After launching a Minecraft-themed blindbox series in March, McDonald's Singapore is now teaming up with Italian lifestyle brand Tokidoki for a fresh collaboration. Starting June 12 at 11am, a new collection of limited-edition collectible charms will be released, featuring McDonaldland characters reimagined in Tokidoki’s unique style.

The set includes three exclusive charms: Hamburglar inspired by Bulletto, Birdie inspired by Crissy, and Grimace inspired by Spike. Priced at $7.90 each, these charms can be purchased with a six- or nine-piece Chicken McNuggets Extra Value Meal (spicy or non-spicy), an Upsized Extra Value Meal or Feast, or a 20-piece ala carte order. Available at all McDonald's outlets islandwide, the charms can be obtained via dine-in, takeaway, Drive-Thru, McDelivery, GrabFood, Foodpanda, and Deliveroo.

From June 16 at 3pm, MyMcDonald’s Rewards members will have an exclusive chance to redeem a special McDonald's x Tokidoki Collector’s Box, which includes all three charms, in exchange for 2,500 points through the McDonald’s app. The first 500 redemptions will also receive an autographed set signed by Tokidoki co-founder and artist Simone Legno.

All charms are available while stocks last. Additionally, on June 28, fans who bring their charms or Collector’s Box to McDonald's Great World between 2pm and 4pm can meet Legno in person during a special event that includes a live sketch session, available on a first-come, first-served basis. Further updates will be posted on McDonald’s Singapore’s social media channels as the event approaches.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from AsiaOne/Carol Ong.

Kia has officially launched its first vehicle to be assembled in Singapore — the EV5 electric SUV. The car will be produced at the Hyundai Motor Group Innovation Centre Singapore (HMGICS) located in Jurong. Originally announced during the Singapore Motor Show in January, the EV5 was officially revealed at a special launch event held at HMGICS on May 28.

Although this is Kia's first model to be built in Singapore, HMGICS has already been assembling Hyundai’s Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 6 since  The EV5 is a compact electric SUV, slightly smaller than Hyundai’s Ioniq 5. Local distributor Cycle & Carriage will retail the EV5 in three different trims — Air, Earth, and GT-Line. Local production allows Kia to customize the EV5 for Singapore's market. The Air and Earth variants are equipped with 134hp electric motors, making them eligible for the Category A Certificate of Entitlement (COE). These two versions are exclusive to Singapore and will not be available in other countries.

The Air version features a 64.2kWh battery with a 400km range and can be charged from 10% to 80% in 36 minutes using a 102kW DC fast charger. The Earth variant has a larger 88.1kWh battery, offering an extended range of 540km and a slightly longer charge time of 38 minutes with a 141kW DC charger. Topping the range is the GT-Line, which boasts dual electric motors, all-wheel drive, and a combined output of 308hp and 480Nm of torque. This model falls under Category B COE and uses the same 88.1kWh battery as the Earth trim. However, due to the dual-motor setup, its range drops slightly to 470km.

The EV5 comes with a range of high-end, functional features. Among them is a heated and cooled drawer under the rear centre console — standard on the Earth and GT-Line trims — that can keep food and beverages warm or chilled on the go. Other highlights include a fingerprint sensor for easy access to personalized settings such as seat position and infotainment preferences, and an upgraded remote smart parking assist system that lets drivers park the car using the key fob while standing outside. As of May 2025, the Kia EV5 Air starts at $194,000 (inclusive of COE), the Earth variant is priced at $210,600, and the GT-Line version is available for $260,000.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Kia.

When news broke that a vending machine in Singapore was selling the famous banana cake from Malaysian bakery Hiap Joo Bakery & Biscuit Factory, people went wild. Until now, Singaporeans had to travel to Johor Bahru just to get their hands on this popular treat. The vending machine, located at Senja Hawker Centre, exclusively dispenses boxes of banana cake, each containing 10 pieces. The stock quickly sold out within a few days, and when AsiaOne checked the machine on Saturday (May 17), it was completely empty.

Don’t worry though — Hypha, the company operating the vending machines, confirmed to AsiaOne that restocking will happen soon on May 21. The machine is refilled daily except Mondays, at 11:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. If Bukit Panjang feels a bit far, there’s good news: plans are underway to install more Hiap Joo Bakery vending machines in the northern and eastern parts of Singapore, although specific locations haven’t been finalized yet. Hypha explained that while their vending network aims to give local businesses greater physical exposure, they also want to bring more international delicacies to Singapore through these machines. The days when vending machines only sold canned or packaged drinks are over.

Besides the Hiap Joo Bakery machine, other unique vending machines have been appearing around Singapore. For example, in February, traditional bakery Uncle Lee Confectionary teamed up with Hypha to launch a vending machine selling whole cakes at Woodleigh Village Hawker Centre. In January, Buttertown, known for its Japanese salted butter rolls called shio pans, introduced its own vending machine as well. There have even been vending machines dispensing durians, gold bars, and fresh flowers, showing just how diverse vending offerings have become.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Instagram/johorfoodie, AsiaOne/Melissa Teo

Plastic bags are making a return at Don Don Donki. The Japanese discount chain had stopped selling them in Singapore last October as part of its sustainability initiatives. However, after seven months, the store has reversed this decision. On May 19, Don Don Donki announced on Facebook: “You asked, we listened. Plastic bags are back.” From that date, biodegradable plastic bags will be available for purchase at 5 cents each. The company said this change was made to better support customers' needs.

Unlike typical plastic bags, these new bags are eco-friendly and designed to decompose naturally over time, helping to reduce long-term environmental harm. Previously, Don Don Donki charged 10 cents per plastic bag starting in November 2021, in line with the National Environment Agency’s Say YES to Waste Less campaign. This charge was lowered to 5 cents per bag in July 2023.

Despite the reversal, Don Don Donki stressed that sustainability remains a priority and encouraged shoppers to bring their own reusable bags whenever possible. The announcement sparked mixed reactions online. Some netizens praised the brand’s “good intentions,” appreciating the effort to balance customer convenience with environmental concerns. Others questioned whether reintroducing plastic bags, even biodegradable ones, aligns with genuine sustainability goals or if it might undermine previous progress. Overall, while the return of plastic bags aims to meet customer demands, it also raises important discussions about balancing convenience and environmental responsibility in retail practices.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Facebook/Donkisg.

In the episode of Destination Anywhere, Melanie Oliveiro explores the exciting destinations and countries that travelers can experience with Crystal Cruises, a luxury cruise line. Evon Ler, Director of Sales for Asia at Abercrombie & Kent Travel Group—Crystal Cruises’ parent company—shares insights into both onboard and onshore activities available to passengers. She reminisces about her adventures in Busan, South Korea, where she tried live octopus; visiting a sake brewery in Kobe, Japan; and savoring fresh cannoli in Sicily, Italy. Ler also highlights the wellness and dining experiences offered on Crystal Cruises, including curated plant-based menus and sound therapy sessions.

Disclaimer: This Podcast is taken from CNA.

In 2024, BYD became Singapore’s top-selling car brand — a first for any Chinese manufacturer. Has this milestone reshaped the perception of the “Made in China” label? Andrea Heng and Susan Ng talk to Terence Siew, President of the Electric Vehicle Association of Singapore, to explore the reasons behind BYD’s popularity and whether this success opens the door for more Chinese EV brands to meet rising demand.

Disclaimer: This Podcast is taken from CNA.

Ever imagined what it’s like to dine and live like an Italian? At this warm and welcoming Italian restaurant, the goal is to serve food that makes you feel Italian at heart — all while taking in stunning views of Singapore’s skyline from 43 floors up. Hui Wong speaks with Altro Zafferano’s Executive Chef, Andrea De Paola, to find out more.
Disclaimer: This Podcast is taken from CNA.

Can cleaning up litter be enjoyable on your day off? Producer Janine Tan talks to Yasser Amin, Chief Stridy Officer at Stridy, who organizes community clean-ups at beaches and in neighborhoods. He shares how these events bring people together in a fun way while also aiming to inspire more individuals to take part in caring for the environment.
Disclaimer: This Podcast is taken from CNA.