By Paige Lee Pei Qi

The Amazing Heritage Race is Food Playground’s latest product, a fun activity that gets teams racing through Singapore’s heritage-rich Chinatown while picking up interesting knowledge about local culture and feasting on popular local eats.

Concept This three-hour outdoor activity combines good food, cultural immersion and fun experiential learning.

Participants are placed in teams and must wind through Chinatown following route markers, overcome road blocks and work through unique challenges, fun detours and a variety of interactive tasks.

The skills and cultural diversity of team members will come through as they have to work closely to solve the various challenges and obstacles in a race against the clock.

MICE application Food Playground can arrange this activity for group with 12 to 60 people. The programme can be customised to accommodate special dietary needs and include Halal, vegetarian or gluten-free food items.

The duration of the race can also be tailored to group’s preference.

The Amazing Heritage Race is also not confined to Chinatown. Groups can choose to race through Tanjong Pagar, which is another heritage enclave within the CBD.

In the event of light rain, disposable ponchos will be provided. The race cannot be conducted in extreme weather conditions and an alternative indoor cooking programme will be activated.

Rates from S$80 (US$60) nett per participant.

For groups desiring a full-day programme, Food Playground can pair the Amazing Heritage Race with a half-day team cook out.

Service The Amazing Heritage Race is hardly the run-of-the-mill races I’ve experienced. Furthermore, what’s there not to love when the activity blends cultural showcase with food and fun games?

Contact www.foodplayground.com.sg/amazing-race-team-building.html

By Yixin Ng

InterContinental Singapore has just completed an extensive multi-million dollar renovation which upgraded its facilities to provide a fresher interior as well as a more comprehensive solution for event organisers.

Rooms All 338 guestrooms in the main wing now flaunt a new look after a round of facelifts was completed in February.

My Club-InterContinental room was as luxurious as one would expect of a higher-tier InterContinental room, and it came with club benefits. But the ultimate luxury for me was the bed. The sheets and duvet were feathery smooth to the touch and the mattress firm and springy.

For those who appreciate more spaciousness, I found that rooms on the top floor have higher ceilings.

MICE facilities The hotel is home to more than 1,000m² of event space, including 11 meeting rooms and a pillar-less ballroom for up to 500 people. Event organisers have even more venues to choose from post-renovation.

Breakouts and networking lunches can be hosted at the chic European brasserie Ash & Elm. A private dining section can seat groups of up to 40, while another for 10 guests is suitable for VIP gatherings.

The newly renovated Presidential Suite welcomes exclusive events too, while the Lobby Lounge, an elegant new space with whitewashed pillars and a subtle blend of classic and contemporary decor, is the perfect spot for pre-event networking or afternoon tea.

Other facilities Fitness buffs can look forward to the upgraded hotel gym. An open studio space complete with yoga mats is also available.

The hotel’s new complimentary guided walking tour can be a potential activity for small-sized corporate groups. Conducted every Saturday, the walking tour visits 20 art institutions and historical sites including the former Saint Anthony’s Convent, now home to the National Design Centre.

Options for retail, dining, nightlife and arts and culture are all within walking distance of InterContinental Singapore, and I’m certain time-starved business travellers will appreciate the convenience.