Pop by every week as we give you the buzz on what’s new and cool in Singapore.
We get it. Life moves so fast and furiously that sometimes it’s impossible to stay updated on things to do in the city. That’s where we come in: we’re here to bring you the latest and greatest, covering everything new and cool from food and drinks to entertainment and viral trends – all in easy-to-read, bite-sized doses, of course! So go ahead and bookmark this page for your weekly hit of what’s happening in Singapore.
The buzz on what’s happening in Singapore this week
1. Make way for the new Singapore Prime Minister
After 20 years of service, Lee Hsien Loong has announced that he will finally be stepping down and handing the reins over to deputy prime minister Lawrence Wong. But this isn’t a full goodbye because he’ll be staying in the cabinet as a senior minister. The handover is set to happen on 15 May, along with new additions to the cabinet lineup coming in the next few weeks.
2. A skincare revolution has arrived
If you’re a fan of OG beauty influencer Liah Yoo, we’ve got some brilliant news to share with you. Her beauty brand KraveBeauty is debuting in Sephora Asia, igniting a new era of conscious skincare. Embracing the idea of “less is more”, the curated lineup is all about mindful skincare that prioritises simplicity and sustainability. Say hello to cleaner and healthier skin, the green way.
3. Will we see the rise of four-day work weeks?
It’s official! From 1 December, your boss will have to take your requests for a four-day work week seriously. The new guidelines aren’t just limited to four-day work weeks but extend to flexible hours, part-time work, or job sharing. While a shorter work week isn’t legally enforceable with these new guidelines, this does mean companies need to process any formal requests for flexible work arrangements. However, employers can’t reject requests based on traditions or management beliefs in traditional work styles.
4. Stop hangovers, win $100
If you haven’t heard of Revit, let’s give you the lowdown. This brand is Singapore’s very own homegrown anti-hangover gummy, and we can attest to how well it works (we promise we put it through a rigorous test). The good news? Revit is celebrating its first anniversary and wants to give back to its community! All you have to do is buy yourself a packet of Revit gummies and keep your eyes peeled for a golden ticket. If you’re lucky enough to get one of five golden tickets, congrats! You just won yourself $100.
5. A saucy women-only show comes to town
If you’re familiar with Magic Mike, you’ll love the Korean counterpart. Wild Wild is a group of performers from Seoul who put on risque acts exclusively for ladies aged 19 and up. If you can’t already tell from the team’s Instagram account, things get pretty heated during the show. Expect shirts off, hip thrusts, and a lot of sensual segments. As far as we can tell, tickets aren’t available for sale just yet, but stay tuned to its social media sites for more details.
What’s happening in Singapore: What you missed last week…
6. Some beloved spots are getting a dash of flair
In foodie news, we’re excited to announce the latest movements and happenings in our restaurant and cafe scene. To get the ball rolling, Bar Cicheti is back after a one-month facelift. New patrons and regulars alike will find the striking new interiors and rehauled menus to be an exciting experience. Pasta and wine? Count us in. If your sweet tooth’s acting up, pay a visit to Tom’s Palette‘s newest home in Kovan.
Swing by Joo Chiat and visit Cafe Natsu to check out the refurbished menu, which now walks a more traditional Japanese route. Think the likes of chawanmushi, salmon tempura don, and miso basque cheesecake. The Dragon Chamber is shaking up its already funky menu with more spin-offs on house signatures. We’re looking forward to the Iberico char siew and tea smoked chicken. Meanwhile, Chin Mee Chin Confectionery has just announced set lunches like Nonya curry chicken and beef brisket to add to your lunch time options.
7. Caifan but make it hip
Cherry Discotheque proves it has many facades because it’s now transformed into a full blown modern caifan spot. On weekdays, you’ll find the nightclub space decked out in a typical coffee shop concept with neon lights. Expect a range of caifan fare by sister brand Shiok Shiok Night Market. With a daily rotating menu, you’ll be surprised every time you visit. See you there for lunch, maybe?
8. Old trains retire to become a co-living space
How does staying in Singapore’s first ever co-living train hotel sound? A collaboration between Tiny Pod and Jtc Corporation, you can now stay at the Train Pod creation @ one-north. That’s right, you could live out of our old MRT train cabins. There’ll be fully furnished private rooms, communal spaces, and a recreational green space developed beside the hotel. The rooms may be a little snug, but we think this is a pretty cute concept. And if you’ve seen Tiny Pod’s shipping container hotel concept, you know you’re in for a surprisingly cosy treat.
9. Ready to paint the town orange?
Robertson Quay is about to come to life with the hottest party, and you heard it here first. On 27 April, hit up the neighbourhood for Aperol’s Spritz N Beats Festival where you can soak up good vibes, groovy tunes, and tipples galore. Keep an eye out for orange decorations spread across 11 venues along Robertson Quay, a lineup of DJs, and vibrant installations. Psst: register your spot and you’ll get a complimentary Aperol Spritz visor.
10. A potential addition to the Singapore skyline
Our beloved Marina Bay Sands has been an icon in our skyline for over a decade, and we hear that it’s about to enter the final phase of design enhancements. The multi-billion-dollar expansion is set to introduce a luxury hotel tower with a sky roof, a 15,000-seat entertainment arena, and additional exhibition spaces. Plus, plenty more F&B and nightlife options. It’s prepped to be a new state-of-the-art arena and live entertainment venue in Asia. Full scale construction is still subject to planning approvals, but if all goes well, everything will start from July 2025 with a targeted completion by July 2029.
11. Make way for the new age of joss paper
With talk about sustainability and joss paper burning, one start-up is leading the way with an innovative take that might reconcile tradition with our responsibility to save the earth. Base Genesis has come up with what’s possibly the first-ever environmentally-friendly joss paper. The Eco Hell Note is printed on nitrocellulose paper, which leaves behind minimal ash residue when burned. It retains the traditional act of paper burning while limiting pollution.
The hell notes are currently available on a pre-order basis as the team is still looking into production efforts. The goal is to have everything ready before this year’s Hungry Ghost Festival. Are we seeing the transformation of a typically traditional industry? Possibly. We’re excited about what the future holds for Base Genesis and the Eco Hell Note.
And… that’s a wrap on what’s happening in Singapore this week (and beyond).