SINGAPORE — A host of Singapore’s biggest sporting names will be immortalised in wax figures at the Madame Tussauds Singapore wax museum when it opens on Oct 25.

Yesterday, football icon Fandi Ahmad’s figure was among the first to be unveiled, along with those of local singer Stefanie Sun, actor-host Gurmit Singh and filmmaker Jack Neo.

They will be among more than 60 names modelled in wax, including former Manchester United star David Beckham, golf champion Tiger Woods, women’s tennis world No 1 Serena Williams and heavyweight boxing legend Muhammad Ali at the 2,260 sq m museum — its 18th worldwide — at Imbiah Lookout in Sentosa.

Fandi’s wax figure was unveiled yesterday at ITE College Central, his alma mater and where he still coaches.

Although Madame Tussauds Singapore general manager Lily Lim declined to reveal the names of other Singaporeans whose wax figures would be displayed, she said: “It will help showcase and give the museum a Singapore flavour, making it more localised ... (and) helping to educate the younger generation when they visit and see these wax figures.

“Fandi is a national icon and we are proud to (feature) the Singapore legend. There will (also) be other local sports icons at the attraction.”

Lim added that the figures had been chosen based on market research, polling exercises and popularity.

A wax figure costs more than S$300,000 and takes at least three months to make. It took four months for a team of 20 in London, consisting of colourists, sculptors, stylists and wardrobe staff, to complete the life-size wax figure of Fandi decked in the attire worn by Singapore’s famous 1994 side, which won the Malaysia League and Cup double.

“Using callipers and measuring tape, more than 250 measurements and 180 shots were taken,” said Amanda Horton, figure maintenance manager of Madame Tussauds Asia. “It took four weeks to complete the hair portion of Fandi’s wax figure.”

The former footballer, who famously scored for Dutch side Groningen in a UEFA Cup match against Italian giants Inter Milan in 1983, hopes his wax figure can provide inspiration.

“I hope it motivates the current generation, including youth, through sports (to) not give up,” said Fandi, now coach of Malaysian Super League team LionsXII. “The most important thing is to create your own future with passion and hard work.”

Visit www.madametussauds.com/Singapore for details.