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Singapore's First K-Pop Academy Trains the Next Global Idols

Singapore's First K-Pop Academy Trains the Next Global Idols

Bloomberg5 days ago
In a gleaming, mirror-lined studio above Singapore's Orchard Road, Gabriella Tjokrohadi moves through a carefully practiced routine as an instructor calls out cues in Korean. When the music cuts, she rushes to the camera to study the footage, scrutinizing every angle, posture and facial expression.
The 25-year-old Indonesian has long dreamed of breaking into South Korea's entertainment industry. But instead of Seoul, her journey has led her to Singapore — home to Southeast Asia's first K-pop training academy, opened in June by SM Entertainment Co., the company behind acts like Girls' Generation and EXO.
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Tyla, Finn Wolfhard, Sam Nivola and More Toast to the ‘Power of the Youth' at Variety's Young Hollywood Party
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time37 minutes ago

  • Yahoo

Tyla, Finn Wolfhard, Sam Nivola and More Toast to the ‘Power of the Youth' at Variety's Young Hollywood Party

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Paramount's Chris McCarthy Talks Up Taylor Sheridan, Jon Stewart & ‘South Park' In Exit Memo But Says Mental Health Work Was His 'Greatest Achievement'
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Embark on an immersive journey featuring the new Time Capsule experience SINGAPORE, Aug. 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Starting 8 August 2025, guests can look forward to a reimagined Singapore Flyer journey that traces the full arc of Singapore's story, from ancient origins to modern marvels. In celebration of Singapore's 60th year of independence, Time Capsule – a two-storey multisensory attraction first opened in 2020 – has been transformed into a fully immersive pre-flight experience blending cutting-edge multimedia, interactive exhibits, and cinematic storytelling, all enhanced by a personalised web app. This prelude sets the stage for the Singapore Flyer journey, which culminates in breathtaking 360-degree views of the city skyline. An Immersive Journey Through the Singapore Story Singapore's remarkable story comes alive through an interactive journey at Time Capsule led by R65, a time-travelling robot. Created in collaboration with creative studio Untitled Project, guests are transported back to the 1200s to uncover Singapore's mythical legends and fascinating origins as a bustling trading port, with full-screen video animations, projection mapping, and light detection and ranging (LiDAR) technology bringing each moment of history vividly to life. Guests can wander down an interactive Singapore River as it meanders through the country's history, and step into nostalgia with a chess-tile concrete table set before a 300-degree projection wall chronicling Singapore's transformation. On Level 2, vibrant Peranakan-themed installations, LiDAR-enabled interactive games, and multimedia showcases explore Singapore's identity and role on the world stage. For a personalised experience, guests may use the Time Capsule web app and complimentary WiFi to scan QR codes and delve deeper with life-sized characters, from friendly traders to the indigenous Orang Laut. Please refer to Annex A for details on Time Capsule's zones. The immersive ground-level experience transitions seamlessly into the sky as guests board the Singapore Flyer, soaring 165 metres above the city and unlocking deeper insights into nearby landmarks with the FLYER360 mobile app powered by augmented reality. Entry to Time Capsule is included in every admission ticket, transforming the Singapore Flyer journey from a 30-minute ride into an integrated 75-minute adventure through Singapore's inspiring evolution – from a resilient, humble settlement to the multicultural, world-class city it is today. Ringo Leung, General Manager of Singapore Flyer, said, "The reimagined Singapore Flyer journey invites everyone to experience the Singapore story in an entirely fresh and entertaining way, from the ground to the sky. By integrating immersive on-ground adventures with interactive in-capsule experiences, we aim to present a fun, multifaceted perspective of Singapore that goes beyond the traditional observation wheel experience." - END - About Singapore Flyer Singapore Flyer stands as one of the world's largest observation wheels, offering magnificent views of the garden city and Marina Bay from 165 metres above ground. As one of Singapore's most iconic landmarks, it invites guests on an immersive journey through the nation's story, beginning at Time Capsule and culminating in a scenic flight that reveals the city's inspiring transformation. Guests can elevate their experience with the FLYER360 augmented reality app, and a suite of premium offerings ranging from Premium Champagne and Singapore Sling experiences to private capsule packages and an exquisite dinner at Singapore's highest revolving dining experience, 165 Sky Dining by Singapore Flyer. Singapore Flyer was acquired by Straco Corporation Limited in November 2014 through Straco Leisure Pte Ltd, a joint venture between Bay Attractions Pte Ltd, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Straco Corporation Limited and WTS Leisure Pte Ltd. Singapore Flyer is Straco Corporation's flagship project in Singapore. For more information, please visit About Straco Corporation Limited Straco Corporation Limited ("Straco"), listed on the Singapore Stock Exchange in 2004, is a leading developer and operator of aquatic-related facilities and tourism-related assets. Straco's main operating assets include Shanghai Ocean Aquarium, situated in the New Pudong Area, next to Shanghai's landmark Oriental Pearl Tower; Lixing cable car service at Mount Lishan in Lishan in Lintong District, Shaanxi province; Underwater World Xiamen on the scenic Gulangyu Island, a key tourist attraction of Xiamen City, and the Singapore Flyer, an iconic landmark located in the Marina Bay skyline. Straco constantly sources for tourism projects to tap into the expected tourism boom in Asia. The Group will leverage on its experience and track record in the China market to form strategic investment alliances to develop and operate tourism resources in China and the region. For High-Resolution Images Downloadable here Editors' Notes 1. Please credit images to Singapore Flyer unless otherwise stated. 2. Hashtags: #SingaporeFlyer Annex A: Information on Time Capsule Zones Zones Description Level 1 Dawn of Singapura Embark on a panoramic adventure alongside Sang Nila Utama, a prince fromPalembang, on his perilous voyage to and dramatic founding of the island ofSingapura. Maritime Silk Road Singapore's prime location along the Maritime Silk Road established it as a vitalhub for global trade. Step into the past and meet two friendly traders, Ping An andAhmed, who will reveal the treasures and tales that once flowed through thisvibrant port. People of the Sea Meet the Orang Laut – the People of the Sea – Singapore's original inhabitantswho helped establish the Kingdom of Singapura alongside Prince Sang NilaUtama. Hear their story as told through the eyes of one of their own. Badang the Magnificent Be enthralled by the legendary tale of Badang, a fisherman who gained immensestrength and lifted the Singapore Stone, earning him the title of the Protector ofSingapura. Island Tales Uncover the enchanting myths of Singapura, from the legendary swordfish attackat Redhill to the origins of Pulau Ubin, Kusu Island, and Sentosa. The Singapore River As you meander along the vital artery of Singapore's economy, interact with fishon the river floor and spot fishermen, hawkers, performers, and children by thebustling banks. Marvel at the transformation of attap houses into vibrantshophouses, tracing Singapore's riverside evolution from the 1800s to the 1960s. Under One Sky Step into nostalgia with the iconic chess-tile concrete table and stools – once afamiliar sight at void decks – set before a sweeping 300-degree curved projectionwall chronicling Singapore's transformation into a modern metropolis. Level 2 Peranakan Walk Delve into Peranakan heritage through dynamic exhibits, from a multilayeredlightbox and overhead kaleidoscopes to fractal mirrors and towering fabric panelsshowcasing intricate Malay batik prints donned by early settlers and Peranakans. Red Dot Multiculturalism is the heartbeat of Singapore. Immerse yourself in an all-encompassing display of the diverse cultural festivals and celebrations inSingapore, brought to life through projection walls and mirrors that surround you ina colourful visual feast. Garden City Playground Discover the many facets of Singapore's identity through interactive games andvisual showcase, where a spectacular floral display bursts into bloom every fewminutes. Annex B: Singapore Flyer Ticket Prices Ticket Type Adult Aged 13 and above Child Aged 3 to 12 Local Senior* Aged 60 and above Singapore Flyer Ticket Free admission for children below the age of 3 $40 $25 $25 Singapore Sling Experience $79 $31 - Premium Champagne Experience $79 165 Sky Dining by Singapore Flyer $520 for 2 persons *Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents aged 60 and above. All prices are in Singapore Dollars (SGD). For enquiries and private bookings, please contact sales@ For more information, please visit View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Singapore Flyer Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data

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