Location: Sentosa

We Want S’more Marshmello After That Imposter – He’s Set To Spin For Real At Zoukout 2017

Zoukout 2017‘s first headliners are out! Aussie DJ Flume and Marshmello will be headlining this year’s beach party, which will be happening on 8 and 9 December.

Zoukout is like every Singaporean clubber’s rite of passage, and for a long time, had been many Singaporeans’ only option for a rave. Of course Ultra Singapore looks set to be a permanent fixture on the festival circuit, but you won’t be able to get  a beach rave experience at Ultra Singapore!

Marshmello was just here last year, causing a huge commotion when he allegedly turned up at Zouk on 10 September 2016 after his set at Ultra Singapore 2016 despite being scheduled to spin at Ce La Vi afterparty. Turns out, it was a guest wearing Marshmello’s trademark helmet!

This time, the real Marshmello will be at Zoukout, alongside Flume, who has just won a Grammy for his album, Skin, this year. It’s going to be a blast with these DJs bringing their explosive live sets to Zoukout for the first time ever.

Here is last year’s recap video, just to give you a glimpse of what to expect!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UY5LIWIvxk0

Early bird tickets can be purchased on Also read This Year’s Halloween Horror Nights Brings Your L4D Fantasies To Life And Lets You Shoot Zombies

Live Your Worst Nightmare At HHN’s Sleepover, Where The Haunting Lasts 2 Nights Straight

The Conjuring, The Shining, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre – if these horror flicks are among your favourite films, and if you’ve always wondered if you’d be able to survive a real life haunted house situation, here’s an experience that comes pretty darn close.

Universal Studios Singapore will be hosting a super exclusive 2 night overnight stay at the most haunted parts of the Halloween Horror Nights 7 arena. A prelude to the most anticipated scare-fest in Singapore, only two very lucky – or unlucky – people will be picked to be a part of this USS first.

[caption id="attachment_29033" align="alignnone" width="1436"] Image Credit: online or at Universal Studios Singapore ticket booths!

Also read This Year’s Halloween Horror Nights Brings Your L4D Fantasies To Life And Lets You Shoot Zombies

(Header Image Source: SG Asia City)

The Color Run Goes Nocturnal, And Turns Into The Happiest 5K UV Party On The Planet

Most, if not all of us have heard of The Color Run.

An event that sees runners sprayed a host of bright colors – and that makes for amazing photos afterwards – The Color Run will be back again this year on 23 September, and will be happening at Palawan Green in Sentosa.

This year, it’ll be doing something a little different – it’s holding The Happiest 5k On The Planet at night.

The Color Run
Venue: Sentosa Beach Station, Palawan Green
Date: 23 Sept
Time: 1st wave flag off: 7pm; second wave flag off: 8pm
Admission:  Kids: $35 | Regular Color Runner: $70 | Deluxe Color Runner: $98 | Family Color Runners (2 adults + 2 kids): $175
This Glow-In-The-Dark Path In Singapore Will Make You Feel Like You’re Walking On Stars

(Header Image Source:

I Pretended To Be A Kid And Got An Insider Look At KidZania – Here’s What I Found Out

Have you ever wondered or fantasized about what life would be like if you were in a different career?

Well, I do it all the time. What if I was a policewoman? What if I worked at an ice cream factory? Having always been curious about what people in other careers did, I decided to give them a try at KidZania Singapore!

For those of you who haven’t heard of KidZania Singapore, it is an interactive indoor theme park that brings together inspiration, fun and learning through realistic role-play. Located at Sentosa, think of it as a kid-sized world that for the most part functions true to life. Think buildings, streets, vehicles and even a working economy!

Through exploring this 81,000 square feet space, and “working” like productive citizens of a society, children learn about different careers while gaining some understanding of how the world works. After all, you’re never too young to learn these things!

Here, there are more than 65 role play activities and over 40 establishments you’ll recognize from the real world including Esso, Mount Elizabeth Hospital, Lim Chee Guan, and more! The people at KidZania Singapore have already done the math – you’ll need 5 full days to complete every activity in KidZania Singapore!

While the theme park is designed for kids aged 4 to 17, that didn’t stop 25 year old me from crashing the fun.

Entering the park, I was blown away by this kid-sized city I never knew existed.

Trying Out Other Careers

1. Being An Armored Guard

The first job I tried was being an armored guard.

I wore my vest like the rest of the kids and was told to transport money to 2 different locations – Nanyang Optical and 7-11. I was given a clipboard which flipped over to reveal a map of the KidZania Singapore grounds. My locations were marked ‘1’ and ‘2’.

I was instructed to do 3 things once I got to each of them: say ‘kai!’ (KidZania Singapore has its own language!) when I met the person-in-charge, say that I’ve come to deliver money, and ask them to sign on my clipboard to indicate that they’ve received it.

With 2 (tiny) bags of money in my vault, and a clipboard in hand, I felt quite official – probably what the kids here feel too. I didn’t have much trouble finding my way to where I needed to go, but I did get plenty of weird looks from adults because clearly, I am too old to be doing this.

In exchange for my efforts, I got some kidZos – the currency in KidZania Singapore. For every job you do, you earn kidZos. Here’s a fun fact I found out: as with the real world, some jobs pay better than other. Working as a surgeon, for example, will give you one of the most kidZos in KidZania Singapore!

Like real currency, you can use your kidZos to buy things to take home. You can even use your kidZos to get a college degree, which will let you earn more kidZos when you work subsequently! Talk about realistic!

2. Being A Mountaineer

Another job I got the chance to try was being a mountaineer.

My agenda was simply to finish the high element course – easy peasy, or so I thought.

After one of the Zupervisors put me into my harness, I was ready to go.

While it seemed like a good idea at first, I quickly regretted my decision once I found myself on higher ground with nothing but a rope before me. Still, the Zupervisors at the station gave me very specific instructions on how to complete each challenge e.g hold on to the zaza (the KidZania Singapore term for ‘carabiner’), lean forward, do this, do that. I trusted them, and I was alright.

The harness and carabiner system used is extremely safe. Essentially, the entire course comes with ‘railings’, whether it’s the railings of the stairs or the supporting ropes that come with the various challenges. These ropes and stair railings are all linked such that you can drag your zaza through all of them, as you move through the course. You move your zaza with you as you go, and it serves as a failsafe in case you fall!

Initially, I was afraid to tackle each challenge, especially given the knowledge that this was designed for kids a fraction of my weight and height. After being assured multiple times that no kids have ever fallen from this course, I finally manned up and finished it.

Behind The Scenes

After getting a chance to play like a kid at KidZania Singapore, I got to take a look behind the scenes to understand the hard work that goes into running this city for kids. I quickly learnt that there was a lot that underpins this huge operation, and that there are plenty of neat technologies in place to aid the operation.

Tech In Security

Running an operation for kids comes with unique challenges – specifically, safety.

At peak periods (e.g school holidays) KidZania Singapore accommodates up to 1,500 people. Also, at KidZania Singapore, children are treated like adults and explore the world independently of their parents, which makes having good security measures in place even more necessary, both for the safety of the child and the peace of mind of parents.

One key security feature is the security bracelet kids are given at the airport (read: entrance) prior to entering KidZania Singapore. This contains key information about the child, including the child’s name, age, gender and their accompanying adults’ name. If a child runs out of KidZania Singapore on their own, the sensors will have their details reflected on the system so security staff can immediately track down the child.

Also, as an additional precaution against children leaving KidZania Singapore unsupervised, there is only 1 entrance (the airport) and 1 exit (the immigration office) to KidZania Singapore, excluding emergency exits.

Tech In Human Resource

Another snazzy piece of tech that helps KidZania Singapore manage their 300-strong staff – including interns, part-time and full-time staff – is the Smart Board.

Think of it as a huge iPad. It lets you surf the net, draw, save your ideas, and email them to all involved with the mere touch of a button.

This Smart Board comes in especially handy when it comes to remote training. People overseas or at home can dial in through Skype to view whatever is going on on-screen live. Given the large staff size at KidZania Singapore, this allows more people to undergo training at once, doing away with the need to hold multiple sessions or fly abroad for meetings.

Another feature that helps with the management of such a large group of staff is KidZania Singapore’s automated Human Resource (HR) system. Staff tap their staff pass on the machine to clock in, and their picture will also be taken and recorded by the system.

This system is integrated with the payroll system such that the entire process, from when staff clock in to work to when staff receive their pay, is seamless and almost fully automated.

Tech In Logistics

Finally, and perhaps the most interesting way tech is being integrated into KidZania Singapore’s operation is the RFID tagging of uniforms.

There are over 2000 uniforms to keep track of at KidZania Singapore, spread across all the roles Zupervisors play in KidZania Singapore. Some of these uniforms are linked to certain establishments, some are for performances, some are assigned to full-timers, and some are shared by different staff members.

This Radio Frequency Identification Device (RFID) tagging is an ID system that helps with identification and tracking of the uniforms by using small radio frequency identification devices. These tags are inserted into most of the uniforms.

When a Zupervisor takes their uniform out of storage, they tap the RFID tag against a reader at the uniform storage room to ‘check out’ their uniform. When they return it, they tap it again and an app called “Follow Suit” keeps track of who has taken or returned the uniform. Aside from this, a third party contractor washes all the uniforms at KidZania Singapore, and these washes are also tracked by the system.

This straightforward system provides a fast and effective way for the people in charge to track where a uniform is, as well as the activity of a uniform to see if it is due for a wash, needs to be replaced, has gone missing, etc.

Automation Serves Both Businesses And Employees

Several of the technological implementations, including the RFID tagging, the Smart Board and integrated HR and payroll system was funded by Employment and Employability Institute’s (e2i) Inclusive Growth Programme (IGP).

The funding dispersed to KidZania Singapore was meant to help automate manual processes and increase productivity. Because the grant is tied to a firm commitment on the company’s part to pass on these productivity gains in the form of salary increments, both full-time and part-time staff at KidZania Singapore were able to get pay increments.

Because some of the more manual tasks have been automated, KidZania Singapore is better able to cope with the challenges of management of staff and uniforms, so staff can focus their attention and energy towards a more important job – delivering the KidZania Singapore experience to children.

HR Best Practices

KidZania Singapore’s partnership with e2i did not stop at productivity funding through IGP. KidZania Singapore has partnered e2i to hold two mass recruitment fairs and collaborated on a 10-week Place-and-Train programme to train newcomers to take up leadership roles. KidZania Singapore is also very open to hiring mature workers, back-to-work women and fresh graduates without working experience, as long as they have a positive attitude.

Such inclusive workplace practices are certainly of merit and KidZania Singapore was recently given an award at the National Trades Union Congress’ (NTUC) May Day Awards 2017 under the Future Growth, Jobs and Skills category, honouring partners who advance the interests of working people in Singapore.

Fun Times At KidZania Singapore

I had so much fun experiencing KidZania Singapore and learning more about the inner workings of this amazing world. I loved how realistic everything was, down to the tiniest detail, and also, the energy and excitement of the people who work here, making KidZania Singapore what it is.

If a place like this can ignite such wonder and amazement in a 20-something year old like me, what more a young child!

If you haven’t been to KidZania Singapore already, make a date with this world with your nieces, nephews or your own kids! Explore the world of possibilities with them. You never know what you might ignite in them during your time there!

What’s more, they even have an adults-only event titled Back-to-Kidz for adults just like myself to relive our childhood aspirations, and job hop as we please! The next run is scheduled for 4 August 2017, and tickets are on sale at Website

NTUC members get a 20% off return voucher, details here.

This article is written in collaboration with the Labour Movement to encourage good HR practices.

Here’s How You Can Be One Of The First To Jump Off Singapore’s First Bungee Tower

Always wanted to try bungee jumping? Soon, you won’t have to fly overseas to do it!

AJ Hackett, the company that popularised the extreme sport of bungee jumping, will be making its official debut here in Singapore this August.

A 2,500sq m adventure playground in Sentosa, AJ Hackett Sentosa is guaranteed to give you a heart-stoppingly good time.

AJ Hackett Sentosa 

AJ Hackett, the man the company is named after, is no stranger when it comes to extreme sports. Not only did he set up the world’s first commercial public bungee in Queenstown, New Zealand, he also bungee jumped off the Eiffel Tower!

The company which was established in 1988 now has adventure playgrounds all over the world, with spots in France, Russia and China.

Not For The Faint Of Heart

Featuring a 47m high bungee tower ($125), adrenaline junkies can leap off the tower and dip their heads and torsos in a 3.5m pool of water waiting at the bottom.

Looking for something more relaxing? Opt for the Vertical Skywalk ($110) and Skybridge ($10), where you’ll get to enjoy the breathtaking views Sentosa has to offer at your own leisurely pace.

Don’t want to take your thrills alone? The Giant Swings ($125) will have you swinging high above the treetops at 100km/h with two other friends.

AJ Hackett Pre-Opening Online Auction 

Can’t wait till August to have a go at the bungee tower?

Be one of the first few to hop off AJ Hackett Sentosa’s Bungee Tower! AJ Hackett is holding a pre-opening online auction from 27 May to 30 July, where you adrenaline junkies can put down your bids to be the first.

All of AJ Hackett Sentosa’s activities are up for auction, so take your pick and bid away!

Also read Because Skydiving Is Expensive AF, iFly Singapore Lets You Enjoy The Flight Without Feeling The Burn

(Top Image Credit: Macau Tower)

The Team Behind OverEasy Is Hosting A Festival – Expect A Riverdale-Themed Party And Food Fights!

The Lo & Behold group is no stranger when it comes to decadent foods and extravagant parties.

A Singapore-based hospitality group, Lo & Behold runs a slew of esteemed establishments. From beach-goer favourite Tanjong Beach Club to swanky The Warehouse Hotel, Lo & Behold truly knows the way to our hearts.

Next month, Lo & Behold is throwing a month-long festival to show us Singaporeans how to party with class, style and panache. Happening 29 May – 25 June, Lo & Behold will be hosting specially curated shindigs at 7 of their establishments.

Lo & Behold Festival 

Looking for a party that will have you feeling like Grace Kelly or Audrey Hepburn?

You’re in luck. Lo & Behold will be pulling out all the stops for its Electroball: The Golden Age of Hollywood. Happening at swanky bistro-cum-bar The Black Swan, this 1930s-inspired get-together is spread over three floors. Get ready to rub shoulders with party guests dressed to the nines as you immerse yourself in electric jazz and cirque coquetry.

A definite ‘do not miss’ for party-goers looking for an event worth every penny.

Electroball: The Golden Age of Hollywood
Where: The Black Swan
When: 10 June, 7pm – 10pm

Keen to work on that tan while indulging in tasty eats? Tanjong Beach Club is serving up an All You Can Eat Bottomless Brunch. Dig into plates stacked high with breakfast favourites as you soak in the sun, salt and sand!

All You Can Eat – Bottomless Brunch 
Where: Tanjong Beach Club
When: 17 June, 11.30am

With a slew of curated events for every kind of partygoer in the month of June, there’s bound to be something that will tickle your fancy!

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

This Digital Playground Has No Slides Or Swings, But 5 Virtual Worlds To Lose Yourself In

It’s probably safe to say that we’ve come to a point where technology lets us do amazing things we never thought was possible.

MOSH! (Moshi) is definitely proof of that. The first interactive digital family edutainment park in Singapore, it makes use of technology to redefine our idea of play. 

[caption id="attachment_25983" align="aligncenter" width="5120"] Image Credit: This is an almost magical twist on the classic paper planes we all played with as children. 

[caption id="attachment_25978" align="aligncenter" width="1100"] Image Credit: Maybe you’ve been to the S.E.A. Aquarium.

[caption id="attachment_26034" align="aligncenter" width="570"] Image Credit: Ever wanted make your own fireworks display?

[caption id="attachment_25977" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Image Credit: Leave the real world behind in this cute land of the MOSH!cots. 

[caption id="attachment_25982" align="aligncenter" width="1100"] Image Credit: You’ll probably be tired after a day of play, so drop by the cafe for a yummy boost!

[caption id="attachment_25979" align="aligncenter" width="2591"] Image Credit: Palawan Kidz City Sentosa, 31 Beach View, #03-01, Singapore 098008
Opening Hours: 10 AM – 9 PM, Last Admission: 8 PM
Admission: Child (age 3 – 12 Years): $22, Adult: $28, Senior Citizen (age 55 years and above): $20, Family Bundle (Admits 1 Adult, 1 Child): $48
Contact no.: 6238 8296
Newly Opened LuLu’s Lounge Brings The 60s’ New York Back Alley Club To Singapore’s Nightlife Scene

10 Must-Try Events And Eats For An Out Of This World May [1-15 May]

It’s the start of a new month!

That means a whole new wave of fresh events, food havens and shopping spots to drop in on.

There are rad runs for the fitness junkies, movies by the beach for those who just want to chill, and affordable new restaurants that have sprung up to excite the foodie in all of us.

Here’s a checklist of 10 fun, exciting activities for a marvelous start to May!

Play & Discover

1. Star Wars Festival

Star Wars fans rejoice!

Come May the 4th, Gardens by the Bay will come alive with Star Wars themed highlights, transporting you to a galaxy far, far away.

Star Wars Festival
Where: Gardens By The Bay, 18 Marina Gardens Drive Singapore 018953
When: 4 May – 6 May
Time: 3.00pm – 11.00pm
Contact no.: 6420 6848
“The Dark side, and the Light. Choose Your Side. Run. It is your Destiny.”

Another event happening in conjunction with Star Wars Day is the intense and epic Star Wars Run!

[caption id="attachment_25502" align="aligncenter" width="1280"] Image Credit: Culture Trip[/caption]

The race pack itself is pretty sick, including a themed drawstring bag, t-shirt, towel, and Yoda or Darth Vader plush toy, depending on which side you’ve pledged your allegiance to.

Join the ever first Star Wars Run in Singapore with fellow fans and family, and look forward to a night dedicated to all things Star Wars.

Whichever side you’re on… May the Force be with you!

Star Wars Run
Where: Bayfront Event Space (Open tarmac space beside Marina Bay Sands Expo and Convention Centre), 12A Bayfront Avenue, Singapore 018940
When: 6 May
Time: 10km Competitive Run at 7pm; 4.5km Non-Competitive Run at 8pm
Contact no.: 9773 7734
Sunset Cinema

Celebrate the best things about living in the tropics at Sunset Cinema, the newest open-air cinema event at Singapore’s beautiful Tanjong beach.

[caption id="attachment_24229" align="aligncenter" width="930"] Image Credit: Sunset Cinema[/caption]

Think award-winning new film releases, tropical beach sunsets, DJs, bars, food stalls, and deck chairs. Knockout film features include ‘Jackie’, starring Natalie Portman, and ‘Lion’, a movie starring Dev Patel that’s based on true events.

Head over for the perfect way to relax with friends, and experience the beautiful tropical evenings of Singapore like you’ve never done before.

Many of the tickets have already been snapped up, so gather your friends now and get your tickets ASAP!

Sunset Cinema by Peroni
Where: 120 Tanjong Beach Walk, Sentosa Singapore 098942
When: 5 May – 14 May
Website

4. The Music Run

Come May, AIA will be bringing the beat to Singapore with The Music Run, the world’s loudest 5km running course.

[caption id="attachment_25508" align="aligncenter" width="5520"] Image Credit: Sentosa Island
When: 6 May
Time: 5.00pm
Singapore Heritage Festival

This is something a true, blue Singaporean won’t want to miss.

Explore the nooks and crannies of our island home at Singapore Heritage Festival 2017!

[caption id="attachment_25501" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Image Credit: Highlights include ‘Video DJ: Pop Rules’, a dance party at the old Caldecott Broadcast Centre, proving history doesn’t have to be boring. 

You’ll also get the rare opportunity to check out normally inaccessible places, such as Bukit Pasoh.

So come on down and uncover the untold stories of Singapore’s shared spaces and way of life!

Singapore Heritage Festival
Where: All around Singapore
When: 28 April – 14 May
Contact no.: 6701 1232
Heads up, Mother’s Day is just around the corner.

And what better way to celebrate the most important woman in your life than by attending a lovely outdoor concert together?

[caption id="attachment_25500" align="aligncenter" width="1200"] Image Credit: ‘s Mother’s Day Concert will be held among the lush greenery of the Singapore Botanic Gardens.

If you have fond memories of going on picnics with Mum as a child, this is the perfect way to relive those memories.

The delightful repertoire includes excerpts from Mozart’s Clarinet Concerto, Tchaikovsky’s Fourth and Sixth Symphonies, and Massenet’s beautiful “Méditation” from Thaïs.

A limited number of Mother’s Day gifts will also be given out, so drop by the SSO booth with Mum to get your hands on it!

SSO Mother’s Day Concert
Where: Shaw Foundation Symphony Stage, Singapore Botanic Gardens, 1 Cluny Road Singapore 259569
When: 14 May
Time: 6.00pm
Admission: Free
Website

Eat

7. Brine

If you’ve been to The Laneway Market, you’ll be excited to know that its sister restaurant has just opened!

Brine aims to deliver unique restaurant-level fare at down to earth prices.

[caption id="attachment_25509" align="aligncenter" width="1280"] Image Credit: Brine[/caption]

You’ll be pleasantly surprised to find different flavour pairings in all the dishes at this chill, casual eatery.

Quirky creations include The Crunch, a dish with soft-poached egg, puffed rice, marble potatoes, truffle mushroom pate, and ebiko, as well as the battered John Dory burger with homemade tartar and tomato basil concasse.

We know where we’ll be booking our next lunch appointment!

Brine
Where: 775 North Bridge Rd, Singapore 198743
Opening Hours: Everyday except Monday. Lunch: 12.00pm – 3.00pm, Dinner: 6.00pm – 10.00pm
Contact no.: 8748 0788
Facebook

8. The Masses

“Contemporary, happy food” is what this resto serves.

The Masses stays true to its word by using fresh, seasonal produce and allowing recipes to be simple, yet dynamic.

[caption id="attachment_25648" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Image Credit: Burpple[/caption]

If you’re familiar with the affordable French food chain, Saveur, you’ll be delighted to know that The Masses is opened by the same owner!

You’ll find familiar dishes on the menu, such as the crab and caviar angel hair pasta. Must-tries are the deep fried camembert dessert, 12-hour braised short ribs, and The Egg–a silky egg custard served with spoonfuls of salmon roe and flying fish roe, alongside crispy house chips and hazelnut butter.

Most of the dishes are priced below $20, making it truly quality restaurant fare at affordable prices.

The Masses
Where: 85 Beach Rd, Singapore 189694
Opening  Hours: Mon, Tues & Thurs 12.00pm – 9.30pm; Wed, Fri & Sat 12.00pm – 12.00am; Sun 12.00pm – 9:00pm
Contact no.: 6266 0061
Facebook

9. Salmon Samurai

Salmon lovers rejoice!

Newly opened Salmon Samurai is set to serve salmon in all its delicious forms.

[caption id="attachment_25510" align="aligncenter" width="2048"] Image Credit: Salmon Samurai[/caption]

Maki, sashimi, donburi… the list goes on.

If salmon dishes are your go-to, you must pay a visit to this salmon specialist.

The casual eatery offers a host of salmon-centric dishes, including the omega donburi, salmon mentaiko udon, and the hearty garlic shoyu salmon with runny onsen egg.

Salmon Samurai
Where: 100 Tras Street, Singapore 079027
Opening Hours: Weekdays: 11.00am – 8.00pm; Weekends: 12.00pm – 6.00pm
Contact no.: 6543 6823
Website

Shop

10. Makers Fashion Bazaar

Makers Singapore isn’t just any ordinary arts retail store.

What’s unique about it is it features handmade and designed goods that you can’t find anywhere else.

[caption id="attachment_25504" align="aligncenter" width="950"] Image Credit: Tech In Singapore[/caption]

With a focus on fashion entrepreneurship and arts & crafts, you’ll find products made through hours of love and effort.

Some of the unique wares you can expect at this bazaar include pet products, journals made from vintage children’s books, fudge, handmade baby quilts, cool garments, flavored handcrafted soap, all kinds of jewelry, and many many more.

Come on down to show your support for a generation of local creative talents!

Makers Fashion Bazaar
Where: 18 Tai Seng Shopping Mall
When: 1 May – 7 May
Time: 11.00am to 8.00pm
Contact no.: 8828 1989
Website

We can’t wait to drop in on these exciting events, and chow down at these delicious food spots!

With Mother’s Day falling on 14 May, why not take the chance to spend some quality time with Mother dearest at these events?

Also, read 2017 Is The Year Of Star Wars – Singapore Has Its First Star Wars Festival And Everyone Is Invited