Malaysia's Genting International will build a Universal Studios theme park if it wins the bid for Singapore's second casino licence, the company said today.

Genting and Star Cruises, both part of the Malaysian casino operator Genting Group, have tied-up with Universal Parks and Resorts of the United States to bid for the project on Singapore's Sentosa island.

The theme park will offer a wide range of thrill rides and entertainment attractions to "entice visitors to stay for more than one day," Genting said.

Universal Studios theme parks already operate in Japan and the United States with attractions including "Revenge of the Mummy - The Ride" and "Terminator 2:3D."

"Singapore's status as an aviation hub, its political stability, cosmopolitan society and love for Hollywood movies make it a prime location for a theme park in the region," Genting said.

The project would be larger than the Universal park in Hollywood, it said.

"Together, Genting International, Star Cruises and Universal have excellent track records in the hospitality, gaming, leisure and theme park entertainment industries," said Tom Williams, chairman and chief executive of Universal Parks and Resorts.

"We believe in each other's strengths and what they can collectively offer to Singapore.

"This is a formidable and game-changing partnership, one that will be highly beneficial to Singapore's tourism industry."

Special attractions

Four other firms have expressed initial interest in the Sentosa development -Bahamas-based Kerzner International, South African casino operator Sun International, privately held Las Vegas casino developer Eighth Wonder, and US gaming giant Harrah's Entertainment.

Sentosa, a small island just south of Singapore, is already home to beaches, luxury residential development and an entertainment complex.

Genting's chief financial officer, Tan Hee Teck, told reporters the 17-hectare (6.8-acre) theme park will take up a third of the 49-hectare site.

He refused to give any projections for visitor numbers but Williams said the firm's Hollywood park draws about 4.25 million visitors a year.

"We envision specific attractions designed to appeal to the Singapore market, Indian market and Chinese market because we know these are big drivers of tourism in Singapore," Universal chief creative officer Mark Woodbury added.

Singapore last year ended a ban on casino gambling in a bid to spruce up its staid image and attract more tourists. It then announced plans for two casino "resorts" - facilities that would include hotels and other facilities as well as gaming areas.

The city-state in May awarded Las Vegas Sands a licence to build a casino project in the waterfront Marina Bay area, with the opening due in 2009.