Latest news with #OrchardRoad
CNA
2 days ago
- Business
- CNA
CNA938 Rewind - #TalkBack: Do you even still go to Orchard Road?
CNA938 Rewind Orchard Road is Singapore's premier shopping district – the stretch where you'd find big name department stores, high-end boutiques and fancy dining joints. But when was the last time you actually spent time there? Lance Alexander and Daniel Martin discuss with Dr Samer Hajjar, Senior Lecturer of Marketing, NUS Business School.
Independent Singapore
3 days ago
- Business
- Independent Singapore
‘Retailers, hawkers and restaurants need to survive' — KF Seetoh says Urban Hawker NYC costs less to run than Orchard Road, MBS food halls
SINGAPORE: Operations and rents in Urban Hawker in New York are way cheaper than in prime Orchard Road and Marina Bay Sands (MBS) food halls, says Makansutra founder KF Seetoh in a Facebook post on Monday night (June 2), explaining that he knows this because Makansutra was their setup consultant. Mr Seetoh said he needed to 'exhale some facts and realities' after seeing the news of how a group of retail and food and beverage (F&B) players were banding up to raise concerns over the 'sky is the limit' rents, operating costs, and manpower woes in Singapore. Pointing out that manpower is not a major issue in New York City, and people there pay market prices for food even in the Times Square and Rockefeller Centre area, where Urban Hawker is located, he said, 'Sure, taxes may be higher but it works out way better than paying ridiculous 5 figure stall rents plus a profit percentage.' ' In Singapore, selling S$8 platters. It's US$17 for fried hokkien mee in Urban Hawker and there's no entitled customers about prices there… ,' he added. Mr Seetoh said, 'Retailers, hawkers and restaurants need to survive. They pay full price for other living and business costs here, too. Who's gonna take up your shops and stalls if you happy keep cranking up that rent and operation cost machine?' warning that the current setup will only push hawkers and small operators out. 'Rethink this whole business infrastructure. Put on your crystal ball and binos and look ahead, it's bleak. Don't even talk about affordable food for the masses in the future, for a start,' he added. One commenter blamed 'insatiable landlords' who keep raising rent and making it difficult for small hawkers and retailers to survive. Another pointed out that, unlike Singapore, which charges customers for takeaway containers , 'Urban Hawker portions are American-sized, and if you need to dabao your leftovers, the containers are free.' See also Will Singapore's missing recession delay next GE? The concerns raised by Mr Seetoh echo what many in the F&B sector are going through. In February, a hawker with a vegetarian stall at Serangoon Road , who had operated for over 10 years, moved out after learning that his rent would rise to S$3,000 from just S$930 due to a new operator. He said the rent was too much, as he was only earning enough to survive. In October 2024, Singapore's monthly F&B business closures surpassed even pandemic levels , with government data showing that over 3,000 F&B outlets had closed by the end of last year . More recent figures don't offer much relief. The Department of Statistics reported a 2.8% drop in F&B sales in March this year compared to the previous year. This followed a sharper 5.7% year-on-year (YoY) drop in February. In April, government data revealed that an average of 307 F&B businesses had closed each month in 2025 due to high costs and fewer diners, up from 254 in 2024. See also Just how many 'preneurs' does Singapore need? Mr Seetoh said, 'There are more harsh realities I know about doing business in Singapore than what I tell you here. I will tell more soon.' In the comments, he added, 'Looks like we need to go back to Rent Control Act days.' /TISG Read also: Singapore bars serve non-alcoholic drinks and unique experiences to win over Gen Z amid falling alcohol consumption
CNA
28-05-2025
- Business
- CNA
Temasek Shophouse to reopen by end-2025 with retail, community and social spaces
SINGAPORE: Temasek Shophouse, a social impact hub nested among a row of historical buildings in downtown Orchard, is set to reopen by the fourth quarter of this year. The hub, which first occupied the heritage building at 28 Orchard Road in 2019, has added three adjoining buildings to its premises, growing its space threefold to 6,400 sqm. Restoration and expansion works for all four properties have crossed the 60 per cent mark. Visitors can expect corporate activities, social events, exhibitions, shopping and eating at the location when it opens its doors. The four units that form Temasek Shophouse – the original unit 28 and units 16, 22 and 38 – are all internally linked. The hub is hoping the connection between the four buildings will encourage collaboration between partners and stakeholders. WHAT TO EXPECT AT THE HUB Units 22 and 28 will house more than 60 co-working spaces that include hot desks and co-working offices – triple the hub's previous capacity. A local cafe, Foreword Coffee, will be located in both units. Unit 28 will continue to host events. The expanded space will support social entrepreneurs like Happiness Initiative with affordable workstations to connect and grow ideas. 'We don't look at issues just from an individual, organisational perspective that we are solving it all alone. We are more likely to look at issues from a very much integrated perspective,' said Happiness Initiative's co-founder Simon Leow. He added that the bigger space for holding and organising events makes it easier to meet other social entrepreneurs, allowing them to share and come up with unique ideas and solutions. Alongside shared workspaces, unit 22 will also house a retail shop and a restaurant that have yet to be announced. Meanwhile, unit 38 is slated to become a media studio for podcast and video recording. Unit 16 will feature a retail shop, a restaurant and event spaces including an exhibition area that can host about 180 to 200 people. There, members of the public can look forward to workshops, talks, showcases, charity events and community initiatives. Unit 28 will also continue to hold events. 'We are hoping to work with social enterprises. We're also hoping to work with the marginalised communities, such as single parents who work on home-based products,' said Temasek Shophouse's general manager Yvonne Tay. She added that such products could be sold in the retail part of the hub. An outdoor community event space accessible to the public is slated to be one feature of the hub. Outside the building, a community space that could host public concerts and other outdoor events is also being built. 'There's going to be a stepped terrace over the canal in the months to come. And we're hoping that this space can be activated for community usage,' said Ms Tay, referring to Stamford Canal, which runs behind the site. ATTRACTING THE PUBLIC 28 Orchard Road was built in 1928 by businessmen and well-known philanthropists Mr Ee Kong Guan and Mr Chee Guan Chiang. The historical building used to house commercial space on the ground floor and residential apartments upstairs. It was then used as a showroom and department store over the years before Temasek Trust incorporated it into its philanthropy ecosystem, turning the space into a social impact hub. Dr Kenneth Goh, an associate professor of strategy and entrepreneurship (education) at Singapore Management University, said that social entrepreneurs cannot just rely on the mission to draw visitors, but they need to offer great products and experience as well. 'As you come for those reasons, and you see some of the social aspects of the business, I think that's the strongest way of supporting that message and exposing Singaporeans to that message (of philanthropy),' said Assoc Prof Goh.
CNA
20-05-2025
- Business
- CNA
Temasek Shophouse to reopen by end-2025, with more space for events with social causes
The Temasek Shophouse along Orchard Road is set to reopen by Q4 2025, offering more spaces for events with social and environmental causes. The site will grow threefold to 6,400 square metres. Restoration and expansion works have crossed the 60%. Experts said the preserved heritage, along with the location as well as mission-aligned shops and food, are some ways to get the public interested in philanthropy. Nadirah Zaidi reports.
Yahoo
18-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
11 best escape rooms in Singapore to get lost in adventure
If you are looking for a team bonding activity in Singapore, why not try escape rooms? Escape rooms are adventure games in which players, often in teams, work together to find clues and complete tasks within a themed room to 'escape' within a set time frame. Check out our list of the 11 best escape room games in Singapore to break free from. Trapped Escape Room is one of the largest escape rooms in Singapore. With 7 themes and 25 chambers, it features over 70 props with animatronics and non-playable characters. If you are a fan of enigmatic themes, you have got to try the Ravenhill Asylum Room (3 to 12 pax, 75 mins). The mystery of the disappearance of Alisha, a schizophrenic patient, has led numerous detectives to come by to uncover the truth but to no avail. Players will be tasked with investigating the asylum, where they will find key evidence to crack the puzzle. An off-peak 75-minute game costs S$28.90 from 11am to 6pm on weekdays. A peak 75-minute game is priced at S$34.90 from after 6pm on weekdays and on weekends. Students just have to pay S$28.90/person for a game after 6pm daily. 176 Orchard Road, The Centrepoint, #03-26, Singapore 238843 +65 6994 3430 Daily: 11am – 10pm | | LOST SG's outlet at spans over 2,500 square feet. It features 5 unique escape room games. From their beginner-friendly Alcatraz to their new creation the Mausoleum, you will be challenged with up to 11 other friends. Their outlet can take up to 56 players at a time. If you don't mind jump-scares, try out their Aokigahara 2.0: Mysteries of the Sea of Trees (3 to 12 persons, 60 mins). Enter the shadowy depths of Aokigahara, a dense forest at the ominous base of Mount Fuji, which has become the site of a search after a young schoolgirl vanished. Tasked to find the lost girl, your journey is fraught with peril. An off-peak 60-minute game costs S$23.90 from 11am to 5.30pm on weekdays. A peak 60-minute game costs S$29.90 after 5.45pm on weekdays and on weekends. 1 Selegie Road, #B1-03/04, Singapore 188306 +65 6717 1688 / +65 6255 0095 Daily: 10am – 9.30pm (Last game starts at 9.30pm) | | Xcape Singapore is an escape room provider, offering immersive experiences where players solve puzzles and escape a room. The firm is known for its elaborate sets and engaging plots, making players feel like they are characters in a movie or video game. If you are a sucker for horror games, give their Joker (Haunted) (4 to 8 persons, 75 mins) a go. Rumour has it that inside the dilapidated house lives a wretched, human-devouring clown who feeds on fear. The townsfolk are tormented all year round, so your team has decided to risk your lives to venture into the ancient house and break the curse. An off-peak 60-minute game costs S$24 before 6pm on weekdays, an off-peak 75-minute game costs S$29 and an off-peak 90-minute game costs S$34. A peak 60-minute game is priced at S$30 after 6pm on weekdays and weekends, a peak 75-minute game costs S$35 while a peak 90-minute game will set players back by S$40. 161 Rochor Road, Bugis Street, Singapore 188436 +65 6908 1918 Daily: 11am – 11.30pm | | Inmers is a company that specialises in creating immersive escape room experiences, particularly those with an Asian horror theme. They are known for their advanced game mechanics, intricate designs, non-player characters, and cutting-edge audiovisual effects. They offer the following 2 types of horror escape games: The Medium (4 to 8 Persons, 90 Mins, S$88): The story is adapted from folk stories along the Thai-Myanmar border. A father, who lost his son in a tragic accident, wants to use his wizarding skills to perform a ritual to revive his son. You agree to help him out. Break Through the Soil (4 to 8 Persons, 90 Mins, S$68): A dissembled body is found in Nanshui Village. The suspect is an elderly person. But with the death of the suspect, the only witness is her grandson Stone. Hypnotise Stone and enter his mind. For a full list of locations, refer here. +65 9132 8088 Daily: 11am – 9pm | | The Escape @ Science Centre blends the escape room concept with the wonders of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) and a dose of theatricality. The site consists of 3 themes: Museum of Humankind, Shangri-La and Dr. X. Each offers a different world for players to immerse themselves in. Take on the role of the last humans alive, bots trying to flee a glitching metaverse, or desperate people searching for a lost pal. No worries, you can bring your phone into the room. Feel free to snap away and tag them. A ticket costs S$20 from Mon to Wed, S$25 from Thu to Fri and S$30 on weekends. 15 Science Centre Road, Science Centre Singapore, Singapore 609081 +65 6425 2500 10am – 5.45pm (Mon to Wed, Thu & Sun) 10am – 8.15pm (Fri & Sat) | | 101 Best things to do in Singapore – Ideas for tourists & locals [Mar 2025 update] Escapee at KAP Mall Singapore isn't just about escaping from a room—it's about escaping from the ordinary and forging unforgettable memories with friends, family, and colleagues. If you have dreamt of escaping from school, give their Classroom Crisis (2 to 8 persons, 60 mins) a go. In the heart of a bustling city, a menacing threat looms over Central High School. A nefarious individual has planted a bomb within the school, triggering a lockdown. Amidst all the panic, a bunch of unlikely heroes must work together to detonate the bomb. Unfortunately, they don't list prices on their site. You'll have to call them for a reservation. 9 King Albert Park, KAP Mall, #01-47, Singapore 598332 +65 8513 6300 Daily: 11am – 9pm | | V-Room distinguishes itself by offering enchanting virtual reality (VR) escape room games. Their range of games is one of the largest and most varied collections in town. If you are stuck at work on a dreary Monday, a must-try is their Belko (Puzzle). It raises the question: 'What does it take to survive at work?' Players are prompted to work out a series of tricky puzzles to escape from their office before a microchip in their head goes off. Another must-try escape room game is Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes. Here, you find yourself in a room with a ticking time bomb. The catch? Your pals have the manual to defuse it, but they cannot see the bomb. You are going to have to talk it out — and quickly. 1 Maritime Square, Harbourfront Centre, #03-15, Singapore 099253 +65 6988 9467 Daily: 12.30pm – 9pm | | At Captivate Escape Rooms, 8 escape rooms await you. These rooms are brimming with intriguing and amazing challenges. Be the star of your story as your adventure starts here. If you are a fan of Train to Busan, try their Murder on the Singapore Express game. The murder of a Belgian detective in Singapore has captured the world's attention. Buy a ticket to the Singapore Express and solve the clues left behind by the killer at the railway station. If you are a Sherlock Holmes buff, try CSI: Crime Scene Investigation. As the name suggests, you work for the Singapore Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) squad. You rush to the travelling circus to investigate a puzzling death involving the smallest man in the world. Typically, a game costs S$25/person on weekdays and S$32/person from Fri to Sun. 190 Clemenceau Avenue, Singapore Shopping Centre, #06-28, Singapore 239924 +65 6837 0870 Sun to Fri: 11am – 9.45pm Sat: 10.45am – 9.45pm | Lockdown Escape is a reality-first-person adventure game that simulates online room escape games. The player is locked in a room and must exploit the surroundings to flee. If you are a performer at heart, try out their Lockdown VR: Circus of the Dead (2 to 6 players). As an aspiring group of musicians, you have been invited to be a backup for a performance. After entering an abandoned dressing room, strange things start to happen. With your concert starting in an hour, can you escape or be trapped like those before you? A 75-minute session costs S$27 per person on weekdays and S$33 on weekends. 6 Raffles Boulevard, Marina Square, #03-149, Singapore 039594 +65 8081 5160 Daily: 12pm – 9pm | | Established in 2013, The Escape Artist is one of the first providers of real-life escape rooms in Singapore. Throughout these 12 years, they have always sought to deliver the best and most thrilling escape room experiences for people of all ages and various events. If you have a penchant for fine art, a must-try is Gatecrash. In the world of underground art, a collector's home becomes the target for those seeking precious loot. You are one of these people, but your plans are foiled when you trigger a trap and find yourself locked in the basement. You have an hour to escape from the mansion before the collector returns. Typically, a game costs S$24/person on weekdays and S$30/person on weekends. 1 Maritime Square, HarbourFront Shopping Centre, #03-15, Singapore 099253 +65 6988 9467 / +65 8868 9217 (WhatsApp) Daily: 12.30pm – 9pm | | is Singapore's best interactive virtual escape room online. With over 10 rooms to explore, you can work with your team to solve puzzles and uncover the truth. Their themes are relatively unique, including The Vaccine Lab Virtual Escape Room Game (60 to 90 mins). A leading vaccine laboratory has developed a vaccine that will save the world from the pandemic. A research assistant from a rival firm has infiltrated their lab and stolen their immunisation jab. They need your help to recover the booster. For teams of 10 people and above, each person only has to pay S$20. For teams of 2 to 9 people, each person has to fork out S$25. Gameplay lasts for roughly 1 to 1.5 hours, inclusive of a trained facilitator on the Zoom, MS Teams or Webex platform. 7030 Ang Mo Kio Ave 5, #01-25, Singapore 569880 +65 6100 0567 Daily: 24 hours | | 10 activities in JB worth every RM The post 11 best escape rooms in Singapore to get lost in adventure appeared first on
