Justin Vanderstraaten, Author at RICE

79 Articles

JannPaul: The Dark Horse of the Diamond Industry

JannPaul: The Dark Horse of the Diamond Industry

Photography by Zachary Tang It’s 2020—10 years since JANNPAUL opened their doors and they haven’t slowed down one bit. This is apparent through their internet presence and immense reviews online. Either you’ve heard of them, or someone you know has bought from them before. Regardless

by Justin Vanderstraaten

April 30, 2020

Vice or Virtue: Inside the Minds of Ah Peks Who PCC Every Day

Vice or Virtue: Inside the Minds of Ah Peks Who PCC Every Day

All images by Dennis Khung. In the middle of a quiet Chinatown, two men sit across from one another, a small crowd huddled around them. The first looks to be around 60. Cigarette dangling from his discoloured lips, he studies the board in front of him, eyes darting between the numerous black s

by Justin Vanderstraaten

February 10, 2020

We Think Being Grown Up Means Having Life Figured Out. What If We Never Do?

We Think Being Grown Up Means Having Life Figured Out. What If We Never Do?

Images: Zachary Tang. This is the fifth in a series of stories told to us by Singaporeans from varying walks of life. The process was simple: meet someone on the street and spend time with them talking about life. Singaporeans often think other Singaporeans are boring, but everyone has a story t

by Justin Vanderstraaten

January 19, 2020

The Dream Trip: Tasmania with My 53-Year-Old Mother

The Dream Trip: Tasmania with My 53-Year-Old Mother

Images courtesy of Felicia. There are many ways Singaporeans practice filial piety. For example: giving their parents a portion of their income every month, taking over the household finances, or by doing the chores. Last year, 26-year-old Felicia Lim, decided to show her parents her gratitu

by Justin Vanderstraaten

January 19, 2020

3 Different Generations on What Reunion Dinner Means To Them

3 Different Generations on What Reunion Dinner Means To Them

(Top image: Giant) Of all the customs and traditions associated with the Lunar New Year, none is more sacred than the reunion dinner. No new year clothes? Totally fine. Failing to Marie Kondo your room? Just be prepared for the lecture on how it’s not the year of the pig. Ditch the re

by Justin Vanderstraaten

January 17, 2020

Grindsets

The Road to the Singaporean Dream: Blue-collar Edition

The Road to the Singaporean Dream: Blue-collar Edition

Images: Zachary Tang. This is the fourth in a series of stories told to us by Singaporeans from varying walks of life. The process was simple: meet someone on the street and spend time with them talking about life. Singaporeans often think other Singaporeans are boring, but everyone has a story

by Justin Vanderstraaten

January 16, 2020

Hidden Values: One Woman’s Quest to Preserve Our Culture

Hidden Values: One Woman’s Quest to Preserve Our Culture

Images: Zachary Tang. This is the third in a series of stories told to us by Singaporeans from varying walks of life. The process was simple: meet someone on the street and spend time with them talking about life. Singaporeans often think other Singaporeans are boring, but everyone has a story t

by Justin Vanderstraaten

January 15, 2020

Drugs, Cash, and Prison. When Does Enough Become Enough?

Drugs, Cash, and Prison. When Does Enough Become Enough?

Images: Zachary Tang. This is the second in a series of stories told to us by Singaporeans from varying walks of life. The process was simple: meet someone on the street and spend time with them talking about life. Singaporeans often think other Singaporeans are boring, but everyone has a story

by Justin Vanderstraaten

January 14, 2020

Everyone Deals With Loss Differently. For This Man, It’s Through Music

Everyone Deals With Loss Differently. For This Man, It’s Through Music

Images: Zachary Tang. This is the first in a series of stories told to us by Singaporeans from varying walks of life. The process was simple: meet someone on the street and spend time with them talking about life. Singaporeans often think other Singaporeans are boring, but everyone has a story to t

by Justin Vanderstraaten

January 13, 2020

Long Live the Arcade: How We Grew Up With the Arcade & What it Means to Us Now

Long Live the Arcade: How We Grew Up With the Arcade & What it Means to Us Now

All images by Zachary Tang. The first time I drove a car, I wrecked it. Soon after my tiny hands gripped the unfamiliar steering wheel, and my little foot stomped on the accelerator pedal, keeping control fast became an ever-shrinking spot in the rear-view mirror. The result was pure carnage.

by Justin Vanderstraaten

January 9, 2020

Grindsets

Inside the Brain of A Pawnshop Owner

Inside the Brain of A Pawnshop Owner

All images by Zachary Tang. Living in Singapore is expensive. The cost of education is increasing. The Goods and Services Tax (GST) is continually going up. Public transport fare hikes have made getting around more expensive than ever. Car? Sorry, can’t afford it. The money crunch gets wo

by Justin Vanderstraaten

December 19, 2019

More Than Just Whining: How Singaporean Youths Are Tackling the Problems of Today

More Than Just Whining: How Singaporean Youths Are Tackling the Problems of Today

All talk, all action.

by Justin Vanderstraaten

November 29, 2019