Celebrating Bubble Tea Day: A look at Taiwan's iconic drink and its evolving trends
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CNA
18-07-2025
- CNA
CNA's website and app have a new look that you can customise
SINGAPORE: CNA's website has been revamped, bringing a slicker look and feel to readers like you. We'd like to walk you through the new features of the revamp with this quick orientation: 1. A new font The first thing you might notice is our new font, Delegate, across all of CNA's sites, including Lifestyle and CNA TODAY. We've introduced the new typeface, by a Mumbai-based typographic designer, to enhance readability for everyone, including readers with dyslexia. The updated font features clearer letterforms, wider spacing and distinct character shapes. This change reflects our commitment to accessibility and ensures that more people can engage with our content comfortably. 2. Your home page, as you like it If you use our app (download it here if you don't have it yet), you'll get to customise your home page as you like. Make sure to update the app to its latest version on your device's app store, if you have not. With this update, you can rearrange your favourite sections, like CNA TODAY, Lifestyle, podcasts and commentary, as well as our new content formats (more on this below), up and down on the home page as you wish. You can do so by clicking 'Customise' on this banner that appears after your app is updated: If you have closed that prompt, navigate to your Settings menu (tap the gear icon on the top right of your app screen) and tap 'Customise Homepage'. 3. Shorts and Visual Stories CNA's podcasts are now within easy reach on the home page, with an improved listening experience. You'll find your favourite shows, like Deep Dive, Work It and Money Talks, and discover new ones you might enjoy, all on our redesigned Listen page. Our new pop-up podcast player makes listening to podcasts a smooth experience. Press 'play' and you'll see new features – adjust the playback speed, and view chapter markers to skip ahead or replay a previous section. You can also move, expand or collapse the player on the app, giving you full control over your listening experience. 5. FAST updates for busy people If you're a fan of our story summaries on FAST, you'll notice it's now a permanent button on the bottom row of your app screen – for those of you using the app. Simply tap it to access the FAST experience from any article you're reading, or from the home screen to read all our top story summaries as they're curated on our home page. Said chief editor of CNA Digital, Loh Chee Kong: 'Given the state of flux the world is in, there's never been a greater need for global news organisations to help audiences stay up to date with the latest happenings and join the dots. However, it can be overwhelming and people need greater control over what they consume and how they consume it. In response to user feedback and surveys, we have revamped the CNA website and mobile app to cater to the trends of people preferring not just to read but watch and listen to different types of content. 'Apart from a refreshed and less cluttered look, there's greater customisation. For example, users can personalise the app home page so that they can easily see their favourite types of content. It will also be easier to find summaries of news articles, podcasts, shortform videos and CNA's award-winning documentaries. There are many other new features as well. Along with CNA's trusted and high-quality journalism on understanding Asia, the website and app revamp will enhance the news consumption experience for our audiences, from whichever part of the world you are in.'
CNA
11-07-2025
- CNA
Out at 6pm, home by 11pm: Why alternative clubbing experiences are gaining popularity
Don't fancy a night out till 3am with hiked taxi fares and groggy mornings after? Now you can be in bed by 11pm after grooving to exceptional music with the slew of alternative party collectives popping up in Singapore. From coffee clubbing experiences to kid and pet-friendly raves, these collectives host a variety of party concepts at unique venues that typically end by 10pm, providing an alternate experience to your typical nightclubs. With more people working from home and rising transport costs, nightlife operators seem to be increasingly shuttering in Singapore and more are turning to these earlier, more unique party options. CNA Lifestyle attended two alternative parties and spoke with three collectives on this growing trend in Singapore. Here's what to expect should you choose to dance the (afternoon or evening) away at one: DRIP COFFEE WITH DEEP BEATS It's 2pm and the energy at the Beans and Beats sold-out one year anniversary coffee party back in May was unmistakable: Sunlight streaming in, hanging plants cascading from above the dance floor, warm lights casting a soft glow across the room, and the pulse of house music setting the tone. Hosted at Behind the Green Door at Duxton, there was generous seating from plush sofas to bar stools and cafe-style tables, creating a space where guests could lounge comfortably, rather than jostling for standing room at a typical nightclub. But the most distinctive factor – the gentle, comforting aroma of freshly ground beans in the air. As I approached the bar, I instinctively expected the usual sight of bartenders shaking up drinks. Instead, I was greeted by baristas standing behind rows of drip coffee machines, each one carefully coaxing flavour from lines of curated specialty beans displayed along the counter, serving a no-added sugar birthday cake coffee instead of alcohol to guests. While most partygoers were groups of friends and couples, dotted throughout were also solo flyers – some people-watching, some making friends, others simply enjoying the moment with their coffee and the music. As the afternoon wore on, the dance floor filled up quickly and the tracks became more bass-heavy and upbeat. Soon, most people were on their feet dancing, jumping, hands in the air, without the need for alcohol as a confidence booster. But it was the atmosphere that fueled the energy – inclusive, welcoming and authentic, with the freedom to dance at 4pm in the afternoon without judgment and without the need for alcohol. Co-founded by 21-year-old students Ethan Lee, Matteo Lie and Aden Low in 2024, Lee said that one of their intentions behind Beans and Beats was to share their passions for coffee as well as for music, especially genres that were not typically found in nightclubs. He said that they also wanted to create a space for people to socialise. 'I think in this age with social media, everyone is in their own world, so we wanted to provide an opportunity for people to be able to go out and interact in a non-pressurising environment,' Lee added. 'Also without alcohol, it provides an environment where people can really be themselves, without any fear or judgement,' he said. 'You can come alone and chill, there's really no expectations.' When asked whether the lack of alcohol as a social lubricant was a challenge, Lee said: 'No, actually, the real trick is music, it's really a DJ's skill.' 'DJs that are so good that they know how to control the crowd – I think the energy is really actually more up to the DJ than the drink,' he explained, adding that Beans and Beats had flown out international DJ Yello Music for the event. Lee shared that he feels that serving coffee as a substitute for alcohol does not make a very salient difference in the party experience. 'Alcohol is a depressant, caffeine does the reverse. If you tell me that people cannot have fun without alcohol, I think it's definitely a mistake. I wouldn't agree with the argument.' Attendees too feel an affinity to more unique party experiences. 'It's more inclusive,' said Thet Thet Aung San, 18. 'There are some people who don't drink alcohol, and they can just come here for the vibes and have fun without the pressure to drink.' Another attendee Sushant Dwivedi, 37, said: 'It's definitely something different. Weekends are very precious to people, and normally, when you go out on a Friday or a Saturday, your Sundays just come with recovery, depending on how much you drink. 'But it (afternoon or evening parties) just gives you a bit more flexibility to do more with your weekend,' he added. Lee said that their attendees at first mainly consisted of Gen Zs in their early 20s, but as the concept caught on and gained popularity on social media, they have been seeing an increase in age in their demographic, with people in their mid 20s to 30s coming to their events. 'Definitely the price point is one of the things that are driving people towards our parties as alternatives instead of nightclubs,' Lee said, adding that they try to keep ticket prices affordable – around S$15 to S$20, which are cheaper than nightclub tickets. Each ticket also comes with a free coffee. 'So I think it's something that allows people to enjoy the same kind of music that they may look for at a club, but at a lower price point and also at a time slot that doesn't impact their sleep schedule,' he said. Lee however, said that he does not see Beans and Beats as a countercultural or a reaction against nightlife in Singapore. 'I see this rather as just a healthy alternative to people who want something different,' he shared. 'I think the beauty of the concept is that it appeals to people who would not traditionally partake in nightlife as well.' DANCING IN DAYLIGHT Perched atop the hill at Haw Par Villa was the popular party collective, Ice Cream Sundays' party, Haw Par Thrilla, with the bass thumping, audible well before reaching the top. From 3pm, the outdoor space at the courtyard transformed into more like a day festival: Food booths, picnic-style tables filled with people playing casual games of chess and catching up. In contrast to the Gen Z-heavy sober crowd at Beans and Beats, Ice Cream Sundays drew a predominantly millennial audience and served alcohol. But this wasn't your typical party scene either – there were also toddlers, babies in strollers, and dogs alongside their owners. The afternoon dance floor stayed comfortably uncrowded. With the open layout under a tent, groovy house and disco set pouring from the speakers, the space was made to feel very inviting, leaving party-goers with more freedom to dance, making the party experience more authentic, unpretentious and rather joyful. 'We're both very pro clubs, but it felt like there was another layer to the music events scene that was not fully formed yet,' said co-founder of Ice Cream Sundays Daniel O'Connor who helms the collective together with fellow members Jake Camacho, Meltem Acik and Nick Bong. Started in 2016, the number of attendees for their parties grew from 60 people, to now, 1,200 tickets sold-out for their Haw Par Thrilla event. According to Camacho, party goers can often expect to hear a mix of disco, house and music often rooted in soulfulness. 'You don't have to be a specific type of person to appreciate what's going on or to have a good time,' Camacho said. 'You might just be sort of a casual puncher who is just looking for a place to chill on the weekend with good music, but at the same time, you could be a hardcore house and techno fan and you come to see a specific DJ or to hear a specific sound.' Closer to night time, the space started to adopt more similar characteristics to a conventional beach club; outdoors with neon lights glowing and crowds of people drenched in sweat dancing their hearts out till 10pm. 'I do think we are trying to present an alternative way to enjoy dance music,' said O'Connor. 'Our purpose is to bring people joy through music and interesting experiences.' 'Broadly speaking, that's the impression we would want people to have when they come to one of our parties – it's something that's not too edgy,' Camacho added. 'You don't have to be so cool to fit in or anything. It's just very inclusive and appeals to a lot of different types of people.' Similarly, another collective, Fivetotenpm strives to give goers a well-rounded, unique experience with their parties. Co-founded by five individuals, they host afternoon to evening parties just like Ice Cream Sundays, with a DJ set and various festival-like activities in the daytime that, as their name suggests, start around 5pm and end no later than 10pm. Their next event, Sunday Mess, will be happening on Jul 19. 'You kind of give people the option to pick your own adventure - if people want to come and drink at our party, by all means. But then at the same time, if you want to bring your kids here and you want to have a family day at our party, that's also an option,' said co-founder and resident DJ Aloysius, 26, who declined to share his last name. 'It creates a lot more possibilities of what a party space can be.' 'Whereas in a club, there's an age limit and it's always tied to that one experience,' he continued. 'Which is just that you'd expect to be in a dark place with a speaker thumping at you – it's just one vibe.' 'But when it comes to a day party, we have many options – we've thrown our day parties in basement bars where it's completely dark and super smoky to the point where you can't even see the DJ, whereas the last one we did in Dempsey it was outdoors, with nature at the back.' Aloysius explained that they curate the music they play and build the creative direction of the party around the venue they choose. Co-founder Belle, 25, who declined to share her last name, also added that people often have certain expectations during a night out, for instance the transport home being too expensive or inaccessible. In contrast to throwing it in the afternoons or evenings, shops are still open and party-goers still have time to hang out with friends after and not have to worry about the late nights and lack of sleep. More than the timing, it is also the community these collectives are able to build with their events that are drawing more people in. 'Every time we play a different sound, we actually see a different crowd - the crowd actually moves with which DJ we book and the sound that we play, people definitely come for the music,' Aloysius said. 'If you follow the music that you like and go to the events, you will kind of always find your community, which is strange and also magical.'
CNA
08-07-2025
- CNA
Legendary saxophonist Kenny G on streaming, AI, and being wildly popular in Asia
Legendary saxophonist and Grammy-winning artist Kenny G may be one of the most successful musicians of all time, but he confesses he is thankful he reached his peak before the age of streaming. 'Today, streaming does not pay very much money to artists other than like the top, top, top billion streaming artists. I'm not one of those. I'm popular enough, but it's not much,' he told CNA in an exclusive interview on Monday (Jul 7). When asked how he stays profitable and relevant, the 69-year-old joked that he has had to 'get a day job'. He added: 'I'm grateful that I grew up and had my music in the 80s and 90s and to the early 2000s, when we weren't streaming and people were actually buying CDs. That was very good … It doesn't happen like that anymore.' The American smooth jazz legend, who has sold more than 75 million records, said artistes like himself now need to use their music to 'let people know you're still around' as well as strike up deals and partnerships to turn a profit. Live shows – like the one he is giving on Tuesday evening – are also moneymakers, he added. He is playing a one-night show in Singapore at the Esplanade Concert Hall, two years after his last performance at Sands Theatre in Marina Bay Sands. He will also travel to Malaysia later this week to play in Sabah and Genting Highlands. POPULAR IN ASIA Kenny G remains remarkably popular in Asia, especially China where his 1990 song Going Home is widely used by businesses and organisations to signal their closing time for the day. He first found commercial success with his 1986 album Duotones, before winning his first Grammy Award in 1994 for the instrumental Forever in Love. He has won four Grammys in total and received 24 prestigious award nominations. Speaking to CNA, he said the music comes from his little studio room in his California home, and that it is 'pretty special' for it to 'touch people's hearts in all sorts of places in the world'. In terms of why his music resonates so strongly in Asia, he said Asian music is 'very melody-oriented'. 'I think that my music – because of the melodies – people can connect to it, because it's not just a bunch of random jazzy notes. Although we do a lot of those things in our live show, which is great - when I record my music, it's the melody that's the focal point,' he added. 'When I listen to the melodies of Asia, I like them, yeah? So I think that because I like them and they are pleasant to my ear, whatever I come up with which is also pleasant to my own, will translate to them.' For example, he plays The Moon Represents My Heart – made famous in the Chinese-speaking world by Taiwanese singer Teresa Teng in 1977 – when touring in China. On the other hand, he said he would never play it in his native United States as nobody would recognise it. 'When I learned it, I thought I really like this song. So again, I think it's a mutual love affair of a great melody,' he pointed out. View this post on Instagram A post shared by CNA (@channelnewsasia) NOT CONCERNED ABOUT AI As for the rising popularity of artificial intelligence, Kenny G was candid about not being concerned about it. Why? They can't pick up a saxophone to produce music, he said. 'That's a real human thing, so I'm never worried about that,' he added. 'When it comes to technology, I like to use it for what can make my music better.' With many of today's musicians creating music specifically and slowly to go viral on the popular short-video app TikTok, Kenny G said he thinks it is a 'good strategy' that will pay off in the long run. 'You can do 30 seconds of something in amazing quality, so I don't think the quality is an issue,' he noted. 'We'll make an Instagram post and I'll play something for 20 or 30 seconds because I know that it's important to keep yourself current. People pay attention to that. Brands pay attention to that.' Separately, when it comes to back catalogue sales – that is, when artistes sell the rights to their music for hefty sums of money – Kenny G said it would depend on the offer. But he added that he has not been offered enough. 'I actually own all of my music,' he revealed.
