Speculative Fiction

**Black Hat Asia 2026** is returning to Marina Bay Sands, Singapore, from **April 21–24,** bringing together global security leaders, researchers, and practitioners for of Briefings, training, and cutting-edge insights. **Division Zero (Div0)** is proud to support this year’s event as a partner. Members can **redeem code DIV0500 for S$500 off a Live Briefings Pass** or a complimentary Business Hall Pass. Black Hat Asia continues to be one of the most influential cybersecurity gatherings in the region—featuring world-class research, hands-on learning, and unmatched networking opportunities. **Registration is open: [https://blackhat.com/asia-26/registration.html](https://blackhat.com/asia-26/registration.html)** Don’t forget to come visit us at the **Div0 booth** on 23-24 April! Looking forward to seeing the community come together in Singapore. See you there!

**Novel Biological Aging Clocks** Prof. Jan Gruber from NUS will introduce aging clocks - research tools that estimate biological age rather than just calendar age. These clocks are built from measurable biological signals, such as patterns in DNA methylation, blood biomarkers, and metabolic data, that change in predictable ways over time. In this talk, he will explain how aging clocks are developed, what they can and cannot tell us about health and lifespan, and how scientists use them to study disease risk, lifestyle effects, and interventions that may influence the rate of aging. This talk is designed for everyone who wants to take their health into their own hands, making informed decisions. Opening remarks by: Dr. Hisham Badaruddin Kamil Pabis, MSc 23rd of April, 7 pm (please be on time) Location: TSquared Health, L9 SBF (level 9, rootftop) 160 Robinson Rd, #05-02 · 8749 5846 We thank [https://xandrolab.com](https://xandrolab.com/?srsltid=AfmBOopQnhnmh3hWOnQzwAg3j8t7Hemy0SWxXa6trkrGjnrnj9jJD4Ra) for the refreshments. Notes: Please remember that the venue has limited capacity and the event is first come first serve. For reference, our new venue is slightly larger than the last one.

FOC. Room opens 6.30pm for networking. Meeting starts 7pm sharp. Free of Charge. Meeting on Zoom. Come Upgrade yr Public Speaking Skills & Leadership skills at the most premier club in Singapore. 1st IN THE WORLD to qualify for 10/10 of the distinguished club program. The club which clocks in all the Memberships ribbons conquer yr Fear of Public Speaking. Singapore's Top Public Speaking Club. FREE OF CHARGE (Usual $10/meeting)

**[PLEASE RSVP HERE](https://www.eventbrite.sg/e/tax-savvy-law-smart-the-line-between-avoidance-and-evasion-in-singapore-tickets-1985289143270?aff=oddtdtcreator&keep_tld=true)** Where does legitimate tax planning end and legal tax evasion begin? In this session, Lancaster Lee will share practical insights into Singapore’s tax framework and clarify the often-misunderstood boundary between tax avoidance and tax evasion. Drawing on his experience from the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore and his work advising businesses, Lancaster will join Mr Chung Ting Fai, to discuss regulatory perspectives for "Law Smart and Tax Savvy", compliance considerations, and common pitfalls faced by SMEs and professionals.Join us at the Duxton Hill on 23 Apr Thur night, to learn more and ask your questions freely! This talk will be particularly relevant for entrepreneurs, startups, finance professionals, and business owners seeking a clearer understanding of responsible tax planning in Singapore. **Date & Time:** 23 Apr 2026 Thur 7.30-9.30pm **Agenda:** 7.30pm Open door 8pm Tax Planning: The Line Between Avoidance and Evasion in Singapore \| Law Smart and Tax Savvy 8.45pm QnA & Networking, till 9.30pm **[PLEASE RSVP HERE](https://www.eventbrite.sg/e/tax-savvy-law-smart-the-line-between-avoidance-and-evasion-in-singapore-tickets-1985289143270?aff=oddtdtcreator&keep_tld=true)** **Speaker:** **Mr. Lancaster Lee, Managing Director of One Tax CM Pte Ltd** Lancaster started his career with the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore and founded co-founded his firm One Tax CM in 2018. He was elected as a council member at the Chartered Secretarial Institute of Singapore and a member of the SME Technical Tax Committee by the Singapore Chartered Tax Practitioners where he engages in frequent dialogue with the regulators. Lancaster is also a trainer at the Tax Academy Singapore. **Mr Chung Ting Fai, Founder of Chung Ting Fai & Co** A veteran lawyer with more than three decades’of experience my practice straddles both contentious and non-contentious work. For non-contentious work, his focus is on wealth management and private clients’matters be it in Singapore or China where Mr.Chung is well regarded by the legal profession in China. Mr.Chung received many referrals from well established laws firms in China including Yingke, Jingshi and Han Sheng just to name a few. Mr.Chung advise wealthy families and family office from China, Japan, ASEAN and Africa on business structuring, investment immigration, trusts, legacy and estate planning. **Location:** Private Club in Duxton Hill (will reveal after registration) **\*Inclusive of 2 non-alcoholic softdrinks per person, without food.Other alcoholic drinks available on own budget** **[PLEASE RSVP HERE](https://www.eventbrite.sg/e/tax-savvy-law-smart-the-line-between-avoidance-and-evasion-in-singapore-tickets-1985289143270?aff=oddtdtcreator&keep_tld=true)** Note: As we aim to encourage a professional atmosphere at the event, Multi Level Marketing activities and any form of harassment are strictly prohibited.After the RSVP, you will receive the address & contact so please keep an eye on the confirmation page, confirmation email & reminder email. Who is the Host? [Eric Tse](https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric426/) See you! **[PLEASE RSVP HERE](https://www.eventbrite.sg/e/tax-savvy-law-smart-the-line-between-avoidance-and-evasion-in-singapore-tickets-1985289143270?aff=oddtdtcreator&keep_tld=true)**

**Grow Your Business Through Genuine Relationships** This weekly referral networking session brings together SME owners and professionals who are focused on building meaningful business relationships and expanding their client base through referrals. Many attendees join to build long-term referral partnerships and expand their professional network with like-minded business owners. [RSVP Here](https://forms.gle/Gt7UemdzUjgRG4ci7) **What Makes This Different** Unlike casual networking events, this session is structured, efficient, and focused on helping attendees build genuine professional relationships. You will meet fellow SME owners and professionals who are actively growing their businesses and open to building partnerships. The session is professionally facilitated to ensure everyone has the opportunity to introduce themselves and connect meaningfully. [RSVP Here](https://forms.gle/Gt7UemdzUjgRG4ci7) **What You Can Expect** • 7.30AM - 9.30AM • Structured introductions from attendees • Opportunity to present your business and services • Referral and opportunity sharing • Professional networking with SME owners and professionals The environment is welcoming, professional, and respectful of your time. [RSVP Here](https://forms.gle/Gt7UemdzUjgRG4ci7) **Who Is This For** This session is suitable for: • SME owners • Business owners and founders • Lawyers and legal professionals • Doctors and medical professionals • Consultants • Immigration service providers • Accountants and professional service providers • Professionals responsible for business growth and client acquisition Whether you are growing an established business or expanding your professional network, this session provides valuable connections. [RSVP Here](https://forms.gle/Gt7UemdzUjgRG4ci7) **What To Bring** • Name cards • A short introduction of your business • A professional mindset [RSVP Here](https://forms.gle/Gt7UemdzUjgRG4ci7) **Why Attendees Attend Regularly** Many attendees find this to be one of the most effective ways to: • Build trusted professional relationships • Increase referral opportunities • Expand their business network • Stay connected with the local business community [RSVP Here](https://forms.gle/Gt7UemdzUjgRG4ci7)

**Coworking for writers in your area** Join us for some focused writing time on Wednesdays and Thursdays at 10am....All writers and all experience levels are welcome, and don’t worry, no one will see what you've written. This session is about getting your writing done and meeting other writers in your area. When you show up, say hello to everyone, grab a drink, and get your writing tools ready. Once you’re all settled, take some time to chat with your fellow writers. Once everyone’s arrived, I will lead quick introductions and then set the timer for our quiet and focused writing session. Afterward, we’ll have time to chat and get to know each other. We often talk about our successes and challenges as writers. If you don’t have time to stick around, no worries! **A note about the format** We don’t host critiques or readings. These events are a safe space for writers of all skill levels and genres to work on their craft, so no one will read or critique your writing. For our full event schedule, visit [https://shutupwrite.com](https://shutupwrite.com/). **Other Important Details:** **WiFi**: Simply Bread cafe does not have wifi, but if needed, you can use the one from next door at CBTF. **Address**: Simply Bread, 1 Fifth Ave., #01-03 Guthrie House, Singapore 268802. **MRT stop**: Blue line, Sixth avenue **Parking**: Basement parking available at Guthrie House **Venue Guidelines**: Please thank our hosts by purchasing something. **What to Bring**: Your FULLY CHARGED laptop / digital writing device - there are no power outlets available there.

Bring your writing toolkit, charged batteries (social and electronic) and a writing agenda two hours long! Join fellow writers/journalists embarking on their journey towards Pulitzers and Hugos or maybe a print deadline! We accept researchers and marketers clearing overtime too! :) **We Write Together** is here to start building a writing community and get to know like-minded folk with stories to tell. Let's make new friends! As this is a small group event with limited slots, please keep your RSVP up to date!

### **📚 Wiser & Faster Club - Apr 2026 Meetup** See you at our April 2026 book sharing & discussion meetup. For regular participants, please note this Apr edition will be on a Sun (Versus our usual Sat) due to venue availability For anyone new to the group, Wiser Faster is a space for curious, growth-minded people to come together, share what they’ve learned from a great non-fiction book, and spark deeper conversations. Join us to build a quality network and accelerate your own growth! ### **What To Expect** **📍 Date:** Sun, 26 Apr 2026 **🕙 Time:** 11am–1pm **📌 Venue:** OCBC Bookxcess Level 4, Wisma Atria, Orchard Rd ( https://www.ocbc.com/personal-banking/ocbc-wisma-partners-bookxcess.page ) **👥 Group Size:** Small & focused (15-20pax) so everyone gets to contribute Rather than the _typical_ book club where everyone has to read the same book beforehand, WFC is a relaxed brunch-time huddle with 2-3 “Book Sharers” taking 15min turns to present insights from a piece of non-fiction that they’ve read which is followed by open discussion. Bring your curiosity and let’s bounce ideas around. ### **How You Can Join** **🙋 Learner**-Sit in, listen actively, and join the discussion if you feel like it **📚 Sharer**\- Read a non\-fiction book \(Or Podcast\, TED Talk\, etc\.\) that blew your mind? Present your key takeaways in 15min\-s\. **🎙️ Host**-For returning members keen to try light facilitation or emceeing *"We become good by reading. We become great by writing. We gain mastery by teaching"* ### **Agenda** * Introduce yourselves (15mins) * Sharer A (15mins) * Discussion A (30mins) * Break (15mins) * Sharer B (15mins) * Discussion B (30mins) * Group selfie and break off * Post-event meal, buy your own (OTOT) **[RSVP etiquette]** • Update your RSVP if you can’t attend to help with planning. • No-shows are unfair to those on the waitlist. • Consistent no-shows may result in blacklisting from future events 📩 *Interested in being a future sharer or Host? Let us know via this form https://forms.gle/8U3oJ64sfrieYxNb9* _Join our Telegram channel to talk to other WFC members and get the latest updates https://t.me/+Im6CfPzD60RlNTA1_ Let’s get Wiser, Faster - Together.

Where does genuinely new stuff come from, and what does the answer obligate us to do? We are primates, evolved for the African Savana, with meat machines in our heads. These meat machines can do something curious: they can imagine. Even further, they can be “creative”; that is, they can imagine something “novel”. At first glance, imagination seems like a cute quirk. We can imagine fantasies, tell fun stories, paint pictures, make gadgets. Some of these stories we deem “creative” or “novel”. But what actually counts as “new/creative”? The commonly used notion for “creative” in various domains of study is the creation of something “novel” and “useful/appropriate”. “Novel” ensures the new idea/invention is not just a basic recombination of old things. “Useful/appropriate” ensures that the idea is meaningful, reveals something interesting, and is not just a random mess. Both of these terms are broad and contentious (intentionally so). Who defines what is “novel” or useful/appropriate”? Should it be defined by the individual who originated the idea, or by the social judgment of peers, or specifically by experts, or by history/those who come later? The **Systems Model** recognizes that “creativity” is not a property determined by individuals, but through an interaction between the domain/field of innovation, the social ecosystem (gatekeepers, institutions, etc.), and the innovation itself. Other views emphasize the **cognitive mechanisms** of creativity. New ideas do not emerge “de novo”, they emerge from a recombination of past ideas, with a novel “transformation of the problem space”. Hence, an individual needs to make the creative leap with regards to themselves (their past experiences, cultural knowledge, etc.); it is a mental operation. Even if their new idea might already be known to someone else/the public, if they themselves did not know it, it is still a novel creation for them. Thus the question: Is there a rigorous notion that can tell whether something is “truly novel”, or even quantify how much? And who decides? Beyond the domain of fiction and art, our meat sack brains can also imagine things like multiple dimensions, 4D space, invisible forces, and other notions that at the time were heavily criticized as fanciful thinking (imaginary numbers, non-euclidian geometry, microscopic germs). Our minds were shaped by natural selection to solve savanna-scale problems — predators, social hierarchies, thrown objects. There's no selection pressure for imagining or grasping 11-dimensional string theory or quantum field theory. Feynman himself suspected we might not be able to understand wavefunction collapse or superposition. And human working memory is sorely limited. It is surprising that these ideas turn out to be “*real”*. They explain the physical world and give us tremendous power over it. Sometimes, increasing our power over the physical world depends on creating ever more “novel” ideas/absurdities (e.g. Infinite dimensional vector spaces. Subatomic particles. Quantum phenomena. etc.) Outlandishness is not sufficient for scientific success, but those ideas that yielded the greatest increase in understanding/power were often the most outlandish. In other words, the degree of “creative novelty” in science is proportional to the degree of increased physical power we gain. Is there a limit to what our brains can conceive? Science and art are very different domains. But therein lies the puzzle: the process of creativity deployed in science seems no different from the process of creativity deployed in art; so perhaps the same process is generating novelty in both. This suggests a tantalizing unity of what it means to be “novel”. If the same process generates “novelty” in 2 (seemingly) different branches: art and science, and one branch leaves physical traces, then “novelty” might not be mere arbitrary social judgment. Discussion Questions: * What counts as “creative”/”novel”? Who judges this? Is it an individual or social or objective judgment? How do we know whether something is “new” or not? Are we just “doing whatever we do?” * Operationally, how does creativity work? How does creativity “create new things”? Where does the newness come from? * Is the process of creativity in art, social science, natural science, engineering, technology, all the same underlying process? * If it is the same underlying process, how does “novelty”/creativity in science relate to creativity in art? * What’s the difference between imagination, creativity, and knowledge? * Is society obligated to create the conditions necessary for people to engage their creativity? If we disable people’s creativity, is that a form of mind control?

## 🎲 Board Game Night @ Good Speed Game Cafe **Entry fee : FREE** **Time:** 5:00 PM – 09:00 PM Location: **Good Speed Game Cafe** 710A Ang Mo Kio Ave 8, #02-2625 3-minute walk from Ang Mo Kio MRT (Above 24-hour Scarlett Supermarket思家客 and Maybank) ### Games Line-Up * Avalon * Coup * Saboteur * Plus a variety of board games from our shelves * Werewolf - Social deduction game if there is at least 5 players and above Open to the public and Good Speed members. Come solo or bring friends — we’ll coordinate tables so no one feels left out. ### 🎁 Member Perk Good Speed members who complete the full 3-hour session will receive: **2 hours complimentary usage** of: 1. Board games 2. High-performance PCs 3. Consoles

Yup, that's right... We're kicking off a mission in 2026: to hunt down and give our own honest seal of approval to Singapore's Michelin hawker stalls! Inspired by that infamous Tik-Toker who went on a quest to "expose" all the Michelin hawkers, we figured, why not make up our own minds? See for ourselves if the food really lives up to the hype or not. So come join us on this adventure – kill two birds with one stone: eat damn shiok food, enjoy solid meals together, and build community along the way. Who's in? Shiok ah! 🚀🍲 **Details:** 📅 **Date**: 25th April 2026 🕝 **Time**: 12:00pm - 5:00 pm 📍 **Location**: TBA I've curated some stores for selection based on their availability. Make your selection below or make a suggestion of your own by leaving down comments on our social media page :D https://tinyurl.com/cvcbc98p ^^ Above is the link to the slido poll page to make your selection. Polling will start from April 11th 2026 to April 17th 2026

Welcome to the Party of Fives Meetups! If you are a gamer who wants to go beyond the usual PARTY gaming fare at boardgame meetups and cafes, this is it! We don't usually play Cards against Humanity, Exploding Kittens and Unstable Unicorns. That's just us. Make us play if you can. We will be playing an assortment of board games ranging from light strategic kinds to heavy thematic ones. Games we usually play range from light ones like Azul, Splendor, Jamaica to medium ones like Yokohama, Endeavor and Nippon and of course heavy ones like Twilight Imperium, Gloomhaven, Tainted Grail and Kingdom Death Monster! Do not be surprised if you see us painting miniatures or are engaged in some sort of insanely time-consuming enhancements towards our game elements in our games. Everyone get their kick in different ways. :) Painting groups are also in their groups of fives ... For the game designers out there, just tell us that you are a creator when you see us and we will have our own private creative sessions mapped out in a feasible way. Most others don't care so we should not disturb the force unnecessarily. We will contact you when you sign up and place you into appropriate messaging groups with different needs to facilitate further communication. Total noobs are totally welcome! While we don't serve food ourselves, we are smack right in the middle of the legendary Golden Mile premises with an huge range of eateries from super curry puffs, loud Japanese izakaya food, heavenly chicken rice with steamboat, hellish black burgers and authentic Thai food that is just sick. All within a pebble's throw away. Tea and dinner sessions (at our own expenses) usually follow the gaming sessions according to our designated groups. Due to the current Covid-19 and social distancing restrictions, you are not allowed to join us for these food consuming sessions only. For your understanding, please If you have something specific in mind, do a shout out below and we see if we can help within reasonable grounds. There will be a charge of SGD $15 (ARENA: $15), (HEAVY/CAMPAIGN GAMES: $25) collected at the door (in cash) to help with the running of the event. How to sign up for our sessions: • Join the Singapore Manga Anime Games & Cosplay Assembly as a member. • RSVP below and retain a screenshot of your RSVP as proof. • Note that without proof of RSVP you will not be allowed into the premises. • Note that those who sign up but do not show up will not be allowed to sign up for future Party of Five sessions. • Note that RSVP closes 6 hours before the event takes place. For those who will like to form groups to play other games, feel free to shout out your intentions at the comments section below: Note that there won’t be any game masters around to help you with your games on site. The meetup will run from the time stated to the time ended. By signing up for this meetup, you agree to the terms and conditions set above.

We had Ska l[ast year for one of our online meets](https://caravanserai.me/16jul2025), discussing her life in Danang. Ska is stopping by Singapore for a bit, and I'm meeting her to talk about travels and her experience of living and working as a remote digital professional in Malaysia and Vietnam. You are welcome to join us. The meet location is near Arab Street.

**💓 Speed Dating from Home – Meet Detroit Singles Live on Zoom** A straightforward, fun way to meet local singles without stepping out. It's simple: complete a short personality quiz, jump on Zoom, and meet Detroit singles in guided one-on-one rounds. Matches shared afterwards. **Choose your age range to register:** - **Ages 18-32** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=476.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Detroit&groupurlname=dynamic-local-singles-speed-dating-meetup&ar=18-32&face_v=3.0) - ⚡ **Ages 30-46** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=476.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Detroit&groupurlname=dynamic-local-singles-speed-dating-meetup&ar=30-46&face_v=3.0) **⚠️ Your RSVP doesn't guarantee a place.** Click your age group link below, register, and take the personality quiz to lock in your spot. Limited places. --- ✅ **You will like this if:** - Anyone curious about speed dating in a relaxed setting - People re-entering the dating scene after a break ⭐ *"10/10. The host was fantastic and I actually had fun on the dates."* – Detroit first-timer 🗂 **Quick details** - 🌍 **Format:** Virtual on Zoom – hosted and well-structured - 🎉 **Location:** Wherever you're comfortable – no venue, no travel 🔄 **What to expect** 1. **Register** – Select your age group above and sign up. 2. **Fill in the matching quiz** – Helps us find your ideal matches for the evening. 3. **Log in** – Connect to the Zoom session from home. The host runs the show. 💡 **Tip:** Just be yourself. That's always the best approach. --- ✨ Speed dating from home — easy, fun, and personality matched. � ✨ Lean version: fewer words, same core offer. Fast to read, easy to act on.

Private Group. Closed to the Public Knowing ourselves and understanding our abilities is the first step toward wielding our gifts with control and accuracy. In subsequent classes we will verify and hone our talents with activities and discussion. These are hands-on workshops and participation is expected. The goal of our series will be to develop expertise in areas of particular interest such as mediumship, channeling, divination, healing and, etc.. Our ultimate directions will be determined by class members as we evolve. I look forward to sharing and discovering with you. - Cynthia

Attend a free seminar on how to have successful and lasting relationships. At this seminar you will learn: How to spot and handle negative and toxic relationships. How to get through the "rough patches" in a relationship. How to choose the right people to work with. The three things that make or break any relationship. How to make a good relationship great. All are welcome. Be sure to click on the red "Attend" button below to come to this local event. We look forward to seeing you there. Hosted by the Dianetics and Scientology Life Improvement Center of Central Ohio.

This month we’ll be reading Assassin’s Apprentice by Robin Hobb. Feel free to come even if you don’t finish the book!

This is a free, in-person meeting on the subject of betrayals, losses and how to get over them so you can build lasting relationships. Burdened by a stressful relationship? Unhealthy relationships can trigger feelings of anger, despair or self-doubt. They can create dwindling spirals of fights and seeking to make-up, or trying to “pin the blame” on someone or something. If you don’t find the RIGHT reasons, or select the correct sources of the problem, the problem can just get worse and worse. Whether in love or personal ties, with friends or at work, our life really IS affected by the quality of our relationships. Good ones can promote pleasure and survival while less optimum ones can lead to annoyance, anger, self-doubt, stress, or even affect our health and ability to survive well. Whether you are suffering from a divorce, or a painful break-up, don’t know who to trust (or who to CHOOSE) as a partner, friend, boss or employee - the anxiety of relationship troubles can really make a mess of things. Maybe you’ve suffered a betrayal, or are dealing with hostility or criticalness or invalidation. Dwindling relationships can involve destructive behavior, where we hurt those we love, or start succumbing to self-destructive thoughts, attitudes or behaviors that spiral out of control and affect much more than our immediate relationship. Past losses in love or life can affect how we act or react to new people and situations and hold us back from even starting to create new, possibly great relationships! How can one get back onto a saner course of action? Come to our Meetup, where we can introduce you to some of the knowledge, tools and techniques of the breakthroughs in the field of the mind that we can apply to this ever important area of life: human relationships! Break free from self imposed limitations Here we will discuss: • How to “erase” the trauma of past hurts and betrayals so that one isn’t always repeating past mistakes. • Why and how do the negative emotions of others affect you? • Why is my partner withdrawing and what can I do about it? • Why do we sometimes feel compelled to hurt the ones we love? • Fights & arguments - what's really behind them? • What underlies “corrosive criticism” or the need to invalidate self or others? • How one can stably change one’s outlook on life so they can affect positive change? • Where do compulsive destructive behaviors come from and what can be done about them? • How to form closer bonds & keep growing the relationships with the people you care about? • How to enhance one’s own ability to survive and create positive healthy relationships whether in love, family & friendships or in work, business or one’s career? Relationships can be hard and life itself IS challenging. Why not arm yourself with the knowledge and breakthroughs that have been made about the mind, mental reactions & interpersonal relationships, so that one has better awareness and control over themselves and life in general. Learn where painful experiences are “stored” and how they can unknowingly affect us. You will also find out how one can “erase” those past painful experiences so that one is free to move forward without being tripped up by the past. Learn too, about what can lead some people to become “toxic” personalities and how to identify those traits in others so you won’t be tripped up trusting the wrong person. Our free Meet-ups occur in a safe environment where one can learn, without fear of judgment or criticism, and without the recommendation of harmful mental techniques or therapies, just how YOU can get yourself onto a happier & more successful path: in love & in life. We look forward to having you join us! This class is sponsored by the Dianetics & Scientology Life Improvement Center of Central Ohio.