Challenge Meets Opportunity
Last year, Lee Shi Ruh, newly appointed CEO of Resorts World Sentosa (RWS), was also elevated to president and chief operating officer of Genting Singapore.
She took the helm at a challenging moment for RWS, one of two megaresorts in the republic along with Marina Bay Sands. In 2024, the Singapore Gambling Regulatory Authority renewed its license on a provisional basis—for two years instead of three—due to underperformance in the wake of Covid-19.
An ambitious $5.3 billion expansion is poised to turn RWS’ fortunes around. The project spans four pillars: entertainment, including a Minion Land theme park at Universal Studios Singapore; “marine discovery” through the Singapore Oceanarium, one of the largest aquariums on the planet with 40,000 marine animals; hospitality, embodied by the all-suite Laurus hotel and a second luxury hotel brand; and lifestyle, including WEAVE, an expansive new dining and retail district.
“Our ambition is to reinforce RWS as Singapore’s flagship integrated resort—a destination where world-class attractions, entertainment, hospitality, dining and business events can be seamlessly experienced in one place,” observes Lee. “Travelers today expect depth, variety and quality within a single trip, and our strategy is designed to meet this demand—and keep guests coming back.”
Lee has been with the group since 2010 in a number of senior leadership positions, including RWS president. In announcing her expanded role in 2025, Genting Bhd Executive Chairman Tan Sri Lim Kok Thay hailed her “sound decision-making, strategic discipline and a clear understanding of the group’s long-term priorities.”
Fittingly, RWS 2.0 has been “guided by data, scenario analysis and financial discipline,” Lee says. “Our goal is to create experiences that resonate deeply with our guests while delivering sustainable, long-term value for Singapore and for our shareholders.”
The transformation is marked by a spectacular new waterfront. “A mountain trail reframes the guest arrival journey, complemented by a striking light-sculptural landmark by Heatherwick Studio,” Lee explains. “Universal Studios Singapore will also introduce the new Super Nintendo World, bringing one of the world’s most recognized entertainment experiences to our resort. Together, these additions will strengthen and broaden the overall appeal of RWS.”
At the same time, the property is amping up the customer-service experience. “We value every guest who chooses to spend their time with us,” Lee says, “and we are committed to giving them the care, experience and memories that they come to RWS for.”
She is confident her past leadership roles have equipped her to steer this mighty ship.
“Leading an integrated resort requires cross-functional knowledge, experience as well as financial discipline and focus. My years spent managing finance, talent management and operations have prepared me well for the complexities of this role.”
She also credits the workforce she commands with making her a stronger leader. “Our 7,500 team members inspire me every day. Having the opportunity to lead them into the new chapter of Resort World Sentosa is a privilege. It is invigorating.”
By 2030, when the expansion is complete, RWS “will present a distinctly renewed identity that embodies Singapore’s vision for exceptional tourism, imaginative experiences and continual innovation,” says Lee. “Our edge lies in the way we integrate leisure, culture, hospitality and public spaces into a single extraordinary destination, on a tropical island just a 10-minute drive from the city.
“There is truly no other place like it, and that is the identity we are shaping for the decade ahead.”
