Culture Club

For the Love of Gin - A Day in the Life of Hendrick’s Brand Ambassador Alexis Sang

Tue, 28 Jul 2026 10:10:26 +0000

In ‘Culture Club’ Melanie Oliveiro discovers what it takes to be a brand ambassador for a global label. Alexis Sang - Hendrick’s Gin’s Southeast Asia Brand Ambassador – will talk about how his past experiences as an educator, waiter, bartender, marketer and now spirits ambassador led him to his current role. He’ll also describe curating cocktail experiences, tastings and masterclasses.

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The Tale of Taledrops, an SG All-Female Band

Thu, 23 Jul 2026 09:11:04 +0000

In ‘Culture Club’ Melanie Oliveiro introduces Taledrops – a Singaporean all-female alternative prog rock band. The 5-piece will reminisce how a secondary school project brought them together. Taledrops will also discuss the stories behind their songs including “Kafka”, “Surrender” and their new single "Bad Day, Darling?” which addresses insecurities and self-doubt.

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It’s Time for Sayang Sayang - Peranakan Folk Songs and Rhymes, the Book

Thu, 23 Jul 2026 06:00:21 +0000

In ‘Culture Club’, Melanie Oliveiro profiles the Landmark Books title “Peranakan Folk Songs and Rhymes” by Matthew Lloyd Tan. It’s a book of Baba and Nonya gems featuring cherished lullabies, nursery rhymes and folk songs passed down through generations. Alvin Oon from Peranakan Sayang will talk about the new songs he composed and performs.

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More than Just a Murder Mystery in the Army – ‘CHARGED’ by Teater Ekamatra

Mon, 20 Jul 2026 10:29:19 +0000

In ‘Culture Club’, Melanie Oliveiro interviews two creatives involved in the Teater Ekamatra production ‘CHARGED’, the critically acclaimed play by theatremaker and festival director Chong Tze Chien. ‘CHARGED’ follows a small group of soldiers experiencing a tense night of army duty – but soon, dawn arrives and things get deadly. Teater Ekamatras’ Artistic Director Shaza Ishak and actor Irsyad Dawood talk about their roles in this play that’s been described as a “gripping army drama".

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Sink Your Fangs Into “Dracula: Ballet at its Darkest”

Fri, 17 Jul 2026 10:30:38 +0000

In ‘Culture Club’, Melanie Oliveiro speaks with the multihyphenate creative behind the gothic horror production “Dracula: Ballet at its Darkest”. Joel Burke is the production’s choreographer, as well as co-founder and artistic director of BIG Live. He will talk about how he and his team assembled an international cast of ballet dancers from the Mariinsky Theatre, English National Ballet, Stuttgart Ballet and more to star in the show which bridges elite ballet dance techniques with modern pop-culture appeal.

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Like Father, Like Son - Vanya Polunin Takes Over the Creative Reins of Slava’s SnowShow

Fri, 17 Jul 2026 06:05:28 +0000

In ‘Culture Club’, Melanie Oliveiro speaks with Vanya Polunin: lead performer/clown and creative contributor of Slava's SnowShow, a wordless spectacle of comedy that blends traditional clowning with larger-than-life stage effects. Polunin, the son of creator Slava Polunin, will talk about how he was introduced to the internationally acclaimed show from infancy. He’ll describe touring with Slava's SnowShow, performing in the lead role as the Yellow Clown while also managing the cast and tweaking the show’s appeal.

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In Conversation with Multihyphenate Creative Dana Lam

Thu, 16 Jul 2026 06:21:47 +0000

In ‘Culture Club’ Melanie Oliveiro chats with Dana Lam, artist, rights activist and performer taking part in The AGEncy Fest, an annual showcase celebrating the creativity and life experiences of artists and cultural practitioners aged 60 and above. Organised by independent arts company T:>Works, Lam will talk about her solo exhibition “Who Knows Where The Bird Goes? Dana Lam: Six Decades of Practice” which showcases three new artworks alongside a lifetime of work, including her first experiments in animation.

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Of Charcoal Trees and Human Skin Flowers - SAM's Learning Gallery

Wed, 01 Jul 2026 11:50:07 +0000

In ‘Culture Club’, Melanie Oliveiro finds out what’s currently on display at the Singapore Art Museum or SAM’s Learning Gallery, a dedicated family-friendly space designed to help visitors of all ages explore contemporary art. Learning Gallery’s Pauline Cheong and Gabrielle Lee will discuss installations like ‘Black Forest’ by renowned Singaporean sculptor Han Sai and 'Here's who I am, I am what you see' by multi-disciplinary artist Ezzam Rahman who used his own dead skin to create artworks which resemble delicate flowers.

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Exploring the Culture of ‘Kidult’ Collecting - from Hello Kitty to Pokémon

Mon, 29 Jun 2026 15:26:12 +0000

In ‘Culture Club’ Melanie Oliveiro finds out about the ‘kidult’ world of collectibles culture in Singapore. Andy Chin talks about his passion for collecting small toys and figurines - from Hello Kitty to Power Rangers. Sophie Sng talks about her startup, The Collector's Arcade LLP, a Pokémon trading card business. Danny Wong, CEO of local self-storage provider Work+Store will discuss trends like how some adult hobbies - that outgrow the home space - lead to the search for flexible storage solutions.

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Exploring the Link Between Leadership Competence & the Empathetic Boss: "Empath to Success" by Cherry Pua Africa

Wed, 24 Jun 2026 14:16:41 +0000

In ‘Culture Club’, Melanie Oliveiro speaks with author Cherry Pua Africa – trainer, transformation coach and corporate speaker from the Philippines. Africa will talk about her rebranded self-help book “Empath to Success: The Power of Feeling without Failing”. A book that’s also best read by business leaders, mentors and even parents, Africa will explain how it promotes empathy as a relational skill and how leadership competence is also linked to being more empathetic.

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Dance with Sang Kancil & Friends - the VR experience @ NLB

Tue, 23 Jun 2026 11:39:44 +0000

In ‘Culture Club’, Melanie Oliveiro learns more about a new immersive VR experience ‘Sang Kancil and the Enchanted Forest’. Staged by creative-tech studio Avventura and Maya Dance Theatre, participants will join in the adventures of Sang Kancil the mouse deer. Avventura’s Christopher Chew and Maya Dance Theatre’s Kavitha Krishnan will talk about how this production will transform a familiar folktale into a shared interactive adventure for families, children, and first-time VR users.

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Family Fun for All - The Theatre Practice’s 3rd Berries Chinese Theatre Festival

Mon, 22 Jun 2026 11:03:11 +0000

In ‘Culture Club’ Melanie Oliveiro profiles the 2026 ‘Berries Chinese Theatre Festival: Family Edition’, produced and staged by bilingual theatre institution The Theatre Practice. Its artistic director Kuo Jian Hong will provide highlights of the festival - a lively mix of Mandarin theatre, music, storytelling, and interactive experiences designed for the whole family. Ang Xiao Ting, director of ‘Here Comes the Breakfast Kakis: Imagine Our Songs!’ will describe the mini jukebox musical and how she’s also performing in it.

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The Horrors of War: CNA series “Inside Unit 731: Japan's Secret Human Experiments”

Thu, 18 Jun 2026 09:56:06 +0000

In ‘Culture Club’, Melanie Oliveiro finds out more about a new CNA documentary series ‘Inside Unit 731: Japan's Secret Human Experiments’. Inside Unit 731 is a two-part investigation into one of Japan’s most secretive wartime programmes – a biological warfare unit that conducted lethal human experiments. Series producer and director Thomas St John Gray will talk about the controversial topics brought up in documentary. Historian Lim Shao Bin, and writer-researcher Phan Ming Yen will discuss how they contributed to the series.

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A Hidden WW2 Past - "The Singapore Secret" by Clare Willis

Wed, 17 Jun 2026 09:24:33 +0000

In ‘Culture Club’, Melanie Oliveiro speaks with Clare Willis, a Singapore-based primary school teacher and author of "The Singapore Secret". Originally from the UK, Willis will talk about what inspired her novel, which is set between two periods – 1942 and 2019 – World War II-era Singapore and modern-day England. It’s about Annabel, a history professor who discovers her late grandma Dotty’s letters, photographs and documents about her secret past life in colonial Singapore on the brink of the Japanese invasion.

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The Lit SG Artists of i Light SG 2026

Tue, 16 Jun 2026 11:07:13 +0000

In ‘Culture Club’, Melanie Oliveiro speaks with some of the designers and artists involved in the ongoing i Light Singapore 2026, an annual festival that transforms the Marina Bay and Raffles Place areas into interactive playgrounds of light and colour. Artists Kester Wong, Tan Shao Qi and Ng Choon Wee will talk about what inspired their interactive, eco-conscious creations ‘Market Cycles’ and ‘Where the Wildflowers Grow’ - two of the fourteen light art installations on display.

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Putting Peacock Power in the Spotlight @ the Peranakan Museum

Fri, 05 Jun 2026 06:21:05 +0000

In ‘Culture Club’ Melanie Oliveiro explores the Peranakan Museum’s ongoing exhibition ‘Peacock Power: Beauty and Symbolism Across Cultures’. One of the museum’s managers Vijayalakshmi Balankrishnan and curator Diane Chee will describe how the exhibition explores the peacock as a timeless symbol of beauty, power, and divinity. They’ll also highlight the various experiential zones and interactive stations, as well as the presentation of a newly commissioned artwork, ‘A Thousand Eyes’ by artist Ernest Goh.

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From Fossils to Seascapes - Hiroshi Sugimoto’s “Form Is Emptiness’ @ SAM

Wed, 03 Jun 2026 09:50:53 +0000

In ‘Culture Club’ Melanie Oliveiro speaks with one of the curators of a new Singapore Art Museum exhibition “Hiroshi Sugimoto: Form Is Emptiness”, the first major Southeast Asian exhibition dedicated to the practice of multidisciplinary Japanese artist, Hiroshi Sugimoto. SAM curator Angelica Ong will discuss some of the 60 works that span photography, sculpture and installations - exploring themes like time, perception, spirituality, and human consciousness. Ong will also highlight the 14 fossils from Sugimoto’s personal collection.

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British Whodunnit Theatre Show ‘An Interrogation’ Comes to SG

Mon, 01 Jun 2026 09:43:30 +0000

In ‘Culture Club’ Melanie Oliveiro profiles ‘An Interrogation’, a police procedural based true-crime-inspired production first staged in the UK. It’s about Detective Constable Ruth Palmer who conducts a tense interview with the prime suspect behind the disappearance of a woman named Joanna Nelson, who’s been missing for sixty-eight hours. The suspect? A successful businessman and respectable member of the community. Writer-director Krish Natarajan and actor Salif Hardie discus their roles in the 1 hr 15 mins production.

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Getting the Golden Ticket to Star in “Charlie & the Chocolate Factory”

Fri, 29 May 2026 10:36:30 +0000

In ‘Culture Club’ Melanie Oliveiro speaks to some of the creative folk performing in and running the ongoing “Charlie & the Chocolate Factory” musical, currently staging at Marina Bay Sands. Based on Roald Dahl’s beloved classic, it’s about a poor young boy Charlie who wins a golden ticket to tour the mysterious Willy Wonka magical chocolate factory. Jill-Christine Wiley talks about her role as Charlie’s mum Mrs Bucket. Drew Cipollone, the musical’s Production Stage Manager and Resident Director describes his dual roles.

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Tweens in Search of Magic & a Shared Destiny: SG author Low Ying Ping discusses her novel "Song of the Yellow Dragon"

Thu, 28 May 2026 10:00:05 +0000

In ‘Culture Club’ Melanie Oliveiro speaks with Singaporean fantasy author Low Ying Ping about her coming-of-age children’s novel "Song of the Yellow Dragon". Low will describe the book’s basic plotlines and main characters, as well as how she pieced the novel together. "Song of the Yellow Dragon" is about two tween protagonists Mengyao, an aspiring Divine Healer and young emperor Kai and how they go on a dangerous quest to find the magical Dragon’s Pulse.

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Serial Entrepreneur Reggie Pryor Jazzes Up His Life with a New Album

Wed, 27 May 2026 11:20:35 +0000

In ‘Culture Club’ Melanie Oliveiro speaks with Singapore-based jazz singer Reggie Pryor who’ll talk about his new album “My Favourite Things”. Pryor – born in Indonesia – will describe how the 11-track album was created in collaboration with Singapore jazz legend Jeremy Monteiro. The entrepreneur and wine scholar will also explain how ‘My Favourite Things’ was recorded across Singapore, Germany and Bulgaria, including contributions from internationally acclaimed musicians and singers like Carmen Bradford.

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Good Craic! Irish Comic Artist Niall Breen Visits SG & Heartware Store

Tue, 26 May 2026 11:24:37 +0000

In ‘Culture Club’ Melanie Oliveiro speaks with visiting Irish comic artist and illustrator Niall Breen who’s exhibiting his art for the first time in Singapore. Titled “Lazy Days with Dog & Frog”, the exhibition centres on his popular characters Dog and Frog – known for taking things slow and enjoying the simple pleasures in life. The exhibition is on from 29 May – 26 July at the Heartware Store & Gallery in Joo Chiat. Astri Nursalim, its creative director, will describe Breen’s special collection of collaborative merchandise.

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Dick & Ja - The Marriage & The Play by T:>Works

Mon, 25 May 2026 11:16:24 +0000

In ‘Culture Club’ Melanie Oliveiro profiles the Singapore International Art Festival or SIFA production ‘Lush Life’ written and directed by T:>Works Artistic Director Dr Ong Keng Sen. Starring Singaporean cultural icons Dick Lee and Jacintha Abisheganaden, ‘Lush Life’ is a four-act documentary performance and musical biopic exploring Dick & Ja’s lives, artistry, and 5-year marriage. Actor and singer Frances Lee will talk about her role as a younger Jacintha and how she is preparing for the 2-day performance.

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Steps to Becoming a Better Leader - Professor Adam Galinsky, Author of "INSPIRE"

Thu, 21 May 2026 09:46:00 +0000

In ‘Culture Club’, Melanie Oliveiro speaks with social psychologist, leadership expert and bestselling author Professor Adam Galinsky, now celebrating the release of his book, “Inspire : The Universal Path for Leading Yourself and Others”. Using human-interest stories, research insights, and practical advice, Galinsky will examine the qualities that define effective and ineffective leaders — from Presidents to CEOs, and from parents to coaches.

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Making Sweet Alt-Soul Music Together With 229’s Haneri & B.LEO

Wed, 20 May 2026 05:28:28 +0000

In ‘Culture Club’, Melanie Oliveiro profiles a new local act 229, a Singapore-based alt-soul duo whose members are singer-songwriter Haneri or Daphne Khoo and B.LEO or Brandon Leo, music producer, artist, and mix engineer. They will talk about how their band came about and what topics their singles ‘Rain’ and ‘Restless’ address. Haneri and B.LEO will also talk about how doubt, growth, resilience, and clarity form the emotional backdrop of their songs, and what their creative relationship is like.

Discover more Singaporean music and musicians - like 229 - at Hear65.com, an initiative by the National Arts Council produced by independent music media company Bandwagon.

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Eat, Pray, Love - SG-style? Author Nora Qin discusses her debut novel “Yes to the Spanish Reboot”

Tue, 19 May 2026 05:41:42 +0000

In ‘Culture Club’ Melanie Oliveiro speaks with Singaporean author Nora Qin who recently self-published her debut novel “Yes to the Spanish Reboot”. Qin will talk about the basic plot points of the book, which is about Nadia a Singaporean navigating life in Barcelona, Spain and eventually learns to embrace the chaos, quirks, and unexpected joys of starting a new life in another country. Qin will explain how her own life largely mirrors Nadia’s and why she self-published the book.

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Come Together with Beatlemania @ Marina Bay Sands

Thu, 14 May 2026 10:31:22 +0000

In ‘Culture Club’ Melanie Oliveiro finds out what’s A Day in the Life of a Beatles tribute band like. Staged in Singapore for just two days, ‘The Beatles: Beatlemania on Tour’ gives Fab Four fans an immersive Beatles experience - featuring period-inspired costumes, replica instruments, and live performances in the original keys. Zac Coombs (John Lennon), Thomas Drake (Paul McCartney), Miles Green (George Harrison) and Ben Harper (Ringo Starr) will talk about the hard work and preparation they went through to become the Beatles.

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Creating an Inclusive Book World for Our Kids - Asian Festival of Children's Content 2026

Tue, 12 May 2026 09:18:52 +0000

In ‘Culture Club’ Melanie Oliveiro profiles the 17th Asian Festival of Children’s Content (AFCC) - a festival for children's stories and young adult fiction, organised by the Singapore Book Council (SBC). William Phuan, SBC’s Executive Director will talk about the 100 invited writers and speakers, as well as the festival’s new programmes, panel discussions, workshops, and masterclasses. Children’s book authors Lee Seow Ser and Shameer Bismilla will discuss the workshops and/or presentations they’ll be taking part in. They’ll also talk about their own books.

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Coffee Leather or Wood Pulp Clothes, Anyone? Aomorie’s Apple Lau and Rock Daisy’s Rachel Liou Talk About Their Eco-Conscious Boutique Brands

Mon, 11 May 2026 12:19:19 +0000

In ‘Culture Club’, Melanie Oliveiro speaks with two Singapore-based designers who are using sustainable materials in their clothing lines. Apple Lau of Aomorie will describe how her boutique fashion brand uses sustainable materials like coffee leather. Rachel Liou of Rock Daisy will describe how her independent brand creates clothes made from responsibly sourced fabrics like Tencel. Liou and Lau will also talk about their booths at the bi-annual shopping event, Boutiques Singapore: The Spring Summer Edition 2026.

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Becoming Liu Kang - Mortal Kombat II Star & Hollywood Actor Ludi Lin Reprises His Role as Protector of the Earthrealm

Thu, 07 May 2026 08:39:12 +0000

In ‘Culture Club’, Melanie Oliveiro speaks with Chinese Canadian actor and model Ludi Lin, now starring in Mortal Kombat II, which has opened in movie theatres worldwide. Lin will talk about reprising his role as Liu Kang, the central protagonist and "Immortal Champion" of the Mortal Kombat fighting game franchise which is now a film series. He’ll also talk about growing up in Australia and how he feels about the state of Asian representation in Hollywood.

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Très Bien! Singaporean Partners Shine in vOilah! France Singapore Festival 2026

Thu, 07 May 2026 06:18:09 +0000

In ‘Culture Club’, Melanie Oliveiro finds out what’s happening at the vOilah! France Singapore Festival 2026. Sylvain Naulin, the French Embassy’s Counsellor for Culture, Science and Education will highlight some of the 26 programmes spanning the arts, culture, science, and lifestyle—and which of them are free or ticketed experiences. vOilah! partner Tang Tee Khoon from registered charity the Chamber Music and Arts Singapore, will describe performances by two French quartets. Science Centre Singapore’s Daniel Tan will talk about the world premiere of the immersive exhibition ‘One Ocean: Every Action Ripples’.

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Processing Loss and Grief - Charlie Lim’s Musical Rite of Passage

Tue, 05 May 2026 11:10:09 +0000

In ‘Culture Club’, Melanie Oliveiro finds out what’s new with Charlie Lim, the award-winning Singaporean singer-songwriter and musician. He’ll talk about his poignant new single ‘Nobody’s Home’, a raw and moving comeback song about heartbreak and grief. He’ll will talk about how and why he recorded it in one take. Lim, who took a break from music, will also discuss his forthcoming album ‘Daydream’, which contains eight songs including ‘Nobody’s Home’.
Discover more Singaporean music and musicians - like Charlie Lim - at Hear65.com, an initiative by the National Arts Council produced by independent music media company Bandwagon.

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How to Enjoy the Five Footway Festival @ Chinatown to the Max!

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 10:40:17 +0000

In ‘Culture Club’, Melanie Oliveiro finds out what’s new at the Five Footway Festival 2026 organised by Chinatown Business Association. Held from 2 - 10 May, the association’s Executive Director Lim Yick Suan will describe how Smith Street will be transformed into a vibrant cultural destination with live performances, street activities, heritage showcases, as well as free activities. Tong Kok Wing, third generation owner of the medicated oil brand Chop Wah On, will provide highlights of his 2nd May talk.

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Female Artists Protesting Patriarchy & the Worlds Around Them - NGS’ “Fear No Power: Women Imagining Otherwise”

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 10:29:07 +0000

In ‘Culture Club’ Melanie Oliveiro speaks with a couple of curators from National Gallery Singapore about the ongoing exhibition “Fear No Power: Women Imagining Otherwise”. It spotlights five influential Southeast Asian female artists who have challenged social and patriarchal norms through their work from the 1960s to today. Curators Joleen Loh and Qinyi Lim will analyse some of the artworks which include thought-provoking pieces by Singapore’s Amanda Heng and Indonesia’s Dolorosa Sinaga.

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From Wattpad to Vasantham - Mediacorp’s Tamil Drama 'Must Date the Playboy'

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 10:22:28 +0000

In ‘Culture Club’ Melanie Oliveiro profiles the new series 'Must Date the Playboy', screening on Mediacorp’s Vasantham channel. Also streaming on mewatch and Mediacorp Drama on YouTube, 'Must Date the Playboy' is a Tamil coming-of-age drama adapted from the popular Wattpad novel – where a young woman proposes a fake relationship with her school’s playboy to protect her BFF from heartbreak. Director T. Suriavelan will describe how he and his team brought a popular online romance to life. Actor Muzammil Elias discusses his role as Zayn the playboy.

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World of Beauty’s Gen Z CEO Charts the Italian Brand’s SEAsia Presence

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 09:51:52 +0000

In ‘Culture Club’, Melanie Oliveiro examines the culture of beauty products with a 20-something CEO who’s the third-generation leader of World of Beauty, a global Italian skincare brand. Joyce Tirindelli describes how she was groomed for the top job and how she looks after more than 200 products which are vegan, Halal-certified, and eco-friendly. With South-East Asia projected to become the world's fourth-largest economy by 2030, Tirindelli will chart World of Beauty’s plans for the region.

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The Immersive & Worlds of IMBA Theatre & the Stacked Store

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 09:21:30 +0000

In ‘Culture Club’, Melanie Oliveiro finds out how IMBA, an immersive arts venue located at Gardens by the Bay, is shaping new ways for audiences to connect with art and artists. IMBA’s Natalie Hong discusses ongoing exhibitions featuring acclaimed artists Fernando Botero and David Hockney - brought to life via immersive experiences and a traditional exhibition. Haikal Affendy from lifestyle brand Stacked Store describes how they’re working with IMBA to attract audiences to take home Hockney or Botero-inspired souvenirs.

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Gnaw - Taking a Bite of Singapore’s Alt-Rock Music Scene

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 09:23:13 +0000

In ‘Culture Club’, Melanie Oliveiro profiles local band Gnaw, a Singaporean noise-pop/alt-rock trio. Band members Tara Tan (vocalist), Zakhran Khan (drummer) and Daniel Lim (guitarist) will talk about the songs and issues raised in their debut EP, ‘Inside a Machine That’s Glistening’. The band will also talk about why they’ve released their music on different formats – streaming, cassette tape and CD.
Discover more Singaporean music and musicians - like Gnaw - at Hear65.com, an initiative by the National Arts Council produced by independent music media company Bandwagon.

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Become a Fit Mum in 30 Days with PT Nevena Appleton

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 09:25:32 +0000

In ‘Culture Club’, Melanie Oliveiro discovers a different side to fitness culture with Nevena Appleton, a Singapore-based postpartum recovery personal trainer. Appleton also authored "Become a Fit Mum in 30 Days", an e-book sharing advice and tips that aim to help mothers in their postpartum journeys and how to return to the body they had before pregnancy - with new fitness levels to boot. Appleton will also describe the healthy recipes included in her e-book like Quinoa Burger and Creamy Avocado Pasta.

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From Actor to Acting Coach - Kristina Pakhomova’s Authentic Transformation Academy

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 10:21:18 +0000

In ‘Culture Club’ Melanie Oliveiro speaks with Kristina Pakhomova, founder of the Authentic Transformation Academy (ATA), a dedicated space for non-actors seeking personal and professional transformation through acting, mindfulness, and embodiment tools. Pakhomova - a Singapore-based actress and filmmaker – will describe who the academy is targeting, as she bridges her decades of acting experience with a passion for empowering others.

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Curated Women’s Fashion - She Creates Stories & Desti Saint Handbags

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 11:04:32 +0000

In ‘Culture Club’ Melanie Oliveiro speaks with two vendors from Island Atelier, a curated shopping experience happening at W Singapore Sentosa Cove from 17th - 18th April 2026. Rebecca Metcalfe of ‘She Creates Stories’ will talk about how she runs her very own curated women’s fashion brand that is well suited for warm climates. Desti Saint, founder of her eponymous brand - a luxury handbag label – will describe how each creation comes in Italian-standard leather and hand-etched natural stones.

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Sink Your Teeth into ‘Food Republic’ the Book

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 10:35:40 +0000

In ‘Culture Club’ Melanie Oliveiro tucks into the book “Food Republic: A Singapore Literary Banquet”. Co-edited by poet and literary critic Daryl Lim Wei Jie, “Food Republic” is an anthology of more than one hundred literary explorations of Singapore’s food and food culture. Senior lecturer and academic Dr Anitha Devi Pillai will talk about her short story, “How Do You Want Your Dumplings?”.

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From Horseshoe to Hilang - What’s New @ the 35th European Film Festival

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 10:31:22 +0000

In ‘Culture Club’ Melanie Oliveiro goes to the movies and finds out what’s new at the annual European Film Festival (EUFF) which is celebrating its 35th edition in 2026. Running from 9th April to 24th May, His Excellency Artis Bertulis, EU Ambassador to Singapore and Kenneth Tan, Chairman of the Singapore Film Society will highlight some of the festival’s 30 screenings from 24 European countries across three venues, and several inaugural collaborations too. Ngee Ann Polytechnic senior lecturer and film student - Craig McTurk and Kaisah Rohidayat - will talk about the poly’s ongoing partnership with EUFF, as well as the film “Hilang“.

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Keeping Les Mis’ Music in Tip Top Shape with Conductor Adrian Kirk

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 10:26:52 +0000

In ‘Culture Club’, Melanie Oliveiro speaks with Adrian Kirk, Musical Director of the Les Misérables: The Arena Spectacular World Tour currently staging at the Sands Theatre at Marina Bay Sands. Apart from conducting the orchestra, Kirk will explain how his role involves overseeing the entire musical execution of a production, which includes rehearsing with the cast and musicians, and maintaining the overall flow of this reimagined Cameron Mackintosh classic.

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Look Past Confirmation Bias & Negative Thoughts with “Beyond Belief” Author Nir Eyal

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 10:36:23 +0000

In ‘Culture Club’, Melanie Oliveiro speaks with international bestselling author Nir Eyal, now celebrating the success of his latest title, “Beyond Belief”. It explores how our underlying assumptions influence our perceptions, emotions, and actions — and how shifting those beliefs can unlock greater potential. Eyal will detail how to spot hidden opportunities and solutions that tend to be overlooked; and how to break free from beliefs that stend to sabotage one’s health, relationships, and career.

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The Future is Meow - Rocking the SG stage with Ultra Mega Cat Attack

Tue, 07 Apr 2026 14:57:43 +0000

In ‘Culture Club’, Melanie Oliveiro speaks with members from local rock group Ultra Mega Cat Attack, a Singaporean six-piece alt-rock band known for wearing custom feline masks to maintain anonymity and focus on their music. The members will talk about the band’s beginnings, the process of writing and recording their songs, and what it’s like touring Taiwan compared to Singapore. They’ll also talk about the songs featured on their latest EP or mini album, “The Future is Meow”.

Discover more Singaporean music and musicians - like Ultra Mega Cat Attack - at Hear65.com, an initiative by the National Arts Council produced by independent music media company Bandwagon.

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Off-Broadway’s "[Title of Show]" Given a Singapore Twist by Sing'theatre

Mon, 06 Apr 2026 10:42:38 +0000

In ‘Culture Club’, Melanie Oliveiro speaks with performers Daisy Anne Mitchell and Rino Junior John who are starring in the Sing'theatre production "[Title of Show]". A Singapore version of the Off-Broadway production, "[Title of Show]" follows two struggling writers, Jeff and Hunter who must rush out a new musical in a matter of weeks with the help of their friends Susan and Heidi. Mitchell and John will talk about their roles and how the musical resonates with them as performers.

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From Fat Free Recipes to Savoury Snacks - Cookbook Author Elizabeth Jyothi Mathew Wants You to Fire Up the Kitchen

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 10:47:43 +0000

In ‘Culture Club’, Melanie Oliveiro speaks with cookbook author Elizabeth Jyothi Mathew about the different titles she’s put out like “Over 100 Fat Free Recipes” and “101 All Time Savoury Snacks”. In “Over 100 Fat Free Recipes”, Mathew will talk about how she created calorie-counted recipes for the book’s four sections which include ‘Meat and Poultry Dishes’ and ‘Desserts’. In “101 All Time Savoury Snacks”, Mathew explains how busy people can best choose quick eats and snacks like ‘Creamy Mushrooms on Toast’, ‘Potato Cones’ and ‘Cheese Biscuits’.

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Taking in Japan’s Scenery & Culture with Walk Japan’s CEO Paul Christie

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 05:55:37 +0000

In ‘Culture Club’, Melanie Oliveiro discovers the adventures that await Singaporeans who want to experience Japan’s wilderness culture – far away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Paul Christie, CEO of Walk Japan, organiser of off-the-beaten-track walking tours in Japan, will talk about their newest adventure, the 410km East Hokkaido Trek that is spanning three national parks: wetlands, volcanic terrain, vast crater lakes and coastal mountain passes.

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Temasek Shophouse - Where Old & New Combine

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 11:45:45 +0000

In ‘Culture Club’, Melanie Oliveiro speaks with the key people behind Temasek Shophouse’s new outdoor community space that includes sheltered seating areas, a farm-to-table edible garden and more. They’ll describe what it took to merge four different shophouses into the social impact hub that Temasek Shophouse is today. Yvonne Tay, CEO of Temasek Shophouse, Jia Xin Chum from Henning Larsen APAC and Ivy Koh from SJ Group, will also talk about the space’s popular features and how sustainability is worked into the design profile.

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Peak Your Brain by Picking the Brains of Author Said Hasyim

Mon, 30 Mar 2026 11:00:13 +0000

In ‘Culture Club’ Melanie Oliveiro features another self-improvement book – this time written by innovator, strategist and speaker Said Hasyim, author of “Peak Brain Plasticity”. Taken from his ‘Peak Productivity’ book series, Hasyim will explain how the book aims to make the concept of neuroplasticity more digestible for readers. He’ll discuss strategies to enhance one’s brain capacity, practice more efficient memorisation methods, devise ways to work on anxiety, and more.

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HAN@Punggol Open House

Thu, 26 Mar 2026 10:28:06 +0000

In ‘Culture Club’, Melanie Oliveiro finds out how Singaporeans can discover Punggol’s unique culture and history, thanks to HAN@Punggol Open House. It’s a two-week community festival highlighting Punggol’s shared histories through community-driven projects and site-specific artworks across Waterway Point and its surrounding waterfront spaces. Kristen Oliveiro, project lead OH! Open House, will highlight features like art exhibitions, immersive audio trails and hands-on workshops, while Khoiriyah Zainal from community partner Allkin Singapore will describe how they’re helping to initiate social change through art.

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Let’s Go Shopping, Eating & Experiencing at ARTBOX CAMP 2026

Wed, 25 Mar 2026 10:26:37 +0000

In ‘Culture Club’, Melanie Oliveiro finds out what’s new at this year’s ARTBOX, Singapore’s largest creative festival taking place across two weekends in April. Kent Teo, chief organiser and CEO-founder of Invade, will explain why this year’s theme: ARTBOX CAMP and how it will feature immersive art showcases, brand collaborations, live performances, and interactive experiences from local and regional creatives. Teo will also highlight how ARTBOX CAMP is headlined by Korean design powerhouse Wiggle Wiggle – complete with an exclusive showcase. Joshua Lim from vendor ‘Slurp Your Oysters’, an online distributor for Japanese Murotsu oysters in Singapore, will talk about their booth and what briny treats they’ll be treating visitors to.

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Singer Layyi is No Sour Grapes

Tue, 24 Mar 2026 12:21:50 +0000

In ‘Culture Club’, Melanie Oliveiro speaks with Layyi a Singaporean singer-songwriter whose forte lies in creating emotionally charged alt-pop. Layyi will talk about her new single “Sour Grape” which she says was written in a fit of anger. She’ll also talk about how she recorded the single with Dia Maté, a Filipino singer-songwriter and record producer. Layyi will also discuss “I Just Cut My Hair” another single off her debut album, Love (?). Discover more Singaporean music and musicians - like Layyi - at Hear65.com, an initiative by the National Arts Council produced by independent music media company Bandwagon.

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Healthier Nomz: Author & Celeb Chef Heman Tan Champions Plant-Based Dishes in His Latest Cookbook

Mon, 23 Mar 2026 10:23:20 +0000

In ‘Culture Club’, Melanie Oliveiro speaks with celebrity chef and F&B entrepreneur Chef Heman Tan about his cookbook, “Balancing Health and Flavour—Plant-based Cuisine”. Chef Heman will highlight some recipes that prove the versatility and richness of plant-based cuisine – and how these flavour bombs can be both satisfying and nutritious. Chef Heman will also talk about a series of healthy cooking workshops, “2 Plus Balancing Wellness”, which he’s conducting with health educator and nutritionist, Dr Chua Kay Tse. Their workshops aim to run the gamut of educational healthy cooking classes – from nutritional science tips to plating techniques.

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Bad Girls Rule – the Director & Actresses Talk About Their Hit Film “Amoeba”

Fri, 20 Mar 2026 05:15:18 +0000

In ‘Culture Club’ Melanie Oliveiro speaks with the creatives behind the award-winning Singapore film “Amoeba”. Amoeba is set in an all-girls secondary school, where 16-year-old dropout Choo Xin Yu and three fellow misfits: Vanessa, Sofia, and Gina, form a secret rebel gang who go on a hunt for the supernatural — armed with nothing but a camcorder and their defiance. Director Tan Siyou will talk about Amoeba’s plot points, while actresses Ranice Tay (Choo Xin Yu) and Nicole Lee (Vanessa Ooi) will discuss what drives and suppresses their characters.

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Female DJs Rocking the World Stage: Watch Her Bern and Miss Lil

Thu, 19 Mar 2026 02:30:06 +0000

In ‘Culture Club’ Melanie Oliveiro finds out about DJ culture in Singapore, thanks to Bernadette Belle Ong aka Watch Her Bern and Lilian Hautemulle aka Miss Lil. Both will be performing at the inaugural Sentosa Beach Fest 2026, billed as Singapore's first-of-its-kind day-to-night beach fitness festival held at Siloso Beach. Ong and Hautemulle will talk about what inspired them to start spinning the decks, and how much work that goes into nurturing their craft. Ong – a former Miss Universe Singapore beauty queen, will discuss women who DJ. Hautemulle will talk about being the co-founder of an events and music collective ‘Sivilian Affairs’.

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From the Stage to the Bookshelf: Playwright Faith Ng's “Hard Mode”

Tue, 17 Mar 2026 13:31:46 +0000

In ‘Culture Club’, Melanie Oliveiro speaks with award-winning Singapore playwright Faith Ng, who launched the book version of her play, “Hard Mode” — previously staged by Checkpoint Theatre. She’ll talk more about what inspired her to write “Hard Mode”, a coming-of-age play exploring the lives of five Singaporean teenagers navigating friendship, family, identity, their changing bodies and the challenges growing up in a rapidly changing world. Original cast member Chaney Chia will analyse his role as Adam and Ng’s style of writing.

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Tracing Your Roots - Right Down to an Ancestral Village!

Mon, 16 Mar 2026 13:47:46 +0000

In ‘Culture Club’ Melanie Oliveiro dives into the culture of Chinese genealogy with Nathan Co, founder of the Facebook group “Chinese Ancestry Research” (CAR) - an independent online community dedicated to helping people of Chinese descent rediscover their ancestral roots. Co will describe how CAR has reconnected descendants with their ancestral villages in Greater China. Co will also describe how CAR blends roots-tracing with a deep knowledge of Chinese dynastic and regional history, DNA, and even tombstone designs!

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Food Fights and “Early Mornings at the Laksa Cafe” with Malaysian Author Janet Tay

Sat, 14 Mar 2026 05:50:05 +0000

In ‘Culture Club’, Melanie Oliveiro speaks with Malaysian author Janet Tay who wrote “Early Mornings at the Laksa Cafe”. Tay – a former lawyer – will talk about what inspired her to write this debut novel which has been described as cosy, delicious and a masterful family saga. “Early Mornings at the Laksa Cafe” takes place in Malaysia’s Kuching, the capital of Sarawak state where you meet Ah Hock, a second-generation laksa hawker who has a strained relationship with his wayward son as they try run their beloved but beleaguered family business.

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Back to the 1960s with Singapore’s Connie Francis, Singer Veronica Young

Thu, 12 Mar 2026 10:24:50 +0000

In ‘Culture Club’ Melanie Oliveiro speaks with Veronica Young, the now legendary Singaporean singer who was often nicknamed the Connie Francis of Singapore. France-based Young – who is back in town for a one-day concert “Forever Young - Veronica's Birthday Celebration” – will reminisce her beginnings: from a teenaged Pulau Brani kampung girl to singing with popular 1960s bands The Silver Strings and the Cyclones at tea dances. She will also talk about how she healed from a serious car accident, and how every day is a blessing.

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When Making Others Smell Good is Your Job - Perfumer Ivan Wong Opens Our Minds and Noses

Wed, 11 Mar 2026 10:22:04 +0000

In ‘Culture Club’ Melanie Oliveiro learns more about the culture of scent and fragrance making with perfumer Ivan Wong. The only Singaporean perfumer at Eurofragance, a global fragrance house, Wong will talk about how he became a perfumer, considered one of the world’s rarest professions, with fewer than 600 trained perfumers globally. He’ll reveal how he creates scents for everyday products used by millions worldwide - from designing luxury perfumes to developing the smell of toiletries like shampoo. Wong will also talk about the latest fragrance trends in Singapore and the region.

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Could DEON Dent the Charts with His Latest Album?

Tue, 10 Mar 2026 11:35:36 +0000

In ‘Culture Club’, Melanie Oliveiro speaks with local singer-songwriter DEON, fresh from the release of his new single "Fool Me Twice" which he says is about grief, denial and healing. DEON will also talk about the other songs on his new album, the 11-track “Numbers Game”, which was three years in the making. He’ll also describe the creative process working on the songs with singer-songwriter-producer Dru Chen.
Discover more Singaporean music and musicians – like DEON – at Hear65.com, an initiative by the National Arts Council produced by independent music media company Bandwagon.

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Restaging a Beloved Kuo Pao Kun Musical - Theatre Practice Revives “Lao Jiu: the Musical”

Mon, 09 Mar 2026 11:48:05 +0000

In ‘Culture Club’, Melanie Oliveiro finds out about the restaging of a popular musical by The Theatre Practice. Adapted from a classic play by late theatre doyen Kuo Pao Kun, “Lao Jiu: The Musical” is about a gifted young man — the ninth child and only son in a family of daughters — who has to choose between a stable career path and the rich world of traditional Chinese hand puppetry. Kuo Jian Hong, Artistic Director of The Theatre Practice and Julian Wong, the musical’s Music Director & Co-Arranger will talk about their roles and how differently the musical will be staged this year.

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I Believe in a Thing Called THE DARKNESS

Fri, 06 Mar 2026 06:28:23 +0000

In ‘Culture Club’, Melanie Oliveiro speaks with Justin Hawkins, lead singer-songwriter & guitarist from iconic British rock band The Darkness. Hawkins will talk about their signature rock classics that have endeared fans old and new to their music. He’ll also comment on how the music industry and audiences have changed over the years – from AI-produced tunes and TikTok singers to people cellphone-taping their shows instead of being in the moment. The Darkness will be staging their first gig in Singapore on March 11th 2026 at Capitol Theatre.

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Honour Thy Mother - Author Ian Gill’s Quest to Tell His Mum’s Remarkable Story

Thu, 05 Mar 2026 06:03:45 +0000

In ‘Culture Club’, Melanie Oliveiro speaks with Ian Gill, journalist and author of “Searching for Billie”. The biographical tome tells the extraordinary story of Gill’s mother Billie, the adopted Chinese daughter of an English postmaster who went from a Girl Friday to a wartime radio broadcaster in Shanghai and then prisoner of war during the Japanese Occupation. Gill will talk about how he unearthed Billie’s tale of grit, survival, doomed romances and tragedy before finally making peace with the past.

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Simon Painter - Now You See Him Making Magic Work

Mon, 02 Mar 2026 11:58:24 +0000

In ‘Culture Club’, Melanie Oliveiro finds out what it takes to build a career as a creative producer in the arts and entertainment sector. She’ll be speaking to Simon Painter, creative producer of “Now You See Me Live”, a high-energy stage magic show inspired by the hit film franchise “Now You See Me”. Painter will talk about how he started as a classical violinist before transitioning to managing major performance venues and creating commercial theatre – one if his hit shows “The Illusionists” becoming the best-selling magic show in Broadway history.

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SG’s Wonder Women of Music - She Shines Music Festival 2026

Wed, 25 Feb 2026 10:29:06 +0000

In ‘Culture Club’ Melanie Oliveiro speaks with the creatives involved in the annual She Shines Music Festival – now into its third edition in 2026. A one-day music fest held on International Women's Day (8th March), the event profiles women in music across the generations – from Gen Z to Millennials and from Gen X to Baby boomers. Drummer Ivy Toh, rock vocalist Rachel Lu and guitarist Amanda Tee will talk about their sets as well as new festival features like the Sing Song Social Club, Saylah Presents and more.

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Of the Afterlife & Following False Idols – Life According to Music Man YAØ

Tue, 24 Feb 2026 12:37:12 +0000

In ‘Culture Club’ Melanie Oliveiro catches up with YAØ a Singaporean singer/songwriter/producer who has just released his latest single “Hereafter” which is described as a reflective song about faith, accountability, and life beyond material success. He’ll also talk about the messages behind his singles “Idolize” and the love song “All My Life” – inspired by his wife.

Discover more Singaporean music and musicians - like YAØ - at Hear65.com, an initiative by the National Arts Council produced by independent music media company Bandwagon.

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Ukraine Under Attack - Megumi Lim's documentary "NIGHT SHIFT"

Mon, 23 Feb 2026 12:36:12 +0000

In ‘Culture Club’ Melanie Oliveiro speaks with Singaporean documentary filmmaker Megumi Lim who’ll discuss her first documentary “Night Shift”, which has already won numerous awards. Lim will talk about her under 30-minute film which documents how night shift workers in Kharkiv, a city in northeastern Ukraine, navigate both routine and risk against the backdrop of Russian attacks. Lim will talk about her experiences filming during the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war and how “Night Shift” aims to shed light on those who must work – despite the daily threat of injury or death – for the sake of the city's survival.

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Pangdemonium's “Force Majeure” Play, inspired by Chekov’s “The Three Sisters”

Thu, 19 Feb 2026 10:09:19 +0000

In ‘Culture Club’ Melanie Oliveiro speaks with the stars involved in one of theatre group Pangdemonium’s final productions: “Force Majeure” directed by Tracie Pang. The play is based on Russian playwright and short story writer Anton Chekhov’s “The Three Sisters” and written by Stephanie Street – it explores hope, restlessness and the human condition. Inch Chua, the Singaporean singer-songwriter, actor and musician will talk about her role as Mary, and actor Ebi Shankara will describe how the cast members will multi-role and shift fluidly between characters.

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Eye on the Tiger Girls - A Graphic Novel Championing Female Warriors

Wed, 11 Feb 2026 10:24:22 +0000

In ‘Culture Club’, Melanie Oliveiro speaks with the writer and illustrator behind the graphic novel, “Tiger Girls”. Writer Felicia Low-Jimenez and illustrator Claire Low will talk about the novel’s basic plot which is about how girls and women born in the Year of the Tiger, in the Chinese zodiac, are feared as bringers of bad luck. Both will talk about the process of putting the novel together which ended up containing amphibious water warriors and a diverse cast of strong female characters.

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Saying “No Thanks” to Life’s Troubles - Singer-Songwriter Shohini Takes a Stand

Tue, 10 Feb 2026 12:44:06 +0000

In ‘Culture Club’, Melanie Oliveiro speaks with singer-songwriter Shohini Sengupta, better known as Shohini, who is now celebrating the release of her latest single, "No Thanks". Shohini will address the issues brought up in the song which include societal pressures, negative self-talk and constantly chasing inconsequential things. She’ll also talk about her style of pop music which is infused with jazz, funk and rock. Shohini will then reveal the more about her upcoming second EP, “blueprint”, set for release later in 2026.
Discover more Singaporean music and musicians - like Shohini - at Hear65.com, an initiative by the National Arts Council produced by independent music media company Bandwagon.

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‘Melting Ice, Sinking Cities’ - the Climate Exhibition in the Heart of the Botanic Gardens

Mon, 09 Feb 2026 13:43:49 +0000

In ‘Culture Club’ Melanie Oliveiro speaks with the key people involved in a new climate-themed exhibition, ‘Melting Ice, Sinking Cities’ held at the Singapore Botanic Gardens. The exhibition takes visitors on a journey to the High Arctic, one of the fastest-warming regions on Earth - using storytelling, photography, art, film and science. Yeo Kai Ting and Professor Christopher Cheng – team members of the Bears Ice Glaciers Arctic Climate Expedition – will talk about their experiences which were eventually used as content for the exhibition.

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Exploring Love and Loss: Nirmal Ghosh on His Debut Book of Poems

Wed, 04 Feb 2026 10:28:34 +0000

In ‘Culture Club’ Melanie Oliveiro speaks with writer and poet Nirmal Ghosh who’s celebrating the recent release of his debut volume of poems “The Weeds That Grow in Cemeteries”. Ghosh will talk about what inspired most of his 109 poems – profound human emotions like love, loss and longing. A former US Bureau and wildlife conservationist, Ghosh will also talk about the six other books he’s written like “Backlash : Donald Trump and the Remaking of America”, and “Blue sky, White Cloud” a collection of three novellas focusing on animals and how they coexist with mankind.

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In Service to Monsters & the Supernatural – SG’s Jared Poon talks about his debut novel "City of Others"

Tue, 03 Feb 2026 13:41:09 +0000

In ‘Culture Club’ Melanie Oliveiro speaks with Singaporean author Jared Poon who’ll be discussing his debut novel “City of Others” – the first in a trilogy series. Set in an alternative world where humans coexist with supernatural beings, “City of Others” is an urban fantasy about civil servant Benjamin Toh whose job is to keep Singapore’s supernatural inhabitants happy and out of sight. But soon, Ben has his work cut out for him when an entire housing block starts disappearing into a watery dimension. Poon will talk about how the novel came about and how he clinched an international publishing contract.

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A Place for the Living & the Dead - "The Making of Mandai North Crematorium" Book

Fri, 30 Jan 2026 06:00:51 +0000

In ‘Culture Club’, Melanie Oliveiro speaks with author Pauline Ang about ‘The Making of Mandai North Crematorium’ - a book which offers a behind-the-scenes look at the decade-long journey of creating Mandai North Crematorium, Singapore’s newest public crematorium. Ang, who was also the Lead Architect for the Mandai North Crematorium project director of Design & Research Office at CPG Consultants, a multidisciplinary consultancy, will explain how the crematorium grounds double-up as a green sanctuary offering a healing, tranquil environment for the bereaved.

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Abel Richard & the Art of the US$100K Luxury Handbag

Thu, 29 Jan 2026 06:09:51 +0000

In ‘Culture Club’, Melanie Oliveiro speaks with Abel Richard Bullock, founder and designer of the Abel Richard luxury handbag brand. Bullock will talk about the brand’s beginnings and how each product is made in Northern Italy’s Bassano del Grappa city, a premier hub for traditional Italian artisanship. He’ll talk about the main handbag designs so far: The Chrono, The Mosaic and The Oyster – why they’re produced in intentionally limited quantities, with prices beginning above US$100,000. With the opening of its Marina Bay Sands out, Bullock will also talk about how the brand is expanding its product line with eyewear, jewellery and fragrances.

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SG Popstar Yang Yan & His Bittersweet Love Songs

Wed, 28 Jan 2026 06:11:25 +0000

In ‘Culture Club’, Melanie Oliveiro speaks with Yang Yan, a singer-songwriter who just released his new single "Somebody Else To You", which he also produced. The Gen Z star, who’s also an actor, talks more about creating indie-pop music rooted in bittersweet romance and emotional memories. He’ll then describe how he puts a song together – from start to finish. Yang Yan will also talk about joining “Starlight Boys”, the South Korean Chinese reality competition series – and how he was the only Singaporean contestant on the show.

Discover more Singaporean music and musicians – like Yang Yan at Hear65.com, an initiative by the National Arts Council produced by independent music media company Bandwagon.

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Speaking His Mind – Leo Varadkar & life as Ireland’s Taoiseach

Tue, 27 Jan 2026 06:23:14 +0000

In ‘Culture Club’ Melanie Oliveiro speaks with Leo Varadkar, ex-Taoiseach or Prime Minister of Ireland. Varadkar, who authored his autobiography “Speaking My Mind”, will provide highlights of an extraordinary life dedicated to public service - how politics gripped him as a child, what it was like going from a junior politician to Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport, and eventually taking on the role as the country’s then youngest prime minister. He’ll also talk about valuable lessons he learnt along the way, and what it was like rubbing shoulders with other world leaders like Donald Trump.

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“Rituals of Perception”: Tanoto Art Foundation’s First Exhibition

Fri, 23 Jan 2026 02:22:15 +0000

In ‘Culture Club’, Melanie Oliveiro finds out how Tanoto Art Foundation has opened its inaugural exhibition, “Rituals of Perception” in conjunction with Singapore Art Week – an annual celebration of visual arts which takes place in the month of January. Tanoto Art Foundation’s artistic director Xiaoyu Weng will talk about how their exhibition will feature over 20 artists – most of the millennials. She’ll also explain how the exhibition will be accompanied by weekly programs, including performances, discussions, and docent tours. Indonesian-New Zealand artist/dancer Sriwhana Spong will talk about premiering a new performance of hers, which is part of her ongoing research.

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Remembering the Orang Laut with SG Artist Firdaus Sani

Thu, 22 Jan 2026 06:10:19 +0000

In ‘Culture Club’, Melanie Oliveiro speaks with artist and cultural practitioner Firdaus Sani, who is taking part in this year’s Light to Night Singapore, an annual arts festival. Sani, who is the founder of Orang Laut SG - an initiative that documents, preserves, and raises awareness of the history and living heritage of the Orang Laut – will talk about the three-part installation “Rumah Laut (Coastal Home)” that reimagines the legacy, displacement, and resilience of Singapore’s indigenous Orang Laut communities.

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How British Imperialism Continues to Shape the World with Sathnam Sanghera

Mon, 19 Jan 2026 10:38:16 +0000

In ‘Culture Club’ Melanie Oliveiro speaks with Sathnam Sanghera, a British journalist & author who was recently in town for the Singapore Writers Festival 2025. Sanghera will talk about how he experienced the annual festival and what it was like meeting readers of his work. He’ll also talk about his non-fiction book “Empireworld” which examines how British imperialism has shaped the lives of billions across the globe, influencing culture, religion, laws, and even everyday habits – from QEII to Band Aid.

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The Fab Four vs Imelda

Thu, 15 Jan 2026 06:16:40 +0000

In ‘Culture Club’, Melanie Oliveiro speaks to author David Guerrero who wrote “You Won't See Me: When the Beatles Ghosted Imelda”. In it, Guerrero documents the dramatic story of The Beatles’ ill-fated 1966 visit to the Philippines. What began as a strategic tour stop to expand into new markets quickly unravelled after a missed invitation to meet First Lady Imelda Marcos sparked official outrage – turning the Fab Four’s visit into a frightening ordeal marked by hostility and intimidation. Guerrero will highlight key moments of The Beatles’ headline-grabbing visit and the colourful personalities they met along the way.

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Singer-Songwriter Shelby Wang on Mandopop, Musical Growth, and Finding Her Voice

Tue, 13 Jan 2026 09:40:45 +0000

In ‘Culture Club’, Melanie Oliveiro speaks with Singaporean Mandopop singer Shelby Wang who is now celebrating the release of her new single “Don't Love Me”. Wang will talk about how her singing career has gone from strength-to-strength over the years and how she has diversified her sound by collaborating with other artists like local rapper Akeem Jahat in the song “Lucky to be Here”. Wang will also talk about her social media videos and how she communicates effectively with fans and curious netizens. Discover more Singaporean music and musicians - like Shelby Wang - at Hear65.com, an initiative by the National Arts Council produced by independent music media company Bandwagon.

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Why Saxophonist and Composer Kenny G is ‘Forever in Love’ with the Sax

Tue, 13 Jan 2026 01:00:56 +0000

In ‘Culture Club’ Melanie Oliveiro speaks with American saxophonist and composer Kenny G. He’ll talk about his memoirs “Life in the Key of G”, which songs of his were the easiest and most challenging to write, and how his beloved mother was one of his biggest cheerleaders. The 69-year-old will also talk about his daily practice sessions, how he meticulously prepares for every concert and public appearance, and why he spends a lot of time in Paris, France.

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Enjoying SingLit in Multisensory Ways - VERSE 2026 by Arts House Group

Thu, 08 Jan 2026 16:13:28 +0000

In ‘Culture Club’ Melanie Oliveiro finds out what’s new at this year’s VERSE, a literary arts programme organised by Arts House Group. Held across the Civic District from 9 to 31 January in conjunction with the annual Light to Night festival, VERSE 2026 features more than 15 programmes blending text, sound, discussions, movement and visual art. Arts House Group’s Michelle Choy will provide main highlights - including interactive installations, immersive performances and hands-on activities - spanning ticketed and free programmes. Visual artist and illustrator Aida Sa'ad will talk about “brumblings”, an interactive outdoor installation at The Arts House lawn where alphabet blocks bump into each other.

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US Author Ken Liu Discusses AI and More in His Sci-Fi Novel "All That We See or Seem"

Wed, 07 Jan 2026 11:20:53 +0000

In ‘Culture Club’ Melanie Oliveiro speaks with American speculative fiction author Ken Liu who talks about his latest novel "All That We See or Seem". Liu – who was in town for the annual Singapore Writers Festival 2025 – will discuss the themes brought up in his novel: from living in a deeply tech-enabled future to artificial intelligence as a tool not a threat. Liu will also talk more about the characters in “All That We See or Seem” like Julia Z, the brilliant former “orphan hacker”; and Elli, an acclaimed “dream artist”.

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Atelier V&A - Where Design, Creativity & Artisanal Craftsmanship Converge

Tue, 06 Jan 2026 12:09:42 +0000

In ‘Culture Club’ Melanie Oliveiro speaks with Venetia Gu and Aisha Hillary-Morgan, co-founders of Atelier V&A, a design and custom furniture showroom. They’ll talk about cultural trends and design styles concerning artisanal furniture and home decor. Gu and Hillary-Morgan will also describe why they fashioned the Atelier V&A premises into part showroom, part gallery, and part atelier or working studio. They’ll also describe Atelier V&A’s debut collections — from locally made furniture under Atelier One to floral art and vessels under VandA, bridging the gap between mass-produced design and handcrafted gallery art.

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Of Grief and Healing - Lang Leav’s “Soon It Will Be Sunday” Poetry Collection

Mon, 05 Jan 2026 08:32:18 +0000

In ‘Culture Club’, Melanie Oliveiro speaks with Lang Leav the bestselling Australian novelist and poet about her newly released poetry collection, “Soon It Will Be Sunday”. Described as deeply personal and beautifully composed, “Soon It Will Be Sunday” dwells on love, loss, time, and the spaces between endings and beginnings. Leav talks about how the life and death of her beloved dog Whiskey paved the way for poems about grief, remembrance, and healing. She’ll also talk about growing up as a minority in Australia via the piece “Second Migration”.

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