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Shawn Hoo

Shawn is a journalist on the arts beat at The Straits Times. He reviews books and reports on theatre and the visual arts as well as other cultural issues, for the Life desk. Prior to joining ST in 2022, he spent two years teaching writing and literature at higher education institutions in Shanghai and Singapore. He believes the arts, arts education and arts writing are essential.

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Latest articles

A Singaporean goes on the run in Yu-Mei Balasingamchow’s Names Have Been Changed

Boston-based Singaporean writer Yu-Mei Balasingamchow's debut novel Names Have Been Changed follows a fugitive Singaporean on the run as she encounters unconventional fellow citizens abroad.
Boston-based Singaporean writer Yu-Mei Balasingamchow's debut novel Names Have Been Changed follows a fugitive Singaporean on the run as she encounters unconventional fellow citizens abroad.

Pangdemonium’s A Mirror asks questions about censorship and artist’s responsibilities

Pangdemonium's penultimate play A Mirror plays at the Singtel Waterfront Theatre from June 26 to July 12.
Pangdemonium's penultimate play A Mirror plays at the Singtel Waterfront Theatre from June 26 to July 12.

Singapore Chinese Orchestra celebrates 30 years with 30 per cent off concert tickets

As part of the Singapore Chinese Orchestra's 30th anniversary season, the SCO is offering 30 per cent off seven concerts, a blind box style opening concert and 12 free outreach concerts.
As part of the Singapore Chinese Orchestra's 30th anniversary season, the SCO is offering 30 per cent off seven concerts, a blind box style opening concert and 12 free outreach concerts.

Wild Rice’s Girls Girls Girls is a loving homage to queer women’s stories

195 Pearl’s Hill Terrace founder to open new arts enclave at People’s Park in November 2026

An offshoot of independent arts enclave 195 Pearl's Hill Terrace is slated to open across 17 units and common spaces at the nearby People's Park.
An offshoot of independent arts enclave 195 Pearl's Hill Terrace is slated to open across 17 units and common spaces at the nearby People's Park.

Singapore arts guide till June 28: Must-see shows include an Agatha Christie murder mystery

Four new dance works will premiere at the 16th edition of the cont·act Dance Festival, previously cont·act Contemporary Dance Festival, which runs from June 8 to 28.
Four new dance works will premiere at the 16th edition of the cont·act Dance Festival, previously cont·act Contemporary Dance Festival, which runs from June 8 to 28.

Sleek police drama An Interrogation demands more than actors can deliver

In An Interrogation, the young but rising detective Ruth Palmer (Nadya Zaheer) has a hunch that the suave and slick Cameron Andrews (Salif Hardie) is her guy.
In An Interrogation, the young but rising detective Ruth Palmer (Nadya Zaheer) has a hunch that the suave and slick Cameron Andrews (Salif Hardie) is her guy.

Bumper crop of Singapore acts travelling to festivals and fringes abroad despite rising costs

Berahi: Holy Unions, choreographed by Norhaizad Adam,  will premiere at the newly opened East Kowloon Cultural Centre as part of the #Danceless Complex Festival on June 13 and 14.
Berahi: Holy Unions, choreographed by Norhaizad Adam,  will premiere at the newly opened East Kowloon Cultural Centre as part of the #Danceless Complex Festival on June 13 and 14.

ST’s picks of the best shows at SIFA 2026

The Straits Times’ arts team of editor Ong Sor Fern and writers Clement Yong and Shawn Hoo picks their best watches.
The Straits Times’ arts team of editor Ong Sor Fern and writers Clement Yong and Shawn Hoo picks their best watches.

Five must-see works at the Venice Biennale, from human bells to demented screen puppets

As you amble along the canals, let serendipity be the guide and look out for the signs to the off-site exhibitions.
As you amble along the canals, let serendipity be the guide and look out for the signs to the off-site exhibitions.

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MDDI (P) 046/10/2025. Published by SPH Media Limited, Co. Regn. No.202120748H. Copyright © 2026 SPH Media Limited. All rights reserved.