CNA938 Rewind - How will a new security watch group safeguard Singapore's restaurant industry?
In 'Culture Club', Melanie Oliveiro speaks with the playwright and music director involved in Toy Factory Productions' Mandarin musical, 'Moonlit City'. The production explores the love story of Singapore's first Prime Minister, Lee Kuan Yew and his wife, Kwa Geok Choo. Playwright Jedidiah Huang and music director Benny Wong will talk about the musical's narrative arc, the lead performers involved in the production and the unique challenges putting 'Moonlit City' together. Goh will also talk about the musical's eight songs by renowned Singaporean composer Tan Kah Beng and how he breathed new life into the pieces.
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CNA
5 hours ago
- CNA
Out at 6pm, home by 11pm: Why alternative clubbing experiences are gaining popularity
Don't fancy a night out till 3am with hiked taxi fares and groggy mornings after? Now you can be in bed by 11pm after grooving to exceptional music with the slew of alternative party collectives popping up in Singapore. From coffee clubbing experiences to kid and pet-friendly raves, these collectives host a variety of party concepts at unique venues that typically end by 10pm, providing an alternate experience to your typical nightclubs. With more people working from home and rising transport costs, nightlife operators seem to be increasingly shuttering in Singapore and more are turning to these earlier, more unique party options. CNA Lifestyle attended two alternative parties and spoke with three collectives on this growing trend in Singapore. Here's what to expect should you choose to dance the (afternoon or evening) away at one: DRIP COFFEE WITH DEEP BEATS It's 2pm and the energy at the Beans and Beats sold-out one year anniversary coffee party back in May was unmistakable: Sunlight streaming in, hanging plants cascading from above the dance floor, warm lights casting a soft glow across the room, and the pulse of house music setting the tone. Hosted at Behind the Green Door at Duxton, there was generous seating from plush sofas to bar stools and cafe-style tables, creating a space where guests could lounge comfortably, rather than jostling for standing room at a typical nightclub. But the most distinctive factor – the gentle, comforting aroma of freshly ground beans in the air. As I approached the bar, I instinctively expected the usual sight of bartenders shaking up drinks. Instead, I was greeted by baristas standing behind rows of drip coffee machines, each one carefully coaxing flavour from lines of curated specialty beans displayed along the counter, serving a no-added sugar birthday cake coffee instead of alcohol to guests. While most partygoers were groups of friends and couples, dotted throughout were also solo flyers – some people-watching, some making friends, others simply enjoying the moment with their coffee and the music. As the afternoon wore on, the dance floor filled up quickly and the tracks became more bass-heavy and upbeat. Soon, most people were on their feet dancing, jumping, hands in the air, without the need for alcohol as a confidence booster. But it was the atmosphere that fueled the energy – inclusive, welcoming and authentic, with the freedom to dance at 4pm in the afternoon without judgment and without the need for alcohol. Co-founded by 21-year-old students Ethan Lee, Matteo Lie and Aden Low in 2024, Lee said that one of their intentions behind Beans and Beats was to share their passions for coffee as well as for music, especially genres that were not typically found in nightclubs. He said that they also wanted to create a space for people to socialise. 'I think in this age with social media, everyone is in their own world, so we wanted to provide an opportunity for people to be able to go out and interact in a non-pressurising environment,' Lee added. 'Also without alcohol, it provides an environment where people can really be themselves, without any fear or judgement,' he said. 'You can come alone and chill, there's really no expectations.' When asked whether the lack of alcohol as a social lubricant was a challenge, Lee said: 'No, actually, the real trick is music, it's really a DJ's skill.' 'DJs that are so good that they know how to control the crowd – I think the energy is really actually more up to the DJ than the drink,' he explained, adding that Beans and Beats had flown out international DJ Yello Music for the event. Lee shared that he feels that serving coffee as a substitute for alcohol does not make a very salient difference in the party experience. 'Alcohol is a depressant, caffeine does the reverse. If you tell me that people cannot have fun without alcohol, I think it's definitely a mistake. I wouldn't agree with the argument.' Attendees too feel an affinity to more unique party experiences. 'It's more inclusive,' said Thet Thet Aung San, 18. 'There are some people who don't drink alcohol, and they can just come here for the vibes and have fun without the pressure to drink.' Another attendee Sushant Dwivedi, 37, said: 'It's definitely something different. Weekends are very precious to people, and normally, when you go out on a Friday or a Saturday, your Sundays just come with recovery, depending on how much you drink. 'But it (afternoon or evening parties) just gives you a bit more flexibility to do more with your weekend,' he added. Lee said that their attendees at first mainly consisted of Gen Zs in their early 20s, but as the concept caught on and gained popularity on social media, they have been seeing an increase in age in their demographic, with people in their mid 20s to 30s coming to their events. 'Definitely the price point is one of the things that are driving people towards our parties as alternatives instead of nightclubs,' Lee said, adding that they try to keep ticket prices affordable – around S$15 to S$20, which are cheaper than nightclub tickets. Each ticket also comes with a free coffee. 'So I think it's something that allows people to enjoy the same kind of music that they may look for at a club, but at a lower price point and also at a time slot that doesn't impact their sleep schedule,' he said. Lee however, said that he does not see Beans and Beats as a countercultural or a reaction against nightlife in Singapore. 'I see this rather as just a healthy alternative to people who want something different,' he shared. 'I think the beauty of the concept is that it appeals to people who would not traditionally partake in nightlife as well.' DANCING IN DAYLIGHT Perched atop the hill at Haw Par Villa was the popular party collective, Ice Cream Sundays' party, Haw Par Thrilla, with the bass thumping, audible well before reaching the top. From 3pm, the outdoor space at the courtyard transformed into more like a day festival: Food booths, picnic-style tables filled with people playing casual games of chess and catching up. In contrast to the Gen Z-heavy sober crowd at Beans and Beats, Ice Cream Sundays drew a predominantly millennial audience and served alcohol. But this wasn't your typical party scene either – there were also toddlers, babies in strollers, and dogs alongside their owners. The afternoon dance floor stayed comfortably uncrowded. With the open layout under a tent, groovy house and disco set pouring from the speakers, the space was made to feel very inviting, leaving party-goers with more freedom to dance, making the party experience more authentic, unpretentious and rather joyful. 'We're both very pro clubs, but it felt like there was another layer to the music events scene that was not fully formed yet,' said co-founder of Ice Cream Sundays Daniel O'Connor who helms the collective together with fellow members Jake Camacho, Meltem Acik and Nick Bong. Started in 2016, the number of attendees for their parties grew from 60 people, to now, 1,200 tickets sold-out for their Haw Par Thrilla event. According to Camacho, party goers can often expect to hear a mix of disco, house and music often rooted in soulfulness. 'You don't have to be a specific type of person to appreciate what's going on or to have a good time,' Camacho said. 'You might just be sort of a casual puncher who is just looking for a place to chill on the weekend with good music, but at the same time, you could be a hardcore house and techno fan and you come to see a specific DJ or to hear a specific sound.' Closer to night time, the space started to adopt more similar characteristics to a conventional beach club; outdoors with neon lights glowing and crowds of people drenched in sweat dancing their hearts out till 10pm. 'I do think we are trying to present an alternative way to enjoy dance music,' said O'Connor. 'Our purpose is to bring people joy through music and interesting experiences.' 'Broadly speaking, that's the impression we would want people to have when they come to one of our parties – it's something that's not too edgy,' Camacho added. 'You don't have to be so cool to fit in or anything. It's just very inclusive and appeals to a lot of different types of people.' Similarly, another collective, Fivetotenpm strives to give goers a well-rounded, unique experience with their parties. Co-founded by five individuals, they host afternoon to evening parties just like Ice Cream Sundays, with a DJ set and various festival-like activities in the daytime that, as their name suggests, start around 5pm and end no later than 10pm. Their next event, Sunday Mess, will be happening on Jul 19. 'You kind of give people the option to pick your own adventure - if people want to come and drink at our party, by all means. But then at the same time, if you want to bring your kids here and you want to have a family day at our party, that's also an option,' said co-founder and resident DJ Aloysius, 26, who declined to share his last name. 'It creates a lot more possibilities of what a party space can be.' 'Whereas in a club, there's an age limit and it's always tied to that one experience,' he continued. 'Which is just that you'd expect to be in a dark place with a speaker thumping at you – it's just one vibe.' 'But when it comes to a day party, we have many options – we've thrown our day parties in basement bars where it's completely dark and super smoky to the point where you can't even see the DJ, whereas the last one we did in Dempsey it was outdoors, with nature at the back.' Aloysius explained that they curate the music they play and build the creative direction of the party around the venue they choose. Co-founder Belle, 25, who declined to share her last name, also added that people often have certain expectations during a night out, for instance the transport home being too expensive or inaccessible. In contrast to throwing it in the afternoons or evenings, shops are still open and party-goers still have time to hang out with friends after and not have to worry about the late nights and lack of sleep. More than the timing, it is also the community these collectives are able to build with their events that are drawing more people in. 'Every time we play a different sound, we actually see a different crowd - the crowd actually moves with which DJ we book and the sound that we play, people definitely come for the music,' Aloysius said. 'If you follow the music that you like and go to the events, you will kind of always find your community, which is strange and also magical.'
CNA
12 hours ago
- CNA
Singapore Hour
47:00 Min Visit a neighbourhood full of green, black and white surprises. Meet a butcher who's redefining what it means to be a meatsmith, and custodians of Singapore's oldest trees. Finally, hang out at the coolest new spot in town. Singapore Hour About the show: Welcome to Singapore Hour: your all-access pass to the city that never stops surprising. From iconic eats to cutting-edge tech, vibrant culture to hidden local gems – we bring you the best of Singapore through the eyes of those who know it best. Whether you're here to travel, work, or just soak up the vibe, Singapore Hour is your definitive guide to what's hot, what's next and what you absolutely can't miss.
CNA
19 hours ago
- CNA
Best Nintendo Switch 2 accessories you'll actually use
Buyers' Guide Level up your Switch 2 experience with ergonomic grips, pro-level controllers, durable carrying cases and fast-charging power banks to keep you gaming anywhere. This article contains affiliate links. If you buy through these links, we may earn a small commission. The Nintendo Switch 2 features a larger OLED screen, improved hardware and controllers and support for 4K/60 output when docked. To help you get the most out of your handheld, we've shortlisted some must-have Nintendo Switch 2 accessories, from protective cases to pro-level controllers. CONTROLLERS 8BitDo Ultimate 2 Bluetooth Controller (S$74.50) Photo: 8BitDo This great alternative to the Pro Controller is also PC-compatible. It introduces TMR thumbsticks, which offer improved accuracy and durability over potentiometer-based controllers. It also includes remappable shoulder buttons, digital trigger locks, and gyro support, making it suitable for a wide range of gaming genres. It supports Bluetooth, USB-C, and 2.4GHz wireless connections, with a charging dock that doubles as a low-latency dongle. Shop here Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller (S$109.90) Photo: Nintendo The Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller is a solid upgrade over the standard Joy Con controllers, especially for longer gaming sessions. It offers a more comfortable grip, smoother analogue sticks and a more responsive D-pad. The new programmable rear buttons add flexibility, and the built-in headset jack is a nice touch for chatting mid-game. Shop here CASES & PROTECTION Spigen Dual Grip Case Designed for Nintendo Switch 2 (2025) – Black (S$27.99) Photo: The Spigen Dual Grip Case features a tactical dual-grip design that makes handheld play more ergonomic, especially during long sessions. Made from durable PC and TPU materials, it offers solid protection while still being dock-compatible. You don't have to remove it to charge or play on the big screen. The case includes precise cutouts for all buttons, ports, and even the kickstand. Do note that you'll need to remove the case to detach the Joy-Cons. Shop here Genki Aegis Shield Tempered Glass for Nintendo Switch 2 (S$29) Photo: Genki The Genki Aegis Shield features nanoweave glass that guards against scratches, drops and everyday wear. The drop-in-place applicator makes installation stress-free and bubble-free. Each pack includes two protectors, a microfiber cloth, alcohol wipes, and a squeegee. Shop here Jsaux Mega Carry Case for Nintendo Switch 2 (S$33.90) Photo: Jsaux The Jsaux MegaCarry Case is a spacious travel-friendly storage solution that fits the Switch 2 even with a protective shell on. Inside, you'll find a plush microfibre lining, velcro strap to secure the consol, and 20 game card slots. The hard EVA shell protects against drops and scratches, while the mesh pocket holds accessories like Joy-Cons, cables and earbuds. Shop here POWER Baseus Blade 20,000mAh 100W Laptop Power Bank (S$59.12; Usual Price: S$219) Photo: Baseus This sleek, ultra-thin power bank is designed for serious charging on the go. With two USB-C and two USB-A ports, it can charge up to four devices at once—including laptops, tablets, and phones. The built-in LED screen shows real-time charging stats, and its flat design slides easily into any bag. Shop here Baseus 65W Power Bank 26,800mAh PD Quick Charge Power Bank (S$84.91) Photo: Baseus This portable powerhouse features five output ports and three input options. The 65W USB-C PD output is perfect for high-demand devices, and the smart LED display shows real-time battery, voltage, and current info. It's got a sleek design, solid build, and built-in safety protections. Whether you're traveling, working remotely, or gaming on the go, this power bank keeps everything charged and ready without breaking a sweat 1. Shop here STORAGE AND MULTIMEDIA Nintendo Switch 2 Camera (S$70.90) Photo: Nintendo The Nintendo Switch 2 Camera is a sleek, plug-and-play webcam designed to enhance your GameChat experience. Its ultra-wide angle lens with face-optimised exposure and low-light noise reduction makes it ideal for video calls and screen-sharing. The built-in privacy shutter adds peace of mind. It connects via USB so works with PCs and Macs aswell. While image quality is solid at 1,080p, it lacks mounting flexibility and a built-in mic. If you want a polished, official accessory that integrates seamlessly with the Switch 2, it's a dependable pick. Shop here SteelSeries TUSQ In-Ear Gaming Headset (S$71) Photo: SteelSeries The SteelSeries Tusq is a lightweight, in-ear gaming headset for gamers who want portability without sacrificing performance. It features a detachable boom mic for crystal-clear voice chat and a built-in mic for casual use. The around- ear suspension design keeps the earbuds secure and comfy during long sessions. It features multiple ear tip sizes for a custom fit. Audio is crisp and detailed, thanks to dynamic sound drivers, though it's more tuned for games than music or movies. It's compatible with any device using a 3.5mm jack, making it a solid pick for gaming on the go. Shop here Samsung Official MicroSD Express Card, 256GB (Mario Edition), Japan Import (S$89.90; Usual Price: S$117.90; 24% off) Photo: Samsung This 256GB card is the official high-speed storage upgrade for the Nintendo Switch 2. This microSD Express card delivers faster read/write speeds compared to older microSDXC cards, which aren't supported on the Switch 2 anyway. Shop here SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds (PS) (S$319) Photo: SteelSeries If you're bringing your Switch 2 on your flight, these gaming-oriented earbuds include a Wi-Fi dongle that streams high-quality 2.4GHz wireless audio from your device. We found it to be a comfortable headset that's great for gaming, movies, music and offers good noise-cancelling . The dongle allows it to pair directly with your console (some consoles, like the PS5, don't support Bluetooth pairing), offering low-latency, detailed, balanced sound and effective noise cancelling. Shop here This article contains affiliate links. If you buy through these links, we may earn a small commission. Prices are accurate as of the time of publication. Discount and promo codes for some products are available for eligible Prime members. Not a Prime member yet? Join Prime or start a 30-day free trial at . Prime members enjoy free one-day domestic delivery and free international delivery on eligible items. Buyers' Guide Affiliate Nintendo
