Raffles Reviews

A Shot at Capturing Singapore’s Best Photobooths

Reading Time: 6 minutes

By Ariann Khoo (26S06B), Christian Adriel Tan (26S07B) and Tara Teo (26A01D)

Special thanks to Teng Yifan (26S06H) and Nicole Lee (26S05A)

There’s something charmingly spontaneous about the photobooth experience. 

Whether it’s a flagship outlet at a shopping mall or tucked away in a discreet part of an alleyway, the sight of a photobooth always sparks a flicker of excitement. One moment you may just be walking by, and moments later you’re crammed into a tiny booth, fumbling with props as the flash goes off. In seconds, your strip prints out, displaying that moment of chaos or authenticity.

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The City Of Others: Asian Artists in Paris

Reading Time: 10 minutes

By Ariann Khoo (26S06B) and Jaden Lum (26S05A)

Walking into City of Others, City of Migrants: Art in Paris, 1920-1940s at our National Gallery feels less like entering the closed doors of a museum, and more like stepping into the hidden alleys of history, a world of intricacies of its own. The exhibition, which was held from April to August, turned our gaze toward the quiet sufferings faced by Asian immigrants as they explored the city of love—a city sadly not their own. Their stories reflected here are fragments of their memory: faded photographs, sculptures and landscapes, like whispered recollections of their lives. To walk through City of Others, City of Migrants: Art in Paris, 1920-1940s is to be confronted with the idea of remembering Paris through the eyes of Asian migrant artists. 

“The speakers will examine how artistic consciousness shifts when Asian artists encounter a new city and culture while rediscovering the cultures of their origins.”

National Gallery Singapore
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Every Beatles Album, From Worst To Best

Reading Time: 13 minutes

By Jaden Lum (26S05A) and Sonia Chang (26A01A)

Thirteen studio albums and half a century later, the Beatles remain the most influential act in music ever. From revolutionising songwriting and production techniques to solidifying youths as a dominant cultural force, they would dramatically alter the course of world history—all in just seven brief years.

But as the sheer magnificence of their discography towers over and peers down at us, which of their works are truly demanding of our time? Technically, the answer is all of them, but regardless, here is our take on the definitive ranking of every Beatles album, from worst to best: 

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The Phone Fast Challenge: 9 Years On…

Reading Time: 8 minutes

By Koh Shin Robbie (26A01A)

In 2016, Raffles Press first attempted the Phone Fast Challenge. The rules were simple: for five days, participants were allowed no more than two half-hour periods of smartphone usage daily. During the challenge, they struggled greatly in resisting the temptations of social media, but ultimately pulled through, even engaging in more meaningful conversations and relationships when phones were kept away.

Almost a decade has passed since then, so how would this challenge feel like today? For that, I recruited four friends to join me in this challenge— Wong E Vee (26S02A) and Clara Yen (26A01B), who sought a chance to ‘lock in’, as well as Lee Zhi Ying (26A01A) and Liu Zhishan (26S05B), who sought to resist the temptation of their TikTok pet.

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Where To Touch Grass

Reading Time: < 1 minute

By Tok Kai Xue (26A01B)

As the September holidays arrive, many of us are cooped up at home to lock in. But resting your mind is equally important, and what better way to recharge than by reconnecting with nature?

If you’re new to touching grass, watch this video for a list of parks and trails to check out!

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