Singapore History Gallery reopening on 10 October 2026 also anchors NMS 139th Anniversary Celebrations: Stories of Everyday. Taking place from 10 to 18 October 2026, there would be festivities and activities taking place, this also marks the debut of Stoney – NMS new mascot inspired by the storied Singapore Stone. The celebrations also mark the completion of NMS’s three-year restoration works while it continues with phases revamp of the rest of its permanent galleries, slated for completion in early 2027.

“The reopening of the Singapore History Gallery is a milestone that carries deep meaning for us. It is the culmination of years of work, shaped by the voices of our communities and grounded in our belief that Singapore’s story belongs to everyone who has lived it,” said Chung May Khuen, Director of the National Museum of Singapore. “Opening on the weekend of our 139th anniversary, it is a reflection and affirmation of our enduring mission as the People’s Museum – a place where every visitor, regardless of background, new and returning alike, can find themselves in the living tapestry of Singapore’s story.” 

Singapore History Gallery – Our History Through the Voices of Those Who Lived It

The Singapore History Gallery tells our timeless tales told anew: telling our history through the voices of those who lived it. 

Singapore Odyssea: A Journey Through Time

Before you step into the revamped Singapore History Gallery, enter into Shaw Foundation Glass Rotunda’s immersive installation, Singapore Odyssea: A Journey Through Time, the revamped Singapore History Gallery forms an integrated narrative experience for you to journey through.

After travelling back in time through regional myths and historical maritime milestones, you are now ready to continue your journey into Singapore History Gallery, on a chronological, in-depth, diverse, wider and deeper exploration of Singapore’s story that traces how the nation’s identity has been shaped over seven centuries, and the journey till today and beyond, what it means to be a Singaporean today.

Are you ready to travel back in time with the Singapore History Gallery?

Are you ready to travel back in time over seven centuries? Your journey ahead is going to be a different and unique experience, dynamic soundscapes and visual experiences that you see at the Gallery’s entrance would set the stage for your travel across the various zones in the Gallery. Be ready to mesmerised by never-before-seen artefacts and fresh research alongside multimedia spaces and interactive touch points.

There are also voice input stations, a new addition planted throughout the Gallery, inviting you to share your reflections on the presented stories and perspectives. At each station, you are invited to record your personal responses to a question relevant to the main theme of each zone of the exhibition. These visitor contributions come together to shape the concluding experience at the end of the Gallery.

Let’s begin our time travel journey back in time to a few centuries before Sir Stamford Raffles arrival in Singapore. 

Fluid Beginnings (1300s-1800s)

Your maiden experience in the Singapore History Gallery begins with Fluid Beginnings (1300s-1800s). A newly commissioned jongkong boat model welcomes you into the revamped Gallery, connecting between Singapore’s maritime heritage and the living communities that still continues to carry it forward today. 

Fluid Beginnings invites you to explore a region defined by the sea, where ships, goods and people moving constantly throughout Singapore’s waters, weaving the island into a vibrant maritime network that shifted with trade, politics and power. 

Visitors would be encountering artefacts that speak to Singapore’s deep cultural roots and its place within the Malay world, from sacred figurines and manuscripts to treasures recovered from a 14th-century shipwreck in Singapore’s own waters. 

Don’t miss the iconic Singapore Stone, take pride in this layered and still-unfolding history, that can be discovered through an accompanying digital interactive. 

Colonial City (1800s-1930s)

The era that started Singapore’s shift and transformation from a fledging trading post into one of Asia’s most dynamic port cities. At the start of this section, visitors would know more about the world before British arrival, before tracing the rapid growth that followed Raffles declaration of Singapore as a free port, drawing merchants, migrants and labourers from across Asia whose toil and enterprise built the colony’s prosperity.

Observe the maps, early photographs, prints and many more that capture the physical transformation of the island. Keep a lookout for the everyday objects and stories of traders and immigrants that made Singapore home, providing insights into a city of both cosmopolitanism and marked inequality. 

A recreated rickshaw allows visitors to try their hand at lifting and pulling it, through a physical digital interactive. This can be a fun and memorable experience to interact and understand some parts of life in Singapore back in those days.

Next up would the political awakenings taking shape as global currents of nationalism reached Singapore’s shores and its diverse communities began to imagine a future beyond imperial rule.

Fall of the Fortress (Late 1930s-1940s)

What was Singapore’s social fabric like during that turbulent and dark times? This section examines the rupture of Singapore’s social fabric during the Japanese occupation alongside the resilient it forged. 

Learn more about the mounting tensions of the Sino-Japanese War through the propaganda posters and war photographs capturing how distant conflict drew residents into opposing camps.

Through an interactive display of a painting by Force 136 veteran Tan Chong Tee, presented next to the original, visitors can trace the arc of tension during that period. The painting chronicles key events of the Sino-Japanese War from 1937 to 1939, and the rising pressures that brought war to the shores of Singapore.

Thereafter, follow the swift collapse of Britain’s “impregnable fortress” through personal effects, military artefacts, and letters that tells the high human cost from the Fall of Singapore. Visitors can step into the moment of Japanese surrender at an interactive Morse code station, before ending your tour in this section with the aftermath of the occupation and stirrings of a Malayan identity. 

Towards a New Identity (1950s-1960s)

The post-war years, towards a new identity with a push for self-determination. This section captures the hard-fought journey taken by Singapore towards self-governance while also exploring the artistic awakening that formed the backdrop to the bird of a sovereign nation. 

Post-war Singapore grapples with poverty and colonial discontent, artists and activists during that era channelled their aspirations into woodblock prints, literature and theatre, giving voice to the ordinary people in that era. 

Through student demonstrations and labour strikes during that era, feel the energies unleashed by them onto the streets. On the other hand, a new generation of local leaders emerged to contest competing versions for Singapore’s future. 

Anchoring that era’s civic heartbeat in this zone is Zubir Said’s piano, the instrument on which he composed “Majulah Singapura”, displayed in Singapore History Gallery for the first time.

Watch a multimedia recreation of Mr Lee Kuan Yew’s televised conference announcing Singapore’s separation from Malaysia, inviting visitors to sit with and contemplate this pivotal moment in Singapore’s history. 

Becoming Singapore (1960s-1980s)

Becoming independent and post independence years, discover how Singaporeans built new lives alongside major government reforms to the economy, housing and education. Singapore’s industrialisation is brought to life through everyday artefacts from Fairchild Semiconductor, capturing what it meant to be part of a generation of workers – many of them women – who found livelihoods in the factories that helped transformed Singapore’s economy.

A restored HDB lift might invoke some nostalgia memories for those that grew up in this era, showcasing the spirit of adaption extending to the experience of high-rise living. There is a poem that accompanies it that captures the mix of enthusiasm and anxiety that came with leaving the kampongs behind.

In this era of growth, rising incomes, it brought about modern conveniences and a new generation of Singaporeans coming of age under a revised bilingual education system, a shared Singaporean identity gradually started to take shape. 

At the end of this section, a recreation of a typical void deck where visitors are invited to take a seat and read Arthur Yaps’ poem “2 mothers in a h d b playground” – an intimate snapshot of everyday life in a nation finding its footing.

Continuing on this journey, the Gallery shifts to a colourful exploration of leisure and lifestyle that defined Singapore’s bolder urban identities and aspirations. Step into a passageway inspired by Orchard Road, complete with street lamps and signboards, setting the tone for you to explore how Singaporeans expressed themselves through food, fashion, film, sports and nightlife. 

Unlock stories about Singapore’s hawker culture through a hawker table installation, tap and rotate the the food items. Explore how independent filmmakers brought Singlish to life on screen and homegrown designers made their mark on the world stage.

For those retro Mambo music lovers, do you remember the good old Zouk at Jiak Kim Street? How about techno music at Phuture? 

Explore how sports brought Singaporeans united together in shared moments of national pride. If you haven’t experienced the Great Singapore Workout before, why not join in and try it out while watching archival footage of it?

As Singapore approached the eve of a new millennium, see how a city is ready on the cusp of change and the people ready to meet it.

Looking Global (2000s-Present)

Not only has the Singapore History Gallery goes further back in time to the 1300s, this section traces the more current and recent times of Singapore’s modern history, from the 200s to the present as Singapore is looking global and beyond. 

Singapore grew into a major financial and maritime hub, a world-class metropolis defined by its diverse and dynamic cosmopolitan people, and a cityscape that is constant reinventing and improving themselves. 

First and foremost in Looking Global section, there is an amazing and mind-blowing timelapse by photographer Keith Loutit, titled “The Lion City 2012-2026”, compresses nearly 15 years of Singapore’s development and redevelopment into two and a half minutes. 

Next up is an interactive mural charing Singapore’s place in global networks of trade, travel and communications. Discover ow have Singaporeans engaged with the world, from technological innovations with global impacts, to efforts in sustainability and humanitarian aid, while turning to the more personal question of what it means to belong to a city that never stands still.

Who Are We Today? – a film featuring candid conversations with residents of diverse backgrounds that poses the Gallery’s central question to the visitor, inviting them to reflect on their own place in Singapore’s ever-evolving story. 

Before you exit Singapore History Gallery, enjoy a cinematic concluding experience that carries you from Singapore’s past into its future. An immersive experience that draws together Singapore’s past to present in the form of a connected landscape, a projected river send glimmer of voices contributed by visitors drifting towards the walls. 

From the various voice input stations throughout the Gallery, collecting the values, beliefs and aspirations shared by the visitors, this collective vision produces a unique skyline of future Singapore, accompanied by a reflection crafted from visitors’ own words.

NMS 139th Anniversary Celebrations: Stories of Everyday

The National Museum of Singapore (NMS) celebrates its 139th anniversary through Stories of Everyday, taking place from 10 to 18 October 2026, with programmes and activities themed around the lived experiences of everyday Singaporeans across generations.

The Living Archive: A Living & Design Market by Of Wonder Wander

A curated selection of ceramics, stationery, accessories, food and more is taking place. That would be a refreshed vendor line-up on 14 October. There is also a special interactive installation, The National Living Room, at the Museum’s Platform space, recreating a living room of the past, featuring objects and stores from Singaporeans that breathe life into a house and transform it into a home.

Official Debut of Stoney

Stoney, NMS charming new mascot inspired by the Singapore Stone, a National Treasure on display at NMS, is going to make its official debut.

Stoney’s story begins as he awakens on the banks of the Singapore River with no memory of where he came from. Longing to find his true kin, he embarks on an island wide trek through modern Singapore – this journey ultimately leads him back home to the National Museum of Singapore, just as the doors of the revamped Singapore History Gallery opens its doors to welcome him.

Come meet-and-greet Stoney at NMS reopening celebrations, there are also photo opportunities with a larger-than-life Stoney installation on NMS lawn. Want to own Stoney? You can take Stoney home in the form of a keychain plush, available at the Museum Market by Abry store for $13.90 from 10 October onwards.

Exciting and Fun programmes at Stories of Everyday Celebrations

There is a diverse line-up of programmes for all ages, check out contemporary dance performance Searching Blue《寻蓝》T.H.E Dance Company, HistoriaSG heritage talks, roving historical figure performances and community music jamming with Ann Siang Sounds.

For more information on Singapore History Gallery Reopening on 10 October 2026 and NMS 139th Anniversary Celebrations, visit (insert website link) or find out more on NMS Facebook, Instagram or TikTok pages. 

The post Singapore History Gallery Reopens on 10 October 2026 appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.

Home Run: Singapore Season 3

Home Run: Singapore Season 3 is taking place across 5 episodes, contestants will take on challenges inspired by decisions Singaporeans make around homes, from presenting properties in unexpected ways to reimagining spaces around different lifestyles and client needs.

“Home Run was created to show a side of property agents that audiences do not always get to see: the creativity, judgement and human understanding behind the work they do,” said Dr Yao Lu, Managing Director of PropertyGuru Singapore. “This season, we are opening that up even further by bringing in voices from entertainment, design and the broader property industry, while giving viewers a way to be part of the experience too. It is great to see new partners joining us and bringing even more of Singapore’s property community into the show. Ultimately, we want to make property knowledge useful, accessible and enjoyable for more Singaporeans.”

Celebrity guests boost the entertainment factor

Dewy Choo, a social media personality, returns as host for Season 3, joined by Season 2 winner Zaccheus Sabai, as co-host. 

The star studded guest line-up includes Mediacorp artiste Tyler Ten, winner of “Best Supporting Actor” and Most Popular Rising Star at Star Awards 2026, as well as Mediacorp Personalities Justin Ang and Vernon Anthonisz, better known as The Muttons.

Entertainer Annette Lee, and Jonathan Chua and Patrina Tan from The Daily Ketchup are also joining this season.

Architect and space-planning expert Cliff Tan of Dear Modern will step into the judging seat for one of the season’s challenges. He is known for his practical approach to transforming spaces, he has built a combined following of 4.9m across Instagram and TikTok.

Leaders from Singapore’s major property agencies will also join the judging panel at different stages of the competition, bringing additional perspectives from across the country.

Property industry joining in to work together with Home Run: Singapore

The Singapore property industry is also joining in to work together with Home Run: Singapore. Far East Organization joins Home Run for the first time as the official Series Partner and Developer. This broadens the Home Run series industry participation alongside the property agents, agency leaders and property professionals featured on screen.

Mediacorp returns as the Official Media Partner, Class 95 comes on board as Official Radio Station. Together, these partnerships extend Home Run: Singapore reality show’s reach across different platforms – television, digital and radio.

The winning property agent will receive a PropertyGuru Platinum account worth over $30,000, while the runner-up will receive a PropertyGuru Gold account worth over $12,000. The prizes will help the winners build on their success in the competitions, raise their professional profiles and create more opportunities to grow their careers.

Your favourite agent, your vote, for a good cause 

Something new for Season 3 Home Run, viewers can join in the action through Home Run’s Favourite vote, support your favourite property agent contestant that wins them over. Voting is open until 29th October 2026 at vote.propertyguru.com.sg 

For every vote received, PropertyGuru will donate $1 to Children’s Aid Limited, up to a maximum donation of $20,000. The donation will support the organisation’s work with children and youths as they take next steps towards independence.

Thoughts/Snippets from PropertyGuru Home Run: Singapore Season 3 Premiere 

Thanks to PropertyGuru and Brand Cellar for inviting me to PropertyGuru Home Run: Singapore Season 3 Premiere. I got to know more about this new season from the panel session, as well as the twelve property agents at the premiere event, and catching episode 1 that will be premiering on 8th October 2026.

Building on a successful Home Run: Singapore Season 2, it’s not easy to continue producing the realty show programme onto a higher and bigger level. The stakes and expectations are raised, would they be able to bring it on to the next level in Season 3? At PropertyGuru star-studded premiere event, watching the first episode of Home Run: Singapore Season 3, I feel they have raised their bar to make this new Season 3 bigger and better. 

Episode 1 has a mix of property agents real life sticky situations in their work, set in a glamorous waterfront property development setting (see if you can recognise the Home Run: Singapore Series Partner and Developer, Far East Organization’s property development).

PropertyGuru Home Run: Singapore Season 3 is premiering on 8th October, don’t miss it!

PropertyGuru Home Run: Singapore Season 3

Home Run: Singapore premieres on Channel 5 on 8th October 2026, airing every Thursday at 7:30pm.

Episodes will also be available on mewatch, Mediacorp and PropertyGuru YouTube channels.

The post Return of PropertyGuru Home Run: Singapore – More stars, new challenges appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.

“For Canon, Kyosei is far more than a corporate philosophy. Rather, it is a lived experience demonstrated everyday by ordinary individuals who uplift the communities around them,” said Toshiyuki (Tiger) Ishii, President and CEO, Canon Singapore. “Our lives are surrounded by unsung heroes whose everyday acts of empathy, kindness, and resilience often go unnoticed. Through the #iamkyosei initiative, we are turning a spotlight toward these champions, providing a platform to honour their contributions, elevate their stories, and inspire a collective movement of positive action across our community.” 

Kyosei, in Everyday Life: Translating Philosophy in Everyday Action

In Canon’s previous campaign milestones, the core tenets of Kyosei were introduced. As for this next new chapter in the campaign, they directly engages the public by making Canon’s corporate philosophy tangible and actionable. 

Based on the the idea that “every small act matters”, this campaign call for submissions based on a Nominator and a Nominee. The nominator introduces the nominee in an original photo or short video, detailing the story behind the nominee’s acts of Kyosei and how the nominee’s actions make a difference and positive impact in their communities. By inviting people to nominate someone, the campaign encourages us to look more closely at the people and moments around us. This also serves as a reminder that behind everyday routines, individuals may navigate personal struggles that we may not be able to see, feel and understand. Therefore, this makes everyday empathy and intentional kindness vital to creating a profound difference. 

Platform to Celebrate Unsung Heroes 

This campaign focus on peer recognition aligns with findings from the National Giving Study (NGS) 2025, highlighting the importance of role models and peer networks in encouraging and reinforcing volunteerism. 

The #iamkyosei campaign is a platform for residents in Singapore to celebrate unsung heroes in their lives, leveraging peer influence to inspire a broader culture of giving and mutual care. 

Canon Singapore #iamkyosei contest 

Canon Singapore #iamkyosei contest is conducted through a digital-first approach centred on a dedicated campaign website and Instagram page (@canonkyoseiasia). This initiative grounds Canon’s corporate values in everyday life by spotlighting individual impact, fostering unity, and rewarding positive community contributions.

The newly launched Instagram page will also act as the central hub for the campaign, while sharing more about how Kyosei philosophy is brought to life through visual storytelling. 

The public movement also builds on Canon’s long-standing practice of Kyosei across its core business operations. From developing purposeful imaging technologies and secure business solutions to empowering employees to give back through corporate volunteerism, Canon continuously applies its technology and workforce to drive positive social impact.

Support from Local Voices and Community Partners

Canon is collaborating with key local creators and community organisations to further amplify those stories across Singapore.

Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs): Local personalities, including Preeti Nair (@preetipls), Ng Yi Yang (@ngyiyang), lewloh (@lewloh), Zaihar (@zaihar), Jie Hao (@dizfunk_), Cheryl Tay (@cheryltaysg), Yip Pin Xiu (@yippinxiu), Melissa Lam (@bamboostrawgirl), and Fauzi Azzhar (@fauziazzhar), will share personal stories and call on their followers to participate. 

Community and Non-Profit Partners: Local organisations that Canon Singapore are partnering with, including the Singapore Bowling Federation, the National Volunteer And Philanthropy Centre (through the BAGUS Together programme), Tower Transit Singapore, Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA), APSN, among others, to drive awareness and feature inspirational individuals within their networks. 

#iamkyosei Contest Period: 1st October to 31st December 2026

How to Participate

Members of the public can publish an original photo or short video on Instagram introducing their nominee, sharing their story of kindness or community impact, tagging the nominee and @canonkyoseiasia and using the hashtag #iamkyosei.

Monthly Prizes

Across the three months campaign, three winning pairs (Nominator + Nominee) will be selected each month to receive Kyosei Kits comprising a Canon SELPHY QX20 Compact Photo Printer to capture and print their memories on the go, as well as exclusive campaign merchandise. 

Grand Prize Selection

All monthly winning pairs will advance to content for the Grand Prize package, which includes a Canon EOS camera. As part of the Grand Prize assessment, each month’s winning pair will participate in a short follow-up content piece in January 2027 – such as an interview, written response, photograph or short video – offering deeper insight into the nominee’s inspiring story. The Grand Prize winners will be officially announced in January 2027.

Find Your Kyosei

On the official #iamkyosei campaign website, public engagement will be further enhanced by an interactive personality quiz – “Find Your Kyosei”, helping visitors discover how their everyday habits contribute to the common good, which will be made public at a later date.

Through a series of relatable questions on day-to-day activities, participants will be matched with a kyosei persona that reflects their approach to making a positive difference. 

For more details, contest terms and conditions, and community stories on the #iamkyosei campaign, please visit https://sg.canon/en/campaign/iamkyosei or follow https://www.instagram.com/canonkyoseiasia on Instagram. 

The post Kyosei in Everyday Life – Celebrate Everyday Acts of Kindness appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.

TGH Photography and Travel 20 Years Milestone Celebrations till date (April to September 2026)

As I continue to look back at my TGH Photography and Travel 20 Years milestone celebrations till date from April to September 2026, it has slowed down significantly. There wasn’t much celebrations till date since my earlier small celebration gatherings in April 2026.

In this final quarter of 2026, I would be pick up the pace on my TGH Photography and Travel 20 Years Milestone Photo Zine and 20 selected photo prints to gift away. 

TGH Photography and Travel 20 Years Milestone Photo Zine

I have started working on my 20 years milestone celebrations photography zine in August 2026, there are a few themes and ideas that I have brainstormed. This is a work-in-progress, here are some ideas and themes that I would be interested to work on,

TGH Photography and Travel 20 Years Milestone x 20 Selected Photo Prints

Also as part of my TGH Photography and Travel portal/blog 20 years milestone celebrations, I have embarked on curating 20 selected photography prints from my collections that I would gift away to my friends and supporters. 

The first two photography prints were (1) Beautiful City in Nature Mist and (2) Of Red and White Celebrations at GBTB Lighting Up Marina Bay Singapore. For my curation of my next few photography prints, I would update soon when I finalise my next round of curation. 

Photography 

Photography (Business)

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

Photography (Personal / Visual Storytelling / Content Creation)

Visual Storytelling / Content Creation

Looking forward to continue to creating more different visual stories and content creation in month of October 2026 and beyond, continuing on from where I kickstarted in the past few months.

Writing for my TGH Photography and Travel portal/blog

I haven’t been and wasn’t able to write as much as I would love to, due to changes in circumstances and my family situation since Q4 2025. There are too many a times whereby I was emotionally and mentally stressed out to pen out my writing and publish them. 

For this final quarter, I would restart to write more, to rediscover my writing mojo, kickstarting off with a schedule of clearing backlog articles from my recent events attendance, new exhibitions and media news coverage. 

Personal Photography Time

My personal photography time has been reduced due to changes at home, as I have  been taking on the caregiver role as well as helping out in household work. My current time allocation is one-third caregiver, one-third take care of household chores/administrative and remaining one-third is whatever left for my photography business, personal photography, all other personal stuff and other matters.

I would still continue to navigate my journey of balancing photography business, personal photography, caregiver, taking care of home and the rest of my other things in life. I am currently working on finding a balance, planning and strategically allocating precious time for my own personal photography.

Nature/Outdoors Photography + Bird Photography for Photography Therapy

It’s been some time that I went for nature/outdoors photography together with bird photography for my photography therapy. I have started in September 2026 on balancing and re-allocating more time for outdoors/nature and bird/wildlife photography. Now in the last quarter of 2026 with migratory bird season starting again, I would start to pick up the pace whenever possible.

World Migratory Bird Day 2026 (10th October)

I have been leveraging on the annual world migratory bird day in October to officially kickstart my migratory bird photography season, even though I have started earlier in September 2026, thanks to a few early migratory birds arriving in Singapore.

XPan Pano with Samyang MF14mm f/2.8 RF

Inspired by XPan film prints as well as creating XPan photos in digital format, I need to pick up my pace on my new personal visual storytelling project to capture Singapore’s City In Nature landscapes, urban landscapes, old places, with curated photographs playing a part in my TGH Photography and Travel 20 Years Milestone Photo Zine.

Uploading Photographs to Flickr Collections

I am still actively curating and editing selected photos from my 2025 archives, uploading them into my Flickr Photography Collections. This is form of photography therapy and getaway from the amount of stress and pressure as a caregiver at home, also clearing my backlogs from 2025 and freeing up my disk space.

Visual Storytelling Documentation in October 2026

In the month of October 2026, my visual storytelling documentation would be in the following areas:

• Nature: Maju Forest 
• Architecture/Urban Landscapes: Gillman Barracks / Tan Boo Liat Building
• Heritage and Culture: Nanyin music by Siong Leng

Photography Competitions

Sony World Photography Awards 2027

The Sony World Photography Awards 2027 have been launched. I have been participating in this photography competition for a number of years. If you are keen to enter, do check them out, go for it! 

Exhibitions/Events (Photography/Heritage/Arts)

There are a few exhibitions and events taking place in October 2026 that are photography, heritage, and arts related. Do check them out below!

Woven Memory of Culture – Portraits of Artisans and Traditional Craft Objects from Japan and Singapore

A unique exhibition exploring traditional craftsmanship, curated and painted by a talented artist Ms Miwa Tsuyumi. Featuring a total of twelve artisans, six each from Singapore and Japan, their portraiture paintings are displayed alongside their respective traditional craft objects.

• Date: 29th September to 10th October 2026 (Closed on Sunday and Monday)
• Time: 10am – 6pm
• Venue: Japan Creative Centre (JCC) Embassy of Japan in Singapore, 4 Nassim Road, Singapore 258372

SLA25 Rediscovery Trail

Singapore Land Authority (SLA) is celebrating her 25 years milestone in 2026. Marking this milestone, SLA is inviting the public to visit and explore SLA places that have shaped Singapore’s communities and society. More information can be found here.

Singapore History Gallery Reopening and National Museum of Singapore 139th Celebrations

The Singapore History Gallery at the National Museum of Singapore (NMS) is reopening on the 10th October 2026 after a major revamp. From 10th to 18th October 2026, join Stories of Everyday celebrations at the National Museum of Singapore, marking its 139th anniversary and reopening of the Singapore History Gallery. 

Stay tuned and keep a lookout for my article coverage on this! Meanwhile, check out NMS website and social media for more information and updates.

SAMCollection: The Present is Unstable

A new exhibition is taking place at Singapore Art Museum (SAM), titled “SAMCollection: The Present is Unstable”. This contemporary exhibition is something fluid and constantly changing. 

Stay tuned and keep a lookout for my article coverage on this! Meanwhile, check out SAM website and social media for more information and updates.

Personal Updates

My status quo is still pretty much the same, I am still finding the balance between being a caregiver role at home, along with everything else. This still remains a delicate and tricky situation. It’s not going getting easier, it’s becoming more challenging and difficult down the road. 

There are good days, there are bad days, who can understand, who can empathise, without judgement? Nobody can see or feel the amount of stress, pressure, emotional and mental drain inside us caregivers. 

Personal Photography and Visual Storytelling in October 2026!

October 2026 is here, this is the month for personal photography and visual storytelling in nature, outdoors and documenting locations/neighbourhoods that might no longer be around in the near future. 

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

MAFF 2026 will feature 25 family friendly activities, including a crowd favourite cute Mid-Autumn rooftop installations, mooncake tasting, interactive lantern walks, moon and stargazing,  hands on workshops, free craft activities, cultural performances and many more. 

MAFF 2026 Key Highlights 

There are many programmes and activities taking place during MAFF 2026. Here are the MAFF 2026 key highlights!

Bit Bit Forest Mid-Autumn Light Up!

You can’t miss the cute and adorable Bit Bit Forest Mid-Autumn Light Up! art installations at MAFF 2026! Spot them at SCCC’s Roof Garden and Concourse! There are five giant inflatable bunnies, it’s Bit Bit, a popular character created by Hong Kong designer and artist Chan Siu Kau. They will be on display from the Mid-Autumn season through the year-end festive period from 11 September to 13 December 2026.

Concert by SCO: A Voyage of Voices: Moonbound 

Another MAFF 2026 key highlight would be Concert by SCO: A Voyage of Voices: Moonbound concert. The first of a new concert series celebrating Singapore’s diversity, jointly presented by SCO and SCCC and supported by Ministry of Culture, Community, and the Youth (MCCY).

Led by Principal Conductor Quek Ling Kiong in his much loved Ah De, the concert will bring audience on a journey from Singapore’s early coolie days to modern Singapore, showcasing how new immigrants integrate into local culture, through moon-inspired Chinese orchestral music performance, festive riddles and vibrant storytelling. 

Other MAFF 2026 Programme Highlights

There are many more exciting and fun MAFF 2026 programme and activities. Here are the other MAFF 2026 programme highlights!

Free Activities 

Performing Just For You!

A lively line-up of storytelling children’s showcases, traditional dance, cross talk, singing and cultural performances at SCCC Concourse, featuring local arts groups and performers.

• Venue: SCCC Concourse Level 1
• Date and Time: 19 – 20 September 2026 | 1pm – 7pm

The Activities Village 

Get hands on with craft activities, unleash your creativity and create your own Mid-Autumn accessories, from adorable ear headbands to colourful cellophane fans!

• Venue: SCCC Concourse Level 1 (Rabbit Ear Headband Making) | SCO Exhibition Halls 1-2 (Cellophane Fans Making)
• Date and Time: 19 – 20 September 2026 | 1pm – 7pm

Gathering @ L7

Enjoy a lively showcase of performances and interactive activities, from Chinese Orchestra duet performances, rib-tickling Xiang Sheng (cross talk) skills, lantern riddles and talk on Mid-Autumn Festival traditions.

• Venue: SCCC Multi-Purpose Hall Level 7
• Date and Time: 19 – 20 September 2026 | 1pm – 7pm

Amazing Moongazing

Head up to SCCC Roof Garden, spend an evening under the Singapore’s CBD moonlit sky. Get up close to the moon with ITE College East Astronomy Club while enjoying music under the stars by local singer-songwriter Jason Yu.

• Venue: SCCC Roof Garden
• Date and Time: 19 – 20 September 2026 | 7pm – 9pm

The Makers’ Loft: Upcycled Lantern Making

Learn how to give everyday simple items a new lease of life, upcycle and transform them into your very own unique lantern – all in the spirit of sustainability!

• Venue: SCCC Multi-Purpose Hall Level 7
• Date and Time: 19 – 20 September 2026 | 1pm – 7pm

The Hanfu Wardrobe Corner

Dress up in Hanfu (traditional Chinese attire), take complimentary photos at the photo booth, and create memorable Mid-Autumn moments with family and friends.

• Venue: SCCC Multi-Purpose Hall Level 7
• Date and Time: 19 – 20 September 2026 | 1pm – 7pm

The Mid-Autumn Mooncake Fiesta

Foodies alert! Time for Mid-Autumn Mooncake fiesta, enjoy free samples from a delightful selection of traditional and new-flavoured mooncakes from iconic local heritage brands and speciality bakeries, alongside a curated selection of herbal teas.

• Venue: SCCC Multi-Purpose Hall Level 7
• Date and Time: 19 – 20 September 2026 | 1pm – 7pm

Mass Lantern Walk: Talking to the Moon

An immersive and interactive mass lantern walk that you can go with your family and friends, discover Mid-Autumn Festival traditions through this unique storytelling experience.

• Venue: SCCC, Singapore Conference Hall, Marina Bay Fire Station
• Date and Time: 19 – 20 September 2026 | 7:30pm – 8:30pm (Registration starts at 7pm at SCO Exhibition Hall 3)

Dreams Under One Moon

Bring your cellophane fan that you created at the craft activity booth to the room. Watch it come to life under enchanting lights, and catch immersive theatre performances at selected timings throughout the day!

• Venue: SCCC Practice Room Level 10
• Date and Time: 19 – 20 September 2026 | 2:30pm – 3pm, 4pm – 4:30pm, 5:30pm – 6pm

Mid-Autumn Memory Wall

Visitors to MAFF 2026 are invited to pen down their favourite memory of Mid-Autumn Festival and contribute to a growing wall of memories across generations on the Mid-Autumn Memory Wall.

Ticketed Activities

The Makers’ Loft: Pastel Nagomi Art Workshop

At this therapeutic hands-on art workshop, participants can learn the technique of drawing with fingers and use soft pastels to create their own soothing Pastel Nagomi Art Piece.

• Venue: SCCC Multi-Purpose Hall Level 7
• Price: $9/pax
• Date and Time: 19 – 20 September 2026 | 1pm – 2:30pm, 3pm – 4:30pm

The Makers’ Loft: TCM Cold Brew Tea Workshop

Discover and learn about the different flavours of traditional Chinese herbs and its benefits. Explore different herbal blends and create your own tea bag based on your personal preferences.

• Venue: SCCC Multi-Purpose Hall Level 7
• Price: $9/pax
• Date and Time: 20 September 2026 | 5pm – 5:30pm, 5:30pm – 6pm, 6pm – 6:30pm, 6:30pm – 7pm

The Makers’ Loft: Tea Whisking & Painting Workshop

Learn the traditional art of Chinese Song-style tea whisking using traditional techniques and antique tea bowls.

• Venue: SCCC Multi-Purpose Hall Level 7
• Price: $9/pax
• Date and Time: 19 September 2026 | 5pm – 5:45pm and 6:15pm – 7pm

A Voyage of Voices: Moonbound

• Venue: SCO Concert Hall
• Price: $30 *Exclusive Culture Pass Ticket Bundle: 2 tickets for $50 with promo code <SCOCP2>*
• Date and Time: 19 September 2026 | 3pm – 4:15pm and 7:30pm – 8:45pm

SCCC’s Chief Executive Officer Alvin Tan said: “Through the festival, we hope to encourage our visitors to partake in Mid-Autumn traditions such as going on lantern walks, eating mooncakes, gazing at the moon and more, and in doing so, we hope to connect our visitors with local Chinese heritage, promote family bonding, and bring festive cheer to the Central Business District.”

SCO’s Executive Director Terence Ho said: “We are delighted to partner with SCCC again this Mid-Autumn Festival to create an occasion for families to come together and celebrate. Through A Voyage of Voices: Moonbound, we hope to present the festival in a fresh and engaging way through Chinese orchestral music and storytelling, and offer audiences of all ages an enjoyable way to experience the spirit of Mid-Autumn.”

Celebrate Mid-Autumn Festival at SCCC & SCO Mid-Autumn Family FUN 2026!

Bring your family down and Celebrate Mid-Autumn Festival at SCCC & SCO Mid-Autumn Family FUN 2026! There is a wide range of programmes and activities for the adults to kids, great for family bonding and fun time, as well as with your friends too!

For more information on Mid-Autumn Family FUN (MAFF) 2026 jointly organised by Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre (SCCC) and Singapore Chinese Orchestra (SCO), please visit https://singaporen.sg/maff 

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Temasek Foundation – National University of Singapore (TF-NUS) Heritage Champions Showcase at Temasek Shophouse

There were ten student-led community heritage projects that were showcased at the inaugural Temasek Foundation – National University of Singapore (TF-NUS) Heritage Champions Showcase that took place at Temasek Shophouse on Saturday 5th September 2026. Through those student-led projects, participants were able to learn, experience, understand and discover refreshing and often unexpected ways to rediscover Singapore’s history and cultural heritage.

For the younger generations that do not know much about Singapore’s roadside ice cream hawkers, a children’s book was created to share more about Singapore’s disappearing  world of roadside ice cream, to retracing the journeys of Orang Laut and recreating meals from Singapore’s wartime past. These projects undertaken by young students demonstrated how they used various mediums and platforms for storytelling, modern technology and social media, food and community activities to make Singapore’s heritage more accessible, experiencing lively, refreshed and unexpected new ways to learn and know more, for today’s generation.

The TF-NUS Heritage Champions showcase at Temasek Shophouse marks the finale of the TF-NUS Heritage Champions programme that aims to deepen youths’ appreciation of Singapore’s unique heritage and inspire them to play an active role to document and safeguard it through community projects. 

Over a period of two years and across two cohorts, 125 students from institutes of higher learning participated in this programme. They were given heritage preservation training by NUS Libraries and with support from the National Heritage Board, students formed teams and developed proposals for community-based heritage projects.

The top five teams from each cohort were awarded up to S$7,000 and six months to turn their ideas into reality. On a whole, the ten student-led projects have since engaged more than 1,000 members of the public. 

Ms Goh Hanyan, Senior Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Culture, Community, and Youth, was the Guest of Honour at TF-NUS Heritage Champions showcase on Saturday 5th September 2026, touring the exhibition and spoke with the participants.

Ten Student-led Community Heritage Projects of TF-NUS Heritage Champions Programme

Who are the ten student-led community heritage projects of TF-NUS Heritage Champions programme? Here are the ten teams with a short write up of their community heritage project.

Scoops of Memory

Scoops of Memory documents Singapore’s fading roadside ice cream hawker trade through a children’s book, storytelling sessions, a documentary and a growing digital archive, connecting today’s children with a familiar part of their parents’ childhoods.

Shore to Shore

Shore to Shore invites Singaporeans to see the Southern Islands as places of community, memory and biodiversity, not only as leisure destinations, through immersive programmes and a multimedia website.

The Good OL Days

The Good OL Days traces the histories and lived experiences of four Orang Laut communities into the present through an interactive map and a self-guided Orang Seletar heritage trail.

Wartime Tuckshop

Wartime Tuckshop organised experiential cooking workshops and created an online cookbook that recreated the flavours of wartime meals. Participants learnt how food shortages and hyperinflation shaped everyday diets before preparing dishes adapted from historical accounts.

Hainanese Cooked

Hainanese Cooked uses a stamp rally and children’s book to trace the Hainanese influence on chicken rice, Nanyang coffee, the Singapore Sling and possibly laksa, showing how those roots became less widely recognised as the favourites entered Singapore’s wider food culture.

Finding Chinatown

Finding Chinatown reconnects Singaporeans, especially younger people, with the businesses and organisations keeping Chinatown’s living heritage alive.

MamaMIA

MamaMIA documents Singapore’s traditional neighbourhood convenience stores from the perspectives of the people who run them, preserving their stories and the memories residents associate with these shops.

Anchored Memories 

Anchored Memories uncovers first-hand stories of the people who lived and worked around Singapore’s old harbourfront, revealing the human history behind the area’s transformation.

Eterna Trees 

EternaTrees treats trees as living archives, using guided and self-guided trails to reveal the memories, beliefs and community histories rooted in Singapore’s landscape.

Ten Years to Grow a Tree

Ten Years to Grow a Tree explores how Traditional Chinese Medicine developed in Singapore and the practitioners who have sustained its knowledge and traditions across generations.

Engaging the Future and Younger Generation through Heritage, History, Culture 

Engaging the future and younger generation through heritage, history, culture, how do we make heritage matter to a new, future, and younger generation?

For Associate Professor Natalie Pang, University Librarian at NUS, the programme highlights the important role young people can play in deciding what stories of Singapore should be remembered and how they should be shared with future generations. 

Assoc Prof Pang said: “Singapore’s heritage is not only found in monuments and historic buildings. It also lives in everyday experiences, memories, food, places and the stories of communities. When young people take ownership of these stories and find new ways to share them, they help ensure that our heritage remains relevant and meaningful to future generations.”

Mr James Chan, Head of Programmes Office and Resilient Societies, Temasek Foundation, said: “Heritage comes alive and stays relevant when each generation finds its own way to reconnect with it. These young heritage champions have shown how Singapore’s heritage can be rediscovered and retold through new ideas, creative storytelling and community participation. This is what the TF-NUS Heritage Champions programme is all about. Temasek Foundation is excited to be part of this heritage journey with NUS and its co-partners in sparking innovations and programmes that drive meaningful impact in Singapore and beyond.”

Mr Jervais Choo, Deputy Director for Organisation Design and Innovation, National Heritage Board, said: “Engaging youth is an important part of NHB’s mission, because we believe the stewardship of our heritage must be passed from generation to generation. The TF-NUS Heritage Champions programme has been an effective way of empowering youth to take ownership of heritage in Singapore. The projects have been meaningful, and we’re especially heartened by how the youth have been able to forge genuine connections on the ground with heritage communities. We hope these experiences will inspire them to continue playing an active role in being champions of our heritage.”

Ms Amira Karim, President of the Singapore Heritage Society said: “The Singapore Heritage Society is heartened to see young people taking ownership of Singapore’s stories in such creative and meaningful ways. The TF-NUS Heritage Champions programme embodies our belief that heritage is not just about monuments and artefacts, but also the living traditions, memories and knowledge passed down through generations.

These projects have done remarkable work surfacing both tangible and intangible heritage, from the skills of ice-cream hawkers to wartime culinary traditions and the stories of the Orang Laut. Just as importantly, they help young people develop the confidence and vocabulary to advocate for the histories and communities they care about. As questions about how we develop, conserve and remember our city receive greater attention, we need future generations who can not only appreciate heritage, but articulate why it matters.

We hope the programme will continue to nurture young people as active stewards and advocates for our shared heritage, ensuring that as Singapore changes, the stories of the people and places that shaped us remain visible and meaningful.”

Let’s hear from the TF-NUS Heritage Champions programme participants!

Scoops of Memory, Shore to Shore, The Good OL Days, Wartime Tuckshop and Hainanese Cooked are among the projects that offered fresh perspectives on Singapore’s past. Let’s hear from them!

Rachel Lie, 22, from Shore to Shore said: “Through Shore to Shore, we wanted people to see that Singapore’s story extends beyond the mainland, to the communities that once lived across the Southern Islands. The response to our tours and workshops has encouraged us to continue building on the project. We are applying for a grant to continue our work with the community so that more people can experience the islands for themselves.”

Totaan Aljean Choong, 20, from Scoops of Memory said: “Preserving heritage is not just about documenting the past but ensuring that the voices and memories from yesterday will be remembered tomorrow. Interviewing ice-cream hawkers and working with a small but resourceful team has taught me valuable lessons in research, interdisciplinary collaboration and perseverance. I am grateful to NUS Libraries and Temasek Foundation for giving us the opportunity to save a scoop of Singapore’s history for generations to come.”

What’s Next for TF-NUS Heritage Student-led Community Heritage Projects?

The inaugural run for the TF-NUS Heritage Champions programme is successful, NUS Libraries will be continuing this programme, with discussions with potential partners ongoing. If you like more information and updates on this programme, this will be made available at a later date on their website – https://nus.edu.sg/nuslibraries/tf-nus-heritage-champions/about-the-programme 

Prior to this TF-NUS Heritage Champions showcase, I heard about Temasek Foundation working with NUS Libraries on this heritage programme, thanks to Wee Liang from Hainanese Cooked project. I was invited to their media preview of Hainanese Cooked stamp rally, the team gave insights and details of TF-NUS Heritage Champions programme that they were involved in. Read more about my story on “Join Bo Hou on a Stamp Rally to learn about Hainanese businesses in Singapore”

At the TF-NUS Heritage Champions Showcase at Temasek Shophouse, I visited each booth discovering and learning more about their community heritage projects, listening to their stories, experiences, how they brought their community heritage projects to life, engaging the community, creating more publicity and awareness for the heritage projects that their group was involved in.

At every community project booth, whenever possible I would asked each team on what future plans they have for the community project that they had produced and brought to life, how they can bring their project further and onto a bigger scale.

Some of the teams have considered bringing their student-led community heritage projects further, although they face constraints and challenges of balancing a working life with their passion-led community heritage projects. 

I personally feel that some of those student-led community heritage projects have the potential to be developed further and bigger under another organisation’s events/festivals lineup. They could be featured in future heritage/cultural event listings.

With my personal interest in heritage, history, cultural documentation and visual storytelling that I started in the 2010s till date, witnessing the younger generation (Disclaimer: I am not that old) carrying the torch, continuing on this trail blazing journey via TF-NUS Heritage Champions programme, to pass it on and pay it forward priceless heritage, history and culture to the future generations, all those projects warm and brighten me up together with fellow (and senior) heritage enthusiasts, researchers and practitioners.

On a personal note, I would do my part to highlight the TF-NUS Heritage Champions projects, share with my heritage, history, culture networks, recommending them whenever possible. The younger generation has done a great job with their student-led community heritage projects, it’s now up to the rest of the Singapore community (not just heritage sector) to help develop and grow them further and bigger. 

* Information courtesy of NUS Libraries and Gloo PR *

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TGH Photography and Travel 20 Years Milestone Celebrations till date (April to August 2026)

Continuing to look back at my TGH Photography and Travel 20 Years milestone celebrations till date from April to August 2026, there still wasn’t much celebrations till date except for my earlier small celebration gatherings in April 2026.

Moving into the final quarter of 2026, I would be working on my TGH Photography and Travel 20 Years Milestone Photo Zine and 20 selected photo prints to gift away. 

TGH Photography and Travel 20 Years Milestone Photo Zine

I have started working on my 20 years milestone celebrations photography zine in August 2026, there are a few themes and ideas that I have brainstormed. This is a work-in-progress, I hope to share more updates in the next month. 

TGH Photography and Travel 20 Years Milestone x 20 Selected Photo Prints

Also as part of my TGH Photography and Travel portal/blog 20 years milestone celebrations, I have embarked on curating 20 selected photography prints from my collections that I would gift away to my friends and supporters. 

Photo Print 1 – Beautiful City in Nature Mist 

The first photography print given away is the photo print exhibited at 21st Ngee Ann Photographic Exhibition 2026. 

Photo Print 2 – Of Red and White Celebrations at GBTB Lighting Up Marina Bay Singapore 

The second photography print to be given away is the photo print exhibited at 20th Ngee Ann Photographic Exhibition 2025.

Photography 

Photography (Business)

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

Photography (Personal / Visual Storytelling / Content Creation)

Visual Storytelling / Content Creation

Looking forward to continue to creating more different visual stories and content creation in month of September 2026 and beyond, continuing on from where I kickstarted in the past few months.

Personal Photography Time

My personal photography time has been reduced due to changes at home, as I have  been taking on the caregiver role as well as helping out in household work. My current time allocation is one-third caregiver, one-third take care of household chores/administrative and remaining one-third is whatever left for my photography business, personal photography, all other personal stuff and other matters.

I would still continue to navigate my journey of balancing photography business, personal photography, caregiver, taking care of home and the rest of my other things in life. I am currently working on finding a balance, planning and strategically allocating precious time for my own personal photography.

Nature/Outdoors Photography + Bird Photography for Photography Therapy

It’s been some time that I went for nature/outdoors photography together with bird photography for my photography therapy. I am working on balancing and re-allocating more time for outdoors/nature and bird/wildlife photography again in September 2026 and last quarter of 2026 when migratory bird season starts again.

XPan Pano with Samyang MF14mm f/2.8 RF

I recently bought a Samyang MF14mm f/2.8 RF lens from The Camera Workshop, a place that I regularly goes to for my photography stuff. This lens is a reward and gift for myself as part of my TGH Photography and Travel portal/blog 20 years milestone celebrations in 2026. 

Inspired by XPan film prints as well as creating XPan photos in digital format, I am on a new personal visual storytelling project to capture Singapore’s City In Nature landscapes, urban landscapes, with some curated photographs that would form part of my TGH Photography and Travel 20 Years Milestone Photo Zine.

Uploading Photographs to Flickr Collections

Curating and editing selected photos from my 2025 archives, uploading them into my Flickr Photography Collections. This is form of photography therapy and getaway from the amount of stress and pressure as a caregiver at home，also clearing my backlogs from 2025 and freeing up my disk space.

Documenting Old and Disappearing Places/Buildings in September 2026

In recent weeks, more news were reported on locations facing an uncertain future and challenges, from nature areas to urban buildings. Both Maju Forest and Gillman Barracks nature areas are slated for future housing development, sparking quite a fair bit of debates, discussions and limelight on future economic development (in the housing sector) versus preserving/conserving land/nature areas. 

Maju Forest / Gillman Barracks / Tan Boo Liat Building

I have started to revisit Maju Forest again, planning my future field trips to document more. Next up would be Gillman Barracks, photographing and documenting as much as I can, in the months and years ahead before development takes place, like what I did with Dover Forest prior to that area being cleared for public housing development. Looking to find like-minded nature explorer friends and explore the lush greenery and aura of Maju Forest.

Tan Boo Liat building is also in the news recently too, with its impending en bloc sale, we would see less of such mixed use commercial development that has its own brutalist architectural design that was built in 1976 that accompanied Singapore’s growth and transformation over the decades. 

Photography Competitions

Sony World Photography Awards 2027

The Sony World Photography Awards 2027 have been launched. I have been participating in this photography competition for a number of years. If you are keen to enter, do check them out, go for it! 

Exhibitions/Events (Photography/Heritage/Arts)

There are a few exhibitions and events taking place in September 2026 that are photography, heritage, and arts related. Do check them out below!

Singapore Night Festival 2026

Singapore Night Festival 2026 is back! The festival started on 21st August, last day is 5th September 2026. Do drop by and visit if you haven’t do so! Find out more about Rediscovering Myths and Legends at Singapore Night Festival 2026 in my article!

Mid-Autumn Festival 2026

Mid-Autumn Festival 2026 falls on 25th September 2026 (15th of lunar 8th month), the Mid-Autumn Festival lanterns and light up would be up soon. Time to head down to Jurong Lake Gardens and Gardens By The Bay.

SLA25 Rediscovery Trail

Singapore Land Authority (SLA) is celebrating her 25 years milestone in 2026. Marking this milestone, SLA is inviting the public to visit and explore SLA places that have shaped Singapore’s communities and society. More information can be found here.

Personal Updates

My status quo is still pretty much the same, I am still finding the balance between being a caregiver role at home, along with everything else. This still remains a delicate and tricky situation. It’s not going getting easier, it’s becoming more challenging and difficult down the road. 

There are good days, there are bad days, who can understand, who can empathise, without judgement? Nobody can see or feel the amount of stress, pressure, emotional and mental drain inside us caregivers. 

Personal Photography and Visual Storytelling in September 2026!

September 2026 is here, this is the month for personal photography and visual storytelling in nature, outdoors and documenting locations/neighbourhoods that might no longer be around in the near future. 

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Diverse Programmes Across Four Different Zones at SNF 2026

There are a wide range of diverse programmes (check out the 97 programmes listing on SNF 2026 website) taking place across four different zones at SNF 2026. The Museum Zone is the key festival hub, and there are three other zones across the BBB precinct. 

• Museum Zone: Centred around the National Museum of Singapore, the Children’s Museum Singapore and surrounding heritage spaces. This hub will bring the theme to life through experiences and programmes inspired by the BBB precinct’s heritage.
• Zone 1: From Funan to CHIJMES, this zone invites you to discover unique experiences from a creative craft market at Capitol Singapore to interactive programmes and installations within historic grounds of CHIJMES.
• Zone 2: From Cathay Green to Waterloo Centre, this zone celebrates the creativity and vibrancy of BBB precinct’s arts groups and educational institutions through performances, exhibitions and participatory experiences.
• Zone 3: Anchored by partners at Bras Basah Complex and Stamford Arts Centre, this one showcases a diverse range of cultural experiences from xinyao performances and traditional arts to community-led activations celebrating Singapore’s living heritage. 

Across the three weekends of SNF 2026, visitors can explore the wider BBB precinct, check out the robust line-up of projection mapping, artworks, experiential programmes, performances and festival villages with food and retail offerings, with each zone having its own distinct perspective on the stories of BBB precinct.

Celebrating Culture and Creativity

SNF 2026 presents the inaugural MALAM Protection Mapping Competition, inviting Southeast Asia artists, students and collectives to showcase their work, providing a platform for emerging regional talent to experiment and express their artistry, this is HSG’s commitment to enriching Singapore’s creative industries and communities. 

Supported by Epson, this competition has drawn strong regional interest, receiving close to 50 submissions from artists and collectives across Southeast Asia. Festival goers can enjoy a fun and mesmerising display of the top 20 entries on the facade of The Cathay during the first week of SNF 2026.

The top 5 submissions will be selected and remain as staple projections on The Cathay throughout SNF 2026. Through these efforts, HSG reaffirms SNF’s crucial role as a leader in night-time cultural storytelling and knowledge exchange. 

There is also ALIGHT 2.0, presented at SNF 2026, a thought leadership platform for projection mapping and light-based art. This conference will bring together leading artists and creative practitioners from across the region to explore the evolving intersection of art, technology and public space through keynote presentations, panel discussions and networking opportunities. 

Qazim Karim, Festival Director of SNF 2026, HSG, said: “Singapore Night Festival has always been more than light installations. It is about creating shared experiences that bring people together after dark, while showcasing the best of creative talent from Singapore and Southeast Asia. This is reflected in the strong response to our inaugural MALAM Projection Mapping Competition, which signals a clear appetite among regional creatives to be part of Singapore’s premier night festival. With this year’s theme, Myths and Legends, we invite audiences to journey through Bras Basah.Bugis and uncover the many stories that continue to shape Singapore and the region. Through these, we hope SNF 2026 will spark curiosity and connection among communities, while strengthening its place as a must-see festival in Singapore and Southeast Asia.” 

SNF 2026 Festival Highlights

What are some of the SNF 2026 festival highlights that festival goers can look forward to? There are three signature festival highlights that draw inspirations from the myths, legends and stories around us. They are: Tales of Earth and Sea, The Lost Legacy of Fort Canning: The Forbidden Hill, and the MALAM Projection Mapping Competition.

Tales of Earth and Sea 

Tales of Earth and Sea, a striking facade light projection mapping by The Fox, The Folks, an internationally acclaimed multimedia artist team based in Bandung, Indonesia. Festival goers can participate in an immersive experience that merges projection mapping with street theatre at the National Museum of Singapore.

Tales of Earth and Sea reinterprets local folklore, set to an original cross-border soundtrack by Singapore’s multi-ethnic music collective Artusik and UiTM Malaysia, further enhancing the work’s cross-border exchange. 

Birdmen by Close-Act Theatre 

Don’t miss Birdmen by the renowned Dutch Group Close-Act Theatre, making their Southeast Asia debut! They are sharing the spotlight for SNF 2026 opening week, festival goers can get up close with those mysterious, luminous stilt walkers, dressed as fantastical flying reptiles like creatures as they roam around BBB precinct, alongside the stunning visuals, light projection displays, among the festival goers, creating an amazing and unforgettable multi-sensory experience.

MALAM Projection Mapping Competition

The MALAM Projection Mapping Competition brings together emerging artists across Southeast Asia to showcase their works, with the the top 20 entries projected onto The Cathay building during the first week of SNF 2026.

The Lost Legacy of Fort Canning: The Forbidden Hill

A captivating 70 minutes nocturnal walking trail through Fort Canning Park any Sight Lines Co. and The Urbanist Singapore, uncovering the ancient secrets and myths of Bukit Larangan. Featuring atmospheric soundscapes and live traditional Malay dance, the immersive journey transports visitors to the 14th century world of early Singapura.

Landmarks Reimagined – Turning Historic Spaces into Stages for Creativity and Storytelling

Across SNF 2026 various zones, landmarks are reimagined – turning historic spaces into stages for creativity and storytelling. 

Vikings of the Topics by TELL YOUR CHILDREN at Armenian Street Lawn

Once Upon A Time by Natalia Tan at Capitol Singapore Outdoor Plaza

The Dragon’s Tooth: A Legend of Becoming Light by Starlight Alchemy at SMU Campus Green.

You and I, Believing … by the Yellow Ribbon Community Arts Festival Committee 2026 at SMU Campus Green

Traces by Isaiah Cacnio at SMU Campus Green

Unexpected Encounters – Discovering Myths and Legends in everyday spaces

Festival goers to SNF 2026 can explore works located at nearby CapitaLand shopping malls including Bugis Street, Funan, Plaza Singapura and Raffles City Singapore. 

Inter-Light by local artist Ching Kai at Raffles City Singapore 

Rising of Sister Islands by SERIAL CO_ at Funan

THE BLOOMING HEARTS FORTUNE MERLION by UNIPLAY at Plaza Singapura

Stormy Straits by Melting Por(r)t Collective comprising Matlr Creative, StrawberryWasabi and LiteWerkz at Bugis Street Art Lane

Lovebug by ART-ZOO in collaboration with National Library Board

BBB Stakeholder and Partner Programmes

Don’t miss the installations presented as part of the inaugural edition of Light Together Bras Basah.Bugis (LTB), in conjunction with SNF 2026 and in celebration of National Day 2026. Those artworks are also guided by the SNF 2026 theme Myths and Legends. LTB 2026 shines a light on colloquial myths and superstitions, creating artworks that connects with local communities. 

Diverse and Exciting Programmes Lineup for SNF 2026

Singapore Night Festival 2026 will run across three weekends from 21st August to 5th September 2026. There are many diverse and exciting programmes lineup, with free admission for most of the programmes. I have yet to fully visit all the artworks, light projections, displays at SNF 2026 during the media preview, more photos to come soon!

Continuing my visual storytelling and coverage of SNF over the years since making their debut in 2008 (check out my Singapore Night Festival Flickr Collection), I would be checking out the various programmes, planning my time to visit and rediscover Myths and Legends at SNF 2026.

Do check out the interactive map and personalised SNF 2026 exploration trails of the different zones on SNF 2026 official website, powered by official sponsors Accenture and Adobe. For more information on Singapore Night Festival 2026, please visit https://www.heritage.sg/sgnightfest/ 

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Marking 20 years milestone of TGH Photography and Travel portal/blog in 2026

Year 2026 also marks a special milestone for my TGH Photography and Travel portal/blog, my website celebrated its 20 years milestone in April 2026. What a visual storytelling journey that I embarked on in April 2026 over two decades (not out and still counting).

I have my fair share of ups and downs, on both personal and professional basis, took countless photographs (and my first 10,000 or more were mediocre/poor when I look back), photographed almost anything and everything at the start. Here is the story of my TGH Photography and Travel 20 years milestone celebration, my thoughts, feelings and reflections. 

Over the two decades, I slowly sharpened and improved my visual storytelling craft, as well as my photography that defined my work and style today. However, I am not resting on my laurels, I am continuously learning and improving myself.

Photographing, Documenting and Telling Visual Stories (History, Heritage, Culture, Arts, Nature and Urban landscapes) 

In 2026, as part of my TGH Photography and Travel 20 years milestone celebrations, I am working on more personal works and projects relating to history, heritage, culture, arts, nature and urban landscapes. In the past few years, I wasn’t working on those sectors as much as I used to some time back.

The pace of changes and developments got me reflecting and thinking again, that I got to get back on track to photographing, documenting and telling visual stories in the areas of history, heritage, culture, arts, nature and urban landscapes.

Most recently, I bought a Samyang MF14mm f/2.8 RF lens, pairing it with my Canon EOS R6 Mark II. One of the small rewards for myself to celebrate my TGH Photography and Travel portal/blog 20 years milestone. Celebrating World Photography Day 2026, here are some photographs of Singapore, this is home truly. I am looking forward to capturing more memories and visual stories of Singapore with my Samyang MF14mm f/2.8 RF lens.

Happy World Photography Day 2026!

We, visual storytellers/photographers, together with fellow creatives from other genres, have been facing various economic/business challenges and technological changes in the world today. The proliferation of AI technology has impacted a photographer’s (and fellow creative) career/job in both good and bad ways. We still have to navigate our way in leveraging AI technology to help us  in our visual storytelling/photography, while learning and understanding more on how it can further impact/affect us.

Beyond technology, there are intangible and invisible forces that we constantly face and battle with, our inner most fears, as well as external forces, the voices of society, people’s and photographers’ judgments and criticisms of our visual storytelling craft and photography works. 

On World Photography Day 2026, let’s continue to persevere in this photography journey that we chose, why we start/are into the craft of visual storytelling/photography in the first place. Keep photographing, documenting, and sharing visual stories, priceless moments of our Home, for ourselves, our family, relatives, friends, society and the world that we call Home.

Wishing all fellow visual storytellers, photographers, and those who love and appreciate photography a Happy World Photography Day 2026!

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Zhongyuan Festival @ SCCC – 13th August to 10th September 2026

Zhongyuan Festival @ SCCC is taking place from 13th August to 10th September 2026, this festival aims to offer visitors a different, a fresh and accessible approach to learn more about how this festival is celebrated locally though traditional and contemporary offerings. 

Happy Sing-Along Zhongyuan Special Edition

SCCC’s popular Mandarin and dialect singing programme Happy Sing-Along will present a Zhongyuan special edition where banquet tables will be set up in the Multi-Purpose Hall in a traditional “Jia Tok” (banquet) setting. 

Audiences will enjoy a feast while enjoying performances by popular getai singers. This is a ticketed programme, it will be held on 19th and 20th August 2026, with one session each day.

Happy Sing-Along 欢喜来唱歌 “SINGAPO人” 一起唱 (Zhongyuan Special)

• Date: 19th – 20th August 2026
• Time: 12pm to 2pm
• Venue: SCCC Multi-Purpose Hall Level 7
• Event Language: Dialects with English and Chinese Subtitles 
• Price: $28 per pax ($250 per table of 10 pax)

Zhongyuan Festival @ SCCC Highlight – Premiere of animated short film Egg Fried Rice

Another Zhongyuan Festival @ SCCC highlight is the Singapore premiere of 20 minute animated short film Egg fried Rice from A Banquet for Hungry Ghosts, an upcoming anthology of animated horror tales by Robot Playground Media, the award-winning media behind The Violinist. The 4 episode series is inspired by traditional Chinese dishes, adapted from a book by acclaimed author Ying Chang Compestine. 

Egg Fried Rice serves as the opening film, turning the humble fried rice into a powerful symbol of love, loss, and supernatural retribution. There will be a total of four screenings on 29th August 2026, and there will be a post-screening sharing by the creator/producer after the 4:30pm session. 

Check out “A Banquet for Hungry Ghosts” TV Series Pilot Trailer! If you are into anime, this might be of great interest to you! 

A Banquet For Hungry Ghost: Egg Fried Rice

• Date: 29th August 2026
• Time: 2:30pm, 4:30pm, 6:30pm and 8:30pm
• Venue: SCCC Auditorium Level 9
• Event Language: Mandarin with English Subtitles 
• Price: $3

Immersive AR game – Little Ghost Explorer 

Visitors to Zhongyuan Festival @ SCCC can go on a self-guided immersive augmented reality (AR) game play, Little Ghost Explorer. They can walk to various stations located within SCCC to learn more about Zhongyuan Festival customs, beliefs and traditions through fun and interactive activities. 

The Little Ghost Explorer game is easily accessible via mobile and tablet devices, allowing visitors to learn about Zhongyuan Festival together with family and friends or even on their own.

Mr Zhou’s Ghost Stories

SCCC will also partner local radio station LOVE 972 for a special podcast of its popular programme Mr Zhou’s Ghost Stories to share more about the traditions, beliefs and practices of Zhongyuan Festival through engaging storytelling and conversations. 

SCCC Chief Executive Officer Mr Alvin Tan said, “The festival is part of SCCC’s ongoing efforts to showcase local Chinese festive celebrations, to spotlight vibrant local practices such as getai, and to promote greater public awareness of Zhongyuan traditions and customs while reminding Singaporeans of the importance of universal values such as filial piety and compassion.”

Want to learn and understand more about 中元节 (Hungry Ghost Festival)? Now you can! Explore and learn about Zhongyuan Festival at Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre. 

For more information on Zhongyuan Festival at Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre, please visit SCCC website. You can also read up more about Zhongyuan Festival (Hungry Ghost Festival) on Culturepaedia by SCCC.

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