Indholdsfortegnelse for September 2023 i Robb Report Singapore

If you've read Principles by Ray Dalio, you'll know that one of the greatest talents one can have is the capacity to learn—a single-minded resolve to soak up different forms of knowledge like a sponge. That tenacity has carried Kelvin Tay through his lengthy career thus far. Despite graduating with an art degree, Tay chose to pursue a master's degree in finance at London's Imperial College, right in the middle of the Asian financial crisis. He then made the switch from being a telecommunications analyst to joining the private wealth management arm at Deutsche Bank simply because “it seemed a lot more interesting with more things to learn”. When Tay eventually took over the reins as UBS Wealth Management's chief investment officer (CIO) for South Asia Pacific in 2012, the…

THE POWER ISSUE Theodoric Chew is living proof that taking the road less travelled makes all the difference. Foregoing the conventional route of pursuing a degree, he started his entrepreneurial journey in his youth. At 20, he had already experienced moderate success when he sold his self-help content platform Existgreat to American entrepreneurs. Having faced mental health issues previously, Chew co-founded Intellect in 2019 to make mental health services more easily accessible. Rated one of Google's best apps of 2020 at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Intellect amassed over two million users in a year by providing them with seamless access to comprehensive self-care programmes as well as certified behavioural health coaches, counsellors and psychologists. Despite the platform's remarkable success—it's currently available in 14 languages and across 20 countries…

For Grace Park, DocDoc's founding has always been rooted in a deeply personal experience, one that reflects the poignant incongruence between the cost and the quality of healthcare provided. After a routine test for her infant daughter turned into a diagnosis of a rare liver condition, Park and her husband, Cole Sirucek, sourced the globe for a pioneer of live liver transplants. When they finally found one, they were shocked to discover that the actual cost for the procedure was drastically lower than what had been originally stated during the initial diagnosis. This was despite the surgeon being substantially more qualified and experienced. The importance of data transparency in empowering patients to make better, more informed healthcare decisions couldn't be more starkly emphasised. Today, DocDoc stands proudly as the world's…

THE POWER ISSUE This is not a tall tale. In the 17 years he was at Morgan Stanley, Samuel Rhee consistently sacrificed bonuses and promotions in his quest to expand his professional horizons. Compelled by an urge to grow progressively and laterally rather than remain in any one department for an extended period, he embarked on a trajectory that led to him co-establish Endowus, a rising financial technology company whose proprietary systems provide data-driven wealth advice in constructing personalised solutions at the lowest cost possible. The strides that Endowus is making are admirable and future-shaping. In June, it was named 2023 Technology Pioneer by the World Economic Forum. More recently, the company, which was incepted in 2017, raised a mammoth US$35 million in investor funding, which it will deploy towards…

Having been a prolific investment banker with the likes of Merrill Lynch, J.P. Morgan and BNP Paribas, Cheah Sui Ling brings a unique set of expertise, skills and insights that is highly valuable to Singapore's burgeoning venture capital industry. At Wavemaker, an early-stage venture capital firm with a core focus on enterprise, deep technology and sustainability, she's been able to tap into her extensive banking experience to aid portfolio investments with fundraising and eventual exits, building businesses that have the potential to make a real difference. One such example is EcoSpirits—where she also sits as executive board chair—an innovative company that specialises in circular packaging and a closed-loop distribution system to eliminate packaging waste in the premium spirits supply chain, counting some of the world's largest spirits companies such as…

Although technopreneur David Li is a relentless pursuer of cutting-edge innovations and technologies, his ambition is to build something truly foundational. Li's company, GreaterHeat, provides Web3-based services that include cryptomining, blockchain distributed storage, application software development and cloud computing. But what really underscores the business, he says, is the “building of infrastructure”. Li points to examples such as railway systems, transportation networks, the microchip industry and social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook. “The products of the truly great and powerful companies are all infrastructure-level technologies,” he says. “They are essential and something that we use every day. By making this kind of product, we have a chance to become a great company.” “I have always sought for my businesses to be at the forefront of the latest technologies.” How…

It's impossible to not think of Christine AmourLevar's trajectory in anything other than superlative terms. Growing up in the Philippines, a country beset by one of the highest rates of income equality in the world, she has emerged as a philanthropist and social entrepreneur with a tremendously empathetic heart. Truly, Amour-Levar puts the ‘out’ in outreach. To date, she has led 21 successful expeditions to sites spanning the globe, a feat that hasn't hindered her from also being a published author. In 2017, she founded Her Planet Earth, a global non-profit women's advocacy movement for gender equality and environmental conservation that has so far raised about US$500,000. “I am motivated by the chance to have a positive impact on the world”, she says, affirming that when your heart is in…

THE POWER ISSUE Singapore owes its success to the Singapore River. It is the city's heart, shaped by history, memories and the country's immigrants looking to build a better life for themselves. It's been through plenty, but a team of workers has been putting in the hours, pulling off every placemaking initiative possible to make the Singapore River great again. Thanks to executive director Michelle Koh and her team at Singapore River One, it is now a destination for both locals and tourists, connecting the country's rich past to its present. The not-forprofit private-public partnership has worked hard to make the river a fixture in the city's mental map, where it will continue to be for a very long time. “The potential for making history and creating a legacy motivates…

HUBLOT MP15 Takashi Murakami Tourbillon Hublot's limited-edition watches made in collaboration with Japanese artist, Takashi Murakami, have proven to be huge hits. The MP15 Takashi Murakami Tourbillon takes things to a whole new level, with Murakami's famous flower motif set with rainbow-coloured gemstones that frame a sapphire dial bearing Hublot's first flying tourbillon movement. Lot 30. Estimate CHF350,000 to CHF400,000 JAQUET DROZ The Rolling Stones Automaton Rock and roll never looked so cheeky. Jaquet Droz trains its legendary mastery of animated dials on rock icons The Rolling Stones with this outlandishly colourful creation. Swirls of hippie-esque colours blanket the dial, which features a rotating miniature sculpture of a vinyl affixed with the band member's musical instruments, diorama-style. Lot 32. Estimate: CHF250,000 to CHF300,000 ONCE EVERY TWO years, the world's biggest…

IF YOU ARE not careful, Milan will make your head spin. The city's formidable fashionistas marching from the runway to the streets can leave you breathless. Its iconic architecture, whether it's the majestic Duomo di Milano cathedral or the picturesque buildings lining the old streets of the Brera district, will sweep you off your feet. And not forgetting the art, the shopping, the food and its people that weave constantly and relentlessly into the city's ever evolving tapestry—all of which conspire to overwhelm your senses and make you wonder: which Milan are you experiencing? Pomellato, which was established in Milan 56 years ago, knows the city intimately enough to affirm that there is never just one side to it. Even so, this isn't stopping the Italian jeweller from attempting to…

Cat Bite Club Cats represent a mixed bag; sometimes silly, sometimes sneaky and, most of the time, mischievous and unpredictable. That's basically what you will get at Cat Bite Club, a new speakeasy that's hidden behind what's left of Monument Lifestyle on Duxton Road. Keep your eyes peeled for the Cheshire cat sign, head in and enter the warm embrace of the bar and its founders, Gabriel Lowe (previously at Paradise Lost, Bangkok) and Jesse Vida (Atlas, Singapore). As childhood friends who began their bartending journey in San Francisco in 2007, they have over 30 years of hospitality experience combined, so trust that you will be in good hands. For as long as you are comfortable rubbing shoulders with other patrons in a cosy space, and you love rice and…

There's a scene in a movie. A crowded poker table has been whittled down to two rivals. It's one of those high-anxiety moments, a pile of chips in the middle of the table—he might be bluffing, he might not be. Sweat beads on brows. “Do you have it?” asks the first. “You can find out,” says the other, “for US$50,000.” This is all I can think about when I see a ludicrously expensive cocktail at the bottom of a menu: “Do you have it?” I try to read the room, suddenly playing detective. How did the bartender move behind the bar? Were the other cocktails thoughtful or merely competent? Is the menu clean and unwrinkled? Okay, you're confident enough to put it on the menu—but did you do it right?…

Special Feature YOU CANNOT MISS them: Rimowa's grooved beauties that are wheeled across airport lounges, airborne for thousands upon thousands of miles, before arriving just as impeccably as they departed. The Rimowa luggage, recognised by its iconic grooves that recall the fuselage of early aircraft, has become ubiquitous now. It as much a universal symbol of luxury travel for celebrities and the jetset as it is a safe and reliable companion for intrepid adventurers. And, like any iconic creation, the rise of Rimowa is rich with the histories and stories of people and places that contribute to its legacy. Rimowa, which celebrates its 125th anniversary this year, is retracing its incredible history with a three-stop travelling exhibition. Called Seit 1898, the commemorative showcase debuted in Tokyo in June. It makes…

Star Wars vs Star Trek THERE'S GOLD IN THEM THAR GALAXIES Created by George Lucas in 1977, the original film trilogy has spawned an empire of movies, TV shows, video games, comic books and themepark attractions. Disney bought Lucasfilm in 2012 for slightly less than US$6 billion. THERE'S GOLD IN THEM THAR GALAXIES Created in 1966 by American television screenwriter Gene Roddenberry, the Star Trek realm of television series, films, video games and comic books has been owned in its entirety by Paramount since 1967. IT GETS GREAT MILEAGE A 16-inch model of the Rebel Blockade Runner—the ship seen carrying Princess Leia, R2-D2 and C-3PO in the opening of A New Hope—sold for US$450,000 in 2015. IT GETS GREAT MILEAGE A model of the USS Enterprise-D from Star Trek: The…

Red silk Bruce Oldfield gown worn by the late Princess Diana Bidding commences on 6 September through Julien's Auctions in Beverly Hills, California Julien's Auctions and Turner Classic Movies have linked arms for Legends: Hollywood and Royalty, a blockbuster auction spanning over 1,400 lots of items linked to some of popular culture's most monumental figures. Aptly belonging to the collection is this red silk gown worn twice by the late Princess of Wales, which was made by one of her favourite designers, Bruce Oldfield. The arresting gown features a draped short sleeve bodice, ruching that runs from the waist to hips and a lame tartan motif. Nike Air Jordan 6, White Infrared, 1991, Michael Jordan Dual Signed Bidding commences on 2 September through Heritage Auctions in Dallas, Texas It's almost…

THE POWER ISSUE It is one thing to be a pioneer, but quite another to stay relevant and ahead of the game. When PS.Cafe started in 1999, little did its founders Peter Teo, Philip Chin and Richard Chamberlain expect that it would evolve into one of Singapore's most beloved F&B institutions. PSGourmet Group now counts 11 PS.Cafe outlets, Chopsuey Cafe and Jypsy (an Anglo-Chinese and contemporary Japanese restaurant, respectively) in its portfolio. More pertinently, in a little over two decades, PSGourmet has written—and constantly refined—the blueprint for chic cafe culture in Singapore. In his 14 years with PSGourmet, Edward Lee has been in the thick of things. From being instrumental in expanding the business to weathering a global pandemic that decimated many F&B businesses, Lee reflects that his journey thus…

If you're going to dream, you might as well make it a big one. Despite boasting a stacked resume as executive board member and chief investment officer of Newcom Group, one of Mongolia's largest investment firms, Orchlon Enkhtsetseg left the corporate world in 2021 to start Ureca, a Singapore-based climate technology start-up with groundbreaking applications. Powered by blockchain technology and deep machine learning verification systems, it's the first marketplace that allows for the trading and offsetting of verified, high-quality carbon credits in an open and accessible manner. Support the reforestation of Valle de Iruelas in Ávila, Spain, with 160,000 native plants such as wild pine and birch? Check. Invest in the provision of fuelefficient biomass cookstoves to roughly 250,000 locals in Malawi's Nkhata Bay District? Check. For an intrepid start-up…

Talk is cheap if there is no action. When it comes to championing gender equality, Koh Yan Ping has been tirelessly championing the rights of women since 2008. Formerly the deputy director of the women and family unit at the National Trades Union Congress, and now the CEO of the Singapore Council of Women's Organisations (SCWO), her hands are perpetually full with campaigns to strengthen a woman's place and voice in this world. “The work to reach gender parity is a continuous one,” she says. Even so, Koh harbours plenty of optimism for future generations. Referring to the Reykjavik Index for Leadership 2022/2023 results for Singapore, she tells us that the research shows that youths—both boys and girls—are less prejudiced against women as leaders. Changes are on track, but for…

THE POWER ISSUE Creative Arts Entrepreneur Not many people can claim to have worn as many hats as Prajna Murdaya. Hailing from Indonesia's family-run Central Cipta Murdaya—a conglomerate boasting an extensive foothold in real estate, information technology, timber, engineering and more—he held directorships at Jakarta International Expo (Indonesia's largest exhibition centre), and a footwear factory engaged by behemoths such as Nike and Under Armour, among others. Spurred by a desire to cultivate creative spaces where talent and ideation could bloom, Murdaya left the family business and founded Shoemaker Studios in 2015. Today, it is one of Indonesia's leading recording studios, bagging three AMI Awards (Indonesia's equivalent of the Grammys) for Best Pop Album, Best Jazz Album and Best of the Best, and played an influential role in worldrenowned cellist Yo-Yo…

As an environmentalist, Jasmine Tuan is very much aware that diligently practising what one preaches is foundational for the greater good. And as an ardent lover of clothes, she is intimately aware of the culpability of the fashion industry in taxing the planet. Hence, Cloop (closing the fashion loop), a recycling and upcycling enterprise that aims to minimise overconsumption and waste in the fashion space, a platform from which Tuan's zerowaste gospel can reach the masses. Her ardour has led to swapping, upcycling and recycling blossoming in popularity and regularity at the ground level in Singapore. According to a Straits Times article in July, Cloop helped save over 1.3 million kilograms of clothing from the trash last year. And at last count, it has installed over 300 yellow recycling bins…

THE POWER ISSUE It's a firm testament to Kelvin Lim's leadership qualities and business acumen that LHN Group has grown from a humble sawmill factory to the thriving real estate management services group it is today. Recognising the need to deviate from a traditional space leasing model, Lim chose to adopt a more progressive and diversified approach instead, expanding into the space optimisation, facilities management and logistics sectors. Alongside novel space concepts like 85 SOHO and Work + Store, its flagship co-living brand Coliwoo is one of its most successful space concepts to date. As a second-generation custodian of the family business, Lim's decision to evolve the company helped LHN Limited cement a strong presence in the region with a portfolio of over 2,000 keys, and is a leader in…

Located in Carneros, a Sonoma wine region in California, The Donum Estate boasts critically acclaimed Pinot Noir and Chardonnay as well as one of the largest accessible private sculpture collections in the world. Guests from all over the globe are equally enticed by the silky smooth, robust flavours of Donum wines as well as The Donum Collection, comprising more than 50 outdoor works of art from the likes of Keith Haring, Fernando Botero, Louise Bourgeois, Yayoi Kusama and more. To accentuate the Rolls-Royce Motor Cars experience, I'm taken on a private tour and wine-pairing lunch at Donum. It may be the height of summer in the rest of the US, but the morning weather is a perfect 20-plus degrees in the 80-hectare Estate for an outdoor viewing of the sculptures.…

Tom Ford Stamped nappa outershirt Like two peas in a pod, this Tom Ford outer shirt perfectly complements the brand's Cheetah Print Pony Kurt Chelsea boots. Throw on some light, tailored chinos and you'll have an ensemble that's loaded with primal allure. Kenzo Kenzo-Dome trainers for men Kenzo's skate-inspired sneaker in suede leather elevates streetwear with a touch of luxe. In case you're wondering, Dome is a nod to the iconic Parisian skateboarding landmark located on the grounds of Palais de Tokyo. Brunello Cucinelli Bermuda shorts with cargo pockets Brunello Cucinelli's year-round obsession with elegant, timeless outfits continues with these pared-back Bermuda shorts, characterised by large cargo pockets for added functionality. Dolce&Gabbana Terrycloth Hawaiian shirt with logo tag Oftentimes, the past can serve as a useful sartorial point of reference,…

AS THE SPENDING power of Gen Z consumers grows, so does their appetite. With deeper pockets, Gen Z consumers are forecasted to represent 70 per cent of luxury spending by 2025, Bain & Company reports. In turn, this demands a shift in mindsets and business models on the part of luxury companies. For Gen Z consumers who are ready to spend, a singular opulent handbag, for instance, is but a contender within an extensive array of alternatives. Moving beyond the traditional ideals of luxury that revolve around status and flamboyance, the next generation of luxury spenders look to pursue a more progressive set of values that include sustainability, inclusivity and transparency. Gen Z customers are urging companies to amplify green efforts, propelling systemic change on a broader front, according GWI,…

Robb Reader MOVING BITS WAS born from a trifecta of storytelling powers, acute business instincts and a long-standing love for the transcendental. On paper, the company presents itself as furnishing the ideation and production of creative campaigns for top brands. But what the company really does is carry the torch for humanity's perennial love for stories and the impact that narratives have when they take hold of our consciousness. The global Singapore-born hybrid marketing agency was incepted in 1998 by its CEO Jay Soo, a Cannes Lion-nominated, guitar-playing, popculture savant who also has his finger on the pulse of business. The spirit with which he speaks of his story, of his triumphs over the years, which include winning over titans such as Disney+, the Pan Pacific Hotels Group and Resorts…

SU-ANN HENG is one Singaporean we can be all proud of. The 34-year-old was once the best golfer in Singapore. She competed at the 2005 SEA Games, turned professional in 2011 and spent a good number of years playing on the Epson Tour before retiring in 2015. Life on the green started early for her (she was nine), and although she no longer plays professionally, golf is still a big part of her life. The pivot to the small screen proved to be life-changing for her. Fox Sports Asia called about a pundit gig the same year she retired, and the rest is history. She spent close to seven years presenting for Fox and is now the on-course commentator for LIV Golf, the Saudi-backed tour that launched in 2022. She…

THE POWER ISSUE Switching careers while one is at the top of the game might seem unthinkable, but think of it as simply a second shot at life. Lelian Chew would know. She spent almost a decade at Goldman Sachs as a private banker, servicing Asia's elite, before landing herself in wedding planning. It was a serendipitous pivot. To date, it's been 10 years since Chew built a name as the go-to planner for the ultra-rich, orchestrating lavish milestone events for them. Her company, The Atelier & Co., doesn't so much change the game, but elevates it. For the romantic at heart and perfectionist, no request is too big or small. With her team, she will go the extra mile, even if it means putting air traffic on hold or…

THE POWER ISSUE Evelina Lye is proof that as vast a corporation may be, it can still impact society on a grassroots level if the right people steer it. With the physical and digital worlds becoming increasingly synonymous, her position in Meta is an irreducibly crucial and influential one from which she ensures that the platform's biggest creators communicate with their audiences in a constructive and growthminded manner. Lye's unshakable commitment to empowerment is also writ large in Untam3d, an agency she cofounded in 2022 to help women+ (a term that that centres women but is inclusive of others who are underrepresented or face gender-based biases) communities harness the power of Web3 creatively and commercially. Make no mistake: in her endeavours, we can take comfort in knowing that Big Tech,…

Just as it is with Diageo's portfolio of premium spirits, the work and people involved with making and selling them require time, sensitivity, and a careful melding of the past, present and future. Preeti Arora Razdan, who joined Diageo in 2017 and was appointed its managing director for Southeast Asia in November 2020, is more than cognisant of what it takes to amalgamate the different elements for success. “The more I visit the distilleries, the more I understand what it takes (to build something),” she says. “You really have to nurture and curate. That's the beauty of it. That's what inspires me in this business.” Even so, it appears that Razdan has a knack for turning in results fast. According to Diageo's annual report for 2023, Southeast Asia recorded an…

THE POWER ISSUE Edwin Lee estimates that independent wealth managers account for only six to seven per cent of Asia's wealth management space. But that is not the only thing that makes him an anomaly. Lee started Covenant Capital in 2014 not just because he saw an opportunity in establishing himself in the multi-home office and independent wealth management space, where there is still much growth potential, but because it is where “God has called me to serve”. Lee says he works in a field where there is “a low state of trust”. As such, he believes his responsibility lies not only in helping his clients with long-term wealth accumulation, through the model of open architecture investment and advisory services that independent wealth firms provide. Rather, Lee posits a big-picture…

If life is a game, Cholo Maputol wants everyone to win. Although he cut his teeth making money the old-school way—as an investment banker—Maputol leapt into the gaming industry in 2022 and now reckons that it is one of the best decisions that he has made. His company PIF (Pay It Forward) Nation, is based on the play-to-earn model of game-playing that has risen from the burgeoning Web3 space, which is built on the tenets of decentralisation, NFT communities and blockchain technologies. Maputol hopes that PIF Nation will present opportunities for gamers, especially those in underserved and marginalised communities, to earn a living through customised game-playing. “It is a user acquisition and publishing platform that connects game developers with players in the Southeast Asian region,” he explains. “We work with…

THE POWER ISSUE No child gets left behind at School of Concepts. Open to all children of different backgrounds and learning needs, the school offers programmes that are customised to every child's strengths and interests. At the school's core is a groundbreaking curriculum, that engages the visual, auditory and kinesthetic senses. It is the transformative power of literacy that unlocks every individual's world of possibilities, as founder and CEO Mint Lim would say. Her early struggles with dyslexia drove her to embark on a career in private education, fostering a passion for nurturing young minds. Lim's journey saw her establishing various education centres and spending five years developing a proprietary methodology aimed at helping children discover their best learning styles. This paved the way for School of Concepts, a sanctuary…

FIRST TO CHOPARD, then to the red carpet. An essential port of call for celebrities such as Gong Li, Bella Hadid and Julia Roberts seeking to arm themselves with vital sparkle before facing the world, the Swiss luxury house has a knack for crafting jewellery pieces that evoke awards night glamour. Though high-octane jewellery is synonymous with Chopard today, the company was actually established as a watchmaking house in 1860. Chopard's founder, Louis-Ulysse Chopard, like many young men growing up in the mountainous Swiss Jura region back then, came from a family of farmers. And like them, Louis-Ulysse turned to watchmaking to supplement the family's income during the long and arduous winter months when the land was unfit for farming. In the decades after its founding, Chopard became known for…

DAVID BOWIE—THE man, the legacy, the resume—is a monument. Long is his shadow over every facet of popular culture and longer still will his name be sung through the ages. So it is thoroughly refreshing that the fable of Bowie has received a refreshing update that celebrates him in a heartwarmingly new way. David Bowie: Rock ‘n’ Roll With Me is a new photographic memoir by the singer-songwriter's childhood friend and composer, producer, dancer and musician Geoff MacCormack, known also by the moniker, Warren Peace. It chronicles a friendship from primary school to Bowie's ascent to one of the most boundary-blasting artists in the history of creative expression, and ends with his passing. From life on the road to just life, MacCormack's photographs affirm the poignant moments shared by a…

THE COCKTAIL PASSES from patron to patron down the bar at Handshake Speakeasy, each guest dipping a short metal straw into the coupe to siphon out a fleeting taste of the 100 Year Old Hanky Panky. Everyone at the Mexico City bar knows they'll never taste a drink quite like this again—lush and concentrated, its amaro edge softened over time, made with gin and vermouth that predate the Sputnik launch and a Fernet-Branca that's older still, dating back to 1930. Although better known for its modernist cocktails, Handshake's menu has, since last summer, featured four drinks incorporating vintage spirits, ranging from a US$55 shakerato made with 1980s Campari to that time-capsule Hanky Panky, which sells for a breathtaking US$430. And it joins an elite club of establishments—The Office in Chicago,…

Aston Martin Wearnes 45 Leng Kee Road 6430 4888 www.astonmartin.com Audemars Piguet Liat Towers 6836 4918 www.audemarspiguet.com Blancpain #B2M-237 The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands 6634 8771 www.blancpain.com BMW Performance Motors 303 Alexandra Road 1800 2255 269 www.bmw.com Boucheron #L1-56 The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands 6737 1313 www.boucheron.com Breguet #B2-236 The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands 6338 6006 www.breguet.com Brunello Cucinelli #B1-81A/82 The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands 6688 7216 www.brunellocucinelli.com Bulgari #B-36/37 & #B2-34/35 The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands 6634 8313 www.bulgari.com Cartier #01-20 & #02-10 Ion Orchard 6732 0181 www.cartier.sg Chopard #B1-107 The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands 6688 7999 www.chopard.com Dolce&Gabbana #01-19 & #02-09/10 Ion Orchard 6509 3312 www.dolcegabbana.com Ferrari Ital Auto 30 Leng Kee Road 6475 1118 www.ferrari.com Franck Muller #01-55/55A The Shoppes at…