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Straits Times
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Straits Times
Pioneer batch of Singapore teens chase K-pop dreams at local training academy SM Universe
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox Qti Tan (in white cropped top) on the first day of the K-pop intermediate programme held by SM Universe (Singapore). SINGAPORE – The road to being a K-pop star is extremely challenging, and even after years of rigorous training, one may not even make it past an audition. Yet, it is not stopping some Singaporean teens from pursuing their K-pop dreams, one baby step at a time. Qti Tan, 17, and Cherise Sim, 13, were among the pioneer batch of 15 students aged 11 to 19 who underwent an intensive five-day K-pop intermediate training programme conducted by K-pop training academy SM Universe (Singapore). It was held at youth space *Scape in Orchard Road from June 16 to 20. The youth took dance, vocal, recording and modelling lessons from 9am to 5pm, and were put through the wringer like a real K-pop trainee. SM Universe specialises in K-pop training programmes. It is a subsidiary of SM Entertainment, one of the 'Big Four' K-pop agencies alongside Hybe, YG Entertainment and JYP Entertainment. The *Scape campus opened its doors in June and is the only SM Universe training academy in South-east Asia. All the trainers involved in the Singapore curriculum are South Korean industry experts who are part of the teaching pool in the main SM Universe campus. Qti, who taught herself K-pop choreography from YouTube videos, has always loved dancing and performing. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. 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Learning from industry experts 'I also want to experience what it is like to train in a professional environment,' adds Qti, who is a fan of Blackpink. The fashion management and design student at Temasek Polytechnic says her introduction to the music genre was from watching the K-pop girl group's How You Like That music video in 2020 when she was in primary school. 'I was immediately drawn to their powerful energy and style, and since then, I have been exploring K-pop music, performances and idols.' The training was 'an eye-opening experience', and though it was tiring and challenging, Qti says she enjoyed every minute of it. Qti Tan (in white cropped top), who taught herself K-pop choreography from YouTube videos, has always loved dancing and performing. ST PHOTO: TARYN NG Students learnt to sing and dance to girl group Aespa's hit single Spicy (2023), and recorded a video performance at the end of the week. Aespa, a quartet formed by SM Entertainment, made their debut in 2020. Part of the syllabus includes a mock K-pop trainee audition, where students apply what they have learnt. They are then given feedback from their trainers and SM Universe's faculty members, who are K-pop industry veterans, like in a real audition. 'Some critiques are painful to hear, but they push me to improve,' Qti says. She auditioned for several K-pop companies – including YG, the label behind Blackpink – in 2022 and 2023. In 2024, she attended two auditions: with Cube Entertainment, which manages girl group I-dle; and Pledis Entertainment, the agency of boy band Seventeen. All the South Korean trainers involved in the Singapore curriculum are industry experts who are part of the teaching pool in the main Seoul campus. ST PHOTO: TARYN NG After completing the intermediate programme, students can continue the curriculum for another week in the advanced training programme for the same price, which Cherise did. While Qti could not carry on due to school commitments, she plans to sign up when time permits. Juggling schoolwork and K-pop training Cherise started jazz dance at four years old and switched to Latin dance at seven, and has participated in numerous regional dancesport competitions where she was placed. Though the National Junior College Integrated Programme student discovered K-pop only in 2023, the fan of I-dle, Babymonster, IVE and Aespa has already decided that K-pop is the path for her. Cherise Sim continued with the advanced training programme after completing her intermediate lessons. ST PHOTO: JAMIE KOH Prior to her lessons at SM Universe (Singapore), Cherise attended several private vocal and dance classes in Seoul in October 2024 after finishing her PSLE. She auditioned for The Black Label when the South Korean agency – which is behind popular artistes like Blackpink's Rose and BigBang's Taeyang – held the Singapore leg of its global try-outs in May. Cherise recalls the experience as nerve-racking but valuable, and says it further spurred her interest in K-pop. 'Over the two weeks, I gained a clearer understanding of how the K-pop industry works behind the scenes and what idols go through on a day-to-day basis,' she says. The Secondary 1 student admits juggling schoolwork, her dance co-curricular activity and K-pop training can be tiring, but is still manageable. She plans to continue her training, be it after school hours or during the school holidays, depending on the programme schedules at SM Universe (Singapore). If there is an opportunity, she also hopes to take up K-pop classes in Seoul. She is also brushing up on her Korean to understand and communicate better during training and auditions. 'I know some basic words and phrases. I'm not fluent, but I can read Hangul (the Korean alphabet).' Cherise's mother Kelly Ong, an entrepreneur in her 40s, encourages her only child to pursue her ambitions. 'People have questioned us on why we indulge in her K-pop dream, as this is an unconventional path for Singaporeans,' says Ms Ong. Cherise Sim and her mother, Ms Kelly Ong. The family is very supportive of Cherise's K-pop dreams. ST PHOTO: JAMIE KOH 'But we believe in Cherise and we will do everything we can to help her.' Adds the doting mum: 'She has made sacrifices. We know it is not easy on her, but she is incredibly disciplined and understands the importance of striking a balance between her passion and academics.' The family has also considered letting Cherise relocate to Seoul to undergo full-time K-pop training if the opportunity arises. Though Ms Ong acknowledges that the chances of debuting are slim, she believes Cherise 'has a real shot through hard work, persistence and a bit of luck'. Training in the K-pop capital A Singaporean teenager who has taken one step closer is Cassa Tan. The 15-year-old has been training at SM Universe in Seoul since February, after it scouted her in January based on her dance videos on social media. Noting her drive and high potential for growth, SM Universe (Singapore) offered Cassa a six-month scholarship programme to train at the main academy. The scholarship covers training academy fees and partial support for her living expenses in Seoul. Singaporean teen Cassa Tan is pursuing her K-pop dreams at SM Universe training academy in Seoul. PHOTO: COURTESY OF CASSA TAN As a pre-trainee – one who has yet to be officially accepted by SM Entertainment – Cassa is expected to keep up with the demanding K-pop training as well as her studies at a South Korean performing arts high school. 'On weekdays, I attend school until the afternoon, followed by vocal and dance training, practice sessions and Korean lessons,' she says. Her weekends are equally packed, with more vocal and dance classes, and group practice sessions that stretch from noon to night. But the former Anderson Secondary School student has no regrets moving to the K-pop capital on her own. 'I miss my family and friends, but being in Seoul allows me to immerse myself in the local culture and improve my Korean through daily interactions,' says Cassa. 'I'm much closer to my dreams, but there is still a lot of room to grow. I'm pushing myself to improve each day.' Commitment and perseverance Mr Jonathan Ang, director of SM Universe (Singapore), says the academy – which has enrolled 200 students so far – is 'encouraged by the passion, discipline and drive shown by the Singaporean youth in our classes'. His advice to those who are serious about pursuing a K-pop career is to consistently refine their technical skills through specialised training, and to take advantage of 'Singapore's multilingualism to give them an edge in today's increasingly globalised K-pop industry'. K-pop agencies look for star potential, individuals who show promise to grow artistically and carry themselves with authenticity and confidence, says Mr Ang. He adds that as the K-pop industry is highly competitive, versatility has become key. It is no longer sufficient to specialise in one area, such as dance or vocals. Qti getting pointers and feedback from an industry expert. ST PHOTO: JAMIE KOH 'SM Universe (Singapore) is committed to creating tangible pathways for our students, connecting high-potential talent with the right industry opportunities, and equipping them with the skills and attitude needed to thrive in the entertainment industry,' says Mr Ang. The academy is designing its flagship 21-week training programme, which is likely to commence in early 2026. It will culminate in a one-week enrichment trip to the SM Universe campus in Seoul, where top students have the opportunity to audition with South Korean entertainment agencies. Says Mr Ang: 'The journey towards becoming a K-pop idol requires commitment and perseverance, and a strong foundation must first be built.' Cherise says: 'I know I still have a long way to go, but my goal is to become the best version of myself.' Qti adds: 'Being consistent and hardworking is super important – you can't just rely on talent. Having an understanding of the K-pop industry is also helpful. 'If I can't become an idol, I will pursue a behind-the-scenes role in the K-pop world, like being a stylist for the idols.'
Time Out
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Out
*Scape gets a major glow-up and it's all about the next generation
You can't separate a Millennial's fond memories of youth from *Scape, the low-rise mall steps away from Somerset MRT station. While the cool kids of that era have since grown up, *Scape is determined to uphold its reputation as Singapore's top youth hangout – starting with an ongoing refresh that's been in the works since 2022. Three years on, we can now anticipate the grand unveiling of its brand new era in November. Swapping out its past pre-loved flea sales for curated pop-up markets, underground concerts for live music by local talent, and cutesy purikura Neoprints for trendy Korean-style photo booths, *Scape will continue to serve as a hub for Singapore's youth, but tweaked to the tastes of today's crowd. And dance enthusiasts no longer have to park themselves at a random corner of the mall or its rooftop anymore, because there are now dedicated open spaces – with full-length mirrors, no less – where you can practise choreography with your crew. Speaking of music and dance? Renowned K-pop agency SM Entertainment will be setting up shop here with its first talent academy in Southeast Asia, with opportunities for further training in Seoul. But if dreams of stardom don't excite you, look forward to watching larger-scale concerts within the five-storey complex, with The Ground Theatre almost doubling its capacity as part of *Scape's whole spruce-up. Photograph: Access Singapore Along with the revamp comes all-new youth community space The Trampoline. An initiative by charity organisation Access Singapore, this inclusive centre aims to level the playing field for underprivileged young people through career guidance, creative workshops, and mentorship programmes for personal growth. upcoming programmes including thrift markets, a wellness-focused art exhibition, and sober coffee raves with DJ sets – things are already buzzing and we can't wait for more.
New Paper
07-07-2025
- Business
- New Paper
Revamped *Scape to reopen in Nov with more spaces for youth, eyes 2 million annual visitors
The revamped *Scape will officially be relaunched in November with more dedicated spaces for young people, aiming to reach more than two million people in footfall within a year. The youth-centric hub, which was established in 2007, underwent redevelopment in the past few years as part of the rejuvenation of the Somerset Belt. Some spaces in the five-storey building, like dance spaces, are already open for use, while others are still undergoing renovation. Among the changes after renovation works is the almost doubling of capacity at The Ground Theatre, an event space within *Scape that opened in 2013. It will now be able to host 870 guests, up from 450. Mr Ethen Ong, deputy executive director of *Scape, said around 20 per cent of the building will be dedicated to free spaces and seating that young people can use freely for hanging out. Some spaces in the five-storey building, like dance spaces, are already open for use. PHOTO: LIANHE ZAOBAO "Since the Covid pandemic, we noticed that there is a need for youth to find common spaces for them to connect and build friendships. We want that community to be built in *Scape," he added. The remaining space in the building will be occupied by organisations and businesses, most of which are catered to young people. Around 30 per cent of the businesses in the building are up and running, with the rest progressively finishing renovation works before November. PHOTO: LIANHE ZAOBAO One of them is Access Singapore, a charity that aims to help students facing academic, financial or social challenges. The Centre of Excellence for Youth Mental Health (Chat), a mental health service for young people, will continue with its lease at *Scape. It has been running its services there since 2010. SM Universe, a subsidiary group of SM Entertainment that specialises in training programmes related to K-pop, will also house its Singapore campus at *Scape. This will be SM Entertainment's first K-pop training academy in South-east Asia. Dance lessons will be held for trainees on the fourth level of the building. Around 30 per cent of the businesses in the building are up and running, with the rest progressively finishing renovation works before November. The first and second floors of the building will be occupied by Innovate 360, an organisation that supports start-ups. It will bring together youth-run businesses like cafes and photo booths. The outdoor courtyard of *Scape, which was long occupied by tenants like McDonald's and The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf, has been redeveloped into an open space where young people can hold performances or sit with their friends. A seating deck that overlooks Grange Road has also been extended to fit more seats. "We got feedback from youth that they would like to have more seating capacity and more open spaces for them to catch up with friends and connect. It is also designed in such a way that allows these youth to run their events and performances here," said Mr Ong. Mr David Chua, chairman of *Scape, said the hub will be the key node in the Somerset Belt precinct from which partnerships and new programmes can be made to provide more opportunities for young people. For example, *Scape will be collaborating with its neighbour Cineleisure to develop design programmes for young people, and with Youth Corps Singapore across the road to tap volunteering opportunities.
Straits Times
01-07-2025
- Business
- Straits Times
New *Scape space to fully open in Nov, aims to reach 2 million people yearly with more hang-out spots
The youth-centric hub, which was established in 2007, underwent redevelopment in the past few years as part of the rejuvenation of the Somerset Belt. PHOTO: LIANHE ZAOBAO New *Scape space to fully open in Nov, aims to reach 2 million people yearly with more hang-out spots SINGAPORE – The revamped *Scape will officially relaunch in November with more dedicated spaces for young people, aiming to reach more than two million people in footfall within a year. The youth-centric hub, which was established in 2007, underwent redevelopment in the past few years as part of the rejuvenation of the Somerset Belt. Some spaces in the five-storey building, like dance spaces, are already open for use, while some other spaces are still undergoing renovation. Among the changes after renovation works is the almost doubling of capacity in The Ground Theatre, an event space within *Scape that opened in 2013. It will now be able to host 870 guests, up from 450. Deputy executive director of *Scape Ethen Ong said around 20 per cent of the building will be dedicated to free spaces and seating that young people can use freely for hanging out. Some spaces in the five-storey building, like dance spaces, are already open for use. PHOTO: LIANHE ZAOBAO 'Since the Covid pandemic, we noticed that there is a need for youth to find common spaces for them to connect and build friendships. We want that community to be built in *Scape,' he added. The remaining space in the building will be occupied by organisations and businesses, most of which are catered to young people. Around 30 per cent of the businesses in the building are up and running, with the rest progressively finishing renovation works before November. PHOTO: LIANHE ZAOBAO One of them is Access Singapore, a charity that aims to help students facing academic, financial or social challenges. The Centre of Excellence for Youth Mental Health (Chat), a mental health service for young people, will continue its lease at *Scape. It has been running its services from there since 2010. SM Universe, a subsidiary group of SM Entertainment that specialises in training programmes related to K-pop, will also house its Singapore campus in *Scape. This will be SM Entertainment's first K-pop training academy in South-east Asia. Dance lessons will be held for trainees on the fourth level of the building. Around 30 per cent of the businesses in the building are up and running, with the rest progressively finishing renovation works before November. The first and second floors of the building will be occupied by Innovate 360, an organisation that supports start-ups. It will bring together youth-run businesses like cafes and photo booths. The outdoor courtyard of *Scape, which was long occupied by tenants like McDonald's and The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf, has been redeveloped to be an open space where youngsters can hold performances or sit with their friends. A seating deck that overlooks Grange Road has also been extended to fit more seats. 'We got feedback from youth that they would like to have more seating capacity and more open spaces for them to catch up with friends and connect. It is also designed in such a way that allows these youth to run their events and performances here,' said Mr Ong. Chairman of *Scape David Chua said the hub will be the key node in the Somerset Belt precinct from which partnerships and new programmes can be formed to provide more opportunities for young people. For example, *Scape will be collaborating with its neighbour Cineleisure to develop design programmes for young people, and the Youth Corps Singapore across the road to tap volunteering opportunities. Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
