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Redefining brotherhood: The new language of male bonding in Singapore
Redefining brotherhood: The new language of male bonding in Singapore

Business Times

time26-06-2025

  • Lifestyle
  • Business Times

Redefining brotherhood: The new language of male bonding in Singapore

[SINGAPORE] A catch-up with your national service buddies at the kopitiam. A round of drinks in your members' club. A friendly soccer match on the weekend. A round of golf in Sentosa, Bintan or Langkawi. Male bonding in Singapore used to be a simple affair, usually revolving around meals or sports. But then life got more complicated. And as it did, so did the variety of ways in which men could forge friendships, build support networks and find solace in an increasingly complex society – one where the rules of masculinity were being challenged, or, in some cases, upended. From cathartic, controlled chaos activities like axe throwing and rage rooms, to creative pursuits such as all-male choirs, art jamming and virtual reality (VR) experiences, as well as exploits requiring strategy and teamwork such as escape rooms and paintball – more men are turning to alternative outlets. These non-traditional mechanisms allow them to express their emotions, release tension in healthy ways, and reconnect with parts of themselves often muted by societal expectations. Under pressure In Singapore's hustle culture, men often find themselves under immense pressure to succeed professionally and personally. Dr Marcus Martinez, founder of Whole Life Alignment, observes: 'In Singapore, I see many men silently shouldering immense pressure – from career expectations to societal definitions of success.' The chiropractor/transformational coach finds that the 'always on' culture, long work hours and financial demands often push men's emotional well-being to the back burner. A NEWSLETTER FOR YOU Friday, 2 pm Lifestyle Our picks of the latest dining, travel and leisure options to treat yourself. Sign Up Sign Up Gabrielle Mendoza, a nervous system rewire and yoga therapist, and Dylan Werner, a yoga teacher and ex-US Marine, echo Martinez's sentiment. 'In high-pressure sectors like finance or consulting… the 'always on' state pushes the nervous system into chronic fight-or-flight mode, often without people realising it.' Werner adds that under such circumstances, 'the pressure to succeed can be so constant that we don't even notice we've gone numb – it just becomes the baseline'. Mendoza and Werner are both leading sessions at the upcoming Glow Festival by Prudential, an annual wellness festival that will be held at Marina Bay Sands from Jul 5. The changing face of masculinity Traditional notions of masculinity often discourage emotional expression. 'In many Asian cultures, there's a strong emphasis on not showing weakness, preserving pride and avoiding the loss of face,' reflects Kenneth Chan, the former CEO of McDonald's China, who is now retired. 'These expectations can make it difficult to openly express vulnerability or seek help when experiencing burnout,' he adds. Chan is also the author of Asians in Charge: How to Earn Your Place at the Leadership Table (2022). Werner shares his personal journey, particularly during his stint in the military, saying: 'For a long time, I didn't understand vulnerability at all. I was conditioned to shut it down. To suppress emotion, compartmentalise pain and stay hard, no matter what. That kind of emotional detachment was drilled into me during my time in the Marine Corps.' The pandemic served as a turning point. Quek Kwang Yong, a counsellor at A Kind Place, noticed that Covid-19 had a profound impact on how Singaporean men viewed mental health, coping and life purpose. 'Alongside increased mental health challenges, there was also a surge in awareness and acceptance. Cultural norms shifted toward normalising emotional vulnerability and help-seeking,' he says. A Kind Place founder/psychologist Ooi Sze Jin notes that the practice has seen an increase in men seeking therapy. For those in their late 20s and early 30s, she says, typical triggers include work, relationship, financial and home ownership-related matters. Embracing alternative outlets As the stigma around mental health continues to decline, men have been exploring non-traditional approaches to express themselves and connect with others. Activities such as singing in a choir and VR experiences offer creative, non-physical outlets that promote emotional expression and reduce stress. 'For many Singaporean men, singing, especially in public, isn't something that comes naturally. Most juggle multiple roles as fathers, sons, professionals and providers, and often fall under the unspoken expectation to remain composed and 'tough',' says Justin Goh, a conductor who founded all-male choir VOS Men in 2022. 'But something changes when they enter a choral setting. Singing in a group offers a shared sense of vulnerability that feels safe,' Goh adds, noting that there has been an increase in both interest and audition numbers. From 20 members last year, the choir now has 25 members. Ean Cheong, founder of Lele Bakery and a member of VOS Men, shares: 'Singing and being part of a choir have been a powerful anchor for my emotional and mental well-being as a business owner. It gives me space to take a break from the daily grind and reconnect with something deeply personal and uplifting.' Chan joined VOS Men to express his emotions and to enjoy the camaraderie. Singing was his signature trait; he used to hum as he made his rounds in the office. Martinez, also a VOS Men member, explains: 'Singing in a choir activates the vagus nerve, calms the nervous system and fosters a sense of belonging that many men don't even realise they're missing.' The way Ooi sees it, choral singing provides men with 'a channel to articulate their feelings and experiences, while reinforcing and demonstrating their masculine identity within a given social context'. VR experiences, on the other hand, offer a location-based, social form of gaming – unlike other gaming formats such as PC, console or mobile. These encourage players to rely on each other and bond through shared moments. 'That level of personal connectivity and social interaction is something male audiences, specifically younger males, have been hungry for,' explains Sandbox VR's senior vice-president of content and creative director Michael Hampden. VR experiences encourage personal connectivity. PHOTO: SANDBOX VR He adds: 'Some guests have shared that the immersive nature of VR helps them forget about work stress, anxiety, or personal challenges for a while. It's more than just gaming – it's a full-body escape. One person described it as 'a break from reality that doesn't feel isolating', which really speaks to the mental recharge it can offer.' Building brotherhood For those seeking more physical outlets, activities such as axe throwing, rage rooms and paintball provide controlled environments to release pent-up energy. Ivan Lim, a clinical therapist at Alliance Counselling, explains that regular and controlled bursts of physical and emotional energy can be a healthy habit. 'It's a bit like easing open the cap of a Coke bottle periodically to vent some of the pent-up pressure that builds up inside as the bottle gets shaken,' he says. Naturally, these activities also foster camaraderie. Lim observes: 'There is something about having a tribe or a band of brothers that signals and promotes a sense of safety and 'permission' to be simultaneously authentic, vulnerable, and strong in the face of stress and life challenges.' Paintball helps men to release tension in a safe, active environment. PHOTO: RED DYNASTY PAINTBALL PARK Benjamin Seow, founder/director of Red Dynasty Paintball Park, feels that shared physical experiences like paintball help to release tension in a safe, active environment – thanks to teamwork, laughter and post-game reflection. 'Participants who arrive withdrawn or weighed down by work pressures tend to leave visibly more relaxed and energised,' he says. 'We can feel the mood lift, especially after they have had a chance to engage physically, succeed as a team and let out pent-up emotions.' NSMen recreational clubhouse HomeTeamNS offers paintball facilities alongside experiences like Action Motion, TactSim and Adventure HQ. Ang Han Wee, assistant director (business development), notes that there has been an uptick in interest and bookings for corporate team building since the pandemic. He says: 'Men tell us that what they value most isn't just the thrill; it's the camaraderie. These immersive, mission-based games naturally build trust as teams work towards shared goals and solve problems on the fly.' A new era of strength As men in Singapore explore these alternative avenues, they are redefining what it means to be strong. Cheong reflects: 'Younger men in Singapore are beginning to challenge and reshape traditional ideas of masculinity. There's a growing recognition that being vulnerable doesn't make you weak; it makes you real.' Martinez sums it up neatly. saying: 'When men see that they can be powerful and poetic, structured and soulful, they realise they don't have to choose. They can be whole.'

CNA938 Rewind - Eat, Drink, Singapore - Slow down and sip
CNA938 Rewind - Eat, Drink, Singapore - Slow down and sip

CNA

time23-06-2025

  • Entertainment
  • CNA

CNA938 Rewind - Eat, Drink, Singapore - Slow down and sip

CNA938 Rewind - The Wellness Hour - Glow Festival: Restorative yoga From the corporate grind to embracing yoga as a path to healing. Cheryl Gog speaks with Gabrielle Mendoza, yoga therapist and mindfulness educator who shares how restorative practices can regulate the nervous system and support true wellbeing. also preview her upcoming sessions at Glow Festival 2025, where she'll guide participants through rest, release, and reconnection. 18 mins CNA938 Rewind - Eat, Drink, Singapore - Slow down and sip – Pétale Tea In a fast-paced world, one Singapore brand is encouraging us to slow down: one bloom at a time. Cheryl Goh explores the rise of blooming tea, the art of mindful gifting, and how tea is becoming more than a beverage - it's a ritual with Rosemary Kwa, Tea Experience Director & Founder of Pétale Tea 18 mins CNA938 Rewind - Mind Your Money - Journeying from the Navy to a banker From being conscripted in the Yugoslavian Navy to a banking career in Singapore, Cheryl Goh hears about Tibor Pandi, Citi Country Officer (CCO) and Banking Head for Singapore's unlikely career journey. 18 mins

Glow Festival by Prudential 2025: A Cultural Reset for Whole-Person Wellness
Glow Festival by Prudential 2025: A Cultural Reset for Whole-Person Wellness

Korea Herald

time21-05-2025

  • Health
  • Korea Herald

Glow Festival by Prudential 2025: A Cultural Reset for Whole-Person Wellness

With global stars, bold conversations, and Singapore's first 60KM national ultra marathon, the fourth edition marks a bold new chapter for Singapore's wellness movement SINGAPORE, May 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Glow Festival by Prudential 2025 returns from 5 to 13 July 2025, transforming Marina Bay Sands Event Plaza into Singapore's epicentre of modern wellbeing. In its fourth edition, Glow steps into a powerful new role, reimagining wellness as a multi-sensory, deeply human experience for everybody and every stage of life. This year's theme, Dynamic Vibes, signals a bold invitation: to move with intention, feel with honesty, and live with greater awareness. From mental health and emotional resilience to movement, music and recovery, Glow Festival by Prudential 2025 champions a vision of wellness that is expansive, culturally grounded, and joyful. As Presenting Sponsor, Prudential Singapore ("Prudential") will launch Every Body Club, a new initiative designed to empower individuals from various walks of life to take proactive steps toward managing their physical, emotional and financial wellbeing. Glow Festival by Prudential 2025 will serve as the anchor event for this nationwide initiative. For the first time, Glow's programme expands to spotlight a broader spectrum of health topics, from Traditional Chinese Medicine and fertility to oral health, menopause, nervous system health, and emotional regulation. By putting these conversations centre stage, Prudential Singapore aims to raise awareness around holistic wellbeing and strengthen its promise to provide meaningful support to customers when they need it most. Belinda Tan, Head of Marketing & Events, Prudential Singapore, said, "We are committed to empowering individuals to proactively take care of their health. As the Presenting Sponsor of Glow Festival, we are delighted to bring in experts covering a wide range of health and wellness topics, inviting festival-goers to discover the essence of living well. Furthermore, with the launch of our wellness initiative, Every Body Club, we aim to build a strong foundation of holistic wellbeing and be trusted partners for our customers in the long term." Mr Martin Capstick, Founder, Glow Festival, shared, "This year is about meeting people where they are and helping them connect with what matters most: movement, presence, and meaning. We have expanded the festival to reflect the full spectrum of wellbeing. Whether you're here for strength training, healing workshops, or deeper dialogue around mental and emotional health, you'll find space to grow." Ms Lilian Chee, Director, Sports, Singapore Tourism Board, said, "Now in its fourth edition, the Glow Festival has established itself as a key homegrown event that strengthens Singapore's position as a leading urban wellness destination through innovative and diverse programming. Together with committed partners, the festival consistently delivers quality experiences for both locals and visitors, adding vibrancy to Singapore's leisure events calendar." Movement That Moves You Glow Festival by Prudential 2025 brings together global wellness leaders and local changemakers to stretch what's possible in the wellness space. Among this year's headliners: Feel It in the Space This year's spatial design, created by Pique Studio, brings the Wellness Frequency to life: an immersive journey across energy states: The Studio is a livewire of radiant orange, luminous pink, and echo purple - a space designed to ignite physical vitality. Here, yoga flows, strength classes, and high-energy movement sessions unfold against a bold, high-voltage backdrop that stokes the body's inner fire. Moving into The Wellness Club, the mood shifts. Vibrancy gives way to vital greens and tranquil blues, signalling a return to earth. Natural textures, living plants, and organic landscapes create a soft sanctuary for recovery, reflection, and meaningful connection. In The Workshop Room, the frequency deepens. Colours soften, textures calm, and the space invites stillness. Talks, hands-on workshops, and guided meditations find their rhythm here - a place built for inward exploration and personal evolution. Join the Movement Glow Festival by Prudential 2025 aims to ignite a broader conversation: that wellness is a cultural invitation to reset, recharge, and reconnect with your body, your people, and your purpose. Tickets are now on sale via the official website here. Early bird General Admission (SGD 29) includes access to one Main Studio class and a bundle of limited edition Glow Festival x Prudential Singapore merchandise, along with health and fitness treats from LAC, Liht Organics, and more. VIP tickets with additional perks will be announced closer to the festival. -END- About Glow Festival by Prudential Glow Festival by Prudential is Singapore's definitive health and wellness lifestyle festival, designed to inspire healthier, happier living through movement, mindfulness, and connection. Since its debut on Sentosa in 2019 as a one-day event, Glow has evolved into a multi-day experience, returning post-pandemic in 2023 with a nine-day festival at Marina Bay Sands. In 2024, Glow Festival expanded even further, illuminating Marina Bay over 16 days with an array of wellness, fitness, and immersive experiences. Year after year, Glow Festival proves its strength in delivering world-class wellness programmes, bringing together renowned experts, cutting-edge holistic therapies, and transformational experiences that go beyond the ordinary. Returning in 2025 with a bold new theme, Dynamic Vibes, Glow Festival will charge Marina Bay with high-octane fitness, thought-provoking wellness workshops, and sensory experiences designed to elevate mind, body, and spirit. Proudly sponsored by Prudential and supported by Singapore Tourism Board, Glow Festival 2025 is a movement where energy, mindfulness, and connection combine to awaken something deeper. This is wellness without limits. About Prudential Assurance Company Singapore (Pte) Ltd (Prudential Singapore) Prudential Assurance Company Singapore (Pte) Ltd is one of the top life and health insurance companies in Singapore, serving the financial and protection needs of the country's citizens for 94 years. The company has an AA- financial strength rating from leading credit rating agency Standard & Poor's, with S$57.7 billion funds under management as at 31 December 2024. It delivers a suite of well-rounded product offerings in Protection, Savings and Investment through multiple distribution channels including a network of more than 5,400 financial representatives. This year's festival is made possible with the generous support of our sponsors and partners. Below is a summary of the festival activations to date, and links to download official media assets.

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