Acclaimed Spanish chef Ángel León, celebrated globally as El Chef del Mar, will soon make his first visit to Asia to headline an exclusive culinary showcase titled “Stars of the Sea: A World Class Culinary Journey” at LUZ Bangkok Tapas Bar, located at INNSiDE by Meliá Bangkok Sukhumvit. The event is being hosted by Meliá Hotels International and will offer a rare chance for diners to experience his innovative approach to sustainable marine gastronomy.

Chef León is known for transforming ocean-based ingredients into groundbreaking culinary creations at his renowned restaurant Aponiente in Cádiz, Spain, which has earned three Michelin Stars and a Michelin Green Star. His work focuses on discovering new sea ingredients, promoting sustainable food sources, and reducing reliance on conventional seafood without harming marine ecosystems.

The event will present three signature dishes by Chef León, paired with three tapas crafted by LUZ chef de cuisine Juan Ignacio “Nacho” García Racionero. Both chefs will share the stories behind their creations, offering guests an insight into unique techniques and experiments that redefine modern cuisine.

After the showcase, LUZ Bangkok Tapas Bar will feature Chef León’s iconic “Plankton Rice” for a limited one-month period. This distinctive dish is made using pure marine phytoplankton, giving it a vivid emerald colour and a flavour reminiscent of the open sea. Marine phytoplankton is considered one of the most sustainable ocean ingredients and is known for its rich nutritional profile.

Chef León is also recognised for his pioneering research on eelgrass, a marine plant that produces small edible seeds similar to rice or quinoa. These seeds grow naturally underwater and require no freshwater, pesticides, or farmland, making them a promising solution for sustainable food production. Eelgrass meadows also help absorb carbon dioxide, supporting healthier marine environments.

Speaking about the event, Tarek Beheiry, General Manager of INNSiDE by Meliá Bangkok Sukhumvit, said:
“It is an absolute honour to share with diners in Bangkok a glimpse into a future in which part of our food system could move from the land to the sea in a sustainable manner and reimagine how we feed the world. Chef León’s culinary talent marks uncharted territory, and how his innovation and creativity intersect with gastronomy and sustainability is an inspiration to all.”

With its blend of storytelling, culinary experimentation and a strong focus on sustainability, “Stars of the Sea” is set to be a memorable experience for food lovers, showcasing how modern gastronomy can inspire new pathways for a sustainable future.

Singapore Sports Hub has officially been renamed The Kallang, marking a major step towards creating more diverse and accessible experiences across sport, entertainment, lifestyle and community. The company that manages the precinct has rebranded itself as The Kallang Group, which will now lead the next phase of growth for this iconic destination.

The Kallang now represents a vibrant and emotional symbol of Singapore’s pride. It brings together all the existing infrastructure that was earlier known as the Sports Hub and aims to become a destination where memorable moments are created for people of all ages.

The new brand name was revealed by Keith Magnus, Chairman of The Kallang Group, and Quek Swee Kuan, CEO of The Kallang Group, in the presence of over 300 partners and stakeholders representing sport, entertainment, lifestyle and community.

Since the government takeover in 2022, The Kallang has recorded strong growth with more event days, higher attendance and a packed calendar of major global events. It has hosted top sporting championships and performances by international stars, strengthening its position as the excitement centre of Singapore. Alongside these, community events like the National School Games and GetActive! continue to bring people together and deepen their bond with the precinct.

Keith Magnus shared, “The launch of The Kallang marks an exciting new chapter for us. Over the past three years, this precinct has transformed into a dynamic hub for world-class sport, entertainment and community life, hosting over 4,000 event days and welcoming more than nine million visitors. The Kallang is a place where global acts, local heroes and everyday Singaporeans unite to share unforgettable experiences that strengthen our national fabric.”

The name “Kallang” carries emotional value in Singapore, as it has always been a space where people come together for celebrations, competitions and historic moments such as the famous “Kallang Roar”. The transition to The Kallang reflects the precinct’s evolution, honouring its sporting legacy while expanding its identity to welcome wider experiences.

The Kallang will continue to focus on delivering world-class events backed by its new tagline, “Feel Alive”. This identity stands on four values, Connection, Vibrancy, Excellence and Leadership. These values aim to build stronger community networks, energise the precinct, offer top-tier experiences and set new benchmarks in the region.

Athletes and global partners also praised the refreshed identity. Yip Pin Xiu, Singapore’s most decorated Paralympian, said that The Kallang will continue inspiring athletes and hosting iconic sporting moments. Industry leaders also highlighted how The Kallang’s capability and efficiency will elevate live event experiences for global audiences.

The Kallang Group also announced an exciting line-up for its annual signature event, Countdown 2026 at The Kallang. The celebration will feature performances, community activities across the precinct and Singapore’s longest countdown fireworks display. Attendees stand a chance to win the first-ever Kallang Pass, offering access to multiple events at the National Stadium and Singapore Indoor Stadium.

Several infrastructure upgrades have been planned to make The Kallang even more vibrant. Visitors can look forward to new alfresco dining concepts, a refreshed waterfront esplanade, upgraded family-friendly zones and Singapore’s first sheltered padel ecosystem. The popular Splash-N-Surf will be enhanced with more play zones, while the climbing walls in the mall will also be upgraded. These improvements will take place in phases while the mall remains operational.

The Kallang Group continues to focus on positive community impact by working with schools, partners and charities to make sports, entertainment and recreational activities more accessible. Since 2023, it has partnered with over 100 charities to create opportunities for beneficiaries to enjoy world-class experiences. The Group now aims to explore a philanthropic fund to further strengthen its community support.

As The Kallang enters this new phase, it remains committed to being a space where Singaporeans can connect, enjoy unforgettable experiences and celebrate moments that bring the nation together.

Preparations on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi have moved into top gear with the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix programme now only days away. With Max Verstappen’s recent win and McLaren’s double disqualification in Las Vegas, the drivers' championship still holds excitement, making the finale at Yas Marina Circuit one of the most anticipated events of the season.

The race, scheduled to take place from December 4 to 7, marks the 24th and final race of the year. After months of planning, the finishing touches are now being added across the island as all 10 F1 teams and 20 drivers prepare to arrive directly after the Sunday race in Qatar.

Last year’s edition welcomed 192,000 spectators over four days, and organisers expect the 2025 event to surpass that number. Fans from 105 countries are travelling to Abu Dhabi, reflecting the global appeal of a race that has become a bucket-list experience for motorsport enthusiasts.

Saif Al Noaimi, CEO of Ethara, shared, “Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is the most anticipated weekend on the region's sporting calendar and the one we prepare for the whole year. The 2025 event promises to be remarkable, with more fans, more racing, more entertainment, and exciting new experiences on and off the track. We cannot wait to welcome everyone in Abu Dhabi.”

Beyond the on-track action, the event is known for delivering one of the finest entertainment experiences in Formula 1. Concerts, afterparties and access to top attractions across the city make the weekend even more special.

This year, the Yasalam presented by e& programme is set to be the most ambitious in its history. Fans can look forward to four nights of After-Race concerts headlined by Benson Boone, Elyanna, Post Malone, Metallica and Katy Perry. The official After-Parties will feature international names like Calvin Harris, Idris Elba and Keinemusik.

David Powell, Chief Strategy & Business Development Officer at Ethara, said, “The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix has become our region's Super Bowl. It is not only a season finale, it is an entertainment powerhouse. From concerts and parties to fashion and celebrities – it is the destination event that draws UAE residents and international visitors for an unforgettable weekend.”

With a potentially title-deciding battle and a world-class entertainment lineup, the 2025 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix promises an electrifying experience for fans from around the world.