This edition spotlights the often-overlooked marine species found in Singapore waters to foster a deeper understanding of underwater ecosystems and celebrate the beauty of local marine biodiversity

Ocean Fest by S.E.A. Aquarium (S.E.A. 海洋馆) at Resorts World Sentosa (RWS, 圣淘沙名胜世界) is back for its fifth edition. Themed Righting the Future, it is taking place from 20 May to 19 July.

With World Oceans Day round the corner, dive into a world of wonder and discovery at this year’s Ocean Fest, where exploration meets education and enthrallment. View a mesmerising underwater photography gallerythat reveals the hidden treasures of Singapore’s aquatic realm, by global award-winning photographer Toh Xing Jie. Try your hand at an innovative arcade game too, ingeniously crafted from cardboard and repurposed trash by Paper Carpenter, a local team of cardboard carpentry experts. Visitors can also look forward to a series of richly insightful talks by researchers about marine life, and a video wall that offers a glimpse into the local community’s dreams and cherished memories of the sea.

These fun activities and installations intertwine for a deeper purpose: to shine a light on the often overlooked and under-represented marine life while inspiring visitors to respect marine life and ecosystems, and advocate for their protection and conservation.

Nick Derbyshire, who leads the Education, Research and Conservation team said, “At S.E.A. Aquarium, we are focused on marine education, research and conservation, and one of our ambitions is to inspire a love for the ocean, and spur visitors to contribute to ocean protection and conservation. We invite all to come to Ocean Fest 2024 to explore the intricate tapestry of local marine life. As we rediscover the ocean’s story, let us unite in safeguarding its future for generations to come.”

Discover hidden gems along Singapore’s coast through the lens of a Singaporean award-winning photographer

Top to Bottom: A nudibranch, doto greenamyeri, captured on camera by internationally recognised photographer Toh Xing Jie, and a behind-the-scenes shot of him ready to scout waters to snap pictures of local marine life that often go unnoticed.

Credit: Toh Xing Jie

While most think of Singaporean marine life as unexciting, the truth is that there are many amazing species found in Singapore’s waters, such as gobies and rare nudibranchs. To showcase these unique and underappreciated marine life in Singapore, S.E.A. Aquarium has commissioned global award-winning Singaporean photographer Toh Xing Jie, to create a special photo exhibition that celebrates them.

Xing Jie previously won the top prize in the Human and Nature category at Nature Photographer of the Year (NPOTY) awards in 2023 for a picture of a nautilus clinging onto a plastic bag. Through Xing Jie’s lens, guests will have the rare opportunity of a close-up view into the little-known beauty of Singapore’s underwater realm, gaining a newfound appreciation for the rich biodiversity found within.

“Singapore waters are known for being murky, but each dive I made while shooting for S.E.A. Aquarium revealed a hidden world teeming with biodiversity just beneath the surface. From coral reefs surrounded by bustling life to elusive marine species, it was a captivating contrast from my initial expectations and offered me a sense of intimacy with my home. By showcasing these images, I hope to highlight the stunning marine life that fortunately still exists in Singapore. Through the photo exhibition in this year’s Ocean Fest, I hope to inspire more to appreciate and protect precious local ecosystems,” said Xing Jie.

Peek into fellow Singaporeans’ dreams and memories of the sea

A distinctive video wall will showcase curated narratives of people living in Singapore, reflecting on their experiences with the ocean; from an unforgettable encounter with sea turtles to fostering camaraderie in beach clean-ups. In a poetic twist, these cherished memories and aspirations of ocean lovers from all walks of life are juxtaposed against the present state of the ocean, inspiring a deeper appreciation and commitment to its preservation.

Complete the Marine Conservation Quest, a cardboard ‘arcade game’ crafted by local artisans

Credit: Resorts World Sentosa

Built by Paper Carpenter, a local team of cardboard artists who specialise in the medium, the Marine Conservation Quest is a fun pinball-inspired installation. In this version of the nostalgic arcade game, players get the chance to direct marine animals away from an ocean of trash. With gears and obstacles made of trash, and pinballs that represent marine animals, players must successfully manoeuvre the marine animals past the trash to safety. The true aim of the game is to increase awareness of the importance of safeguarding the ocean and its biodiversity.

Learn fascinating facts about unique animals from industry experts

Happening for three days only at the Ocean Dome and online on 18 May, 25 May and 21 June, visitors can hear from industry experts from the Asia-Pacific region to learn more about the remarkable world underwater.

On 18 May, Dr. Elena Kupriyanova, Senior Research Scientist, Marine Invertebrates Division, Australian Museum, Sydney will introduce calcareous worms and share about their taxonomy and stunning capability to guard themselves from predators and adverse environmental conditions.

The following week on 25 May, Dr. Conni Sidabalok, Researcher at the National Research and Innovation Agency, Cibinong, Indonesia will explore the diversity and taxonomy of the intriguing marine isopods, which can be found in lush forests as well as the depths of the ocean.

Wrapping up the series of talks on 21 June is Mr. Lester Tan, leader of the Horseshoe Crab Research and Rescue programme, under the Marine Conservation Group, Nature Society Singapore. He will speak on horseshoe crabs, which are often referred to as “living fossils” due to their long presence of approximately 450 million years, and why they are precious to our biodiversity.

S.E.A. Aquarium ticket holders may join the expert talks in-person and learn about marine biodiversity at no additional cost if they successfully register their interest via this form here.

Seats at the Ocean Dome are available on a first-come, first-served basis. All other interested parties may join the talks online. More details including links to the talks can be found on the RWS website: https://www.rwsentosa.com/en/attractions/sea-aquarium

Learn about horseshoe crabs and lend a helping hand at the educational booth

In conjunction with International Horseshoe Crab Day on 20 June, RWS will also be hosting the 5^th International Workshop on the Science and Conservation of Horseshoe Crabs, organised by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). As an extension to Ocean Fest, visitors can learn about horseshoe crabs – a species that is ubiquitous in Singapore waters, and its importance to humankind and the biodiversity that depends on them.

Local conservation work will be featured, including the innovation of a synthetic alternative to horseshoe crab blood that is still widely harvested, as well as efforts made to conserve local habitats of horseshoe crabs. From 19-21 June, visitors may engage with volunteers, comprising docents and students, who will be stationed at the booth, to learn about the biology and evolutionary history of the tiny yet mighty “living fossil”. Visitors interested in S.E.A. Aquarium’s outreach and volunteering programmes can explore opportunities to contribute to marine conservation efforts.

Ocean Fest 2024: Righting the Future is included with regular admission to S.E.A. Aquarium. Tickets retail from $41/Adult and $31/Child.  More information can be found at https://www.rwsentosa.com/en/promotions/attractions/sea-aquarium-ocean-fest