Eighth Wonder, the dark horse of the Sentosa Island Integrated Resort bid has finally pulled out its secret weapon at the 11th hour at the close of the bidding process. They have jointly announced the partnership of James Packer’s Publishing and Broadcasting Ltd (PBL) and Hong Kong’s Melco International Development Ltd. PBL and Melco has partnership in the chinese enclave of Macau, whereas PBL is one of the largest operator of casino in Australasian territory with its flagship Crown Casino in Melbourne.

This may pose a threat to Genting’s bid but given that the public information that has currently been leashed out, it seems Genting’s bid is the most attractive in terms of potential success. The partnership of Universal Studio and its sister company Star Cruises seems almost unchallenge. It is up to the partnership between Eighth Wonder, PBL and Melco to come out with something more exciting than building blocks development.