17th August, 2005 Macau

This summer, Macau Tower is launching Asia's only, and the world's highest commercial decelerating-descent adventure- the SkyJump. As we continue to introduce the newest adventure challenges to complement Macau's exhilarating developments, we are proud to see Macau to be featured once again under the international spotlight, following the inscription of the Historic Centre of Macau under UNESCO World Heritage last month. The 233m SkyJump is the highest adventure activity of its kind. With the successful completion of its inauguration jump, the adventure will be on its way to be enlisted under the Guinness Book of World Records under the category "World's Highest Commercial Decelerator-Descent". In addition to marking another keystone to Macau's blooming tourist attractions, the SkyJump record will open a new page in world history.

 

Flying through 233m in 20 seconds
Jointly developed by two of history's greatest adventure experts, Waitomo Adventures Ltd., expert in rafting and abseiling challenges, and AJ Hackett, pioneer of modern bungy jumping, the adventure is inspired by a technology called "fan-descenders" used in skydiving trainings and in performing falling stunts in movies. Challengers are to step off a platform from the outer rim of the Tower at 233m aboveground and take on a 20 seconds scenic flight over the cityscape.

Challengers in specially tailored suits are connected to three cables with a strain capacity of 3000kg for absolute safety. The side cables maintain trajectory & stability to ensure a smooth and steady flight even in windy conditions. The centre cable is connected to a drum mounted on a shaft with a fan connected at one end. Jumpers' weight releases the cable from the drum, and the fan provides the air friction that controls the rate of descent - no human intervention or motor mechanics are involved throughout the entire process. At approximately 10 meters above the ground, the cable drum switches down-gear to allow for a soft and gentle landing. Unlike bungy jump, SkyJump is a controlled aerial journey involving no rebound or hanging upside down. With AJ Hackett's profound experience and impeccable safety record for over a decade, guests can realize their flying dream with total confidence.

"Like bungy jumping" explains Mr. Hackett, "the SkyJump challenges participants to overcome his fear and leap off into the air. As the activity brings its challengers to a safe and accurate landing, it is a hybrid of bungy jumping and skydiving." Mr. AJ Hackett holds the current world record for the "Highest Bungy Jump from a Building". This record was made in 1998 when he free-fall through 180.1m from Sky Tower Auckland. The SkyJump will be his second world record attempt.

 

4 years of impeccable partnership with Shun Tak Group
Launching of the SkyJump marks the beginning of a four year partnership between Shun Tak and AJ Hackett. Since summer of 2002, the dedicated crew of AJ Hackett has designed and developed 10 unique challenges for visitors to the Tower, including:

-	Mast Climb
-	Skywalk X
-	SkyJump
-	Skywalk
-	Ironwalk
-	Long Ironwalk
-	Flying Fox
-	Sports Climbing
-	Bouldering
-	Bungy Trampoline

AJ Hackett has chosen Macau as its only operational outlet within the Greater China Region due to the city's vibrancy, foresight and diversity. Shun Tak Group is delighted to see the progressively exciting additions that AJ Hackett is introducing to the Tower. Managing Director of Shun Tak Holdings, Ms. Pansy Ho, stated "The adventure activities we have at Macau Tower are vastly different from the many other entertainments springing in Macau. We are the pace-setter of an adventure culture. We offer a unique experience for those who seek to be different! We are confident that SkyJump will successfully achieve the Guinness World Record, and we hope that it will add to the already spectacular year of 2005 for Macau."

 

About Macau Tower Convention & Entertainment Centre
The Macau Tower is the 10th tallest freestanding tower in the world. The 338-metre Tower anchoring four public levels of outlets includes a revolving restaurant, a lounge, a double-height Observation Lounge and an Outdoor Observation Deck. The Convention & Entertainment Centre houses world-class meeting and exhibition facilities. The Macau Tower, managed and operated by Shun Tak Holdings Limited ("Shun Tak"), was inaugurated in December 2001.

 

About AJ Hackett
AJ Hackett is the pioneer of modern bungy jumping. He invented the latex rubber cord that is now widely used in all commercial jumps. In June 1987, AJ stunned the world with his daring leap from the top of the Eiffel Tower. Operated over a million jumps as of date, AJ Hackett maintains a 100% success record.

Press Enquiries:
Shun Tak Holdings Ltd.
Group Marketing Department
Karen Lee Senior Marcomm & PR Executive
Tel: 852 2859 8657

Shun Tak Holdings Ltd.
Group Marketing Department
Janet Tong PR and Communications Manager
Tel: 852 2859 4823