Poke around the Pokemon Research Exhibition

Singapore — The region’s first-ever Pokemon Research Exhibition opens at the S.E.A. Aquarium in Resorts World Sentosa (RWS) on Saturday (Oct 22). Even though enthusiasm for Pokemon Go has faded since the smartphone game’s launch here in August, RWS is still confident the exhibition will have plenty to offer.

“Pokemon, in general, is one of the many icons in modern pop culture and has always enjoyed a strong following in Singapore and the region,” said Jason Horkin, senior vice-president of attractions at RWS. “The recent Pokemon Go craze, which generated significant footfall and excitement at RWS, has heightened interest in Pokemon among fans and created new fans.”

He explained that Pokemon is more than just the popular smartphone game and that this exhibition offers an exclusive opportunity for fans to explore the world of Pokemon in a fun and interactive manner. “It will offer a new and refreshing take on Pokemon, which we are confident visitors will find engaging and intriguing,” said Horkin, adding that RWS expects a large turnout at the exhibition, particularly during the December holiday season.

The Pokemon Research Exhibition at RWS is the first of its kind to be held outside Japan, and will allow visitors to take on the role of a scientific researcher and study more than 700 Pokemon. Pokemon Go fans can also continue their hunt, as there will be lures planted within and around the vicinity of the S.E.A. Aquarium.

Speaking to TODAY, professional gamer Chapman Sim — who was the first person in Singapore to catch all 145 Pokemon on Pokemon Go without using bots — said he is constantly looking forward to new Pokemon Go content and feels the new exhibition at the S.E.A. Aquarium will appeal to “tourists, families and, of course, Pokemon enthusiasts”. He pointed out that Pokemon has been a popular franchise “for decades” and believes there will be continued interest in most Pokemon-themed initiatives. “I am certainly keen to see the exhibit, but I am unable to since I will not be in Singapore during that time.”

Ticket bundles to the Pokemon Research Exhibition are discounted online at S$35 (usual price S$42 for adult) and S$23 (usual price S$32 for child/senior) inclusive of admission 
to the S.E.A. Aquarium. It runs until Jan 2, 2017.