Mingli Seet

Concerts bring a special energy – seeing your favourite artist up close, singing along with fellow fans, and just soaking in the vibes. If you've been to one, you know the deal – there's nothing like belting out your favourite tunes, throwing your hands in the air (wave 'em like you just don't care), or grooving in the crowd. This 2024, the music scene is seeing an exciting lineup of mainstream and alternative acts. Our wallets might protest, but our hearts are totally pumped! Keep scrolling to find out what's coming up, all sorted for you by month. RECOMMENDED: The best lifestyle cafés for music and art lovers and the best luxury hotels in Singapore

With 70 major theatre awards under its belt, including two Olivier Awards, three Tony Awards, and four Drama Desk Awards, the award-winning musical Miss Saigon stands iconic in the world of theatre, often described as one of the greatest musicals of all time.  Miss Saigon’s original production first premiered in Australia in 1995 and subsequently ran again in 2007. Today’s version of the musical first opened in London in May 2014, emerging as a revitalised production attuned to contemporary sensibilities – one that resonates with today's audience, all while honouring the musical's original genius. The musical is set against the backdrop of the Vietnam War, and it is almost impossible not to be moved by its story which tells the heart-wrenching tale of a young Vietnamese woman named Kim, who is orphaned by war and then forced to work in a bar called Dreamland. There, she meets an American G.I named Chris and they fall in love, only to be torn apart by war. Despite being kept apart by unfortunate circumstances, Kim continues to find her way back to Chris, who has no idea about the son he has fathered. We had the absolute pleasure of chatting with the talented main leads of Miss Saigon, Abigail Adriano (Kim), and Nigel Huckle (Chris) backstage at the Miss Saigon premiere in Manila to delve into the nitty-gritties of the show. Read on to find out about the new-and-improved Miss Saigon, the main leads’ experiences in one of history's most dramatic love stories, their personal chal

If you’re in need of some peace and quiet to unwind and recharge, then look no further than Hua Hin, a beach resort town located southwest of Thailand’s capital city Bangkok. Renowned for its pristine beaches, breathtaking viewpoints, bustling night markets, relaxing massages and delicious food, Hua Hin lies in the heart of the 'Thai Riviera’, stretching along the coastline between Phetchaburi in the north and Chumphon in the south. To reach Hua Hin, you’ll need to secure a flight to Bangkok and book a private transfer to your accommodation in Hua Hin. The car ride is about three hours, so we recommend grabbing some snacks for the journey.

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

Picture tranquil beaches, grand waterfalls, breathtaking viewpoints, historical temples and world-class resorts – that’s Koh Samui in a (coco)nutshell. This slice of paradise is the second largest island in Thailand after Phuket and is situated in the Gulf of Thailand off the east coast of the Kra Isthmus. You can fly directly to Koh Samui as the island has a dedicated open-air airport located in the Bo Phut subdistrict, but strap in because your journey doesn’t end there. You’ll need to pre-book a private transfer between the airport and your hotel or resort of choice. Depending on where you stay, this ride can take up to two hours so comfort is of the essence. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Time Out Asia (@timeout_asia)

In addition to the fantastic art exhibitions in Singapore, theatre and dance performances offer an excellent alternative to unwind from the grind and broaden your horizons. In the months ahead, look forward to a packed calendar of award-winning Broadway musicals, timeless ballets, and laugh-out-loud physical comedy shows. These delve into diverse topics – thought-provoking commentary on political landscapes, tragic romances, and our obsession with screens. Just sink into a plush seat and prepare to be captivated by these spectacular performances. RECOMMENDED: 10 brilliant music festivals in Asia you don’t want to miss and The best music concerts and festivals in Singapore

Not to brag, but Singapore has some of the most impressive skylines in the world. And we're home to world-class hotels located in towering, state-of-the-art skyscrapers dreamt up by illustrious architects. Some people may prefer having a staycation at the beach or secluded spots around town; but if you're a city person, you might want to be right in the heart of the action. Book a staycation at one of these hotels right in Singapore's city centre and you'll be a walking distance away from the best art galleries, cocktail bars and restaurants.   RECOMMENDED: The best secluded and quiet hotels in Singapore and the ultimate guide to Singapore's neighbourhoods

Singapore's nightscape is filled with an endless array of bars, cafés and restaurants ready with headbangin' tunes and heart-rending sets. Whether it's soulful jazz or powerful rock hits, here are our favourite live venues to keep tabs on. Get ready to clear your evenings.  RECOMMENDED Upcoming DJ sets and club parties in Singapore and upcoming concerts in Singapore

With an influx of bands and big-name stars hitting Singapore, the spotlight often shines brightest on the chart-toppers. However, amidst the buzz, let's also carve out some room for the indie gems that shouldn't go unnoticed. In that light, Taiwanese alt-rock band Shallow Levée is making their way to Singapore for the third time on June 29, 2024, set to perform at Wire Entertainment. This follows their last performance in 2019 as part of the Huayi Festival of Arts at the Esplanade.  Taiwanese band Shallow Levée was formed in 2016 and consists of four members – Yi-Ling (vocals/guitar), Tang (drums), Patrick (bass) and Hong Cha (guitar). They are best known for their bilingual songs (Mandarin and Taiwanese) with lyrics that reflect everyday life in Kaohsiung – the city where the band was formed. Their single ‘Excavator (怪手)’ catapulted them to fame, a track from their debut EP Demo.1, which earned a nomination for the ‘Best Rock Song’ award at the 2016 Golden Indie Music Awards. We had the chance to chat with the band to find out more about their upcoming show and sentiments just before their third gig in our city. RECOMMENDED: ‘Kawaii Metal’ Japanese trio Babymetal is making their way to Singapore this August and The best music concerts and festivals in Singapore Photograph: Shallow LevéeShallow Levée Can you describe your music in one sentence for those that are unfamiliar? Our music is pop music infused with folk and rock as its foundation. Our melody reflects the vibe

If you’re slightly bored of the big shopping malls and in a mood for some playful shopping, we suggest getting out there and paying a visit to our local markets – vintage flea markets, art bazaars, book fairs – name it and we probably have it. Time to switch things up. Participate in recyclable fashion with your next one-of-a-kind find, discover new local artisans, buy a new book, and maybe even pick up a free thing or two. You’ll never know what you’ll find and who you’ll meet next! RECOMMENDED: 6 best Japanese supermarkets and grocery stores in Singapore and The best music concerts and festivals in Singapore 

Art is a universal language, and it's never too early to introduce your kids to its wonders! Dive into a world of creativity and imagination with these family-friendly interactive exhibits, stunning artworks, and exciting experiments at museums all around Singapore. These experiences are sure to ignite joy and spark creativity in the hearts of both children and adults alike. RECOMMENDED: The best edutainment places for kids in Singapore and The best free playgrounds in Singapore

Here’s an extra reason to hang out till the wee hours of the night: i Light Singapore 2024, the annual sustainable night festival, is returning for its 10th edition from May 31 to June 23, offering not only stunning interactive art installations, but also a meaningful green message behind its majestic artworks. And this year's event presents a bonus – it will expand into the Tanjong Pagar district and showcase a sustainable market in partnership with the Conscious Festival.  Before setting off, we recommend slipping into comfortable shoes because there will be lots of walking, and be sure to check out our i Light Singapore guide for all the nitty gritty details such as opening hours, programmes, location, and more.  If time is on your side, all 17 artworks are definitely worth checking out. However, if you're only seeking the highlights, then read on for our shortlist of the top five must-see artworks this year. RECOMMENDED: Ticket applications for NDP 2024 will open on May 27 and Here’s what to look forward to at Mandai Wildlife Reserve during the June school holidays View this post on Instagram A post shared by Time Out Singapore (@timeoutsg)

Singapore’s birthday is coming up and everyone is gearing up to celebrate this special day. This includes the National Museum, which will be offering lots of exciting activities – from outdoor inflatable playgrounds featuring iconic local HDB playground designs and drop-in craft activities to intergenerational programmes and a scavenger hunt. Check out the light installation The Good Old Games; A Light-Up Installation for a nostalgic photo taking session where you’ll get to snap a picture with life-sized old-school games such as chapteh, five stones and country flag erasers. Learn more about Singapore’s history at the National Day scavenger hunt as you search for answers around the museum. Those who have completed it will stand a chance to redeem a token from the museum, while stocks last. There will also be hands-on workshops where you’ll get to craft a letter to a loved one, put together your very own traditional round fan, and design a keychain with an interesting paint-pouring technique.  Photograph: National Museum of SingaporeInflatable playground For the young ones, head to Outdoor Sustainable Play, where they can engage in imaginative play, or bounce away at the inflatable playgrounds featuring colourful castles.  And that’s not all: watch the National Day parade live from the National Museum while having a picnic under the stars, enjoy drum performances on the lawn, and share your thoughts on Singapore at the museum’s LED wall with Writings On The Wall.  For the f

In Search of the Beyond, local artist Gerald Tay’s second solo exhibition, explores themes of self-reflection and the desire to connect with the artist’s personal inner world.  This exhibition will feature eleven new paintings, all of which start with a digitally manipulated sketch of his past works. Utilising the process of mirroring and repetition, Tay transforms these sketches into entirely new compositions, using them as a loose framework for his intuitive painting process. Incorporating forms inspired by temples and religious artefacts, Tay's new paintings reveal cell-like structures arranged in irregular, pulsating patterns – resulting in psychedelic visuals.

If you’re interested in a mix of both traditional and modern media but are not sure where to start, pay this exhibition a visit. In Timeless Masterpieces: Contemporary Chinese Art Through the Ages, eight Chinese artists across different generations working with different mediums are invited to showcase their paintings and sculptures, alongside the addition of digital media. To name a few – Jiang Miao will bring her multidimensional graphic creations created over the years to the table, while Yang Yongliang, known for his usage of mountains and urban architecture in his works, will exhibit his latest narrative film. Bao Pei will also be showing a new work that combines the characteristics of printmaking and oil painting to reconstruct a “new language”. 

Whitestone Gallery presents Chinese artist duo Li Wei & Liu Zhiyin’s largest and first-ever solo exhibition in Southeast Asia, Whispers of the Wind. Find over 50 sculptures made from a range of materials such as bronze, stainless steel, to whiten marble. 10 of which are creations shown for the first time. This includes a 250-cm-tall monumental piece titled Soar to the Skies. All of the sculptures exhibit a serene hue, almost fairy-tale-like, with their agile forms providing a striking contrast to the sense of peace they initially evoke.

Graffiti enthusiasts, you won't want to miss this solo exhibition by French-Vietnamese graffiti artist Cyril Kongo. Renowned for his mastery of graffiti, Kongo's work serves as a vibrant bridge between cultures. One of Kongo’s most notable collaborations includes one with Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, a project that was completed at Lagerfeld’s personal studio. Photograph: The Columns GalleryDresse from Les métiers d’art de Chanel 2018/2019 Drawing from his rich French and Vietnamese heritage, his works act as a bridge between cultures, celebrating the beauty of diversity and the strength that comes from embracing different perspectives and experiences. 

Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Chinese Shen Zi Yao's Chinese ink landscapes, where every painting raises the question: does nature inspire the artist, or does the artist inspire nature? Shen Zi Yao finds inspiration in the beauty of the natural world, selecting elements that resonate with his current mood to create stunning paintings. Each of the paintings found in the exhibition is also thoughtfully paired with a Chinese nature poem, highlighting the profound bond between nature and artistic expression. 

Peranakan Museum is bringing Japan to us from July 13 to 14 with a Japanese weekend festival that is happening concurrently with their current exhibit Fukusa: Japanese Gift Covers from the Chris Hall Collection.  You’ll be able to attend workshops to learn about various Japanese crafts such as ikebana flower arrangement, how to tie a mizuhiki knot (a decorative knot used to seal gifts), furoshiki wrapping (Japanese wrapping cloth that is used to wrap clothes, gifts, etc), origami paper crafting, and sake brewing, among others.  Photograph: Peranakan Museum Visitors can also look forward to live music performances featuring the traditional Japanese musical instruments shinobue, a Japanese bamboo flute and shamisen, a stringed instrument. Local dynamic cultural group Hibikiya will also put on a live taiko (Japanese drum) percussion performance on Armenian Street, and Japanese Harp Group Koto No Kai will be delivering a koto (Japanese harp) performance. And for those interested to catch the Fukusa exhibition, there will be a special guided tour led by the museum’s docent on both days. For specific timings and the full lineup of programmes, visit their webpage here.

The third edition of Wellness Festival Singapore (WFS) happening from now till July 21 is a major upgrade from its previous runs, featuring more than 120 programmes from over 75 partners spanning across wellness, lifestyle and hotel brands. The programmes will be scattered across six precincts islandwide, revolving around physical, emotional and mental well-being. Some of the highlights include Glow Festival, which will be held at Marina Bay Sands Event Plaza and Rain Oculus from July 5 to 21. Choose from over 70 classes, ranging from workouts to workshops curated by fitness brands like Lululemon and Pure International. Visitors can also engage in short-form breathwork, meditation, and sound healing sessions. Live It Up! Festival by CapitaLand will also be offering an exciting array of over 90 wellness activities. These include mass fitness workouts, mental wellness workshops, and health-related fairs held across participating CapitaLand malls and workspace properties. Straying away from physically intensive programmes, National Gallery Singapore will also be presenting their Gallery Wellness Special 2024, inviting all visitors to reflect on their personal development through art. You’ll be able to explore the gallery’s artworks through the programme ‘Slow Art’ or get in touch with your inner self through sticker art.  For the full list of happenings, check out their webpage here.

At its core, this exhibition is a gathering of Asia’s most prominent artists happening alongside the debut of Tang Contemporary Art. The showcase will highlight acclaimed talents like Chinese artist Ai Weiwei, Thai painter Kitti Narod, street artist Gongkan, and Filipino artist Tiffany Lafuente. Beyond celebrating these remarkable artists, the event also shines a spotlight on the diverse and dynamic artistic offerings of Tang Contemporary Art. Photograph: Tang Contemporary of ArtYue Minjun Xiu

Discover the brilliance of Helen Frankenthaler, one of the most influential American abstract expressionist artists of her time, at STPI’s annual special exhibition, Helen Frankenthaler: Prints 1977–2004, from June 29 to August 25, 2024. Featuring close to 40 of her prints from the National Collection of Singapore and the Helen Frankenthaler Foundation, as well as spotlighting her exceptional woodcuts, this exhibition will be the largest display of her works in Singapore yet. To top it off, the show will also explore her influential partnership with master printer Kenneth Tyler.  Photograph: STPIGateway (Screen) by Helen Frankenthaler, 1988 There’s lots to see, but if there’s one that’s not to be missed, it would be the show’s highlight piece: Gateway. The work is one of her most ambitious projects to date that pushes the boundaries of printmaking and scale. Together with Tyler, the duo spent over seven years from 1982 to 1988 to create the work. Gateway was born from the utilisation of print techniques such as etching, relief, aquatint, and spit bite aquatint with hand-stencilled margins on three panels. Find out more about the show here.  

For anyone that enjoys the traditional art medium of painting, you might want to check this exhibition out. Inspired by the relationship between man and nature, this group show, We Shape the World that Shapes Us, will feature 14 artworks by 11 prominent first and second generation Nanyang artists: Chen Cheng Mei, Cheong Soo Pieng, Lai Foong Moi, Lee Man Fong, Lim Mu Hue, Liu Kang, Ong Kim Seng, Tan Choh Tee, Tan Oe Pang, Tan Tee Chie, and Tay Bak Koi.  Photograph: Confluence Art Space'Returning Home' by Cheong Soo Pieng Iconic ink paintings such as Returning Home by artist Cheong Soo Pieng will be one of the 14 artworks on display. This particular piece of painting was completed in 1952, and is one of the largest known specimens of early ink works by him. Cultural Medallion recipient Ong Kim Seng will also be showcasing his work Sanctuary in Bali – a painting depicting the Mother Temple of Bali, Pura Besakih.  Find out more about the show and gallery here.

Over 100 years ago in the year 1864, 84 pagodas were hand-carved in Shanghai at the Tushanwan Workshop by Jesuit missionaries. Many of them then went on to influence several other celebrated artists that we have come to know of today, such as watercolourist Xu Yongqing and sculptor Zhang Chongren. Today, these 84 pagodas are now being reunited in Singapore at Asian Civilisations Museum (ACM)’s exhibition Pagoda Odyssey 1915: From Shanghai to San Francisco.  Photograph: Asian Civilisations Museum Dive into the creation process of each crafted pagoda, which ranges from 30 centimetres to over two metres in height. These masterpieces aren’t just pretty to look at, they represent a breakthrough at the point of time it was created to research, document, and reproduce iconic pagodas from different regions and historical periods. Visitors will also be able to experience a hyper-tactile exhibit where they can interact firsthand with 3D-printed replicas of model pagodas and replica wooden brackets known as dougong.  Find out more about the exhibition here.

Mandai Wildlife Reserve is working towards several new experiences at its wildlife parks: Night Safari is launching a new 280-metre-long walking trail and Singapore Zoo is building a marine coastal habitat that will be ready in 2027. Night Safari is celebrating its 30th anniversary with a brand new fully-sheltered 280-metre-long walking ‘Pangolin Trail’, where visitors can spot various species of animals including the Sunda pangolin, slow loris, binturong, oriental small-clawed otter and spotted giant flying squirrel. As of now, there's no specific date for the trail's completion, but it is guaranteed to be launched in the near future.  Photograph: Mandai Wildlife GroupBerani the Sunda pangolin in his new off-exhibit den area at Pangolin Trail Over at the Singapore Zoo, the park is building a brand new marine coastal habitat for Californian sea lions and African penguins, set to open in 2027. The current exhibits for these animals have been closed since July 15, 2024. The revamped habitat will be the first underwater-viewing habitat in the zoo that is integrated with an F&B venue, and will feature a new mammal species that’s never been shown in Singapore before – the harbor seal.  Diners on the first level of the new F&B restaurant will have a spectacular underwater view of the marine animals, while diners at the bistro on the upper level can enjoy views of sea lions basking in the habitat. During the morning, the upper floor outside the bistro will host Singapore Zoo’s din

Once again, the Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix is returning for an exhilarating three-day event from September 20 to 24, 2024 – and it’s a known fact that Formula 1 is not complete without its annual groundbreaking acts. This year, look forward to over 100 hours of entertainment across 12 stages.  Photograph: Singapore GP Pte LtdFormula 1 2023: Singapore GP The entertainment lineup includes OneRepublic, HONNE and The Jungle Giants on September 20, Friday. Taking the stage on September 21,  Saturday, are Kylie Minogue, Disclosure (DJ), The Corrs, Kool & The Gang, BabyMonster, Tones And I, and James Murphy (DFA / LCD Soundsystem). The lineup for the last day on September 22 includes Lenny Kravitz, Tones And I, Dean Lewis and Kelis. Photograph: Singapore GP Pte LtdFormula 1 2023: Singapore GP Single-day walkabout tickets are priced from $128 and are available for purchase via Singapore GP’s website or authorised ticketing partners. All tickets grant entry to performances in Zone 4, including the main Padang Stage. However, access to performances at the Wharf Stage requires a Zone 1 ticket. Patrons must have a valid ticket for the specific day of the performance they wish to attend. Do note that artists and entertainment programmes might be subjected to change. Follow Singapore GP’s Instagram for the latest updates. MORE TO DISCOVER Walt Disney Animation’s Aladdin concert is coming to the Esplanade Theatre this September ArtScience Museum presents ‘The World of Studio Ghibli’

Enter a whole new world at the Aladdin concert at Esplanade Theatre this September 6 and 7, featuring a timeless score that will be performed by the acclaimed Metropolitan Festival Orchestra and Symphonia Choralis.  This beloved Walt Disney Animation Studios classic tells the story of Aladdin, a clever young thief, who meets the spirited Princess Jasmine. Together, they face the evil vizier Jafar, who seeks a magical lamp's power. With his monkey Abu and the witty Genie, the latter of which is voiced by Robin Williams, Aladdin embarks on an adventure to defeat Jafar and win Jasmine's heart. Get ready to immerse yourself in the unforgettable soundtracks by lyricists Howard Ashman  and Tim Rice, as well as composer Alan Menken, including Arabian Nights, Friend Like Me, and the Grammy Award-winning hit, A Whole New World. Tickets are priced from $58 to $138 and can be purchased here.   MORE TO DISCOVER ArtScience Museum presents ‘The World of Studio Ghibli’ show this October, here's how to get tickets Madeleine's Original Portuguese Egg Tart is closing for good after 26 years Best airports in the world for shopping: Singapore’s Changi Airport officially tops the list

“I don’t like Ghibli films,” said no one ever. Okay, maybe that’s an exaggeration. But for the Ghibli fans, we’ve got great news for you – ArtScience Museum will be presenting The World of Studio Ghibli, showcasing the world of well-loved animation studio, Ghibli, from October 4, 2024 to February 2, 2025. This will be Studio Ghibli’s first ever showcase in Singapore and also one of the largest editions to date, exploring its iconic animation and storytelling. The World of Studio Ghibli was first presented in Japan back in 2013. It then moved on to South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Bangkok, with each edition slightly different from the last. The upcoming iteration will feature new additions from Studio Ghibli’s latest film The Boy and the Heron. Photograph: ArtScience MuseumKiki's Delivery Service Installation “For years, ArtScience Museum has been trying to bring a Studio Ghibli show to Singapore, and finally, here it is – the big one! Studio Ghibli has created some of the most beloved and critically acclaimed animated films of all time,” says Honor Harger, Vice-President of ArtScience Museum at Marina Bay Sands.  Photograph: ArtScience MuseumHowl's Moving Castle Installation “This exhibition will transport visitors into the realm of Studio Ghibli, where they will get to experience the films first-hand. Whether you are a Ghibli enthusiast or a newcomer, the exhibition offers something for everyone,” says Studio Ghibli. Photograph: ArtScience MuseumSpirited Away Instal

Stray Kids will be dominating the National Stadium on September 28 with their world tour , following a sold-out show at the Singapore Indoor Stadium in February 2023. This world tour marks their first concert tour in two and a half years, kicking off in August in Seoul, then moving on to Singapore and 12 other cities. Stray Kids, consisting of Bang Chan, Lee Know, Changbin, Hyunjin, Han, Felix, Seungmin, and I.N, is a South Korean K-pop boy band formed by JYP Entertainment. Since their debut, they’ve garnered numerous awards, including the 2021 Mnet Asian Music Award for Best Dance Performance and multiple Gaon Chart Music Awards. Their popular tracks, such as "God’s Menu," "Back Door," and "Thunderous," have topped charts worldwide.  UOB Mastercard cardholders can access presale tickets in Singapore starting from 29 July, from 12pm to 11:59pm via UOB. Live Nation members can secure tickets during the presale on 30 July, from 12pm to 11:59pm via Live Nation. General ticket sales begin on 31 July, starting at 12pm via Ticketmaster. MORE NEWS Keshi to perform at Singapore Indoor Stadium in March 2025 Singapore ranks as the 2nd friendliest city in Asia – agree or disagree? The award-winning Space Explorers: The Infinite VR experience comes to Singapore this October

Those who have weathered occasional harmless earfuls from fellow coffee shop aunties might beg to differ, but the findings from online language learning platform Preply have deemed Singapore as the second most friendly city in Asia.  The survey was derived from these factors: visitor return rate, acceptance of diversity, safety index, friendliness to foreigners and English language proficiency. Singapore has a visitor return rate of 14 percent, a score of 164 out of 200 for visitor acceptance and 52 out of 100 for acceptance of diversity. Singapore is also relatively safe, which has been proven with a safety index score of 74.68 out of 100. Lastly, our country has the highest English proficiency score, with nearly half the population speaking English at home. Taipei takes the win as the friendliest city in Asia with the highest diversity acceptance of any city, at 66 out of 100. The city has also achieved a perfect five out of five for friendliness towards foreigners. On the other end of the spectrum, the capital of Myanmar, Mandalay, has been ranked the least friendly city in Asia, with a diversity acceptance score of 22 out of 100. Its overall visitor acceptance rate is the lowest among all cities, scoring 11 out of 200, and it also has the lowest visitor return rate, with only 5 percent of all visitors indicating that they will return after their first visit. Here are the top five friendliest cities in Asia, according to Preply: Taipei, Taiwan Singapore Delhi, India Seoul

We can all agree that Singapore is a relatively safe country. And Forbes Advisor, a global platform that provides insights and advice on personal finance, investing, and travel, has further cemented this notion through its recent survey that ranked Singapore the safest country to travel to, based on a comparison between 60 international cities across seven key metrics.  For starters, Singaporeans are a lucky bunch because our country does not typically experience any natural disasters such as typhoons, floods, volcanic eruptions, and earthquakes. We also have the second lowest health security risk, which effectively proves the quality of our healthcare services, as well as its infrastructure.  And there’s more to brag about – Singapore also has the second lowest infrastructure security score. This refers to the potential threats and vulnerabilities associated with a city's infrastructure systems, including transportation, utilities, communication networks, and public facilities. Lastly, we have the second lowest digital security risk, which shows how freely we can utilise the internet without the fear of privacy violations, identity theft and online attacks. Here are some notable wins for the other cities that made the list: Tokyo takes the win for having the lowest health security risk, while Sydney is the city with the lowest digital security risk.  Here are the top 5 safest cities for tourists, according to Forbes Advisor: Singapore: Best travel safety rating from the Sta

South Korean singer and actor Taemin from the famed K-pop boy group SHINee just announced on Instagram that he will be performing solo in Singapore on November 9, 2024. The location has yet to be revealed. Other cities he will be making a pit stop at include Kuala Lumpur, Taipei, Tokyo, Bangkok, Hong Kong, Jakarta, and Manila. Taemin, a member of the South Korean boy group SHINee, gained fame for his exceptional talent as a singer, dancer, and performer. He debuted with SHINee in 2008 and quickly made a name for himself with his dynamic performances and distinctive style. Taemin's solo career, launched in 2014, further established him as a versatile artist, with notable songs including Danger, Move, and Criminal. His solo work has earned him numerous accolades, including several Golden Disc Awards and Seoul Music Awards.  More information has yet to be provided, so stay tuned. Meanwhile, follow him on his Instagram here for more updates. MORE NEWS Jorja Smith is performing at Capitol Theatre Singapore this October Tap into your inner child at Singapore Art Museum’s newest ‘Learning Gallery’, designed for people of all ages Big Time Rush to perform in Singapore as part of debut Asia tour

British songstress Jorja Smith is set to perform at the Capitol Theatre this October 29, 2024. This marks her very first show in Singapore.  The 27-year-old British singer-songwriter is known for her soulful voice and evocative lyrics. She gained prominence with her debut single ‘Blue Lights’ in 2016, which addresses police brutality and social issues. Her rise to fame was also bolstered by her feature on Drake's ‘More Life’ project in 2017. Other artists she has collaborated with include Kendrick Lamar, Stormzy, Burna Boy, Kali Uchis and Popcaa.  Smith made history as the first independent artist to win the highly regarded BRITs Critics' Choice Award. Her debut album, ‘Lost & Found’, released the same year, was met with rave reviews and a Mercury Prize nomination. In 2019, she won the BRIT Award for Best British Female Artist and received a Grammy nomination for Best New Artist. Tickets are priced at $148, and can be purchased via Sistic here. MORE TO CHECK OUT Royal Caribbean is offering up to $950 off cruises departing from Singapore in 2024-2025 Tap into your inner child at Singapore Art Museum’s newest ‘Learning Gallery’, designed for people of all ages Singapore Garden Festival returns this August with stunning garden displays, floral workshops, and live competitions

Grow young and get acquainted with art again at Singapore Art Museum (SAM)’s freshest addition: the Learning Gallery. Opening on July 20 on level 1 at Gallery 2, this new space welcomes people of all ages to tap into their inner child to encourage authentic encounters with contemporary art.  Photograph: Singapore Art MuseumLearning Gallery at SAM at Tanjong Pagar Distripark “SAM’s new Learning Gallery at Tanjong Pagar Distripark is a dedicated space for visitors of all ages to engage deeply and personally with contemporary art through the uninhibited curiosity and openness of a child,” says June Yap, Director of Curatorial and Research at SAM. You’ll be able to find five artworks at the Learning Gallery by renowned local and regional artists such as Singaporean artist Nguan, Tang Da Wu, Cultural Medallion recipient Han Sai Por, and Indonesian artist Julian Abraham “Togar”. The collection encompasses various mediums that explore themes such as home, nature, and the environment. The five artworks will also be refreshed annually to keep things fresh and reflective of our current times.  Photograph: Singapore Art MuseumInstallation view of Tang Da Wu’s '深疤凰 SEMBAWANG’ (2013) Adult visitors will first be greeted by a letter addressed to their inner child outside the gallery, encouraging all to enter with an open mind. After entering the gallery, they are then invited to encounter and experience the artworks in their own way, with the perspective of a child: one that embraces t

Nike Orchard Road presents Win On Air, an experience featuring a series of events and a two-storey high athlete hologram spectacle showcasing the Nike Air collection on selected days. Opened in January, the Nike Orchard Road store spans three levels and stands as the company’s largest monobrand Nike store in Asia outside of China.  Photograph: Nike Orchard Road The grand hologram spectacle will showcase the Nike Air collection on the façade of Nike Orchard Road’s atrium from July 13 to 15, at 8.15pm, 9.15pm and 10.15pm. On screen, keep a lookout for athletes Kylian Mbappé (Football), Sha’Carri Richardson (Track & Field) and Victor Wembanyama (Basketball) wearing the Nike Air Zoom Mercurial Superfly 10 Elite, Air Zoom Maxfly 2 and Air Zoom G.T. Hustle 3, respectively. Photograph: Nike Orchard Road Apart from the hologram showcase, Nike members will have a chance to experience the new in-store Nike Air-inspired events and services via the Nike app. There will also be a 5km community run titled Run Swoosh Session happening on July 13. The Swoosh Studio, located on the first floor of Nike Orchard Store where fitness and wellness classes with trainers are held, will also offer audio-guided and coach-led treadmill experiences till the end of July. At both experiences, Nike members will be able to try out the new Nike Pegasus 41 Blueprint. Photograph: Nike Orchard Road'Win On Air' treadmill experiences Nike By You, the customisation station on the third floor, will also offer

Singapore Design Week (SDW) is returning again this year from September 26 to October 6 with over 70 events across the island, this time undertaking the theme ‘People of Design’. This annual event celebrates our local design scene and its community, with programmes revolving around three main categories: Design Futures, Design Marketplace and Design Impact.  “For this edition of Singapore Design Week, we will be spotlighting the innovators whose impactful ideas help us all to live better. We invite all groups and communities to join us in Singapore and participate in the wide range of specially curated programmes,” says Jody Teo, Festival Director of SDW 2024. The two-day flagship segment ‘Design Futures’ will explore the future of design in Singapore through insightful presentations, engaging panel discussions and interactive hands-on sessions, while ‘Design Marketplace’ unites lifestyle trends from around the world with Southeast Asia’s design community. This includes FIND – Design Fair Asia, Asia’s largest design trade fair at Marina Bay Sands and Emerge @ Find, DesignSingapore Council’s talent showcase dedicated to Southeast Asian contemporary design. The third and final segment ‘Design Impact’ will present design solutions that look to solve society’s obstacles, with ‘Future Impact 2: Homecoming Showcase’ as the main programme of this pillar, a show that debuted at Milan Design Week 2024, featuring seven local designers.   Photograph: Singapore Design Week and respectiv