The end of the year is upon us yet again, and while it may be time to try winding things down at work, outside the office a flurry of exciting events is approaching on the horizon. Options rounds up some of the must-catch happenings taking place next month; read on to find out what you can get up to, from the arts to tipples and even giving back.
For whisky enthusiasts
The Malt Affair Volume 8
Nov 2, 2pm — 9pm
Ballroom, Amara Singapore, 165 Tanjong Pagar Road, Singapore 088539
The month is set to kick off strong with the eighth edition of the premier whisky event, The Malt Affair, taking place at the newly renovated Amara Singapore on Nov 2.
Describing the event as a “ticket into the fascinating world of whisky”, co-founder Billy Tham gives an overview of what to expect: “We feature rare distilleries, special vintages and collectable spirits that are often difficult to come by.”
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Among these hard-to-find whiskies are offerings from The Single Cask, which — as its name suggests — specialises in single-cask bottlings, and Catawiki, an online platform that will be bringing in finds like the Bowmore 1956 OB, Longmorn 1969 Cask and Clynelish 1972.
Several high-profile individuals in the world of whisky will also be appearing, including Dutch Whisky Connection founder Michiel Wigman — known in the industry as “Mr Springbank” — and Hideo Yamaoka, founder of Whisky Mew. Wigwan and Whisky Antique’s Max Righi will also be offering masterclasses on Nov 1 and Nov 2. General admission tickets to The Malt Affair are available for $15 at themaltaffair.com/events/tmavol8. Admission to the masterclasses is also available for purchase, with prices ranging from $330 to $500.
See also: An iconic Christmas awaits at ION Orchard
For art lovers
Déjà vu: Buddha is Hiding
Now till Dec 1
STPI – Creative Workshop & Gallery, 41 Robertson Quay, Singapore 238236
An exhibition of over 40 works by Thai artist Natee Utarit has been launched at STPI – Creative Workshop & Gallery. Curated by John Tung, who previously curated the 2016 and 2019 editions of the Singapore Biennale, Déjà vu: Buddha is Hiding is the concluding chapter to Utarit’s Déjà vu series, which began in 2019. In collaboration with STPI, the artist continues his exploration of a hypothetical journey by Buddha to the West with a series of print and paper works. The works invite viewers to consider and question the often harshly painted lines between East and West; these include BUDDHA PALAZZO (a.m.) and BUDDHA PALAZZO (p.m.), displayed across from one another as one enters the space.
A major motif running through the pieces is graffiti, which has been applied in various ways, from gold leaf to flocking. In The Chapel, the spray-painted text is barely visible, almost forcing the viewer to tilt their head and discover the text hidden beneath: “What you are is where you have been”. We’re used to taking words in graffiti with a lesser degree of seriousness, but under Utarit’s bold yet delicate hand, one can’t help but take those words for their deeper meaning.
For film buffs
Mental Health Film Festival Singapore
Nov 7 — 10
Golden Village, 3 Temasek Boulevard, #03-373, Singapore 038983
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As awareness of well-being beyond physical health gains ground, events like the Mental Health Film Festival Singapore (MHFFS) have become an important conversation starter for topics surrounding mental health.
“At the heart of the festival is our belief in the power of stories and film to connect us, spark empathy, and challenge the way we think about mental health,” says MHFFS chairperson Dr Jade Kua. “This year’s festival brings together voices and experiences that reflect the real, often unseen struggles faced by individuals and their loved ones.”
Films that will be screened at this year’s festival include LADY!, a documentary by local director Tan Pei Lin, about a caregiver whose husband has been diagnosed with young-onset dementia. From pioneering Chinese computer-graphic artist Tian Xiaopeng comes Deep Sea, a 3D-animated Mandarin film that centres on the themes of childhood abandonment and depression.
Each film screening at MHFFS will be followed by a panel discussion with mental health professionals and persons with lived experiences.
Tickets to the festival are available from $15 at mentalhealthfilmfest.sg.
For early Christmas shoppers
Sustainable Christmas Market
Nov 16 — 17, 11am — 7pm
South Beach, 38 Beach Road, Singapore 189763
Returning for the third time at South Beach, the Sustainable Christmas Market will host a range of eco-friendly workshops and booths with sustainable products.
Among the offerings at this year’s market are youth-led stalls under the new “KIDSforKIDS” programme. Young entrepreneurs aged three to 21 will lead workshops, sell eco-conscious products, exhibit their creative artworks and even perform at the KIDSforKIDS showcase.
Proceeds from this year’s event will raise funds for underprivileged children through the Singapore Red Cross’ Young Hearts Programme. The goal is to raise $350,000 for the programme, which provides academic support and mentorship for children living in public rental flats.
Eunice Yeo, founder of the market’s organiser Peace of Art, says the Sustainable Christmas Market is “more than just an event”, describing it as a “transformative movement that gives every Singaporean a chance to be a fundraiser for the underprivileged”. “Even the littlest can be a giver and a changemaker,” she adds.
For wordsmiths and bookworms
Singapore Writers Festival 2024
Nov 8 — 17
Various locations islandwide
The Singapore Writers Festival (SWF) is among the most established literary events regionally, bringing together writers from around the world together for a series of events aimed at encouraging dialogue and deeper appreciation of all things literature.
The upcoming 27th edition, which centres on the theme of “In Our Nature”, will be helmed by newly minted festival director Yong Shu Hoong. Yong, a poet and two-time recipient of the Singapore Literature Prize, says this year’s SWF is envisioned as one that provides a “welcoming and inclusive environment for meaningful dialogue among long-time fans and new audiences”.
More than 300 international and local speakers are set to appear at this year’s SWF, with over 200 programmes that will explore the intersections between literature and other fields. Among these interdisciplinary discussions is a panel on “eco-poetry”, where poets will discuss their work and “contemplate our harmony and disharmony with nature”. In another event, Sofia Mariah Ma, the Asian regional winner of the Commonwealth Short Story Prize, will lead a session on writing flash fiction inspired by traditional Javanese jamu recipes.
Festival passes at $30 apiece are available at singaporewritersfestival.com. Those with a valid student pass may purchase a Youth Pass for $15. Tickets to selected single-ticketed programmes are also available on the website.
