Crybaby has taken over Singapore Oceanarium
Fans of one of Pop Mart’s most popular IPs can enjoy ocean-themed installations featuring the lovable, ever-weepy character until Aug. 30. The Crybaby Cry Me an Ocean activation is the result of a partnership between Pop Mart, Resorts World Sentosa and the Singapore Tourism Board. Pop Mart, the Beijing-based company known for turning original characters by artists into collectible phenomena, previously partnered with the Singapore Tourism Board for the Skullpanda Cage-Uncage Showcase which ran at the National Museum of Singapore from December 2025 to February 2026.
This time, Crybaby is the star of the show.
“We are thrilled to bring Crybaby to Singapore Oceanarium through this unique activation at Resorts World Sentosa,” said Nok Siriporn, head of Southeast Asia at Pop Mart. “The Cry Me an Ocean experience lets fans connect with Crybaby in a new way, surrounded by the wonders of the marine world.”
One of Pop Mart’s most popular IPs has taken over Singapore Oceanarium. Catch the activation until Aug. 30.
Created by Thai artist Molly Yllom in 2017, Crybaby is not a boy or a girl—the character is the embodiment of our deepest inner feelings and a reminder that tears can heal. For Crybaby, crying is not a sign of weakness, it’s a gentle form of resilience. It is the artist’s hope that the character she created will inspire people to “confront their true feelings and courageously move forward, leaving pain behind.”
Crybaby’s tagline—“Everybody cries sometimes, and not always from sadness”—resonates with many fans, according to Pop Mart.
People all over the world have been charmed by the adorable, perpetually crying character, buying all sorts of merch featuring it—from collectible blind box figures, limited edition art toys, plush pendants, phone charms, bags and more.
Cry me an ocean
The new Crybaby Cry Me an Ocean series, which was launched in May, transforms Crybaby into different sea creatures, carrying with it this message: “In an ocean filled with emotional baggage, stay true to yourself and refuse to be defined.”
Pop Mart fans have plenty of Crybaby Cry Me an Ocean collectibles to choose from: blind box figures, fridge magnets, storage bags, earphone bags, phone charms and neck pillows—and the activation offers a chance for everyone to experience the series in a supersized way.
The Philippine STAR got a sneak peek at the activation the day before it opened.
Two massive outdoor inflatable Crybabies greeted us at Resorts World Sentosa—The Anglerfish and The Pufferfish—the sight of which made us squeal. They were just too cute. There are character boards displayed with each installation, telling the story of each marine animal-inspired Crybaby and exploring themes of friendship, self-acceptance, resilience and hope. The Pufferfish’s board read, “I may look prickly all over, but my heart is gentle.”
A two-meter sculpture of Crybaby as The Whaleshark welcomed us to the Singapore Oceanarium. Inside, we encountered photo zones and more enormous sculptures, each one cuter than the last—The Manta Ray, The Shark, The Whale, The Jellyfish—as we explored the Oceanarium, going from Ocean Wonders to Shark Seas to the Open Ocean.
“At Singapore Oceanarium, our mission is to inspire greater knowledge, love and action for the ocean. Partnering with Pop Mart and the Singapore Tourism Board on the Crybaby Cry Me an Ocean activation enables us to extend that mission to new audiences, offering a one-of-a-kind journey in which the beloved Crybaby character brings the wonders of marine life closer to visitors of all ages,” said Lena Lee, Resorts World Sentosa’s executive vice president of Attractions & Destination Experience.
It was fascinating seeing the installations in the same spaces as the animals that inspired them.
Lena added, “The activation introduces a new dimension to the visitor experience by blending storytelling, art and marine education within the same space.”
11 photo zones
It took a lot of work to bring Crybaby to the Singapore Oceanarium. The 900-kilogram sculpture of The Jellyfish alone took 10 people and a forklift to maneuver into place.
In total, there are 11 photo zones, with markers indicating where visitors should stand to capture the perfect shot with Crybaby.
“This collaboration reflects our commitment to delivering unforgettable experiences for fans across the region,” said Nok.
John Conceicao, executive director for Marketing Partnerships, Planning & Capability Development at the Singapore Tourism Board, said, “Fandom creates a form of travel motivation that is organic and powerful. When a beloved IP debuts an exclusive experience in a particular city, fans don’t simply consider visiting—they feel compelled to. The destination becomes the stage for something they already care about.”
He continued, “Collaborations such as the Crybaby Cry Me an Ocean activation demonstrate how Singapore’s attractions can bring global IP experiences to life in unexpected ways unique to Singapore.”
Pop Mart excels at bringing its IPs to life through pop-ups, exhibits, immersive experiences and even a theme park, giving fans more ways to connect with their favorite characters beyond opening blind boxes.
Of course, there will always be a chance to shop. There’s a Crybaby-themed pop-up store at Weave at Resorts World Sentosa, just steps away from the Singapore Oceanarium, where visitors can buy Pop Mart goodies and receive gifts with minimum spend.
It is Lena’s hope that Crybaby Cry Me an Ocean visitors will also enjoy a full Singapore Oceanarium experience, as well as explore the wider offerings of Resorts World Sentosa’s Summer of Treasures program.
“From other character-led activations to dining, retail and entertainment offerings, the idea is for guests to explore the destination almost like a treasure hunt, uncovering something new at every stop.”
Pop Mart fans can also look forward to an even bigger presence at Resorts World Sentosa. “We are planning to open a permanent store within Resorts World Sentosa, and fans can look forward to exciting experiences within this store by the second half of 2026,” said Michael Song, Pop Mart Singapore country head.
The activation runs until Aug. 30 at Singapore Oceanarium Resorts World Sentosa 24 Sentosa Gateway Sentosa Island. Outdoor Crybaby installations are free to view, while those inside the Oceanarium require a valid admission ticket. Singapore Oceanarium tickets are priced at S$55 for adults (ages 13–59) and S$43 for children (ages 4–12) and seniors.
