Mingli Seet

“Leave your day job, chase your passion,” is a piece of advice we hear often. But despite it, many choose to remain on the safe path for the fear of failure and the unknown. However for Singaporean illustrator Yeni, this cliché turned into a life-altering mantra when she left her day job to become a full-time illustrator. Photograph: Yenidraws In the midst of the COVID-19 lockdown, she taught herself how to draw in hopes to transform her passion into a full-fledged career. The result? A vibrant and captivating journey that led us to her cosy abode in the heart of Tiong Bahru. Photograph: Mingli SeetYeniDraws at Tiong Bahru “I am a mum’preneur, and have always loved doodling and crafting but never got the chance to pursue it due to practical life reasons. Then the lockdown happened, which was a blessing in disguise for me because it helped me rediscover my true passion,” she shares. Photograph: Yenidraws Many grapple with the daunting prospects of taking such a leap of faith, but there were a few things that gave Yeni the push she needed. “There are a few reasons that gave me courage to quit my job. Firstly, my age (laughs). And the pandemic made me realise that life is too short for what-ifs. I also wanted to be a good role model to my daughters to show them that when you believe in something, you can achieve it. On top of all that, I am also lucky that my husband is onboard this dream of mine. He encourages me fully to pursue my passion, reminding me that if it doe

The highly anticipated Broadway musical Hamilton is coming to our shores and we are beyond thrilled. Scheduled to premiere in Singapore at the Sands Theatre on April 19 2024, this musical initially debuted on Broadway and has graced stages in numerous international destinations, including London's West End, Australia, Germany, and New Zealand. For those who may not be familiar with the musical's premise, Hamilton is a biographical production inspired by the life of American Founding Father Alexander Hamilton. It chronicles his early years as an orphan and his remarkable ascent to becoming a prominent figure in American history. Through the exploration of ambition, human relationships, and political power, the musical offers a timeless perspective on the world, bridging historical events with contemporary audiences. We had the privilege of meeting with the cast: Jason Arrows (Alexander Hamilton), David Park (Marquis de Lafayette and Thomas Jefferson), and Akina Edmonds (Angelica Schuyler). Read on to find out what they have to say about the musical.  RECOMMENDED: Artbox is returning to Singapore in 2024 with over 100 food stalls from around the world and Changi Airport celebrates Christmas by transforming into a candy-themed wonderland Photograph: Daniel Boud Favourite song from the musical? David: Satisfied. I think what the character is going through in that moment (when the song comes on) is so profoundly painful. And the space she is making for her younger sister is so

We believe that art – whether it's through paintings, sculptures, music, or dance – brings a much needed sense of wonder and excitement to our everyday lives. It allows us to escape from the mundane, explore new possibilities, and liberates us to express ourselves however we want to.  Lucky for us, Singapore may be small in size but it certainly doesn't fall short when it comes to its abundance of exciting activities and vibrant art spaces. From captivating art exhibitions and mesmerising performances to immersive cultural events, there is no shortage of exciting artistic endeavours to explore and enjoy. So, waste no more time searching and skip to the good part with our compiled list of the must-see art exhibitions this season. We've gone all out to cover a diverse range of art experiences – from historical, contemporary, mixed media, traditional mediums, and even virtual experiences. Now what’s left is to read on and get out there.  RECOMMENDED: The best contemporary art galleries and spaces in Singapore and the best museums in Singapore

It's no surprise that Singapore is a shopping paradise with a plethora of malls, multi-concept stores and independent labels in every nook and cranny. But if you prefer rifling through pre-loved gems, thrift your weekend away at these second-hand shops for everything from vintage designer bags to statement pieces from the yesteryears. Besides, old is gold, right? RECOMMENDED: Six cool indie stores in Singapore and 10 places to shop on a budget in Singapore  

Reality check: there are only two months left before 2023 wraps up to make way for 2024 – and what a year it has been. Ahead of the year-end festivities, November brings a massive gift-shopping bonanza, exciting travel fairs (because we're already planning for 2024 vacations), and free-flow drinking events.  That's not all – we've combed the city to carefully handpick the crème de la crème of events happening this month. Explore Singapore's blooming literary scene at Singapore Writers Festival and and the Singapore Migrant Worker Poetry Competition or celebrate your favourite animated characters and superheroes at Warner Bros. 100th anniversary bash. Stay ahead of the game, book your tickets, and plan your schedule pronto. RECOMMENDED: The definitive guide on things to do in Singapore    

With the city's top museums dominating itineraries, it’s easy to forget about the smaller, offbeat gems. It's time to open your mind and dive into the world of contemporary art at these under-the-radar galleries. Hang out with the cool, artsy cats at these alternative galleries in Singapore and who knows, you might just find your new favourite artist.  RECOMMENDED: The best museums in Singapore and the best music concerts and festivals in Singapore

Tiong Bahru holds a special place in the hearts of many. In the morning, the Tiong Bahru Market comes to life, packed with locals enjoying their kopi and tourists who have travelled from afar to savour a taste of Singapore. And just around the corner, the neighbourhood is scattered with quaint cafes, understated art galleries, charming stores, cosy housings and serene parks. Photograph: National Environment Agency (NEA)/FacebookHawker carts in Tiong Bahru, 1956. Wong Kwan Collection, courtesy of National Archives of Singapore However, how much do we know about this delightful neighbourhood? With this question in mind, I decided to embark on a self-guided audio tour by Estate Frequencies. This audio-tour-podcast is a three-episode virtual auditory companion, designed to transport you through the historical journey of the district. It's almost like being accompanied by a knowledgeable guide. And what’s special is that apart from its informative narration, it also includes conversations with its long standing residents who have indelibly influenced its essence, as well as poems written by poet Marc Nair. Without further ado, here are five interesting takeaways I've gathered about Tiong Bahru from the audio tour. RECOMMENDED: Rediscover the neighbourhood of Ang Mo Kio through this renewed heritage trail and The best public art trails in Singapore     1. Housing in Tiong Bahru was designed to look like different modes of transportation  Photograph: Mingli SeetTiong Bahru hous

We're all familiar with the satisfying sensation of getting a fresh nail job. A set of beautifully adorned claws magically makes us feel ready to take on the world, one snazzy manicure at a time. And these home-based nail technicians sure know how to make us feel just that. Breaking free from the shackles of traditional salons, many of them have decided to set up their very own creative workspaces in the comfort of their own homes. Say hello to budget-friendly rates, a more personalised service and the ease of locating one right in your neighbourhood. These nail techs are also whipping up an eclectic mix of designs that will leave you gasping in awe – from spray-painted nails to chrome effects on steroids and magical Japanese-style creations. So, without further ado, here's a curated list of home-based nail salons, sorted by location for your convenience. RECOMMENDED: 50 best shops in Singapore and The best flower markets and flower shops in Singapore

When it comes to concerts, there’s nothing like singing out loud to your favourite songs, putting your hands up in the air (and wave 'em like you just don't care) at a concert hall or moshing at the event. Whether you're looking to kick it with the mainstream or embark on a sonic adventure with the alternative, the music calendar is filled with ace local and international acts to catch. The list is long – with big names like Harry Styles and Blackpink, to indie names like Phoenix and Kings of Convenience. Scroll down for the acts and be quick to snag tickets. RECOMMENDED: The best lifestyle cafés for music and art lovers and the best luxury hotels in Singapore

One of Singapore's oldest residential estates, Everton Park was constructed in 1965 and housed the Singapore Harbour Board staff until its renovation in 1979. It's separated into two rows of flats, blocks 1-3 and 4-6. Today, Everton Park has transformed into an area with a charm of its own – and the home of 2022's coolest street. The estate and the surrounding Spottiswoode area is brimming with character – with cafes, spas, boutiques, pottery studios and art galleries calling the area home. Not to mention the heritage street murals that can be found around every street corner.   RECOMMENDED: The ultimate guide to Katong and Joo Chiat

While Singapore might be known for its towering skyscrapers and modern feats of architecture, there’s something charming about the city’s street art scene that gives it that bit of edge. These colourful works are often located in heritage-rich neighbourhoods like Little India, Joo Chiat, and Kampong Gelam, hidden away in the backstreets or covering the facade of old shophouses. The next time you’re out and about, go on a hunt for these street art murals before they’re painted over and gone forever. From the vibrant and bold to the subtle and understated, there’s something for every art lover – or aspiring Instagrammer looking to snap that perfect pic. RECOMMENDED: The best urban art trails in Singapore and the best contemporary art galleries in Singapore

No matter what time it is, there’s always something to do in Singapore. And pulling an all-nighter is not uncommon here, either. You can still find people going for a sundown stroll, getting their supper fix at hawker centres, and catching up with friends over post-work drinks at a swanky bar. Aside from partying from dusk to dawn at nightclubs or downing pints at a bar, there are plenty of other things to do in Singapore at night – for free. Here's where you can spend your waking hours without spending the dollars. RECOMMENDED: The best free and cheap things to do in Singapore and The best new bars in Singapore

Daylight Coffee is the new kid on the block in Amoy Street Food Centre’s coffee-verse, alongside hotspots like Coffee Break and Mad Roaster. Located on the second floor, they were opened in October by cousins Jass and Aaron, as well as their friend Han.  Photograph: Mingli SeetDaylight Coffee menu Their coffee uses a blend of Arabica and Robusta coffee beans and it is easy to distinguish the quality of their brew from others right from the first sip. Their menu is pretty extensive as well – ranging from a traditional kopi ($1.90) to a classic iced latte ($4) and more adventurous choices like their spanish latte ($4.50) or comforting warm caramel latte ($4). If you’re looking for something outside of coffee, try out their iced thai milk tea ($2.50) or honey lemon ($2.50).

Book lovers! Don’t miss this book warehouse sale by Books Beyond Borders. Expect over 3,000 titles, starting at a price of only $1. What’s more – drop off 5 books to enjoy $5 off your total bill. Snagging up your favourite book will also mean contributing to funding dozens of Books Beyond Borders’ classroom projects, with a focus this year on girls' education in Nepal. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Books Beyond Borders (@booksbeyond.borders)

Get ready for the ultimate nostalgia trip at WB100 Celebrating Every Story, a 17-day fiesta on Sentosa Island marking 100 years of Warner Bros. magic. This Southeast Asian extravaganza is the big kahuna of all celebrations – dive into interactive zones, catch screenings of all-time-favourites movies and snag exclusive limited edition goodies at the stations across Beach Station, Emerald Pavilion, and Southside.  Explore the WB100 Central located at Beach Station and travel back to the year 1923 to unravel the studio's humble beginnings. A timeline erected in front of the station traces the studio's remarkable milestones on its way to becoming a television and film powerhouse. Snap a photo with Warner Bros. Animated Characters and a commemorative standee, and don't forget to obtain your very own Warner Bros. passport here. Use it to collect stamps from various activity locations and stand a chance to win grand prizes like a staycation at Sentosa.  Move along to WB Animation Zone situated on Siloso Beach. There's a fun interactive wall here for you to explore – spin the wheel to discover your 'spirit' character, lift flaps to reveal fun facts, or match your height against popular animated characters. Over on the Tom & Jerry wall, you can view storyboards and character development sketches or watch clips from Tom & Jerry in Singapore! There’s also an interactive game where you’ll take on the role of either Tom or Jerry. Just adjacent is a zone dedicated to the heroic DC Super H

Watch your artwork come alive at Deep Field, an innovative augmented reality (AR) and sonic art experience curated by the visionary Australian duo, Tin&Ed. This exhibition will debut at the ArtScience Museum from November 16 to 26. Previously, it had two successful runs in Sydney and Los Angeles. At Deep Field, witness your designs transform into intricate 3D structures on the floors, walls, and ceilings of the Museum. This immersive workshop invites participants on a curated tour, where the museum's artistic ambiance becomes the wellspring of inspiration for crafting unique virtual plants using the iPad Pro and Apple Pencil. These imaginative creations are then scanned and pooled together in a virtual ecosystem, made possible by the LiDAR Scanner technology.  To add, participants will be able to immerse themselves in a multi-sensory soundscape of extinct species designed by acclaimed audio naturalist Martyn Stewart. This will further enhance the sights and sounds of our natural world. Register here.

The Stacked Store is opening up their studio for an intimate weekend market, which will also be their first sample sale ever. You’ll be able to get up close with their personal in-store offerings from brands like Ichendorf Milano, HKliving, &klevering, and ferm Living.  There will also be grub for all to munch on! Expect delicious bagels from Able Bagel, coffee from Kurasu and other sweet treats from Kobashi. To keep things cosy, the event will accommodate only a specific number of people and pre-registration is mandatory. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Home Decor Store (@thestackedstore)

Cluny Court is bringing back its annual Christmas Fair, marking its 10th edition this year. Here’s your chance to meet Santa Claus and snap a photo with him. Then, indulge in some Christmas shopping at Level 2 with a mix of 20 vendors. From Japanese handmade ceramics to Thai wooden home decor, Madagascan artisan jams and German Christmas Market delights – there is guaranteed to be something for everyone. In the Christmas spirit of giving, Cluny Court will be holding a donation drive for the Autism Resource Singapore (ARC(S)). Donation boxes will be scattered around the mall. The Art Faculty of ARC(S) will also have a booth at the fair. To top it off, there will be exclusive promotions just for the festive season. Tableware brand Inside will be giving away complimentary antique Sthal tableware with a minimum spend. The Gallery Hair Studio and Head Spa will also be offering a special Christmas Head Spa gift certificate worth $100.  View this post on Instagram A post shared by Cluny Court (@clunycourt.sg)

Online retailer Amazon goes offline with a Holiday Market from November 20 to 24 at Suntec City Level 1 (outside H&M), in celebration of Black Friday and the upcoming festive season. Entry for the event is free for all members of the public, all you have to do is simply flash the Amazon.sg App (App Store, Google Play) to enter. Photograph: Amazon.sg Shop for Christmas gifts and snap photos at four showcase zones. You’ll also be able to uncover deals and products that Amazon Singapore will offer during its Black Friday sales from November 20 to 27. The highlight of the event is a free-entry skating rink that visitors can glide about in as long as they complete the Amazon.sg activity card at the event. Skating socks and shoes will be provided. Furthermore, engage in interactive activities and treasure hunts and stand to win special holiday gifts from Amazon Singapore. This includes limited edition holiday themed merchandise, as well as snacks from Amazon Fresh.  

There is certainly no lack of street art around our sunny island. And amid it all, you may have noticed several beautifully painted scenes of Singapore around neighbourhoods like Tiong Bahru, Chinatown, Little India, Amoy Street, and more. These lovely murals are painted by none other than local artist Yip Yew Chong.  In this exhibition, I Paint My Singapore, Yip will unveil his most extensive painting to date – a project that commenced in August 2021 and concluded in January 2023. Photograph: Fairmont Singapore The captivating painting spans across 60 metres, depicting 27 different scenes of Singapore’s ever changing landscape – from an island of kampongs to the modern metropolis we live in today. All scenes are joined seamlessly, and will be displayed in a semi-circular arrangement. "Although this exhibition comprises a single artwork, it is the one piece that I hope all of Singapore will come to view. It represents my most significant painting to date. It is also an expression of my love and tribute to Singapore,"  Yip Yew Chong shares. Photograph: Fairmont Singapore Also, don’t miss the artist’s live painting session on selected days during the exhibition. For further updates on the schedule, follow Fairmont Singapore on Facebook and Instagram. Furthermore, Accor Live Limitless (ALL) members are able to register for a one-hour private tour by the artist from Thursdays to Sundays at 5pm.

Shop away at New2U’s year-end thrift bazaar from November 17 to 19 where apparels will go as low as $1. Yes, you heard that right. And with thrift stores, you’ll never know what you find, so anticipate snagging some one-of-a-kind loot.  Apart from the general thrift section, there will also be a special selection of designer goods available at discounts of up to 80%. All proceeds will go towards funding the Singapore Council of Women’s Organisations (SCWO), an organisation dedicated to providing a safe space for women and girls for their voices to be heard. 

Spend an evening with the National Gallery at the museum’s first ever party, Gallery Underground. Groove along to live sets by special guest DJs from Zouk, and playlists curated by Soho House. And of course, no party is complete without cocktails. Look forward to bespoke on-the-house cocktails from Smoke & Mirrors and Roku Gin. You’ll also be able to get a first-hand preview of the gallery’s latest exhibition Tropical: Stories from Southeast Asia and Latin America that will only be open to the public on November 18.  Tickets can be purchased here. All ticket sales will go towards funding the gallery and are also tax deductible at 250%. You’ll also stand a chance to win an exclusive Yayoi Kusama wrapping cloth with every ticket purchase.  View this post on Instagram A post shared by National Gallery Singapore (@nationalgallerysingapore)

Munich-based Micheko Galerie and The Culture Story have joined hands to present the exhibition Pop and Beyond: The Diversity of Japanese Art. This show will be Micheko Galerie’s first pop-up in Singapore. Expect to see works by seven Japanese artists who have not shown in Singapore before – namely, Katsumi Hayakawa, Kenichi Yokono Norihiko Terayama, Mari Ito, Toru Fukuda, Eri Ōta and Masako Inoue. Uncover the artists’ unique approaches to Japanese art, shining light onto contemporary Japanese art in the 21st century. The works also touch on the root of Japanese culture, history, and socio-political discussions.

Explore renowned South Korean artist Lee Bul’s world of print at her solo exhibition, showcased at STPI. Having accumulated more than four decades of artistic experience, Lee Bul is a widely recognised artist whose past works encompass various mediums, including performance, sculpture, and installation art. Photograph: STPI - Creative Workshop & Gallery/Facebook A common knowledge about how the act of printing is traditionally executed is that it often involves the act of pressing ink onto regular paper. However at this exhibition, you’ll be able to enjoy the artist’s experimentations with printmaking such as working with unconventional materials – think copper powder and iron filings – pushing the boundaries of this artform. Enjoy 60 works over five new series, produced through the collaboration between STPI Creative Workshop and the artist.  Alongside the exhibition, there will also be a screenprinting workshop, as well as an artist talk. 

Rolling out the red carpet for Peranakan theatre as an artform is local stage production Mari Kita Main Wayang. Combining light-hearted entertainment with thought-provoking elements, this play will also be presented in Baba Melayu to highlight the rich cultural heritage of the Peranakan community.  What truly sets this theatrical production apart is its storyline, which revolves around the concept of a play within a play. In this unique story, a group of Peranakans come together to present the production Empat Bini, set in a grand royal court. Sit back, relax, and watch as the narrative unfolds and things get complicated among the players.  Mari Kita Main Wayang represents a fresh take on playwright Felix Chia's original script that was staged in 1994. Audiences can look forward to a humorous spin on the original, featuring clever banter and captivating storytelling, all delivered by the talented cast including Baba GT Lye, Karen Tan, Kimberly Chan, Loong Seng Onn and Munah Bagharib. Purchase your tickets here. 

Anchorpoint mall has undergone a makeover and is now re-opening independently under a new owner. The new and improved mall will bring an exciting mix of lifestyle offerings to the neighbourhood, including both old and new tenants. It also aims to be a one-stop destination to satisfy all your needs such as grocery runs at Cold Storage, clinic visits at Straits Clinic, family meals at a wide range of restaurants, and more. “Over the last few years, we have seen the Queensway neighbourhood flourish and transform, with a growing desire for a mall that can fulfil the needs of the community” shared Alex Wong, Leasing Manager of Anchorpoint. Photograph: AnchorpointOverbrod at The West Deck Visitors can also expect the retention of old retailers such as Cotton On Outlet and Jack’s Place, as well as new additions like Anagram Coffee and Overbrod. Outside the building, find newly opened The Brewmaster House with its iconic facade, Common Man Coffee Roasters and Yoga Movement. These outdoor establishments are also conveniently accessible to cyclists travelling along the rail corridor and park connector. There will also be shopping options such as jewellery store A KIND OOOF and graphic novels library, Comics Library, that will be open till September 2024. Photograph: AnchorpointThe Brewmaster House, Anchorpoint's newest facade The mall’s newest facade is designed by local architectural design studio Amongst Studio. It also undertakes several nautical elements throughout its new infr

Tom Jones, a pillar of the music industry, will be performing in Singapore at The Theatre at Mediacorp on March 10, 2024. This is part of the Ages & Stages Tour in Asia next year. Other cities he will make pit stops at are Jakarta, Taipei, Bangkok and Hong Kong. British singer Tom Jones has left an indelible mark on the music industry with his powerful and soulful voice. He rose to international fame in the 1960s with hits like It's Not Unusual and What's New Pussycat?. His dynamic performances and charismatic stage presence have made him a beloved and iconic figure in the world of pop and rock music. With a career that has endured the test of time, Tom Jones remains a living legend, celebrated for his contributions to music and his enduring popularity.  His achievements include a Grammy Award for Best New Artist in 1966, and he has been recognised with Brit Awards, a Silver Clef Award, and a MTV Video Music Award. He was also knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 2006 for his services to music. Sign up at Live Nation’s website for free membership and presale access. All Live Nation members will be able to secure tickets on November 15 from 12pm till 11.59pm. Public sales will commence November 16, from 12pm via Ticketmaster.   MORE TO EXPLORE Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience is coming to Singapore in 2024 5 questions with the cast of Broadway musical Hamilton Homegrown label Beyond The Vines opens their fifth store at Raffles City

Homegrown brand Beyond The Vines (BTV) has opened a new Design Post at Raffles City. For those who don’t already know, Beyond The Vines is a local fashion brand that was established in 2015. It is quite likely you have seen their most recognisable product around town – the Dumpling Bag. Till date, they have opened multiple stores both locally and internationally, with the latest one at Raffles City being their fifth outlet in Singapore. Photograph: Beyond The Vines The 19-square-metre space is designed with the ‘BTV Express’ concept – a pop-up-esque booth that retails the brand’s iconic designs. The store is decked out in a neon orange hue, paired with the brand’s signature ‘Engineer’ Blue. This new retail space is the brand’s second Design Post, with the first one being at ION Orchard. Here, visitors can expect a curated range of iconic Beyond The Vines products. Photograph: Beyond The Vines Specially for the opening, BTV’s new store will transform into a tropical paradise, embodying the theme ‘Tropicabana’. Don’t miss out on a range of limited edition merchandise in-store for the week of launch only (till November 10).   MORE NEWS Artbox is returning to Singapore in 2024 with over 100 food stalls from around the world Festive Pokémon cable cars are flying high at Sentosa this year-end Changi Airport celebrates Christmas by transforming into a candy-themed wonderland

From November 4 to March 31, 2024, Changi Airport will transform into a candy-themed wonderland with exciting carnival games, a snow house, themed pop-ups, and more.   Photograph: Changi AirportCandy Wonderland This year’s event highlight is theCandy Wonderland located at Terminal 3’s (T3) departure hall, featuring a 5-metre-tall white bear, 7-metre-tall cupcake Ferris wheel, candy cane lane, gingerbread house, and picture-esque Christmas fixtures. At night, look out for a light and snow show that will add on to the festive mood. There will also be buskers, jugglers, and a live marching band performing Christmas songs on selected Friday and Saturday evenings.   Photograph: Changi AirportCandy Carnival And there’s more – don’t miss out on the Candy Carnival at T3’s arrival hall, featuring exciting carnival games and rides with Changi-exclusive prizes to be won. Little ones, jump to your heart’s content at the Candy Bounce inflatable castle and take a ride on the Candy Kart go-kart course.  Photograph: Changi AirportCandy Kart go-kart course Then, head to basement 2 to board a candy-coated train and hop onto a merry-go-round. There will also be delicious carnival snacks like nachos, corn dogs, takoyaki (octopus balls) and even the iconic Korean cheese coin pancake. Photograph: Changi AirportCandy Snow House Immerse yourself in the Candy Snow House, an enchanting realm of snow and ice right here on our sunny island. Check out intricately-carved glowing ice sculptures and

K-pop girl group New Jeans has landed a collaboration with fast food chain McDonalds, which is set to drop today, November 2, for a limited time period only.  The McDonald’s packaging for this exclusive drop features motifs of the fast food chain’s classic offerings such as fries and drumlets, as well as cute bunnies to symbolise the New Jeans’ fandom.  Photograph: McDonald’s Singapore And it isn’t just the packaging that’s getting a sweet revamp – the all-new K-Sweet & Spicy Chicken McCrispy will also be on the menu, priced from $7.05 (ala carte). This new addition is inspired by the signature combination of sweet and spicy flavours in Korean cuisine. To top it off, there will be an exclusive Chocolate Sea Salt Frappé to pair your meal with. The well-loved Crisscut Fries will also be back during this period.  MORE NEWS Christmas Wonderland returns this December for its biggest edition with carnival rides, light displays and live performances Mr. Coconut opens Three Little Coconut, Singapore’s first coconut-centric café Singapore Airlines is offering more than 170,000 discounted round-trip tickets this November  

Singapore Art Week (SAW) will return from January 19 to 28 2024 for its 12th edition. The annual art affair is organised by the National Arts Council (NAC) and supported by the Singapore Tourism Board (STB). This year’s run will see over 130 art experiences across Singapore – from art fairs, to exhibitions, gallery openings, street art, art activations, and interactive programmes for all to participate in. “Local and international audiences can look forward to a wide range of art experiences and activities from the city centre to the heartlands that is reflective of our distinctive and vibrant arts scene and culture,” says Ms Lynette Pang, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of NAC. Singapore Art Week will bring together art lovers and collectors from all walks of life to dive into Singapore’s art scene and gain new insights on Southeast Asian art.  Visitors can indulge in a series of exciting exhibitions. Immortal Worlds by Indonesian-born Singaporean artist Boedi Widjaja will showcase artworks – both old and new – that touch on the connection between art and science. National Gallery of Singapore’s blockbuster exhibition Tropical: Stories from Southeast Asia and Latin America will showcase 200 paintings, sculptures, prints and sensorial installations by Southeast Asia and Latin America artists, including Frida Kahlo, Tarsila do Amaral and Latiff Mohidin. In addition, two decades worth of paintings, films, theatrical performances, and video installations by artist Ho Tzu Nyen wil

The annual festive fair, Christmas Wonderland, returns once again to jazz up Gardens by the Bay from December 1 to January 1, 2024. This year marks its 10th edition, and will cover more than 27,000 square metres with captivating light displays, carnival rides, and festive activities. Photograph: Blue Sky EventsView of the Christmas Wonderland at Supertree Grove The festival will be separated into three zones: Supertree Grove, Frosty’s Fairground at The Meadow, and Gingerbread Grove. The main attraction, Spalliera, will be located at Supertree Grove, with its majestic design inspired by Northern Italy’s Mesola Castle. The dazzling handcrafted light display is made up of 103,000 bulbs and stands that tower up to 20 metres. Visitors can also expect the return of the multi-sensorial experience Blizzard Time, where one can experience snowfall on our tropical island. A light show will also be projected on the trees surrounding the castle, accompanied by Christmas soundtracks. Photograph: Blue Sky EventsBlizzard Time That’s not all at Supertree Grove – look out for the Holly Roger ship, a 24-metre-long whimsical light display illuminated by 127,000 bulbs. Santa Claus will also be present for photo opportunities. Furthermore, the Walk of Lights will also return with its longest route ever, featuring a 65-metre-long tunnel embellished with 75,000 programmable LED lights strung throughout. Photograph: Blue Sky EventsCarnival games Over at Frosty’s Fairground, visitors can indulge

The annual Christmas light-up at Orchard Road, Christmas on A Great Street, will return this year on November 16 for its 40th run. Guest-of-Honour President Tharman Shanmugaratnam will be officiating the Light-Up Ceremony at Shaw House Urban Plaza.  This year’s edition will see its first-ever street party on Christmas Eve, stretching from Paterson junction to Bideford junction. The party will take place from 8pm to 12.30am. Visitors can look forward to performances by the National Cadet Corps (NCC) Command Band from Swiss Cottage Secondary School, dance performances, lively Christmas carolling, Meet & Greet sessions with Santa Claus, DJ live sets and a Christmas Market packed with food trucks offering a wide variety of grub. There will also be a countdown session into Christmas Day and the New Year. What’s more, there will be three Christmas Villages scattered around Orchard Road with carnival rides, games, pop-up stores selling homegrown arts and crafts, as well as food and beverage stations. Ride a double-storey carousel and ferris wheel at the first village at Shaw House Urban Plaza from November 24 onwards and indulge in a bouncy castle and craft workshops by Kiztopia at Plaza Singapura from December 1. There will also be live performances by musicians like Daniel Sid, LAYYI and The Cold Cut Duo on Friday and Saturday evenings, arcade games and a swing ride at Ngee Ann City Civic Plaza from December 8.  Lastly, immerse yourself in several engaging augmented reality displa

The brand new KidzWorld opens at the Singapore Zoo today with 250 animals, from 30 different species. “Our new children’s experience zone focuses on delivering a world-class petting zoo, combined with a wide array of play and adventure activities,” said Mike Barclay, Group CEO of Mandai Wildlife Group. Photograph: Mandai Wildlife GroupWater Play at KidzWorld The one-hectare space will provide children and families a chance to interact with animals, cultivate an appreciation for wildlife, as well as encourage fun and interactive learning experiences. There is also a water maze for added fun. Photograph: Mandai Wildlife GroupCanine Clubhouse in Little Paws At KidzWorld, visitors will be able to witness 250 animal residents, from 30 unique species including the axis deer, sulcata tortoises, ferrets, horses, dogs, chickens, ducks and several others. The migration of these animals started with an environment-change conditioning in June 2023. Subsequently on October 21, horses, dogs, chickens, and ducks were slowly transferred over. Photograph: Mandai Wildlife GroupAnimals being transported from the previous KidzWorld to the current The space will also be home to the Ranger Buddies, an edutainment programme that aims to empower children to believe that they can make a positive difference in their lives, as well as the world. There will be three outposts for the newly-launched Ranger Buddies Quest located at KidzWorld. Here, children can discover more about animal health, car

The world-class Broadway musical Hamilton will be debuting in Singapore at the Sands Theatre at Marina Bay Sands on April 19, 2024, brought to you by BASE Entertainment Asia.  The musical originally premiered on Broadway and then went on to captivate audiences in various global destinations, including London's West End, Australia, Germany, New Zealand. It also embarked on its first-ever international tour, making stops in the Philippines and Abu Dhabi before reaching its current destination, Singapore, marking the production's third city. Hamilton is a biographical musical inspired by the story of American Founding Father Alexander Hamilton, following his early days as an orphan to his rise as a prominent figure in American history. Through the exploration of ambition, human relationships, and political power, the musical provides a timeless perspective on the world and connects historical events to modern audiences. The musical, inclusive casting aside, stands out as a theatrical masterpiece with its unique soundtrack, featuring influences from hip hop, jazz, and R&B. The book, music and lyrics are written by multi-disciplinary playwright Lin-Manuel Miranda. The choreography is skillfully executed by dancer and choreographer Andy Blankenbuehler, with direction provided by experienced theatre director Thomas Kail. Additionally, the musical supervision and orchestrations are masterfully handled by Cuban-American composer Alex Lacamoire. Its debut at Broadway in New York in 201

Adding on to the stream of epic acts coming to Singapore in 2024 is Ed Sheeran – set to serenade us at National Stadium on February 16. The British street-busker-turned-superstar rose to international fame with his heartfelt pop-infused folk music. The beginning of his career saw the release of album + (2011), with hits like The A Team and Lego House, effortlessly making its mark as earworms for listeners all over the world. His subsequent albums x (2014) and ÷ (2017) were no let downs as well, with singles like Shape Of You and Photograph topping the charts within a very short period of time.  Apart from old-time classics like Perfect and Shivers, expect to hear tracks like Magical, Amazing and Plastic Bag from the singer’s new bonus album Autumn Variations performed live. The singer has also been a recipient of multiple Grammy Awards, earning accolades such as Song of the Year and Best Pop Solo Performance for his hit Thinking Out Loud. The Brit Awards have also celebrated his talent, honouring him with titles like British Album of the Year for his debut album +, as well as British Male Solo Artist for his album x. Tickets are priced from $88 to $488 and will be available for purchase on October 31 here. MORE MUSIC The best music concerts and festivals in SingaporeFall Out Boy is set to perform in Singapore this DecemberYOASOBI announces Singapore as part of their first ever Asia tour