FW2017

Authors
Annabel Tan Poh Gek, Chai Sze Ying Amanda

Supervisor
Asst Prof Andrew Duffy

Year
2017

Abstract

On the surface, tattoos, bodybuilding and plastic surgery have nothing in common. But peel back the layers and you’ll find a common motivation – not just to look better, but to be individual. Today, whether it’s on the streets or on social media, young people with inked skin, muscular bodies or enhanced facial features have become a common sight here. All three involve extreme measures with lasting effects that play a part in carving, literally, a permanent identity; and all are slightly controversial. There has always been stigma surrounding these scenes, yet more youths are marking themselves as part of the communities anyway. Call it a hunch, but something is brewing. Through the exploration of the local tattoo, bodybuilding and plastic surgery scenes, You Do You is an online illustrated feature on appearance culture and identity in Singapore.

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http://hdl.handle.net/10356/69863

Authors
Cao Thuy Dung, Khoo Jia Jia

Supervisor
Asst Prof Andrew Duffy

Year
2017

Abstract

Startup. One of the buzziest words today, and yet, there isn’t a consensus on what the word means. Members of the startup world can’t seem to agree on what a startup is. Some say it’s simply a young business venture, some insist that startups have to be a tech company, some say a startup is defined by company culture. Though its exact definition may be loose, its rising prominence in Singapore’s economy is undeniable. The heart of the startup story lies within the people involved in the ecosystem. Investors, entrepreneurs and people who work for them. All of them have their own unique perspective on the phenomenon. From inside the mind of a venture capitalist to the allure of startup culture, all that makes up the Singapore startup ecosystem boasts great success. But with success, comes problems too.

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http://hdl.handle.net/10356/69870

Authors
Emily Joosten Hui Ling, Manesha Pereira

Supervisor
Asst Prof Andrew Duffy

Year
2017

Abstract

When it comes to the world of watches, a tiny city state like Singapore holds its own against heavyweights from the West and the Middle East. But unlike those countries, Singapore doesn’t have the numbers. What it does have however is the potential to be a thought leader, governing over what stays and what goes in the international economy of timepieces. Singapore is a force to be reckoned with, a leader to whom the globe looks up to for current trends and fashion in watches. The collectors and enthusiasts that she houses are a tier above the rest. They are risk takers, proponents for the horological avant garde and shun normalcy. Here in Singapore new business models are disrupting the watch economy and changing the way the market works. She has earned her title as a thought leader producing some of the world’s best collectors, retailers and bloggers to whom the entire industry relies on.

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http://hdl.handle.net/10356/69887

Authors
Justin Kor Zhong Xian, Tan Chin Hong (Chen Zhen Feng), Tan Chun Lin Nicholas

Supervisor
Asst Prof Andrew Duffy

Year
2017

Abstract

Filipinos regard Davao City as the place for the Philippines to emulate in terms of safety, amid President Rodrigo Duterte’s controversial efforts to improve peace and order across the country. Then-mayor Duterte won the popular vote for presidency on a pledge to crack down on crime and drugs, and to change the country into what the city is like today. This feature package focuses on Davao City, and how it transformed from the “Murder Capital” of the country in the 1980s to a safe haven within Mindanao, a region which has the reputation of being one of the most dangerous areas in Southeast Asia. It will also show how the city remains safe, till today.

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http://hdl.handle.net/10356/69871

Authors
Goh Hua Zhen, Tan Ming Yaw, Tan Qiuru Jessica, Tan Xiu Qi

Supervisor
Asst Prof Andrew Duffy

Year
2017

Abstract

In land scarce Singapore, the living live close by, as do the dead. Both have needs, and in the zero sum game of space and other resources, the needs of both players must be balanced carefully. The living seem to always get the short end of the stick by having to pay for the expenses after the passing of a loved one, share their living space to accommodate the burial needs of the dead, or even having to “serve” the dead (i.e. professionals in the death industry, such as morticians). In some of these industries, there is also the conflict between the preservation of traditional practices and the gradual loss of meaning of these traditions to commercialisation. Yet, the idea behind the title “Sorry no space” also encompasses the fact that the living in Singapore are increasingly unwilling to demarcate their land space for the dead, and there is also an increasing commercialisation of rituals and traditions. There is quite literally, no space for the dead and also gradually, no space for superstition and its traditional significance.

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http://hdl.handle.net/10356/69842

Authors
H Sharanya Pillai, Lim Ying Hui Paige, Noor Asyraf Bin Kamil, Pang Xue Qiang

Supervisor
Asst Prof Andrew Duffy

Year
2017

Abstract

“Livin’ On A Prayer” is a feature writing package which aims to capture what it is like to be part of minority religious communities – whether it is a New Religious Movement (NRM), outlawed community or an informal prayer group of transient workers. The stories focus on what draws individuals to these communities, and why they stay on despite the challenges. These narratives are set against the backdrop of changing attitudes towards religion in the country, with more young Singaporeans viewing faith as a commodity to “shop” for, rather than in the traditional sense as a duty. Presented in magazine form, the package is targeted at Singaporean youths with the hope of motivating them to find out about less conventional pockets of faith, and to reflect on their own paths.

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http://hdl.handle.net/10356/69849

Authors
Chia Xiu Qi Krystal, Serena Yeh Shi Ling, Wong Zioedy

Supervisor
Asst Prof Andrew Duffy

Year
2017

Abstract

Game On is a journalism feature about dream-chasers in the less-known but vibrant, mind-blowing and very real esports community in Singapore. Once considered a subculture, esports is evolving into a global industry expected to hit US$1.5 billion in 2020, according to research firm Newzoo. Over four months, we unearthed stories of dream-chasers, including new and veteran esports players, businesses and organisers of gaming conventions.

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http://hdl.handle.net/10356/69875

Authors
Li Yage, Zhang Danfeng

Supervisor
Prof Hao Xiaoming

Year
2017

Abstract

China has become the largest eCommerce market in the world with total number of 468 million digital shoppers. According to the report, over 40% total global eCommerce spend came from China. Aided by emerging technology, online shopping not only brings convenience into people’s lives but also shapes consumer’s shopping behaviour and habits. The threat posed by eCommerce forced traditional retail to make a change and many have started launched their online service or seeking for new business models. This feature aims to document this exciting on-going competition in China. Through reflecting on current trends we hope to unveil some insights on the industry.

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http://hdl.handle.net/10356/69882