Skip Valentine’s — Singapore Is Getting Its First Coffee Rave for Singles at Museum of Ice Cream

Hi Huneybees,

Who says February has to be all roses, candlelight and awkward prix-fixe dinners?

This year, Museum of Ice Cream Singapore is flipping the love script with Sweet, Bitter, and Twisted - an Anti-Valentine’s Coffee Rave designed especially for singles who would rather dance than do small talk.

Happening on 22 February 2026 from 3pm to 6pm, this high-energy daytime event blends ice cream, espresso, DJs and playful matchmaking into one unapologetically fun afternoon at its outdoor alfresco bar in Dempsey. Honestly? This might be the most chaotic-good way to spend Valentine’s season.

As shared by Pirakash, Head of Revenue and Growth at Museum of Ice Cream Singapore, the idea is simple: Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to mean awkward reservations and forced romance. This event is built for people who want to meet in motion - dancing, exploring, laughing and letting the museum do the ice breaking.

I love it that a venue understands that being single isn’t a problem to solve. It’s a phase to celebrate (preferably with ice cream)!

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A Coffee Rave… For Singles?

Yes. This is not quite your usual “linger around with a drink and scroll your phone” kind of mixer.

Sweet, Bitter, and Twisted shifts the focus away from awkward introductions and toward natural connection, there will be music, movement and shared moments that make conversations flow effortlessly. Leaning into the rising popularity of alcohol-optional social events, the experience stays true to Museum of Ice Cream’s playful DNA: immersive, energetic and just the right amount of cheeky.

Created in partnership with dating app Tantan and homegrown bakery Kwaasong, the event refreshingly redefines what a singles gathering can be - less pressure, more pleasure (and definitely more dessert). Expect daytime rave energy, ice cream in one hand and espresso in the other, all set against uplifting house beats that keep the mood buoyant. With both alcoholic and non-alcoholic options available, the atmosphere remains inclusive, relaxed and perfectly designed for easy mingling.

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What’s On the Menu: Sweet Meets Bitter

Because what’s a coffee rave without actual good food?

You will be able to indulge in event-exclusive Mini Ice Cream Tarts showcasing vibrant flavours such as Mango Passionfruit and Black Sesame ice cream, each bite balancing fruity brightness with rich, nutty depth. These sweet treats are thoughtfully paired with Kwaasong’s earthy matcha and decadent chocolate tarts, creating a dessert lineup that feels equal parts comforting and intriguing (very “it’s complicated,” but in the best way).

Behind the bar, the drink menu leans fully into the Anti-Valentine’s spirit with playfully named, coffee-forward creations. Back to Black delivers a bold marriage of espresso and matcha, with the option to dial things up through a spirited blend of espresso liqueur and vodka. Green with Envy layers matcha with creamy sesame ice cream and cocoa for a lush, indulgent finish, while Text Me Tomorrow brings a brighter profile with strawberry sauce cascading into passionfruit tea and ripe mango for a refreshingly vibrant lift. Best of all, every drink is available in both alcoholic and non-alcoholic versions, keeping the experience inclusive, relaxed, and perfectly suited for mingling at your own pace.

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Designed for Connection (Without the Awkwardness)

At the heart of the event is a game called The Hand You’re Dealt.

Upon arrival, every guest receives a playing card and checks the “Wall of Fate” to discover what their card reveals about their vibe and status. It’s playful, slightly mysterious, and way less stressful than introducing yourself with, “So… what do you do?”

From 3pm to 6pm, you can also enjoy Express Tarot Readings, a five-minute, tongue-in-cheek sessions with themes like:

• The Red Flag

• The Green Light

• The Reality Check

It’s sharp, entertaining and just self-aware enough to make you laugh at your own dating patterns. Meanwhile, DJ Alex Limguini keeps the energy alive with three hours of uplifting house music, transforming the pastel-pink playground into a caffeine-fuelled dance floor.

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This February, skip the clichés.

Choose sugar over stress.
Espresso over expectations.

And if you do meet someone cute? At least you’ll have a great story that starts with, “We met at a coffee rave inside a pink ice cream museum.” 🍦✨

Ticket Details

• Pre-sale tickets: $15 per person (online)

• Door tickets: $25 per person

Capacity is limited.
For tickets and updates, visit the official Museum of Ice Cream Singapore website or follow their social channels for the latest scoop.

Museum of Ice Cream Singapore
100 Loewen Road, Dempsey, Singapore 248837

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A Culinary Homecoming: Two Cantonese Masters Reunite for One Exclusive Night at Hai Tien Lo

Hi Huneybees,

If there is ever a moment when Cantonese cuisine feels less like a meal and more like a quiet form of artistry, this is it!

Pan Pacific Singapore’s award-winning restaurant Hai Tien Lo is setting the stage for a culinary reunion that is poised to draw serious attention from Singapore’s dining circle. For one day only, two highly respected chefs will cook side by side; a rare collaboration that celebrates technique, heritage, and the kind of mastery that only comes with decades behind the wok.

On 13 March 2026, Chef Ang Song Kang joins forces with Hai Tien Lo’s Executive Chinese Chef Edden Yap to present an exclusive seven-course menu priced at $238++ per person, with the option to elevate the afternoon or evening further through a three-hour free flow of Taittinger Brut Réserve at $90++.

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When Masters Meet

There is something quietly thrilling about watching two culinary veterans interpret Cantonese cuisine through their own lens. Chef Kang is widely revered for his command of wok hei - that elusive smoky essence that separates good Cantonese cooking from unforgettable Cantonese cooking; while Chef Edden brings more than three decades of global kitchen experience spanning Macau, Dubai, and Singapore.

Together, they promise a menu that balances refinement with soul.

Chef Kang’s journey is especially compelling. What began as a modest three-table private dining space grew into one of Singapore’s most talked-about gastronomic destinations, eventually earning a coveted Michelin Star in 2017. Yet beyond the accolades, his cooking has always carried a sense of intimacy - the feeling that every dish has been prepared with deliberate care rather than spectacle.

Chef Edden, on the other hand, is known for steering award-winning restaurants toward recognition, including Lotus Palace at The Parisian Macao and DIVA at W Macau. His style leans elegant yet deeply rooted in tradition, making this partnership feel both natural and exciting.

Think of it as culinary dialogue — two chefs conversing through flavour.

Four-hand collaborations are rare. Even rarer when both chefs possess such distinct reputations. For diners, this is less about trend-chasing and more about witnessing two masters interpret Cantonese cuisine at its highest level.

If your idea of a memorable meal involves thoughtful technique rather than theatrics, this is one reservation worth making early

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A Menu Designed to Impress

Expect a progression that begins delicately before building into richer, more indulgent expressions of Cantonese craftsmanship.

The experience opens with refined bites such as Jasmine Tea Jelly with Sea Urchin and Peking Duck Skin with Pomelo and Cavia, dishes that immediately signal precision and restraint. A nourishing double-boiled creamy almond fish soup follows, layered with Australian scallop, Korean abalone, and sea whelk for depth and sweetness.

Then come the showstoppers.

The Steamed Yellow Croaker Belly with Pork Patty and Salted Egg delivers comforting richness, while the Braised Australian Lobster with Basil, Brandy, and Garlic leans fragrant and luxurious. Meat lovers will likely gravitate toward the Wok-fried Black Angus Beef paired with pan-fried foie gras, before the Crispy Ibérico Pork Belly with shrimp paste rounds out the savoury course with irresistible crunch.

Dessert closes the evening gently with house-fermented curd accompanied by tropical fruits, alongside a dried tangerine peel egg tart that feels both nostalgic and quietly sophisticated.

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There are meals you enjoy... and then there are meals you remember long after the final course. This upcoming collaboration at Hai Tien Lo feels destined to be the latter.

For those who appreciate refined Cantonese cuisine, celebratory dining, or simply the joy of experiencing something rare, consider this your sign to gather your favourite dining companions and make an occasion out of it. Because sometimes, the most meaningful stories are told not through words, but through flavour.

Chef Kang x Chef Edden Yap Four-Hand Collaboration

📅Friday, 13 March 2026 ⏰Lunch (11:30am – 2:30pm) | Dinner (6:00pm – 10:30pm) 💰 $238++ per person (Add $90++ per person for a three-hour serving of Taittinger Brut Réserve.) *Prices quoted are in Singapore dollars, and are subject to service charge and prevailing government taxes.

For reservations or enquiries, please call +65 6826 8240 or email haitienlo.sin@panpacific.com.

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International Women’s Day Dining in Singapore: A French-Nanyang Dinner at Racines

Hi Huneybees,

In a city overflowing with dining options, it takes something quietly remarkable to make us pause; not just to eat, but to feel connected to the story behind the plate.

This March, Sofitel Singapore City Centre invites guests to slow down for an evening shaped by intention. In honour of International Women’s Day, the hotel presents a limited-time three-course dinner created by Senior Sous Chef Amy with a menu that speaks softly yet confidently about heritage, memory, and the evolving voice of women in modern kitchens.

Available from 1 to 31 March 2026 at Racines, the experience is less about spectacle and more about storytelling, the kind that lingers long after dessert.

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A Culinary Voice Rooted in Story

Born in Malaysia, Chef Amy discovered her love for cooking at home beside her mother, where early lessons in comfort and connection quietly shaped her path. Formal training later refined her craft, while an introduction to French cuisine defined her signature style - one rooted in finesse, balance, and timeless technique.

Her dedication earned her a Gold Medal at Food & Hotel Asia, but beyond accolades, it is her quiet confidence and thoughtful restraint that define her cooking today. More than a celebration, this dinner stands as a tribute to the women who continue to shape kitchens, cultures, and communities.

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When French Technique Meets Nanyang Influence

The evening opens with a dish that perfectly mirrors Chef Amy’s culinary identity - a Nanyang-style foie gras that bridges classical French craft with deeply familiar Southeast Asian flavours. Pan-roasted and gently coffee-cured, the foie gras is layered with cocoa nibs and salted kaya butter, then served with warm brioche and finished with a delicate coffee jus. Instead of the expected berry pairing, guests encounter a flavour profile that feels both nostalgic and refreshingly modern.

The main course continues this dialogue between comfort and sophistication. Friselva pork jowl, chosen for its natural tenderness and gentle marbling, is slow-cooked before being lightly grilled for depth. Paired with chorizo and artichoke barigoule and lifted by a vibrant sauce verte, the dish delivers warmth without heaviness. There is something deeply reassuring about a plate that understands restraint.

Dessert arrives as a quiet nod to childhood memories. Inspired by the Black Forest cake Chef Amy grew up loving, Noir layers brandied cherries with varying chocolate textures in a reimagined composition that feels both elegant and familiar. It does not overwhelm, it lingers gracefully, like the final notes of a well-composed piece.

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An Evening Worth Slowing Down For

As our lives grow fuller, many of us become more intentional about where we spend our evenings and who we share them with.

This is the kind of dinner designed for unhurried conversations, lingering glances across the table, and the simple luxury of being present. Whether marking a special occasion, planning a refined date night, or gathering with close friends, the experience invites guests to savour both the cuisine and the moment.

At $58++ per person, the offering feels remarkably accessible for a hotel dining experience of this calibre. To elevate the pairing, you may opt for a glass of Kressmann Chardonnay or Merlot, thoughtfully selected to complement the menu at $12++. 

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A Tribute Told Through Flavour

International Women’s Day often arrives with grand gestures, yet there is something especially powerful about a tribute expressed through craft. Chef Amy’s menu reminds us that representation in culinary leadership goes beyond visibility. It is about voice, perspective, and the courage to reinterpret tradition.

Available from 6pm to 10pm daily between 1 and 31 March 2026 at Racines, this Special Dinner Menu is designed for those who appreciate dining with intention. Given its limited run and intimate nature, reservations are highly recommended.

For reservations or enquiries, guests can visit bit.ly/a-special-dinner-menu-by-senior-sous-chef-amy, call +65 6428 5000 or email HA152@sofitel.com.

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A Fresh Look, A Smoother Experience: Discovering the New Frasers Experience

Hi Huneybees,

Directly connected to Yishun MRT station, Northpoint City is among Frasers Property Singapore’s participating malls that will adopt the unified retail brand system and enhanced customer touchpoints, including its mall façade. Owned by Frasers Property’s retail-focused REIT, Frasers Centrepoint Trust, Northpoint City is the biggest mall in the northern region of Singapore.

As someone who shops regularly at Frasers malls (especially when Northpoint is just an MRT station away), whether it’s quick grocery runs, café hopping, event pop-ups or just hiding from the Singapore heat, I didn’t realise how much the experience mattered… until it quietly got better.

This festive season, Frasers Property Singapore unveiled a refreshed retail brand and service identity, and as a shopper, I felt the difference almost immediately. It’s not loud or disruptive. Instead, it’s thoughtful, just the kind of update that makes mall visits feel smoother without you having to think too hard about why.

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A more familiar Frasers experience, wherever you go

Previously, each Frasers mall had its own brandmark and visual identity. While that individuality is still very much part of each mall’s charm, they’re now brought together under one shared umbrella — “A Frasers Experience.”

For shoppers like me, this actually makes a noticeable difference. From mall entrances and signage to websites and the FRx app, everything now feels more aligned and recognisable. Whether I’m at Northpoint City, Causeway Point or Hougang Mall, there’s an instant sense of familiarity.

And honestly, this is pretty helpful especially on days when I used to second-guess whether a mall was under the Frasers umbrella before checking with shop staff just to make sure my FRx points could be accumulated.

The refreshed visual identity brings together a customised mall brandmark, a portfolio-wide endorsement line, and a signature service ribbon that subtly links every location. It may look like a design update on the surface, but at its core, it’s really about making every mall visit feel simpler, smoother and more welcoming.

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Still Neighbourhood Malls

What I appreciate most is that Frasers didn’t erase the personality of each mall. Instead, they leaned into it. The refreshed identity simply acts as a connector, allowing every mall to feel different yet unmistakably Frasers.

Each location continues to celebrate its neighbourhood roots through community-inspired motifs. At Northpoint City, you’ll spot references to the area’s pineapple plantation history. Over at Hougang Mall, the designs nod to the former Kangkar fish market heritage. These little storytelling touches remind us that malls aren’t just retail spaces, they’re part of the community fabric.

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What guides the refreshed Frasers Experience

Behind these updates is a clear framework that shapes how Frasers Property Singapore designs, programmes and operates its malls. The refreshed experience is guided by three key pillars:

• Connectivity
  Creating vibrant social hubs, shared spaces and services that bring diverse communities together.

• Inclusivity
  Ensuring welcoming, barrier-free and seamless experiences for everyone, including seniors and persons with disabilities.

• Vibrancy
  Bringing malls to life through thoughtful design, engaging programmes, community placemaking and enhanced shopper interaction.

These pillars help translate the refreshed brand into everyday moments shoppers actually feel.

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The revitalised concierge counters and new service ambassador uniforms are designed to deliver a welcoming and professional service, bringing the Frasers Experience to life for every visitor.

Friendlier Service

Concierge counters have been redesigned to feel more open and approachable, while roving Service Ambassadors now move around the malls on weekends, tablets in hand, ready to assist on the spot. It feels less transactional and more human, closer to hospitality than retail.

Behind the scenes, these ambassadors have undergone extensive training focused on service excellence, community engagement and inclusive support. Their new uniforms and first-name tags may seem like small details, but together they create warmth which something that’s often missing in large malls.

Frasers has also continued expanding its inclusion initiatives, such as Calm Hours, Dementia Go-To Points and staff training to better support shoppers with autism, dementia and sensory sensitivities. As someone who believes public spaces should work for everyone, this part genuinely stood out!

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The innovative in-mall wayfinding solution enables easy and confident navigation across Frasers Property malls, enhancing accessibility and convenience for all

Designed for Real Life, Not Just Retail

If you’ve ever wandered a mall trying to locate a specific shop (we’ve all been there), this upgrade is a game changer.

Frasers Property Singapore has introduced Singapore’s first in-store wayfinding and mapping solution, developed with accessibility advocates and indoor mapping leader Mappedin. Available via the Frasers Experience FRx mobile app, mall websites and on-site digital totems, it offers turn-by-turn navigation, barrier-free route options and real-time location tracking.

For seniors, families with strollers, wheelchair users, or simply tired shoppers like me, this makes navigating large malls far less stressful.

Beyond convenience, this refresh also reflects a deeper understanding of how malls fit into our lives. Long seen as a “third place” between home and work, Frasers malls continue to evolve as everyday community spaces, supported by partnerships with social service agencies and initiatives like Silver Social Spaces that encourage active ageing. These aren’t just retail destinations, they’re places where connections happen quietly, daily and meaningfully.

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Celebrating the New Look with Festive Rewards

To mark its refreshed retail identity, Frasers malls are kicking off the new year with a line-up of feel-good rewards for shoppers — and yes, there’s something in it for regular mall-goers like us.

One highlight is “We’ve Levelled Up Your Rewards!”, launching from 29 January 2026, 10am onwards. Shoppers can enjoy a bonus $18 instant value when purchasing a $318 FRx Gift Card for $300 by using promo code FRX18 on the FRx app. You’ll also continue earning FRx Points when paying with FRx Gift Cards at over 2,000 stores across Frasers Property Singapore malls, redeemable for perks like retailer eDeals and FRx Carpark$.

Another is #FeelGoodFridays, running from 30 January to 8 March 2026. Across three trivia rounds, shoppers stand a chance to win $50 FRx Gift Cards, with three winners selected per round from Facebook and Instagram. Just follow @fraserspropertysingapore and answer the trivia question in the comments to take part. Prizes will be credited directly into the FRx app’s e-wallet, so an updated FRx app is required.

Prefer instant surprises? Look out for roving Service Ambassadors on 6 and 20 February, from 12pm to 2pm, as they hand out feel-good treats at selected Frasers malls, including Northpoint City, Causeway Point, Waterway Point, Tampines 1, Hougang Mall and Tiong Bahru Plaza.

If you’re already using the FRx app, this is a good time to keep notifications switched on!

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Artist Impression of Frasers Malls with the new new mall facade logo.

Well, if you’re like me and rotate between Frasers malls for errands, meals and last-minute shopping, this refreshed experience is something you’ll actually feel — not just see.

Next time you’re in one, take a moment to explore the new look, try the wayfinding features on the FRx app, and say hi to the Service Ambassadors on the ground. Sometimes it’s the small upgrades that make mall days way more pleasant.

For more information on the new Frasers Property Singapore and promotions, please visit frasersproperty.com/sg or follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

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Botero in Singapore: A Landmark Exhibition Arrives at Gardens by the Bay and IMBA Theatre

Hi Huneybees,

Botero in Singapore - Garden Grandeur Opening.
Image Courtesy of IMBA.

Singapore is about to host one of the most significant art presentations the city has ever seen. For the first time in Southeast Asia, the works of Maestro Fernando Botero - one of the most recognisable and beloved artists in modern art, will take centre stage in a sweeping, multi-format showcase across Gardens by the Bay and the brand-new IMBA Theatre.

Titled Botero in Singapore, this landmark presentation brings together nearly 130 original works and unfolds across three distinct experiences: monumental outdoor sculptures set among lush gardens, a major gallery exhibition drawn from the Botero family collection, and the world’s first immersive audiovisual journey dedicated to the artist’s life. It is not only the largest Botero showcase ever staged globally, but also a defining opening statement for IMBA Theatre as it launches in early 2026.

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Botero in Singapore - Garden Grandeur Opening.
Image Courtesy of IMBA.

Where Art Meets Nature: Monumental Botero Sculptures at Gardens by the Bay

The experience begins outdoors, where Botero’s signature bronze sculptures have already transformed parts of Gardens by the Bay into an open-air gallery. Six monumental works now stand within the Silver Garden, with four more set to arrive at IMBA Theatre, forming an expansive presentation titled Garden Grandeur.

Botero long believed that art should exist beyond museum walls, becoming part of everyday life. Set against sweeping greenery and the iconic skyline, these sculptures feel both playful and powerful. Their exaggerated forms and rounded volumes are instantly recognisable, yet seeing them at this scale and being surrounded by nature and open sky, adds a new sense of warmth and accessibility. You are encouraged to walk around them, photograph them, and simply spend time in their presence, allowing moments of humour, reflection, and delight to unfold naturally.

Unveiled on 23 January 2026 by Fernando Botero Zea, Co-President of the Fernando Botero Foundation, alongside IMBA CEO Michael Lee and Gardens by the Bay CEO Felix Loh, these sculptures mark the public’s first encounter with the exhibition serving as and an early glimpse of how Botero’s art thrives in shared civic spaces.

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Botero: Heart of Volume
Image Courtesy of IMBA.

Heart of Volume: A Rare Look Inside the Botero Family Collection

While the outdoor sculptures introduce Botero’s monumental language, the heart of the exhibition lies inside IMBA Theatre. Opening on 13 February 2026, Heart of Volume presents 118 paintings, drawings, and indoor sculptures spanning Botero’s extraordinary 70-year career.

Drawn directly from the collection of the Botero family, this exhibition offers an unusually intimate and comprehensive perspective on his legacy. You will encounter everything from delicate studies and luminous watercolours to fully realised compositions that showcase his theatrical staging and masterful control of colour and form. Together, the works trace the evolution of his distinctive “Boterismo” style - a visual language defined by volume, balance, and a quietly subversive sense of humour.

El Arrastre
Image Courtesy of The Botero Foundation.

Beyond the instantly recognisable rounded figures, the exhibition reveals Botero’s deep engagement with art history. Echoes of Classical and Renaissance traditions sit alongside the influence of modern masters such as Picasso, demonstrating the discipline and historical awareness behind his seemingly playful compositions. This is an opportunity to see the precision and intention behind a style that has become one of the most iconic in contemporary art.

Early bird tickets for Heart of Volume go on sale on 30 January 2026, ahead of the exhibition’s opening.

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Botero: A Life in Fullness
Image Courtesy of IMBA.

A Life in Fullness: The World’s First Immersive Botero Experience

If Heart of Volume explores Botero’s artistic mastery, A Life in Fullness invites audiences into his personal world. Opening on 6 March 2026, this 45-minute immersive experience is the first of its kind dedicated to the artist and has been created in close collaboration with the Fernando Botero Foundation.

Narrated by Botero’s eldest son, Fernando Botero Zea, the experience unfolds as an intimate audiovisual journey through the artist’s life. Through a blend of animation, archival materials, and spatial storytelling, visitors move through scenes that illuminate Botero not just as a global art figure, but as a father, a rebel, and a man shaped by love, loss, and resilience. His iconic forms come alive in motion, revealing the emotional depth and personal stories behind the monumental works.

More than a digital spectacle, the experience feels like a tribute - a deeply personal letter from son to father, offering a rare emotional dimension to an artist whose work is so often associated with humour and visual exuberance. 

Early bird tickets for A Life in Fullness will also be available from 30 January 2026.

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Artist impression of IMBA Theatre at Gardens by the Bay, which will launch Q1 2026.
Image Courtesy of IMBA.

IMBA Theatre’s Grand Debut

Botero in Singapore also marks a defining milestone for IMBA Theatre, a new cultural venue purpose-built for immersive experiences and large-scale exhibitions. Located within Gardens by the Bay, IMBA is designed to present art in formats that feel open, engaging, and grounded in human experience, encouraging curiosity across generations.

By launching with the most ambitious Botero presentation ever staged, IMBA signals its intent to position Singapore as a gateway for major global cultural showcases in Southeast Asia. The exhibition sets the tone for the institution’s future direction, where storytelling, technology, and fine art intersect.

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Beyond the Exhibition: Botero Across the City

The celebration of Botero’s legacy extends beyond IMBA Theatre and the Gardens. From 8 January to 1 March 2026, five of his masterpieces will be displayed at Shangri-La Singapore, where guests can also enjoy a Botero-inspired afternoon tea at The Rose Veranda which is a culinary tribute that translates his bold and exuberant spirit into an elegant dining experience.

* For more details, please refer to Shangri-La Singapore’s website.

In another unexpected collaboration, Botero’s visual language enters the world of automotive design through a partnership with BMW Eurokars Auto. Two BMW models have been transformed into moving works of art in a world-first showcase running from 23 January to 22 February 2026 at the BMW Eurokars Experience Centre, expanding the artist’s legacy beyond traditional exhibition spaces.

*For more information, please refer to BMW Eurokars Auto’s website.

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Botero in Singapore.
Image Courtesy of IMBA.

Running through 18 May 2026, Botero in Singapore is more than an art exhibition, it is a citywide cultural moment. From garden pathways to gallery walls and immersive digital spaces, the presentation offers multiple ways to encounter an artist whose work continues to resonate across generations and continents. 

Whether you are deeply familiar with Botero’s world or discovering it for the first time, this landmark showcase will definitely let you to step into a universe where volume, emotion, and humanity take centre stage.

For more information, please visit https://imbaglobal.com/whats-on and follow IMBA’s journey on Instagram (@be.imba). Be sure to book your tickets early!

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Singapore Film We Are All Strangers Makes History at the Berlin International Film Festival

Hi Huneybees,

Stills from ‘We Are All Strangers’ film
(Image Credit: Giraffe Pictures)

Singapore cinema is having a defining moment on the global stage. For the first time in the festival’s 76-year history, a homegrown film has been selected to compete for the prestigious Golden Bear at the Berlin International Film Festival. Titled "We Are All Strangers (我们不是陌生人)", the film is written and directed by acclaimed filmmaker Anthony Chen, marking a powerful milestone not just for the director, but for Singapore storytelling as a whole.

The film will make its world premiere at the festival (widely known as the Berlinale), taking place from 12 to 22 February 2026, where it will stand alongside some of the world’s most anticipated cinematic works.

The Berlinale’s main competition is widely regarded as the festival’s crown jewel, previously honouring cinematic heavyweights such as Ang Lee, Hayao Miyazaki, and Paul Thomas Anderson. Out of just 22 films selected this year, We Are All Strangers stands as one of only two Asian titles, placing Singapore firmly on a stage once dominated by traditional film powerhouses.

If you feel a quiet sense of pride reading this, you’re not alone. Moments like these remind us just how far Singapore cinema has come, and how compelling our stories can be on the international stage.

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A Full-Circle Moment for Anthony Chen

If Anthony Chen’s name rings a bell, it should.

His breakout film "Ilo Ilo" captured hearts worldwide and earned the prestigious Caméra d'Or at Cannes back in 2013. He later followed up with "Wet Season", continuing his thoughtful exploration of human relationships.

Now, over a decade later, "We Are All Strangers" arrives as the final chapter of his deeply personal Growing Up trilogy - a series shaped by the different seasons of his own life. From his late twenties to early forties, Chen has quietly documented what it means to belong, to love, and to navigate the complicated ties that shape our idea of home. This final instalment feels less like a conclusion and more like a heartfelt letter to Singapore.

Anthony Chen himself described completing the trilogy as a profoundly personal journey, reflecting his evolution not only as a filmmaker but as a son, husband, and father. And perhaps that’s why his films feel the way they do - tender, observant, and quietly unforgettable.

Because at the heart of it all, they remind us of something simple:

Home isn’t perfect.
Families aren’t simple.
But the connections we build shape who we become.

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Stills from ‘We Are All Strangers’ film
(Image Credit: Giraffe Pictures)

A Story That Feels Close to Home

Set over three years in contemporary Singapore, the film traces a family learning to live with the fragile ties that bind us, reminding us that family is not always defined by blood, but often by choice.

Tender yet emotionally powerful, the story moves through love, grief, responsibility, and the quiet resilience required to weather life’s changes. Chen pushes his exploration of surrogate families and unconventional relationships further than ever before, delivering a film that feels both deeply personal and profoundly universal.

The film reunites Chen with longtime collaborators including Yeo Yann Yann and Koh Jia Ler, joined by Andi Lim and Regene Lim. All four actors are expected to attend the Berlin premiere alongside the director.

Adding a small note is that the film is produced by Chen’s production company, Giraffe Pictures, with support from the Infocomm Media Development Authority and the Singapore Film Commission. The film is slated for release across Singapore and multiple territories later in 2026. Be sure to add this film to your watchlist...

For longtime followers of Singapore cinema, this milestone feels almost surreal.

For everyone else? It might just be the perfect time to start paying attention.

Because when a homegrown film competes for one of the world’s highest cinematic honours, it signals something bigger... a creative industry coming into its own. And honestly, we love to see it!

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ART SG 2026 Returns to Singapore: S.E.A. Focus, Global Galleries & Must-See Highlights

Hi Huneybees,

ART SG 2026 has officially opened at Marina Bay Sands, kicking off with an exclusive VIP Preview and Vernissage at the Sands Expo & Convention Centre. Now in its fourth edition, the region’s leading international art fair brings together more than 100 galleries from over 30 countries and territories, alongside expanded programming, new curatorial directions, and exciting global partnerships. The fair runs 23–25 January, right in the heart of Singapore Art Week.

But this year, there’s an especially meaningful milestone for Southeast Asian art.

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S.E.A. Focus 2026 Entrance Facade.
Image courtesy of S.E.A. Focus & ART SG

S.E.A. Focus Enters a New Chapter

For the first time, S.E.A. Focus — Singapore’s homegrown platform dedicated to Southeast Asian contemporary art — is presented as part of ART SG through a strategic collaboration that gives regional artists an even bigger international stage.

Curated by John Tung with artistic consultation by Emi Eu (Executive Director of STPI), the eighth edition revolves around the theme “The Humane Agency.” The idea is simple but powerful: artists as agents of compassion in a world facing uncertainty, displacement, and environmental fragility.

Instead of responding to today’s crises with distance, the works here lean into empathy and care. Across the presentations, you’ll find reflections on conflict and peace, migration and belonging, and our increasingly fragile ecosystems — all positioning art as a way to slow down, feel deeper, and reconnect with our shared humanity.

Installation View at S.E.A. Focus 2026.
Image courtesy of S.E.A. Focus & ART SG

Sixteen galleries are part of this year’s S.E.A. Focus, including several familiar Singapore names like Mizuma Gallery, Gajah Gallery, AC43 Gallery, Mr Lim’s Shop of Visual Treasures, Intersections Gallery, and Wetterling Teo Gallery.

International galleries are also spotlighting Southeast Asian artists. Berlin’s neugerriemschneider centres its booth on Singaporean artist Ho Tzu Nyen, while Jakarta’s ara contemporary presents a dialogue between Indonesian artists Mar Kristoff and Enka Komariah exploring identity and marginalisation.

Other powerful presentations include works by Filipina artist Imelda Cajipe Endaya (Silverlens), whose richly layered mixed-media pieces address cultural identity and globalisation, and Thai artist Ruangsak Anuwatwimon (Gallery VER), whose research-driven practice looks at environmental destruction along the Mekong River.

Adding to the regional strength, ISA Art Gallery presents works by acclaimed Indonesian artist Arahmaiani, known for her sharp social and political commentary.

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ART SG 2026 VIP Preview & Vernissage.
Image Courtesy of ART SG 2026

Conversations That Go Beyond the Booths

S.E.A. Focus also extends into dialogue through the SEAspotlight Talks, curated by Clara Che Wei Peh. These panel discussions and fireside chats bring together artists, curators, and cultural leaders to unpack how Southeast Asian art is evolving — creatively, historically, and within the art market.

Expect thoughtful conversations on institution-building, storytelling across disciplines, and how artists today turn ideas into immersive worlds and long-term projects.

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Roberto Matta, Le temps de la nuit, 1963
Image from Galerie Gmurzynska

What Else to See at ART SG 2026

Beyond S.E.A. Focus, ART SG’s main GALLERIES sector features an impressive mix of global blue-chip names and leading regional spaces. International heavyweights like White Cube and Thaddaeus Ropac return alongside regional powerhouses including Sullivan+Strumpf, Ames Yavuz, Ota Fine Arts, Gajah Gallery, and Richard Koh Fine Art.

If you love discovering rising talent, the FUTURES sector spotlights young galleries founded within the last decade. This year also marks the launch of the ART SG FUTURES Prize, awarding USD 10,000 to an outstanding emerging artist.

Another new addition is SOUTH ASIA INSIGHTS, a dedicated pavilion highlighting contemporary art from South Asia, while FOCUS presents tightly curated solo and duo presentations.

Performance Art - Brian Fuata 
Image Courtesy of the Artist + John Miller @ Sumer Gallery Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland

Large-scale works take centre stage in the PLATFORM sector, where you’ll encounter monumental installations and site-specific pieces scattered throughout the fair. For the first time, ART SG is also introducing a PERFORMANCE ART sector, bringing live, experimental works into the fair environment — expect spontaneous, immersive encounters rather than traditional stage performances.

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[Zilberman] Chi Yin Sim - Time Travels with a Rotten Suitcase (2025)
Image Courtesy of Artist and Gallery

ART Beyond the Fairgrounds

ART SG also spills out into the rest of the city.

The ART SG FILM programme, presented with ArtScience Museum, runs daily from 22 January to 1 February. Curated under the poetic theme “Would You Tell Me a Story Until I Fall Asleep?”, the screenings transform the cinema into a quiet, contemplative space for moving image works by artists from around the world.

Meanwhile, PERSPECTIVES brings talks and keynote conversations into the fair itself, featuring artists, museum leaders, and cultural thinkers discussing everything from performance art to building global museum collections.

View of Wan Hai Hotel, Singapore Strait
Image courtesy of ART SG & Rockbund Art Museum

One of the most atmospheric off-site highlights is Wan Hai Hotel: Singapore Strait at The Warehouse Hotel. Co-presented with Rockbund Art Museum, this immersive exhibition transforms the heritage property into a living, breathing art space exploring maritime identity, migration, and survival. It runs 20–31 January with free admission.

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[INKstudio] Bingyi, Lightning Series

Art Meets Lifestyle

As always, ART SG blends art with lifestyle experiences. Expect special presentations and installations from partners like UBS, Ruinart, AXA XL, Belmond, and more, alongside tastings, design showcases, and even hotel packages such as The Standard Singapore’s ART SG Culture Fix stay that bundles accommodation with fair access.

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Melati Suryodarmo, I Love You, 2007.
Installation view @ ART SG 2026, Singapore.
Image Courtesy ART SG 2026

If you’re heading down, set aside a few hours at least as ART SG 2026 isn’t just about viewing art, it’s about stepping into conversations, stories, and perspectives from across Singapore, Southeast Asia, and the world.

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