Colours, Sights & Patterns At Kampong Glam

In the 19th century, Kampong Glam was essentially an ethnic district with a strong Malay-Arab influence. It was a place where locals patronized for their Arab-Muslim traditional foodstuff and merchandise...

Immersive 4K HDR Viewing Experience With Sony Projectors

Sony’s latest innovative laser light source projector is High Dynamic Range (HDR) compatible with native 4K resolution, creating an amazling clear lifelike experience, as if you are there yourself…

Back 30 Years To Upper Serangoon Shopping Centre

Iconic along this stretch of road is the rectangular block of a nondescript beige-tiled building. The facade of this building is blocked by an overhead bridge. And this is the front entrance to a shopping centre - the Upper Serangoon Shopping Centre… (USSC).

Monti - Singapore's Longest Brunch Every Sunday

Enjoy brunch by the bay concept, complete with stunning views of the Marina Bay and its surroundings, and a fabulous menu and music programme to match at Monti…

Where Freemasons Convene

In 1886, the Masonic Club was established to support Singapore freemasonry. Guess who was the first Freemason in modern Singapore?

Imperial Patisserie - Quality Mooncakes In Elegant Paper Art Boxes

Looking for quality mooncakes to share with your family and friends?

Look no further. This year, Imperial Patisserie brings its elegant range to our sunny shores. Choose from the yummylicious Lava Mooncake range, the luxurious Supreme series featuring top notch ingredients and extravagant packaging, the chic and fashionable Fancy series or the Classic range with the traditional tin boxes.

Imperial Patisserie's professional culinary team includes the founder of the Custard Mooncake – Chef Yip Wing Wah and his sole inheritor Chef Lai Wing Koon. Chef Yip Wing Wah worked as the Head of the Dim Sum Section of The Peninsula Hong Kong's Spring Moon restaurant for over 30 years, while Michelin-starred Chef Lai Wing Koon has served as Head Chef for several luxurious hotels. Both of them have incorporated traditional craftsmanship and modern technology to handcraft the wide array of delicious mooncakes which are now available in Singapore.


(Source: Imperial Patisserie Hong Kong)

The Lava Mooncake series comes in a variety of delicious flavours...
(Source: Imperial Patisserie Hong Kong)

The Monde Selection is one of the most authoritative and representative food awards in the world. Every year, more than 80 experts gather to evaluate and have a tasting of the food products from all over the world. In 2019, Imperial Patisserie’s Lava Mooncake was awarded the Grand Gold in the Monde Selection. This was a historic achievement as it was the first time a mooncake had ever won this honour and for a fifth consecutive year.


(Source: Imperial Patisserie Hong Kong)

Each mooncake set comes in an intricate paper art or classic tin box, featuring unique leather texture and embroidered lines.  The double-layered gift boxes are decked in elegant celadon green, pastel sky blue and romantic pink colours with grand champagne gold and amber orange designs. After the festive occasion, they can be reused as tabletop jewellery boxes or classy living room deco.

(Source: Imperial Patisserie Hong Kong)

If you are looking for a gift for Muslim friends, Imperial Patisserie's mooncakes are Halal-certified by the Incorporated Trustees of the Islamic Community Fund of Hong Kong. More on this at the HK Tourism Board at www.discoverhongkong.com/hk-eng/explore/muslim-travel/imperial-patisserie-halal-pastry-shop.html.


(Source: Hong Kong Tourism Board & Imperial Patisserie Hong Kong)

The 2023 Mooncake Collection spokesperson is none other than Louis Koo. Savour the signature mooncake collections - Supreme Series, Classic Series, Fancy Series, Low Sugar Series, and Inheritance Series endorsed by your favourite Hong Kong actor.


(Source: Imperial Patisserie Hong Kong)


Current Promotion

For last-minute shoppers looking for a good buy, Imperial Patisserie's range of delicious mooncakes are now going at an exclusive promotional price - Buy 3 boxes and get 1 box free! (Accurate as of 27 September 2023) Hurry down to the Mid-Autumn Fairs at VivoCity (by TANGS), Nex (by TANGS) and Ngee Ann City B2 (by Takashimaya) for your mooncake fix.

Shoppers at the Mid-Autumn Fair at Ngee Ann City...

About Imperial Patisserie Hong Kong

Imperial Patisserie Hong Kong opened its first store in 2019 and currently has more than 31 stores throughout Hong Kong. In a short period, Imperial Patisserie has created many excellent pastries, such as Palmiers, crispy cookies, honeycomb egg rolls, and Tonggwoji. It was also awarded the Grand Gold Award in the 2022 Monde Selection World Food Quality Evaluation. Among them, the Lava Mooncake has won the Grand Gold Award for five consecutive years. It is the first time in Hong Kong's 59-year history that a Lava Mooncake has won this highest honour, which shows that Imperial Patisserie's products are highly recognized internationally.


(Source: Imperial Patisserie Hong Kong)

If you're planning a trip to Hong Kong, Imperial Patisserie Hong Kong shops are centrally located in convenient locations like Tsim Sha Tsui, Central, Causeway Bay. For the full list, refer to the www.ipastry.com.hk/ourshop/. Online orders are also available for delivery within Hong Kong.


(Source: Imperial Patisserie Hong Kong)

For more on Hong Kong Imperial Patisserie:

  • Facebook : iPastry.HK
  • Instagram : iPastry.HK
  • Website : www.iPastry.com.hk
  • Telephone : (852) 2217 3638

Imperial Patisserie's Hong Kong Story Series - Delightful Gift Sets With HK Icons

Imperial Patisserie Hong Kong, together with its Michelin-starred team, including two renowned pastry chefs, Master Yip Wing Wah and Master Lai Wing Koon, have crafted a range of classic authentic Hong Kong treats as part of their new 2023 Hong Kong Story Series.


(Source: Imperial Patisserie Hong Kong)

The Hong Kong Story Series is designed by Imperial Patisserie Hong Kong's in-house design team, featuring ten iconic landmark buildings and cultural symbols that are popular with tourists, including Victoria Harbour's sailboat, double-decker buses, trams, nostalgic signage, and ice cream trucks. These treats are packaged in a box that can be connected to form a panoramic view of Hong Kong's past. The gift box contains a combination of innovative treats, such as Palmiers, Honeycomb Egg Rolls, Crispy Cookies and Puffs, making them the perfect choice for a Hong Kong souvenir.


(Source: Imperial Patisserie Hong Kong)

Imperial Patisserie Hong Kong's Michelin-starred team has carefully selected top-quality ingredients from all over the world to create their signature dish, the Michelin-starred Palmiers. They have handpicked premium natural butter with a rich natural aroma, combined with top-quality flour to create a pastry with a more fragrant taste than ordinary Palmiers. The recipe has been improved over many years, with secret techniques to create a unique crispy texture and buttery pastry that is more delicious than regular Palmiers.


(Source: Imperial Patisserie Hong Kong)

Hong Kong Series - Original Palmiers Delight Gift Set retails at HK$138 (12 pcs)

For a blend of the sweet with a touch of saltiness, try the Sea Salt Palmieres (HK$138 for 12 pcs) with carefully selected high-quality natural sea salt contains rich trace elements of the sea. Its fresh and salty taste adds more layers to the rich and creamy natural butter flavor. Sea salt is crystallized from seawater by natural means, and no anti-caking agents are added during the production process.

For a more savory taste, there are the HK-style egg rolls. Unlike the local version which uses coconut milk, Imperial Patisserie's Honeycomb Egg Rolls requires higher technical requirements, using traditional methods and over 50 complex processes, without adding any artificial colors or chemical additives, creating a crispy and rich texture.

Hong Kong Series - Original Eggrolls Delight Gift Set retails at HK$108 (12 pcs)

Hong Kong Series - Earl Grey Eggrolls Delight Gift Set retails at HK$108 (12 pcs)

Tempted yet? These products are also endorsed by dashing HK superstar Louis Koo.


(Source: Imperial Patisserie Hong Kong)

If you're planning a trip to Hong Kong, Imperial Patisserie Hong Kong shops are centrally located in convenient locations like Tsim Sha Tsui, Central, Causeway Bay. For the full list, refer to the www.ipastry.com.hk/ourshop/. Online orders are also available for delivery within Hong Kong.


(Source: Imperial Patisserie Hong Kong)

About Imperial Patisserie Hong Kong

Imperial Patisserie Hong Kong opened its first store in 2019 and currently has more than 31 stores throughout Hong Kong. In a short period, Imperial Patisserie has created many excellent pastries, such as Palmiers, crispy cookies, honeycomb egg rolls, and Tonggwoji. It was also awarded the "Grand Gold Award" in the 2022 Monde Selection World Food Quality Evaluation. Among them, the Lava Mooncake has won the "Grand Gold Award" for four consecutive years. It is the first time in Hong Kong's 59-year history that a Lava Mooncake has won this highest honor, which shows that Imperial Patisserie's products are highly recognized internationally.


(Source: Imperial Patisserie Hong Kong)

For more on Hong Kong Imperial Patisserie:

  • Facebook : iPastry.HK
  • Instagram : iPastry.HK
  • Website : www.iPastry.com.hk
  • Telephone : (852) 2217 3638

(Source: Imperial Patisserie Hong Kong)


Carnival Of The Animals - Magical Extravaganza Of Earth's Creatures

Internationally acclaimed contemporary circus company Circa from Brisbane, Australia and the leading presenter of live entertainment in Asia Pacific Base Entertainment Asia present Carnival of the Animals at Sands Theatre, a blend of circus, multimedia and music. This family-friendly show magically reinvents the classic music suite by French romantic composer Camille Saint-Saëns.

Depicting creatures from land, sea and sky, Circa’s performers take children and their adults on a safari through the lives of the tortoise, the elephant, the kangaroo, the swan, the life aquatic and many other beasts of fur, feathers and fin. It is an exuberant celebration of all of earth’s creatures and the power of our bodies to express who we really are.

Created by circus visionary and Circa artistic director Yaron Lifschitz, and the Circa ensemble, Carnival of the Animals brings the joy of the animal kingdom to the stage in a sophisticated and visually stunning physical theatre extravaganza for children big and small. Circa is world-renowned for pushing artistic boundaries and creating powerful works of circus art that thrill, challenge and captivate as they constantly reimagine circus as an artform.

"It blends slapstick and melancholy, beauty and awe, and, with the help of a 129-year-old musical suite, manages to keep an audience of nearly 200 small children wide-eyed and whispering Ooh." 

-- The Sydney Morning Herald --

Written in 1886, Saint-Saëns’ Carnival of the Animals has been adored by children and adults for many generations. It is a playful and magical work of music imbued with Victorian eccentricity whose fourteen movements each explore a specific or group of animals. For this production Australian composer Quincy Grant artfully reworked and extended the original suites. On stage Circa performers are accompanied by and interact with sumptuously detailed animation created by UK-based Australian video designer Michaela French.

"I wanted the animation to have a quality of moving through the pages of a children's book but it became much more than that. When the banners unfurl from their suitcases, the stage is set and an adventure begins. There is a whole world of wonder to discover and explore, with journeys from the bottom of the ocean to outer space and a parade of animals who entertain, terrify and delight audiences of all ages."

--- Michaela French, UK-based Australian video designer ---

The 50 minute performance will run at the Sands Theatre, Marina Bay Sands, from 14 - 17 April 2022 with showtimes on 1500 hours and 1830 hours  on Thursday to Saturday, and 1100 hours and 1500 hours on Sunday. More information is available on the Marina Sands website at www.marinabaysands.com/entertainment/shows/carnival-of-the-animals.html.


Sus Ads Video Challenge Awards 2021 - Youths Raise Awareness For Environmental Sustainability

Twelve youths who demonstrated exceptional creativity in raising awareness for environmental sustainability clinched awards at the 2021 Sus Ads Video Challenge Awards Ceremony last week. Judged on their content, originality, creativity and technical execution, a total of eight awards were given out at the Awards Ceremony graced by Mr Tan Kiat How, REACH Chairman and Minister of State for Communications and Information & National Development, and Mr Desmond Tan, Minister of State for Home Affairs & Sustainability and the Environment.

Organised by REACH in collaboration with MM2 Entertainment and AsiaOne, the inaugural Sus Ads Video Challenge called upon youths to create an original short video (60 seconds or less) on what they currently do or can do to support sustainability, to encourage others to take action. The Challenge saw a total of 80 entries from 63 individuals and 17 teams, which centred on water and food security, and illustrated how simple lifestyle changes can make a difference in saving the planet.

The awards ceremony also saw a dialogue session providing an opportunity for youths to share their views on sustainability issues. Panellists include REACH Chairman and Minister of State Tan Kiat How; Minister of State Desmond

Tan; filmmaker and actor-host Annette Lee; and environmentalist and digital creator Woo Qiyun. The discussion expounded on Singapore’s sustainability efforts as part of the Singapore Green Plan 2030, and how youths can play a larger role in the sustainability movement.

About The Winners

Amongst the winners in the Student Category is Livia Fin, an illustration design and animation student from the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts. Coming in first place, she used 3D modelling and animation to showcase how seemingly harmless daily activities can contribute to carbon emissions. Titled ‘Consumption and Climate Change’, her video calls upon Singaporeans to practise mindful consumption habits.

"I have seen Public Service Announcements on how one can help stop climate change. While these are important, there are just so many of these out there that can be difficult to keep track of. The video I made is similar, but I want to emphasise the importance of doing it as a team because just an individual alone cannot change the world."
--- Livia Fin ---

In the same category, Temasek Polytechnic student Muhammad Danish Fikri Bin Mohamed Fadil’s “Save Water, Save Money” won the hearts of the audience. The 60-second video, which combined elements of horror and humour, highlighted how the simple act of turning off the tap can help to save water.

"I was inspired by a television advertisement which conveyed the message of saving water in a creative way. Through my video, I hope to bring across the message that everyone has to play a part in being sustainable. There is no need to buy certain items to be sustainable. Instead, we can reflect on our daily habits and incorporate simple actions to save resources."

--- Muhammad Danish Fikri Bin Mohamed Fadil ---

In the Open Category, youths tackled a wide range of sustainability issues, including energy conservation, waste reduction and recycling. “Pass Me Forward” imagines a letter from a dress to illustrate how fashion can be sustainable, while “Learning Sustainability with Nasir” shows how our sustainable habits can help save the environment.

"I think it is great that Singapore has been pushing forward its sustainability efforts and appreciate that they are listening to youths and the public for ideas on how to move forward with these efforts. Not only that, it is heartening that the Singapore Green Plan 2030 helps provide actionable steps to combat climate change, not only for individuals but also for corporations."

--- Tan Jing Ren, “The Interview”, Open Category, 2nd place winner ---

However, it was Leo Ching Ling’s “Sound of Sustainability” that won first place in the Open Category. In a creative take on sustainability, the 20-year-old Ngee Ann Polytechnic graduate used sound with aesthetically pleasing visuals to demonstrate the simple actions one can take to protect the earth.

"Singapore is making commendable efforts by using resources to raise awareness and encourage people to contribute to a greener city. I am grateful for platforms such as the Sus Ads Video Challenge where one can showcase creativity and establish a meaningful point, too."

--- Leo Ching Ling ---

"We are impressed by the youths’ effort and creativity in producing these videos... I am heartened to see that many young Singaporeans are aware of the responsibility they each have in protecting the environment. By showcasing innovative yet pragmatic ways to make sustainability part of their daily lives, our youths have displayed a sense of ownership towards creating a greener and more sustainable Singapore. I hope that they will continue to champion sustainability in their communities."

--- Tan Kiat How, REACH Chairman, one of the Challenge panel judges ---

The videos from all eight winners will be aired at Cathay Cineplexes island wide. They can also be found online at www.asiaone.com/susads.


(Photo Credits for all images : REACH, Ministry of Communications and Information)


National Youth Film Awards 2021 - The Pre-Selection

The 7th National Youth Film Awards (NYFA) announced 56 films that showcase a new wave of filmmakers for Singapore’s film industry.

Held by *SCAPE, an organisation that supports the development of Singaporean youths, the platform saw a total of 330 submissions this year. The most prominent themes this year were mental health, self-discovery, as well as the importance of human connection as we battle through the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. Some of the nominated films were also filmed during the Circuit Breaker to showcase how Singaporeans are powering through the unforeseen challenges posed.

One film that showcased the different sides of how Singaporeans battled the Circuit Breaker period is “A Little Closer” by Cheryl Mong from the Student category. The film revolves around Ashwin, a young Indian man, who works as a Stay-Home Caller during the pandemic. While working from home, he forms an unlikely friendship with a Chinese elderly lady who helps him discover the importance of tradition and family.

A second film,   “The Cup” by Mark Chua and Lam Li Shuen from the Open Youth category, was highly regarded by the jurors for how the filmmaker took a risk to showcase a different style of storytelling.

The film uses surrealism to showcase the uncertainty and lack of joy Singaporeans felt during the pandemic by telling the story about a man with a brewing machine as his head and how he attempts to improve the bland flavour of his own body.  The entire film was shot and produced during the Circuit Breaker, while the filmmakers were confined at home.

Many of the pre-selection jurors highlighted how this year’s submissions included films that are award-worthy.

“Overall, I was very impressed with the diversity and quality of the submissions – from the acting to the scripts and the production values. The nominations were shorts I connected with on a very visceral level. There were times where I was so drawn into a film that I forgot I was watching it as a juror.”

--- Jaclyn Chan, year’s pre-selection juror of Open Youth category ---

The NYFA will be hosting a closed-door screening of the nominated films for the nominees and media in early July with the winners will be announced during a live online award ceremony on 24 July 2021.

In the meantime, some of the nominees will be on Reel Talk, a NYFA web series hosted by Fly Entertainment artiste, Nikki Muller, on *SCAPE YouTube channel (@scapesg) on 14, 17 and 21 July.



The Liveability Challenge 2020 - The Need For Innovation

A new, global call for game-changing solutions to grow food, package products, and reduce carbon emissions in cities located in the world’s tropical belt was launched in Singapore today. The best proposals stand a chance of securing the grand prize of up to S$1 million in funding, as well as other resources and opportunities to further develop their solutions.


The launch marks the start of The Liveability Challenge, presented by Temasek Foundation, organised by Eco-Business, and convened by Closed Loop Partners, in partnership with Ecosperity Week 2020.


The third edition of the Challenge is inviting project proposals in the areas of Urban Food Production,
Circular Packaging and Decarbonisation, where the critical need for innovation reflects the size of the
business opportunity available. Proposals are welcome from 14 January to 17 April 2020 and can be submitted via the official website of The Liveability Challenge (www.theliveabilitychallenge.org).



The chosen themes support the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals 2 (Zero Hunger), 9
(Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and 13 (Climate Action).


"Global hunger is on the rise; and the past four years have been the hottest on record, with carbon dioxide concentration levels continuing to rise. We hope The Liveability Challenge 2020 will highlight the valuable opportunities present in these areas of need and catalyse impactful solutions that can accelerate the transition to a more food secure, resource-efficient and decarbonised future."
--- Lim Hock Chuan, Chief Executive, Temasek Foundation Ecosperity ---


Selected finalists will get a chance to pitch their projects to a panel of Asia’s most sought-after venture capitalists and investors during Ecosperity Week on 08 July 2020 at The Liveability Challenge Grand Finale. Winners of the Challenge could secure over S$1 million in opportunities such as funding, exclusive spots in incubator programmes, and mentorship opportunities. The grand prize winner could secure up to S$1 million in grant funding from Temasek Foundation to further development and launch a pilot project in Singapore. 

Selections from past year winners and their products...

"The Liveability Challenge has grown to become a highlight for Asia’s sustainability community, and is now fast expanding to folks in the science and technology space. As businesses and governments continue to work on societal solutions around climate change, we welcome participation from potential partners, especially from the food, packaging and energy sectors to join us in supporting this year’s challenge."
--- Junice Yeo, Deputy Managing Director of Eco-Business ---


"There is growing momentum to adopt sustainable practices and innovations to build a more liveable environment. With the support of our partners, The Liveability Challenge has attracted many applicants with high-quality proposals leveraging science to exploit potential business opportunities. As a champion of sustainability and liveability, Temasek Foundation has provided support to the winner of last year’s Challenge, Sophie’s Kitchen, to develop its plant-based protein that can be produced in a more economically viable, urban setting."
--- Lim Hock Chuan, Chief Executive, Temasek Foundation Ecosperity ---

Through The Liveability Challenge and other channels, Temasek Foundation seeks to bring together an ecosystem of innovators, funders, investors, platform providers and professionals, and excite them to source, catalyse and advance impactful solutions towards eventual successful commercialisation, as a first step to making a positive difference to the everyday lives of city dwellers in Singapore and beyond.

For more information, visit The Liveability Challenge website at www.theliveabilitychallenge.org




Celebrate The Year Of The Rat With Takashimaya’s Spring Festival Bonanza

With the start of a new lunar calendar cycle comes a fresh start to a positive year ahead, especially with the Year of the Rat: The first in the Chinese zodiac cycle. In line with this auspicious occasion, Takashimaya Department Store welcomes the return of its annual Chinese New Year Fair with a lineup of 67 vendors offering an assortment of seasonal treats to suit all households and traditions.  




The thematic displays with Oriental fans to symbolise union and happiness, as well as Chinese knots to represent good luck and prosperity...

(Photo Source : Takashimaya)

Auspicious Mix features the sweetness of nature with dried/semi-dried, seedless persimmons and fruit juices imported from Korea. Chewy and slightly moist in the centre, these persimmons are jam-packed with fibre, vitamins, minerals and anti-oxidants to make a unique yet healthy and nutritious snack or dessert.  


(Photo Source : Takashimaya)

For more savoury selections, check out Aroma Truffle & Co’s new products - Black Summer Truffle Potato Chips (Honey Dijon, $10) and Aroma Black Truffle Hot Sauce ($20). The latter is curated from a blend of sun-ripened chilli peppers, smooth-skin tomato puree, natural spices, and the brand’s signature black Italian truffle to elevate your dishes and snacks in an instant. 


Home chefs looking to up their game this New Year can look out for On Kee's supreme abalone delicatessen, which is also available in a full readily-prepared poon choi / pen cai(盆菜)version for that added convenience, or wholesome handmade wheat flour noodles from Taiwanese brand Yi Lai Shuen with no MSG and no preservatives.


(Photo Source : Takashimaya)

Homegrown staples including sweet and savoury pastry creations from established names like Home’s Favourite, Mdm Ling, and Baker’s Brew.  Golden Moments, HarriAnns and Peony Jade are also retailing both traditional and novel products like durian ice cream,  Nonya Cookies and seasonal gift sets. 


(Photo Source : Takashimaya)

Exclusive to Takashimaya, The Lapis Place will be presenting its Pineapple Lapis, Ichiran with its limited edition aromatic tonkotsu ramen retail packs, with Hong Kong's Hang Heung and Kee Wah with their CNY-themed biscuit tins and wife cakes.

 
(Photo Source : Takashimaya)

For more premium selections, Gano Well is introducing the health benefits of Lingzhi in its low-sugar cookies ($32-42) to provide a healthier, tastier alternative choice for consumers’ CNY snack trays, in addition to its best-selling organic Lingzhi slices ($298) and related supplements.  Celebrating its 65-year-old heritage is Thye Shan Medical Hall, which has curated a series of festive hampers and gift sets ($168-688) with a mix of its popular tonics and seafood products. Traditional high-quality health and wellness products can also be found with Wing Joo Loong, Pryce Tea's contemporary tea sets and NestBloom's Golden Heritage Bloom.


(Photo Source : Takashimaya)

Takashimaya’s Spring Festival Bonanza will be held from now till 23 January 2020 at Takashimaya Square, Ngee Ann City Basement 2. Find out more at www.takashimaya.com.sg.



About Takashimaya S.C.  

The first Takashimaya store opened in Kyoto, Japan, in 1831 as a 3.6m2 outlet selling gofuku (formal kimono). Since then, the brand has evolved into one of the largest department store operators in Asia, based mainly in Japan and with a presence in China, Thailand and Vietnam as well as Singapore. Takashimaya Singapore opened its doors in 1993 at the distinctive architectural landmark that is Ngee Ann City along Orchard Road. With over 130 specialty stores spanning six levels of shopping and dining establishments, Takashimaya Shopping Centre offers the ultimate shopping experience like no other.