1.The hawker centre revolution begins. Bedok’s newest eatery, slated to open late this year, will provide free wifi for its patrons via Wireless@SG as well as cashless payment in the form of NETS readers. That’s not all, as the hawker centre is also said to be more energy-efficient. Thumbs up for the move towards sustainability, we wholly approve. Also check out our story about a futuristic new hawker center in the works.
2. We don’t want to get too excited, but urban cycling in Singapore may just be taken to the next level by the Land Transport Authority, which has begun plans on a bike-sharing scheme. The scheme will take after similar services offered in urban cycling meccas, London and Copenhagen, where the public can pay a fee to use self-service rental bikes. A trial version of the bike-share scheme will debut at the end of the year. Or, you can just buy one at one of our favorite bike shops.
3. Step aside Lorca. It’s time for Singaporean poets to head to New York. Be a part of the first ever Singapore Literature Festival in New York. You might not be able to make it there yourself, but you can still help to fund the participation of Alfian Sa’at, Cyril Wong and others as they spread the gospel of Singaporean literary arts. Join their Kickstarter campaign— you’ll even get original drawings by Tania de Rozario and an original story, play or poem inspired by your name.
4. The inaugural edition of Singapore’s largest handicraft festival, Makers’ Block, concluded on Sunday after a successful 11-day run. Featuring both local and international makers, the event included activities such as building mega dinosaurs out of cardboard, miniature food sculpting and yogurt making. Is this the coolest fair or what? We’re definitely hoping there’s more of these to come. In other community news, We are One, a new non-profit organization promising event-management know-how to Singapore’s community-based events had a launch party over the weekend, too.
5. Cat lovers take note: In a bid to encourage responsible cat ownership and to reduce the stray cat population in Singapore, the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority has teamed up with the Cat Welfare Society, Town Councils and several veterinary clinics to fully fund the sterilization of strays found in the vicinity of HDBs. Feline enthusiasts can visit www.catwelfare.org/catsnip for more details.
