Resorts World Sentosa’s Singapore Oceanarium will open its Research and Learning Centre in May 2025. The facility aims to support marine biodiversity conservation, ecosystem protection and restoration, and contribute to education, research, and community engagement.
Serving as a hub for marine research, education, and global conservation dialogue, the new facility builds on more than a decade of foundational work under S.E.A. Aquarium, where education, research, and conservation have been core to its mission. Previous efforts have included breeding programmes, behavioural studies, and collaborations with both regional and international organisations. The establishment of a dedicated centre will allow Singapore Oceanarium to expand these activities, strengthen cross-sector partnerships, and serve as the focal point of its education and conservation initiatives.
Certified Green Mark Platinum Zero Energy by Singapore’s Building and Construction Authority, the building is designed for energy efficiency. Its concrete façade and aluminium shading reduce heat and cooling demands, while natural lighting helps limit the use of artificial lighting. The facility’s energy needs are met entirely through solar power.
The centre includes laboratories, seminar rooms, collaborative spaces, and a rooftop event area. Among the key facilities are flexible classrooms that can be configured to suit various learning needs, a stepped seating area to support informal discussion, a multi-use space equipped for digital learning and events, and a rooftop venue suitable for public or private functions. The Marine Lab comprises three sections: a teaching lab for marine science education, a research lab for visiting scientists, and a wet lab designed for practical, hands-on experiments.
Research activities will focus on areas such as ex-situ coral reproduction, breeding and culturing methods for threatened marine species, and the study of genetic diversity in animals under care. The centre will also support public engagement through citizen science programmes and training workshops.
In addition, the centre will host regional and international events through partnerships with global associations, including a workshop on May 28 for the upcoming CITES Global Youth Summit (May 27-31), which will bring together youth from more than 50 countries to promote collaboration and raise awareness of marine wildlife trade issues.
“As the ocean faces mounting challenges, Singapore Oceanarium’s Research and Learning Centre aims to inspire the next wave of ocean leaders by demonstrating the power of knowledge, collaboration and shared purpose in driving meaningful change. The Research and Learning Centre reflects our ongoing commitment to create a collaborative ecosystem that brings together like-minded partners to turn science into action and advance our efforts in marine conservation, research and education,” said Lam Xue Ying, vice president of Singapore Oceanarium.
“We hope for this to be a space that combines forces across the ocean community – and beyond – to restore vital marine habitats towards a thriving future for our oceans.”
