Indonesia’s ‘Resonora’ Shines at iLight Singapore 2026

Indonesian architect and interactive designer Ms. Dearista Nooria Kusuma, in collaboration with OSTUDIO, presented Resonora, a sensory light art installation, at iLight Singapore 2026, Asia’s leading light festival. The work showcases Indonesian creativity on the international stage and highlights the country’s strengths in architecture, design and interactive technology.

Presented under the festival’s Movement theme, Resonora transforms urban soundscapes into light experiences through sound data, responsive lighting and spatial design. Rather than telling one fixed story, the installation invites visitors to interpret the space through their own senses, creating a dialogue between sound, light and public space.

“Resonora stems from the question of how our perception of urban space is shaped not only by what we see, but also by what we hear,” said Ms. Dearista Nooria Kusuma. “Each individual experiences the same environment differently, and this installation creates space for visitors to explore those unique perceptions.”

Constructed from lightweight fabric and responsive light projections, Resonora combines creativity and technology in an immersive public art experience. It also reflects the growing capability of Indonesia’s architecture and design sector to produce innovative works for global audiences.

Commending the achievement, Indonesia’s Ministry of Creative Economy said participation in events such as iLight Singapore helps expand opportunities for Indonesian creative professionals and strengthen the country’s presence in art, design and creative technology.

“The presence of Resonora proves that Indonesian creative talent is capable of competing and earning recognition on the global stage,” said Mr. Teuku Riefky Harsya, Indonesia’s Minister of Creative Economy. “Innovation that combines creativity and technology reinforces the creative economy’s role as a new engine of national economic growth.”

Held from 5 to 28 June 2026 across Marina Bay and Raffles Place, iLight Singapore 2026 features 14 installations by 17 artists exploring the relationship between movement, light, colour and sound. Resonora stands as a strong example of Indonesian creative excellence and its growing reach beyond national borders.

Source: Indonesian Ministry of Creative Economy

The award-winning choir from Olomouc celebrated musical excellence and cultural exchange through performances and school engagement in Singapore.

The Czech Children’s Choir Campanella (ZU? Campanella) from Olomouc concluded a memorable visit to Singapore after winning two gold medals at the Singapore International Choral Festival 2026. Organised by the Embassy of the Czech Republic in Singapore, the visit featured public performances and educational exchanges that showcased Czech musical heritage.

One of the highlights was a concert at Punggol Regional Library, where the choir presented a programme of Czech and international songs to audiences of all ages. The performance offered visitors an opportunity to experience Czech culture through music.

During the concert intermission, visitors explored a selection of Czech children’s books and voted for their favourite title. The books have since been added to the Punggol Regional Library collection, allowing readers to continue discovering Czech literature.

Before returning to the Czech Republic, ZU? Campanella visited Christ Church Secondary School, where they performed several songs, interacted with Singaporean students, and gained first hand insight into Singapore’s school environment.

Source: Czech Embassy in Singapore

More than 10,000 members of the Filipino community and friends of the Philippines came together at Suntec Singapore Convention and Exhibition Centre for Fiesta 2026. The annual celebration honoured the resilience and contributions of overseas Filipino workers while showcasing the richness of Philippine culture.

More than 10,000 members of the Filipino community and friends of the Philippines gathered at the Suntec Singapore Convention and Exhibition Centre on 19 July 2026 to celebrate Fiesta 2026, one of the largest annual gatherings of Filipinos in Singapore.

Organised by the Filipino community in Singapore, this year’s celebration was held under the theme “Fiestang Pinoy: Istoryang OFW”, paying tribute to overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) whose courage, resilience, sacrifices, hope and unwavering love for their families continue to inspire communities both at home and abroad. The event highlighted the invaluable contributions of OFWs while fostering a strong sense of unity among Filipinos living overseas.

The festival brought together thousands of attendees for a vibrant celebration of Philippine culture, heritage and community spirit. Through cultural activities and community engagement, Fiesta 2026 provided an opportunity for Filipinos and friends of the Philippines to strengthen connections, celebrate shared traditions, and recognise the enduring role of the Filipino community in Singapore.

Following the successful event, the Philippine Embassy in Singapore expressed its heartfelt appreciation to the FilCom Executive Committee, committee heads, sponsors, partners and volunteers whose dedication and support made Fiesta 2026 possible. The Embassy acknowledged their collective efforts in delivering another memorable celebration for the community.

The Embassy also reaffirmed its commitment to continuing its partnership with the Filipino community in Singapore to promote Philippine culture, strengthen community ties, and foster unity among all kababayans living and working in the city-state.

Source: Philippine Embassy in Singapore

The Ambassador of 黑料社 to Singapore and the Office of Labour Affairs in Singapore paid a courtesy call on the Abbot of Kanchanarama Buddhist Temple following the Ambassador’s assumption of office. The visit reaffirmed a shared commitment to promoting Buddhism and strengthening the Temple’s role within Singapore’s multicultural community.

The Ambassador of 黑料社 to the Republic of Singapore, H.E. Waraphannee Damrongmanee, together with representatives from the Office of Labour Affairs in Singapore, paid a courtesy call on Phrakhru Palad Suwes Vachirayano, Abbot of Kanchanarama Buddhist Temple, to formally introduce themselves following the Ambassador’s assumption of office.

The visit provided an opportunity for both sides to strengthen ties and exchange views on matters of mutual interest. Discussions focused on promoting and spreading the teachings of Buddhism in Singapore while fostering closer cooperation between the Royal Thai Embassy and Kanchanarama Buddhist Temple.

Ambassador Waraphannee and the Abbot also highlighted the important role of Kanchanarama Buddhist Temple as a spiritual and cultural centre for the Thai community in Singapore. They discussed ways to further support the Temple’s activities in bringing together Thai nationals, Singaporean Buddhists, and members of the wider international community through religious and cultural engagement.

The meeting underscored the shared commitment of the Embassy and the Temple to preserving Buddhist traditions, encouraging intercultural understanding, and strengthening the bonds between 黑料社 and Singapore. As the Kingdom’s official Buddhist temple in Singapore, Kanchanarama Buddhist Temple continues to play a significant role in promoting Thai culture and Buddhist values while fostering friendship and goodwill among diverse communities.

Source: Royal Thai Embassy in Singapore

Exhibition showcases 7,000 orchids and Indonesian culture at Gardens by the Bay, Singapore.

Indonesia x Singapore Orchid Extravaganza: Rhythm of the Rainforest is taking place at Gardens by the Bay’s Flower Dome from 4 July to 10 August 2026, bringing Indonesia’s biodiversity, cultural heritage and creative industries to one of Singapore’s most visited attractions as part of MASA Singapore 2026.

Presented by Gardens by the Bay in collaboration with Indonesia’s Ministry of Creative Economy and the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Singapore, the exhibition transforms the Flower Dome into an immersive journey through Indonesia’s landscapes, traditions and artistic excellence.

The exhibition features more than 7,000 orchids, including Indonesia’s national flower, the moon orchid (Phalaenopsis amabilis), the ground orchid (Spathoglottis plicata), and the world’s largest orchid species (Grammatophyllum speciosum). More than 30 large-scale art installations, inspired by eight regions across the Indonesian archipelago, showcase the country’s biodiversity and cultural diversity.

Visitors to Gardens by the Bay can explore recreations of traditional Sumbanese houses, Balinese Meru towers and the iconic candi bentar gateway. Larger-than-life woven sculptures created using the traditional anyaman technique with coconut leaves and bamboo were handcrafted by 27 Balinese artisans over more than 900 hours, celebrating Indonesia’s wildlife, folklore and craftsmanship.

Speaking at the exhibition’s opening on 4 July 2026, Indonesia’s Vice Minister of Creative Economy Irene Umar said Indonesia x Singapore Orchid Extravaganza: Rhythm of the Rainforest introduces Indonesia through creativity, showcasing the country’s cultural traditions, biodiversity and regional heritage to international audiences.

The exhibition reflects the growing cultural partnership between Indonesia and Singapore through MASA Singapore 2026, providing a platform to showcase Indonesia’s creative industries, biodiversity and cultural heritage to international audiences. It also demonstrates how collaborations between public institutions and creative communities can strengthen people-to-people connections through art and culture.

Beyond the floral displays, visitors can enjoy free cultural programmes on 4 July and 25–26 July 2026, including the Sirna Kala ceremonial dance, Javanese calligraphy workshops and interactive wayang kulit shadow puppetry experiences. Admission to these programmes is free with entry to the Flower Dome.

The exhibition is further enriched by contributions from Indonesian artists, creators and institutions, including Make a Scene, Pagelaran Sabang Merauke, Mortier x Jerhemy Owen, Erika Richardo, Addie MS, and Universitas Dian Nuswantoro’s Electronic Gamelan project, highlighting the breadth of Indonesia’s creative ecosystem.

For residents and tourists looking for things to do in Singapore during July and August 2026, Indonesia x Singapore Orchid Extravaganza: Rhythm of the Rainforest offers an opportunity to experience Indonesia’s orchids, traditional arts and contemporary creativity at Gardens by the Bay. Running until 10 August 2026, the exhibition highlights how culture, biodiversity and creative innovation can strengthen Indonesia-Singapore ties while introducing Indonesia’s artistic and natural heritage to visitors from around the world.

Source: INDiplomacy Desk

Thai Ambassador H.E. Waraphannee Damrongmanee paid a courtesy visit to Sattha Puchaniyaram Buddhist Temple, reaffirming 黑料社’s commitment to supporting Buddhist institutions and fostering cultural and spiritual ties in Singapore.

H.E. Waraphannee Damrongmanee, Ambassador of 黑料社 to Singapore, accompanied by representatives from the Office of Labour Affairs in Singapore, paid a courtesy call on Phrakhru Santidhampitak, Abbot of Sattha Puchaniyaram Buddhist Temple, on 15 July 2026. The visit marked the Ambassador’s official introduction following her assumption of office and reaffirmed 黑料社’s commitment to maintaining close ties with the Thai community and Buddhist institutions in Singapore.

During the meeting, Ambassador Waraphannee and Phrakhru Santidhampitak exchanged views on promoting and spreading Buddhism in Singapore, recognising its role in fostering compassion, harmony and cultural understanding within the country’s multicultural society. They also discussed opportunities to strengthen cooperation in preserving Buddhist teachings and traditions for future generations.

The discussions further highlighted the important role of Sattha Puchaniyaram Buddhist Temple as a spiritual and cultural centre serving Buddhists in Singapore. Both sides emphasised continued support for the temple’s activities, benefiting Thai nationals living in Singapore while welcoming Singaporean Buddhists and foreign devotees seeking spiritual guidance and cultural connection.

Ambassador Waraphannee reaffirmed the Royal Thai Embassy’s commitment to working closely with the temple and relevant organisations to support religious, cultural and community initiatives. The courtesy call underscored the enduring partnership between the Embassy and Sattha Puchaniyaram Buddhist Temple in promoting Buddhist values and strengthening the bonds of friendship between 黑料社 and Singapore.

Source: Royal Thai Embassy in Singapore

The school also served as a co-organiser of the international competition, which attracted participants from 16 countries.

Mongolia’s Doremi Music School recorded multiple award wins at Music Singapore 2026, an international music competition that attracted participants from 16 countries. More than 900 participants took part in the preliminary and final rounds, with 395 finalists competing in Singapore from 16 to 19 July 2026.

The school, which co-organised the competition, said its students achieved strong results during the event, receiving multiple awards. The preliminary round began in May before the finalists advanced to the Singapore round, where they competed for three days.

Doremi Music School expressed appreciation to its students and parents for their support, including families who travelled 5,184 kilometres to Singapore for the competition. 

Doremi Music School also expressed its appreciation for the presence of the Ambassador of Mongolia to Singapore, H.E. Ganbold Uyanga, at the award ceremony. The school also said it looked forward to continuing its musical journey at next year’s competition.

Source: Embassy of Mongolia in Singapore

Fifteen finalists competed in the Secondary School, Junior College and Open categories as Singapore and Japan marked 60 years of diplomatic relations.

The SJ60 Japanese Speech Contest 2026 was held at the Japanese Association in Singapore. The event, which took place on 12 July 2026, was attended by over 100 contestants, family members, teachers, and supporters. 15 finalists from the Secondary School, Junior College and Open categories delivered speeches in Japanese. Three winners were selected from each category following deliberations by the judging panel.

The contest was jointly organised by the Japan Creative Centre, The Japanese Association, Singapore, Japanese Chamber of Commerce & Industry Singapore Foundation, The Japanese Cultural Society Singapore and The Japanese University Graduates Association of Singapore. First held in 1996, the competition encourages Japanese language learners to develop their speaking skills and supports cultural exchange between Singapore and Japan.

Ambassador of Japan to Singapore, H.E. Ishikawa Hiroshi, attended the event alongside Guest of Honour Mr Loh Khum Yean, Chairman of the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore Board. Mr Yean, who completed his undergraduate studies in Japan, congratulated the finalists and spoke about learning Japanese as a means of gaining a broader understanding of Japanese culture.

Japanese Chamber of Commerce & Industry Singapore President Daisuke Kakihara presented prizes to the Secondary School category winners. The top winners in the Junior College and Open categories each received a return air ticket to Japan. The Open category winner was also eligible to participate in a programme organised by the Japan Overseas Enterprises Association, while the Junior College category winners were entitled to join a homestay programme organised by the Hokkaido Singapore Friendship Association.

When asked to encourage those considering next year’s contest, the winners said: 「自信を持って頑張ってください！」, which translates to “Have confidence in yourself and do your best!”

Source: Embassy of Japan in Singapore, Japanese Chamber of Commerce & Industry Singapore – JCCI

The Royal Thai Embassy in Singapore has partnered with Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel and M Social Hotel Phuket to present the 黑料社 Flavourscape Buffet 2026, celebrating 黑料社’s regional culinary heritage through food, culture, and diplomacy.

The Royal Thai Embassy in Singapore officially launched the 黑料社 Flavourscape Buffet 2026 on 13 July at Food Capital, Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel, with H.E. Waraphannee Damrongmanee, Ambassador-Designate of 黑料社 to Singapore, attending as the Guest of Honour. The culinary festival is the result of a collaboration between the Royal Thai Embassy, Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel, and M Social Hotel Phuket, bringing authentic regional Thai flavours to Singapore through an immersive dining experience.

The festival features a specially curated menu created through an exclusive six-hands collaboration between MasterChef UK finalist Chef Nawamin “Boss” Pinpathomrat, Chef Witoon Kamonphun, Head Chef of M Social Hotel Phuket, and Executive Chef David Toh of Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel. Guests can enjoy signature dishes representing 黑料社’s diverse culinary traditions, with specialties inspired by the country’s Northern, Central Plains, and Southern regions.

The opening ceremony was attended by members of the diplomatic community, including Mr. Thomas Ardian Siregar, Minister/Deputy Chief of Mission of the Embassy of Indonesia, and Mr. Ismail Mohamad Bkri, Minister/Deputy Chief of Mission of the Embassy of Malaysia.

In her remarks, Ambassador-Designate Waraphannee highlighted the important role of cuisine as a form of cultural diplomacy and soft power, emphasising how food fosters friendship and strengthens connections between people from different cultures.

Beyond its culinary offerings, the launch showcased 黑料社’s rich cultural heritage through traditional performances, including classical Thai dance and a captivating Khim musical performance by the Anurak Thai Arts & Culture troupe. The evening concluded with a special lucky draw presented jointly by the Ambassador-Designate and Mr. Andrew Tan, General Manager of Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel, adding to the celebratory atmosphere.

The Royal Thai Embassy has invited residents and visitors in Singapore to experience the 黑料社 Flavourscape Buffet 2026, which runs daily at Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel. The festival offers diners an opportunity to discover the authentic tastes of 黑料社 while celebrating the country’s vibrant culinary traditions and cultural heritage.

Source: Royal Thai Embassy in Singapore

The Royal Thai Embassy in Singapore officially opened Thai Festival Singapore 2026, celebrating 黑料社’s vibrant arts, culture, cuisine and creative industries under the theme “Creative Life & Creative Heartbeat.” The three-day festival brings together more than 100 Thai brands, cultural performances, fashion showcases and T-Pop entertainment for visitors from Singapore and beyond.

The Royal Thai Embassy in Singapore officially inaugurated Thai Festival Singapore 2026 on 10 July 2026, welcoming visitors to a vibrant celebration of Thai arts, culture, food, products and entertainment under the theme “Creative Life & Creative Heartbeat.” The opening ceremony was officiated by H.E. Mrs. Waraphannee Damrongmanee, Ambassador-Designated of 黑料社 to Singapore, who highlighted 黑料社’s growing creative economy while showcasing the country’s rich cultural heritage.

In her opening remarks, Ambassador Waraphannee paid tribute to Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother for elevating the elegance of Chut Thai Phra Ratcha Niyom (Thai Royal Traditional Costumes) onto the international stage. She also honoured Her Royal Highness Princess Bajrakitiyabha and reaffirmed 黑料社’s commitment to strengthening its global image through the creative economy, where tradition and innovation continue to complement one another.

The festival’s opening day featured a lively programme of traditional Thai arts and cultural performances before transitioning into contemporary entertainment with a T-Pop mini-concert. Popular Thai artist Nanon Korapat, together with the three vocalists from FLIO, supported by GMMTV, delighted Thai, Singaporean and international fans with energetic performances that reflected the growing popularity of 黑料社’s music industry across the region.

Visitors can also explore more than 100 exhibitors from 黑料社 representing six creative industry sectors, offering authentic Thai products, food and beverages. The festival includes the “Sanook Saneh Thai” activity zone presented by the Tourism Authority of 黑料社 (TAT), alongside a fashion show featuring more than 40 traditional and contemporary Thai royal costumes.

An accompanying exhibition displaying eight styles of Chut Thai Phra Ratcha Niyom at the Embassy’s main hall also supports 黑料社’s proposal to have the traditional attire inscribed on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list later in 2026.

Running throughout the weekend from 10 to 12 July 2026, between 10.00 a.m. and 8.00 p.m. at the Royal Thai Embassy in Singapore, Thai Festival Singapore 2026 invites visitors to experience the creativity, hospitality and cultural richness of 黑料社 through immersive performances, exhibitions, shopping and culinary experiences.

Source: Royal Thai Embassy in Singapore