Singapore Living, by Stephanie Kolentsis
Looking to shake things up in 2025? This could be the perfect time to step out of your comfort zone and try something new. Whether it’s mastering a skill, meeting new people, or just having fun, there are plenty of exciting activities to explore this year. My friends and I have tried these firsthand, and trust me, they’re just as fun as they sound. From crafting clay bowls to spinning around a pole, or showing off your trivia skills, these activities are not only a blast but also great for connecting with like-minded people. Honestly, I can’t think of a better way to kick off the year!
Get Your Hands Dirty at Terra & Ember Pottery Studio
There’s something so relaxing about working with clay. This year, I made a few ceramic pieces at Terra & Ember, and I loved spending time there experimenting and getting creative. Their Wheel Throwing & Painting Experience workshop is perfect for beginners. This two-day workshop lets you mold, shape, and paint your own creations. On day one, you’ll learn the basics of throwing clay on the pottery wheel, while day two focuses on decoration—stamps, patterns, textures, and a final session for glazing your masterpiece. The class sizes are small, ensuring plenty of hands-on help from the instructor.
Terra & Ember, 475 Geylang Road, Level 2, Singapore 389434
Give Back by Volunteering at Food From the Heart
If you’re looking to give back this year, volunteering with Food From the Heart is a great way to make a real difference. Once a month, AWA volunteers pack 150 bags of food for those in need. Volunteer sessions are on Wednesday mornings from 9:30 am until 12:00 pm. The coordinators are lovely and everything runs like clockwork. Packing food for families in need is a wonderful way to contribute your time and connect with others who are doing the same. It’s a simple but meaningful way to start the year by spreading kindness! To register, check the AWA events calendar to register or contact ffth@awasingapore.org for more details.
Food From the Heart, 130 Joo Seng Rd, #03-01, Singapore 368357
Show Off What You Know at Muddy Murphy’s Trivia Night
Every Thursday, Quizmaster Colin Chamberlain turns Muddy Murphy’s Irish Pub into a trivia competition. You can expect six rounds of questions from a variety of categories, including music, movies, food, and general knowledge. The trivia kicks off at 7:30, but I’d recommend arriving early to settle in with a pint and a Caesar salad alongside your teammates. On your own? No problem—join some regulars for a light-hearted competition.
Muddy Murphy’s, #01-02 to 05, Claymore Connect, 442 Orchard Road, Singapore 238879
Workout in the Water at Ripple Club
If it feels too hot to exercise outside, why not take your workout to the pool? The Ripple Club offers aqua aerobics classes suitable for all fitness levels. Water resistance is 42 times greater than air, ensuring you work hard while still being gentle on your joints. Ripple Club uses a range of equipment in the pool to help you get a solid workout underwater. A couple of my friends swear by it as a great way to stay fit. Plus, on a hot day, it’s an ideal way to exercise outdoors while staying cool.
The Ripple Club, multiple locations across Singapore
Feel Sexy and Strong at Milan Pole Dance Studio
Pole dancing is an amazing way to step out of your comfort zone and connect with your body. Last year, I attended a birthday party at Milan Pole Dance Studio—it was so much fun, and the teacher made everyone feel completely at ease. It’s definitely harder than it looks, blending athleticism with pole techniques, strength training, and dance moves. They also offer Aerial Hoop and Aerial Silks classes, where you can learn to flow through suspended acrobatic sequences. For absolute beginners, they have an intro class that covers all the basics.
Milan Pole Dance Studio, 18 Teck Lim Rd, Singapore 088390
Play Your Tiles Right in Mahjong
While you’re in Singapore, you should consider learning to play what might be the nation’s favourite game—Mahjong! The American Women’s Association (AWA) organizes games and training sessions to help you learn the basics. Once you’ve completed the training, you can join their regular games held every Wednesday afternoon. It’s a great opportunity to master a classic Singaporean game while meeting new people. I love Mahjong not just for its mix of skill and luck, but also for the connections I’ve made with other women while playing.
See the Food, Drink, and Games page on the AWA website for more details.
Get Calm with Mindfulness Meditation at COMO Shambhala
Singapore can be a stressful, fast-paced city to live in. To escape the endless hustle, you might want to try meditation this year. COMO Shambhala’s Mindfulness Meditation classes focus on techniques to quiet the mind, reduce stress, and embrace the present. The classes take a secular, scientific approach, teaching and practicing one or two meditation techniques per session. The teacher, Cheen Chong Tan, is very welcoming provides clear instructions, making these classes ideal for anyone new to meditation or looking to build a regular practice.
COMO Shambhala, Level 4, COMO Orchard, Thong Sia Building, Singapore 229922
Bonus: Start Your Own Club
If you can’t find a group or place to enjoy a hobby you already love, why not take on the challenge of starting your own? A couple of years ago, I started a film club where we meet up to watch movies and discuss them. It has been so rewarding to share something I love, watching movies, with new friends. I’m also part of a crochet club and a book club, where we each read different books and meet to talk about them. Both of these clubs were founded by passionate women who wanted to share their love for their hobbies with others. It takes a bit of courage to start your own group, but I promise that once you get going, you’ll see how easy and fulfilling it can be to bring people together over a shared passion.
Whether you’re creating, dancing, or meditating these activities are sure to make 2025 a year to remember. If you’re looking for more inspiration for a hobby or activity to try this year, check out the AWA’s activities and volunteer pages for even more ideas.
 | Stephanie Kolentsis is a learning designer with over 13 years of experience working as an educator across Asia. She’s also an explorer who loves to share her adventures with the AWA community. |
Comments