Latest news with #SCAPE
CNA
a day ago
- Entertainment
- CNA
CNA938 Rewind - Artist & Actor Chen Xi: Exploring Mental Wellness Through Art
CNA938 Rewind - Artist & Actor Chen Xi: Exploring Mental Wellness Through Art In 'Destination Anywhere', Melanie Oliveiro finds out where people can go to see a free interactive art exhibition that nurtures mental wellness. Staged at SCAPE's grovve counselling area, the exhibition is titled 'Lost To Be Found'. It uses art to start conversations around mental wellbeing, with the message: 'It's okay to not be okay.' Local actor and artist Chen Xi will talk about how he collaborated with electricity retailer Geneco to produce six original black-and-white illustrations – with the goal of focusing on community resilience and supporting the next generation.
CNA
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- CNA
Benjamin Kheng and Shazza dazzle attendees, 12-year-old singer draws crowd on second day of SG60 It's Giving Fest
It's Giving Fest, a youth-driven initiative organised by as part of SG60 celebrations, wrapped up its second and final day at *SCAPE on Sunday (Jul 13) with a bang – saving some of its biggest highlights for last. The night wrapped up with Mediacorp's Cloud 9 music festival, featuring performances from Benjamin Kheng and Shazza, among others. On the first day of the event, attendees were treated to performances by Lullaboy, Tasha Low and even a surprise song from Tyler Ten. It's Giving Fest was organised to spotlight the voices, dreams and aspirations of Singapore's youth while empowering them to take action in social and community initiatives. Sunday's festivities started strong with the daytime activities, which included the celebrity telematch, a ticketed event featuring local celebs Desmond Tan, Annette Lee, Sonia Chew, Richie Koh, Zhang Ze Tong, Das, among others, dressed in school uniforms for the 'Back to School: Class Clash Showdown', where they competed in a series of five games. Once the telematch was over, fans spotted the 'students' snapping a picture outside the Marquee, the concert tent, and rushed to grab pictures and videos. View this post on Instagram A post shared by JERNELLE OH 胡煜诗 (@ohyushi) Later, some members of Desmond Tan's fan club even queued to snag a picture with the actor, who was a Top 10 Most Popular Male Artistes winner at the recent Star Awards. In the tent, similar to the first day, the local talent show featured eight original short films and five songs around the theme "Building Our Singapore Together". These works were created by youths under the SG60 Flex Your Passion Mentorship Programme, where they were guided by industry mentors. One of the short films featured, titled Egg Fried Rice, was made by 20-year-old students Moneda Venetia Eirielle Macalintal, Janelle Leong, Alphaeus Chew and Adrien Kareem Wong. The story follows Eggman, a reclusive old man whose life unexpectedly changes when Shelly, the new neighbour next door, opens up his world both metaphorically and literally. Macalintal told CNA Lifestyle that the group had pitched this idea for their Final Year Projects at school, but it did not make the cut. When their lecturers reached out to their director, Chew, for a chance to pitch the idea for the showcase, they jumped at it. Another film group Roar, made up of Temasek Polytechnic students Darren Chow, 20; Danial Umar, 19; Aqiel Samsir, 19; Ryan Ang, 19; and Rowena Eber, 19, said this was their 'first real industry experience', one with a client and a bigger budget. Their film follows a young boy who inspires his grandfather and his old teammates to join a community futsal tournament. As they train to face younger rivals, they rediscover friendship, resilience, and the joy of football. 'It was a very eye-opening experience and we learnt a lot from the mentorship programme, which had directors and executive producers helping us all the way from pre-production to post-production,' Eber told CNA Lifestyle. 'They taught us how to get things done properly and the industry standards our submissions should be at." Tucked in a room on the second level of the event space, was an array of booths for local businesses to sell items ranging from accessories to home goods. Owner of jewellery brand Make Make, Amanda, 31, who declined to state her last name, said: 'Small businesses don't get much exposure I feel, so even though there are a lot of creative people here, sometimes there isn't enough of a market for us to showcase our work.' 'This platform gives us a physical space to get our craft out there,' she added. 'People who typically may not come look at small businesses may find stuff that they may not have thought of buying before.' Owner of lifestyle brand Mochi Buddies, Jean Kuah, 31, shared that the art community in Singapore is very big and there has not been as many events to showcase local artists' works. 'So it's a good opportunity where artists can come together to share ideas – not only just meeting new customers,' she added. From youths to families and pet owners, most concert-goers wanted to explore the local music scene. 'We didn't come here with anyone in mind actually,' said Benjamin Low, 20, who came to the event with his friends. They added that they were instead curious about local music since more local artistes were gaining more traction. 'It's quite refreshing to see new musicians in our country,' Low added. Some however, came as fans, wishing to see their favourite artiste live. 'I wanted to get to know more songs from local artistes,' said 17-year-old Tricia Sit. When asked which artiste they were most excited to see, Sit and her friend Avril Yap, 17, squealed in unison: "Benjamin Kheng!' The pair also happened to be fans of Desmond Tan. 'Desmond Tan waved at me from above, I was up there and he was going to leave and then he looked up,' Sit said excitedly. Eighteen-year-old students Shalisa Binte Shafudin, Tang Xin Yu and Raye Kosasih, also said they were most pumped to see dance group D'Kingsman, as well as artistes Lovalie and Fariz Jabba. While talking to concert-goers, a youthful voice echoed from the mini outdoor stage – 12-year-old Lyla Ng, who was one of the buskers, singing a mix of Chinese and English top hits like Apt by Bruno Mars and Rose. Ng said that she started playing the piano at the age of five, drums and singing at the age of six, song-writing, the electric and acoustic guitar at seven, and finally, playing the bass at ten years old. 'I'm very grateful to be performing in front of this audience. They are very nice and I'm very happy,' she chirped. Her passion for music started when her father was on tour with Hong Kong singer-songwriter Emil Wakin Chau when she was two years old. 'At night me and my mum would watch videos of my dad performing on stage. He looks so happy so I felt inspired,' she said. Ng has even performed on stage at the Indoor Stadium with Chau before. 'I know that not everybody gets to do this, so I'm very grateful. I like that everybody is always very encouraging and I like to make people happy through music,' she said, adding that she will be taking her Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE) at the end of the year. Back in the concert tent, the evening events kicked off. Starting with Culture SG's electrifying remix of pop songs which saw a group of youths hyped and jumping, as well as local DJ Koflow who delivered a bass thumping set coupled with a live orchestra band. Dance group D'Kingsman's lively performance saw the five boys dancing to songs like Baby by Justin Bieber as well as 21 Savage and JID's Surround Sound with screams echoing from the audience. Local artiste Lovlaine serenaded us with her melodic voice and treated the audience to a preview of her unreleased track, Limbo – even getting us to sing along. Singer Shazza also delivered a standout set with her powerful vocals and magnetic stage presence that included her songs Perfume, All You Really Need (Is Love), a soulful cover of Bruno Major's Nothing, and the vocally demanding Medieval. Meanwhile, Fariz Jabba delivered a hyped, explosive performance with songs Masa and an unreleased song Day Onez, along with the announcement of his new upcoming album. Closing the night with flair, Benjamin Kheng brought the energy with his set, including a punchy cover of Vanessa Carlton's A Thousand Miles, an upbeat take on Laufey's From The Start, and finally, in true National Day spirit, the National Day Parade 2024 anthem Not Alone. Kheng even took a moment to film a TikTok with the crowd, sending fans into a frenzy of cheers and screams.
CNA
13-07-2025
- Entertainment
- CNA
SG60 It's Giving Fest kicks off two-day celebration with local singers Lullaboy, Tasha Low and even a surprise song from Tyler Ten
With less than a month left till the nation's birthday, SG60 celebrations are in full swing across Singapore that you'd be spoilt for choice every weekend. At least this weekend, my choice was obvious. I was curious about the buzz around Mediacorp's Cloud 9 music festival, which had its inaugural run earlier this year. It kicked off its return on Saturday (Jul 12) with a free concert as part of It's Giving Fest, a youth-driven initiative organised by Over two days at *SCAPE, It's Giving Fest aims to spotlight the voices, dreams and aspirations of Singapore's youth while empowering them to take action in social and community initiatives. And in my experience as its target demographic, it lived up to its mission. Saturday's lineup for the Cloud 9 concert showcased a range of homegrown talents, including Lullaboy, Tasha Low, Alyph, Shye and Ben Hum. The evening opened with sets from local DJs Kohsh and Kiara, who delivered a mix of pulsing beats and remixes of pop classics, such as Ed Sheeran's Shape Of You and Carly Rae Jepsen's Call Me Maybe. No lacklustre audiences here, for sure. The crowd responded with enthusiasm, jumping, waving glow sticks and singing along – as youths do – setting the tone for the night. Personally, I found one highlight to be singer Lullaboy. Or at least his undeniable charisma. He surprised the audience by announcing his upcoming album, set to be released around Valentine's Day next year, before debuting a new track off the album I Didn't Like You But I Love You. And when he tossed his T-shirt merchandise into the adoring crowd, it sent fans into a frenzy. Another standout performance came from Singaporean actress and singer Tasha Low. Fresh off the Star Awards stage where she took home the Top 10 Most Popular Female Artistes trophy, it was easy to see why. She performed her new single Everything You Wanted, before bringing out her surprise guest for a duet. Who knew Emerald Hill co-star Tyler Ten, who won Best Rising Star and Most Popular Rising Stars at the recent Star Awards, was a singer too? The duo performed the theme song from the drama series, as fans cheered for their on-stage chemistry, rooted in their on-screen partnership. Before leaving the stage, Low hinted that she and Ten would be collaborating again for an upcoming drama series, much to fans' delight. Earlier in the afternoon too, local busker Jeff Ng serenaded an outdoor crowd with popular songs, including a soulful rendition of Taylor Swift's Love Story and Bruno Mars' Just the Way You Are. It's Giving Fest on Saturday also spotlighted eight original short films and five songs created by youths around the theme "building our Singapore together". Under the SG60 Flex Your Passion Open Call and Mentorship Programme, these students from Institutes of Higher Learning were guided by film mentors such as He Shuming, Don Aravind, Tariq Mansor and Nicole Midori Woodford, as well as music mentors Shazza, Lullaboy and Shye. 'Events like these help us grow our confidence, especially when we see our work showcased to a wider audience. The entire community is here with us, and it feels great to see the support we get," shared Krisha, one of the creators behind the short film Lion Heart. Other highlights on Saturday included two cosplay runway shows - one organised by Pause for a Cause, Singapore's first cosplay volunteer community. The group uses cosplay to raise funds and bring joy to others, such as via hospital visits for children. The second was an independent showcase featuring a diverse cast of cosplayers, each bringing beloved characters to life with extensive detail in costumes and makeup. Said Acting Minister for Culture, Community and Youth David Neo: "This SG60 festival is a showcase and celebration of our youth's immense creativity, and desire to give back to the community. This is part of the government's effort to give our youths a stronger voice for their hopes and dreams, a platform to put their passion into action, and enable youths to take the lead in social and community action.' It's Giving Fest will continue on Sunday from 11am to 9.30pm at *SCAPE, including a fresh lineup for Mediacorp's Cloud 9 concert starting at 7pm. Attendees can look forward to performances by local singers like Benjamin Kheng, Shazza, Fariz Jabba and more. It's Giving Fest is organised by in partnership with SG Youth Plan and Mediacorp Cloud 9.
CNA
07-07-2025
- Business
- 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.
CNA
01-07-2025
- Business
- CNA
Revamped *SCAPE to open in November with focus on youth-led programmes
A space for youths in the heart of Orchard Road is set to complete its third revamp since it began almost two decades ago. From November, *SCAPE's latest and biggest iteration will move away from retail offerings and focus more instead on youth-led programmes, such as career pathways and community building. It expects an annual footfall of more than 2 million people and hopes to reach over 30,000 youths annually. The refreshed *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 next year. Muhammad Bahajjaj reports.
