Attend a Mandopop concert in Jurong West Hawker Centre

by Rachel Morgan News Editor

A young adult collective in Boon Lay and Jurong West is challenging the notion that the “East Side” holds a monopoly on Singapore’s vibrant arts scene. The 13th Mile Collective is organizing a series of free Mandopop concerts at Jurong West Hawker Centre on March 14 and 15.

Heartland Concert Series

The concerts will feature performances by Singaporean and Malaysian musicians Karyn & Sheng Li, Jeff Ng, Benjamin Lim, and Shaun Chen. The 13th Mile Collective spent three months securing the necessary licenses and preparing the hawker centre venue, which will include a stage, professional lighting, and sound systems, according to Ms. Sim Chengyu, a member of the collective.

Did You Know? The 13th Mile Collective began planning this event three months prior to its launch, navigating the logistical challenges of hosting a concert within a functioning hawker centre.

This initiative aims to broaden the reach of live music, introducing it to audiences beyond traditional venues and busking locations. Organizers noted the event’s Mandopop focus is intended to be more appealing to diners than a previous viral performance by Singapore-based New Zealand singer Kira Peace, which featured an energetic routine in a foodcourt in 2025.

The concerts will take place on Level 2 of Jurong West Hawker Centre, located at 50 Jurong West Street 61, near the Pioneer MRT station. Performances are scheduled from 6:30 to 9:30 PM each night. More information can be found at str.sg/BxYq.

Expert Insight: By bringing live music directly into a community space like a hawker centre, the 13th Mile Collective is attempting to lower barriers to cultural engagement and foster a sense of place-making within the West region of Singapore. This approach could signal a shift towards more accessible and decentralized arts programming.

Art Exhibition in Tiong Bahru

In a separate event, Art Again is hosting an exhibition of works by 10 Singapore women artists, alongside pieces from Indonesian artists, at 10C Kim Tian Road, near the Tiong Bahru MRT station. The exhibition runs from March 13 to 22, from 10am to 6pm on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, and by appointment on Mondays through Thursdays. Admission is free, and further details are available at str.sg/ekpU.

Art at Telok Kurau Studios

An exhibition featuring works by Singaporean and Indonesian artists is currently on display at Telok Kurau Studios Gallery, located at 91 Lorong J Telok Kurau, near the Kembangan MRT station. The exhibition is open to the public until March 22, from 11am to 6pm. More information can be found at str.sg/L9LF.

Frequently Asked Questions

What musicians will be performing at the Jurong West Hawker Centre?

Karyn & Sheng Li, Jeff Ng, Benjamin Lim, and Shaun Chen will be performing at the Jurong West Hawker Centre on March 14 and 15.

Where is the Art Again exhibition located?

The Art Again exhibition is located at 10C Kim Tian Road, near the Tiong Bahru MRT station.

What are the opening hours of the Telok Kurau Studios Gallery exhibition?

The Telok Kurau Studios Gallery exhibition is open until March 22, from 11am to 6pm.

As arts and cultural events continue to evolve in Singapore, how might these initiatives influence the accessibility and appreciation of creative expression within local communities?

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