‘Singapore Dreaming’ Mirrors a Society's Materialism and Rethinks Its Hopes

Once a niche sport reserved for the truly adventurous and adrenaline seekers, bouldering has seen a rapid rise in popularity, particularly in Singapore. What began as a small community of climbers seeking vertical thrills has evolved into an urban movement, with sleek gyms popping up across the city, and a wave of new climbers and athletes scaling their way into competitive leagues and fitness culture alike. 

At the heart of this climbing revolution is Patrice Verosil, a former bouldering athlete and co-owner behind one of Singapore’s most distinctive climbing hubs, Boulder Planet. With its bold and unique routes, inclusive community ethos, and commitment to training future athletes, Boulder Planet isn’t just a gym but a place where you can foster a passion for the sport and find sanctuary amid our bustling everyday lives.

The Beat Asia sat down with the entrepreneur to talk about her journey of turning her passion into a successful business venture, how she fought through the challenges of running a business at the height of a global pandemic, and how Boulder Planet is shaping the future of climbing culture in the region.  

Chalk, Grit, and Growth

Patrice began climbing 14 years ago for two reasons: to be part of something niche and to face her fear of heights!

“I decided that I'm going to face it head-on and put myself in an uncomfortable position and join the climbing team,” she shared. “I also wanted to be cool. I wanted to be different, and at the time, climbing wasn’t considered mainstream yet.”

The sport is indeed unique and may look intimidating at first glance. The fact that you’re scaling a wall without any ropes or harnesses, even if it’s not that high, may have risky written all over it, but Patrice was drawn not to the challenge, but to the fact that it uncovered things about herself she never thought she could do. 

“When you are on the ground and you're trying to do the climb, you're not sure yet whether you're going to reach the top. And so you're going to try to complete the climb, move by move, hold by hold, as you get there. And so this self-discovery of what I am truly capable of is one of the key things that drew me to this sport. The other thing is the community. Climbing is also a mental sport, and you need to figure out how to get from the start to the end. So, sharing with other people, talking to them about their strategy. How are you going to get to the next hold? How are you going to get to the top? It’s the community and social aspect that I love.”

Patrice also enlightened us a bit more about the sport and described Bouldering as a discipline of climbing. In Bouldering, there are wall structures you need to climb, but there are no ropes or harnesses involved. Instead, there are thick and padded safety mattresses to catch you when you fall or land. Whereas in rock climbing, it’s usually a lot higher and will involve a harness. 

“To put it simply, bouldering is like sprinting. So, short distance,” she told The Beat Asia. “And then you have rock climbing, where it’s a little bit more like a marathon. Endurance matters a lot.”

Patrice was a competitive climber back in the day, but after years of being immersed in the sport, she took a step back in 2015 to pursue a more stable path. The entrepreneur went into the tech industry due to financial considerations and the desire to build a career outside of climbing. 

“I needed to prove to myself that I am more things other than climbing. I have done it for so many years, and it's my whole world! So, I needed to figure out for myself that I can do something else outside of that and still excel in it.”

She joined HubSpot for a few years as part of the technical support team, servicing clients. She also mentioned how the experience was a “steep learning curve” as her educational training had been in English literature. 

But even after she bought her first home, started a family, and slowly built a career in that industry, the call of the climbing wall never left her, and she began to question the possibility of returning to her passion now that she was more financially stable and capable. So when her former climbing coach, Ben Toh, heard about her searching for a new opportunity, he asked her to help him launch a new climbing gym, which later became known as Boulder Planet.

“I thought I was just leaving my job to enter a different job,” she said. “I didn’t know that he was planning on opening a climbing gym again. Since I was thinking of wanting to try something new, I decided that the time was right for me to enter this with him.”

She began in 2021 as general manager and played a key role in leading the business through the uncertainties of the pandemic. Patrice mentioned some of the challenges they faced during that time, like how they could only accommodate 50 people at a time, which posed a significant cut in their revenue. On top of that, they also had to create timing schedules and had to close down for two months due to tighter COVID restrictions when Phase 2 happened. 

When asked about what she had learned in running a business through a difficult time, she replied, “Transparency is important. I think it's very important, especially for a small team, for them to know the current situation the business is in because it impacts everybody. There’s no need to be coy about it, [we told them] ‘Hey guys, we are not making money. We are going to try to keep everyone paid as they should be, but you all need to know that once we open, everybody needs to pull their weight because we need to recover from these two months that we didn’t make any money.'”

“The other thing is being adaptable. So, what were we doing in those two months? We tried to bump up our budgeting, tried to fix our systems. Whatever we couldn’t do while we are operating, we tried to prioritize that so that it’s still a productive period for all of us.”

The business eventually made it through the storm and back on gentle waves, which is mainly thanks to Patrice’s leadership, shaped by her corporate background and deep love for the climbing community. The entrepreneur shared that her corporate experience, specifically, balanced her passion and made her think more objectively from a business standpoint. While most people opened climbing gyms solely for the love of the sport, Patrice understood that, as a business, they would need to scale up and grow, so they would need to have standard operating procedures, governance, as well as proper regulations and policies. 

“Focus on the top line. Optimize the cost,” she stated. “It was really important for us to make sure that wherever we are [spending most] in the company made sense.”

She also shared that good customer service is another thing she carried from her corporate training. The co-owner puts a lot of thought into knowing her audience and market, which led her to create unique offers that catered specifically to their clients. 

“In our first year, we were grappling with who our audience is. So, we decided to do a market survey of all our current customers, and that's when we found out that our biggest target audience is corporate workers working 9:00 to 5:00. So, knowing that, what are the difficulties? What are the considerations? Where are they coming from?”

The survey led them to realize that most people in this segment “don’t have a lot of time,” and so gym subscriptions that provided unlimited entry wouldn’t be considered high value for them.  

“For people who are pressed for time, it doesn’t matter if it’s unlimited. I don't want to be paying that amount because I don't have unlimited time anyway,” Patrice explained, which is what pushed them to release pricing options that made more sense for them. The Boulder Planet Hopper (BP Hopper) is a monthly subscription that gives climbers access to the gym four times a month — a decent amount of time for office professionals who might only have time to climb once a week. It’s a much cheaper option too, considering you can get this monthly pass for only S$59. 

“I’ve heard one of my friends say that if you’re a climber in Singapore, you must have a BP Hopper. So it’s become like an essential,” Patrice shared, proving that this strategy is a good example of how a business can make more money while still catering to its clients’ needs. 

Boulder Planet also holds much pride for their Route Setting, refreshing a section of their walls every week, so there’s something new for climbers to do in every visit. They invest a lot in their route setters — the people who put up the climbs — to make sure that what they put up is creative, enjoyable, and accessible for people who are coming to the gym.

Another unique selling point is how they’ve put a lot of thought into their White Spaces. In reality, people only spend half the time climbing the walls, while the other half is spent talking with friends, taking pictures or videos, or resting in between attempts. Boulder Planet’s gyms are designed in such a way that people have spaces to sit and rest, to dine or work, and even just “be” in between their climbing time. 

“We put a lot of thought, not just the experiences on the wall with regards to route setting, but off the wall as well.”

We believe this feature shows that more than a climbing gym, Boulder Planet is in the business of creating a hub where people can escape to and enjoy with their peers.  

As for their goals? Patrice shared that Boulder Planet has already made an entry into other Southeast Asian cities, specifically in Bangkok and Jakarta, and hopes to establish more gyms in the region. But the company is only the beginning. What the entrepreneur truly aims to do is discover and nurture talent. 

“In comparison to the West, climbing is very well developed already, and so talent is coming up. In order to build talent, you need to make the sport accessible. That’s when talent will surface,” she stated. “On a business standpoint, my goal is to have more Boulder Planets, but that is just a step towards my main goal, which is to have more Southeast Asian athletes represented on the world stage. And maybe one day, there will be a Southeast Asian climbing Olympian.”

Boulder Planet currently supports five athletes in Singapore who are competing at various levels. They provide them with training facilities, equipment, and financial support when they compete overseas. They also have a couple of young athletes competing at national and regional levels in Indonesia, and are on the lookout for talent in Thailand.

“The more people who support the gym, the more we can support all of these athletes financially or resources-wise.”

If you ever want to try bouldering, Boulder Planet is a good place to start, considering Patrice and her team have put a lot of effort into making their gyms and routes accessible to all, no matter what level they’re in. Whether you’re a beginner or more advanced, there’s a route for you. 

And if you’re still a bit reluctant to try, Patrice gives one advice: “Get someone to do it with you. It’s a different experience, because you realize that even if after a session, and you’re not sure whether you like climbing yet, at least you had time to spend with someone.”

From being a competitive climber, going into corporate, and eventually managing to combine the two, Patrice shows us that pursuing one’s passion can also lead to a successful business venture, and that it all depends on one’s risk appetite. It had been an uphill battle, but just like climbing, endurance and hardwork key. 

“I’ve always thrived in a startup environment,” she said. “That's one thing I learned going into corporate. I realized that in corporate, you are doing the same thing over and over again whereas in the startup, you get to wear multiple hats. I am fine with either, but doing the startup way just gives me more energy.”

As for whether one should pursue their passions? Patrice advised, “Yes, completely! I totally agree, and it's fine if you don't start immediately. It's okay if you go into corporate, build up whatever you need to build up financially or skills-wise, and then come back because eventually those will be very useful in your own venture.”

For more information on Boulder Planet’s offerings, visit their website or follow them on Facebook and Instagram.

Boulder Planet SG Locations:

• Boulder Planet Sembawang: Sembawang Shopping Centre, 604 Sembawang Road, #B1 - 22/23, Singapore 758459
• ​Boulder Planet Tai Seng: Grantral Mall, 601 Macpherson Road, #02 – 07, Singapore 368242

Anytime Fitness, Asia’s largest 24-hour fitness network, just launched its most impactful brand campaign to date: “Train For Your Life,” a powerful regional rollout across Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines, Indonesia, Hong Kong, Thailand, Vietnam, and Taiwan.

This campaign was created in response to new insights from a regional consumer study revealing significant shifts in people’s fitness motivations. With results spanning nearly 9,000 individuals throughout eight markets, the survey showed that 61% of respondents prioritize better sleep and 49% focused on mental well-being, placing these above traditional goals like weight or strength management. 

60% of respondents said that exercise is the most important fitness strategy, with only 14% using commercial gyms, and most respondents relied on daily movement — chores, commuting, and home workouts. 

“Train For Your Life” brings Anytime Fitness’ purpose to life by celebrating authentic member journeys, challenges, and triumphs, affirming that Anytime Fitness isn’t just a gym, but a lifetime partner through every life stage. At the heart of the campaign is the brand’s SmartCoaching Ecosystem, connecting training, nutrition, and recovery info into one seamless app-powered experience. 

“Our mission has always been to support our members not just in their workouts, but in living a healthier, more confident life,” said Johannes Raadsma, President & Co-Founder of Inspire Brands Asia (IBA). “This campaign is a bold expression of that commitment, whether you’re starting out, returning after a break, or navigating a life transition.” 

Supported by a region-best footprint approaching 500 clubs hosting 2.5 million monthly visits and 5,600 clubs globally, Anytime Fitness continues to lead the industry through its focus on community and coaching, deep local relevance, and innovation.

Visit Anytime Fitness Asia’s website here for more information. Follow Anytime Fitness Asia on Instagram.

Colorful, vibrant, eye-catching. These are just some of the words to describe neon art. Its history can be traced all the way back to the 20th century when neon art was first developed and commercialized. Today, we see these art pieces mostly as signage, illuminating iconic streets from Hong Kong’s Nathan Road to the neon-drenched boulevards of Las Vegas. 

But there’s more to the art than just signage. Contemporary artists have made use of this medium through the decades, blending traditional craftsmanship with today’s modern technology. We suppose it’s the art piece’s captivating look and glowing form that drew in Singapore’s only glass neon artist, Megan Foo, from the beginning.

“My first encounter with neon was in Bayswater, Melbourne, with Neon Master, Steven Cole. It was the first workshop that I had ever attended, and he was the first person who got me interested in the medium,” she told The Beat Asia. “I was always drawn to it, but never knew how they were made until I tried it in Bayswater.”

Before her artist era, Megan was a corporate girl who worked in marketing. She earned her business management degree from the Singapore Management University and went on to become part of the regional social media and influencer team at Sephora Southeast Asia, where she launched the Regional Sephora Squad program. 

Megan would’ve been all set working a job she enjoyed, but the artist life called to her unexpectedly, and before she knew it, she had traded her white collar for a more colorful one. 

“It is a niche and beautiful craft that should live on in our generation. I’d hate for something so amazing, in both science and art, to die!”

Becoming Singapore’s Only Glass Neon Artist

Megan was trained under a neon master from Hsinchu, Taiwan, who has over 50 years of neon-making and neon art experience. Her master was also reported to have experience setting up neon factories in China back in the day.

“My first ever work was an outline of a city skyline. It was gifted to my friend, and it now resides on the wall above her bedframe. *laughs* In the beginning, I was skeptical that I would be able to complete it, but with the guidance and reassurance of Steven (her neon artist mentor from Bayswater), I made it happen. After that piece, he challenged me to do something even more complex!”

When asked about the process of the craft, the “light bender” broke it down to a few simple steps, which seemed easier said than done.

“In general, there is a particular process for neon pieces,” she said. “So, it’s designing the pattern or design, structuring the design to be suitable for neon work, bending glass into the shape of the pattern, the 'bombarding' process, and finally assembly and/or installation.”

Neon art craftsmanship has been around for many years and makes use of traditional glass blowing methods, a craft that originated in the Middle East, which was later on monopolized by the Italian industry, where most of today’s most beautiful glass art can be found — specifically on the island of Murano near Venice. Although technically a form of glass art, the glass neon craft also has its signature elements.

“It has certain elements that are unique to the medium, like 'bombarding,' which is the process of heating up and cleaning the tube to create a vacuum to then fill with gas. Some other differences include types of equipment and materials used and the way in which the material is manipulated by fire,” she explained.

As for its challenges, the artist named a few, proving that the craft is not for the faint-hearted and requires a certain amount of hard work, passion, and dedication. Some challenges she mentioned include accessibility to equipment and materials, and finding someone willing and able to teach the craft. There’s also time spent as you will need to learn and get used to the equipment, as well as financial cost, considering it’s expensive to receive formal training and to start your own studio.

Despite all these, Megan pushed through, using her presence online to spread her knowledge of the craft and sharing her process and impressive commissions from well-known brands such as Royal Caribbean and Potato Corner. 

We suppose the words retro and nostalgic could also be added to the list of adjectives for glass neon art since Megan is also reviving this art form and giving it a modern look as her posts set aglow on social media feeds, encouraging people to rediscover and appreciate the art form. 

“I think it’s a unique heritage craft that is underrated and deserves more recognition in our generation. When people think of neon, many people associate it with Hong Kong’s neon signs. What people don’t realize is that neon also used to be a part of Singapore’s history. We also used to have a neon skyline that has been forgotten when many of these signs were torn down in the 90s.”

“In general, all of my pieces are created with the heart to try to revive the medium,” she added. “Regardless of whether neon is created in collaboration with brands to give more exposure to the medium or creating something more unique, like wearable neon for events and photoshoots.”

Although relatively new to the art scene, Megan has already shown her talent, perseverance, and passion for the craftsmanship. Turning fire into light is pretty impressive in itself, but to have the courage to switch careers and pursue the path of an artist is altogether inspiring. Reckless, perhaps for some, as creative professionals are defined by the hours they put into their craft rather than how much they make, which is a challenge in achieving "career stability," but Megan points out the most important thing when choosing a career to pursue. 

“I think I’m fortunate to have experienced both the business side of things and the artistic side of things, and that has shaped my perspective in how I approach my craft and the way I brand myself. However, I’d say the most important thing is to find a path that is unique to you. Because only you, and no one else, can know what aligns with who you are as an individual.”

As for what’s next for Megan, she named a few of her favorite brands that she would like to collaborate with in the future, including Nike, Yves Saint Laurent, and Mercedes-Benz. If you’re interested in what she’s currently working on, the artist cheekily responded, “That’s a secret that you’ll have to stay tuned to find out.”

Stay tuned to Megan’s glowing artistic journey by following her on Instagram and TikTok. 

Singapore, get ready to unleash your inner kid! Pop Toy Show 2025 is back and bringing the ultimate toy fiesta to the Sands Expo this August! 

From Aug. 22 to 24, 2025, the city’s iconic convention center will transform into a vibrant playground packed with exclusive collectibles, creative installations, and all the pop culture goodness that toy fans crave.

Brought to you by China’s design titan POP MART, this year’s show is all about the ever-popular Hirono series by Chinese artist Lang. Known for his deep, layered character and emotional storytelling, Hirono takes center stage in an epic Twin Cities Adventure that bridges the cultural vibes of Beijing and Singapore.

Since its debut in Beijing in 2020, the Pop Toy Show has grown into a must-visit event for designer toy fans worldwide, with Singapore joining the party in 2023. 

Now, in its third edition here, the show promises even more magic with exclusive figure drops, limited-edition merchandise, artist meet-and-greets, and immersive installations that bring the world of designer toys to life.

Visitors can expect live sketching sessions, interactive experiences, and pop-culture surprises around every corner.  

Mark your calendars and keep an eye out for more announcements! For the latest updates, stay tuned on Pop Toy Show Singapore's official website, Instagram, and Facebook. 

Location: Level 1 - Halls A, B & C, Sands Expo & Convention Centre, 10 Bayfront Ave,

Waterbomb Singapore 2025 has just raised the excitement with a major announcement, adding iconic K-Pop girl group 2NE1, along with Shinee's Taemin and Minho, to the event’s lineup!

Set for Aug. 30 and 31, 2025, at Siloso Beach, this year’s festival promises a star-studded roster, featuring top artists like Huta (Lee Minhyuk of BTOB), Junny, Jay B from GOT7, Ash Island, Anson Lo from Mirror, and EXID.

2NE1 will also be performing in Seoul in July, and fans can look forward to seeing them hit the stage in Singapore shortly after.

Huta, known for his electrifying stage presence, will return to Waterbomb after impressive performances in Seoul in 2023 and 2024. Fans are also in for a treat with GOT7’s Jay B, who will bring his solo flair to the festival — his first solo appearance since the group’s 2019 world tour.

Returning to Waterbomb as well are CLC’s Sorn and Seungyeon. Sorn debuted her unreleased track live at last year’s festival, and Seungyeon joined her on stage for a performance of “Rowdy” in 2023.

The festival will also feature a diverse lineup of international performers, including dance crews like Jam Republic and local acts such as former member of J-Pop group Estelle Fly and WHYLUCAS, a contestant from Chuang Asia 2 2025. As always, fans can expect everything from K-Pop performances to high-energy dance segments.

Hip-hop fans won’t want to miss Ash Island, the breakout star from The High School Rapper, making his Singapore debut. Anson Lo, the Hong Kong sensation from Mirror, is returning for his inaugural solo performance and Waterbomb festival appearance.

EXID is set to light up the stage with their comeback, and Team Bebe, the Street Woman Fighter 2 champions, will collaborate with a world-class crew for a spectacular performance.

Tickets are available in several categories: 1-Day General Pass is priced at S$228, 1-Day Premium Pass at S$258, 2-Day General Pass at S$388 and 2-Day Premium Pass at S$458.

General ticket sales start on May 16, 2025 at 10 AM (SGT), available on the ticketing platform Pelago here.

For more information, visit Waterbomb Singapore on their website, Instagram, Facebook, and X (Formerly Twitter). 

Location: Siloso Beach, Sentosa

Dates: Aug 30 and 31, 2025, exact times to be announced

Multi-platinum pop/R&B solo sensation TINASHE, best known for her hit single "Nasty," is bringing the whole package to the Capitol Theatre in Singapore on Aug. 21, 2025 for one unforgettable night.

With over 1.5 billion global streams and two successful world tours under her belt, Tinashe has solidified herself as a powerhouse in the music industry. Her debut album, Aquarius, dropped in 2014 and charted in the top 20 on the Billboard 200. 

Since then, she’s released four more albums, multiple mixtapes, and hit singles, collaborating with an endless list of big names like Tyga, Chlöe, Britney Spears, A$AP Rocky, and Calvin Harris.

Tinashe is also gearing up for the release of her highly anticipated album Quantum Baby, set for release on Aug. 16, 2025. 

Ahead of the album, she’s dropped the tracks “Getting No Sleep” and the viral single “Nasty,” which is already being hailed as a contender for “Song of Summer.”

Tickets for her show "Match My Freak 2025 World Tour" go on sale on May 15, 2024, starting from 11 AM, with prices at S$118 for Cat 2 and S$138 for CAT 1 Standing. 

Stay tuned on Ticketmaster here for the ticket release and don’t miss your chance to see Tinashe live in Singapore! For more information, visit Ticketmaster on their website, Facebook, Instagram, or X (Formerly Twitter).

Location: Capitol Theatre Singapore, 17 Stamford Road, Singapore 

KFC Singapore’s serving up some real exciting things soon! 

Have you heard the news yet? KFC Singapore and Live Nation Singapore are partnering up for some unforgettable concert experiences every month! Starting April 15, 2025, KFC customers who spend at least S$15 per purchase can enter an instant draw to win concert tickets, exclusive merch, KFC vouchers, and unique fan experiences! 

To join, interested customers must scan a QR code and enter their receipt number for a chance to win instantly! Each receipt is eligible for one chance to join the lucky draw. 

KFC Singapore and Live Nation Singapore will be releasing a new batch of unique fan experiences such as backstage tours, VIP suite access, soundcheck passes, early entry passes, and other exclusive concert experiences every month. 

The names of the artists lined up to hold concerts in Singapore have not been revealed as part of the artists’ rights management.

But, according to their first KFC Concert Nation post on social media, the first will be the hottest concert in May! Any guesses?

Winners need to claim their prizes from KFC within seven working days after being told in person or by a representative. Prize collection is time-sensitive because of fixed concert dates, so any delay may result in the forfeiture of the prize, so keep a keen eye out!

Participants and customers also get a chance to win KFC vouchers worth S$30 e-voucher with a minimum S$60 purchase, S$20 e-voucher with a minimum S$40 spent, and S$10 e-voucher with a minimum S$10 purchase. 

Waiting for a chance to get some exclusive concert experiences and a sign to eat more KFC? Why not try your luck at any KFC store, on the KFC app, or website? 

For more information, visit KFC Singapore’s website, KFC x Live Nation website, Facebook, and Instagram pages.