Rachel Yohannan

It’s been five years since famed New York burger restaurant, Black Tap, landed on our shores to delight us with some of the best burgers, milkshakes, and craft beer. And to celebrate this milestone, they recently threw an unforgettable party at their one and only Singaporean outpost at The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands.  The by-invite-only birthday bash on October 12 saw power couple-founders Chris Barish and Julie Mulligan in attendance with over 350 guests dressing up to the 80s and 90s hip hop theme. Some invitees included local celebrities and influencers such as Allan Wu, Paul Foster, Thara Koi, Anna En, Noah Yap, Royce Lee, Joshua Chia and Cheris Lee.  Photograph: Black Tap It’s party time!    Upon entry, guests were invited to strike their best poses at the Black Tap 5th anniversary photo wall and leave their well wishes for the restaurant on the graffiti wall.  Of course, no party is complete without some nosh. Everyone was treated to an exclusive preview of Black Tap’s 2024 menu specials such as The Chairman, The Maui Wowi, K-Town Chicken Tenders and NY Hot Dogs. Long-standing favourites such as fried mozzarella were also served, along with sweet treats like the S’mores Shake, Matcha White Chocolate Shake, and State Fair Fried PB&J. With DJ Zippy and PartyWithJay helming the decks with throwback hits and hip hop music, it was indeed an evening of merriment. Adding on to the excitement were games like Milkshake Mania, where Allan Wu, Paul Foster, Anna En, and Thara Ko

It’s that time again. Every year, we ask thousands of city-dwellers to tell us the coolest spots in their cities. What are the places locals love and visitors flock to? Where are the exciting new openings across food, drink and culture? Where are people going out, hanging out and having fun? For the sixth year running, the results are in. Over 12,000 people had their say in this year’s shortlist, naming the neighbourhoods in their hometowns where everyone wants to be right now. Then, we narrowed down the selection with the insight and expertise of city editors and local experts who know their cities better than anyone else. To create and rank the final list, we considered factors including community and social ventures, access to open and green space, and thriving street life. In 2023, our neighbourhoods are more global than ever before. The rise and rise in post-pandemic digital nomadism has led to an explosion of brand-new community spaces, multi-purpose culture centres and more cafés than we can count on two hands. But while most of these neighbourhoods have experienced a transformation over recent years, they remain resolutely local at heart. Slick new developments and cool cafés might bring in new crowds, but neighbourhood stalwarts – from old pubs to family greengrocers – keep it real.  The world’s coolest neighbourhoods this year are, therefore, places with big personalities. Each area’s diversity is reflected in its food, culture and festivals. Community is key: local

Noisy, chaotic, and full of human traffic – that’s the general consensus of what the Chinatowns of the world are like. Singapore’s is no different, but beyond being just a tourist hotspot, it also possesses a charming air that appeals to even the most seasoned locals as well. In fact, it's just been crowned Singapore's coolest neighbourhood for 2023, as well as the third coolest neighbourhood in all of Asia.  Once a designated Chinese kampong harking back to 1822, this bustling district is now where tradition and modernity blend seamlessly. Home to a good mix of hawker centres, temples, and teahouses, all set alongside trendy bars, cafés, and independent art galleries, Chinatown is certainly a riot of colour. Here are the best things to do, see, and eat here. RECOMMENDED: The ultimate guide to Singapore's neighbourhoods

The hazy days are upon us again and everyone is on a round-the-clock PSI (Pollutant Standards Index) watch. While there's nothing we can do on our end except to wait it out, here's how you can stay safe from the haze in Singapore and breathe easy until everything blows over. RECOMMENDED: The best local aromatherapy brands in Singapore and the best short day trips from Singapore

Working up a sweat in a gym or HIIT studio is a great way to stay active, but sometimes, an outdoor run can do wonders for the mind. After all, it’s a relatively fuss-free way to stay fit without the need for expensive gym memberships – and it's a welcome bonus when there are great views to make the journey seem less tiring. Here’s a rundown of scenic running routes across various zones in Singapore. RECOMMENDED: The best gyms in Singapore and Cheap gyms with memberships under $100

As far as local landmarks go, Raffles Hotel Singapore is by far one of the most iconic – and not just for its grand postcard-worthy exteriors. Though impeccably well-maintained, this five-star hotel retains its classic colonial charm harking back to the 1800s, and staying here is a premium experience right from the moment you encounter their unmistakable doormen. Plus, it's just been crowned the 17th best hotel in the World's 50 Best Hotels 2023 list, ranking a few spots above Capella, which gives you all the more reason to check it out. Even if you haven't booked one of their luxury suites, there's still plenty to explore within the hotel's sprawling grounds, from its gorgeous lawn area, to the marvel-worthy architecture, and its in-house lifestyle destination, Raffles Arcade. Read on for our guide on the best of Raffles Hotel.

Lights out and away we go! The Grand Prix Singapore Season shifts into high gear this weekend as the Formula 1 races reach a fever pitch. Whether you hold tickets to the adrenaline-fuelled races or not, there are plenty of F1-themed activities, dining options, drinking events, and afterparties that you can head to and feel part of the action.  Make a shopping pitstop at Siloso Beachwalk Bazaar or indulge in a Sunday brunch feast at Botanico. Check out rare and vintage toys modelled after iconic racing cars, and come sundown, party it up at Singapore's glitziest clubs. If that gets your engine going, then read on for more spectacular things to do this race weekend!RECOMMENDED: Ultimate guide to F1 including race schedule and fireworks and Where to watch F1 for free

Get your engines revving – the Formula One Singapore Grand Prix 2023 is just around the bend, and we’re all geared up to watch skilled speed demons tear up the track. Here’s a handy compilation of the most important points of info related to this exhilarating event, from who’s performing, to extended public transport timings, and how to watch the whole shebang. Plan your ultimate race weekend with this handy digital guide to Grand Prix Season Singapore 2023.  RECOMMENDED: Where to watch the F1 Singapore Grand Prix for free When is the F1 Singapore Grand Prix 2023? The F1 Singapore Grand Prix will be held in Singapore over three days, from September 15 to 17 2023 – Friday to Sunday.  Where will the F1 race be held? Similar to previous years, the F1 Singapore Grand Prix 2023 will once again be held at the Marina Bay Street Circuit right in the heart of the city. View the full Circuit Park map here. F1 Singapore race schedule and practice sessions The first two days of F1 are for the practice sessions and qualifying races, which are more or less scheduled back-to-back from around 2pm till evening. The official big race will be happening on the third and last day, from 8pm to 10pm. Who is performing at F1 Singapore 2023? There will be three days of live music concerts to entertain fans at F1 Singapore 2023, and it’s a fully packed line-up of both roving and on-stage performances spanning from mid-afternoon till late. Some main standouts include Jackson Wang, Post Malone, Rich Bri

Didn't manage to snag tickets for the highly-anticipated F1 race in Singapore? Grab your binoculars and a water bottle anyway – there are plenty of public places in the city where you can watch your favourite Formula One motorists zoom down the stretches and bends of the circuit, all without having to fork out a dime. This includes air-conditioned spaces too, so you won't necessarily have to sweat it out in the humidity. What kind of Grand Prix Season Singapore fan are you? Take this quiz to unlock your GPSS adventure.  RECOMMENDED Ultimate guide to the F1 Singapore Grand Prix: race schedule, road closures, fireworks and more

Gather your friends and take it old school with a wholesome round of retro-style roller skating – but not at a typical rink. At RollerMania 3.0, you’ll be zooming around on LED-lit skates across the seventh floor of Plaza Singapura’s car park, which will be given a groovy #throwback transformation with 80s-style neon decor. Shimmy and spin along to music by a live band as coloured lights dance across the space. It’s not just flat ground, as there will be a slope in the area to shake things up a little. That said, it’s perfectly child-friendly with no age limit, though young ones should be supervised at all times and have some level of skating proficiency. Not to worry if you’re a novice on wheels, as skate assist devices and protection gear will be available for patrons. RollerMania 3.0 is a pop-up that will be open from November 17 2023 to January 1 2024. Watch this space for more details as its opening date draws closer.

If your sportswear or athleisure collection is up for a lil’ revamp, the Fila Fair by Takashimaya Department Store is one you don’t wanna miss. Currently ongoing till October 30, this sale at Ngee Ann City’s B1 Talking Hall is offering up to 50% off sportswear, jackets, casual tees, and other apparel for men, ladies, and kids. Also up for grabs with similar markdowns are Fila’s sports shoes, lifestyle sneakers, and slide, along with a range of bags and pouches. Bags are priced from $19 (U.P. $38 to $288) while footwear starts from $49 (U.P. $68 to $288).  On top of the existing discounts, you'll also get to enjoy an additional 10% off when you purchase three items at one go, or 20% off when you purchase five. Team up with your friends to maximise your savings, and be sure to head down early to snag your sizes as stocks are moving fast! Find out more here.

Unleash your inner speed demon and zoom across the tracks of KF1 Karting Circuit, the largest go kart facility in Singapore. Located within walking distance of Kranji MRT station, their flagship branch boasts a 960m track with 18 exhilarating corners, complete with a snazzy lighting system inspired by F1 races. Novices can race at up to 30km/hour without requiring a driving license, while seasoned motorists can take the advanced karts that reach more exhilarating speeds of 50km/h. If a journey to the west is too out of the way, there's also their second outlet at Expo, which is also conveniently accessible via public transport.

If you found yourself enthralled by the whimsical paintings of the Twinkle Day exhibition at ARTTRIO gallery, you’re sure to love their next showcase, titled ‘From Beyond The Sea’. Helmed by rising millennial Japanese artist, Ryoko Kaneta, this maiden solo exhibition of hers in Singapore features paintings in her signature imaginative manga-like style – all with an additional sea-themed element. Inspired by Japan’s magical sea legends and beautiful water bodies, the works in the exhibition bring a sense of dreaminess, mysteriousness, and tranquillity all at once. With flowing long tresses that blend into rolling waves and mountains, Ryoko’s wide-eyed, doll-like characters take centre stage while seamlessly being part of the colourful landscapes portrayed. Look closer and you’ll notice iconic Japanese motifs like the traditional kimono, shrines, and seifuku (school uniform) weaved in too. ‘From Beyond The Sea’ by Ryoko Kaneta will be running in Singapore from October 21 to November 30 2023 with free entry. Find out more here.

Pagoda Street is home to plenty of hawker stalls, Chinese restaurants, and little kiosks offering touristy souvenirs – a familiar image of the traditional Chinatown as we know it. But hidden amongst this hodgepodge of food and culture is a fresh new fashion haunt that’s popular among the younger generation. Located on the second floor of a shophouse, NearesTTen is a thrift store with curated fashion picks spanning across various styles. Expect the most in-trend selection of vintage clothing for both guys and gals, including but not limited to good ol’ Von Dutch caps, denim staples, Juicy Couture bags, and Dickies pants – talk about a major throwback. Those going for the “soft girl” aesthetic can snag one of their many fairycore tops, while fans of the grunge movement can make a beeline for the array of band tees. If you’re wondering about the thrift store’s moniker, it’s likely because their prices come in denominations of ten – i.e., the nearest ten – whereby all items are going for at $10, $20, and so on. These usually don’t go past $40, and are only priced as such if they’re particularly rare. Most pieces will simply set you back just a red note or two.

So, you’ve graduated from trick-or-treating and have already conquered Halloween Horror Nights. What’s next? Well, for a change from the usual Halloween nightlife events, gather your pals and troop up the hill of Mount Sophia for an experiential four-course dinner at The Secret Haven – a once-abandoned chapel that’s since been newly-refurbished for weddings and fine dining. First, you’ll encounter Chinese goddess Meng Po, and be made to drink a bowl of her special soup before crossing the Bridge of Oblivion. The party starts once your memories have been erased by this concoction and you enter the gates of the underworld, swathed in swirls of mysterious fog. Don’t mind the creepy body bags lying around. It’s not a total scarefest, but a space where heaven and hell collide with the “Saints and Sinners” theme. You’ll have to pick your faction during the sign-up stage, and your choice will determine your menu and challenges for the night. We won’t give away too many spoilers, but be prepared for some pranks and spooky games. Nothing too crazy such that you’ll be heaving up your dinner, though. Speaking of dinner, it’s a feast for both the eyes and taste buds. Again, we’ll avoid taking away that element of surprise, but what we will say is that we were especially charmed by the pumpkin soup, served in an actual pumpkin! While presentation is on point across the board, taste and portions have definitely not been compromised on.  Weekday dinners ($110) are child-friendly. Sessions

Missed out on the POP TOY SHOW? Fret not, because toy enthusiasts in Singapore now have another new playground to explore: a Funko pop-up store at Changi Airport’s newly-renovated Terminal 2. The best part is that unlike the former which involved entry tickets and was merely a weekend event, this one’s a free-to-enter space that’ll be running over a couple of months, so there’s plenty of time to check it out. The first of its kind in Southeast Asia, this experiential Funko pop-up store will not only showcase a wide range of their famous Pop! Boxes figurines, but also an all-new micro-sized line of collectibles called Bitty Pop!, along with interactive activity zones suitable for all. Don’t miss out on the life-sized photo spots featuring your favourite characters such as Harry Potter, Batman, and Groot, all set against themed backdrops for a more immersive experience. Figurines aren’t the only thing to look forward to. Loungefly’s licensed Disney fashion picks will be up for sale, with items including backpacks, wallets, and purses. The Funko pop-up store is already open at the Departure Hall of Changi Airport Terminal 2 as of October 6, and will be running for at least five months until January 2024 or so.

We love scoring cheap thrift store finds, but on the flip side of pre-loved shopping, there’s also something special about owning a rare vintage luxury piece. If you’re a fashionista on the hunt for highly exclusive branded handbags and accessories, you’ll have a field day at The Née Vintage Store, a lesser-known vintage fashion retailer nestled among the rows of shophouses at Chinatown. From Christian Dior, to Hermes, to Louis Vuitton, and Chanel, pretty much all your favourite high fashion houses are represented at The Née Vintage Store in a wide selection of refurbished pre-loved leather bags. Many of them are out-of-production vintage models – own one, and you essentially have a piece of treasure in your closet. Alternatively, jazz up your look with their range of high-end vintage watches and jewellery. They also have exquisite vintage homeware like dinner plates and tea sets for sale, all painstakingly sourced from Japan. Imagine sipping your morning coffee out of a Frank Muller mug, or eating cookies off a floral Tiffany & Co. saucer! Keen on cleaning up your existing collection to make space for something new? Sign up for The Née Vintage Store’s bag consignment service, and have your pre-loved pieces conveniently appraised and sold on your behalf.

Be whisked off into Disney’s fantasy world with Disney Princess – The Concert, where the soundtracks of your favourite romantic fairytales will come to life, belted out by established Broadway singers on the big stage. Expect familiar classics like A Whole New World from Aladdin, Part of Your World from The Little Mermaid, and other singalong bangers including Let It Go from Frozen. It’s a star-studded cast with names like Anneliese van der Pol (Belle in Beauty and the Beast and Chelsea Daniels in That’s So Raven), Aisha Jackson (Anna in Frozen and Snow White in Once Upon a One More Time), Krysta Rodriguez (Cinderella in Into the Woods and Meg in Hercules), and many more. Couple this line-up with special lighting and smoke effects, accompanied by a backdrop of animations, and you’ve got yourself the perfect night of Disney magic that’ll enchant both the young and young at heart. Disney Princess – The Concert will be held over just two nights at the Esplanade Theatre, on November 26 and 27 2023 – just in time for the year-end school holidays. Standard tickets start from $78. Find out more here and book your seats here.

Brides-to-be who are planning on tying the knot in Singapore now have a romantic new spot to consider. Housed in a restored chapel from the 1960s is The Secret Haven – a charming and aptly-named gem of a wedding venue that’s located atop a hill. But despite its elevated position, it’s not at all far-flung – in fact, it’s a walkable distance from Dhoby Ghaut MRT station. To be exact, The Secret Haven is located on the hilltop of Mount Sophia, which is technically part of town but sheltered from its bustle – thus making it the perfect place for an easily accessible but intimate wedding celebration. Though seemingly compact from the outside, this single-storey conservation building accommodates a generous guestlist of 120 to 130. The outdoor area can fit another 20 to 30 persons. It’s all about tasteful elegance here. Save for the gorgeous stained glass windows found on both ends of the venue, the space is rather minimally decorated, but beauty is found in all the finer details. Soft white fabric drapes from the ceiling while textural marble flooring adds a touch of luxe, and not much else is needed to make this place shine. If anything, the minimalist decor allows the wedding couple to stand out even more instead of being drowned out by unnecessary frills. Pick from European-inspired Western course menus or Chinese fusion ones. At time of writing, rates are relatively reasonable, starting from $128/pax on weekdays and $148/pax on weekends. Floral decorations, printed menus an

The scenic Jurong Lake Gardens now looks even more beautiful than before, thanks to the mega-sized lantern displays that have been put up as part of Lights by the Lake, a free-entry Mid-Autumn Festival event. Painstakingly handcrafted by artists from China, the larger-than-life installations celebrate Singapore’s evolution through the years, while also giving us a "tour" around the globe with different themed zones – from an African Savannah to an Ice World and Underwater World. If walking through the vast park grounds works up an appetite, fuel up at the hawker-style Food Street located near the Wave Plaza, where a handful of tempting food and drink stalls will be open from 7pm till 11pm. While there, check out the live music stage for Music under the Moonlight, and be serenaded by performances by local acts including Ding Yi Music Company, Jason Yu, and The Mad Trio. The light-up and Food Street will be running until October 1, while the music performances will be happening on Friday and Saturday evenings until September 30. Find out more here.

Founded in 2014, this homegrown fashion label has the most gorgeous women's loungewear, all handmade in Singapore using mulberry silk and delicate lace. Slip into a robe fit for a queen, lounge about in their comfortable cami sets and pyjamas, or even check out their bespoke range for a personalised piece with fine embroidery bearing your name or initials. Brides-to-be can check out their range of romantic bridal robes, as well as customised bridesmaid pieces so the whole gang can match in style.

Many of us grown Singaporean adults love Hello Kitty more than we’d like to admit. Case in point? The hype surrounding the recent Sanrio Garden of Lights pop-up, where people of all ages queued up just to snap photos with life-sized character installations.  And boy was the crowd wild. But instead of having you jostle it out with the masses, the newest Sanrio treat in Singapore is one you can enjoy in the comfort of your home for a change. This is none other than a pretty pink Hello Kitty ice cream by F&N Magnolia, one of the most popular fresh milk brands in Singapore. With a vanilla base, this Sanrio-licensed Hello Kitty ice cream is coated with a pink raspberry ripple chocolate, cutely moulded to mimic the shape of the character’s face. It’s certainly high on Instagram factor! The F&N Magnolia Hello Kitty ice cream can be purchased as single sticks for $3.50 at all leading supermarkets and hypermarkets, but it’s worth considering a multipack of 4 at $12.50. Not only will the latter option let you enjoy each stick of ice cream at a cheaper price, you’ll also get to redeem a free Hello Kitty lunch bag when you purchase two boxes. The limited edition lunch bags are only available at selected stores while stocks last. You can get your hands on them from Monday, October 23.  That’s not all. From November 1 onwards, Kitty fans would want to pop by VivoCity’s FairPrice outlet to check out limited-time Hello Kitty Truck installation for some kawaii fun. READ MORE:Southeast Asia's

Singapore is home to some of the world’s best bars, hotels, and what’s consistently been one of the top airlines in the world. We’re a pretty cool little city, even if we say so ourselves – but hey, don’t just take it from us. Time Out’s official list of coolest neighbourhoods in the world for 2023 has just been announced, and Singapore’s Chinatown has made the ranks, coming in at 14th place. A rigorous selection process was carried out to determine this list. First, Time Out polled over 12,000 people regarding the coolest neighbourhoods in their city, with options further whittled down with the expertise of Time Out’s network of editors who know the ins and outs of their respective cities at the back of their hands. The final list of 40 was then made based on various factors including but not limited to thriving street life, foodie scene, and diversity – all of which our Chinatown has gotten down pat. Aside from making it in the top 15 spots, Chinatown also happens to be the third coolest neighbourhood in Asia this year, coming in a few notches below Hong Kong’s Sheung Wan (#5) and Japan’s Tomigaya (#10) in Tokyo. Claiming the top four spots globally are: Laureles in Medellín, Colombia; Smithfield in Dublin, Ireland; Carabanchel in Madrid, Spain; and Havnen in Copenhagen, Denmark. The other neighbourhoods in Asia that made this list are: Hannam-dong (#25) in Seoul, South Korea; Zhongshan (#34) in Taipei, Taiwan; Bonifacio Global City (#35) in Manila, Philippines; Dotonbori (

Fans of Flash Coffee will have to search for a new go-to for their daily caffeine fix, because the coffee chain has closed all their outlets in Singapore without warning. While this news might come as a shocker to many, especially given how swiftly the brand has opened multiple outlets across the island, it seems that trouble has been brewing for a while now.  As seen in a TikTok video uploaded on October 12 by @resonancereviews, the workers of Flash Coffee’s Jurong Point branch have allegedly been on strike. A notice stuck on a board in front of the closed outlet cites “late salary payouts”, along with how “Flash baristas islandwide deserve a conducive work environment” for this supposed walkout. Photograph: @resonancereviews/TikTok However, according to MustShareNews, Flash Coffee has denied any of such worker strikes, stating that the absence of workers is precisely due to the closure of stores. In light of this pull-out, Flash Coffee says that they’ve offered their employees new opportunities in their other markets and will also be helping affected baristas find jobs with other F&B establishments. READ MORE The best cafés in Singapore for brunch and coffeeGrungy industrial-chic café hidden in a gothic buildingBest new cafés and restaurants in Singapore

Since its debut in 2009, the annual World’s 50 Best Bars awards has always been a highly-anticipated event in the global bar scene. And 2023’s edition is especially significant for alcohol aficionados in Singapore, because the live awards ceremony will be happening on our very island for the first time. In fact, we’re the first country in Asia that has been picked to play host to the event. Ahead of the actual event on October 17, the extended 51 to 100 list has already been announced – and Singapore comes in strong with five establishments making the list, namely: 28 HongKong Street at #59 Manhattan at #63 Nutmeg & Clove at #64 Analogue Initiative at #78 Native at #83 While this number is a slight decrease from last year – where we had a whopping eight bars making the 51 to 100 list – we’ve come out tops in Asia once again, a feat worth celebrating nonetheless. Stay tuned for next week’s announcement to find out who will snag the top few places, and whether Singapore’s Jigger & Pony will retain its spot as the best bar in Asia. In the meantime, check out the full 51 to 100 list below, along with some FAQs: Where and when will The World’s 50 Best Bars 2023 awards ceremony be held? The live awards ceremony for The World’s 50 Best Bars will be held in Singapore, at Pasir Panjang Power Station (27 Pasir Panjang Road), on the evening of October 17 2023, Tuesday. How to watch The World’s 50 Best Bars 2023 awards ceremony in Singapore? If you haven’t got yourself any exclusive ti

Whether you swear by them or otherwise, it can’t be denied that personality tests – and categorising one’s personality in general – are always a source of entertainment. Case in point? That never-ending curiosity surrounding things like horoscopes, the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), and even frivolous topics like ‘what pizza are you?’ Well, here’s another one to try: the Innate Personality Traits test by Taiwan Design Expo that's currently trending hard in Singapore. Unlike the MBTI test with more serious questions that bring up potential real-life situations, this one is more lighthearted, and takes you on a mythical adventure in a fantasy world with cute animations to boot. We won’t give you too many spoilers, but be prepared to encounter mysterious caves, talking birds, and a sea with glittery gold water along the way. Results are mostly elemental-based and somewhat reminiscent of Pokémon types – with some examples being Light, Rock, and Steel – but there are also a couple of more whimsical-sounding ones like Fairy and Feline. Each results card shows a list of five phrases you might find yourself saying, along with nine character traits. You’ll also get to see which other innate personality types you are least and most compatible with, so you can have fun comparing with your friends and partner. There are 16 results in total, namely: Water, Light, Grass, Poison, Flying, Fire, Feline, Steel, Super Power, Ice, Fairy, Ground, Electric, Rock, Wind, and Ghost. There also

Singapore making rankings…again? Yup, you best believe it – our Lion City is small but mighty. Aside from having two of the world’s best hotels and making the list for the world’s best fine dining restaurants, we’ve recently been named one of the best countries in the world – the second best in Asia. As if that’s not enough, we’ve just been crowned the fifth best city in the world in 2023, according to a report by Resonance Consultancy. Taking up the first four spots are London, Paris, New York, and Tokyo. The other cities in this year's top 10 list after Singapore are Dubai, San Francisco, Barcelona, Amsterdam, and Seoul, in order of ranking.  According to Resonance Consultancy, hundreds of cities have been considered to eventually make the top 100 list. Aside from global statistics and user-generated ratings and reviews, three main pillars of Liveability, Lovability, and Prosperity have also been considered to generate a final Place Power Score in the ranking system. Under these are a multitude of sub-factors including Sights & Landmarks, Higher Education, Google Trends, Nightlife, Poverty Rate, and GDP Per Capita, just to name a few. Singapore comes in at #2 globally for Prosperity, #14 for Lovability, and #17 for Liveability globally in the Place Power Score. In particular, we’ve been highlighted for our Bikescore (#9), Shopping (#11), and Restaurants (#14). Although there has been great debate about the price of happiness in Singapore, we can’t say we disagree that this

It looks like Singapore’s hot on the world map right now. Two of our hotels have made it onto the World’s 50 Best Hotels list, but that’s not the only area in which we’re shining. The Best of the Best Restaurants in the world for 2023 have just been announced, and one Singaporean establishment – Chinese restaurant Summer Pavilion at The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore – has emerged in the top 20 for the Fine Dining category. Considering how we’re very much a foodie’s paradise, it’s not entirely unexpected that Singapore has made its place on the list. What might leave locals scratching their heads, however, is the choice of restaurant in question. While Summer Pavilion is noteworthy in its own right – the Cantonese restaurant does have one Michelin star to its name – it may not be the first place that comes to mind, especially with the presence of other famed establishments such as La Dame de Pic and Odette in the Lion City. In fact, Odette recently scored the title of Best Restaurant in Asia at the World's 50 Best 2023 Awards Ceremony. According to Tripadvisor, the restaurants go through a rigorous screening process, where less than 1% of their 8 million listings make the cut for the Best of the Best. A good portion of community input and travellers’ reviews gathered over a 12-month period are also considered as part of this selection. It appears that Restaurant Bougainville from Amsterdam is a fan favourite, having bagged the number one spot this year. Restaurants in Asia

Our Little Red Dot has gained multiple accolades as of late: first for having the second best airline in the world, then for having not one but two of its hotels make it to the World’s 50 Best Hotels list for 2023. We’ve also been named the sixth Blue Zone in the world, where our citizens thrive with higher life expectancies. And to add on to the all of that, we’ve just been crowned the 16th best country in the world for 2023, incidentally the second best country in Asia. According to the U.S. News Best Countries rankings, now in its eighth year, the countries are rated according to various characteristics including but not limited to quality of life, entrepreneurship, cultural influence, power, and how open for business they are. A total of 87 countries were considered in 2023’s rankings. Well, they don’t call it the “Swiss standard of living” for nothing – Switzerland has emerged tops as the best country in the world for 2023, followed by Canada, Sweden, Australia, and the United States of America. Japan comes in at sixth place, taking the spot of the best country in Asia for this year. Germany, New Zealand, United Kingdom, and Netherlands complete the top 10 spots. It is interesting to note that despite Japan’s higher placement, their GDP per capita of $45,573 is markedly below Singapore’s, which has been stated as $127,565 in the list. Perhaps this proves that money isn’t everything – after all, it was also recently announced that you need an annual income of approximatel

Talk about an iconic crossover; Rimowa’s luggages just got a whole lot more luxurious thanks to a new collaboration with jewellery brand Tiffany & Co. Launching worldwide, Singapore included, this limited edition range has all you need to travel in style. Jet set with the Rimowa x Tiffany & Co. Rock Cut Cabin (S$4,870), a compact cabin luggage with a sleek multifaceted diamond-like surface. Tiffany blue accents add a pop of colour to the handles, wheels, and an accompanying luggage tag, with the suitcase’s interior straps also sporting the same hue. Jewellery-inspired luggage aside, there are also, well, luggage-inspired jewellery boxes. The durable Rimowa x Tiffany & Co. Jewelry Personal ($3,020) is perfect for safekeeping your precious trinkets while on the go, and is sectioned into six compartments for easy organisation. For something roomier, go for the Rimowa x Tiffany & Co. Jewelry Case ($6,550), which has the same rock cut design as the aforementioned cabin luggage. This triple-layered jewellery chest includes two removable trays fitted with plenty of compartments, including multiple ring slots and bracelet holders. Flip open the case from the top to reveal a mirror, below which you’ll find an engravable silver plaque to make it truly yours. For good measure, this exquisite box even comes with a TSA lock. The Rimowa x Tiffany & Co. collection will be available for purchase in Singapore via selected stores as well as online from September 26 2023 onwards. Find out mor

Fans of sweet treats will be glad to know that Paris Baguette Singapore has teamed up with Lotus Bakeries – the company behind the beloved Biscoff spread – for a limited-time collaboration of seven treacly bakes. These all come topped with whole cookies or cookie crumbs, and come piped with the delectable Biscoff cream. Some standout items include the Lotus Biscoff Caramelised Butter Pastry ($5.40) and Sandwich Party ($4.30), though it’s the Lotus Biscoff Almond Cookie Tart ($3.80) – incidentally the most affordably-priced item on the list – that’s got us craving for more. Hot on the trend of cube pastries is the Lotus Biscoff Mini Cream Cube Toast, which has a soft and fluffy texture that’s a cross between that of cake and bread. There’s also a Lotus Biscoff Cheesecake that can be purchased as a single slice ($8.50) or whole ($53). Fans of the Korean bakery-cafe’s famed Royal Pudding won’t want to miss out on their Lotus Biscoff rendition of the milky dessert, which we’d say is richer and thicker than the original. This sweet partnership will run for 8 weeks as of September 7 2023, and is scheduled to end in early November, so you’ve got plenty of time to work your way through the entire collection with one – or more – of these sinful desserts per week. READ MOREFamous patisserie Cedric Grolet opens first and only Asian outpost in SingaporeBest places to enjoy pineapple desserts to welcome Singapore's newest PresidentBest new cafes and restaurants

Singapore’s recent Polling Day has come and gone in a flash, with crowd favourite Tharman Shanmugaratnam emerging victorious. Ahead of our new President’s inauguration, here are some nuggets of info you’ll want to keep up to date on – both surrounding the event and the man himself. When will Halimah Yacob’s term end? Halimah Yacob’s presidential term will end on September 13 2023. She was first sworn in as President of Singapore on September 14 2017 and chose not to seek re-election for a second term when her term drew close to expiry. Halimah was Singapore’s eighth president, and its very first female head of state. Who is Tharman Shanmugaratnam? Tharman Shanmugaratnam is a notable figure in Singapore’s political scene, having been a key public member of the People’s Action Party (PAP) since 2001. Some of his larger roles in politics over the years include being the former Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Manpower, and Senior Minister of Singapore. From September 14 2023, Tharman will assume office as the ninth President of Singapore. Who is Tharman Shanmugaratnam’s wife? Tharman Shanmugaratnam is married to Jane Yumiko Ittogi, an ex-lawyer of mixed Japanese and Singaporean Chinese descent. Previously a lawyer, Jane eventually left the legal industry to pursue philanthropic work, and founded non-profit organisation Tasek Jurong Limited, which has a special focus on helping underprivileged kids and teenagers. Tharman and Jane married in 1990 and have four children together:

After weeks of campaigning hype – and perhaps some meme-worthy moments – Singaporeans will come together to vote for their new president on September 1 2023. We already know that Polling Day has been declared an official public holiday, but more importantly, what does the whole voting process actually entail? Well, worry not if you’re a clueless first-timer or just need a refresher, for here’s an ultimate guide to voting in the Singapore Presidential Election 2023. Who are the candidates running for President in Singapore? There are three candidates running for the Singapore Presidential Election 2023, namely: Tharman Shanmugaratnam, Peter Ng Kok Song, and Tan Kin Lian. They are each respectively represented by symbols of a pineapple, an open palm with a heart in the middle, and four people reaching up towards a flower. George Goh’s application for a Certificate of Eligibility was rejected by the Presidential Election Committee (PEC), and he is thus unable to run for President. Do I have to vote? Yes, voting is compulsory for all Singapore Citizens aged 21 years and above who are eligible to do so.  How do I find out where my polling station is? Polling stations are usually housed within schools, which will all be closed for lessons for the day. Void decks may also be converted into polling stations. Rest assured that no matter where your polling station is, it will be of comfortable walking distance from your registered home address. If you have yet to do so, check your lett