Want to keep up to date with what’s new in Singapore and Singapore life? We bring you news in Singapore today on events, products, schools and services for families, plus fun happenings around the city.
From UK to Thailand
NLCS International and VLC Group are bringing the educational model of one of the UK’s highest-ranked independent schools to Thailand with NLCS Phuket. Serving students from Early Years to Year 13, NLCS Phuket will be developed as a premium co-ed day and boarding school in Cherng Talay. The school is planned for Thai, expatriate and internationally mobile families seeking a rigorous British education in Phuket, with boarding for students from across Thailand and the wider region. It’s expected to open with capacity for around 1,000 students. Planned facilities include boarding provision, dedicated junior and senior school spaces, science and technology facilities, a 50-metre swimming pool, sports hall, covered tennis courts and football pitches.
The NLCS family of schools includes NLCS Jeju, NLCS Dubai, NLCS (Singapore), NLCS Kobe and NLCS Hong Kong (opening 2027).
Support for Mums
Tiny Care is a Singapore-based app that enables families to find and seamlessly book baby and postpartum support services including babysitters, confinement nannies, lactation consultants, postpartum massage therapists and care specialists, and doulas. One of Tiny Care’s signature services is its Accompany Me service, where babysitters support families during outings, appointments, shopping trips, hotel stays and daily errands.
Built by a mum, Tiny Care was created to make finding support during pregnancy, postpartum and parenthood easier and more accessible for families across Singapore. Download it from the Apple App Store and Google Play.
Revamped Library Space
Bukit Batok Library officially reopened in March, following a major revamp. The library now spans three levels at West Mall, doubling in size to over 2,700 square metres. The refreshed space introduces NLB’s first-ever immersive aural and visual experience, anchored by the SingLand Soundscape, a multi-sensory journey featuring soundtracks by Singaporean sound artist Mervin Wong. Designed as a calming sanctuary inspired by the nearby geological features of Little Guilin, the library encourages patrons to read, reset and recharge.
Cultural Awards
The Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre (SCCC) recently bestowed the Singapore Chinese Cultural Contribution Award (SCCCA) 2026 on two recipients. Dr Tan Chee Lay, Associate Professor, National Institute of Education, Nanyang Technological University, was recognised for his contributions to Chinese language and literature through scholarship, education and cultural advocacy in Singapore and beyond. Paper Monkey Theatre was recognised for its innovative bilingual puppetry productions, and a sustained commitment to the safeguarding, transmission and promotion of traditional puppetry.
Senior Minister of State for Culture, Community and Youth & Trade and Industry Ms Low Yen Ling presented the awards at the opening ceremony of SCCC’s Cultural Extravaganza 2026.
Is Your Google Business Profile Doing You justice?
After 19 years in the media industry and seven years at Google Germany, Dina Vickermann saw first-hand that businesses were often struggling for dedicated, hands-on support for their Google Business Profiles. So, she set up nearbyimpact.com to help them. She’ll recommend the types of images and get the verification for you. Here at Expat Living, we just used Dina to update our profile – she’s great to work with and very affordable. Take full control of your digital business card so you show up when potential customers are looking for you.
Get in touch at info@nearbyimpact.com or 8974 9695.
New Zoo Babies
The Singapore Zoo welcomed three baby orangutans in May! It’s a heartening milestone for this critically endangered species and a proud moment in the zoo’s ongoing conservation efforts. Ayaan is a Sumatran orangutan born via a rare, carefully managed caesarean procedure, and proudly adopted by SMRT. He’s joined by two Bornean babies, including Lestari – meaning “eternal” – symbolising hope for the future of her species. To support mum Chomel in resting and bonding with her babies, they will make only limited appearances in the orangutan exhibit for the time being.
Feeling Stuck in Life?
Get another perspective with an ancient birth chart analysis! Moving to a new country, changing careers or adapting to a different lifestyle can sometimes leave people feeling uncertain or emotionally drained. Even when life appears stable on the surface, many still experience periods of feeling stuck, directionless or disconnected.
Bazi, also known as Chinese birth chart analysis, is an ancient system that studies a person’s birth data to better understand personality tendencies, strengths and life cycles. Rather than predicting fixed outcomes, many people today use Bazi as a tool for self-reflection and personal awareness.
Some periods in life naturally support growth and momentum, while others encourage rest, adjustment or reevaluation. Understanding these personal timing cycles may help people make sense of why certain phases feel more challenging than others.
For expatriates living in fast-paced cities like Singapore, this perspective can sometimes offer clarity during major life transitions, career changes or periods of burnout.
Modern Bazi consultations often explore areas such as communication styles, work tendencies, emotional balance and long-term personal development.
Master Jason Chan from Won Yan Feng Shui Consultancy provides Bazi and classical Feng Shui consultations for individuals, professionals and families seeking greater clarity, balance and alignment in daily life.
A bilingual Feng Shui and Bazi practitioner with over 15 years of experience, Master Jason trained under masters from Taiwan, China and Hong Kong. He blends traditional Chinese metaphysics with modern life coaching to help clients navigate career, relationships and destiny with clarity.
Deal! First-time clients can enjoy a special price of $188 for a Bazi analysis (regular price, $238 for 60 minutes), valid until 31 July 2026.
#01-05 Hotel Royal Building, 36 Newton Road (by appointment only)
8821 6611 | wonyanconsult.com
Research-backed Finnish Preschool in Singapore
HEI Schools Singapore is a play-based preschool blending classroom learning with outdoor, nature-based experiences for children aged 18 months to six years. The curriculum is grounded in a globally recognised Finnish education approach, focusing on wellbeing, confidence and essential skills that support primary school readiness without academic pressure. Flexible two-, three- or five-day programmes are available, along with integrated therapy and early intervention support for diverse learning needs. Explore the campus at 11 Binchang Rise, meet educators and experience HEI learning at the upcoming Open House on 20 June.
Register via WhatsApp 8970 5759 or kathy@heischools.sg.
Bilingual Montessori Learning
House on the Hill Montessori Preschool has been nurturing children in Singapore for 15 years. At the heart of its bilingual, child-centred Montessori approach is Mandarin, which is integrated into daily school life and led by native-speaking educators. Children develop an intrinsic love for the language through stories, songs, movement, games and meaningful interaction. At selected campuses, they can also join Senseiled Japanese lessons through songs, crafts, conversation and cultural activities. Deal! Enjoy a waiver of the $763 enrolment fee for enrolments completed by 30 June 2026.
Applicable to new students across all four campuses: Mount Sophia, Balmoral, Pasir Panjang and Hollandse Club.
6337 4635 | houseonthehill.com.sg
Animation Milestone
The Violinist, a hand-drawn animated feature produced in Singapore and supported by the Infocomm Media Development Authority of Singapore (IMDA), will make its world premiere during the Official Competition of the Annecy International Animation Film Festival in June 2026. This marks the first time a Singapore-produced animated feature has been selected in the festival’s 65-year history. The festival is widely regarded as the “Cannes of Animation”. The Violinist traces the lives of two childhood friends whose lives are shaped by war, time, circumstance and music, against the backdrop of Singapore and Malaya across the early 20th century.
Calling Panoramic Photographers
Entries for the 2026 Epson International Pano Awards are now open. The world’s largest competition dedicated to the art of panoramic photography welcomes both professional and amateur photographers worldwide to submit images in a panoramic format. This year’s awards introduce a new Aerial category in both the Open and Amateur competitions. The 2026 prize pool for all categories is over US$50,000, including $15,000 in cash; the prize package for the overall Open winner alone exceeds $11,000 in cash and products. Early‑bird submissions are accepted until 22 June 2026 and final entries due by 13 July 2026.
View full competition details and submit your images at thepanoawards.com/enter-awards.
Wider Support
Time for Acceptance, an initiative developed by Mastercard with St. Andrew’s Autism Centre (SAAC), brings together Amped Trampoline Park, Commonwealth Concepts, Frasers Property Singapore, Gardens by the Bay, i’mable by SG Enable, King Living, Mandai Wildlife Group, SAFRA and Starbucks Singapore to introduce practical changes for people with autism and their caregivers.
Each organisation will introduce changes suited to its own environment and visitor journey, ranging from way finding support to quieter sessions and staff training, helping those with autism and their caregivers know what to expect before and during a visit. A directory of autism-friendly spaces at saac.org.sg/timeforacceptance will also help with advance planning.
Flexible Car Leasing
Whether you are newly arrived or have been calling Singapore home for years, skip the hassle of car ownership with a lease from ComfortDelGro Rent-A-Car. The company has more than 40 years of experience in the industry. Leasing means enjoying the comfort, privacy and convenience of going wherever you need, without hefty down payments, COE or maintenance headaches – that means you can save time and focus on your work, family and life in Singapore. Choose from a diverse fleet of vehicles, with flexible monthly and long-term rental plans.
Level 3, 320 Ubi Road 3
6882 0882 | cdgrentacar.com.sg
Perks for New Customers
FASST Leasing, the preferred leasing partner for BMW, BYD and Denza Sime Motors, has a limited‑time promotion with incentives worth up to $2,600. New customers can enjoy a range of perks including fuel or charging credits, complimentary airport transfers and more (subject to applicable terms) during the first three months. The all-inclusive lease covers servicing at authorised agent workshops, insurance, road tax and 24/7 roadside assistance. There’s also the added option to transition from leasing to ownership.
1 Ubi Road, #04-00
1800 7344 646 | bit.ly/FASSTLeasingxEL
New Space, Expanded Offerings
Psych Connect is moving to a new, expanded clinic at 51 Cuppage Road, #04-01/02, with services commencing at the new premises from 16 June. Spanning approximately 3,500 to 4,500 square feet, the new space has been thoughtfully designed to support clients, families and the growing multidisciplinary team. There will be additional therapy rooms, dedicated in-house training facilities and a larger sensory motor gym. The Psych Connect team says the move reflects its continued growth and commitment to comprehensive, evidence-based care.
6493 0244 | psychconnect.sg
Help this Society Secure a Home!
Scotland’s oldest heritage charity, The Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, is calling for members based in Singapore to contribute to a fundraising campaign to secure a permanent home on the corner of Bristo Place and Bristo Port in Edinburgh. The building is offered to the Society at a fixed price of £2.1 million; the Society is contributing £600,000 from its own investments and must raise the remaining £1.5 million by January 2027 to secure the opportunity.
To donate, visit socantscot.org/heritagehub or contact Deborah Roe, Head of Fundraising at deborah@socantscot.org. All donors will be recognised in a special edition of the Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, the Society’s peer-reviewed journal, which has been published since 1851.
Founded in 1780 and incorporated by Royal Charter in 1783, the Society is Scotland’s oldest heritage charity. Today, it facilitates research and innovation through grants and awards, advocates as a voice for heritage, and shares knowledge to help ensure that Scotland’s past is for everyone to research, share, enjoy and protect, at home and abroad. The Society counts 2,700 Fellows across 30 countries united by a passion for Scotland’s past.
Purposeful Preschool Learning
From the creators of Little SkoolHouse preschool, Changemakers Explorer offers early childhood education for ages 2 months to 6 years. The preschool uses a signature Symphonic Learning curriculum that integrates Science, Arts and Language through child-led inquiry. “Zone-in-Zone” environments at their six centres islandwide are specifically designed for self-directed learning, encouraging children to explore their interests with independence and curiosity. Combined with a bilingual drama pedagogy, they nurture confident and empathetic thinkers.
New Car Showroom
Carro, Asia Pacific’s largest online usedcar marketplace, is now an authorised dealer for Dongfeng cars in Singapore and Malaysia. This was announced with the opening of two brand-new exclusive showrooms in Singapore (#01-133/34 Midview City, 28 Sin Ming Lane) and Petaling Jaya in Malaysia. Dongfeng cars in both showrooms include the fully electric SUV model VIGO, 007 and BOX. All Dongfeng cars by Carro come with an authorised dealer warranty, exclusive financing and insurance solutions.
Flexi Work Solution
The Work Boulevard offers premium flexible workspaces in Singapore’s CBD, designed to help businesses and professionals work, connect and grow. Built around “coworking spaces that inspire”, the company combines high-quality design with flexible solutions. It provides private offices and coworking desks at locations in Raffles Place, Collyer Quay, Guoco Midtown and a new SGX Centre 2 space opening on 1 June. There’s also a versatile event space at Guoco Midtown for meetings and workshops. Members benefit from high-speed internet, reception services, complimentary refreshments, and a strong community through networking events.
Get a one-week free trial at work-buddy.com/coworking-free-trial.
Clearer, Real-time Assessments
Psych Connect is now offering Virtual Reality (VR) based ADHD assessments for both children and adults. This advanced technology allows clinicians to evaluate attention, impulsivity and information processing within immersive environments that simulate real life settings such as classrooms and workplaces. Compared to traditional paper and pencil assessments, VR testing captures real-time responses to distractions and provides a clearer picture of how attention difficulties affect every day functioning. Adults who have long wondered about persistent focus, organisation or productivity challenges may find this approach particularly helpful.
9109 2024 | psychconnect.sg
Find the Right Lawyer – Minus the Guesswork
That Lawyer Friend (TLF) is an online platform designed to make finding the right legal expertise more transparent, curated and intelligent. Most expats only seek support once something has already gone wrong, and in that moment, often rely on random referrals or outdated directories. TLF cuts through the clutter by helping users describe their situation in plain language, and connecting them with the best and most relevant legal expertise; in short, TLF helps you find clarity before problems escalate.
Start a free conversation at tlfconnect.com.
Writing the Law
Timothy Wu, Director of LP Law Corporation, has authored Halsbury’s Laws of Singapore: Probate, Administration & Succession (Vol. 15), a leading legal reference. The publication comes as expats face growing complexity managing cross-border assets and family interests. The firm reports rising demand from international families seeking clarity across multiple jurisdictions. International families may wish to review how their estates are structured to avoid future complications.
6970 4184 | admin@lplaw.com.sg | lplaw.com.sg
New Brands to Shop
Boutiques Singapore is returning from 15 to 17 May! The Spring Summer Edition 2026 will showcase over 300 design-forward independent brands at the F1 Pit Building. Discover 80 new brands – including a record number of new fashion brands – and over 200 exclusive launches across women’s and men’s fashion, accessories, home, lifestyle, beauty, kids’ products and F&B. This edition also introduces new lounges, new immersive experiences and more activities across eight rooms. One-day passes start from $8, and shoppers can save up to 30 percent when getting tickets in a bundle.
New Early Childhood Education Programme
Dover Court International School has launched a refreshed Early Childhood Education programme for children aged three to seven years. NEST (Nurturing Early Success Together) helps students from Nursery to Year 1 grow into confident, curious and compassionate learners through personalised inquiry, joyful exploration and strong partnerships with families. The programme blends the English National Curriculum, International Primary Curriculum and the school’s own vision on high-quality learning with a Reggio-inspired approach. This is supported by nature-inspired classrooms, and a new Discovery and Play Cove opening in the next academic year. Families can explore NEST at the upcoming Open House on 12 May 2026, from 10am to noon.
Lend a Hand
Special Olympics Singapore is a non-profit organisation dedicated to empowering individuals with intellectual disabilities through sports, health and leadership opportunities. It provides year-round training and competitions, promoting inclusion, confidence and lifelong skills both on and off the playing field. The group’s beneficiaries are children and adults with intellectual disabilities, who gain not only athletic abilities but also friendships, independence and the chance to be recognised and respected as valued members of society.
Visit specialolympics.org or call 6293 3182 to find out how you can get involved.
New Agroforest Farm for Preschoolers
Continuing its commitment to Educating for Sustainable Development, The Grange International Preschool is developing a brand-new half-acre agroforest farm on its campus at 449 Yio Chu Kang Road – a living model for ecological learning. In February this year, young learners took the first step by transplanting plants from pots into freshly tilled plots, marking the start of the project.
When fully completed, the agroforest farm will allow students to explore forest ecology, understand ecosystems and appreciate the role of sustainable practices in food security. The Grange has been spotlighted by UNESCO for its efforts supporting SDG4: Quality Education, highlighting the school’s dedication to nurturing environmentally conscious and future-ready learners.
Iman Fandi is Back!
Singaporean singer, performer and creative talent Iman Fandi returns to music with the release of her new single, “Tip Toes”. This is her first independent release, following her departure from a major label. The upbeat track explores attraction through control and mutual desire, capturing playful sensuality and independence with power expressed through subtlety and restraint.
“Tip Toes” is available on all major digital platforms including Spotify, Apple Music and YouTube Music.
YouTube @ImanFandiAhmad
Learn About Expat Succession Planning
Starting from the second quarter of 2026, Bethel Chambers LLC will be hosting a special Expat Succession Planning for Mental Incapacity and Estate webinar every quarter. At each session, a lawyer from Bethel Chambers and a lawyer from the home jurisdictions will speak concurrently on inheritance tax and distribution considerations. The schedule begins with a focus on England in the second quarter, followed by the USA in the third quarter and India in the fourth quarter.
6980 0230 | bethelchambers.com
New SSO Concertmaster
The Singapore Symphony Orchestra is welcoming violinist Andrew Beer as its GK Goh Concertmaster, starting from the 2026/27 season. The Canadian will play a central role in shaping the SSO’s sound and artistic direction as it enters its next chapter with incoming Music Director Hannu Lintu.
Andrew joins the SSO from the Auckland Philharmonia, where he has been concertmaster since 2014. An internationally acclaimed artist, his career spans different genres and major orchestras across Europe, Asia, Australasia and the Americas. He’s also a passionate advocate for world music and contemporary music, maintaining an active performance life as part of the quintet Aotango.
Stationery that Gives Back
Purple & Pure, a Singapore-based social enterprise, wants to spark creativity and environmental responsibility in children through their plantable stationery. Their Sow & Grow kits, colouring books and pencils can be planted after use, sprouting into wildflowers, herbs or vegetables. The products are made by underprivileged women, and each purchase provides dignified employment, skill development, ethical production and community impact.
New Pet Travel Rules
From 1 April 2026, new rules will apply to pets arriving in Singapore. Under updated regulations from the Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS), all pets must now be cleared by an AVS-recognised pet agent – owners can no longer manage airport clearance themselves. Pets must also be checked in an IATA-compliant rigid crate, with non-compliant crates resulting in possible delays.
To help with a smooth arrival, the team at Ferndale Pet Travel Singapore – sister company to the Hong Kong branch founded in 1994 – can manage import clearances and provide compliant crates for rent. Vet Dr Matthew Murdoch of Ferndale says, “We know pets are family; our job is to make sure tails are wagging, not paperwork piling up.”
6321 9055 | ferndalepet.com
Support for Primary Students
MapleBear’s newly launched after-school care centres are now open to primary school students from across Singapore. Building on the same bilingual, hands-on learning approach that has made MapleBear a trusted name in education in 40 countries, the MapleBear Junior Club offers dedicated support for school success and beyond, through a proprietary programme that includes enrichment in Maths, Chinese, STEAM, Arts and engaging project-based learning experiences. The first two Junior Clubs are now open in Ang Mo Kio and Eunos:
- #05-01 Broadway Plaza, 4190 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 6 | amkcentral@maplebearjc.sg
- 19 Jalan Singa | eunos@maplebearjc.sg
Contact the centres to discover the special benefits for MapleBear alumni students.
Play, Move & Thrive
Shaws Preschool champions holistic development through a premier partnership with Shaws Little League. Every week, professional coaches visit all campuses to lead multi-sport sessions for all ages. These sessions do more than build fitness; they enhance cognitive function and sharpen a child’s focus and problem-solving skills, while fostering social resilience and teamwork through active play. See learning in action with a personal tour to explore one of their campuses at Tanjong Katong, Katong Post, Mountbatten, Braddell Heights and Lorong Chuan.
Contact the Enrolments Manager at fae@shaws.com.sg or 9772 4035 to learn more.
Family Law Expertise For Expats
Dealing with issues in a marital relationship can be especially difficult for expats who are navigating an unfamiliar legal system while dealing with the stress of marital breakdown. Considerations such as child custody and access, maintenance, division of matrimonial assets in various jurisdictions, and even parental child abduction may arise. The family law team of Quahe Woo & Palmer LLC, helmed by former District Judge and veteran practitioner Michelle Woodworth, is ready to help. Their dedicated expertise on a range of family law issues is offered with care to expats in Singapore.
#08-00 SLF Building, 510 Thomson Road
6622 0366 | qwp.sg
Singapore to the Arctic
Atikah Syarah Ismail has been selected for Fjällräven Polar 2026, becoming the first Singaporean woman to participate in the 300km dog-sled expedition across the Arctic Circle. The expedition (27 March to 2 April) brings together participants representing multiple countries across Europe, Asia and the Americas. Participants receive professional training, expedition support and technical outdoor equipment. The selection of a Singaporean woman highlights the growing interest here in outdoor adventure and endurance-based experiences, as well as the increasing representation of women in expedition travel.
Starting at the Right Time
Every marriage deserves a strong and harmonious beginning. Master Jason Chan of Won Yan Feng Shui Consult is celebrating love and giving back to couples – he’s offering one complimentary wedding date selection (usually $388) to couples who like and share his Facebook page, facebook.com/wonyanfengshui. Through a personalised BaZi and date selection, Master Jason hopes to help couples start their union with positive timing and supportive energy as they embark on a meaningful journey together. Limited redemptions available.
#01-05 Hotel Royal Building, 36 Newton Road
8821 6611 | wonyanconsult.com
Masters of Metal
Singapore’s homegrown melodic death metal band Deus Ex Machina (DEM) was one of five supporting acts – and the only Southeast Asian band – on the Motocultor Festival Across Europe Tour 2026. They opened for Italian parodymetal heavyweights Nanowar of Steel and Mongolian folk-metal act Uuhai across multiple cities in Europe and the UK, wrapping up the tour in January 2026 in Limoges, France – a major milestone in the band’s 22-year history. The line-up consisted of Syarm Jave (vocalist of Singapore metal band E-thereal, who stepped in as a frontwoman for DEM’s first-ever foray outside Asia), Ryan (guitarist and founding member), Jussi (guitarist from Finland), Neil (drummer from Scotland) and Mike (bassist).
IG @dem_sg
Free Access for People with Disabilities
The Sentosa Cares Benefits Programme, which launched in October, is a programme offering people with disabilities and their accompanying caregivers complimentary or discounted access to participating Sentosa attractions throughout the year. Attractions supporting the programme include the Singapore Cable Car, Wings of Time Fireworks Symphony, Skyline Luge, Universal Studios Singapore, Madame Tussauds Singapore, Southern Island Speed Tours and more. The aim is to encourage the island’s offerings to be more inclusive and welcoming for people of all abilities and their families.
Doing Business in Singapore
The latest Business Sentiment Survey carried out by the British Chamber of Commerce (BritCham) reveals a sustained confidence in Singapore as a global business hub, with members rating the current business climate at 64 out of 100, up from 58 a year ago; 95 percent of respondents expressed confidence in the country’s long-term future as a business centre. The survey also showed that British firms continue to make a significant contribution to the local economy and workforce development. Meanwhile, common challenges raised by respondents were the general cost of doing business (particularly in staffing), manpower availability, and difficulties in obtaining employment passes. The Business Sentiment Survey collected data in September 2025 from 56 companies across 29 industry sectors.
These news snippets appeared in the latest issues of Expat Living. Now take a look at our expat guide to where to live in Singapore – and discover 20 quirky facts about Singapore!
Keen for more of the latest news? Check out all of our news pages below to stay up to date each month:
