APAC is excited about AI in travel: Booking.com

Booking.com's first Global AI Sentiment Report, drawing insights from over 37,000 consumers across 33 markets globally to explore how people are using, trusting, and responding to AI in everyday life and travel, has revealed a nuanced picture about Asia-Pacific (APAC) consumers.

According to the research, 95% express excitement about AI, 82% are familiar with the technology, and 93% want to use AI in their future travel plans. Zooming out of APAC, there are significant regional differences–while some embrace AI’s potential, others approach it with caution, underscoring the need for responsible implementation that balances opportunity with consumer trust. These new insights and perspectives will help shape the next chapter of AI in travel and beyond, Booking.com said.

The research identified five clear category clusters among APAC consumers, reflecting diverse AI sentiment: 41% identify as AI Enthusiasts, intrigued by AI’s potential, while 15% are AI Advocates, actively championing its benefits and responsible adoption. This enthusiasm is grounded in the belief that AI will make life easier (78%), save time and effort (57%), enhance productivity (49%), and expand learning opportunities (53%). 

However, this excitement coexists with significant caution. About 8% classify themselves as AI Cautious, wary of AI’s development or use, and 6% as AI Skeptics. Notably, one in four respondents (16%) identify as AI Detractors, signalling a meaningful segment resistant to AI adoption.

Across regions, consumer sentiment toward AI varies widely. LATAM leads in enthusiasm (98%) and understanding (89%), while APAC shows strong adoption in daily life, especially in education and transport (41%). In contrast, NORAM and EME remain more cautious, with distrust in AI-generated information highest in these regions (32% and 29% respectively). LATAM stands for Latin America, EME for Europe and Middle East, and NORAM for North America.

Source: Booking.com. Regional breakdowns for the survey around what respondents think about AI, their familiarity about AI, and what they distrust. 

Despite widespread use—98% use AI-powered search and 83% engage with generative tools—trust remains limited. Only 8% fully trust AI, and just 16% are comfortable with it making decisions independently. Most prefer AI as a supportive tool rather than an autonomous decision-maker.

Travel is a key area of AI adoption. Three quarters of global travellers have used AI in planning or during trips, with APAC consumers particularly open to autonomous trip planning (67%). AI is most often used for researching destinations, translation, and navigating transport systems, with growing trust in AI assistants over influencers or peers. There’s also rising demand for AI to support responsible travel, from avoiding crowds to highlighting community-benefiting experiences.

“Generative AI represents one of the most significant technological shifts of our era, opening up new possibilities across industries, including travel. At Booking.com, we’ve been at the forefront of AI innovation for a decade, integrating machine learning and AI to enhance the customer journey at every touchpoint, simplify complexity, inspire curiosity and empower people to shape journeys that feel truly personal. 

"As travellers across APAC look for deeper meaning and connection in every trip, whilst planning their travels with ease, AI is helping to unlock more intuitive and imaginative travel experiences than ever before,” said Laura Houldsworth, MD for Asia Pacific at Booking.com.

“But as we enter this next phase, our responsibility goes beyond technology. Building trust, ensuring transparency, and prioritising safety are critical as we guide travellers, and our industry, into the future.”

Source: Booking.com. A panel discussion about The Promise of AI in Travel during the APAC Trust Summit 2025 in Singapore involved, from left: Laura Houldsworth, MD of Asia Pacific, Booking.com as moderator; Marnie Wilking, Chief Security Officer, Booking.com, who spoke on embedding safety, security, and transparency in every AI interaction; Cheryl Guzman Ng, Senior VP for Marketing & Strategic Partnerships, Alpha JWC Ventures, sharing how startups can scale responsibly with AI; Mary Li, Founder & CEO, Atlas, who detailed how AI can deliver personalised, discovery-led commerce; Kung Teong Wah, GM, Parkroyal Collection Pickering Singapore, discussing elevating guest experiences through sustainable AI innovation; and Jordan Tan, CTO, Singapore Tourism Board, who touched on fostering responsible AI innovation in travel through public-private collaboration.

The report was launched in the region during Booking.com's APAC Trust Summit 2025 in Singapore, during which Houldsworth shared in her keynote how AI’s role in travel is just as much about trust as it is about transformation. Marnie Wilking, Chief Security Officer at Booking.com, followed on with an address emphasising that trust can’t be assumed — it must be earned and re-earned at every step of the customer journey. She shared how Booking.com is using AI proactively to protect users across the travel journey, ensuring security and transparency in every interaction.

Adrienne Enggist, Senior Director of Product, Marketplace at Booking.com, also shared during the event that AI is embedded into the Booking.com platform — from enhancing search to reducing friction — to deliver more personalised, intuitive experiences for travellers. She said: “We’re not using AI to replace human decision-making, but to remove friction and help travellers get to what they really want, faster.”

As part of a vision to make travel more intuitive and human-centric, the company introduced the AI Trip Planner (AITP), which is live in the region in Australia, New Zealand, and Singapore. The tool is designed to help users explore, plan and book their next trip in a natural, conversational way.

● Partially powered by OpenAI’s ChatGPT API and Booking.com’s proprietary machine learning models, the AITP delivers destination ideas, curated property suggestions, and tailored itineraries—within seconds. 

● Users can ask general travel questions or specific queries like “Where’s a good beach destination for October that’s kid-friendly?” 

● Results include visual lists of properties, live pricing, and deep-links to book—allowing seamless switching between chat and the app’s booking interface.

Booking.com has also rolled out several new generative AI-powered features to streamline the travel search experience: 

● Smart filters: Travellers can type what they’re looking for in their own words. AI presents them with the most relevant options by automatically applying the most relevant filters. 

● Property Q&A: Instantly answers user’s questions using information pulled from listings, reviews and photos. 

● Review summaries (beta): Condenses hundreds of guest reviews into concise, meaningful takeaways. These features went live on mobile in Singapore in November 2024, with global rollouts planned as Booking.com expands its AI suite. 

AI also powers the backbone of Booking.com’s Connected Trip experience, across stays, flights, attractions, transport and more. Internal systems use machine learning to continually optimise performance—from content translation and fraud detection to customer support and pricing strategies. To safeguard user trust, the company has developed custom moderation layers for its AI tools, designed to:

● Filter out personal data and non-travel-related content, 

● Keep conversations focused, safe and appropriate, redirecting unrelated queries and blocking inappropriate content, and 

● Adhere to GDPR and international AI ethics frameworks 

All interactions with the AI Trip Planner are subject to clear Terms of Use, and users are encouraged not to share personal data. Chat history is limited to 30 days (three conversations) and is never used to personalise other aspects of the Booking.com experience. Any data retained is stored securely and may be used only to improve the product through anonymised insights. 

Booking.com maintains round-the-clock security operations to monitor for suspicious activity and ensure a safe environment for all users. 

The AI Trip Planner is only the beginning. Booking.com’s long-term ambition is to incorporate generative AI into every step of a journey from end-to-end. At its core, Booking.com believes AI should enhance, and not replace the human elements of travel, so that every step feels seamless, simple and inspired.  

Singapore Polytechnic establishes the Enabling Platform Partnership

Singapore Polytechnic (SP) has introduced an Enabling Platform Partnership designed to empower Singapore-based enterprises as they embark on their transformation journey into the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ). The initiative, initiated and spearheaded by SP, addresses critical industry needs across business transformation, talent development, and technology adoption. 

The announcement was one of the highlights of the Automation SolutionGO! and the Regional Industry Networking Conference (RINC) 2025, which was jointly organised by SP and AutomationSG at the end of July 2025. Formerly the Singapore Industrial Automation Association, AutomationSG is a professional association for companies and professionals in the automation, Internet of Things (IoT) and robotics sectors. 

The Enabling Platform Partnership brings together institutes of higher learning, trade associations, and agencies from Singapore and Malaysia to close gaps in manpower, talent development, and technology adoption within the JS-SEZ by enhancing industry-ready skills training, upskilling, and reskilling programmes. 

The stakeholders include Singapore Polytechnic, Singapore Polytechnic International, Southern University College, Sunway University, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia, AutomationSG, Federation of Malaysian Manufacturing, Singapore Manufacturing Federation, Johor Skills Development Centre, and Johor Talent Development Council. 

The benefits of this cross-border partnership are already evident in ongoing collaborations. A prime example is SP’s recent partnership with the Johor Skills Development Centre, which successfully leveraged a funding scheme from Malaysia's Human Resource Development Corporation (HRDF) to develop and deliver a two-day training programme across four runs. 

This initiative equipped over 140 Malaysian employees of Tai Sin Electric, a Singapore enterprise, with essential knowledge in sustainability 101, aligning their skills with the company's Singapore-based workforce. This success now allows other Singaporean companies in Johor to access similar funding for their subsidiaries' upskilling and reskilling needs.

Soh Wai Wah, Principal and CEO of Singapore Polytechnic, said: “The Enabling Platform Partnership is a strategic catalyst for enterprise transformation, directly supporting Singapore’s goal of helping businesses expand into Johor and Batam. It solidifies Singapore Polytechnic’s position as a leading regional education and training institute with continual relevance to Singapore’s economic development.”

Source: Singapore Polytechnic. Principal & CEO, Singapore Polytechnic, Soh Wai Wah (4th from left) and Guest-of-Honour, Alvin Tan, Singapore Minister of State for the Ministry of Trade & Industry, and Ministry of National Development (6th from left) with industry partners commemorating the Enabling Platform Partnership.

The event also featured the GO! Awards as a key initiative by AutomationSG to recognise outstanding solution providers and end-users who excel in business growth, sustainability, and technology utilisation. There were two GO! Sustainability award winners, Ranpak which makes sustainable, paper-based protective packaging solutions, and LeanCost International, whose SmartCarbon AI-Expert System determines carbon footprints. The GO! Technology Utilisation award was given to Black Sesame Technologies Singapore, which offers the Sesame X full-stack AI computing platform for real-time AI inference in robotics.

Terence Teo, President of AutomationSG said: “Through strategic collaborations, real-world pain point discussions, and groundbreaking initiatives with Singapore Polytechnic and regional partners, we are creating an ecosystem where smart manufacturing, AI, and workforce transformation drive sustainable growth amidst turbulent times.” 

Automation SolutionGO! and RINC 2025 also featured the first Manufacturing Jobs & Skills Fair, co-organised by SP, AutomationSG and e2i, to help job seekers and mid-career switchers. 

Luxury Group by Marriott International unveils Luxury Wellbeing Series 2025

Source: The Luxury Group by Marriott International. The Luxury Wellbeing Series 2025 is now live.

The Luxury Group by Marriott International will introduce the Luxury Wellbeing Series 2025 from August. According to the Group's latest luxury travel trends report – The Intentional Traveler, 90% of high-net-worth travellers cite wellness offerings as a key factor in their booking decisions.

In addition, wellness travellers are planning to spend more. Beyond just feeling good, there is a growing demand for immersive, holistic wellness journeys over passive pampering, and Asia is the top destination of choice for such experiences.

Spanning multiple cities in Asia, this wellness odyssey integrates the three pillars of wellness — sleep, nutrition, as well as physical and mental wellbeing — with the cultural tapestry and natural splendour of Bali, Maldives, and Goa. The participating properties will each offer a tailored wellness escapade.

"Beyond tranquil retreats, affluent travellers are seeking impeccable, personalised, exceptional wellness experiences," said Oriol Montal, Regional VP, Luxury, Asia Pacific excluding China, Marriott International.

"As the Luxury Group aspires to predict and exceed travellers' ever-evolving expectations, the Luxury Wellbeing Series is more than just a wellness programme — it's a transformative expedition catering to global luxury travellers' growing desire for holistic enrichment."

Bali | Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve

Sleep: Delve into the traditional use of medicinal plants in the Balinese Medicinal Plants Workshop, exploring how local flora can enhance sleep quality and overall health with centuries-old recipes. Follow this with Yogic Sleep Therapy, a 60-minute session focused on achieving deep relaxation through controlled breathing, gentle yoga techniques, and calming delta wave music.

Nutrition: Explore Bali with the guided Foraging with the Adventure Car tour led by the hotel's Executive Sous Chef Eka Sunarya. This hands-on sensory excursion takes guests through lush greenery where they will taste freshly-picked wild herbs, aromatic spices and tropical fruits while gaining insights into their culinary and cultural significance. 

To further embrace the deep-rooted appreciation of nature in Balinese culture, make your own traditional drinks in the hour-long Balinese Herbal Drink Workshop using local ingredients that are believed to detoxify, energise and heal.

Physical and mental wellbeing: Dive into the depths of self-awareness with the Vipassana meditation sessions, an ancient practice designed to sharpen mindfulness and foster inner tranquility. By closely observing their breath, sensations, thoughts, and emotions, guests can easily regain mental clarity and emotional resilience. 

Guests can let their artistic side shine with the Mandala Art activity, which fosters self-expression and emotional release. 

Maldives | The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands 

At The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands, wellness is a deeply personal journey, shaped by each guest's unique path to balance. Rooted in the resort's Deep Blue philosophy, which celebrates the ocean's healing rhythm and the science of the blue mind, the experience draws on the power of water to calm, centre, and inspire. 

From private consultations with the resort's Director of Spa and Wellness and Executive Chef upon arrival to bespoke treatments and personalised nutrition plans, every element is designed to dissolve stresses and restore inner peace.

Sleep: Taking place at the oceanfront bedrooms, the Balance of Stillness workshop will give guests an introduction to sleep cycles and creating their own sleep sanctuary with the curated sleep ritual kits to help establish a calming bedtime routine. Guests will enjoy a personalised turndown service featuring chakra tea and a sound card selected based on their initial wellness consultation.

Nutrition: A Taste of the Maldives cooking class offers guests a chance to delight in the flavours of the Maldives. They will prepare dishes using the day's fish catch alongside a vegetarian option and have a one-on-one session with the in-house wellness guru and the chef for tailored nutrition guidance. 

Following a comprehensive review of the guest's health history, lifestyle, and wellness goals, the professionals will provide guidance on a customised meal plan, portion control, mindful eating, and nutrient timing.

Physical and mental wellbeing: Set the tone with a Sunrise Floating Sound Healing Session, where sound vibrations gently align body and mind. Healing moments will be further elevated by B Strong, a powerful blend of strength training and conscious breathwork to improve resilience and clarity. 

A guided snorkelling trip and private coral regeneration experience further enrich this journey, deepening the connection between wellbeing and the healing power of the ocean.

India | The St Regis Goa Resort 

The newly-renovated St Regis Goa Resort is dedicated to the ancient practices of Ayurveda, designed to address and harmonise guests' overall health and wellbeing. The journey begins with a personalised consultation with a team of in-house wellness consultants to uncover underlying health imbalances, followed by customised treatments delivered by expert therapists.

Sleep: The Sleep Ritual harnesses the calming effects of Yoga Nidra alongside herbal tisanes to promote a deep, restorative sleep. This ritual is specifically crafted to help guests truly unwind.

Nutrition: Guests will indulge in a Dosha-Specific Farm-to-Table Lunch, aligned with individual Ayurvedic profiles using the freshest ingredients from local farms. A visit to the resort's Spice Garden further enriches this experience, offering insights into the healing properties of traditional herbs and spices integral to Ayurvedic cuisine.

Physical and mental wellbeing: The revitalising mornings begin with a therapeutic Sound Bath Session, using Himalayan singing bowls to realign the body's energies. This is further complemented by the Estuary Walk & Yoga, a reflective journey along the water's edge blending tranquil surroundings with the physical and mental discipline of yoga. 

Following the initial consultation upon arrival, The St Regis Spa offers on a series of bespoke Ayurvedic treatments designed to address guests' specific health concerns and promote a profound sense of peace and wellbeing.

Celebrate SG60 with Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree

Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree joins Singapore’s 60th birthday celebrations with a room package with S$60 nett room credits, buffet dinner at Planter’s Shed and exclusive gifts at the Banyan Tree Gallery. Nestled within the Mandai Wildlife Reserve, the resort provides convenient access to the Singapore Zoo, Night Safari and Rainforest Wild Asia.

SG60 collection

Source: Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree. Facade.

To honour six decades of progress and resilience, Banyan Tree Gallery’s SG60 Collection features commemorative Blooming in Harmony gift sets adorned with six Vanda Miss Joaquim orchids, symbolising strength, beauty and Singapore’s enduring spirit. The mini set (S$60) features a crystal stone diffuser and aromatherapy oil from the Banyan Tree Spa, with the full set (S$160) also providing an upcycled cassava wireless charging tray.

Dining accessories showcasing the orchid motifs are also available, with linen table runners (S$260), linen table placemats (S$160 for four), and ceramic coasters (S$60 for four) on offer. The collection is available from now to 31 August. 

Buffet dinner at Planter’s Shed 

The resort’s all-day dining destination, Planter’s Shed, invites guests to celebrate Singapore’s Diamond Jubilee year with a dinner buffet at S$60++ per adult (usual price S$68++ per adult), available only from 4 to 10 August 2025. 

The buffet showcases of local signature flavours such as Planter Shed’s laksa and big prawn noodle, brought to life through live cooking stations. Known for its selection of local and international cuisine, Planter’s Shed promises a relaxed yet immersive dining experience surrounded by lush greenery.

SG60 room credit

From 1 to 31 August 2025, guests staying at Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree will receive a S$60 nett resort credit per room, per stay. This credit can be enjoyed across the resort’s signature experiences—dining at Forage and Planter’s Shed, treatments at the Banyan Tree Spa, or at Banyan Tree Gallery. Book from now to 31 August 2025.

“Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree is proud to be part of this national celebration,” said Glen Cook, GM.

“From revitalising spa experiences and exclusive keepsakes to interactive nature walks, we offer a truly unique way to celebrate Singapore’s 60th birthday, surrounded by the beauty of mother nature.”

Details

Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree
60 Mandai Lake Road, Singapore 729979

Reserve at https://www.banyantree.com/singapore/mandai-rainforest-resort-by-banyan-tree/sg60-in-the-wild, or email PlantersShed-MandaiRainforest@banyantree.com for reservations at Planter’s Shed.

Canon PhotoMarathon 2025 showcases visual stories for SG60

The 19th edition of Canon PhotoMarathon 2025, one of Singapore’s highly anticipated photography events, welcomed over 600 photography enthusiasts. Organised by Canon Singapore, it was themed One Click, One Vibe and aims to promote photography as a vital visual arts form by celebrating innovation, storytelling and artistic expression through the lens. 

This year’s competition saw submissions across three mystery themes – Home, Vintage and Vibe(s) – unveiled at intervals during the day. Participants raced across the island, conceptualising, shooting and submitting each photo within a two-hour window per theme for a chance to win Canon products worth around S$50,000 in total. 

“As Singapore’s photography scene continues to evolve, we understand what photography enthusiasts need and endeavour to continue supporting them in telling their creative stories. Canon PhotoMarathon has grown from a competition into a vibrant showcase of creativity, diversity and technical excellence that fuels the photography community in Singapore. 

"One of the themes this year reflects the values of SG60 and serves as a reminder of the everyday lives and spirit of the people in Singapore,” said Andrew Koh, Senior VP and Head of Singapore Operations, Canon Singapore.

Mark Teo, a Commercial and Action Sports Photographer and a third-time judge of the Canon PhotoMarathon shared: “It is always inspiring to see how different people interpret the same theme. Each year, the standard just keeps rising. This year’s themes were trickier, prompting participants to think outside the box in order to differentiate themselves from the crowd. Clean composition, good lighting and clear relevance to the theme really made the winning entries stand out.” 

Canon Singapore has also continued its partnership with APSN, a social service agency that provides special education, vocational training and employment support services for individuals with mild intellectual disabilities. Through this collaboration, Canon seeks to unite individuals through photography — a universal art form that knows no boundaries. 

This year was no different as students from APSN were invited to participate in the student categories. This is reflective of Canon’s philosophy of kyosei (共生) – living and working together for the common good, and empowering individuals of all abilities to excel in harmony.

“Beyond encouraging students to express their creativity and build confidence, the Canon PhotoMarathon reflects our school’s values – I Can, I Want, I Will – and motivates them to believe in themselves. Most importantly, the event fosters inclusivity by empowering individuals with special needs to become active contributors of society. Through platforms like this, we not only showcase their talents but also inspire the broader community to celebrate their achievements,” said Muhammad Faris, CCA Arts Coordinator, APSN Delta Senior School. 

The Canon PhotoMarathon 2025 winners: 

	Open categories	Student categories
Theme 1: Home	1st prize: Kenneth Chia 2nd prize: Dongli Zhang 3rd prize: Samuel Sze	1st prize: Ryan Yeo 2nd prize: Chen Xi Teo 3rd prize: Isaac Sin
Theme 2: Vintage	1st prize: Ahmad Iskandar Abdullah 2nd prize: Irfan Djorhanaen 3rd prize: Mohd Safuan Salahudin	1st prize: Keller Seah 2nd prize: Dionne Pang 3rd prize: Alvaro Vincent Wijaya
Theme 3: Vibe(s)	1st prize: Hui Min Lee 2nd prize: Rita Chang 3rd prize: Farha Patel	1st prize: Rewan Teh 2nd prize: Bryant Bong 3rd prize: Keller Seah

Wayne Kwan, an educator who has joined over 11 editions said: “I first participated in the Canon PhotoMarathon in 2012. Photography is my way of capturing memories, and I enjoy the thrill of the hunt for unique angles. This year is extra special as my wife and son have joined me in this year’s PhotoMarathon, turning this event into a meaningful family experience built upon our shared love for the hobby.”

De Long Goh, 58 years old, engineer and long-time participant of 10 years, shared, “Every year brings something new, reconnecting with friends, exploring different subjects and challenging myself to think creatively about what to shoot. Some themes can be difficult to interpret, but that is exactly what makes the event so rewarding – it pushes me to improve my photography skills every year.”  

Home Open category first prize winner:

Source: Canon. The winning picture in the Open category for the theme Home.

Kenneth Chia, 39 years old, engineer and first prize winner of the Open category for the Home theme said: “I was very surprised to win the first prize, and my hands are still shaking. When I think of home, I think of my 17-month son and all the things that I treasure the most. 

Once the theme was announced, I went back to my HDB flat to capture what was most important to me. My kid is home. This image of my child was taken against the flag which embodies Home, a symbol of our shared identity.”

Aaron Low, Photo Director and one of the judges said: “The Canon PhotoMarathon really brings the community together by forming lasting bonds through a shared passion for photography. To me, the most important part of photography is storytelling, and a strong photo should convey a clear message that resonates with many. Composition and the overall impact of the image, beyond technical details, are crucial. The winning photos comprised these elements and turned out outstanding.” 

Celestia Tan, Fashion Photographer and also a judge said: “Canon PhotoMarathon offers a unique platform for photography enthusiasts to explore, experiment and have fun. For me, the true magic of photography lies in capturing a moment and bringing a vision to life. The second theme, Vintage, was probably the most challenging for participants, where many adopted a literal interpretation due to the time constraints. The most exciting part of this competition is seeing how participants interpreted these themes, capturing diverse stories and unique perspectives through the lens.”

Launched in 2003, the Canon PhotoMarathon is designed to inspire and provoke creative expression by pushing participants to think beyond conventional boundaries. With mystery themes, tight timelines and an open invitation to all levels of photographers, participants race against the clock in a test of creativity and quick thinking to capture fresh, unique perspectives that bring each theme to life.  

The themes encourage photographers to explore new ideas, experiment with different techniques to tell stories. This fosters a vibrant community where creativity flourishes, and diverse voices come together to redefine the art of photography.

Beyond Canon PhotoMarathon 2025, photographers can engage in a range of Canon-led activities aimed at nurturing Singapore’s photography scene. Activities include immersive workshops and guided shoots that offer valuable opportunities for both emerging and experienced photographers to sharpen their skills, expand their creative horizons and receive mentorship from seasoned professionals to elevate standards of photographic excellence in Singapore. 

Celebratory flavours for SG60 at Marina Bay Sands

In honour of Singapore’s 60th birthday, Marina Bay Sands invites guests to embark on a culinary journey that honours the nation’s diverse heritage. This August, the integrated resort will spotlight local flavours through exclusive menus and seasonal specials at restaurants across the property.

Black Tap Craft Burgers & Beer

Black Tap’s Singapore-exclusive National Day CrazyShake (S$23++) returns. A tribute to bandung, the classic rose and milk beverage that many locals love. Available from 1 to 31 August, the pink CrazyShake is decked in patriotic colours of the Singapore flag, complete with red and white star sprinkles on a vanilla frosted rim, a slice of red and white cake, whipped cream, crescent icing cookie, red sprinkles, and a cherry on top.  

Indulge in the Asian black pepper burger (S$24++), combining Asian spices with a prime beef patty glazed in black pepper sauce. Available from 1 to 31 August, the burger is topped with shaved onions and scallions on toasted buns and served with fries. 

Bread Street Kitchen by Gordon Ramsay 

Mark Singapore’s 60th birthday with a limited-time four-course set menu that blends local flavours with British sophistication available from 8 to 10 August for both lunch and dinner.

To begin, the chilli crab arancini delivers a nod to the iconic local dish, featuring golden-fried risotto balls infused with sweet, spicy chilli crab sauce, complemented by a green goddess sauce for a burst of herbaceous freshness. 

For the main course, diners may choose from several options like the signature sliced beef Wellington, served with mashed potato and honey-roasted carrots. For a vegetarian option, the soy-glazed aubergine, paired with bang bang sauce and a crispy tofu salad, delivers bold flavours. Bang bang sauce typically features mayonnaise, vinegar, sweet chilli sauce and sriracha.

The meal concludes with a tropical reinterpretation of bombe Alaska, the kaya coconut bombe Alaska. Layers of kaya gelato, coconut sorbet, soft sponge and torched Italian meringue come together in a decadent finale. 

CUT by Wolfgang Puck

In celebration of National Day, one-Michelin-starred CUT by Wolfgang Puck unveils a three-course lunch menu that reimagines local favourites with a refined touch (S$48++ per person; available from 12 pm to 2 pm).

The experience begins with an amuse-bouche featuring crabmeat kueh pie tee. Guests can select two main dishes, including the mapo steam egg paired with minced beef and Sichuan pepper, or sambal sting ray with yellow basmati rice. 

For those seeking tradition, nasi lemak is offered, together with steamed beehoon with braised beef tendons. End with cendol cake, featuring light pandan chiffon sponge alongside gula melaka cremieux, coconut mousse and sweet corn ice cream.

KOMA Singapore

KOMA Singapore's specials from 8 to 10 August include the chilli crab slider (S$28++) - king crab and cucumber layered within mantou buns and dressed in chilli crab sauce, as well as the Japanese Wagyu fried noodle (S$38++), featuring Japanese Wagyu beef stir-fried with capsicum and bean sprouts. 

From 1 to 10 August, both lunch and dinner services will feature a dessert omakase (S$88++), showcasing a selection of Southeast Asian-inspired sweets. Highlights include gianduja bao with hazelnut-infused steamed buns, ondeh ondeh with coconut, pandan and gula melaka, and coconut Sentosa featuring coconut mousse, mango and pineapple. 

Local favourites are reimagined, from kaya toast to kopi o’ tiramisu and mao shan wang cheesecake wrapped in kunafa. Gulab jamun, teh tarik bonbon, biskut dahlia, kuih makmur and kueh lapis complete the lineup.

Maison Boulud

From 8 to 10 August, try the foie gras fried rice (S$42++) featuring wok-fried jasmine rice enriched with foie gras. The dish is finished with mushrooms, garlic chips, and finely chopped chives, plus a touch of truffle soy. 

Complement the experience with the durian “Royale” soufflé (S$22++), crafted with mao shan wang durian purée. Served warm, the soufflé is paired with a coconut sorbet. 

Mott 32

For a limited time, guests can enjoy the restaurant’s signature applewood-roasted Peking duck, renowned for its crispy lacquered skin and fork-tender meat, at a celebratory S$88 (usual price S$148++). The dish takes over 48 hours to prepare before being roasted to perfection and expertly carved tableside. 

Available only with advance bookings for groups of four or more, it will be available from now till the end of August, to be served during designated dinner slots from Monday to Wednesday.

Origin + Bloom

Origin + Bloom gets into the patriotic spirit from 4 to 10 August with tribute to Singapore’s hawker heritage and childhood favourites.

Among the savoury highlights is the white cut chicken sandwich (S$15 nett), a sophisticated twist on the beloved Hainanese staple, with poached Sakura chicken between milk buns, finished with a swipe of ginger-scallion relish. The satay peanut butter (S$8 nett) takes grilled chicken and elevates it with crispy shallots and a spiced peanut caramel, a rework of satay sauce. 

Dessert lovers will be drawn to the rainbow toast (S$12 nett), a nod to the colours of traditional ice cream bread, reimagined with pandan chiffon and layers of cempedak and bandung crémeux. The ice kacang (S$12 nett) is transformed into an intricate multilayered dessert, featuring azuki bean cake, white corn mousse, and a cendol gula melaka filling. 

Other standouts include the kueh bahulu (S$12 nett), infused with Tahitian vanilla Bavarian cream and acacia honey, and the dragon’s treasure (S$8 nett), which pairs red dragon fruit purée with Greek yoghurt cream. 

RISE 

Available up to 31 July for both lunch and dinner, a celebratory menu presents an elevated interpretation of traditional local favourites. Guests are encouraged to come on National Day (9 August), where they will be able to enjoy the full suite of dishes. 

Till 17 July, the first rotation offers heritage classics with deep local roots. The beef rendang features tender cuts of beef slow cooked in a rich coconut gravy infused with toasted spices. For those who favour bold and spicy fare, devil’s curry stands out with its blend of chilli, vinegar, and aromatics. 

From 18 to 31 July, the second rotation introduces prawn paste chicken, crisp golden wings marinated in fermented shrimp paste, as well as butter chicken, grilled chicken simmered in a creamy spiced tomato-based sauce. To end, the gula melaka chiffon cake combines airy sponge with caramel-like palm sugar notes. 

All six dishes will be served on 9 August. Lunch is available at S$128++, and dinner at S$148++. 

The Club 

Celebrate Singapore’s 60th birthday with a National Day set menu at The Club. Available for one day, 9 August, the two-course experience (S$35++) pairs a mocktail with a choice of one starter and one main.

Starters include chicken satay, featuring tender, grilled skewers marinated in aromatic spices and served with peanut sauce, rice cakes, and cucumber slices.

For mains, the freshwater prawn laksa offers a refined twist on a local classic, served with whole, succulent prawns. Guests who prefer smoky, charred flavours can indulge in wok fried carrot cake, featuring crispy radish cake cubes stir-fried with garlic, eggs, and preserved radish.

Complete the meal with the Lazy Daisy mocktail, a concoction of cherry tomato, strawberry purée, fresh lemon juice, and basil tea, balanced with a dash of black pepper and saline. 

Waku Ghin

Culinary legends Chef Tetsuya Wakuda and Chef Sun Kim walk down memory lane on 1 August at Waku Ghin’s special four-hands collaboration with Meta

Waku Ghin presents a deeply personal collaboration between Chef Tetsuya Wakuda and Chef Sun Kim of two-Michelin-starred Meta this August. Ever since Chef Sun honed his craft under Chef Tetsuya at Sydney’s Tetsuya’s, their culinary paths have been deeply intertwined. 

Now, for the first time since those formative years, the two chefs reunite in the kitchen in an evening that promises an elegant menu that reflects their shared devotion to seasonality, precision, and place. 

Available only on 1 August, the menu (S$588++ per guest) reflects the chefs’ culinary identities and their shared home in Singapore. Chef Sun brings a modern Korean sensibility shaped by his grounding in European techniques, while Chef Tetsuya draws on a lifetime of refined, produce-driven cooking informed by his Japanese heritage and decades in Australia. 

Seating is limited and guests are encouraged to reserve early. 

Source: Marina Bay Sands.
Yardbird's Hainanese chicken chop.

Yardbird Southern Table & Bar

Feast on flavours close to home as Yardbird Southern Table & Bar brings their own spin on Singapore’s heritage classic, the Hainanese Chicken Chop. 

Available only on 9 August, this National Day special reimagines the iconic local dish with a 24-hour brined boneless chicken thigh, fried to golden crispness, dressed in a maple sweet and sour sauce, and served with Southern slaw, sundried tomatoes, petit pois, and golden house fries. 

Reservations

Black Tap Craft Burgers & Beer: marinabaysands.com/restaurants/black-tap.html 

Bread Street Kitchen: marinabaysands.com/restaurants/bread-street-kitchen.html

CUT: call +65 6688 8517 or visit marinabaysands.com/restaurants/cut.html

KOMA Singapore: e-mail koma.reservations@marinabaysands.com 

Maison Boulud: marinabaysands.com/restaurants/maison-boulud.html 

Mott 32: marinabaysands.com/restaurants/mott32.html 

Origin + Bloom: marinabaysands.com/restaurants/origin-and-bloom.html 

Rise: marinabaysands.com/restaurants/rise.html 

The Club: call +65 6688 5568 

Waku Ghin: marinabaysands.com/restaurants/waku-ghin.html

Yardbird Southern Table & Bar: marinabaysands.com/restaurants/yardbird-southern-table-and-bar.html