Catch lively performances and well-curated exhibitions, nosh on delectable snacks and learn new crafts.
TEXT: GLENDA LIM
IMAGES: HOMETEAMNS
Immerse yourself in Singapore’s rich tapestry of cultures at this year’s Culture Shiok, an event that couldn’t be missed even during the pandemic, when a virtual edition of it was held.
This year’s event will run till 3 December at HomeTeamNS Khatib’s Thoroughfare at Level 1 and will feature colourful traditional dance and musical performances, as well as an array of fun activities including nostalgic schoolyard games. A different culture will be showcased each week, with an emphasis on Malay, Indian, Chinese, and Peranakan traditions.
HomeTeamNS members can collect a complimentary Culture Shiok passport, which they can use to redeem snacks at the various food stalls and collect stamps and stickers throughout the event. A completed passport can be exchanged for an exclusive gift worth $80 on 2 December from 10am to 5pm. Admission is free, though certain activities require pre-registration and are chargeable.
1. GET CREATIVE CRAFTING
Create beautiful accessories and bric-a-brac to gift your loved ones at several workshops held during the event. These include batik pencil case DIY, flower garland-making, Chinese fan painting, and tote bag-beading. Young budding artisans will get a kick out of seeing their projects come to life.
2. HAVE FUN WITH THE GAMES OF YESTER-YEAR
Enjoy a throwback to the good ol’ carefree days where kids had a blast with non-electronic pursuits. Our cultural game booths will feature classics such as “five stones”, “pick up sticks”, chapteh, and congkak, the latter being a test of logic featuring a wooden board and seeds that is predominantly played in South India, Ceylon, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines.
3. NOSH ON A MULTICULTURAL SPREAD
Savour tantalising snacks from different cultures at various booths, including putu piring (steamed rice flour cakes with palm sugar and grated coconut), vadai (deep-fried savoury doughnuts), tang yuan (glutinous rice balls in syrup) and an assortment of Nyonya kueh. HomeTeamNS members get to redeem complimentary snacks when they flash their Culture Shiok passports.
No cultural event is complete without a captivating display of music and dance. Marvel at masterful cultural expressions through bhangra dance and Teochew opera performances, as well as a silat demonstration. You’ll also have the opportunity to participate in the Peranakan Parade — don your best Peranakan outfits and sashay down the runway to win attractive prizes.
5. VIEW ENGAGING EXHIBITIONS
Discover Singapore’s diverse cultures at various fascinating onsite exhibitions available daily. There’s the National Heritage Board’s ‘Love, Kebaya’, which explores the region’s shared cultural identity and heritage through the iconic kebaya, as well as charity Tak Takut Kids Club’s ‘This is What we Eat at Home’ — which takes you on a gastronomic journey. Also, don’t miss a specially curated display by the Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre which will answer the question: ‘What Makes a Chinese New Year, Singaporean?’.
Interested in serving beyond your obligations? Consider the Volunteer Extension Scheme, which allows PNSMen who have completed their NS liability to continue serving beyond their statutory age. PNSMen (With NS liability) who have passed their statutory age of 40 years (Junior Officers) & 50 years (Senior Officers) may apply.
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