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Penang Theme Park Entrepreneur Named Top 50 In The World

Penang Theme Park Entrepreneur Named Top 50 In The World

Sim Leisure had been involved in more than 300 themed entertainment globally.

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The founder of Escape Theme Park in Penang, Sim Choo Kheng, has been named among the world’s top theme park influencers.

The award was given by Blooloop, touted as the world’s most-read news source for theme parks, water parks, family entertainment centres (FEC), museums, science centres, zoos, aquaria and destination resort professionals.

The Blooloop 50 Theme Park Influencer list lauded industry leaders for their leadership, innovation, and creativity in driving the business.

Blooloop managing director Charles Read said Sim, through the latter’s company Sim Leisure Group, has provided design, fabrication and construction to over 300 themed entertainment projects worldwide.

Sim Leisure continues to lead the way locally by injecting a breath of fresh air into the industry with its proprietary ESCAPE brand of themed destinations, among other notable successes.

Blooloop managing director Charles Read on the achievements and contrbution by Sim Leisure Group founder and executive chairman Sim Choo Kheng.

The award was presented to Sim at a media forum titled ‘Are We There Yet’ in Petaling Jaya on Thursday (23 Feb).

Sim, a Penangite, expressed his gratitude for being conferred the recognition.

He said the award is a testament to the Sim Leisure Group.

While others conform, we dare to be different, challenging conventions and pushing the boundaries of creativity. We’re about making the impossible, possible. Today, I’m proud to say we are one of the country’s leading attractions, changing the face of conventional theme parks.

Sim Leisure Group founder and executive chairman Sim Choo Kheng on the recipe for success.

Sim gave insight into the themed entertainment industry during the event, including how Malaysia can compete internationally.

He also recounted how he overcame challenges, such as dipping into his savings to open the Escape Theme Park.

Sim also recalled Escape Theme Park only had 30 customers on opening day.

Also present at the forum was Darrel Metzger, who has more than four decades of experience in the attractions industry, including the LEGOLAND Malaysia Resort.

Other panellists included Steve Peet from Peet Leisure and Sim Leisure Group Chief Executive Officer Philip Whittaker.

Fun Factory

Sim Leisure Group is a well-established developer and operator of theme parks listed on the Singapore Exchange. 

The company specialises in designing, developing, and operating theme parks, water parks, and other attractions.

Sim Leisure’s flagship product is the “Escape” theme park in Penang and is known for its nature-inspired attractions and activities, such as zip lines, tree swings, and water slides.

The company has also developed and operated other theme parks and attractions in Malaysia, including ESCAPE Penang.

Sim Leisure’s mission is to provide unique and immersive entertainment experiences that unite people and promote social interaction and physical activity.

The company’s attractions are designed to appeal to a wide range of audiences, from families with young children to thrill-seekers and adventure enthusiasts.

Sim Leisure founder and executive chairman Sim Choo Kheng. (Pix: Sim Leisure)

In 2021, Sim Leisure grabbed attention when it announced that it would develop a theme park in Cameron Highlands.

The proposal was met with scepticism and objection from the public and environmentalists.

Sim said the proposal had been misconstrued and assured that the project, expected to materialise in a couple of years, would not harm the environment.

He assured that his company always prioritise the environment.

Citing an example, he said the land where Escape Theme Park sits was formerly a brownfield site before the theme park gave it a new lease on life.

READ MORE: Should Cameron Highlands Say Yes/No To Huge Theme Park?


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