Genting’s Theme‑Park Adventure: Still on the Run
Lim Kok Thay, the guy who runs Genting Highlands, has announced that the much‑anticipated theme park will still be a reality by early 2019—although it’s still a few months away from the big opening he had lined up for January next year.
What Happened?
Just recently, Genting Malaysia sued the folks at Walt Disney and Twenty‑First Century Fox for over a billion dollars, claiming that the two companies didn’t keep their promise to help build Genting’s first Fox‑branded theme‑park at Resorts World Genting.
“This latest twist caught us by surprise,” Lim told a reporter. “But fear not—we have all the plans in place.”
Why It Matters
According to Lim, the theme park is only a small piece of a larger puzzle. Genting Highlands is a hungry‑to‑grow integrated resort, the kind that’s expected to shower the company with cash and delight shareholders.
“The expansion steps up the game in Genting Highlands, revenues are climbing, and that’s precisely what shareholders want,” he said. “We’re on track to sky‑rocket the values for the investors.”
New Markets on the Horizon
Lim also mentioned that the company is eyeing other countries, like Japan, where a gaming industry could grow into a mega‑market between Macau and Las Vegas. Although he’s vague about the exact timing, he hinted that bidding could begin later in 2019 or early 2020.
He added, “I only know as much as what you read in the papers.”
Who’s Leading the Charge?
There’s speculation that Genting Singapore might spearhead the potential bid, but Lim pointed out that nothing is written in black and white that it must be them. Instead, it could be any branch of the group taking the lead, with the rest backing up.
“We feel that, as a group, Genting Singapore should start the journey first. If they need help, other parts of our group can jump in too,” he said.
Macau, Anyone?
When asked if Genting would ask for a gaming licence there, he said it’s unlikely until 2020, and more likely in 2022, dependent on what the Macau government decides. “We’re curious, but we’re waiting to see what the Macau government will do,” he said.
Bottom Line
Even with legislative twists and cross‑country speculation, Genting Highlands keeps the big idea alive. The theme‑park will be ready, the expansion plans are moving, and the group’s excitement for new markets keeps the momentum going.
