Matthew Broderick presented his wife of nearly 30 years Sarah Jessica Parker with the Golden Globes’ Carol Burnett Award for a life of achievement in television at Golden Eve, a ceremony that also added Helen Mirren to the list of legends that have won the Cecil B DeMille Award.

Broderick suggested if she’d listened to him, it might not have happened.

“Do you really want to do TV?” the actor recalled asking Parker when she was first presented with the script for her career-making role as Carrie Bradshaw on Sex And The City in the 1990s. She would go on to win six Golden Globes and two Emmys.

Accepting the award, Parker said, “It has been a privilege and a dream to call myself an actor.”

Golden Eve, a new separate ceremony for honorary career awards during the run-up to Sunday’s Golden Globes, was held on Tuesday (Jan 6) night at the Beverly Hilton hotel and aired on Thursday night on US network CBS. Both women will also be acknowledged on the main show, airing live on CBS.

“The DeMille Award was described to me as a career recognition,” Mirren said from the stage. “But I prefer to think of it as a life lived, a life survived, a life enjoyed, a life sweated, and a life carried on, hopefully. And given that hope, I prefer to think of this as an ongoing reflection of my career rather than a eulogy.”

HARRISON FORD AND VIOLA DAVIS HEAP PRAISE ON HELEN MIRREN

Harrison Ford, who won the DeMille Award in 2002, presented this year’s edition to Mirren, his co-star in 1985’s The Mosquito Coast and on the current 1923.

He called her “an undeniable screen presence who brings to every scene a powerful commitment to narrative and character. And when she goes full badass, it’s awesome to watch”.

Mirren, 80, an Oscar winner for her 2006 portrayal of Elizabeth II in The Queen, has also won three Golden Globes and is up for a fourth this year for her role in the series MobLand. She was named a Dame of the British Empire in 2003.

Mirren read off long lists of people her heroes and cherished collaborators. With her dramatic delivery, they were riveting.

“There are the women who have and always will inspire me: Monica Vitti, Anna Magnani, Jane Fonda, Bette Davis, Judy Garland,” she said. “And those whose first names are all that are needed. Madonna, Barbra, Cher, Sarah Jessica, Meryl, Kate with a K and Cate with a C, and, of course, ultimate goddess, Viola.”

She looked out in the audience at her close friend Viola Davis, who won the DeMille Award last year and was among her presenters at this ceremony. Davis recalled her awe at seeing Mirren for the first time, in the 1989 black comedy The Cook, the Thief, His Wife & Her Lover.

“It was the door kicking in moment, the thunderbolt, the sermon on the mount, the burning bush,” Davis said. “Whatever I was in search of, right there I saw.”

Garland, Fonda, Meryl Streep and Barbra Streisand, are also winners of the DeMille Award, along with Walt Disney, Oprah Winfrey, Eddie Murphy and Tom Hanks. It dates to 1952, when it was given to its namesake filmmaker.

Mirren’s own husband of nearly 30 years, director Taylor Hackford, also spoke to honour her.

PARKER GETS EMOTIONAL AND BOOZY TRIBUTES

Parker got a tearful tribute from longtime Sex And The City co-star Kristin Davis and a toast with cosmopolitans – Bradshaw’s favourite drink that the show turned into a craze – led by Colman Domingo.

The Carol Burnett Award is given for “outstanding contributions to television on or off screen”.

The most recent winner – Ted Danson – and its namesake and 2019 first winner – Burnett – opened the night of kudos.

“My darling Sarah,” Burnett, age 92, said on a mic from her table. “Welcome to the club.”

Parker also talked about the time creator Darren Star offered her Sex And The City, and what it would mean to take it. The original HBO show became a cultural phenomenon. It ran for six seasons, spawning two feature films and the recent reboot series And Just Like That....

“I met Carrie Bradshaw, Charlotte York, Samantha Jones, and Miranda Hobbes,” Parker said, “and I spent 25 years with the most glorious ensemble of women and actors, where we treated all of New York like CBS Television City and the streets like Studio 33.”

Broderick also talked about the way Sex And The City changed their lives.

“The president,” he said, “came to our house.”

PARKER REFLECTS ON A LIFE IN ACTING

Parker is 60 but has been acting for more than 50 years, including playing the title role in Annie on Broadway as a child. She said her big moment of inspiration came while watching her mother and future stepfather in an Ohio production of Once Upon A Mattress. The show had been Burnett’s big break on Broadway, and Parker later starred in a Broadway revival.

“I thought, oh my gosh, yes, that is what I most want,” she said.

Broderick tends to appear tentative in the fairly rare public appearances when he has to play himself, and seemed extra edgy about his central role Tuesday night. When he took the stage, he muttered “Hi, Harrison,” to acknowledge the star power in front of him.

When Ford took the stage, he opened with, “Hi, Matthew.”

Culinary Class Wars contestant Choi Kang-rok, 47, will star in a new YouTube series by South Korean-based production company Teo. Titled Food Otaku, the six-part series will follow Choi as he searches for Japanese food ingredients like an "otaku" – the Japanese term for a person with a passionate and sometimes obsessive interest in a subject.

The first episode of Food Otaku will air on Jan 12.

Choi, who has charmed fans worldwide with his awkward demeanour, is said to have started his culinary journey after being inspired by the 90s manga series Shota No Sushi. He now specialises in Japanese cuisine and has gone viral numerous times for his mesmerising recipes.

Choi's otaku side can be seen in a teaser video for Food Otaku, uploaded on Thursday (Jan 8). In the video, which lasts for almost two minutes, Choi gushes about numerous anime and manga series, including Attack On Titan, Demon Slayer and Slam Dunk.

Following Choi's elimination in the first season of Culinary Class Wars, he returned in its second season, which will air its final episode on Jan 13.

It’s no secret that home-based cafes in Singapore are part of a growing trend. Over in Loyang Rise, tucked inside a quiet landed estate, sits one of them. Room Cafe is a cosy, dog-friendly spot run by 26-year-old Bryan Kuah, who’s juggling being a Mass Communications student at the Singapore Institute of Management (SIM) while running a cafe from the porch of his parents’ terrace house.

Before Room Cafe, Kuah spent two years working as a floor manager at the now-defunct bar Stickies from 2022 to 2024. “After my experience working in nightlife, I realised I enjoy interacting with people. I did consider venturing into nightlife but it’s not a very sustainable industry right now, so the next best thing was a cafe,” Kuah shared.
 

Kuah opened Room Cafe in May 2025, fuelled by his love for cooking. “I like to cook for myself, especially Western food, and I usually cook for family and friends during Christmas, so that’s where my passion grew," he recalled.

His family’s home has a spacious porch that transforms into his cafe setup during operating hours. He lives with his parents, his girlfriend, his older brother and his sister-in-law.

When the cafe is open, the family cars are moved out, and the space is transformed with foldable camping chairs and tables Kuah bought from Taobao. The setup has four to five tables that seat around 20 diners.

Where did he learn to cook? “I learnt how to cook when I was 15. It started from cooking for myself for supper. I love spicy food, so I always cook aglio olio with chilli, fishballs, and canned mushrooms for myself. From there, my love for pasta grew,” he said with a smile.

Most days, Bryan Kuah runs the cafe entirely on his own: Taking orders, cooking every dish, and preparing all the drinks. During busier periods, his girlfriend and parents step in to help. 

“They help out less now though because I try not to trouble them too much,” he said.

But his parents have had a hand in shaping the menu. 

“One of my signature dishes, the Curry Baked Rice, is actually inspired by Pizza Hut’s curry baked rice, which was a childhood favourite of mine,” Kuah told 8days.sg.

“My dad helped me with the curry recipe, it’s a Nyonya-style curry.” His mum, on the other hand, taught him how to make her Basque burnt cheesecake.

“My family and I are still learning along the way,” Kuah admitted. “We face challenges like having to compromise on our personal space and time. Sometimes arguments happen, but I know it’s out of love and because they’re worried for me.”

⁠⁠Has running Room Cafe affected his studies, or vice versa?

“It hasn’t affected my studies, but the time I spend on schoolwork could definitely be used to think about how to improve my cafe,” he said.

Time with his girlfriend also takes a hit. “It’s a challenge [finding the time to] spend with my girlfriend. I think she gets bored on weekends when our friends are all out,” he shared.

His solution? “I try to prioritise whatever I want to do. If I want to take a break, I'll just announce on Instagram that we won’t be open on a certain day,” Kuah explained. “So far, I think most of my customers are pretty okay with it, no one has been upset if I close up which I really appreciate.”  

He typically takes one Friday off each month, depending on customer flow. So check his Instagram account before visiting.

How is business so far? 

“I’d say business is pretty decent – I can make a profit. The crowd is pretty substantial, and I don’t really have to worry about whether people will come,” Kuah said.  

His lunch crowd usually consists of customers from beyond the neighbourhood, while dinner sees many neighbours dropping by or taking away food. “So far I’ve not gotten any complaints from neighbours, in fact they’ve been very supportive!”

The home cafe, Kuah said, is his way of learning the ropes before eventually opening a proper cafe someday.

“The goal is to open an actual cafe, but I’m not there yet and I don't have the capital yet,” he explained. “I’m not super confident to be the sole boss of a legit cafe, so I would say running a home cafe helps me learn the back-end stuff and [improve my] cooking. Eventually, if I open my own cafe, I’ll have a certain standard at least.”

With one last module before he graduates, Bryan Kuah is already thinking about his next move. “I’ll probably work another job as well after graduating to save up [for the cafe] as fast as I can. Media isn’t out of the question, but I think the fastest route would be to become a property agent as I’m also interested in that industry.”

Why real estate? “My parents move house a lot – we’ve relocated about eight to nine times already. So I kind of have an understanding of how it works. Definitely not to the technical detail, but that’s something I can learn,” he revealed. “My parents enjoy moving house because they enjoy the change of environment every few years and it’s kind of like an investment in a way.”

According to Kuah, his degree is simply a backup “I think my parents are happy with whatever I choose to do as long as it’s an honest living,” he said.

At Room Cafe, the menu isn’t fixed. “I don’t have a fixed menu for now to keep it interesting,” Kuah explained. “I try to rotate it every week, but I maintain popular dishes like the Smoked Duck Aglio Olio.”

His menu also includes a selection of coffee and matcha drinks, along with a Basque burnt cheesecake for dessert.

The dishes are neatly plated and look straight out of a proper cafe, though some flavours feel a little too understated – understandable for a young home cafe boss still finding his groove.

When we visited, these were some of the dishes we tried:

TRUFFLE SHROOM CARBONARA, S$12

Mafaldine pasta cooked nicely al dente, tossed in a light, creamy sauce with sauteed mushrooms and an egg yolk, finished with a sprinkle of parmigiano reggiano. A decent pick if you prefer your carbonara on the lighter side.

CURRY CHICKEN BAKED RICE, S$14

If you’re visiting, here’s hoping the curry chicken baked rice makes the menu. It’s comforting, cheesy and filling. It’s packed with tender, well-cooked chicken and potatoes, while the curry carries a gentle, warming spice that hits the spot. It’s finished with gooey-crispy cheese that ties everything together.

SMOKED DUCK AGLIO OLIO, S$15

Toothsome bite spaghetti slicked in chilli and olive oil, with a dollop of truffle paste on top. The pan-seared store-bought smoked duck is the star here: Tender, savoury, and properly smoky. That said, the dish could use a heftier hit of garlic.

BASQUE BURNT CHEESECAKE, S$6

Creamy, rich, and velvety without feeling too heavy. While the cake delivers on texture, there’s a distinct flavour profile we can’t quite put our finger on that we found quite overwhelming and an acquired taste.

ICED MATCHA LATTE, S$6

Made with oat milk, this is a simple, no-frills matcha latte. Easy to drink with a mild earthiness.

SUPER CREAMY BISCOFF LATTE, S$7.50

This latte is creamy with a gentle sweetness from the Biscoff. The Biscoff flavour isn’t very pronounced, with the coffee leaning mild and milky rather than rich and strong.

Room Cafe is located at 148 Loyang Rise, Singapore 507453. Opening hours change weekly, check Instagram before heading down.

This story was originally published in 8Days.

For more 8Days stories, visit https://www.8days.sg/

Japan's Tamagotchi toys were a 1990s playground craze and the virtual pets that demand food and attention are still a hit among retro-loving Gen Z and nostalgic parents.

More than 100 million of the pocket-sized plastic eggs have been sold worldwide since their debut, manufacturer Bandai Namco says.

The company is showing off the Tamagotchi's evolution from bouncing black-and-white pixelated characters to colour screens and wifi connectivity at a special 30th anniversary exhibition that opens in Tokyo on Wednesday (Jan 7).

Swinging from keychains, the Tamagotchi – whose name is a portmanteau of the Japanese words for "egg" and "watch" – has become a popular fashion accessory among young people in recent years, according to Bandai.

Sales of Tamagotchi merchandise, not including video games, rose around sevenfold in five years from 2019, it says.

Rafaela Miranda Freire, a 15-year-old Brazilian tourist visiting Tokyo's Harajuku shopping district with her mother, told AFP she didn't own a Tamagotchi but liked the idea.

"It's really nostalgic and cute. Like some 2000s cute aesthetic," she said, admitting that some people her age "just don't like it or think it's childish".

But old-school toys can be a healthy alternative to social media, Freire said.

"It's good. You just get off the phone and appreciate the small things in life."

TOP TOY

Last year British retailer Hamleys ranked the Tamagotchi in its list of the top 100 toys of all time, alongside the likes of Lego and the Rubik's Cube.

The digital pets, which need attending to when they are hungry, sick or have defecated on the virtual floor, grow up as users care for them – but can die if they are neglected.

Entering the exhibition through a giant white egg, visitors can view various photo-friendly displays and a history room where they can play with some of the dozens of different models released over the years.

Nearly half of all Tamagotchi unit sales were in Japan, with 33 per cent in the Americas but just 2 per cent in other Asia-Pacific countries, Bandai Namco says.

Harajuku shopper Yumeho Akita, 25, told AFP she had good memories of raising her Tamagotchi for several months during her childhood.

"I really wanted one, and I finally got one, so I cherished it and raised the character very carefully," she recalled.

And some parents say they want their children to experience the same.

US screenwriter Justin Piasecki, on holiday in Japan, told AFP he had recently bought Tamagotchis for Christmas for his two daughters, aged four and six.

"They basically have a computer science degree in Tamagotchi at this point," the 41-year-old told AFP. "I thought I would need to show them how to do it, but now they're showing me."

Sarah Michelle Gellar has revealed the new Buffy The Vampire Slayer series is titled Buffy The Vampire Slayer: New Sunnydale.

The 48-year-old actress is set to reprise her role as the titular heroine having spent over 20 years away from the role, and Gellar has now revealed the show’s name – but has insisted New Sunnydale is “not a sequel” and “not a reboot” of the original series.

Speaking on the Shut Up Evan podcast she said: “It's not a sequel, it's not a reboot – it's a continuation.”

The I Know What You Did Last Summer star noted the series – for which Hulu commissioned a pilot for last year – will address some of the original show’s biggest unanswered questions, including where Buffy is “now in this world and what is this world that Buffy lives in, with her and without her”.

She added: “So it's not a reboot, it's not picking up with all of the same characters right away. It is not like a sequel ... That's why the name was even important to me – Buffy: New Sunnydale. It's Buffy, but it's also something else.”

Gellar also said she had learned never to say never again, pointing to the fact that she initially was not keen to return to the Buffy universe.

She explained: “I will eat my words, and I'm okay with that. I learned my lesson. I never saw how and why it could be as good [as the original show].

“I'm not trying to be better. I just want to hold and honour the memory and what we created. I know sometimes that memory is conflicted for people about how they're supposed to feel about it, but a lot of people put their blood, sweat, and tears into making what I think is an incredibly great show, and I'm incredibly proud of it.”

Gellar also explained why New Sunnydale was taking its time to hit screens.

She said: “[This] was the first time I said, ‘Maybe, could I possibly do this?’ And this went on for three years now... me and [director] Chloe [Zhao] going back and forth, saying I could do it, saying I can't, and really spending the time to develop what it is and why it is.

“I know this seems like it's taking a long time, and it's because unless we are sure that it is exactly what we set out to do and that it makes sense to do it, we don't want to sell you the legacy by not.

“When I know it's perfect, then it will be out there, but I won't do it unless I know it can be that.”

Whether you’re racking your brain over what to do with a wardrobe that’s filled with clothes that no longer spark joy or are just itching to experiment with a new aesthetic, it’s always a good time to add something new to the closet.

While it can be all too easy to lean on fast fashion for that, the wiser (and more ethical) choice would be to curate pieces that are both thoughtfully designed and made. Increasingly, Malaysian fashion labels are putting emphasis on craftsmanship, individuality, and at reasonable price points, to boot. Here are nine Malaysian designer brands to check out on your next trip to Kuala Lumpur.

1. SAOI

Saoi – the Irish Gaelic word which means “to grow wiser” – is a reflection of founder Wan Nur Syaira’s personal journey of intentional evolution and design maturity. Different from her earlier solo venture WNS Studio, Saoi is a concerted effort by the stylish influencer and her creative team.

The brand’s timeless essentials marry meticulous craftsmanship with an off-duty model sensibility. Think linen button-downs, pleated trousers, and slip dresses in neutral colours. And don’t forget to check out their super popular oversized handbags as well. 

Where: 12, Jalan Abdullah, Bangsar, 59000 Kuala Lumpur. Open every day from 11am to 6pm.

2. SPIRIT ANIMAL CO

If “heritage meets modern” is an aesthetic that resonates with you, then Spirit Animal Co is your calling. The brand puts a contemporary spin on traditional Chinese dresses such as the cheongsam and qipao, weaving in ethnic Malaysian touches through batik and songket motifs. 

The brand boldly claims to be Malaysia’s first fashion label to launch a batik cheongsam series. The batik-songket fabric that merges Malay and Chinese artistry into one innovative textile debuted in 2023. 

According to founder Miki Lam, both batik and batik-songket are a way of weaving her personal stories into her designs. Batik-songket is a reflection of Lam’s mental health healing journey, while batik pays homage to how her grandma blended tradition and modern living by donning the fabric daily. Every Spirit Animal Co garment is lovingly handmade by local seamstresses in limited runs. 

Where: The Hub SS2, 19 Sentral, Jalan Harapan, Seksyen 19, 47300 Petaling Jaya, Selangor. Book an in-person shopping experience here. 

3. REDBEAN CLOSET

Playful, girlish and unapologetically whimsical, RedBean Closet turns everyday dressing into an act of youthful self-expression. 

Pastel palettes, lace trims, ribbons, and heart motifs are hallmarks of the brand’s aesthetic. Think jeans stitched with oversized hearts, cropped blazers with scalloped lapels, and lace spaghetti strap tops with detachable ruffles. A major selling point here is that most items are sold as separates, making them easy to mix, match and style according to your mood or your latest Pinterest board.

Where: 35A, Jalan 21/12, Seapark Kuala Lumpur, 46300 Petaling Jaya, Selangor. Open from 11.30am to 5pm (Tuesday to Friday) and 11.30am to 6pm (Saturday and Sunday).

4. CELESTE

This female-founded brand crafts effortless style for the everyday woman. Celeste specialises in modest yet timeless silhouettes. Its collection of baju kurung sets, long-sleeved maxi dresses, and flowy skirts balances comfort and sophistication, making them ideal for both festive seasons and everyday wear.

Expect soft fabrics like satin and chiffon in neutral or abstract prints and tailoring that subtly accentuates the figure without compromising modesty. Each garment is made locally in small runs, reinforcing Celeste’s commitment to conscious design over fast fashion.

Where: Damai Hillpark, Jalan Damai Perdana 6/1F, Bandar Damai Perdana, 56000 Cheras, Kuala Lumpur. Open from 10am to 4pm, Monday to Friday, closed on weekends.

5. LOVE, THALIA

Sister brand to Celeste, Love, Thalia leans towards dreamy and romantic designs. The label offers a range of flowy blouses and figure-skimming maxi skirts in pastel hues and floral prints to bring out your inner child

Its standout lace-up chiffon top that takes you from brunch to date night – available in soft florals and neutral shades – is a fan favourite. Another signature piece is the lace-up cotton corset that sculpts the wearer in a cinch. 

Where: Damai Hillpark, Jalan Damai Perdana 6/1F, Bandar Damai Perdana, 56000 Cheras, Kuala Lumpur. Open from 10am to 4pm from Monday to Friday, closed on weekends.

6. MOTOGUO

Eccentric and always colouring outside of the box, Motoguo is the brainchild of creative directors Moto Guo and Kinder Eng, as well as, business partner, Jay Perry Ang. What began as a menswear label has since evolved into a genderless one in which collections push the boundaries of gender, fashion, and fluidity. 

The brand turned dopamine decor into a fashion concept with long-sleeved tube dresses that are designed to look like colour pencils, blouses that are made to resemble 1980s wrapping paper, and surreal silhouettes that blur the lines between art and apparel. Loved by fashion-forward crowds and feted by the LGBTQ+ community, it’s a brand made for the kids who grew up colouring outside the lines. 

Where: Strand Mall, 35, Jalan PJU 5/20a, Kota Damansara, 47810 Petaling Jaya, Selangor. Open from 11am to 7pm on weekdays, closed on weekends.

7. KANOEWEAR

Drawing inspiration from the urban tropical jungle of Kuala Lumpur, Kanoewear draws from Indo-Malayan influences to create batik pieces in both classic and updated silhouettes, like halter tops, wrap dresses, pario skirts, and cheongsams. 

Each print is produced in collaboration with local batik artisans – only one or two pieces are made per design, making every garment truly one-of-a-kind. Kanoewear also works with refugee communities through fair-trade organisations, ensuring each item is crafted both beautifully and ethically. Leftover fabrics are repurposed into pouches and scrunchies, reflecting its zero-waste ethos.

Where: RexKL, 80 Jalan Sultan, 50000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Open from 10am to 6pm (Monday to Friday) and 11am to 7.30pm (on Saturday and Sunday).

G-36 The Campus, Lot 7706, Jalan Kolam Air Lama, 68000 Ampang, Selangor. By appointment only.

8. GHOSTBOY CLUB

Founded in 2021 by designer David Han and model Cyii Cheng, Ghostboy Club has quickly become one of Malaysia’s hottest exports, with stockists in Singapore, America, Australia and France. Its edgy, rebellious spirit draws from youth culture, club and rave scenes, which is reflected in skin-baring silhouettes, metal hardware, and tailored streetwear. In summary: It’s fashion with bite. 

Those with a more laidback style need not be intimidated though. Take a closer look and you’ll find plenty of everyday staples like the soft, oversized Dazed Knit Hoodie and the universally flattering Core Tank. 

Where: 135A, Jalan SS 2/6, SS 2, 47300 Petaling Jaya, Selangor. Open from11am to 8pm (Friday to Sunday), closed from Monday to Thursday.

9. NEO

Founded by former fashion buyers, the brand started out in Johor Bahru in 2022 working on menswear. Over time, they set up shop at Kuala Lumpur’s stylish Chow Kit district and evolved into a gender-neutral label championing self-expression and fluidity in fashion.

Now, Neo covers just about every dress code: cropped hoodies and shirt dresses for off-duty days, tailored leather jackets and asymmetric tulle skirts for statement nights, and experimental blazers with peekaboo cut-outs and tailored bell bottoms for those who see the world as their runway. 

Beyond apparel, you’ll also find shoes and accessories that round out the brand's nonbinary and avant-garde aesthetic, such as metal chains, ties, and leather boots.

Where: #G-11 Block A, Jalan Jaya Putra 1/1, 81100 Johor Bahru. Open daily from 11am to 8pm. 

A0108, Blok A Eko Galleria, Jalan Eko Botani 3, Taman Eko Botani, 79100 Iskandar Puteri, Johor Darul Ta'zim. Open daily from 11am to 8pm.

No 23, Jalan Doraisamy, Chow Kit, 50300 Kuala Lumpur. Open daily from 11am to 8pm.

The annual Light To Night festival is back for its 10th edition and art aficionados will have even more time to enjoy its installations, projection mappings, activations, a festival village and more.

Running from Jan 9 to 31 at the Civic District, this year's event, which carries the theme "The Power In Us", will be the longest-running iteration of the festival so far. Here are some of the activities you can look forward to.

PROJECTION MAPPINGS

No Light To Night is complete without projection mappings and for 2026, you can look forward to five displays across three locations.

Head to National Gallery Singapore for Ansiblomoo by Singaporean artist Fyerool Darma and Memory Gesture by Vietnamese artist Ngoc Nau. The former is a four-minute experience showing a synthetic thread expanding to form entangled fibre-optic ecosystems, while the latter spotlights Vietnam's agricultural landscape.

Over at The Arts House at the Old Parliament, you can marvel at both the stunning Larut’s Tears by Gerimis Art Project and Youngsook Choi, as well as Start Here: From Every Vantage Point, which highlights the thoughts and emotions of youths who are not in education, employment or training.

You can then visit Victoria Theatre and Victoria Concert Hall for Flower Power, a collaboration between visual artist Noah Tan and pianist Dr Azariah Tan.

Ansiblomoo and Memory Gesture
Date: Jan 9 to 31
Time: 8pm to 12am
Venue: National Gallery Singapore

Larut’s Tears and Start Here: From Every Vantage Point
Date: Jan 9 to 31
Time: 7.30pm to 12am
Venue: The Arts House at the Old Parliament

Flower Power
Date: Jan 9 to 31
Time: 7.30pm to 12am
Venue: Victoria Theatre and Victoria Concert Hall

SANTAI SERIES

Unique to Light To Night 2026 is the Santai series, a collection of specially commissioned installations across the Padang, Empress Lawn, Front Lawn at The Arts House at the Old Parliament, ACM Green and Esplanade Park.

These include Untitled Gathering by Michael Lin, which features hand-painted wooden furniture with batik-inspired motifs at the National Gallery Singapore. Visitors are invited to sit, move and rearrange the pieces, becoming
co-creators of the installation.

Untitled Gathering
Date: Jan 9 to 31
Time: Mon-Fri 10am to 7pm, Sat-Sun 10am to 11pm
Venue: National Gallery Singapore, City Hall Wing, Level 3, Singapore Courtyard

SINGAPORAMA

The culmination of Thai artist Navin Rawanchaikul’s yearlong research on the communities that make up Singapore, Singaporama features a panoramic display of two large billboard paintings in the style of old cinema posters, accompanied by video interviews and a travelogue.

Singaporama
Date: Jan 9 to Nov 26
Time: Mon-Fri 10am to 7pm, Sat-Sun 10am to 11pm
Venue: National Gallery Singapore, Level 1, Padang Atrium

ART X SOCIAL: FESTIVAL VILLAGE

Head to St Andrew’s Road and the Empress Lawn for live performances, food and craft experiences at Art X Social: Festival Village. Nom on a variety of treats from the likes of The Swag Social, Happiness In A Box and Slurp Your Oysters.

The Empress Lawn will also host a pet fair on Jan 23 and 24, featuring pet-friendly vendors and activities for animal lovers.

Art X Social: Festival Village
Date: Jan 9 to 10, Jan 16 to 17, Jan 23 to 24
Time: St. Andrew’s Road 6pm to 11.30pm, Empress Lawn 5pm to 11.30pm

NAMJOONING 2 – WE ARE BULLETPROOF: ARMYLOGUE

Armys, you'll love this. The second edition of the Namjooning Trail pairs artworks from the UOB Southeast Asia Gallery and DBS Singapore Gallery with solo tracks by each member of K-pop sensation BTS.

Although the event is free, do note that you'll need to register for it via this website.

Namjooning 2 – We Are Bulletproof: Armylogue
Date: Jan 17, 24, 31
Time: 2pm to 3.30pm, 5pm to 6.30pm
Venue: National Gallery Singapore, City Hall Wing, Level 2, Singapore Courtyard

K-pop girl group Fifty Fifty, the hitmakers behind the mega-viral tune Cupid, will stage their first performance in Singapore this May. The quintet, comprising Keena, Chanelle Moon, Yewon, Hana and Athena, will be among the acts taking the stage at the Mediacorp Cloud 9 music festival.

Happening at Arena @ Expo Hall 7 on May 9, Mediacorp Cloud 9 will also see Singaporean DJ Kiara, Taiwanese-American musician Ozi and Singaporean singer-songwriter WhyLucas thrilling attendees.

Tickets for Mediacorp Cloud 9 will go on sale on Jan 15 via Ticketmaster, with prices starting at S$28.

Priority access tickets will also be available at S$35 each, limited to 500 people on a first-come, first-served basis. These tickets will allow holders to enjoy exclusive merchandise as well as a priority lane. To get in on these tickets, fans can register for an exclusive code via melisten.sg, which must be applied on Ticketmaster before selecting the "Priority Access" ticket option and completing the purchase.

According to organisers, more artistes will be announced at a later date. 

“We are beyond excited to be back again with the ultimate music festival, Mediacorp Cloud 9, where a heart-thumping and exciting evening awaits," said Simone Lum, Mediacorp's head of growth and audio, in a statement.

"From high-energy performances by some of today’s most sought-after local and international artistes to immersive fringe activities, this festival reaffirms Mediacorp’s commitment to engage our audiences across platforms through live entertainment and experiences."

Bruno Mars has completed his next album. Title The Romantic, it’s slated to be released on Feb 27, with new music also dropping on Friday (Jan 9).

The 40-year-old singer took to X to reveal the details, which included the album cover as well as vinyl preorders on his website.

It will be the Uptown Funk singer’s first album since 2016’s 24K Magic, which includes hits such as That’s What I Like and Finesse.

Since 24K Magic, Mars has collaborated with other artists, including Cardi B for their 2018 remix of Finesse and Anderson .Paak for their 2021 album An Evening With Silk Sonic.

Mars’ more recent works include 2024's Die With A Smile – featuring Lady Gaga – and Apt with Blackpink’s Rose.

After releasing Apt in Oct 2024, Bruno teased he had recorded more music with the Number One Girl hitmaker.

He told Billboard: “Oh, yeah, there is [more music]. And we love that song that we worked on – I won’t say the title … We’re just trying to figure out when, or how.”

The Talking To Mhe Moon singer also revealed that Koreans have embraced him since the K-pop collaboration.

He said: “I don’t know if you know this, but it’s different for me now in Korea.”

Mars explained: “Because of Rosie, it’s a different thing. They treat me a little different now over there. And like I said, I really gravitated toward the song because it had a piece of Korean culture and I thought that was magical.”

Bruno compared the success of Apt to Psy’s 2012 K-pop blockbuster track Gangnam Style.
He said: “No one says it, but I feel like Rosie is the first time we’ve seen this. The last time we’ve seen something to this effect was Gangnam Style.

“I still think that was an amazing thing to happen, this guy comes out and he’s talking about Gangnam style and the whole song is in Korean and that’s the learning lesson, the rock star-ness of that.

“This is what we do, this is how I talk, this is what we look like, this is how we’re dancing over here – and watch me sweep the nation with this s***. And he did.

“Apt with Rosie, I’ve never felt this before, I’ve never seen this before, where Rosie is this Korean girl that introduced this thing to people who don’t know about it, including myself. And that’s been the most enjoyable part for me. Seeing everybody react … that is magic to watch.”

When girlfriends gather, conversations tend to revolve around work, food, family and travel. But one topic still seems very much taboo – money and finances.

“We grew up in a culture where discussing money was considered impolite – something private or even taboo,” said Wendy Wong, associate director at Finexis Advisory, a financial advisory in Singapore. “So even successful women sometimes hesitate to talk about their salaries, investments and financial goals.”

This rings true for stay-at-home mother Lennette Koh, 41. “My parents aren’t the kind that are great with finances, so my sister and I were never really taught much about money matters, let alone had financial conversations when we were younger.”

There is also an emotional aspect associated with money. “For many women, money represents security, identity and even self-worth,” said Wong. Discussing their financial situation is akin to baring their souls and can make some women feel uncomfortable.

Feelings of guilt, shame or fear of being judged at spending too much can also lead to further discomfort or even complete avoidance of financial discussions, added Karen Tang, a certified financial planner and a finance coach who runs Karentang.sg.

A LACK OF CONFIDENCE

Our cultural and social upbringing can result in low financial confidence, due to women not having enough exposure or guidance, said Wong.

This lack of confidence can lead to “perfection paralysis” – an obsession with achieving perfection that can lead to inaction, procrastination and missed opportunities, said Tang. “Women often feel that they must understand everything before starting, whereas men are more willing to learn on-the-job.”

A 2023 report, Own Your Worth, by UBS Global Wealth Management found that women tend to underestimate their financial knowledge and this hesitation can keep many from initiating financial discussions, investing decisively and even in negotiating salary.

But confidence doesn’t come from knowing everything, it comes from just starting somewhere, even if it’s taking small, practical steps, such as learning how to set up an investment fund or reviewing your insurance coverage, said Wong.

“Financial literacy is a skill, not a talent. The moment women realise that, confidence follows quickly,” she added.

NORMALISING CONVERSATIONS ABOUT MONEY

Money impacts every life decision, from where we live and how we care for our loved ones to when we can retire. Avoiding money conversations limits your options and independence, Tang told CNA Women.

Wong added: “Silence can also lead to unnecessary vulnerability during transitions like divorce, job loss or even widowhood.” 

These life events can create tremendous financial stress and a lack of conversation means missed learning opportunities that could lead to resolutions that help alleviate the stress.

Abigail Wu, a financial advisor associate, knows this firsthand. The 33-year-old said her tendency to avoid financial conversations stemmed from unpleasant memories with her family where money was often a bone of contention.

She decided to work towards a healthier approach in managing her finances, becoming a financial advisor. The financial know-how she gleaned has helped her make decisions about how she now saves, spends and invests, for herself and her family.

Finance coach Tang added: “When women speak openly, they build financial literacy, find accountability buddies and foster a culture where money is a means (to an end) and not a taboo topic.” An accountability buddy could be a trusted friend or a partner where you support each other by doing regular check-ins to help each other stay on track to achieve financial goals.

It is also why both experts CNA Women spoke with advocated that money matters should be talked about openly, even with your children.

“Money habits form early, usually before the age of 10,” said Finexis Advisory’s Wong, who is a mother of three.

Using real-life scenarios such as involving your children in budgeting for family outings or weekly grocery runs, can be useful teaching moments, they said. 

Alternatively, age-appropriate apps like the OCBC MyOwn Account or Revolut Junior, as well as board games such as Monopoly, can also make financial literacy fun and engaging.

“When girls learn money management from a young age, they grow to become confident, capable women,” said finance coach Tang.

EMPOWERING YOURSELF

Koh credits her current wealth knowledge to her husband who is a proprietary trader (one who trades financial assets, such as stocks, bonds and derivatives).

“My husband and I are quite open and we’re pretty much on the same page. He has always been the one that’s more prudent and financially savvy, and plans safely for our family so I’ve learned a lot from him,” she added.

When it comes to financial wellness, both Wong and Tang advised that women at least acquaint themselves in the following areas:

1. Cash flow management: Knowing what comes in and what goes out in terms of earnings and spending.

2. Wealth protection: Safeguarding yourself and loved ones with insurance for income replacement in the event of a disability or critical illness, hospitalisation or surgery, as well as long-term care and death protection, especially if you have children.

3. Wealth accumulation: Learn how to make your money work for you through savings and investments for short-, medium- and long-term goals.

4. Retirement and legacy planning: Ensure that your future is well taken care of. This includes taking care of your family too, through CPF and insurance nominations, Lasting Power of Attorney, Advanced Care Planning to cover future health care needs, or even Advanced Medical Directive (a legal document that states the type of medical care you would prefer in the event of terminal illness).

Women tending to have longer lifespans also means higher healthcare needs later in life. Thus, taking charge of one’s financial needs is not optional and all these are important for peace of mind, said Tang.

SIMPLE WAYS TO FINANCIAL EMPOWERMENT

Equipping yourself with financial knowledge or being confident with discussing money matters doesn’t need to be overwhelming. It can be as simple as successfully tracking your monthly expenses or even making your first investment.

“Each step builds competence, which in turn, fuels confidence,” said Tang.

To get started, try:

• Tracking your spending and set one financial goal, such as achieving the desired emergency fund with an amount totalling at least three months’ worth of expenses.

• Following trusted Singapore sources like CPF Board or MoneySense on their socials to learn tips on how to better manage your finances.

• Listening to podcasts like CNA’s Money Talks where each episode dispenses quick and easy financial advice.

Instead of leaving your financial matters to someone else, even if that is your partner, both experts advised women to take control and stop being passengers in their financial journey.

“Financial independence equals freedom of choice. Women today make major life decisions, from buying homes to planning their children’s education yet often still feel unsure about money. That disconnect limits your potential,” said Wong.

Ultimately, when it comes to your financial wellbeing, talking about money isn’t being materialistic, it is being responsible.

Popular dining spots Open Farm Community and Tiong Bahru Bakery Safari will both shut down on Jan 11, 2026. The announcements were made separately on their respective social media pages. 

Open Farm Community, which was recently listed on the 2025 edition of the Michelin Guide, boasts a farm-to-table concept. It calls itself Singapore's first urban farm and grows its own produce, including herbs, okra and more.

Open Farm Community first opened in Dempsey in 2015 and has also served as a popular wedding venue, playing host to numerous garden weddings.

In a statement on its social media pages on Tuesday (Jan 6), Open Farm Community said: "We are incredibly thankful to everyone who has dined with us, celebrated with us, and been part of this journey."

Tiong Bahru Bakery, meanwhile, will be shutting its famous Safari outlet, located in Dempsey, at the same compound as Open Farm Community.

The outlet opened in 2018 and is loved for its glamping-esque theme, with tent-like drapes hanging over its entrance.

According to Tiong Bahru Bakery, the chain will "bake new memories in new places".

Both Open Farm Community and Tiong Bahru Bakery are under the Singapore-based lifestyle brand Spa Esprit Group, which also manages salon chain Browhaus and coffee chain Common Man Coffee Roasters.

As of writing, no official reason has been given for the closures.

Electronic dance music, or EDM, fans in Asia no longer need to travel to Belgium to experience the famed Tomorrowland music festival. This December, Tomorrowland will stage its first full-length Asian edition in Thailand, specifically at Wisdom Valley in Pattaya in Chonburi Province. Happening from Dec 11 to 13, Tomorrowland Thailand will boast six stages and is expected to host over 150,000 people across all three event days.

According to co-organiser Tourism Authority of Thailand, Tomorrowland’s Belgian organisation is "working closely with a dedicated local team" to bring the festival’s expertise in electronic music and stage design to Thailand.

Ticket sales for the event will commence on Mar 7, with prices for one-day passes starting at 5,100 baht (US$163.20). Pre-registration for Tomorrowland Thailand starts on Thursday (Jan 8) at 5pm, Singapore time, via the event's official website.

There will also be hotel packages going on sale on Feb 28, which include access to Tomorrowland Thailand for all three days, accommodation at a hotel in the Chonburi area and daily breakfast and shuttle to the festival.

The line-up for the inaugural Tomorrowland Thailand will be announced at a later date.

In a statement, the Tourism Authority of Thailand said: “Hosting Tomorrowland in Thailand marks an important milestone in our ambition to position the country as a leader in global tourism and creative experiences. We look forward to welcoming people from all over the world to discover the beauty, culture, and hospitality of Thailand.”