It’s not just about cutting-edge design, it’s a way of living. Joshua Koh, Julian Koh and Gan Shee Wen, CEO, CDO and CMO of Commune, Saurabh Mangla, Founder of ipse ipsa ipsum, and Nathan Yong, Founder of Folks Furniture and Grafunkt, tells us how they built an industry presence, their design philosophy, and how they have integrated retail and online experiences as Made With Passion brands.
Category: Culture
Meet Vanessa Tan, the Tech in Asia Journalist turned Xiaomi Marketing Maestro
When Vanessa Tan joined the founding team at Tech in Asia as a journalist, she never expected she would one day be running her own team at Xiaomi. Vanessa shares how she pivoted from being a journalist at Tech in Asia to marketing director at Xiaomi, and her experience navigating cross-cultural teams in China and Indonesia.
A taste of home away from home: three food entrepreneurs finding success in the US with SG tastes
Indelibly interwoven with the story of Singapore is the story of our food.
The Struggles of Two Generations in Singapore
Caught between his parents’ traditional expectations and new opportunities offered to him as a young adult, Thomas Lim took the latter path, living around the world over the past 20 years. Now he’s back to honor his late father and early years in Singapore with a new film “The Fourth Sister” that examines the struggles between two generations of Singaporeans amidst heart wrenching family tensions and spectacular dance performances.
5Qs with Zhang Jingna, Fashion and Fine Art Photographer
From air rifle gold medalist to Forbes 30 Under 30 fashion photographer, Zhang Jingna has travelled the world to pursue passion and creativity. Acknowledged by the likes of Vogue Japan, Harper’s Bazaar China, and even master director Guillermo del Toro, she shares her inspiration, journey, and things she loves.
Discovery. 发现. Découverte.
Born and raised in Singapore, Juliette explores the world with curiosity and wonder, values instilled in her from growing up immersed in the multiplicities of the city-state she calls home.
Memories of Singapore @ Home
This National Day, we brought the world together to experience a slice of Singapore through Singapore @ Home. Find out what happened during the exciting show, and catch snippets of what you might have missed! Also, find out how to catch the NDP Live this Saturday!
Singapore Repping with Nigel Stanislaus
What is your childhood dream? Are you living it now? Nigel has been living his dream in various cities around the world – Melbourne, Sydney, then New York, and finally now making Melbourne home. Being a judge on Asia’s Next Top Model, working with faces like Bella Hadid and Adriana Lima are just some highlights of his career thus far! Read all about his exciting journey.
Chasing Passions: From Paris to London to Hong Kong and back to Singapore
As our nation turns 56 this year, we put the spotlight on the exciting journeys fellow Singaporeans chasing their dreams. Laura Peh has come a long way, after stints at many different cities, she is finally home, and through cinnamon art stories, is aiming to make a positive difference in a child’s life. Read about her journey!
What is a home, truly?
As our nation turns 56 this year, we shine the spotlight on the exciting journeys of fellow Singaporeans chasing their dreams. Krithi Roy has come a long way since she left Singapore back in 2011.She pens her thought about being Johannesburg, South Africa and her exciting plans for the year ahead.
Together, as an overseas Singaporean
As our nation turns 56 this year, we shine the spotlight on the exciting journeys of fellow Singaporeans chasing overseas dreams. Suzanne has been living in Hong Kong for more than 10 years, and given the proximity of the 2 cities, has always been close to home. However, with the pandemic in place, the National Day holidays took a turn. Find out how she remains close to home, even from miles away. She also has a special NDP song to encourage Singaporeans during this COVID-19 pandemic.
Things to do this National Day!
Celebrate Singapore this National Day no matter where you may be! So, wherever you are in the world, join fellow Singaporeans in celebrating Singapore’s 56th birthday. We have complied a to-do list of what you can do to soak up the National Day vibes and also find out how to catch the NDP 2021!
Third Culture Kids: Calvin Widjaja shares what it’s like to grow up in two countries
Calvin grew up in Singapore where he lived for over 10 years. He regards Singapore as much of a home as his birth country Indonesia. He is a member of our SGN family and is the creator of Global CKtizens, a weekly livestream podcast that promotes intercultural studies, awareness and representation of Third Culture and Cross-Cultural Kids.
The way to a Singaporean’s heart
… is through their stomachs! For Jolene (also known as Miss Crumbs A Lot), a SAHM from Texas, she whips up delicious local yummies every time she misses home. This National Day, we find out what she misses most about Singapore! She also shares a few of her favourite recipes below – Satay, Chwee Kueh, Chicken Rice, and even the nostalgic gem biscuits snack – need we say more?
One Community, Many Inspiring Stories
Jennifer reflects on her journey in the Singapore Global Network and shares 3 insights gained from her numerous community interactions.
Meet Susanna Hasenoehrl, The Sustainability Speaker Drawing Up Future-Ready Solutions for Environmental and Social Causes
In Southeast Asia, where extreme weather is common and climates vary, digital farming solutions are powerful tools in any farmer’s arsenal. So, what’s holding farmers back from adopting these tools? In this Sustainability in Focus feature, we chat with The Sustainability Speaker, Susanna Hasenoehrl, to understand how her deep professional experiences – in the digital, mobile and agricultural industries – have shaped her understanding of sustainability. She also reveals how digital farming may hold the answer to securing ASEAN’s agricultural future and how Yara International is shaping up to help farmers thrive and feed the world, while protecting the planet.
From Clementi to Carnegie: Violinist Siow Lee-Chin on Nurturing the Next Generation of Musicians for Success
Siow Lee-Chin has performed in leading concert halls across the world with acclaimed orchestras and maestros. Beyond the technicalities of being a musician, Lee-Chin believes that the reason behind her success is a holistic combination of the heart, mind, and fingers. A violin professor at the College of Charleston for the past 20 years, Lee-Chin is currently visiting home in Singapore. She will be one of the judges for the Singapore Raffles International Music Festival in August 2021. We talk to Lee-Chin about her journey in classical music, including the numerous adversities she faced along the way, and how her pedagogical approach was inspired by her late father’s teachings.
Home Away from Home: How Gillian’s Relocation to Bali Strengthened Her Career and Body
Beyond its reputation as a choice holiday destination, Bali is an island rich in culture and tradition. For Gillian Goh, Bali is where she’s able to pursue her passions in fitness, wellness and female empowerment through the very digital platforms she’s created herself: The Lady’s Lair and Bali Fitness Travel.
Singapore Global Network recommends – DIY Geylang Food Tour!
Ask any Singaporean where to get good food in Singapore and Geylang would definitely be one of the top contenders. So, in true Singapore spirit, Team SGN brought our friends from Wonderlust, on a Geylang food tour! Read to find out what were the 5 delicious food spots we brought them too!
A Taste of Home with some Curry Recipes!
Celebrate and keep the Hari Raya mood alive with these delicious curry recipes shared by Azlin Bloor, a Singaporean food blogger and former chef who is currently residing in the UK. She shares how these authentic curries remind her of good old memories from the past with her family, and how she still recreates them till this very day.
5Qs with Cherie Seah, Asian Doula and Birth Photographer
Our 5Qs series is a chance for the SGN members to know more about folks in the community, where we pose 5 questions to exciting individuals to find out more about what they do.
Eating my way through Singapore
After a year in Singapore and eating at 255 restaurants and a total of 37 Michelin stars, Jon Lu, an software engineer from New York City shares with us his experiences in Singapore and rounds up his top eats in our gastronomic city!
Michael Nichols, Head of Innovation Consulting Asia-Pacific at Bosch, shares his Journey from the States to Germany to Singapore
From growing up in Oklahoma, to living in Ukraine and Germany, before finally moving to Singapore in 2020, Michael shares the incredible journey he's taken together with his family.
A Boomerang Adventure: Chang Yin Hong’s Journey to Silicon Valley and Back Home
Having immersed himself in the cybersecurity industry for the past 10 years, Chang Yin Hong, currently a Cybersecurity Researcher at GovTech, shares his Silicon Valley experience and how he is applying what he learnt to broaden his technical capabilities in the public sector.
5Qs with Sarah Tan, Engineering Lead at Rec Room
Our 5Qs series is a chance for you to get to know more about folks in the Singapore Global Network community, where we pose 5 questions to exciting individuals to find out more about what they do!
The Power of Community
Why is building support groups and communities for founders more important than ever? Three global fund founders talked about the necessity of communities in a virtual event hosted by the Singapore Global Network.
Life on The Northern Fringes of the World: 3 Things You Should Know
In the second instalment of our Making Every Second Count series, we follow two Singaporeans embracing the big unknown and living life to the fullest in far flung parts of the world.
Alumni’s Guide to Japan: 4 Secrets to Perfecting your Move to Japan
In our third instalment of 'the Alumni's Guide to The Galaxy' series, Singaporeans Ng Yan Ting, Jorel Chan, and Derrick Lim share sage advice for navigating life in Japan.
How Singaporean Music Director Lenny Wee Empowers Celebrities to Hit All the Right Notes
Ever wondered what it is like to work with celebrities like Jennifer Lopez AND direct a live band performance at the U.S. presidential inauguration ceremony at the same time? We speak to Singaporean Music Director Lenny Wee, the man behind Jennifer Lopez’s showstopping medley performance at Joe Biden’s Inauguration earlier this year.
5Qs with Susan Seah, Founder of The Koa Club
Our 5Qs series is a chance for you to get to know more about folks in the Singapore Global Network community, where we pose 5 questions to exciting individuals to find out more about what they do!
Foundation for The Arts and Social Enterprise Founder Michael Tay On How the Smallest Act of Giving Can Transform the Arts Scene
In 2003, fuelled by a love for the arts and music and a passion for Singapore, Michael Tay, the then-Ambassador to Russia, commissioned Russian composer Vladimir Martynov to compose a symphony about Singapore. The symphony, now titled UTOPIA, has been recorded by the London Philharmonic Orchestra under their LPO label and released worldwide in November 2020. But Michael’s passion for the arts would carry on in the later half of his career – as Founder and Director of The Foundation for The Arts and Social Enterprise, he has helped to connect many local artists to opportunities across the world. SGN speaks with Michael about how his passion has led him to build he bedrock for a thriving arts scene in Singapore.
Building Bridges with Music: How Russian Composer Vladimir Martynov Composed a Symphony Inspired by Singapore
Inspired by Singapore’s culture and identity, renowned Russian composer Vladimir Martynov accepted a commission by ex-Singapore Ambassador to Russia, Michael Tay, to compose a symphony in 2003. UTOPIA, which premiered in 2005 in Russia and performed in 2007 in Singapore, was most recently performed and recorded by the London Philharmonic Orchestra (LPO) and London Philharmonic Choir in Abbey Road. The symphony will be performed live in Singapore at the Esplanade in 2022. SGN goes behind the scenes and speaks to Vladimir Martynov on his creative process in creating UTOPIA and his experience getting to know about Singapore’s rich culture.
Mythbusters: Debunking Singapore’s Misconceptions
We know what it is like to see Singaporean noodles on the menu and wonder just what on earth is that. In our #mythbuster series, we hope to debunk some of these strange misconceptions that people have of our sunny island! 🇸🇬
Meet our Expats: I now call Singapore ‘home’
From Bristol to Sydney to Toronto and New York, Kash Hasan’s exciting career in the events and MICE sector has allowed him to travel the world! Currently residing in Singapore, he shares more about witnessing and experiencing the genuine sense of community here, where to find his favourite hometown fish and chips, and what makes Singapore the ‘perfect destination for the MICE industry’.
The digital developing economy: Southeast Asia in five objects
This is part of “The Edges of Southeast Asia” project by Deloitte, the Singapore Economic Development Board and the US-ASEAN Business Council, which shines a light on the bright spots of creativity and innovation in the region. Looking at emerging 'edges' or customer segments, geographic markets or products that offer high growth potential opportunities in ASEAN, we begin with the rapidly growing digital economy.
A Taste of Home: Support some of our favourite SEA restaurants in the U.S.!
The Year of the Ox is here, and nothing speaks more to our hearts than an authentic taste from home. We reached out to our community and helped curate a list of Southeast Asian (including Singaporean!) restaurants in the U.S. to help you and family celebrate!
#couplegoals: Love Across Borders
As they saying goes, “there is only one happiness in life – to love and be loved”. With the pandemic season upon us, we know that there are many couples in long distance relationships missing each other. For this upcoming Valentine’s Day, we had a chat with Terrence, who heads the Singapore Airlines (SIA) office based in Shanghai, as he shares about his long distance relationship (LDR) with his wife, Anna! Trust us, this is a good story <3
A Singaporean’s Guide To Singapore
Think Singapore is just another urban concrete jungle? In this guide from the lens of a fellow Singaporean, you can find a list of establishments in Singapore, from parks to bars, that gives it “that little more soul".
My Great-Grandma’s Pineapple Tarts, A Yearly Tradition
With the Lunar New Year just around the corner, James Chia reflects on his family’s yearly tradition of making Nyonya pineapple tarts and shares his Peranakan great-grandma’s recipe for them.
Meet Ghib Ojisan: How A Backpacking Trip Led to Full-time YouTube Career in Singapore
It’s not every day that we get to meet a Japanese YouTuber based in Singapore. Yup, you already know who we’re talking about – in this edition of our Meet Our Expat Series, we have a candid chat with the 184,000 followers-strong Ghib Ojisan about his experience living in Singapore and what he has picked up from the city over the years.
Singapore Brands Going Overseas: Heritage Brands Gone Global
Growing up in an Asian household meant that you would most likely find all sorts of traditional balms and oils for various purposes in the back of your medicine cabinet. In this Singapore Brands Going Overseas series, we take a closer look at how heritage brands Chop Wah On, Lotus Leaf Brand and Three Star Brand have evolved their products and leveraged on digital technologies to expand their reach to the wider audience.
A Journey Away from Singapore…and the Turns That Took Me Back
After spending nearly ten years in the United States, Valentina made her decision to return back to Singapore.
Food For Thought: How Kausmo Redefines The Dining Experience
Ever wondered what goes on your plate? Kausmo (derived from the word “Cosmos”, referring to a system of thought), a dining concept launched in 2019, takes food for thought to the next level, with aims to spark conversations about practicing thoughtfulness and conscientiousness in the way we dine and live. We speak to young founders Lisa Tang and Kuah Chew Shian on how they’re redefining the dining experience.
SG Junior Part 2: The little overseas Singaporeans
Last month, Lim Monica Devi spoke to parents to find out how they keep their Singapore spirit alive. In the second part of this story, she continues her journey and speaks to several Singaporeans living overseas and their children to find out just how Singaporean our little Juniors are.
From Singapore to Down Under: An Alumni’s Guide to Being the Wizards of Aus
In our second ‘the Alumni’s Guide to The Galaxy’ series, Singaporeans Ian Ling and Shamane Tan share their personal stories and insider’s tips to navigating the work and business landscape in Australia.
Singapore Brands Going Overseas: ‘Tis The Season to #SupportLocal
No matter where you are this Christmas, you can’t miss the festivities in the air. It’s the season of giving and one exciting affair we can’t miss is ripping open the presents on Christmas morning! If you’re scratching your head over what will make the perfect gift this year, we’ve curated just the list of local holiday gift ideas from Singaporean brands you must check out!
Making Every Second Count: Living University Life to The Fullest
Believing that there should be no boundaries when it comes to chasing after her dreams, Nicole Anne Hia set off to South Korea to pursue higher education, spurred by her interest in studying international relations but also wanting additional global exposure and a regional focus in East Asian affairs.
SG Junior: The little overseas Singaporeans
Singapore is a country of immigrants. We are constantly welcoming newcomers to our shores, but we are also bidding adieu to many who leave to set up homes overseas with their foreign spouses or to pursue their careers. In the process, many Singaporeans take their children along, or have children born away from the island. How much do these children, “SG Jr.”, know about their parent’s homeland?
Meet Wendy Ong, the Singaporean woman who manages Hollywood’s biggest stars
Meet Wendy Ong, a Singaporean who manages Hollywood's biggest stars.
From Cambodia to Myanmar: Non-Profit Consultant Haanee Tyebally shares her unconventional journey in developmental work
In most developing nations, there is a strong demand for trained individuals to serve in the non-profit sector. Non-profit Strategy and Project Management Consultant Haanee Tyebally shares the unusual path that’s brought her everywhere from Cambodia to Myanmar.
A City to Finally Call Home
Born in the US, his father a black man from Jamaica and his mother a white woman from Cleveland with Russian and Czech heritage, Triston has been acutely aware of racial differences since his childhood. Read about his journey as he finds a place where he finally feels comfortable enough to call home.
The Secret to Building Networks Quickly in a New Place (WFH Edition)
New to your environment? Whether you’re looking to make friends or grow a professional network, these tips will help you get ahead. P.S. Stay with us to the end for an Easter egg.
An Unlikely Meeting: The Story of How a Girl from East Berlin and a Boy from Mumbai Met in Singapore
As we sing to the tunes of Home this month, Christine shares her heartwarming journey on how she came to make our sunny island home.
Lockdown Cooking: A Taste of Home
In the last of our three-part series on Lockdown Cooking, Lim Monica Devi, a Singaporean in Belgium seeks out the Singaporean community around the world to share a common love – food! This month, as we celebrate National Day, many countries are still practising some form of quarantine. With safe distancing in mind, Monica takes a virtual peek into their larders (which often has a second refrigerator) and gardens to uncover how Singaporeans living overseas dish out a plateful of home while away from the island.
Keeping Local Literature Alive: Children’s Books Author Gwen Lee Shares Her Reading List
Singaporean author Gwen Lee shares about her experience growing up in Singapore, and how she wondered why there were no HDBs in storybooks. Now based in the USA and as a writer of childrens' books with a local twist, Gwen shares her favourite Singaporean e-books for kids as young as 3, to adults.
Lockdown Cooking: Beyond Borders
In the second of our three-part series on Lockdown Cooking, Monica Devi Lim, a Singaporean in Belgium seeks out the Singaporean community around the world to share a common love – food! She will be speaking to them about their journeys and joys during the global lockdown, including their favourite dishes to make and memories of the Little Red Dot. Get your forks ready as she dishes out this month’s flavours: international recipes from Italy, Greece, and India. And if you wish, of course you can adapt the recipes to suit your taste – just go easy on the chilli (or not)!
5Qs with Joanna Lau
5Qs with Joanna Lau - Joanna came to the U.S. to attend New York University 13 years ago. As the Founder & CEO of JEMMA, a fashion e-commerce handbag brand, Joanna shuttles regularly between Singapore and New York, where the brand is based.
Racism coloured my childhood and I still fight against stereotypes today
Following a childhood in Hungary, and studies in the UK and Australia, moving to Singapore is when Trang finally felt like she belonged. The Vietnamese-Hungarian, who has made Singapore her home for close to a decade now, shares her struggles with racism growing up, and how she fights for greater diversity and inclusion today.
Remaining rooted to Singapore: “Where are you really from?”
Sharmishta is only 26 years old, but in this short amount of time, she has lived in nine countries, across 3 continents. She shares her rootedness to Singapore even though she has spent a majority of her life away from this island, her insights as a third culture kid moving around the world, and how being a global nomad steered her passion for international affairs and global governance.
“Singapore ah?” – What expats really think of life in the little red dot
Want to know what it’s really like to live in Singapore? Four expats spill the tea on what it’s really like to live in the sunny island-state.
Count on us, Singapore: How these 3 community groups embody the #SGUnited Spirit
When resources are stretched during the pandemic, these three community initiatives — of the many — have stepped in to offer crucial support to those in need. Find out how you can support their cause…
How one Singaporean is connecting peoples and cultures through art
Far from home in Washington, DC, Singaporean art consultant Peggy Sparks is contributing to the robust arts scene in the United States’ capital by showcasing Singaporean artists. She shares how artists can evolve with the times as the art industry goes online.
The rise of the independent film industry in Singapore
Singapore film is returning to global prominence with critically acclaimed productions such as Boo Junfeng’s Apprentice and Anthony Chen’s Ilo Ilo. For journalist and researcher Alfonse Chiu, he believes more can be done for the film industry in Singapore, because of the special role it plays in defining our culture.
10 Singaporean experiences you must try before 2019 ends
With only one more month left to the year (and the decade!) here are some ideas for you and your family to spend some quality time together when you’re back home in Singapore.
Singapore Hawker Culture – What it means to me
Angie lives in Paris with her French husband and their son. Find out what Singapore hawker culture means to her.
Dum Briyani in The Prairies
Read about Thiviyan’s recount to discovering a different kind of Kung Pao chicken while studying in small town Camrose, Canada. Quickly realising that cooking his favourite Asian dishes is better, Thiviyan recreates his version of Chicken Dum Briyani and Sugee cookies – a Deepavali favourite – make sure you give it a try!