AWA Magazine

We are halfway through May, which means summer is just around the corner! May is naturally a season of endings and transitions—academic years are winding down, students are closing their books, and graduates are stepping into their next chapters.

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This issue marks a major transition of our own, as it will be our final issue of the year. It is also, bittersweetly, the final issue of the digital AWA Magazine in its current form. Cynthia and I have made the decision to step down from our editor roles to pursue new projects, and because a successor hasn't been found just yet, the magazine will be taking a pause—so stay tuned for future updates!

 

To close out our year, this issue completes our year-long celebratory series on SG60 with a special focus on Singapore’s identity as a "Garden City," a proud legacy that took root with Lee Kuan Yew’s visionary 1967 greening initiative. He famously said, “We need the greenery of nature to lift up our spirits.” We hope the stories inside this issue inspires a deeper appreciation for Singapore’s incredible green spaces and sustainability efforts.

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Inside This Issue:

• Green Urbanism: Lena Sharp takes us on a deep dive into the sustainable design masterpiece that is Gardens by the Bay.

• Visual Journeys: Jessica Kudlacek’s stunning photo series captures the Rail Corridor’s transformation from a retired railway into a vibrant green trail.

• Wellness & Wit: Andrea McKenna Brankin reflects on the healing power of "forest bathing" for self-care, while Christina Liew brings some humor to Writers’ Block with her relatable attempts at developing a "green thumb" as a form of meditation.

• Family & Future: For the little ones, Joy Lang curates a wonderful collection of children’s books aimed at inspiring climate awareness. Meanwhile, our final AWA Book Review by Mandakini Arora tackles Teo You Yenn’s powerful book, Unease: Life in Singapore Families, exploring the poignant gap between state ideals and daily lived realities.

• Group Spotlight: Last but not least, for our final issue, we celebrate our wonderful AWA Mahjong Group, featuring fantastic photos captured by Ann Seojin.​

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Thank you all for being part of this incredible journey with us - we have deeply appreciated all the support you readers have provided. Happy reading, and may your summer be filled with green spaces and bright new chapters!

 

Warmly as always,

Suellen & Cynthia