Crossing Cultures at ACM: Endings and Beginnings

Programme

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Join us as we mark the transition from one year to the next. Experience vibrant end-of-year rituals and diverse new year celebrations from across Asia.

5–7 December 2025
Daily - Friday, 6–10pm / Sat & Sun, 4–9pm
Asian Civilisations Museum
Free and ticketed activities available
5–7 December 2025
Daily - Friday, 6–10pm / Sat & Sun, 4–9pm
Asian Civilisations Museum
Free and ticketed activities available

Join us as we mark the transition from one year to the next. Experience vibrant end-of-year rituals and diverse new year celebrations from across Asia.

DROP-IN ACTIVITIES

Happy Hour at ACM: Mahjong, Matcha, or Mimosa* with Mahjong Lah

Fri, 5 Dec
6–10pm
ACM Lobby
Free for Social game tables / $10 refundable deposit for Crash Course; register on Peatix
For ages 18 and up


Celebrate the changing year with mahjong, mimosa, and matcha! Learn this traditional East Asian game where shifting winds and seasons on the tiles reflect our transition from old to new. As families across Chinese-speaking communities gather around mahjong tables during the Spring Festival, join us for this timeless ritual of renewal.
 
What to expect: 

  • Crash Course to Singapore Mahjong – The Game of Four Winds (90 mins) – 6pm, 8pm (Registration required here
      
  • Social game tables – Grab your mahjong kakis for a social game at the museum!
  • Free glass of champagne* or Tsujiri ice cream – Limited to first 100 visitors.

*Ages 18+ only; non-alcoholic options available.


About Mahjong Lah 
 
Mahjong Lah makes mahjong accessible and engaging for locals, tourists, and expats seeking deeper cultural experiences. They teach Singapore-style mahjong, blending gameplay with traditions, stories, and social rituals. 

Since 2019, they have conducted hundreds of sessions, coached thousands of players worldwide, and built a thriving community. Their coaches simplify the game without losing its depth, helping participants enjoy its history, strategy, and heart – while having fun along the way.

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Happy Hour at ACM: Mahjong, Matcha, or Mimosa* with Mahjong Lah

Fri, 5 Dec
6–10pm
ACM Lobby
Free for Social game tables / $10 refundable deposit for Crash Course; register on Peatix
For ages 18 and up


Celebrate the changing year with mahjong, mimosa, and matcha! Learn this traditional East Asian game where shifting winds and seasons on the tiles reflect our transition from old to new. As families across Chinese-speaking communities gather around mahjong tables during the Spring Festival, join us for this timeless ritual of renewal.
 
What to expect: 

  • Crash Course to Singapore Mahjong – The Game of Four Winds (90 mins) – 6pm, 8pm (Registration required here
      
  • Social game tables – Grab your mahjong kakis for a social game at the museum!
  • Free glass of champagne* or Tsujiri ice cream – Limited to first 100 visitors.

*Ages 18+ only; non-alcoholic options available.


About Mahjong Lah 
 
Mahjong Lah makes mahjong accessible and engaging for locals, tourists, and expats seeking deeper cultural experiences. They teach Singapore-style mahjong, blending gameplay with traditions, stories, and social rituals. 

Since 2019, they have conducted hundreds of sessions, coached thousands of players worldwide, and built a thriving community. Their coaches simplify the game without losing its depth, helping participants enjoy its history, strategy, and heart – while having fun along the way.

Read Your Fortune

Sat & Sun, 6–7 Dec, 4–8pm
Lobby, Level 1
Free with every All-access museum admission sticker*

Curious about what 2026 may bring? Drop in for personalised fortune readings and uncover insights into the year ahead! Whether you are a sceptic or a believer, explore these mystical arts and see what the future might hold.

*One reading per All-access museum admission sticker.

Readers include (schedules may vary):
Tarot reading: Linda Khoo, Natalie Trog
Aura reading: Ari Fergurson
Hindu astrology: Master Jai Shankar
Palm reading: Rowen Ong, Alex Chan

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Read Your Fortune

Sat & Sun, 6–7 Dec, 4–8pm
Lobby, Level 1
Free with every All-access museum admission sticker*

Curious about what 2026 may bring? Drop in for personalised fortune readings and uncover insights into the year ahead! Whether you are a sceptic or a believer, explore these mystical arts and see what the future might hold.

*One reading per All-access museum admission sticker.

Readers include (schedules may vary):
Tarot reading: Linda Khoo, Natalie Trog
Aura reading: Ari Fergurson
Hindu astrology: Master Jai Shankar
Palm reading: Rowen Ong, Alex Chan

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Make Your Own Lucky Charm with PLOOK PLOOK

Sat & Sun, 6–7 Dec,
4–9pm
Lobby, Level 1
Free with every All-access museum admission sticker

Create your own lucky charm inspired by the auspicious symbols found in ACM’s collection. Snap a photo of any ACM object with auspicious symbols and receive a charm to personalise – whether you wish for prosperity, love, health, or adventure, make one that is uniquely yours.

About PLOOK PLOOK 
Founded in 2024 by a biochemist and a speech therapist, PLOOK PLOOK began as a creative outlet – an experimental space where science, design, and artistry meet. Today, PLOOK PLOOK is a creative 3D printing design studio dedicated to blending aesthetics and function in modern homeware, while collaborating with local businesses to bring unique ideas to life.

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Make Your Own Lucky Charm with PLOOK PLOOK

Sat & Sun, 6–7 Dec,
4–9pm
Lobby, Level 1
Free with every All-access museum admission sticker

Create your own lucky charm inspired by the auspicious symbols found in ACM’s collection. Snap a photo of any ACM object with auspicious symbols and receive a charm to personalise – whether you wish for prosperity, love, health, or adventure, make one that is uniquely yours.

About PLOOK PLOOK 
Founded in 2024 by a biochemist and a speech therapist, PLOOK PLOOK began as a creative outlet – an experimental space where science, design, and artistry meet. Today, PLOOK PLOOK is a creative 3D printing design studio dedicated to blending aesthetics and function in modern homeware, while collaborating with local businesses to bring unique ideas to life.

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Round II: Game Nights at the Foyer

Sat & Sun, 6–7 Dec,
4–9pm
Foyer, Level 2
Free

As the year draws to a close, gather with family and friends for an evening of games that spark laughter, conversation, and connection. Catch up with loved ones, meet new people, and discover how play brings us closer. End the year on a joyful note, surrounded by good energy and shared fun!

All games are free to play. Bring your friends or grab a seat and make new ones!

Game booths hosted by:
Origame
Capital Gains
DesiBoredGamers
ToTheTable
Meeple Finder
Burnout Board Game
The Lepak Initiative
#laiplayleow
NTU FastForward
Tembusu Games

FAQs:
· Age limit: This event is for adults.
· BYO games: Feel free to bring your own games, but ACM will not be responsible for missing/damaged items.
· F&B: Food and drinks are not allowed in the Foyer. Visit Baker & Cook on Level 1 for a quick bite!
· Gaming etiquette: Please play with care and return all pieces intact. Inform our gallery assistants if any are missing.

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Round II: Game Nights at the Foyer

Sat & Sun, 6–7 Dec,
4–9pm
Foyer, Level 2
Free

As the year draws to a close, gather with family and friends for an evening of games that spark laughter, conversation, and connection. Catch up with loved ones, meet new people, and discover how play brings us closer. End the year on a joyful note, surrounded by good energy and shared fun!

All games are free to play. Bring your friends or grab a seat and make new ones!

Game booths hosted by:
Origame
Capital Gains
DesiBoredGamers
ToTheTable
Meeple Finder
Burnout Board Game
The Lepak Initiative
#laiplayleow
NTU FastForward
Tembusu Games

FAQs:
· Age limit: This event is for adults.
· BYO games: Feel free to bring your own games, but ACM will not be responsible for missing/damaged items.
· F&B: Food and drinks are not allowed in the Foyer. Visit Baker & Cook on Level 1 for a quick bite!
· Gaming etiquette: Please play with care and return all pieces intact. Inform our gallery assistants if any are missing.

Giveaway: Tsujiri Mochi Ice Cream

Fri, 5 Dec, 6–10pm*
Sat & Sun, 6–7 Dec, 4–9pm*
*One ice cream per museum admission sticker. Limited to first 100 visitors on 5 Dec between 6 and 10pm.

Welcome a little luck with free Tsujiri mochi ice cream! Enjoy matcha ice cream topped with mochi – a traditional Japanese lucky food symbolising prosperity and longevity for the new year! Hokkaido milk (without mochi) is also available. While supplies last.

This food item is not halal certified but does not contain pork, lard, or alcohol.

Image credit: Tsujiri Singapore

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Giveaway: Tsujiri Mochi Ice Cream

Fri, 5 Dec, 6–10pm*
Sat & Sun, 6–7 Dec, 4–9pm*
*One ice cream per museum admission sticker. Limited to first 100 visitors on 5 Dec between 6 and 10pm.

Welcome a little luck with free Tsujiri mochi ice cream! Enjoy matcha ice cream topped with mochi – a traditional Japanese lucky food symbolising prosperity and longevity for the new year! Hokkaido milk (without mochi) is also available. While supplies last.

This food item is not halal certified but does not contain pork, lard, or alcohol.

Image credit: Tsujiri Singapore

PERFORMANCES

Thai Blessing Dance Performance by Anurak Thai Arts & Culture

Sat & Sun, 6–7 Dec,
6pm
ACM Green
Free

Join us for a sacred Thai dance ritual as graceful dancers perform ancient blessing ceremonies through flowing movements and meaningful gestures. This traditional art form cleanses away the burdens of the old year while inviting positive energy and divine protection into the year ahead.

About Aurak Thai Arts & Culture
Thai Dance Society was formed in June 2010 by Ms Naree (krun Naree) following an invitation from Absolute Thai, an internationally recognised Thai cultural performance group. She has taught at various art schools and universities in Singapore while also performing widely with Absolute Thai. Over the years, Thai Dance Society has performed at major events supported by The Royal Thai Embassy, Tourism Authority of Thailand, Thai Association in Singapore, Singapore's People's Association, Singapore Discovery Centre, Red Cross International Bazaar, and various educational institutions.

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Thai Blessing Dance Performance by Anurak Thai Arts & Culture

Sat & Sun, 6–7 Dec,
6pm
ACM Green
Free

Join us for a sacred Thai dance ritual as graceful dancers perform ancient blessing ceremonies through flowing movements and meaningful gestures. This traditional art form cleanses away the burdens of the old year while inviting positive energy and divine protection into the year ahead.

About Aurak Thai Arts & Culture
Thai Dance Society was formed in June 2010 by Ms Naree (krun Naree) following an invitation from Absolute Thai, an internationally recognised Thai cultural performance group. She has taught at various art schools and universities in Singapore while also performing widely with Absolute Thai. Over the years, Thai Dance Society has performed at major events supported by The Royal Thai Embassy, Tourism Authority of Thailand, Thai Association in Singapore, Singapore's People's Association, Singapore Discovery Centre, Red Cross International Bazaar, and various educational institutions.

The Ancient Fires by Starlight Alchemy

Sat & Sun, 6–7 Dec,
7pm
ACM Green
Free

Step into the warmth of The Ancient Fires, where flame becomes a bridge between what has passed and what is yet to come. Across Asia, communities gathered at year’s end to cast troubles into the fire, honour ancestors, and set intentions for the new cycle ahead.

Join Starlight Alchemy and witness fire as our shared heritage – purifier, protector, and symbol of new beginnings.

About Starlight Alchemy
Starlight Alchemy is Singapore’s premier experiential movement arts company, supported by over 20 years of combined expertise in show design. Rooted in collaborative creation, Starlight Alchemy brings together a multidisciplinary ensemble of performers, creatives, and innovators.

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The Ancient Fires by Starlight Alchemy

Sat & Sun, 6–7 Dec,
7pm
ACM Green
Free

Step into the warmth of The Ancient Fires, where flame becomes a bridge between what has passed and what is yet to come. Across Asia, communities gathered at year’s end to cast troubles into the fire, honour ancestors, and set intentions for the new cycle ahead.

Join Starlight Alchemy and witness fire as our shared heritage – purifier, protector, and symbol of new beginnings.

About Starlight Alchemy
Starlight Alchemy is Singapore’s premier experiential movement arts company, supported by over 20 years of combined expertise in show design. Rooted in collaborative creation, Starlight Alchemy brings together a multidisciplinary ensemble of performers, creatives, and innovators.

REGISTERED ACTIVITIES

Workshop-for-Pairs: Ayurveda - The Art of Slow Living with Muffyn Liuliu

Sat, 6 Dec, 4.30–6.30pm
Discovery Room, Basement
$18 per pair; register on Peatix
For ages 18 and up

Slow down, breathe, and learn basic Ayurvedic head-massage techniques with Muffyn Liuliu. This hands-on workshop introduces simple ways to release stress, feel grounded, and reset for the year ahead. No experience needed – just curiosity and a willingness to relax. Discover how small, mindful rituals can make everyday life calmer and more enjoyable.

Registration required here.

About Muffyn Liuliu
Muffyn Liuliu is a barber, artist, and wellness practitioner with a passion for holistic wellbeing and the cultural roots of Ayurvedic practices. Muffyn integrates craft, creativity, and mindful care into restorative workshops that make traditional techniques accessible and meaningful. His work blends tactile skill, presence, and thoughtful ritual, inviting participants to slow down, reset, and cultivate everyday balance.

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Workshop-for-Pairs: Ayurveda - The Art of Slow Living with Muffyn Liuliu

Sat, 6 Dec, 4.30–6.30pm
Discovery Room, Basement
$18 per pair; register on Peatix
For ages 18 and up

Slow down, breathe, and learn basic Ayurvedic head-massage techniques with Muffyn Liuliu. This hands-on workshop introduces simple ways to release stress, feel grounded, and reset for the year ahead. No experience needed – just curiosity and a willingness to relax. Discover how small, mindful rituals can make everyday life calmer and more enjoyable.

Registration required here.

About Muffyn Liuliu
Muffyn Liuliu is a barber, artist, and wellness practitioner with a passion for holistic wellbeing and the cultural roots of Ayurvedic practices. Muffyn integrates craft, creativity, and mindful care into restorative workshops that make traditional techniques accessible and meaningful. His work blends tactile skill, presence, and thoughtful ritual, inviting participants to slow down, reset, and cultivate everyday balance.

Lucky Foods Around Asia by Palate Sensations

Sun, 7 Dec, 4.30–6.30pm
Discovery Room, Basement
$10 per participant; register on Peatix
For ages 18 and up

 

Join us for an immersive culinary workshop that celebrates Chinese food traditions and their cultural significance.

The session begins with an introduction to auspicious Chinese dishes and their meaning. Participants will then experience a hands-on vegetable dumpling (jiaozi)-making class. The workshop also includes a live demonstration of sweet glutinous rice balls (tang yuan) filled with red beans, symbolising unity and harmony. To conclude, enjoy tasting portions of the dishes prepared and savour the flavours and stories behind each creation. 

 

Registration required here.

 

About the instructors:

 

Chef Loreta Valdez:
At Palate Sensations, Loreta brings extensive expertise and boundless enthusiasm as General Manager and Cuisine Chef Instructor. She holds qualifications from City & Guilds, BITC, Kaplan, Japan Culinary Institute, and Le Cordon Bleu Bangkok. An MOE-certified instructor with a Bachelor of Elementary Education, she is known for her clear, friendly teaching style. Specialising in Asian cuisine including Japanese, Thai, Chinese, Vietnamese, and Filipino dishes, Loreta creates exceptional learning environments for students of all levels.

Chef Lynette Foo:
Lynette Foo holds a Diplôme de Cuisine in French Cuisine with certifications from Le Cordon Bleu, Pure Joy Culinary Academy, and BITC. An MOE-certified instructor with an Advanced Certificate in Learning and Performance, she transitioned from a 12-year accounting career to found Palate Sensations in 2005. What began in her home kitchen grew into Singapore's dedicated culinary studio in 2006, later expanding to Malaysia in 2023. She believes that cooking should be fun, fuss-free, and accessible to everyone.

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Lucky Foods Around Asia by Palate Sensations

Sun, 7 Dec, 4.30–6.30pm
Discovery Room, Basement
$10 per participant; register on Peatix
For ages 18 and up

 

Join us for an immersive culinary workshop that celebrates Chinese food traditions and their cultural significance.

The session begins with an introduction to auspicious Chinese dishes and their meaning. Participants will then experience a hands-on vegetable dumpling (jiaozi)-making class. The workshop also includes a live demonstration of sweet glutinous rice balls (tang yuan) filled with red beans, symbolising unity and harmony. To conclude, enjoy tasting portions of the dishes prepared and savour the flavours and stories behind each creation. 

 

Registration required here.

 

About the instructors:

 

Chef Loreta Valdez:
At Palate Sensations, Loreta brings extensive expertise and boundless enthusiasm as General Manager and Cuisine Chef Instructor. She holds qualifications from City & Guilds, BITC, Kaplan, Japan Culinary Institute, and Le Cordon Bleu Bangkok. An MOE-certified instructor with a Bachelor of Elementary Education, she is known for her clear, friendly teaching style. Specialising in Asian cuisine including Japanese, Thai, Chinese, Vietnamese, and Filipino dishes, Loreta creates exceptional learning environments for students of all levels.

Chef Lynette Foo:
Lynette Foo holds a Diplôme de Cuisine in French Cuisine with certifications from Le Cordon Bleu, Pure Joy Culinary Academy, and BITC. An MOE-certified instructor with an Advanced Certificate in Learning and Performance, she transitioned from a 12-year accounting career to found Palate Sensations in 2005. What began in her home kitchen grew into Singapore's dedicated culinary studio in 2006, later expanding to Malaysia in 2023. She believes that cooking should be fun, fuss-free, and accessible to everyone.

Reflection Circles: I See • I Feel • I Am with SPACE2B

Sun, 7 Dec, 7–8.30pm
Meeting point at Lobby
$10 per participant; All-access sticker required (not included in Peatix ticket)
For ages 18 and up

Close your year with a powerful, heart-opening experience. Join SPACE2B for a unique session blending guided meditation, intuitive art-making, and reflective journaling to honour your 2025 journey and step boldly into the new year. Create your own “I am…” intention to welcome the new year with clarity and confidence. The experience ends with a deeply relaxing sound bath for release, renewal, and fresh start.

Registration required here.

About Helen Lee
Helen has facilitated numerous Expressive Arts workshops in Singapore and abroad for families, adults, international communities, and cultural institutions. Her sessions integrate movement, visual art, reflective writing, and sound to create accessible, non-verbal pathways for self-expression and meaningful connection.

She has led workshops supported by the Korean Embassy, Lifeline Singapore, community groups, universities, and arts organisations, with an emphasis on inclusivity and culturally responsive guidance.

About SPACE2B
SPACE2B is a collective of mindfulness mentors who believe in the power of meditation to transform life and work from within. They are committed to making mindfulness and meditation accessible to everyone.

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Reflection Circles: I See • I Feel • I Am with SPACE2B

Sun, 7 Dec, 7–8.30pm
Meeting point at Lobby
$10 per participant; All-access sticker required (not included in Peatix ticket)
For ages 18 and up

Close your year with a powerful, heart-opening experience. Join SPACE2B for a unique session blending guided meditation, intuitive art-making, and reflective journaling to honour your 2025 journey and step boldly into the new year. Create your own “I am…” intention to welcome the new year with clarity and confidence. The experience ends with a deeply relaxing sound bath for release, renewal, and fresh start.

Registration required here.

About Helen Lee
Helen has facilitated numerous Expressive Arts workshops in Singapore and abroad for families, adults, international communities, and cultural institutions. Her sessions integrate movement, visual art, reflective writing, and sound to create accessible, non-verbal pathways for self-expression and meaningful connection.

She has led workshops supported by the Korean Embassy, Lifeline Singapore, community groups, universities, and arts organisations, with an emphasis on inclusivity and culturally responsive guidance.

About SPACE2B
SPACE2B is a collective of mindfulness mentors who believe in the power of meditation to transform life and work from within. They are committed to making mindfulness and meditation accessible to everyone.

Crossing Cultures at ACM

Taking inspiration from objects in the galleries, Crossing Cultures explores ACM's collection through performing arts, craftsmanship, food traditions, wellness practices, and other aspects of intangible cultural heritage – past and present. Dive deep into Asia’s rich heritage with these special weekend programmes. Learn, explore, and create with us at ACM.

 

The opinions expressed by the speakers, facilitators, and artists in these programmes are their own and do not represent the views of the Asian Civilisations Museum.

 

 

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