Resorts World Sentosa uses facial recognition for access at Universal Studios Singapore

August 10, 2020

Resorts World Sentosa has commenced using facial recognition scanners to allow visitors “more efficient and seamless” entry to the Universal Studios Singapore theme park.

As reported by Reuters, the attraction hopes that the facial recognition technology, which it started using this month, will help smooth access for visitors.

Now operational, annual and season ticket holders no longer need physical passes while guests using day passes will still need tickets for entry, but they can exit and re-enter with facial recognition.

In a statement, Resorts World Sentosa advised “facial recognition provides contactless verification of tickets and ticket holders, enabling our customers to enjoy our park experience in a more efficient and seamless manner.
The statement added that facial recognition is an “essential” part of admission and would be used for “operational improvement, safety and security.”

It went on to note that it has implemented strict security measures to protect information about guests, such as storing it on encrypted servers, commenting that it is “fully committed to protecting the personal data and privacy” of guests.

Impacted by the Coronavirus pandemic, Resorts World Sentosa has been forced to lay-off employees while owner Genting Singapore has confirmed delays to the SG$4.5 billion second stage Resorts World Sentosa expansion (RWS 2.0).

Genting Singapore announced the postponement in its financial statements for Q2 2020, which were revealed last Thursday (6^th August).

The group is working closely with the authorities on the mega-expansion plan, but the timeline of RWS 2.0 will be impacted due to disruption to the construction industry and global supply chain caused by COVID-19 and due to design changes needed to adapt to the health and safety of the post-Coronavirus environment.

Genting Singapore also revealed that it had awarded construction contracts for an attraction named ‘Once a Pirate’ and appointed consultants to work on other parts of RWS 2.0 - but that all work was currently paused.

The expansion will extend Universal Studios Singapore with two new attractions - Minion Park and Super Nintendo World - and will see the S.E.A. Aquarium take over the adjacent Maritime Experiential Museum, which will be elevated to the next level for a larger aquarium.

In addition, it will be rebranded as the Singapore Oceanarium, displaying marine life and exhibits on prehistoric marine life and deep sea creatures.

The development will also include an enhanced waterfront promenade, a new Waterfront Lifestyle Complex with two further two hotels, dining and lifestyle experiences and an attraction replacing the Crane Dance.

Images: Resorts World Sentosa includes plans to expand the S.E.A. Aquarium (top) and and an enhanced waterfront promenade (top).

2nd August 2020 - Sentosa Golf Club first to join sign up to United Nations Sports for Climate Action Initiative

17th July 2020 - Coronavirus closure sees cuts in workforce at Singapore’s Resorts World Sentosa

16th July 2020 - Redevelopment of floating platform at Singapore’s Marina Bay to include water sports centre and swimming pool

17th June 2020 - KidZania Singapore will not reopen after Coronavirus shutdown

16th February 2020 - Singapore Tourism Board looks to boost confidence in wake of ongoing Coronavirus impact

19th March 2020 - Genting closes Malaysian resort while launching offers for Resorts World Sentosa

25th September 2019 - Sentosa Merlion to be demolished for new development

28th January 2019 - Sentosa Singapore launches cashless initiative to entice Chinese tourists

14th November 2018 - Resorts World Sentosa operator records 25% profit rise

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