with a high-profile public tussle for the first licence to build at the waterfront Marina Bay site.

Analysts see Malaysia's Genting International-Star Cruises team, part of the casino operator Genting Group, as having an edge when bids close at 4:00 pm (0800 GMT) on Tuesday.

A winner for the billion-dollar project will be announced by the end of the year.

On Monday contenders are to deliver models of their proposed developments to the Singapore Tourism Board on Sentosa, a small island already home to beaches, luxury residential development and an entertainment complex.

"Genting's bid appears to be meeting what the government wants for that project," said Winston Liew, of OCBC Investment Research, who said he made his assessment on the little information publicly released about the bids.

CIMB-GK Research said another contender, the team of Kerzner International and CapitaLand, also stands a decent chance.

"While Genting International/Star Cruises remains our house pick to win the bid to develop the Sentosa IR, we believe the proposal from Kerzner/CapLand will be very competitive," CIMB-GK said in a report.

Genting has tied up with Universal Parks and Resorts of the United States for its bid and plans to build a Universal Studios theme park if it wins.

Renowned American architect Michael Graves would design the integrated resort.

Graves is the second big-name architect recruited by a bidder for the Sentosa project. Bahamas-based Kerzner International announced American Frank Gehry, designer of the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, Spain, would be part of their team.

Local developer CapitaLand, Southeast Asia's biggest property group, has also joined with Kerzner for the project. Kerzner is developer, owner and operator of Atlantis, Paradise Island, a 2,317-room island resort and casino complex in the Bahamas.

"We turned around occupancy rates, we brought tourists to the Bahamas and that's what we (would) like to try and do for Singapore as well," the firm's executive development director, Ian Douglas, has said.

CIMB-GK said Kerzner has relatively more experience in building island resorts with casinos, and said the Singapore government cited Paradise Island as an example of an integrated resort where gaming makes up only 26 percent of total revenue.

The Sentosa bids will be judged largely according to their tourism appeal, followed by architectural design, level of investment and the strength of the bidders, the tourism board said.

It fixed the land price at 605 million Singapore dollars (383 million US) for the project which will occupy 49 hectares (121 acres).

The third expected bidder is privately held Las Vegas-based firm Eighth Wonder, which has released few details of its plans.

"What we will be unveiling to the world is not just something that is going to be a local or a regional destination," the firm's chairman Mark Advent said earlier. "It will be in my prediction the most talked about resort destination in the history of the world."

Jonathan Galaviz, a partner with Las Vegas-based consulting and research firm Globalysis Ltd, said all three bidders have a chance of prevailing "due to the enormous amount of time, effort and strategic thinking each bidder has been putting into the development of their proposals."

Genting and Star cruises were unsuccessful contenders for Singapore's first integrated resort licence. CapitaLand, now teamed with Kerzner, was part of a failed bid with US gaming giant MGM Mirage for the earlier project.

Harrah's Entertainment and its local partner, developer Keppel Land, waged a high-profile campaign for the Marina Bay licence but also lost. They vowed to develop a proposal for Sentosa but waged a low-key campaign before announcing on Friday their withdrawal.

Singapore last year ended a ban on casino gambling in a bid to spruce up its staid image and attract more tourists. It announced plans for the two integrated resorts and in May awarded Las Vegas Sands a licence to build at Marina Bay.

Sands says it will invest more than five billion Singapore dollars in that project, which is to open in 2009. - AFP/ir

Copyright © 2006 MCN International Pte Ltd

RafflesCity

October 8th, 2006, 11:27 AM

How much is known of Capitaland's proposal?

Genting seems the strongest in the running now

babystan03

October 8th, 2006, 11:51 AM

^ Quite little....only know that the retail component takes up 10,000 sq m and the MICE component takes up 25,000 sq m......the rest is used for the casino, hotel and a major part goes to the theme park.....:yes:

Kerzner did hint that it will be a flagship and revolutionary property though......:yes:

Charging Bull

October 8th, 2006, 01:44 PM

The father's got brass, the son's got class

The tender for the Sentosa integrated resort closes on Tuesday. One of the three contenders, Kerzner International, is run by one of the strongest family partnerships in the business. Son Butch has proven he can hold a candle to his old man, Solomon, who is as famous for his astute business sense as for his temper

By Krist Boo
Oct 08, 2006
The Straits Times

BY REPUTATION, billionaire Solomon Kerzner and his eldest son, Butch, are like chalk and cheese.

The elder Kerzner, 71, was a hard-core clubber, once checked himself into rehab for alcohol addiction and is now married to wife No.4. She, incidentally, is half his age.

He is also said to have a ballistic temper, uses pungent language and is not adverse to banging on tables to bring home a point.

In contrast, the tidbits about his 42-year-old son get as juicy as a shrivelled prune: He married an Asian - a Hong Konger. He has four children, has great manners and works too hard.

But talk to the pair, and to the executives who work with them, and it is clear that father and son are in sync when it comes to running their business. They also appear genuinely fond of each other.

They gush about each other's talent, echo each other in saying their partnership is based on mutual respect, and chorus that they cannot recall the last time they squabbled.

In Butch's words, he and dad share 'a lot of similar values'. They just possess 'very different styles'.

Besides inheriting his father's 'very competitive' trait, he said: 'We both are totally passionate about what we do. We both want to leave this world having done a few things reasonably boldly and differently.'

This is a man who once did a 10km run beside a Range Rover through South Africa's Kruger National Park where lions and leopards roam.

Butch first learnt of Singapore's move to build integrated resorts when he was on his annual summer break with his wife in Hong Kong two years ago. His father was then in Europe.

It took only a telephone chat between them to agree that Kerzner had to be here, on Sentosa. The speed with which they arrived at the decision was not unusual.

Butch said in an interview: 'The funny thing about me and my dad is, neither of us is big on small talk and bullsh**. It's not in our personalities. We have very quick discussions.'

It was another phone call, made 14 years ago, that led to Butch teaming up with his dad in business. Butch was then an investment banker, sitting in his work cubicle at the Lazard Freres bank in New York, when dad rang.

Mr Kerzner was pulling out of South Africa, where he had made his name and fortune by building Sun City. It was the most ambitious resort development in Africa, with four hotels, two golf courses, a man-made lake, an entertainment centre, a casino and the water attractions he has since come to be known for.

Mr Kerzner wanted Butch, the eldest of his five children, to join him in his next venture. He had just concluded talks to buy over the bankrupt Resorts International Bahamas hotel, which was to become the foundation of the famous casino resort, Atlantis.

Butch said in an interview: 'I said right there and then, 'Love to do it'.''

Mr Kerzner, a one-time accountant, had hoped that Butch, with his six years' experience in investment banking, could start the ball rolling for the new project.

But he got more than he'd hoped for. Butch also took a shine to the business. Over the years, as he learnt the ropes, he rose from the position of director of international corporate development to president, where he occupied the seat for eight years.

He has proven he is his own man. In what Forbes magazine described as projects that made 'even his father blink', Butch has taken Kerzner into multi-billion-dollar casino ventures in Dubai, Morocco and Connecticut in the United States.

He also expanded Kerzner's luxury beach resorts under its One&Only brand into Mexico, Mauritius and the Maldives. One&Only is now into its 11th resort, in Africa.

Besides Sentosa, the Kerzners' eyes are trained on London, where the company has made public its interest to build three casinos, including one at the Millennium Dome.

In 2004, Butch was deemed ready to succeed his dad as chief executive. Mr Kerzner stayed on as chairman.

Mr Kerzner, who grew up in a rough Johannesburg neighbourhood with poor Jewish-Russian immigrant parents, took pains to explain that Butch's appointment was fully supported by an independent board.

He said in a telephone interview: 'He was not promoted because he was my son. He was promoted because he was the best man to take over from me as the chief executive.'

The two said a clear division of labour has helped them avoid conflicts. Butch looks after the operations and the finances of the business and Mr Kerzner devotes his time to building, design and coming up with the 'wow' ideas he loves. He once famously said: 'If it can't be done, let's do it.'

Butch's youngest sister runs the retail operations at One&Only, but there are no plans to pull in the three other kids, Mr Kerzner said.

He said: 'This is not a family business although the Kerzner family has a significant stake in the business. We have other shareholders, and we run it very professionally.'

At Sentosa, where it is bidding with local property firm CapitaLand, Kerzner has hired the Bilbao Guggenheim Museum's architect Frank Gehry to boost its chances against contenders Genting International and Eighth Wonder.

Both father and son are tight-lipped about its bid but its proposal for the Sentosa IR is likely to involve a groundbreaking water theme park and an oceanarium - currently the core attractions at Atlantis.

In keeping with its official company mission - blow away the customer - they promise something unique.

Two months ago, the pair took the company private in a US$3.8 billion (S$6 billion) deal. That made them the biggest shareholders with a 25 per cent stake, equally divided.

They said the deal will unshackle them from the market and give them greater leeway to fulfil their long-term vision of creating time-enduring attractions.

Gross annual revenue for the group, according to its 2005 financial report, is US$650 million.

Detractors may say Kerzner International's success hinges too much on family bonds. The pair respond by pointing to their 14-year partnership.

'We agree nine times out of 10,' Butch said. 'When we disagree, firstly we will speak about it. I'll listen to my father's opinion. If I disagree with it, and it's on my side of the business, he defers to me.

'If he disagrees and it's his side of the business, I defer to him.'

As family, there is no hidden agenda, he said.

Mr Kerzner is said to bang tables when he wants to get his point across, but he has never done that to his son.

'In a sense, it's surprising. My father has a reputation for yelling and screaming, but it never happened between the two of us. And I don't even want to explore why,' he said with a chuckle.

He may like to know that for this interview, his father asked, in advance, not to be given any question already asked of his son. Mr Kerzner did not want to deviate from any statements his son might have made, his executive said.

The Sunday Times went ahead to ask the same questions anyway and not surprisingly, the answers harmonised.

Mr Kerzner did, however, clarify one point. Breaking into his only laugh during the phone interview, he drawled: 'No, first, I don't keep banging on tables, that's wrong...

'Perhaps I bang on tables from time to time a little more than Butch would... but I do believe I respect my executives.'

As the interview drew to a close, the grandfather of six softened palpably.

The man, who is reputed to start his business phone calls with 'So what the f**k is going on?', revealed a tender side.

He said: ' It's been very enjoyable for me to work so closely with Butch.

'And I'd like to think I have always been close to my kids. They're the most important thing to me.'

krist@sph.com.sg

RafflesCity

October 9th, 2006, 11:56 AM

Genting sounds hungry

Genting likely to put in the most aggressive bid for Sentosa IR: Merrill

9 Oct 06

SINGAPORE: The race to operate the Sentosa integrated resort is down to just three bidders.

Analysts say Genting International could well put in the most aggressive bid for the project in terms of investment value.

The investment value component accounts for a fifth of the overall weightage in the selection process.

The hardware has been delivered to the Sentosa site and the bidders will submit their proposals tomorrow after many months of intensive preparations.

The bidders are clearly out to impress, judging by the size of the models, which suggests the level of investments they are prepared to pump into this project.

But on that front, some analysts say Genting could have the edge.

Sean Monaghan, Vice President of Equity Research at Merrill Lynch (Singapore), said, "On our estimates, Genting is going to win Sentosa. It is clearly the most aggressive; it is clearly the one that has the most to lose. We think they were rather disappointed that they did not win Marina Bay. Maybe their US$3.4 billion pitch for Marina Bay may have been conservative. I don't think they are going to be conservative this time. They are going all out tonight and the bids are going to surprise everyone."

Analysts predict that Genting's investment could even dwarf that of the other forerunner, Kerzner International and CapitaLand, which have hinted they will invest at least US$1.5 billion.

"I don't know what strategy Kerzner CapitaLand has. It all boils down to what sort of customers they expect to come or what sort of businesses they are going to build at Sentosa. However, we expect that the bid value will probably be less than what Genting could do, largely because Genting runs different sort of businesses," Mr Monaghan added.

But it is prudent to note that the investment value is only 20 percent of the weightage in the selection process, and other factors could still swing the vote either way.

These include tourism appeal, architecture and strength of partners.

The third expected bidder is Eighth Wonder, which has said it will be making a significant announcement after submitting its proposal for the Sentosa resort.

Even though Eighth Wonder is seen as a dark horse in the race, many analysts are hesitant to write it off. They say that Eighth Wonder could still spring many surprises, including a higher-than-expected investment dollar and the possible announcement of a formidable partner.

By Matthias Chan, Channel NewsAsia

babystan03

October 9th, 2006, 12:18 PM

^ Yes.....at 2.5 billion compared to others.....:D

Business Times - 09 Oct 2006

Preparations heat up in three-way race for Sentosa IR

By ARTHUR SIM
AND DANIEL BUENAS

(SINGAPORE) The final hand has been dealt, with three remaining bidders for the last of Singapore's two planned integrated resort (IR) projects. They will have to submit their bids and models by tomorrow.

It will mark the end of the second phase of Singapore's ambitious plan to introduce casinos and IRs here to help boost tourism and reinvent the city state.

Bidders are expected to cart in their models and mock-ups to a temporary hall on Sentosa today, while the bids will be submitted at pre-arranged time slots tomorrow. In the coming weeks, each bidder will present their proposals to judges before the final decision is announced sometime before year-end.

As the bid for Sentosa's IR round enters the final stretch, many analysts and industry watchers see the competition as a two-horse race between the Genting International consortium and the Kerzner International-CapitaLand team, with Eighth Wonder the dark horse in the match-up.

As was the case for Marina, the Sentosa bid threw up its own share of unexpected twists and turns, the most recent of which was the pull-out on Friday by the Harrah's Entertainment-Keppel Land consortium at the eleventh hour.

Keppel Land's pull-out from the Sentosa IR bid now gives Temasek-linked companies only a one-in-three chance of winning.

In the Marina Bay IR bid, the chances were higher at one-in-two. Yet as both Keppel Land and CapitaLand have realised, money talks. This will put Genting International which has tied up with Star Cruises and Universal Parks and Resorts in good stead.

Merrill Lynch analyst Sean Monaghan said that Genting's bid is 'large', estimating it at US$2.5 billion, the largest bid so far and topping what some believe will be a US$2 billion bid by CapitaLand and Kerzner International.

Genting had also previously announced that its planned Universal theme park alone would cost at least US$1 billion and - given its relations with Star Cruises - could also include cruise-centre elements in its bid. Mr Monaghan also reckons that Genting has the advantage of being able to 'leverage' on its existing network of high-rollers. 'Kerzner has never done premium play,' he said. 'This ability to leverage was why Las Vegas Sands was prepared to pay so much for Marina Bay,' he added, refering to Sands' profitable operations in Macau.

Indeed, as a Temasek-linked company, Mr Monaghan believes CapitaLand may not be able to justify the 'return on investment' to undertake a large bid.

News that CapitaLand has been courting Disney for an unspecified project may also signal a lack of willingness to bid too aggressively for Sentosa.

But investment amount only accounts for 20 per cent of the bid, with the lion's share - tourism allure - taking up 45 per cent, while design and investors' track records make up 25 per cent and 10 per cent, respectively.

In fact, Jonathan Galaviz, a partner of casino consultancy firm Globalysis, believes all three bidders have an equal chance of winning the bid.

'All the bidders seem to have captured the understanding that while the Marina Bay IR site was focused on being convention and business-centric, the Sentosa IR site is intended to refresh the leisure and family segment,' he said.

But Genting also appears to have its bases covered by its bid to take over UK-based casino operator Stanley Leisure, which could work in Genting's favour by giving it a broader customer base, Mr Monaghan said. In this light, even Eighth Wonder's bid could be considered a little more seriously as rumours surfaced just last week that it is in partnership talks with Australian gaming-giant Publishing & Broadcast Limited (PBL) and Melco International Development.

An Eighth Wonder-PBL/Melco partnership could create a gaming circuit that stretches from Macau, through Singapore to Melbourne, and would also give Eighth Wonder the financial clout that it has been lacking so far.

But such a scenario seems unlikely, given that the partnership would need to have the backing of the Singapore Tourism Board (STB). Although the STB has said it could allow the inclusion of new partners at its discretion, such a tie-up throws up probity issues.

PBL and Melco, which had partnered to bid for Marina Bay, withdrew after submitting their proposal and were also refunded their probity check fee, suggesting that the checks were never completed.

Without the partnership with PBL/Melco, Eighth wonder stands a slim chance against its competitors, given its comparatively lacklustre track record and a smaller investment figure which analysts expect.

On the other hand, Kerzner - despite a lack of experience in Asia - has a proven track record of moving into new markets and turning around tourism figures with its developments, and has the backing of CapitaLand. It also has well-established 'software' programmes - such as tie-ups with the Discovery Channel and links with the movie industry - crucial in its bid against the competition.

In the end, who's really holding all the aces remains to be seen.

http://business-times.asiaone.com/mnt/media/image/launched/2006-10-09/BT_4919977_09_10_2006.jpg

Copyright © 2005 Singapore Press Holdings Ltd. All rights reserved.

babystan03

October 9th, 2006, 12:22 PM

Latest news.....Eight Wonder has submitted its models at Sentosa.....so exciting...:D

Business Times - 09 Oct 2006

8th Wonder first to deliver Sentosa model

SINGAPORE - A Las Vegas firm promised 'lots of ace cards' on Monday as it prepared to join two other contenders in bids for Singapore's second casino licence.

Privately-held Eighth Wonder was the first to deliver a model and documents of its proposed development to an office set up by the Singapore Tourism Board on Sentosa island, where the casino complex will be built. At least five mid-sized trucks loaded with white cartons, shelving and other materials arrived at the site.

The firm's chairman Mark Advent promised 'a project that will really be innovative' and bring world recognition to Singapore.

Two other bidders were expected to deliver their models in the afternoon. They were the Genting International-Star Cruises team, part of Malaysian casino operator Genting Group, and the partnership of Kerzner International and CapitaLand, South-east Asia's biggest property group.

After setting up their models, contenders will make formal presentations on Tuesday ahead of the closure of bids at at 4.00pm (0800 GMT). A winner for the billion-dollar project will be announced by the end of the year. -- AFP

Copyright © 2005 Singapore Press Holdings Ltd. All rights reserved.

babystan03

October 9th, 2006, 02:53 PM

09 October 2006
Three bidders for Sentosa integrated resort submit models and plans
By Wong Siew Ying, Channel NewsAsia

Concepts for Singapore's second integrated resort arrived in Sentosa by the truckloads on Monday.

The three bidders for the IR project are Kerzner-CapitaLand, Genting International and Eighth Wonder.

They delivered their models and plans at appointed times to a temporary office set up by the Singapore Tourism Board.

They are scheduled to submit their proposals for the billion-dollar project on Tuesday.

Staff of Genting sent in some nine truckloads of models and materials.

And it took over 100 workers to set up the showpiece in an allocated room at the Tourism Board's makeshift office.

A top draw in Genting's proposal is a Universal Studios theme park with over 20 rides.

It says the attraction, specially designed for Singapore, can draw over 5 million visitors a year.

Analysts have tipped Genting as the leader of the pack.

Sean Monaghan, Merrill Lynch Analyst, says: "On our estimates, Genting is going to win Sentosa. It is clearly the most aggressive. It is clearly the one that has the most to lose. We think they were rather disappointed that they did not win Marina Bay. Maybe their US$3.4 billion pitch for Marina Bay may have been conservative. I don't think they are going to be conservative."

Another contender, Eighth Wonder promises to pull some surprises.

Its ideas, though, came in smaller packages, compared to the other two bidders.

The Las Vegas company showed up with 30 workers and six lorries carrying models and display stands.

Its Chairman, Mark Advent says he and his wife will move to Singapore if they land the bid.

Eighth Wonder is known for conceptualising the New York New York casino resort on The Strip.

But it has no experience in running one.

Still, it is prepared to take on the big players.

Mr Advent says: "We are finally coming down to D-Day. Absolutely we have lots of ace cards. I would say these are proven, exciting elements that would bring world renown recognition to Singapore. Tomorrow, we are going to have a special announcement to make and we will be talking about things over the next coming month or two."

Kerzner International and its partner Capitaland were the last to deliver their materials.

Nearly 90 workers unloaded them from 15 trucks but so far the team has kept their cards close to their chest.

Kerzner, which operates The Atlantis resort in Bahamas, would only say the Sentosa project will be a water-themed attraction but with a completely different concept.

The makeshift structure, complete with conference rooms and display areas, will be there until the end of the bidding process.

And round the clock security will keep the models and ideas away from prying eyes.

The bidders will present their concepts to the government after closure of bids on Tuesday.

The winner will be announced by the end of the year. - CNA/ch

Copyright © 2006 MCN International Pte Ltd. All Rights Reserved.

redstone

October 9th, 2006, 05:13 PM

WOuld love to see the designs.

Cliff

October 10th, 2006, 02:25 AM

http://straitstimes.asiaone.com/STI/STIMEDIA/image/20061009/front-cart.jpg
HEAVY BID: Genting International sent 120 workers to Sentosa on Monday to unload architectural models and copies of their proposal for Singapore's second integrated resort. -- STEPHANIE YEOW

RafflesCity

October 10th, 2006, 08:28 AM

Australia's Packer in tie-up as Sentosa integrated resort bids close

10 Oct 06

http://www.channelnewsasia.com/imagegallery/store/php3uE8jo.jpg

SINGAPORE - Australia's Publishing and Broadcasting Ltd (PBL), already a major player in the gaming industry, joined forces on Tuesday with Las Vegas firm Eighth Wonder to bid for Singapore's second integrated resort licence.

Eighth Wonder chairman Mark Advent confirmed the deal with PBL and Hong Kong's Melco International Development Ltd, when he arrived to make his pitch for the licence at a special office set up by the Singapore Tourism Board on Sentosa island, where the integrated resort will be built.

"Yes, he is" an equity partner, said Advent who was accompanied by James Packer, chairman of the Australian media and gaming group.

They were the first of three groups making submissions to the Singapore government on Tuesday before bids close at 4:00 pm (0800 GMT).

Eighth Wonder's presentation was to be followed by Kerzner International and CapitaLand, Southeast Asia's biggest property group.

A team from Genting International-Star Cruises, part of Malaysian casino operator Genting Group, will make the last presentation.

The winner of the billion-dollar project will be announced by the end of the year.

Packer's PBL and Hong Kong's Melco, who work together in the Chinese gambling enclave of Macau, had expressed an interest in Singapore's first integrated resort licence at the waterfront Marina Bay site but in January withdrew because of the high cost.

"I think they are a world-class operator and certainly have one of the most formidable brands in Southeast Asia with the Crown," Advent told reporters, referring to PBL's Crown Casino in Melbourne.

Analysts said PBL's involvement could strengthen the Eighth Wonder bid but based on information already made public, they said Genting still has the edge.

Genting has tied up with Universal Parks and Resorts of the United States to build a Universal Studios theme park as part of the development if it wins.

"We are a financially strong company and will have the necessary resources to develop a world-class family holiday destination at Sentosa if we are given the opportunity," Genting International's chairman, Lim Kok Thay, said in a statement on Monday.

CIMB-GK Research has said the Kerzner team also stands a decent chance.

Kerzner is developer, owner and operator of Atlantis, Paradise Island, a 2,317-room island resort and casino complex in the Bahamas.

Bidders set up their models at the Sentosa site on Monday but kept them hidden from waiting reporters.

The Sentosa bids will be judged largely according to their tourism appeal, followed by architectural design, level of investment and the strength of the bidders, the tourism board said.

Singapore last year ended a ban on casino gambling and announced plans for two integrated resorts that would include hotels and other features as well as gaming areas in a bid to spruce up its staid image and attract more tourists.

In May, the government awarded Las Vegas Sands a licence to run the Marina Bay development.

Sands, which already has operations in Macau, says it will invest more than five billion Singapore dollars (3.14 billion US) in that project, which is to open in 2009.

babystan03

October 10th, 2006, 09:01 AM

babystan03

October 10th, 2006, 12:10 PM

10 October 2006
Singapore Sentosa integrated resort bids close
By Wong Siew Ying, Channel NewsAsia

SINGAPORE: All three proposals for Singapore's second integrated resort at Sentosa were submitted as tender for the project drew to a close on Tuesday.

Front runner Genting International revealed, its proposed attraction will be named Resorts World at Sentosa.

The total investment is expected to be over US$3.2b.

It will include a US$1b (S$1.6b) Universal Studios theme-park and 6 world-class hotels.

Genting says the resort will create 45,000 jobs when it's ready in 2009.

It is also expected to attract 10 million visitors by 2015.

Eighth Wonder threw up a surprise when Chairman Mark Advent confirmed speculations that Australia's Publishing and Broadcasting Limited and Hong Kong gaming firm, Melco International Development will join its bid as an equity partner.

Mr Advent says PBL will be operating his proposed casino resort at Sentosa.

Eighth Wonder had earlier announced tie-ups with river-boat operator Isle of Capri and Starwood Hotels & Resorts.

Kernzer International and its running mate CapitaLand says the team has engaged the help of top architect Frank Gehry to design a must-see attraction in Singapore.

The proposals will be evaluated based on tourism appeal, architectural design, strength of the partners and investment dollar. - CNA /dt

Copyright © 2006 MCN International Pte Ltd. All Rights Reserved.

Business Times - 10 Oct 2006

Genting, Kerzner, Eighth Wonder in S'pore casino bid

SINGAPORE - Three consortiums have submitted bids to build and run Singapore's second casino resort, to be located on its resort island of Sentosa.

Singapore, which scrapped a ban on casinos last year, wants the resort to have family attractions that will lure tourists and boost its services sector.

http://business-times.asiaone.com/mnt/media/image/launched/2006-10-10/casino.jpg
An artist's impression of one of the six themed areas at proposed Universal Studios Singapore, by Malaysia's Genting consortium

Singapore awarded its first casino licence, for a downtown waterfront resort, to US gaming giant Las Vegas Sands in May. Las Vegas Sands expects to spend more than US$3.2 billion on the project.

However, the Sentosa casino is expected to cost less than that. Singapore, which has set a $605 million (US$381 million) price tag for the 49-hectare site, will award the project by the end of the year and the resort is expected to operate from 2010.

Following are details of the three bids:
Malaysia's Genting consortium is bidding through its two affiliates Genting International and cruise operator Star Cruises Ltd.

The consortium is seen as the frontrunner as it has roped in theme parks giant Universal Studios to build roller-coaster rides and movie-based attractions at a cost of US$1 billion.

The group has also hired US architect Michael Graves, responsible for International Finance Corp building in Washington DC and for Disney's headquarters in California.

Bahamas-based casino operator Kerzner International has teamed up with CapitaLand, Southeast Asia's largest property developer, to submit a bid for a project designed by Frank Gehry, the architect of the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao.

Kerzner, which built a resort in the Bahamas based on the legendary lost city of Atlantis, has not said how it proposes to boost tourism other than promising a 'revolutionary' project.

Resorts builder Mark Advent, best known for developing the New York New York casino in Las Vegas, is submitting the third bid through his privately held firm Eighth Wonder.

Mr Advent has revealed little about his plans but has said the Mississippi-based firm Isle of Capri Casinos Inc will operate the gaming portion of the project.

Starwood Hotels & Resorts will operate at least four hotels in the complex, including one under its designer 'W' Hotel brand. -- REUTERS

Copyright © 2005 Singapore Press Holdings Ltd. All rights reserved.

ignoramus

October 10th, 2006, 02:19 PM

Genting: Resorts World doesnt sound that appealing. I can't imagine telling my overseas friends ''Hey lets go to Resorts World''. But I like Universal Studios Singapore. Its our version of Hong Kong's Disneyland in a way, just like their West Kowloon is like our Esplanade, though on a larger scale. But for us, both projects are on the way while West Kowloon is still stuck.

Kerzner: Frank Gehry sounds good. But it has no Universal so don't know if their theme park element will be good since people go for brands sometimes because Universals is known for its rides.

Eighth Wonder: No comment thus far.

RafflesCity

October 11th, 2006, 06:14 AM

Eighth Wonder surprises with biggest bid

11 Oct 06

In a sleight of hand that caught even the most astute of analysts by surprise, the smallest outfit in the Sentosa race - US-based resort developer Eighth Wonder - unveiled a whopping $5.5 billion for its bid to build Singapore's second casino-resort.

The amount outstrips hot favourite Genting International-Star Cruises' $5 billion-plus investment and more than doubles the $2.4 billion commitment pledged by Bahamas-based Kerzner International earlier.

Even excluding the $605 million land cost for the 49-ha Sentosa site, the investment amount tops the $3.85 billion that Las Vegas Sands - the winner for the Marina Bay integrated resort - is spending on its development.

Though analysts were caught unawares, they are not sure that the gamble will pay off.

Said CIMB-GK analyst Steven Tan: "$5.5 billion is a big number, but the investment criteria isn't just about big numbers. The question is where is the money going and what is it being put into? We know that for Genting, for example, $1.6 billion is going into a Universal Studios theme park."

Another analyst, who declined to be named, said that Eighth Wonder's huge investment commitment might be an attempt to make up for its lack of a track record.

Investment amount makes up 20 per cent of the assessment criteria for the Sentosa IR, while track record and partnerships make up 10 per cent. Design accounts for 25 per cent while the tourism card comprises 45 per cent of the score.

At a press conference yesterday, Eighth Wonder chairman Mark Advent also unveiled gaming specialist Melco PBL - a joint venture between Australia's Publishing & Broadcasting and Macau's Melco International Development - as its new equity partner, in addition to casino operator Isle of Capri.

Melco PBL, a dropout from the first Marina Bay race, will hold 24.5 per cent of the consortium, while Isle of Capri will have a 13.8 per cent stake, with the rest going to the privately-run Eighth Wonder.

In the press conference held after the submission process for the Sentosa IR drew to a close, Mr Advent said the late tie-up happened just "several months ago".

"It became more and more apparent into the bidding process that the government wanted to bring a specific type of clientele into Singapore," said Mr Mark of the new casino operator. Under the deal, Melco PBL will operate a Crown Casino and a six-star Crown-branded hotel. The consortium also has Starwood in its team to build the hip W Hotel.

Commenting on its earlier pull out from Singapore, Mr Lawrence Ho - CEO of Melco PBL and son of Macau tycoon Stanley Ho - said the decision was made after it deigned that the conventions business was not its forte. However, some analysts point out that the new partner may present probity issues.

Said Sean Monaghan, an analyst at Merrill Lynch: "It's an interesting consortium but I foresee challenges in probity, because of the Macau links. To win the bid, all the probity checks must be cleared. There are other bidders who don't have that (probity) challenge."

It's understood that probity checks are still ongoing, and Mr James Packer, co-chairman of Melco PBL, said the company had submitted probity check forms "in the last several weeks".

In the press conference, Mr Advent also dismissed a report that said he has roped in Star Wars movie creator George Lucas.

"It's completely incorrect. Lucas has no interest whatsoever in the entire project," he said.

But Mr Advent remained tight-lipped about other aspects of the integrated resort outlined in the report, such as a Hurricane Harry movie which Eighth Wonder plans to produce with a Hollywood director for release in 2011, a show produced by Cirque de Soleil's former creative head, a Fifa-themed hotel, and a Harrods' department store.

However, the seven crates that arrived at the Singapore Tourism Board's temporary office at Sentosa yesterday offered a teaser. Containing Eighth Wonder's proposal documents, the crates declared: "Property of Harry O'Brien, Destination Singapore".

By Tor Ching Li, TODAY

babystan03

October 11th, 2006, 11:02 AM

^ Hmm.....Eight Wonder wants to be the next Sands?? :D

Anyway, I still think that it's a race between Genting and Kerzner......:yes:

But I do feel that Resort World is too common.....they need a classier name.....:yes:

RafflesCity

October 11th, 2006, 01:32 PM

^^

who knows....

My perception is that for tourism products, brands with big flashy names are in hotter demand, than lesser known ones that might have a very original and interesting proposal.

Perhaps it is a balance between throwing an instant big name and hoping to draw the crowds or having an attraction unique in its own right.

I hope for both :D

babystan03

October 13th, 2006, 01:10 AM

Oct 13, 2006
Kerzner IR bid on course despite CEO's shock death
He and 3 others are killed in helicopter crash in Dominican Republic

By Krist Boo

KERZNER International will press on with its bid for the Sentosa integrated resort (IR), despite the sudden death of its chief executive, Butch Kerzner.

Mr Kerzner, the son of company founder and chairman Sol Kerzner, died in a helicopter crash while surveying development sites for the company in the Dominican Republic on Wednesday.

He was on board with one other passenger and two pilots. There were no survivors.

The 42-year-old and his father were scheduled to be here on Monday to present their proposal to a panel of ministers.

In a statement yesterday, the company, which owns the Bahamas resort, Atlantis, and its Singapore partner in the Sentosa IR bid, CapitaLand, said they remained 'fully committed' to the race.

A full team of top executives from both companies, including Mr Tobin Prior, president of Kerzner's international division, and CapitaLand president and chief executive Liew Mun Leong, will present the proposal to government committees, starting next week.

But the elder Kerzner - the creative force behind the firm - will likely be absent from the presentation.

Mr Sol Kerzner, 71, was on his way to the Dominican Republic and was scheduled to return immediately to the company's head office in the Bahamas thereafter, the company said.

The eldest of five children, Butch Kerzner was a former investment banker who quit at his father's request to help him build the company.

He took over his dad's seat as chief executive two years ago, after 14 years with the company. Later, he was viewed as the driving force behind the company's ambitious expansion into new markets such as Dubai, Britain, the Maldives and Morocco.

The father-and-son team took the company private just two months ago in a US$3.8 billion (S$6 billion) deal.

In an interview with local reporters in August, Butch Kerzner said he was keen on building a legacy that he could leave to his two young children, whom he had with his wife, who is from Hong Kong.

Several analysts yesterday chose not to speculate on how Kerzner's chances in the contest had changed, but one said: 'I have little doubt that the organisation will remain strong in the short term in spite of this loss.

'The real question for Kerzner will be over long-term direction and focus.'

Kerzner has appointed Paul O'Neil, its former CEO of Atlantis and a current board member, as acting CEO.

Kerzner's rivals in the contest, Genting International and Eighth Wonder, yesterday sent condolence statements, describing Butch Kerzner as a 'talented and visionary individual'.

In his August interview, Butch Kerzner said of the Sentosa project: 'Both me and my dad would love to see it come to life.

'To have a product so different and revolutionary that it would grow the tourism market in the next 20 years. That's exciting.'

krist@sph.com.sg
Copyright © 2006 Singapore Press Holdings. All rights reserved.

Charging Bull

October 14th, 2006, 02:55 AM

http://img222.imageshack.us/img222/7105/whotelgi1.jpg

Impressive, looks like a aircraft carrier. May have more suprises from them next week.
Good that they are not just making up the number or coming to Sentosa for party

Eighth Wonder ties up with Starwood for Singapore casino bid
Las Vegas firm Eighth Wonder has tied up with Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide Inc in its bid for a Singapore casino licence, the companies said.

Starwood, whose brands include Sheraton, Westin, and Le Meridien, will manage and operate four hotels if Eighth Wonder wins the bid for a casino complex on Singapore's Sentosa island, the firms said in a joint statement.

One of the hotels will be an "uber-hip, luxury and upscale 'W' Hotel," said Miguel Ko, Asia Pacific president of Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide.

Starwood is "a dream partner," said Mark Advent, the chairman of Eighth Wonder.

"When we set out to conceptualize the Sentosa IR project, we envisioned a next-generation resort that would host the most illuminating brands in the hospitality business," Advent said.

Eighth Wonder is undertaking its bid with Australia's Publishing and Broadcasting Ltd and Hong Kong's Melco International Development Ltd, and Isle of Capri Casinos Inc.

They are competing against two other contenders: a partnership of Bahamas-based Kerzner International and CapitaLand, Southeast Asia's biggest property group, and a team from Genting International-Star Cruises, part of Malaysian casino operator Genting Group.

A winner is to be announced by the end of the year.

If it wins, Eighth Wonder has vowed to invest 3.5 billion US dollars in the Sentosa "integrated resort," a concept that includes hotels and other facilities alongside gaming.

babystan03

October 14th, 2006, 03:17 AM

^ Wah.....looks unique.....:eek:

redstone

October 14th, 2006, 12:09 PM

Wow!!!Who's the architect?

babystan03

October 14th, 2006, 04:19 PM

Business Times - 14 Oct 2006

COMMENTARY
Genting has the edge in Sentosa IR bid

By EDDIE TOH
DEPUTY NEWS EDITOR

MALAYSIA'S Genting casino group will bag the Sentosa integrated resort project, according to a theory doing the rounds. The story goes like this:

Singapore will award the second casino licence to Genting in exchange for the Malaysian government's political goodwill.

Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi can then shut the only casino in predominantly Muslim Malaysia.

And Genting won't complain because it will have a new casino in Singapore.

It may sound sexy. But the fact is, this tale is simply too far-fetched. Because that's not how the Singapore government works, and it's not how the bidding exercise is designed to operate.

The government has repeatedly shown its objectivity in tender exercises, big or small.

Take, for example, the Marina Bay IR project. Everyone expected a government-linked consortium led by CapitaLand or Keppel Land to win. Instead, underdog Las Vegas Sands won the coveted licence to run Singapore's first casino. Sands was chosen because its business model, among other things, has the highest component of convention space - a key criterion set by the government.

Similarly, the government will exercise sound judgment for the Sentosa project. It has spelt out the criteria - tourism allure (45 per cent), design (25 per cent), investment amount (20 per cent), and investors' track records (10 per cent). And with such clear-cut yardsticks, there's simply no room for any conspiracy theory.

But Genting could still emerge the winner. Why?

First, it has an ace tourist drawcard - its partnership with Universal, which has charmed many people with its movie-based theme parks in the past three decades. While some may not see the Genting Highlands as a world-class destination, partner Universal is a household name. And the participation of Genting's sister company Star Cruises to provide cruise services would make the Sentosa resort even more appealing.

Second, Genting's Lim family has to pull out all the stops to win because Genting lags big players like Las Vegas Sands and Wynn Resorts after losing the fight for one of three licences in Macau four years ago.

Las Vegas Sands, which has operations in booming Macau - and soon in Singapore - has emerged as the world's biggest gaming company, with a market capitalisation of US$26 billion versus Genting's US$5 billion.

As a sign of its seriousness, the Genting group plans to invest more than S$5 billion, including land cost, if it wins the Sentosa bid. This would be Genting's single biggest investment. It is also about the same as Eighth Wonder-Publishing and Broadcasting's proposed price tag of S$5.5 billion.

But there's a distinct difference. Unlike other consortiums that have equity arrangements, Universal is not an equity partner in the Genting bid.

This means that Genting would foot the bulk of the development cost, reflecting its resolve to win the Sentosa project.

Third, there is no certainty that Genting's casino licence in Malaysia will be renewed perpetually in a country that is becoming increasingly Islamic - and Islamic law forbids gambling. The current licence has to be renewed quarterly, which may be a liability for long-term planning.

This could help explain why Genting has stepped up its foreign investments in recent years. It bought into two UK casino groups after losing the Macau battle and is now bidding aggressively for Sentosa. In a nutshell, Genting seems to be more eager than others for Sentosa. And the Malaysian group has to hedge its bets as much as possible, with or without any conspiracy theory.

Copyright © 2005 Singapore Press Holdings Ltd. All rights reserved.

kenexcel4

October 14th, 2006, 04:40 PM

Is the construction of the Singapore's 2nd cruise centre included in the propsal for Genting?

babystan03

October 15th, 2006, 12:23 PM

Is the construction of the Singapore's 2nd cruise centre included in the propsal for Genting?

Nope.....:yes:

Business Times - 14 Oct 2006

Kerzner acting CEO to join S'pore casino presentation

(SINGAPORE) The acting chief executive officer of Kerzner International will join other senior executives in presentations of their Singapore casino proposal after the death of Butch Kerzner, the company said.

Paul O'Neil was named acting chief executive officer after the company on Thursday announced that Mr Kerzner, 42, had died in a Dominican Republic helicopter crash.

Mr O'Neil 'is very familiar' with Kerzner's bid for the casino project on Singapore's Sentosa island, said a statement issued late Thursday by the company and its local partner in the bid, South-east Asia's largest property group CapitaLand.

'Kerzner and CapitaLand's presentations to the government on their IR proposal will proceed as scheduled,' they said, referring to the 'integrated resort' expected to feature hotels and other facilities along with gaming.

'A full team of top executives from both Kerzner and CapitaLand will present the proposal to the relevant committees from the Singapore government,' they said.

After filing their proposals on Tuesday, each of the three bidders gets two hours on Monday to make a presentation, said Steven Tan, Malaysia-based analyst with CIMB-GK.

Kerzner and CapitaLand have 'reiterated their commitment to proceed with the bid' despite Mr Kerzner's death, the companies said.

Mr O'Neil is former chief executive officer of Kerzner's largest operation in the Bahamas and a member of the board.

A team from Genting International-Star Cruises, part of Malaysian casino operator Genting Group, has also bid for the Sentosa project.

The third contender is a partnership between Las Vegas firm Eighth Wonder, Australia's Publishing and Broadcasting Ltd and Hong Kong's Melco International Development Limited, and Isle of Capri Casinos Inc.

A winner is to be announced by the end of the year.

Kerzner is developer, owner and operator of Atlantis, Paradise Island, a 2,317-room island resort and casino complex in the Bahamas. Kerzner is currently extending the Atlantis brand to Dubai. - AFP

Copyright © 2005 Singapore Press Holdings Ltd. All rights reserved.

builder1010

October 15th, 2006, 12:38 PM

RafflesCity

October 16th, 2006, 04:18 AM

Banyan Tree in Eighth Wonder resort deal

16 Oct 06

SINGAPORE - Banyan Tree, a luxury resorts operator, has agreed to run a resort on the island of Sentosa for casino firm Eighth Wonder, should the US group win its bid to run one of two Singapore's planned casinos.
Singapore-based Banyan Tree said in a statement on Monday that the planned resort would feature exclusive villas to be set in lush tropical gardens.

No financial details of the agreement were available.

Banyan Tree, which listed its shares on the Singapore stock market earlier this year, develops and runs hotel resorts and spas in Asia.

US resorts developer Mark Advent, best known for his New York New York casino in Las Vegas, leads a consortium that plans to invest as much as US$3.5 billion (S$5.5 billion) in the casino project if its bid succeeds.

The consortium comprises privately held Eighth Wonder, Mississippi-based gaming firm Isle of Capri Casinos, Australian tycoon James Packer's Publishing and Broadcasting , and Macau gambling magnate Stanley Ho's Melco International Development.

Other bidders include Malaysia's Genting, which is seen as the frontrunner by analysts because it has teamed up with US theme park giant Universal Studios.

Bahamas-based casino operator Kerzner and CapitaLand submitted a joint bid for the 30-year casino concession but declined to give the investment amount. -- REUTERS

babystan03

October 16th, 2006, 11:51 AM

Found this rendering in Straits times

http://straitstimes.asiaone.com/STI/STIMEDIA/image/20061016/front-wonder.jpg

Oct 16, 2006
Eighth Wonder ropes in Banyan Tree to boost Sentosa IR bid

By Straits Times Interactive, Ng Ai Lian

LAS Vegas gaming operator Eighth Wonder has roped in Singapore's Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts to boost its bid for the licence to build and operate the Sentosa Integrated Resort (IR).

Should Eighth Wonder succeed, Banyan Tree will manage and operate a high-end resort that will have its hallmark features of private villas set in lush tropical gardens, the companies said in a joint statement on Monday.

Other infrastructures within the Sentosa IR could include resort hotels, spas, dining and retail outlets, corporate meeting facilities, as well as the casino.

The Asia-Pacific resort developer would also incorporate its sister brand, Angsana Spa, into hotels within the IR.

Banyan Tree, whose operations are spread out in 19 hotels and resorts, 51 spas and two golf courses worldwide, sees this as an opportunity to brand itself at home.

'The project presents a great opportunity for Banyan Tree to return to its roots by establishing its signature brand of hospitality on home ground,' said Mr Paul Chong, assistant vice-president of business development.

Chairman of Eighth Wonder, Mr Mark Advent, said: 'Our vision for the Sentosa IR is to make it truly world-class, and yet uniquely Singapore. Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts' success story is likewise truly world-class and similarly uniquely Singaporean.'

Eighth Wonder has also tied up with Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide Inc in its bid for the Sentosa IR project.

It is undertaking its bid with Australia's Publishing and Broadcasting Ltd and Hong Kong's Melco International Development Ltd, and Isle of Capri Casinos Inc.

Famous for the New York New York casino in Las Vegas, Mr Advent has earlier promised 'many pleasant surprises in the weeks ahead'. He said Eighth Wonder has many 'ace cards' in the bid for the Sentosa IR.

If it wins, Eighth Wonder has vowed to invest US$3.5 billion (S$5.5 billion) in the Sentosa project.

Also in the bidding race are a partnership of Bahamas-based Kerzner International and property group CapitaLand; and a team from Genting International-Star Cruises, part of Malaysian casino operator Genting Group.

A winner will be announced by the end of the year.

In May, Las Vegas Sands won the right to build Singapore's other casino in Marina Bay.

Copyright © 2006 Singapore Press Holdings. All rights reserved.

babystan03

October 16th, 2006, 12:14 PM

Business Times - 16 Oct 2006

THIS WEEK'S TOPIC
Sentosa IR: The best bet

What would you like to see in the Sentosa integrated resort? Of the three bidders, who would you be putting your money on, and why?

THE Sentosa IR is a family-oriented resort compared to the Marina IR which is geared towards MICE. As such, there should be plenty of entertainment and activities geared for the families. Waterparks are great since Sentosa is a resort island. However, the waterparks should be very different and innovative compared to the run-of-the-mill wave pools and water slides which you can already get in Singapore. In addition to the waterparks, there could be a theme park with an established brand name like Universal Studios or Disneyland. The theme park should have a substantial part which is air-conditioned given our hot tropical climate. Together, these parks must be able to keep a family entertained for a stretch of three to four days to make it a worthwhile experience.

While everyone's favourite appears to be Genting due to its tie-up with Universal Studios, I am putting my money on CapitaLand-Kerzner to win the bid. I feel that CapitaLand, after losing the Marina bid, will have learnt from its experience in the previous bid and make a bid which is more palatable to the awarding committee. Further, as one of the leading property companies in Singapore and South-east Asia, it must feel that it should have a presence in at least one of the two IR projects in Singapore. Its partner Kerzner also has great success in its Atlantis resort, which is the closest any of the bidders has come to transforming an island into an IR.

- Wee Piew
CEO,
HG Metal Manufacturing Ltd

I WOULD like to see Genting get the deal. They were reported to want to invest the biggest amount, which means in theory they have more money to do things.

From a business angle, I feel they are 'local' enough to understand the region and its people. I strongly believe a key success factor to any tourism business is for it to be attractive and successful with the local audience. Examples would be Crazy Horse (not too successful) and the Zoo (very successful with the locals). With their years of experience handling Singaporeans at Genting Highlands, they should be able to work well in attracting the local market.

I like the potential that Genting can cross-sell various gaming destinations, with its Highlands, its UK unit of Stanley Leisure, and even its Star Cruises ships. The unique experiences it can create by rotating its operational staff, for example, would add a different dimension at the tables. Like the very posh tuxedo approach of gaming at London's Clubs that only an Englishman can project, a la James Bond Casino Royale.

The development of a new Universal Studios attraction would be great. Instead of a traditional theme park, where many rides and attractions are outdoor-oriented, I think the Universal concept can be well served in an indoor-centric design, which would be better-suited to our hot climate. It would be interesting to see how the whole resort will be designed. With the large amount to be committed, there is a very good chance of it being a truly Uniquely Singapore attraction.

- Joey Chang
CEO,
AXS Infocomm

THE Sentosa IR will be different in concept and infrastructure from the Marina Bay IR as it will appeal to a more Asian clientele. As an island resort, the Sentosa IR must complement and blend with the existing Sentosa attractions and hospitality amenities. Thus, it will be more family-theme type of attractions and special events that will attract and retain visitors.

Sentosa IR should position itself as a Singapore icon for events venue. Thus, it has to work closely with all key government agencies to promote the national calendar of events/campaigns for both Singaporeans and foreigners. My preference is for the Genting-Star Cruises bid as it has the Asian cultural flavour and clientele to match its Sentosa IR project.

May the best player take the trophy.

- Derek Goh
Executive Chairman / Group CEO,
Serial System Ltd

THE planned Sentosa integrated resort presents a very exciting opportunity for Singapore as it will help our country to jump ahead in the increasingly competitive regional tourism industry. The Sentosa integrated resort should capture the essence of a top family entertainment destination, as well as a leading business convention destination, for a wide appeal to tourists in the region and worldwide.

It is difficult to say who will emerge the choice operator for the Sentosa integrated resort, but I would think that Kerzner International/CapitaLand would be a strong contender. With its renowned branding and experience as a world-class operator, they also have a strong partner in CapitaLand and also possibly an award-winning design by prize-winning architect Frank Gehry. I believe Kerzner International/CapitaLand has what it takes to build a world-class entertainment and business destination appealing to all classes of tourists from around the globe.

- Michael Lam
Managing Director, Asia South,
Compuware Corporation

A FABULOUS skyline with bright lights into the night. Lots of activities throughout the day, with a 'city which never sleeps' thematic experience at each quarter perhaps. That's what I would like to see at Sentosa. It should attract MICE businesses from all over the world and also appeal to locals as a good 'leisure getaway' for families.

All the three bidders are preparing to 'out-innovate' and 'out-create' each other. All the bidders are good contenders and they have a good chance to outbid one another. However, I think the Genting International consortium has a better mix of 'East meets West' combination with experiences and capabilities in casino-cum-theme park management, Star Cruises and resorts management, giving them the edge over the other bidders. The Genting International consortium will leverage on each other's strengths to build a truly integrated resort in Singapore to offer premier entertainment and exciting theme parks. I believe Genting already has a very broad customer base in Asia, with a proven track record in their development of new and existing markets. With these, plus promising a strong financial commitment, they might just win the bid.

- Angeline V Teo
Principal Consultant,
d'Oz International Pte Ltd

SENTOSA is very much a family location - with the other attractions already on the island being a mix of history, leisure and entertainment. The integrated resort should maintain this flavour - a mix of activities that can be enjoyed as a family, and the emphasis on 'active' rather than 'passive' pursuits would be ideal. In addition, attractions and facilities that are youth-friendly so that groups of teenagers can go there alone - for leisure activities that extend beyond hanging around a mall. Further, I do very much believe that there needs to be a decent grouping of free activities that can simply be enjoyed.

For long-term tourism and differentiation, a uniquely Singapore attraction should form a part of the proposal. Finally, it would be great to further develop Singapore's event potential with an exhibition/concert hall that can host shows such as Cirque De Soleil on an ongoing basis.

- Stephen Wong
Country Manager Singapore,
Cathay Pacific Airways Ltd

THE Sentosa integrated resort is an excellent opportunity for Singapore to not only embark on establishing a casino on the island-state for the first time - and in turn attracting greater tourist revenues - but also to provide a diverse array of activities that are family-oriented. Many of us would probably like to see a good mix of entertainment options, including a casino, a theme park, and restaurants, that cater to a wide array of visitors - whether they are the rich and famous, business travellers, or families with children. Whilst attracting foreign visitors will bring in substantial amounts of tourist revenue for the Republic, the integrated resort will also serve the local community well by offering more fun-filled choices for leisure.

If I may place a bet, I would like to put my money on Genting International, which has Universal Studios as its partner. Universal Studios, which has its expertise in theme parks, would be able to draw large crowds, in addition to attracting the ones who are keen on exploring the casino-related activities offered by the integrated resort.

- Pramod Ratwani
Vice-President - Asia Pacific and Middle East,
Aspect Software

I WOULDN'T put my money on any of the three bidders ... because I am not thebetting kind. The three contenders are experienced and world-class players in their own right. The differentiator will be how well each contender understands the Asian market and the vision of the Singapore government.

The Sentosa IR is to be a family-oriented resort. I look forward to attractions that will appeal to the entire family, from the young to the elderly. Even those who are less mobile or disabled should be able to find things that will appeal and cater to them. Wholesome activities or events where the entire family can participate together will be ideal. Indeed I hope that the Sentosa IR will be better known for its wholesome family attractions than for its gaming halls, an IR Singapore and Singaporeans can be truly proud of and can market as a wholesome tourist attraction for families.

- Tan Sek Wah
General Manager,
Green Dot Internet Services

THE Sentosa IR presents a unique opportunity for Singapore on several fronts. With the right bidder the resort will increase the time and money visitors spend in Singapore, making it less of a 'stop-over' destination and more of a target holiday destination in itself. This will create value and add another facet to the current tourism spectrum. The IR will also contribute to the MICE segment, attracting major international meetings and conventions and increasing the number of business travellers.

The challenge for the three bidders will be to strike the right balance between their target audiences: family, adult and business. This means ensuring a balanced mix of hotel and convention facilities, retail and tourism attractions. Above all, this is an opportunity for Singapore to differentiate itself from the regional gaming options, staking out its position with a world-class facility attracting top-drawer tourists and conventioneers.

And in this era of high technology, the needs of the resort go far beyond the built environment. The successful bidder will have to give full consideration to creating a world-class communications infrastructure to support the modern-day business and leisure traveller, allowing visitors to stay connected with their world while away from home or office.

- Charles Reed
CEO,
InterTouch Pte

AMONG the three bidders, I personally feel that Genting should be selected. I would also invest in Genting and Star Cruises. I have been a Gold Card Player in Star Cruises from the day they started in Singapore. Genting, as a casino and a theme park in Malaysia has been very successful. Without fail, every Chinese tourist coming to Malaysia would visit Genting. Star Cruises' Virgo is a very successful cruise for tourists and gamblers. Having run Genting and Star Cruises for years, they understand the needs and wants of Asians, and the database they have is phenomenal.

Working with Universal Studios, a very startling theme park, Genting and Star Cruises will make Sentosa very attractive and exciting. They have also invested in the UK. Many members of the UK casinos will also come to Sentosa. Star Cruises and Genting also own Norwegian Cruise Line, from which they will also attract many customers. Currently, they have marketing offices in India and China and many other Asian countries. Thus, they are way ahead of the other two bidders. Genting and Star Cruises are an obvious choice.

- Ng Kong Yeam
Group Executive Chairman,
Sino-America Tours Corporation Pte Ltd

GIVEN that Marina Sands seems more focused on the convention business, it makes sense for Sentosa's IR to lean towards leisure and entertainment. I think the bidder that can provide the most complete and unique 'family entertainment' destination should come out tops. Genting International/Star Cruises appear to have an interesting proposal with a US$1 billion-plus Universal Studios theme park as an offering. Although Kerzner/CapitaLand may possibly tie-up with Disney, a fourth Disneyland in Asia does not feel like an exciting concept.

Despite being an unaccomplished betting man, I would put my money on Genting/Star Cruises. In addition to the Universal Studios component, they are well teed-up to deliver a cruise-cum-resort offering, using Singapore as a cruise base for SEA. We've already seen a dark horse win the Marina bid, so anything could possibly happen.

- Deb Dutta
Vice-President of Asia Pacific/Japan,
Brocade

ONE of the best things about being in Singapore is undoubtedly the food. It is no secret that Singaporeans eat and drink with passion. Many visitors are drawn to Singapore by the quality and variety of food available here. It would be promising for Singapore to boost its reputation as a food lover's paradise. Just like our tourists' favourites Newton Hawker Centre and Lau Par Sat. The idea is to house all the hawker-centre variety of food and drinks under one roof in the integrated resort.

Going on holiday is usually a family affair. And our integrated resort should be the perfect holiday destination where kids and their parents can spend a fun-filled day. It should be an enjoyable trip where kids and parents would always remember.

We want it to be family-oriented and this is good news for Genting, which is a mass market player with 40 years in Asia. We want a holiday concept that allows the visitor to enjoy world-class cruising to Singapore. And onshore at Sentosa, visitors will have the opportunity to take in the sights and sounds of the local culture, cuisine and shopping. All these can be mixed and be very interesting. The experience will differ from that elsewhere, further enhancing our position of being Uniquely Singapore.

- Dora Hoan
Group CEO,
Best World International Ltd

WITH its proven track record in hospitality and gaming, I believe Genting will be able to leverage on Universal's popularity, excellent knowledge and experience in the leisure and theme park sector. Everyone loves Hollywood blockbusters. As there is no other Universal Studios theme park outside of the US and Japan, Singapore will be the best gateway for Universal Studios in the Asia Pacific.

Apart from being centrally located in the whole of Asia Pacific, no country can match its holistic offer in terms of air, rail, road and sea connectivity, political and social stability, security, speed in execution, transparency, telecommunications, cleanliness and tourist friendliness, as well as the universal languages spoken by the multi-racial community.

The challenge for Genting is the balancing of peacefulness associated with the name of Sentosa and the excitement that will be generated by Universal Studios. If selected, in order not to be just another tourist attraction hype, apart from the expected massive marketing campaigns, the new resort has to work towards generating positive word of mouth through the new visitors, past visitors of other Universal Studios theme parks, as well as visitors to other theme parks such as the Disneyland in Hong Kong.

No matter who wins, I am looking forward to the new Sentosa, which has evolved from a Malay fishing village in the 19th century into a multi-billion-dollar mega tourist and local enjoyment hub.

- Kelvin Ang
CEO,
ECI

BOTH IRs will sit on very different sites and the locations will play a big part in their design, facilities and the sorts of clientele they try and attract. The Sentosa IR will need to be more family-oriented than the Sands at Marina Bay, which is focused on the MICE market. The lush, tropical surroundings of Sentosa are better suited to more themed resort incorporating family attractions. The winning bid will need to fit into Sentosa's fun, family lifestyle and of course provide the tourism appeal, design, investment and partnerships that the government seeks.

If I were a betting man, I'd have my money on Kerzner International and CapitaLand, but it is of course a very hard race to call, especially if the investment amount becomes the clincher. But Kerzner has a proven track record of establishing and managing world-class destination resorts such as Atlantis in the Bahamas; and backed by CapitaLand's property management experience in Asia, you have a powerful consortium.

- Steve Russell
President and CEO, Asia-Pacific,
Salesforce.com

AS SINGAPORE strives to cope with a decline in birth rates and foster a more conducive family environment, I would love to see the integration of a family-themed concept within the island. Having said that, I also believe that there needs to be a balanced offering for the different target audiences that will catalyse new tourism investments.

Sentosa has always been a little 'out of the way' for most Singaporeans. But it is my hope and belief that in seven years' time, it will be as Mr Advent of Eighth Wonder says: 'The most talked about resort destination in the history of the world.'

Singapore's experience in city planning and in the management of the environment is exemplary and world-class. The development at Sentosa needs to be an experience that will engage all the senses and explore unexpected definitions of architectural use and style.

We need to create a brand that is seen as the warm-weather destination of choice for travellers to this region. The resort also has to be aligned with the government's tourism objectives, with strong appeal to international visitors and Singaporeans alike.

A secondary area of concern would be to find new ways to add value for family-based customers and to keep the resort constantly renewed and refreshed as well as at the highest end of the market.

Regardless of who wins, I envisage the integrated resort in Sentosa to be an iconic development that would further propel Singapore as a top tourist destination in Asia.

- J Anton Ravindran
Group CEO & Co-Founder,
Genovate Pte Ltd

THE integrated resorts aim at developing Singapore into a world-leading visitor destination. The enthusiastic response by the three bidders and their respectable concepts and ideas to build the Sentosa integrated resort is a vote of confidence for Singapore tourism and leisure facilities. Problems of IR projects belong not just to the people who live nearby but to the nation as a whole. They are not problems of technology and finance, but of organisation, maintenance and management. Proper management of the flow of tourists, and good maintenance are therefore important.

The integrated resort of my choice is the one with capability to bring in visitors because of its operational know-how and international network and experience, ability to run the resort as a viable and lively business concern, and with ideas and concepts that are stimulating, with some innovations.

- Tan Kok Leong
Principal,
TKL Consulting

I AM sitting on the board of advisers for the Asia Spa Institute which recently concluded a two-day executive programme course in Singapore on 'Integrated Tourism'. The course was thought-provoking and presented us with exciting ideas on how the spa, wellness, health, medical, tourism and hospitality sectors could work together hand-in-hand. For the Sentosa IR I would like to see this integration. Singapore, by virtue of our infrastructure, great medical facilities and expertise, and warm hospitality, has great potential in the medi-spa and medi-tourism market.

Each of the three contenders has its strengths and at this stage it would be very tough to predict who would be awarded the project. I wish them well and look forward to working with them in a concerted effort towards our goal of integrated tourism.

- Theresa Chew
CEO,
Expressions International

Copyright © 2005 Singapore Press Holdings Ltd. All rights reserved.

babystan03

October 16th, 2006, 12:19 PM

^ Out of the 8 CEO who stated their preferences:

7 choose Genting/Universal
1 choose Kerzner/Capitaland

ignoramus

October 16th, 2006, 12:33 PM

Everyone around me is hoping that Genting wins:
1. Everyone loves Universal Studios. Its famous, its exciting, and its our response to HK Disneyland.
2. And no one actually knows who the other bidders are. ''Eighth what? Whats CapitaLand....'' they ask.

babystan03

October 16th, 2006, 02:00 PM

16 Oct 2006
Genting Reveals Details Of Its Proposed Bid

The Genting International-Star Cruises consortium has unveiled details of its proposed 5 billion dollar bid for Sentosa Integrated Resort that includes four major attractions.

The IR named "The Resorts World at Sentosa" is expected to generate 15 billion dollars in tourism receipts from 10 million visitors by 2015.

Resorts World at Sentosa comprises three water-themed attractions and the Universal Studios theme park.

The IR will be home to the world's largest oceanarium named "Quest Marine Life Park."

The marine park will house 700 thousand aquatic animals and a huge lagoon that will allow visitors to dive with whale sharks.

Whale shark is the largest of the shark species and can grow up to 12 metres in length and weight up to 15 tons.

Another attraction is a park which features water rides which will run through Sentosa's forested areas.

The third major attraction is an interactive maritime museum that will celebrate the maritime heritage of Asia.

The museum features a theatre that will offer a 360-degree multimedia experience.

The last attraction is of course the Universal Studios theme park featuring 22 attractions.

Genting says 16 rides will be created specially for Singapore.

Lastly, Genting says it also plans to reinvest more than 200 million dollars each year to ensure the attractions in the IR remain fresh and appealing.

Copyright © 2006 MediaCorp Radio New Media Development

Charging Bull

October 16th, 2006, 04:21 PM

Ranking is out:

1st: 8th Wonder: US$3.5b
2nd: Kerzner & CapLand: US$ 3.34b
3rd: Genting : US$3.1b

Kerzner and CapitaLand bid to build 3.34-bn dollar Singapore resort
Casino operator Kerzner International and Southeast Asia's largest property group CapitaLand outlined plans to build a 5.28-billion Singapore dollar resort if they win the gaming licence for Singapore's Sentosa island.

The resort will be named "Atlantis Sentosa" to leverage on Kerzner's famous Atlantis gaming resort on Paradise island in the Bahamas, the two partners said Monday.

ADVERTISEMENT

Bahamas-based Kerzner and CapitaLand are one of three parties bidding for a gaming licence from the Singapore government to develop the Sentosa project.

"We are fully committed to the Sentosa integrated resort, and our commitment is underscored by our proposed investment of 5.28 billion dollars (3.34 billion US)," said Sol Kerzner, chairman of Kerzner International Monday.

"The Singapore government has offered an exceptional opportunity to be part of a transformation that will further build tourism in Singapore and draw family visitors from around the world," he said.

The two partners made the announcement after presenting their bid Monday to the Singapore government.

Kerzner is developer, owner and operator of Atlantis, an ocean-themed gaming resort with 2,317 rooms on Paradise Island in the Bahamas and the company is currently extending the Atlantis brand to Dubai.

The two other bidders for the Sentosa project are Malaysia's Genting International and the privately-held Las Vegas firm Eighth Wonder.

A winner is to be announced by the end of the year.

The city-state in May awarded Las Vegas Sands a licence to build a 3.2-billion US dollar casino project in the waterfront Marina Bay area.

Singapore last year ended a ban on casino gambling in a bid to spruce up its staid image and attract more tourists.

Charging Bull

October 16th, 2006, 04:46 PM

2009/2010 might be the end of road for Under Water World & 4D Magix attractions @Sentosa.

babystan03

October 16th, 2006, 05:05 PM

2009/2010 might be the end of road for Under Water World & 4D Magix attractions @Sentosa.

Perhaps they could free up the land for more major and newer attractions...:D

Charging Bull

October 16th, 2006, 05:07 PM

babystan03

October 16th, 2006, 05:08 PM

Here's a more detailed report on Genting's Bid:

16 October 2006
Genting International, Star Cruises reveal plans for Sentosa integrated resort

SINGAPORE : The Genting International and Star Cruises consortium has proposed to build four theme parks at a cost of S$5.2 billion at the integrated resort in Sentosa.

It includes a Universal Studios theme park and three water-themed attractions.

Spanning 49 hectares, the proposed resort - Resorts World at Sentosa - will feature three water theme parks.

They include the world's largest oceanarium - the Quest Marine Life Park - with 700,000 dolphins, bat rays and open ocean fish.

Jeffery Jouett, CEO, Dolphin Quest, said, "There are all kind of experiences in our park. The opportunity to be in a shark cage and dive in with hammerhead sharks and tiger sharks and to feed them from that shark cage or to snorkel along...There will be restaurants and bars completely submerged where you'll be surrounded by fish of the ocean and whale sharks as you dine, drink and have a meal."

Visitors can also enjoy "water-coasters" and rides that wind through lush greenery and forested areas, or try out the surf pool at the Equarius Water Park.

A centrepiece of the resort will be a Maritime Museum offering a multimedia experience by simulating a shipwreck.

It will be built by famous museum designers Ralph Appelbaum Associates.

Genting's proposal also includes six hotels and spa with over 1,800 rooms for both leisure and business travellers.

Those looking for more thrills can head for the Universal Studios theme park with 16 rides designed specially for the Sentosa resort.

And the fun is set to continue after sundown.

The bidder says its experience will come in handy when marketing the resort.

Lim Kok Thay, CEO, Genting Group, said, "Star cruises has been a tourism player here in Singapore for 12 years now. They will have a huge role to play in terms of helping packing the pre-cruise and post-cruise packages with Resorts World at Sentosa, primarily targeted at the base market, which is India and China."

Genting also plans to inject S$200 million every year to reinvent and refresh attractions at the proposed resort.

This will ensure the resort remains appealing and encourage repeat visitation.

The resort is expected to attract 10 million visitors and generate S$15 billion in tourism receipts by 2015.

Genting is up against contenders Eight Wonder and the Kerzner-CapitaLand consortium for the Sentosa project.

The winner will be announced by the end of the year.

Responding to the media, Genting says it could make a gaming revenue of between S$1 billion and S$2 billion a year from the resort, which will open in 2009. - CNA/ms

Copyright © 2006 MCN International Pte Ltd

babystan03

October 16th, 2006, 11:50 PM

This story was printed from TODAYonline

royal flush

$5.2-billion Resorts World unveiled

Tuesday • October 17, 2006

Tor Ching Li
chingli@mediacorp.com.sg

GENTING International-Star Cruises finally showed its hand yesterday, and revealed five world-class attractions in addition to Universal Studios Singapore for its Sentosa IR bid.

Straight after a two-hour presentation to a ministerial committee, Genting Group chairman and chief executive Lim Kok Thay — flanked by 10 other consortium members — went through the components of its $5.2-billion Resorts World at Sentosa proposal at a press conference.

"It will be a resort of resorts. That is why we're calling it Resorts World at Sentosa," said Mr Lim.

Other than a $1.6-billion Universal Studios theme park — which will feature 22 attractions and a "live" studio with soundstage and back lots for movie and television productions — the resort will boast the world's largest oceanarium, a water park with innovative rides, an experiential maritime museum, Asia's first fully-integrated wellness spa, and a world-class casino directly beneath its flagship Maxims Residences hotel.

Genting also pledged to spend an additional $200 million a year on the IR to keep it "fresh" and "cutting edge". It is estimated the resort will attract 10 million visitors by 2010, generate $15 billion in tourism receipts annually and increase how much each tourist spends on sightseeing and entertainment from 2 per cent of their holiday expenditure to more than 10 per cent.

Said Mr Lim: "It will be the tourism hotspot for unforgettable fun, enrichment and excitement, setting Singapore apart from its regional competitors."

Its partners include global pioneer in interactive marine life parks and education Dolphin Quest for the Quest Marine Life Park; Canadian-based design firm Forrec Limited for the Equarius Water Park; and the world's largest interpretive museum design firm Ralph Applebaum Associates for the Xperiential Maritime Museum.

At the 8-hectare Quest Marine Life Park, visitors can snorkel with some 200 species of aquatic animals, numbering 700,000 in total; dive with whale sharks — the largest fish in the world — or take a dip in an "extreme shark pool".

There will also be a centre for marine education and conservation which will bring marine science programmes to local classrooms and offer internships and guest lectures on marine biology. Part of the park proceeds will be dedicated to clinical research to improve understanding of South-east Asian ocean wildlife.

The Equarius Water Theme Park will employ the world's most innovative automotive technology within the natural tropical environment of Sentosa, resulting in water rides nestled under the natural canopy of Sentosa's original forest, using existing trees as support structures.

There will be a 450-metre "Water Coaster" that winds through the treetops and jungle; a "Snakes and Ladders" ride where water flows upwards; and a surf pool with a variety of wave types so that beginners and surfing experts alike can find their perfect wave on Sentosa.

At the Xperiential Maritime Museum, the Silk Route journey will come alive in a 4D-ride, where visitors board a vessel — so the story goes — that sank near Singapore 1,100 years ago. The deck will roll, pitch, rotate and eventually submerge underwater, where the "wreck" will be revealed for visitors to walk around, with treasures from ancient wrecks and trade goods from Africa and the Middle East on display in an interactive fashion.

All the activity areas will be connected to the six hotels — the six-star ESPA Villas, the designer Hotel Michael, the vibrant Hard Rock Hotel, the flagship Maxims Residences, the Festive Hotel and Equarius Hotel — via a canal that will also be filled with aquatic animals.

An attraction in itself, the ESPA Villas — which will have spa palaces and treatment rooms with decks and lagoon views, fitness pavilions and a spa cafe — will offer a wide range of total wellness programmes for physical and mental rejuvenation, lifestyle coaching and post-operative and rehabilitative facilities for recuperation from injury and surgery.

There will also be a pioneering interactive dolphin spa programme, with Dolphin Quest providing spa therapies with dolphin interaction in specially created spa lagoons.

Mr Lim believes the various attractions — developed with world leaders in their fields — are compelling enough for tourists to stay "a minimum of three days" and "even up to a week" in Sentosa alone.

"All the attractions are experiential, people get involved and time flies by because it's so interesting, it's so absorbing, it's so exciting and more importantly, you learn something. The kids are going to have a ball of a time at Resorts World, we guarantee that," said Mr Lim.

Chief Financial Officer Tan Hee Teck was also confident that Resorts World would be able to generate between $1 billion and $2 billion in revenue in the first year of operations.

However, for those making a day-trip to the resort or who want to enjoy the IR without paying any entrance fee, there will be two free attraction areas: FestiveWalk — the world's largest mall of flagship concept retail and dining options — and the Bull Ring, which will be a hive of activity and performances. Every sunset, there will also be a "Crane Ballet" where visitors can marvel at a pyrotechnics and water spectacle along the FestiveWalk waterfront.

Said Mr Lim: "I believe we have come up with something that's so superior that it's a no-brainer."

As for the investment amount, of which competitors Eighth Wonder and Kerzner-CapitaLand have outbid Genting with $5.5 billion and $5.28 billion respectively, Mr Lim said: "It's not just the size of the numbers. You have to look at what is behind those numbers. We have not added any extras to the figure and we expect to spend every last dollar of the $5.2 billion."

Copyright MediaCorp Press Ltd. All rights reserved.

babystan03

October 17th, 2006, 12:05 AM

16 October 2006
Kerzner CapitaLand puts in S$5.28b bid for Sentosa Integrated Resort

SINGAPORE : Kerzner CapitaLand has put in a S$5.28b bid for the integrated resort on Sentosa.

And the highlight of its proposal - the ability of human visitors to mingle and interact with next-generation robots in a natural environment.

Kerzner CapitaLand unveils an artist's impression of their version of the integrated resort on Sentosa.

From across the water, Atlantis Sentosa will feature glass structures that resemble sails, with F&B outlets and viewing points sitting on top of the existing jetty of the defunct ferry terminal.

"Sentosa island is beautiful already, so we try not to damage the character of it but fit a family-oriented, entertainment, and exciting place that adds to it and becomes part of it," explains principal architect and designer Frank Gehry.

The integrated resort will feature the theme of Atlantis - an underwater world - with some 150,000 marine life of 1,500 different species planned to be introduced to the property.

A new coral reef will also be created.

"Even within the coral reef, people who wish to snorkel can do so and people who wish to dive may go ahead. There are specific sections," says Sol Kerzner, chairman of Kerzner International Holdings.

But marine life will not be the only thing in abundance; robotic animals with artificial intelligence will also be found next to their living counterparts.

"People can interact with fish when they swim. But people can also interact with the underwater robots through the glass; they can watch them and interact with them through the glass," says Professor Rodney Brooks, Computer Science & Artificial Intelligence Laboratory at Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

"And in the garden, they can interact with the robotic plants. There will also be walking creatures walking around the Robotanical gardens," he adds.

Having just presented the proposal to the government on Monday, Kerzner CapitaLand says over the course of the next few days, it will release more details to the public. - CNA /ls

Copyright © 2006 MCN International Pte Ltd

Cliff

October 17th, 2006, 02:23 AM

Ooooooooo I went for a Frank Gehry Lecture/talk yesterday and he presented all is past(mostly never realized) works. He is a humble man who knows what he's doing. Though he's alittle dry by now, he is still a brilliant architect who's contributed much to the archi scene.:)

btw, just saw his Sentosa proposal on the papers, not really a fan of it, but i find it quite appealing

RafflesCity

October 17th, 2006, 02:29 AM

My opinion is that in terms of tourism appeal and likelihood of repeat visitors, the Genting proposal is the most attractive.

Architecturally, the Kerzner design stands out the most.

Eighth Wonder seems more like a extremely high-end luxury resort that doesnt cater for the mass market. Based on whats been reported so far...

Genting bets on four world-class attractions

http://business-times.asiaone.com/mnt/media/image/launched/2006-10-17/BT_4962905_16_10_2006.jpg

It hopes to attract 10m tourists by 2015, generate $15b in receipts

(SINGAPORE) Genting International and Star Cruises have laid their cards on the table, revealing an impressive hand.

The $1.6 billion Universal Studios theme park was thought to be Genting/Star Cruises' trump card, but yesterday the consortium said that it would have not one but four world-class attractions at Sentosa if it won the bid to build the integrated resort there.

The whole development would be known as Resorts World at Sentosa.

Genting/Star Cruises hopes to attract 10 million tourists there by 2015, generating $15 billion in tourism receipts, half of the target for the whole of Singapore.

It plans to do this with attractions including the world's largest oceanarium - Quest Marine Life Park.

Giving more details, CEO of oceanarium creator Dolphin Quest Jeffrey Jouett said that there could be up to 700,000 aquatic animals, including bat rays, dolphins and the world's largest collection of coral reef and open ocean fish.

The marine park will be spread out over 8 hectares, with areas where visitors can dive with whale sharks and hand-feed tiger sharks from submerged cages.

Resorts World at Sentosa will also feature the Equarius Water Park, a water theme park with water rides integrated within the natural tropical environment.

Designed by Forrec Limited of Canada, its president Gordon Dorrett, a pioneer in the business, said the water park will feature among other attractions, a 450 m water flume winding through tree tops, a surf pool that offers a variety of wave types and a water-based adventure zone.

Adding a bit of culture to the mix, there will also be a museum called the Maritime Xperiential Museum, said to be the only museum in the world dedicated to the maritime heritage of Asia, the Asian voyages of discovery and the history of global trade as revealed through marine archaeology.

One of the centrepieces of the Maritime Xperiential Museum will be its unique theatre, a 360-degree multimedia experience where visitors board an Arabia-bound vessel that sank near Singapore 1,100 years ago.

Created by museum designers Ralph Appelbaum Associates, the Maritime Xperiential Museum is described as an interactive, educational venue.

As for Universal Studios Singapore, besides 22 feature attractions, there will also be a 'live' studio, with soundstage and back lots for movie and television productions.

Universal Parks and Resorts CEO Tom Williams also suggested that rides could be tied into movies like King Kong, Jurassic Park and The Mummy. He said that when Universal opened in Japan, it attracted 11 million visitors in its first year.

Resorts World at Sentosa will also be home to the world's largest collection of 'flagship concept stores' with brands like Cartier, Nike, Zara, Massimo Dutti and Bershka. Hamleys, the hugely popular toys retailer, will have its first store outside Europe at the resort.

The main landmarks of the integrated resort will be the Hotel Michael and the Maxim's Residences hotel and casino. Genting/Star Cruises will have six hotels with a total of more than 1,800 rooms, including a Hard Rock Hotel and a six-star hotel cum spa.

Architect Michael Graves said it was important that the resort's architecture was 'accessible'.

For Genting, group chairman Lim Kok Thay said that the proposed resort would be 'well designed but not edgy'.

He said the group would be 'putting our money where our mouth is' by continually re-investing more than $200 million every year to ensure that the resort remains 'fresh, appealing and at the cutting edge of tourism innovation'.

By ARTHUR SIM

RafflesCity

October 17th, 2006, 02:32 AM

http://business-times.asiaone.com/mnt/media/image/launched/2006-10-17/BT_4962888_16_10_2006.jpg

The virtual gets real in Atlantis Sentosa

17 Oct 06

(SINGAPORE) Sentosa integrated resort (IR) partners Kerzner International and CapitaLand unveiled their $5.28 billion bid for their proposed Atlantis Sentosa yesterday - and what the partnership has in mind is a resort where the real and the virtual will be blurred to create a one-of-a-kind experience for visitors.

The partners are seeking to establish the entire resort using technology on a large scale to create an interactive marine world - one where visitors can swim side by side with fish, both real ones and robotic versions, and wander amidst a garden filled with both real and robotic plant life.

'This is not what Atlantis as Atlantis was years ago . . . This is Atlantis as we'd like it to be in the year 3000,' said Kerzner's founder and chairman Sol Kerzner, comparing the upcoming Sentosa resort to his Atlantis resort in the Bahamas.

Mr Kerzner, who was speaking at a media conference after presenting the partnership's proposal to the government earlier in the day, previously said that he expects the Sentosa IR to eventually eclipse revenue from its counterpart in the Bahamas.

Kerzner expects the IR to draw 10 million visitors in its first year of operation and thinks that the number will increase by 30 per cent in five years, Tobin Prior, Kerzner's head of international operations, told reporters.

To meet the anticipated tourist arrivals, the partnership has plans for four hotels with a total of 1,800 rooms.

'We are targeting primarily family visitors and the broader tourism market,' said Mr Prior.

The four hotels will comprise a family resort on the west side of the island (tentatively named Atlantis West), a five-star luxury hotel (Atlantis East), an all-suites product (Atlantis Suites) and a bunch of villas (Atlantis Villas).

The highlight of Kerzner-CapitaLand's offering is its distinctive glass-encased 90-m-tall main building. Changing images will be projected onto the glass facade using fibre optics, and the visuals and parts of the building itself will constantly move, said architect Frank Gehry.

'We can do something that is very special and that we won't repeat, ever again,' said Mr Gehry. His team, he said, has been working on the design for 18 months. The building will also use energy-conserving technology.

Kerzner has engaged a technology specialist team which includes Rodney Brooks, a professor from Massachusetts Institute of Technology's Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory. With his help, the resort will have attractions such as the Gardens of Robotanica, which will have both real and virtual flora.

But that is not to say that more 'traditional' attractions will be overlooked in Kerzner-CapitaLand's bid.

As much as 24 million gallons of water will be used to create a habitat for the marine wildlife brought in. In addition to a huge oceanarium, there will be a tank with a variety of shark species, something Kerzner promises will be the biggest jellyfish exhibit in the world, and the world's largest man-made coral reef, where dive aficionados can go deep-sea scuba diving.

Family-friendly entertainment rides and water slides are also on the cards.

All 343,000 sq m of the allocated resort space for the Sentosa IR will be put to use, said Kerzner.

The casino, which is expected to bring in the big dollars, will take up the maximum 15,000 sq m of space allowed for it by the authorities, Kerzner added.

By UMA SHANKARI

nicholasliha

October 17th, 2006, 04:22 AM

FRANK GEHRY!!!! YESSS!!!!! what a wonderful thing if finally the architectural world's attentions were wrestled to the shores of singapore with Gehry's coolest form yet. at 90m tall i think its taller than bilbao and walt disney philharmonic.

besides kerzner's proposal doesn't seem all that bad next to genting's, there are ride components and they ARE spending more money. Universal Studios just seems tacky now that Gehry and Kerzner are about to unveil an uber original concept architectural wonder sophisticated themepark.

patchay

October 17th, 2006, 07:39 AM

Genting's S$5 billion plan for Sentosa.

http://img215.imageshack.us/img215/1963/resortsentosamf0.jpg

babystan03

October 17th, 2006, 10:33 AM

Charging Bull

October 17th, 2006, 01:10 PM

Sea creatures, robotics major players in Kerzner CapitaLand's Atlantis Sentosa
By Yvonne Yong, Channelnewsasia.com | Posted: 17 October 2006 1637 hrs

Atlantis Sentosa Aquasphere

Kerzner CapitaLand have revealed details of their bid to build Sentosa's new integrated resort.

At a cost of S$5.28 billion, Atlantis Sentosa will be a bigger and better version of the award-winning Atlantis Bahamas resort, utilising 21st century technologies and edutainment.

The major attractions of Atlantic Sentosa are based on an oceanic theme,'It's all about the sea, and celebrating the sea - but bringing technology in to take it to a new level', says Tobin Prior, President, International Division, Kerzner International.

Aquasphere, the world's largest Aquarium at 10 million gallons, will blend the real with the surreal, containing 1000 species of coral and fish, whale sharks, the world's largest jellyfish exhibit, an 8m high fully submersed Aquadome, a 4D Theatre and Glass Sea Elevators.

Aquaventure, a water theme park the size of nine football fields, will have 14 rides in four areas such as The Crab Playground and Squid Tower Slide Complex.

The world's largest living coral reef, The Coral Lagoon, will allow not only snorkellers and divers to get up close to underwater creatures and coral, but also those who prefer to stay dry by having a 'walk-through' experience at a depth of 10m.

One of the highlights of Atlantis Sentosa will be the robotic creatures at Robotanical Gardens, a futuristic conservatory where nature meets technology.

'There'll be robotic plants that will interact with people and some robotic creatures which will interact with people and have artificial intelligence - it will just create a much more fun environment for people', says Prior.

Boasting a 3,000 seat amphitheatre, Prior says visitors will not be able to differentiate between real and artificial.

The architecture of Atlantic Sentosa is also a major draw. 'The Sails of Sentosa', glass structures standing 90 metres tall, is intended to make Singapore's skyline iconic and the resort one of the great wonders of the world.

"Our hope is that it becomes kind of an awe-inspiring adventure to go and see - we've created something that really can only exist at this location on Sentosa…and for people to come and see it they get a true connection to Sentosa Island, sea life and the Atlantis resort," says Tensho Takemori, partner from architect firm Frank O Gehry and Associates.

"I don't think anything that our firm has ever done before has looked anything like this, I think we're definitely stretching the ground for ourselves which has been a great experience, and it's very much tied with how it fits into the landscape of Sentosa."

There will be four hotels with 1800 rooms at the resort. The casino will span 15,000 square metres, the lake 2.6 hectares and there will be a marina for yachts to berth.

Kerzner CapitaLand have also called in the who's who of culinary expertise such as Gordon Ramsay (British), Nobu Matsuhisa (Japanese/International), Alan Yau (Chinese/International) and Joel Robuchon (French) - to head the fine dining experiences at Atlantis Sentosa.

Key members of the resort development team include robotics experts Walt Conti and Dr Rodney Brooks, marine life experts who set up the Georgia and Waikiki aquariums, and the Arnell Group for brand creation and marketing.

If successful, the consortium estimates an opening date of 2010 for Atlantis Sentosa, with an estimated 10 million visitors within its first year of opening. - CNA

Charging Bull

October 17th, 2006, 01:44 PM

Dinner time, this picture looks like a plate of delicious salad, make me really hungry. :eat: :laugh:

http://img301.imageshack.us/img301/8247/07ve8.jpg

http://img301.imageshack.us/img301/4953/09uo0.jpg

http://img301.imageshack.us/img301/1803/08bz9.jpg

http://img301.imageshack.us/img301/3431/06im9.jpg

http://img301.imageshack.us/img301/7480/05aq1.jpg

http://img301.imageshack.us/img301/9967/04ni4.jpg

http://img301.imageshack.us/img301/2710/03jy3.jpg

http://img301.imageshack.us/img301/7733/02au1.jpg

http://img301.imageshack.us/img301/3431/01sr4.jpg

PJCCUK

October 17th, 2006, 03:17 PM

it has to be Genting!

RafflesCity

October 17th, 2006, 03:39 PM

The design by Gehry is really out of this world :eek:

In the last pic it looks like a monster is trapped in ice :lol:

90m is quite high for Sentosa....its about as high as a 30-storey residential block

babystan03

October 17th, 2006, 04:01 PM

^ Yeah.....very futuristic......:cool:

17 October 2006
Kerzner-CapitaLand's Atlantis Sentosa to complement offerings of VivoCity

SINGAPORE : Kerzner-CapitaLand has unveiled more details of its proposed integrated resort at Sentosa.

The consortium is going big on the theme park component but small on retail and food & beverage.

That's because Kerzner-CapitaLand wants to complement the offerings of VivoCity just across from the island, to provide a different experience at the two destinations.

Most of the F&B outlets and shops of Atlantis Sentosa will be located at The Sails at Sentosa, the main attraction and arrival point.

Kerzner-CapitaLand believes complementing the offerings of VivoCity will make it more attractive to visitors.

"What we're proposing is a fully integrated resort - bringing in these thrilling rides, slides and these amazing aquatic experiences. This is the Atlantis experience," says Tobin Prior, president of International Division of Kerzner International Holdings.

"What we really trying to do, on top of that, is take what we've developed and achieved with the Atlantis brand and take it to the next level, and create an experience for the future with Atlantis. So we are layering onto that, some amazing technological innovations that'll create a much richer experience," he adds.

While Kerzner-CapitaLand is not, at this point in time, prepared to share with the public the design of its robotic community, the preliminary video footage shows that these are not your garden-variety of machines, but very advanced robots with artificial intelligence that can interact with the public.

Central to the Atlantis Sentosa architectural design is the 90-metre tall "sails", and a marine aquatic theme park that will occupy a major portion of the property.

"The combination of Sentosa in Singapore (is about) our exploration into the sea life and working with technology & visions for the 21st century and beyond.... In addition to the attractions that we have described, we believe that the resort is integrated, giving a full experience for people who come here," says Tensho Takemori, architect and partner at Gehry Partners.

Kerzner-CapitaLand says pricing for both its entertainment and hotel accommodation will be kept affordable to reflect local market conditions.

It is aiming to attract 10 million visitors in the first year with a projected 30 percent growth over five years. - CNA /ls

Singapor3

October 17th, 2006, 06:01 PM

omg, kerzner go!!

seakei

October 18th, 2006, 04:14 AM

Singapor3

October 18th, 2006, 04:22 AM

I would think, visually and conceptually, Genting's bid seems rather 'rojak', as if there are many 'chefs' in the cooking.

Kerzner's bid seems more 'integrated' on the whole.

8th wonder only show 1 picture; so I got no comments.

8th wonder didn't reveal much. And yep, Kerzner's looks more like an entertainment center while genting's one looks more like a place for hotels..

PJCCUK

October 18th, 2006, 10:08 AM

But Sentosa is 'rojak' ... beaches, sky-tower, gardens, colonial fortress, light shows, golf clubs, spas etc ....

If the aim is to complement the above, add variety too and boost numbers then you need a variety of attractions and Genting is giving that .. universal, water park ... casino etc ...

LittlePig

October 18th, 2006, 11:00 AM

I like Gehry’s design… simply out of this world. Hope people can get used to it and actually begin to like it as the days go by… remember Sands’ design of the Marina Bay IR…?

Go Kernzer go!! My vote (not that it counts) goes to Kernzer!! :o)

babystan03

October 18th, 2006, 01:28 PM

Business Times - 18 Oct 2006

Kerzner, CapitaLand take on rivals ride for ride

Water theme park will have 14 rides with capacity for up to 5,000 people

By ARTHUR SIM

(SINGAPORE) Kerzner International and CapitaLand would have attractions at Sentosa that would match those of their competitors ride for ride.

Revealing details of the partners' proposal for the Sentosa integrated resort (IR), called Atlantis Singapore, Kerzner's international division president Tobin Prior said a water theme park called Aqua-venture would have 14 rides spread over 12 acres (4.8 hectares), and a capacity of up to 5,000 people.

Atlantis Singapore would also feature the world's largest live coral lagoon - 10 metres deep and filled with 750 species of fish - in which visitors could snorkel or even dive.

There would also be Aquasphere, the 'world's largest and most technologically advanced' aquarium, with a holding capacity of 10 million gallons - bigger than rival Genting International and Star Cruises' proposed 'world's largest oceanarium' of 6.6 million gallon. 'And with more shark species,' said Mr Prior.

There would be fewer species of sea creatures at Aquasphere, but who needs real marine life when you can have robots as well?

Employing the know how of robotics company iRobot, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology's Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory and Edge Innovations, Aquasphere would also be home to the next generation of robotic animals. Walt Conti, founder of Edge Innovations, created the killer whale in the movie Free Willy.

Aquasphere would 'blend the natural world with modern motion technology', Mr Prior said.

There would be other attractions too, like the AquaLabs featuring interactive and edutainment content, and the Gardens of Robotanica with natural and robotic fauna and flora.

Not surprisingly, Mr Prior put to rest rumours concerning a tie-up with theme park giant Disney.

'Kerzner's core competency is in creating, building and managing all aspects of an integrated resort, and one of the things that we do best is in marine attractions and water rides,' he said. 'As such, Kerzner and CapitaLand would manage all attractions on Atlantis Sentosa.'

Kerzner would, of course, be operating a casino too. But it would be a low-key affair. Explaining that the casino has not been planned along the traditional lines of dominating the main areas, Mr Prior said it would be tucked underneath the Gardens of Robotanica.

'You won't have to cross the casino to get to your hotel room,' he said.

Nevertheless, he expects gaming revenue to make up 50 per cent of the IR's receipts - significantly more than the 33 per cent it commands at Kerzner's flagship Atlantis in the Bahamas.

Non-gaming revenue would come from ticket sales for attractions, supplemented by revenue from 1,800 hotel rooms and convention centre facilities.

There would be 14,000 sq metres of convention centre space with capacity for 4,000 people.

More than just a resort and theme park operator, Kerzner is also familiar with meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions (Mice) business.

'We are one of the leaders in the American and Caribbean market,' Mr Prior said.

Most of Atlantis Sentosa's clients would come from Asia. And this is reflected in the food offerings. There would, of course, be the requisite Michelin starred chefs like Joel Robuchon, Gordon Ramsay and Santi Santamaria coming. But also cooking for Kerzner would be Nobu Matsuhisa, Sanjeev Kapoor, Alan Yau and even Jumbo Seafood.

Building on its media network, Kerzner would have a dedicated studio for producing media content. 'We will activate the resort through high-profile content,' Mr Prior said. 'It will provide a dramatic backdrop for music videos, films and television shows.'

All this would need a considerable work force, and Kerzner intends to hire up to 8,000 staff in the first year.

'About 75 per cent will be local,' said Mr Prior. Within five years, staff strength would be expected to rise to 9,000. The IR would not be cheap to run.

And it would not be cheap to build either. Judging by the complex design by renowned US architect Frank Gehry, structures like The Sails - billowing planes of glass that would form the centrepiece of the resort - could account for a substantial portion of Kerzner/CapitaLand's $5.28 billion investment. Mr Gehry's Guggenheim Museum in Bilboa - a fraction of the size of Atlantis Sentosa - is said to have cost US$120 million.

On financing the investment, Mr Prior said a third would come from equity and the other two-thirds from borrowings.

Copyright © 2005 Singapore Press Holdings Ltd. All rights reserved.

Charging Bull

October 18th, 2006, 02:36 PM

Based on the selection criterial looks like Kerzner/Capitaland going to make it/ win this time:

Selection Criteria:

1. Tourism appeal, accounting for 45 percent,

Reason: Kerzner/Capitaland is aiming to attract 10 million visitors in the 2010(first year) with a projected 30 percent growth over five years or 13 milion in 2015. Thus it should score reasonable well in this category, so far none of the other two bidders are able to guarantee this kind of figure. Their 8 attractions are definitely attractive enough to pull in/appeal to this huge amount of visitors.

2. Architectural and design (25 percent),

Reason: Kerzner definitely score very high or first in this category. Just need to take a look at the pictures above.

3. Development investment (20 percent)

Reason: Second high. US$3.34b investment is just behind 8 wonder US$3.5b

4. Strength of consortium and partners (20 percent).

Reason: Kernzer is billion US dollars company in US and Capitland is the biggest property developer in SEA. Who in this planet don't know Temasek holding is Super Rich?

Charging Bull

October 18th, 2006, 03:18 PM

In short:

This reporter's comment: If you're investing for now, choose Genting
If investing for future and for a project that cannot be replicated, choose Kerzner/Capitalnd.

In other word: Genting = Microsoft Windows- XP, Kerzner = Microsft new Windows- Vista. If you're buying a new PC, make your choice.

圣淘沙IR角逐战柯兹纳：若获发展权首年将聘8000人

● 王辉雯
　　如果获得圣淘沙IR发展权，柯兹纳国际将在2010开业的第一年，就为新加坡制造出8000个直接就业机会，所雇用的员工估计超过75%会是新加坡人。它预计能在开业的五年内，把员工数目增加到超过9000个。

　　柯兹纳国际也首次透露，圣淘沙IR的赌场收益和非赌场收益估计会各占一半。

　　昨天中午，柯兹纳国际的国际部总裁托宾普赖尔（Tobin Prior）为媒体做第二轮的讲解，进一步说明“亚特兰蒂斯新加坡”（Atlantis Singapore）的细节。

　　谈到国人关心的IR就业机会，托宾解释说，五年内制造超过9000个职位，指的是柯兹纳国际直接聘用的全职员工。至于非直接聘用员工，公司虽然有这方面的预测，但他不愿透露更多详情。

　　云顶国际较早前曾透露，如果获得发展权，它会直接聘请超过一万名员工，并为新加坡经济创造出另外3万5000个就业机会。

　　柯兹纳国际前天首次揭露发展方案内容，由建筑师法兰克盖瑞打造的扬帆形状的玻璃建筑非常抢眼。原来，这是一个巨型玻璃雕塑，相等于一个装饰品，它高出海面90公尺，柯兹纳国际为它取名“圣淘沙的帆船”（The Sails at Sentosa）。在“帆形”雕塑下是主要的公众活动空间，包含了全世界最大、最高科技的水族馆和围绕这个水族馆的餐饮与零售空间。

　　柯兹纳找来9个世界著名厨师在IR里开设“名厨餐馆”，其中包括澳洲的Neil Perry和法国Joel Robuchon等。零售空间不多，只有8000平方公尺，约60间店。沿着滨海的走道和餐饮与零售空间等公众场所是不收入门费的，而另一个不收入门费的地点是真假生物相间的机器人公园（Garden of Robotanica），里头还有3000个座位的表演厅。

　　“亚特兰蒂斯新加坡”也有不可或缺的水上乐园（Aquaventure）部分，面积达4.8公顷，分成四个区，总共有14个不同的水上滑梯，其中有快有慢，有的适合爱刺激的青少年，有则专为年幼的孩童设计。有的滑梯还能滑向养着巨型鲨鱼的玻璃隧道内，给予游客不同的感官刺激。

　　托宾普赖尔也指出，互动性机器人和互动动画不是“亚特兰蒂斯新加坡”的全部卖点。IR还是会以真正的海洋生物为主，互动性机器生物只是用来加深旅客对海洋生物的印象。
圣淘沙IR角逐战柯兹纳：若获发展权首年将聘8000人

　　另外，柯兹纳国际也准备使用RFID电子识别标签科技，作为房间钥匙和赌客在赌场使用的储值卡。这种科技能让业者更便于了解顾客的各种资料。
　　“亚特兰蒂斯新加坡”如果成真，将会是世界最大的水族馆，以含水量来看，它的2400万加仑将比香港的海洋公园多出10倍以上。

新加坡，你要攻还是守？

　　世界第八奇迹的设计还未公布，看完云顶和柯兹纳两家的圣淘沙IR作品却都已经让人叹为观止。风格全然不同，一边乖巧平实又讨喜、一边挑战创意极限。

　　要怎么选，那就要看新加坡旅游业需要的是攻还是守？

　　如果要“守”，那就得挑云顶的设计。云顶国际的献议完全根据政府早前发出的发展方案征询书一一努力地去达到各项要求。有云霄飞车、有悠然嬉水的海豚、有精品酒店、有节庆表演用的大道、还有讲求生活品味的SPA别墅，好玩又实用，豪客平民都有份。　　

　　用“立竿见影”来形容云顶的方案最合适，如果新加坡采纳它的献议，我几乎可以想像能马上就吸引到哪些旅客来捧场。要实现它承诺的1000万旅客量，云顶绝对不是在开空头支票。

　　我觉得云顶的方案几近完美，面面俱到，像一个非常用功把所有的课业都温习过，每一页都能倒背如流的好孩子。好孩子本来就应该在这项考试中取得高分。

　　我的顾虑只是，云顶的产品是我们独有和原创的吗？与它同样的旅游产品能否在其他邻近城市被复制？被人工更低、地理位置更适中、土地更便宜的地点复制？十年后，它是否还能被贪新鲜的旅客拥戴？

　　如果新加坡旅游业要选择“攻”，那就得投柯兹纳团队一票。建筑师盖瑞（Frank Gehry）的帆船加鱼儿玻璃屋，还搭配上互动人工智慧机器。柯兹纳的成品，让人在现实生活中找不到适合来形容它的词汇。

“找不到形容词就对了！”柯兹纳这么说。因为世界上还没有，所以就没有办法形容。更重要的是，这个无法形容的建筑是新加坡专有，无法被复制的旅游景点。
　　多年来，新加坡一直没有很好地为本身的旅游业找到新的地位。旅客看新加坡，除了治安良好、树多、干净、食物美味、不可以嚼口香糖外，已经没有很多别的形容方式了。我不禁在想，我们的城市是不是因为四平八稳，所以变得平淡？最近大伙嚷嚷着要为狮城注入创造力，究竟要怎么实现？

　　柯兹纳想凭借他的IR，重新塑造新加坡旅游业，让世人改变对新加坡的看法，重新为新加坡这个城市寻找定位。

　　看它的玻璃屋，我猜想高科技、前卫，宽广的想像空间激发年轻新加坡无穷的创造力，大概就是柯兹纳想要塑造的定位。

　　如果我们希望新加坡之外的世界未来能用不一样的眼光重新看这个城市，那是不是就应该投资这个玻璃屋？

　　当然，我认为，这项投资的风险要比云顶来得高。因为从未在世界上成形的东西，我们没有“历史”可寻来确保这个玻璃屋一定会带来源源不断的旅客。

　　太有味道的食物，总有人爱，有人嫌。柯兹纳的玻璃屋，风险高，可回报也高。回报是，如果成功，它能够把新加坡旅游业推向另一个高峰，带入另一个时代。如果失败，我们就等于花钱买来52亿元的装饰品。

　　如果，新加坡旅游业要投资的是现在。那就选“云顶”。

　　如果，新加坡敢投资未来，那就必须陪柯兹纳和嘉德置地赌上这一把。

nicholasliha

October 19th, 2006, 05:12 AM

hmm it seems like all the designs are building over the existing ferry terminal and demolishing the merlion.

RafflesCity

October 19th, 2006, 07:44 AM

I think the merlion will stay...wont it?

Eighth Wonder to work with renowned French chef on proposed Sentosa IR

18 Oct 06

http://www.channelnewsasia.com/imagegallery/store/php2xMvlX.jpg

SINGAPORE : Las Vegas-based Eighth Wonder has announced that it will work with world renowned French chef Alain Ducasse on its proposed S$5.5 billion integrated resort on Sentosa.

Eighth Wonder says that it is planning a world-class food and beverage destination comprising some 50 outlets, with offerings ranging from street food to fine-dining.

Ducasse at Orchid Island - a man-made island within an island - will be one of the unique architectural features on Sentosa, if Eighth Wonder wins the bid for the integrated resort project.

While not providing a cost-breakdown, Eighth Wonder says this setting will offer a unique dining experience for an exclusive and select few.

Mark Advent, Chairman, Eighth Wonder, said, "Everybody loves to eat from around the world. Food and beverage in my opinion is one of the defining elements in creating a world-class destination."

The consortium says food and beverage will be a major contributor to the resort's revenue.

The resort will employ about 15,000 staff of which about 5,000 will be engaged in food and beverage.

Under the proposal, Groupe Alain Ducasse will also set up a five-star 100-room Hotel Alain Ducasse within the proposed resort - its first in Asia.

But it will not just be about being exclusive.

Mr Ducasse - who is a 14 Michelin-starred chef - will also be setting up a Alain Ducasse Cooking School to train both professionals and amateurs.

Mr Ducasse said, "My global vision is to operate restaurants, to organise and to have a right choice for each place with my (personal) attention...to have a proposal of global F&B. That's my job."

He says he hopes to train 20 local master chefs every year.

Eighth Wonder is expected to release more details of its proposal in the coming days.

By Johnson Choo, Channel NewsAsia

Cliff

October 19th, 2006, 01:51 PM

OMG.... I WANT KERZNER!!!!!!!!

babystan03

October 19th, 2006, 02:26 PM

Yes....it's beautiful......but there is stiff competition from Genting....:yes:

babystan03

October 19th, 2006, 02:40 PM

19 October 2006
Channelnewsasia.com poll reveals 52% prefer Genting as choice for Sentosa IR

SINGAPORE: Of the more than 2,500 people who wrote to Channel NewsAsia's website, 52 percent said they prefer what Genting-Star Cruises has proposed, which includes a Universal Studios theme park and the world's largest oceanarium, along with 16 rides, three water-theme parks, and hotels spread over 49 hectares.

Members of the public cited familiarity with the Genting brand as one of the reasons for their choice of the Genting-Star Cruises proposal.

About 43 percent said they prefer what the Kerzner-Capitaland consortium is planning.

The Kerzner-Capitaland joint venture called Atlantis Sentosa will be water-themed, and visitors can expect 150,000 marine animals from 1,500 different species in the underwater world of Atlantis, with the marine life living in a man-made coral reef.

It will also feature robots which visitors can interact with.

Only 4 percent of those polled said they prefer the Eighth Wonder project, which will feature a world-class food and beverage haven with about 50 outlets.

Eighth Wonder's jewel in the crown is renowned French chef Alain Ducasse, who will also open a cooking school.

The winning project will be announced in about 2 months time at the end of the year. - CNA /dt

babystan03

October 20th, 2006, 01:11 AM

Oct 20, 2006
Sentosa to get pricey makeover
Once touted as Marina Bay's less attractive sister, it is now the IR with lots of potential

ONE thing stood out when three bidders for the Sentosa integrated resort revealed their plans - the huge and uncannily similar amounts of money they were committing to land the prize.

Genting International, the analysts' favourite, unexpectedly put forth the lowest bid of $5.2 billion. It was trumped by a whisker by Kerzner International, which said it would sink in $5.28 billion. But it was upstart Eighth Wonder that stole the show with a $5.5 billion announcement.

Excluding the $605 million as payment for the land, this round of bidders are touting capital outlays starting from $4.6 billion to build their playgrounds.

Their sums outdo the $3.8 billion (which excludes $1.2 billion for land cost) Las Vegas Sands laid down for its resort at Marina Bay. That was touted the world's most expensive standalone casino resort when Sands announced its investment.

The aggressive bids surprised analysts in town - none of whom is known to have hit the bull's eye in its predictions.

Merrill Lynch gaming analyst Sean Monaghan said: 'It's much higher than we thought. We were thinking US$2.5 billion (S$4 billion) to US$2.8 billion. It just shows you the bidding interest.'

The race is clearly hot, but the more interesting question - how the money will be spent - has not been answered.

While the contenders have to submit amounts that will tally according to specifications from the Government, there are no rules on how they define numbers they feed the public. So far, journalists' requests that they break down the sums have been turned down.

Do the contenders have different interpretations of their bid amounts? Guaranteed.

So many items could be rolled into the lump sum, such as fees to their architects, consultants and engineers.

It may also include opening day expenses, artworks in the resort and intellectual property rights to borrow anything from Spiderman for a Universal Studios ride to Harry O'Brien, a creation of Eighth Wonder chairman Mark Advent.

If the amounts include interest rates accrued from borrowings to fund the resort, the parameters will change once more.

Both Genting and Kerzner will borrow two-thirds of their bid amounts, while Eighth Wonder has not said how it would pay for its bid.

It can be expected that banks would charge the bidders different interest rates, depending on their track record, cash reserves and risks rating.

Assuming a loan amount of $4 billion, one consortium being charged a percentage point higher would factor in $40 million more into its bid each year. If that difference is multiplied by three years of construction, that means that $120 million to the banks would be part of the final public figure.

With investment commitment accounting for 20 per cent of the total grading, it is no wonder those numbers given recently were among the most closely guarded secrets in the competition. After all, a margin of a few points could mean victory or defeat.

So it was a surprise when the numbers turned out so close.

Mr Jonathan Galaviz from gaming consultancy Globalysis said the trio 'would have likely been dealing with somewhat similar metrics'.

Indeed, both Kerzner and Genting have water rides and oceanariums, and the bet is that Eighth Wonder will not be very much different.

An estimate could be made on how they will use the money.

Genting has said that it will use one-third of its capital to build Universal Studios. Its water theme park and oceanarium will soak up another chunk of dough.

The price tag for Kerzner's twisted glass and steel resort by Frank Gehry - with two glass sails encasing expensive fibre optics - will be steep.

Its marine habitat and water theme park will be other big ticket items.

Eighth Wonder has shown little of its bid, but speculation is that it will splurge on a volcano theatre and a water park theme around Mr Advent's Hurricane Harry.

What the brassy figures show is that Sentosa, once consider Marina Bay's less attractive sister, is now a hot chick.

It was considered a less profitable proposition as its built-up area is 60 per cent of that of the bayfront resort.

Analysts had pointed out that its focus on tourists could also mean lower receipts compared to Marina Bay, which wants to pull in those with fat corporate accounts.

Plus, the island was seen as being less accessible than Marina Bay.

But all that is out of the window now, say analysts, as the bidders have done their sums to take into account any drawbacks.

CIMB-GK analyst Steven Tan points out that Genting, for instance, has thrown in a high-end spa to boost its yields. Genting's Resorts World will also have exclusive villas and expensive dolphin sessions.

Mr Galaviz said many in the industry got the bid value of Sentosa wrong, but contenders now see Sentosa's 'viability on a similar scale as Marina Bay'.

He added: 'One of the fastest growing and most valuable segments of Asia's tourism economy today is the leisure consumer... Obviously, these bidders feel their Sentosa IR concepts can capture a piece of that fast-growing pie.'

Whatever happens, it seems the island that was once known as Pulau Blakang Mati will get a really expensive makeover.

krist@sph.com.sg

Copyright © 2006 Singapore Press Holdings. All rights reserved.

Charging Bull

October 20th, 2006, 05:14 PM

babystan03

October 20th, 2006, 05:15 PM

Wow.....now that exciting.....:D

arthur

October 20th, 2006, 05:39 PM

Am hoping Genting wins cos of the Universal Studios. Been to Gold Coast's Theme Park and the only one that I enjoyed is Universal Studios. The rest quite boring to me.

Singapor3

October 21st, 2006, 07:07 AM

Dont see anything special in Genting's design, sort of common. But kerzer's one is never seen before and the design is, wow!

iceberk

October 21st, 2006, 01:12 PM

Long-term wise, Kerzner would be a more favorable choice because of its technological & out-of-this-world designs! In my opinion, Singapore should stand out for what it has. We don't want to replicate another Genting, or another Universal Studios which is not unique to our Singapore. Yes, having a Universal Theme Park is so attractive and this might change the leisure landscape for Singapore, but how many more years would attractions such as King-Kong and the Mummy would be popular? For instance, in Universal Studios Hollywood, we still see attractions such as Terminator 2D which is less popular because the movie is pretty old already. This is different for Disney because the characters are classic, therefore the attractions linked to the characters will always be classic too!

What I would really love to see is that Singapore builds an Atlantis Theme Park with all the technologies and creative structures implemented by Kerzner, and instead, other countries would see the feasibility of this "Park of the Future" and learn from Singapore. It is time Singapore creates and owns something that is unique and out of this world with countries "copying" Singapore, not vice versa.

Regarding Eighth Wonder, I guess their plan does not suit the Singaporean market very well because of their upscale eateries and hotels, which dilutes the family value of Sentosa. Eigth Wonder could be the dark horse in this race if they know how to deal with the government, given they had the highest amount of bid. It is not how much money that is important (even though money is important). It is what you do with the money that is most important.

redstone

October 22nd, 2006, 05:57 PM

Genting's design is more.... subtle and have this charm. Like a "child's city".

Gehry's is brilliant, but I don't like the idea of projecting images of creatures on the glass. Sounds so.... I dunno.

RafflesCity

October 23rd, 2006, 03:27 AM

Gehry's is brilliant, but I don't like the idea of projecting images of creatures on the glass. Sounds so.... I dunno.

Sounds unique and iconic to me :yes:

22 Oct 06

Gehry Gehry quite contrary

American architect Frank Gehry's provocative design compared to the other two contenders for the Sentosa integrated resort seems the hot favourite in a straw poll

ARCHITECTS here seem to be putting their money on American architect Frank Gehry's design for the Sentosa integrated resort (IR), going by an informal poll.

Of the 10 local architects and industry players LifeStyle spoke to, five voted his the best of the three proposals.

Called The Sails at Sentosa, the 90m-tall twisted steel-and-glass structure resembling sails has caused quite a stir since a picture of it was released to the media last Tuesday.

Says architect Mink Tan, 41, of Mink Tan Architects: 'The provocative building will put Sentosa and even Singapore on the world map for iconic landmarks.'

That is provided Kerzner International and its partner, home-grown developer CapitaLand, win the bid, of course.

Mr Gehry's building will be the centrepiece of the consortium's futuristic-looking Atlantis Sentosa resort that it is proposing.

The other two runners in the Sentosa IR bids are Malaysia's Genting International and Las Vegas' resort developer Eighth Wonder.

The three bidders presented their plans to a ministerial panel in Sentosa last Monday.They will go into Round 2 next month, when top-level civil servants will study their plans.

Results will be announced by year end, and the resort is expected to be ready around 2010.

Mr Tan says Mr Gehry's design is more refined than the winning bid by Las Vegas Sands for the Marina Bay IR.

In May, underdog Sands beat three other competitors to the Marina Bay prize.

Its design, by famous Canadian architect Moshe Safdie, features three 50-storey towers linked by a sky garden that overlooks three waterfront domes.

The concept, Mr Tan notes, 'looks like someone used a samurai sword to chop the ends of the sky garden off'.

Mr Safdie's design also drew controversy when it was pointed out that it bore an uncanny resemblance to The Gate District in Abu Dhabi.

The Sails is based on the lost city of Atlantis, but set in the year 3000.

Fibre optic cables within the structure will beam a constant stream of images depicting odd-looking, modified sea creatures onto the walls.

In an interview with The Straits Times last week, Mr Gehry, 77, said of his design: 'It's right out of the box.'

He was in town to give an architecture talk and to present his proposal to the media.

Indeed, the cutting-edge concept is what appeals to architecture and design professionals here.

'Seeing Mr Gehry's design makes the heart race faster,' says Dr Milton Tan, 52, director of the DesignSingapore Council at the Ministry of Information, Communications and the Arts.

He is pleased also with the fact that The Sails is a departure from the architect's trademark - buildings that are wavy and clad in metal, such as the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, Spain.

'You are not getting the typical Gehry building here,' says Dr Tan.

Forum Architects' Tan Kok Hiang, 46, says Mr Gehry's use of glass in his project makes it exciting.

'It's a challenge doing this in the tropics where the sun isn't always your best friend, especially for a project of this scale,' he says.

Dr Erwin Viray, 45, an assistant professor of architecture at the National University of Singapore (NUS), adds: 'He considered the site. The glass-and-steel structure, which also resembles a fish, is appropriate, given that Sentosa is an island attraction.'

But some architects wonder if the plans are too ambitious.

Dr Goh Chong Chia, 60, managing director of TSP Architects + Planners, worries that the building could overpower the tropical island feel of Sentosa.

'Using natural materials such as stone and wood may be a better option to blend in with its location,' he says.

And while Mr Tan Teck Kiam, 49, principal architect of KNTA Architects, likes the buzz of Mr Gehry's creation, he is putting his money on Genting International's Resorts World.

The consortium hired American architect and designer Michael Graves, whose works often favour blocks, domes, natural materials and cosy colours signed off with a whimsical touch.

The resort will feature the world's largest oceanarium, a maritime museum and a water theme park.

'The design is simpler and it will appeal to families,' he says.

Mr John Ting, 52, the immediate past president of the Singapore Institute of Architects, says Mr Graves' design is familiar and hence reassuring to visitors.

'At first glance, you can tell it is an integrated resort, which is good, as it clearly indicates what it is meant to be,' he says.

However, Mr Mink Tan says that while he admires Mr Graves' works, he is not impressed by his design this time.

'If no one had told me it was an IR design, I would have thought it was some high-end condominium project,' he says.

'It is just not iconic enough.'

While the architects declined to comment on Eighth Wonder's proposal, citing lack of details, NUS' Prof Viray, however, is upbeat about the developer's proposal.

'I'm intrigued by what it is putting forth. The design looks clean and classy.'

But that might not be enough in the architects' books.

The winning bid, they insist, should be iconic.

'But it should not be just an iconic building, rather, an iconic destination,' says Mr Ting.

He declines to pick a favourite, saying it is still too early to tell, but sums up his criterion for the winning design thus: 'The Sentosa IR should be a place that people can go to for activities, rather than a sole building as the attraction.'

By Tay Suan Chiang

Cliff

October 23rd, 2006, 02:42 PM

1. Sentosa is an independant piece of land that has little effect on the existing urban fabric, so outlandish designs would not be a problem

2. This is something new for world reknowned Gehry, and would put Singapore on the architecture map

3. We have seen how cities have been lifted by good architecture, Bilbao, Kuala Lumpur, etc

4. Genting's proposal would simply allow the comparison of Singapore with Gold Coast, of which, Singapore would be inferior

5. Genting's stuff only works on factsheets, go there for real, and the records would not be apprent, i just see a typical development that can be enjoyed by users, and not viewers from mainland Singapore.

redstone

October 23rd, 2006, 02:49 PM

What's the exact plot boundaries for the IR? Any map?

babystan03

October 24th, 2006, 02:32 AM

This story was printed from TODAYonline

Just show us the money

Tuesday • October 24, 2006

Jasmine Yin
jasmine@mediacorp.com.sg

FORGET robotic dolphins, Arctic beluga whales, massive-scale water rides or bold building designs from world-renowned architects Frank Gehry and Michael Graves.

Not even the appeal of culinary maestros such as Alain Ducasse and Nobu Matsuhisa can whip up the average Singaporean's interest in the ongoing Sentosa integrated resort (IR) bid.

"Du-what?" asked a friend. "I don't really pay attention to what is happening. I can't be bothered."

But then, without skipping a beat, her eyes lit up as she revealed her desire to get a job at one of the two upcoming IRs. Thousands are up for grabs, she noted.

Her reaction does not seem to be out of the ordinary.

Since the Marina Bay bidding war heated up this year, people around me have contemplated taking up tourism-related studies, or switching careers to gain tourism and hospitality experience before 2009, when the two IRs are due to be complete.

And many among them could not even list the four consortiums vying for Singapore's first casino resort — even as they busied to acquire the skill sets and knowledge likely needed at an IR.

As the authorities are mulling over the three proposals for Sentosa, it is a shame that most of Singapore is plodding along, uninterested in the historic decision-making process of this multi- billion-dollar development that will impact the country's economic and social fabric.

Among the few in Singapore who seem interested — maybe even excited — are the high-level panel of Ministers who are to decide on the winner, and the media, who have to report on the proceedings. (Okay, perhaps there's a third group: The public relations people hired locally to churn out positive publicity for the bidders.)

Granted, the Marina Bay IR is geared to high-rollers and business travellers, so it may not have struck a cord with many.

But the Sentosa IR, in contrast, is touted to be a mass-market, family-centric casino resort — so the odds of the average Singaporean visiting it with family and friends in tow should be higher.

"But it's not as if I have any say in this, or can SMS to vote for my favourite proposal," said another friend.

"Aren't you the least bit interested in what the three bidders — Kerzner-CapitaLand, Genting-Universal and Eighth Wonder — can offer to Singapore, though?" I asked.

"I'll leave it in the hands of the Government," came the reply. "Singaporeans only care about who wins. It's the end result that matters."

It is disturbing how something that will have many repercussions on the country in the long run has, to date, so little resonance among those who will be impacted the most: The man-on-the-street.

It is a pity, too, to think that any fresh or visionary concept these IR collaborators — who are leading personalities in the entertainment, culinary, design and tourism worlds — pitch, will fall on the deaf ears of the very people who could do with some inspiring.

A local tourism player recounted how he had to look to banks overseas to back his proposal for a new tourism attraction, after getting rejected by Singapore financiers. Only after the authorities gave his proposal the thumbs-up, did many local banks come a-knocking.

He said: "Singapore wants to be innovative, a first-mover in tourism. But those people I approached — and I did approach many — just didn't understand the new idea I was pitching to them. They couldn't think out of the box."

With regards to the general Singaporean nonchalance towards the IRs, however, there are some exceptions.

For instance, a Today reader was so taken by the Sentosa bids that he wrote in suggesting that a third IR be set up.

And a recent Channel NewsAsia online poll on who should win the Sentosa bid drew more than 2,500 participants — never mind that the 52 per cent who picked Genting-Universal cited familiarity with the Genting brand as a key reason for their choice.

By and large, however, those with any real views on the shape the IRs should take seem to be the exception.

What is probably weighing most on many people's minds, is the number of jobs that can be milked from these two cash cows. Or, as someone so eloquently put it: "Just pick the winner, build the darned thing and let me get a job there because that's where the money's going to be."

It's a carrot Kerzner, Genting and Eighth Wonder can readily whip out to dangle: They have pledged the creation of 8,000, 10,000 and 15,000 jobs respectively, if they win.

Now, if only the Government was as easy to win over as the average Singaporean.

Copyright MediaCorp Press Ltd. All rights reserved.

heirloom

October 24th, 2006, 03:56 AM

here's my review of the three proposals based on pictures from channelnewsasia.

8th wonder

W HOTEL

http://www.channelnewsasia.com/gallery/images/ir-eighthwonder/01.jpg

having a w hotel's nice, but this building hardly looks as impressive as many new condominium and hotel projects in sg (specifically the airport hotel by woha). besides, once you've got the crowds, whats stopping starwood from erecting a skyscraper w hotel with a far more inspiring design?

hotel alain ducasse

http://www.channelnewsasia.com/gallery/images/ir-eighthwonder/02.jpg

uh... ok.. looks like the podium for the singapore flyer. or a transformer station for a condominium project. pooh.

alain ducasse cooking school

http://www.channelnewsasia.com/gallery/images/ir-eighthwonder/03.jpg

wonderful, but that would attract like.. 200 affluent global foodies a year?

ducasse at orchid island

http://www.channelnewsasia.com/gallery/images/ir-eighthwonder/04.jpg
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/gallery/images/ir-eighthwonder/05.jpg

gorgeous! but what happened to the large tourist draws? from the pictures provided on CNA, it seems 8th wonder's proposal centres around alain ducasse and w hotel - more suitable draws in character and in size for something like the orchard turn development. if only we could have ducasse at orchid island in peirce or mandai reservoir....

heirloom

October 24th, 2006, 04:01 AM

genting international and star cruises

overview

http://www.channelnewsasia.com/gallery/images/ir-genting/01.jpg

aerial view of Resorts World at Sentosa, the “‘must see, must visit’ world-class integrated resort proposed by Genting International and Star Cruises consortium, destined to be Asia’s most mesmerising family resort.”

huh?

http://www.channelnewsasia.com/gallery/images/ir-genting/02.jpg

looks like genting through and through.

http://www.channelnewsasia.com/gallery/images/ir-genting/03.jpg

no, we're not hollywood no. 2

http://www.channelnewsasia.com/gallery/images/ir-genting/04.jpg

vaguely reminds me of naboo of star wars, which i like, but this is truely failed. i only knew michael graves from his stationery range, and would never have guessed his design talent would manifest itself in architecture in such an abominable form.

http://www.channelnewsasia.com/gallery/images/ir-genting/05.jpg

shoo, go to macau.

http://www.channelnewsasia.com/gallery/images/ir-genting/06.jpg

pasar malam?

genting go away!

babystan03

October 24th, 2006, 04:05 AM

^ How about Kerzner?? :D

heirloom

October 24th, 2006, 04:07 AM

kerzner-capitaland by frank gehry

http://www.channelnewsasia.com/gallery/images/ir-kerzner/01.jpg

looks like mid-autumn festival lantern. this model looks rather cheap, but impressive nontheless.

http://www.channelnewsasia.com/gallery/images/ir-kerzner/02.jpg

gorgeous! can't wait to walk beneath the skyscraping glass canopies.

aquarium
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/gallery/images/ir-kerzner/03.jpg
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/gallery/images/ir-kerzner/04.jpg

this looks far far better than the current underwater world, and perhaps a worthy contender of the kaiyukan aquarium in osaka.

http://www.channelnewsasia.com/gallery/images/ir-kerzner/05.jpg
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/gallery/images/ir-kerzner/06.jpg
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/gallery/images/ir-kerzner/07.jpg
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/gallery/images/ir-kerzner/08.jpg
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/gallery/images/ir-kerzner/09.jpg
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/gallery/images/ir-kerzner/10.jpg

awesome. now if we could only have a look at what toilets designed by frank gehry look like.....

LittlePig

October 24th, 2006, 04:38 AM

i'll place my bets on kerzner... gehry's design is simply out of this world...

as for genting... well, its only a few hours' coach ride away, isn't it? we don't need another resort world here i think...

Cliff

October 24th, 2006, 05:27 AM

oh yai suddenly remember, Genting's proposal looks like a mix between Sunway Lagoon and Palace of the Golden Horses.

redstone

October 24th, 2006, 06:01 AM

I rather not have Genting. Didn't leave good impression on me.

Mr.ASAP

October 24th, 2006, 06:56 AM

i would like the panel of judges to have actually allocated 10/15/20% of the score to public feedback. i.e voting online using I/C # or whatever, gets more Singaporean involved in the design scene of singapore considering this is such a large project and will definitely affect many of us in future

which of course means that the 3 groups will have to give us all the details :D:D:D maybe not in the operation sector of course

just some ideas....

but personally i will go for kerzner

Charging Bull

October 24th, 2006, 08:48 AM

Aerial view of "Checkpoint" World @ Sentosa. Need to bring Passport to Sentosa or not? :lol: :lol:

http://img224.imageshack.us/img224/4306/tuasep9.jpg

http://img224.imageshack.us/img224/2166/01gus3.jpg

http://img224.imageshack.us/img224/1851/02gdr6.jpg

babystan03

October 24th, 2006, 01:14 PM

^ Aiyo....:lol:

RafflesCity

October 26th, 2006, 06:37 AM

Activists against having a whale of a time

26 Oct 06

But bidders reject argument that having whales, dolphins in oceanariums is harmful

TWO bidders for Singapore's second casino resort expect visitors to have a whale of a time, but activists say keep the whales, dolphins and whale sharks out.
The animal rights groups and animal lovers have, in recent letters to The Straits Times' Forum page and in Web postings, argued that having those animals in captivity was harmful to them.

Not so, say the two bidders - Kerzner International and Genting International.

Their ambitious resort oceanariums will be the world's largest when built.

Both will feature whale sharks as one of their star attractions. But animal lovers are perturbed that the captivity of the world's largest marine mammal is a 'giant step backwards' in animal welfare.

In defence, both Kerzner and Genting point to the credentials of their marine experts - a list of veterinarians and conservationists - as well as their track records in conservation.

Genting and Kerzner, the only pair in the three-horse race to have shown their bids, made public their proposals with much fanfare last week.

The third bidder is Eighth Wonder.

Arguing against having whale sharks in captivity, Forum page writer Thomas Paulraj Thamboo said last Thursday: 'These creatures need to be in the open sea, and a body of water the size of a lagoon (even a big lagoon) would inevitably put constraints on their natural behaviour and mode of living.'

Joining forces in a letter to Forum last week were the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA), The Nature Society, and the Animal Concerns Research and Education Society (Acres).

The three groups jointly asked the Government not to approve the attractions.

In an interview, Acres president Louis Ng said on Monday: 'We can progress with the two IRs, but there is no need to do so at the expense of the animals.'

The two bidders were unfazed.

On the complaint about having to catch whale sharks in the wild, Genting's aquarium operator, Dolphin Quest, said its Sentosa exhibit would likely be pups purchased from fishermen - 'rescued' on their way to slaughterhouses.

Dolphin Quest's chief executive Jeff Jouett said: 'We've to have a wider perspective. In the wild, whale sharks are caught and eaten, sold for food. They do not have an easy life.'

Whale sharks are now in captivity in only three places: the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta, the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium, and Osaka's Ring of Fire Aquarium.

Their lifespans in captivity have not been impressive.

Asked if they were paying only lip service to conservation efforts, both bidders pointed to millions of dollars they had poured into research on sea creatures, and said they planned to do the same at Sentosa.

The groups are also against the captivity of whales and dolphins, especially the use of dolphins in aquarium shows.

But Mr Jouett said: 'Almost everything we know today about dolphins and whales has been learnt at aquariums and oceanariums.'

SPCA's executive officer Deirdre Moss questioned the need to have another aquarium.

Kerzner responded in an e-mail that polls have repeatedly shown that the public 'support, by an overwhelming margin', the educational efforts of good aquariums'.

Animal rights groups have complained before.

They wanted the Government to ban the performing pink dolphins in the Underwater World in 2003, but were unsuccessful.

Asked if they expected to make an impact this time, Mr Ng said: 'It's worth a try. If we can get them to come to a compromise, we'd have made progress.'

By Krist Boo

jacky lemon

October 26th, 2006, 07:01 AM

my bet is on kerzner-capitaland partnership.
design by frank gehry is amazing, jaw dropping, out of this world and iconic. politically - i think the government would want a GLC (capitaland) in the picture. the marina IR is already awarded to Sands (i.e. no GLC partnership).

2nd choice - Eighth Wonder.

i have a feeling that the Genting-Starcruise partnership (being m'sian) will be eliminated. even by bringing in universal into the picture... i maybe bias here, but that's how my gut feel goes.

just my 2 cents.

redstone

October 26th, 2006, 07:03 AM

I was shocked (in a bad sense) when I read they are putting WHALES and whale sharks in the oceanarium. How can they?

heirloom

October 26th, 2006, 08:38 AM

Both will feature whale sharks as one of their star attractions. But animal lovers are perturbed that the captivity of the world's largest marine mammal is a 'giant step backwards' in animal welfare.

the whale shark is not a mammal. it is a fish.

are there really going to be whales in the proposed oceanarium? that would be a world first wouldnt it? the article is quite vague on whether whales would be in it or not.

RafflesCity

October 26th, 2006, 09:06 AM

I remember some time last year or was it earlier when the idea of the IR was first mooted....the symbolic 'imagine a whale in an aquarium' idea was touted to represent IRs as a never-seen-before mega project for Singapore :D

Maybe we can have our whales.....wonder if they will serve sharks fin

LittlePig

October 26th, 2006, 11:24 AM

Orcas and Belugas are very common in oceanariums… and they attract the crowds. But I think Belugas require cooled environment since they live in the Artic region. Wouldn’t it be nice to see the ever so vocal canaries of the sea greeting us? Even Bill Gates has a whale in his aquarium in his living room!

JoSin

October 26th, 2006, 12:35 PM

Singapor3

October 26th, 2006, 12:51 PM

Hmm, I see nothing wrong with putting whales and sharks into the aquarium

heirloom

October 26th, 2006, 12:58 PM

as long as genting doesnt win...

ignoramus

October 26th, 2006, 03:33 PM

I think the kerzner project is a bit too "modern" for sentosa which actually needs more "family resorts". The kerzner project spoil the resort feel and surrounding sentosa...i dont know, i feel this competition is gonna be very exciting...

Yeah. Kerzner's design is impressive, for Marina Bay that is, and would definitely be a landmark for Singapore if it were built there. But the fact is that if its built in Sentosa, it doesn't fit in with the entire resort feel.

And we haven't heard much about its family themed attractions as yet. A theme park may be lame for a city, but thats what families go for and thats what we lack (Wild Wild Wet doesn't count).

But I won't make a final judgment until more details are known.

babystan03

October 27th, 2006, 05:34 AM

I don't mind the overpowering design of Kerzner.....we need something unique and iconic.......:yes:

kenexcel4

October 27th, 2006, 08:58 PM

Genting wants to inject $200 million into thier Resorts World annually...but ware wld they get this money den...even their propsed 5.2 bil comes mostly frm bank loans...wif these extra money...wld dat mean more loana....equate to more interests....more debts...nt forgeting that even if they break even within 5 yrs...the nxt 5, 10, 15 yrs leh...

RafflesCity

October 28th, 2006, 01:45 PM

I prefer the Kerzner proposal and am definitely won over by their design, but I hope that is not the only thing that makes it win the bid. The activities offered should not be overlooked...it seems like a tough fight between Kerzner & Genting.

Charging Bull

October 28th, 2006, 03:21 PM

Capitaland could be the key. After all, Capitaland has gone through with us thick and thin in national development after independence. Where was Genting then?

With so many IR opportunites coming up in the regions (Thailand, Japan etc), Govt will need to think big, need to have a local player that can take on all these lucrative opportunites.

The choice now is between a chance to become a Glocal IR player or become another Kampung Boy.

Kerzner/Capitaland proposal come only once in a life time and not every day.

babystan03

October 28th, 2006, 06:33 PM

28 October 2006
Decision on Sentosa IR likely in early December: Mah Bow Tan
By Channel NewsAsia's China Correspondent Tan Bee Leng

National Development Minister Mah Bow Tan says he expects a decision on the Sentosa integrated resort before Christmas.

Speaking to reporters in China, he says Singapore's two integrated resort projects at Marina Bay and Sentosa are different.

He adds: "They are different bids; I think the two projects are different in several key aspects. I think in terms of the physical specifications, they are different; in terms of the target audience, they are also different. So we can't compare like for like, but in terms of the quality of the bid, I must say that they are all very good bids.

"I think whichever one we choose, Singapore will be the better for it. I believe the decision will be likely ready somewhere around early December or so - before Christmas definitely." - CNA/ch

Charging Bull

October 30th, 2006, 02:09 PM

Sad day if our own local company has to goes Overseas for IR opportunity under the mercy of other countries. Foreign govt wouldn't be hesitate to give us he*l if they can (Shin corp, Bank Of China etc)

Going for a China gamble instead?
CapitaLand looking to other Asia options if IR bid fails

Leong Wee Keat in Chengdu
weekeat@mediacorp.com.sg

IF IT fails in the race for the Sentosa Integrated Resort (IR), CapitaLand has its sights set on making other inroads into Asia's leisure, resort and entertainment businesses.
.
The group's president and chief executive officer Liew Mun Leong said the property giant is "concurrently" looking at China, India and even Thailand as possible countries to develop businesses — such as theme parks — while it awaits the result for the Sentosa IR license.
.
"We think there is a growth area in Asia," Mr Liew told reporters on Saturday after announcing CapitaLand's acquisition of a near-30-per-cent stake in Central China Holdings Group, a leading developer in Henan.
.
"Whenever there is money, there is a market for entertainment and resorts," he said.
.
So, even if the Temasek-linked property developer loses its Sentosa bid, it will press on with its new resort and leisure arm, called CapitaLand Integrated Leisure, Entertainment and Conventions.
.
The latter was recently rumoured to be in discussions to bring a Disney theme park to Marina East, but neither party has confirmed the speculations.
.
When asked to comment on the status of these talks, Mr Liew again declined.
.
He also would not say whether he feels there is room enough for two theme park operators in Singapore.
.
Malaysia-based Genting International has proposed building a $1.6 billion Universal Studios theme park on Sentosa, if its $5.2-billion bid takes home the IR prize.
.
Although Genting is analysts' top pick, it is up against the futuristic $5.28-billion concept that CapitaLand, which has joined forces with Bahamas-based Kerzner International, has rolled out.
.
An oceanarium, robots and rides aside, the latter's trump card is its design proposal, which was done by renowned architect Frank Gehry.
.
Describing himself as being "optimistic" about landing the Sentosa prize, Mr Liew said: "I'm very happy with the presentation. I believe we have put up a very strong proposal in terms of content, planning and architecture."
.
He also noted that CapitaLand's failed bid with MGM Mirage for the earlier Marina IR site — which was nabbed by Las Vegas Sands — has helped its present partnership with Kerzner.
.
At the time, Mr Liew had remarked in a post-mortem talk after the loss of the Marina bid that there were "too many chefs" involved in the pitch to the Government.
.
"This time, we are definitely much more focused on the product development side," he said.
.
According to him, the same focus was evident during CapitaLand's two-hour presentation to the ministerial panel earlier this month.
.
He said: "The main people who did the product development side did the presentation. We did not overlap in any areas."
.
All the three bidders for the Sentosa IR project, including upstart Eighth Wonder, will present their proposals a final time to a panel of senior civil servants late next month.
.
The winner will be unveiled in early December.
CapitaLand looking to other Asia options if IR bid fails

RafflesCity

October 31st, 2006, 10:39 AM

Eighth Wonder's IR plans to feature 10-storey waterfall

31 Oct 06

SINGAPORE - A consortium led by resort builder Mark Advent said on Tuesday it would build a 10-storey waterfall as the centrepiece of its US$3.5-billion proposal to build and run Singapore's second casino resort.

Advent's privately-held Eighth Wonder and its three partners said their plans for the 49-hectare complex located on Singapore's resort island of Sentosa would include also a hotel built around a football stadium affiliated to Brazilian soccer star Pele and a spa retreat run by new-age guru Deepak Chopra.

The consortium, which includes Mississippi-based Isle of Capri Casinos, Australian tycoon James Packer's Publishing and Broadcasting and Macau's Melco International Development, has submitted the most expensive among three bids submitted for the project. The group is up against a US$3.1 billion bid by Malaysia's Genting Bhd and a US$3.3 billion proposal submitted by Bahamas-based Kerzner International and Singapore developer CapitaLand.

Advent said the resort, which will have 10 hotels offering more than 2,100 rooms, would be called 'Harry's Island' after a fictitious adventurer he created nicknamed 'Hurricane Harry'.

'He is a combination of James Bond and Indiana Jones, with a little bit of Hemingway thrown in for good measure,' Advent told reporters at a briefing.

The complex should generate $5.6 billion in visitor spending by 2015, allowing the consortium to break even five years after its scheduled opening in 2010, he said. -- REUTERS

babystan03

October 31st, 2006, 11:40 AM

31 Oct 2006
Eighth Wonder Gives More Details On Its Proposal
Resort, to be called Harry's Island

By Ahfisah Rahman

Las Vegas casino developer, Eighth Wonder, says its proposal for its Sentosa IR bid will create 15 thousand jobs.

Chairman of Eighth Wonder, Mark Advent says the resort, to be called Harry's Island, aims to welcome 15 million tourists by 2014.

In its most detailed announcement to date, Eighth Wonder says a third of the 15 thousand jobs would be in F&B.

Harry's Island's 15 million visitors is projected to generate 5.6 billion dollars in visitor spending by 2015.

The 5.5 billion dollar resort would have 10 hotels with over two thousand rooms and 35 rides and attractions, created by Robert Ward, a co-founder of Universal Studios.

In the centre of Harry's Island sits an artificial dormant volcano, which promises free nightly shows for up to 7,500 people.

And Eighth Wonder Chairman Mark Avent is roping in big names to sweeten his bid.

World renowned wedding designer Vera Wang will open her first ever Hotel and wedding pavillions.

Soccer legend Pele will oversee a soccer stadium and a football academy.

Spiritual guru Deepak Chopra will run a spa and wellness center.

An oceanarium will be headed by Philippe Cousteau, the grandson of the late French undersea explorer Jacques Cousteau.

French celebrity chef Alain Ducasse will open a hotel and cooking school as well as help run as many as 50 F&B outlets .

The public would have free access to the island and its theme park and rides.

Eighth Wonder Mr Advent says Harry's Island is not a blueprint for a project that the company intends to build anywhere else in the world.

He says there would be only one "Harry's Island" which would belong only to Singapore .

"This is a total tourist must see. It's also a local place that they can call their own . There's a pride too as well . It's very important to us as we undertood the character and make up of Singapore to give them somthing that was truly their own."

Two other consortiums are also bidding for the Sentosa IR.

The government will announce the winning bid by year end.

Copyright © 2006 MediaCorp Radio New Media Development

Charging Bull

October 31st, 2006, 02:22 PM

New "Wonderful" pictures from 8th Wonder bid. must view:

http://www.channelnewsasia.com/gallery/irsentosa-eighthwonder.htm

babystan03

October 31st, 2006, 03:03 PM

Deisgn wise seems better than Genting.....not sure about the features though.....:yes:

arthur

October 31st, 2006, 03:28 PM

more resort feel in this 8th wonder design.

ignoramus

October 31st, 2006, 03:33 PM

I like this...
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/gallery/images/ir-eighthwonder/21.jpg

http://www.channelnewsasia.com/gallery/images/ir-eighthwonder/26.jpg

Mr.ASAP

October 31st, 2006, 03:33 PM

babystan03

October 31st, 2006, 03:34 PM

yes i would rather go for 8th wonder then genting now that 8th has revealed much much more about their proposal....it certtainly looks more interesting now... ''more fun'' and appealing to almost every party interests :) but they sure have got plenty of food outlets.....more like a place to escape and just eat :lol:

kernzer or 8th wonder? :nuts:

I prefer crush tissues.....:lol:

nicholasliha

October 31st, 2006, 03:48 PM

the renderings are awesome, but they remain what they are - simulations presuming eternal sunsets and picture perfect waters. it could be really tacky in real life though. and the theme is too fictitous and irrelevant to our context.

ignoramus

October 31st, 2006, 03:57 PM

Mr.ASAP

October 31st, 2006, 04:08 PM

@nicholasliha

i do agree that it seems really like a wonder land. but what i like about it is the huge variety of attractions and hotels it possesses. e.g stadium for the sportsman, the large waterfall mountain for fantasy dreamers, the large aquarium for the marine lover, terracing aircraft carrier like hotel for those who wants to have a preaceful holiday etc etc

i will go for 8th wonder over genting now... as for crushed tissues, i hope they reveal more about their proposal :)

I prefer crush tissues.....:lol:

and when it rains it becomes soaked tissues? :lol: :lol: :lol:

Singapor3

October 31st, 2006, 04:16 PM

wow, 8th Wonder looks GREAT. Omg! Totally out of the world!!!

LittlePig

October 31st, 2006, 04:33 PM

I prefer crush tissues too...

Singapor3

October 31st, 2006, 04:46 PM

heh, genting's out now, lousy design.

kenexcel4

October 31st, 2006, 05:24 PM

8th wonder for sure.....better change my signature.....imagine a ftball academy...dat wonderful stadium....the bayan cube like hotels....and the 'jurassic-park' look alike arena....this is wad we really need.....plus a propsed US$3.5 Bil...wad more can u ask? :banana: :banana:

rark

October 31st, 2006, 05:56 PM

Whoa...
kerzner and 8th wonder
whoaaa
genting must not win

kenexcel4

October 31st, 2006, 06:34 PM

RafflesCity

November 1st, 2006, 01:39 AM

Eight Wonder's proposal looks really cool although the themes seem rather scattered :)

http://www.channelnewsasia.com/gallery/images/ir-eighthwonder/17.jpg

This rendering looks amazing :eek:

szehoong

November 3rd, 2006, 05:55 PM

OMG! Yea......I personally prefer 8th Wonder's concept. However I think that Gehry's tissue papers might give Singapore that icon it wanted badly. I also won't choose Genting hehehe :D

WhiteShadows

November 4th, 2006, 01:55 PM

Eight Wonder's proposal looks really cool although the themes seem rather scattered :)

http://www.channelnewsasia.com/gallery/images/ir-eighthwonder/17.jpg

This rendering looks amazing :eek:

Looks good. Something new.

Charging Bull

November 7th, 2006, 02:53 PM

I was thinking that perhaps its time to revive and revamp Tang Dynasty wif our hi-tech knowledge...wif Dragon rides aka rollercoaster, pagoda hotel cum nightclub. The poor fellow invested millions juz to leave it dere to rot...i think it can rise to its prime days again. It can be a cultural cum theme park..perhaps nt for the chinese but for the rest of asia and the INDIANS. WE DO NOT NEED A UNIVERSAL STUDIOS!!!

Singapore Leisure Industries - a subsidary of JTC is the current owner of Tang dynasty. Ever proposed twice to JTC to convert Tang dynasty into a Chinese Cultural centre or a maritime museum to display Sentosa's Tang Dynasty treasure, but received no reply from them, so don't waste time on them anymore. Guess Tang Dynasty will never see the light of the day again.

babystan03

November 10th, 2006, 04:13 AM

This story was printed from TODAYonline

Chopra ace for Eighth Wonder

Guru plans huge wellness centre at IR here

Friday • November 10, 2006

Val Chua
val@mediacorp.com.sg

FANS of Deepak Chopra may not need to travel all the way to Los Angeles or New York to indulge in spa retreats or attend his spiritual lectures.

In future, they may be able to do all that here, on Harry's Island — if Eighth Wonder wins the Sentosa integrated resort bid.

The wellness guru, who is a personal friend of Eighth Wonder's chairman Mark Advent, said Singapore's Chopra Centre would be larger than his flagship Los Angeles set-up, where visitors pay up to US$3,000 ($4,690) for a week's retreat. Speaking to the media yesterday at a teleconference, Dr Chopra said he may even make Singapore his global headquarters, hosting seminars out of here.

If built, the centre — which would be the first in Asia — would employ 200 professionals, comprising physicians, counsellors, nutritionists and yoga instructors, all of whom must first undergo two years of in-house training.

Initially, staff would be sourced from overseas, although Dr Chopra said locals would be trained concurrently.

"I have sought for a long time to find a venue for my centre in Asia and I'm thrilled to say I have found that in Harry's Island," said the author of 49 books.

The hub would include a wellness centre, a spa and a residential retreat spread over two buildings.

The spa building, covering 1,324 square metres of space, would incorporate wellness, yoga and meditation rooms, while the 2,220-sq-m retreat building would house 50 luxurious suites. It would also have an organic-themed restaurant by top chef Alain Ducasse.

The menu of programmes includes not just feel-good spa treatments, but exercise regimes, meditation and yoga, as well as counselling for those with emotional and relationship issues.

Dr Chopra is the latest in the string of celebrity names that dot Eighth Wonder's proposal. Others previously revealed include designer Vera Wang and football great Pele.

The final countdown before the winner of the bid is announced begins later this month when the three bidders — including Kerzner-CapitaLand and Genting International — make their final presentations to the Government. The decision will be made early next month.

Copyright MediaCorp Press Ltd. All rights reserved.

redstone

November 10th, 2006, 09:23 AM

The volcano thingy is soooo cheesy!

builder1010

November 11th, 2006, 05:25 AM

at least i think,

all 3 are all good bids...

babystan03

November 15th, 2006, 11:50 AM

Eighth Wonder unveils design details of its Sentosa IR bid
By Ng Shing Yi, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 15 November 2006 1737 hrs

SINGAPORE: American architect Peter Marino's unusual design concept – a casino with a facade that looks like a deck of flying cards – is the latest ingredient Eighth Wonder has added to its bid for the Sentosa integrated resort.

The Las Vegas firm says the casino and hotel will be iconic in the use of innovative materials, high-tech fittings and the inclusion of contemporary art.

Eighth Wonder is hoping that Mr Marino's ultra-modern, minimalist design will tip the scales in its favour in the race to build the integrated resort in Sentosa.

Some of Mr Marino's well-known projects include a 10-storey Chanel Tower in Tokyo and flagship stores for other luxury brands like Fendi and Louis Vuitton.

His firm will design the Crown Casino, Crown Towers Hotel and the Banyan Tree resort in the premium part of Eighth Wonder's conceptual 'Harry's Island'.

In a video conference today, Mr Marino said the project would be the largest undertaken by his firm: "The whole concept was born as the idea of a deck of cards hurled in the winds. Probably the same set of winds that hurled Harry to the island. Each of the rectangles is based on the size and shape of a card in a deck of cards."

The facade of the resort would be covered by small panels of aluminium that move in the wind and appear swept by its environment.

Eighth Wonder CEO Mark Advent believes that the design will add weight to its bid.

Mr Advent said: "Our bid is world-class. It's creative, it's original, and it has never been seen before or done before. We're innovators of fresh ideas, not recyclers of old ideas that are just sort of spruced up for this initiative. I believe our bid is strong. It will draw tourism to Singapore. It will achieve 15 million people annually, first year and beyond. It's going to become a world-renowned icon."

Eighth Wonder will be making a technical presentation on 27th November and its final presentation on 29th November to a government panel.

It is planning to invest $5.5 billion dollars in the project, which is the biggest commitment so far among the three contenders.

The winner is expected to be announced early next month. - CNA/so

babystan03

November 16th, 2006, 12:27 AM

This story was printed from TODAYonline

BATTLE ROYALE

Barbs on design light up Sentosa IR tussle

Thursday • November 16, 2006

Jasmine Yin
jasmine@mediacorp.com.sg

AFTER the gentler jousts for the Marina Bay integrated resort, the struggle for Sentosa is turning out to be a more edgy affair.

The gloves came off yesterday morning when Eighth Wonder dropped a broad hint that its rival had submitted a design that was not so original. As the day wore on, it emerged that Eighth Wonder's own concept for the Sentosa IR echoed a proposal it had made for a Las Vegas project — 10 years back.

It was Mr Peter Marino, Eighth Wonder's architect, who threw the first jab in the battle for the originality stakes.

"I saw Frank Gehry's design and like all his works, it's very sculptural and interesting," said Mr Marino, about the offering by rival Kerzner Capitaland's famed architect. Then, he added: "I recently saw a proposal that he made for (the Jardin d'Acclimatation) museum in Paris which looks remarkably similar."

Both designs involve a heavy use of glass as a medium, a departure from Mr Gehry's usual metal-clad structures.

But Today understands that Eighth Wonder's fictional character — Harry O'Brien — that's the centrepiece of its proposed Harry's Island bid, is not too original either.

Although its chairman Mark Advent — who dreamt up the character some 12 years ago — had said Harry's Island "will belong only to Singapore", it appears that Sentosa wasn't the first place that "Hurricane" Harry aimed to conquer.

According to a Las Vegas Business Press report published in July 1996, Mr Advent had planned to build a US$20-million ($31.2-million) Hurricane Harry's Casino and Adventure Emporium on Las Vegas' Sunset Road.

The paperwork had been completed and necessary clearances, including the gaming licence, already acquired.

Spanning six acres, the project was to include four restaurants, a 9,000-sq-ft casino, microbrewery, travel agency and an adventure emporium with a three- storey-tall climbing wall.

But the plan failed to materialise and resurfaced a decade later in Singapore.

Asked about this, Mr Advent refuted claims of recycling a failed idea. He said he decided to pull the plug on the casino-restaurant project, as he wanted to create an even bigger property around the Harry O'Brien character, which he had already secured a trademark for.

And in the first place, he went ahead with the Vegas project because "in the United States, you can't just secure a trademark without using it". "The rule is 'use it or lose it'," Mr Advent said.

He added that he "knew instinctively that Sentosa was the home for Harry" when the site was first announced in 2004.

Asked why did not make any mention of the defunct proposal in Las Vegas, he said it was because "it was not material". He added: "I've always said it was a 12-year-old idea."

In another corner, reacting to the put-down by its rival, Kerzner's development director (Singapore) Ian Douglas said Mr Gehry's concept for Atlantis Sentosa is "unprecedented and unique".

He added: "Every renowned artist, designer or architect has a signature style and Gehry's distinctive and unique projects are iconic and have been proven to attract visitors and enhance tourism."

Beyond the trading of barbs, another question has risen: Just how important is the originality of the project in securing Singapore's second casino licence?

After all, as some experts noted, the Government has never said the idea must be completely new.

Referring to Eighth Wonder's bid, Merrill Lynch gaming analyst Sean Monaghan said: "Just because his idea is more than 10 years old isn't a major issue. The real issue is whether it has the ability to build it on time and on budget and, upon opening, can generate the returns to tourism that the Government wants."

The bidders — which also include heavyweight Genting International, which has partnered Universal Studios — will be judged most heavily on tourism appeal and contribution (45 per cent). This is followed by architectural design (25 per cent), development investment (20 per cent) and partners (10 per cent).

Other industry veterans, such as Mr Robert Khoo, CEO of the National Association of Travel Agents Singapore, argued that "some form of duplication is inevitable. What matters to the lay traveller is if they have fun and are entertained".

But other tourism analysts point out that originality is "critical" in an increasingly globalised world, especially among well-travelled tourists.

Although huge draws in themselves, themed attractions like Disney and Universal Studios, for instance, tend to lack local flavour and are cookie-cut, said an analyst.

"The Government keeps using the word 'iconic', doesn't it? It wants something distinctive and unique that can't be duplicated," said an academic at a local university, who declined to be named. "With globalisation, places begin to look alike and ways of life, too, become similar. What drives much of leisure tourism is a search for difference."

The bidders will have to undergo two more rounds of presentations to the authorities at the end of this month and a winner will be picked early next month.

Copyright MediaCorp Press Ltd. All rights reserved.

arthur

November 16th, 2006, 03:17 AM

harry's island...hmmm........ why harry? is it because one of our big shot is named harry?

babystan03

November 16th, 2006, 11:30 AM

Business Times - 16 Nov 2006

Eighth Wonder says its Sentosa IR design is unique

By ARTHUR SIM

EIGHTH Wonder architect Peter Marino believes his design for the proposed Sentosa resort called Harry's Island is 'unique', unlike some of the rival proposals.

'At least one scheme which I have seen, I wouldn't go to visit because I've already seen it in California,' he told Singapore reporters yesterday by video link from New York.

Mr Marino - best known for designing flagship stores for fashion brands Louis Vuitton and Chanel - said Harry's Island would be an 'international attraction', not just a 'local one'.

Design and tourism are strongly connected, according to him. For instance, a new store he created for Louis Vuitton in Paris attracted a million visitors in its first nine months and is ranked the city's seventh most popular tourist destination.

Up to a third of Mr Marino's commissions are from fashion houses. But for Harry's Island, his brief is to design Crown Casino, Crown Towers Hotel and Banyan Tree resort. He sees the Crown Towers Hotel, which appears to have panels detached from the facade, as a flying deck of cards.

'The luxury hotel will be done in the way that I do luxury boutiques,' he said.

Mr Marino also has the distinction of having designed the world's most expensive hotel suite - at the Four Seasons Hotel in New York, costing US$5,000 a night.

Hinting at rates for villas at the Sentosa Banyan Tree resort, he said: 'Let's see if we can top the Four Seasons rates.'

On the casino, Mr Marino said the VIP section, which would make up about a third of the 15,000 sq m casino, could be expected to be built with a 'higher budget'.

At yesterday's media briefing, Mr Marino was backing up Eighth Wonder's chairman Mark Advent, who was in Singapore in person to release new artists' impressions.

Mr Advent stressed that Eighth Wonder's casino would be above ground, unlike those proposed by rivals. 'I would be interested to know what a feng shui specialist would think of that,' he said.

He also said Eighth Wonder's team is due to make two more presentations to the integrated resort assessment panel, on Nov 27 and 29.

Is he confident of winning? 'Many thought Las Vegas Sands did not stand a chance,' he said. 'But lo and behold, who won?'

Copyright © 2005 Singapore Press Holdings Ltd. All rights reserved.

Charging Bull

November 16th, 2006, 03:32 PM

Frank Ghery is already 77 years old, should get the last few pieces of his works before it's too late.

http://img150.imageshack.us/img150/3820/gheryhh5.jpg

Also the stock price of Capitaland has reached historical high today ($6.05), good news.

redstone

November 17th, 2006, 02:54 PM

IM Pei is 89, I think Shuzhou Museum might be one of his last works, happy that he had 3 projects here. :yes:

Is this going to be Gehry's biggest project?

SmallInvestor

November 17th, 2006, 09:34 PM

I like the concept 8th Wonder has presented and I can imagine myself enjoying a drink or 2 at Harry's island. Hahah.

Charging Bull

November 20th, 2006, 02:53 PM

http://img152.imageshack.us/img152/8932/coralzu1.jpg

Kerzner plans 'mind-blowing entertainment' for Sentosa IR

SINGAPORE - Kerzner International will offer 'mind-blowing entertainment' if it wins the bid for Singapore's second integrated resort (IR), the Bahamas-based casino operator said on Monday.

Kerzner, bidding jointly with Singapore developer CapitaLand, made the promise following announcements it had signed exclusive partnerships with entertainment giants Discovery Channel, Nickelodeon and MTV: Music Television.

'We took a look at the region's educational aspirations and the general environment to ensure that we developed a product that is relevant for Asia,' said Tobin Prior, president of Kerzner's international division.

'By starting with mind-blowing entertainment in the form of marine life and music, television and feature film programming, and adding digital technology, science and multimedia, we are embracing all these key areas that Singapore is investing in for the future,' he said.

The city-state has allocated hundreds of millions of US dollars to boost research in biomedical sciences, water treatment and digital media as part of an effort to develop new growth engines for the economy.

Kerzner has said its project would also feature 1,800 hotel rooms, the world's biggest man-made coral reef, habitats for live fish and robotic sea creatures, and a garden with mechanical animals and plants.

Singapore is expected to announce the winning bid for the casino project on Sentosa island in early December.

The other two bidders for the project are US-based Eighth Wonder and the Genting International-Star Cruises team which is part of Malaysian casino operator Genting Group.

Eighth Wonder is undertaking its bid with Australia's Publishing and Broadcasting Ltd and Hong Kong's Melco International Development Ltd, and Isle of Capri Casinos Inc.

All three contenders have vowed to spend more than US$3 billion on the project if they win.

In May, Singapore awarded its first casino licence to Las Vegas Sands, which also has operations in Macau.

Sands says it will invest more than US$5 billion (US$3.2 billion) in the downtown Marina Bay project to open in 2009. -- AFP

Charging Bull

November 20th, 2006, 02:59 PM

Kerzner ties with Discovery, Nickelodeon and MTV in bid for IR
By Priyia Paramajothi, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 20 November 2006 2024 hrs

Photos 1 of 2

Atlantis Sentosa Aqua Dome - Kerzner CapitaLand

SINGAPORE: Kerzner-CapitaLand has unveiled its trump card in the bid to build Singapore's second integrated resort.

The consortium has signed exclusive deals aimed at delivering a total family experience for visitors of all ages at its proposed Atlantis Sentosa.

Its new partners include Discovery Channel, Nickelodeon, MTV and Johnson's.

Kerzner-CapitaLand is banking on a fully integrated family concept to secure its bid for the Sentosa integrated resort.

And it has roped in some of the biggest global players in children, youth programming and family entertainment.

Tobin Prior, President of Kerzner International Holdings, says: "MTV is the leading music network in Asia and we believe Nickelodeon is the leading youth TV network in Asia. And we believe that they give us very important content to leverage off and very important exposure into those markets."

Both MTV and Nickelodeon will establish state-of-the-art interactive television studios within the resort where young visitors can interact with their favourite Nick characters and celebrities during 'live' programming.

Discovery, on the other hand, will run a kids' camp on marine life - for children aged 3 to 12, while baby-care specialist Johnson's will provide baby travel kits and professional baby-sitting services for visitors to the resort.

Kernzer is also planning to build a hi-tech aquarium on Sentosa.

On Monday, it revealed that the aquarium will include Aqua Labs where visitors can enjoy imaginatively curated collections and futuristic technologies.

There will also be a 300-seat 4D theatre within the aquarium and an Atlantis Lab where students can participate in hands-on experiments.

On the retail end, Kerzner highlighted a chocolate and candy factory and an ice-cream station, targeted at young spenders.

"I think the distinction between us and the others is what we can develop in an integrated fashion that's going to appeal to families both from a facility point of view and, very importantly, from a programming and operating point of view," Mr Prior says.

Kerzner says it is devoting an unusually high percentage of its rooms to families – about 56 percent in all.

But the company says there will still be plenty to attract the singles and high-rollers, especially in Food and Beverage as well as retail outlets.

The winning bid for the Sentosa project is expected to be announced in early December. - CNA/so

RafflesCity

November 20th, 2006, 03:53 PM

Glad to hear they are bringing in more 'brand names' to better their chances against the competition...up till now I've found their proposal to be seemingly lacking in something, despite the iconic architecture

babystan03

November 20th, 2006, 04:11 PM

RafflesCity

November 20th, 2006, 04:19 PM

looks like Disney was not mentioned...so the rumour about Capitaland & Disney might have been something else....but I like the medley of names thrown in....would be a more sizeable counter to Genting

babystan03

November 20th, 2006, 04:23 PM

looks like Disney was not mentioned...so the rumour about Capitaland & Disney might have been something else....but I like the medley of names thrown in....would be a more sizeable counter to Genting

Haha...perhaps they are really coming up with something mind blowing?? :lol:

Business Times - 20 Nov 2006

Kerzner plans 'mind-blowing entertainment' if it wins S'pore IR project

SINGAPORE - Kerzner International will offer 'mind-blowing entertainment' if it wins the bid for Singapore's second integrated resort (IR), the Bahamas-based casino operator said on Monday.

Kerzner, bidding jointly with Singapore developer CapitaLand, made the promise following announcements it had signed exclusive partnerships with entertainment giants Discovery Channel, Nickelodeon and MTV: Music Television.

'We took a look at the region's educational aspirations and the general environment to ensure that we developed a product that is relevant for Asia,' said Tobin Prior, president of Kerzner's international division.

'By starting with mind-blowing entertainment in the form of marine life and music, television and feature film programming, and adding digital technology, science and multimedia, we are embracing all these key areas that Singapore is investing in for the future,' he said.

The city-state has allocated hundreds of millions of US dollars to boost research in biomedical sciences, water treatment and digital media as part of an effort to develop new growth engines for the economy.

Kerzner has said its project would also feature 1,800 hotel rooms, the world's biggest man-made coral reef, habitats for live fish and robotic sea creatures, and a garden with mechanical animals and plants.

Singapore is expected to announce the winning bid for the casino project on Sentosa island in early December.

The other two bidders for the project are US-based Eighth Wonder and the Genting International-Star Cruises team which is part of Malaysian casino operator Genting Group.

Eighth Wonder is undertaking its bid with Australia's Publishing and Broadcasting Ltd and Hong Kong's Melco International Development Ltd, and Isle of Capri Casinos Inc.

All three contenders have vowed to spend more than US$3 billion on the project if they win.

In May, Singapore awarded its first casino licence to Las Vegas Sands, which also has operations in Macau.

Sands says it will invest more than US$5 billion (US$3.2 billion) in the downtown Marina Bay project to open in 2009. -- AFP

Copyright © 2005 Singapore Press Holdings Ltd. All rights reserved.

babystan03

November 21st, 2006, 03:14 AM

Nov 21, 2006
Kerzner woos families with four top brand names

By Marcel Lee Pereira

EDUCATIONAL attractions, a TV studio and professional babysitters - the Kerzner-CapitaLand consortium will go all out to woo families should it win the bid for Singapore's second integrated resort (IR) on Sentosa.

A favourite in the three-horse race, Kerzner yesterday revealed more details of its plan, roping in four popular brands to offer something for the entire family.

Discovery Channel: It will entertain children with a camp featuring a science and nature lab.

MTV: It will design and build a facility for live shows and broadcast visitors' video requests at the resort. It will also, together with the Nickelodeon channel, set up a two-storey studio at the resort.

Nickelodeon: It will offer children a chance to be on TV with some of their favourite characters, such as SpongeBob SquarePants.

Johnson's: The baby-care brand will put together a trained team of babysitters.

Kerzner's $5.28 billion Atlantis Singapore will be a 'fully integrated' resort, said the company's international division president, Mr Tobin Prior, in a telephone conference call yesterday.

'We don't come with one hotel concept and bolt on a food and beverage concept and a separate attraction concept,' he said.

'We start with the principle that we want to develop an IR that appeals to families.'

More than half the resort's 1,800 hotel rooms will be family-size, said Kerzner. It will also offer other learning opportunities for children, including five 'AquaLabs' where visitors can view, among other things, futuristic mechanical fish.

Teens-only Club Rush - with entry barred for adults - will have Internet video games, movies and dancing. There will be lots for adults, too - including special gaming rooms and suites for high rollers, said Mr Prior. That is over and beyond the more than 60 stores which will complement the neighbouring VivoCity mall.

Mr Prior, saying that 'substantial sums' will be reinvested to keep the resort's offerings fresh, added that he is convinced that high-profile events will make their way there.

Not to be left behind, rival bidder Eighth Wonder has set up a website ( www.harrysisland.com.sg ) to showcase its $5.5 billion Harry's Island proposal.The other contestant in the race is the Genting International-Star Cruises consortium, which has put in a $5.2 billion bid.

Visit Straits Times Interactive's Sentosa IR Web special at www.straitstimes.com.sg

Copyright © 2006 Singapore Press Holdings. All rights reserved.

babystan03

November 21st, 2006, 08:41 AM

21 Nov 2006
Kerzner CapitaLand Unveils Its F&B Strategy

Kerzner CapitaLand Integrated Resorts says it will spend more than two billion dollars over ten years for maintenance to ensure that its proposed Atlantis Sentosa integrated resort will retain its appeal to visitors.

Executive Director of Development for Kerzner International, Ian Douglas, says the capital expenditure will be above the initial development cost of the IR.

In addition, Kerzner CapitaLand also revealed it aims to establish at least 34 food and beverage outlets to boost its bid for the IR.

The consortium says the F&B outlets at the proposed Atlantis Sentosa resort will be positioned as a new gourmet food destination and occupy 21 thousand square metres of gross floor area.

The gastronomical fanfare features international cuisines ranging from high-end established restaurants to casual eateries like the foodcourt.

Kerzner CapitaLand has secured the exclusive services of ten celebrity chefs including Joel Robuchon, Gordon Ramsay, Santi Santamaria and Sanjeev Kapoor.

The consortium is up against Genting International-Star Cruises and the Eighth Wonder-led team for the Sentosa IR.

The winning bidder for the IR, which is expected to cost more than five billion dollars, will be unveiled in early December.

Copyright © 2006 MediaCorp Radio New Media Development

babystan03

November 22nd, 2006, 02:35 AM

Nov 22, 2006
Kerzner plays culinary card as IR race hots up

By Marcel Lee Pereira

WITH the race for the Sentosa integrated resort (IR) into the home stretch, the bidders are whetting appetites by dishing out small morsels of information almost every day.

On Monday, the Kerzner-CapitaLand consortium revealed details about its partnership with top entertainment brands Discovery Channel, MTV and Nickelodeon.

Yesterday, it said it plans to put up 34 food and beverage outlets at its proposed $5.28 billion resort. The outlets will occupy 21,000 sq m of the resort's 343,000 sq m total gross floor area. From fine dining at restaurants run by celebrity chefs to affordable foodcourt fare, choice will be aplenty.

Highlights include an Indian restaurant created by celebrity chef Sanjeev Kapoor and a restaurant serving Moroccan-Lebanese cuisine.

Quintessential New York steakhouse Smith & Wollensky will also be on board.

Kerzner hopes the mix will be an attraction in itself, drawing culinary tourists from around the world.

Rival Eighth Wonder said last month that it will have 40 to 50 restaurants, overseen by celebrity chef Alain Ducasse, at its $5.5 billion resort.

Kerzner, in response to media queries, said yesterday that it will spend more than $2 billion in the first decade of its operations here to keep its resort looking fresh.

Kerzner's executive director of development for Singapore, Mr Ian Douglas, said that the amount will be 'purely to ensure that Atlantis Sentosa is kept appealing and absolutely ship-shape'.

'Any expansion projects would be over and above this commitment,' he added.

Kerzner's commitment is similar to that of rival Genting International, which has said it will spend more than $200 million a year at its $5.2 billion Resorts World at Sentosa.

The winner of the IR bid will be announced next month.

Copyright © 2006 Singapore Press Holdings. All rights reserved.

babystan03

November 22nd, 2006, 11:44 AM

Business Times - 22 Nov 2006

Merrill sees Genting having upper hand in IR bid

But stock faces sharp downside of 30 per cent if company loses

By DANIEL BUENAS

MERRILL Lynch has tipped Genting International as having a 75 per cent chance of winning the Sentosa integrated resort bid, although the investment bank report goes on to say that losing the bid could send Genting's stock down by 30 per cent to 27 cents a share.

In the report, released yesterday, Merrill Lynch scored each of the Sentosa bids on total tourism appeal, architectural design, investment and strength of the consortium - the same criteria as the government is using to judge the bids.

The investment bank gives Genting International a total score of 88 per cent, while the Kerzner International-CapitaLand consortium scored 82 per cent. Eighth Wonder came in with the lowest score, at 79 per cent.

Overall, the report said that Genting International has a 75 per cent chance of winning Singapore's second casino licence.

It added that a win for Genting could see its stock jump 22 per cent to 47 cents a share with a 30 per cent possible downside if it fails. It said a win for CapitaLand could see the stock rise to $6.50 a share, while a loss could see the stock drop to around $5.70 a share.

CapitaLand shares closed 15 cents up at $5.90 a share yesterday, while Genting International shares remained unchanged at 38.5 cents.

Based on the process used for the Marina Bay licence, the report reckons that a government decision on the winning bid could come between the dates of Dec 4 and 8.

In evaluating the bidders, the report also took into consideration market knowledge, operational leverage, tourism delivery and execution risk.

'We believe Genting will be viewed as having greater market knowledge, given it is the only bidder to have operated in Asia,' the report said. 'Kerzner has not operated in Asia previously, and its expertise lies more as a property company than gaming. While Eighth Wonder has pulled in Publishing and Broadcasting Ltd (PBL) and Melco into its syndicate, we question the value given the small shareholding.'

The report said Genting can build on its experience with Star Cruises and Genting Highlands, as well as UK casino company Stanley Leisure, although the Eighth Wonder consortium may find it 'difficult' to use its PBL and Melco ties, given the 'regulatory challenges this syndicate may face in combining its Singapore operations with Macau'.

In analysing the individual bidders, the report also looked at the strengths and weaknesses of each.

It noted that Genting International had market knowledge, operational leverage, a Universal theme park, a good record on probity, and stability. It said the 'only weakness' in Genting's bid was that 'Genting is a Malaysian company'.

For the Kerzner-CapitaLand consortium, the report said that its Frank Gehry-designed resort 'appears to excite various academics and architects', and noted Kerzner International chairman Sol Kerzner's 'reputation for developing world beating attractions'.

'Our principal concern lies in the US$3.3 billion investment, and the fact that with such limited local knowledge and experience in the Asian gaming market, how are they going to effectively compete with Las Vegas Sands and achieve an adequate return to shareholders,' the report said.

On Eighth Wonder, the report said a clear strength was the 'level of creativity' associated with its proposed Harry's Island concept, as well as its 'varied list' of partners.

However, it also noted that the 'almost eclectic group of unrelated attractions gives us the impression the group was trying every means to find partners to join to make the bid look more impressive'.

'Syndicates that form an amalgam of eclectic entities can often have trouble establishing a shared vision, and importantly, holding the vision,' the report said.

The government has said that tourism allure will account for 45 per cent of the marks upon which bids are judged, followed by design at 25 per cent, while investment amount and investors' track record make up 20 and 10 per cent respectively.

Copyright © 2005 Singapore Press Holdings Ltd. All rights reserved.

pedang

November 22nd, 2006, 12:03 PM

Business Times - 22 Nov 2006

Merrill sees Genting having upper hand in IR bid

But stock faces sharp downside of 30 per cent if company loses

By DANIEL BUENAS

MERRILL Lynch has tipped Genting International as having a 75 per cent chance of winning the Sentosa integrated resort bid, although the investment bank report goes on to say that losing the bid could send Genting's stock down by 30 per cent to 27 cents a share.

In the report, released yesterday, Merrill Lynch scored each of the Sentosa bids on total tourism appeal, architectural design, investment and strength of the consortium - the same criteria as the government is using to judge the bids.

The investment bank gives Genting International a total score of 88 per cent, while the Kerzner International-CapitaLand consortium scored 82 per cent. Eighth Wonder came in with the lowest score, at 79 per cent.

Overall, the report said that Genting International has a 75 per cent chance of winning Singapore's second casino licence.

It added that a win for Genting could see its stock jump 22 per cent to 47 cents a share with a 30 per cent possible downside if it fails. It said a win for CapitaLand could see the stock rise to $6.50 a share, while a loss could see the stock drop to around $5.70 a share.

CapitaLand shares closed 15 cents up at $5.90 a share yesterday, while Genting International shares remained unchanged at 38.5 cents.

Based on the process used for the Marina Bay licence, the report reckons that a government decision on the winning bid could come between the dates of Dec 4 and 8.

In evaluating the bidders, the report also took into consideration market knowledge, operational leverage, tourism delivery and execution risk.

'We believe Genting will be viewed as having greater market knowledge, given it is the only bidder to have operated in Asia,' the report said. 'Kerzner has not operated in Asia previously, and its expertise lies more as a property company than gaming. While Eighth Wonder has pulled in Publishing and Broadcasting Ltd (PBL) and Melco into its syndicate, we question the value given the small shareholding.'

The report said Genting can build on its experience with Star Cruises and Genting Highlands, as well as UK casino company Stanley Leisure, although the Eighth Wonder consortium may find it 'difficult' to use its PBL and Melco ties, given the 'regulatory challenges this syndicate may face in combining its Singapore operations with Macau'.

In analysing the individual bidders, the report also looked at the strengths and weaknesses of each.

It noted that Genting International had market knowledge, operational leverage, a Universal theme park, a good record on probity, and stability. It said the 'only weakness' in Genting's bid was that 'Genting is a Malaysian company'. :lol:

For the Kerzner-CapitaLand consortium, the report said that its Frank Gehry-designed resort 'appears to excite various academics and architects', and noted Kerzner International chairman Sol Kerzner's 'reputation for developing world beating attractions'.

'Our principal concern lies in the US$3.3 billion investment, and the fact that with such limited local knowledge and experience in the Asian gaming market, how are they going to effectively compete with Las Vegas Sands and achieve an adequate return to shareholders,' the report said.

On Eighth Wonder, the report said a clear strength was the 'level of creativity' associated with its proposed Harry's Island concept, as well as its 'varied list' of partners.

However, it also noted that the 'almost eclectic group of unrelated attractions gives us the impression the group was trying every means to find partners to join to make the bid look more impressive'.

'Syndicates that form an amalgam of eclectic entities can often have trouble establishing a shared vision, and importantly, holding the vision,' the report said.

The government has said that tourism allure will account for 45 per cent of the marks upon which bids are judged, followed by design at 25 per cent, while investment amount and investors' track record make up 20 and 10 per cent respectively.

Copyright © 2005 Singapore Press Holdings Ltd. All rights reserved...

Charging Bull

November 22nd, 2006, 01:27 PM

Singapor3

November 22nd, 2006, 01:38 PM

Genting? I guess they can continue dreaming of winning this bid.

babystan03

November 22nd, 2006, 01:39 PM

I guess we won't know for sure who wins until the very end.....:D

RafflesCity

November 22nd, 2006, 01:44 PM

yah it is always full of surprises...the last one was surprising!

Charging Bull

November 22nd, 2006, 01:46 PM

Quote from previous reports on Marina Bay IR:

Example 1:
========

Analysts say this puts MGM in a position for the Marina Bay integrated resort - especially in terms of tourism appeal. Some analysts have commented that MGM-Mirage appears to be the most well-rounded bidder in the contest for the Marina integrated resort project. Out of six analysts polled by Channel NewsAsia on how MGM will fare against the government's investment criteria, many gave it a higher score than Las Vegas Sands and Harrah's-Keppel Land on tourism appeal. And its aggregate score of all four investment criteria is 78 - ahead of Sands and Harrah's-Keppel Land.

Eample 2:
=======
MGM CapitaLand fulfilled 95% of the criteria for the Marina Bay casino while Harrah's fulfilled 93% with the strength of the consortium giving the MGM/CapitaLand consortium the edge, according to a table drawn up by DBS-Vickers. According to the table, Las Vegas Sands, which doesn't have a local partner, is a distant third fulfilling 85% of the criteria while Genting/Star Cruises fulfill only 80% of the criteria.

Charging Bull

November 22nd, 2006, 02:08 PM

I see. Someone posted this in an Internet forum:

Boy... the IR competition is getting ugly.
Merill Lynch anlyst just came out to slime Eighth Wonder and say in today's Business Times that Genting's a sure bet. If lose, Genting will shed bucketloads of its value... scary man.
Besides, isn't Genting supposed to be Merill Lynch's client - I read somewhere it helped underwrite Genting's IPO last year.
At least when Eighth Wonder and Kerzner crossed swords on the design issue, it was done openly and honestly.
The bid is getting really interesting!

Charging Bull

November 22nd, 2006, 02:18 PM

From the press release:

Through this exercise, Genting International will raise an aggregate of about S$350 million in gross proceeds from the 1 billion new shares to be issued.

DBS Bank is the Global Co-ordinator of the IPO. DBS Bank, CIMB-GK Securities, CLSA and Merrill Lynch are the Joint Lead Underwriters and Bookrunners

phenom

November 22nd, 2006, 02:20 PM

Merrill Lynch will be wrong...again!:lol:
I'm plumping for Kerzner; followed closely by Eighth Wonder.:)

babystan03

November 23rd, 2006, 02:08 AM

Nov 23, 2006
Last in race? Eighth Wonder slams 'biased' report
Chief says forecast comes before his firm's proposal has been fully unveiled

By Marcel Lee Pereira

AN ANALYST'S report says Sentosa resort bidder Eighth Wonder will be last in the three-horse race to win the contract, and the American resort developer is angry.

The report is biased , Eighth Wonder chief Mark Advent told reporters yesterday, referring to Merrill Lynch's industry overview released on Tuesday.

Mr Advent also lambasted the report for forecasting the outcome before Eighth Wonder had unveiled all the details of its proposal.

The report tipped Genting International to win the Sentosa integrated resort bid, and placed the Kerzner-CapitaLand team second.

Other analysts who spoke to The Straits Times yesterday concurred with Merrill Lynch's ranking.

Eighth Wonder, which called a press conference yesterday to unveil more details of its bid, was also asked to respond to the third-placing forecast.

For the report, the three rivals were given percentage scores on eight criteria: four listed by the Government and four more identified by Merrill Lynch.

Genting will win, it predicted, on the back of its experience operating in Asia, its good probity record, its being able to leverage on its partners to bring in big spenders and its proposal including a Universal Studios theme park.

Merrill Lynch praised Eighth Wonder for its creativity in building a resort themed around a mythical hero, but cast doubt on its hotchpotch of celebrity partners. It would be difficult, it said, for the big names to come together with a 'shared vision'.

Two other analysts concurred with the report. CIMB-GK's analyst Steven Tan said he had seen Genting as the front runner for the past six to eight months, adding: 'Universal Studios seems to be the best fit. The people on the street seem to be most excited about it.'

He added, however, that all three teams had pulled out the stops to meet the Government's requirements - tourism appeal, design, investment amount and investors' track record - so it would come down to what the Government preferred.

A local analyst who declined to be named said that while Kerzner's centrepiece glass monument evoking a futuristic Atlantis was innovative, the Atlantis brand was not as recognisable here as the Universal Studios one.

Kerzner, responding to its No. 2 placing by Merrill Lynch, remained characteristically neutral, saying only that it would stay 'committed' to its bid.

Eighth Wonder, showed more cards in its hand at its press conference yesterday, by announcing that it would put $500 million on technology for its $5.5 billion resort.

It has appointed German technology giant Siemens to put security and pro-environment systems in place.

Mr Advent also took the opportunity to respond to Merrill Lynch analyst Sean Monaghan's earlier comment on his tie-up with celebrity chef Alain Ducasse - that chefs did not represent any value to a bidder, because the ultimate winner would be able to hire them.

Mr Advent said Eighth Wonder had spent two years getting to know Mr Ducasse and where his company was headed. 'Alain Ducasse is not for sale - he doesn't need to be for sale,' he declared.

Then, questioning Merrill Lynch's objectivity, he pointed out that it had been among the broking firms which underwrote Genting's initial public offering last year.

Mr Monaghan, who was behind the report, conceded that, having done work for Genting before, it probably meant they understood the company better, so that was 'probably a fair comment'.

But he tossed a comeback: 'But if we were closer to Eighth Wonder, would it change our view? I'm not quite convinced.

'You don't have to know Genting too well to know that Universal is a credible story. There's nothing else that the other two bidders have that can actually counter that.

'If Eighth Wonder wins, they don't have to invite us to their party.'

marcelp@sph.com.sg

Copyright © 2006 Singapore Press Holdings. All rights reserved.