Singapore Odyssea: A Journey Through Time

When you set sail with Singapore Odyssea: A Journey Through Time at NMS, you would be experiencing a time travel journey of Singapore, as it chronicles the major milestones in Singapore’s 700 years of history, presented through special animations and interactive experiences, in a personalised and immersive journey that gives visitors something different and unique to experience Singapore’s history from a fresh perspective. 

“The previous installation, Story of the Forest, featured animals inspired by our prized William Farquhar Collection of Natural History Drawings. Well-loved by visitors, it sparked wonder and curiosity about the collection. With Singapore Odyssea, we wanted to continue drawing on our collection and rich stories to present Singapore’s history in an engaging and relevant way – this creates an accessible entry point, while honouring the depth and significance of our history,” said Ms Chung May Khuen, Director of the National Museum of Singapore.

Ms Chung added: “In presenting Story of the Forest, we pushed the boundaries of a conventional museum-going experience through technology and multimedia to create a highly immersive space. It was very well received by visitors, who called for similar experiences and even greater interactivity. This was the impetus behind incorporating further multisensorial and interactive elements in Singapore Odyssea that we hope will continue to excite and enchant our visitors.”

“The Shaw Foundation is proud to support the National Museum in its continued efforts to share the rich and storied history of our nation,” said Mr Mark Shaw of Shaw Foundation. “We hope that the bold and innovative storytelling in Singapore Odyssea will captivate and inspire visitors to take pride in our heritage and develop a deeper interest in Singapore’s remarkable history.”  

Experiencing 700 years of Singapore’s history in four episodes 

The Singapore Odyssea blends history, art and technology together, shaping into an evocative time-travel voyage through Singapore’s history that centres on the sea as an ever-present witness and enabler of our country’s evolution. 

Designed by local creatives, Singapore Odyssea offers visitors a vivid, immersive, experiential overview of Singapore’s journey over 700 years. This journey spotlights key moments of Singapore’s history, layered with local stories and myths associated with Singapore’s origins. 

This installation gives cultural and historical context to Singapore’s identity, adding depth and enhancing appreciation for Singapore’s place in the region and the world. When you visit Singapore Odyssea, you can look forward to “setting sail” from an imagined futuristic Singapore to our pre-colonial beginnings.

Join me! Let’s Set Sail with Singapore Odyssea: A Journey Through Time!

When you set sail with Singapore Odyssea: A Journey Through Time, what would you be experiencing? Here are the time travel stages that you would be going back into:

• Opening: Glimpse of the Future – Singapore, as a futuristic, green and connected city
• Episode 1: Setting Sail – Scenes from independence to present-day Singapore
• Episode 2: Riding Out the Storm – Scenes from wartime and postwar Singapore
• Episode 3: Age of Exploration – Scenes from Colonial Singapore
• Episode 4: Shores of Singapura – Scenes from pre-colonial Singapore period 

Opening: Glimpse of the Future (Singapore, as a futuristic, green and connected city)

You are now going to embark on your journey, it’s now boarding time to “board” a time-travelling vessel. Take in the futuristic view of the Singapore skyline from the “cabin”, this sets the stage for your time travel journey back in time.  

As you enter into the gallery, you will be greeted by a stunning light show anchored by a suspended LED globe – the first of its kind in a Singapore museum. The room is now immersed in vibrant hues of blue, the scene transiting into a two-minute show that maps the intricate network of maritime routes that have connected Singapore to the rest of the world over the years. 

Episode 1: Setting Sail (Scenes from independence to present-day Singapore)

Starting episode 1 of your time travel journey back in time as you descend the spiral ramp, you are now experiencing the pivotal chapters of Singapore’s history. Be mesmerised by the visual wall projections that you will encounter, coming alive through animated scenes and rich soundscapes. 

Immerse yourself into those key moments of Singapore, such as Singapore’s first National Day Parade before wartime evacuations, and ancient coastal communities. 

Episode 2: Riding Out the Storm (Scenes from wartime and postwar Singapore)

Entering into episode 2, you are now entering the time of wartime and postwar Singapore. Key scenes include the sinking of the HMS Prince of Wales and Repulse., Japanese air raids, and early nation building efforts. Experience the feelings and emotions of turbulence, uncertainty, and suspense.

Episode 3: Age of Exploration (Scenes from Colonial Singapore)

Continuing your journey back in time, to Singapore’s colonial era, with the sea as a gateway to the world, evoking wonder and surprise. Relive Singapore as a thriving port city, set against a tropical landscape that welcomed traders, immigrants, and new ideas. 

Episode 4: Shores of Singapura (Scenes from pre-colonial Singapore)

You are now entering into episode 4 of your time travel journey, the final episode of your Singapore Odyssea adventure. Dive into Singapore’s mythical pre-colonial past, sparking a sense of curiosity and wonder. 

Encounter the Orang Laut, the legend of the Palembang prince Sang Nila Utama’s arrival on the island, and story of Padang and the Singapore Stone.

Grand Finale at base of the Glass Rotunda 

Your time travel journey has now reached the base of the Glass Rotunda. A grand finale awaits you, where a cinematic digital waterfall curtain opens up in segments to reveal pivotal moments from Singapore’s history as you approach towards it.

On the floor, it’s dynamic as it responds to visitors movements, with each step creating ripples on the surface that interact with surrounding ripples generated by others. An interactive and fully immersive experience enhanced by a curated sound design, creating a powerful grand finale to your time travel voyage at Singapore Odyssea.  

Sustainability as a thematic undercurrent 

In the previous interactive exhibition edition at the Glass Rotunda, Story of the Forest sparked the topic and conversation on environmental awareness. Today, in Singapore Odyssea, this continues on, showing how Singapore’s identity has been shaped by its natural environment and the sea – from the lives of coastal communities from early Singapore, to the nation’s post-independence greening efforts and visions of future climate resilience.

Ms Priscilla Chua, Principal Curator of the National Museum of Singapore, shared: “The launch of Singapore Odyssea in the momentous year of SG60 is an opportune time to revisit our nation’s remarkable journey, while reflecting on our relationship with the environment. We encourage visitors to draw connections between the evolution of Singapore’s natural environment through the ages, with urgent global challenges like climate change and rising sea levels that are pertinent issues that will shape Singapore’s present and future.” 

Buddy Buddy Time Travel at Singapore Odyssea: A Journey Through Time

Before visiting NMS for a Singapore Odyssea: A Journey Through Time, don’t forget to invite your bestie/buddy along for this interactive and immersive experience. 

Pick up a personalised RFID-enabled wristband before you go onboard your time travel journey. You can “adopt” one of nine companions, each inspired by Singapore’s native fauna. 

Whether it’s a forest dwelling pangolin, a coastal crab, or a sky-gliding hornbill, these companions respond uniquely to their visitor’s movements and environment by lighting the path forward, triggering hidden animations, and deepening emotional connection at every turn.

Release your RFID-enabled companions at a Digital “Well”

You have reached the end of your Singapore Odyssea: A Journey Through Time adventure, before you leave and return back to modern day Singapore, you are invited to release your RFID-enabeld companions at a digital “well”. 

This symbolic gesture reinforces the saying that what is borrowed from nature should be returned with care – A call to action to build a sustainable future for people and the real-life counterparts of those (RFID-enabled) companions.

This experience is featured alongside immersive media where myths of legendary creatures such as the giant tide-moving crab and the magical tree of life Pauh Janggi are reinterpreted. All these offer poetic entry points into today’s urgent ecological conversations and topics on climate change, rising sea levels, and biodiversity loss not as isolated modern concerns, but as part of Singapore’s long and evolving story.

Singapore Odyssea: A Journey Through Time Opens 8 August 2025

The Singapore Odyssea: A Journey Through Time officially opens to the public on 8th August 2025. Admission to Singapore Odyssea, is free for Singaporeans and permanent residents. 

Leading up to SG60 Celebrations at the National Museum of Singapore, Singapore Odyssea will run alongside other complimentary showcases happening at National Museum of Singapore – including the commemorative Once Upon A Tide, that explores Singapore’s maritime evolution from settlement to global city, and a curated series of programmes for the National Museum of Singapore’s SG60 National Day 2025 celebrations on 9th August 2025. 

These include community-built LEGO installations, digital and hands-on art activities, live performances, and a spectacular evening projection show, Canvas of Light: Your Nation’s Journey, on the facade of the National Museum of Singapore.

For more information, please visit go.gov.sg/singapore-odyssea or the National Museum’s Facebook and Instagram pages. 

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FHA-HoReCa – Asia’s Premier Foodservice and Hospitality Event

Over 45,000 trade attendees from 70 regions are expected to visit over 800+ exhibitors fro more than 30 countries and regions, including international pavilions from China, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Italy, Japan, Portugal, Spain and Taiwan Region.

Spanning across 50,000 square metres at the Singapore EXPO, FHA-HoReCa will see five core segments 

• Bakery, Pastry & Gelato
• Foodservice & Hospitality Equipment 
• Hospitality Style
• Hospitality Technology
• Speciality Coffee & Tea

On top of that, there are four days of competitions, seminars, and workshops led by industry experts. For FHA-HoReCa 2024 event, it will feature a 30% increase in new exhibitors across all five segments. Keep a lookout for those companies below:

• A leader in the foodtech industry, Codemax will be exhibiting at FHA-HoReCa for the first time, showcasing automation and data exchange to enhance productivity and traceability.
• Tsuboichi Tea Manufacturing, a long-established company since 1850, will be bringing Japanese-crafted Kombucha to Singapore for the first time.
• Molton Brown, a luxury British brand with a Royal Warrant from Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, is showcasing its newest haircare collection encased in 100% post-consumer recycled aluminum.
• Creating world-class dairy products for foodservice businesses, Anchor Food Professional will also launch its newest product, Infiniti Cream, at the trade event.
• Lynns Limited, a leading ceramics manufacturer, will exclusively bring BoneChina tableware made with 45% bone ash to Singapore,
• “Normann Srl, a family-owned company from La Croce, Italy, will unveil an innovative modular blast chilling system, capable of transforming cold rooms into blast chillers or creating adaptable, large-scale chilling solutions for any space and more.

A Green Focus on Sustainable Foodservice and Hospitality – Future of Hospitality and Foodservice 

At FHA-HoReCa 2024, there is a Green Focus on Sustainable Foodservice and Hospitality – Future of Hospitality and Foodservice. Sustainable tourism in the Asia-Pacific region is increasingly gaining momentum as both a necessity and an opportunity within the hotel industry. In earlier years, those measures were limited to superficial measures such as opt-in linen changes and glass water bottles. Nowadays, properties are now moving towards integrating more rooted, innovative measures in their infrastructure. 

This is most evident in Singapore, where over 40% of hotels are steadfastly test-bedding new technologies and innovations while pursuing Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) certification. At FHA-HoReCa 2024, they are debuting the Future of Hospitality Seminar, supporting these efforts and gathering hospitality industry leaders to discuss key themes shaping the sector.

The Future of Hospitality Seminar is focused on fostering innovation and sustainability, they will feature speakers from Hotel Associations of various countries (Singapore, Malaysia, Philippines, Indonesia and Thailand), Singapore Institute of Technology, Global Sustainable Tourism Council, and SPORE Gardens, covering three themes:

• Envisioning the Future of Hospitality 
• Sustainability and Hotel Design
• Technology & Innovation 

Other New Happenings at FHA-HoReCa 2024

FHA-HoReCa 2024 is introducing the inaugural FSTEC Asia, integrating it into the bi-annual lineup, paving the way for discussions and innovations at the intersection of hospitality and technology. FSTEC Asia will offer two days of global expert talks and sponsorship opportunities addressing the growing tech needs of APAC restaurant companies featuring some of the industry biggest names including CEC Entertainement, Dave’s Hot Chicken, Five Guys Enterprises, Informa Connect Food Service, Pepper Lunch, Restaurant Business, Technomic, Unlisted Collection, and more.

More than a premier trade platform 

FHA-HoReCa is more than a premier trade platform, they are also poised to be 2024’s pinnacle culinary showcase with a series of new high-stakes competitions.

FHA Bakery Challenge

Making its debut in 2024, the FHA Bakery Challenge will spotlight budding bakers with a “Grand Breakfast” theme to redefine breakfast, while the FHA Dessert Challenge, co-organised with Singapore’s Pastry Alliance, aims to elevate the artistry of 30 top pastry chefs.

FHA Barista Challenge

Southeast Asia region is well known for their coffee craze. Catering to this coffee craze in FHA-HoReCa 2024, they are also debuting FHA Barista Challenge, featuring four competitions:

• Barista Speed Challenge
• Cafe Menu Challenge 
• Coffee Brewing Challenge 
• Coffee Mixology Challenge 

All designed to test baristas’ versatility and creativity. 

Alongside these new competitions, there are also the Asian Gelato Cup and Asian Pastry Cup, where leading chefs from across the continent compete to qualify for the Gelato World Cup in Italy and the World Pastry Cup in Lyon. 

Esteemed judges assessing these remarkable creations include: French World Pastry Champion (2009 & 2017) Marc Rivière, WACS-approved Pastry International Judge Kenny Kong, and Italian Master Gelato Chef Sergio Colalucci.

Singapore’s First Global Chefs Challenge 

The ultimate showdown, FHA-HoReCa is partnering with Worldchefs and Singapore Chefs Association, to host Singapore’s first Global Chefs Challenge Finals in 34 years featuring 4 categories:

• Global Chefs Challenge
• Global Young Chefs Challenge
• Global Pastry Chefs Challenge
• Inaugural Global Vegan Challenge 

Global Chefs Challenge Finals will feature a stellar lineup of 72 chefs from 25 countries, including:

• Singaporean rising star Joe Chong Ming Jie, junior sous chef of one-MICHELIN-starred Speilsalen
• Romanian Dobre Andrei Flavian, Best Male Pastry Chef of 2023;
• Dinars Zvidrins, Latvian Chef of the Year in 2021;
• Chilean Miguel Angel Gonzalez, reigning Campeón América Global Pastry Chef 2023 and executive chef at Brussels Chocolates;
• Ale Mordasini, Swiss head chef of MICHELIN-starred restaurants such as Krone and Steinhalle;
• Indonesian Raymon Permana , the first runner-up of the Global Vegan Chef Challenge Asia 2023, and more.

Register Now and See you at FHA-HoReCa 2024!

If you are in the F&B, hospitality, foodservice, travel and tourism industries, don’t miss FHA-HoReCa 2024 in Singapore! 

Registration for on-site seminars is highly encouraged through a 2- step process: please 

1. register for FHA-HoReCa here, then 
2. register for respective seminars from your profile page.

FHA-HoReCa 2024

• Date: 22nd to 25th October 2024 (Tuesday to Friday)
• Time: 10:00am to 6:00pm | 10:00am to 4:00pm (Last Day)
• Venue: Singapore EXPO, 1 Expo Drive, Singapore 486150
• Website: https://www.fhahoreca.com 

* Information and pictures courtesy of Informa Markets and Brand Cellar *

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My foundations of today came from my avid reading and following National Geographic Magazine, that heavily influenced my visual storytelling style. Along with my scouting roots and outdoors experiences also laid the foundations as an avid traveller and travel writer of today. 

As I mature over the decades, I am more conscious of the delicate balance, a higher pressing need and urgency to address how we live and interact with our environment. We have to up the pace, be the change, be the Generation Restoration. Through my visual storytelling and travel stories with my Canon cameras, exploring and sharing stories, I hope that the small role that I played, and shared today, can help continue to spread the message for World Environment Day 2024. 

Whether as a visual storyteller or as a avid traveller or travel writer, we the #RestorationGeneration can make a world of difference, a positive change for World Environment Day 2024 and beyond, not just for our current generation, for our future generations and beyond.  

All of us can play a part, no matter how big or small, as part of #GenerationRestoration. 

The post World Environment Day 2024 – #GenerationRestoration appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.

Water for Peace – Create an effect

Water for peace, everyone of us has a part to play to part in this. Together in unity as a world, we can each create an effect that combines together, our peace and harmony, to make things good for the benefit for Earth where we are living on.

Water must not turn into a resource that human beings have to fight for drinking and using, this is a human right, an integral part of our everyday aspect of life. On World Water Day 2024, the whole world needs to unite around this precious commodity water. Let’s use Water for Peace, and change the world into a more stable and prosperous future.

World Water Day 2024 with my Canon visual storytelling

Through my Canon visual storytelling exploration and documentation over the years into nature, great outdoors, rivers, beaches, mangrove wetlands, parks, coastal areas and the beach, photographing, documenting and observing the diversity of nature, wildlife and travel sceneries of the world that we live in.

From the otters living, hunting for food and moving along our waterways in Singapore, the migration birds visiting our shores, the coastal areas and sea around us that cements Singapore as a global transportation/shipping hub, and also how Singapore built her resilience of water supply over the decades. Not just the wildlife, the land, nature, and us human beings, we all depend on water to survive. 

This mesmerising “In a Rainbow” light artwork display by House of VSE at Alexandra Point Tunnel has also transformed into blue for World Water Day 2024 from 11th to 22nd March. Through House of VSE light artworks, you can make an impact, spread the word and awareness through arts and creativity. 

This is also the time to remind ourselves that water is an invaluable and finite resource, we have to play our part to ensure Water for Peace. Singapore is also marking with its own Singapore World Water Day 2024 by PUB Singapore’s National Water Agency, playing both local and international roles to advocate Water for Peace for World Water Day 2024. 

The post World Water Day 2024 – Water for Peace appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.

I am playing my small part for WWD 2024 through my visual storytelling with Canon EOS R series camera, for this year’s series, they were shot with my Canon EOS R6 Mark II of my wildlife and nature/outdoors photography in Singapore, part of my TGH Explorer Series Production, largely inspired and influenced by National Geographic magazine publications when I started reading them in the late 80s to early 90s. 

How does digital innovation and technology plays a role in my WWD 2024? While I am not in the fields of wildlife research and conservation, I contributed via my photographs and documentations of various wildlife spotted and documented at different locations in Singapore in the nature areas as well as urban environments, bird watching/counting. Although I am probably more focused on bird photography and green nature spaces, I am going to document/photograph more of different types of wildlife beyond birds.

Here are some of my wildlife photography in Singapore that I captured with my Canon EOS R6 Mark II camera from mid 2023 till date. 

Here are my ongoing documentation and collection of my visual storytelling on wildlife photography and nature reserves/parks in Singapore, uploaded into my Flickr collections over the years with my different Canon cameras that I owned/tested.

Even though you might not be in the fields of wildlife and/or nature research/conservation, we can still play our small part in wildlife and nature conservation, with the help of cameras and digital innovation. I am continuing to play my small part on nature and wildlife photography/documentation in Singapore, and hopefully nearby regions as I am exploring and writing on the areas of sustainability, adding on to my nature and wildlife conservation. 

The post World Wildlife Day 2024 – 3rd March 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 *

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Travel and Tourism Recovery from global pandemic, future growth and development 

The United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) has identified investments as one of the key priorities for the world travel and tourism industry recovery, for its future growth and development. The time is now for innovative and new solutions, going beyond the old school ways of traditional investments. Probably an underestimated and underrated force of economic growth and progress for the world economy, with tourism and green investments, they can be a force of change and example for the world, as we battle climate change, as well as many other challenges that the world is facing ahead. 

This is a collective effort by the whole world, for the whole world. We, as a world united together, can only be stronger and better adapt to face the looming key climate challenges ahead.  

TGH Photography exploration with my Canon EOS R6 Mark II

I have been actively exploring locally in Singapore with my Canon EOS R6 Mark II, producing local visual storytelling using TGH Photography x Canon EOS R6 Mark II Explorer Series Production. From wildlife, arts, heritage, culture, community events, conferences, wedding and portraiture shoots with my Canon EOS R6 Mark II, the photography adventures had been diverse and interesting.  

However, I realised that I am not doing enough on the sustainability and environment segments that I had written down earlier to work on more in-depth. Therefore, I would make and set aside the time for more nature, outdoors and environmental photography and awareness with my Canon EOS R6 Mark II for Q4 2023, and to balance out my photography work, documentation and visual storytelling next year 2024 and beyond.

Sustainability, Environment, Social, Governance and Responsible Travel

The areas of sustainability, environment, social, governance and responsible travel have gained priority and importance for the whole world, not just pertaining to certain industries. Everyone in this world has a part to play, no matter how big or small. 

Being one of the co-hosts of #TTOT Travel Talk on Twitter community chat, I had been networking with like-minded travellers and travel industry professionals around the world every Tuesday. We learnt from each other, exchanging notes, tips and practices on the world travel and tourism industry during our regular #TTOT Travel Talk on Twitter community chats. The topics of sustainability, environment, social, governance and responsible travel are some of the key messages that the #TTOT community are advocating strongly.   

As I am making a comeback into travel photography and travel visual storytelling on World Tourism Day 2023, the areas on sustainability, environment, social, governance and responsible travel would have more focus and feature. 

Making a comeback into travel photography and travel visual storytelling

On World Tourism Day 2023, 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. A sector that I tried to enter, I wasn’t successful, 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.  

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

The post World Tourism Day 2023 – Tourism & Green Investments appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.

As a F1 and motorsports fan, also a sports/motorsports photographer myself, I love watching F1 motorsports racing action on television. For my hometown Singapore GP, my last attendance was in 2015, after a few years gap, I am back enjoying F1 racing in town for Singapore GP 2023. I am also a technology geek/writer myself (check out my TGH Technology and Business portal/blog), I am also amazed by the technology setup behind the scenes powering F1 action on the ground, on broadcast channels, media outlets and on social media platforms.

Thanks to Lenovo Singapore hosting a media session on Friday 15th September 2023, I get to know more in-depth about Formula 1 x Lenovo Technology – Bringing F1 fans on a thrilling ride beyond the grandstand. Listening first hand and understanding how Lenovo Technology is powering F1, from Pete Samara, Director of Strategic Technical Ventures, Formula 1, Ken Wong, Executive VP and President, Solutions and Services Group, Lenovo, and Sumir Bhatia, President of Asia Pacific, Infrastructure Solutions Group, I couldn’t ask for more, from a F1 fan, a motorsports photographer, and a technology writer/geek myself!

Lenovo – One of the official technology partners of F1

In 2022, Lenovo as announced as one of the official technology partners of F1 in a multi-year partnership starting in 2022, which saw Lenovo’s cutting-edge technology used across F1 operations to bring the highest level of racing experience to a global fanbase and broadcast material that gets used by media outlets in more than 170 terrorises worldwide.

“In the highly competitive world of motor racing, technology plays an increasingly crucial role. Lenovo is providing us with its industry-leading technology and solutions, helping us to define new operating models to shape a faster, smarter, and more sustainable sport”, commented Pete Samara, Director of Strategic Technical Ventures at Formula 1. “We need to have military levels of control but also be extremely flexible in bringing in new and cutting-edge technology and production developments. Lenovo is helping us to incorporate innovative technologies into a 100% reliable, repeatable, and efficient operation whilst still accommodating continuous improvement.”

“At Lenovo, we are constantly focused on creating innovative technologies that allow for elevated experiences on all spectrums, all around the world. Lenovo’s transformation from a hardware company to a provider of end-to-end technology solutions and services has allowed businesses worldwide to harness the full power of technology”, said Ken Wong Executive VP and President, Solutions and Services Group, Lenovo. “The full power of Lenovo’s wide range of hardware and software, and professional support and services for Formula 1 will be on display at the Singapore Grand Prix this weekend, supporting its operations all the way from HQ to the track. As Formula 1 synchronizes a million and one moving pieces to create an exhilarating experience, we’re proud to ride along as an Official Partner.”

Millions of data points stored to capture the best broadcast

When you are watching F1 motorsports action from your television, technology gadgets, on social media/internet, do you notice the huge volume of data that F1 generates with each individual car generating millions of datapoint across all races. 

Therefore, you would need powerful, stable and reliable technology across the board to handle all that heavy requirements. Lenovo Technology has the servers, storage, edge, and device solutions to help F1 teams capture millions of data points that are then transformed into actionable insights. 

For those watching the FORMULA 1 SINGAPORE AIRLINES SINGAPORE GRAND PRIX 2023 will bring a deluge of data and insights on G-force numbers, steering angles, brake impact, throttle push, and all the audio and video from the cameras and microphones. Lenovo servers and edge devices collecting all that data will put it right back into the hands of the broadcast team instantly.

At the Formula 1 Media & Technology Centre in Biggin Hill, UK and at the onsite Event Technical Centre which are powered by Lenovo technology, including laptops and desktop devices, workstations, monitors, tablets and Motorola smartphones, the broadcasting team transforms all track-generated data, in real time, into an exciting experience as on-screen graphics and footage for hundreds of millions of fans and viewers.

Over 600 Formula 1 employees from executives to track-side operational engineers are equipped with a resilient slew of devices and digital workplace solutions that works reliably whichever part of the world or climate conditions they are in.

Racing towards a sustainable future 

The topic of sustainability is definitely on the agenda of Formula 1, they are making changes, actions and efforts on this area. The FORMULA 1 SINGAPORE AIRLINES SINGAPORE GRAND PRIX 2023 will also witness Formula 1’s consistent efforts to improve sustainability in motorsports. 

Contributing from one race to another, Lenovo’s Asset Recovery Services help the organization develop and implement a sustainable disposal strategy for hardware. Through Lenovo’s asset recovery services, Formula 1 has been able to offset some of the cost of a technology refresh as well as guarantee secure and reliable data destruction.

Singapore GP is also playing its own vital role in F1 consistent efforts to improve sustainability in motorsports. Check out two local Singapore creative artists, House of VSE/Very Small Exhibition and It Takes Balls, their artworks on display at Singapore GP 2023, part of Singapore GP sustainability drive #SGPDrivesChange. 

Formula 1 x Lenovo Technology

As you are watching F1 action in Singapore this weekend (and upcoming F1 races), live in person at Marina Bay Circuit, or from the television from the comfort of your home, in different parts of the world. Do take the time to ponder on how Lenovo Technology is helping to power F1 action on your screens and social media, bringing you on a thrilling, high octane, adrenaline packed racing ride beyond the grandstand. 

Alright, it’s time let’s go for F1 action, have a great Singapore GP 2023 race day! 

* Information courtesy of Lenovo and Zeno Group *

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

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Although I usually publish technology related news on my TGH Technology and Business portal/blog and I have been regularly covering Dell Technologies news for a period of time on their consumer products and most recently enterprise solutions. For this story, I am writing it here since I cover travel, tourism, environment and sustainability topics here on my TGH Photography and Travel portal/blog.

Sustainability has been one of the key areas that I am covering on. My love for travel photography great outdoors since my secondary school days, working with organisations in the travel, tourism and hospitality industries, coupled with my photography (National Geographic inspired) and visual storytelling in my adult years, gave me a voice that we all can, and we all must play a part in the sustainability drive to turn things around for the world, for our future generations, no matter how big or how small my role or your role can be.

Sagarmatha Next Centre

The Sagarmatha Next Centre, a non-profit NGO run by local environmental enthusiasts. Located near Syangboche Namche Bazar, en-route to Everest base camp, the centre educates visitors about this growing environmental issue and seeks to reduce the impact of waste. 

The Sagarmatha Next Centre is located at 3,775m above sea level, this is a must-stop location for visitors along Mount Everest trail. This provides the perfect opportunity to raise awareness of the organisation’s effort for every climber who passes through. 

For this project, Dell Technologies worked with National Geographic Explorer Martin Edstrom to create a short video showing the negative impacts of waste on the region. The next step was to provide the Sagarmatha Next Centre with cutting-edge technology to showcase the video and offer additional opportunities to enhance the experience through virtual reality, interactive screens and video projectors. 

How Sagarmatha Next Centre uses Dell Technologies’ technology? 

How does the Sagarmatha Next Centre uses Dell Technologies’ technology to help raise awareness on the issue of plastic waste on Mount Everest? 

• Digital exhibition. Visitors can explore and digitally experience every inch of the facility before continuing their trek. 
• Map of region and common tracks. Visitors can view the 17 different hiking routes that lead to the Mount Everest base camp and other destinations in the four main valleys of the region. 
• Education on landfills. Visitors can learn about where the more than 80 landfill sites reside in the Mount Everest region and what can be done to lessen the trash issue. 

Powered by Dell Technologies 

Powered by an OptiPlex Micro Form Factor PC, the Dell 55 4K Interactive Touch Monitors being used boast a twenty-point InGlassTM Touch and palm rejection technology, which allows multiple visitors to interact with the screens simultaneously. The monitors come with In-Plane Switching (IPS) panel technology, delivering consistent colours and a wide viewing angle – ideal for group education, even during midday when the bright sun streams in at this high altitude. 

For many visitors who trek to the Everest base camp and may not make the climb to the 8,850- meter-high summit, there is also a VR experience Edstrom created that brings the mountain peak directly to them, powered and created on Dell Precision mobile workstations. 

Sagarmatha Next’s Carry Me Back

Dell Technologies support goes beyond just providing technology, they extends into donation for Sagarmatha Next’s Carry Me Back initiative. 

As visitors leave the centre, they are encouraged to take what they have learned and be a part of the change, the solution for a new future. This Carry Me Back initiative provides visitors the opportunity to remove trash and deposit it in collection bins that are transported to and recycled in Kathmandu.

Through this initiative, the organisation has successfully removed more than 5,000 bags os trash, or 5,000kg of waste, from Mount Everest, with much of it recycled, since the programme started in April 2022.

For more information about Dell Technologies Sustainability and Education 

Passionate about sustainability and education, Dell Technologies’ support of Sagarmatha Next showcases there are no limits to where sustainability, education and technology can take us. 

If you like to learn more about Dell Technologies’ commitment to sustainability, please visit this article.

* Information and pictures courtesy of Dell Technologies and BCW *

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i Light Singapore 2023 Theme – A New Wave

i Light Singapore 2023, presented by DBS, theme for this year is A New Wave. Using light not not just as a wave that expands and radiates energy in all directions. it’s also a language, a form of communication that give rise to a range of emotions. 

i Light Singapore 2023 will explore the colour “Blue”, when you explore the various artworks on display around Marina Bay. The Blue colour wavelength is strong in the Force that brings you cool tones, vibes and different states of emotion – of calm and serenity. 

Light artworks on display at i Light Singapore 2023

I visited all of the 14 light artworks on display at i Light Singapore 2023. If you like to know more about the particular artist, the inspiration behind their artwork, you can visit i Light Singapore website to find out more or you can read more about them at the information booths at each artwork location.

Glacier Dreams

Tree Man

Blumiwave

Moooooootion 

< To be updated accordingly!>

Symphony 1

Block Party

the things left unsaid 

Light Anemones

Resonances 

Trumpet Flowers 

Aquatics

Bleached 

Show III

Prism

i Light Singapore photography and exploration tips 

• You might want to bring your tripod along for long exposure shots composition of the artworks, the choice is yours
• Bring a few lenses – wide angle zoom and a mid telephoto zoom lenses would give you different views and perspectives when engaging and photographing the artworks 
• Catch the light artwork projection on the ArtScience Museum during the evening blue hour time, that gives you a different background colour and feel 
• Wear comfortable shoes (You would be walking quite a fair bit)
• Wear comfortable clothes (It can be pretty hot and humid at times)
• Bring a water bottle and remember to hydrate
• Split up your i Light Singapore visit over a few nights, maybe one visit on a weekend, the other visit can be on a weekday

Ignite Your Spark on your DBS Journey at i Light Singapore 2023 

DBS makes a return as the presenting sponsor of i Light Singapore 2023, Asia’s leading sustainable light festival, part of DBS ongoing efforts in and around the Marina Bay area to give back to the community, including the recent launch of a multi-year partnership with Esplanade to provide more experiences for people to visit, discover, enjoy and express themselves. 

DBS invites i Light Singapore 2023 festival goers to “Ignite Your Spark”, to bring out the best in themselves and to Pay-It-Forward to help shape a better, brighter world. There would be fun games designed around themes of self-care, sustainable living, being future-ready, all relatable themes of today. There are also instagrammmable visual installations, including artwork that will be recycled later and be given a new lease of life, and stage performances by local talents who shine through despite their disabilities, among other experiences.Pay I

Ignite Your Spark on your DBS passport journey at i Light Singapore 2023, you can easily access just by scanning a QR code with your smartphone. An interactive journey begins for you whereby you would be challenged to collect 4 digital stamps on your DBS Passport, by participating in various experiences at Blumiwave and within the DBS Zone.

Blumiwave at Mist Walk is an artwork that aims to raise awareness of blue energy, an alternative renewable energy source that is harnessed from the sea and river waters. Created by local artists from DP Design, the “crashing” waves of Blumiwave are made of a carefully weaved fabric of safety nets and scaffolding from salvaged from construction sites. 

All plastics used in the construction of Blumiwave will recycled by Magorium after this festival is over. Magorium is a social enterprise supported by DBS Foundation, they convert plastic waste into sustainable construction called “NEWBitumen”, which can be used to pave eco-roads. “NEWBitumen” was also used in paving the driveway of DBS Newton Green, Singapore’s 1st Zero building by a bank.

[ Information courtesy of DBS Media Centre ]

GastroBeats

The Festival Village of i Light Singapore, GastroBeats is a month long celebration of eating good good, listening to good music and having good fun, bringing the community together and showcasing local culture diversity. 

For more information on GastroBeats, please visit https://gastrobeats.com.sg/  

DBS Zone at GastroBeats 

Check out the key highlights at DBS Zone at GastroBeats where many exciting activities await the i Light Singapore 2023 festival goers!

• Find Your Spark
• Eco Row and Glow
• Money Matchmaker
• Made for Travel
• POSB Money Smarts

Also look out for 

• Live performances by the community every Friday and Saturday
• Transform food waste into animal feed and fertilisers by Ento Industries (a business for impact supported by DBS Foundation) 
• Explore sustainable fashion at DBS Zone by Fashion Pulpit (a social enterprise) 

For more information on DBS participation at i Light Singapore 2023 and GastroBeats 2023, please visit https://www.dbs.com/live-more-by-the-bay/ilight-singapore.html

My i Light journeys over the years

Going back in time, here are my i Light journeys over the years that I visited, photographed and documented over the years. 

i Light Marina Bay

• i Light Marina Bay 2010 (article | photos)
• i Light Marina Bay 2012 (article 1 | article 2 | photos)
• i Light Marina Bay 2014 (article 1 | article 2 | photos)
• i Light Marina Bay 2016 (article | photos)
• i Light Marina Bay 2017 (article | photos)

i Light Singapore

• i Light Singapore 2019 (photos)
• i Light Singapore 2022 (photos)
• i Light Singapore 2023 (article | photos)

I would get back into my archives for 2019 and 2022, curating photos from the 2019 and 2022 i Light Singapore editions and upload them into my i Light Singapore / i Light Marina Bay collection on Flickr.

Visiting and photographing i Light (Singapore / Marina Bay) journeys since 2010 had been an interesting visual storytelling journey for me with my camera, capturing the growth, changes, not just in Marina Bay Singapore, on the areas of sustainability and recycling and artworks depicting those key areas that the world is looking at, and having a stronger and more urgent emphasis in this current climate.

I hope that i Light Singapore 2023 can Ignite Your Spark on A New Wave inside you in the areas of sustainability, sustainable living and habits in our daily life and work.  

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

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