Ready for it? Taylor Swift's in town with her highly coveted Eras Tour, and Singapore's her only stop in Southeast Asia. AsiaOne speaks with Minister Edwin Tong to learn how Singapore sealed the deal, and to find out whether he's a Swiftie.

Is Edwin Tong a Swiftie?

Dragon boating is more than just a test of strength, rhythm, and teamwork on the water. In Singapore, three diverse dragon boat teams show how paddling in unison can bridge backgrounds and abilities. From the determination of the national team, to the camaraderie of Garuda Dragons, and the tenacity of the Alita Initiative, dragon boating serves as a driving force for inclusivity, friendship, and shared achievement.

Why they paddle: The drive behind 3 Singaporean dragon boat teams | My Tribe

At 17, Darren accidentally created a tropicalised Venus flytrap — a plant never meant to survive in Singapore’s climate. Now 26, he runs a thriving carnivorous plant community and business, nurturing curiosity and confidence in kids through hands-on workshops. Who knew one flytrap could lead to all this? Young Minds is a series about youths in Singapore making an impact in their own unique ways.

He accidentally created a tropicalised Venus flytrap at 17 | Young Minds

Vijaya Mohan, the creator of Singarangoli, creates traditional rangoli designs with contemporary materials to showcase the art to Singaporeans. Understanding that the art form can be taught to everyone, she held rangoli workshops for seniors, medical professionals, and even the visually impaired. Vijaya reflects on the challenges and innovation required to keep the tradition alive.

A modern take on traditional Indian art in Singapore | Timeless

"There are times that people ask me how I manage everything, especially with my condition, but honestly, I just take it one step at a time." Growing up with Cleidocranial Dysostosis, Magdalene faced challenges that tested her resilience. Now a 21-year-old nursing student, she pursues her passion for helping others while also raising for awareness and acceptance of invisible disabilities.

Living with Cleidocranial Dysostosis as a nursing student | In The Spotlight

Philip Mehl’s passion for cycling goes far beyond riding; it’s his way of giving back to the community. With a knack for fixing almost anything, Philip offers free bicycle repairs, ensuring anyone who comes to him can keep moving — whether it’s to work, to school, or simply for the joy of cycling. He is also guiding the next generation by teaching polytechnic students about bike maintenance.

Philip Mehl: Cyclist, Repairman, Teacher | Ordinary People

Unexpectedly, Shie Boon stumbled into teaching parkour to the elderly. Founding Movement.sg, he breaks stereotypes by making parkour accessible to participants of all ages. Shie Boon's coaching helps seniors to build strength, balance, and agility — empowering them to reclaim a life of confidence.

Teaching Seniors Parkour | Ordinary People

"Disability isn't meant to be hidden or overcome, it is just a way of being, just a way of existing." Diagnosed with Retinitis Pigmentosa at four, Claire Teo, a 26-year-old performer, writer, director and educator, shares her journey of embracing her visual impairment to redefine accessibility in theatre. She inspires others to see disability as a creative possibility rather than a limitation. Watch more: https://www.asiaone.com/video

Reimagining theatre as a visually-impaired artist | In The Spotlight

With reports of alleged animal abuse cases hitting a 12-year high in 2024, is it time for us to reconsider what penalties perpetrators of such cases are given? We spoke to the SPCA and criminal lawyer Ramesh Tiwary to find out if our current laws are enough to safeguard the animals and pets around us.

Are Singapore's animals safe? | The Current State

Meet Digi-Up! — a youth-founded social enterprise inspired by their grandparents' experiences with scams. With an average age of just 21, this team is helping seniors stay scam-savvy and digitally confident — one board game at a time. 

Young Minds is a series about youths in Singapore making an impact in their own unique ways.

How these youths are helping seniors outsmart scammers | Young Minds

Yvonne Lim 林湘萍 was awarded All-Time Favourite Artiste at Star Awards 2025 on July 6. She shares how meaningful it was for her to attend the event with her husband and two children and what made her cry. Read the full story: https://www.asiaone.com/entertainment/star-awards-2025-keep-going-dont-give-up-yvonne-lim-pornsak-win-all-time-favourite-artiste-awards #YvonneLim #StarAwards2025 #MediacorpStarAwards #红星大奖2025 xx Watch more: https://www.asiaone.com/video