SCCC Cultural Playground 2026 – A Children’s Festival

This is SCCC’s first children’s festival for children (aged 12 and below), offering performances, interactive workshops, and family-friendly programmes – all in Mandarin! 

SCCC’s Cultural Playground 2026 is based on the theme of “Tales and Tunes”, they will feature family-friendly offerings from Paper Monkey Theatre, The Theatre Practice, LittleCr3atures, BrookieKids, and more!

Cultural Playground – A Children’s Festival, taking place from 19th to 21st June 2026 at SCCC, invites your family and children to visit SCCC, discover and experience Singapore Chinese culture through stories, music, and play, from a total of 16 programmes. 

Key Highlight – The Legend of Nezha 

One of the key highlights will be the Legend of Nezha puppetry performance by Paper Monkey Theatre, they will bring the legendary tale of Nezha to life through exquisitely handcrafted rod puppets. 

The puppetry performance will also feature a dragon dance, a dynamic live martial arts segment, original music by The Flame of the Forest and local musician Govin Tan, as well as complementary hands-n workshop for children to learn the art of traditional Chinese rod puppetry as well as how to animate hand-crafted puppets. 

Key Highlight – 4th Edition of The Nursery Rhymes

Another key highlight of SCCC Cultural Playground will be the launch of the fourth edition of The Nursery Rhymes Project by The Theatre Practice. Based on the theme of “Imagine Our Songs”, the performance reimagines classic local Mandarin nursery rhymes such as Xiao Bai Chuan 《小白船》and Mothers Are Best 《世上只有妈妈好》through music and interactive theatrical storytelling as a means of engaging children and nurturing their appreciation of the Chinese language from an early age.

Multi-sensory workshops for babies and toddlers

Cultural Playground 2026 also offers multi-sensory music workshops for babies and toddlers aged 0 to 18 months. Anchored in the well-known children’s song Xiao Bai Chuan 《小白船》and grounded in SonicPlay, an evidence-based pedagogy. Those workshops position listening as the foundation of learning, and sound as a primary medium for connection, cultural awareness, and meaning-making.

Parent-Child Workshops

Cultural Playground festival also offers parent-child workshops such as:

• Storytelling with food-making workshops: where parents and children can enjoy stores of family, memories, and everyday traditions through storytelling, food-making, games and more.
• Picture book interactive storytelling workshops: where families will be introduced to elements of local Chinese culture through interactive storytelling, movement, and traditional games for young children.

Workshops for Parents

Parents play an important role in instilling interest and shaping their children’s appreciation for their mother tongue language. Cultural Playground 2026 recognises that, this festival is offering two free parental workshops where a curriculum specialist will share practical ways for parents to make learning Chinese fun and meaningful by weaving language-learning into everyday experiences.

Storytelling Sessions on History and Traditions of Chingay

Cultural Playground 2026 also offers a series of free storytelling sessions in collaboration with People’s Association on the history and traditions of Chingay, and fringe activities such as face-painting.

SCCC Chief Executive Officer, Mr Alvin Tan, said: “Through the festival, we hope to spark an interest in local Chinese culture and language amongst young children, and encourage learning through play, hands-on activities and immersive experiences. We also hope that children and their parents would enjoy themselves and create lasting memories of their encounters with culture and language.”

Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre (SCCC) Cultural Playground 2026

Cultural Playground 童趣乐园 – A Children’s Festival 儿童文化节

1. Date: 19th to 21st June 2026
2. Venue: Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre
3. Website: https://singaporen.sg/cp 

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Kickstarted 20 Years Milestone Celebrations in April 2026 

In April 2026, I kickstarted my TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog 20 years milestone celebrations (since I began my visual storytelling journey in April 2006).

On 10th April 2026, I shared quite a fair bit of my thoughts, feelings, and emotions, my visual stories and memories, milestones and achievements over the past 20 years, together with my plans and what the next few years and decade might unfold, in this published article, “Celebrating 20 Years of TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog”.

In the end, I wrote a lot (a.k.a. ranting) more than usual, making me sound like a broken recorder playing on repeat. Just letting my feelings, emotions and thoughts flow through into my writing and visual storytelling about my 20 years milestone journey.

20 Years Milestone Celebrations Plans for May 2026 and beyond 

My TGH Photography and Travel 20 years milestone celebrations kickoff was a low key affair, apart from publishing my milestone article, there wasn’t much else beside tested printed two customised patches (round and rectangular shape), bought some new photography related accessories e.g. t-shirts, cap, boonie hat, patches that would be part of my 20 years milestone profile shoot that would take place later in May 2026 (still waiting for my new camera backpack to arrive).

I only had two small celebration gatherings with two of my key partnerships/collaborations over the past decade, they are Hpility.SG (fellow blogger that entered a few years after me), Easy Travel Recipes and GLOO PR (also marking a milestone 10 years in the business).

More small group celebration plans in May 2026 and beyond, with different small group of friends are in the pipeline. 

Photography

Photography (Business) 

As I am still striking a balance between caregiver role at home, and everything else, I am working to secure more photography projects and shoots, in a very challenging and disruptive world today, slowing world economy and more uncertainties, coupled with more curveballs from technology disruptions by AI.

Photography (Personal) / Visual Storytelling / Content Creation

Starting in May 2026, I would start working on my TGH Photography and Travel 20 years milestone photo zine, time to dig through my archives, curating and printing into a magazine style layout.

Singapore Heritage Festival 2026 is taking in May 2026, I would be signing up for some tours, time to get myself back on track with my personal photography through history and heritage sectors. 

Back to doing gadgets review! For the month of May 2026, I would be testing out the myFirst Insta Lux camera, working together on content creation with my disciple/intern Jermine. Keep a lookout for new content and stories produced with this fun camera! 

I am working to get myself back on track with my personal visual storytelling, media events coverage. My photoblogging has been affected in the past six months due to matters at home, planning to use my photoblogging as an avenue away from my various personal situations that I am currently facing.

Photography Competitions

Back to entering photography competitions in the month of May 2026! I am preparing to enter the following photography competitions below. 

I read about Earth in Focus photography competition previously, since I am into wildlife photography, as well as love for nature and great outdoors, why not give it a shot this year? As for Mad About Singapore 2026, I had been entering for the past few years. That’s also a cat photo competition by Asia Cat Expo, being a cat lover myself, why not give it a go?

Let’s see how it goes for me in the following photography competitions! 

• Earth in Focus 2026 Film & Photography Competition – Website: https://www.earthinfocus.co/ 
• Mad About Singapore 2026 – Website: https://madaboutsingapore.sg/ 
• Asia Cat Expo 2026 – Website: https://asiacatexpo.com/ 

Personal

Balancing caregiver role at home, along with everything else, still remains a delicate and tricky situation. It’s not going to get easier, probably gets more challenging and difficult down the road. I am not planning to talk too much or share too much on my situations, due to privacy concerns as well as how many people or friends can truly understand and empathise?

May The Force Be With You!

In the month of May, it’s the time for Star Wars fans around the world to gather for May The 4th celebrations! Hope to soak into everything Star Wars as well as Star Wars related photography during the MayThe4th weekend!

May The Force. Be With You, fellow Star Wars fans! 

The post Photography / Visual Storytelling / Content Creation Themes and Plans for May 2026 appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.

Where It All Began

Founded in 2006, the TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog has grown from a humble personal photoblog into a multi-disciplinary visual storytelling, photography, and content creation platform, documenting journeys across photography, travel, heritage, arts, and technology.

Looking back at 20 years of TGH Photography and Travel

When I started to look back at my 20 years of TGH Photography and Travel, to be honest, I don’t where to start. This 20 years is not that long a period in our lifetime, it’s not short either in the blogging/social media world today. Times have changed, culture, social and media landscapes have changed so much over the past 20 years.

While I got ChatGPT to help me out on a summary of key achievements, highlights, accolades, media relationships, partnerships, they did a pretty good job (I reckon they have learned quite a fair bit about me with me feeding my website articles quite regularly into ChatGPT).

Beyond the feel-good factor and the wonderful stories, there’s also the other side of my journey that many of you don’t see, feel or understand (of disappointments, fears, managing stress and expectations, fighting egos, used and at times being looked down by others, not just in the photography field, also in the creative and social media communities).

Let me bring you on a 20-year time travel from my photo blogging days in 2006 to today’s TGH Photography and Travel visual storytelling journeys in 2026.

Key Achievements and Growth

• 20 years of continuous publishing (2006–2026) – demonstrating longevity and resilience through major digital shifts from blogging to social media ecosystems
• Evolved from a Blogspot site into an independent branded digital platform, forming part of the wider TGH Digital Studio ecosystem
• Built a strong body of work across:
  • • Photography & photojournalism
    • Travel storytelling
    • Heritage and cultural documentation
    • Events, arts, and community coverage
• Expansion into videography, digital content creation, and multimedia storytelling in response to industry changes
• Produced photo books, zines, and print works, extending digital storytelling into physical formats

Highlights and Creative Milestones 

• Coverage of major events, festivals, exhibitions, and national initiatives, including SG60-related exhibitions and arts programmes
• Participation in national-level photography exhibitions, with works selected and exhibited (e.g. Ngee Ann Photographic Exhibition 2025, National Photography Art Exhibition 2025)
• Development of long-term personal documentary projects in heritage, culture, and wildlife photography
• Continued evolution of visual storytelling style and editorial voice over two decades
• Recognition through consistent invitations, collaborations, and coverage opportunities across industries

Accolades and Recognition 

• Photographs selected and exhibited in recognised exhibitions and competitions, contributing to Singapore’s photography scene
• Acknowledged for visual storytelling contributions across photography, travel, and heritage sectors
• Built credibility as a trusted independent content creator and visual storyteller over two decades

Media Relationships and Industry Engagement 

• Established working relationships with:
  • Camera and imaging brands (e.g. Canon ecosystem collaborations and feature coverage)
  • Tourism, arts, and cultural organisations
  • Event organisers and lifestyle brands
• Regularly invited for:
  • Event coverage
  • Product launches and media previews
  • Community, heritage, and cultural storytelling projects
• Active participation in photography communities, exhibitions, and industry networks

Partnerships and Collaborations 

Over the years, the platform has collaborated with a diverse network of partners and creative collectives, including:

• Hpility SG – photography, videography, and digital marketing collaborations
• Easy Travel Recipes – travel and food content partnership
• 3 Blind Mice/4 Amigos – food media production and creative collaboration
• PR agencies/PR folks that I worked closely with – GLOO PR, Burson (especially those from XPR), IN.FOM, APRW, Brand Cellar, a group PR folks formerly from Ogilvy PR   

These collaborations reflect a strong emphasis on cross-disciplinary creativity and community-building.

Ups and Downs, Highs and Lows

Earlier you read about TGH Photography and Travel’s achievements, highlights, accolades, media relationships, partnerships over the past 20 years. Those are the highs, proud and humbling achievements through lots of hard work, perseverance, striving to learn, adapt, adopt and improve. 

There were times where I talked about my ups and downs, my highs and lows. Most people, if not everyone, just see the external facade, your end results and success. They can’t see, feel or understand what goes on behind the scenes, how I got there or how many times I fell.

From the highs of an interview feature article (close to a full page) with The Straits Times in 2015, mentioned inside the Acknowledgments section of this book titled, “No Missing Tools: Creativity In An Age Of Abundance” by Fernando Gros, a very talented creative, writer, photographer that I looked up to (especially in writing well thought out articles/topics).

As for my lows, from not being wanted anymore in a photography community without being informed that I had been contributing, building, growing and helping,

The Inner Struggles That Not Many See 

Social media platforms, networks and presence are both a boon and bane for us photographers, and creatives. On the one hand, it opened up presence, branding, awareness, growth and a cohesive, friendly social network (in the early days).

On the other extreme end of the social media, it revealed the ugly side of human beings and human nature. What are some of the inner struggles that I faced during my 20-year journey here?

Ego – One of human beings great enemies (both intrinsic and extrinsic), this can blind us especially among photographers and creatives. I am not immune to this, I made this mistake too, letting my ego got the better of me. Some life lessons learned during those ego related incidents over the decades.

Jealousy – We are human beings with heart, mind and soul, filled with emotions and feelings, jealousy is common and prevalent, in life, and not just in photography. In this current social media thirsty world filled with narcissism and showing off, it can make other people jealous. Even when you keep a low profile, stay grounded and humble, people still come for you.

Criticism – In life, not just in photography, criticism is like a daily staple for everyone of us. Some criticise in an ethical, clear, concise and calm manner with a kind heart to help you, some (many of those human beings) disguise and hide behind their criticism to put a person down.

Bitterness – Many a times, things don’t go out our way in life, that would be a sense of bitterness creeping inside us. During this 20-year journey, I had my fair share of disappointments, giving rise to bitterness. Sometimes, it’s not conducive for my mental and emotional health. However, those situations at times have also served as a motivation to improve myself further and to be better.

Anger – Combine a potent mix of ego, jealousy, criticism, and bitterness, and we can get angry easily and often. This would take some time, growing old, getting mature, in knowing how to handle the anger inside me. 

Why I am not chasing trends/styles on social media – Initially I did chase some trends/styles, as I gradually developed my visual storytelling and creative side (cross disciplinary learning from artists and writers) over the years, I started to not chase trends/styles on social media as much. Instead I wanted to have my own visual storytelling and creative style.

My Struggles and Lows in a Nutshell 

Over the past 20 years,I have had my fair share of criticisms, there are a few people who looked down on the work I did here, even judging and putting me down under the disguise of “giving me friendly advice”. Many life lessons learned, shaping me and helping me to change, adapt and improve myself during the past 2 decades.

Looking Ahead: The Next Chapter

Looking Ahead: The Next Chapter (What does the next decade look like?)

Entering its third decade, the platform continues to focus on:

• Higher-quality visual storytelling and multimedia content
• Deeper heritage and cultural documentation
• Expanded creative collaborations and long-term projects
• Growth within the digital content, photography, and creative industries

Positioning and Legacy

Over 20 years, TGH Photography & Travel has established itself as:

• A Singapore-based independent visual storytelling platform
• A bridge between photography, travel, heritage, and digital culture
• A personal yet professional archive of evolving creative work and industry engagement

To Celebrate or Not to Celebrate my 20 Years Milestone? 

So this thought came into my mind, to celebrate or to not celebrate my 20-year milestone? Some ideas and thoughts popped up, and it’s not like I am going to do some big celebration due to limited budget and I also didn’t go around seeking sponsorships. 

Some of my 20 years milestone celebration plans are:

• Small group dinners gatherings with friends from social media, bloggers, PR, photographers, spread over the months of April to June 2026.
• Working on a special edition 20 years magazine size photo zine with a curated selection of photography works and visual stories from my past 20 years.
• Printing my own customised embroidery patches (2 designs), I am looking at printing the round patch as a gift for my friends and supporters.
• Considering printing customised photography t-shirt gifts from my 20 years TGH Photography and Travel archives
• Bought a new photography backpack as a reward for myself, also as a celebration gift
• Buying new photography t-shirt and accessories for a new profile photographer shoot to mark 20 years milestone
• Planning to get new content creation toys: either a used compact camera for my leisure and media events use, I am looking at a rangefinder style camera as I always wanted to own a rangefinder style camera for my daily usage, street camera. Another consideration is an entry level drone that I can learn, have fun and for social media content creation  

20 Years (Not Out!) – Thank you from the bottom of my heart!

If you have faithfully and diligently read up to the last few paragraphs, thank you for taking the time to read all the way here (a pretty lengthy article I reckon)! I might not have covered everything or spilled everything that happened during my 20-year journey. 

This is a very personal article, a recap of the journey of the past 20 years on my TGH Photography and Travel portal/blog. Sharing my past 20 years ups and downs, the good and bad, sounds like a broken recorder on repeat ranting mode. Yet, it’s more than just surreal, it might also have triggered some touch points inside your heart, mind and soul, such as the struggles, stress, and pressure we face, not just as a photographer, or as a small business owner.

No words can describe my deep and personal immense gratitude and thanks for all the support and encouragement that you have given me during my past 20 years of visual storytelling, photography, content creation and writing on my humble TGH Photography and Travel portal/blog. 

20 Years Not Out! Would you like to continue travelling together with my TGH Photography and Travel portal/blog visual storytelling, photography, content creation and writing journey, for the next 10, 20 years and beyond? 

The post Celebrating 20 Years of TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.

NAPE 2026 official poster courtesy of Ngee Ann Cultural Centre

Ngee Ann Photographic Exhibition (NAPE)

NAPE was established in 2005, an annual exhibition organised by NACC to showcase the worlds and talents of local photographers and to promote photographic arts in Singapore. This provides an open platform for photographers of all backgrounds to present their best works, regardless of age, race  or religion.

There are two public entry categories for NAPE 2026: Open (for participants aged 21 years and above), and Student (for participants aged 10-20 years old). The theme for NAPE 2026 is “Open”. Submission of entries is free of charge.

Submissions are open until 12th April 2026 (Sunday). The NAPE 2026 will be held from 13th to 23rd June 2026 (closed on Sundays) at LASALLE College of the Arts.

Each year, The Ngee Ann Kongsi will acquire selected works from the exhibition to expand its Permanent Arts Collection, demonstrating its continued support for local photographers. Vis this broader public participation, NAPE 2026 seeks to inject fresh ideas and creativity into Singapore’s photography scene.

All submissions will be reviewed by an esteemed panel of advisers, and shortlisted photography works will be exhibited. 

In the year 2025, the 20th NAPE generated strong interest, receiving over 1,020 entries submitted by more than 570 participants – a notable increase from the 700 entries and 416 participants received in 2024.

20th Ngee Ann Photographic Exhibition 2025 (NAPE) – My Personal Story and Journey

In year 2025, I participated in the 20th Ngee Ann Photographic Exhibition 2025 (NAPE 2025), this was my first time entering, and I was really delighted that my photograph submission was selected for the 20th NAPE! Year 2025 was also an important year, it was Singapore’s 60th year (SG60) celebrations, thus making it more significant for my visual storytelling journey.

My photography work on display at 20th Ngee Ann Photographic Exhibition 2025 (NAPE)

Here’s my visual story of my journey in the 20th Ngee Ann Photographic Exhibition 2025 (NAPE 2025) – https://blog.photojournalist-tgh.tv/photography/the-20th-ngee-ann-photographic-exhibition-nape-2025 

For this year 21st NAPE 2026, I would submit my two entries, with an open mind, eyes, and heart, and see where my entries for NAPE 2026 brings me. 

Keeping my fingers crossed that I would be able to celebrate my 20th year milestone of TGH Photography and Travel portal/blog with my photograph submission selected for the the 21st NAPE 2026.

21st Ngee Ann Photographic Exhibition 2026 (NAPE) – Call for Entries 

The 21st Ngee Ann Photographic Exhibition 2026 (NAPE) is open to all photographers residing in Singapore. 

• Theme: Open
• Categories: Open (21 years and above) and Student (10 to 20 years old)
• Closing Date: 12th April 2026 (Sunday)

For more information and registration for NAPE 2026

For more information on NAPE 2026, please visit https://linktr.ee/naccsg, or visit NAPE 2026 Official Webpage or NACC’s Facebook page.  

21st Ngee Ann Photographic Exhibition 2026 (NAPE) Exhibition Details

• Date: 13th to 23rd June 2026 (Closed on Sundays)
• Venue: LASALLE College of the Arts, 1 McNally Street, Singapore 187940

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Photography

Photography (Business) 

As I have to juggle running my photography business, digital marketing and content creation with caregiver duties, it’s a delicate balancing act, I am still leaning and adapting changes to how I can best optimise my business operations. 

This is an ongoing journey, I would work to the best of my ability, strategising and adapting accordingly to my situation.

Photography (Personal) / Visual Storytelling / Content Creation

In the month of March 2026, I would continue to work on heritage and culture visual storytelling content, while continuing to earn my revenue through my photography business side, I am also working on my personal photography projects and areas of interest for visual storytelling documentation. Meanwhile, I would be catching up on sharing photography related news, as well as smartphone photography news that is catching a lot of attention during Mobile World Congress 2026.

From personal photography theme projects, to Fire Dragon ritual coming back again in March 2026, a good mix of different photography genres to work on in March 2026.

21st Ngee Ann Photographic Exhibition 2026 (NAPE)

Meanwhile, I would be curating my entry submissions for the 21st Ngee Ann Photographic Exhibition 2026 (NAPE) in April 2026, Whether my submissions are accepted for this year’s exhibition, have to wait and see. 

20 Years Milestone Planning for April 2026 

Coming soon in April 2026, I am going to celebrate my TGH Photography and Travel portal/blog 20 years milestone (since I began my visual storytelling journey in April 2006). Currently, I am collecting my thoughts, feelings, and emotions, recollecting my visual stories and memories, milestones and achievements over the past 20 years, sharing more on the day in April 2026 when I celebrate this milestone of mine.

Some sneak previews on how I am planning to celebrate my 20 years milestone 

• 20 years milestone embroidery patch 
• Special edition zine celebrating my 20 years of visual storytelling
• Collaborations with camera and photography accessories brands 

Seeking Collaborations, Partnerships and Sponsorships

Leading up to celebrating my TGH Photography and Travel portal/blog 20 years milestone in April 2026, I am seeking collaborations, partnerships and sponsorships, whether it’s in the photography, travel or content creation space, let’s have a chat and hope we can work something out that benefits both parties.

Personal

I am still learning to juggle and balance my photography business, content creation, personal life and also as a caregiver for my elderly parents. The past few months had been very stressful as I took on more responsibilities as a caregiver. I would have a better grasp of the situation, and how I can plan to adapt and manage, when the official medical prognosis is out for my Mum during her upcoming geriatric specialist appointment in this month.

The post Photography / Visual Storytelling / Content Creation Themes and Plans for March 2026 appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.

This Chinese New Year (CNY) 2026, it’s a quiet, slow and low key celebrations for me due to the passing of my 姑姑 (paternal auntie, my Dad’s youngest sister) about a week before CNY 2026, missing her big smile, warmest and caring personality. Besides that, balancing a caregiver role for my Mum over the past few months took a mental and emotional toll on me.

Instead, I took this CNY 2026 period to take more time to rest while I am still finding a balance point in caregiving, running my photography business and other different areas of writing/work. Meanwhile, I am getting myself back in action, stepping up the gears and kickstarting the journey ahead in the Year of the Horse.

In most of my previous CNY greetings, I would usually publish it on CNY Day 1 of Day 2, for this year, I posted in on CNY Day 9, a special day for the Hokkien community, 天宫诞, 敬天公，求平安，愿顺顺利利一整年!

Once again, I would still like to wish everyone Happy Chinese New Year! As the Horse runs free and strong, may you charge ahead with courage and unstoppable momentum this year! 祝大家新年快乐，万事如意，身体健康，心想事成！马年大吉，万事如意，愿你新的一年马到成功！

The post Happy Chinese New Year 2026! appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.

Photography

Photography (Business) 

As I have to juggle running my photography business with caregiver duties, it’s still a delicate balancing act, leaning and adapting changes to how I can best optimise my business operations. I would work to the best of my ability, strategising and adapting accordingly.

Photography (Personal) / Visual Storytelling / Content Creation

For February 2026, I would continue on my visual storytelling and content creation in the history, heritage, culture and arts sector that I started off in January 2026. There might be business opportunities in those fields down the road. 

Backlogs are slowly cleared, with curated photographs uploaded into my Flickr collections, clearing up my HDD space as I am starting my 2026 visual storytelling and content creation journeys.  

Milestone Year 2026 Planning 

I am contemplating on seeking partnerships, collaborations and sponsorships for Year 2026 since this is a milestone year for my TGH Photography and Travel portal/blog (20 years) and TGH Photography (10th year in the photography business).

If you are open and keen to collaborate and partner for Year 2026, drop me an email, let’s have a chat. While sponsorship of camera and lenses would be most welcome, I am also open to photography accessories sponsorship (e.g. camera bags).

Personal

I am juggling and balancing my photography business, content creation, personal life and also as a caregiver for my elderly parents. The past few months had been very stressful as I took on more responsibilities as a caregiver. In time to come, I would have a better grasp of the situation, and how I can plan to adapt and manage, when the official medical prognosis is out for my Mum during her next specialist appointment. 

Wishing all a Happy Chinese Lunar New Year 2026 in advance!

Counting down the days to ushering and welcoming the Year of the Horse on 17th and 18th February 2026, wishing all a Happy Chinese Lunar New Year 2026 in advance!

The post Photography / Visual Storytelling / Content Creation Themes and Plans for February 2026 appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.

Get Up Close and Personal with Giant Insects at ArtScience Museum 

Insects: Microsculptures Magnified is making its Southeast Asia debut at ArtScience Museum on 17th January 2026, get up and personal with giant insects, with images towering up to 7 feet high. This exhibition showcases larger-than-life realm of insects, observe the beauty and intricacy of the insects forms far beyond what the naked eye can perceive.

“Insects: Microsculptures Magnified is ArtScience Museum’s first exhibition on insects. It invites audiences to reconsider these often-overlooked creatures as complex, beautifully structured, and essential to life on Earth. Created in collaboration with the American Museum of Natural History and enriched by scientific research from Singapore institutions including Nanyang Technological University, the National University of Singapore, and A*STAR, the exhibition brings global perspectives into dialogue with local discovery. The exhibition reveals how in Singapore’s forests and laboratories, scientists are making discoveries that sound almost unbelievable—beetles that clean ecosystems, cicadas that inspire futuristic materials, and bugs never before seen by science. The exhibition speaks directly to Singapore’s active nature and wildlife photography communities, inviting them to look more closely at the insect world,” said Honor Harger, Vice President of ArtScience Museum at Marina Bay Sands. 

Extraordinary Large-scale Insects Photography by Levon Biss

Through the lens of award-winning British photographer Levon Biss, visitors can observe the microscopic details of each insect, that are transformed into mind-blowing, eye-catching, and captivating visual up close counters with insects world. 

Widely regarded as one of the leading macro photographers of his generation, Levon Biss macro photography is known for his meticulous images of insects, seeds, fruits and botanical forms, life to monumental scale. By magnifying insect life to monumental scale, his photography works invites a renewed sense of attention to the intricacy of nature ecosystem that one often overlooks. 

His pioneering photographic technique captures what entomologists refer to as an insect’s “micro sculpture”, from the exterior armour of the insect, to its velvet-like textures and saw-toothed mandibles, to the finely pigmented scales that define the amazing diversity of the insect world.

“The opportunity to display Microsculpture at ArtScience Museum is without doubt a highlight for the project and one that I could never have imagined when photographing the first insect. It is hugely satisfying to see the images enjoyed by different audiences around the world and it is clear evidence of a public appreciation and curiosity for these incredible creatures,” said Levon Biss. 

“Each photograph is created from over 8,000 individual images using a bespoke photo rig and microscope lenses. This achieves extreme levels of detail, allowing visitors to experience and appreciate microscopic textures and adaptations that would otherwise be lost to the naked eye. It’s both a technical challenge and an opportunity to celebrate the ingenuity of life at a tiny scale, a mixture of entertainment and education. By bringing these minute forms to monumental size, the exhibition invites viewers to look closely, to wonder, and care about the beauty and significance of these ingenious creatures we share this planet with,” he added. 

Insects: Microsculptures Magnified

This exhibition is created in collaboration with the American Museum of Natural History, featuring 37 monumental, high-magnification portraits of insects from the Oxford University Museum of Natural History’s collection. The meticulous details of the insects world microscopic forms are the key spotlights, observe the breathtaking details and clarity, the textures and anatomical structures that are often remain invisible, even to close observers.

First presented at the Oxford University Museum of Natural History in 2016, ArtScience Museum has expanded upon the original exhibition to incorporate specimens from local institutions, including Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum’s Zoological Reference Collection, Nanyang Technology University (NTU) Asian School of the Environment’s Tropical Ecology and Entomology Lab and Blackcrow Taxidermy & Art.

Cutting-edge Scientific Research from Singapore

Insects: Microsculptures Magnified exhibition also features cutting-edge scientific research from Singapore, showcasing exciting new research from Singapore’s scientific community, revealing how insect discoveries here are shaping fields from ecology to engineering. 

Scientists from NTU School of the Environment’s Tropical Ecology and Entomology Lab are pioneering fieldwork on native dung beetles, uncovering the hidden diversity and ecological roles of these insects and building foundational knowledge for conservation in tropical urban landscapes.

At A*STAR Institute of Bioengineering and Bioimaging, researchers are translating the remarkable nanoscale textures of cicada wings into cutting-edge self-cleaning, anti-microbial surfaces, showcasing how nature’s designs can inspire nex-generation materials. 

This show also showcases the discovery of a new species of plant bug, Campylomma Singapura, documented by researchers at the National University of Singapore, giving visitors a chance to see and learn about a species previously unknown to science. 

Get Up Close and Personal with Giant Insects at ArtScience Museum

If you are a fan of nature, flora and fauna, outdoors, and especially into insects, this special exhibition “Insects: Microsculptures Magnified” that is held at ArtScience Museum, dob’t miss it! For those who are into nature, wildlife, flora and fauna, that are not that into the insects world, I invite you to visit this exhibition, to get up close and personal with giant insects at ArtScience Museum.

Once you visit Insects: Microsculptures Magnified, this exhibition would let you learn a lot more about the insects world, its diversity, the key roles they play in nature’s ecosystem that many of us do not know and understand. 

Do also take your time to view photographs of the world of insects up close and personal, would you ever think about viewing insects from such different perspectives and angles, and they can look pretty good and nice, not scary and ugly, as some of us might have some bad vibes, feels and perceptions about the insect world?

It’s educational, enriching, as well as an visual eye-opener that would make you view the insects world from new and different perspectives.

Insects: Microsculptures Magnified Information

• Venue: ArtScience Museum, Marina Bay Sands
• Date: 17th January to 19th April 2026

Ticketing ** Launch Privileges: Visits until 28th February 2026 **

Tickets can be purchased at all Marina Bay Sands box offices and online.

Opening hours:

Address

• 6 Bayfront Avenue
• Singapore 018974

For more information on the exhibition, please visit https://www.marinabaysands.com/museum/exhibitions/insects.html 

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Whispers – A Living Light Art Exhibition 

Prior to the launch of Whispers – A Living Light Art Exhibition, House of VSE, together with artist Wei, had been releasing snippets of this upcoming exhibition. Personally, I was looking forward to this exhibition, the title, theme and descriptions are sending me the Whispers, something that can help to unlock some of the situations that I am facing. 

I registered for the preview, that took place on my birthday, kind of significant that both events were together on the same day. Let me bring you on a journey into Whispers – A Living Light Art Exhibition by Very Small Exhibition. 

Whispers invites you – to slow down, observe, and spend time together

A unique light art exhibition through twelve light artworks that unfold through light, colour, and subtle movement, Whispers invites you – to slow down, observe, and spend time together inside this artwork space. 

This artistic experiential journey doesn’t require you to complete it, or you have to understand everything quickly. They invite you to pay attention, to yourself, the small shifts inside your mind and soul, the transitions, and to being present feeling your rhythm with the artworks and space.

Do not rush, take your time to embark on your own Whispers journey inside the art space, inside your heart, mind and soul. Observe every details from the tangibles, to the intangibles, around you, inside of you. They might just Whispers something back to you, revealing reflections. 

Hear the Whispers from Artist Wei of VSE

Reading artist Wei words on his Whispers artwork exhibition, this goes beyond the tangible aspects of a physical artwork, it’s the journey that leads us there, the inner world that only we ourselves can see. 

The Whispers that you encounter from the words, feelings and emotions from each of the twelve artworks, this is a process of listening to your own journeys inside, it’s recalibrating, and learning to remain gentle as you continue your journeys moving forward. 

We can only see the superficial, the external facades, tangible side of things. The journey that you undertaken, is the inner soul inside you. Whispers doesn’t end at your visit inside this living light art exhibition. Your journey continues on, in yourself, and also to the rest of the visitors that enter inside and embark on their own Whispers journey. 

More than just Whispers – A Living Light Art Exhibition 

There are more than just Whispers – A Living Light Art Exhibition by Very Small Exhibition (VSE), presented with Byra. There are also two programmes planned, one is a workshop, the other is a unique dining experience. 

Whispers: Ritual of Calm – Workshop

A meditative art workshop that combines art and beauty care, VSE artist Wei and Byra Beauty’s philosophy of calm as a state of being. This is held as part of Whispers exhibition during Singapore Art Week 2026.

• Date: 31st January 2026
• Price: SGD $90 / pax

Limited Seats!

Beauty Table: A Calm-Centred Dining Ritual for Brighter Skin

A special dining event held alongside “Whispers” exhibition during Singapore Art Week 2026, an intimate dining experience where art, calm, and food comes together for a unique experience. 

• Date: 21st January 2026
• Price: $79 nett / pax 

Limited seats! Only 9 seats available!

The Whispers that Spoke to Me

Embarking on this Whispers journey with a number of things going through my mind, it feels like entering my inner brain and mind (the artwork installation), trying to find my way out of this journey, guided by the twelve light artworks telling me their stories, feelings, thoughts and experiences. 

There are some artworks that I can relate to, there are others that give me new perspectives and directions to look at, as I explored Whispers living light artwork. Returning from this Whispers journey, it was therapeutic, taking it slow and letting some of my ongoing stress and pressure out as a caregiver that I recently have to shoulder on, an invisible heavyweight shoulders, the invisible immense stress and pressure piling on top. 

A personal journey that only I can take, how many would be able to empathise and relate? While I continue to seek my own journey, solutions and plans, I did mange to find some peace and tranquility time at Whispers – A Living Light Art Exhibition. 

Whispers – A Living Light Art Exhibition Information

Whispers – A Living Light Art Exhibition. Brought to you by Byra and House of VSE, part of SAW Singapore Art Week 2026.

• Date: 16th January to 1st February 2026
• Venue: GTCL Wellness Sanctum, E-Center@Redhill #02-03

Admission by RSVP (limited spaces available), visit the URL below on their websites and social media platforms. 

• Byra website: https://byrabeauty.com/pages/rituals 
• House of VSE: https://www.instagram.com/houseofvse/ 
• Very Small Exhibition: https://www.instagram.com/verysmallexhibition/  

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Taking place from 30th January to 1st February 2026 at SCCC and Singapore Conference Hall,  featuring a total of 25 cultural programmes, such as children theatre performances, storytelling experiences, carousel rides, interactive photo booths and family-friendly workshops. These programmes are designed to make traditions enjoyable and engaging for today’s Singaporeans, young and old.

SCCC CNYFF 2026

Featuring a total of 25 cultural programmes, here is a list of SCCC CNYFF 2026 programmes, there are both free activities and ticketed activities. 

List of SCCC CNYFF 2026 Free Activities 

• Finding Har马ny
• Year of the Horse Zodiac Forecast 
• “Roaring Good Times”: Lion Dance Showcases 
• “MA”rvellous Mission
• Huat-goes-round Carousel
• Photos for Prosperity Booths
• The “MA”rket Place
• “Nian” Is Coming (Part 2): Journey Back Home
• TGIF Music Station (CNY Edition)
• Tradition in Motion: Singapore’s Lion Dance Heritage

List of SCCC CNYFF 2026 Ticketed Activities 

• Cubs on the Move: Children’s Lion Dance Workshop 
• Dragon Up the Fun: Children’s Dragon Dance Workshop
• “Gong Xi, Gone Where?”: A Roving Storytelling Experience
• Rhapsodies of Spring 2026 (SOLD OUT)
• Treasures of Chinese Temples Tour

SCCC CNYFF 2026 Key Programme Highlights

There’s a great lineup of programmes on offer at SCCC CNYFF 2026, which programmes should we go? Here are some key programme highlights for you and your family!

Free

Finding Har马ny

One of the key highlights of CNYFF 2026, SCCC’s annual CNY roof garden art installation titled, Finding Har马ny. Check out the bright and colourful horse sculptures grazing and galloping across SCCC’s roof garden. 

Explore the Year of the Horse artworks with your family, have lots of fun, take photos and memories together, find out more about Year of the Horse Zodiac forecast.

On display till 20th May 2026, from 10am to 10pm daily.

“Roaring Good Times”: Lion Dance Showcases (Don’t Miss This!)

A key highlight of CNYFF 2026 will be “Roaring Good Times”: Lion Dance Showcases by five different local lion dance troupes, taking place on 31st January 2026 and 1st February 2026, from 1pm to 7pm, at SCCC’s Level 1 Concourse. 

Local lion dance styles, namely Fujian Green Lion Dance, Hainanese Lion Dance, Hakka Qilin Dance, Golden Lion Dance and Fo He Lion Dance, will showcase the diversity and vibrance of various lion dance styles here in Singapore. 

Don’t miss this “Roaring Good Times”: Lion Dance Showcases on 31st January 2026 and 1st February 2026!

“MA”rvellous Mission 

Make it a family fun activity at SCCC CNYFF 2026, embark on a fun-filled mission-based quest across SCCC, complete selected CNY activities to collect stamps to redeem festive rewards such as limited edition festive red packets (whilst stocks last), or a drink voucher (while stocks last).

The “MA”rket Place

Visitors to SCCC CNYFF 2026 can take part in craft activities such as couplet writing and seal stamping, accessories making and colouring with your family, relatives and friends. Enjoy CNY-themed theatre performances and sample complimentary festive snacks.

Ticketed

• Cubs on the Move: Children’s Lion Dance Workshop  
• Dragon Up the Fun: Children’s Dragon Dance Workshop

Fun programmes for the children! They can learn basic lion and dragon dance movements from experienced instructors, and try playing traditional drums and cymbals. 

“Gong Xi, Gone Where?”: A Roving Storytelling Experience

Children can join Xiao Ming on a fun-filled adventure and search for three characters hidden throughout SCCC to uncover the meanings behind three special CNY greetings!

Treasures of Chinese Temples Tour

Join a fascinating tour of Chinese temples located in Singapore’s CBD, discover their rich history, heritage, culture, and traditions, including how they prepare for and celebrate CNY!

Here is the list of temples to visit:

• Kheng Chiu Tin Hou Kong
• Yueh Hai Ching Temple
• Singapore Yu Huang Gong
• Thian Hock Keng
• Fook Tet Soo Hakka Temple

Tour is conducted in Mandarin, taking place on Sunday 25th January 2026 from 10am to 12pm. Meeting point is SCCC Ho Bee Concourse, Level 1.

SCCC Chief Executive Officer, Mr Alvin Tan, said: “This year, we are not only bringing festive cheer to the CBD and celebrating Chinese New Year in uniquely Singaporean ways – we are also shining the spotlight on our local lion dance troupes and showcasing the variety of lion dance styles practised in Singapore including the familiar southern lion dance, and the less common Hainan Lion and the Fujian Green Lion. In doing so, we hope to present lion dance as an enduring artform and a cultural heritage that Singaporeans can be proud of.”

SCCC & SCO CNY Family FUN (CNYFF) 2026 Information

Dates: 30th January to 1st February 2026

Venues: 

• Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre 
• Singapore Chinese Orchestra Concert Hall
• Singapore Conference Hall

For more information and details on CNYFF 2026, please visit SCCC website – https://singaporeccc.org.sg/ 

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