CNA938 Rewind - Get your SG snacks, coffee, etc. @ ETC Travel Retail
In 'Destination Anywhere', Melanie Oliveiro speaks to Edmond Wong, founder of ETC Travel Retail, a snacks brand located at Changi Airport – selling unique Singapore snacks and pre-packaged drink products. Wong will talk about what travellers can grab – at their convenience – from his store and what research he did to stock up on snacks people tend to buy when they're at airports. Wong will also talk about his very own ETC snack brand containing authentic Singapore flavours, and how these can double-up as gifts and quick bites.
CNA938 Rewind - Cellography - Bringing AI & The Puppet Master to life on stage
In 'Culture Club' Melanie Oliveiro speaks with the creatives involved in the production: Cellography presents 'The Puppet Master' Disney Concert. The storyline follows an old Puppet Master whose puppet magically comes to life – and soon, both begin exploring the world around them. Performed by Cellography, an all-cello pop orchestra, founder Hughes Chong and cellist Chua Siong Hoon will talk more about the plot's themes like love and courage, and how the production will unfold onstage using Artificial Intelligence. They'll also discuss the timeless Disney classics that will be performed on stage like 'When You Wish Upon a Star' and 'Can You Feel the Love Tonight'.
30 mins
CNA938 Rewind - Get your SG snacks, coffee, etc. @ ETC Travel Retail
In 'Destination Anywhere', Melanie Oliveiro speaks to Edmond Wong, founder of ETC Travel Retail, a snacks brand located at Changi Airport – selling unique Singapore snacks and pre-packaged drink products. Wong will talk about what travellers can grab – at their convenience – from his store and what research he did to stock up on snacks people tend to buy when they're at airports. Wong will also talk about his very own ETC snack brand containing authentic Singapore flavours, and how these can double-up as gifts and quick bites.
19 mins
CNA938 Rewind - Mind Your Money - Using AI to shop
A new report has found that nearly two thirds of APAC consumers use AI to shop - so how exactly are these consumers using it, and what are some setbacks when doing so? Cheryl Goh finds out from Ben Wong, General Manager, Southeast Asia and Hong Kong, Adyen
18 mins
CNA938 Rewind - Job hoppers or changemakers – Why Gen Z job hop?
The number of Gen Zs switching jobs has more than tripled in 2024 according to Workforce Singapore. Some are even starting their third or fourth job by the age of 25. Andrea Heng and Hairianto Diman chat with Jacqueline Yeung, Career Development Associate from AVODAH People Solutions to examine this employment trend among Gen Zs.
14 mins
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Straits Times
4 hours ago
- Straits Times
Gaming giant Hoyoverse embraces fan-made merch at upcoming Hoyo Fest convention
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox Singapore-based artist Astrea Lim is among a cast of 38 creators now in the limelight at Hoyo Fest 2025. SINGAPORE - Fan-made merchandise will be in the spotlight at an upcoming event by a major gaming company, an unusual move in an industry that is usually protective of its intellectual property (IP). Some 38 creators will be allowed to hawk their wares at Hoyo Fest, held at Suntec Singapore Convention and Exhibition Centre from July 25 to July 27. 'We are devoted to engaging fans and fostering an enthusiastic and inclusive global community that provides access and encouragement for people to share their passion for ACG (anime, comics, games) through their own creativity and skills,' said a spokesperson for event organiser Hoyoverse - the global publishing and branding arm of Mihoyo, a major Chinese video game developer. The creators to be featured at the event's Artist Alley have been vetted by the company to ensure product quality and non-usage of AI, its spokesperson added. Fan-artists such as Ms Astrea Lim and Ms Emi Moreno are thrilled by Hoyoverse's move. This will be their first time selling fan-made Hoyoverse merchandise at a convention targeted at fans of the franchise. 'It's a very good opportunity for creators to show their works while also being surrounded by the community,' said Ms Lim, who is known as Astrea on social media. Ms Lim's signature line of jewellery, featuring necklaces, rings and earrings inspired by Hoyoverse character, are her most popular offering. ST PHOTO: GIN TAY Supporting fan artists is a 'win-win' situation for Hoyoverse since game developers get to focus on the game development, while ensuring that their fans are still entertained by fresh ideas, said Ms Moreno. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore No train service across entire Bukit Panjang LRT line due to power fault Asia 4 dead, 38 missing after ferry sinks on way to Indonesia's Bali Singapore $500 in Child LifeSG credits, Edusave, Post-Sec Education Account top-ups to be disbursed in July Singapore Pedestrian-only path rules to be enforced reasonably; focus on errant cyclists: Baey Yam Keng Singapore 17-year-old youth charged with trespassing on MRT tracks; to be remanded at IMH Business Microsoft cutting 9,000 jobs companywide in second major wave of layoffs this year Asia Malaysian nurses following the money abroad for more opportunities World Trump tax Bill stalled by Republican rebellion in Congress 'This is a really big change in the industry… they (Hoyoverse) are a company that really understands the value of the hype,' said the illustrator and video game concept artist, who goes by the handle Eggyolkceo. Across four of Hoyoverse's major action-role playing game titles - Genshin Impact, Honkai: Star Rail, Honkai Impact 3, and Zenless Zone Zero - Hoyoverse has generated about $112 million in total revenue from the Singapore market, according to data analytics firm Sensor Tower. Sensor Tower noted that, since its release in September 2020, the Genshin Impact mobile game has accumulated over 215 million downloads across both App Store and Google Play worldwide. Over 677,000 downloads were estimated to come from Singapore. Hoyo Fest started out at the Aniplus Cafe at the Esplanade Mall in 2021, and expanded into a lobby space in the Suntec City Mall in 2024. The event, which also ran in Malaysia, Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam, had about 150,000 participants across these countries in 2024, according to the company's spokesperson. In terms of event space, the fifth iteration of Hoyo Fest here will be the largest one thus far. It is the first time the annual event will be ticketed. For years, fan-made merchandise - prints, pins and plushies - thrived at ACG conventions and online marketplaces. However, the sale of fan-made merchandise may constitute copyright infringement. While some companies tolerated it, others cracked down. Large media franchise companies are typically highly protective of their IP and do not permit the sale of fan-made merchandise without authorisation. This is because IP makes up a substantial part of the company's value, said Mr Mark Teng, executive director at LLC. One example is how Pop Mart, the IP holder for Labubu and The Monsters, reportedly considered taking action against unauthorised use of its characters , including in food products sold by vendors. Poorly executed or off-brand fan creations may dilute the distinctiveness of the brand or adversely affect how it is perceived by the public, Mr Teng explained. The Artist Alley thus 'reflects a forward-looking strategy that embraces the creative energy of fan communities,' added Mr Teng, who is also a co-vice-chair of the IP Practice Committee at the Law Society of Singapore. Ms Moreno, who started creating fan art in 2023 after she graduated from a private art school here, said fan-made merchandise offers a meaningful way to re-imagine and relive the stories they love. 'I expand on the original IP, not because it is missing something, but to explore different narratives and spaces within a story I already know,' she said. Ms Moreno's art prints - priced at $18 for A3, $14 for A4, and $8 for A5 - are her most popular products among Singaporean customers. PHOTO: EGGYOLKCEO Ms Lim said fan-made items are popular because of the variety in offerings, a point echoed by Ms Lee Leen, a 23-year-old freelance illustrator who has been collecting fan-made merchandise for over eight years. 'There are times when I can't find the type of merchandise I want from the official store, and when I find the fan artists' style to be very appealing,' she said, adding that she prefers buying fan-made merchandise over official products. Hoyo Fest 2025 will also be concurrently held in Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Vietnam and Thailand.
CNA
9 hours ago
- CNA
All that jazz: 6 creative ways to celebrate Art Deco's 100th birthday
Brutalism may have briefly stolen the spotlight in February, but Art Deco is firmly in the limelight this year as it marks its 100th birthday in 2025. Short for 'French Arts Decoratifs', Art Deco was first introduced to the world at the Paris Expo a century ago, and dominated the Roaring Twenties and much of the 1930s. You don't have to be a design lover to recognise Art Deco's signature elements: Symmetrical lines, geometric patterns, chevron and sunburst motifs, and of course, a sprinkling of gold. More than just an architecture and design aesthetic, Art Deco became a cultural movement whose influence spread all across the globe, and one that remains relevant to this day. Its legacy continues to captivate — it's impossible not to be charmed while walking around the Art Deco estate of Tiong Bahru in Singapore or when enjoying a luxurious night at the Claridge's Hotel and The Savoy in London. In honour of Art Deco's centenary, here are six creative ways to get a taste of the decadent era. Where in the world will you find hundreds of candy coloured Art Deco buildings in a single place? Nowhere else but Miami, which at last count has 800 buildings holding court mostly on Ocean Drive, Collins Avenue and Washington Avenue. Miami's Art Deco Historic District, which spans 5th street to 23rd street, is made for flanerie — though if you want a deeper look into its history, it pays to book a tour with a local guide. The most popular stretch is Ocean Drive, where you can admire plenty of pastel-hued facades and stop by one of the many cafes, bars, and restaurants, including Gianni's at the infamous Versace Mansion. To truly experience the city's incredible Art Deco heritage up close, spend a night at an adaptive reuse boutique hotel. The newest kid on the block is The Shelborne By Proper, a member of Design Hotels that first opened in 1940 and underwent a transformation by design studio ADC Atelier. They preserved historic features such as the original 18th street facade and the pool's diving board, resulting in a space that wonderfully blends nostalgic touches with contemporary elements. It may have been born in Paris, but the movement truly flourished in Mumbai. Not only does it have one of the largest concentrations of Art Deco buildings in the world (second only to Miami), it was also fertile ground for its evolution. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, India's financial capital is home to myriad architectural styles but Art Deco dominates the scene. In the 1930s, local architects melded Indian craftsmanship with traditional elements resulting in 'Bombay Deco'. One can witness this unique, hybrid style at Marine Drive and Oval Maidan, neighbourhoods lined with buildings featuring curved balconies adorned with sunburst rays and typical Indian emblems. One of the most vibrant expressions of Bombay Deco is the recently refurbished Eros Cinema in South Mumbai, which now boasts a sparkling facade and sensual marble interiors alongside its modern offerings including IMAX theatres. Want a stay to match your Art Deco itinerary in India? Check into the newly opened Fairmont Mumbai — a beautiful ode to the city's colourful Art Deco heritage. SPEND A NIGHT AT LE BRISTOL PARIS AND THE SIAM BANGKOK The Roaring Twenties was a time of excess, so it comes as no surprise that a trove of luxury hotels thrived during that decade. One to note is Le Bristol Paris, a grand hotel that's also marking its centenary in 2025. The legendary property was a second home for fashion and creative visionaries such as Balenciaga, Chanel, Picasso and Dali; in the 1940s, it also served as the American Embassy in Paris. Today, Le Bristol proudly wears its heritage on its sleeve but isn't weighed down by it. Case in point: Its knack for doing cool collaborations like the celebratory fashion capsule collection with Sporty & Rich, as well as a partnership with Maison Trudon, resulting in a light new fragrance, Honore. Closer to home, The Siam in Bangkok is a stunning expression of Art Deco in the tropics, conceived by inimitable designer Bill Bensley alongside creative owner Krissada Sukosol Clapp. While the setting is not an original Art Deco building, its design bears the hallmarks of the era — a striking black and white palette, a strong sense of balance and symmetry, and plenty of elegant accents. The two Michelin key riverside hotel is ensconced in greenery and home to a remarkable collection of antiques carefully peppered throughout the space. An urban retreat meets living museum, The Siam is a one-of-a-kind stay that is worth visiting, even just for an indulgent meal at Chon Thai restaurant or The Story House. EMBARK ON A GATSBY-LIKE JOURNEY FROM PARIS TO VENICE 'Can't repeat the past?…Why of course you can!' said Jay Gatsby in F. Scott Fitzgerald's beloved novel, The Great Gatsby. You'd be inclined to agree once you step aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, the legendary train operated by Belmond that traverses Europe in standout style. From its impeccable interiors to the white-glove service and the sumptuous food, the iconic train is an extraordinary tribute to the Jazz Age. All the carriages date back to the 1920s and 1930s, and have been carefully upgraded with fabrics and furnishings inspired by Art Deco designers like Dufrene and Lalique. Book one of the Grand Suites, each one modelled after the train's signature stops: Paris, Venice, Istanbul, Vienna, Prague and Budapest. No matter the cabin, you're assured a seductive journey on the Orient Express, surely the best way to travel back in time. ENJOY A NIGHT OF EPIC JAZZ AT CAFE CARLYLE IN NEW YORK View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Carlyle, A Rosewood Hotel (@rosewoodthecarlyle) The Art Deco era coincided with the Jazz Age, and in popular culture, these two movements are often intertwined. That's the case at The Carlyle, A Rosewood Hotel, a much-loved property on New York's Upper East Side. The hotel first opened its doors in 1930 featuring unmistakable Art Deco interiors by Dorothy Draper, which have been maintained even through its many design refreshes. Those looking to get a taste of the gilded era and enjoy jazz at its finest need to book a table at Cafe Carlyle. Since launching in 1955, the Manhattan restaurant has become a veritable institution, on the bucket list of jazz aficionados far and wide. Its programme is packed with legends — the likes of Tony Danza and Judy Collins are performing there this year — and guests often dress up for the occasion, creating an elegant setting that transports everyone to a time before athleisure and AI. ORDER A COCKTAIL AT A SOPHISTICATED 1920S-STYLE WATERING HOLE View this post on Instagram A post shared by Prunier (@pruniercaviar) What's more opulent than caviar bump? A caviar bump at Prunier, the haute French caviar house that opened in Paris in 1924 and credited for having invented the modern-day oyster bar. Located in the shadow of the Arc de Triomphe on Avenue Victor-Hugo, the original outlet has been reinvented to become Prunier par Yannick Alleno. Its teal mosaic facade makes this Art Deco gem hard to miss, and its interiors have also been refreshed with luxurious fabrics from Pierre Frey. It's both a feast for the eyes and a gourmand's delight — perfect for a luxe afternoon. Sometimes it's hard to reconcile that the Roaring Twenties coincided with the Prohibition Era, but banning alcohol made it even more desirable. That's the kind of ambience perpetuated at Atlas Bar in Singapore, which closing in on a decade is still unmatched in terms of glamour quotient. Set in Parkview Square, the grand lobby and bar is the definition of decadent, and has the food and drink offerings to match. One to note is its epic collection of gin — with 1,300 bottles including London Dry Gin dating back to 1910 — as well as its curated champagne menu, which has rare bottles from the Hwang family collection.
CNA
14 hours ago
- CNA
How these gamers found their tribe in Singapore's arcades
How these gamers found their tribe in Singapore's arcades By CNA/Joyee Koo When was the last time you visited an arcade? For some arcade enthusiasts, it's become their "second home" where they build friendships and a community through gaming. Two of the most popular games are Maimai - where players hit circles in sync with the visuals and music - and Pump It Up, where players step on arrows that move towards the top of the screen. Ronald Santoso, Hor Zheng Jie and Amos Lim met while playing Pump It Up and have been friends ever since. Daniel Ling and Tang Wai Jing were brought together by their shared love for Maimai. 'Our bond has grown beyond gaming – we celebrate milestones together, hang out outside of the arcade, and support each other in life. Connections like these are truly special,' said Zheng Jie. Next Story
