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Straits Times
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Straits Times
What's The News? S'pore students face off in ST's quiz competition
Organised as part of ST's 180th anniversary celebrations, the What's The News? competition brought together students across secondary and tertiary levels to take part in an interactive quiz that merged current affairs with fun team-based physical challenges and creativity. Quiz host Rishi Budhrani interacting with students in the preliminary round of the competition at St Gabriel's Secondary School on April 15. ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI ST's What's The News travelling showcase at St Gabriel's Secondary School on April 15. The showcase will be visiting schools and public spaces until June 16. ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI Temasek Junior College emerged as the champion when the competition ended on May 23 at NUS University Cultural Centre. Members of the winning team from Temasek Junior College (in green) shaking hands with the other finalists from Outram Secondary School, St Joseph's Institution and Presbyterian High School at NUS University Cultural Centre on May 23. ST PHOTO: SHINTARO TAY The competition is supported by the Ministry of Education with the Central Narcotics Bureau as a partner. ST editor Jaime Ho speaking to attendees at the finals of the competition at NUS University Cultural Centre on May 23. ST PHOTO: SHINTARO TAY Guo Yatian, 16, who was part of the winning team, said: 'This competition has definitely inspired us to continue our habit of reading the news and to keep abreast of current affairs around the world. 'It enriches not just our knowledge but also how we approach daily life. It is helpful not just in our studies but also how we interact with people from different backgrounds.' (From left) Winners Rayner Ng, 16, Melody Keiko Chua, 17, Chloe Natalie D' Mello, 16, and Guo Yatian answering a question about the Lapu Lapu festival tragedy during the short answer question round at the finals on May 23. The answers were judged by (big screen from left) ST managing editor Murali Subramaniam, ST editor Jaime Ho, and Ms Leah Aw, director, Humanities Curriculum Planning and Development 2, Ministry of Education. ST PHOTO: SHINTARO TAY Citing concerns like the unpredictability of the second Trump presidency, Yatian added: 'As Singaporeans, we shouldn't be so insular. We should look beyond our country to know what's happening beyond our borders. ST VIDEO: MATILDA AQUILA CHIA, AZIM AZMAN, JACEN TAN, JORDAN LEE, JOEL CHNG & AILEEN TEO The journey to the finals began with an online individual quiz in April. ST editor Jaime Ho interacting with St Gabriel's Secondary School students during the preliminary round, which requires the participants to answer a 30-question quiz in 30 minutes on May 15. ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI More than 6,000 students from 50 schools – across secondary and tertiary institutions – taking part in the competition. ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI The top 16 schools then advanced to the semi-finals on May 21, each sending a team of six representatives. The Ballpits and Blindfolds game being held during the semi-finals of ST's What's The News? competition at Our Tampines Hub on May 21. ST PHOTO: SHINTARO TAY Zhonghua Secondary School students playing a game with merchandise to be won at one of the travelling showcase booths prior to the semi-finals on May 21. ST PHOTO: JASON QUAH The 16 teams were divided into four zones, where only one team from each zone would secure a spot in the finals. Naval Base Secondary School supporters cheering their schoolmates on during the semi-finals at Our Tampines Hub on May 21. ST PHOTO: JASON QUAH During the arena-style semi-finals – consisting of four telematch games – the sports hall at Our Tampines Hub was filled with a tense and exciting atmosphere. Raffles Institution students (from left) Han Peng Hao, 16, Xie Yundi, 18, and Li Houzhe, 18, holding on to one another to keep their balance on a foam mat as they compete in the Go The Distance game during the semi-finals on May 21. ST PHOTO: JASON QUAH Loyang View Secondary School student Jumao-As Nicholas Lim, 16, holding his stance on two foam mats as he competes in the Go The Distance game during the semi-finals at Our Tampines Hub. ST PHOTO: JASON QUAH Alexis Eng, 16, from Naval Base Secondary School holding up her team's answer to a true or false question while competing in the Go The Distance game during the semi-finals on May 21. ST PHOTO: JASON QUAH Challenges included finding answers hidden in a ball pit while blindfolded, and illustrating social issues such as drug abuse and mental health through drawing. A Pasir Ris Secondary School student resting during a break in the Ballpits and Blindfolds game at the semi-finals at Our Tampines Hub on May 21. ST PHOTO: SHINTARO TAY Yishun Innova Junior College students guiding their teammate – sitting in a ball pit blindfolded – to find the placard with the correct answer as quickly as possible. ST PHOTO: SHINTARO TAY Victoria School student Joshua Krisnanto, 16, said the competition was an 'eye-opening experience'. Victoria School students participating in a Pictionary-style contest, which tested their creativity and presentation skills. The game was part of the semi-finals at Our Tampines Hub on May 21. ST PHOTO: SHINTARO TAY 'The competition got us to know more about current affairs, not only in Singapore but also on an international scale, which we felt was really beneficial as it's important to know what's happening around us at this moment,' he added. Yishun Innova Junior College students presenting to ST senior health correspondent Joyce Teo and SPH Media's managing editor of English, Malay and Tamil Media Dominic Nathan during the semi-finals at Our Tampines Hub on May 21. ST PHOTO: SHINTARO TAY The members of the Victoria School team – one of the youngest teams in the semi-finals – said they felt like the 'underdogs of their zone'. Judges assessing the student presentations for the Pictionary-style game. During the semi-finals at Our Tampines Hub on May 21, the 16 teams were divided into four zones, where only one team from each zone would go on to the finals. ST PHOTO: SHINTARO TAY Despite not making it to the finals, team members said they had fun and hope to join the contest again. Outram Secondary School students (from left) Liam Hu, 16, Didi Chua, 15, Kara Anne Ringling, 15, Laris Ho, 16, Sonya Koh, 15, and Abburu Sai Daksha, 16, jumping for joy on May 21 after finding out they qualified for the finals of the competition. ST PHOTO: SHINTARO TAY ST VIDEO: MATILDA AQUILA CHIA, AZIM AZMAN, JACEN TAN & JOHNBOY IYPE JOHN Intensity grew at the finals, where four schools went up against one another in a game show format. Teams, consisting of four members, chose questions of varying difficulty and could redirect one question to an opponent. Correct answers earned points for both teams, but wrong answers meant only the receiving team lost points. The four teams at ST's What's The News? finals held at NUS University Cultural Centre on May 23. ST PHOTO: SHINTARO TAY Presbyterian High School, which was gunning for second place, found itself on the losing end after two difficult questions were redirected its way. The team ultimately finished fourth. Presbyterian High School students (from left) Zoe Tan, Cherisse Kow, Daven Voo and Lee Yu Xin, who are all aged 15, reacting after getting a challenging question during the short answer question round at the finals on May 23. ST PHOTO: SHINTARO TAY Team member Zoe Tan, 15, said: 'There is a sense of regret, because we had asked our friend to check (one of the questions) for us, but we still didn't get it right.' Presbyterian High School students comforting each other after the finals at NUS University Cultural Centre on May 23. ST PHOTO: SHINTARO TAY The team said the experience taught them lessons in strategy and presentation skills. St Joseph's Institution (SJI), which took second place, credited its success to strong teamwork. SJI students (from left) Ethan Chong, Wang Xuanwen, Nathan Henry Asikin and Krishay Gautam Patel, all aged 16, preparing their responses for the presentation round at the finals of the competition at NUS University Cultural Centre on May 23. ST PHOTO: SHINTARO TAY Though well-versed in global affairs from participating in Model United Nations, the team admitted to initially underestimating the depth of local news. St Joseph's Institution students using a 'redirect' card to deflect a question during the short answer question round. ST PHOTO: SHINTARO TAY Supporters of St Joseph's Institution cheering their team on during the finals at NUS University Cultural Centre on May 23. ST PHOTO: SHINTARO TAY 'Prior to What's The News?, we felt that as a small country, (Singapore's news) would be quite mundane. But after this competition, we have found that it's far more than what we had envisioned,' said SJI team member Ethan Chong, 16. His teammates agreed that they now have a newfound interest in learning more about local politics, especially after the recent general election. ST VIDEO: MATILDA AQUILA CHIA, AZIM AZMAN, JORDAN LEE, JACEN TAN & AILEEN TEO
Straits Times
2 days ago
- Business
- Straits Times
People's Park Complex being repainted red and white, but not specifically for SG60
People's Park Complex in Chinatown being repainted in red and white on May 20. ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI People's Park Complex being repainted red and white, but not specifically for SG60 SINGAPORE – Chinatown's modernist icon People's Park Complex, which is being studied for the possibility of conservation, will sport a fresh red-and-white look later in 2025. The choice of colours has led some, including one of the building's architects Koh Seow Chuan, to associate it with Singapore's national flag – which is apt, given that works are taking place in 2025, the 60th anniversary of the country's independence. But 'the colour scheme was not specially chosen to mark SG60', People's Park Complex's managing agent Claire Dixon-Lim told The Straits Times . It 'was recommended by a designer and approved by the building's management council', she said, adding that the facade rectification and repainting works are slated to be completed before the fourth quarter of 2025, depending on weather conditions. The mixed-use development , which was completed in 1973, was last repainted in 2009, when its then orange and green facade made way for yellow and green paint coat that is now being painted over. It had to be repainted as the existing paintwork would be affected facade rectification works that were required. In November 2024, the Building and Construction Authority had told People's Park Complex's management to carry out a facade inspection, and rectify defects. Works are slated to take place from Dec 1, 2024, to Aug 15, 2025, Ms Dixon-Lim said in a letter to the development's owners and occupiers in November 2024. People's Park Complex, a 31-storey strata-titled complex, is currently being studied by the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) for conservation. In February, the agency said that it had completed a structural investigation of the building, which will guide URA's assessment 'in determining the potential of conserving the building vis-a-vis redevelopment plans'. The complex was one of the first mixed-use commercial and private residential developments in the region . It was also the largest shopping complex in Singapore when it first opened and the first shopping complex in the country with atriums. Pioneer Singaporean architects William Lim, Tay Kheng Soon and Mr Koh of Design Partnership Architects, known today as DP Architects, were the men behind its design. Speaking to ST, Mr Koh said that the building's concrete facade was originally unpainted, with an off-form, fair-faced finish that was common in modernist buildings after World War II. 'Fair-faced concrete was in vogue after the war when most countries were poor,' he noted. Non-profit heritage group Docomomo Singapore said in a paper on the complex that its fair-faced finish adhered to the modernist precept of 'honest material expression'. This black-and-white photograph from May 1979 shows People's Park Complex's fair-faced concrete facade, before it was painted. PHOTO: ST FILE Modernist architecture spans roughly the 1930s to the 1980s, and includes styles such as brutalism, which People's Park Complex is associated with. Generally, modernist architecture is linked to minimalism, and emphasises function over ornamentation. Mr Koh said that the building was first painted in the late 1980s . Archival photos from the late 1980s and 19 90s show that the complex had a largely beige colour scheme. People's Park Complex (left) in March 1996 with a beige-coloured facade. PHOTO: TNP FILE This was likely replaced by an orange and green scheme when the building underwent a $15 million facelift that started in 1998. People's Park Complex, with the Chinese characters zhen zhu fang, or Pearl Square, on its facade, pictured in March 2007 with an orange and green paint scheme. PHOTO: LIANHE ZAOBAO The Chinese characters zhen zhu fang, or 'Pearl Square', were presumably added to the building's facade during these works – a nod to the building's location at the foot of Pearl's Hill. The hill was named after Captain James Pearl, who commanded the Indiana – the ship brought Sir Stamford Raffles, modern Singapore's founder, to the island in 1819. The Chinese characters zhen zhu fang, or Pearl Square, on the facade of People's Park Complex are often photographed from Temple Street in Chinatown. ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI In 2009, the building was again repainted – this time, in a brighter yellow and green scheme. People's Park Complex undergoing repainting in May 2009, when the orange and green facade (right) made way for a yellow and green scheme (left). PHOTO: ST FILE It is this yellow and green scheme that is currently being replaced with a red and white scheme. The progress of repainting works at People's Park Complex, captured on May 20. ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI Painters giving a new hue to People's Park Complex on May 20. ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI Architectural photographer Darren Soh, who has posted photos of the repainting works since early April, said he feels that the bright red being used is a very polarising colour, adding that 'you either love it or you don't'. 'Everything and everyone around People's Park Complex will now have a red hue when light is shining brightly on its facade,' Mr Soh said. Ng Keng Gene is a correspondent at The Straits Times, reporting on issues relating to land use, urban planning and heritage. Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
Straits Times
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Straits Times
Walk with dinosaurs at Gardens by the Bay's Jurassic World: The Experience
Two Brachiosaurus, one towering at 8.5m, at the entrance of Cloud Forest. ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI Walk with dinosaurs at Gardens by the Bay's Jurassic World: The Experience SINGAPORE – Ahead of the July 3 premiere of the new sci-fi action movie Jurassic World Rebirth, a roaring good time awaits at Jurassic World: The Experience come May 29. Amid the lush foliage and cool-moist climate of Gardens by the Bay's (GBTB) Cloud Forest, visitors will be greeted by life-size animatronic and sculpted dinosaurs hoisted within the famed local attraction. This is the first time the immersive exhibition inspired by the blockbuster Jurassic Park film franchise (1993 to present) is showing in Singapore. Jurassic World: The Exhibition – which launched in Paris, France, in 2018 – has travelled to London and Colombia, and will make its way to Bangkok and Madrid. Get up close with two brachiosauruses as you enter the glass dome – with one of them standing 8.5m tall – as well as a Tyrannosaurus breaking through a shattered fence and prowling among palm-like trees known as cycads. A ferocious animatronic Tyrannosaurus emerges from a shattered fence. ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI Keep your eyes peeled, too, for a bewildered 'jerking' Stygimoloch, which feebly attempts to break free from a metal wreckage. A bewildered, 'jerking' Stygimoloch, which is attempting to break free from a metal wreckage. ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI Visitors can also discover the evolution of plants as they journey through the Evolution Walk trail. Down for an additional challenge? Identify the 3D man-made replication of long-extinct plants dating back to the Jurassic period, and gain insights into the connections between ancient and modern ecosystems. At a media preview of Jurassic World: The Experience on May 26, GBTB's senior director of conservatory operations Heng Whoo Kiat said: 'It is quite a unique presentation, where it is not just about Jurassic World, but also telling a story of evolution. 'These plants provided food and shelter for the dinosaurs, and it gives you a chance to see something that you will not see anywhere else in the world.' A reconstruction of Archaefructus sinensis at the Evolution Walk. ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI The horticulture team at GBTB helped in determining which plants made the most sense with the dinosaurs, fine-tuning the set-up and establishing the best spots for the dinosaurs. Produced by Neon, a global leader in immersive experiences, and presented in collaboration with Universal Live Entertainment, the family-friendly interactive adventure aims to enhance the experience for both cinephiles and dinosaur fans with the u se of light, music and pre-existing features within the dome. Mr Trent Wall, executive creative director of Neon , said: 'All these massive trees and lush vegetation allow us to show off the dinosaurs in a way that we can't do anywhere else because usually, to get this type of foliage, we have to be outside. Yet, Cloud Forest allows us to be indoors – so there's that controlled environment, but we still have that beautiful garden.' A pair of hungry Velociraptors fix their gaze on the Pteranodon nests. ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI When asked how the Singapore edition differs from those overseas , he said: 'We wanted to do something complementary to Cloud Forest because we didn't want to lose the essence and beauty that is Cloud Forest. 'So, we decided that we would take more of a celebratory adventure that celebrates the brand, rather than taking guests on a specific journey.' From 2022 to 2023, the venue was home to another movie-inspired installation, Avatar: The Experience, which was also produced by Neon. Book it/Jurassic World: The Experience Where: Cloud Forest, Gardens by the Bay, 18 Marina Gardens Drive When: From May 29, 9am to 9pm daily Admission: From $26 (adults) and from $22 (children aged three to 12 and senior citizens aged 60 and above) via or at Gardens by the Bay ticketing counters Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Straits Times
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Straits Times
Sneak peek: Walk with dinosaurs at Gardens by the Bay's Jurassic World: The Experience
Two Brachiosaurus, one towering at 8.5m, at the entrance of Cloud Forest. ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI Sneak peek: Walk with dinosaurs at Gardens by the Bay's Jurassic World: The Experience SINGAPORE – Ahead of the July 3 premiere of the new sci-fi action movie Jurassic World Rebirth, a roaring good time awaits at Jurassic World: The Experience come May 29. Amid the lush foliage and cool-moist climate of Gardens by the Bay's (GBTB) Cloud Forest, visitors will be greeted by life-size animatronic and sculpted dinosaurs hoisted within the famed local attraction. This is the first time the immersive exhibition inspired by the blockbuster Jurassic Park film franchise (1993 to present) is showing in Singapore. Jurassic World: The Exhibition – which launched in Paris, France, in 2018 – has travelled to London and Colombia, and will make its way to Bangkok and Madrid. Get up close with two brachiosauruses as you enter the glass dome – with one of them standing 8.5m tall – as well as a Tyrannosaurus breaking through a shattered fence and prowling among palm-like trees known as cycads. A ferocious animatronic Tyrannosaurus emerges from a shattered fence. ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI Keep your eyes peeled, too, for a bewildered 'jerking' Stygimoloch, which feebly attempts to break free from a metal wreckage. A bewildered, 'jerking' Stygimoloch, which is attempting to break free from a metal wreckage. ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI Visitors can also discover the evolution of plants as they journey through the Evolution Walk trail. Down for an additional challenge? Identify the 3D man-made replication of long-extinct plants dating back to the Jurassic period, and gain insights into the connections between ancient and modern ecosystems. At a media preview of Jurassic World: The Experience on May 26, GBTB's senior director of conservatory operations Heng Whoo Kiat said: 'It is quite a unique presentation, where it is not just about Jurassic World, but also telling a story of evolution. 'These plants provided food and shelter for the dinosaurs, and it gives you a chance to see something that you will not see anywhere else in the world.' A reconstruction of Archaefructus sinensis at the Evolution Walk. ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI The horticulture team at GBTB helped in determining which plants made the most sense with the dinosaurs, fine-tuning the set-up and establishing the best spots for the dinosaurs. Produced by Neon, a global leader in immersive experiences, and presented in collaboration with Universal Live Entertainment, the family-friendly interactive adventure aims to enhance the experience for both cinephiles and dinosaur fans with the u se of light, music and pre-existing features within the dome. Mr Trent Wall, executive creative director of Neon , said: 'All these massive trees and lush vegetation allow us to show off the dinosaurs in a way that we can't do anywhere else because usually, to get this type of foliage, we have to be outside. Yet, Cloud Forest allows us to be indoors – so there's that controlled environment, but we still have that beautiful garden.' A pair of hungry Velociraptors fix their gaze on the Pteranodon nests. ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI When asked how the Singapore edition differs from those overseas , he said: 'We wanted to do something complementary to Cloud Forest because we didn't want to lose the essence and beauty that is Cloud Forest. 'So, we decided that we would take more of a celebratory adventure that celebrates the brand, rather than taking guests on a specific journey.' From 2022 to 2023, the venue was home to another movie-inspired installation, Avatar: The Experience, which was also produced by Neon. Book it/Jurassic World: The Experience Where: Cloud Forest, Gardens by the Bay, 18 Marina Gardens Drive When: From May 29, 9am to 9pm daily Admission: From $26 (adults) and from $22 (children aged three to 12 and senior citizens aged 60 and above) via or at Gardens by the Bay ticketing counters Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Straits Times
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Straits Times
Couple bring world board games competition to Singapore after face-off in Las Vegas
Mr Ivan Chen and Ms Lynn Liu competed in the World Series of Board Gaming tournament in Las Vegas in September 2024. ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI SINGAPORE - The stakes were high for data analyst Ivan Chen as he stared at the cards laid out before him on the table at a Las Vegas hotel on a balmy evening in September 2024. On the line was a chance at glory and US$25,000 (S$32,100) but Mr Chen and his wife Lynn Liu, both 36, were not gambling in the casino pits of the Nevada town. As chance would have it, they were facing off against each other in the first round of a board game called Splendor, after flying halfway across the world from Singapore to compete against thousands at the annual World Series of Board Gaming (WSBG). Splendor is a card-based board game in which players are gem merchants and race to accumulate points. In Las Vegas, Mr Chen beat his wife, a digital marketing manager , and went all the way to the final round before finishing fourth. He said: 'Everyone - the young and the old - can play board games so there's a 1 per cent chance you can be a world champion. We thought we had a chance but we were unlucky.' The experience, which the couple described as 'electrifying and novel', inspired them to bring the tournament to Singapore in the form of a WSBG satellite event. 'When we were in Las Vegas, we noticed that among thousands of players, not many were from Asia, and we couldn't find someone we could link up and play with back home,' said Mr Chen. The plan to bring together people in Singapore who are passionate about board games began at the start of 2025. The satellite event - the first of its kind to be held in Asia - will be held from May 31 to June 2 at board game cafe Mind Cafe Mega in Prinsep Street. It will feature the same 16 board games as the Vegas event. They are: Acquire, Ark Nova, Azul, Brass: Birmingham, Cascadia, Dune: Uprising, Earth, Great Western Trail, Heat: Pedal to the Metal, Lost Ruins of Arnak, Ra, Splendor, Terraforming Mars, The Castles of Burgundy, The White Castle and Wingspan. More than 80 players from countries like Singapore, China, Germany and Australia are expected to compete in the tournament. Each player can compete in up to two board games, and up to 16 players can compete in each game. The 16 winners of each board game will then be split into groups of four to compete in the semi-finals on June 2. Games for each semi-final will be picked at random, but the games will not include any that the four competitors played earlier in the competition. The last four players that remain will compete for the title of grand champion, and they will be given a free return flight ticket to Las Vegas for this year's games later in 2025. Winners of each board game will also be able to skip the first round for that board game if they go to Vegas. Mr Chen and Ms Liu, both China -born permanent residents, first met at a board game cafe in Hong Kong in 2008. Explaining the allure of board games, Mr Chen said: 'Nowadays, there are a lot of online games, which are probably not that healthy if you get addicted. I think board games are a good way for everyone to develop smarts. 'There's also that face-to-face connection, and strangers might become friends or maybe even husband and wife.' The couple at the 2024 World Series of Board Gaming in Las Vegas in September 2024. PHOTO: COURTESY OF LYNN LIU The window to sign up for the Singapore competition has closed but casual play tickets are available at this link for $20. Ticket holders can watch the competition and also play board games for fun during the tournament. Board game coach David Tan, 57, said the tournament is a good opportunity to take part in a world-class tournament without having to travel. Mr Tan, who runs board game courses for children and organises board game parties, will be competing in two games: Acquire and Ra. He aims to win both. He said: 'Some of my young students - fledgling players - want to see their coach play at the WSBG... I'm aiming to win the champion title for either game, and hopefully, inspire my students.' Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
