Longform

The Longform vertical is here for you whenever you need it. Watch this space for passionate op-eds, musings with word counts that are way past social convention, and, if we dare say so ourselves, well-written pieces that offer a glimpse into the perspective of another human. Just click, scroll, and you’re ready to roll.

February 7, 2016

We Need To Learn How To Accept Compliments This CNY

“Wah your ah boy in secondary school already ah? Heard he score very well leh. Aiyo your ah boy so smart!” “No lah no lah, he very lazy one.” For many of the larger families in Singapore, the Lunar New Year is a time of compulsory gatherings, discussed and arranged in the usual clandestine manner that middle-aged folks communicate in (i.e. hours of whispering between aunties over a landline). Planning the gathering, however, is nothing compared to being at the actual gathering. Amidst the slightly awkward dialogues and faltering false starts lie the true terror: finding a conversation starter with people you…

October 6, 2015

On Instagram Ads And Why We Should All Suck It Up

Co-written with Manfred Tham If Social Media were a class, discussions about ads and its place would be an ongoing assignment. The popular selfie and brunch-photo sharing app, Instagram, recently announced plans to monetise its business through ads – sponsored posts that will appear on timelines masquerading as updates from your friends and stalkees. Naturally, the response online has been… unbridled, to say the least. It all fits into the 3 logic laws of the Internet: 1) Never click on ads that contain the words “FREE” or “Congratulations”, 2) Never read a comment section, and 3) Always complain every time there is a new…