24 June
Esplanade Concert Hall
Hailed for her “exquisitely refined” and “liquid, dreamlike” piano skills, Moscow-born Katya Grineva will take to the Singapore stage for the first time. The award-winning performer, who has played at Carnegie Hall for 11 consecutive years, will be performing a selection of music from the rediscovered piano sonatas of Viennese composer Marcel Tyberg, as well as interpretations of Schubert, Liszt, Satie, Bloch, Granados, Piazolla and Ravel.
Even after hosting the inaugural Youth Olympic Games (YOG) this August, Singapore will continue to further the ties of friendship and sporting excellence with the Singapore Youth Olympic Scholarships for outstanding young athletes.
The scholarships will be awarded to five youths aged 13 to 15 once every four years during the summer YOG. The students will be selected from any of the 205 competing nations worldwide, including Singapore.
Recipients will get fully-subsidised academic and sports education at the Singapore Sports School for four to six years. The scholarship covers any one of the following seven Olympic summer sports: aquatics, athletics, badminton, football, golf, sailing and table tennis.
Applications close on 16 April and will be awarded in August 2010, with the term starting in 2011. According to Ng Ser Miang, chairman of the Singapore Youth Olympics Games Organising Committee and vice-president of the International Olympic Committee, the scholarships will be a legacy of the games in Singapore. “The scholarships will continue to link Singapore to the Olympic movement and the youth of the world by bringing them here to learn, train and to take part in sports.”
For more information on the scholarships, visit www.sportsschool.edu.sg
A pilot project called The Singapore Citizenship Journey has been launched in three grassroots constituencies: Tanjong Pagar, Sembawang and West Coast. Started by the National Integration Council (NIC), these efforts are meant to support social integration and understanding to help new immigrants integrate into the community. (more…)
11–13 June
Esplanade Recital Studio
This puppet show for adults takes childhood tales and gives them a twisted, dark and highly enjoyable turn. Meet Tumb the boy who eats him mum, Manky Mingus and Terrible Tilly – all of whom have gruesome adventures told against a backdrop of live music, with narration by Dame Judi Dench. Think of it as the Brothers Grimm meets Edgar Allen Poe.
6 June–28 November
Asian Civilisations Museum
Specially curated with children in mind, Heroes of Asia is a colourful and engaging exhibition featuring displays and artefacts that tell the tales behind well-known and well-loved characters of Asian myths. Featured legends include those of Hanuman, the Monkey God of India; Rustam, the dashing champion of Iran who defeated dragons and demons; and Mulan, the warrior-maiden of Chinese legends.
4–5 June
Esplanade Theatre
Internationally acclaimed dancer Sylvie Guillem teams up with renowned theatre-maker Robert Lepage and award-winning choreographer Russell Maliphant in this dance theatre masterpiece. Eonnagata, set in the time of France’s King Louis XV, tells the story of the Chevalier d’Éon, Charles de Beaumont – diplomat, writer, swordsman and spy. Adding to the visual enchantment are costumes by the late fashion designer Alexander McQueen and lighting pioneer Michael Hulls.
28 May
Vesak Day, celebrated during the full moon of the fourth lunar month, commemorates the birth, enlightenment and final Nirvana of the Buddha. The day sees Buddhists all over the world coming together to reflect on spiritual development and on the Buddha’s universal message of peace. In Singapore, many Buddhists – often among the Chinese and Indian communities – observe vegetarian diets on this day and visit temples to give offerings. In celebration, temples are festooned with flags and lights, while shrines are covered with flowers, fruits and other offerings.
21–23 May
Esplanade Theatre Studio
Theatre company Elevator Repair Service takes on F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novel The Great Gatsby in this ambitious theatrical tour de force. Actors perform the classic in its entirety – verbatim – in six hours. An office worker starts reading the book aloud and, as he does so, strange coincidences involving him and his colleagues occur, until it’s no longer clear whether he’s reading the book or the book is reading him.
20–22 May
Esplanade Recital Studio
Australian band The Axis of Awesome has a reputation for being, well, awesome. The comedy band received the Melbourne International Comedy Festival’s Moosehead award in 2008 for their show The Axis of Awesome Comeback Spectacular. Loved for their high energy and high impact performances, Infinity Rock Explosion! sold out at its Edinburgh Fringe Festival debut. Don’t miss this fabulous threesome when they hit Singapore with their musical comedy talent.
1 May
Esplanade Concert Hall
The queen of bossa nova, Lisa Ono, graces the stage with her lilting voice in a concert that will take audiences on a musical journey around the world. The Japanese singer-songwriter was born in São Paulo, Brazil and moved to Tokyo when she was 10, growing up to be among Japan’s most famous bossa nova singers with over 22 albums to her name. Her most recent album, Asia, was released in February 2010.
6–9 May
Jubilee Hall, Raffles Hotel
Part Shakespeare play and part rock concert, From a Jack to a King sees the wimpy but ambitious rock star-wannabe Eric Glamis visited by three witches who promise him fame and power. Think of it as Macbeth with an Elvis impersonator, and evergreen songs like Tell Laura I love Her, Downtown and Go Johnny Go – all performed live on stage.
22 April–22 August
Singapore Art Museum
After a triumphant season at the 53rd Venice Biennale, where he was awarded the special jury mention for his showcase Life of Imitation, Singaporean artist Ming Wong brings his work home. He explores the co-existence of multiple worlds and the Singaporean condition, as well as concepts of language and identity through his own re-interpretations of world cinema.
18 April
Marina Bay
Take part in global event to raise awareness about water scarcity around the world. The 6km run is symbolic – one in eight people around the world don’t have access to safe, clean drinking water and, in some areas, have to walk 6km each day to get water. The run in Singapore is supported by Lien Aid, which will channel part of the funds to build rainwater harvesting units in healthcare centres around Kampung Speu province in Cambodia.
14–17 April
Yio Chu Kang Stadium
Be ready for an explosive battle of might and will in the third year of the HSBC Asian Five Nations rugby tournament. After missing out in 2008, the Singapore Rugby Lions will be hoping to gain home ground advantage to seal a return to the top division. The teams gunning for glory this year are from Sri Lanka, Taipei, Malaysia and Singapore.
2–10 April
Esplanade Theatre
After rave reviews for its 2009 take on William Shakespeare’s A Winter’s Tale that starred Ethan Hawke and Rebecca Hall, The Bridge Project is back with another Shakespeare classic. Presented by the Singapore Repertory Theatre in collaboration with the Esplanade, this interpretation of The Tempest will see Sam Mendes direct a transatlantic cast including Juliet Rylance, Christian Camargo and Ron Cephas Jones in a work that explores outcasts, power and magical lands.
2–3 April
Esplanade Recital Studio
Singapore’s Balinese performing arts ensemble Gamelan SingaMurti presents Malam di Bali (A Night in Bali), with a performance by Singapore’s only Gamelan Semarandana, a 7-tone, 25-piece orchestra. The show will also feature internationally-renowned musician-composer I Dewa Ketut Alit. With both traditional and contemporary Balinese music, a traditional masked dance and virtuosic solos, the 80-minute programme is a mesmerising showcase of Balinese culture and art.
You may have heard of Singapore companies such as Hyflux and Sembcorp leading the way in global water technology, but some savvy up-and-comers are defining their own paths and adding to Singapore’s reputation as an industry frontrunner in water innovation. BY YQ LIN
For the same amount of electricity it takes to power a household refrigerator for a day, a machine called AirQua can produce up to 48 litres of water from thin air. And it is this machine that’s taking homegrown company Aridtec places. Six years after setting up in Singapore, Aridtec’s water generators are now sold in the Middle East, South Africa, the United States and Europe, as well as Singapore. It is one of the many companies that are part of a burgeoning water technologies sector in Singapore. (more…)
Modern Singapore has its allure, but more charming still are the pockets of heritage nestled within the urban landscape. The next time you’re in the city area, keep an eye out for these architectural gems that have stood by as silent observers of a growing city. BY SHERALYN TAY
The Hajjah Fatimah Mosque, surrounded by its modern commercial and residential neighbours
Standing in quiet elegance on the site where tradeswoman and philanthropist Hajjah Fatimah once lived, the Hajjah Fatimah Mosque is unique for both its history and architecture. (more…)
It’s been said that Singaporeans have only two passions: shopping and eating. But look beneath the surface and you’ll discover some passions that take an unconventional turn. From cosplayers, stormtroopers, cowboys, bikers to goths, here is a peek into some niche interest groups that go beyond the usual. BY SHERALYN TAY
Anime in the flesh
Marketing executive Frank Koh (above, right), 25, is your regular Singaporean guy. By day and in most instances, he’s in a sharp dress shirt and trousers. But several times a year, Frank is someone else – literally. As an anime cosplayer (costume player), Frank regularly dons elaborate wigs and self-made costumes to emulate his favourite characters from Japanese manga and anime. He admits he didn’t always appreciate the hobby: “I thought it was quite silly at first; the idea of a guy dressing up and putting on makeup”. On this page, Frank is dressed as Kamui Gakupo from the series Vocaloids: Sandplay of the Dragon, decked in a self-styled wig and Edwardian velvet suit, complete with cravat, boots and lace trimmings as he speaks to Singapore. But silly is not the word for it.
In fact, cosplaying is pretty serious business. Frank was persuaded by a friend to give the hobby a go in 2005 and has not looked back since. According to Frank, the appeal lies in “transcending the barrier to transform a two-dimensional character into a four-dimensional one”. (more…)
The SIF launched a new programme, Art Associates, in February to enable Southeast Asian art professionals and their Singaporean counterparts to exchange ideas, knowledge and perspectives.
In partnership with The National Art Gallery, Singapore, this collaboration will bring Southeast Asian art and heritage experts to the Gallery for a 10-week professional attachment. The aim is to build mutual understanding of Southeast Asian art, share knowledge of the art industry in the participating countries as well as network with local and regional art professionals.
The first of three exchanges this year began on 22 February with two associates from the Philippines: animator and teaching artist, Maria Katrina Tan-Conte, and projects manager at the Center for Ethnomusicology, University of the Philippines, Dayang Magdalena Nirvana T. Yraola.
Through this programme, both the SIF and the Gallery hope to build a network of Southeast Asian art and heritage professionals, where the exchange of knowledge and understanding can continue to grow.
Two integrated resorts – Marina Bay Sands and Resorts World Sentosa – promise to bring a smorgasbord of sights and delights to Singapore shores when they open this year. From entertainment offerings to a theme park, theatrical acts and big names in fine dining, here’s a peek at what’s on the cards. BY JOAQUIN TEO
One evokes Las Vegas-style glitz, while the other is modeled after the famous Genting Highlands resort in Malaysia. Marina Bay Sands and Resorts World Sentosa, respectively, will bring a string of attractions for all tastes. Resorts World Sentosa, the first of the two integrated resorts (IRs) to open, boasts a total of six hotels, more than 10 food and beverage outlets, an oceanarium and a theme park. Adding to the Singapore skyline on the mainland, Marina Bay Sands will be the centerpiece in a ‘necklace of attractions’ around the Marina Bay that includes the Singapore Flyer, Gardens by the Bay, the Esplanade and – by 2013 – the National Art Gallery and the City Hall heritage buildings. (more…)
Going vegetarian does not mean eating boring old salads. Woon Tien Wei, chef and artist-in-residence at café Food#03, shows how veggie meals can hit the sweet spot.
Makes 1 cup
2 cups laksa leaves
2 cloves garlic, very finely chopped
½ cup olive oil
½ cup cashew nuts
This issue of Singapore has a few surprises, even for those of us born and bred in Singapore.
In “Scene”, we unveil sub-cultures – goths, cowboys, Harley riders, and cosplayers that have sprouted in recent years, and hear from their avid acolytes.
Journalists from Qatar – Sindhu Nair, Deputy Editor of Oryx Advertising, and James McCarthy, Regional Managing Editor of Firefly Communications – had a wide-ranging study tour of Singapore when they visited from 26 to 30 January under the SIF Arts & Culture Journalist Visit Programme.
While in Singapore, the journalists met with representatives from the Ministry of Information, Communication and the Arts, the Media Development Authority, the National Arts Council, and the National Heritage Board, as well as members of the Singapore press, arts educators and local arts practitioners.
Ms Nair and Mr McCarthy visited prominent cultural sites in Singapore such as the Peranakan Museum and the Singapore Art Museum. They also got a chance to explore Chinatown, Little India and CHIJMES, and visited Sentosa’s Resorts World. They rounded off their visit with a performance of Puccini’s opera La Bohème at the Esplanade.
“If the proceedings were chaired by an experienced, legally trained chairman, or if there were present such a person as a member…the proceedings could and indeed would have progressed more expeditiously.”
- The concerns of an unnamed lawyer cited by Health Minister Khaw Boon Wan to illustrate the need for a senior lawyer to chair or be a member of Singapore Medical Council disciplinary tribunals. This will prevent hearings from veering into “frivolous” matters without objection from the doctors on the tribunal. (more…)
Chris Ho, Singapore rebel and self-professed ‘professional griper’ shares his fondest childhood memories and favourite spots in Singapore – from the forgotten opium dens of Chinatown to a boisterous guesthouse on Nassim Road. BY SHAUN SIOW
Chinatown may be known as a popular tourist enclave, but radio host, deejay and author Chris Ho – also known as X’Ho – remembers its streets quite differently. (more…)
40,000 sqm Size of the exhibition hall for the Singapore Airshow in February – equivalent to the area of four football fields.
35,000 Number of visitors to Resorts World Sentosa on the first two days of Lunar New Year, when the integrated resort opened. (more…)
Dr Sergey KaraganovDean of the Faculty of the World Economy & Politics, State University – Higher School of Economics, Russia
Ranked among the world’s top 100 public intellectuals, Dr Karaganov was invited to Singapore as the Singapore International Foundation’s Distinguished Visitor in February, where he met officials and gave a lecture at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy. The chairman of the Valdai Club, an international framework for leading experts to debate on Russia and its role in the world, also shared with Singapore his thoughts on the fading of world superpowers, the rise of ‘super regionalism’ and Singapore-Russia relations. (more…)
When Singapore hosts the inaugural Youth Olympic Games (YOG) in August, all eyes will be on some 3,600 teenage athletes representing their nations, their sport and their passion. Singapore speaks to three sports starlets who have their own eyes on the prize. BY LIN WEIWEN
With over 3,600 top seeded youth athletes, half a million spectators and 26 sports, the YOG – costing some $106m – is one of the biggest sporting events to take place on Singapore shores. Under the Olympic banner, it is also one of the most prestigious. As host nation, Singapore has spent about $10m revamping the 18 competition and 12 training venues, an amount which excludes the cost of preparing an Olympic Village and five football fields’ worth of warehouse space for Games-related equipment and infrastructure.
The preparations have been no less intense for Singapore’s top athletes. Even as the pressures of training take centrestage, Singapore’s own Olympic hopefuls take it in their stride, juggling school work, exams and dreams of glory. Singapore tracks down three such youth. (more…)
Being hearing-impaired has not stopped Alvan Yap from giving back to society. In fact, the Singapore International Foundation (SIF) volunteer is part of a year-long project by the SIF and the Agape Foundation for Asia Pacific Ministries to develop and improve teaching and curricula for hearing-impaired students in Dili, Timor-Leste. Alvan (second from left) started the project on 16 January, teaching International Sign Language at the Agape Deaf International School.
In addition to his work with schools, Alvan will also set activities and programmes to aid communication between the hearing-impaired and their families and communities.
This project in Timor-Leste aims to improve the understanding and the quality of education available for the hearing-impaired.
Live in Singapore for any stretch of time and you’re bound to be invited to a local wedding. Here are some interesting customs and traditions to keep an eye out for at a traditional Malay wedding. BY HAZZEL TAN
Royals for a day
A bride upon the pelamin
A Malay wedding is a vibrant, colourful event. The day of the celebration is called bersanding (pronounced ber-sun-deng), which refers to the couple being seated on the bridal couch on a dais. This couch is called the pelamin (pronounced as per-la-men) and symbolises a throne, on which the couple sits. From this vantage point, the couple may view the celebrations and also be admired by guests.
It is customary for the couple to be decked in the traditional dress of royalty – the bride in richly coloured and embroidered dresses and her groom in a matching suit with a dagger (called a kris) at his side. (more…)
Singapore’s integrated engineering group ST Engineering has won an $58.8m contract in Africa to demilitarise ammunitions. The contract, awarded to ST Engineering’s land systems arm, involves the supply of specialised equipment and related services – such as training and operations assistance – to destroy the capabilities of ammunition through disassembly, size reduction, melt-down of explosives and incineration of non-recyclable explosives. Recyclable materials such as projectiles and brass cases will be recycled or sold in the secondary market as scrap. (more…)
At $46.4b, the 2010 Budget is one of the largest budget outlays to date and will set the course for a five- to ten-year masterplan to boost productivity and transform the Singapore economy. $5.5b has been earmarked towards schemes that raise innovation and productivity over the next five years, and a further $1.5b will go towards promoting research and development (R&D). Some of the measures to boost productivity include: (more…)
Driven by a desire to do something meaningful while living in a new country, Briton Samantha Taylor joined the Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) to give back to the community and learn more about it. She went from volunteer to general manager and has been having, quite literally, a wild and fulfilling ride. BY SHERALYN TAY
“When I started, Paint, one of our older horses, would get a bit bored at the end of a session and nibble me gently in the bum – but he usually only got my mobile phone in the back pocket!” laughed Samantha, 40, recalling some of her initial experiences when she first became a volunteer at the RDA. That was in 2007, when the “dutiful trailing spouse” came to Singapore with her husband, who works in logistics and had relocated to the Republic from the United Kingdom. (more…)
For Bhutanese teacher Passang Tshering, 26, both learning and teaching IT is interactive, fun and exciting. He shared his experience with IT when he visited Singapore – his first trip overseas – in February for the Bhutan W.I.R.ED project. BY SHERALYN TAY
Passu, in a traditional Bhutanese gho, interacts with students at the School of Science and Technology
Before 1998, Passang Tshering had never seen a computer. So when his neighbour bought a computer system, the 16-year-old Passang – also known as Passu – would sneak peaks at the computer from the window, filled with fascination and awe. “I used to think that a computer was very intelligent!” Passu recalled. “In fact, I was worried because I thought maybe the computer was looking at me and would tell the owner. Such fear I had!” he laughed. (more…)
A 180-year-old book containing early drawings and photographs of Singapore was auctioned for £43,000 (S$91,760) to an anonymous London bookseller in March. The unbound album, titled Views of the China Seas & Macao taken during Capt. D. Ross’ Surveys by M. Houghton, had been rescued from a bonfire. The tome was originally expected to fetch no more than £3,000 (S$6,402) but rose in value when it was discovered that one of the 40 drawings in the book is dated 1819 – believed to be one of the earliest images of Singapore.
