Huang Yimin

The Mother Tongue has always occupied an awkward position in Singaporean society. A simple search on the official Ministry of Education’s (MOE) website leads to an expectedly idealistic dictum: “The learning of Mother Tongue Language (MTL) is a lifelong endeavour. The MTL policy seeks to nurture our students to become effective communicators in MTL and supports our students to study MTL to as high a level as possible.” At the same time, however, with different races in Singapore, the English language asserts its dominance as a common ground to facilitate communication. Easily observable on a societal level, English — as…

Less than a year after his last single ‘Lift Your Eyes’, local folk-rock musician Lincoln Lim dropped his latest one ‘Alive’ at the beginning of the new year. Working hard on music for his new EP — which will be targeted to release in the second half of 2019 — he has released “Alive” which will be its first song. Lincoln is also a part of Cross Ratio Entertainment, a local integrated music entertainment label; this may be his first step into expanding regionally. “Alive” deals with the familiar affliction of unrequited love and of holding on to what has…

Earlier this year, LG Electronics (LG) unveiled the LG V40 ThinQ, set to redefine the standard of smartphone photography. Coupled with improvements in sound technology and screen displays, we take a look if this handset is really what it says it’s out to be. Improved Camera Features In the new age of smartphone photography, megapixels are becoming less of a concern. Rather, phones are instead increasing the number of cameras it packs, to take better photos. The LG V40 ThinQ is no exception in this race, sporting a total of five cameras. It presents itself as a multimedia powerhouse device…

Lewin Terrace, an elegant Japanese-French restaurant located in Fort Canning, served up an indulgent lineup of dessert from 9 January to 29 March this year — the Oh! Matcha Season of Ichigo Afternoon Delight Dessert Buffet paired up the best of Japan’s staples — with Uji Matcha and Chitose Ichigo (strawberry). To add on to the ambience and dining experience, the restaurant collaborated with stylist Med Kärlek Inc. who embellished the buffet table with flowers, Japanese fans and art decor. I will begin introducing the dessert highlights with my personal favourite on the list: fresh Chitose strawberries with the accompanied…

First launched in 2006, the Balestier Heritage Trail was been updated November last year, by the National Heritage Board to provide greater insights into the area’s lesser-known history. Before embarking on the trail, most people would probably admit to knowing little about Balestier’s rich past. For example — did you know that the region is home to the oldest Tan Tock Seng wards, that are over 100 years old? Or that it has a rich food and culinary heritage dating back decades? Moreso than the new locations within Balestier Heritage Trail, the real highlight lies in the stories behind the…

SOUL Electronics’ RUN FREE PRO BIO earphones serve as one’s personal running coach powered by artificial intelligence. The brand — a pioneer in A.I earphones — powers the device through its unique Biomech Engine®. Offering on-the-spot voice coaching during each run, the RUN FREE PRO BIO informs the runner to make changes in their running form if necessary, such as in the head angle or gait, improving running efficiency and lowering any risk of injury. These earphones are also known for their easy usage and safety features. including 11 hours of runtime with a single full charge, and LED lights…

Held since 2010, i Light Singapore is a sustainable light art festival showcasing installations created by artists from Singapore and around the world. This year’s setup, i Light Singapore — Bicentennial Edition, comes much more eventful than the last, consisting of thirty-three art installations in multiple locations including Marina Bay, Civic District, Singapore River and Raffles Terrace. In addition to sustainability, the passage of time is explored as an additional central theme in this year’s exhibits. Visually rich, and infused with diverse meanings, I was blown away by the complexity and originality of many works. I have narrowed them down…

Taiwanese visual artist Nien-Ting Chen presented “Collecting a Little Shimmer in Life” at Goodman Arts Centre from 10 to 16 January 2019, featuring a series of works inspired by the intriguing discoveries she made from day-to-day proceedings. The materials used to create her works were all taken from stunningly ordinary items. During the closing reception on 16 January, we got to sit down with the artist herself to gain insight into the meanings behind her experimental art works. In the process, Nien-Ting Chen also opened up about her observations of the art scene in Asia as compared to that in…

Earlier this year, Gifts Less Ordinary — a Singapore-based luxury personalised gifts online marketplace — announced a first-time collaboration with Master SiewLi, a leading Fengshui and Bazi master in Singapore. The resultant Matrix Fengshui Blessings was a unique jewellery collection — featuring pieces crafted from precious metals and adorned with activated engravings for blessings and protection. Designed and blessed by Master SiewLi, the jewellery pieces focus on blessings for good fortune, well-being, romance, career success, and harmony. Each piece also comes with its own handy guide on activating its energy — derived from ancient metaphysical traditions and Chinese geomancy. Whether…

Duckland will change your views on duck dishes — and how duck meat is supposed to taste — forever. The duck-centric restaurant officially opened on 18th January at Novena’s United Square shopping mall, as part of Tung Lok Group’s latest concept. Duckland only imports the specially bred and raised Irish Duck, a unique and cultivated hybrid of the Peking Duck, and Aylesbury Duck from the famous Silver Hill Farm in Ireland. From young, the duck is put on a unique, wholesome diet of wheat, maize and soya that enhances the flavour of the meat. The water that it drinks is…