Resorts World Sentosa uses facial recognition for access at Universal Studios Singapore

Resorts World Sentosa has commenced using facial recognition scanners to allow visitors “more efficient and seamless” entry to the Universal Studios Singapore theme park.

As reported by Reuters, the attraction hopes that the facial recognition technology, which it started using this month, will help smooth access for visitors.

Now operational, annual and season ticket holders no longer need physical passes while guests using day passes will still need tickets for entry, but they can exit and re-enter with facial recognition.

In a statement, Resorts World Sentosa advised “facial recognition provides contactless verification of tickets and ticket holders, enabling our customers to enjoy our park experience in a more efficient and seamless manner.
The statement added that facial recognition is an “essential” part of admission and would be used for “operational improvement, safety and security.”

It went on to note that it has implemented strict security measures to protect information about guests, such as storing it on encrypted servers, commenting that it is “fully committed to protecting the personal data and privacy” of guests.

Impacted by the Coronavirus pandemic, Resorts World Sentosa has been forced to lay-off employees while owner Genting Singapore has confirmed delays to the SG$4.5 billion second stage Resorts World Sentosa expansion (RWS 2.0).

Genting Singapore announced the postponement in its financial statements for Q2 2020, which were revealed last Thursday (6th August).

The group is working closely with the authorities on the mega-expansion plan, but the timeline of RWS 2.0 will be impacted due to disruption to the construction industry and global supply chain caused by COVID-19 and due to design changes needed to adapt to the health and safety of the post-Coronavirus environment.

Genting Singapore also revealed that it had awarded construction contracts for an attraction named ‘Once a Pirate’ and appointed consultants to work on other parts of RWS 2.0 - but that all work was currently paused.

The expansion will extend Universal Studios Singapore with two new attractions - Minion Park and Super Nintendo World - and will see the S.E.A. Aquarium take over the adjacent Maritime Experiential Museum, which will be elevated to the next level for a larger aquarium.

In addition, it will be rebranded as the Singapore Oceanarium, displaying marine life and exhibits on prehistoric marine life and deep sea creatures.

The development will also include an enhanced waterfront promenade, a new Waterfront Lifestyle Complex with two further two hotels, dining and lifestyle experiences and an attraction replacing the Crane Dance.

Images: Resorts World Sentosa includes plans to expand the S.E.A. Aquarium (top) and and an enhanced waterfront promenade (top).