Author: Mei Yan

NUS Opening 140 Modules To Alumni Sounds Good, But Not If You Read Closely

Yesterday, the National University of Singapore (NUS) announced that it will be opening 140 courses to its alumni over the next three years. This comes as part of its efforts to promote lifelong learning.

When something sounds too good to be true, it often is. Before you get excited and start making plans with all your ex-uni mates from NUS, here are some things you should know about the courses being made available to you.

1. It will only be free for one year

Don’t be misled by the headlines. While alumni can attend for free for the first year (August 2017 – July 2018) of this three-year offering, the subsequent two years will not come at completely zero cost.

While the $3,000 to $3,500 per module course fee will be waived, a student service fee of $261.85 will be charged per semester.

2. NUS Alumni can only take a maximum of 2 modules over the 3-year period

Before you get excited thinking about going back to school, you should know that you can only take a maximum of 2 modules. Not per semester, not per year, but for the entire 3-year period. You are also limited to taking only one module per semester.

3. Modules you are eligible for heavily depends on your degree/major

Most of the modules offered are at the post-graduate level, with entry pre-requisites including Bachelor of Engineering/Science/etc., or the stricter Bachelor with a specified major. More lenient pre-requisites include Bachelor degree relating to a particular are of study (e.g computing), with only a handful of courses available with zero pre-requisites.

Being a Psychology major who studied in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, who also took a couple of business modules, I can see from a quick glance that I am only eligible for a total of 15 unique modules out of 140, spread over the 2 semesters—most of which are offered by the School of Business.

These modules include Project Management, Decision Analytics Using Spreadsheets, Legal Environment of Business. From the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, which offers courses with no pre-requisites, I am also eligible to take Social Entrepreneurship and Value-Focused Negotiation.

4. Representation of Arts and Social Sciences courses limited

For those who studied at the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences like I did, you’ll be disappointed to know that only 2 modules are offered by the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences during AY2017/2018: Prescribed Texts In Literature and Seminar in Chinese Pragmatics. To attend, you must have an NUS Honours degree (2^nd Class and above) or equivalent, or a good Bachelors degree.

Before you get excited thinking about returning to your alma mater and giving your uni experience a do-over, taking modules you missed out on or learning things you didn’t get the chance to back when you were in school, these are some things you may have missed that are worth taking note of.

As far as these courses are concerned, it’s not about learning for the sake of learning or to expose yourself to different things—it’s much more about deepening your knowledge in your existing field.

(Top Image Credit: Isem.nus.edu)

Also read NUS Clinches 1st Place In Asian University Ranking For Third Year Straight; NTU Rises To 3rd

DBS Marina Regatta Is Bringing The Beach To The Bay, With lululemon Workouts, Potato Head’s Coconut Bar & More!

If you’ve been spending all your hours cooped up in the office rushing to meet deadline after deadline, we think it’s time to get out and feel the warmth of the sunshine on your face again.

Where, you ask? Look no further than the CBD. This 1-4 June, DBS brings the beach to you.

Back for its sixth edition, the DBS Marina Regatta will see the return of Singapore’s first and only urban pop-up beach at Marina Bay.

Dubbed “Singapore’s Biggest BayFest”, there’s no place like the DBS Marina Regatta this summer.

From lying in a hammock with an ice cold cocktail, to taking lululemon yoga classes against a scenic backdrop, to tackling Singapore’s largest inflatable water obstacle course, the DBS Marina Regatta has something for everyone!

Here are some amazing highlights at the DBS Marina Regatta!

1. Sip On Cocktails at Potato Head’s Coconut Bar

Bali beach lovers will be familiar with Potato Head, an essential stop for anyone heading over for a vacay.

Fret not if you’ve never been there; Potato Head will be bringing its renowned Coconut Bar to the DBS Marina Regatta. Sip on the bar’s fresh coconut cocktails and beers, and be transported to paradise!

Where: Bay Beach – Singapore’s only pop-up urban beach

2. Make A Splash At The Giant Inflatable Water Obstacle Course

Last year, the DBS Marina Regatta brought a five-storey water slide to the Bay. This year, it’s bringing “Battle Bay”, a massive inflatable water obstacle course with nine obstacles spanning 11,000 square feet! Do you and your friends have the mental and physical chops to finish the Battle Bay?

Tackle the course as an individual or a team of four, and stand a chance to win cash prizes if you or your team clock the fastest time. With both bragging rights and $8,000 up for grabs, you’ll want to start training now.

To take part as a team, sign up An illustrated projection of the Marina Bay skyline[/caption]

For a brief respite from the sweltering heat, step into the Bay Dome, one of two majestic domes at the regatta. Standing at 7.5 metres tall, you’ll get to immerse yourself in Singapore’s largest interactive art dome and add your personal touch to an illustrated projection of the iconic Marina Bay skyline.

Create your own unique characters and watch them come to life on the projection. Watch the canvas evolve as characters stream in and create a dynamic and vibrant landscape!

Where: Bay Dome
Price: Free

4. Work out with lululemon

Fitness enthusiasts, this one’s for you. Popular brand lululemon will be collaborating with Yoga+ and WeBarre to bring you a curated line-up of yoga and barre classes at the Bay. Complete all classes and receive a special surprise from lululemon!

Work up a sweat with fellow fitness enthusiasts! Who knows, maybe you’ll make a new friend or two!

Classes are free, so hurry and sign up at 5. Get Ultra-Ready at the DBSMR X ULTRA Countdown Party [caption id="attachment_26062" align="alignnone" width="1500"] Image Credit: Artist’s impression of Marina Regatta 2017[/caption]

With such a fun and exciting array of activities to participate in at the DBS Marina Regatta, there’s no reason to stay indoors this June! So get out there and have some fun!

Follow DBS on Facebook for more updates or visit

Also read Nothing To Do In Tiny S’pore? This Bank Is Making It Its Mission To Bring More Life Here

Think You Have The Voice? Online Auditions For The Voice Singapore-Malaysia Are Officially OPEN

Think you have a great voice? Or know someone you believe to be an undiscovered talent? If so, you’ll want to listen up!

Online auditions for the global hit sensation, The Voice决战好声, are officially OPEN.

At The Voice, it’s all about, well, the voice. You’ll be judged not on how you look, not on how you command the stage, but solely on your vocal performance.

Where Do I Audition?

The auditions are open to all participants above 16 years old, regardless of race and nationality. Do take note that you have to be fluent in Mandarin and be able to perform songs in Mandarin.

Interested? This is your chance to be heard! To audition, visit the official website (31 May 2017. You can sing any song in any genre, and in any language–except for songs in dialects such as Cantonese or Hokkien. Sing either a cappella (without instrumental accompaniment) or with an accompanying instrument; singing with an accompanying music track is strictly NOT allowed.

For more information, be sure to follow their official .

Also read Calling All Aspiring Nathan Hartonos, The Voice Is Coming To A Stage Near YOU!

It’s Official! Ed Sheeren Is Bringing His Divide Tour To Singapore And Tickets Are On Sale 11 May

THIS IS NOT A DRILL!

Ed Sheeran’s tour dates for Singapore have finally been announced! Mark your calendars because our favourite ginger crooner will be in Singapore on November 11 to perform all your favourite songs from his latest album, ‘Divide’.

This time, he will be performing at the Singapore Indoor Stadium, a much larger venue than 2015’s The Star Theatre.

Tickets will be priced from $108 to $248.

Prepare to camp at your computers because tickets will be going on sale on May 11 at 10am at Sports Hub Tix. Take note that each patron will be restricted to only 4 tickets per transaction.

Also read Pay As Little As 90 Cents For Your Uber Rides – There’s Just One Tiny Catch

*SCAPE Is Hosting An Open-Air Market Of The Future – All You Need For Payment Is Your Phone

If your idea of a perfect weekend involves browsing and exploring markets for cool, unique finds, there’s a new market coming to town you definitely want to check out: The DBS PayLah! X *SCAPE Palooza.

Happening on 5 – 7 May at *SCAPE, this weekend market will see over 100 vendors selling everything from fashion, food to lifestyle products, and more than a few social enterprises will also be there!

Shop the collection of chic, minimalist bags at ThreeOneTwoFive and and Sot n Wable; unusual bites from Risotto Chips; and many, many others!

And if shopping doesn’t do it for you, surely some exciting Virtual Reality games will. Step into the worlds of your favourite video games, as titles including Call of Duty and Star Wars will be available to play through VR headsets!

Singapore’s First Ever QR Code Bazaar

There’s just one thing—at this market, the only currency accepted is digital currency. That is, QR codes and payments made via the DBS PayLah! app!

Essentially, DBS PayLah! is a mobile app that functions as your personal digital wallet. Like a regular wallet, you can send and receive money instantly, but minus the inconvenience of not having enough cash, not having exact change, etc.

If you don’t bank with DBS/POSB, no worries! Non-DBS/POSB customers can also use the app by simply linking it to a local bank account.

This first ever QR Code bazaar is jointly organized by DBS and *SCAPE, in support of Singapore’s move towards becoming a Smart Nation.

Excited to attend? Just be sure to have the DBS PayLah! app downloaded before heading out!

For those new to the app, make sure to download DBS PayLah! and enter the promo code “PAYLAH505”. This will give you S$5 cash credit to spend—and hey, we won’t say no to free money. Just make sure to do it quick because only the first 10,000 new sign-ups will get it. This promo is only valid until 30 May.

So, mark these dates in your calendar! Shop to your heart’s content and experience the convenience and lightness of going cash-free!

Download the DBS PayLah! app on Apple or on Android.

DBS PayLah! X *SCAPE Palooza
Date: 5 – 7 May 2017
Time: 1pm – 9pm
Address: *SCAPE Playspace

Also read This Island-Wide Heritage Trail Will Have You Rediscovering What It Means To Be S’porean

You Heard Their Stories – Now Millennials Of S’pore Is Going Live So YOU Can Ask The Questions

Millennials get a bad rep.

We’ve been called narcissistic, shallow, entitled, lazy… The list goes on.

Enter Millennials of Singapore, a Facebook page dedicated to shedding light on the varied lives and struggles of millennials in this country.

Sharing deeply personal stories of struggling with mental illness, bearing tattoos in a society where tattoos are associated with gangsters, being pregnant as a teenager, and many more, these millennials are bringing to the fore issues we rarely talk about in conservative Singapore.

Now, the creators of the page hope to take that conversation even further–by taking it live.

Millennials of Singapore will be starting a brand new series called Millennial LIVE, an interactive video format that happens in real time. In this series, familiar faces you may recognize from the page will be taking YOUR questions in a candid, no holds barred session. Feel free to fire away questions you’ve always wanted to ask, but never had the guts to!

Here, there are no stupid questions, only honest ones.

Ultimately, the series hopes to open peoples’ minds and breed understanding among Singaporeans through a series of conversations, spanning a variety of topics.

The first episode of the series will feature DJ, a gay man who shared about his journey to accepting his sexuality. Happening today at 7.30pm, make sure to tune in and ask some questions of your own!

This series will air exclusively on livestreaming app, BeLive, every Wednesday at 7.30pm. Currently, the team has committed to 4 episodes and we’re excited to see what they have in store!

Download the BeLive app on Apple or on Android, and make sure to follow Millennials of Singapore for more updates.

Also read For 2 Days Only, Chinatown Will Become The Ultimate Escape Room – Here’s What You Can Expect

Jay Chou To Return To Singapore In 2018 For Part 2 Of “The Invincible” Tour!

Fans of Jay Chou, the wait is almost over!

The king of Mandopop will be gracing us with his presence (and smooth pipes!) once again on Jan 6, 2018 for “The Invincible” Part 2 concert. Mark the date in your calendars. This is a show you don’t want to miss, especially if you missed out on his sold-out concert last year!

The concert will be happening at Singapore National Stadium, the same place “The Invincible” Jay Chou Concert Tour 2016 was held last year. Ticketing details have not yet been released, so stay tuned for updates!

Also read, 90s Kids, This Nostalgic Video From Butterworks Will Hit You Right In The Feels

(Top Image Credit:

Nothing To Do In Tiny S’pore? This Bank Is Making It Its Mission To Bring More Life Here

Singapore is a lot of great things: a safe country, a technologically advanced nation, a country with THE best food in the world—to us Singaporeans, at least. But a place with plenty of fun, exciting things going on all the time, well… That’s debatable.

A Livelier Local Scene

That being said, things here have come a LONG way over the last couple of years.

One of the key parties to thank for breathing this fresh life into the local scene is—you won’t guess it—DBS bank.

The bank has made it its mission to bring new, unique and exciting experiences to our little red dot, and specifically to the Marina Bay area.

Artbox Singapore 2017

Where: Ultra Park, 1 Bayfront Avenue  
When: 10, 11 June
Entry: Starts at US$163 (S$230.01)

Click here to purchase tickets.

DBS

Marina Regatta

[caption id="attachment_25046" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Artist’s impression of DBS Marina Regatta[/caption]

The DBS Marina Regatta will be returning this year from 1-4 June. Last year, they brought into Singapore South-east Asia’s tallest inflatable water slide—a massive structure that stood at over five storeys tall!

Think that can’t be topped? This year’s highlights are even more amazing!

Dubbed “Singapore’s Biggest Bayfest”, the sixth edition of DBS Marina Regatta will see The Bay receiving a tremendous makeover, transforming into Singapore’s only urban beach.

Come June this year, Bali’s famed Potato Head beach club will bring their beloved Coconut Bar to Singapore for the first time, and with it, their signature coconut cocktails and beers so you can beat the Singapore heat! You can even lounge on hammocks with an icy cold bottle of booze in hand!

To cool off even more, you can challenge yourself—and your friends!—to an epic inflatable water obstacle course! Featuring 9 obstacles of varying difficulties, see if you have what it takes to get from point A to point B.

It looks to be a splashing good time at the DBS Marina Regatta this year, and guess what? This is only the tip of the iceberg!

Where: Promontory @ Marina Bay
When: 1 – 4 June
Entry: Free

Others

This coming August, the Singapore Coffee Festival will be back again and we hear DBS will have a hand in it!

Happening at Marina Bay Cruise Centre, this year’s coffee festival experience will come with a gorgeous waterfront view. While the finer details of the event have not yet been ironed out, we’re guessing (and hoping!) some of our favourite coffee vendors will be there, roasting up a delicious storm.

Watch this space as we will be updating this story as more information comes in!

When: 3 – 6 August 2017
Where: Marina Bay Cruise Centre

Home Is Where The Fun Is

Indeed, Singapore has come such a huge way in such a short time, and we’re definitely not complaining!

From importing overseas concepts like Artbox so we can enjoy them right in our backyards to creating platforms enterprising Singaporeans can use to showcase their wares, DBS has brought a tremendous breath of life into our country.

We can only hope many others will follow suit, bringing so much more fun and life to our home!

Also read, 10 Awesome Activities To Kick Start Your April [1-15 April]

(Top Image Credit:

90s Kids, This Nostalgic Video From Butterworks Will Hit You Right In The Feels

Remember the things you used to do in school as kids? The fun times you had with your friends during recess, the way you would terrorize the teachers, the songs you used to sing in class?

Well, this video by Butterworks will bring ALL those memories back.

The YouTube channel has released yet another heartwarming hit with “想当年 The Songs We Used To Sing“.

The idea of the video is simple enough: guy is selling his guitar, guy reminisces the good times he’s had with his guitar, guy decides, nah, he’s keeping it after all. While reminiscing, the video launches into medley of familiar mandarin tunes many of us know by heart.

One after another, each song triggers its own memories, tempting you to sing along! I won’t say which songs feature in it, because that’ll just ruin the fun. You’ll have to watch it and see listen for yourself!

At the end, the video leaves us with a very simple truth: Some things just cannot be forgotten. We will always have those golden moments.

Also read, Blast From The Past: 7 Nostalgic Old-School Food Spots That Your Grandparents Dined At

This Boutique Hostel In Tiong Bahru Is Nothing Short Of A Visual Feast

Tiong Bahru is known for a couple of things. Chiefly, brunch. And coffee.

But here’s one other thing you should look out for the next time you’re in the area: COO Hostel, a place that’s nothing short of coo-l. Not only does it look great, it’s affordable too!

[caption id="attachment_24957" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] Entrance of COO Hostel (Image Credit: (Image Credit: COO Hostel offers 24-hour reception daily (Image Credit: COO Hostel has its own bistro! (Image Credit: (Image Credit: You pay $30 per room/bed at COO Hostel (Image Credit: This room comes with a built-in mirror! (Image Credit: Toilet facilities (Image Credit: Punny soap and shampoo dispensers (Image Credit: Mingle with fellow guests at the open terrace (Image Credit:

Also read, This New Black And White Hotel In Singapore Is A Minimalist’s Dream Come True