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CNA
33 minutes ago
- CNA
*SCAPE to reopen in November, offering more room for programmes aimed at youths
SINGAPORE: Youth hangout spot *SCAPE, will fully reopen in November this year after three years of upgrading works, with an expected annual footfall of more than 2 million people. The space, located in the heart of Orchard Road, will shift its focus from retail offerings to youth-led programmes such as career pathways and community building. It plans to add 30 per cent more openings for such programmes. Through this, it hopes to reach more than 30,000 youths every year, said Mr Ethen Ong, deputy executive director of *SCAPE. He added the change in focus was due to the impact on retail businesses by e-commerce as well as building a community for youths, after noting a demand for such spaces because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Mr Ong told CNA: "(We) got our feedback from our youth that they would like to have more sitting capacity, more open spaces for them … to catch up with friends and to connect.' The plaza at the entrance to the refreshed *SCAPE previously contained retail spaces, which have been replaced by open communal spaces for youths to use as a stage for concerts and performances. WHAT DOES THE NEW *SCAPE OFFER? Mr Ong said the new open plaza was designed to allow youths to run events and performances. The redeveloped *SCAPE is part of the SG Youth Plan, a five-year blueprint on how to support the nation's youth that is set to be released in 2026. Youths looking to host events such as exhibitions can also benefit from lower rental fees when applying to use spaces in *SCAPE that are specially allocated for youth-run programmes, he added. Mr Ong noted that the rent will be cheaper by around half compared to other locations in the shopping belt and the space may also waive the rent for programmes upon application review. Youths can also tap micro-grants for projects benefitting their peers. *SCAPE's chairman David Chua said that the rejuvenated space is part of a larger Somerset youth belt. '(It) is the key node from which partnerships and programmes will then be able to spill over into the belt and give even more space and opportunity for our young people to showcase their talent," he added. *SCAPE will partner nine organisations to help youths learn and engage with industries including wellness, artificial intelligence, urban sports, creative arts, media, entertainment and sustainability. One partner, Lenovo Singapore, said it intends to show how opportunities in technology can benefit students before they enter the workforce. Lenovo Singapore's general manager Nigel Lee added that its programme will look at AI, augmented reality, virtual reality, robotics and more. '(It) is about mentoring (youths), coaching them and (offering internships), making sure that they are ready for the real world once they leave school,' he said. HISTORY OF *SCAPE This is *SCAPE's third revamp since it opened its doors 18 years ago. *SCAPE was first established in 2007 at the Red Box, in response to a call for more youth-centric spaces. Its own building was officially launched in 2010 and underwent its first revamp in 2012, when HubQuarters was introduced as a base for youth organisations and their development programmes. It went through another rebrand in 2016, putting in place new facilities and platforms for entrepreneurship and volunteerism. In 2022, *SCAPE was announced as part of the Somerset Belt Master Plan revitalisation effort. Last year, the Ground Theatre and HubQuarters reopened after renovations. Property experts said community engagement is important in creating youth spaces that can thrive and succeed. Mr Ethan Hsu, head of retail at property firm Knight Frank Singapore, said: 'If you look at other countries where youth-centric precincts have been successful, places like Hongdae in Seoul and Harajuku in Japan … a lot of the activity is driven by the community.' He noted that designing spaces for youth activities also requires an understanding of their diversity. 'We have … creatives … gamers, entrepreneurs (and) social activists. And … youth culture is constantly evolving … so without inviting them to become co-collaborators … to design the space or what (it) is used for, it's hard to say whether it will be sustainable,' added Mr Hsu.
New Paper
an hour ago
- New Paper
'Safety foremost in our minds': Faishal Ibrahim reassures Singaporean students in the Middle East
The Government is monitoring developments in the Middle East closely and is working with the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (Muis) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to remain in touch with Singaporean students in the region. Associate Professor Faishal Ibrahim in a Facebook post on June 22 assured Singaporeans pursuing higher Islamic education in Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait that the Government has their welfare and well-being in mind, following a dramatic escalation of tensions in the region. Israel began a series of air strikes against Iran on June 13. This was followed by the US ordering air strikes on Iran's three main nuclear sites on the morning of June 22. The Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs said he spoke with more than 40 student leaders from the Singapore Students Welfare Assembly in Egypt and Singaporean Students' Association in Jordan via video call on the evening of June 21. "This call was important - it was an opportunity for me to check in on our students, to listen, understand, and offer my assurance that the safety, well-being and welfare of our students are foremost in our minds," he said, adding that Muis' student liaison officers remain in close contact with those studying in the Middle East. He added that he is heartened that the student leaders are stepping up during this period to engage their peers and look out for one another. "This ensures that every student feels safe, supported and can focus on their studies... The spirit of looking out for one another reflects the strength of our community," he said.
CNA
an hour ago
- CNA
Singapore Tonight - Fri 4 Jul 2025
48:52 Min Singapore Tonight From business to politics, health to technology, we bring you up-to-date with the latest news on Singapore and analyze how these events may affect you tomorrow.
