Not Just a Drop in the Ocean

This story is featured in the NUS Giving Report 2025/2025 - Future: Powered by Giving. Click here to read more Giving Report stories. 

---

In 2022, RWS, home to Asia’s leading ocean-focused destination Singapore Oceanarium, joined forces with NUS, Asia’s leading global research institute. Together, they formed the RWS-NUS Living Laboratory to enhance biodiversity conservation, accelerate decarbonisation and shape education.

Today, this partnership has grown beyond its original five-year scope into a long-term philanthropic commitment. In 2025, RWS made a generous pledge towards research in marine conservation at the NUS Tropical Marine Science Institute (TMSI) and decarbonisation at the NUS Centre for Nature-based Climate Solutions (CNCS).

Strengthening a Successful Partnership

The RWS-NUS partnership was not something that only made sense on paper. Over the years, the teams have built strong working relationships rooted in trust, transparency and shared environmental goals. The teams’ complementary strengths in research and outreach has resulted in a multitude of valuable scientific findings in marine biodiversity conservation, bio-sonar and human well-being.

“Our collaboration on earlier projects has given us clearer insights into local marine ecosystems,” said Ms Lena Lee, Resorts World Executive Vice President of Attractions and Destinations Experience. “We saw that when research is paired with a platform like Resorts World Sentosa—where public engagement is high—scientific findings can be translated into educational experiences for millions of visitors.”

Ms Lena Lee, Resorts World Executive Vice President of Attractions and Destinations Experience. (Photo Credits: Resorts World Sentosa)

These learnings were what ultimately motivated RWS to strengthen their partnership with NUS through a significant gift to support further research at TMSI and CNCS.

RWS’ gift to TMSI will enable its team to embark on extensive research on plankton diversity and ecology, Asian horseshoe crab conservation, giant clam breeding, and dolphin-assisted therapy. While each represents a different layer of the marine ecosystem, the breadth of the gift is intentional.

“Marine ecosystems are deeply interconnected, so we felt it was important to support research that spans the full ecological spectrum, from plankton, which form the foundation of ocean life, to iconic species like horseshoe crabs and giant clams, which play vital roles in maintaining healthy coastal habitats,” Ms Lee explained.

The decision to provide further support to CNCS also aligns with RWS’s holistic approach to sustainability. RWS’ contribution will support Singapore’s broader efforts to assess national forest carbon stock, with CNCS’s current project focusing on evaluating carbon storage capacity and biodiversity health across 2.9 hectares of coastal forest.

Creating Waves of Impact

The RWS-NUS partnership is a prime example of how corporate philanthropy has the power to create impact that proliferates across the board. With its unique ability to turn NUS’ research insights into real-world applications, RWS is contributing to a future where Singaporeans and RWS visitors have a greater understanding and appreciation of the importance of marine conservation.

Looking ahead, RWS hopes to work with NUS to co-develop more applied research programmes, expand conservation initiatives and explore new ways to bring science to life for the public. “As sustainability expectations rise globally, we believe our continued partnership with NUS will position Singapore as a leader in responsible tourism, marine protection and environmental education,” said Ms Lee.