He Shuming is the guest editor behind our ‘Home' issue
The invitation to be the guest editor for Vogue Singapore's 'Home' issue was certainly a cherished one. It offered me the chance to observe and document the editorial process up close, and watch a team of creatives pull together a cohesive narrative from many distinct voices. It was also an opportunity to collaborate with my friend, the photographer Khoo Guo Jie, as we embarked on a photographic journey across the island, asking ourselves the proverbial question: is Singapore a cinematic city? He Shuming
What we do know is that there is depth and history in our cinematic landscape. You see it in the monochromatic romance and humour of pre-independence films by P Ramlee, like Ibu Mertua Ku , Antara Dua Darjat and the timeless Bujang Lapok series; or in Sandi Tan's Shirkers , where a teenage road movie lost to time becomes a documentary about memory, ambition and authorship. You also see it in K Rajagopal's exploration of the gritty underbelly of Little India in A Yellow Bird , which reveals the marginalised corners of our society. Anthony Chen's ongoing heartland trilogy of Ilo Ilo , Wet Season and the upcoming We Are All Strangers traces the emotional undercurrents of family, duty and intimacy in contemporary Singapore. He Shuming He Shuming He Shuming
This year marks the nation's diamond jubilee—not just a time for celebration, but for reflection. When we think about home, it is always tied to memory, or the sights and sounds that trigger a certain introspection. Nostalgia becomes a permanent fixture in a city where life often feels fleeting. On a recent location scout, we returned to a strata mall that was still open just months ago, only to find it torn down. The shock was real, but so was the awkward sense of acceptance.
There is no denying the strange times we are living in. It can feel frivolous, even difficult, to remain creative while so much is shifting around us. But we try anyway by holding on to empathy, hope, wonder and the act of storytelling. Perhaps, in doing so, we create a little joy around us.
Happy birthday, Singapore. And thank you to the Vogue Singapore team for this unforgettable opportunity.
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Vogue Singapore
12 hours ago
- Vogue Singapore
Here's everything you need to know about Next In Vogue 2025
Half a decade ago, Vogue Singapore set out on a journey. To unearth stories from our homeland and its neighbouring countries, push the boundaries for fashion and innovation, and uplift the voices of our region. Five years on, these remain the guiding principles for the heart of the magazine. Beyond some enthralling covers that have put Vogue Singapore on the map—like an NFC-enabled cover which also spotlighted rising models from the region—we've also worked towards honing our craft, via a slew of insightful pillars. Take Vogue Introduces and Vogue Dialogues for example, both of which have only allowed us to expand our reach and elevate creative souls whose stories were waiting to be told. Over the course of the past few years, collaborative ventures such as the Vogue Talent Prize and Vogue Singapore x BMW Innovation Prize have been fruitful in platforming emerging young talent and future-forward businesses. It was always about changing the conversation—and building an unparalleled sense of community amongst the creatives of the region. It was precisely for this cause, that we first launched Next In Vogue in 2023. Our multi-day landmark event that saw leading voices of the industry come together, to engage in a multitude of purposefully-curated activities and panel discussions—all surrounding the interesting intersections between fashion, beauty, technology and culture. We've even seen a slew of celebrity faces in attendance, like Ashley Park of Emily in Paris fame arriving on our shores to discuss diversity in the entertainment and fashion industry, whilst Everything Everywhere All At Once 's Stephanie Hsu was present for last year's hallmark affair. It was also 2024's edition that clinched the Gold award for Best Event (In Person and Virtual) by the Global Native Advertising Awards. Two years on, Next In Vogue returns for its third edition. 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To kick things off, our publisher-at-large and the Vice President of Business Development and Innovation, Bettina von Schlippe greeted everyone with an opening speech, welcoming our treasured guests to Vogue Singapore's new home, before addressing how Next In Vogue has evolved over the past two years. Publisher-at-large and the Vice President of Business Development and Innovation, Bettina von Schlippe welcoming everyone to Vogue Singapore's new home at The Mill. David Bay To elaborate on the detailed facets of this year's edition, publisher Natasha Damodaran then proceeded to give our guests an understanding of this year's overarching themes. Starting with the returning Next In Vogue Conversations, which will be centred around the theme: The Year of The Reset. Continuing the success of the last two years, global thought leaders and laureate speakers will be brought together once again to take a deeper dive into how the rules of fashion, business and culture are being rewritten amid new world views. With the theme in mind, panels will also zoom in on the rise of Southeast Asia's creative universe, and the regional forces who are redefining what innovation and influence can look like in today's industry. Vogue Singapore's publisher Natasha Damodaran sharing more about Next In Vogue 2025. David Bay David Bay Of course, Next In Vogue also marks the return of Vogue Closet, which will hit a little closer to home this year. Titled 'Asia Reimagined', the exhibited pieces in 2025's iteration of Vogue Closet will see marvellous works of couture—all reimagined with a Southeast Asian lens. Tapping on designers from the region, these custom works will reimagine the threads that define our region's rich tapestry and present a new visual language of where tradition, craftsmanship and innovation converge. Esteemed guests at our Next In Vogue 2025 preview. David Bay Canapés by Luxe Catering. David Bay Esteemed guests at our Next In Vogue 2025 preview. David Bay Esteemed guests at our Next In Vogue 2025 preview. David Bay And that's not all. The popular kid on the block, the Vogue Glam Room makes a beeline for Next In Vogue 2025 too. Best believe that the beauty aficionados in the crowd will be well-satiated, with only more masterclasses and interactive sessions to appease the aesthete at heart. Meanwhile, the Vogue Innovation Showcase returns for its second round this year, this time around with a focus on the cutting-edge concepts of our Vogue Singapore x BMW Innovation Prize finalists. It's in this room that you'll be introduced to the future. Of next-gen solutions spanning sustainable material breakthroughs, AI-powered resale platforms and a virtual showroom that reimagines the future of the retail industry. There will also be a number of more intimate fringe activities happening in tandem with the multi-day event, each one meant to complement the overall experience of any attendee of Next In Vogue 2025. Guests listening intently at the preview for Next In Vogue 2025. David Bay Yet what's a Vogue event without a glamorous red carpet affair to end things on a high? To that end, the Vogue Singapore Gala will serve as the ultimate toast to Vogue Singapore's fifth anniversary. An invite-only evening set to happen on 18 October, expect to see a celebration of the best in fashion, culture and the region's most spirited creative forces. 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Vogue Singapore
2 days ago
- Vogue Singapore
Georgie Farmer on returning to the world of 'Wednesday' Season 2
Towards the tail end of 2022, the world of the weird ruled on television. Such was the phenomenon of Wednesday , the Tim Burton-led series which focused on the titular character, Wednesday Addams, played by Jenna Ortega. Rather than an Addams family remake, it focused on the students of Nevermore Academy, where Outcasts could live their lives in the open, whether they were vampire or werewolf; gorgon or siren. And it's at Nevermore, that we met some of the show's most beloved characters. There's Joy Sunday's brilliant rendition of Bianca Barclay. Or the colourful Enid Sinclair, Wednesday's roommate and best friend, lensed by Emma Myers. And then there's Enid's love interest in Season 1, Ajax Petropolus, the gorgon who now finds himself on a completely different footing with Enid in Season 2. 'Ajax has to sort of deal with getting over a broken heart this season. He's trying to find himself, find out who he is as a person, and feel more comfortable with himself,' offers Georgie Farmer, the actor who plays Ajax throughout both seasons. 'The thing about Ajax though, is that he just wants to help (his friends) in any way that he can,' he adds. So it's a lot of soul-finding for Ajax, something which Farmer also notes is very much like real life for any individual who's at Ajax's age. Courtesy of Netflix 'These characters are obviously in a very heightened world and heightened situations, but there is a real humanity to each character, you know? I think that is what is so genius about Tim's work,' he gushes. Amid new character dynamics with old and new cast mates, as well as growing stakes (which only mean more adventures) in the world of Wednesday , Farmer gets candid with Vogue Singapore about working on Season 2 and the on-screen relationships he loved most. It's been almost three years since Season 1, and the Wednesday world is growing. How are you feeling? Yeah, so excited. We were just in Poland for Wednesday press last week. That's the thing right, when you start to do interviews about it, and start doing press junkets, it really does kick in. Because you hear the excitement about it coming out, and you start to feel it too. It's been a long wait too. What was it like returning to the set of Wednesday ? It was really nice to dust off the school uniform, put it back on and step back into the world. After reading the scripts and seeing the direction in which the story was going in, I think we were all just so excited to hit the ground running. You know, we had an amazing team in Ireland that built the most incredible sets, so it was so easy to enter the world again. To work with Tim again too is such a blessing. What else is really nice too, is that when you return to a character and you've sort of had time with it, you feel like you're growing up with that character, you know? So tell us how Ajax and Enid's relationship has changed this season. This season, Ajax comes back to school, and he's ready to see Enid, whom he hasn't seen over the summer. But Enid's sort of grown over the summer, and I guess she doesn't necessarily see Ajax in her life that way anymore. And so Ajax has to sort of deal with getting over a broken heart this season. He's trying to find himself, find out who he is as a person, and feel more comfortable with himself. Navigating that on top of the breakup, it's a lot on his plate. But it was so fun to get back and do those scenes with Emma. She's one of my best friends now, and going back to set together was really, really fun. To have Noah come in, who plays Bruno (Enid's new love interest), was a really fun dynamic too. So yeah, it's definitely different this season, but I think fans will hopefully enjoy the ride. Enid and Ajax. Courtesy of Netflix Was there a different side of Ajax you felt you could show this time around? For sure. Ajax and the Gorgons are sort of like an outcast among Outcasts in the school because Gorgons are told not to look anyone in the eye and to keep to themselves. So for everything that's happening with Ajax this year, it's about him becoming more confident in himself and becoming more confident in his powers, so that he can use them to help his friends. That's the thing about Ajax; he just wants to help in any way that he can. You know, going through high school is such a transformative experience for everyone. So imagine going through high school but also having to deal with having snakes on your head. I really feel for him. That's the thing with the show too though. Like these characters are obviously in a very heightened world and heightened situations, but there is a real humanity to each character, you know? I think that is what is so genius about Tim's work. Together with what Miles and Al wrote for the show, it's clear that there is a real grounding of humanity in that school. Georgie Farmer as Ajax, Isaac Ordonez as Pugsley Addams, Moosa Mostafa as Eugene. Courtesy of Netflix Have you always been a fan of Tim Burton's works? When I was younger, I remember the first Tim Burton movie that I became obsessed with was Edward Scissorhands . My mom actually has pictures of me as Edward Scissorhands for Halloween. I also remember getting Tim's books—of his illustrations and stuff—and I remember being so captivated by his unique vision as a storyteller and filmmaker. So honestly I could never have imagined, in my wildest dreams, that I would be, many years later, doing a Zoom meeting with Tim Burton, auditioning to be in a project he was directing. It was so surreal and it felt like a simulation. He truly is one of the most down to earth human beings in the world. So just getting a front row seat to see how his mind works when he creates the world that he does? I cannot explain just how much of a genius he is. If you could live as any other creature in the world of Wednesday , what would it be and why? I'm going to steal this answer from Joy and Isaac, because they were talking about it and convinced me about it too. So I would say vampire, because their style is just the best. They look the coolest on set. We could be doing big group scenes together, and then you see the vampires, and they just look so cool. So yeah, I don't know if I'd be able to pull it off, but I would want to try to be a vampire for a day at Nevermore. What are some of the on-screen relationships you loved watching develop this season? After watching the first two episodes, I think what's really clear is the mother-daughter dynamic. There's a really strong dynamic between Wednesday and Morticia that is really prominent in this season, which I think is really nice to see. And also between Bianca and her mom. I remember watching it and thinking it's definitely a complicated relationship that they share, yet again, in this heightened sort of world. But it's really a human feeling. Sort of like anyone who goes through high school and has to figure out their changing relationship with their mom. Oh, I gotta say though, I do also love the dynamic between Pugsley and Eugene this year. They're so funny. Morticia Addams and Wednesday Addams. Courtesy of Netflix What are you most excited for audiences to see in Season 2? I think this season has everything that people loved in the first season, times a million. It's obviously a testament to the care for which Jenna, Tim, Al and Miles have for the characters and the show. The scale of it is insane, like even just some of the sets that we saw and that we got to work with. Seeing how that all translates on screen, the new characters that we have, too. The new cast of Billie Piper, Steve Buscemi, Noah Tyler, Owen Painter; you know, these guys came in, and they absolutely elevated the show to such an incredible level. Evie Templeton too, she's incredible. Then the returning cast; Emma's great, Joy's great, everyone's great. And then to be led by Jenna, who, I mean, she's just such an incredible Wednesday. She has so much care for this character and so much care for this show as a whole. She knows how much it means to people and I'm really excited for people to see just how crazy it gets. So beyond the world of Wednesday , what else are you most excited to be working on? Well, I did a movie that premiered at the SXSW Festival in March. It was a movie called LifeHack . That was a great experience doing that movie, and I hope that finds a good home. It's a crazy, crazy story and it was great fun to shoot. But right now, I'm just so excited for the world to see Season 2. It's been such a long way, and I can't wait for everyone to fall in love with this world again. It sounds really cliché to talk about how Wednesday became the phenomenon that it is. But for it to have the impact it had was just so amazing the first time, and also so overwhelming in certain ways. Again, I just come back to this feeling of being very, very grateful. Watch Wednesday Season 2 on Netflix now.
New Paper
7 days ago
- New Paper
I listened to every NDP Song and rated them, so you don't have to
It's that time of year again - the roar of fighter jets echoing overhead, spectacular fireworks lighting up the sky, and suddenly everyone's belting out Home like it's 2004. National Day songs -- love them or roast them -- they show up every August like clockwork. Right on schedule alongside red and white outfits, supermarket flags, and traffic jams near Marina Bay. From certified bangers to the more "experimental" tracks that left us scratching our heads, these songs have a strange power that makes us feel equal parts nostalgic, emotional, and awkwardly patriotic -- all at once. But why do some of them tug at the heartstrings, while others barely make a ripple? I listened to them all and rated them - so you don't have to. Best for karaoke singalongs Some National Day songs are just built different. These are the tunes where everyone knows every single word - whether they mean to or not. Like a national earworm, they live rent-free in our heads and make their annual comeback every August. Home (2001) by Kit Chan is the gold standard. A classic. A cultural reset. Young or old, Singaporean or PR, if you don't at least hum along to this one, are you even from here? SCREENGRAB: MIKE EDKINS/YOUTUBE The gentle build-up to that emotional climax - "This is where I won't be alone" - was made for full-volume belting, eyes closed, hand over heart. Pure karaoke gold. Yes, the OGs are hard to beat. But once in a while, a newer track sneaks in and surprises us - and in 2024, Not Alone did just that. With a melody that flows effortlessly into the chorus - "If we just look to each other, then this house will feel like home" - it's the kind of song you'd actually add to your Spotify playlist, unironically. Add a soaring key change and Benjamin Kheng's silky vocals, and you've got a track that's not just catchy - it's cathartic. SCREENGRAB: NDPEEPS/YOUTUBE Because in the end, it's not about how loudly you can scream-sing it. A true karaoke hit is one that hits you back - right in the feels. Most likely to make you cry on the MRT You know the drill - just minding your own business, staring out the MRT window on your way to work when, suddenly, a National Day song comes on. Next thing you know, you're getting misty-eyed between Botanic Gardens and Caldecott, wondering when you turned into an emotional softie. Who remembers My Island Home ? Released back in 2001, this oldie-but-goodie never fails to hit like a nostalgic freight train. The laid-back rhythm and its gently yearning melody are like a warm hug and a homesick sob rolled into one. SCREENGRAB: NDPEEPS/YOUTUBE Now picture this: You're a Singaporean living overseas, on a train that's not the MRT. You put this song on. I dare you not to cry. And then there's the emotional landmine that is In A Heartbeat . The 2011 song may sound tender and almost fragile, but don't be fooled - it's out to wreck you. The melody floats gently along, while the lyrics quietly destroy you with the themes of growing up, moving on and clinging on tightly to the past. If you miss your mum, your childhood friends, or the early days when your family was still squeezed around one dinner table - brace yourself. This one doesn't just pull heartstrings, it yanks them. SCREENGRAB: NDPEEPS/YOUTUBE As August 9 rolls around and you're hit with all the warm fuzzies, fret not as you're not alone. Whether it's childhood memories, homesickness, or just a random wave of nostalgia mid-commute, these songs remind us that patriotism isn't always loud. Sometimes, it's just a quiet lump in your throat. Best for singing in the shower (secretly) Let's be real - some songs may not top the charts or stir national pride in public, but throw in the right acoustics and the sweet, sweet privacy of your bathroom, and suddenly, you're the soloist of your personal NDP choir. Enter: Reach out for the Skies (2005), the ultimate guilty pleasure of National Day songs. SCREENGRAB: NDPEEPS/YOUTUBE So corny, yet so catchy. The lyrics sound like they came straight off a motivational poster, and yet, somehow, you know every word. Shower head in one hand, the other reaching dramatically for the skies - or, you know, the ceiling - don't worry, your secret's safe with me. Now, Where I Belong (2001) might raise a few eyebrows. Yes, it's beloved. Sure, it's iconic. But let's face it - it's also kind of a cliché. It wears its heart unapologetically on its sleeve, complete with the kind of lyrical earnestness that makes you roll your eyes... while secretly clutching your chest. "Whether rain or shine, it's still beautiful," states one line. Say what you will, it's oddly comforting. SCREENGRAB: NDPEEPS/YOUTUBE It builds gently from soft verses to a soaring chorus made for emotional solo performances - ideally when no one else is home. Best for baby nap time Let's talk about this year's National Day song - Here We Are . Look, it's not a bad song. It's soft, gentle, and easy on the ears. But maybe... a little too easy. SCREENGRAB: NDPEEPS/YOUTUBE Compared to past NDP tracks that were big, bold, and emotionally charged, this one feels more like a hot decaf latte - warm and soothing, but unlikely to keep you awake. The mellow melody and choral-style vocals have a calm, almost lullaby-like energy. Before I knew it, I drifted off halfway through the second verse. It gives bedtime story vibes - ideal if you're trying to put a baby down for a nap, soothe a sleepy cat, or catch a moment of peace after all that flag-waving and fighter jet spotting. Not every National Day song needs to be a showstopper. And honestly, speaking as an introvert, sometimes a breather track is exactly what we need between the emotional belting sessions. Most likely to be turned into a TikTok dance Then, there are some National Day songs that come with choreography so intriguing, you just have to try it. Take the 2021's The Road Ahead . With its slow, soothing melody and hopeful message, you'd expect it to soundtrack a candlelight vigil - not a living room dance session. But then ActiveSG dropped a full-blown choreography video meant for a workout routine, and suddenly, everyone stuck at home during the pandemic was waving their hands dramatically in sync. SCREENGRAB: NDPEEPS/YOUTUBE It was hilarious - and oddly unifying. The power of TikTok, truly. And let's not forget Stronger Together (2022). With its steady rhythm and motivational hook, it was practically made for wholesome, slightly cringe TikTok dances. SCREENGRAB: NDPEEPS/YOUTUBE Think: sweeping hand gestures and a dramatic double bicep pose the moment the line "stronger together" drops. Instant TikTok gold. Whether intentional or not, these songs prove that a little choreography goes a long way - especially when TikTok gets its hands on it. Best 'Majulah' energy These are the songs with oomph. The grandeur. That unmistakable National Day zing that screams: "I'm proud to be Singaporean", fireworks or not. Some songs don't just sing, they salute. We Are Singapore (1987) is a prime example - a full-blown power anthem made to rally the nation. And that spoken-word bridge? Basically the National Pledge with a backing track. Majulah vibes all the way. SCREENGRAB: NDPEEPS/YOUTUBE One United People (2003) also earns a rightful spot in this category. It's not the loudest in the room, but it radiates quiet strength. With its steady build and choral swell, it delivers that resolute, hand-over-heart energy fit for a grandstand moment. SCREENGRAB: NDPEEPS/YOUTUBE Whether it's thunderous pride or calm conviction, these songs don't just sound patriotic - they embody it. If any songs deserve a salute, it's these. This is home, truly National Day songs hit each of us a little differently. From chest-thumping anthems to guilty-pleasure bops, they've soundtracked our parades, our childhoods, and those quiet moments of Singaporean pride. Yes, it can feel a little embarrassing knowing every word to these corny classics, but sometimes, it's worth revisiting the songs we grew up with. To remember the thrill of waving a flag as a Primary 5 kid at your first National Day Parade. Because at the end of the day, this is home. Truly.
