Bluey's Big Play - Live In Singapore

Merlion Wayfarer recently attended the opening for Bluey’s Big Play. After being a fan of the heartwarming BBC cartoon for years, she finally got to meet the characters in person - live on stage in Singapore!

Starting the show with the familiar tunes of the Bluey theme song…

(Source: Darren Thomas)

For the first time ever, hit theatre show Bluey’s Big Play The Stage Show is debuting in Asia at Singapore’s Sands Theatre, Marina Bay Sands from 13 June 2024 following sell-out shows across Australia, the UK, Ireland and North America.

Audiences of all ages will get to see Bluey, Bingo, Mum and Dad as they have never seen them before, as the Heeler family embark on their first live theatre show, made just for you, featuring brilliantly created puppets, and iconic sets.

“We’re thrilled to be bringing Bluey’s Big Play to Singapore at Sands Theatre, Marina Bay Sands.”

--- Director Rosemary Myers, Windmill Theatre Company ---

 

Colourful visuals abound with the well-designed sets which bring you back to the living room of the Heelers…

(Source: Darren Thomas)

The stage show has enjoyed much success in Australia, where it premiered in Bluey’s hometown Brisbane and went on to perform 447 times across 65 venues, including the Sydney Opera House. The tour is currently in North America where it is played at the Hulu Theatre at Madison Square Garden in New York, the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles and the iconic Chicago Theatre. The show is also currently touring the UK and Ireland, where it premiered in December 2023 at the iconic Southbank Centre's Royal Festival Hall in London. Bluey’s Big Play has been seen by nearly 1 million fans worldwide.

Artistic shadow effects of flying parakeets at sunset in between scene changes…

“The response to the show from fans across Australia, the USA and the UK and Ireland has been nothing short of amazing and we can't wait for families in Singapore to experience all the fun and excitement of having Bluey and her family on stage live in their city.”

--- Director Rosemary Myers ---

About Bluey & The Heelers

Bluey is a loveable, inexhaustible, Blue Heeler dog, who lives with her Mum, Dad and her little sister, Bingo. Bluey uses her limitless energy to play games that unfold in unpredictable and hilarious ways, bringing her family and the whole neighbourhood into her world of fun. Bluey’s Big Play is based on an original new story written by creator Joe Brumm, and the theatrical adaptation contains new music by Bluey composer, Joff Bush.

Since bursting on to TV screens in Australia in 2018, Bluey has enjoyed a plethora of critical success at home and abroad, recently winning the best animated series at the Kidscreen Awards in 2023, the 2022 BAFTA Children & Young People Award in the International category and picking up its fifth consecutive AACTA Best Children’s Programme award to add to an International Emmy and numerous awards for craft and production around the world.

A global ratings hit, Bluey is the #1 children’s show in Australia, the #1 rated show on CBeebies in the UK and the #2 most streamed programme in the USA in 2023. In Singapore, audiences can watch Bluey episodes on Disney+ and on CBeebies, which is available on StarHub Channel 303, Singtel Channel 236 and BBC Player.

Fun moments as balloons and bubbles descend onto the audience…

About Bluey’s Big Play 

Bluey’s Big Play is a brand-new theatrical adaptation of the BAFTA & Emmy® award-winning children’s television series produced by Ludo Studio, which is available in Singapore on CBeebies, BBC Player and Disney+.

Bluey’s Big Play is presented by BBC Studios and Andrew Kay in association with Windmill Theatre Company.

Each character is dexterously-managed by experienced stage staff…

(Source: Darren Thomas)

Ticketing Information

Tickets to Bluey’s Big Play are now on sale via Marina Bay Sands Ticketing and SISTIC. Bluey’s Big Play in Singapore is supported by Base Entertainment Asia, Maybank, StarHub and SPH Media.

Performance Schedule

Tuesdays; 7pm Wednesdays to Fridays; 3.00pm and 7.00pm Saturdays and Sundays; 11.00am, 2.30pm and 6.30pm

Performance Duration & Location 

50 minutes at Sands Theatre, Marina Bay Sands

Booking Links 

Marina Bay Sands : https://www.marinabaysands.com/entertainment/shows/blueys-big-play.html 

SISTIC : https://www.sistic.com.sg/events/blueys062

Experience the heartwarming moments… 

(Source: Darren Thomas)

Come join in the action today!

(Source: Darren Thomas)

 

 

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Sus Ads Video Challenge Awards 2021 - Youths Raise Awareness For Environmental Sustainability

Twelve youths who demonstrated exceptional creativity in raising awareness for environmental sustainability clinched awards at the 2021 Sus Ads Video Challenge Awards Ceremony last week. Judged on their content, originality, creativity and technical execution, a total of eight awards were given out at the Awards Ceremony graced by Mr Tan Kiat How, REACH Chairman and Minister of State for Communications and Information & National Development, and Mr Desmond Tan, Minister of State for Home Affairs & Sustainability and the Environment.

Organised by REACH in collaboration with MM2 Entertainment and AsiaOne, the inaugural Sus Ads Video Challenge called upon youths to create an original short video (60 seconds or less) on what they currently do or can do to support sustainability, to encourage others to take action. The Challenge saw a total of 80 entries from 63 individuals and 17 teams, which centred on water and food security, and illustrated how simple lifestyle changes can make a difference in saving the planet.

The awards ceremony also saw a dialogue session providing an opportunity for youths to share their views on sustainability issues. Panellists include REACH Chairman and Minister of State Tan Kiat How; Minister of State Desmond

Tan; filmmaker and actor-host Annette Lee; and environmentalist and digital creator Woo Qiyun. The discussion expounded on Singapore’s sustainability efforts as part of the Singapore Green Plan 2030, and how youths can play a larger role in the sustainability movement.

About The Winners

Amongst the winners in the Student Category is Livia Fin, an illustration design and animation student from the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts. Coming in first place, she used 3D modelling and animation to showcase how seemingly harmless daily activities can contribute to carbon emissions. Titled ‘Consumption and Climate Change’, her video calls upon Singaporeans to practise mindful consumption habits.

"I have seen Public Service Announcements on how one can help stop climate change. While these are important, there are just so many of these out there that can be difficult to keep track of. The video I made is similar, but I want to emphasise the importance of doing it as a team because just an individual alone cannot change the world."

--- Livia Fin ---

In the same category, Temasek Polytechnic student Muhammad Danish Fikri Bin Mohamed Fadil’s “Save Water, Save Money” won the hearts of the audience. The 60-second video, which combined elements of horror and humour, highlighted how the simple act of turning off the tap can help to save water.

"I was inspired by a television advertisement which conveyed the message of saving water in a creative way. Through my video, I hope to bring across the message that everyone has to play a part in being sustainable. There is no need to buy certain items to be sustainable. Instead, we can reflect on our daily habits and incorporate simple actions to save resources."

--- Muhammad Danish Fikri Bin Mohamed Fadil ---

In the Open Category, youths tackled a wide range of sustainability issues, including energy conservation, waste reduction and recycling. “Pass Me Forward” imagines a letter from a dress to illustrate how fashion can be sustainable, while “Learning Sustainability with Nasir” shows how our sustainable habits can help save the environment.

"I think it is great that Singapore has been pushing forward its sustainability efforts and appreciate that they are listening to youths and the public for ideas on how to move forward with these efforts. Not only that, it is heartening that the Singapore Green Plan 2030 helps provide actionable steps to combat climate change, not only for individuals but also for corporations."

--- Tan Jing Ren, “The Interview”, Open Category, 2nd place winner ---

However, it was Leo Ching Ling’s “Sound of Sustainability” that won first place in the Open Category. In a creative take on sustainability, the 20-year-old Ngee Ann Polytechnic graduate used sound with aesthetically pleasing visuals to demonstrate the simple actions one can take to protect the earth.

"Singapore is making commendable efforts by using resources to raise awareness and encourage people to contribute to a greener city. I am grateful for platforms such as the Sus Ads Video Challenge where one can showcase creativity and establish a meaningful point, too."

--- Leo Ching Ling ---

"We are impressed by the youths’ effort and creativity in producing these videos... I am heartened to see that many young Singaporeans are aware of the responsibility they each have in protecting the environment. By showcasing innovative yet pragmatic ways to make sustainability part of their daily lives, our youths have displayed a sense of ownership towards creating a greener and more sustainable Singapore. I hope that they will continue to champion sustainability in their communities."

--- Tan Kiat How, REACH Chairman, one of the Challenge panel judges ---

The videos from all eight winners will be aired at Cathay Cineplexes island wide. They can also be found online at www.asiaone.com/susads.

(Photo Credits for all images : REACH, Ministry of Communications and Information)

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National Youth Film Awards 2021 - The Pre-Selection

The 7th National Youth Film Awards (NYFA) announced 56 films that showcase a new wave of filmmakers for Singapore’s film industry.

Held by *SCAPE, an organisation that supports the development of Singaporean youths, the platform saw a total of 330 submissions this year. The most prominent themes this year were mental health, self-discovery, as well as the importance of human connection as we battle through the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. Some of the nominated films were also filmed during the Circuit Breaker to showcase how Singaporeans are powering through the unforeseen challenges posed.

One film that showcased the different sides of how Singaporeans battled the Circuit Breaker period is “A Little Closer” by Cheryl Mong from the Student category. The film revolves around Ashwin, a young Indian man, who works as a Stay-Home Caller during the pandemic. While working from home, he forms an unlikely friendship with a Chinese elderly lady who helps him discover the importance of tradition and family.

A second film,   “The Cup” by Mark Chua and Lam Li Shuen from the Open Youth category, was highly regarded by the jurors for how the filmmaker took a risk to showcase a different style of storytelling.

The film uses surrealism to showcase the uncertainty and lack of joy Singaporeans felt during the pandemic by telling the story about a man with a brewing machine as his head and how he attempts to improve the bland flavour of his own body.  The entire film was shot and produced during the Circuit Breaker, while the filmmakers were confined at home.

Many of the pre-selection jurors highlighted how this year’s submissions included films that are award-worthy.

“Overall, I was very impressed with the diversity and quality of the submissions – from the acting to the scripts and the production values. The nominations were shorts I connected with on a very visceral level. There were times where I was so drawn into a film that I forgot I was watching it as a juror.”

--- Jaclyn Chan, year’s pre-selection juror of Open Youth category ---

The NYFA will be hosting a closed-door screening of the nominated films for the nominees and media in early July with the winners will be announced during a live online award ceremony on 24 July 2021.

In the meantime, some of the nominees will be on Reel Talk, a NYFA web series hosted by Fly Entertainment artiste, Nikki Muller, on *SCAPE YouTube channel (@scapesg) on 14, 17 and 21 July.

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The Liveability Challenge 2020 - The Need For Innovation

A new, global call for game-changing solutions to grow food, package products, and reduce carbon emissions in cities located in the world’s tropical belt was launched in Singapore today. The best proposals stand a chance of securing the grand prize of up to S$1 million in funding, as well as other resources and opportunities to further develop their solutions.

The launch marks the start of The Liveability Challenge, presented by Temasek Foundation, organised by Eco-Business, and convened by Closed Loop Partners, in partnership with Ecosperity Week 2020.

The third edition of the Challenge is inviting project proposals in the areas of Urban Food Production,

Circular Packaging and Decarbonisation, where the critical need for innovation reflects the size of the

business opportunity available. Proposals are welcome from 14 January to 17 April 2020 and can be submitted via the official website of The Liveability Challenge (www.theliveabilitychallenge.org).

The chosen themes support the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals 2 (Zero Hunger), 9

(Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and 13 (Climate Action).

"Global hunger is on the rise; and the past four years have been the hottest on record, with carbon dioxide concentration levels continuing to rise. We hope The Liveability Challenge 2020 will highlight the valuable opportunities present in these areas of need and catalyse impactful solutions that can accelerate the transition to a more food secure, resource-efficient and decarbonised future."

--- Lim Hock Chuan, Chief Executive, Temasek Foundation Ecosperity ---

Selected finalists will get a chance to pitch their projects to a panel of Asia’s most sought-after venture capitalists and investors during Ecosperity Week on 08 July 2020 at The Liveability Challenge Grand Finale. Winners of the Challenge could secure over S$1 million in opportunities such as funding, exclusive spots in incubator programmes, and mentorship opportunities. The grand prize winner could secure up to S$1 million in grant funding from Temasek Foundation to further development and launch a pilot project in Singapore. 

Selections from past year winners and their products...

"The Liveability Challenge has grown to become a highlight for Asia’s sustainability community, and is now fast expanding to folks in the science and technology space. As businesses and governments continue to work on societal solutions around climate change, we welcome participation from potential partners, especially from the food, packaging and energy sectors to join us in supporting this year’s challenge."

--- Junice Yeo, Deputy Managing Director of Eco-Business ---

"There is growing momentum to adopt sustainable practices and innovations to build a more liveable environment. With the support of our partners, The Liveability Challenge has attracted many applicants with high-quality proposals leveraging science to exploit potential business opportunities. As a champion of sustainability and liveability, Temasek Foundation has provided support to the winner of last year’s Challenge, Sophie’s Kitchen, to develop its plant-based protein that can be produced in a more economically viable, urban setting."

--- Lim Hock Chuan, Chief Executive, Temasek Foundation Ecosperity ---

Through The Liveability Challenge and other channels, Temasek Foundation seeks to bring together an ecosystem of innovators, funders, investors, platform providers and professionals, and excite them to source, catalyse and advance impactful solutions towards eventual successful commercialisation, as a first step to making a positive difference to the everyday lives of city dwellers in Singapore and beyond.

For more information, visit The Liveability Challenge website at www.theliveabilitychallenge.org. 

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Singapore-Based Fund Launched To Protect Asia’s Oceans From Plastic

With 60% of ocean plastic originating from the region, Asia is the biggest source of plastic leakage into global oceans. A recent Ocean Conservancy Report identified a net financing gap between USD$28 and USD$40 per ton for plastic waste collection in the five top ocean polluting countries in the world – China, Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam.

A US$106 million (SGD$144 million) fund dedicated to preventing plastic from entering the Asian oceans was launched on 04 December 2019 -  The Circulate Capital Ocean Fund (CCOF) is the world’s first investment fund dedicated to address Asia’s plastic crisis. The Singapore-based fund is also one of the ten largest ASEAN-based Venture Capital Funds in the market.

(Photo Source : CCOF)

"The good news is that we are able to reduce nearly 50% of the world’s plastic leakage by investing in the waste and recycling sector in Asia, and even more if we invest in innovative materials and technologies. This is why we are here in Singapore – a strategic hub of Southeast Asia - to prove that investing in this sector is scalable for the region and can generate competitive returns, while moving closer to solving the ocean plastic crisis."

--- Rob Kaplan, CEO Circulate Capital ---

CCOF is launched by Circulate Capital, a Singapore-based and MAS licensed venture capital fund management company with founding investors and partners among the world’s leading companies; PepsiCo (the first investor), Procter & Gamble, Dow, Danone, Unilever, The Coca-Cola Company, and Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LLC. To address the financing gap between available private capital and resources needed by Asia’s waste sector, CCOF will provide both debt and equity financing to waste management, recycling, and circular economy start-ups and SMEs in South and Southeast Asia focused on preventing plastic pollution. Circulate Capital has identified more than 200 investment potential opportunities across a range of industries in the region, with their first investments targeted in the coming weeks.

"Circulate Capital plays a critical role in solving the issue of plastic waste in our environment. Supporting companies and infrastructure that are addressing plastic waste will catalyze the development of systems designed to advance a circular economy for plastics."

--- Bambang Candra, APAC Vice President Dow Packaging & Specialty Plastics ---

The fund's launch comes at a time where the Singapore government has initiated recent green investment programs. These include the Monetary Authority of Singapore's (MAS) recent commitment to US$2 billion of green investments directed at sustainable projects and initiatives such as the Zero Waste Masterplan and a Resource Sustainability Bill as Singapore aims to establish itself as the regional Circular Economy Centre of Excellence, driving green investment efforts around the region and the world.

(Photo Source : CCOF)

Circulate Capital’s investment model seeks to mobilize institutional investors by blending concessionary funds with investment capital. Its objective is to mitigate risk and demonstrate that investments in turning waste into value can ultimately provide attractive financial returns.  

"For the beverage sector, the more recycled content used in any type of packaging such as 100% recyclable plastics, the lower the carbon footprint. That’s why at Coca-Cola we have invested in Circulate Capital and have committed to collect and recycle the equivalent of every bottle or can we produce by 2030. Beverage packaging does not need to become waste. By investing in the waste collection and recycling sector in this critical region, it can become a valuable material used again and again - a step closer towards a circular economy."

--- Matt Echols, Vice President, Communications,
Public Affairs and Sustainability Coca-Cola Asia Pacific ---

To address a full suite of solutions from policy and corporate commitments to financial incentives and changes in consumer behaviour, Circulate Capital has also partnered with a number of nonprofit organizations, including Ocean Conservancy, Partnerships in Environmental Management for the Seas of East Asia (PEMSEA), and The Circulate Initiative (TCI), a nonprofit organization launched in October 2019 dedicated to ending ocean plastic pollution and building thriving, inclusive economies. By combining the efforts of the Circulate Capital Ocean Fund, The Circulate Initiative and other partners, the quality and quantity of investable opportunities will increase and foster conditions which entrepreneurs in the waste ecosystem need to succeed.

(Photo Source : CCOF)

About Circulate Capital

Circulate Capital is an investment management firm dedicated to incubating and financing companies and infrastructure that prevent ocean plastic. We focus on the prevention of mismanaged plastic waste in countries located in South Asia and Southeast Asia, regions that contribute disproportionately to ocean plastic pollution primarily because they often lack investment in critical waste and recycling infrastructure to manage the problem. We were created in collaboration with Closed Loop Partners and Ocean Conservancy, and our founding investors include PepsiCo, Procter & Gamble, Dow, Danone, Unilever, The Coca-Cola Company and Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LLC.

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Go Global With CBC's SD-WAN eNet Connect

China Broadband Communications (CBC) has launched CBC eNet Connect, a fully-managed, transport agnostic, cloud native SD-WAN service in Singapore.

(Photo Source : CBC)

CBC eNet Connect is a network-as-a-service (Naas) designed to enable enterprises and businesses to migrate to SD-WAN with zero-touch provisioning, network visibility and centralised policy management. Enterprises requiring SD-WAN for hundreds or thousands of retail points such as food and beverage, fast retail, supermarket and convenience stores; or companies looking for a SD-WAN or Hybrid WAN product that connects between China and their home country, with minimal upfront cost, can expect a service, which is scalable, robust and cost-effective Multi-Protocol Label Switching (MPLS) network replacement. 

(Photo Source : CBC)

Benefits of CBC eNet Connect

More cost effective compared to MPLS service and other SD WAN providers, CBC eNet Connect optimizes access to global cloud-based applications like Office 365, Skype for Business, Salesforce and more.

(Photo Source : CBC)

CBC eNet Connect monitors path's link quality continuously, which is used for smart routing optimization, service accident alarm and auto operations. Based on the link quality monitored, CBC eNet Connect leverages different uplinks such as wired internet and 4G uplink to optimize application traffic via different paths. CBC eNet Connect can also manage customers’ sites to eNet fabric via different ECR to achieve higher quality performance.

(Photo Source : CBC)

Another key benefit of adopting CBC eNet Connect is the reduction of circuit costs for enterprises and business with multiple locations. Multi-protocol label switching (MPLS) is the enterprise gold standard of WAN transport between branches. Through Hybrid Connect, enterprises can enjoy combined internet access circuit from multiple ISP, including 4G LTE as well as 5G technologies.

(Photo Source : CBC)

It also supports large scale deployment with automation, flexibility, which could be set up in minutes instead of week or months, and features an intelligent performance management feature that encompasses everything from networking to dataflow into a single platform. Users can easily and quickly monitor and report data, make changes to network configuration.

(Photo Source : CBC)

For more information on CBC eNet Connect, visit www.cbccom.net.

(Photo Source : CBC)

About China Broadband Communications (CBC)

CBC is a fully licensed value-added services provider backed by CBC Capital, offering a unique services portfolio; supplying international carriers, cloud providers, system integrators, and nterprises with domestic local access, wavelength, dark fiber, Internet access, IP VPN, IDC, SD-WAN and cloud services in China, since 2008.

(Photo Source : CBC)

Headquartered in Beijing with branches in Shanghai, Suzhou, Hong Kong and Singapore, CBC also has offices in Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Tianjin, Hangzhou, Nanjing, Wuhan, Chengdu and Changsha. Its extensive network footprint in China connects thousands of buildings and data centres with points of presence covering over 90% of major business regions on the mainland.

(Photo Source : CBC)

Over the past 11 years, CBC has been served many of the world’s leading businesses in finance, insurance, logistics, healthcare, media and content, ecommerce and more. CBC is certified by TL9000, ISO9001, ISO20000 and ISO27001, to provide reliable and secure services to enterprises in multiple business areas.

(Photo Source : CBC)

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Style Theory Launches First Offline Flagship Store

Style Theory, Southeast Asia’s largest online subscription-based designer fashion rental service,  officially unveiled its first permanent retail store on 18 October 2019. 

(Photo Source : Style Theory)

“We’ve been blown away by the impact Style Theory has had on shoppers in Singapore over the last three years, and we’re extremely excited to be launching our first permanent retail store as part of our goal to make sharing fashion the norm."

--- Raena Lim, co-founder of Style Theory ---

Riding on the success of their pop-up stores, the online fashion rental company’s new physical store located at 313@Somerset introduces the "see now, rent now" concept for new subscribers to walk away immediately with their first box of rented items. 

“Having successfully launched various pop-up stores throughout the years, we recognise that a physical space allows customers to easily find their perfect fit and interact with a like-minded community, which encourages them to embrace the idea of renting and reduce wasteful purchasing as part of the shift towards sustainable living,"

--- Raena Lim ---

A wall filled with style influencers...

The new permanent store will help first-timers get even more out of their subscription, providing over 300 apparel pieces and 30 designer bags in a location where customers can see, touch, try and immediately rent products – including casual everyday pieces, formal business outfits or occasion and weekend wear, as well as classic, trendy, and seasonal bags.

It leads the way in making sustainable living more accessible by bringing the fashion rental experience to life in a physical space, encouraging more consumers to embrace renting and kick over-consumption habits.

“The textile production industry is the world's second-largest contributor to pollution after the oil industry today, with fast fashion leaving a negative impact on environmental waste. We are confident that Style Theory will be the future of fashion – one where people would feel that renting is equivalent, if not better, than buying as we make significant strides towards ending today’s buy-and-throw-away culture.”

--- Raena Lim ---

Entering The Store

Upon stepping in, shoppers will be greeted by an immersive life-sized art installation – The Infinite Wardrobe – designed in collaboration with Laura Francois, a prominent social impact strategist and sustainability advocate. The three metres tall installation, created entirely with retired clothing from Style Theory, represents a future where the dream of having an infinite wardrobe turns into reality through sharing clothing that are made to last.

Personal Styling Sessions

New subscribers can take advantage of complimentary 60-minute personal styling sessions (worth $250), where professionally-trained image consultants will share bespoke advice and recommendations based on body type and preference. The styling sessions are available by appointment during the store’s operating hours from 11am–10pm. 

There are lots of motivational quotes dotted in eye-catching places throughout the store...

Build-Your-Own Welcome Kit

The Style Theory store also features a Build-Your-Own Welcome Kit section, where customers can pick out a curated selection of travel accessories, fashion items and other lifestyle items starting from November. 

Exclusive Member Events

Additionally, subscribers get to be a part of a wider community and enjoy access to Style Theory’s curated series of exclusive member events on a first-come-first-serve basis.

A Create-Your-Own-Totebag booth at the launch...

About Style Theory

Style Theory is Southeast Asia’s largest subscription-based fashion rental service offering women the opportunity to build their infinite wardrobe in an affordable, convenient and sustainable manner. Founded in Singapore in 2016 by Raena Lim and Chris Halim, Style Theory operates in the sharing economy as a solution to fashion consumption that is making significant strides towards ending today’s buy-and-throw-away culture. In early 2018, the company launched into the Indonesia market, and now carries more than 50,000 high-quality designer pieces and more than 2,000 designer bags for its growing base of over 130,000  users. For more information, visit sg.styletheory.co.

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