Resorts World Sentosa’s S.E.A. Aquarium and the Earth Observatory of Singapore (EOS) at Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore) are embarking on a research collaboration that will see the collective efforts of S.E.A. Aquarium and EOS in building climate resilience through research projects and educational activities.
The partnership was marked by an underwater signing, the first of its kind in S.E.A. Aquarium’s history, which saw Assistant Professor Kyle Morgan from NTU Singapore and Abel Yeo from S.E.A. Aquarium’s Education, Research & Conservation team dive into S.E.A. Aquarium’s Shipwreck Habitat to sign the memorandum of understanding (MOU) underwater.
The collaboration aims to bring together the expertise and resources of both S.E.A. Aquarium and EOS, a research institute at NTU Singapore that focuses on natural hazards and climate research, to help address the urgent global crisis of climate change.
“Research on climate change aimed to foster sustainable societies is at the core of EOS’s research. It takes collective effort for effective change, and I am glad that Resorts World Sentosa recognises the impact of climate change and is opening an outlet for the sharing of knowledge and resources to contribute to climate research. With a shared passion for environmental stewardship, I hope the collaboration between RWS and EOS will catalyse meaningful change towards a more climate resilient future.” shared NTU Assistant Professor Kyle Morgan.
“We are elated to announce this collaboration that has been long in the making. Sustainability has been embedded in the heart of RWS’s business since the integrated resort was first built over 10 years ago. We strongly believe that leveraging the expertise of EOS will be a key driver to tackling climate issues which is a pertinent problem today. This is another step in the right direction for both RWS and EOS and we are excited for what’s to come,” said Mr. Nicholas Derbyshire, who leads the Research & Conservation team at S.E.A. Aquarium, Resorts World Sentosa.
NTU and RWS will leverage this partnership to showcase EOS marine science research relating to coral reefs, mangroves, and climate change.
This endeavour aims to captivate visitors, inviting them to learn and appreciate the diverse ecosystems of Singapore’s blue spaces and the broader Southeast Asian region.
This partnership will see the use of S.E.A. Aquarium’s Rainbow Reef as a teaching facility for NTU students and to test field equipment.
S.E.A. Aquarium will also provide a space to showcase research done by EOS and to deploy sensors measuring sea temperature and levels.
Joint research projects undertaken by the partners will focus on super corals, and climate science. Additionally, visitors can look forward to ocean webinars and short educational videos developed by EOS for use in S.E.A. Aquarium’s programmes, exhibitions, festivals, and more.
RWS has shown its commitment to sustainability over the years through initiatives that positively impact the climate and environment.
Recent initiatives include the launch of the Children’s Biodiversity Library by S.E.A. Aquarium at the Central Public Library, and funding for the RWS-NUS Living Laboratory, a 5-year research collaboration launched in 2022 aimed to enhance marine biodiversity and create innovative sustainable tourism solutions for RWS and Singapore.
