National Water Agency PUB and Sembcorp Floating Solar Singapore, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sembcorp Industries (Sembcorp), are pleased to announce the commencement of construction of the 60 megawatt-peak (MWp) floating solar photovoltaic (PV) system on Tengeh Reservoir. This marks a significant milestone in building one of the world’s largest inland floating solar PV systems, which not only helps to reduce dependency on fossil fuels and thus carbon emissions, but also builds national climate resilience for a more sustainable future.
Solar energy is Singapore’s most viable renewable energy source, but large-scale deployment of solar panels is challenging due to its dense urban landscape and limited land. Beyond rooftops and vertical spaces, PUB’s large expanse of water bodies and reservoirs can now serve the dual purpose of water catchment and electricity generation. This follows positive trial outcomes and extensive environmental studies which show that floating solar panels have minimal impact on the reservoir’s water quality and biodiversity.
This large-scale Floating Solar PV System at Tengeh – the first of its kind in the region – will enable Singapore to be one of the few countries in the world to integrate green technology with water treatment. When the project begins full commercial operations next year, the amount of clean energy generated will be sufficient to power PUB’s local water treatment plants, offsetting 7% of PUB’s annual energy needs.
Bringing farming closer to us; The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) has launched nine sites at the rooftops of Housing & Development Board (HDB) multi-storey carparks (MSCP) for rental by public tender. The sites shall be used to farm vegetables and other food crops, as well as for other related purposes, such as the packing/storage of produce. Some of you may soon get to enjoy lush views of locally-grown veggies from your HDB flats!
Availing more spaces in land-constrained Singapore for commercial farming, including alternative spaces like HDB MSCP rooftops, is one of the strategies SFA hasbeen undertaking to achieve Singapore’s “30 by 30” goal, which is to produce 30% of our nutritional needs locally by 2030. The move is also in line with HDB’s Green Towns Programme to intensify greening in HDB estates.
“We are heartened by the growing interest from both the industry and the public towards urban farming in community spaces, following the launch of our pilot MSCP rooftop farm, Citiponics, in Ang Mo Kio last year,” said Mr Melvin Chow, Senior Directorof SFA’s Food Supply Resilience Division. “Residents in the area have been able toenjoy fresh produce from the farm at nearby supermarkets, and can witness first-hand the hard work involved in bringing our food from farm-to-fork. We hope that consumers will continue to show their appreciation for our local farms by buying their produce.”
The newly-opened Oshino at Raffles Arcade is helmed by Master Chef Koichiro Oshino of Michelin-starred omakase restaurant Shinji by Kanesaka - a post he held for almost a decade at both Raffles Hotel and Carlton Hotel.
Classic Edomae sushi embodies the spirit of Japanese washoku cuisine, capturing the essence of nature and its ever-changing seasons.
As a culinary artisan, Chef Oshino’s personal philosophy reflects his deep appreciation for the poignant beauty of a transient moment and is the main inspiration behind the food that he serves.
As his guests, to step into the restaurant is to enter the deep stillness of the present for the dining experience of a lifetime.
Sembcorp Industries (Sembcorp) made an announcement that it has, through its wholly-owned subsidiary Sembcorp Solar Singapore, been named as the preferred bidder to build a 60 megawatt-peak (MWp) floating solar photovoltaic (PV) system on Tengeh Reservoir. When completed in 2021, it will be one of the world’s largest single floating solar PV systems.
When completed in 2021, the solar farm could generate enough energy to power around 16,000 four-room HDB flats, and is expected to reduce carbon emissions by around 32 kilotonnes per year, or the equivalent of removing 7,000 cars off Singapore's roads.
With this project, Sembcorp will be one of the largest renewable energy players in Singapore with approximately 240MWp of solar capacity in the country. Moving ahead with the development of a floating solar farm underscores Sembcorp’s commitment to support Singapore’s move towards achieving its new solar target of at least 2 gigawatt-peak (GWp) by 2030.
Sembcorp Solar Singapore will proceed to execute the requisite project agreements, and work towards satisfaction of the conditions precedents set out in PUB’s request for proposal.
Climate change is anticipated to worsen the spread of mosquito-borne diseases like dengue. It facilitates the spread of mosquito vectors, viruses and epidemics. There is thus a need to continually innovate and design sustainable solutions to deal with these environmental public health challenges. Singapore’s National Environment Agency (NEA) has established a new, highly automated facility that will allow researchers to eventually increase their production capacity of Wolbachia-carrying Aedes aegypti mosquitoes by more than 10-fold, compared to its previous production facility.
This boost in capacity is critical for NEA’s plans to scale up Project Wolbachia – Singapore, in preparation for future deployment of the novel vector control technology. The new facility, located at Techplace II in Ang Mo Kio, was officially opened on 2 December 2019 by Dr. Amy Khor, Senior Minister of State, Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources (MEWR).
NEA’s Project Wolbachia involves the release of male Wolbachia-Aedes aegypti mosquitoes to suppress the urban Aedes aegypti mosquito population. Aedes aegypti is the primary vector of dengue, chikungunya and Zika in Singapore. When the released male Wolbachia-Aedes aegypti mosquitoes mate with urban female Aedes aegyptimosquitoes that do not carry Wolbachia, the resulting eggs do not hatch. Over time, continued releases of male Wolbachia-Aedes aegypti mosquitoes are expected to bring about a gradual reduction in the urban Aedes aegypti mosquito population, and hence lower the risk of dengue transmission. Read more about this project here.
Previously projected as The Mandai Eco-Link, the upccoming Mandai Wildlife Bridge is part of Mandai Park Holdings' (MPH's) rejuvenation project and is the first of their features to be completed.
In December, the Mandai Wildlife Bridge will be ready and will facilitate safe crossings for local wildlife linking two parts of the Central Catchment Nature Reserve. An important component of the new nature and wildlife destination being developed at Mandai, this bridge is part of a larger plan to facilitate habitat connectivity for wildlife within the precinct and its surroundings. Construction of the bridge began in June 2017.
The Mandai rejuvenation project, driven by Mandai Park Holdings (MPH), involves the development of two new wildlife parks - a Rainforest Park and the new Bird Park, a nature-themed indoor attraction, accommodation offerings and public green spaces. These will join the existing Singapore Zoo, Night Safari and River Safari to form a new integrated nature and wildlife destination at Mandai.
Slated to be a showcase of environmental sustainability when completed in 2021, Pan Pacific Orchard is Pacific Hotels Group’s first zero-waste hotel with four levels of soaring gardens that will redefine vertical sky-rise typology. The hotel is ideally located along Singapore’s famed Orchard Road with its distinctive luxury brands, high street shopping and dining options right at the doorstep, and the central business district just a 10-minute drive away.
Amongst other innovative elements, Pan Pacific Orchard will feature a rainwater harvesting system, a recyclable water system, and a compactor that turns food waste into compost – which will then be channelled into fertiliser for its sky gardens.
Offering 350 eco-friendly rooms, the latest sustainable hotel to debut in Asia comes complete with a gym, swimming pool, bars and restaurants, a club lounge, and a sky terrace ensconced within its gardens and cascading greenery.
The Gallop Extension is an 8-hectare addition to the Singapore Botanic Gardens. It is located next to the Learning Forest and can be accessed via Tyersall Avenue.
Framed by landscapes composed of native plants and forests, the Gallop Extension contributes to the Gardens’ rich heritage and its role in research, conservation, education and recreation. As a natural extension of the Gardens’ nature area, which covers the Rain Forest and the Learning Forest, the Gallop Extension enables visitors to learn about forest ecology and the significance of conservation.
The Mingxin Foundation Rambler’s Ridge and OCBC Arboretum at the Singapore Botanic Gardens’ Gallop Extension are now open!
The Mingxin Foundation Rambler’s Ridge is a re-creation of a variety of hill-slope and cliff-edge habitats found in the region, accessed via a barrier-free path. For those looking for an adventure, the ridge-top hiking trail will provide a challenging alternative route to get to the highest point in the Singapore Botanic Gardens.
The OCBC Arboretum serves as a site for conservation and research of dipterocarps, a family of trees which form the backbone of the region’s tropical rainforests. More than 200 dipterocarp species are represented here.
The National Parks Board (NParks) and the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) have announced that enhancement works for the former Bukit Timah Railway Station and its surroundings as a community node will begin early next year. At a community event at the station, Minister for National Development Lawrence Wong also shared that the Friends of Rail Corridor will be leading the community in activating the reopened stretches of the Rail Corridor along its southern half, and announced plans for a new linear park that is partly elevated above the Bukit Timah Canal – the Bukit Timah-Rochor Green Corridor. The new linear park will add to and complement Singapore’s network of recreational connections, which includes the Rail Corridor, Round Island Route and Coast-to-Coast Trail, and altogether, the connections will provide the public with more recreational options, and more opportunities to explore the outdoors and connect with nature in our City in a Garden.
Over the last two years, works to enhance Rail Corridor (Central), the 4 km stretch of the Rail Corridor between the Hillview area and the conserved Bukit Timah Railway Station, have been ongoing and guided by three key themes: Heritage and Culture, Biodiversity and Greenery, and Recreation. The works include improvements to trails, restoration works for the truss bridges, construction of a new pedestrian underpass at Hindhede, and habitat enhancements. In early 2020, enhancement of the former railway station and its surroundings as a community node will begin.
The conserved Bukit Timah Railway Station is a distinctive landmark of Rail Corridor (Central) and the community node will feature a strong sense of history, distinctive landscaping and ample public spaces. Works to restore the Railway Station building and the former Railway Station Staff Quarters will be carried out sensitively and in line with conservation guidelines. The buildings will showcase their original railway features, while being repurposed for the public’s use and enjoyment. At the same time, the 8 Mile Platform will be constructed near the Rail Mall to provide amenities such as a shelter and toilet. It will act as a rest stop and an access point to the Rail Corridor.
To provide even more recreational options for visitors, NParks will be developing the Bukit Timah-Rochor Green Corridor. The Bukit Timah-Rochor Green Corridor is envisioned as a journey through a riverine forest and will include a linear sky park elevated above the canal. It will connect to the Rail Corridor near the Bukit Timah Railway Station community node. Visitors, including users of the Coast-to-Coast Trail, can look forward to a unique walking and cycling experience set amidst lush greenery. The first phase of the project comprises 1.4 km and stretches from the Rail Corridor to Elm Avenue. Construction is expected to start in 2021, dovetailing with PUB’s canal improvement works. In the future, the corridor may be extended to Kallang Riverside Park, totalling 11 km.
The Source Bulk Foods at Cluny Court is the first Singapore branch of Australia’s largest bulk foods and zero-waste retailer. They carry a wide range of pantry staples, numbering over 350 products that include premium whole foods and treats, and packaging-free household products. The opening marks a step towards cultivating healthy lifestyles and building a healthier planet, right here on the little red dot!
Founded in 2012 in Byron Bay, Sydney, Australia, The Source Bulk Foods has established itself as a pioneer of sustainable living, promoting an ethos of zero packaging, as well as encouraging customers to buy and use only what is needed. The brand also prides itself in offering good old-fashioned service – shopping at The Source Bulk Foods is akin to dropping by a friendly neighbourhood grocer, where customers are received with a warm and genuine welcome.
Celebrating the opening, Rob Behennah, Master Franchisor of The Source Bulk Foods, Southeast Asia, shares, “We are incredibly excited to open Singapore’s very first The SourceBulk Foods store! We are as much about providing nutritious products as we are about embracing a zero waste goal, and creating a healthy community. Our passionate team looks forward to delivering wholesome food, nourishing families, and in doing so, take a hands-onapproach to nurturing our planet.”
The Source Bulk Foods encourages customers to bring along refillable bags, containers, or jars, as well as purchase as much or as little as needed. Franchise Partner, Sarah Widjaja, who is also a full-time Nutritionist, explains, “The Source Bulk Foods is revolutionising the way we shop. At every step of the way, suppliers, retailers, and customers can reduce their use of unnecessary packaging and single-use plastics. By buying only what is needed, we can alsominimise food waste.”
Shopping at The Source Bulk Foods is simple and fun, involving just three easy steps: grab a bag (or refill a jar), write the product code, and fill the bag with the desired amount of the chosen product. Customers then proceed to the cashier, where their groceries will be weighed, and payment can be made.
Visitors may browse the store’s affordable range of products, which have been carefully sourced and selected for quality, and which caters to vegan, paleo, organic, and gluten-free diets.
Stocked with plenty of ingredients for the kitchen, The Source Bulk Foods is every homecook’s dream! Pick from beans, grains, seeds, and flours, to herbs and spices, nuts; whether raw, insecticide-free, roasted, salted, or smoked, as well as a variety of cooking oils and condiments.
The newly-opened Singapore Botanic Gardens Seed Bank is an important step in safeguarding plant biodiversity in Southeast Asia through conservation, research and education. Collecting seeds for storage helps to build a valuable resource for habitat restoration and species conservation. But different seeds need to be stored in specific conditions, hence the Seed Bank will advance extensive research in this area. Go learn about seeds and the science of seed storage at a new interpretive gallery and outdoor garden!
KOMA, a brand new Japanese restaurant and sushi bar by leading hospitality company TAO Group, is set to satiate guests with an elevated dining experience when it opens at Marina Bay Sands on 26 July.
The restaurant will offer diners with a modern interpretation of Japanese cuisine, featuring original creations by its Executive Chef Kunihiro Moroi, using fresh and seasonal produce and ingredients from Japan.
Bold and distinct interior design elements – from a striking 20 metre-long passageway flanked with orange arches that greet guests as they arrive, to a dramatic 2.5 metre-high, one-of-a-kind bell that overlooks a traditional Japanese foot bridge and reflecting pool - will complement the cuisine and lend to the modern and sophisticated vibe within the 230-seat restaurant, which includes an oversized sushi bar and a private dining room at the mezzanine. The space is designed by renowned American firm Rockwell Group, which is behind the design of several of TAO Group’s establishments, which include restaurants TAO Downtown, Vandal, Feroce and Avenue in New York.
The opening of KOMA will complete the trio of concepts launched by TAO Group and Marina Bay Sands as part of a new dining and entertainment complex at the integrated resort, along with nightclub MARQUEE which opened in April and cocktail lounge AVENUE in May this year. KOMA also marks the fourth concept opened by TAO Group in collaboration with Marina Bay Sands, which began with LAVO Italian Restaurant & Rooftop Bar in January 2018.
Scoop Wholefoods at Tanglin Mall offer a wide variety of raw organic and natural wholefoods for their customers at affordable prices combined with flexible, quantity and selection. From nuts, dried fruits, spices, rice, pasta, tea and chocolates to freshly made nut butters and so much more.
Specialising in bulk bins, Scoop Wholefoods is committed to reducing peoples dependence on single use plastic. You won't find a plastic bag in their store.
Scoop Wholefoods source their products primarily from certified Australian and New Zealand growers and suppliers. They make every effort to ensure that other products come from ethical and sustainable sources.
In order to keep carbon footprint as light as possible, they make minimum use of packaging and chemicals in their activities as part of their contribution to the local community and the long term well-being of our planet for this and future generations.
The National Parks Board (NParks) recently unveiled the Forest Restoration Action Plan for the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, Central Catchment Nature Reserve and Nature Park Network. The Action Plan will chart the restoration that will be undertaken over the next 10 years to regenerate the secondary forests in the Nature Parks buffering the two Nature Reserves, as well as disturbed patches within the Reserves. This will assist the forests to regenerate and approximate a mature forest landscape in time.
The Action Plan seeks to strengthen the resilience of our native rainforests by restoring ecological processes, and enhancing the biodiversity and ecological connectivity in these areas. This will improve the habitats for native biodiversity. It is also timely to assist with the succession of the early secondary rainforests to more mature and diverse rainforests over time. This will strengthen the resilience of our forest landscapes to climate change, and will be achieved through a science-based approach that will involve the sustained planting of native rainforest species.
The approach will comprise the planting of a framework of native species that are nitrogen fixing to naturally improve the soil condition, and those that will attract dispersers and pollinators. The regenerating forest will be assisted further by the removal of invasive weed species. Dominant primary rainforest species, which might be limited by dispersal or are rare in occurrence, will also be introduced. In restoring these forests, efforts will also be directed towards the regeneration of riparian vegetation alongside natural streams to further conserve this sensitive habitat.
The Forest Restoration Action Plan is integral to NParks’ habitat enhancement and restoration programme under its Nature Conservation Masterplan (NCMP). Launched in 2015, the NCMP charts Singapore’s plans for biodiversity conservation.
The Action Plan was announced during a recent tree-planting session to mark the commencement of restoration efforts at the upcoming Rifle Range Nature Park, which will be completed in 2020. It is one of the areas to be restored under the Action Plan.
At a recent launch event for the 160th Anniversary celebrations of the Singapore Botanic Gardens, the National Parks Board (NParks) unveiled their plans for the 8 ha extension to the Gardens along Gallop Road. Comprising an arboretum which will hold 200 to 300 species of dipterocarp forest species, Singapore’s first permanent collection of botanical art on display, a restored ridge-top habitat and a biophilic play area, the Gallop extension brings the total area of the Gardens to 82 hectares – the largest in its 160-year history. For the first time in Singapore, visitors of all ages and abilities will be able to explore and appreciate native forest ecology in one location, furthering the Gardens’ mission of connecting people with plants.
As Singapore’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Singapore Botanic Gardens has a rich history of research, conservation, education and recreation.
With its rolling terrain of open lawns framed by landscapes of native plants and forests, and featuring two conservation buildings, the Gallop extension will continue the Singapore Botanic Gardens’ heritage roles in research, conservation, education and recreation. As a natural extension of the Gardens’ Nature Area which covers 6 ha of primary rainforest and the Learning Forest, the Gallop extension will enable visitors to learn about forest ecology and the importance of conservation in a single location when it opens in late 2019. The extension will also buffer against urban development surrounding the native flora and fauna within the Gardens’ UNESCO World Heritage Site. Read more about the various new features of this green project here.
Gardens by the Bay's new outdoor garden attraction, Serene Garden, is a unique horticultural garden inspired by the minimalist concept of Japanese zen gardens. A tranquil 2-hectare space located just a stone’s throw from The Meadow, visitors can get a brief respite from the hustle and bustle of the city life as they enjoy an intimate encounter with nature.
Serene Garden, a calm and peaceful green space is just a short stroll away from the popular Supertree Grove. Taking 3 years to conceptualise and build, the outdoor themed garden offers scenic views of the city's beautiful skyline as its backdrop while bringing visitors closer to nature — truly a uniquely Singaporean experience.
Serene Garden is open daily from 5.00am to 2.00am to the public and admission is free. Read more about Serene Garden here.
Reprovisions is a new zero-waste bulk store which is now open in Jurong Point. You can even get freshly grounded nut butter (without any additional oil, salt or sugar) on the spot!
Reprovisions is a bulk food store where you can purchase various unpackaged items through the weigh-and-pay concept.
They serve your needs and cravings as they stock healthful foods such as superfoods, nuts and dried fruits, as well as eclectic indulgences such as long licorice candies and handmade chocolates. They also cater to homemakers and cooking enthusiasts with their range of spice blends, Asian mixes and staples.
At Reprovisions, they aim to provide you with items from the best sources, so you can refill and relish with them!
A green corridor adjacent to the Bukit Timah First Diversion Canal (between Holland Green and Holland Plain) is now open.
Reaching almost 1km in length, this green corridor features rain gardens, vegetated swales, and wetland systems. The diverse native plants and forest tree species provide a conducive environment for flora and fauna including the Grey Heron, Stork-billed Kingfisher, Malayan Water Monitor and many dragonflies.
The green corridor runs along Holland Plain and you can get there via Holland Road or Holland Link.
The National Parks Board (NParks) launched Singapore’s first turtle hatchery at the Sisters’ Islands Marine Park in end-September. The hatchery is strategically located on Small Sister’s Island, a protected area zoned for conservation and research. There are two species of turtles that are native to Singapore – the Hawksbill Turtle and Green Sea Turtle – both of which are critically endangered.
Supported by HSBC’s 150th anniversary Community Fund through the Garden City Fund, the hatchery will also provide research opportunities for scientists to study local sea turtle populations. Outreach and education programmes will also be organised at the hatchery.
The turtle hatchery consists of two sections: A turtle field station and an incubation sand pit area. The turtle field station is a hub for hatchery-related activities, volunteer training, as well as curated educational and research programmes. The incubation sand pit area comprises three non-magnetic metal cages, where the turtle eggs will be kept. The cages will be partially buried in the sand and will protect the incubating eggs against predators, such as monitor lizards.
Elite Spine Centres is a new and improved model of healthcare combining the best in professional Chiropractic analysis, advanced therapeutic technologies, rehabilitative exercise and customised nutritional and lifestyle coaching programs. The brand aims to provide a unique combination of safe and effective, modern therapeutic technologies to go along with specific Chiropractic, making them the recognised leader for conservative care in Singapore.
While Chiropractic care is the central pillar for reaching optimum health, at Elite Spine Centres they also recognise the contribution that modern technology and therapies can provide in order to help their patients feel better faster and speed up the natural healing process. They aim to provide a unique combination of safe and effective, modern therapeutic technologies to go along with specific Chiropractic to make them the recognised leader for conservative care in Singapore.
Dr. Michael Bryant (Chiropractic, USA) brings you his professional and compassionate hands-on approach to patient care along with a wide range of advanced, effective and safe technologies all under one roof. They invite you to go and experience for yourself the Elite Spine difference and take your health to the next level!
The National Parks Board (NParks) has opened the approximately 1 hectare Ethnobotany Garden at the Singapore Botanic Gardens. This new themed garden is the first in Singapore where visitors can learn about plants used by indigenous cultures of Southeast Asia; and it features a centre for ethnobotany which complements the outdoor landscape with an interpretive exhibition of artefacts and interactive elements.
The Ethnobotany Garden is in the Gardens’ Bukit Timah Core and located at an area historically known as the Economic Garden. This section of the Gardens was previously a space for experimentation with plants that had potential commercial applications, many of which were first derived from traditional uses.
Development of the Ethnobotany Garden is aligned with the Singapore Botanic Gardens’ UNESCO World Heritage status, supporting its Outstanding Universal Value by showcasing its unrivalled collections of economic, medicinal and ethnobotanical plants – the largest such collection in Southeast Asia. This new garden enhances the Gardens’ role as an educational provider, which is in line with UNESCO’s mission.
From the first half of 2020, residents of Sembawang will have a uniquely designed Bukit Canberra – an integrated sport and community hub, that will inspire them to live better.
To be opened in phases, the 12-hectare hub will provide amenities such as a hawker centre, indoor and outdoor sport facilities, a polyclinic, a senior care centre, green spaces for community farming and lifestyle related amenities for the community within a lush and naturalistic environment.
The National Parks Board (NParks) and JTC Corporation are working on the undersea housing for marine life project at the Sisters' Islands Marine Park, which will see 10m high structures placed in the waters by the end of the year. They will be made from concrete and recycled rocks from JTC's other projects. The marine park will get an additional 500 sq m of reef area to support existing habitat enhancement and reef restoration efforts to conserve marine biodiversity.
The idea is to transform bare seabed into a thriving marine ecosystem by giving corals a place to take root, and in turn attract fish and other sea life.
Singapore is home to more than 250 species of hard corals, about one-third of the worldwide diversity.
The Singapore Botanic Gardens’Seed Bank is Singapore’s first seed bank and will conserve the seeds of threatened plant species from Southeast Asia. Works for the seed bank are expected to be completed by mid-2019.
The seed bank will play a key role in conserving plant diversity in the region and ensure the growth of the Singapore Botanic Gardens’ plant collection. The seed bank will have the capacity to store seeds from up to 25,000 species of plants. This is around half the total number of seed plant species in Southeast Asia, and nearly triple the 9,000 species of plants that the Gardens currently has in its living collection. When established, the seed bank targets to achieve 100 seed collections per year.
The facility will be established in House 4, the largest of five colonial-style houses within the Raffles College. Originally named Mansfield Lodge, it served as the college president’s residence when it was built in the 1920s. This house was designated as a Conserved Building in October 2006. Read more about this project here.
NParks developed and curated the St John’s Island Trail to encourage public appreciation for its rich biodiversity and the history of St John’s Island and Sisters’ Islands Marine Park. The trail is part of NParks’ outreach initiatives on marine biodiversity under NParks’ Nature Conservation Masterplan, which consolidates Singapore’s biodiversity conservation efforts to help achieve Singapore’s City in a Garden vision.
The 2.8 km St John’s Island Trail comprises 15 stations marked with signboards that serve as both station markers and educational resources, highlighting the diversity of flora and fauna as well as the island’s colourful history.
St John’s Island is rich in local history. Since 1604, the island was marked on explorers’ maps. The island was planted extensively with crops in the mid-19th century, before it became a quarantine centre. In 1948, parts of the island were converted into a detention centre for political prisoners such as C. V. Devan Nair, who later became Singapore’s third President. From the 1970s onwards, the island has been mainly used for recreation and is popular with beach-goers and picnickers. Today, it serves as a base for marine research.
When you are on the island, try spotting Singapore’s tallest bird (1.15 m), the Great-billed Heron. It uses its dagger-like bill to spear large fish. This species is locally critically-endangered due to habitat loss.
Net-Zero Energy Building (NZEB@SDE) will be a new addition to the existing three buildings of the NUSSchool of Design and Environment. The new building, which will be completed in early 2019, will function as a living laboratory to promote research collaboration with public agencies and industry partners.
With a gross floor area of 8,514 square metres, it will house a mix of research laboratories, test-bedding facade, design studios, as well as teaching and common learning spaces. It will also include a 3D Scanning Laboratory, the NUS-JTC Industrial Infrastructure Innovation Centre and the NUS-CDL Smart Green Home.
Conceptualised by the NUS School of Design and Environment, the NZEB@SDE is designed to be climate-responsive with net-zero energy consumption. The six-storey building will feature a range of green building designs, such as harnessing solar energy, hybrid cooling approach, natural ventilation and lighting.
One key aspect of the NZEB@SDE is its contemporary architecture design which demonstrates a deep understanding of the tropical climate of Singapore. The design concept incorporates a large overhanging roof, which together with the double facades on the East and West of the building, shade it from the sun’s heat and provide a cooler interior.
The building design also makes use of the architectural concept of “floating boxes”, where its shallow plan depth and porous layout allows for cross-breezes, natural lighting and views to the outdoors. Weather permitting, rooms can also be opened to natural breezes, and air conditioning is used only where it is needed, reducing the electricity usage of the building. The result is an architecture that seeks to offer a deeply biophillic experience that connects NUS staff and students to the campus’ natural surroundings.
NZEB@SDE is also designed to consume only as much energy as it produces. This is made possible by harvesting solar energy using more than 1,200 solar photovoltaic panels installed on the roof. On days when there is insufficient solar energy, the building will draw energy from the power grid. Over the course of the year, the net amount taken from the grid will be zero – achieving net-zero energy consumption.
Family Health Chiropractic Clinic serves patients of all ages, from as young as a few days old to as old as more than 80 years old. Young children and pregnant women are common sights at the clinic as their doctor is also trained to provide chiropractic care to infants and children, and certified by the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (Webster Technique) to provide chiropractic care to pregnant mums.
Family Health Chiropractic Clinic has taken the effort to make chiropractic affordable, and they try to get their patients well within the shortest time possible. While proficient in traditional chiropractic techniques, they prefer to use the most up-to-date chiropractic techniques which are gentle but yet effective and do not require twisting or “popping and cracking” of the spine.
Aesop was established in Melbourne in 1987 with a quest to create a range of superlative products for the skin, hair and body. They are committed to using both plant-based and laboratory-made ingredients of the highest quality and proven efficacy – particularly those with the greatest anti-oxidant properties.
They value all human endeavours undertaken with intellectual rigour, vision and a nod to the whimsical. Every Aesop product is made with the same attention to detail they believe should be applied to life at large, taking into consideration a diversity of needs as well as seasonal and environmental conditions.
They advocate the use of their formulations as part of a balanced life that includes a healthy diet, sensible exercise, a moderate intake of red wine and a regular dose of stimulating literature.
Eat at Seven is a new Japanese dining concept at Suntec City.
Seven popular Japanese cuisines converge under one roof and it's all relatively affordable. There's a tuna, salmon, yellowtail and swordfish sashimi specialist over at Maguro-Donya Miura-Misaki-Kou Sushi & Dining; a Yakiniku-style hot plate restaurant NikuNoHi, which specializes in kuroge wagyu beef; Nigiro Cafe, a Tokyo cafe that claims to have the best Caesar salad in the Japanese city; and Enbu, a warayaki and charcoal grill izakaya serving traditional small plates paired with Coedo beer.
Embracing Eastern wisdom passed down from generations to generations and perfected over thousands of years, Harnn is proud of its Asian heritage. Each formulation is inspired by Asian holistic approach to well being and utilizes the finest natural active ingredients to help restore the natural balance of body and mind, to reveal the natural beauty in you.
At Harnn, pampering is more than skin deep, pure precious essential oils are used for their wonderful fragrance as well as aromatherapy properties. Asian artistic heritage is reflected in each of Harnn’s award winning designs; making each piece a contemporary luxury design to delight and enrich your everyday life.
Beaute by Kew (pronounced as bo-te) is a specialty boutique beauty salon founded by Lily Kew, an expert in holistic living, beauty, skincare, health, diet and nutrition. She has previous experience in running beauty salons and Beaute by Kew is her latest endeavour to bring a fresh new concept to spa and beauty services.
Beaute by Kew is centred round a vintage concept, bringing you back to the past in a classy salon environment. It is vintage yet metropolitan, having the state-of-the-art facilities to provide quality beauty services for everyone. It is dedicated to meet all your beauty needs. Beaute by Kew strives to be abreast of the latest beauty trends and developments. This ensures that the boutique beauty salon is constantly developing to bring the latest modern technology to be used in its services.
Beaute by Kew aims to provide professional essential beauty treatments to everyone with utmost care, quality and passion in an elegant and chic environment. The concept of the place serves to evoke calmness and comfort in everyone, presenting the boutique beauty salon as a place where you can enjoy pampering themselves holistically. They pride themselves in offering excellent customer service and specialty beauty treatments, all done professionally with its dedicated team of dynamic staff.
Travellers like good location, great value and excellent access around the city great; Chancellor@Orchard offers nothing less.
Located in Orchard Road, Singapore’s largest shopping district is therefore accessible within walking distance from the hotel.
At Chancellor@Orchard, they believe modern travelers have a green heart and respect for the environment. The hotel is Green Star rated, having adopted environmentally-friendly construction methods and materials. Besides harvesting rainwater for watering the plants around the hotel, all electrical equipment in the hotel are green ticked. Furthermore, each room is equipped with filtered water dispenser so that you can consume water without wasting a single plastic bottle. Environmental conservation is greatly valued, and we will spare no effort to uphold it.
The 28-metre long lap pool at the rooftop is the place to unwind. There is a wading pool for children as well. Alternatively, relax under the green canopy and enjoy the view of the lush greenery within the Orchard Road belt.
Greenwood Mews is a showcase of luxurious cluster homes nestled in the prestigious Greenwood enclave of Bukit Timah.
Greenwood Mews is located at the city-fringe and at the same time, is close to nature’s tranquility with Bukit Timah Nature Reserve at a stone’s throw away. Over the years, the Greenwood Avenue has transformed into a notable dining attraction. Tucked in a quiet corner off Dunearn Road, it offers clusters of unique restaurants and cafes serving both local and international mix of cuisines, which promise to delight every gourmand.
Greenwood Mews’ expansive waterways are an iconic feature. The spa-themed cabanas and resort-style gazebos alongside the unique landscaped pool create a holiday environment that truly feels removed from Singapore.
A home reserved only for the privileged few, it melds style and comfort by offering a spacious living environment. Aside from the roof terrace and basement car park, there is also a wet and dry kitchen with state-of-the-art fixtures from Kuppersbusch and Axor Starck X.
Entry to the barbecue pavilion, children’s playground and gymnasium is also part of the thoughtful design in order to provide you with effortless convenience. For an intimate experience, have a cosy pool-side gathering with family and friends at the dining pavilions that come equipped with kitchen amenities.
Rue Madame will open it's first South East Asian retail concept store at Takashimaya this month.
Founded in Hong Kong in 2010 by Parisian Ariane Zagury with great success, Rue Madame was born out of the idea to introduce the timeless Parisian-style of fashion to young modern women, as well as to provide a one-stop shop, offering a diversity of exclusively curated women’s ready-to-wear and accessories, for those seeking an alternative wardrobe that allows them to mix and match to showcase their unique personal styles.
Located at the newly refurbished space on the third level of Takashimaya Shopping Centre, Ngee Ann City, Rue Madame is a true Parisian-style fashion concept store that offers an eclectic mix of niche and contemporary designer labels, carefully handpicked from Paris and other parts of Europe.
The new concept store brings together some of the most coveted French fashion labels such as Athé by Vanessa Bruno, Ba&Sh, Gat Rimon, Hartford, IRO, Laurence Doligé, Leon&Harper, Majestic Paris, Mes Demoiselles, Swildens and Tara Jarmon Tara Jarmon, and exquisite accessories from trendy and accessible French jewellery brands like Servane Gaxotte, renowned for their hand-made whimsical ‘Rose’ doll pendants and Didier Dubot which is highly notable in Asia because of the brand’s latest campaign featuring Korean drama ‘You who came from the Star’ lead actress, Jun Ji Hyun; some of which are new-to-market brands exclusively brought into Singapore.
INSEAD, the leading international business school, has just opened a Leadership Development Centre on the school’s campus in Singapore. The leading business school partnered with top global companies seeking to establish professional development centres for their employees in Asia.
The new Leadership Centre marks “Phase Three” in the school’s expansion and will increase the numbers of students, executives and faculty significantly on-site as INSEAD continues to bring together the world’s top scholars and practitioners. The Centre will serve as a catalyst for INSEAD to re-define global management education for executives from around the world by combining research and teaching excellence with an unparalleled learning environment,
The six-storey complex spans over and area of 10,000m² and will provide government agencies, foundations, alumni, philanthropists and business leaders with an extraordinary public opportunity to support the school's future.
Queen's Garden isn't a fancy smancy restaurant. It is where you can dine comfortably in a warm and cosy environment within the Garden of the Queen of Hearts.
They serve western style dishes with an elegant touch of fusion flavours, every plate is pleasantly and wonderfully created.
Try out their Signature salads, made full with love along with their favourite Garden Greens.
Savor authentic Portuguese cuisine for the very first time in Singapore at Boca.
The ground floor is where they have the Tasca, a relaxed and cool setting for you to enjoy the special petiscos (tapas) paired with their unique Portuguese wines.
You can also just simply savour the best espresso in Singapore along with authentic crispy Portuguese egg tarts. Indulge in traditional Portuguese cuisine but in a totally modern, hip and cool environment.
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, 33 Hendon Road
