Relish, a home-grown burger restaurant, and Ibid, a fine-dining establishment, will shut their doors in March as Singapore’s food and beverage sector continues to face headwinds.
Founded by chef Willin Low, Relish, the casual 80-seat eatery at Cluny Court, will close on March 29 after a 19-year run.
It has built a loyal following for signatures such as the Bacon & Double Cheese Beef Burger and Ram Lee Beef Burger alongside pasta dishes including Hae Bee Hiam Spaghettini and Roketto Oyster Omelette Spaghettini.
Low, 54, told The Straits Times on Feb. 10 that the landlord has secured a new tenant for the space.
Relish currently employs 11 full-time and three part-time staff.
Also set to close in March is Ibid, a 16-seat fine-dining restaurant in North Canal Road helmed by Woo Wai Leong, winner of the 2015 reality cooking show MasterChef Asia.
Leong opened the restaurant in 2017, serving tasting-menu dinners focused on Asian flavors, Asia One reported.
The final day of service has yet to be determined.
The closures come amid continued turbulence in the food and beverage sector.
According to statistics from the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority, 3,148 food businesses ceased operations in 2025, up from 3,047 in 2024.
Recent closures include French restaurant and wine bar Loulou in Keong Saik Road, Chef’s Tavern, Spanish establishments Sabio and Sugarra, contemporary Asian restaurant Asu, brunch spot Open Farm Community, Tiong Bahru Bakery Safari in Dempsey, Korean restaurant Onmi, Ruth’s Chris Steak House and Hooters in Clarke Quay.
Tourists enjoy the beach at the Mediterranean Sea in Lloret de Mar, Spain, July 11, 2025. Photo by Reuters
Spain is seeking to rebalance tourism and daily life after a record influx of visitors in 2025 intensified pressure on housing and living costs for residents.
The country welcomed 96.8 million foreign tourists last year, a 3.2% increase from 2024, making it the second most visited country globally, behind France with 105 million visitors, according to figures released on Feb. 3 by the National Statistics Institute.
While the surge underscores the sector’s strong recovery, it has also fueled growing public dissatisfaction, Euro News reported.
Residents in major destinations have raised concerns about overcrowding, rising house prices, limited housing supply, and the strain on resources such as water, particularly where tourism infrastructure has expanded, 路透社 reported.
Many also say higher living costs mean they can no longer afford holidays in their own resort areas.
City centers have been especially affected, as the spread of short-term rentals has reduced long-term housing availability and driven up rents, adding to tensions between locals and visitors.
Spain’s tourism ministry said in a statement the increase in visitor numbers and spending aligns with its goal of transforming the sector into a more sustainable model that prioritizes quality over quantity, aiming to reduce social and environmental pressures while maintaining economic benefits.
The “quality over quantity” approach is already evident in Spanish cities, which have moved to cap the number of licenses issued for short-term rentals, issued guidelines to visitors on meeting local etiquette expectations, and tightened rules on public behavior — including bans on smoking on beaches, according to Travel Tomorrow.
Over centuries the Drukpa Lineage has become the central religious tradition in Bhutan, shaping the cultural identity of this South Asian nation renowned for its Gross National Happiness index.
Bhutan is a small kingdom on the southern slopes of the Himalayas, situated between India and China, and deeply influenced by Vajrayana Buddhism.
Among its traditions is the Drukpa Kagyu lineage, which has forged the country’s history, authority and culture for centuries, from its name to its national symbols.
Bhutan’s local name is Druk Yul (Land of the Thunder Dragon), and its king bears the title Druk Gyalpo (Dragon King).
The national flag features a dragon along a diagonal line dividing the flag into yellow and orange halves, with yellow symbolizing the king and orange representing the spiritual tradition and the flourishing of Buddhism in general.
Origins of Drukpa Lineage
The Drukpa Lineage traces its origins back 1,000 years to India, beginning with the great Mahasiddha Naropa (1016–1100), known as the “Northern Gate Protector” of the ancient Nalanda University.
It is a branch of the Kagyu (oral transmission) tradition in Himalayan Vajrayana Buddhism, with a lineage transmitted from Vajradhara Buddha to renowned Mahasiddhas Tilopa, Naropa, Marpa, Milarepa, Gampopa.
After Gampopa, the Kagyu tradition divided into several branches.
The Lingre branch, founded by the Mahasiddha Lingchen Repa, became the direct predecessor of the first Drukpa master, Drogon Tsangpa Gyare Yeshe Dorje.
In the late 12th century Tsangpa Gyare, a principal disciple of Lingchen Repa, traveled in search of a sacred site to establish the Namdruk Monastery. He arrived in Nam-gyi Phu, not far from Lhasa, Tibet.
Legend has it that he witnessed nine sacred dragons rising from the earth amid thunderous sounds, leading him to found the Drukpa lineage (Druk meaning “dragon”).
His Holiness Trulku Jigme Chhoeda (C), the 70th and current Je Khenpo (Chief Abbot) of Bhutan, is with His Eminence Thuksey Rinpoche (L) and His Eminence Gyalwa Dokhampa at the Global Peace Prayer Festival in Thimphu, Bhutan in November 2025. Photo courtesy of Drukpa
Over the next five centuries the Drukpa Lineage, led by successive reincarnations of Tsangpa Gyare, grew across the Himalayan region.
Its influence became extensive enough for a local saying to be widely quoted:
“Half the people are disciples of the Drukpa Lineage, Half of the Drukpa disciples are yogis, Half of the yogis are Mahasiddhas.”
In the early 17th century Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the reincarnation of the fourth Drukpa spiritual leader, the omniscient Kunkhyen Pema Karpo, spread the Drukpa Lineage, unified local communities and laid the foundation for the modern Bhutanese state.
Zhabdrung established the “dual system” (Chosi Nyiden), consisting of a religious pillar led by the Je Khenpo (Chief Abbot) and a secular pillar led by the Desi (temporal ruler), while he himself stood as the supreme symbol of the nation.
The national monastic system largely belongs to the Drukpa Lineage and is state-supported. The Je Khenpo, head of the religious pillar, is appointed by the king. This structure remained the country’s distinctive political foundation for centuries.
National rituals, festivals, architecture, and traditional dress all bear the imprint of the Drukpa influence.
From absolute monarchy to constitutional monarchy
In 1907 Bhutan transitioned to a secular monarchy under the Wangchuck dynasty.
Political power became increasingly centralized, gradually replacing the dual system, though the central role of the Drukpa Lineage was maintained.
The current king, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, has reigned since 2006. He serves not only as head of state but is also regarded as the current protector of the Drukpa Lineage.
King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Queen Jetsun Pema in Punakha, western Bhutan, October 2011. Photo by Reuters
In 2008 Bhutan transitioned to a constitutional monarchy and held its first general election.
Although the Constitution does not designate an official state religion, it recognizes the special position of Vajrayana Buddhism in politics and society.
The king continues to serve as patron of religion, while the monastic system remains a moral and cultural pillar of Bhutanese society.
Educated at Oxford University in Britain and the National Defense Academy of India, the king possesses a foundation and skills that enable him to communicate effectively with younger generations.
During public events such as National Day, thousands gather to hear him speak, expressing admiration through songs.
For this reason, King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck is often called the “People’s King,” a title reflecting his close relationship with the people.
He is on record as saying: “Throughout my reign, I will not rule my people as a king. I will protect my people as a father, care for them as a brother and serve them as a son.”
This spirit is reflected in his vision for the Gelephu Mindfulness City, announced in December 2023, a special administrative region that is expected to serve as a catalyst for administrative reform and economic growth.
The King of Bhutan with the Abbess of the Mandala Tay Thien Great Stupa at the Global Peace Prayer Festival in Thimphu, Bhutan in November 2025. Photo provided
Under the project Bhutan plans to build a new, larger international airport with a longer runway capable of accommodating large aircraft flying on long-haul routes.
During the National Day ceremony on Dec. 17, 2025, King Wangchuck announced the allocation of 10,000 BTC (Bitcoin), now valued at around US$650 million, for investment in the project.
“I must ensure that every Bhutanese citizen is a guardian, a shareholder, and a beneficiary of the Gelephu Mindfulness City,” the king stated.
Bhutan is well known for its Gross National Happiness index, which combines Buddhist philosophy with public policy to emphasize balance between material well-being, spirituality, environment, and culture rather than prioritize economic growth at all costs.
The Drukpa Lineage provides the philosophical foundation for this model, enabling people to embrace development oriented toward happiness and well-being rather than solely GDP.
This means Bhutan can keep close ties between religion and state despite integrating into an international order.
International influence of the Drukpa Lineage
With a 1,000-year heritage the Drukpa Lineage holds a distinctive place in Buddhist history. More than 80% of the population of Ladakh, an Indian centrally-governed territory, are its disciples.
It also exerts a broad influence across the Himalayan region, including in Nepal and several northern Indian areas.
In the 21st century the Drukpa Lineage has expanded beyond the Indian Himalayas and is now present in many countries, including in the west.
The current spiritual leader, His Holiness the Gyalwang Drukpa, is influential not only religiously but also in intercultural and social dialogue, with internationally recognized contributions.
Born in 1963 into a renowned family of Vajrayana practitioners in India, he has spent more than 50 years teaching Buddhism worldwide.
He has initiated humanitarian projects and promoted volunteer groups focused on environmental protection, disaster relief, education, healthcare, and heritage conservation.
People gather at the Dharma Assembly Program at Tay Thien Mandala Great Stupa in Vietnam’s nothern province of Vinh Phuc on Feb. 7, 2025. Video by VnExpress
He has visited Vietnam 12 times, most recently in 2025, to take part in activities for praying for peace and prosperity and for cultural and religious exchanges, including a three-day Dharma ceremony at the Mandala Stupa in Dai Dinh Commune, Tam Dao, Vinh Phuc Province, around 80 km from Hanoi.
The Mandala Stupa is situated near the Tay Thien Special National Relic Site. The 37-meter structure is in the architectural style of Himalayan Vajrayana’s great stupas.
Hanoi Railways Company Limited will grant free single-ride tickets to passengers using the Hanoi Metro app or purchasing directly at ticket counters from Feb. 14-22 to meet rising travel demand during the Lunar New Year holiday.
The company described the policy as an early spring gift to residents and visitors, aimed at promoting public transport use, reducing traffic congestion, and providing safe, convenient and environmentally friendly journeys.
During the same period, the Hanoi Traffic Operation Center, in coordination with bus operators, will also waive fares on subsidized bus services. The program will apply to 128 subsidized routes citywide over the nine days, with passengers granted tickets according to route pricing but paying no fare.
According to the municipal Department of Construction, the initiative is intended to support travel to central areas for festive events, enhance Hanoi’s image as a modern and green capital, ease congestion, and improve residents’ quality of life.
The Lunar New Year begins on Feb. 17 and Vietnam will take a nine-day break from Feb. 15 to 22.
Tech billionaires such as Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang and Xiaomi founder Lei Jun are increasingly treated like rock stars in China, where admiration is driven more by their personalities and personal success stories.
Jensen Huang, CEO of the U.S. chip giant Nvidia, recently visited a wet market in Shanghai, where he sampled fruit, chatted with vendors, and handed out lucky money in red envelopes. After his visit, crowds gathered at the stall to take photos and buy the same items, drawing widespread attention.
The following day, Huang traveled to Beijing, dining at a local restaurant and interacting casually with residents, according to Chinese media reports.
Tesla CEO Elon Musk’s 44-hour visit to China in 2023 generated similar enthusiasm. His meals and travel itinerary dominated mainland social media, amassing more than 170 million views. According to China Entrepreneur magazine, customers even flocked to restaurants to try the same dishes Musk ordered.
Nvidia’s CEO Jensen Huang during his China trip in January 2026. Photo from X
Public fascination with tech founders extends beyond foreign executives. A previously obscure village in southern China has become a tourist hotspot, attracting more than 10,000 visitors a day simply because it is the hometown of Liang Wenfeng, founder of Chinese AI firm DeepSeek.
In China, these figures have moved beyond their roles as corporate leaders and are often treated as cultural icons.
“Admiration for tech leaders can be seen as a form of affective politics, but it is not the same as political worship. It often comes from a natural attraction to their personality,” Liu Taishi, a researcher at the Center for Sociodigital Futures at the University of Bristol in the U.K., told the South China Morning Post.
“In the U.S., the personal image of tech leaders is often crafted by public relations, becoming a key part of the company’s assets. As some tech companies face scrutiny from politicians, the public’s admiration for their leaders is often clouded by scepticism, particularly around issues of monopoly,” said Liu.
In China, however, public admiration for billionaires is largely devoid of political undertones.
A study published in Forum on Science and Technology in China found that the personal narratives of prominent tech figures often align with traditional Chinese values, particularly those emphasizing collective identity, hard work, professionalism, and social contribution.
One frequently cited example is Zhou Qunfei, often dubbed the “touchscreen queen.” Zhou dropped out of school at 15 after growing up in deep rural poverty and later built a global touchscreen manufacturing empire supplying companies such as Apple, Samsung, and Tesla.
Tim Cook (center) receives a Labubu doll from Pop Mart CEO Wang Ning (R) and The Monsters creator Kasing Lung. Photo from X
Foreign executives have also strengthened their appeal by engaging directly with Chinese culture. Huang has worn a traditional Tang suit and delivered speeches in Mandarin, while Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates has shared photos of himself enjoying Chinese milk tea on social media.
An investor in Shanghai said the superstar treatment is also strategic, helping amplify corporate influence and fuel market growth.
That effect was visible during Apple CEO Tim Cook’s visit to China late last year. Cook made a surprise appearance on a Douyin livestream to promote the iPhone 17 series and the iPhone Air, quickly pushing the session to the top of social media trending lists. The Air sold out minutes after bookings opened at brick-and-mortar Apple stores in Beijing and Shanghai the following day.
During his livestreaming debut online, Lei Jun, who is regarded as the “grass roots hero” from an ordinary programmer to the founder of tech giant Xiaomi, reached more than 50 million viewers and generated 210 million yuan (US$30 million) for Xiaomi in smartphone and television sales.
Online reactions reflected both enthusiasm and caution. One user wrote that “appearing more like a human rather than a god” helps consumers connect more easily, while another warned: “Personal charm is a double-edged sword. If these tech billionaires lose their reputations, their brands will fall with them.”
McDonald’s Malaysia plans to invest RM1 billion ($254 million) over the next five years to roll out 100 new restaurants, upgrade existing outlets and boost its digital capabilities.
Managing director and local operating partner Datuk Azmir Jaafar said the planned investment underscores the company’s long-term commitment to developing a Malaysian workforce while expanding its restaurant footprint nationwide, according to state-owned news outlet Bernama.
A lady wearing a face mask walks past theMcDonald’srestaurant. Photo by SOPA Images via Reuters
60% of the funding will be allocated for new restaurant openings, while 20% will be for refurbishing and modernising more than 150 existing McDonald’s Malaysia restaurants, and the remaining 20% for technology and digitalization initiatives, he said.
He was speaking at a press conference after the reopening of the McDonald’s Titiwangsa Drive-Thru at Jalan Pahang, the country’s first McDonald’s drive-thru outlet.
Azmir said the company will continue expanding in Sabah and Sarawak as well as throughout Peninsular Malaysia, with a focus on high-demand and tourism-oriented locations.
“We see significant growth potential in Sabah and Sarawak, as there are still many towns without McDonald’s restaurants. At the same time, we will continue to grow in the Klang Valley and other high-growth locations in Peninsular Malaysia,” he said.
In addition, McDonald’s Malaysia aims to grow its franchise network from the current 25 outlets run by 11 franchisees nationwide, with a target of establishing between 70 and 100 restaurants over the next five to 10 years.
“Franchising requires a significant investment of about MYR5 million to MYR7 million per restaurant, with payback periods typically between three to five years, indicating a relatively healthy return,” he said.
The expansion drive is projected to generate more than 10,000 new jobs for Malaysians, consistent with the company’s policy of hiring only local workers.
The quick-service restaurant chain currently operates more than 370 outlets nationwide and achieved 26% year-on-year growth in 2025 despite a difficult business climate.
Azmir said maintaining operational efficiency remains crucial to keeping menu prices competitive.
“In 2025, our menu price increase was about half of Malaysia’s inflation rate, supported by continuous improvements in supply chain efficiency and restaurant operations,” he said.
He added that after 43 years in Malaysia, McDonald’s Malaysia remains dedicated to nation-building through job creation, skills training, support for local suppliers and community involvement.
A Hong Kong man was devastated after learning that his mother had secretly sold all the gold he had been saving for 15 years to help pay for his younger brother’s new apartment ahead of his wedding.
A staff member arranges gold necklaces in a display case at a jewellery store in Beijing. Photo by Reuters
He only discovered the loss when he opened his safe to cash out part of his holdings and found it empty. The gold was estimated to be worth around HK$3.5 million (US$448,000). The man shared online that he had been buying gold every month since graduating, treating it as a long-term plan for his own future home.
When confronted, his mother admitted she had sold everything to help his brother purchase a flat, arguing that the brother would repay him gradually. She reportedly told him to simply start saving again, insisting the wedding could not go ahead without an apartment, according to The Standard.
The argument escalated after his father became enraged, allegedly threatening him with a kitchen knife and ordering him to leave the house. The man then moved into a hotel and later sent his brother a three-day ultimatum via WhatsApp, demanding full repayment or he would report the matter to police and expose it publicly.
His brother attempted to negotiate, saying he needed the money for the wedding and offering to return one-third of the amount within a week. The man refused, saying the gold belonged to him and lamenting that money had damaged their relationship.
The post went viral online, attracting both sympathy and skepticism. The man later explained that his mother knew the safe code because she had often helped him buy the gold, and the receipts were taken during the sale because proof of ownership was required.
Eventually, he decided not to press charges, fearing the consequences for his parents. Instead, he treated about one-third of the stolen amount, roughly HK$1.1 million, as a wedding gift. “As elder brother, I’ve done my utmost. Our bond ends here,” he wrote.
His brother promised to repay the remaining HK$2.75 million by the end of February, while the man said he would move out permanently and skip the wedding.
According to Sing Tao Daily, lawyer Vitus Leung Wing-hang said the act could be considered theft, punishable by up to 10 years in prison, with betrayal of family trust potentially worsening the case.
Kuamut state assemblyman Datuk Masiung Banah urged Sabah’s Agriculture Department to carry out deeper research into the fruit’s nutritional value and explore modern technology to produce high-quality seeds, making large-scale cultivation possible, The Star reported.
