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SINGAPORE – A mural depicting a young samsui woman holding a cigarette ignited one of Singapore’s most debated discussions on public art. The concerts of American pop icon Taylor Swift’s The Eras Tour in Singapore in March helped promote the modest bead shop. Additionally, pasta was highlighted this year. Here are 26 events and trends that made an impression on Singapore’s lifestyle landscape in 2024.
K-pop sensation Rose and American singer-songwriter Bruno Mars collaborating in the music video for Apt.PHOTO: ROSE/YOUTUBE
“Apateu, apateu, apateu, apateu.” Since the K-pop girl group Blackpink’s Rose debuted her track Apt. alongside American songwriter Bruno Mars, this infectious melody has been ubiquitous.
While her fellow group members Lisa and Jennie unveiled songs in 2024, it is clear that Rose has achieved the most significant success among them.
Apt., drawing inspiration from a South Korean drinking game of the same name, launched on October 18 and rapidly became a sensation online.
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Epigram Coffee Bookshop located at the Singapore Art Museum. It will not be extending its lease at the Tanjong Pagar Distripark. PHOTO: EPIGRAM BOOKS
Print culture faced harsh economic challenges in 2024.
In consecutive months, Times Bookstores closed after nearly fifty years of operation; SingLit stronghold Epigram Books announced its intention to shut its physical store Epigram Coffee Bookshop; and the historic Thambi Magazine Store in Holland Village closed its doors.
These developments were met with public sighs that only highlighted the ongoing tragic trend.
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Hai Ge Ji Single Chicken Rice Set. The modest chicken rice found itself in the limelight in 2024.ST PHOTO: HEDY KHOO
The unpretentious chicken rice gained significant attention in 2024, with celebrities and influencers beginning to challenge hawkers serving one of Singapore’s most cherished dishes. Prominent restaurant chains also joined the competition.
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(From left) Ryan Reynolds as Deadpool/Wade Wilson and Hugh Jackman as Wolverine/Logan in Deadpool & Wolverine. PHOTO: DISNEY
In the film industry, it is generally accepted that: The lower the rating, the higher the box office success. This rationale holds true, as families with children constitute a substantial part of the audience.
The guideline is reinforced by statistics. Within the Marvel-centric top 10 highest-grossing films in Singapore, no film carries a higher rating than PG13, which permits children under 13 to attend with parental supervision.
In July, a rule-breaker emerged in the shape of a foul-mouthed Marvel superhero, accompanied by a particularly grumpy ally.
The gritty and profanity-laden Deadpool & Wolverine became the first film of 2024 to surpass the $7 million milestone at the local box office. With its total earnings exceeding $7 million, it is now the highest-grossing M18-rated film ever in Singapore.
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Chinese automakers like BYD are beginning to export hybrid models capable of extraordinarily long distances before requiring a recharge.PHOTO: AFP
It is fortunate that the prices of candies and soft drinks offered at fuel stations are as high as they are, because individuals will not be frequenting such convenience stores as often as they previously did.
– not with the increasing acclaim of electric vehicles (EVs) and progressing technology that keeps drivers from the fueling stations.
Hybrid automobiles, which merge the petrol engine with electrification, offer extensive driving range and diminished fuel expenses. They also give those hesitant about complete EVs and their dependence on the charging infrastructure a chance to experience electric driving.
If diversity is the essence of life, searching for electrified automobiles in 2025 will be more exhilarating than a spicy mala hotpot feast.
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Admirers with friendship bracelets near the National Stadium on March 2, the opening day of Taylor Swift’s The Eras Tour concerts in Singapore. PHOTO: LIANHE ZAOBAO
Hotels, eateries, and various hospitality entities are usually the primary beneficiaries of concert tourism. However, another retail sector saw an unanticipated increase due to American pop icon Taylor Swift’s The Eras Tour performances in Singapore in March: the simple bead shop.
Previously a niche domain for crafters, bead shops in Singapore and elsewhere worldwide experienced an influx of Swifties—fans of the 35-year-old singer-songwriter—eager to create friendship bracelets to exchange during the concerts.
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The slang term “skibidi” used by Gen Z and Alpha originates from the YouTube machinima series Skibidi Toilet, while the term “sigma” describes autonomous men. PHOTOS: DAFUQ!?BOOM!/YOUTUBE, STANZI/YOUTUBE
“Time transforms everything; there is no justification for language to be exempt from this universal principle,” stated 19th-century Swiss linguist Ferdinand de Saussure.
Currently, as Gen Z and Gen Alpha navigate a hyperconnected environment, their developing slang mirrors an online realm saturated with pop culture citations, viral memes, and niche internet movements.
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Australian performer Jason Arrow (centre) portrayed American founding father Alexander Hamilton.PHOTO: DANIEL BOUD
The excitement was tangible when it was announced in late 2023 that the Broadway and West End phenomenon Hamilton would finally make its entrance in Singapore, at the Sands Theatre.
The critically lauded, award-winning production had previously celebrated immense box-office triumph, with numerous sold-out shows during its runs in different regions since its off-Broadway premiere in 2015.
No other musical in recent history has been as decorated as the sung-and-rapped-through biographical production, which chronicles the life of American founding father Alexander Hamilton and his role in the American Revolution until his demise in 1804.
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Guests at the Impressions Of Monet: The Experience event at Gardens by the Bay’s Flower Dome.PHOTO: ST FILE
In an era where individuals can accomplish most activities on their smartphones—from viewing live concerts taking place across the globe to engaging with artificial intelligence programs like ChatGPT—grabbing their attention requires significant effort.
This might explain why immersive experiences have been on the rise in the past year – and why Singapore has continued to embrace them.
Impressions Of Monet: The Experience at Gardens by the Bay, for example, has drawn over 750,000 attendees since its launch in July.
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Sofia Yong (Earth-616) embodies Jitter, a teenage mutant from Singapore who possesses the capability to adopt any skill or talent forone minute prior to crashing. PHOTOS: MARVEL
Singaporean Marvel character Sofia Yong, also known as Jitter, sparked extensive online conversation following the reveal of her character on Aug 9. She initially showed up as an unnamed figure in the Aug 7 edition of the revived Uncanny X-Men series.
Crafted by the American comic author Gail Simone and brought to life by American comic illustrator David Marquez, Jitter can acquire any ability or skill for a minute through focused concentration. Nevertheless, if she pushes herself too hard, she fails. To maintain her rhythm, Jitter carries a stopwatch at all times, based on the Marvel character card.
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K-pop girl group NewJeans (in a September image) unilaterally ended their contract with their music label, Ador, on Nov 28. PHOTO: REUTERS
2024 has been predominantly a year marred by scandals and undesirable incidents in K-pop, involving several major stars and agencies.
At the forefront of this is the nasty ongoing dispute between K-pop behemoth Hybe and music producer Min Hee-jin, the former CEO of Hybe’s subsidiary label Ador, which oversees the hit girl group NewJeans.
The quintet supported Ms. Min, who was ousted from her position, and have since had a falling out with Ador, officially terminating their contract with the label on Nov 28.
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With an increasing demand for non-alcoholic beverages, new offerings like cold-pressed juice from Mustly have entered the marketplace. PHOTO: MUSTLY
In 2024, Dry January transformed into a year-long phenomenon. Diners traded their champagne flutes for slender glasses of sparkling tea, just as bubbly and tinted a similar shade of gold. Health-focused juices and teas began to vie for shelf space alongside long-standing options like beer and wine.
As Singapore intensified its battle against the dual challenges of sugar and salt – it was announced in August that Nutri-Grade labels would be expanded to include salt, sauces, seasonings, instant noodles, and cooking oils, in addition to beverages – it appeared the message had resonated.
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Femtech start-up Surety organized Singapore’s inaugural Menopause Festival in November.PHOTO: SURETY
2024 saw an increase in Singaporean women breaking the silence regarding menopause.
While their mothers endured without raising concerns, more midlife women today are actively seeking assistance for menopause, which signifies the conclusion of a woman’s reproductive years and is characterized as 12 months without menstruation.
Approximately 1.1 billion women, or one in eight globally, will be post-menopausal by 2025. The average woman in Singapore experiences menopause at age 49, two years sooner than their counterparts in Western societies.
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A rising number of retro-inspired cafes here offer traditional coffee accompanied by local or Malaysian cuisine.PHOTOS: HEDY KHOO, GREAT NANYANG HERITAGE CAFE
Traditional coffee from Southeast Asia, commonly referred to as Nanyang coffee, experienced a surge in popularity in 2024, captivating young consumers with trendy versions like Great Nanyang Heritage Cafe’s Coconut Coffee and Soymilk Coffee.
Driving the renaissance of traditional coffee was a growing influx of retro-themed cafes here that serve authentic coffee, alongside local or Malaysian dishes.
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Ozempic’s main component, semaglutide, not only regulates blood glucose levels but also promotes weight loss. PHOTO: REUTERS
In 2024, Ozempic captured worldwide attention as a revolutionary therapy not merely for Type 2 diabetes but also for weight control, resulting in heightened demand and significant media coverage.
Originally created by Danish pharmaceutical firm Novo Nordisk to regulate blood sugar, Ozempic’s active ingredient, semaglutide, was discovered to induce substantial weight loss. This led to its popularity as an off-label remedy for obesity.
Semaglutide simulates a natural hormone produced in the small intestine known as glucagon-likepeptide-1.
In addition to managing glucose levels, semaglutide functions within the brain to induce a sensation of satiety, assisting users in reducing their food intake by suppressing their hunger.
This dual advantage resulted in Ozempic being celebrated as a revolutionary product and sparked a rise in its fame, propelled by support from celebrities and social media personalities, along with online weight-loss success narratives.
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Numerous new establishments emerged for diners to enjoy a dish of pasta accompanied by a glass of wine.PHOTOS: CASA VOSTRA, LOCANDA, PASTARO
The craving for handcrafted pizza persists in Singapore. However, in 2024, the focus shifted to another cherished carbohydrate: pasta.
While diners might bypass upscale eateries, they cannot resist a bowl of noodles.
And restaurateurs listened attentively. Numerous new venues emerged for patrons to savor a dish of pasta, often paired with a glass of wine.
Certainly, a patron may choose a simple dish with Singapore’s popular – carbonara sauce – but dining establishments have been raising the stakes. The sauces are increasingly sophisticated; in many instances, the pasta is crafted on-site and presents in more unique shapes. Most venues price their dishes under $30.
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The fine-dining venue La Dame de Pic, French chef Anne-Sophie Pic’s Singapore branch, ceased operations in 2024.PHOTO: RAFFLES HOTEL SINGAPORE
La Dame de Pic, Tippling Club, Gemma, Art di Daniele Sperindio, Sushi Kimura, Beni, Chef Kang’s, Sommer, and Braci are all establishments that gourmet dining enthusiasts might suggest as essential spots to visit in Singapore.
Nonetheless, they feature on another list: establishments that have closed, or will close, by the conclusion of 2024.
The food and beverage industry in Singapore is notoriously cutthroat, where rivalry is intense and patrons are unpredictable. The sector suffered significantly this year and no category of eatery was immune.
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The Acropolis in Greece was closed for hours in July as southern Europe experienced a heatwave.PHOTO: REUTERS
The year 2023 was marked as the hottest ever, and 2024 is poised to exceed that record.
Climate change – primarily due to carbon emissions from fossil fuel combustion – is the main factor, causing temperatures to increase at a concerning speed.
In July, southern Europe faced an unyielding heatwave, with Greece’s famed cultural site, the Acropolis – a hilltop Unesco World Heritage location that draws numerous visitors each year – closed for hours as temperatures reached 38 deg C.
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Artist Sean Dunston’s mural of a young Samsui woman with a cigarette at 297 South Bridge Road ignited considerable discussion.PHOTO: ST FILE
In a nation where art seldom receives attention, it was an unexpected mural of a young samsui woman with a cigarette in hand that ignited one of Singapore’s most debated public art discussions.
On June 27, The Straits Times reported that the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) mandated the removal of the cigarette in the mural located at 297 South Bridge Road.
Following the report, artists, tour guides, history enthusiasts, advocacy groups, and the online community poured an abundance of commentary on whether the unauthorized mural ought to be taken down or left as is.
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TikTok maintained its prominent role in the pop culture sphere throughout 2024. PHOTOS: HENRIK CHRISTIANSEN/TIKTOK, JOOLS LEBRON/TIKTOK
Did you notice how TikTok continued to promote the exchange of thoughts and philosophies across borders and cultures in 2024? Very mindful, very wholesome.
Or was it the epitome of mischief, as showcased by British singer-songwriter Charli XCX’s sixth studio album of the same title, marked by its dark lime-green and chaotic electro club pop style?
These two opposing ideas seemed to dominate the digital space in 2024, alongside phenomena such as the “Gen Z intern drafting marketing content” and “searching for a man in finance.”
All these trends originated on TikTok, which sustained its status as the leadinginfluence within the pop cultural domain throughout the year.
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Communications director Mervyn Lee considers himself an “ugly shoe” enthusiast and has accumulated a significant collection.ST PHOTO: CHONG JUN LIANG
In a time where fashion fads shift more quickly than the time it takes to fasten your shoelaces, one trend has maintained its relevance: unattractive footwear.
Previously a divisive fashion choice, these unconventional styles have, in 2024, secured their position as a vital component of contemporary wardrobes.
Ranging from oversized platforms to playful mules, unattractive shoes are constantly evolving, as top designers and brands around the globe wholeheartedly embrace their charm.
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The integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning in travel is rapidly advancing.ST PHOTO: KUA CHEE SIONG
Virtual resources redefined the travel sector in 2024, fostering innovation while transforming the experiences of travelers across the globe.
Although artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning have been utilized for over a decade, their swift advancement is unveiling new opportunities for the mass travel and tourism industry.
Beyond enhancing customer service, AI-driven tools on booking platforms present customized travel recommendations suited to personal preferences.
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Warabimochi from Warabimochi Kamakura. PHOTO: WARABIMOCHI KAMAKURA
Singapore was captivated by mochi in 2024, with the excitement ignited by the launch in February of the well-known Japanese brand Warabimochi Kamakura.
Long lines followed at its inaugural store at One Holland Village. The brand began to expand openings: at Takashimaya Shopping Centre and Taste Orchard, both situated on Orchard Road; Jem mall in Jurong; and Waterway Point in Punggol.
People found the traditional Japanese summer delicacy – crafted from bracken starch, diced into squares, and coated in kinako (roasted soybean powder) or matcha – irresistible. They relished the brand’s beverages, featuring small bits of jiggly mochi within them.
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(From left) Charli XCX, Sabrina Carpenter, and Chappell Roan spearheaded the surge of female pop domination in 2024. PHOTOS: REUTERS, AFP
From Charli XCX and Sabrina Carpenter to Chappell Roan and Billie Eilish, women dominated the airwaves in 2024.
This began in spring, when the likes of Ariana Grande, Beyonce, and Taylor Swift – all three reigning American pop queens – dropped new albums in quick succession, starting with Grande’s Eternal Sunshine and Beyonce’s Cowboy Carter in March, followed by Swift’s The Tortured Poets Department in April.
Each of the three albums shattered the previous record for the most-streamed album in a single day on the Spotify platform.
American artist Eilish and British-Albanian performer Dua Lipa joined the fray in May with their highly anticipated third studio albums, Hit Me Hard And Soft and Radical Optimism respectively.
Conversely, the reception for Charli XCX’s album Brat, released in June, was markedly different. The British singer-songwriter has mainly adhered to experimental music styles, like hyperpop, over recent years.
However, Brat, the 32-year-old’s sixth studio album, infiltrated the mainstream and became unavoidably prominent for anyone engaged in online culture.
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In 2024, Gen Zs and younger millennials persistently challenged boundaries.ST PHOTO: MARK CHEONG
Historically, it has been young individuals who propel societal transformations. Some of the most celebrated founding figures of the American Revolution in the 18th century were in their twenties. Alexander Hamilton, the first US secretary of the treasury, was reportedly 21 when he co-signed the US Declaration of Independence.
In 2024, Gen Z individuals aged 12 to 27 and younger millennials aged 28 to 43 continued to challenge and redefine established societal norms and issues, both in Singapore and globally.
One notable trend gaining attention, underconsumption, has prompted young people to reject the excessive consumerism and materialistic values that fuelmodern capitalist society.
In this way of life, individuals prioritize less on acquiring new items, and more on reducing clutter and enhancing the utility of current belongings.
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A newborn female pygmy hippo dubbed Moo Deng turned into 2024’s most prominent animal star due to her biting and shrieking antics.PHOTO: REUTERS
For users browsing TikTok, X, and Instagram, one creature stands out as the undeniable highlight of 2024: Moo Deng, a baby pygmy hippopotamus residing at Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Chonburi, Thailand.
Born on July 10, Moo Deng – which translates to “bouncing pig”, a Thai meatball delicacy – soared into internet meme fame when images she was featured in shared by the zoo became sensational in September.
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