Recent advancements in the tech sector - such as new developments in virtual and augmented reality, and the increasing prevalence and use of artificial intelligence (AI) - are changing the way we work, play, care, influence and create.
Take this month's cover star, Rae, for instance. Created by CGI (computer-generated imagery) technology and powered by AI solutions, Singapore's first virtual influencer looks so real she could easily pass for one of us.
Rae was introduced to the digital realm in October 2020, at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic.
It was timely, as lockdowns meant that retailers could not interact physically with their customers. This prompted global real estate investment manager, Capitaland Investment (CLI) to launch a set of digital and virtual technology-based initiatives to support retailers in their customer outreach during this period. The company recently announced a partnership with global marketing and advertising agency Dentsu to further build Rae's virtual presence.
The "forever" 25-year-old resonated with young, digitally savvy consumers, and global brands like Audi and Origins have chosen her to front their campaigns. Rae, who is described as a virtual being, digital artist and STEM advocate, now has 25.4K followers on Instagram (@here.is.rae) and over 1 million followers on Weibo.
Stan Lim, chief creative officer of Dentsu Creative Singapore, believes that Rae's popularity with the younger demographic boils down to her relatable personality: "She always faces her doubters with a positive outlook, while encouraging others to do the same in their very real lives," he says. "This resilience that she embodies has struck a relatable chord with her fans."
Esta historia es de la edición February 2023 de Her World Singapore.
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Esta historia es de la edición February 2023 de Her World Singapore.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
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TREASURE ISLAND
When plans to demolish the Merlion Tower on Sentosa were announced in 2019, some Singaporeans were sad to see one of the island's most iconic attractions go. After all, the quirky creature – with the head of a lion and the body of a fish – had been a significant part of their memories of Sentosa.The 37m-tall, 12-storey structure, completed in 1996 and designed by Australian sculptor James Martin, was a focal point for laser light shows and projections that transformed its ivory facade into a vibrant display of colours.The Merlion Tower was a popular attraction for families. Singaporean couple Anand and Vrunda Patel would often take their children there for outings. Vrunda, now 50, fondly recalls climbing the structure and admiring the views of Sentosa from the Merlion's mouth. “Outside the Merlion, there was a beautiful step garden with flowing water. I used to love walking there,” she shares.Years later, the statue, covered in dirt and grime, required a refresh. The demolition was not only part of a larger vision to connect Resorts World Sentosa (RWS) in the north to the three beaches (Palawan, Tanjong and Siloso) on the island's south, it was also the start of a massive rebranding project to transform Sentosa from a recreational family destination to a premier lifestyle attraction.Today, Sentosa Sensoryscape stands in its place. Set within a lush landscape, the 30,000 sqm attraction features a 350m-long connector that leads visitors to six sensory gardens – where they can explore the gardens’ massive vessel-like sculptures, observe the various flora and fauna inhabiting the space, and interact with Instagrammable light displays through an augmented reality app after nightfall.“To attract younger visitors, our additional focus is on creating more authentic and immersive experiences, recognising that this demographic seeks deeper, more engaging interactions with the places they visit,” says Thien Kwee Eng, CEO, Sentosa Development Corporation (SDC).Just as Sensoryscape is designed to create an otherworldly atmosphere after dark, the Sentosa Night Mode campaign, launched in August, aims to introduce the island as a day-to-night destination for both locals and tourists, who would typically only make day trips to Sentosa. In addition to more nightlife events – such as the recent Waterbomb Festival, which saw about 10,000 revellers partying to a live K-pop line-up – the initiative includes extended operating hours at key attractions, along with street performances and dining promotions.It’s a move that has boosted visitorship to the island, with total numbers reaching 16 million this year.“This is a 20 per cent increase in the number of visitors as compared to the same period last year,” reveals Kwee Eng.
TAKING THE LEAP
It’s 10 am on a Monday, and Gan Guoyi, 40, walks into Jigger & Pony with a set of dry-cleaned clothes – a picture of calm amid the aftermath of last night’s chaos. The Singapore bar recently secured a spot in the Top 5 of The World’s 50 Best Bars 2024 list, announced in Madrid on Oct 23. To celebrate, she threw a three-night promotion from Nov 10, where customers enjoyed five premium cocktails for just $5 each at select bars like Gibson, Live Twice, Sugarhall, Como Pony Jakarta, and Jigger & Pony.Naturally, the event was a hit, and Guoyi, who was manning the guest list at Sugarhall, only managed a few hours of sleep the night before. Still, she arrives promptly to our photo shoot without complaints.
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