
CNA938 Rewind - Why do Singaporeans love plushies… and reselling them?
CNA938 Rewind
Play
The charms and plushie craze has led to a spike in scalping. Milo's new Breakfast and Breaktime sets had fans flock to supermarkets, with some taking to Carousell to cash in on the hype. And the viral $19.90 Scotch Brite EZ-Link charm is now going for double. Lance Alexander and Daniel Martin ask Associate Professor Ang Swee Hoon from NUS Business School why Singaporeans enjoy reselling.
CNA938 Rewind - Why do Singaporeans love plushies… and reselling them?
The charms and plushie craze has led to a spike in scalping. Milo's new Breakfast and Breaktime sets had fans flock to supermarkets, with some taking to Carousell to cash in on the hype. And the viral $19.90 Scotch Brite EZ-Link charm is now going for double. Lance Alexander and Daniel Martin ask Associate Professor Ang Swee Hoon from NUS Business School why Singaporeans enjoy reselling.
15 mins
CNA938 Rewind - Penknife attack: do we need regular bag checks in schools?
A Bartley Secondary School student was arrested on Monday after cutting a teacher with a penknife. Lance Alexander and Daniel Martin speak to Associate Professor Jason Tan from the National Institute of Education – Policy, Curriculum, and Leadership to discuss how else we can further improve safety for teachers and students.
17 mins
CNA938 Rewind - Inside the World's Highest Microbrewery at LeVel33
In 'Destination Anywhere' Melanie Oliveiro finds out where, in Singapore, listeners can go to visit the world's highest microbrewery in a building, as recognised by the Guinness World Records. It's at LeVeL33, the rooftop bar-restaurant located on the 33rd floor of Marina Bay Financial Centre Tower 1. Dr. Martin Bém, LeVeL33's founder and managing director will talk about how the microbrewery came about and how public tours around it are held. LeVeL33's brewmaster Gabriel Garcia will share some facts about making the freshly brewed craft beers like blond lager and India Pale Ale.
19 mins
CNA938 Rewind - Attention all poets & writers – answer to the GPA 2025 Open Call
In 'Culture Club' Melanie Oliveiro finds out more about the GPA or The Golden Point Award, Singapore's premier creative writing competition in the nation's four official languages: English, Chinese, Malay and Tamil. Established by the National Arts Council in 1993, GPA is now a significant platform for discovering new writers whose works exhibit literary merit and encourage literary expression in Singapore. GPA 2025 is now receiving submissions via its Open Call exercise which ends on 12 May. Arts House Limited's Geraldine Cheang and creative writer Mohanapriya Chandrasekaran will talk about how they are/were involved in GPA.
30 mins
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Business Times
16 hours ago
- Business Times
The making of a Singaporean chef
Reports of restaurant closures, economic uncertainty and the oversaturated F&B industry may hog the headlines, but that doesn't seem to deter young Singaporeans from entering one of its toughest and thankless professions - being a chef. In this week's BT Lifestyle, we speak to Singaporean chefs about the challenges of defining themselves in a competitive dining space filled with dizzying cuisine choices, and what the future holds for them. Hear from established veterans and up-and-coming talents about what makes a Singaporean chef, and what's needed to bring more of them into the spotlight. Meanwhile, the architects of a semi-detached house in Bukit Timah succeeded in maximising its internal volume by fitting four levels of living space into a two-and-a-half storey envelope by four horizontal 'boxes' on top of each other. See the result in our Design feature. In Arts, let your inner child loose at the new Balloon Museum, an immersive attraction that draws as many adults to its premises as kids. And for an unexpected surprise, head to new restaurant Dill, and discover authentic Nordic cuisine that offers a refreshing change from the norm. For all this and more, don't miss this week's BT Lifestyle.


New Paper
3 days ago
- New Paper
NDP 2025 packs to come in 7 designs, feature works by artists with disabilities
The 2025 National Day Parade (NDP) packs will come in seven designs, featuring works of art by 41 artists with disabilities. Through these artworks, the artists aged 10 to 73 aim to express their hopes for Singapore, and what the Republic's journey and future mean to them. Multiculturalism, Resilience, Openness and Boldness are the themes of four of the NDP pack designs. These themes were created by 21 artists aged 20 to 73 at ART:DIS, a non-profit organisation aimed at creating opportunities for persons with disabilities in the arts. The other 20 artists are special education school students between 10 and 18 years old, who portrayed the themes of Care, Contribute and Future in their art, the parade organisers announced on June 9 as they gave the media a first look at the design of the packs. As for the contents of the NDP pack, Major Desmond Lim, chairman of the NDP 2025 pack committee, said it will contain several staple food items to keep the audience refreshed and energised throughout the show. The public can also expect several interactive items, such as clappers, in their packs. MAJ Lim said show attendees will find out what is inside the packs when they receive them. "We will keep the suspense there." The works of art will be printed on the packs, which are recycled polyester tote bags. They will also be incorporated in a National Day 2025 stamp set produced by national postal service Singapore Post. The NDP pack will be distributed to those attending National Education shows, NDP preview shows and the National Day Parade on Aug 9. Among the 41 artists are (from left) Nur Fazira Binte Mohd Nuruddin, Rihansh Manoj Chugani, Mohammad Zulkhari Lutfi Bin Mohd Azam, Tay Hong Yao Brennan, Tay Bee Lian and Sage Tan Song Yen. ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI For the first time, the live show on Aug 9 will be extended from the Padang to Marina Bay, as part of an "expanded canvas" to mark Singapore's 60th year of independence. Those who have registered to visit five heartland celebration sites and various Bay Celebration sites, or participate in pledge events, will also be eligible to collect the NDP packs on-site. A pledge event is a new initiative to support Singaporeans in organising their own community celebrations from July, with the Government's help. Of the seven themed artworks, Multiculturalism, for instance, celebrates local cultures, highlighting the nation's diversity through iconic symbols such as the traditional Malay food staple ketupat, and capteh, a traditional game where players keep a feathered shuttlecock in the air by kicking it with their feet. Another theme, Future, gives Singaporeans a glimpse of a nation shaped by innovation and care. The artwork features elements of artificial intelligence and technology to celebrate the Republic's spirit of progress and the embrace of new inventions. Meanwhile, Resilience honours the strength and unity of Singaporeans, such as front-line workers during challenging times, and the artwork for Care is set among Housing Board blocks and green spaces to show people from all walks of life coming together. HDB blocks were also featured in another design, under the theme of Contribute. Rihansh Manoj Chugani, who has cerebral palsy, proudly held up the pack as he pointed to the HDB block he drew. A drawing of an HDB block by Rihansh Manoj Chugani, 12, is featured in the design under the theme of Contribute. ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI Speaking to the media, the 12-year-old said: "I drew HDB blocks because they are Singapore's pride. I also coloured them green to represent nature. Next time, I hope to see (more) solar panels on HDB blocks, so that we can save electricity together." Meanwhile, Madam Tay Bee Lian, 73, illustrated the Mandarin phrase for "How are you?" as part of the Openness artwork. Madam Tay, whose polio diagnosis causes muscle weakness in her limbs, said: "I wrote 您好吗? (How are you?) using calligraphy because it is what we say every time we greet each other." Madam Tay Bee Lian, 73, illustrated the Mandarin phrase for "How are you?" as part of the Openness artwork. ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI After two hours of practice writing the phrase and more than 10 attempts, Madam Tay said she was excited to see it come to life on the NDP pack. "Every year, I see how nice the NDP packs are, so I am very honoured that I am a part of creating it this year," she added. MAJ Lim said the hope is that the collaboration with the artists will honour their abilities, recognise their talents and bring their vision for the country to fellow Singaporeans. "Drawing on the artists' unique strengths and shared experiences, they have co-created seven pieces of unique artworks for this year's NDP pack, inspired by their reflections on Singapore's heritage, shared experiences, and their imagination of Singapore's shared future," he added.


AsiaOne
4 days ago
- AsiaOne
40 S'poreans going on 'Single's Inferno' trips to Japan to find love, minus the cameras, Singapore News
SINGAPORE - In a few weeks' time, five women and five men will be flying to a villa in Japan on a trip inspired by South Korean reality television series Single's Inferno. The participants will not have met before going on the four-day, three-night trip, and will share a room with those of the same gender, as in the show. They are paying $1,111 each for a yacht trip, an Osaka day trip and an activity of their choice such as Universal Studios Japan and tea ceremony in Nara, among other things. Around 40 Singaporeans have signed up for three such trips, planned by Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts design practice student Leo Ching Ling, 24, and business owner Ric Ang, 50. The pair, who met while Ms Leo was interning at a company Mr Ang was working in, have held around 10 social mixers around the numerology theme since August 2024 under their events brand Until 1111. Their parties offer compatibility readings, tarot card readings and purpose-infused crystal-making. Numerology is a practice that assigns a number to individuals based on their birthdate and name. The belief is that these numbers hold insights into personality, life path and potential. The parties are some of the latest initiatives to help sparks fly among singles, offering an alternative to dating apps. Others include singles pitch nights and dating mixers bringing games seen on platforms like YouTube and TikTok to the public. These events tend to be small-scale, with guests vetted for a more intimate setting. The idea for the trip came when Mr Ang's friend, who owns a villa in Japan, reached out to him to collaborate. Ms Leo said that they shared the idea on TikTok, and many expressed interest. "A trip together would be a good chance to create a core memory with each other, as well as a potentially long-lasting relationship." Participants asked to see photos of one another before the trip, but Ms Leo refused, wanting to keep the "surprise element" and not have them judge one another based on physical looks before meeting. Held every month, their mixers are attended by 20 to more than 40 guests bonding over speed dating, tarot readings and other activities. For some singles, signing up for such mixers is a way to expand their social circle and boost their odds of finding a partner after leaving school. Ms Lim Yun Qian and Ms Lynette Kee started a series of Plus One dating mixers in February as an answer to dating app fatigue, under their Footnotes initiative, which offers hosted experiences. "I think the idea of a 'meet cute' or meeting in a real life situation is something that everyone wants," said Ms Lim. "We want to make people comfortable," she added, likening their role to hosting a house party. Nearly 1,000 signed up for the three mixers, but each session was capped at 48 participants. Participants were chosen based on a form outlining their goals for the event, with online profiles reviewed to curate a more compatible group, said Ms Kee. Participants, who were aged 24 to 35, came with a friend as their "plus one" to put them at ease. Ms Lim and Ms Kee, who are both 29, tapped their expertise as full-time creative producers to create experiences usually seen on dating shows on TV and YouTube. The mixers' activities included doing a pitch for the single friend, helping to pass on messages to someone their friend was eyeing, or going around doing challenges on a Bingo card. The prize for the winning pitch was a 10-minute speed date with someone of the winner's choice, set up by the organisers. Proving that Singaporeans are not boring: Meet the people making dating fun again Falling out of love with dating apps? Young singles switch to events, other algorithms, old tricks The meticulous curation of guests paid off for one attendee, who said: "The selection of people was quite well put together. Everyone was friendly and willing to meet people. The activities made things a little less awkward." Added the 30-year-old content strategist, who declined to be named: "App interactions are fleeting, so an in-person event feels like you get to know people a bit more before you cast judgment." Although he is not dating anyone from the two Plus One mixers he attended, he has made friends who he has gone bouldering with. Ms Joell Tee, who founded Dinner with Strangers in 2022, started co-hosting singles pitch nights called Fishbowl, inspired by American reality TV show Shark Tank, where entrepreneurs make business pitches to investors. "The premise feels quite low stakes, friendly and safe. Signing up with your friends kind of takes the edge off a dating event, because even if nothing comes out of it, it's still something that you were able to do with your friends, and it's still fun," said the 28-year-old, who works as a project manager in a bank. Around 160 people in their early 20s to late 30s have attended the three pitch nights held since August 2024. Attendee Denise Ong, 27, said going through the motions on dating apps has turned into "a numbers game where everyone starts to treat each other as disposable". "While the main objective (of going to Fishbowl) is to find a partner, I think it was nice to be reminded of everyone's humanity and individuality," said the marketing executive. It was her first time being pitched to a crowd. "I was a bit nervous, naturally. But I saw the deck beforehand, plus she's my best friend and knows me inside out, so overall I was enjoying it, even though I was a little 'paiseh'." Still, some singles have reservations about attending newfangled dating events, which may not meet expectations. Ms Ong went for a social mixer by Never Strangers, run by entertainment company Unfiltered, where she was drawn to a participant but later found out that he was not looking to date. She added: "There were even people who signed up together, and just didn't talk to anyone the entire night." "I think the more 'mass' these events are, the more superficial and unlikely it is to have good conversations, and I really do feel like that's what it's all about." Another participant Khor Kai Xiang, 29, who went for the same event, said he was matched with a man due to male participants outnumbering females. One Fishbowl participant, 29-year-old Nick, said he and his friend put together more "haphazard" presentations than the other participants who took the pitch more seriously. Nick, who works in finance and declined to give his full name, said: "We were slightly taken aback that some participants went straight to listing their expectations or requirements. The subjects ranged from marriage, number of children, to the infamous BTO (Build-To-Order flats)." Less crowd, more chemistry Meanwhile, Mr Lim, a 26-year-old financial adviser who did not give his full name, said his friends questioned why he was going to an Until 1111 mixer, pointing to a stigma attached to dating events. Little did he know he would meet a girl at the party's speed dating segment - though their brief conversation went "terribly". She was not interested in him at first, as he was a year younger than her and shared the same name as her former boyfriend. But he slipped her a note to say he enjoyed talking to her and hoped to keep in touch. They went out with a group of friends from the event a few weeks later, and he succeeded in asking her out after. "I was really lucky. These things are really hit or miss," said Mr Lim, adding that both his girlfriend and himself are introverts. "She's funny in her own way. She's a bit weird, but I'm also weird, and I just feel like she just complements me, and I can talk to her about anything. She's sort of like my safe place." Yet others have found love in interest group communities. Mr Luqman Rahamat, 33, met his girlfriend Elise Tan, 28, at non-fiction book club, The Saturday Book Club. Mr Luqman, a maths tutor, and Ms Tan, a pre-school teacher, first chatted about decluttering, and Ms Tan lent him a book on minimalism called Love People, Use Things. They then went to check out the social enterprise bookshop Books Beyond Borders. She was intrigued by his blog posts detailing his travels and analysing dating apps and other topics using mathematical concepts. The couple made it official over a year ago. "It feels like the universe planned it for me. I was in a phase of self-improvement and didn't have any expectations on finding a long-term partner," said Mr Luqman. "She made me feel like I am enough and also taught me how to love myself more and accept my flaws." To romantic hopefuls, he has this advice: "If dating apps don't work, move to communities where you can meet people, be yourself and find someone who can appreciate and accept you for who you are." This article was first published in The Straits Times . Permission required for reproduction.