Genting Singapore Executive Chairman and Acting CEO Lim Kok Thay has confirmed that the US$5 billion RWS 2.0 expansion at Resorts World Sentosa is progressing on schedule, with completion targeted for 2030.

RWS 2.0: A Major Transformation Underway

Nearly 18 months after breaking ground, the expansion continues to advance as planned.

Key components of the next phase include:

• two new luxury hotels (~700 rooms)
• a four-storey retail and dining podium
• waterfront promenade and experiential mountain trail
• an 88-metre-tall landmark sculpture (in collaboration with Heatherwick Studio)

The vision: a next-generation lifestyle and tourism destination anchored by biophilic design and immersive experiences.

Leadership Reset: Building a New Management Core

The update comes alongside a significant leadership reshuffle, following:

• departure of Chief Casino Officer Andrew MacDonald (2024)
• retirement of long-time CEO Tan Hee Teck

New leadership includes:

• Lee Shi Ruh (CEO of RWS, President & COO of Genting Singapore)

• Chen Si (COO of RWS)

Lim emphasized that the team is newly formed but building “collective rhythm”, with confidence in execution capability.

Transition Year: Short-Term Pressure, Long-Term Play

2025 was described as a “defining transition year”, impacted by ongoing upgrades:

• Revenue: SG$2.45B (-3% YoY)
• Adjusted EBITDA: SG$815.8M (-17% YoY)

Short-term softness reflects investment phase disruption, not structural weakness.

Strategic Insight: Reinventing the IR Experience

RWS 2.0 signals a broader shift:

from gaming-led IR → lifestyle-led integrated destination

Focus areas include:

• diversified attractions
• enhanced hospitality
• MICE and cultural experiences
• strategic partnerships

This aligns with Singapore’s push toward high-value, experience-driven tourism.

Unique Angle: Culture + Execution as Growth Drivers

Lim’s emphasis on “collective rhythm” highlights a key reality:

transformation is not just about assets — it’s about people and execution

With a new leadership team, success will depend on:

• operational discipline
• service excellence
• seamless integration across business units

Final Take

RWS 2.0 is shaping up as one of the most ambitious IR transformations in Asia.

While near-term performance reflects transition challenges, the long-term strategy is clear:

bigger, more diversified, and more experience-driven

With expansion on track and a refreshed leadership team in place, Resorts World Sentosa is positioning itself for its next decade of growth — competing at the very top of the global tourism landscape.