Working and living abroad
I pioneered the Gen Z Stories series for Thrive by The Business Times, a weekly feature highlighting inspiring youths. In April 2022, Darren moved from Singapore to Johor Bahru.
My Articles
5 things I learnt from being part of the "Covid cohort"
When I started university in 2020, I became part of the “Covid cohort” – the group of students whose university journey began amidst a global pandemic. Everything felt like a small win then.
What are share buybacks?
A share buyback occurs when a company repurchases its shares from the market. In November 2024, seven primary-listed companies conducted buybacks on the Singapore Exchange.
Reviving Singapore’s edible heritage
Singapore's edible landscape is all around us – you just have to know where to look. So says Chua of Gastrogeography of Singapore, an art collective that creates delicious home-dining experiences out of overlooked ingredients.
Sally Rooney’s ‘Intermezzo’: Love, loss and lingering regret
Sally Rooney's latest novel, Intermezzo (2024), was recently released to a flurry of social media excitement, complete with exclusive merchandise and midnight release parties worldwide.
Trump in the White House: Part 2
Donald Trump has won the US presidential election again - this time beating his rival US Vice-President Kamala Harris. He will be the second US president to serve two non-consecutive terms.
Booker Prize finalist: ‘James’ boldly reimagines an American classic
From code-switching to holding internal debates with philosophers such as John Locke and Voltaire, Everett’s James radically changes the narrative perspective in Twain’s novel from that of a white boy to an enslaved Black man.
Thoughts about Deepavali as a non-Hindu Indian
"Are you really Indian?" This was one of the many questions I got from people when they found out that I didn't celebrate Deepavali. Being Catholic, Easter and Christmas are the biggest celebrations in my family.
Guide to the US election
The polls are set to be a close fight, with pre-election surveys showing no clear winner between presidential hopefuls Kamala Harris and Donald Trump.
I was not persuaded by Jane Austen’s Persuasion
I am not afraid of admitting that I spent most of this year reading and watching Austen novels and adaptations respectively...However, my experience reading Persuasion was like having a bucket of iced water suddenly hurled at you.
Here's what we know about Iswaran's recent conviction
Former transport minister S Iswaran has been convicted after pleading guilty to five charges - four of obtaining gifts as a public servant and one of obstructing justice.
5 Things I learnt from watching F1
In F1, precision isn't just important - it's everything. One small misstep, like a delayed pit stop or tyre change gone wrong, can cost a driver the entire race.
Why does Singapore shell out millions for F1?
Since its 2008 debut, the F1 Singapore Grand Prix has brought in more than 550,000 international visitors and generated around S$2 billion of incremental tourism receipts.
Pope Francis' historic visit to Singapore
On Sept 12, 2024, Pope Francis held a Papal Mass at Singapore's National Stadium with an audience of 50,000 people. This event took place on the same day as the Feast of the Most Holy Name of Mary.
5 Misconceptions about suicide
In 2023, there were 322 suicide cases in Singapore. For every suicide in Singapore, there have been 20 attempts. Not all people who die by suicide have a diagnosable mental illness.
Unrealistic job ads
These days, it seems that a lot of employers are asking for the impossible - entry-level positions requiring years of experience, advanced skills and a laundry list of responsibilities. These unrealistic demands create a cycle of discouragement.
What’s Cooking in Chickpeas to Cook & Other Stories
If you’re like me, a person who enjoys learning more about various cultures whilst reading stories with themes concerning race and religion...then Nilanjana Sengupta’s latest hit is the perfect read for you.
5 Lessons we learnt from Olympic medallist Maximillian Maeder
Max shared that most of the time, the pressure he experiences from competitions comes from himself, not external influences. When dealing with pressure, he prioritises tasks that need his attention.
The Heavenly Myth and a Christian Makeover in Jason and the Argonauts | Film East
Jason and the Argonauts (1963) is a key example of a modern retelling that keeps the spirit of these ancient tales alive while allowing the audience to explore timeless themes and characters in fresh, exciting ways.
A Gritty and Glamorous Illumination through Spartacus and Cleopatra
Picture fervent groups rallying for social change...Now, am I still writing about the dynamic spirit of 1960s America or sweeping cinematic epics like Spartacus (1960) and Cleopatra (1963)?
Gen Z Speaks: As a Malay-speaking Indian girl of mixed heritage, here’s how I celebrate racial harmony every day
Growing up in Singapore, my life has been a colourful tapestry of diverse cultures and languages. My journey has been one of self-discovery, introspection, and a profound appreciation for racial harmony.
High Seas Treaty: A breakthrough agreement to protect the deep blue
After at least 15 years of conversations and planning, all 193 members of the United Nations (UN) have agreed on an international agreement to protect biodiversity in international waters.
The Pecola Breedlove of Singapore
When I look at myself in the mirror, I see a young brown woman with unruly dark curly hair and dull, almond-shaped black eyes. Nothing spectacular or special about me. And yet I was only 6 when I was first called a “fake Indian”.
5 Gifting ideas for a Greener Festive Season
With the holiday season steadily approaching us, one might find themselves in a fix – “What shall I give my loved ones in December?” Especially difficult...fear not, we have wonderful fresh ideas to help you!
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