logo
Swensen's wedding? Restaurant's buffet concept to open in the west with space for large-scale event hosting, Lifestyle News

Swensen's wedding? Restaurant's buffet concept to open in the west with space for large-scale event hosting, Lifestyle News

AsiaOne13-05-2025

Ever envisioned yourself getting married in Swensen's because of nostalgia? Well, now you can.
The popular chain restaurant's buffet concept Swensen's Unlimited will soon have a new flagship destination in the western part of Singapore at The Acacia Geneo, which is a short walk from Kent Ridge MRT.
This opens in Q2 2025 and marks Swensen's first foray into large-scale event hosting.
Interested parties will be able to hold weddings, corporate functions and private celebrations at the 200-seater space.
To help make organising your event more seamless, all-in-one event packages will be available.
These include a pro audio and visual system and LED signage for events. If you're holding a wedding, themed decor is available too.
There will also be a curated network of partners for styling, live music and emcees.
Even if you're not hosting an event at the venue, you can enjoy their signature Swensen's Unlimited signature halal buffet, which is also available at their Changi Airport Terminal 2 and VivoCity outlets.
Diners can look forward to Peranakan dishes, sizzling roasts, fresh hand-stretched pizzas and a whopping 48 ice cream flavours.
Address: 1 Science Park Drive #01-06, Singapore 118221
[[nid:673796]]

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Art exhibition by mental health charity showcases over 100 works by seniors
Art exhibition by mental health charity showcases over 100 works by seniors

Straits Times

time3 hours ago

  • Straits Times

Art exhibition by mental health charity showcases over 100 works by seniors

Ms Padmini Naidu beside a watercolour artwork she did under Brahm Centre's art programmes. ST PHOTO: TARYN NG SINGAPORE – When she lost her beloved chihuahua in 2019, Ms Padmini Naidu suffered from anxiety and depression. Through her engagement in more than forty art courses at Brahm Centre , the co-owner of an IT hardware business has since been able to discover a new sense of purpose and joy. 'I met a lot of great friends with similar interests and got to experience a very fun school life,' said the 52-year-old, who attends up to three or four art lessons a week at the mental health charity's Newton branch. She is among the more than 4,000 seniors who have benefited from the art courses held by Brahm Centre at its five locations across Singapore. On June 5 , Brahm Centre and partner Goldbell Group launched an exhibition at Goldbell Towers in Scotts Road featuring more than 100 artworks done by course participants , including Ms Naidu's Peranakan-inspired watercolour painting . Called An Uplifting Journey, the exhibition runs till June 7 and celebrates the resilience, creativity and emotional growth of seniors who have embraced art as a path to wellness and self-discovery. In her opening speech, Brahm Centre chief executive Angie Chew t alked about the risk of loneliness among older adults as they encounter life events like retirement, health changes, and loss of loved ones. Such transitions can shrink social circles and increase isolation, she said. 'In times of loneliness, art offers not just beauty, but healing and hope,' Ms Chew said , adding that investing in art is a way to reconnect with others and ourselves. Minister of State for Culture, Community and Youth Dinesh Vasu Dash , who was guest of honour at the event, underlined the role of art as a unifier, allowing people to celebrate together and keeping seniors active. Minister of State for Culture, Community and Youth Dinesh Vasu Dash watching seniors make art on June 5. ST PHOTO: TARYN NG Senior Minister of State for Health Tan Kiat How, who was also a guest of honour, attributed Singapore's transformation to the 'sacrifices and dedication' of the Pioneer Generation and emphasised the need to care for them 'in the community and in our families'. He added: 'The Government cannot do this alone. We have to work with partners. And organisations like Brahm Centre are very good partners to support us and our seniors... to age well and be happy.' Another senior who exhibited her works at the show, Ms Desiree Chan, 65, said she had gained 'a very great appreciation for art '. The retiree, who has attended 22 courses at Brahm Centre , added that: 'As we grow older, and there are so many stresses and challenges of our world, art is a wonderful respite.' Ms Desiree Chan, 65, said she had gained 'a very great appreciation for art'. ST PHOTO: TARYN NG Three of Ms Chan's works are being showcased: two watercolour paintings depicting sliced peaches and a burger, and a fashion ink cutout of c heongsam designs completed during the Chinese New Year season. Brahm Centre said it has seen the demand for its art courses grow over the years, with 3,700 sign-ups in 2024, up 34 per cent from 2023. The centre offers courses in watercolour painting, pencil sketching, Chinese brush painting and Chinese calligraphy, among others. The courses are subsidised under the SkillsFuture scheme and the National Silver Academy. Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.

This FREE Peranakan-Themed Event Has Kebaya Rentals, Light Shows At The Peranakan House & More
This FREE Peranakan-Themed Event Has Kebaya Rentals, Light Shows At The Peranakan House & More

Sassy Mama

time12 hours ago

  • Sassy Mama

This FREE Peranakan-Themed Event Has Kebaya Rentals, Light Shows At The Peranakan House & More

Sentosa Sensoryscape turns into a colourful Peranakan wonderland from May to August with eye-catching installations, light shows, engaging activities and workshops, live entertainment and more Have you watched that Peranakan programme on Netflix, 'Emerald Hill', that has everyone raving recently? You're not alone, we're hooked too! If it got you curious about the culture, Sentosa's Peranakan Reimagined at Sensoryscape is the perfect next stop. This new installation has all things Peranakan, from larger-than-life displays to immersive experiences for the whole family. Think colourful shophouses, light shows, beaded shoes, dondang sayang melodies, kuihs, and more! Read more: Best Things To Do In Sentosa With Kids Exploring the Peranakan culture through your senses When you step into Peranakan Reimagined, you'll be greeted by The Peranakan House, a vibrant life-sized shophouse bursting with bold colours and intricate batik designs. Inside, the sounds of Nyonyas chatting, kitchenware clattering and nostalgic songs make you feel like you've stepped right into a real Peranakan home. Don't miss The Peranakan House Light Show that takes place every 15 minutes daily from 7:30pm to 9:30pm. Just a short walk away is Tactile Trellis, a stunning display of craftsmanship featuring hundreds of detailed kasut manek bead patterns. At the heart of it all is a giant pair of beaded shoes, alongside oversized tools that highlight the patience and artistry of the Nyonyas who spent hours hand-beading these intricate designs. Behind the Tactile Trellis, visitors can discover the captivating story behind the Chinese, Malay and European threads that intertwine in delicate embroidery to form the beautiful kabaya. Explore why the kebaya is a symbol of Peranakan pride and how it has evolved. At the end of the path, kids will especially love the touchable art mural that depicts Peranakan heritage. For a full sensory experience, head behind the Scented Sphere where you'll be surrounded by the fresh scents of herbs and spices essential to Peranakan cooking, like pandan and lemongrass. At Symphony Streams, visitors can learn more about Cherki cards, a game that tells stories across generations, and listen to ronggeng melodies that served as a backdrop for lively family gatherings. Interactive workshops and live performances Peranakan Reimagined is also packed with plenty of exciting activities for all ages, from embroidery workshops and mini clay kueh making to creating your own beaded slippers (kasut manek), Peranakan tile-inspired coasters, and even adorable kueh tutu felt plushies! Get hands-on at Peranakan-themed workshops at Festive Market (7 & 8 June, 5 & 6 July, 2 & 3 August 2025, 4pm – 9pm). Simply spend $20 at Sentosa Festive Market to attend one workshop for free! To level up your experience, don't forget to rent a kebaya at the Sentosa Shop at Sensoryscape, so you can dress the part while you explore the culture! Even the cable car cabins have gotten a makeover, featuring designs inspired by the iconic shophouses of Koon Seng and Joo Chiat Road. Plus, on selected dates, catch live performances by local Peranakan cultural pop group, Peranakan Sayang. Their catchy tunes and lively energy will have you and the kids ready to joget in no time! Plan your day at Sentosa Island and find out more about what's happening at Peranakan Reimagined here! Peranakan Reimagined, Sentosa Sensoryscape,

An app to 'talk' to a kebaya? Peranakan Museum partners with OpenAI to let you do just that
An app to 'talk' to a kebaya? Peranakan Museum partners with OpenAI to let you do just that

CNA

time7 days ago

  • CNA

An app to 'talk' to a kebaya? Peranakan Museum partners with OpenAI to let you do just that

Museum visits can be semi-intimidating. You listen to a passionate docent tell you about an artefact's rich history. Then at the end of the tour, they ask: Any questions? You have several. Why is a vase pink? Why does the man look so sad in the photograph? Why do these people have their portrait displayed in a museum? But of course, you don't ask. Because you don't want to come off stupid. Instead, you ask how the artefact influenced a certain ethic group's identity in modern day. It makes you sound well-informed, you believe. But a museum visit should encourage curiosity, not stem it. And it's this belief that forms the basis of artificial intelligence (AI) organisation OpenAI's first museum partnership in Asia with Singapore's Peranakan Museum, announced at the OpenAI Forum during tech event ATxSummit on Thursday (May 29). The pilot collaboration with Ask Mona – a French AI studio that uses an OpenAI large language model to enhance cultural experiences – will allow visitors to 'speak' with certain museum artefacts via AI-generated conversations on Ask Mona's web app, accessible on any mobile device. It will be available till Jul 6. Selected artefacts include traditional Peranakan attire, a kamcheng jar (a type of porcelain storage jar that's often decorated) and several pictures depicting various aspects and key personalities of Peranakan culture. For instance, with the kebaya, I posed Ask Mona a question one may hesitate to ask out loud: 'Why does a kebaya look so uncomfortable to wear?' Its response, generated after a few seconds, read: 'The kebaya might seem uncomfortable due to its form-fitting design. This style became popular in the 1930s. 'The kebaya is often made with translucent European fabrics. These fabrics can appear delicate and restrictive. Historically, it was a loose-fitting garment, evolving over time. Its design reflects a blend of cultural influences, making it unique. 'The kebaya is paired with a sarong or kain panjang, adding to its elegance.' TWO-WAY CONVERSATIONS This AI technology, to be clear, isn't the same as having a digital screen display information about an exhibit or listening to an audio narration about an artefact's history. Such methods remain helpful in engaging museum goers. But they can 'feel like a one-way conversation', said Lum Jia Yi, assistant director of audience, communications and digital at the Peranakan Museum. 'With Ask Mona, audiences get to ask their questions. And we get to find out their train of thought (that) helps us shape what audiences are trying to find out about the collections, and (understand) how we can present our materials better.' Ultimately, the museum aims to make its collections and culture 'more accessible to the general audience', not least since the Peranakan culture is a 'living, breathing culture that's constantly evolving', Lum added. And since audiences are constantly on their phone, the AI technology simply allows them to interact with the museum 'in a way that they are comfortable with'. While ATxSummit attendees got to see the initiative up close alongside the artefacts, which were brought to the summit, the experience isn't currently available at the Peranakan Museum itself. Non-attendees can access the experience by joining the OpenAI Forum community at where they will receive a link to the Ask Mona web app. They can then "speak" with the various Peranakan Museum artefacts listed in the app - from anywhere in the world. On one hand, such experiences make museums more accessible, allowing anyone the opportunity to learn about other cultures at their own pace - and without the fear of judgement. Understandably, this may then beg the question: Will AI eventually replace the need for human docents? In short, no, said CEO and co-founder of Ask Mona, Marion Carre. Not only does she believe we need to move beyond the classic opposition of human versus AI, she has also observed that most people use such AI technology to start conversations with friends and family about their museum experience. Some museums have even told Carre that people used to look at artwork for three to five seconds on average – but with the likes of Ask Mona, they now spend three to five minutes interacting with an artwork. 'We're really about using AI to improve the museum experience globally,' she told CNA Lifestyle. Her team also ensures that all data fed into OpenAI's large language model used by Ask Mona strictly comes from the museum, which means anticipating the questions visitors may actually have at each exhibit. USING AI FOR CULTURE AND HERITAGE Crucially, the partnership reveals the possibilities of using AI beyond the typical spaces of the classroom and the workplace. What's not often explored is the impact that AI can have to 'bring people closer to culture and heritage', said Sandy Kunvatanagarn, head of Asia-Pacific policy at OpenAI. 'Inspired by that and the fact that this year is SG60, we thought it'd be a perfect opportunity to really see how we can use AI technology and the Peranakan Museum's focus on accessibility and community – and combine that with the work that Ask Mona has been doing around the world – to bring everybody together to have a conversation about the richness of Peranakan culture. 'Not just in Singapore, but through the web app (which gives people) the ability to access it all around the world.' OpenAI believes AI has the power to change many aspects of life, Kunvatanagarn added, 'but one thing that is consistent, and that should be for everybody, is culture and understanding their own heritage'. 'If AI can play a part in language preservation or cultural accessibility, or whatever it is that people want to learn about who they are, we think there's a place for AI to be in that. And it's done by working with partners who are experts in this space, and us providing the tools to make it happen.'

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store