As the Lunar New Year approaches, Chinatown in Singapore is adorned with its annual street light-up, a visual spectacle that usually marks the beginning of festive celebrations.

However, this year’s decorations, particularly a dragon lantern, have become the subject of intense scrutiny and critique from netizens, raising questions about cultural representation and artistic choices.

The Dragon Lantern Unveiling

The Facebook page Complaint Singapore shared a photo of the dragon lantern on Thursday (Jan 18), and within a day, the post amassed over 2,100 likes and 800 comments, as well as almost 1,000 shares.

The caption accompanying the photo simply stated, “The Chinatown Dragon is up. I don’t want to comment. You all see for yourself,” and saw for themselves the netizens did.

The public response to the dragon lantern has been notably diverse, with some expressing enthusiasm for the traditional symbol, while others voiced criticism and discontent. Some illustrated the perceived similarities between the dragon and Kazuhito Kosaka, the Japanese comedian otherwise known as Pikotaro, behind the viral meme song PPAP, Pen Pineapple Apple Pen.

Netizens’ comments

1. I have an apple, I have a pen. Uh pineapple. 
2. I’ve never seen a dragon before but I’m quite sure this is not it
3. Looks like shrek with a dragon’s mouth
4. The horns looks like a pair of woman’s legs spread open 
5. Who approved one 
6. The weird look only comes out after assembly.  It need some modifications every year to make it great. Let wait for the dragon to undergo plastic surgery before CNY Day
7. Look like one of the minister face. 
8. Aiya you guys yearly also got comments one la . You guys know how to design so well why not you go and design ? Appreciate the effort made by the designer instead of giving out bullshits comment . -.-
9. Is it the same supplier as previous years ? What is the tender criteria ?
10. Poor finishing the dragon eyes look like human eyes
11. From far, its looks like a man’s face with mustache.

Singaporean actress Jeanette Aw, renowned for her stellar performances in acclaimed dramas like ‘The Little Nyonya,’ has not only left an indelible mark in the world of entertainment but has also made significant strides in entrepreneurship.

In 2021, she ventured into the realm of baking and patisserie, unveiling her own brand, Once Upon a Time. Recently, this budding venture achieved a remarkable milestone as it made its debut with a pop-up booth at a chocolate fair in Japan, capturing the hearts of chocolate enthusiasts and creating a buzz that reverberated far beyond expectations.

The Sweet Success in Japan

Jeanette Aw’s Once Upon A Time made a grand entrance into the Japanese market at the JR Nagoya Takashimaya department store, participating in a 28-day chocolate fair named Amour du Chocolat.

This event, billed as the largest Valentine’s Day chocolate extravaganza in Japan, serves as a melting pot for brands from across the globe, drawing attention not only from chocolate connoisseurs but also from those eager to explore unique and delightful offerings.

A video shared by Jeanette on Instagram showcased the fervor surrounding Once Upon A Time. Shoppers formed long lines, eagerly anticipating their turn to experience the magic of Jeanette’s patisserie.

The enthusiastic response translated into a sold-out status on the very first day, a testament to the brand’s irresistible allure.

Source: @jeanetteaw on Instagram

A Humbling Experience for Jeanette

Jeanette Aw, ever the diligent entrepreneur, expressed her gratitude in an Instagram caption, deeming the entire experience as “humbling.”

The emotional resonance was palpable as she shared her journey from conceptualizing the brand to facing the challenges along the way.

The ‘Sold Out’ sign on the inaugural day was not just a business triumph but a personally significant moment for Jeanette, evoking a sense of accomplishment and, as she admitted, even a touch of emotion, as she shed a tear when asked about how she felt on the first day of her pop-up booth.

Source: @bao_peektures on Instagram

Onward to Osaka: Ready for the Next Chapter

Undeterred by success, Jeanette embarked on the next leg of her chocolate journey, traveling to Osaka for the continuation of her pop-up booth.

In a post shared on 19 Jan, she declared herself “ready for Osaka” and revealed the location on the ninth floor of Hankyu Umeda, setting the stage for another round of sweet offerings and delighted customers.

Following Osaka, Jeanette’s final stop will be at Seibu, a department store in Tokyo. This marks the pinnacle of a two-year endeavor, a journey filled with determination and hard work.

The challenges encountered along the way, as mentioned in an Instagram Story, underscore the significance of launching in Nagoya and the subsequent triumphant response.

A cautionary tale emerges from Junction 8 as a group of friends fell victim to an elderly woman’s deceptive plea for help. On January 15, the group encountered an elderly lady who approached them with a seemingly sorrowful story, requesting $4 for food. Little did they know, this encounter was part of a scheme targeting unsuspecting individuals.

Found the elderly woman “pitiful”

In a social media post shared by one of the victims via the Instagram page SG Follows All, the friends described how the elderly woman, referred to as an “old auntie,” approached them with a sad demeanor, specifically requesting $4 to purchase food. Driven by empathy, the group decided to help and handed over the money, believing it would be used for a meal.

To their dismay, the elderly woman immediately diverted to a nearby Coffee Bean outlet, known for its relatively higher-priced items. The friends, recounting the incident, expressed surprise at the woman’s choice of venue for buying food, considering its relatively expensive offerings.

The situation took an unexpected turn when the friends encountered another lady who shared a similar experience with the deceptive auntie. According to the additional account, the elderly woman had been approaching numerous individuals, including the second victim, with the same plea for financial assistance.

Buys expensive coffee and cake

What added insult to injury for the group of friends was the revelation that the $4 they had generously given was not solely spent on a simple drink; the elderly woman also purchased an $8.50 cake. The friends shared their disappointment and frustration in the social media post, expressing their feelings about being deceived.

Despite the unpleasant encounter, the friends acknowledged that they willingly gave the money, recognizing that the responsibility lies partly with them. However, they emphasized the importance of raising awareness about such scams to prevent others from falling prey to the elderly woman’s act.

What the netizen said (SIC)

on 15/1 my friends and i were at junction 8 when this old auntie approached us in a sad voice liddat asking for $4 to buy food.

we thought she was quite pitiful lah so we just gave it to her but then she immediately took our money n zao to coffee bean to buy food (coffee bean is quite expensive bro).

we oso met another lady and she told us that the auntie has been approaching many others for money as well including her. Then worst part she take our money not only just buy drink but also buy and 8.50 cake oso bro 😭😭😭

imo isnt completely her fault lah because we were the ones that decided to give her the money, and maybe it is just $4 but i wld still like to spread some awareness about it in case anyone else falls victim to her oscar award pitiful acting…And the 8.5 dollar cake + drink bro 😭😭