Art, life and culture meet at the crossroads of change at this Chinese contemporary art exhibition featuring works by Feng Zhengjie, Zeng Fanzhi, Zhong Biao and Xue Song.

Where: Opera Gallery, Takashimaya Shopping Centre, Ngee Ann City 02-12H, 391 Orchard Road MRT: Orchard/Somerset When: Till Dec 14: 11am - 8pm (Mon - Fri), 10am - 8pm (Sat & Sun), Admission: Free Tel: 6735-2618

Art

LOST CITY 2 - A COLLECTIVE ART EXHIBITION

This exhibition by five award-winning local artists - Hong Sek Chern, Francis Ng, Tang Ling Nah, Ahmad Bakar and C.K. Kum - attempts to identify the energies and tensions arising from the hyper-globalisation of the world today. Curated by Arthur Sim.

Where: Sculpture Square, 155 Middle Road MRT: Bugis When: Mon - Dec 17: 10am - 7pm Admission: Free Tel: 6336-1055

BEAUTY OF THE HUMAN SPIRIT

A showcase of new and award-winning clay creations by master sculptor Zhao Enmin from China's Henan province and other outstanding apprentice sculptors.

Where: Singapore Soka Association headquarters, 10 Tampines Street 81 MRT: Tampines When: Mon , 10am - 9pm daily Free 6513-7815 E-mail raymondng@ssabuddhist.org

ONE DAY I'LL FLY AWAY

A retrospective solo exhibition by M. Suriyamoorthy, a South Indian artist known for his portrayal of Indian life which often focus on women.

Where: Artmosiac Gallery MICA Building 01-02, 140 Hill Street MRT: Clarke Quay/City Hall When: Till Thu , 11am - 5pm (Mon - Fri), 2 - 4pm (Sat), closed on Sun Admission: Free Tel: 6336-6406 Info: Visit www.artmosaic.com.sg

Asia On The Edge

MUSIC PRODIGIES

Catch some of Asia's most talented award-winning young musicians celebrating the joy and beauty of music in their personal styles and vernacular. They are Aileen Gozali (Indonesia/Singapore), Aristo Sham (Hong Kong/China), Utsav Lal (India) and Taiga Onitsuka (Japan).

Where: The Arts House, The Chamber, Old Parliament House, 1 Old Parliament Lane MRT: Raffles Place When: Tue - Sat , 8 - 9pm Admission: $23 Tel: 6332-6919 Info: Visit www.asiaontheedge.com

IRUKA: ARE YOU HERE? - DANCE

Contemporary Japanese dancer Kota Yamazaki integrates traditional Japanese culture such as elements of butoh with the contemporary world.

Where: The Arts House, Play Den, Old Parliament House, 1 Old Parliament Lane MRT: Raffles Place When:

Thu & Fri , 8pm Admission: $32 Tel: 6332-6919 Info: Visit www.asiaontheedge.com

CINEMA FIRST - FILM SCREENINGS

View a selection of the best films and documentaries showcased since the beginning of the Asia Pacific Festival of 1st Films in 2005.

Where: The Arts House, Screening Room, Old Parliament House, 1 Old Parliament Lane MRT: Raffles Place When: Till Sat , various times Admission: $9 (free for outdoor screening) Tel: 6332-6919 Visit www.asiaontheedge.com

FOOD ART EXHIBITION

Photographic and installation works by Ayako Suwa (Japan) and Pang Kok Keong (Singapore) explore food as an aesthetic imagery.

Where: The Arts House, Gallery, Old Parliament House, 1 Old Parliament Lane MRT: Raffles Place When: Till Sat , 10am - 8pm Admission: Free Tel: 6332-6919 Info: Visitt www.asiaontheedge.com

Charity

CHARITY GIFT HOUSE

Open your heart to needy schoolchildren this Christmas. Make a $15 donation to The Straits Times School Pocket Money Fund and pick up a gift at the Charity Gift House at Paragon shopping centre.

Where: Paragon Shopping Centre, Orchard Road MRT: Somerset

When: Tue - Dec 26: 10am - 10pm Admission: Free Tel: 6738-5535 Info: Visit www.paragon.com.sg for details

THE STARBUCKS CHRISTMAS OPEN HOUSE

Enjoy your favourite coffee at the Starbucks Christmas Open House on Thursday and donate to The Salvation Army. All Starbucks stores will offer complimentary tall-sized beverages to customers as part of the programme. Starbucks employees will pledge their tips to the Salvation Army to encourage more customers to donate.

Where: All Starbucks stores islandwide When: Thu, 5 - 7pm Admission: Free (donate to charity) Tel: 6513-7500

2008 YMCA FLAG DAY

Donate to the YMCA of Singapore which is holding a YMCA Flag Day to raise $60,000 to enrich the lives of the intellectually, mentally and physically challenged, out-of-school youth, youth-at-risk, underprivileged and abused children, the poor and elderly. You can also sign up as one of 450 volunteers to sell flags islandwide on the Flag Day.

Where: islandwide When Dec 10: 9.30am - 3.30pm & 2 - 6.30pm (two shifts to sell flags) Admission: Free Tel: 6586-2343 Info: Individuals can donate $50 while corporations can donate $500 each. Donors can send their donation cheques payable to 'YMCA of Singapore' and mail them to One Orchard Road, Singapore 238824 with their names, addresses, IC numbers and mark 'YMCA Flag Day 2008' on the back of the cheques to receive official aknowledgments. E-mail flagday@ymca.org.sg by Dec 8 to sign up as a volunteer or visit www.ymca.org.sg/flagday for more information.

heART: PAINTINGS BY CHILDREN OF CAMBODIA

Buy a painting at this exhibition by the beach and street children of Cambodia and the money will go to the Cambodian Children's Painting Project, which provides the children with education, medical care and food. Each painting sells for $16.

Where: DBS Arts Centre, Merbau Road MRT: Clarke Quay When: Till Dec 14, 10am - 8pm Admission: Free

Tel: 9711-8207 Info: All paintings were done by orphans or children from abusive and impoverished families

THE BOYS' BRIGADE SHARITY GIFT BOX 2008

Have a heart. Share a gift with the less fortunate in society this Christmas season. Donate daily necessities or fulfill a specific wish of a child, an elderly person or a family to spread joy in their lives.

Where: Send donations to the Main Gift Box outside Takashimaya Shopping Centre, Ngee Ann City, Orchard Road MRT:

Orchard/Somerset & donation boxes outside several NTUC Fairprice outlets When: Till Dec 19, usual opening mall/supermarket opening hours Admission: Free Info: Visit http://www.bbsgb.org.sg

Christmas

TPCC CHRISTMAS CONCERT

Usher in the Christmas season at The Philharmonic Chamber Choir's (TPCC's) Christmas Concert under the baton of Lim Yau featuring the captivating Laud To The Nativity by Ottorino Respighi. It features the Singapore Bible College Singers.

Where: Esplanade Concert Hall MRT: City Hall When: Fri : 7.30pm Admission: $21 - $43 Tel: 6348-5555

Classical

LIVING WITH...TROUT QUINTET

Enjoy The Trout Quintet, the popular name for the Piano Quintet in A Major by Franz Schubert, which is written for the piano, viola, cello and double bass, at this concert presented by The Arts House.

Where: the Arts House, Living ROom, Old Parliament House, 1 Old Parliament Lane MRT: Raffles Place When: Mon , 8pm Admission: $12 Tel: 6332-6919

Club

MICHELLE NICOLLE QUARTET

Unwind by catching the Michelle Nicolle Quartet. Nicolle, who is Australia's first lady of Jazz having won the title of 'Vocalist of the Year' many times, will entertain you with her varied repertoire. She also arranges her own music as band leader and recording artist.

Where: Jazz@Southbridge, 82 Boat Quay MRT: Raffles Place When: Wed - Fri , 9.30pm - midnight Admission: $10 for Wed & Thu , $20 for Fri Tel: 6327-4671

Explore Singapore

Relive the good old days and immerse yourself in Singapore's rich cultural heritage by visiting the Images Of Singapore exhibit and learning how our forefathers lived and worked. Explore Singapore! is part of the National Heritage Board's annual campaign to cultivate a museum-going culture here.

Where: Sentosa, Imbiah MRT: HarbourFront When: Till Dec 8, 10am - 7pm Admission: $3 for island entry and transport plus $14 per adult and $10 per child for entry into both the Images Of Singapore and Fort Siloso attractions Tel: 1800-736-8672 Info: Visit the forecourt of Images of Singapore which is tranformed into an old street scene with stall holders in clogs dishing out dragon beard candy, ice balls and bandung while children can play games such as 'gasing' (spinning tops) and five stones or try giant-sized games such as Snakes And Ladders and Happy Family.

Film

THE BEST OF FIRST TAKE

Catch this special screening of the most popular films from each month's First Take screenings and vote for the top favourite of this year. The films include Flyer by Helmi Yusof, The Mitre Spell by Tony Kern and Comma by Ezzam Rahman.

Where: The Substation Theatre, Armenian Street MRT: City Hall When: Mon : 8pm Admission: Free Tel: 6337-7535 Info: Visit http://www.substation.org/whats_on/moving_images.now_showing.html

ASIA PACIFIC FESTIVAL OF FIRST FILMS

This annual film and documentary festival celebrates excellence by first-time producers, directors, writers, cinematographers, actors and documentary makers from people of Asia-Pacific origins.

Where: The Arts House, Screening Room Old Parliament House, 1 Old Parliament Lane MRT: Raffles Place When: Thu - Dec 10, various Times Admission: $9.50 a ticket Tel: 6332-6919 Info: Visit www.asianfirstfilms.com

Gig

FAVOURITE HITS OF MUSICALS & MOVIES

Vocalist Lily Anna Nuris and pianist Anthony Kwah will treat you to favourite hits from musicals such as Cats, Evita, The Sound Of Music and The King And I as well as old favourites, such as To Sir With Love, The Way We Were and Casablanca at this Coffee Morning & Afternoon Tea session.

Where: Esplanade Recital Studio MRT: City Hall When: Mon : 10.30am & 3pm Admission: $13 Tel: 6348-

5555

KRAFTWERK (MOSAIC)

German electronic music group Kraftwerk - the German godfathers of electronica - will appear with their robot doubles at this perfectly synchronised visual spectacle. It's strikingly antiseptic and yet strangely compelling.

Where: Esplanade Theatre MRT: City Hall When: Wed : 8pm Admission: $91 - $151 Tel: 6348-5555

Holidays

THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS

Children are encouraged to develop their creativity and imagination as they meet nursery rhyme characters such as Humpty Dumpty, Tweedledee and Tweedledum at this holiday workshop set in Lewis Carroll's topsy-turvy world of Alice In Wonderland. By Act 3 Drama Academy.

Where: Act 3 Drama Academy, 126 Cairnhill Road, One-Two-Six Cairnhill Arts Centre MRT: Newton When: Mon - Fri , various times Admission: $220 (ages three to seven), $270 (ages eight to 15) per five-day workshop Tel: 6735-9986 Info: Visit www.act3international.com.sg

Museum

CALL FOR DONATIONS: MUSEUM OF BROKEN RELATIONSHIPS

Has your heart ever been broken? Don't cry too much but do something positive by donating items from your broken relationship to a special Museum of Broken Relationships which will display exhibits to help you overcome your heartbreak. It will be set up here as part of the M1 Singapore Fringe Festival 2009 from Jan 7 - 18 next year.

Info: Submit donations by Dec 15, Tel: 6440-8115 Info: E-mail info@singaporefringe.spm Info: To donate your item, download the donation form to tell more about your donation and the stories behind it/them by visiting www/singaporefringe.com/downloads/MoBrForm.pdf

Show

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS EXHIBITION

Find out all about the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) which played a role in the formulation of international treaties, national constitutions and law at this exhibition. Held by the National University of Singapore (NUS) Pro Bono Group.

Where: National Library, Level 7, 100 Victoria Street MRT: Bugis/City Hall When: Mon - Dec 9: 10am - 9pm, Jurong Regional Library MRT: Jurong East When: Dec 10 -22: 10am - 9pm Admission: Free Tel: 6332-3255

JOINT EXHIBITION ON THE HISTORY OF CHINESE-MEDIUM SCHOOLS (2008)

This education exhibition celebrates the achievements and showcases the history of Chinese schools. You can stroll down memory lane by viewing photographs, classroom artifacts of a bygone era to experience the evolving education scene. You can also take part in seminars and talks to understand the legacy of Chinese-medium schools.

Where: Hwa Chong Institution, Kah Kee Hall, Bukit Timah Road MRT: Newton When: Till Sat , 10am - 6pm Admission: Free Tel: 6466-5775 ext 505/471 Info: Visit www.networkchinese.com/exhibition/introduction_eng.html

Sports

STANDARD CHARTERED SINGAPORE MARATHON 2008

It's for a good cause. Come and cheer on more than 48,000 runners who are participating in this marathon to help raise $750,000 for the less fortunate in society.

Where: Start from Esplanade Bridge to Raffles Avenue, Nicoll Highway and the East Coast Parkway and back to The Padang MRT: City Hall When: Sun , 5.30am (flag-off for the full 42km marathon), 6.15am (21km half marathon), 7.15am (10km, Men & 10km Team Men's, 8am (10km, Women & 10Km Team Women's), 8.45am (Wheelchair, 10.30 - 11.30am (the revamped Standard Chartered Kids Dash for children aged under three and four to 13) Admission: Free (registration has closed but spectators are welcome) Tel: 6248-6033 Info:

Visit www.singaporemarathon.com

Talk

DIGITAL MARKETING STRATEGIES

Learn how effective digital marketing strategies can maximise your business results and the different methods to achieve optimum results using mew digital channels at this ST701 seminar.

Where: Singapore Press Holdings Auditorium, 1000 Toa Payoh North MRT: Braddell When: Dec 9: 2 - 6pm Admission: pay an early bird fee of $309 with GST (ST701 member), $369 with GST (non-member) a workshop by Tue, From Wed pay $369 with GST (ST701 member), $439 with GST (non-member) a workshop Tel: 6319-5924 (office hours) Info: To register visit jobs.st701.com or e-mail st701@sph.com.sg. The panel discussion will feature panelists such as Adrian Tay, editor of ASiaOne, Lim Chuan Jer, general manager of new Media Unit, SPH magazines and Alan Soon, head of Online Business and Technology, ST701.

Theatre

OPERA SCENES (NAFA CONCERT SERIES)

Be treated to excerpts from Puccini's La Boheme, Bizet's Carmen and Britten's A Midsummer Night's Dream in original languages with full costumes at this concert directed by Nancy Yuen. Singers are accompanied by the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts Orchestra under the baton of Volker Hartung. Presented by Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts Vocal Studies and Orchestra.

Where: Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts, Lee Foundation Theatre, 151 Bencoolen Street MRT: Bugis When: Tue , 8pm Admission: Free Tel: 6512-4179 Info: E-mail music@nafa.edu.sg and visit www.nafa.edu.sg

SUNSHINE GIRL - THE MUSICAL

This touching story of sacrifice, identity, love, kinship and the ties that bind will help spread love and joy this festive season. A revue-styled musical extravaganza written and produced by renowned Singapore composer, playwright and singer Dick Lee, it's about the sacrifices a young and aspiring performer and her ambitious mother go through in the entertainment world. Part of VivoCity's second anniversary celebrtions.

Where: VivoCity, Amphitheatre, Level 3, HarbourFront Walk MRT: HarbourFront When: Till next Mon , 8pm daily Admission: Free Tel: 6377-6860/6870 Info: Just spend $80 at any store at VivoCity till Dec 8 and you will receive a a pair of complimentary tickets for the musical, American Express cardholders can spend $50 to qualify for the tickets. Visit www.vivocity.com.sg

IT'S MY LIFE!

Don't miss this musical about teens, for teens and by teens. Touching, honest, explosive and funny, this musical unlocks the secret life of teenagers.

Where: University Cultural Centre Theatre, NUS Centre for the Arts, National University of Singapore, Kent Ridge Crescent MRT: Clementi When: Tue - Fri , 8pm Admission: $27 Tel: 6100-2005 Info: Visit www.gatecrash.com.sg

AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS

Journey around the world without leaving your seat. Catch this Broadway-style family musical production of Around The World In 80 Days, based on the Jules Verne classic novel about the intrepid English gentleman Phileas Fogg who races around the world to win a wager. By ABA Productions.

Where: Esplanade Theatre MRT: City Hall When: Till Sun , 8pm (Wed - Sat only), also 2.30pm (Sat) & 12.30 & 5.30pm (Sun only) Admission: $31 - $146 Tel: 6348-5555

THE OFFICE PARTY

A comic drama taking you on a rollercoaster ride through a minefield of office politics, petty differences, sexual harassment and hidden desires.

Where: DBS Arts Centre, Merbau Road, Roberston Quay MRT: Clarke Quay When: Till Dec 13: 8pm, also 4pm on Fri & Sat & Dec 12 & 13 Admission: $51 & $61 Tel: 6348-5555 Info: The play is meant strictly for those aged 16 and above due to mature themes and use of coarse language.

SNOW WHITE & THE SEVEN DWARFS

Catch this pantomine which gives a twist to the beloved childhood tale of Snow White. It comes with side-splitting gags and snazzy songs. Directed by Hossan Leong, this Wild Rice production features Sebastian Tan as The Queen and Elena Wang as Snow White.

Where: Drama Centre Theatre, National Library Building, 100 Victoria Street MRT: City Hall/Bugis When: Till Dec 20, 7.30pm (Tue - Fri), 2.30 & 7.30pm (Sat & Sun) Admission: $41 - $62 Tel: 6348-5555

Wedding

BRIDAL FAIR

Planning to tie the knot soon? Better check out this Bridal Fair at Traders Hotel where you can book wedding banquet packages for next year and early 2010 with perks galore if you sign up at the fair. You can visit booths featuring bridal studios, florists, jewellery and other wedding associated services, such as wedding car, accessories, feng shui, beauty and wellness and UOB credit cards.

Where: Traders Hotel, off Orchard Boulevard MRT: Orchard When: Sat , 10am - 4pm Admission: $18 nett a couple with light refreshments at a reception Tel: 6831-4319 Info: Complimentary entry for UOB cardmember and a two 20 litres barrel of beer on confirmation of wedding banquet at the fair. E-mail catering.ths@shangri-la.com to book

Web

THE STAR BLOGGERS

The Star Bloggers discuss the latest topics in their inimitable way.

Info: Visit www.stomp.com.sg/starblog to read their takes

Compiled by Magdalene Lum

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