Category: Uniquely Singapore

These S’porean Youths Are Realising Their Dreams, What About You?

Work culture in Singapore used to be all about that stable 9 to 5 office job. You’re either white-collared or blue-collared. Everyone aspires to be a professional, be it doctor or lawyer. Aspire to be anything else, and you’ll be laughed at.

Fast forward to 2016, with the rise of technology, the Internet, and social media, there’s a new definition of ‘work’, ‘job’ and ‘occupation’. Over the years, with more space and room for artistic expression, we’ve seen the rise of a bunch of extremely creative workers and youths. They’re breaking old structures and redefining their own future.

If you’re an aspiring singer who doesn’t know where or how to kick-start your career, here’s something that’ll interest you! Come and hear it from Inch Chua, Peter Huang and Nicholas Chim as they talk about becoming DIY Musicians.

Hear about their experiences performing around the world, and get tips on how you can establish yourself as an independent musician, like them.

Becoming an Independent Musician
Date: 2 July 2016
Time: 2:00pm – 3:00pm
Venue: *SCAPE Talent Hub, Gallery

Click here to sign up for the session

Wanna be a YouTuber? This could be your first step!

“Never limit yourself because of others’ limited imagination; never limit others because of your limited imagination.”- Mae Jemison

Join witty YouTubers Tree Potatoes (347k subscribers) and Butterworks (41k subscribers) who will showcase their collaboration with their mentees. Be blown away as they wow you with their talent and passion.

Wanna become a famous YouTuber? Tree Potatoes and Butterworks will also be conducting a sharing session, so do attend the session and you might be on your way to becoming one!

“Go out there and make films. You’ll never be ready if you don’t go out, shoot films and make mistakes.”- TreePotatoes

Pop Culture TDP Mentee Showcase & Mentor Sharing Session
Date: 3 July 2016
Time: 7:15pm- 8:00pm (Butterworks), 8:30pm-9:15pm (TreePotatoes)
Venue: *SCAPE Talent Hub, Gallery

Seats are running out fast! Click Journey to producing film [caption id="attachment_10418" align="alignnone" width="654"] Image source: to sign up!

Always wondered what silk screening is all about? Just head down to the silk screening station and give it a go! You’ll learn to burn and print your chosen design (a wide range is available!) onto a screen and cloth.

If you’d like to try something more quirky, get crafty with marbling art! Not sure what that’s about? In short, it’s a method that allows you to produce beautiful patterns similar to smooth marble. Let your creativity flow, you’ll never know what you can come up with!

Available from 1^st – 3^rd July
Time: 12:00pm-10:00pm
Venue: Between Wisma Atria and Ngee Ann City, Civic Plaza

Don’t miss this opportunity to define your own future

“Trust your instincts and be bold about following your dreams.”- ShiGGa Shay

Be blown away by the 96 youth mentees, discover your hidden talent, or find your life’s purpose, SHINE Festival will help you think big and dream big! It’s a must visit event, so grab your buddies, realise your dreams together, and conquer the world!

Take this step to create your future, one that is full of energy and passion, with like-minded youths. What better time than now?

Fun fact: Do you know that July is Singapore’s Youth Month and Youth Day is celebrated on the first Sunday of July?

SHINE Festival is also a kick-start to Youth Month – an entire month filled with exciting programmes and activities that will be held over the month for the Youths, by the Youths! Do look out for Stars of SHINE, as National Youth Council (NYC) goes on the hunt for the next youth inspiration!

SHINE Festival – #YOURNEXTSTAGE
Date: 1-3 July, 2016
Venue: Orchard Road, from Ion Orchard to *SCAPE Talent Hub
Facebook: Facebook Page. You can also stand a chance to win passes to 박재범 Jay Park (AOM)’s sharing session for the best dabbers. Be sure to come down to ‪#‎SHINEFest to chase your passion, ‪#‎YourNextStage is only a dab away.

https://www.facebook.com/shinefestival/videos/1020831411286773/

It’s all about letting your creativity take the next stage. Hit us with your best dab in our dab challenge, and stand a chance to meet Jay Park! Here’s how –

1. Post an Instavideo of yourself doing a dab while doing something you’re passionate about.
2. Tell us why you are passionate about what you’re doing and hashtag ‪#‎YourNextStage ‪#‎SHINEFest.
3. Challenge 2 other friends to better your dab by nominating them!
4. Only 3 winners stand a chance to win passes to a sharing session by Jay Park on 3rd July, so best dabs only!
5. Contest closes on 2nd July, so stay tuned for more deets!

This article is brought to you by Discover SG x National Youth Council.

McDonald’s So Smart, Everyone’s Queueing For Salted Egg Burger

The salted egg yolk trend has been around for quite a while already. Just when we thought we’ve seen it all, guess who’s hopping on the bandwagon? Behold salted egg yolk lovers cause McDonald’s is now dishing up the new Salted Egg Yolk Chicken Burger! Yes, you’ve heard it right. The hipster of all burgers is now available at McDonald’s!

Singaporeans love queueing

Considering that the queue for the Salted Egg Yolk Chicken Burger is insane – we counted about 40 heads in this picture, we’re not surprised if people start choping tables with tissue paper.

Get your hands on these burgers!

If you’d like to join the queue, get behind us! We kid. The new offerings are available after breakfast hours at all McDonald’s branches. If you’re just way tooooo lazy to queue, good news for you!

The new menu is available on McDelivery, while stocks last.

The new McD’s menu

With salted egg yolk sauce slapped on breaded chicken patty, topped with curry leaves and chopped lettuce, this juicy burger is priced at $5.75 for a-la-carte. For an Extra Value Meal that includes a medium sized fries and a small drink, prices start from $7.50.

The Salted Egg Yolk Chicken Burger is only available for a limited time starting from June 30 2016. It is also halal so if you’re planning a break fast dinner, you can add that to your dining list.

For the other delish items in the new menu, read more here, Salted Egg York Burger? Here’s A Look At McDonald’s New Menu!

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="720"] Source:

For McDonald’s outlets in Singapore, click here.

For McDonald’s delivery service, click here.

Also, read Watermelon Fried Rice In Singapore, Have You Tried It?

8 Incredible Eats In Tampines So Good & Cheap, They’re Made Specially For True Foodies!

Arguably the best spot for foodies, the East definitely harbours some good eats. Whether you are looking for good Bak Chor Mee or mouthwatering Indian Rojak, the neighbourhood of Tampines has it all!

Be spoilt for choice as you attempt to choose from simple dining options to luxurious dinners. To save you some trouble, here’s our list of recommended awesome affordable eats below $10!

1. Xing Yun Kway Chap

Open only during the weekends (Fri-Sun), a bowl of Kway Chap makes the perfect brunch. The pig’s intestines offered at Xing Yun are braised to perfection where they are tender and flavourful. The kway pairs just as well with other ingredients such as pork belly tau pok and more. For under $10, get ready to enjoy a hearty bowl of kway and all the above-mentioned ingredients!

Do however note that queuing can sometimes take as long as 45 mins and remember to arrive as everything is usually sold before 1pm!

Xing Yun Kway Chap
Address: #01-14 Tampines Round Market & Food Centre, Blk 137 Tampines Street 11, Singapore 521137
Opening Hours: Fri-Sun 8am-1pm

2. 137 Lor Mee Prawn Noodles

If you’re looking for a less dense version of Lor Mee, 137 Lor Mee Prawn Noodles is just the thing. Its stall owners are generous with ingredients which include eggs, a slice of pork belly, wu xiang and fish cake. The best part has to be its fried fish, a side dish that spots a beautiful crispy golden brown. The fish comes in generous portions and remains its crispiness despite being soaked in gravy.

With just $3, you are able to get a bowl of decent Lor Mee. If that’s too small a portion, simply pay a dollar more to fully satisfy your tummy!

137 Lor Mee Prawn Noodles
Address:#01-09 Tampines Round Market & Food Centre, Blk 137 Tampines Street 11, Singapore 521137
Contact: 9365 2219
Opening Hours: Daily 6.30am-3.00pm

3. Teo Kee Mushroom Minced Pork Noodle

How can one resist this mouthwatering bones? At Teo Kee, its pork ribs are braised to perfection – tender, bursting with flavour and melts in your mouth. The stall also uses special egg noodles that are surprisingly chewy. Pair the noodles with some green chilli for that tinge of sourness that blends perfectly with the savoury dish for just $4! So if you’re looking for some tasty pork rib noodles at bargain prices, Teo Kee is the stall to visit.

Teo Kee Mushroom Minced Pork Noodle
Address:#01-09 Tampines Round Market & Food Centre, Blk 137 Tampines Street 11, Singapore 521137
Contact: 9365 2219
Opening Hours: Daily 6.30am-3pm

4. Yummy Sarawak Kolo Mee   

Fancy some Kolo Mee? With Yummy Sarawak Kolo Mee, you no longer have to travel across the causeway for this dish. Here at Tampines Round Market, you can find an equally satisfying rendition of this dish. This dish is dry-tossed with different sauces and must-have ingredients such as minced pork, char siew, vegetables and wontons or sui gao, Kolo Mee is sort of like a luxurious version of Wanton Mee. The difference is that the noodles used for Kolo Mee are made with only egg whites, making them a shade lighter and a tad healthier.

A plate of Kolo Mee costs $3 to $5 whilst a set with additional pork ribs will set you back at $3.50. If you’re in the mood for something different, feel free to try the Chicken Feet Spare Ribs Noodles ($4). The spare ribs are well braised and flavourful!

Yummy Sarawak Kolo Mee
Address:#01-45 Tampines Round Market & Food Centre, Blk 137 Tampines Street 11, S521137
Contact: 9885 5513
Opening Hours: Daily 5am-3pm

5. Chai Chee Pork Porridge

[caption id="attachment_9768" align="alignnone" width="657"] Image credit: Instagram User @tame_bunny[/caption]

The go-to food for any rainy day, Chai Chee Pork Porridge, similar to the above-mentioned Kolo Mee, is also located at Tampines Round Market. With chicken, fish, pork and century egg to choose from, order your favourite porridge at just $3 per bowl! Our favourite combination will have to be the minced pork porridge with century eggs topped with you tiao. Chai Chee Pork Porridge is rumoured to serve the best Cantonese congee in Eastern Singapore where their thick congee is packed full of ingredients.

However, we are unsure of this stall’s opening hours, so do arrive early to avoid disappointment!

Chai Chee Pork Porridge
Address:#01-45 Tampines Round Market & Food Centre, Blk 137 Tampines Street 11, S521137

6. Fu Yuan Minced Pork Noodle

[caption id="attachment_9759" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Image credit: misstamchiak[/caption]

Similar to Tai Hwa Minced Pork Noodle, this stall serves good Bak Chor Mee at just half the price. Located at Tampines Street 21, the owner of Fu Yuan Minced Pork Noodle formerly had, as a young boy, worked as an assistant at Tai Hwa. Now you know why there’s a familiar taste to Fu Yuan’s Bak Chor Mee.

At just $3 per bowl, you get a good mixture of minced pork, liver, pork balls and springy noodles, all tossed in Fu Yuan’s special vinegar-based sauce. If you’re coming for lunch, do note that the stall’s closing time is at 2.30pm and will only reopen for dinner at 5pm.

Fu Yuan Minced Pork Noodle
Address:Blk 201C Tampines Street 21
Contact: 65 6337 2201 (from 5pm)
Opening Hours: 6am-2.30pm; 5pm -8pm, closed every 2 weeks on Wed

7. L32 Handmade Noodles

[caption id="attachment_9765" align="alignnone" width="500"] Image credit: ieatandeat[/caption]

With L32 Handmade Noodles located at the food court of Tampines 1, you no longer have to travel to Geylang Lor 32 to get your Ban Mian fix.

For its soupy version, an egg is cracked into its flavourful soup for a sweet aftertaste. The noodles are thin and chewy whilst the minced pork/chicken is seasoned nicely with the aroma of sesame oil. The dry version is similar to the soup version, but it is slightly tastier due to an additional secret sauce (we have no idea what it is).

Do note that the queue during lunch time is pretty long. For $4.20 per bowl, we’ll say the dish is worth queueing for.

L32 Handmade Noodles
Address: Tampines 1 shopping mall, 10 Tampines Central 1,  #05-05 Kapitans Food court
Opening Hours: Daily 10am-9.30pm

8. Al Mahboob Indian Rojak

[caption id="attachment_9769" align="alignnone" width="750"] Image credit: Yelp[/caption]

With good Indian Rojak getting difficult to find, this stall at Tampines is a blessing to all.

One of the best Indian Rojak stalls in Singapore, Al Mahboob‘s fiery red gravy is made from mashed sweet potatoes and spiked with chilli powder. Select from its wide array of ingredients before dipping them into its lip-smacking gravy! Prices depend on how many items you pick but the cost will definitely be below $10 (unless you pick fifty pieces or something). Besides the Indian Rojak, the other signature dish of this stall has to be its Sup Tulang ($6 for 4 pieces).

Al Mahboob Indian Rojak
Address:Blk 506, Tampines Ave 4, #01-361, S520506 
Opening Hours: 12.30pm-8pm (Closed every alt Wed)

With a great variety of cheap eats at Tampines, remember to bring along an empty stomach when exploring this neighbourhood! Let us know in the comments below if there are more worthy cheap eats in Tampines!

(Header image by Miss Tam Chiak)

Also read: The Ultimate Guide For Supper At Siglap – 6 Places You Can’t Miss

Must Read – 6 Things You Wish You Knew Before Entering University

Coming from someone who’s been there and done that, these 6 tips will spare you those ‘how I wish I knew’ moments when you start your University Life! We’ve spared you the culture shock. You’re very welcome.

1. The rat race doesn’t stop. Be prepared to study.

Graduating from your Polytechnic or Junior College isn’t a get-out-of-jail-card from the books. Be prepared to spend your free time pouring over readings, test banks and notes especially during the oh-so-dreaded Hell Week.

Yes, it’s an official term around campus and yes, it’s very, very appropriate. It hit me the hardest during Week 10 of the semester when I was juggling 3 midterms, 1 project, and 2 presentations. During that time, I spent no less than 10 hours a day at school. Yup, you’ve been warned.

2. You’ll meet ALL kinds of people.

Part-time Bloggers/ Models. Foreign exchange students from Italy or Tasmania. National athletes. Anyone can be sitting next to you in your first seminar. I realised that so many paths lead to University. It’s pretty cool when you meet someone whose life is just so different from yours.

Be sure to swap life stories and don’t miss the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to connect with people from such diverse backgrounds.

3. You’ll be broke. Like, 99% of the time.

Ugh. What’s new? It makes sense when you think about it. Gone are the days when your dear old Fish ball noodles cost $2.50. Because well, subsidised school canteens don’t exist anymore. You’ll find that you eat out more and more often. Giving in to the temptation of savouring a $10+ meal a few times a week becomes a norm.

My advice: eat the main meals at home and spend your pocket money on treats like Starbucks. It’s much more satisfying that way. You also won’t burn (as large) a hole in your savings account. Alternatively, you can look for a part-time job on job portals like Image Credit: Tumblr[/caption]

4. Go. For. Camps.

Yes, I get it. Doing overenthusiastic cheers like 17 times a day isn’t exactly everyone’s cup of tea but camps are seriously important for University. You make a handful of friends and meet really nice seniors who will tell you which professors to avoid. You’ll also get advice on the best study and hangout spots around campus.

Trust me when I say it’s always nice to see familiar faces around lecture halls, tutorials or seminars.

5. Universities are huge. Try not to get lost.

Attend the open houses and familiarise yourself with your campus. Ask for directions from seniors or if you’re desperate, friendly aunties or security guards. Better yet, download an online map at least for your first week. Universities are simply gigantic compared to the campuses you’ve been used to.

It’s no fun getting lost when you’ve got a class in 10 minutes at the other end of school.

6. You’re going to have a great time

This I say for sure, is true. University is when you’re basically handed free reign to live your own life. There are a million student groups to join and your schedule is in your hands. You meet lots of new people and gain lots of new experiences.

I won’t be that cliché writer who tells you that ‘University is going to be the best time of your life’. But I sure as hell will tell you that it’s pretty fun. The highs and the lows in University are part and parcel of life itself, and you’ll realise how time flies by so savor each moment while you still can.

All the best, Freshie!

From your well wishing senior.

If you’ll be in NTU, 12 Peculiar Things Only NTU Students Will Nod Silently In Agreement

Also, read The Comprehensive 2016 Guide To Student Discounts In Singapore!

(Header image credit: kinfolk.com)

Mumsy Or Wifey? 25 Things All Married People Know To Be True

The vows have been written and wedding gown returned. Everything returns to normalcy and you’re starting to get a little worried about what’s going to happen after the honeymoon ends. How much will a couple change after tying the knot? Or will there be any changes at all?

We may be no marriage experts, but some of us have been dating for so long we’re basically married, so that counts for something, right? Whether you’re newly weds or couples in a long relationship, below are 25 behaviours you’re likely to be more than familiar with.

1. Total Lack of Privacy

You guys have actually made a couple of big decisions whilst in the shower and know the passwords to each other’s social media accounts. Privacy? Please.

2. Dealing with Money Woes

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="550"] Source:

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="530"] Source: Now that you’re married, wifey’s gonna show who’s the real boss. Just kidding. Hand over all your finances and you’ll be fine. Trust us.

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="500"] Source: Whether it is leaving dishes in the sink or making savoury French Toast instead of sweet, you’ll learn something new about your partner now that you’re living together. Sometimes you’ll even feel like you’re married to a stranger. This leads us to…

5. Stories About People Murdered By Their Spouses Are Starting To Feel Real

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="480"] Source:

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="500"] Source: Not only do you accept them, you find their quirkiness adorable. And you love them just a little more for being themselves.

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="403"] Source: Pinterest[/caption]

You fear for your entire marriage, especially after your first major argument. “What if he/she decides to get a divorce? What about our future?” Though these thoughts may be normal (and kind of sweet), it’s the making up that is important.

8. … Before Realising How Common Bickering Is

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="500"] Source: “Honey, I might have bought another bike.” If that fails to set her off, we’re pretty sure she’s got a pair of Louboutin hiding somewhere.

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Image source: Sure, you may love and respect them (to a certain degree) but sometimes, it’s hard to agree with everything they say or do. To compromise or not to compromise, that is always the question.

11. Mumsy or Wifey?

“If your mum and I fall into the ocean at the same time, who would you rescue first?” Ahh yes, the famous question. Well, we say best to just send them both for swimming lessons. There. Problem solved. But assuming you’re living with the wife and she’s your partner in crime, we’re pretty sure mumsy will understand if you take her stand every now and then.

12. Making A Big Deal of Your First Anniversary

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="500"] Source:

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="480"] source: Also known as the source of 70% of your arguments, we’re sorry to say that we’ve yet to find a solution for this one. Read our articles for dinner ideas maybe?

14. Slowing Down Your Activities On Social Media

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="408"] Source: Your single friends give up trying to get you out of the house whilst your married friends are busy with their own lives. The photos on Instagram may look great, but hey, snuggling under the blankets with Netflix can be fun too.

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="500"] Source: Sure, you still put in the effort to dress up for special occasions or date nights but on most days, comfort is key. Besides, the wife donning only a sports t-shirt can be sexy too.

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="630"] Source: Gym? Ain’t nobody has time pho that! Since you no longer need to impress the wife, working out can be a harder commitment than marriage. On the bright side, 17. Making The Other Happy

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="1000"] Source: Etsy[/caption]

From romantic dinners to planning a surprise vacation, you’d  still go the extra mile (in your sweat pants) to make your partner smile. Whoever said getting married means slacking off in the relationship has a lot to learn.

18. Netflix and Chill Becomes An Integral Part of the Relationship

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="350"] Source: The default question everyone asks at gatherings and occasions will be “how’s marriage?”.  If you’re lucky, they’ll stop at that question but some won’t stop until you give them some juicy gossip. So let your creativity run or you know, always have a set of standard answers in your pockets.

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="500"] Source: The question almost every couple hates, you’ll answer them with a smile on your face but roll your eyes as soon as their backs are turned

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="350"] Source: You’re both not sure if you’re ready for a baby so maybe a pet first? If you can’t even find the time of day to walk your dog, you may then want to delay parenthood for just a little while longer.

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="2714"] Source: Doesn’t really matter if you guys are ready, but parenthood will be something you and your spouse will be talking about. A lot. You’ll find yourselves reading parenting sites and looking at potential baby names instead of catching up on the latest online gossip.

22.  Discovering How Everyone Is A Baby Expert

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="2716"] Source:

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="550"] source: Somedays it gets tough. How could he do that and why she gotta be so rude? Doesn’t she know you’re human too?

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="500"] Source: Yes, married life may not be easy but it’s not never entirely bad! How awesome is it to have someone always there for you, to share your joys and sorrows?

Also read: You’ve Surely Gone Through These 10 Mind-Boggling Thoughts If You Have A Pet

A Malaysian’s Unbiased Opinions Towards Singapore Food

In my opinion, the perennial debate over whether Malaysia or Singapore has better food is something that need not exist. Having lived in both countries and tasted food at every level, it is hard to say whose food is better.

Just like everything out there, both have its strengths. While I personally believe Malaysia probably fares slightly better for hawker food in general, I believe Singapore easily overtakes Malaysia for speciality dishes such as the chilli crab and chicken rice.

Red House Seafood

When I was down in Singapore for two weeks, I got to try
The dish is only made more memorable after the crabs have been finished and all that is left is to dip the fried mantou into the sinfully good sauce. Not a single drop should be wasted.