Yoga without Lululemon, a more vibrant Robertson Quay and Pesta Ubin—read on for a quick round-up of the city’s burgeoning (and dying) trends.
Photo credit: Funzing
Hot: Community yoga
Not: Commercialized yoga
It’s no secret that this spiritual practice has become a huge and saturated global trend, and we’re definitely not short on new studios and boutiques hawking stylish (and expensive) yoga wear. Thankfully, in the spirit of community, yoga events like Free Yoga in Little India (May 22) and Pop Up Yoga: Fort Canning Park (May 21) are offering free or affordable public sessions respectively, sans the flashy Lululemons and costly membership fees.
Hot: Robertson Quay hotels
Not: Marina Bay Sands Shoppes
Robertson Quay has always taken a backseat to the more vibrant Clarke Quay but now, there are four new hotels opening along this residential stretch. M Social Singapore, Four Points by Sheraton Singapore, The Warehouse Hotel and Intercontinental Singapore Robertson Quay are stylish establishments targeting business travellers and young professionals.
While we’re watching these exciting developments unveil, The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands could be facing an uncertain future after an announcement that it might be put up for sale by owner Las Vagas Sands after its 10-year duopoly expires next year.
Hot: New HDB towns
Not: Old HDB towns
In a recent announcement by National Development Minister Lawrence Wong, up-and-coming residential development Tengah new town will be located next to Jurong Innovation District, a developing industrial park dubbed as an innovation hub. Tengah new town joins other HDB projects like Bidadari and Tampines North, which is said to offer 90,000 homes altogether.
Sadly, Singapore’s constant urban renewal also means mature estates like the much talked-about Dakota Crescent, Rochor Centre, and blocks 246 to 249 in Ang Mo Kio are making way for new developments.
Photo credit: Afur Wong
Hot: Pulau Ubin
Not: Keppel Club
After the launch of $2 million research facility The Ubin Living Lab in February, Pulau Ubin takes the spotlight again with five-day outdoor festival Pesta Ubin happening from May 14 to Jun 11. There are activities like walks, cycling and kayaking expeditions taking nature lovers through an authentic Kampong experience, with opportunities to sample durians and homestyle cuisine.
Plans are up in the air for the long-standing Keppel Club, which was established in 1904. The recreational facility, due to move from its current Telok Blangah premises after 2021, is considering golf options in Batam after being offered three alternative sites in Singapore without golf facilities.
Hot: Trans issues on social media
Not: Trans issues IRL
A couple weeks ago, a Pink Dot video about elderly trans woman Rose went viral on social media in Singapore, with people widely sharing and applauding the friendship between Rose and trans activist June Chua who invited the homeless woman to live at The T Project.
It remains to be seen if all that online goodwill will translate into real-world action though. Just a few days ago, The New Paper revealed that The T Project shelter faces closure or relocation if it doesn’t raise enough money to cover costs.
