13 May 2021
With Singapore being added to the UK's green list, now is the perfect time to start reimagining that big trip to the 'city in a garden' for when the country's borders fully open to UK travellers. Asia's premier hub continues to add new exciting events, openings and attractions ready to welcome visitors when the time is right.
SG Stories Content Fund (SGSCF) Season 2 is officially open!
With S$2.5 million in funding, Season 2 of the SG Stories Content Fund aims to showcase Singapore's unique aspects through the eyes of local and international content creators. Following the success of the inaugural SG Stories Content Fund (SGSCF) last year, the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) is launching the second season of SGSCF with a funding pool of S$2.5 million. With a new theme “Singapore: The Unique and The Unknown”, the upcoming season encourages local and international content creators to create compelling stories about interesting and lesser known facets of Singapore, while building on STB's SingapoReimagine initiative. Projects should highlight extraordinary and authentic 'Singapore-only' experiences by going beneath the surface to uncover the spirit of what makes Singapore truly special. Singapore or overseas-based individuals and registered businesses in areas such as production, media, tourism, digital marketing and influencer marketing can apply for the fund. Each application may take the form of a single video or a series of videos.
FOODIES AND SOCIALISERS
Get your kitchen utensils ready for Singapore Food Festival (SFF)
The Singapore Food Festival (SFF) is gearing up to host its 28th edition this summer. Taking place from 27 August to 12 September, SFF is Singapore's only event dedicated to local cuisine and local F&B talent, celebrating the best of Singapore's food culture – from haute cuisine to UNESCO-listed Hawker Culture. At SFF 2021, foodies across the globe can experience an unforgettable showcase of culinary delights, with virtual tours, live masterclasses and exclusive food bundles to be enjoyed from home. At last year's event, local food luminaries like Wong Ah Yoke and Violet Oon shared culinary insights on Peranakan cuisine; whilst Michelin-starred chef, Emmanuel Stroobant, harmoniously brought diverse cultures into a single dish; and culinary legend, Chef Julien Royer (Odette), delved into the realm of farmed and foraged produce. Further details on SFF 2021 will be available soon.
www.visitsingapore.com/festivals-events-singapore/annual-highlights/singapore-food-festival/
Singapore's Mandala Club to welcome a three-month residency of Mirazur, the World's Best Restaurant.
Three Michelin-starred restaurant, Mirazur is set to launch an exclusive three-month residency at Singapore's Mandala Club. From 14 May until the 11 August 2021 and for the first time in South East Asia, the Mirazur team will take over KIN and Clan Cafe at Mandala Club and offer guests a unique opportunity to experience the haute cuisine of Mirazur, the brainchild of chef-patron, Mauro Colagreco. The restaurant currently holds three Michelin stars and the No.1 slot on The World's 50 Best Restaurants list.
www.mandala.global/places/clubs/straits-clan
The English House to pay tribute to Anthony Bourdain with special exhibition and menu
Singapore restaurant, The English House, owned by British Chef Marco Pierre White will commemorate the third anniversary of the death of American Chef Anthony Bourdain with a special exhibition and dining menu. Throughout the month of June, a collection of over 50 artefacts from the late chef will be on display at the restaurant, located along Singapore's Mohamed Sultan Road. These artefacts are part of a collection of items that Bourdain collected throughout his global travels. As well as the exhibition, The English House will also feature a special dining menu which will pay tribute to Bourdain's life; who was considered one of the world's first and most influential celebrity chefs.
Chef Elizabeth Haigh releases new book, MAKAN, featuring family recipes from Singapore
Singaporean-British chef, Elizabeth Haigh, is releasing a new book this month, Makan: Recipes from the Heart of Singapore, written in collaboration with her Singaporean mother. Meaning 'to eat' or 'dinner time' in Malay, Makan draws together recipes that have been handed down through many generations of Elizabeth's family, creating a time-capsule of a cuisine. Born in Singapore and raised in the UK, it was through food that Elizabeth's mother demonstrated her affection, and the passion and love poured into each recipe is all collated in Makan; a love letter to Singaporean family cooking and traditions. Nonya-spiced braised duck stew; Singapore chilli crab; and nasi goreng (spicy fried rice) are some of the recipes that can be found in Makan. Elizabeth, who competed on MasterChef in 2011, is the owner of Singaporean kopitiam Mei Mei in London's Borough Market. Meaning 'little sister' in Chinese, Mei Mei showcases Singaporean favourites such as Hainanese chicken rice, kaya toast, nasi lemak and traditional Nanyang coffee and teh (tea).
EXPLORERS AND CULTURE SHAPERS
World-renowned artist, Dale Chihuly, debuts first major garden exhibition in Singapore
American artist, Dale Chihuly, a trailblazer in his work with blown glass, has brought his large-scale installations and sculptures to Singapore's Gardens by the Bay until 1 August 2021. Dale Chihuly: Glass in Bloom marks the artist's first major garden exhibition in Asia. The exhibition is the latest manifestation of the artist's practice as he reimagines the landscapes of Singapore's iconic Gardens by the Bay with 25 of his magnificent large-scale installations, as well as more than 80 pedestal sculptures and two-dimensional works. The works, marks the first exhibition of its scale to be hosted at Gardens by the Bay, and makes it the first garden in Asia to provide the verdant tropical setting for people in Singapore to experience the stunning works of Chihuly.
Changi Museum re-opens this month with new content and artefacts
During World War II, prisoners-of-war and civilians were interned at the infamous Changi Prison during the Japanese Occupation. Changi Museum is a sombre reminder of this dark period, and sheds light on the events that unfolded here between 1942 and 1945. After being closed for three years, the museum – as well as Changi Chapel – is reopening its doors on 19 May. The revamped commemorative site features new content and artefacts presented in an intimate and engaging format, highlighting the personal stories, courage and resilience of the prisoners of war and civilians who were interned in Changi Prison. Visitors can get a sneak peek of the Changi Museum on this emotional virtual tour.
www.visitsingapore.com/see-do-singapore/history/history-museums/changi-museum/
Renovated Chinatown Heritage Centre reopens
The Chinatown Heritage Centre, managed by Singapore Tourism Board (STB), will reopen this month, following renovation and enhancement works. The centre, located within three beautifully restored shophouses on Pagoda Street, is a time capsule that holds stories of Singapore's past. It is an ideal gateway for all visitors to trace the footsteps of Singapore's early pioneers and discover the personal stories of the people who made Chinatown their home. In addition to its exhibits, the space holds various workshops and story-telling sessions for future visitors who are on their own voyage of discovery.
HOTEL NEWS
Oasia Resort Sentosa (opened 1 May 2021)
Oasia Resort Sentosa is a new luxury hotel on Sentosa that opened its doors on 1 May 2021. Within 15-minutes of Singapore's central business district, Oasia Resort Sentosa provides an idyllic destination to refresh, recharge and refuel after a day's sightseeing. The hotel's 191 suites and rooms are themed in earthy and calming tones, with an in-house spa and recreational activities specially crafted for those who seek and value a well-balanced lifestyle. To nurture the wellness journey, guests will be treated to yoga mats, wellness videos on-demand and all-natural amenities from Australian brand, Biology.
www.oasiahotels.com/en/singapore/hotels/Oasia-Resort-Sentosa
The Clan Hotel (opened 1 March 2021)
Opened in March 2021, The Clan Hotel is a 30-story, 324-room hotel at the junction of Cross and Telok Ayer – in the heart of downtown Singapore. The property sits in the confluence of the old and the new – and it is a tribute to Singapore's heritage, designed to let guests experience a blend of historic charm and modern luxury. The Clan Hotel also features QIN Restaurant and Bar, offering an all-day dining concept; a Sky Pool offering a bird's eye view of the surrounding heritage district; and Sky Gym, fully equipped with modern equipment. www.theclanhotel.com.sg/
Duxton Reserve Singapore, Autograph Collection (opened February 2021)
Marriott has expanded its Autograph Collection to Singapore with the rebranding of one of the best boutique heritage hotels in the 'city in a garden'. The 49-room hotel, located in the eclectic heart of Tanjong Pagar, opened in 2018 as the first Six Senses hotel in Singapore. Six Senses ceased management of the hotel last year, and now Marriott has officially added the property – rebranded as the Duxton Reserve Singapore – to the Autograph Collection. The hotel's 49 guestrooms and suites have each been designed with unique individuality, featuring a Naturalmat organic mattress, organic cotton bed linen by Beaumont & Brown and bathroom amenities by Etro. The culinary highlight of the hotel is the modern Chinese restaurant, Yellow Pot, helmed by Chef Sebastian Goh.
