We're all proud of Changi Airport, Chilli Crab and the Marina Bay Sands infinity pool. But it is actually the emerging, fragile or small-scale stuff that needs your support. Go on and help these homegrown Singaporean projects take off or keep going. These people inspire me!
- a.muse - wine inspired teas. Wine and tea are two complex drinks that reward endless exploration, and now even better: 2-in-1.
- Basheer - graphic books. My informal design education was from this store (and Page One). Being housed in atmospheric Bras Basah Complex helps.
- Books Actually - local books, community and cats. A bookstore that has been tirelessly championing local writers, organising endless events and showcasing their cute cats.
- Save Bukit Brown Cemetery - preserving our history, culture and nature. While politicians ask why some Singaporeans don't feel a sense of belonging, this group is telling us what we need to do.
- Bertha Harian (Breakfast Network) - If you prefer your news to provoke thoughts instead of thinking on your behalf.
- Candlenut Kitchen - Peranakan food, made from scratch. This restaurant has closed once, help prevent it from closing again.
- Creamier Ice Cream. For a non-farming country, Singapore has really delicious ice-cream. I could eat their seasalt-gula melaka everyday.
- Culturepush - highlighting Singapore creatives. Casts the spotlight on emerging art, culture and design in Singapore.
- Design Society - building a design community. In design or curious about it? Join their regularly run sessions.
- Edible Gardens - grow your own food in the city. Pushing the idea that we urbanites should have access to fresh, self-grown greens.
- Epigram Books - well-designed, thought-provoking Singapore titles. Each book is a work of art, and there is a lovely emphasis on comics too!
- The Fingersmith Letterpress - a quirky letterpress printing company. Great illustrations and sense of humour.
- A Good Citizen Obeys - Satirical artworks about Singapore. Sharing emotional and funny stories about the education and political systems in Singapore.
- Gryphon Tea Company - gourmet teas that bring you on a journey. Beautiful packaging, great taste. My go-to for an afternoon pick-up and gifts from Singapore.
- Haystakt - Crowdpriced creative goods. A platform that connects makers and supporters.
- Humans of Singapore - capturing stories of people in SIngapore. And reminding us that we're not so different after all.
- I Remember SG - A collection of memories. Where hoarders go exhibit their old stuff and non-hoarders go aww and woah.
- Independent Archive & Resource Center. A space that pushes the boundaries of art and culture in Singapore (and the limits of being a fire hazard).
- Jane's Walk - free, locally led walking tours. Reminding you that cities should be built for people and pedestrians, not cars.
- Jungle Beer - Singapore beer you'd love. Tiger is not quite Singapore beer.
- KOT Selections - Wine drinkers who happen to sell wine.
- Kult -.
- Lee Xin Li -
- Little Drom Store -
- Lowercase at LASALLE -
- Mothership -
- Naked Glory - assembled watches. Just love the old watches given new lives.
- Organisation of Illustrators Council
- Peatix - discover emerging events. From theatre, music, parties, art to music, head here to find things to do! (Disclaimer: I'm part of Peatix).
- Pekoe & Imp - tea tasting reinvented. Re-growing a tea culture in a country that used to have a tea culture.
- Pink Noize -
- Rediscover.sg -
- Roadside Stall -
- Sonny Liew - comic artist / illustrator. My favourite. He is a genius.
- Stand Up for SG -
- Taru Woodworks -
- Tom's Palette -
- Ujong -
- Uncle Ahn T -
- Urban Sketchers Singapore -
- Uyii bags -
- Viddsee - Asian short films. A platform for short films from Asia, away from the distractions of Youtube.
- WahBanana - comedy Youtubers. Damn funny!
- Yao Yu - Typesetting.sg
Q, X, Z - If I were playing Scrabble, I'd have failed terribly. Help, anyone?