MayThe4thSG @ Gardens By The Bay 4th May 2024

When I read the Gardens By The Bay was celebrating MayThe4thSG with a special Garden Rhapsody Star Wars edition, I wanted to visit again. It’s really special watching the light show display at the Supertree Grove, playing a melody of iconic Star Wars soundtracks that we Star Wars fans grew up listening to.

Here’s a short clip of some of the iconic Star Wars soundtracks that were part of the Garden Rhapsody Star Wars Edition at Supertree Grove. Watching the Star Wars light show display, listening to the soundtracks, it’s kind of nostalgic, and it’s really a nice light show display! 

@genghuitan #MayThe4thBeWithYou! It’s #MayThe4th, #StarWarsDay for #StarWars fans around the world. Celebrating #MayThe4thSG in #Singapore at #GardensByTheBay ♬ original sound – GengHui

After the Garden Rhapsody Star Wars Edition at Supertree Grove, some Star Wars fans stayed back, dressed in their Star Wars attire and lightsabers, posing and taking photos/videos of them with their lightsabers in action. 

MayThe4thSG @ Science Centre 5th May 2024

On Sunday 5th May, I went down to MayThe4thSG community celebration at Science Centre. From anything relating to Star Wars, from Star Wars artworks, Star Wars toys, Star Wars cosplay, 501st Legion – Singapore Garrison, lightsaber related stuff, toy photography exhibition by Plastic Singapore where my friend AikWee has some of this Star Wars toy photography works on display and for sale too!

With Isaac taking back his lightsaber from AikWee, I just have to get Isaac and AikWee to replicate some Star Wars scenes together! 

Return to Star Wars LEGO Photography

MayThe4thSG 2024 also marks my return to Star Wars LEGO Photography! My Star Wars LEGO toy photography took a hiatus. With the addition of a used Star Wars LEGO 75054 AT-AT into my collection, I am now ready to make a return to Star Wars LEGO Photography!

From the photo above, you would have guess which Star Wars scene that I am replicating with my LEGO Star Wars – Star Wars V – The Empire Strikes Back (Battle of Hoth scene). Other Star Wars scenes that I am looking to replicate are Rogue One and Star Wars VI – The Return of the Jedi (Battle of Endor). 

I also have other plans on creative fictional toy artworks on a LEGO airport scene with Star Wars all-terrain vehicles and starships, together with those machine and vehicles you see at an airport. Another idea would be AT-AT and AT-ST patrolling cities/neighbourhoods. 

Let’s see where my return to Star Wars LEGO photography is going to being this time round! Stay tuned to my social media channels for more updates!

Happy Star Wars Day 2024!

Happy Star Wars Day 2024 to all Star Wars fans! May The Force Be With You! 

The post MayThe4thSG – Star Wars Day 2024 in Singapore appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.

HiddenSG @ Katong-Joo Chiat: Festival Race

Starting from Haig Road Market and Food Centre, race participants will embark on a journey exploring through Katong-Joo Chiat. Along the way, you have to unravel hidden clues and complete challenges that will uncover the Katong-Joo Chiat neighbourhood’s rich heritage, history and culture. Guiding you through every step of the way are the friendly virtual mascots: Void Deck Cat and Hannie the HAN sparrow.

The first 5 teams to cross the finishing line will win vouchers and cash prizes (1) kindly sponsored by HiddenSG, i12 Katong, The Federation of Merchants’ Associations Singapore and Heartland Enterprise Centre Singapore!

Can I still go on HiddenSG @ Katong-Joo Chiat game after the festival race?

If you are unable to join during the festival race period, the HiddenSG @ Katong-Joo Chiat game will still be available after the festival race for those who are interested to play at your own pace. Tickets are priced at S$9.90 and this includes a surprise F&B item along the way!

What is the HiddenSG @ Katong-Joo Chiat all about?

The HiddenSG @ Katong-Joo Chiat is one of the programme highlights of NHB’s Heritage Activation Nodes: Katong Joo Chiat (HAN@K-JC) launch festival held from 20th to 21st April 2024.

Attendees can look forward to a diverse range of activities organised in collaboration with over 20 community partners and heritage businesses in the area, at various locations around the Katong-Joo Chiat neighbourhood. 

For more information on HAN@K-JC and HiddenSG @ Katong-Joo Chiat, please visit https://go.gov.sg/nhb-han 

A preview of HiddenSG Race @ Katong-Joo Chiat 

I went for a media preview for this HiddenSG Race @ Katong-Joo Chiat, it was a fun and interactive amazing race, Singapore Heritage edition. This unique heritage race is interactive, the questions have its own unique style of making us unravel the clues and completing the challenges. 

For myself who has been photographing and documenting in the heritage sector, this amazing race style game is refreshing for me in how we can approach, embrace and reach out Singapore’s history, heritage, and culture through technology and new media, to a wider community from the young to the seniors, attracting and getting more people to discover and know more about Singapore’s history, heritage and culture.

Although I don’t live in the East side of Singapore, the recent NHB Street Corner Heritage Galleries: Katong-Joo Chiat launch, and recent photography assignment location in Katong-Joo Chiat, brought me to Katong-Joo Chiat district for the fourth time in two months. 

Here are some tips that I would like to share with you when you embark on this interactive HiddenSG Race @ Katong-Joo Chiat:

• Wear comfortable attire and shoes, you are going to walk and walk!
• Observe the rich heritage and culture in the Katong-Joo Chiat neighbourhood
• Take the chance to learn about the rich heritage, history and culture of Katong-Joo Chiat district
• Bring your water bottle! Remember to hydrate!
• Remember to bring your umbrella or poncho, you never know when it might rain!
• Be safe, watch out for traffic and people when crossing the roads/walking
• Last but not least, enjoy and have lots of fun with your group of family and/or friends!

Information on HiddenSG Race @ Katong-Joo Chiat

• Date: 20th April 2024
• Meeting Point: Haig Road Market and Food Centre
• Timing: 1pm
• Price: S$10*
• Register here: https://go.gov.sg/nhb-han 

Notes:

• Covers up to 5 participants. You can play individually or in a group of up to 5 people for the same price. Please bring a phone with internet access and WhatsApp, wet weather protection, and a water bottle. 
• (1) 1st Prize: $300 KLIK vouchers (i12 Katong app voucher) & cash prize of S$500; 2nd and 3rd Prizes: $250 cash prize each; 4th and 5th Prizes: $100 cash prize each.

The post Embark on an interactive (SG) Heritage Race – HiddenSG @ Katong-Joo Chiat: Festival Race appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.

Photography

First up would be my photography sector, my regular and usual approach from both business and leisure/personal perspectives.

Photography (business)

On the business side of things for TGH Photography, Q1 got off on a not too bad start, taking into consideration the slower start in January 2024, followed by Chinese Lunar New Year festive season in February 2024. Although some deals faced some challenges and didn’t materialise, it’s an inevitable part of running and doing a business. 

With the uncertainties and challenges in the economy ahead, hopefully the momentum and consistency built up in Q1 2024 can be carried forward into the rest of the year.

Photography (leisure/personal)

I continued to enjoy my leisure/personal photography in the midst of everything juggling a business and a few big hats concurrently. Bird photography/wildlife photography was fulfilling for this particular migratory bird season in Singapore from October 2023 to March 2024. 

On my personal photography projects that I am planning to start, working on them and brining it to “life” via physical prints either in zines or photo books. Although I haven’t officially selected them, one would be on heritage sector, most likely it would be from an existing/ongoing heritage documentation project that I started some years back. Another project idea is on my travel visual storytelling, I would share more in the Travel sub-section below.

I am also exploring a photography collaboration with overseas photographer, it would really be a wonderful experience to publish a photography zine overseas with them. Let’s see how this would turn out for me, whether it comes to life. 

Travel

An area that I have been working on before the global pandemic hits, from travel photography, visual storytelling and content creation. Although it’s not taking off as I would like to, I am going to continue working on this, from my personal travel visual storytelling to my networkings. 

Travel content creation 

I read about the challenges and impacts of AI on travel content creators. These would be of great interest to me as a travel content creator being part of my portfolio of works, as well as being a technology writer. I would share more of my findings when I had more insights from my research.

Together with my travel content creation and travel visual storytelling plans for 2024, I am thinking between a travel photo book or a travel storytelling style book that is always on my dreams and plans. Which should I choose? 

Geo-politics and world economy

The geo-politics tensions across different parts of the world are a concern for world tourism and travel, let’s hope they would not escalate further hampering and derailing the world economy further. Current economic sentiments are not good even though we have been reading news on over-tourism in some countries such as Japan. 

Last but not least on my travel, it’s really time to plan a short getaway soon, it’s been years since I left Singapore for an overseas trip due to the global pandemic (last trip was in 2019 to Malaysia). 

Creative 

On the creative side of things, I am kickstarting my TGH Research and Learning Series on Artificial (AI) in 2024, continuing where I left off in 2023. I have both professional and personal interests in Generative AI from various perspectives, as a photographer/creative, a technology writer and an end consumer. AI technology is huge, I am still learning, researching and understanding the potentials and impacts.  

Through my ongoing research and learning series, I might experiment more with Generative AI on photography, videography and designs.

Heritage

Over the past decade (and still counting), I have embarked on history, heritage, culture and arts documentation via my photography and writing, the collection of photographs can be viewed here #OurSGHeritage on Flickr. 

In 2024, I am planning to bring a current personal heritage project to life, and I am also looking to get more active and involved in heritage sector, contributing through my visual storytelling and writing with organisations involved in the history, heritage, culture and arts sector. 

Moving Forward in Q2 and beyond in 2024

The uncertainties, poor economic sentiments and a slowdown in the world economy can and have already been felt on the ground level. The challenges and constraints would still be ever present, moving forward in Q2 and beyond in 2024, I would continue to work smart, be strategic and work extra hard, hopefully the momentum and consistency built up in Q1 2024 can be carried forward into the rest of the year, in the are of my photography/content creation business, amidst the uncertainties. 

Q2 2024 has just begun, time to take on the challenges ahead, moving forward in Q2 and beyond on 2024.

The post Reflecting Q1 2024 (Photography | Travel | Creative | Heritage) appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.

First and foremost, to my friends, networks, brands, agencies in the photography, travel, heritage, creative and arts industry, I promise to clear my backlogs that I promised earlier in November and December 2023. I was kind of fatigued while juggling on a few different fronts and concurrently preparing for year 2024. 

I would be sharing about my year 2023 in review for my photography (business and personal), travel, creative sectors in arts and writing, heritage sectors in history, heritage, conservation and preservation segments. Next up would be my yearly theme for 2024 for my photography, travel creative and heritage sectors, a different method and approach that I have been using for a few years, something different and away from the usual goals and objectives setting approach.

The year 2024 is paved with economic uncertainties and challenges, geo-political tensions across different regions around the world is worrying with potential pitfalls and spillovers in both political and business areas. This year 2024 might be more challenging for some of us, it might give us new opportunities for us as well. 

In 2024, I look forward to more in-depth, lively and interesting discussions, interviews and networking sessions with photographers, filmmakers, the folks from the travel, tourism and hospitality industry, brands and organisations that I am working with, as well as content creators and artists.

Wishing my family, friends, and followers, Happy New Year 2024! 

The post Happy New Year 2024! appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.

On the morning of Sunday19th November 2023, Our Fish Storey was officially launched by Members of Parliament (MPs) for Tampines GRC: Mr Masagos Zulkifli, the Minister for Social and Family Development, Second Minister for Health and Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs; Dr Koh Poh Koon, Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment and Ministry of Manpower; Mr Desmond Choo, Mayor of North East District; and Mr Baey Yam Keng, Senior Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment and Ministry of Transport. 

Tampines Town Council x Aqualita Ecotechnology Partnership – “Grow More with Less”

Tampines Town Council has partnered with local company, Aqualita Ecotechnology, to implement a Recirculating Aquaculture System (RAS) to grow jade perch that is safe, scalable and sustainable. This project is catalysed by Temasek Foundation, and was developed based on more than 15 years of research by Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory. 

The story of Our Fish Storey 

Our Fish Storey is part of Tampines Goes Farming, this is a series of projects that are supporting Singapore’s “30 by 30” goal to grow food here for food security. Tampines town is supporting local farms’ efforts by identifying under-utilised spaces where climate-resilient and resource-efficient urban farming methods can be tested and implemented. Tampines also boasts a tilapia fish farm and a rooftop vegetable farm. All these projects have one thing in common – engaging the community and encouraging residents to adopt a sustainable farm-to-table lifestyle.

Our Fish Storey consists of Aqualita’s single 20-foot container housing the RAS. This is a highly modular system that addresses land scarcity and labour challenges in Singapore. With this standalone system, it provides a cleaner and more controlled environment, and is not affected by adverse climatic conditions and harmful organisms. This also eliminates the need for antibiotics, allowing the up-cycling of fish waste, and reducing pollution caused by uneaten feed. The parameters of this modular growing environment can be remotely monitored, reducing the need for on-site staff. A single system can produce up to 1,200kg of jade perch annually, within a space of 15 square metres. 

Community-centric approach

More than just the efficient production of fresh fish, the community-centric approach will also offer other benefits, such as creating employment opportunities within the community, as well as serving as a space for educational activities. Aqualita and the Tampines Town Council will also collaborate with volunteer groups to ensure that lower-income families and those in need have access to fresh, nutritious fish. 

Since the fish will be farmed on-site in Tampines, this will significantly reduce delivery time and transport costs. To ensure that more Tampines residents can access fresh fish with far fewer food miles, the Tampines Round Market & Food Centre Merchants’ Association is collaborating with local fishmongers to sell the jade perch. This will further support residents’ efforts towards a more sustainable lifestyle.

Mr Desmond Choo, the Mayor of North East District and Chairman of Tampines Town Council said, “Singapore is heavily reliant on food imports and faces the risk of supply disruptions, like the one we experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic. With modern urban farming being implemented in Tampines, we hope to contribute to the nation’s “30 by 30” food goal. I am heartened to see our progress in food sustainability and hope our residents will support this initiative and enjoy the farm-to-fork goodness.” 

Mr Lim Hock Chuan, Head of Programmes of Temasek Foundation, said “Together with Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory, Temasek Foundation is happy to support this successful deployment of ‘Our Fish Storey’, a Recirculation Aquaculture System by Aqualita, as a first step towards commercialisation. This partnership with Tampines Town Council is important so that we can bring such stacked container fish farm to more communities, reduce our carbon footprint and ultimately, enhance Singapore’s food security and resilience in the long term.” 

Mr Peter Chia, CEO of Aqualita Ecotechnology commented, “We are delighted to partner Tampines Town Council to give a glimpse of what the future of sustainable urban fish farming – where technology and innovation meets food security to benefit communities – could be to an urban city like Singapore. We are thankful for the support from TTC and all our partners as well as the various regulatory agencies in making this project possible. We hope that we can help make more affordable fresh fish available to the residents of Tampines and do so with a smaller environmental and ecological footprint. We welcome parties interested in joining us on this journey to reach out to us so that we can scale this solution to other parts of Singapore together.”  

Food x Food Technology x Food Sustainability 

The sustainable urban fish farming inside a container located in the heartlands neighbourhood of Singapore strikes a chord in me, bringing the topics that I have an interest in together, on one of my favourite topics – food, followed by the topic of sustainability and how technology can play key roles in both food production and sustainability sectors. 

While urban fish farming isn’t new, urban fish farming inside a container placed in our neighbourhoods, is not only unique and refreshing, this idea might work well for our land scarce Singapore, as we strive towards “30 by 30” goal to build up Singapore agriculture and food industry capability and capacity to sustainably produce 30% of our nutritional needs by 2030.  

I hope this urban fish farming in a container can be further expanded into other HDB heartlands, not only boosting Singapore’s food sustainability goals, it’s educational as well and can help push the topic of sustainability (and its wide scope) further and closer to the people. 

Last but not least, I would really like to try this farm-to-table freshly cooked fish from the urban container fish farming. Looks like a trip to Tampines Round Market and Food Centre is on the cards. 

* Information courtesy of Tampines Town Council and Gloo *

The post Sustainable Urban Fish Farming with the first HDB Container Fish Farm in Tampines appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.

Viddsee X Dolby Laboratories Collaboration

Through Viddsee and Dolby Laboratories collaboration, Dolby will support storytellers by offering post-production support, training and workshops on using Dolby’s technologies in their films kicking off with Solitude – Viddsee’s first Dolby-enabled Original.  

Ashim Mathur, Vice President, APAC Marketing Dolby Laboratories said: “We are thrilled to work with Viddsee in showcasing the short film, Solitude in Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos. Dolby Vision brings the characters in Solitude to life with sharper contrast, richer details, and a remarkable color range whilst Dolby Atmos offers a premium, multidimensional audio experience that draws you into the action. Consumers can experience Solitude in Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos on Dolby-enabled mobile devices. Dolby is looking forward to working with Viddsee and its content creation community to take the industry to the next level by enhancing their storytelling with Dolby Atmos and Dolby Vision.” 

Ho Jia Jian, CEO and Founder of Viddsee, said: “We are proud to showcase what this collaboration with Dolby means for our storytellers. It has the potential to equip storytellers in this region with improved technical capabilities for their films, not only helping the careers of our budding filmmakers, but creating platforms and opportunities to showcase stories from the best quality possible. 

“This collaboration will help us to achieve our vision of enabling storytellers, through a tech-driven media ecosystem, with the right tools and guidance to produce impactful films which are recognised among both Singaporean and global audiences.” 

Viddsee’s first Dolby-enabled Original – Solitude 

Viddsee’s first Dolby-enabled Original – Solitude, was screened on 24th October 2023 at the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA)’s PIXEL Innovation Hub. After the screening, there was a panel discussion on how the partnership has elevated the audio-visual quality of the film.

Following the success of Solitude, Viddsee and Dolby will work together to offer up to 10 filmmakers from Viddsee’s upcoming Scene City Anthology slate over the next two years with an opportunity to produce and distribute their films in Dolby Vision and Dolby Atoms. This partnership will also provide educational opportunities for Viddsee’s creator community through workshops and masterclasses held by Dolby. 

You can visit this link to watch this short film Solitude at https://www.viddsee.com/video/solitude.  

For filmmakers and content creators 

After watching the screening of Solitude at IMDA PIXEL Innovation Hub, listening to the panel discussion on Viddsee and Dolby Laboratories partnership, I personally feel that this collaboration announcement would be great, not just for filmmakers, also for those in the content creators segment. 

As a photographer, visual storyteller and content creator myself, that is gradually adding in videos via vlogs, Instagram Reels, TikTok and short story videos into my portfolio of works, with access to Dolby technologies would help in my storytelling journeys via my content creation/video stories, whether with my Canon EOS R6 Mark II or/and Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max.

While producing videos is not my main strength, creating visual stories through my photography. writing and content creation are my key strengths, I am going to bring across to my videography and filmmaking side of things, let’s see where all these brings me.

* Information courtesy of Viddsee and Black Dot *

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A glimpse behind the scenes during a rehearsal 

I was invited to visit one of their rehearsals, I caught a glimpse of this cross-cultural musical journey performance. The fusion of Nanyin and Korean traditional music, combined with Chinese and Western instruments, the first of its kind. Therefore, there is no precedent for them to base on or even learn from.

Personally for me, it was a captivating, invoking and immersive musical journey, and I believe for those attending/planning to attend this concert at Esplanade on Friday 3rd November 2023 at 8pm, they can and they will experience all these emotions, thoughts and feelings for themselves. I do believe both groups of performers from Singapore and Korea would have already experience them too, and we can watch it from their grand finale performance. 

Although I was only there for one rehearsal session, I can see and feel the amount of passion, hard work, time and commitment put in by all the performing artists. Beyond the rehearsal, lies a cross-cultural exchange of music, arts, history, heritage, culture and long lasting friendship and bonds.  

Come onboard this traditional Nanyin and Korean cross-cultural musical journey!

You would be brought into an amazing world of traditional music from Nanyin and Korea, a journey to understand and experience traditional history, heritage, cultures and beauty, hidden somewhere along your exploration, waiting for you to unlock and discover in this captivating cross-cultural musical journey. 

On Friday 3rd November 2023 at the Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay, I eagerly look forward to go on my cross-cultural musical journey at The Origins Cipher – The Unbreakable Lock of Harmonious Fundamentals.

The Origins Cipher – The Unbreakable Lock of Harmonious Fundamentals

Presented by Siong Leng Musical Association

In Collaboration with Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay

(Singapore, Korea)

Supported by The National Arts Council and Jeju Special Self-Governing Province, Republic of Korea.

Date: Friday 3rd November 2023 

Time: 8pm

Performance duration: 1hr 15mins (Intermission: None)

Venue: Esplanade Concert Hall

Tickets: Purchase it here: https://securetix.esplanade.com/esp/booking/cipher1123 

For more information, you can find out more here on: https://www.esplanade.com/whats-on/2023/the-origins-cipher-the-unbreakable-lock-of-harmonious-fundamentals#synopsis 

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Photography

Photography business

I am not going to sugar coat, paint a rosy picture, or show off. The business side of photography hasn’t been easy, just like any other business industries, it’s competitive and saturated. Building new partnerships and collaborations take time as well, existing networks are sometimes dependent on economic conditions, demand and need for professional services.

Q4 2023 would be used for re-strategising and planning, while working on finishing existing projects and assignments. What lies ahead in YR2024? What could be my new strategies and directions? 

Any business can be cut-throat and brutal. This a very harsh reality that we live in. Market and economic uncertainties are still looming in YR2024 for the world economy, coupled with shrinking market share and opportunities locally. All these are definitely a lot more to think and strategise ahead in the very near future.  

Personal photography 

Beyond my commercial photography sectors, I still have my personal/leisure photography that I actively go for. From wildlife photography, history and heritage documentation, featuring creative artists works from other creative industries, personal projects, exploring locally etc. 

I don’t share my photographs as fast as some others out there, the fear of missing out (FOMO) is indeed strong, not just in the photography community, in some aspects, quite a lot of human beings can be quite FOMO on social media.

There are critics and commentators on not posting my best photographs. I have make certain decisions and workflow in my photography, on how I want to post my photographs. While my rule might be an outdated rule of thumb in this media crazy digital/social media world, I still decide not to overdo things such as oversharing of photographs, let alone my best photographs. 

My curated best photographs would be on my portfolio website TGH Photography, next set of curated nice photographs would be on Flickr, followed by Instagram. 

Educator/Trainer in photography and return of taking in disciples

In between my ongoing plans to take in photography disciples again, after years since I last took in a very small group of photographers under me, I am going to conduct a short camera / photography training again soon, part of my photography training and consultancy services.

Over my years of photography, I discovered one of the ways to improve my skills and knowledge further is to teach/train others, passing down my photography skills and knowledge.

Taking on an educator/trainer role, even in a field that I am experienced and skilled in, it wasn’t smooth sailing and straight forward. This journey itself is a new set of steep learning curve, striving to improve and become a better educator/trainer. 

A subject matter expert may not necessarily mean they can teach/train well. This also brought me back to the notion, “Train the trainer”. 

Therefore, I have to rethink and replan on the different approaches, style and likely a set of teaching curriculum, for people who are just starting out in their photography, that doesn’t know too much about photography and the basics, versus those who already have some basic knowledge and experience, and those who are on the advanced level, that requires another different approach. 

This new photography educator/trainer role adventure is now in its version 3.0. Time to bring it on!

Moved On 

In the last quarter, there was a matter that got me really disappointed. It’s buried, placed aside and I have moved on. I have nothing much more to say, I am touched by some of my friends support.  

Travel

Travel photography/Travel visual storytelling/Travel content creation 

Along with my travel wanderlust, travel visual storytelling / content creation, I am making a comeback with more travel visual storytelling and travel photography content. It’s been a few years since my last trip overseas, the global pandemic situation doesn’t help. 

I wasn’t successful in my attempts to enter those travel related sectors, I met with a number of obstacles that I would not go into detail. I am working on my travel visual storytelling and travel photography content again, finding my own travel journey, building up networks and opportunities.  

Some discussions and plans are the still on the table, ongoing for some time, it might bear some fruits soon, keeping my fingers crossed. There is the possibility of new opportunity in the travel, tourism and hospitality sectors that my travel visual storytelling and content creation segments, could come into play. 

I have also been working on my travel networks, from my co-host role as #TTOT Travel Talk on Twitter community chat, learning and chatting with travellers , writers, travel, tourism and hospitality operators from different parts of the world.

My travel writing style has evolved as well, it’s time for a new era of TGH Travel Visual Storytelling version 2.0.

Travel (International) destination plans 

I previously spoke about travelling out for a holiday in Q2 or Q3, i didn’t get down to take action to plan my short travel holidays. It’s probably time to plan a getaway from Singapore since my last trips to Thailand and Vietnam in 2018, Malaysia in 2019.

Time to finally give myself a break away from Singapore, I am not going to be too ambitious, a short haul destination would be just fine. Shortlisting my travel destinations to Indonesia (Bali), Taiwan, Vietnam, Laos, Thailand.

Exploring Locally

Even though I haven’t been actively travelling overseas, I am exploring locally over the years, especially re-discovering places that I used to photograph, document and share, that I haven’t been visiting for quite a while.

No doubt Singapore is a small country by land size, there are some developments that I would work further on, heritage trails that I have a strong interest in, and the Singapore’s park connector networks that connects the various parks and nature reserves in Singapore together. 

A TGH Photography x Canon EOS R6 Mark II Explorer Series Production

I have been using the Canon EOS R6 Mark II for about six months (from late May 2023 till now), it had been a great camera for me over the past six months. After going through some fine tuning of personal photography settings, and getting used to a new camera, I am ready to write my review article and share more about this amazing, versatile and powerful workhorse Canon mirrorless camera EOS R6 Mark II.

Of both photography and travel

Sometimes, I do think quite a lot and deep into both my photography and travel since both are closely related deep inside my heart and soul, I write down quite a fair bit, although I might not publish all of them out in my article.

I am for long form writing, publishing my thoughts and views into articles on my websites than posting them on my social media platforms. I don’t know exactly who reads my articles as website analytics can only give you quantitative data. With the current digital and social media consumption turning humans with a goldfish memory.

For those who faithfully read till the end of my article, thank you for reading, I truly appreciate your support! 

* A TGH Photography x Canon EOS R6 Mark II Explorer Series Production * 

The post Reflecting Q3 2023 and Plans for Q4 2023 (Photography and Travel) appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.

SYSNMH Wan Qing Mid-Autumn Festival Open House 2023

SYSNMH Wan Qing Mid-Autumn Festival Open House 2023 is taking place on the weekend of 23rd and 24th September 2023 from 10am to 6:30pm. There are many exciting programmes and activities line-up for you and family to visit, soak in and enjoy Mid-Autumn Festival 2023 at Wan Qing Mid-Autumn Festival 2023!

General Manager of SYSNMH Winston Lim said: “For our well-loved lantern installations, we tap on relatable themes such as this year’s larger-than-life pandas, to appeal to a wide audience and encourage more people to join in our cultural festivities. Through our ongoing special exhibition Connections Across Oceans: Early Chinese Mutual Aid Organisations, we have been working very closely with various clan associations, and are excited to continue to bring onboard more cultural partners to enrich our celebrations. Together, we hope to enliven our offerings for more visitors to learn about Chinese culture.”

An iconic pair of cute Panda Mid-Autumn Paw-trait 

You can’t miss them when you visit SYSNMH! They are an iconic pair of cute Panda Mid-Autumn Paw-trait! This year’s special installation is titled, “A Mid-Autumn Paw-trait”, featuring two big and adorable giant panda lanterns. Just like a typical giant panda, one is sitting down in a relaxed position, while the other is in a stretching stance at SYSNMH lawn from 29th August to 1st October 2023, 10am to 9pm daily.

This is a collaboration made “paw-sible” through a collaboration with toymaker 52TOYS Panda Roll series and World Wide Fund for Nature Singapore (WWF-Singapore). The Mid-Autumn Paw-trait is SYSNM 9th outdoor installation, they convey SYSNMH wish for every Singaporean to enjoy a “panda-stic” Mid-Autumn reunion. 

More importantly, this iconic pair of cute Panda Mid-Autumn lanterns serve as an acknowledgement of past and ongoing wildlife conservation efforts, and also celebrating the reclassification of giant pandas from endangered to vulnerable statues by the IUCN Red List.

Workshops

There is a host of exciting and fun workshops for you and your family to join. Check out the listings below!

Parent-Child Recycled Panda Lantern Making Workshop

• Date: 23rd September 2023
• Time: 10:30am to 12pm
• Admission: $24 per parent-child pair

Melodies in Motion: Hokkien Songs & Rhymes Workshop

• Date: 23rd September 2023
• Time: 1pm to 2:30pm
• Admission: $10 per pax.

Tales in Melodies: Teochew Songs & Rhymes Workshop

• Date: 23rd September 2023
• Time: 3:30pm to 5pm
• Admission: $10 per pax

Parent-Child Hakka Abacus Seeds Making Workshop

• Date: 24th September 2023
• Time: 3:30pm to 5pm
• Admission: $38 per parent-child pair

Escape Game Activity

• Lost in Time: The Case of the Missing Researcher
• Date: 23rd & 24th September 2023
• Time: 11:30am to 1pm, 1pm to 2:30pm (Sunday only), 2:30pm to 4pm, 4pm to 5:30pm
• Admission: $8 per pax, group of 4-5 recommended

Check out my story that I published earlier on my Escape Game adventure at SYSNMH! 

Free Activities

Public Talk – Singapore’s Secret Societies in the 19th century and its Evolution

• Date: 24th September 2023
• Time: 10am to 11:30am
• Admission: Free (limited spaces available, on a first-come, first-served basis)

Storytelling sessions: Tales of Mid-Autumn Festival 

• Date: 23rd September 2023 (Mandarin), 24th September 2023 (English)
• Time: 11:30am to 12:30pm, 2pm – 3pm
• Admission: Free

Drop-in Craft Station: Mid-Autumn Festival Inspired Crafts

• Date: 23rd & 24th September 2023
• Time: 10:30am to 6:30pm
• Admission: Free

Drop-in Craft Station: Chinese Calligraphy Try-Out

• Date: 23rd & 24th September 2023
• Time: 10:30am to 6:30pm
• Admission: Free

Drop-in Activity Station: Language Game Fun

• Date: 23rd & 24th September 2023
• Time: 10:30am to 6:30pm
• Admission: Free

Live on the Lawn: Mid-Autumn Family Fun Contest

• Date: 23rd & 24th September 2023
• Time: 3pm to 4pm
• Admission: Free

Live on the Lawn: Dialect Culture Performances I

• Date: 23rd September 2023
• Time: 5pm to 6pm
• Admission: Free

Live on the Lawn: Dialect Culture Performances II

• Date: 24th September 2023
• Time: 6pm to 6:30pm
• Admission: Free

Live on the Lawn: Lantern Riddles Guessing

• Date: 24th September 2023
• Time: 5pm to 6pm
• Admission: Free

Mooncake, Pomelo & Tea Tasting

• Date: 23rd & 24th September 2023
• Time: 10:30am to 6:30pm
• Admission: Free (limited quantities available)

Teochew Mooncake Sampling 

• Date: 23rd & 24th September 2023
• Time: 10:30am to 6:30pm
• Admission: Free (limited quantities available)

52TOYS Blind Box Sale Booth

• Date: 23rd & 24th September 2023
• Time: 10:30am to 6:30pm
• Admission: Free

World Wide Fund for Nature Singapore Booth

• Date: 23rd & 24th September 2023
• Time: 10:30am to 6:30pm
• Admission: Free

Children Activity Booklets Giveaway

• Date: 23rd & 24th September 2023
• Time: 10am to 9pm

Guided Tours & Trails

Teochew Cultural Trail

• Date: 23rd & 24th September 2023
• Time: 10am to 1pm
• Admission: $20 per pax.

Balestier Heritage Food Trail

• Date: 23rd September 2023
• Time: 10:30am to 11:30am (English), 11:30am to 12:30pm (Mandarin)
• Admission: $12 per pax

Special Exhibition Guided Tour

• Date: 23rd September 2023
• Time: 10:30am to 11:30am (Mandarin), 1:30pm to 2:30pm (English)
• Admission: Free (limited spaces available)

Permanent Galleries Guided Tour

• Date: 23rd September 2023
• Time: 2:30pm to 3:30pm (Mandarin), 3pm to 4pm (English)
• Admission: Free (limited spaces available)

<For the above ticketed activities, you can purchase tickets via www.wanqingyuan.peatix.com>

SYSNMH Wan Qing Mid-Autumn Festival Open House 2023

Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall (SYSNMH)

• Date: 23rd & 24th September 2023
• Time: 10am to 6:30pm
• Admission: Free admission with ticketed activities 

Follow SYSNMH on social media

• Website: https://www.sysnmh.org.sg 
• Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/sysnmh/ 
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sysnmh/ 

Wishing all a Happy Mid-Autumn Festival 2023! 祝大家中秋节快乐！

Mid-Autumn Festival 2023 is coming soon on 29th September 2023. Let me wish everyone a Happy Mid-Autumn Festival 2023 in advance! Hope you all have a panda-stic” Mid-Autumn festival and reunion with your family and loved ones!

祝大家中秋节快乐！

* A TGH Photography x Canon EOS R6 Mark II Explorer Series Production * 

The post Wan Qing Mid-Autumn Festival Open House 2023 appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.

Festival Director David Chew said, “We look forward to transforming the BBB precinct into a celebration of Singapore’s history as an international port city, through vivid experiences, memorable performances and immersive activities rooted in the rich stories of trade and exchange at BBB, but also celebrating the home it is to the communities and their respective historical sites of worship in the precinct today. Many may not be aware that BBB has been featured quite prominently through Singapore’s 700 years as a port city, and we hope to pay homage to the vital role it played through SNF’s programmes, while encouraging everyone to explore the iconic cultural institutions and museums across the precinct. In the spirit of exchange, this is the first time that we will be having a presenting sponsor and we are excited to have Samsung onboard, alongside our many festival partners and stakeholders, who will be further enlivening the festival with their invaluable contributions.”

Highlight Act: Time is a Black Circle by Dawn Ng

SNF 2023 highlight act is “Time is a Black Circle” by local artist Dawn Ng. If you are from the older generation, roller skating would be part of your growing up life and leisure activities! Relive the nostalgic good old live disco scene of the BBB precinct, groove, jive and skate back to the good old days! 

Purchase your ticket here: https://www.klook.com/en-SG/activity/92020 

Presenting Sponsor: Samsung

Samsung is the Presenting Sponsor for SNF 2023, they will be activating experiences to showcase stories on the evolution of culture and innovation, with a light projection mapping on the facade of the National Museum of Singapore at the centre of this SNF 2023 x Samsung partnership. 

Ronnie Ng, Head of Mobile Experience, Samsung Electronics Singapore, said, “As Presenting Sponsor for this year’s SNF, we are delighted to deliver an iconic experience for visitors and Galaxy fans. Just like how Singapore has evolved to become a global port city where communities meet, collaborate and innovate, Samsung is a global brand that has continuously innovated to deliver new technologies that bring people together. Our foldables are one example of how we’ve flipped the narrative on mobile technologies, enabling consumers to use their smartphones flexibly which complements their lifestyle. With that in mind, we are excited to showcase the limitless possibilities of our devices that will enable users to create moments of connections that journals the rich stories told during the festival, and even beyond.”

Do not miss out on the SNF 2023 x Samsung partnership, the key highlights are as follows:  

SNF 2023 x Samsung Key Highlights

Samsung fans, as well as those exploring the world of Samsung, head down to the Main Festival Village @ SMU Campus Green. Visit Galaxy Studio @ SMU Green for a flipping great time with its Galaxy Studio pop-up to SMU Green. Enter into the Galaxy Studio @ SMU Green, check out Samsung latest Galaxy Z Flip5 and its amazing FlexCam! Remember to take a selfie with the Galaxy Z Flip5!

Do also check out the new Galaxy Z Fold5, Galaxy Tab S9 Series and Galaxy Watch6 Series! If you are looking for SNF 2023 exclusives, you can discover them at Galaxy Studio @ SMU Green! Check out the unique CASETiFY covers designed by participating artists and other local brand collars inside there!

First, let me take a selfie! 

For those who love taking selfies, you have to do this! Take a pic with the Galaxy Z Flip5 made available at the 4 locations and stand a chance to win amazing prizes!

1. A Stone’s Throw (Away) at National Museum of Singapore, Banyan Tree
2. Rimbun at Farquhar Garden, Canning Rise
3. Preserving Paradise at Armenian Street, beside the Bible House 
4. “Flowing Water Road” Shrine at Raffles City

Post the photo on Instagram, tag @samsungsg and @sgnightfest with #JoinTheFlipSide, #withGalaxy and #SGNightFest!

For more information, visit https://www.samsung.com/sg/event/jointheflipside 

Light Projection Mappings at SNF 2023

One of the favourites at SNF 2023, light project mappings on the facades of our buildings have always been an iconic feature. For the light projection mappings at SNF 2023, head down to the National Museum of Singapore and CHIJMES!

National Museum of Singapore

700 Years – Presented by Samsung 

CHIJMES

Birth in Bloom 

Evolution of Bras Basah Entertainment Scene

Port(al) City

Night Lights at SNF 2023

The collection of Night Lights artworks at SNF is another key highlight of SNF. Remember to take the SNF 2023 event brochure/map when you are walking around the Bras Basah Bugis precinct exploring Night Lights at SNF 2023. I would leave it to you, come on down, explore, learn about the artist and their artworks, and interact with the Night Lights artworks where possible!

#SGNIGHTFEST 

GIFFFEST III: IMPERFECT COMPILATION

A Stone’s Throw (Away)

“Flowing Water Road” Shrine

Preserving Paradise 

Rimbun

SeaScape Symphony 

GIFFEST III: IMPERFECT

X O X (two kisses and a hug)

A Global Bugis Phinisi

Florescence 

The Island at the End

Roving Performances

There would be roving performances too! Keep a lookout for “We’ll weather the weather, whatever the weather until we cannot” by Sweet Tooth!

Dates:

• 18th & 19th August
• 25th & 26th August

Time:

• 7:30pm to 7:50pm
• 8:30pm to 8:50pm
• 9:30pm to 9:50pm

SNF 2023 Information

Singapore Night Festival (SNF) 2023 is taking place at Bras Basah Bugis Precinct from 18th to 26th August 2023. Entry to the festival is free, some programmes are ticketed. 

For more information and updates on SNF 2023, web app, or to book tickets please visit https://www.nightfestival.gov.sg/

Follow #sgnightfest on social media

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sgnightfest 
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sgnightfest/ 
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sg.nightfest 

Do follow Bras Basah Bugis too!

• Website https://www.nhb.gov.sg/brasbasahbugis/ 
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brasbasahbugis/ 
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brasbasahbugis/ 

More photographs from my Singapore Night Festival 2023 can be viewed inside this album on Flickr!

* A TGH Photography x Canon EOS R6 Mark II Explorer Series Production *

The post Singapore Night Festival 2023 (18 to 26 August) appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.