Malaysia's Genting International has promised a "city of the future" with thousands of hotel rooms and a giant convention hall if it wins the bid for Singapore's first casino licence.

In its first detailed statement on its plans for the casino complex, Genting said it would invest more than S$5 billion (US$3.08 billion) with its minority partner Star Cruises if their bid is successful.

Genting was one of four groups to submit formal bids for the project yesterday.

"The proposed development to be called the Singapore Entertainment and Events Destination, or SEED, will be Asia's must-visit destination for entertainment, exchange and experience when it opens in 2010," Genting said in a written statement.

The company issued a drawing of its futuristic-looking proposed complex, featuring a spherical structure resembling a spaceship, with twisting towers behind it.

"Like a seed that falls from the sky onto open land and grows into a magnificent tropical landscape, SEED will be the city of the future, where Singapores highest aspirations manifest," Genting said, promising a "world-class" resort.

An accompanying convention facility will offer "one of the world's largest plenary halls" with a capacity of 5,500 seats and a grand ballroom for 6,000 people. Genting said a hotel complex with more than 5,000 rooms would be the city- state's largest.

Malaysia's sole casino operator, Genting is controlled by the family of tycoon Lim Goh Tong. It also runs a gamut of businesses ranging from power to properties in Malaysia.

Dark horse contender

Its crown jewel is a hilltop casino resort in central Pahang state, which attracts more than 15 million visitors each year.

Genting was on the doorstep at Tourism Board headquarters when officials opened to receive formal bids yesterday morning but analysts have said the firm is a dark horse contender.

Others submitting bids yesterday were: Las Vegas Sands; US gaming giant MGM Mirage and its partner, Southeast Asia's biggest property group CapitaLand; Harrah's Entertainment, the world's biggest gaming operator, and its local partner prominent local developer Keppel Land.

A winner is expected to be announced in June for the project at the waterfront Marina Bay site near the financial district.

Estimated to cost US$3 billion, Singapore's project will be one of the priciest casinos in the world.