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Enjoy the wood-fired warmth of ‘Spring IMUA experience’ at Butcher’s Block, Raffles Hotel Singapore

The ‘Spring IMUA experience’ is a tribute to nature’s awakening. Photo courtesy: Butcher’s Block

One of the fining-dining restaurants housed within Raffles Hotel Singapore, the wood-fire-driven Butcher’s Block presents an avant garde interpretation of traditional cooking methods close to nature. From March to May this year, Butcher’s Block brings the ‘Spring IMUA experience’ to Singapore foodies, as a tribute to nature’s awakening.

Butcher’s Block is helmed by Chef de Cuisine Jordan Keao, born and raised in Hawaii, where cooking, fishing, hunting, and farming are a part of everyday life. The restaurant exhibits the highest quality of produce, meats, and seafood sourced from around the world and translated through fire.

Complement the dining experience at Butcher’s Block with over 288 premium wines, including a meticulous selection of natural wines, from The Library.

The 44-seat dining room. Photo courtesy: Butcher’s Block

Spring is a very special season for Hawai’i — the warmer and longer days invite communities to gather and celebrate the season’s plentiful harvest and fresh garden delights.

The Spring IMUA experience at Butcher’s Block captures the optimism and togetherness that define the essence of spring and Hawai’i’s eternal connection to nature.

Jordan Keao, Chef de Cuisine. Photo courtesy: Butcher’s Block

Drawing inspiration from Hawai’i’s natural splendour and guided by the spirit of IMUA — ‘move forward with strength and spirit’ — this menu experience mirrors the season’s blooming transformations. Chef Jordan has a commitment to sustainable, whole-animal butchery and zero-waste principles.

A quartet of Chef’s snacks promises an expressive medley of island-inspired flavours.

Begin with the popular duo of Big Eye Ahi Tuna Poké, a refined take on the well-loved Hawai’ian poké classic, and Wagyu Beef Pipikaula, which spotlights a deeply umami Blackmore rump and chuck roll cured in aged garlic shoyu and dry-aged for 25 days.

Chef’s snacks: Photo courtesy: Butcher’s Block

Newly introduced, the Grilled Asparagus Rosti showcases the definitive Spring produce lacto-fermented for over 36 hours before being grilled and assembled with parsnip puree and Agria potato rosti.

Another new snack takes the form of Taramasalata, which is inspired by Chef Jordan’s childhood days spent with his uncle, who was a fisherman. The collar of the Ahi tuna is first smoked before being made into a pate with the same consistency as taramasalata, and piped into a pain souffle pillow made with laksa leaf powder.

The essence of Hawai’i’s spring flavours comes to life with Lomi Lomi, a term derived from the Hawai’ian term to massage. This celebrates a three-century-old side dish where fish was salted and preserved. Chef Jordan’s inventive rendition highlights smoked Japanese hamachi cured in paprika, paired with tomato sorbet and agua chile for a zesty tang. Finally, crispy Jerusalem artichoke tops the dish for a textural crunch.

Western Plains Kalua Pork Dumpling. Photo courtesy: Butcher’s Block

For dinner, guests may also delight in Western Plains Kalua Pork Ravioli, an innovative interpretation of the traditional Hawai’ian dish of Kalua Pork presented as a ravioli containing Western Plains pork shoulder that had been wrapped in banana leaf and slow roasted overnight. Cooked over the wood-fire, the dumplings are enlivened with taro leaf, sweet potato puree and fermented red cabbage, seamlessly marrying the flavours to perfection.

Epicurean journey through the island’s heart

Continue the bountiful feast of springtime with an array of main courses, including the signature Huli-Huli Dry-Aged Duck, a dish that embodies the island’s vibrant and unique identity.

Malaysian farmed duck is first dry-aged whole for a week, then butchered into different parts: the breast undergoes further dry-ageing, then meticulously ‘huli’ (turned) over ambient heat above the fire and glazed with a luscious caramelised shoyu reduction. The duck leg is slow-cooked into a confit, and presented with a jus made from roasted duck bones. This reimagined classic pays homage to the smoky, flamekissed flavours of traditional Hawai’ian barbecue infused with the bounty of the season.

Grilled Murray Cod takes centre stage, featuring the fillet of this sustainable, fatty fish paired with a turmeric-accented mousseline made with the trimming and collar from the same fish. Accompanied with beautifully charred kale alongside a luxurious bottarga cream and rich Koshihikari rice risotto, the dish delivers a symphony of umami complexities.

Grilled Murray Cod/Butcher’s Block

Salad with caviar/Butcher’s Block

Blackmore Farms Trio is a true reflection of Chef Jordan’s culinary prowess in wood-fired techniques and whole-animal butchery.

Marvel at the artful presentation of prized Blackmore Farm wagyu showcased in three distinctly new ways — a grilled chef’s select cut, a luxurious beef bone marrow custard, and a beef fat financier — all created from the same half cow that the restaurant regularly brings in. English pea purée, shaved fennel and pea tendrils complete the dish with added freshness and texture.

Blackmore Farm Wagyu with Bone Marrow Custard. Photo courtesy: Butcher’s Block

Finish off the evocative journey through Hawai’i’s stunning landscapes and lush greenery with Haupia, a classic Hawai’ian coconut pudding that includes Chef Jordan’s delightful twist of a scoop of gula melaka ice cream alongside fermented Ichigo strawberries and a sprinkling of toasted macadamia nut crumble atop, finished with a subtle lemon balm garnish.

Alternatively, opt for the Baked Alaska from the Spring a la carte menu for a delightful sweet treat comprising layers of meringue, ice cream and cake, flambéed tableside with a Butcher’s Block exclusive cask of Eagle Rare 10 Year Bourbon.

Baked Alaska. Photo courtesy: Butcher’s Block

Price: The Spring IMUA dining experience is available for lunch (SGD 178++) and dinner (SGD 228++) from now to 31 May 2025. Complement the flavours of Hawai’i’s scenic landscapes with a tailored wine pairing at SGD 158++ or the Dom Pérignon premium wine pairing at SGD 408++ per guest.
Timings: Dinner: Tuesday to Saturday, 6pm to 9.45pm (last seating at 9.30pm); Lunch: Wednesday to Saturday, 12 noon to 2.30pm (last seating at 2pm) Closed on Sundays and Mondays.
Address: 328 North Bridge Rd #02-02, Raffles Arcade S188719 (Accessible via the North Bridge Road entrance)
Website: www.butchersblock.com.sg; www.rafflessingapore.com
Dress code: Casual Chic

An Easter feast like no other

On 20 April 2025, celebrate Easter in true IMUA style with a spectacular brunch at Butcher’s Block. Be enthralled by a sumptuous spread spotlighting the Blackmore Farm Easter Roast that is specially created for Easter and showcases a succulent dry-aged wagyu cooked to perfection over wood-fire and complemented with potato purée, English pea purée and chimichurri.

Butcher’s Block at home

Savour scintillating avant garde wood-fired creations and fresh produce from the comfort of your own home with Butcher’s Block’s newly-launched takeaway menu, made available for purchase in the restaurant.

Choose from a delightful assortment of items curated by Chef Jordan, including house-made milk bread, kombu butter, Western Plains Spam, dry-aged smoked duck breast, dry-aged Blackmore Farm burger patty, choice steaks and wines.

March 26, 2025
EXCLUSIVE: Sandeep Narayan’s Avathar to usher in Ramnavami celebrations in Singapore

He started as early as four and had his first ‘concert’ seven years later, before being sent away to India — from the US — by his parents for higher education in music. On the 29th of March, renowned Carnatic vocalist Sandeep Narayan will enthrall audience at the PGP Hall in Singapore as he brings his musical, Avathar, to usher in Ramnavami celebrations in the city-state.

Sandeep, who was in conversation with me recently, spoke about his music, life lessons and what to expect from his Singapore concert, which is a non-ticketed event organised by the Hindu Endowments Board.

Though he refused to give away the catalogue, Sandeep said the event will be packed with long and short numbers, featuring compositions of Hindu saint Tyagaraja.

Dialing back to his childhood, the renowned vocalist said he had a keen interest towards music as far as he remembers and it came to him naturally.

It was his father who noticed his talent early and urged his mother — a music teacher — to look after their son’s training. However, Sandeep, at 11, grew to become rebellious, which played a part in his parents’ decision to send him to India to train under renowned Carnatic musician KS Krishnamurti.

The singer also spoke about his status as a diaspora kid and his special bond with Sadhguru, who also is his father-in-law!

To know more about the riveting conversation, watch the video below.

March 26, 2025
Singapore preps for 2025 hot season, weighs options of home-based learning, cool spaces for communities

Leafy green spaces like the Tampines Eco Garden provide relief from the hot and humid Singapore summer. Photo courtesy: Instagram/visit_singapore

Planning for the 2025 hot season, following the 2024 burning summer across Asia, the authorities in Singapore are weighing the option of home-based learning, if it gets too hot for students to attend school.

In March last year, many Singapore schools had advised students to dress in physical education (PE) attire for an indefinite period of time, in view of the high temperatures, reported The Straits Times.

This year, Singapore schools could shift to partial or full home-based learning to counter the heat, said a CNA report. Moreover, air-conditioned spaces such as indoor sports halls would be open to the public, as a refuge from heat.

CNA said that these plans were announced by the interagency Mercury Task Force yesterday. This task force, formed in 2023, makes and implements plans to counter heatwaves in Singapore. Its members come from 37 government agencies, including the Ministry of Education (MOE), Ministry of Health, and the Ministry of Social and Family Development.

Since temperature and humidity can combine to create a lethal heatwave, Singapore — like many other nations around the world — takes into a variety of factors, using the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) indicator.

In case of a heatwave, the Singapore authorities could minimise outdoor activities between 11am and 4pm; relax the school dress; and repurpose air-conditioned spaces to give people relief.

“If the national posture is to adopt heightened measures, MOE will guide schools to go on either partial or full home-based learning so as to not disrupt students’ learning,” said the Mercury Task Force, as quoted by CNA.

Air-conditioned spaces distributed across neighbourhoods will provide relief to those who have no AC at home, or need a cooling break during their work day. “The plan is for these locations to be situated across or spread around Singapore so there is easy access to these facilities,” said the Mercury Task Force.

Definition of a heatwave in Singapore

In Singapore, the definition of a heatwave is three consecutive days with a highest daily temperature of 35 degree Celsius or more, and three consecutive days of an average daily temperature of 29 degree Celsius or more.

“Singapore has experienced six historical heatwave events, with the most recent one in 2016,” reported CNA.

March to May is generally the hottest period in Singapore, and the year 2024 saw high temperatures that rivalled those in 2019 and 2016. “There were 21 days of high heat stress, most occurring in March, April and May,” said CNA.

March 20, 2025
Indian-origin Singaporean NS defaulter to serve 14 weeks in jail after appeal dismissed

A 28-year-old Singaporean of Indian origin, who defaulted on his mandatory national service (NS) obligations by staying in India even after the expiry of his permit, is to serve 14 weeks in jail after his appeal against his conviction and sentence was dismissed by a court in the city-state.

A representational image of a jail. Photo Courtesy: Unsplash

A High Court panel on Wednesday, March 19, rejected Naresh Kumar Nagesvaran’s claim that he did not know he needed an exit permit to remain in India for his studies as his late mother had been handling all the correspondence with the Central Manpower Base (CMPB), an enlistment centre, until late 2018.

The panel comprising Chief Justice Sundaresh Menon, Justice Tay Yong Kwang and Justice Vincent Hoong upheld the lower court’s decision to sentence Nagesvaran to 14 weeks in jail.

Nagesvaran, who was born in Singapore, left for India with his mother and sister in 2004 when he was seven years old. The court was told that his Singaporean father had abandoned the family, reported The Straits Times newspaper.

In 2009, when he turned 13 years old, a notice was sent to his last-known address in Singapore to inform him of his NS liability. It stated that he had to apply for a valid exit permit if he intended to remain overseas for longer than three months.

Nagesvaran subsequently obtained exit permits for two consecutive periods, which allowed him to remain outside of Singapore.

The first, which was valid from January 30, 2010 to January 28, 2012, was applied online.

The second exit permit was applied for over the counter at the CMPB in Singapore on January 3, 2012. This permit was valid from January 29, 2012 to September 30, 2013.

He returned to Singapore on April 7, 2019 – about five and a half years later than he was allowed – and was arrested at the airport.

He started his national service later that year.

He was then charged with failing to return to Singapore by the period stipulated in the second exit permit.

Nagesvaran contended that no one told him when he was 13 years old that he had NS obligations in Singapore, or that he had to obtain a valid exit permit to remain in India.

He claimed that he became aware of his NS obligations only in late 2018.

However, the prosecution presented evidence that Nagesvaran had accompanied his uncle to Central Manpower Base (CMPB) on January 3, 2012 to apply for the second exit permit.

His travel records showed he was in Singapore from December 25, 2011 to January 10, 2012 – the period coincided with his application date.

Nagesvaran insisted that he had remained outside the CMPB premises while his uncle went to the counter.

He also tried to distance himself from a letter that was sent to CMPB on February 18, 2014.

The letter, which was signed with his name, sought an extension of his exit permit. He denied signing the letter and suggested that his name was written in his mother’s handwriting. His mother died in June 2019 after a long battle with cancer.

In convicting him in 2023, district judge Luke Tan ruled that the offence was of strict liability in nature.

A strict liability offence is one where a person would be convicted as long as the prosecution can prove the act was committed, regardless of the person’s intent or knowledge.

This meant the prosecution did not need to show that he was aware that he had to return to Singapore before his exit permit expired.

In any event, the district judge found that Nagesvaran knew of his NS obligations as he had accompanied his uncle to CMPB and that he had signed the letter to the CMPB.

Chief Justice Menon noted that it was incumbent on the defence to present expert evidence to support its claim that the February 18, 2014 letter was signed by someone else.

He added that the defence also did not call Nagesvaran’s uncle to testify about the CMPB visit.

In response to queries, a Defence Ministry spokesperson said that since the High Court set out the sentencing framework for NS defaulters in 2017, 29 defaulters, including Nagesvaran, have been sentenced to imprisonment.

March 20, 2025
India and Singapore to explore green digital shipping corridor for global trade

India’s green fuel and digital initiatives are set to enter global trade through Singapore’s marine and shipping industry, one of the world’s largest hubs for bunker fuel, supplying over 55 million tonnes annually to internationally operating vessels, according to reports.

Representational image. Singapore-flagged container ship ONE OLYMPUS. Photo: sgpc.gov.sg

The two nations are exploring a “Green Digital Shipping Corridor” aimed at linking various international ports and marine industries, paving the way for India’s green fuel, green hydrogen, and ammonia exports to play a crucial role in the global maritime sector.

India’s Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, is leading the charge for this collaboration, with a focus on enhancing green shipping and digitising India’s ports to make the nation a global maritime leader.

Sonowal, accompanied by key representatives from Indian ports, shipyards, and maritime institutions, will visit Singapore next week to solidify the partnership with local industries.

This visit coincides with the Singapore Maritime Week, taking place from March 24-28, where industry experts will gather to explore new opportunities in shipping and port modernization.

Singapore, with its strategic location and robust maritime infrastructure, is keen to support the growing industrialisation of the sector, including shipyard upgrades and the development of shipping capacity. The collaboration is expected to benefit both countries, positioning India as a leader in green fuel exports and helping Singapore maintain its status as a global maritime hub.

March 20, 2025
Rainforest Wild Asia: Singapore’s newest wildlife adventure opens to the public

When it comes to Singapore, you can never say, “I’ve been there a few years ago, and that’s enough.” This city-state never stands still. With its ever-evolving skyline, world-class attractions, and a tourism board that works tirelessly alongside organisations like National Parks, Mandai Wildlife Group and others, Singapore continues to redefine itself.

Minister for Sustainability and the Environment, and Minister-in-charge of Trade Relations, Grace Fu (centre-white), Mike Barclay, the Group CEO of Mandai Wildlife Group (2nd left) and Piyush Gupta (3rd right), Board Chairman, Mandai Park Holdings, pose with other officials at the newly opened Rainforest Wild Asia. Photo: Connected to India

And now, adding to its treasure trove of experiences is Rainforest Wild Asia — a groundbreaking new attraction that brings the magic of the rainforest to the heart of the city, offering visitors an immersive journey into the wild like never before.

The launch, held on a bright Saturday morning, saw a decent crowd join Minister for Sustainability and the Environment and Minister-in-charge of Trade Relations Grace Fu, Piyush Gupta, CEO of DBS Bank who is also the Chairman of Board Chairman of Mandai Park Holdings, Singapore Tourism Board’s Chief Executive Melissa Ow, Mandai Wildlife Group CEO Mike Barclay, and others, for an interactive tour.

Piyush Gupta, who has led DBS since 2009 and is set to retire after a stellar innings, looked fit and relaxed at the event. A cricket enthusiast, his long and impactful innings had been nothing short of a championship run — one that has left a lasting mark on Singapore’s financial and business landscape.

Meanwhile, with its unique multi-layered experience, Rainforest Wild Asia promises to engage park-goers in an up-close exploration of Southeast Asia’s rich biodiversity, offering thrilling activities and opportunities to discover wildlife in the most unexpected corners.

A multi-layered rainforest experience

Mike Barclay, the Group CEO of Mandai Wildlife Group, aptly described the new park as a place where visitors can “fully engage with nature and discover wildlife in unexpected corners.”

True to this vision, Rainforest Wild Asia offers an experience that spans across three distinct levels of the rainforest. Visitors can explore the forest floor, trek through the canopy, or venture beneath the surface in an extensive network of caves.

For those who prefer a more relaxed stroll, the park offers universally designed walkways. However, for the more adventurous, there are challenging forest treks and an array of guided adventures that delve deeper into the park’s offerings.

This flexibility allows visitors to choose their own pace and level of exploration, making Rainforest Wild Asia an ideal destination for both families and thrill-seekers.

Conservation at the heart of the park

A key highlight of the opening was the announcement of the birth of a Philippine spotted deer, a species that is new to Singapore and among the world’s rarest.

The deer, born in the Canopy zone of the park, is part of an ongoing conservation effort aimed at preserving endangered species. Native to the Visayan Islands in the Philippines, the Philippine spotted deer is critically endangered, and this birth emphasizes the crucial role that human care plays in the survival of such species.

Rainforest Wild Asia welcomed its first baby – a Philippine spotted deer fawn born to first time parents in February 2025. Photo courtesy: Mandai Wildlife Group

Minister Fu congratulated the Mandai Wildlife Group on this success, underscoring the importance of conservation in maintaining biodiversity. Visitors to Rainforest Wild Asia will have the rare opportunity to observe this remarkable species and its young fawn in the park’s lush and immersive environment.

From the elusive to the majestic, park-goers of Rainforest Wild Asia seek out wildlife like the Malayan tigers in their habitat at the Rock Cascade. Photo: Connected to India

Rainforest Wild Asia is not just about passive observation — it offers thrilling add-on activities to elevate the visitor experience. Forest Adventure, the operator of these activities, provides two unique programs under the Adventure+ umbrella. One of the highlights is the Canopy Jump, where visitors take a thrilling leap from either a 13-meter or 20-meter platform for a simulated free fall.

For those looking for a slightly more lighthearted adventure, the AIA Vitality Bounce provides an open-sky bouncing play area, featuring various bounce zones at least three meters above the ground.

For those with an even bolder spirit, the park also offers Black Adventure activities. These three-hour, guided tours take visitors to parts of the park that are typically inaccessible.

The Wild Apex Adventure challenges participants to climb across the Karst and Canopy habitats, using metal rungs, ladders, and suspended bridges, while possibly encountering the rare François’ langurs. Alternatively, the Wild Cavern Adventure offers a simulated cave expedition, including abseiling in the dark, squeezing through tight spaces, and navigating boulder fields. Both activities are designed to provide a unique adrenaline rush while fostering a deep connection to the natural world.

Admission and special offers

Rainforest Wild Asia is open daily from 9 AM to 6 PM, with the last admission at 5 PM.

The red-shanked douc langurs are one of the most striking looking primates with a vivid and multi-coloured appearance. They can be seen at The Canopy. Photo: Connected to India

Visitors can access the park via Mandai Wildlife West, a public space that offers various dining options and playgrounds for younger ones.

The single-park admission prices are set at SGD 43 for adults, SGD 31 for children aged 3 to 12, and SGD 20 for local senior citizens.

However, local residents can enjoy a special discounted admission rate of SGD 33 for adults and SGD 21 for children until March 31, 2025.

For those looking to make the most of their visits, Mandai Wildlife Group offers the WildPass, a free digital membership that provides benefits like discounts on online admission tickets and savings at retail and food outlets.

Alternatively, visitors can purchase a Friends of Rainforest Wild Asia or Friends of Mandai membership for unlimited annual visits to the park or all of Singapore’s wildlife parks. Annual membership fees start from SGD 130.

A world-leading nature and wildlife destination

The opening of Rainforest Wild Asia marks a significant milestone in the ongoing transformation of the Mandai Wildlife Reserve.

This ambitious project aims to establish the reserve as a world-leading destination for nature and wildlife experiences. With the addition of Rainforest Wild Asia, visitors are invited to immerse themselves in one of the world’s most biologically rich environments, while learning about the importance of conservation and the protection of endangered species.

As the park celebrates its grand opening, it is expected to welcome approximately 900,000 visitors during its first year of operations.

March 18, 2025
Singapore: PUB warns of flash flood risk amid heavy rain forecast

Singapore’s national water agency, PUB, has issued a warning about the risk of flash floods as a monsoon surge is expected to bring heavy rain to the city-state later this week.

Representational image. Photo courtesy: Unsplash

According to the Meteorological Service Singapore (MSS), the surge will occur between March 19 and March 21, bringing moderate to heavy rainfall and cooler conditions.

As a result, daily minimum temperatures could drop to around 22°C, while daytime temperatures will range between 24°C and 34°C. The surge is also expected to bring windy conditions and thundery showers in the afternoons, which will continue for the rest of March.

PUB has warned that the intense rainfall could overwhelm drains and canals, causing temporary flash floods in some areas.

It urged locals to subscribe to flood alerts and adjust travel plans accordingly. The second half of March is expected to see above-average rainfall, with a total of 151.7mm expected across the island based on historical data.

Earlier this year, a similar monsoon surge between January 10 and 13 caused heavy rainfall and flooding in various parts of Singapore, including along Jalan Seaview.

That surge also led to disruptions at Changi Airport, with twelve flights diverted due to the prolonged rain. As Singapore faces another surge this week, residents have been advised to stay updated on weather conditions and take necessary precautions to stay safe.

March 18, 2025
375kg of cannabis, some of it headed for Singapore, seized in Thailand and 13 foreigners arrested

The contraband cannabis was seized from 22 bags at Samui airport, and that its total street value was 75 million baht (USD 2.2 million). Representative photo courtesy: Pixabay/MurrrPhoto

A total of 375kg of cannabis, worth approximately USD 2.2. million, was seized in Thailand and 13 foreigners were arrested for smuggling. Some of the cannabis was meant to be smuggled into Singapore, as the island nation was one of the destinations of the accused.

The seizure and arrest operations took place at Samui airport, according to a CNA report. All the 13 accused were “posing as tourists”, said the Singapore-based publication. All the arrests did not happen in one single day; it took the Thailand authorities four days to catch everyone.

CNA said: “Of the 13 arrested, 12 were bound for Singapore and the other was bound for Hong Kong, the Bangkok Post reported. Their planned final destinations included the United Kingdom, Germany, and Singapore.”

Some of the foreigners were drug mules — people hired to carry narcotics, while pretending to be regular travellers — and their reward was going to be payment or debt repayment, according to information released by the Thai authorities.

Based on the Bangkok Post report, CNA said that the contraband cannabis was “seized from 22 bags at Samui airport”, and that its total street value was 75 million baht (USD 2.2 million) in total.

The most recent arrests were carried out on Saturday, when four British men were caught with 131kg of dried cannabis buds, packed in eight suitcases. They tried to flee Samui airport when their bags were scanned and the cannabis was found, but they were caught soon enough and charged with smuggling cannabis and violating the cannabis control law of Thailand.

Immigration police in Thailand said that these British men were on a paid trip — they had flown from Bangkok to Koh Samui (in Surat Thani), after which they were to carry the contraband cannabis from Koh Samui to Singapore, and then onwards to other destinations.

The payment they had been promised as drug mules was GBP 2,000 (USD 2,500) per person or debt repayment for some of them.

Besides these four caught over the weekend, nine other foreigners were arrested earlier for smuggling cannabis through Samui airport; they have been sentenced to four months’ jail.

March 17, 2025
Singapore Airlines to continue as title sponsor of Singapore Grand Prix till 2028

Widely regarded as one of the most anticipated annual events in Singapore, The Singapore Grand Prix is a crown jewel not only for the city-state but also for the F1 fans.

Singapore Airlines is the title sponsor of the Singapore Grand Prix. Photo courtesy: www.instagram.com/f1nightrace

With all the glitz and glamour surrounding the event, the sponsors arguably play a big part in it. For years now, Singapore Airlines (SIA) has played the role of the title sponsor of the mega event and it’ll remain that way for the next few years.

ALSO READ: Singapore Grand Prix: 15th edition to begin with new race-themed programmes across country

According to an official news release, SIA has renewed its title sponsorship of the Formula 1 for another four years. The airline has been the title sponsor of the event for 11 years now, beginning with the 2014 edition of the race.

This latest extension will cover the event, which will continue to be called the Formula 1 Singapore Airlines Singapore Grand Prix.

The 2025 edition of Singapore Grand Prix is scheduled for 3 to 5 October at the Marina Bay Street Circuit.

ALSO READ: Singapore Grand Prix 2025 to take place in October

The new deal will remain in effect till the 2028 edition.

Renowned as one of F1’s premier events, the Singapore Grand Prix features drivers racing through the city streets against the spectacular backdrop of its night-time skyline.

The event has bolstered Singapore’s reputation as a business and tourism hub, with numerous international events and meetings organised to coincide with the race, complementing SIA’s global network.

Lee Lik Hsin, Chief Commercial Officer, Singapore Airlines. Photo courtesy: www.singaporeair.com

Lee Lik Hsin, Chief Commercial Officer, Singapore Airlines, said, “The Singapore Grand Prix is an important event in Singapore’s sporting and tourism calendar. It has become iconic not just for showcasing our beautiful skyline, but also for highlighting Singapore’s position as a key global hub. This extension underscores Singapore Airlines’ long-standing commitment to supporting the development of sports and tourism in Singapore.”

Emily Prazer, Chief Commercial Officer, Formula 1. Photo courtesy: corp.formula1.com

Emily Prazer, Chief Commercial Officer, Formula 1, said, “We are delighted that Singapore Airlines will continue as the Title Sponsor of the Formula 1 Singapore Airlines Singapore Grand Prix. Singapore has become one of the most revered Grands Prix on the calendar, and it is through the hard work and dedication of partners such as Singapore Airlines that we can continue to deliver such a strong event. We look forward to continuing to work with them to further elevate this event for years to come.”

January 16, 2025
Singapore MRT to get 3 new stations connecting Downtown Line to North-South Line by 2035

Artist impression of DE1 Station. Image courtesy: LTA

The Land Transport Authority (LTA) of Singapore has announced the alignment and station locations for the Downtown Line 2 extension (DTL2e). It said in a media release on January 6: “DTL2e will connect the Downtown Line (DTL) from its existing terminus at Bukit Panjang station to a new NS6/DE2 interchange station on the North-South Line (NSL).”

Artist impression of NS6/DE2 Interchange Station. Image courtesy: LTA

The LTA release said: “Construction works for DTL2e are expected to commence in the fourth quarter of 2025, with the stations opening by 2035.” According to estimates provided by the LTA, commuters will save 10 minutes to 30 minutes on their MRT journey, once the DLT2e stations become operational.

Artist impression of covered linkway view towards DE1 Station. Image courtesy: LTA

The route length of DTL2e is approximately 4 kilometres. Travelling towards the northwest, the first station (DE1) after Bukit Panjang Station will be an underground station located along Sungei Kadut Avenue. The new terminus for the DTL will be an underground interchange station (DE2) connected to a new aboveground NSL station (NS6) between Yew Tee and Kranji stations.

Land Transport Authority

Artist impression of covered linkway from vehicular bridge to DE1 Station. Image courtesy: LTA

These new stations would “enhance rail connectivity in the north-western region”, said the LTA, especially to Yew Tee Village and the future Sungei Kadut Eco-District.

“When DTL2e is completed, the DTL will have a total of 39 stations, including the upcoming Hume station that will open in second quarter of 2025, as well as the DTL 3 extension (DTL3e) comprising Xilin and Sungei Bedok stations that will open in second half of 2026,” said the LTA.

“Together with other rail network expansions over the next decade, DTL2e will bring us one step closer to our Land Transport Master Plan 2040 target of having 8 in 10 households within a 10-minute walk to a train station by the 2030s,” said the Singapore Government agency.

Travel time savings with DTL2e stations. Graphic courtesy: LTA

Location map of DE1 Station. Graphic courtesy: LTA

Location map of NS6/DE2 Interchange Station. Graphic courtesy: LTA

Environmental safeguards include wildlife corridor along rail corridor

According to the media release, the environmental study for extension has been completed, and the “relevant reports will be published on LTA’s website this month for public feedback”.

Ecological protection is a major part of the extension project. An Environmental Monitoring and Management Plan would be implemented, said the LTA, “with mitigation measures to minimise the environmental impact of the works”. Measures include the provision of a wildlife corridor along the rail corridor during construction.

January 7, 2025