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Five Footway Festival 2025 Honours Chinatown’s Storied Past through Immersive Cultural Experiences

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Happening from 14 – 23 March 2025, this year’s festival features a line-up of new and exciting activities, including a Theatrical Walking Tour based on a fictional account of a letter writer’s life in the 1940s, a guided tour at the recently reopened Chinatown Heritage Centre, Kaya Making Workshops, and more.

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 3 March 2025 – The Chinatown Business Association proudly presents the fourth edition of the Five Footway Festival, running from 14 to 23 March 2025. This festival honours Singapore’s iconic five-footways and Chinatown’s rich heritage through immersive experiences, performances, and workshops.

Executive Director of the Chinatown Business Association, Ms Lim Yick Suan shared, “The Five Footways of Chinatown are more than just physical spaces – they are a living testament to the rich heritage, resilience, and spirit of the community that have shaped Singapore especially as we celebrate SG60 this year. This year’s Five Footway Festival provides an opportunity to explore Chinatown’s vibrant past through engaging cultural experiences, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the sights, sounds, and tastes that bring Chinatown’s history to life.”

TAKE A STROLL THROUGH HISTORY WITH CAPTIVATING WALKING TOURS
This year’s Five Footway Festival invites visitors to explore the rich history of Chinatown through four immersive walking tours, each offering a distinctive glimpse into the district’s lively past and present.

Among the highlights is the Chinatown Theatrical Tour – Letter Writer’s Lament, a storytelling journey that transports participants back to the 1940s. Led by Let’s Go Tour, winner of Tripadvisor’s Traveler’s Choice Awards and a finalist in the 2024 Singapore Tourism Awards, this experience follows the journey of Ace Wan, a young immigrant who found his calling as a Chinese letter writer. Through a blend of theatre and history, visitors will witness the struggles and aspirations of early immigrants, retracing the lives of early immigrants who once gathered along the bustling five-footways.

Under One Roof” – An Immersive Guided Experience @ Chinatown Heritage Centre offers a rare glimpse into the daily lives of Chinatown’s early residents. Housed within three shophouses, the centre recreates the 1950s interiors of its tenants, from family homes to tradesmen’s workshops to offer an authentic glimpse into the lives of Chinatown’s early residents.

The OG Hustlers walking tour celebrates the resilience of Chinatown’s pioneers, who transformed its narrow five-footways into thriving hubs of trade and community. Step inside century-old establishments like Pek Sin Choon, one of Singapore’s oldest tea merchants, and beloved Cantonese pastry shop Tong Heng to uncover the enduring legacies of these family-run businesses. For those eager to explore beyond the heart of Chinatown, Hey Bukit Pasoh! The Vibrant Yesteryears takes visitors through the charming enclave of Bukit Pasoh. Discover hidden gems where the past and present of Singapore’s heritage scene come to life – from The Pioneers’ Memorial Hall (PMH), which honours the contributions of Singapore’s leaders, to the iconic filming locations of Crazy Rich Asians.

A SPECTACULAR SHOWCASE OF CULTURAL PERFORMANCES
Smith Street comes alive with vibrant performances at this year’s Five Footway Festival! Meet and Greet Stilt Walkers in traditional wear and be amazed by show-stopping Lion Dances from renowned and award-winning troupes, including Singapore Tian Eng Dragon & Lion Dance Centre (新加坡天鷹龍狮学院) and Singapore Hok San Association (新加坡鶴山會館武術醒獅團), Singapore’s first lion dance troupe.

Look forward to an exciting lineup of performances, including Face Changing (变脸), traditional Chinese music featuring the guzheng (古箏) and pipa (琵琶), Street Storytelling, and Reverberations of Heritage, a lively performance featuring Chinese instruments. Don’t miss the thrilling Monkey King Show and Wushu Performance by Choy’s Brothers Opera Troupe.

Bilingual puppetry theatre Paper Monkey Theatre presents a unique blend of traditional Chinese hand puppetry and modern theatrical techniques in their Hand Puppet Show: The Tiger Hero (武松打虎). Inspired by The Water Margin, one of China’s great classic novels, this tale follows the courageous Wu Song as he bravely faces a ferocious tiger in a thrilling test of strength and wit.

Adding to the festivities, opera performances will take place every weekend, bringing to life beloved stories from Chinese folklore. Audiences can also enjoy a traditional Beijing Opera Performance by Ping Sheh and a Teochew Opera & Drums Performance by Nam Hwa Opera (南华潮剧社), one of Singapore’s most prominent and prolific Teochew Opera companies. Featuring performers ranging from 10 to 70 years old, the performance will showcase the depth and vibrancy of this traditional art form through captivating storytelling, elegant movements, and the rich musical heritage of Teochew opera.

DIVE INTO TRADITION WITH INTERACTIVE WORKSHOPS
Visitors can dive into the rich heritage of Chinatown through enriching workshops and highlight various aspects of its history and traditions.

Food plays a key role in Singapore’s cultural identity, both past and present. In the Kaya Making Workshop, participants will learn step-by-step techniques to make traditional Gula Melaka Kaya. The Intangible Cultural Heritage of Ang Ku Kueh workshop will provide insights into this iconic red pastry, allowing participants to make it the traditional way. The Teochew Png Kueh Masterclass offers a chance to learn the art of creating the beloved savoury glutinous rice cake. In the Get Prosperous with Egg Huat Kueh workshop, attendees will discover the history and varieties of Huat Kueh (prosperity cake) and learn to make traditional Egg Huat Kueh. The Chinese Kung Fu Tea Workshop provides hands-on experience in the art of Chinese tea, where participants will explore the cultural significance of tea and learn to brew and serve traditional varieties.

The Sights & Sounds of Chinese Opera workshop offers an exploration into the world of Cantonese Opera, featuring insightful discussions, live demonstrations, and an excerpt from a traditional Chinese Opera performance, all accompanied by a soothing Chinese tea experience.

Visitors can also join the Plate Spinning Experiential Workshop, where they will learn the fundamentals of plate spinning, from balancing to keeping the plates in motion. Additionally, there are free workshops such as the Chinese Ink Painting, Bamboo Pinwheel Making and Bamboo Windchimes Making, where visitors can try their hand at crafting these traditional items.

FIVE FOOTWAY FESTIVAL: A FESTIVAL FOR ALL
In collaboration with Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall, and students from Hwa Chong Institution, the festival will showcase an exhibition entitled “The Warmth and Bustle of The Five-Footways”, which explores the history of the five-footways, including the trades, occupations, and recreational activities commonly found along these iconic walkways.

“While Chinatown today is modern and vibrant, the local Chinese community still cherishes its past, when the five-footway space was defined by the simple charm of everyday life. This exhibition offers a glimpse into the lives of early Chinese in Singapore, it aims to preserve traditions, and foster appreciation for local cultural heritage.” said Ng Kia Hui, Senior Manager, Education & Outreach, Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall.

Along Smith Street, visitors can also enjoy a Chinese Opera Roving Exhibition , as well as a Mini Food & Retail Bazaar, a Street Scene Photo Booth, and a Traditional Games Booth featuring nostalgic games such as pick-up sticks, five stones, marbles, and the eraser game – all taking place along the bustling Smith Street.

On select days during the festival, insightful talks will delve into The Beauty of the Hokkien Language, alongside informative Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Health Talks led by Science Arts TCM Clinic, focusing on cholesterol levels and eye health.

Admission to the Five Footway Festival is free. Tickets for selected workshops can be purchased from Peatix here. More information about the programme rundown and festival can be found on Chinatown Singapore’s website here.
Hashtag: #ChinatownBusinessAssociation #FiveFootwayFestival



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About Chinatown Business Association

The Chinatown Business Association (CBA) has been a key player in preserving the cultural heritage of Chinatown while fostering a thriving business community. By building strong ties with stakeholders and the business community, CBA leads placemaking efforts that honour the past while looking toward the future, ensuring Chinatown continues to be a vibrant part of Singapore’s urban landscape.

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New Research Revealed Effective Surgical Management Techniques for Gynecomastia in Asian Men, Resulting in High Patient Satisfaction

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Between 2018 and 2023, Dr Ivan Puah treated over 550 cases, addressing unique challenges in Singapore’s multi-ethnic population. His study included diverse case profiles. Results revealing no complications and high satisfaction prove the need to adapt surgical techniques for variations in skin type between Asian and Caucasian patients.

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 3 June 2026 – The evaluation and management of surgical treatment for gynecomastia primarily focus on Western populations. However, Amaris B. Clinic’s decades of experience in Singapore highlight specific considerations for Asian patients.

Dr Ivan Puah, Medical Director at Amaris B. Clinic and the lead researcher on a recent study, has offered new insights into treating gynecomastia, a condition characterised by male breast enlargement, in Singapore.

The research paper titled ‘Surgical Management of Gynecomastia in Asian Men – Clinical Experience and Considerations for Different Patient Types’ provides detailed, important considerations, including the management of the consultation process, addressing varying patient expectations, and tackling the surgical aspects necessary to achieve desired aesthetic outcomes.

Between 2018 and 2023, Dr Puah treated over 550 cases at Amaris B. Clinic and presented six representative patient cases that illustrate the demographics and unique challenges faced by this multi-ethnic Asian population.

The typical patient profiles included obese, overweight, and lean adults, as well as adolescents. Common causes of gynecomastia observed in the patients included hormonal changes during puberty, drug-induced gynecomastia from anabolic steroids, and conditions related to weight loss.

Dr Puah’s proprietary surgical methods involve making a single incision along the areola to minimise scar visibility while effectively excising glandular tissue, performing liposuction to remove excess fat, and tightening the chest skin.

Six case studies of diverse gynecomastia patient profiles

Gynecomastia Grade Demographic Profile
Grade II 17-year-old Chinese
  • A history of bilateral breast enlargement since 13 years-old
Grade II 18-year-old Chinese
  • A history of bilateral breast enlargement since 12 years-old
Grade II 22-year-old Malay
  • Using anabolic hormone supplements for bodybuilding for 4 years
Grade II 46-year-old Chinese
  • Took anabolic steroids for 5 years
Grade IV 28-year-old Chinese
  • Overweight since childhood
  • No reduction in breast enlargement despite losing weight
  • Skin laxity present
Grade IV 21-year-old Indian
  • Overweight since childhood
  • No reduction in breast enlargement despite losing weight
  • Skin laxity present

At the 3-month follow-up after surgery, 5 of 6 patients reported no complications, highlighting the effectiveness of the tailored surgical approach. They expressed high satisfaction with the aesthetic results of the procedure, rating it a perfect 7 out of 7, and reported relief from emotional distress.

Only one patient experienced mild keloid formation at the edges of both areolae where incisions were made, which were not easily noticeable, and reported no complications or dissatisfaction.

Dr Ivan Puah emphasises, “It is important to adapt surgical techniques to address issues such as scarring and hyperpigmentation, which can be more pronounced in Asian patients due to their skin types. The differences in skin quality and glandular tissue characteristics between Asian and Caucasian patients with gynecomastia necessitate distinctions in treatment planning, particularly regarding careful incision placement.”

The full paper is available via World Journal of Plastic Surgery at https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12843043/


  • ABOUT DR IVAN PUAH

    Dr Puah, an MOH-accredited liposuction doctor with extensive training in various cosmetic procedures, is committed to providing personalised care with an artful eye and proven medical techniques.

    • Dedicated surgical training in gynecomastia surgery in San Francisco
    • Chairman of the Lipo Peer Review Committee in Singapore
    • Trained in Vaser liposuction (fundamental and hi-definition) in Colorado and Argentina
    • Trained in syringe liposculpture, fat grafting, and thread lift from renowned French plastic surgeon, Dr Pierre Francois Fournier
    • Appointed trainer by Allergan and Merz for fellow doctors on cosmetic injectables
    • Designated trainer for PDO thread lift and Picolaser from Venusys Medical
    • Graduate Diploma in Family Dermatology from NUS
    • Graduate Diploma in Acupuncture from TCMB
    • Graduate Diploma in Sports Medicine from LKCMedicine, NTU

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    The Virchow Prize 2026 Awarded for Pioneering Work on Ebola, Advancing Global Epidemic Preparedness and Fostering Global Solidarity

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    Jean-Jacques Muyembe and Peter Piot are being honored with the international award of €500,000 for exceptional life-long leadership spanning five decades since the first outbreak of Ebola

    BERLIN, GERMANY – Newsaktuell – 2 June 2026 – The Virchow Prize 2026 has been jointly awarded to Jean‑Jacques Muyembe and Peter Piot for their pioneering and enduring leadership in the discovery, control, and understanding of epidemic threats, and for advancing equitable, multilateral cooperation and governance that have fundamentally strengthened global preparedness and solidarity in the face of infectious disease outbreaks.

    The Virchow Prize Laureates 2026: Jean-Jacques Muyembe (DR Congo) and Peter Piot (Belgium), honored for their pioneering and enduring leadership in the discovery, control, and understanding of epidemic threats, and for advancing equitable, multilateral cooperation and governance that have fundamentally strengthened global preparedness and solidarity in the face of infectious disease outbreaks.

    The announcement was made today by the Virchow Foundation which is granting the annual award. The selection of the laureates by the independent Virchow Prize Committee was preceded by a nomination period that ended on February 28, followed by a three-month deliberation period.

    This moment resonates with particular historical gravity: 2026 marks both fifty years since the emergence of Ebola and a renewed confrontation with the virus through the current outbreak and unpreparedness.

    According to the committee, the careers of Jean‑Jacques Muyembe and Peter Piot are anchored in a defining moment of modern infectious disease history: the first identified Ebola outbreak in 1976. Their collaboration demonstrated the necessity of crossing contextual, disciplinary and geographic boundaries, highlighting both the potential and the inequities inherent in global health partnerships. Over the decades, both Muyembe and Piot have worked – partly closely together, partly independent from each other in complementary ways – to transform epidemic research in an exemplary manner, firmly rooted in equity, reciprocity, and shared leadership.

    Taken together, the laureates’ contributions illustrate a continuum that is central to advancing health for all: from discovery to delivery, from local response to global coordination, from emergency action to long-term system strengthening. Their work has directly improved the ability to detect, understand, and control deadly outbreaks, while also influencing broader frameworks for addressing global health challenges in a manner that is equitable and inclusive.

    By awarding the Virchow Prize 2026 equally to Muyembe and Piot, their scientific achievements and their commitment to strengthening health systems and fostering global solidarity are honored. The laureates’ work embodies Rudolf Virchow’s legacy that health is inseparable from social organisation, governance, and collective responsibility.

    Full Article and detailed Virchow Prize Committee jury rationale at www.virchowprize.org/vp2026

    Contact: Virchow Foundation | Dorotheenstr. 83 | DE-10117 Berlin, Germany | pr***@*****ow.foundation

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    HKUST Unicorn Day Brings Together Global Innovation and Entrepreneurship Leaders

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    Advancing Research Commercialization and Building a Vibrant I&T Ecosystem

    HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 2 June 2026 – The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) today successfully hosted its annual “Unicorn Day,” one of Hong Kong’s flagship innovation and entrepreneurship events. The event brought together over 1,800 participants, including students, faculty, and alumni, as well as international and local government representatives, industry partners, investors, innovation and technology entrepreneurs, and researchers. Participants exchanged insights on strategies to strengthen collaboration across the innovation ecosystem, foster cross-disciplinary partnerships, and accelerate the translation of research outcomes into real-world impact.

    The event was officiated by Prof. SUN Dong, Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry of the HKSAR Government, alongside consuls-generals and senior officials from countries including Australia, Chile, France, Hungary, India, Japan, Malaysia, the Netherlands, Vietnam, and the United Arab Emirates. They were joined by Prof. Nancy IP, HKUST President; Prof. Lionel NI, HKUST (Guangzhou) President; and Prof. Tim CHENG, HKUST Vice-President for Research and Development; in touring over 100 HKUST-nurtured startups, showcasing innovations and applications spanning areas such as healthcare, electronics, and artificial intelligence systems, as well as new materials, green energy, and sustainability.

    Prof. Sun Dong remarked, “Innovation and technology (I&T) has always been at the top of the Hong Kong SAR Government’s agenda. We fully recognise the crucial role of local universities — not only as key partners, but as the bedrock of Hong Kong’s I&T ecosystem. In just three and a half decades, HKUST has risen to become a global powerhouse in deep tech, entrepreneurship, and innovation as demonstrated by its ability to nurture unicorns and deep-tech ventures. Hong Kong is entering a golden era of I&T development. We are building new engines to drive Hong Kong’s high-quality development, focusing on research and development in key fields and leading industry applications. I am confident that Hong Kong will rise as a leading international I&T center and contribute meaningfully to our nation’s high-quality development, and that HKUST will continue to be a driving force in this amazing journey.”

    President Ip said, “As we mark the 35th anniversary of HKUST this year, we also celebrate the spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship that has long been embedded in our DNA. Both the Technology Transfer Center and the Entrepreneurship Center were established in the University’s early years to support faculty and students in realizing their entrepreneurial aspirations and to promote the translation of research outcomes into practical solutions. Over the past 35 years, the University has forged ahead with determination, sowing the seeds of innovation and yielding remarkable achievements across multiple frontier fields. Today, HKUST continues to broaden its horizons, strategically positioning itself in key domains. One example is medical education. The establishment of the HKUST Medical School will integrate the life sciences with cutting-edge technologies to nurture a new generation of interdisciplinary medical professionals.

    Concurrently, HKUST has been actively involved in national initiatives such as the Chang’E 8 lunar exploration mission and research projects for the Tiangong Space Station, and the launch of the first commercially viable aerospace project under the RAISe+ Scheme. These achievements exemplify HKUST’s enduring ‘can do’ spirit over the past decades and echo the theme of today’s event—’From Ideas to Miracles—35 Years of Impact and Beyond’. Looking ahead, HKUST will continue to nurture bold ideas and action, working hand in hand with partners across different sectors to cultivate a vibrant innovation ecosystem, ensuring that research achievements benefit society and create lasting global impact.”

    To support startups in expanding into global markets and to promote cross-border collaboration, HKUST introduced an “International Pavilion,” featuring startups and innovation organizations from various countries and regions. Participants from Thailand, Singapore and Korea were among those represented, strengthening connections between Hong Kong, and countries and regions along the Belt and Road in technology application and industry development.

    The event also saw the signing of multiple partnership agreements, including six strategic collaborations with:

    • GPTX Investment Management Limited
    • China Everbright Water Limited
    • Jiangsu Daotop Environmental Technology
    • Samsung R&D Institute China – Guangzhou
    • CalmCar Physical AI Innovation Center
    • InnoAngel

    to advance talent development and industry–academia integration, and foster innovation-driven research and real-world technology translation.

    HKUST’s I&T Strength Driving Economic Growth

    In addition, HKUST also released the report Driving Socioeconomic Impact Through Research and Innovation: Insights from HKUST, commissioned by the University and prepared by the international research information analytics organization Elsevier. The report highlights HKUST’s outstanding performance in innovation and entrepreneurship. Over the past five years, research output has recorded an average growth of 10%, approximately 9% higher than that of other local institutions. More than 65% of the research is concentrated in engineering and computer science, while 6.2% involves academia-industry collaboration, significantly higher than the global average of 2.7%. These collaborations have translated into impactful intellectual property, with approximately 1,670 patent applications and 700 grants over the same period, and a high IP utilization rate of above 30%.

    Prof. Tim Cheng noted that the findings demonstrate HKUST’s steadily strengthening capabilities in research translation and academia-industry collaboration. HKUST’s publications achieved a Field-Weighted Citation Impact of 4.40, indicating that their citation impact is 4.4 times the global average. This underscores HKUST’s significant contributions to advancing Hong Kong’s socioeconomic development and enhancing its competitiveness in innovation and technology.

    In addition, a “Marketplace” was also featured, showcasing products already launched by startups, including AI analytics tools, healthcare technologies, and smart city solutions, demonstrating the progress of translating research into practical applications.

    Hashtag: #unicorn #unicornday #HKUST #partnership #innovation #startup #tech #AI #space #robotics #materialscience

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