Louis Vuitton x Murakami Pop-Up Hits SG – Southeast Asia’s Only Spot

Are you ready to immerse yourself in a world of vibrant colors, playful motifs, and iconic designs? Because I sure am! The highly anticipated Louis Vuitton x Takashi Murakami pop-up has arrived in Singapore.

This collaboration celebrates the 20th anniversary of Murakami’s iconic partnership with Louis Vuitton. Fortunately for us, this is the only stop in Southeast Asia, running until January 19, 2025 at 72 Joo Chiat Place. And the best part? Admission is free! Yes, you read that right.

I’ve already snagged my spot online, and you should too! Book your spot here. Nonetheless, walk-ins are welcome.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Image Credits: louisvuitton.com

The pop-up is divided into four unique zones, each offering something special for every fashion enthusiast and art lover:

#1: RETAIL AREA

Explore Louis Vuitton’s beloved Monogram Multicolor collection, featuring iconic bags like the Speedy, Dauphine, and Alma BB. Accessories such as belts, wallets, silk scarves, and shoes also flaunt Murakami’s signature style.

Keep an eye out for exclusive pieces adorned with his Superflat Panda and Superflat Garden artworks, like a limited-edition skateboard, jigsaw puzzle set, and a Singapore-exclusive cardholder.

#2: CARE STATION

Already own a Louis Vuitton x Murakami treasure? Bring it along! The care station offers complimentary cleaning, part replacements, and even canvas and metal restoration. Watch Louis Vuitton artisans work their magic live!

#3: CINEMA ZONE

Take a breather and dive into the creative world of Murakami through specially curated films and videos. It’s a perfect way to soak in his artistic journey and vibrant universe.

#4: PINK CAFE

End your visit on a sweet note at the Murakami-fied cafe. Sip on coffee (with free cookie) under a stunning transparent roof decorated with the Monogram Multicolor, surrounded by plushies and dreamy vibes. Trust me, this is an Instagram-worthy moment waiting to happen.

BONUS!!!

Feeling lucky? Every purchase at the pop-up store comes with a token to play Louis Vuitton’s exclusive vending machine. Prizes include sticker sets, Tamagotchi toys, and ultra-rare trading cards. Who knows? You might just hit the jackpot!

When booking, keep these private event closures in mind:

  • Jan 8: 5 PM – 8 PM
  • Jan 9: 5 PM – 8 PM
  • Jan 10: 5 PM – 9:30 PM
  • Jan 13: 7 PM – 8 PM
  • Jan 17: 11 AM – 1 PM

Image Credits: facebook.com/iPossibleSG

As someone eagerly counting down the days to step into this colorful dreamscape, I couldn’t be more excited. See you at the Pop-Up at 72 Joo Chiat Place, 427789, Singapore!

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

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5 Best Credit Cards in Singapore for Exclusive Lounge Access

Who says air travel must be a stressful affair? With the right credit card in hand, you can glide into exclusive airport lounges, sip on fine beverages, and relax in plush chairs.

Start with this roundup of Singapore’s best credit cards offering lounge perks.

#1: CITI PREMIERMILES CARD

For the occasional traveler, the Citi PremierMiles Card delivers. You get 2 complimentary visits per year to over 1,400 Priority Pass lounges worldwide. Need more? Additional visits are charged at just US$35 per person. Benefits include renewal bonus of 10,000 Citi Miles on your card anniversary and ability to earn points on payments made through Citi PayAll.

#2: DBS ALTITUDE VISA SIGNATURE CARD

With the DBS Altitude Visa Signature Card, you’re entitled to 2 free Priority Pass lounge visits annually. Perfect for those quick getaways. If you’re planning more visits, the cost is US$32 per person per visit.

#3: STANDARD CHARTERED VISA INFINITE CARD

Jet-setters will love the Standard Chartered Visa Infinite Card, which offers 6 complimentary lounge visits per year. Keep in mind that this card caters to high-income earners with a minimum annual income requirement of S$150,000.

#4: HSBC VISA INFINITE CARD

For true luxury, the HSBC Visa Infinite Card stands out with unlimited access to over 1,100 airport lounges worldwide via LoungeKey. This includes both primary and supplementary cardholders. Guests can tag along for US$32 per visit, but you’ll need to meet the S$120,000 income threshold to qualify.

#5: UOB PRIVILEGE BANKING CARD

With the UOB Privilege Banking Card, you can enjoy access to over 1,000 airport lounges worldwide, including those in Singapore. In addition to lounge access, the card offers exclusive benefits such as travel insurance, dining privileges, and more, making it a great choice for those seeking a luxury experience.

WHY DOES LOUNGE ACCESS MATTER?

Airport lounges aren’t just about luxury as they’re about convenience. Whether you need a quiet space to work, indulge in gourmet snacks, or freshen up during a long layover, lounge access turns your journey into an experience worth savoring.

Ready to upgrade your travel game? Choose the card that fits your lifestyle and income, and let your next trip start in style.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Disclaimer: Please note that credit card benefits and terms are subject to change. It’s advisable to verify the latest information directly with the respective banks or their official websites before making any decisions.

Sources: 1, 2, 3 & 4

 

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Go Green This CNY: Hongbao Reservations Start Jan 7

Chinese New Year is just around the corner, and from Jan 7, you can make appointments to secure hongbao notes for the festivities on Jan 29 and 30. Reservations can be made online through DBS, OCBC, or UOB’s systems, as announced by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS).

Collection begins on Jan 14, allowing ample time to prepare your red packets for the celebration.

Sustainability Meets Tradition

MAS encourages the use of fit-for-gifting notes or digital red packets to preserve tradition while promoting sustainability. This initiative helps reduce carbon emissions associated with the production of new notes.

Why choose fit notes? Fit notes are thoroughly verified to ensure they meet quality standards for recirculation. While they may have minor fold lines or marks, they are clean and perfectly suitable for festive gifting.

In 2024 alone, over 11.7 million fit notes were exchanged, a 5% increase from the previous year. This sustainable approach saved emissions equivalent to the energy required to power 220 four-room HDB flats for a year.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Convenient Collection Options

For seniors aged 60 and above and individuals with disabilities, walk-in exchanges are available at DBS, OCBC, and UOB branches. From Jan 14, pop-up and branch ATMs across Singapore will also be dispensing hongbao notes, with no reservations required.

1. DBS: 72 pop-up ATMs at 48 locations, including an increased number of machines exclusively dispensing fit notes.
2. OCBC: 24 ATMs at 13 locations, doubling its fit-note dispensing ATMs to four.
3. UOB: 30 ATMs at 17 locations, including four for fit notes, doubling its capacity from 2024.

Embrace Digital Gifting

Digital hongbaos are gaining popularity, and for good reason—they’re eco-friendly and convenient. In 2024, over 70% of DBS customers embraced digital gifting for the first time, transferring a remarkable S$39 million through QR and e-gift services.

To encourage this trend, DBS is offering a giveaway with prizes of S$8,888 and S$88 from Jan 7 to Feb 18, 2025.

To qualify, customers need to:

1. Send an e-gift or load a QR Ang Bao with a minimum of S$8 on the PayLah! app (terms and conditions apply).
2. Keep their total cash withdrawals below S$500 during the campaign period.

Protecting Customers

To safeguard against phishing scams, MAS reminds the public that banks will not send SMS messages with clickable links regarding hongbao note collections.

Additionally, banks are increasing the number of pop-up and branch ATMs dispensing fit notes to make the process more accessible for everyone.


Plan ahead, book your hongbao notes early, and celebrate the season with thoughtful and sustainable choices.

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

 

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6 Habits to Drive Up Your Fortune This 2025

As we step into the Year of the Wood Snake, a time symbolizing adaptability, diversity, and lateral growth, many are seeking ways to channel these traits into personal improvement. With New Year’s Eve just behind us, the air is filled with aspirations and a touch of superstition.

From wearing lucky colors to gobbling up 12 grapes under a table at the stroke of midnight (yes, that’s a thing – just ask my friends flooding social media with it), everyone seems to have their own ritual to invite fortune into their lives. But here’s the catch: luck can only work its magic when paired with action.

So why not take a proactive approach this 2025 by adopting these six auspicious habits?

#1: SET A TIMELINE

Resolutions don’t have to start on January 1. If the timing doesn’t feel right, delay them until you’re ready. For instance, I have put my Thesis Writing on hold while I celebrate Christmastime with my family.

Stressful now? Begin in February, or whenever suits you best. The key is to align your goals with your energy and mindset, not an arbitrary date.

#2: QUIT COMPARING YOURSELF

Your journey is uniquely yours. While it’s tempting to measure your progress against others’ resolutions, resist the urge. Set goals that reflect your personal aspirations. Ignore what’s trending on social media or in social conversations.

#3: LEAN ON OTHERS FOR SUPPORT

Teamwork makes the dream work. Whether it’s joining a fitness group or a professional development community, surrounding yourself with like-minded individuals can boost your motivation and keep you accountable.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

And don’t forget clear boundaries are essential. If certain friends or environments trigger unhelpful habits, communicate your needs. True friends will uplift you rather than drag you down.

#4: PRIORITIZE FITNESS

Health is wealth, and there’s no better time to make 2025 your year of transformation. Use fitness tracking apps or smartwatches to monitor your progress, set achievable goals, and push past your limits. Every small step counts toward a healthier, happier you.

#5: BE KINDER TO YOURSELF

Slip-ups happen. Instead of berating yourself when things don’t go as planned, analyze the situation. What led to the setback? How can you handle it better next time? Celebrate even the smallest victories because progress is a journey. Personally, I like to reward myself with items from my wish list (e.g., lip gloss or perfume) whenever I achieve a certain goal. What items are on your wish list?

#6: PRACTICE GRATITUDE

Negativity can fuel bad habits, but gratitude can extinguish them. Replace self-doubt with affirmations like “I can” and “I will.” Write down three things you’re grateful for each day or place uplifting notes around your home. These reminders of your power and resilience will keep you grounded.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

The Year of the Wood Snake offers a perfect backdrop for growth and renewal. Embrace these habits, and watch your 2025 flourish!

Sources: 1 & 2

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6 Free (or Cheap) & Fun Things to Do This Jan 2025

Ready to make the most of January 2025 without breaking the bank? Here are 6 ways to kick off the year while creating fun memories with your family.

From artsy weekends to festive light displays, there’s something for everyone!

ARTBOX 2025: ARTBOX EVERYDAY

Artbox returns with the theme “ARTBOX EVERYDAY,” celebrating the beauty in our daily lives. Expect two vibrant weekends filled with food, music, and over 190 brands offering unique finds. Plus, 90+ F&B stalls mean you won’t go hungry. Don’t forget to snap Instagram-worthy photos while soaking in the aesthetic vibes!

When: 17–19 Jan & 24–26 Jan 2025
Where: Singapore EXPO, Hall 4
Tickets: From S$5 (Terms & Conditions apply)
More Info here: facebook.com/artboxsg

Image Credits: facebook.com/artboxsg

SINGAPORE ART WEEK (SAW)

Dive into Singapore’s annual arts celebration featuring over 130 events across the island. SAW 2025 showcases international names like Jean-Michel Basquiat alongside local talents.

See exhibitions, enjoy performance art, and don’t miss the stunning light installations that illuminate iconic landmarks. This is your chance to see Singapore in a new light…literally!

When: January 2025 (various dates)
Where: Islandwide
Cost: Free for most events (ticketed events available)
More Info here: facebook.com/SGArtWeek

LIGHT TO NIGHT FESTIVAL 2025

Celebrate the 9th edition of this beloved festival with over 70 programs, including dazzling projection mapping across landmarks like the National Gallery and Asian Civilisations Museum.

Marvel at works by local legends Chng Seok Tin, Goh Beng Kwan, and Jaafar Latiff while enjoying live performances, art exhibitions, and street food at the Art X Social Festival Street.

When: 17 Jan – 6 Feb 2025
Where: Civic District & National Gallery Singapore
Cost: Free (ticketed exhibitions available)
More Info here: nationalgallery.sg

Image Credits: nationalgallery.sg

CHINATOWN CNY LIGHT-UP

Stroll through Chinatown’s streets lit up with stunning lantern displays and zodiac-themed decorations. The official light-up start on 8 Jan at Kreta Ayer Square, which is perfect for family photos or a relaxing evening walk.

When: 8 Jan – 27 Feb 2025
Where: Chinatown (various streets)
Cost: Free

ALIWAL URBAN ARTS FESTIVAL 2025

Who says Singapore’s urban art scene isn’t tight? Immerse in graffiti walls, DIY skate obstacles, and trendy streetwear with Aliwal Urban Arts Festival 2025. This festival brings the community together for a day of creativity and connection.

When: 25 Jan 2025
Where: Aliwal Arts Centre
Cost: Free admission (workshops from S$5)
More Info here: facebook.com/AliwalArtsCentre

RIVER HONGBAO 2025

A festive highlight in the country, River Hongbao offers a magical evening for all ages. Embrace the spirit of Chinese New Year with lantern displays, fireworks, and cultural performances at Gardens by the Bay. Oh! Don’t miss the festive food street, where you can indulge in classic CNY snacks and dishes while soaking in the lively atmosphere.

When: 27 Jan – 8 Feb 2025
Where: Gardens by the Bay
Cost: Free
More Info here:riverhongbao.sg

Image Credits: riverhongbao.sg

This January, explore these free and affordable events, soak in the culture, and create lasting memories without leaving Singapore!

Sources: 1 & 2

 

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