Singapore’s no stranger when it comes to making headlines on an international level. Just weeks ago, there was much hurrah around Singapore Olympian Joseph Schooling when he brought home gold, along with Paralympian Yip Pin Xiu who won two gold medals, PM Lee Hsien Loong’s visit to The White House (and Ms Ho Ching’s $14.80 purse designed by a student from Pathlight School), a Singaporean lawyer winning the Toastmasters’ World Champion of Public Speaking, and Singapore label Charles & Keith got a massive shout-out when Game of Thrones’ Maisie Williams was spotted with one of their bags on the 68th Emmy Awards red carpet.
Now there’s another slew of great news that’s putting Singapore on the forefront of international headlines. Here are some highlights.
Home to a trio of world’s best bars
Last week, the world’s 50 best bars were unveiled and we’re proud to report that three (of our favorite) Singapore bars made the cut. Manhattan, 28 Hong Kong Street and Operation Dagger, ranked number 11, 14 and 21 respectively, so if you’re looking for a reason to celebrate, well there you go.
Another victory for our local film scene
We were thrilled when we found that Singaporean-made films, Apprentice and A Yellow Bird were going to be screened at the 21st Busan International Film Festival under the Asian cinema category. Director for Apprentice, Boo Jun Feng, eventually took home the Rising Director award at the festival’s Asia Star Awards ceremony, adding on to his already illustrious arsenal of accolades.
Singaporean singer snags second place at international singing competition
Nathan Hartono was the first Singaporean to enter the finals in the insanely popular Sing! China (a rebranded version of The Voice China) competition last weekend. He competed and performed two Jay Chou classics, and emerged second-place. He was all smiles when fans and the media greeted him on Sunday at Changi Airport, and even managed to snag us a nostalgic Milo van that gave out free cups of Milo in town. Thanks Nathan!
One of the better speakers at the second presidential debate was a Singaporean
Before Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton battled it out at the second presidential debate yesterday, our very own Singaporean, Kenneth Sng, the first international student to become the president of the Washington University student union, gave a riveting opening speech. PM Lee even commended the young man on his own Facebook page.
Our Prime Minister prefers taking the bus
When PM Lee visited New Delhi, India for a work trip last week, he opted for a chartered bus instead of an entire official entourage of cars to get to his hotel. It’s not the first time he’s tried to experience life like commonfolk (he’s been seen with his wife Ho Ching on the MRT and queuing for food at a Redhill hawker center). Besides cutting cost, it’s also much more eco-friendly take the bus.
