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Business Times
3 days ago
- 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.'
India Gazette
3 days ago
- Business
- India Gazette
Copper prices expected to peak at USD 10,050/t in August: Goldman Sachs
New Delhi [India], June 26 (ANI): Copper prices are expected to surge in the coming months, with a peak forecast to USD 10,050 in August, according to a recent report by Goldman Sachs. The sharp rise is mainly driven by two key factors: a tariff-driven reduction in copper stocks outside the United States, and positive sentiment around China's economic activity. The report said, 'We expect the copper price to rise to a peak for the year of USD 10,050 in August due to (1) the tariff-driven reduction in ex-US stocks'. Goldman Sachs has also upgraded its second-half 2025 forecast for London Metal Exchange (LME) copper prices to an average of USD 9,890 per tonne, up from the earlier projection of USD 9,140. The firm expects prices to hit their yearly peak in August before easing slightly to USD 9,700 by December. The anticipated decline toward the end of the year is based on Goldman's base case scenario, which assumes an 80 per cent probability that the US will impose a 25 per cent tariff on copper imports by September. However, the report also noted that if the tariff implementation is delayed, copper prices could remain higher for a longer period. The report highlighted the impact of the ongoing US Section 232 copper investigation, which has caused an unusually wide gap between copper prices on COMEX (US) and LME (UK). This price difference has led to the US importing around 400,000 tonnes of copper so far in 2025, much more than usual. As a result, copper inventories in the US have climbed significantly, now covering over 100 days of consumption compared to just 33 days at the beginning of the year. The report also reiterated its recommendation for the copper tariff trade strategy, going long on the December 2025 COMEX-LME copper arbitrage. According to the report, the market is currently pricing in only a 14 per cent tariff, which underestimates the potential for a 25 per cent or even 50 per cent tariff being imposed. Overall, copper markets remain sensitive to trade policy developments and global economic signals, especially from China, which continues to show resilience in its activity and demand. (ANI)
Roya News
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Roya News
Jeff Bezos relocates wedding event amid protests
Activists in Venice are celebrating what they are calling a major win after protests forced Jeff Bezos and his celebrity-studded wedding party to change their celebration plans and relocate away from the city center. The billionaire Amazon founder is set to marry TV personality Lauren Sanchez this week, with a series of extravagant events spanning several days. The couple's main celebration was initially rumored to take place at the historic Scuola Grande della Misericordia on Saturday, but officials have confirmed that the venue has now been moved to the Arsenale, a location farther from central Venice. The change comes amid mounting opposition from local activists and environmental campaigners, who view the festivities as emblematic of growing inequality, unsustainable luxury, and the commodification of the city. The wedding, expected to draw figures such as Kim Kardashian, Leonardo DiCaprio, Mick Jagger, and members of the Trump family, has drawn widespread criticism for its extravagance. Reports suggest that several hotels have been fully booked for the event, Venice airport is bracing for a surge in private jet landings, and a flotilla of luxury yachts will fill the harbor. Security measures reportedly include ex-US Marines. Posters reading 'No Space for Bezos' have appeared throughout Venice, while banners have been hung from bridges and plazas. On Monday, members of a group named Everyone Hates Elon unfurled a massive image of Bezos in Piazza San Marco with the message, 'If you can rent Venice for your wedding, then you can pay more tax.' Despite the protestors' jubilation, not all Venetians support their actions. City councillor Simone Venturini dismissed the protests as 'ridiculous' and insisted that high-profile visitors like Bezos bring economic benefits. "These protesters behave as if they own Venice but they don't," he said. "No one gets to decide who gets married here." Venturini emphasized that the event was private, limited to 200 invited guests, and held on private property. Still, activists argue the broader issues remain. Venice continues to grapple with over-tourism, rising living costs, and the growing impact of climate change. While the city has introduced a five-euro daily tax for tourists, critics say the measure has done little to curb mass tourism.
The Star
21-06-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Wong Chun Wai named National Journalism Laureate
Decades of dedication: Wong (centre) and Roz Ariffin (left), representing his late father Rozaid Abdul Rahman, with Zambry during the MPI-PETRONAS Malaysian Journalism Awards 2024 in Kuala Lumpur. — IZZRAFIQ ALIAS/The Star KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai has been accorded the country's highest media award as a National Journalism Laureate. The Bernama chairman has thus joined a handful of veteran journalists who have been given the honour. Wong, 64, was announced as a recipient at the Malaysian Press Institute 2024 awards here last night. The Star columnist with over 40 years experience joined the newspaper as a junior reporter at its Penang office in 1984 after graduating from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia. 'The Star remained my only employer until 2023 but I have continued writing for the newspaper every Sunday,' he said. Wong had also served Star Media Group as its group chief editor and chief executive officer. The award was presented by Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Zambry Abdul Kadir. Wong is the 14th journalist to be chosen for the award. The first was the late Tan Sri Abdul Samad Ismail of Utusan Melayu and New Straits Times in 1988. This was followed by the late Tan Sri Lee Siew Yee (1992) of New Straits Times and writer cum activist, the late Datuk Ishak Muhammad or Pak Sako (1995). Other notables included Tan Sri Johan Jaaffar, Datuk Kadir Jasin, Khalidah Adibah Amin, the late Datuk Ahmad Rejal Arbee, the late Tan Sri Zainuddin Mydin and Datuk CC Liew. Wong has delivered numerous exclusives for The Star including interviews with the late physicist Stephen Hawking, ex-US president Bill Clinton and former Indonesian president Joko Widodo, among others. More recently, he interviewed former Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra in Bangkok. In 2003, Wong won the MPI best feature award for his investigative piece on Malaysians undergoing terrorism training in Afghanistan. His other accolades included being the first Malaysian to be elected into the Paris-based World Editors Award as well as being a chairman of the Asia News Network with over 21 media affiliates. 'My advice to fellow journalists is to never stop writing. 'I wish to commend my fellow veterans Tan Sri Johan Jaaffar, Datuk Seri Azman Ujang, Datuk Yong Soo Heong, June Wong, Veera Pandiyan, N. Dorairaj, Datuk Kadir Jasin and Datuk Kuik Cheng Kang, who still write, whether regularly or occasionally.' He has also used digital platforms including Instagram, X and YouTube to express his views. Wong said he was a firm advocate of trained journalists, saying 'we have gone through years of learning, understanding the legal limits and even sensitivities in multiracial Malaysia'. 'More importantly, the established media is accurate and we take responsibility for what we publish,' he said. He said social media has 'allowed everyone to be a so-called journalist but it has also led to unverified and fake news as well as hate content passed off as news'. On his most memorable experience as a reporter, he said: 'To be in Aceh, Indonesia, in 2004 after the tsunami tragically hit the place claiming 200,000 lives.' Wong said it was heart-wrenching to see the tragedy and to understand 'what the massive nauseating smell of death was like'. He also recalled going into Kampung Simunul in Semporna, Sabah, in 2013 shortly after armed Filipino intruders had killed several Malaysian policemen. He recalled walking into the deserted village to find 'fresh human tissues and blood still on the ground'. Wong said journalists had tough jobs but also had ringside seats to watch history unfold. 'It's the best job around – that's my advice to young people.' He is also the author of Penang's History, My Story, which was published by The Star in 2014. Wong dedicated his award to all Malaysian journalists for their contributions as witnesses to the nation's history.
Scottish Sun
20-06-2025
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
Tennis ace Kei Nishikori who was caught cheating on wife with model apologises days after withdrawing from Wimbledon
Kei Nishikori apologised to his wife and two children CLEAN SLATE Tennis ace Kei Nishikori who was caught cheating on wife with model apologises days after withdrawing from Wimbledon Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) TENNIS star Kei Nishikori has issued a public apology after reportedly cheating on his wife with a model. Nishikori, 35, has struggled with persistent injury throughout the season and was thus forced to withdraw from both the French Open as well as Wimbledon. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 Kei Nishikori issued a public apology after reportedly cheating on his wife with a model 3 Nishikori has been married to wife Mai Yamaguchi since 2020 3 Nishikori has allegedly been having a year-long affair with Azuki Oguchi Just two days after his withdrawal from the Championships the Japanese star addressed matters outside the court regarding his personal life. According to Japanese outlet Shukan Bunshun, the World No61 is alleged to have had a years-long affair with model Azuki Oguchi while being married to wife Mai Yamaguchi. The reported infidelity was uncovered after the former World No4 was photographed visiting Oguchi's apartment last week in Japan. Nishikori issued a "deep" apology to his wife and two children - aged four and one - as well fans, tennis chiefs, sponsors and other related parties. The ex-US Open finalist also stated his plan to focus solely on the sport while being a "responsible member of society". Nishikori said: "I deeply apologise for causing discomfort to everyone who supports me: tennis fans, associations, sponsors, and other related parties, and for their concern and inconvenience due to my dishonest behavior. "Additionally, I deeply regret making my wife and children feel hurt. "Moving forward, in order to fulfil my role as a responsible member of society, I will focus solely on tennis competitions and achieving results. We will do everything possible to regain their trust." Nishikori and Yamaguchi - also known by her nickname Ako Mizuki - married in 2020, which was five years after their relationship started. Shukan Bunshun add the tennis star first met Oguchi in 2022 when they met in Honolulu, Hawaii. He's very lucky' - Tennis star's racket almost flies into Queen's Club spectator in shocking scenes A year later, Oguchi was alleged to have been confronted by her then-boyfriend over the affair. The unnamed partner also spoke to Nishikori after finding out about their relationship, it's been claimed. The outlet adds the former Wimbledon quarter-finalist hired a lawyer in order to mediate and avoid a public scandal. Nishikori's relationship with Oguchi came to an end shortly after but allegedly resumed last year when he told her he "no longer loves his wife" and that they are solely together for the sake of their children.
