REMIX: SINGAPO人 Youth Takeover 2025

Taking place from 17th October to 26th October 2025, REMIX: SINGAPO人 Youth Takeover 2025 festival will activate unconventional spaces within the SCCC building for visitors to explore and discover local Chinese arts and culture in new and surprising ways.

Here are some key highlights of REMIX: SINGAPO人 Youth Takeover that you might be interested in!

Party Ground @ SCCC

One of the key highlights of REMIX 2025 is Party Ground @ SCCC! There are two weekend sober parties where the festival takes over the SCCC Concourse in a dynamic mash-up of live music, craft activities, street art, delicious eats, dance performances and battles, and more!

She’s in the Third Stall (Ticketed)

Another key highlight will be an immersive theatre experience that transforms SCCC’s toilet into a site of mystery. She’s in the Third Stall will invite you to take on the role of a special agent and navigate ghostly myths, memories, and unspoken struggles of modern youth within the unconventional confines of a toilet. 

Say It Again: The Dialect Comeback Escape Room

As part of SCCC’s ongoing efforts to involve youths in co-creation of festival offerings, SCCC has collaborated with Ngee Ann Polytechnic students and The Escape Artist to design and present a dialect escape room adventure. 

Songs you Sing: Free Karaoke + The Record Shop of Memories

Karaoke fans rejoice, there will be a free karaoke zone available at SCCC’s Roof Garden for you to sing your favourite songs, record a Mandarin song cover, as well as customise and bring home unique mini CD-album keychain bag charms.

Spray and Paint Graffiti Workshop (Ticketed)

Want to discover and unleash your creativity using scary painting? Join Singapore street artist, ANTZ for a graffiti workshop at REMIX: SINGAPO人 Youth Takeover 2025! 

charc+r The Great IP invasion! (Ticketed)

Fans of cute plushies, stickers, collectibles, you would be keen! A new festival is landing at SCCC during REMIX: SINGAPO人 Youth Takeover 2025! A curated artist market, talks, and a showcase floor overrun by indie character IPs. 

charc+r celebrates original indie character IPs and the creators behind them. Time to celebrate creative artists and their amazing cute artistic works and collectibles (and fill up your space with their visually, culturally, creatively art works and collectibles). 

RE-MIX The Dance 2025

The much anticipated annual street dance competition, RE-MIX The Dance 2025, will return to REMIX: SINGAPO人 Youth Takeover. Dancers and dance crews will battle it out in a Mandarin-inspired showdown. For RE-MIX The Dance 2025, the competition will include an “instrument blind box” twist that will test the dancers and dance groups’ creativity and skills. 

Introductory Dance Workshops

There will be a series of introductory dance workshops conducted, covering dance forms such as Jazz, Lindy Hop, Swing, Salsa, Bachata and Latin Dance. Workshop participants will also be taught basic moves as they groove to Mandarin and dialect songs in a unique East-meets-West format. 

According to Alvin Tan, CEO of SCCC: “Through this year’s REMIX and its programmes, we hope not only to provide a platform for diverse young artists and arts groups to showcase their talents and works, we also hope to provide spaces for youths to explore local Chinese culture with their friends and express themselves creatively. In doing so, we hope to show youths that encounters with Chinese culture can be fun, and to strengthen their interest in Singapore Chinese arts and culture.”

REMIX: SINGAPO人 Youth Takeover 2025 Information

REMIX: SINGAPO人 Youth Takeover 2025 is open to the public, offering a range of both free and ticketed programmes. For the full list of REMIX: SINGAPO人 Youth Takeover 2025 programmes, ticketing and registration details, please visit https://singaporen.sg/remix. 

(Note: Eligible Singapore Citizens can use their SG Culture Pass credits to offset ticket costs for eligible REMIX: SINGAPO人 Youth Takeover 2025 programmes)

The post REMIX: SINGAPO人 Youth Takeover at SCCC – Expect the Unexpected! appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.

Currents of Care (2025) at Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre

Currents of Care has two coloured rainbows spanning across Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre (SCCC) glass entrance, welcoming visitors with its artistic flow and layout. The rainbow in blue hues adopts the colour of World Mental Health Day, the other rainbow represents SCCC corporate colours. 

When you visit SCCC, observe how the rainbows intertwine (it does look like a Chinese knot from far), the lines flowing representing the rhythms of life, the growth and changes, of life’s ups and downs, gently reminding all of us that through family, friends, companionship and community, we can find our strengths and healings.

Currents of Care is commissioned by SCCC in support of World Mental Health Day, hoping to raise public awareness of the importance of mental health, signalling SCCC’s support for mental health and well-being.  

Currents of Care artwork installation is by a talented Singapore creative artist Lee Wei Lieh of Very Small Exhibition, whose works have been showcased at i-Light Singapore, Singapore F1 Night Race, and Singapore Art Week. Coincidentally, I first got to know artist Wei in 2021, also on the subject of World Mental Health Day, at Malay Heritage Centre x Very Small Exhibition support World Mental Health Day.

Thereafter, I have been following, supporting and documenting artist Wei’s colourful and diverse artworks, inside this collection on Flickr over the years from 2021 till date. Documenting and photographing artist Wei’s artworks over the years is more than a form of photography therapy, it opens up my creativity and approaches to art and creative stuff, and knowing more creative artists from different genres. 

Here are some visual stories of artist Wei applying the finishing touches to his Currents of Care artwork at SCCC for World Mental Health Day 2025. 

Mental Health Matters

The society has gradually opened up more in recent years (since the COVID-19 pandemic), on the subject of mental health issues and awareness. While this topic might still be taboo, it’s getting more needed attention, awareness, better learning and understanding. 

Take this World Mental Health Day (and beyond), start reaching out to someone, whether it’s your family, relatives, loved ones, or friends, check with them, say a simple “Hello”, “Thinking of You”. These simple kind words might just be exactly what they need to hear. It’s as simple and sometimes the bravest thing for everyone of us that we can do is to let someone know that they are not alone. 

Show your concern, be there for them in person, actively listen without judgement, respond effectively by creating a safe space for them, be empathetic and focus on them.

There were periods when my mental health wasn’t in a good shape (during the pandemic period). The words that you received from your family and friends can help you out.

Mental Health Matters, we can all play a part to raise awareness and mobilise our own small efforts to reach out and check with our family, relatives and friends. 

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Photography

Photography Competitions/Contests

There are still a few photography competitions/contests in October 2025 leading up to the end of 2025. Here are the ones that I am working on in October 2025 till December 2025 

Concrete in Life 2526

A global photography competition that I found out last year or so, I would be joining and participating in Concrete in Life 2526. While I am not really an architectural photographer, I regularly take cityscapes and travel photography, where concrete plays an important role in the building of a country and society, from roads, bridges, to the homes in the cities that we live in. 

Sony World Photography Awards 2025

A worldwide photography contest that I have been regularly participating in over the years. I am in the process of curating and selecting my photographs for submission to Sony World Photography Awards 2025 in December 2025 before the closing date. If you are keen to participate in Sony World Photography Awards 2025, do check them out!

Exhibitions 

1st National Photography Art Exhibition (NPAE) 2025 in October 2025

The 1st National Photography Art Exhibition (NPAE) 2025 will be held from 9th to 12th October 2025 at The Art Space SG, from 11am to 6pm. I have a photograph selected for display at NPAE 2025, I would like to thank the panel for selecting my photograph to be part of 1st National Photography Art Exhibition celebrating SG60.

• The Art Space SG
• 66 Kallang Pudding Road #01-01 Hor Kew Business Centre, Singapore 349324

Visual Storytelling / Content Creation

Working on my SG60 Visual Storytelling Personal Project 

I am currently working on my SG60 visual storytelling personal project, consolidation of my photos shot in 2025 as part of SG60, curation of photographs shot over the decades for consideration that would be selected for SG60 my personal project.

Still a work in progress, more updates to come soon when the time is right. Do keep a lookout for updates along the way!

Ready for Migratory Bird Photography Season Q3 2025 to Q1 2026

Migratory bird photography season has started early in September 2025, I would be picking up the pace, planning various visits to nature reserves, parks, park connector networks/rivers and coastlines in the coming months. 

I would also keep a lookout for other wildlife in Singapore too during my photo walks, looking forward to adding more birding and wildlife photography to my Bird/Wildlife Photography in Singapore collection on Flickr.

Heritage, Culture, Arts, Performing Arts and Creative Sectors

Year 2025 till date to Q3 2025 has been a pretty fruitful and enriching year covering, documenting and photographing, especially in the areas of culture, arts and performing arts. I am working on curating and uploading my photos into my Flickr photography collections and writing my visual stories here on my TGH Photography and Travel website. 

The performing arts sector that I have attended for this year 2025 till date, a good mix of contemporary performing arts and traditions, feeling the deep connections to open up my creativity and understanding of arts and culture.

Of Other Thoughts and Views

Love of F1/Motorsports Photography

Canon Singapore recently organised a seminar, The Art of the Race by Darren Heath, it was a great turnout, and the audience enjoyed an insightful and learning session on F1/motorsports photography from Darren Heath. I had the opportunity to get a special session chatting with Darren over lunch, asking him about F1/motorsports photography, from a motorsports photography enthusiast (me) to a F1/motorsports photography legend (Darren Heath). Keep a lookout for my upcoming articles on the The Art of the Race seminar and the chat/sharing session with Darren Heath. 

After chatting with Darren, and learning about his art and craft of F1/motorsports photography, it kind of rekindle my love and passion for F1/motorsports photography that I had years back. Also, it’s also time to stop just chasing to photograph the sports car in action, and forgetting about the fans, passion and behind the scenes of motorsports that their stories need to be make more known to the world of motorsports enthusiasts.

Words from a fellow visual storyteller 

AikBeng’s Chia (affectionately a.k.a ABC) recently did a video interview on CNA Insider, titled: Photographing Weird, Quirky & Strange Singapore: There’s Always A Story Behind” | Dear Singapore, it was refreshing and sending reminders to myself on some of those challenges, and stuff we hear on our creative works and journeys, the inevitable comparisons, public and private scrutiny that comes with putting up our photography works on social media and internet space. 

AikBeng’s photography style and approach is exceptional, he tells visual stories through his eyes, heart, mind and soul that even some of us visual storytellers might not be be to visualise. AikBeng is an inspiration, I have huge respect and admiration for his unique, bold and direct style of visual storytelling that is not conventional.

Some of AikBeng’s quotes inside this CNA Insider video, “There is beauty in imperfection”, “Don’t judge people”, “We Shouldn’t Compare”

Those quotes hit me deep, time to stop chasing perfection, and be mindful of the comparisons and judgements that we faced on social media and what we might face from fellow photographers in real life. 

And to let our own visual storytelling and creativity do the rest. 

The post Photography / Visual Storytelling / Content Creation Themes and Plans for October 2025 appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.

Photography

Photography Competitions/Contests

There are still a few ongoing photography competitions/contests in September 2025. Here are the ones that I am working on in September 2025.

Experience More with Capture SG60 by RSP & HONOR

HONOR recently launched a foldable smartphone, HONOR Magic V5, and this is Singapore’s SG60 birthday year, HONOR is celebrating this milestone by inviting the public to photograph Singapore’s city architectural journey, from iconic landmarks to everyday spaces. 

This photography competition is jointly organised by HONOR and RSP Architects Planners & Engineers. If you are keen to know more and participate ,visit  https://rsp.design/capturesg60/ and find out more information and details.

Alan Photo Competition – Catch the Moment

Alan Photo Singapore announced a photo completion titled, “Catch the Moment”, inviting photographers to show a side of Singapore that most people never notice. That sounds like a pretty nice theme to participate in, showcasing many different sights and views of Singapore that most people never notice.

The competition period is from 1 – 30 September 2025, if you are keen to participate or find out more information, you can check out Alan Photo social media pages. I am going to enter and see how it goes for me.

Exhibitions 

NUSPS Montage 2025 Seminar – Not a winner | A Photograph on Display

The NUSPS Montage 2025 Seminar took place on 23rd August 2025, I attended the Montage 2025 seminar, listening to talks by professionals, photo exhibition and prize presentation.

The winning entries for NUSPS Montage 2025 were on display at Montage 2025 Seminar, together with the other top entries for this photo competition. Although I didn’t win any prizes at Montage 2025 photo competition, I did have a photograph printed on display at NUSPS Montage 2025 Seminar. 

Overall, a small consolation and recognition, this was also a good experience for me participating in Montage 2025 photo competition, a great NUSPS Montage 2025 seminar lineup of speakers, and last but not least, catching up with friends from Canon Singapore and photographer friends from various photography groups in Singapore, friends from the former Canon EOS World community, KOMMUNITY, and SG Storm Trackers.  

More personal insights and thoughts from NUSPS Montage 2025 photo competition and Montage 2025 seminar can be found in my article.

1st National Photography Art Exhibition (NPAE) 2025 in October 2025

I am still waiting for more information and details on the 1st National Photography Art Exhibition (NPAE) 2025 that is taking place in October 2025. Keep a lookout for their event!

Visual Storytelling / Content Creation

Working towards my SG60 Visual Storytelling Personal Project 

I am working towards and closer to my SG60 visual storytelling personal project, writing down more ideas and inspirations. There are two ideas/plans in my mind as follows below:

1) Notebook A5 size

My first idea/plan to get an existing notebook A5 size, curating my 60 photographs to mark SG60 celebrations, this would more handicraft and hands on making a zine style photo book. Not likely to be in mass production, more of on a request/order basis for friends and supporters, whether based in Singapore or overseas.

2) Photography Zine with design and layout 

The second would be designed with layout for printing and sale on ad-hoc basis or in bulk printing, along the A5 notebook size. This would allow me to have a discussion with publishers or photography printing houses, and also place my photography zine in their library.

Ready for Migratory Bird Photography Season Q3 2025 to Q1 2026

The early migratory birds have started arriving in Singapore, some are earlier than expected. I am ready for migratory bird photography season starting in September 2025 leading up to Q1 2026. Making plans to visit various nature reserves and parks for migratory bird photography, as well as nature, landscape, creating travel articles and my own nature and outdoors therapy with my photography. 

Looking forward to add more birding and wildlife photography to my Bird/Wildlife Photography in Singapore collection on Flickr.

Heritage, Culture, Arts, Performing Arts and Creative Sectors

A fruitful month of August 2025 in the heritage, culture, arts and performing arts sector. At this moment, they are more of a personal visual storytelling and documentation. I do hope there would be some of renumeration/commissioned work would materialise down the road with some of those heritage, culture, arts and performing arts sector.

Discussions on doing more, collaborating with other like-minded heritage, culture and arts advocates in other fields are still ongoing. When it starts to gain more traction, I would share more details. Meanwhile, keep a lookout for more visual stories of my heritage, culture, arts and performing arts sector.

The State of the Heritage, Culture, Arts, Performing Arts and Creative Sectors in Singapore

In August 2025, The Projector suddenly announced its closure, sending shock waves, disappointments, a wake up call and a reality check for arts, culture, creatives, filmmakers, photographers, media production and those working in related industries. 

From the costs of running a business in Singapore (let alone a business in the arts, creatives, cultural industry), changing media landscape, the types of entertainment and media we are consuming in today’s climate. Too many “things” that distract us, from toys to online streaming, what is our state of the arts, creative and culture sectors in Singapore?

Are we doing enough, or do we have to lose it before we start to appreciate, is it too late and too little? While I am not most immersed into independent films, their influence and impacts on the arts, culture and creatives have an impact on developing my creative aspects in my visual storytelling and writing.

Personally, it can be difficult to prioritise which areas of arts, creative and culture sectors that we want to be interested in and be a part of. Once we put our time and money into a few of them, others might get neglected, and when another bites the dust, we also feel the disappointment that we haven’t done enough to spend some time and our monetary support there.

There are also arts, culture and creative sectors that are getting the support and attendance. It’s such a mixed bag on two ends of the spectrum, some have it better, how many are struggling? How many more of those “another one bites the dust” before we wake up and support our local arts, creative, and culture sectors in Singapore better, with our time and wallet?

Of Many Thoughts and Views

Experiencing two different sides of the stories in the heritage, culture, arts, performing arts and creative sectors, I have many thoughts and views, I might write it down more personal and in-depth.

Reflecting deeply, where and how I could adapt, the delicate balance between revenue from photography work to personal visual storytelling and documentation? Where and how I can help and support each other in the heritage, culture, arts, performing arts and creative sectors in Singapore? 

Many thoughts and views to ponder deeply, planning, changing and strategising ahead.

The post Photography / Visual Storytelling / Content Creation Themes and Plans for September 2025 appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.

Photography (Business) 

A slow and difficult market 

The economy is not in a good shape, ask around small and medium sized business owners from various industries, they echo similar sentiments. While I also got to hear that some industries are doing fine in this tough market conditions (domestic and international), it can be lopsided, imbalanced, making it very difficult and challenging in this slow and difficult market. 

I am not going to shy away that photography business has been affected by this slow and difficult market. It’s stressful and pressurising. Some strategic changes are on the cards, potentially going into more content creation/social media marketing sectors than just purely photography shoots itself. 

Photography and Content Creation Partnerships Opportunities

There are some discussions on photography and content creation partnerships opportunities coming soon. I am awaiting for more details and the announcement dates from my friend that I collaborated and worked with over the past decade. 

Photography (Personal/Leisure)

What’s up on my personal and leisure sectors of my photography? Here it goes:

Photography/Visual Storytelling Ups and Downs

I have a photograph selected for the recently concluded 20th Ngee Ann Photographic Exhibition (NAPE) 2025, it was titled, “Of Red and White Celebrations at GBTB Lighting Up Marina Bay Singapore”. This was a huge honoured for me, I was very happy that my photography artwork was selected to be showcased along side other talented local Singapore photographers. Find out more about NAPE 2025 journey story here!

On the other hand, I previously shared about my visual storytelling article that I am working on in January 2025, for ephemere photography platform publication. My article didn’t make the cut and was not chosen, it was very disappointing to be honest. Just another of those setbacks we get in life and in our visual storytelling and writing journeys.  

SG60 Personal Photography Project

With the various concluded and ongoing photography contests and competitions in 2025 till date, the themes are related to the SG60 theme since Singapore is celebrating her 60th year of independence in 2025. 

Together with taking photographs for the photography contests/competitions, they are currently added to my SG6t0 personal photography project curation that I am planning to produce a SG60 photography zine or book sometime down the road.

Travel

The travel community chat #TTOT Travel Talk on Twitter that I am co-hosting since November 2020 recently embarked on a slow travel break. Given the ever changing nature of social media and what’s happening to Twitter or X platform, it was so much harder and challenging to organise and run such chats, that we had to take a break, reorganise and plan for the future. 

I am not producing travel content per se that lose travel content creators, as I am more of a travel photography/visual storytelling approach. There might be some travel photography/content creation/writing opportunities ahead, keeping my fingers crossed. 

As for leading/planning travel photography trips, it’s still in my business plan, although kickstarting this is kind of harder and trickier than I thought. For a start, I need to restart my own personal travel photography trips overseas again and stop procrastinating. 

Creative and Arts 

Following, supporting, and working with other creative artists from other genres have helped me in many different ways over the years. From arts therapy, to opening up my views and approaches to creativity and arts, they have been helpful and impactful, at times also a relief through those art therapy that combines well with my photography therapy. 

Local creative artist such as artist Wei from House of VSE / Very Small Exhibition / Bring LOVE Everywhere, has been an inspiration on his creativity and artistry, that allows me to view and approach creativity and arts in more ways that helps me in my visual storytelling journeys. 

Heritage

In recent months, attending events at Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre (SCCC) has opened up further the areas of Chinese history, heritage, culture and arts. Check out some of my earlier coverage of SCCC events that I attended. Together with SG60 celebrations in 2025, there would be more events/activities coming up at SCCC, do keep a lookout!

I am working on more Community Heritage related events with My Community, sharing more about their walks, events and activities. 

Other areas of history, heritage and culture that I might partner with, I am also on the lookout for them and potential discussions with seniors who are heritage advocates.

Reflecting Q2 2025 and H1 2025 (Technology | Business | Personal)

I have also wrote about my reflections on Q2 2025 and H1 2025 on my technology, business and personal segments on my TGH Technology and Business website. Do visit and have a read too!

What lies ahead in H2 2025?

There are still a number of uncertainties and worries amidst among all the different situations and happenings taking place. How would H2 2025 turns out? That’s still a lot of work to be done, adapting and making strategic changes are in the works. 

Not going to be easy, it might get even tougher, more challenging and more stressful. We all have to work it out and navigate our way.

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• Part 1: Impressions
• Part 2: Amalgamate 
• Part 3: Awakenings 

Let me bring you into “Intersections”, this immersive, intriguing and uniquely experiential amalgamated performing arts adventure, through my visual storytelling and photographs.

Part 1: Impressions

Walking through the entrance, entering into the multi-purpose hall at SCCC, there was a short introduction by the ushers/chaperones. 

What were my initial impressions? 

This nine photo collage is the stage where “Intersections” come together in a ever shifting nine-grid formation, also known as “九宫格”, where audience can get themselves immersed with and interact with the different multi-sensory arts genres on offer, crossing boundaries that you might never think it’s possible with those different performing arts genres.

My initial impressions were, heh this “九宫格”, it’s really unique and different, a very interesting approach to present and amalgamate different performing arts genres together! 

Nine-Grid Arts Formation

1) Music: Rhythmic Flow

2) Wayang Kulit: Dancing Puppets

3) Drama: The vicissitudes of Singapore River

4) Peranakan Fashion: Splendid Elegance 

5) Installation Art: Whispers from the Woods | Dance: Awakenings

6) Opera: Dreams in Harmony

7) Calligraphy: Dancing Figure

8) Photography: Shadow and Dance

9) Multimedia: The Everchanging Land Beneath 

Part 2: Amalgamate

That’s where the artists inside the “九宫格” make their way behind, and the audience proceed to sit down, waiting for the second part of the performance to begin. Next up, the various artists amalgamate together through brilliant choreography and artistic storytelling, each having its own chapter and arts/drama/creative journey to tell the world. 

The flow of artists performances might seem chaotic at first, yet it’s also structured and planned. Everyone of us would be probably be intrigued and engrossed in different artists at work and performing. Personally for me, I was intrigued by Calligraphy: Dancing Figure (maybe because that’s the only art category that I passed in school), Photography: Shadow and Dance, as a photographer and visual storyteller myself, I am like the photographer capturing moments of a dance performance. Multimedia: The Everchanging Land Beneath, the moving and ever-changing multi-media lighting artwork with invoking dance performances, give me the light and direction to chase after them, hoping to capture a priceless moment in modern multi-media world. 

Part 3: Awakenings 

A massive grand finale dance performance, in a sea of red, inviting you to be immersed with them together in heart and soul, awakening to tell yourself and others that we need to be conscious, we also need to let go, so that we make important changes in our life, and we can rise again as we face the ongoing challenges around us and the world today. 

Personal Thoughts and Views

At the end of the this wonderful and engaging performance “Intersections”, I did have a number of feelings, thoughts, emotions and views. Hearing the heartfelt stories, sharing from Artistic Director Cao Shiji from Dance Ensemble Singapore, hearing warmest congratulations across the board by the audience, everyone of us knew deep in our hearts, we had witnessed and experienced something really special and unique.

“Intersections” by Dance Ensemble Singapore – Engaging, immersive, uniquely contemporary yet strong and grounded in their own traditional roots of each of their respective performing arts discipline. 

Showcasing cross promotion, cooperation, alliance and partnership with different arts and culture. It’s like a big family of practicing artists of various genres with immense love and passion for the arts, coming together under one roof, for a common purpose, to bring performing arts onto another level.

To some people who might be more critical and picky, they might feel too many different artistic genres combing together, too messy or “rojak” in our local lingo. Personally for me, I find this approach refreshing, an eye-opener, that somehow connects the audiences hearts, minds and souls, together in this amalgamated artistic approach. 

A key and unique aspect of “Intersections” is inviting the audience to interact, immerse and engage, something missing in many arts and cultural performances (in my personal humble opinion). 

As a photographer, visual storyteller myself, this is inspiring, how I can work further and better, with artists, creatives from other artistic genres.

One of the best performing arts that I ever attended and experienced till date, “Intersections” is a multi-sensory arts and performances installations exploring the connections between dance and other arts forms such as Music, Wayang Kulit, Drama, Peranakan Fashion, Performing Arts Installations, Opera, Calligraphy, Photography and Multimedia art, putting their deepest love and passion for their arts and craft into this amazing performance. 

I had an amazing artistic journey and experiences, and I am pretty sure the rest of the audience that day shared the same sentiments too (and also the audiences watching your performances on 16, 17 and 18 May 2025).

Thank you Dance Ensemble Singapore for this mind-blowing artistic performance, “Intersections”, the meanings and stories behind each special parts.

• Impressions: How we (the audience) view/feel and engage various performing arts genres coming together that seem not likely or possible in the first place. 
• Amalgamate: How you all bring them all together for a common goal to share and showcase performing arts 
• Awakenings: How we can let go of ourselves (especially for those non-arts practitioners) to view, feel, enjoy and learn about traditional and contemporary performing arts in today’s modern technology driven society.

More photographs on Intersections by Dance Ensemble Singapore at Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre Cultural Extravaganza can be viewed here in this Flickr photo album. 

Thank you very much, Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre and Dance Ensemble Singapore, for the invitation to the full-dress rehearsal of “Intersections”.

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“Back to School”

This year’s theme “Back to School”, it will transform SCCC into a school canteen with food and drinks stalls and fun activities to celebrate every student’s favourite school period – Recess time! Visitors can also look forward to exhibitions, workshops with local influencers (KOLs), games and dance performances. 

Cardboard Classroom – One key highlight

One of the key key highlight of REMIX: SINGAPO人 Youth Takeover is the Cardboard Classroom exhibition by local cardboard sculpture artist, Bartholomew T, in collaboration with students from Singapore Polytechnic. This whimsical recreation of a classroom features giant cardboard sculptures such as a 3-metre tall Graduation Bear, a 4-metre long Paper Aeroplane and an Eraser See-Saw, creating multiple photo spots for visitors. Each sculpture also incorporates touches of local Chinese elements such as childhood songs and idioms. In addition, the exhibition encourages youths to pen their thoughts and express their hopes for a cleaner and greener planet.

According to Mr Alvin Tan, CEO of SCCC: “With REMIX: SINGAPO人Youth Takeover, we hope to provide an opportunity for youths to experience and enjoy Singapore Chinese culture while offering them a platform to showcase their diverse talents. In doing so, we hope that youths who participate in our festival will enjoy themselves, connect with their peers, build a sense of community, and be sufficiently motivated to want to be part of our local Chinese arts and culture scene.”

Other Highlights of REMIX: SINGAPO人 Youth Takeover

Other highlights of REMIX: SINGAPO人 Youth Takeover include the the much-anticipated annual street dance competition RE MIX The Dance 2K24 where individual youths will battle to live Chinese drums and showcase their moves while groups are encouraged to draw inspiration from Chinese heritage and culture in their dance showcase.

Keep a lookout for giveaways from 18th to 20th October 2024 onsite, more details will be announced on SCCC social media platforms. 

Information on REMIX: SINGAPO人 Youth Takeover

• Dates: 18th to 27th October 2024
• Venue: Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre
• Website: https://singaporen.sg/remix 

* Information and pictures courtesy of Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre *

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TGIF Music Station

TGIF Music Station was launched in 2018, they are a free monthly programme that takes place on a Friday night, seeking to showcase both emerging and established local talents in the Mandopop scene. Through TGIF Music Station, SCCC hopes to promote and raise greater public awareness, and appreciation of local talents in Singapore, liven up the Downtown/Central Business District and instil pride in Singapore arts and culture.

Since its launch, SCCC has organised a total of 152 sessions, featuring a total of 496 local artistes. These sessions attracted a total of 53,615 participants and 6 million online views during live streams on SCCC’s social media platforms such as Facebook and TikTok as of August 2024.

TGIF Music Station 2024

For this upcoming October 2024 TGIF Music Station, SCCC will be featuring a total of 10 local buskers. They range from the young talents such as Lyla Ng (age 11) to senior groups such as Silver Hype comprising Gillian Goh (age 69) and Davidson Teo (age 65), as well as popular buskers who have released singles and EPs as WHYLUCAS and Jeff Ng.

According to Gillian Goh of Silver Hype: “We are grateful to SCCC for the opportunity to perform to a new audience. Through busking on the streets, we hope to set a positive example of how age should not stop you from doing what you love and to inspire more youths to pursue their dreams, especially in music. If we can do it, you can do it!”

Lyla Ng, added: “I’m excited to perform on TGIF Music Station on 18 October as this is my first time performing at SCCC and I will also be sharing the stage with many of my fellow buskers! Learning and performing Mandarin songs in public has not only allowed me to better appreciate Chinese culture and language but has also improved my academic results! I hope to meet more friends and fans at TGIF Music Station!”

SCCC Chief Executive Officer Alvin Tan said: “Through SCCC’s TGIF Music Station (Buskers Edition), we hope to support our local busking community by providing them with a platform to showcase their talents and interact with their fans, and help them reach a wider audience both physically and digitally. Moving forward, SCCC will organise a buskers edition every October and continue to feature at least one busker for every upcoming TGIF Music Station to provide more sustained support for the busking community.”

Information on SCCC TGIF Music Station

• Date: 18th October 2024
• Time: 8pm
• Venue: Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre (SCCC) Concourse

TGIF Music Station: SCCC x YES 933 is presented by SCCC, produced by Cross Ratio Entertainment, supported by YES 933 (Official Radio Station), 8world Entertainment and Lifestyle (Online Media Partner) and KKBOX (Music Streaming Partner).

For more information, please visit Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre (SCCC) website and social media

• Website: www.singaporeccc.org.sg
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/singaporechineseculturalcentre
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/singaporechinese
• WeChat ID: sccc_sg

* Information and pictures courtesy of Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre *

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What is “Modulation” all about? 

“Modulation” is an artistic journey that explores the outcomes of social and environmental interactions. The project features a series of thematic ceramic workshops that culminate in a three -day exhibition showcasing the collective creativity of its participants. Participants will be engaged through “Modulation” Art Experiences, in the form of visual, auditory, and tactile interactions with themes of food, nature, and history.

House of VSE Co-Founder and Principal Artist, Lee Wei Lieh, known for his public rainbow light art installations, collaborates with Taiwanese Ceramic Artist Yiijon. Together, both artists will interpret each other’s art to create three brand new artworks that fundamentally juxtapose the nature of each other’s practice. 

Key highlights of “Modulation” include:

● The Main Exhibition: A curated collection of interactive art pieces that respond to sound, environment, and light to create a dynamic experience. This includes new modular light structures invented by renowned light artist Lee Wei Lieh.

● Evolving Clay Art: A dynamically evolving clay art installation that changes as participants interact with it during the exhibition, culminating in a final piece at the end.

● All Experiences: A unique exploration of different environments, from Peranakan cuisine to sun and sea, to stories of the Singapore River. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of each environment as inspiration and will create and bring home their own art, guided and perhaps even manipulated by Taiwanese artist Yiijon.

“We are thrilled to present ‘Modulation’ as a testament to the limitless possibilities of immersive art,” said Gary Chin, co-founder of House of VSE. “This exhibition is a celebration of innovation, creativity, and human intervention, and we can’t wait for visitors to experience it.”

“Modulation”: Amalgamation Exhibition 

The “Modulation” Exhibition kicks off on Friday 16th August 2024, an exclusive opening night featuring canapés, drinks and live performances by violinist Ryan Yee, and electronic musician, The Analog Girl.

Their music will dynamically influence a groundbreaking light innovation by Artist Wei at the exhibition, promising to excite both the young and young at heart. Visitors to this exhibition can join ticketed tours with the artists throughout the weekend, or they can view the exhibition during the open hours.

“Modulation”: Amalgamation Exhibition 

• Date: 16th -18th August 2024
• Time: 11:00am – 6:00pm
• Open to the public outside of tour times at no charge
• Venue: Goodman Art Center (Multi-purpose Studios), 90 Goodman Road, Singapore 439053

“Modulation”: Amalgamation Exhibition Opening Party (Ticketed Event)

• Date: 16th August 2024
• Time: 6:30pm – 9:30pm
• Includes: canapés, drinks and live music performances

“Modulation”: Amalgamation Exhibition Exhibition Tours (Ticketed Event)

• Tour times: 11:00am, 2:00pm, 4:00pm 
• Duration: 60 minutes
• Includes: Exhibition memento (while stocks last) and guided tour by Artists Yiijon and Wei

“Modulation”: Nature, Food & History Art Experiences

The “Modulation”: Nature, Food & History Art Experiences start on 7th August 2024. 

Modulation 1: Food meets Art Experience (7th and 8th August)

For foodie and art lovers, this would be a great time to indulge your senses together where “Food meets Art”, let the culinary delights and your culinary passions meet the arts and inspire creative expression.

Modulation 2: Nature meets Art Experience

For nature and great outdoors lovers who are also into art, there is “Nature meets Art” experience on Lazarus Island. Explore your creativity, let it spark, let it bloom in harmony with nature, and great outdoors.

Modulation 3: History meets Art Experience 

For history, heritage and culture lovers, embark on an enriching walking tour along the Singapore and explore “History meets Art” experience. Let the history, heritage, and culture flows seamlessly into your artistic inspiration. 

For more information on the Modulation”: Nature, Food & History Art Experiences, how and where to purchase tickets, please visit House of VSE website and House of VSE Peatix. 

A Sneak Peek into “Modulation” | Personal Thoughts 

Thanks to Wei Lieh and Gary, a very small group of friends and myself got a sneak peek into “Modulation”, insights, sharing and work behind the scenes/work in progress of the colourful rainbow artworks, listening to Artist Wei’s sharing. 

Our small group of friends have been following and supporting the colourful rainbow journeys and adventures of Very Small Exhibition / Bring Love Everywhere / House of VSE. My personal visual storytelling journey covering/featuring Very Small Exhibition / Bring Love Everywhere / House of VSE can be read here! 

We are all eagerly awaiting to view the “Modulation” artworks coming together with the various ceramic artworks at the exhibition, where arts meet innovation and creativity, bringing immersive and interactive art closer together between artists, art, friends (plus friends we haven’t met) and the world around us. 

If you would like to embark on an immersive and interactive art, colourful lights and ceramic artworks adventure, why not hop on and join “Modulation” series of participatory art experiences by House of VSE? 

* Information courtesy of House of VSE *

The post Modulation – A series of Participatory Art Experiences appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.

Photography 

Photography (Business)

Running a small business is really very tough and challenging, let alone running a small size photography business in an ever-changing media/social media landscape that is already going towards video consumption over photography, coupled by smaller budgets, a shrinking pie to share in the market, filled with a pretty saturated pool on the supply side of things.

Fellow competitors in the same industry (whether photography or other industries) would not easily give up their share of their pie for you, it’s a cruel and harsh capitalist world out there. My photography business is still impacted and affected, there were many a times when it was so stressful and pressuring to run a small business.

The future of the creative industry, whether you are a photographer, videographer, artist etc etc, modern technology in Artificial Intelligence (AI) is going to make you stand up and pay close attention to them. AI can help us creatives, it can also possibly replace part of our creative work. Do check out and read my interview article, “Q&A on the impacts of AI on photography and creative industries”.   

Having contacts and networks with agencies doesn’t give you guarantees in business, sometimes there were opportunities, sometimes there weren’t. Disappointments are part and parcel of my business operations. 

Building up more contacts and networks have always been on my business plan and agenda. As I am reviewing my Year 2023, moving from Q4 2023 to Q1 2024, I am also strategising new directions and plans, that I would share a bit more without going into too much details in my Yearly Theme 2024. 

Photography (Personal) 

On my personal/leisure photography sector, I had been active in the creative, arts, history, heritage, culture, conservation and preservation sectors, enjoying the visual storytelling and writing time that gives a deep fulfilment and accomplishment. Down the road, I hope that they would also help to bring in another source of business revenue as well. 

My personal visual storytelling/photography projects were still mainly digital and social media, written, published and uploaded for the world to see, read and view. I didn’t plan any of my personal projects to bring it to life as a physical tangible showcase, in the form of a zine, book, prints or exhibition.

Travel 

International travel 

For this segment, it’s disappointing for me, I haven’t begun to explore travel again as I didn’t travel out of Singapore. The high cost of travelling and pent-up frustrations around the world have not subsided yet. Therefore, I am practicing patience even though my travel wanderlust went up a few notches higher. 

Travel Content Creation 

There were some travel content creation opportunities that didn’t materialise, coupled with zero international travel trips in Year 2023, it can come across as double disappointments. Nevertheless, I am biding my time, preparing and actively networking with travellers around the world during regular co-hosting of #TTOT Travel Talk on Twitter community chats.  

Creative (Arts and Writing)

In the creative fields of arts and writing, Year 2023 was a very interesting year of creative exploration and writing that brought me into a new dimension, style and artistic direction. Thanks to local creative artist Wei of House of VSE/Very Small Exhibition/Bring Love Everywhere with his local artists and international artists collaborations that opened up my creative world to view and approach arts and creativity in different ways to immerse, interact and connect with the audience. Check out my visual story, “Tension by House of VSE”.

Another local creative artist that I followed and supported in Year 2023 (and still doing so) was Yip Yew Chong. His “I Paint my Singapore” – Familiar scenes of home was very heartwarming, nostalgic, connecting and bringing me back in time. Yew Chong’s visual storytelling via his paintings serves as an inspiration to me, in my own heritage, history and culture visual storytelling and documentation. 

Experiencing a major cross cultural performance between Korea traditional music and Nanyin music – “The Origins Cipher: A traditional Nanyin and Korean cross-cultural musical journey” in October 2023 also opened up my eyes to the international world of traditional arts and music coming together with the elements of history, heritage, culture, conservation and preservation, combining together to show that it can be done, in such a beautiful and soothing manner. 

Heritage (History, Heritage, Culture, Conservation and Preservation)

I have always been covering the areas of history, heritage, culture, conservation and preservation through the various museums networks, festivals and events. Through my heritage networks, I managed to discover more about traditional culture, craft and performing arts that may not have get the bigger slice of publicity and support. Personally, I feel that I can contribute more, help out and work together with organisations or like-minded people, whereby I can bring my skill sets and experiences in visual storytelling, photography, social media and digital marketing to those organisations in the history, heritage, culture, conservation and preservation sectors. 

Media Relations

In the field of media relations with brands and agencies, the status quo is usually pretty good for those agencies and brands that I work closely with, some brands and agencies have been engaging for a period of time. As for the agencies that I recently engaged and worked with in the past 1-2 years, they would take a bit more time to build up the working relationship.

Personal

On a personal note and observations from a personal basis and perspective, there were a few recurring frustrating things that had been bugging me over the years. They seemed to have escalated in recent times. Here are a brief summary of them without going too deep into details and explanations:

• People don’t read
• People don’t want to understand you, they want you to understand them instead
• Passing judgement is getting more common, uncalled for at times 
• People assume things 
• Sometimes you are more on social on social media than me and you say I am very busy on social media 
• Human communications are getting worse
• Communications and friendships are strained by social media, egos and narcissism  
• Human memory is like becoming more like goldfish and they blame it on brain fog arising from the global pandemic period
• FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) is getting stronger and worse

Yearly Theme 2023 – Explore 

My Yearly Theme 2023 (Photography and Travel) was “Explore”, looking back at year 2023 in review and reflection, I did manage to explore bigger and wider, especially into the arts sector, following and supporting local artists in other creative genres, inspired and motivated by what they had embarked on, what they achieved, giving me new creative project ideas, motivations and directions for Year 2024.

I had also explored new partnerships with videographers, photographers as well even if we might be competing together in the same field. Finding partnerships would be even more crucial given the shrinking dollars and pie in the economy shared among an already saturated field. 

As for my international travel segment, I haven’t begun to explore travel again as I didn’t travel out of Singapore. It’s definitely disappointing for me no doubt. The lessons and desires would serve me well to plan my travels in Year 2024, and not just pent-up travel wanderlust frustrations since 2019 before the global pandemic period of 2020 to 2022.

Reflecting Year 2023 (Technology | Business | Personal) 

My year 2023 in reflection and review for my technology, business and personal are written and published separately on my TGH Technology and Business website. Since the two websites are operating in distinct fields, there are quite a fair bit of review and reflections written inside them too.

Final Note and Round Up

Year 2023 was not my best year, but I learned a lot. My review and reflection of Year 2023 articles that I wrote on both my websites, TGH Photography and Travel and TGH Technology and Business, may not have everything written down that took place in Year 2023, yet what I wrote down were quite a handful and lengthy to read for my readers.

To all who make the time and effort to read till the end of both articles, thank you for your support from the bottom of my heart, I truly appreciate it! 

Looking Ahead in 2024 (Photography | Travel | Creative | Heritage)

Looking ahead in 2024 (Photography | Travel | Creative | Heritage), I would be sharing more information and details in my Yearly Theme 2024 (Photography | Travel | Creative | Heritage), this approach is unique and can be very different as compared to the goals and objectives approach that I learnt previously. 

Wishing all a Happy New Year 2024! Thank you for your support and encouragement! 

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