Singapore Oceanarium To Launch Marine Research & Learning Centre

Resorts World Sentosa’s (RWS) Singapore Oceanarium is set to launch its state-of-the-art Research and Learning Centre this May 2025. The new centre will be a hub in Asia for marine biodiversity conservation, marine ecosystem protection and restoration, as well as empowering communities and supporting authorities to drive positive change.

“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. 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.” said Ms. Lam Xue Ying, Vice President of Singapore Oceanarium.

As a catalyst for innovation, the centre will advance Singapore Oceanarium’s efforts in education, research and conservation – amplifying its impact and reinforcing its position as a pioneering aquarium-based conservation institution.

"The new centre is a big step forward, building on over 10 years of work at S.E.A. Aquarium, where education, research, and conservation have always been important through breeding programmes, behaviour studies, and partnerships with other organisations", the statement said.

The new centre will offer a dedicated facility to expand these efforts, strengthen collaboration and serve as the heart of Singapore Oceanarium’s education programmes and conservation initiatives.

A purpose-built centre for research and marine conservation 
Certified Green Mark Platinum Zero Energy by Singapore’s Building and Construction Authority (BCA), the centre is purposefully designed with sustainability at its core – supporting RWS’ vision to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030. Its lightweight concrete façade and aluminium shades reduce heat gain and cooling demands, while the use of natural light minimises reliance on artificial lighting. All the building’s energy needs are met entirely by solar power.

The centre will be fully equipped with immersive learning labs, collaborative workspaces, seminar rooms and a rooftop event space, the Research and Learning Centre will augment Singapore Oceanarium’s robust educational offerings and provide advanced facilities for scientists and researchers to conduct valuable research work and drive marine science outreach on-site. Its purpose-built facilities include:

Pacific, Atlantic, Arctic Rooms: Conducive learning space where up to three classrooms can be seamlessly combined to form a larger area for engagement and learning.

The Wave: Bleacher stairs featuring wide, staggered steps with ample space for sitting and socialising, encouraging group conversations and casual talks in a comfortable, open environment.

Edutorium: Versatile, multi-functional space with state-of-the-art digital capabilities that can be configured flexibly for lectures, presentations and interactive learning experiences.

The Beacon: Rooftop event space with panoramic views of the waterfront, providing a vibrant, open-air setting ideal for community gatherings, cocktail receptions, or corporate events.

Marine Lab: A dynamic learning environment that comprises three distinct areas – a teaching lab that brings together students and educators for marine science programmes; a research lab that welcomes visiting scientists to pursue projects advancing understanding of the ocean; and a wet lab where hands-on experiments turn theory into tangible experience.

It will be a venue for workshops and hands-on training sessions to engage the public through citizen science programmes. Beyond research and conservation, the Research and Learning Centre will be a platform for global collaboration, hosting regional and international conferences that unite like-minded organisations in the shared mission of marine conservation.