BEST OF SINGAPORE - Volume 3

A wedding project with David Tutera

A Fine Jewellery Boutique Since 1973

,>ÀiÊ i ÃÊÊÊÊÊÊ1 µÕiÊ Ài>Ì ÃÊÊÊÊÊÊ ÕÃÌ Ê ià } Ã

ÓÎÊ Ý« ÀiÊ À]Ê-Ì>À Ê > iÀÞ]Ê£n£Ê > > Ê Õ ÌÊ Ì> }]Êxx£ääÊ Õ> >Ê Õ «ÕÀÊÊ /Ê­ÈäήÊÓ£{{ÊÓÎ{äÊÊÊUÊÊÊ Ê­ÈäήÊÓ£{ÓÊ£Ó£äÊÊÊUÊÊÊ > >Þà >J >«ÕÌÀ °V

9-

#02-37 Mandarin Gallery 333A Orchard Road, Singapore 238897 /Ê­Èx®ÊÈÇÎÎÊÎÎ{xÊÊÊUÊÊÊ Ê­Èx®ÊÈÇÎÓÊÓxä£ÊÊÊUÊÊÊà }>« ÀiJ >«ÕÌÀ °V

- *", ÜÜÜ° >«ÕÌÀ °V

Recognising the spirit of excellence

Best of Singapore Volume 3 International Group Publisher Sven Boermeester

The Best of Singapore series of books are a showcase to the world of the very highest standards that have earned the city state its remarkable reputation.

Given its cosmopolitan mix of cultures, confluence of international events and convergence of businesses, Singapore today is a global city that has come a long way from its humble origins as a fishing village. Its rapid development in less than half a century from a third world country with no natural resources to one of the most advanced first world nations helps give meaning to the term ‘Asian miracle’.

The book highlights the commercial enterprises and organisations that are committed to excellence in the major sectors of Singapore’s economy and society – business, dining, design, education, healthcare, hospitality, lifestyles, luxury living, shopping and others.

Given Singapore’s continuous state of development, each year, Best of Singapore provides an update on the transformational efforts that are shaping the nation.

The following pages aim to do justice to the island’s neverending quest to improve the quality of life of its denizens.

We would like to thank our clients and partners in this project – all of whom exemplify the spirit of excellence.

(Page 250 includes the full list of these brand names.)

We also thank the various organisations – the Singapore Tourism Board, Sentosa Leisure Group, ION Orchard and Clarke Quay whose support has been invaluable in helping us put together this book.

The best affirmations of the quality of life in Singapore come from the various individuals around the world who have chosen to call this country their home. Interspersed across the pages of this book are some of their heartfelt sentiments.

Shopping Paradise, Food Paradise, Healthcare Hub, Garden City, Education Hub, Financial Hub – Singapore is many things to many people, all of which reinforce its iconic status.

K. Dorai Raja (Alden) Managing Editor Best of Singapore Best of Singapore is also available in an e-book format at www.gvpedia.com

Publishers Amit Sen T. Shanmugaratnam

Managing Editor K Dorai Raja (Alden)

Editorial Contributors Lawrence Tan Andrea Lee

Eleanor Yap Jimmy Yap

Editorial Enquiries: editor@mapletreemedia.com

Advertising Enquiries: sales@mapletreemedia.com

Special Thanks To: Singapore Tourism Board (STB) Sentosa Leisure Group ION Orchard Clarke Quay Tien Wah Press (Pte) Limited Xpress Print (Pte) Limited Cover Image Courtesy of STB

Published by Mapletree Media Pte Ltd #03-05 Red Dot Building 28 Maxwell Road Singapore 069120 Tel +65 96276717 Fax : +65 6372 9458 www.mapletreemedia.com In conjunction with Global Village Partnerships www.gvpedia.com ISBN No.: 978-981-08-4360-1

Printed By Tien Wah Press (Pte) Limited 4 Pandan Crescent Singapore 128475 Tel: +65 67718892 Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information in Best of Singapore Vol.3. Neither Best of Singapore nor Mapletree Media Pte Ltd nor Global Village Partnerships take any responsibility for any errors or omissions. Mapletree Media reserves the right to use the personalised books for its marketing programs.

All rights are reserved No part of this publication shall be reproduced, copies, transmitted, adapted or modified in any form or by any means. This publication shall not be stored in whole or in part in any form in any retrieval system.

8

Best of Singapore

Copyright Mapletree Media Pte Ltd (2009)

Chapter 1

17

Chapter 2

INTRODUCTION

Chapter 3

ICONIC SINGAPORE

37

Chapter 4

SINGAPORE INC.

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

HOTELS AND HOSPITALITY

111

NIGHTLIFE

49

FINE DINING

67

Chapter 7

27

89

SHOPPING

Chapter 8

125

SENTOSA

Chapter 9

137

Chapter 10

SPAS & BEAUTY

Chapter 11

HEALTHCARE

169

Chapter 12

EDUCATION

Chapter 13

201

Chapter 14

211

LUXURY LIFESTYLE

223

HOLIDAY GETAWAYS

Chapter 17

187

DESIGN & INTERIOR

PROPERTY

Chapter 15

151

Chapter 16

231

EVENTS

239

FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS

ESSENTIAL GUIDE TO SINGAPORE

BEST OF THE WORLD Welcome to the world’s premier platform for showcasing and networking governments, leading companies and entrepreneurs in business, tourism and lifestyle. Through our Best of publishing series and gvpedia.com we showcase an ever expanding Atlas of Success and Sustainability across multiple continents and industries.

Brand Image

Growth and Opportunity Exchanging knowledge, skills and economies of scale in media With regional head offices in 5 continents, the organisation is currently involved in more than 30 territories where the ‘Best of’ series is published. GVP has a 5-year growth plan to develop a further 150 economic territories organically, through each continent’s regional head office, and through partnerships with companies and individuals that have the expertise to showcase their city, state or country.

Branding a Nation, a City and its People GVP brands and builds the image of the world’s most exciting economic regions to affect a change in the perception of a nation, a city and its people by the rest of the world. This then promotes the region in terms of its investment opportunities, key industries, innovations, people, culture, tourism potential and international objectives.

Product - The Books Celebrate your success

Corporate Social Responsibility There is no success without ethics and sustainability The best of world business, travel and lifestyle within the Global Village is dependent on more than monetary profit. There is no success without core values such as sustainability, integrity and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). GVP’s exclusive client base is selected by invitation only based on these criteria, with the added focus of dedicated chapters covering CSR, sustainability, green innovation and giving back to the community.

The ‘Best of…’ publishing series produces annual maxi format book publications in over 30 territories, from Bangalore to Belgium. These detail success stories of people and companies making positive inroads into the commercial fibre of both mature and emerging markets.

The books showcase entrepreneurial spirit; establishing powerful global networks and the creation of individual brand awareness by bridging cultures. The result is the ultimate interactive corporate gift and P.R. marketing tool for governments, companies, hotels and business people providing leading products and services for their region.

REGIONAL HEAD OFFICES Bangalore

Brussels

Cairo

Casablanca

Copenhagen

Dubai

GVPedia.com Success, Sustainability and Culture Add Your Business

Join the Global Village Business Network We are identifying leading companies and organisations across 100 industry sectors that are able to profile their economic and environmental sustainability in order to provide a global network of the most reliable companies to do business with.

Please apply by adding your company profile online to the Global Village Business Network: Full Company Profile includes: -

100 word summary / value proposition 2 large images or logos 1000 word company description full contact details and website link company address pin pointed on a google map anti-spam contact box search engine optimised categories and key words linked to your company site - use of the "Top Company" widget library to enable links to your profile from any website or email

Product - www.gvpedia.com Connecting the world’s most interesting people and organisations The portal provides GVP customers an interactive Public Relations Box managed by a user friendly ‘Enterprise Content Management System’ that allows clients to upload their value proposition, photos, fast facts and management profiles. The latest networking add-ons and social media applications are integrated within the site providing maximum reach and feedback. The value proposition for subscribers to gvpedia.com essentially covers four elements: exposure, expertise, exclusivity and networking.

Success is a Choice!

Johannesburg

London

Santiago

Singapore

Sydney

Washington DC

Bird of Paradise Jewels Vase Crystal and mosaic of silver and precious stones, height 45 cm – 17’ 5/7’’, oeuvre signed by Daum, limited edition, 50 pieces.

Paradise Collection: a mosaic of crystal and precious stones.

A walk in the Garden of Eden: crystal birds of paradise in flight, wearing masks of solid silver set with diamonds and semi-precious stones; butterflies frozen in deep blue crystal, adorned with pearly abalone cabochons; peonies and cherry blossoms that hold in their centres cultured pearls, sapphires, amethysts, topazes, citrines and more…

For Daum, art has always been the ultimate luxury.

To receive a brochure by mail, please contact us.

DAUM BOUTIQUES SINGAPORE: Paragon #01-27 Tel: +65 6100 2312 Email: ART@daum.com.sg HONG KONG: The Galleria G02 No.9 Queen’s Road Central Tel: +852 2111 2124 Email: boutique@daumhk.com.hk

www.daum.fr

Chapter 1 Introduction

PHOTO COURTESY OF SINGAPORE TOURISM BOARD

Chapter 1

INTRODUCTION

18

Best of Singapore

Singapore is a modern and cosmopolitan city, with a stable and responsive government, safe and secure environment, and an efďŹ cient infrastructure that attracts foreigners to work, study, live and play.

Best of Singapore

19

PHOTO COURTESY OF SINGAPORE TOURISM BOARD

INTRODUCTION

Singapore’s success has no parallel. What other nation of less than 700 square kilometers of land space, with no natural resources, has gone from a forfeited land of migrants, to a global centre and showcase for excellence – all in a mere 30 years?

If there is one nation that epitomises excellence in all that it does, it has to be a small diamond-shaped island called Singapore, just north of the equator.

In a single generation, Singapore has gone from third world to first world. According to the International Monetary Fund, in 2008, Singapore’s per capita gross domestic product, at purchasing power parity, was the fourth highest in the world. This success is a testimony to the hard work and perseverance of our immigrant forefathers who helped write the Singapore Story.

THE SINGAPORE STORY In the jungle, the lion stands at the top of the food chain. Singapore’s name literally means “lion city” (singa=lion; pura=city) in Sanskrit.

Perhaps when the 13th century Indonesian prince, Sang Ni La Utama, stumbled upon the island and christened it “Singapura” he had a prophetic premonition of the potential for it to be a great city among cities.

The legend goes like this: During a hunting trip to one of the Indonesian islands, Sang Nila Utama spotted a deer and started chasing it.

The deer led him to a very large rock. When he reached the top of this rock, he saw across the sea another island with a sandy beach. His minister told him that the island was Temasek.

The prince decided to visit the island.

During the trip to Temasek, the ship ran into a great storm and began to take in water.

The men threw all the heavy things overboard to lighten the ship, but to no avail. The only heavy thing left on the ship was the prince’s crown. The prince decided to part with it as well. Almost magically, once the prince threw his heavy crown overboard, the storm abated and the ship reached Temasek safely.

Sang Nila Utama landed at the mouth of the present-day Singapore River and ventured into the forest to hunt. Suddenly, he saw an animal he had never seen before. It was a big, strong and majestic predator. It sped off quickly and disappeared into the jungle.

The prince’s chief minister told him that the animal was a lion. Thus was the island’s name born. Sang Nila Utama ruled Singapura for 48 years and is believed to have been buried at Fort Canning Hill in Singapore.

BRITISH SINGAPORE Modern Singapore owes its existence to Sir Stamford Raffles, a British statesman who played a role in the expansion of the British Empire in South East Asia. (During the Napoleonic Wars, he helped conquer the island of Java from the Dutch and French forces.)

At that time, the Dutch were controlling the trade route between China and India. The

Dutch prevented the British from extending their economic hegemony by either prohibiting them from operating at Dutch ports or charging high taxes. What the British needed was a new port along the Straits of Malacca.

Raffles landed in Singapore on 29 January 1819. The island’s geographical position, at the southernmost tip of the China-India trade route, made it perfect for British designs.

There was a small Malay fishing village at the island at that time, numbering about a few hundred inhabitants.

The island was then ruled by the Sultan of Johor, Tengku Rahman, who was controlled by the Dutch. However, Tengku Rahman’s position with the Dutch was tenuous. Raffles offered Tengku Rahman British recognition as the rightful ruler of Johor and a yearly payment, in return for allowing the British to establish a trading post in Singapore. A formal treaty to this effect was signed on 6 February 1819, and British Singapore was thereby born. A subsequent treaty handed over the entire island to the British East India Company.

In 1867, Singapore was made a British colony. For one-and-a-half centuries after its establishment, Singapore thrived, thanks to bustling trade and a continued influx of workers from China, Malaysia, India and Europe.

Singapore’s geographical position has played a crucial role in its history. Singapore 20

Best of Singapore

Best of Singapore

21

PHOTO COURTESY OF SINGAPORE TOURISM BOARD

PHOTO COURTESY OF SINGAPORE TOURISM BOARD

PHOTO COURTESY OF SINGAPORE TOURISM BOARD

INTRODUCTION

People are a resource that has been key to Singapore’s success.

Today, Singapore continues to welcome immigrants.

22

Best of Singapore

IMAGE COURTESY OF SINGAPORE TOURISM BOARD

Modern Singapore owes its existence to the British statesman Sir Stamford Raffles. owes its current success to the growth and success of its port – the busiest in the world today. It is shielded from tsunamis and monsoons, and is situated somewhere around the centre of South-East Asia. Its position as a hub for the China-India trade route has been supplanted by a grander role – as a hub between the Eastern and Western worlds. Major multinational corporations have established their Asian headquarters in Singapore.

POST-WAR SINGAPORE World War II played a defining influence in Singapore’s history. The Japanese Army invaded Malaya in 1942 and swept all the way down to Singapore. The British, their forces concentrated in Europe, were defeated in Singapore. During the Japanese occupation, there was widespread murder in Singapore, mostly of the Chinese population.

The war illustrated to Singaporeans the need to retain control of their own destinies.

Elections followed, in which two individuals rose to prominence – David Marshall, Singapore’s first Chief Minister, and Lee Kuan Yew, whose People’s Action Party won a landslide victory in 1959, and who has been Best of Singapore

23

credited as the chief architect of the Singapore we know today.

In 1963, Singapore declared independence, and joined the Federation of Malaysia. This union was however shortlived. Due to political differences, Singapore separated from Malaysia in 1965 and became a sovereign nation.

Since then, the country has tackled one issue after another, from unemployment, housing, lack of natural resources, land scarcity to defence. Each of these problems was dealt with, in a pragmatic, “never-say-die” attitude. The result is a standard of living and achievement that is the admiration of many countries in the world.

The Singapore of today is a hub for finance, research & development, manufacturing, shipping, education, technology, healthcare and a range of other industrial and economic activities. It is aptly termed a gateway to the East and a model modern city.

Singapore is amongst the world’s most globalised nations. Among the international community, it is ranked “Best place to live, work and play in Asia”. This recognition was hard won by generations of citizens descended from early immigrants who only

intended to make a transient living here before returning home with their ‘new found’ wealth.

But eventually, they chose to stay and build a nation – Singapore. And this nation has grown leaps and bounds with its numerous achievements.

TOP AIRPORT Changi Airport has been named the best in the world almost 300 times since opening in 1981. In one particular year, it was named the best airport in the world a total of 23 times by various ranking entities. It quite simply is a benchmark for efficiency and service excellence, having been consistently named the best in a range of categories such as customs clearance time, security, services, retail, dining facilities and many others.

World-class innovative systems are also in place at the Changi Airport. The Immigration & Checkpoints Authority’s Enhanced Immigration Automated Clearance System (eIACS) is the first biometric system in the world for secure immigration clearance at the checkpoints. The system tackles the challenge of increasing visitor traffic volume, without compromising on security.

INTRODUCTION

PHOTO COURTESY OF DAVE LAW

My favorite things about Singapore are the wonderful mix of cultures, the cleanliness and the lush greenery. After a few years of staying here, when our son started going to play school and especially after our daughter was born, we grew so attached to Singapore that we knew it was going to be our home.

So although my husband had several postings abroad, we decided Singapore would be our base and our home.

Shobha Tsering Bhalla CEO & Editor-in-Chief India Se Citizen since 1994 DISTINGUISHED AIRLINE

MODEL TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM

WORLD’S MOST PRO-BUSINESS COUNTRY

The track record of Singapore’s national carrier – Singapore Airlines – is no less stellar.

Since 2000, it has won more than 500 awards and has been named the best airlines in the world numerous times. Whether we are talking first class, business or economy, whether it’s about the service standards of the Singapore Girl (the airline’s stewardess, who is a worldrenowned icon herself), the quality of its onboard products or entertainment features, Singapore Airlines scores excellently.

Singapore’s transportation system is a model for modern cities. An intricate but efficient network of buses, trains and taxis serve the nation. Other than the occasional morning and evening traffic jams around the central business district and key expressways, traffic is generally smooth. Singapore is the first city in the world to implement an electronic road pricing system – a model that is now being studied by other countries and cities.

Of 181 countries surveyed by the World Bank in 2009, 2008 and 2007, Singapore stood right at the very top in terms of the overall ease of doing business. Whether it is starting a business, getting credit, cross-border trading, employing workers, or protecting investors, in each of the categories, Singapore ranked within the top 10 in both 2008 and 2009. What was once an indistinct fishing village is today home to 7,000 multinational companies and a thriving Small & Medium Enterprise segment.

A BEACON FOR ECONOMIC FREEDOM BUSIEST PORT In addition to dominating the air lanes, Singapore is also dominant as a port of call.

The port handles 29.9 million TEUs (twentyfoot equivalent units), making it the world’s busiest port in 2008. In addition, it is also the world’s top bunkering port, handling more than 30 million tones of bunkers. It is the preferred port of call for more than 130,000 vessels. About a million visitors also cruise into Singapore every year.

A HIGHLY DESIRABLE HOME Since 1995, Singapore has consistently been rated the second freest economy in the world by the Heritage Foundation’s index of economic freedom, which rates countries according to 10 economic measurements.

Singapore is a very vocal global advocate of free trade. The city state has also been highly active in forging Free Trade Agreements with countries and regional groupings. To date, it has 14 bilateral and multilateral trade agreements worldwide.

Singapore is the choice location for many foreigners who decide to move. Permanent residency is an attractive proposition given the country’s high employment rate, financial and political stability, mature infrastructure, high quality of life and a genuine sense of safety and security that is the envy of the world. Singapore welcomes foreigners who can identify with its way of life and wish to contribute positively to its development.

24

Best of Singapore

Many of these foreigners decide to take up Permanent Residence and eventually Singapore Citizenship, making Singapore their home.

given to the Malays for their historic legacy to the region. The national anthem “Majullah Singapura” is in Malay.

FESTIVALS CELEBRATED

A CULTURAL KALEIDOSCOPE The festivals celebrated in Singapore are a reflection of its demographics and culture.

They ground Singapore in its Asian cultural roots. Public holidays are granted for the major festivals – and these include Chinese New Year, Vesak Day (celebrated by Buddhists), the Muslim festivals Hari Raya Puasa and Hari Raya Haji, the Hindu festival of lights – Deepavali and Christmas.

A WINDOW TO ASIA As Singapore’s forefathers were largely immigrants from all over the world, Singapore is a mix of cultures and religions, woven together by a common respect and understanding. One only has to visit Chinatown, Little India, or Geylang Serai to

PHOTO COURTESY OF SINGAPORE TOURISM BOARD

Singapore is not quite the melting pot that America has turned out to be. Its people have maintained their distinct religious, cultural and racial identities and yet have co-existed in harmony and peace. The majority of Singaporeans are Chinese, but Singapore is also home to sizable Malay and Indian communities, all living together with a common national identity. Michael Anthony Rebaczonok-Padulo, a new Singapore citizen, says: “There has always been a respectfulness and graciousness among Singaporeans, along with an evolving identity, making us unique as a people.”

The country has four official languages – English, Mandarin, Malay and Tamil. Malay is the national language – a special recognition

witness this rich cultural and religious heritage that Singaporeans have preserved and cherished.

With around 5 million people in just over 700 square km of space, Singapore is the third most densely populated nation in the world. About 74.7 percent of Singaporeans are Chinese, 13.6 percent Malays, close to 8.9 percent Indians and other races 2.8 percent.

There is no real majority religion in Singapore. The major religions of the world, namely, Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam and Sikhism are significantly represented in Singapore. While the Jewish community is small, it is notable that the first Chief Minister of the country – David Marshall – was a Jew. Interestingly, more than 20 percent of the populace constitutes foreigners. Singapore is a firm believer in imported talent. Many who come to work in Singapore eventually decide to call it home – a testimony to its attractiveness as a place to work, live and raise a family.

Best of Singapore

25

Chapter 2 Iconic Singapore

Chapter 2

PHOTO COURTESY OF SINGAPORE TOURISM BOARD

ICONIC SINGAPORE

28

Best of Singapore

The Merlion is a symbol erected to welcome visitors to Singapore. There are variations of the Merlion in Japan and China as a testimony to the city state’s global inuence.

Best of Singapore

29

PHOTO COURTESY OF SINGAPORE TOURISM BOARD

ICONIC SINGAPORE

Singapore is one of the world’s top tourism destinations. The number of tourists to Singapore in some years is more than twice its entire population.

According to Euromonitor, Singapore ranks as the fourth most visited city in the world. Country-to-country comparisons probably are not apt as the city of Singapore itself is also the country.

In recent years, there has been considerable competition from regional cities and countries and this has only spurred the Singapore Tourism Board (STB)’s resolve to do more to retain the attractiveness of this city-state. The government is investing billions – into its hotels, integrated resorts and other key attractions. The country is also vying and has successfully managed to attract major world events such as the Formula 1TM Grand Prix.

A series of initiatives has also made it easier for visitors coming to Singapore. For example, the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority’s e-Visitor Programme allows visitors and foreigners to apply for a wide range of immigration facilities such as an extension of stay, application for visa, long-term visit pass or student’s pass, from the comfort and ease of their own home. The seamless e-Visitor programme integrates the multiple functions, giving visitors a delightful and wholesome experience on their stay in Singapore.

By 2015, the STB aims to increase total tourism receipts to S$30 billion, tourist arrivals to 17 million and create an additional 100,000 jobs. The Board hopes to accomplish this through a number of initiatives: • • •

Position Singapore as a leading convention & exhibition city in Asia Develop and realise Singapore’s full potential as a leisure destination Invest in Singapore’s service sector, with particular focus on sectors such as education and healthcare.

Most of Singapore’s tourists hail from the Asia-Pacific – from Indonesia, the People’s Republic of China, Australia, India, Malaysia and Japan – in that order. Singapore also receives a significant number of tourists from the United Kingdom and the United States.

What the Eiffel Tower is for France, the Statue of Liberty is for America, the Taj Mahal is for India and the Great Wall for China, in all honesty, there is no one icon that distinctly represents Singapore.

For many years, it was the Merlion, and for years before that, the Sir Stamford Raffles statue, and more recently, the Esplanade (more popularly known as the durian) and the Singapore Flyer.

SIR STAMFORD RAFFLES STATUE The Sir Stamford Raffles Statue was sculpted by Thomas Woolner.

More than any other monument, the statue is a testimony to the role the British played in Singapore’s history. In fact Singaporeans owe to the British many aspects of their lives – the educational system, the legal system, the metric system and the pre-eminence of the English language for business and communications.

The statue was originally located in 1887 at the Padang, facing the sea. It stands eight feet tall and had the nickname orang besi, meaning “iron man”. At the base of the statue is a map depicting the area around the Straits of Malacca, with Raffles having his foot over British Malaya. For more than a century, the Padang was a popular venue for soccer, which meant that Raffles, through no fault of his own, was a ‘participant’ in the game, thanks to soccer balls inadvertently sent in his direction. In view of this, the authorities felt a more respectable location was required, and in 1919, a century after Raffles founded Singapore, the statue was relocated to Empress 30

Best of Singapore

Best of Singapore

31

PHOTO COURTESY OF T S RATNAM

PHOTO COURTESY OF SINGAPORE TOURISM BOARD

ICONIC SINGAPORE

Place, in front of the Victoria Memorial Hall.

Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew once commented that the statue would stand as a “symbol of public acceptance of the legacy of the British and could have a positive effect” in Singapore’s future development.

THE MERLION The Merlion is an imaginary creature with the head of a lion and the body of a fish. While the Sir Stamford Raffles statue stands as a memorial to the contribution of Singapore’s British founder, the Merlion, indirectly, is a tribute to Sang Nila Utama, the Indonesian prince to whom the country owes its name. (According to legend, the prince, on his arrival here, saw a creature, which he thought to be a lion and named the island Singapura – ‘’Singa’’ meaning ‘’lion’’ and ‘’pura’’ meaning ‘’city’’ in Sanskrit.) The Merlion’s fish-tail signifies Singapore’s early success as a harbour and is a tribute to the country’s forefathers who sailed the seas to build their future.

“The Merlion has been erected as a symbol to welcome all visitors to Singapore”, an inscription on the statue states. The original Merlion was designed by Kwan Sai Kheong, the ex-vice-chancellor of the then University of Singapore and former Ambassador to the Philippines.

The Merlion was at first located on Elizabeth Walk on the river-bank,

at the mouth of the Singapore River. The opening of the Esplanade Bridge in 1997 prompted the search for a new home for the Merlion as its distinguished position was now blocked by the bridge. That search ended when the Merlion was re-erected at the Merlion Park, along with a smaller replica.

Yet another Merlion statue stands majestically in Sentosa. At 37 metres tall, it is one of the largest statues in the world. It is interesting to note that there are also variations of the Merlion in Japan and China, perhaps as a testimony of the city state’s global influence.

THE ESPLANADE The Esplanade was built at a cost of S$600 million and officially opened in 2002. Quite casually referred to by Singaporeans as “the durian”, the structure, which is adorned with aluminium sunshades, was initially criticised by many. However its distinctiveness, and the attention it has garnered, whether good or bad, is what lends it its claim to fame and recognition as a bona fide Singapore icon.

The Esplanade is a choice location for world-class performances.

In addition to state-of-the-art concert and theatre halls, the Esplanade also has meeting rooms, an audio-visual library, restaurants, cafes and a number of retail outlets. It is believed that there are only five other halls in the world with comparable state-of-the-art acoustics.

32

Best of Singapore

The concert hall has an impressive pipe organ, consisting of around 4,500 pipes and more than 60 stops. It was designed and built by renowned organ builder Johannes Klais Orgelbau. The Concert Hall seats up to 2,000 people.

The Esplanade’s theatre is somewhat modelled after the horseshoe design of the European Opera House. The diverse genres of performances are representative of the globalised city that is Singapore. The performances range from the traditional modernistic, to multimedia, Eastern and Western, classical and contemporary.

THE SINGAPORE FLYER

The Marina Bay Sands and Resorts World Sentosa integrated resorts (IRs) opening in 2010 are set to position Singapore as a major entertainment destination.

The Integrated Resorts provide a strong boost to the tourism sector. In addition to the casinos, the IRs boast a range of facilities such as hotels, restaurants, shopping and convention centres, theatres, museums and theme parks.

Marina Bay Sands is developed by Las Vegas Sands Corporation.

It boasts 120,000 square metres of meeting and and convention facilities, three spectacular hotel towers with 2,600 rooms and suites and a one-hectare Sky Park with panoramic views of the bay. Two theatres, with a seating capacity of 4,000, will provide competition to the Esplanade.

Resorts World Sentosa is a major attraction at Sentosa island, which for many years has been inventing and reinventing itself to be a tourist draw. Resorts World Sentosa is a family-oriented venue, with the first and only Universal Studios theme park in the region, one of the world’s largest oceanariums and a maritime museum.

Singapore’s IRs are set to give the Genting and Macau casinos a run for their money.

PHOTO COURTESY OF DAVE LAW

The Singapore Flyer is a ferris wheel, albeit on a much grander scale. At 165 metres tall, (30 metres taller than the United Kingdom’s famed London Eye), it dwarfs many of Singapore’s skyscrapers. It is more aptly described as a giant observation wheel, with a maximum capacity of close to 800 passengers. Each of the capsules is the size of a bus and holds up to 28 people. One orbit of the wheel takes about 30 minutes.

Launched in 2008, the Singapore Flyer was designed by Dr Kisho Kurokawa and DP Architects. Costing S$240 million to build, it provides a panoramic view of the Marina Bay, the skyline of Singapore’s financial district, as well as a glimpse of Malaysia and Indonesia.

THE INTEGRATED RESORTS

Singapore has all the ingredients for a truly progressive society. There is safety and security, excellent hygiene and cleanliness, lack of corruption, and law and order. These are all of a very standard. It is a great island of opportunities, allowing you to explore your potential and pursue your dreams.

Ashraf Mohamed Managing Director and Executive Chef Amirah’s Grill Restaurant & Café Citizen since 2004 Best of Singapore

33

ICONIC SINGAPORE

Best of the best in airports Changi Airport regularly makes it to the very pinnacle of the list of best airports by travellers and travel magazines because of its perpetual commitment to excellence.

In just a month of September, Singapore Changi Airport already bagged four Best Airport awards from four well regarded travel magazines. In fact, since it opened in 1981, Changi has received over 300 awards, a record that demonstrates that Changi Airport is one of the best, if not the best, in the world.

Changi has been getting these awards for close to three decades, thanks to a dedication to excellence on the part of everyone involved.

Changi consists of three main terminals as well as one budget terminal for budget airlines. The pride of Changi is the ultra modern Terminal Three or T3, which opened in January 2008.

T3 can handle 22 million passengers annually, bringing Changi’s total capacity to 70 million. T3 has 28 aerobridge gates, eight of which were built to handle the A380.

The S$1.75 billion building has a floor area of 380,000 square metres and is one of the most advanced airports in the world.

Architecturally, it has two distinguishing features, one of which is a roof with 919 skylights to allow the optimum amount of light into the building during the day. T3 also has a five-story high Green Wall that is 300 metres long. This stunning wall is covered

with climbing plants and also boasts four waterfalls.

More than architecture Changi’s attractions are not solely to do with its architecture though. The airport has over 300 shopping and dining establishments throughout its three terminals includes exclusive retailers like BVLGARI, Prada, Salvatore Ferragamo, Vertu and Mercedes Benz.

Facilities also include a children’s playground, beauty salons, swimming pools and movie theatres. Most unusually, there is also a Butterfly Garden, which is a world’s first for an airport. Located in the transit mall of T3, this garden features different tropical butterfly specimens at different periods of the year within a seemingly natural environment.

Nature lovers can watch the breeding and feeding of butterflies at close range. They even have the opportunity to watch butterflies leaving their pupae and preparing to take flight.

The airport also organises regular events for travellers. In October 2009, for example, Changi organised a tribute to the late Michael Jackson, featuring a world-class impersonator.

34

Best of Singapore

For the busy business traveller, Changi has well-equipped business centres for secretarial services, faxing and photocopying. In addition, the airport has free Internet kiosks and free wireless broadband throughout the terminals.

VIP Treatment Changi also has a terminal dedicated to Commercially Important People.

The JetQuay luxury terminal provides a concierge service as well as a limousine service that will take passengers to and from the terminal to their aircraft on the tarmac.

The terminal has its own business centre, meeting rooms and conference room as well as a bistro, mini gym, spa, private lounges and nap rooms.

And at the heart of all this is the ethos of excellence that Changi is famous for. It is this ethos that results in swift baggage arrivals and smiling staff that man Changi’s retail outlets and immigration counters. It is no wonder then that for many travellers, Changi is as much a destination as it is a journey.

Tel: (+65) 6595 6868.

Web: www.changiairport.com Best of Singapore

35

Chapter 3 Singapore Inc.

SINGAPORE INC.

Chapter 3

SINGAPORE INC.

38

Best of Singapore

A mature approach of recruiting the best talent, wherever they may be located in the world, coupled with training Singaporeans to be the best, have ensured that the country’s labour force is above the rest.

Best of Singapore

39

PHOTO COURTESY OF CHANGI AIRPORT

SINGAPORE INC.

It takes an entrepreneur just over six working days to get a business going in Singapore, at low startup costs.

There are many reasons why Singapore is regarded as a choice location for business. A reliable legal and regulatory environment, transparency, lack of corruption, world-class infrastructure, political stability and a pro-business government are some reasons. The Singapore government, along with statutory boards like the Economic Development Board (EDB), Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (IDA), Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) and International Enterprise Singapore (IE Singapore) actively solicit multinational corporations to set up shop in the country.

In its 2008 World Competitiveness Yearbook, the Swiss-based Institution for Management Development ranked Singapore as the second most competitive country in the world, after the United States.

In addition, the World Economic Forum ranked Singapore as the most competitive economy in Asia and third most competitive in the world in its 2008-2009 Global Competitiveness report. More than 7,000 MNCs and 10,000 Small & Medium Enterprises (SMEs) have established operations in Singapore, many of them using the country as their Asian or South-East-Asian hubs. Indigenous SMEs number around 100,000.

There is none of the red tape that hampers business in other countries. A World Bank Report cites: “It takes an entrepreneur just over six working days to get a new business going in Singapore, with low startup costs. Overall, taking into account other factors, including business licensing, taxes, credit, legal rights and investor protection, Singapore has about the most business-friendly regulation in the world.”

Singapore’s corporate tax rate is one of the lowest in Asia. Despite relatively high property prices, the government has strived to reduce the cost outlay involved in setting up and maintaining a business.

Singapore has double tax agreements with more than 60 countries, as well as a number of notable Free Trade Agreements (FTAs). These

include FTAs with the United States, Japan, Korea, Australia, New Zealand, India and Jordan. FTAs facilitate special trading relationships and concessions with partner countries.

A QUALITY WORKFORCE The quality of Singapore’s workforce is another huge plus factor. Much credit goes to the rigour of Singapore’s English-based education system. The competitive education system, combined with emphasis on broad-based learning, business-relevant courses, and life skills have made its workforce one of the most literate in the world, adaptable and competitive. The government actively encourages and invests in continued education to ensure that its workforce is equipped with relevant skills.

Another crucial factor for which the government needs to be lauded is its pro-expatriate stance. Foreign professionals with relevant skills are welcomed with open arms. This approach to recruitment, along with a relatively low level of taxation, a high standard of living and low crime rates have helped the country attract the best talent.

In the IMD World Competitiveness Yearbook 2009, Singapore was ranked the 3rd most competitive economy in the world. More than 20 percent of its population and around 30 percent of its workforce comprise foreigners.

This mature approach of recruiting the best, wherever they may be located in the world, and training Singaporeans themselves to be the best, has helped ensure that the country has a world class labour force with few comparisons – an accolade substantiated by Business Environment Risk Intelligence (BERI)’s 2009 labour force ranking, which ranked the country as having the best labour force in the world.

With its rich history of immigration, talents from all over the world have contributed in developing Singapore into the vibrant and 40

Best of Singapore

cosmopolitan city of today – a hub for commerce, creativity, culture, education, finance, healthcare, information technology, transportation and research & development.

Banking and finance comprise more than 10 percent of Singapore’s GDP. Many of the world’s largest and well known financial brand names have set up operations in Singapore. The three big local banks – DBS, OCBC and UOB – are pillars of the banking system. Being a major financial hub, a number of international/private banks like HSBC, Barclays, Credit Suisse, Clariden Leu, Pictet & Cie, ANZ, Maybank and CIMB have also established their presence here. Singapore has one of the most established capital markets in Asia. After Japan, it has the second largest Real Estate Investment Trust market in Asia. In addition, its bond market has grown rapidly, and is among the world’s five most active foreign exchange trading centres. The country’s financial institutions manage more than S$1 trillion in assets.

Singapore is the only Asian country with an “AAA” rating. In the 2009 Global Financial Centres Index published by the City of London, Singapore was rated no. 3, after London and New York respectively.

The country has also positioned itself as a premier centre for wealth and fund management. With the Asia-Pacific accounting for more than 27 percent of high net worth individuals (HNWs), Singapore with its stability, strong regulatory environment, welldeveloped banking infrastructures, and well-developed financial products and services, is a natural place for HNWs to park their wealth.

•

Biomedical: Singapore has demonstrated considerable foresight in reaping the opportunities in the biomedical sector. This sector contributed S$19 million in biomedical manufacturing output in 2008, accounting for 7.6 percent of total manufacturing output.

Leading biomedical companies and world-class research institutions have established facilities in Singapore. It has also forayed into uncharted areas such as genomics, cell and

PHOTO COURTESY OF JET QUAY

•

PHOTO COURTESY OF SINGAPORE TOURISM BOARD

KEY ECONOMIC SECTORS

Best of Singapore

41

SINGAPORE INC. molecular biology, bio-processing, bio-informatics, and bio-engineering.

The industry employs more than 11,000 individuals. According to the EDB, biomedical companies invested in excess of US$500 million in Singapore in 2008.

More than 10 leading pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies have established regional headquarters in Singapore. They include AstraZeneca, Bayer, Boehringer-Ingelheim, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Genzyme, GlaxoSmithKline, Merck, Quintiles, Sanofi-Aventis and Schering-Plough.

The city state is today one of Asia’s fastest-growing biotechnology centres, presenting strategic partnership opportunities with research institutes, corporate labs and public hospitals to develop new medicines for regional and global markets. With a vibrant biomedical manufacturing sector, Singapore’s capability as an international medical hub is strengthened, ensuring healthcare providers and patients a constant supply of the latest medicines and medical products.

•

Tourism: Millions of tourists visit Singapore each year. There were 10.1 million tourists in 2008 – more than twice the number of its resident population. The government has ambitious plans – under the Tourism 2015 blueprint, Singapore aims to have 17 million tourists annually, contributing S$30 billion. The allure of Singapore is apparent – its cultural diversity, an English-speaking population, options for both high-end and low-cost shopping, a buffet of restaurants and food courts serving local and international dishes, as well as entertainment options make this a must visit destination.

•

Electronics is a key pillar of Singapore’s economy, contributing S$68 billion and employing more than 90,000 people (as of 2008). It is an industry that supports other industries, such as precision component manufacturing, research & development and logistics. Many of the parts that go into consumer gadgets such as mobile phones and computers are manufactured in Singapore. The likes of major brand names such as HewlettPackard, Kodak, Toshiba, Dell and EMC have all established strategic operations in Singapore – either as their regional headquarters, R&D facilities, distribution or manufacturing centre. Singapore is attractive because of its holistic value proposition – from research, to development, to manufacturing, to supply chain management, to distribution.

•

Chemicals: This industry contributed almost S$35 billion to manufacturing output in 2008, almost 40 percent of total manufacturing output. Singapore is a world class chemical hub, manufacturing a range of petrochemicals, advanced materials and specialty chemicals. Well known industry players such as 3M, Dupont, ExxonMobil, Shell and Sumitomo have all established chemical facilities in

PHOTO COURTESY OF FRASERS CENTREPOINT

42

Best of Singapore

the country. As demand for chemicals grows in Asia, Singapore, with its foresight in investing in emerging technologies, is wellpoised to ride the surging opportunities.

Healthcare: The standard of Singapore’s medical practice is on par with the best in the world. In 2006 the country attracted 400,000 foreign patients, a number that may well swell to one million by the year 2012, if the government’s target is realised.

Many pharmaceutical and medical technology companies have established operations here. Ancillary industries such as biotechnology, as well as the cosmopolitan makeup of its population make this city an excellent test bed for healthcare products.

•

Marine: Singapore’s success was founded on maritime trade.

Two centuries after Sir Stamford Raffles envisioned its maritime potential, the port of Singapore is still living up to that promise.

Singapore is the busiest port in the world and in some years the second busiest. It is also the largest manufacturer of jack-up rigs, with a 70 percent global market share. It also ranks as world no.1 for oil and gas drilling units and offshore support vessels.

In addition, it holds a 70 percent global market share for the conversion of Floating Production Storage Offloading (FPSO) units.

Finally, it holds 20 percent of the global market share for ship repairs. The marine and offshore industry contributed S$13 billion to Singapore’s GDP in 2007.

•

Information Technology: One of the key ingredients for Singapore to be successful as a regional hub for operations or headquarters is its advanced IT infrastructure. The fact that in the 2008 – 2009 Global Information Technology Report the World Economic Forum ranked Singapore as the most networked country in Asia (and fourth in the world) explains why major software, hardware and internet companies have been keen to establish their strategic presence here. Government initiatives such as the Intelligent Nation 2015 Master Plan and the National Broadband Network are expected to buttress Singapore’s leadership in this area in the near- to mid-term future.

•

Aerospace: Singapore’s dominance in the marine industry is well-matched by its standing as a regional aviation hub. There are about 100 aerospace companies in Singapore, offering a range of services – airframe maintenance, engine overhaul, aircraft

PHOTO COURTESY OF SINGAPORE TOURISM BOARD

PHOTO COURTESY OF SINGAPORE TOURISM BOARD

•

Best of Singapore

43

PHOTO COURTESY OF SINGAPORE TOURISM BOARD

SINGAPORE INC.

modifications and conversion, aerospace design and manufacture of engine parts. Regionally, the country is no.1 in aerospace maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO). The Singapore Airshow is the biggest aerospace and defence exhibition in Asia, and one of the world’s top three. This is a biennial event that in 2008 attracted 800 exhibitors from 48 countries and around 45,000 visitors.

•

Education: Singapore’s education system carries tremendous international credibility. Many leading names in education have set up institutions here. There are about 90,000 international students.

Singapore is a choice location for international students, thanks to its cosmopolitan make up and outlook, and integration of East with West, without compromising on the distinctiveness of each. There are a multitude of highly business-relevant courses available. The Ministry of Education actively evolves the curricula to meet the needs of the economy, as well as emerging industries.

•

Energy: Singapore is one of the world’s top three oil export refining centres as well as the No.1 hub in Asia for oil trading and logistics.

Around 1.3 million barrels of oil a day are refined. In 2007, oil refining, trading and logistics contributed 5 percent to Singapore’s gross domestic product. In anticipation of diminishing oil reserves in the years ahead, the country has also started focusing on alternative energy sources such as liquefied natural gas, bio-fuels and solar power.

•

Water: By 2015, Singapore is projecting its water sector to contribute around S$1.7 billion and employ more than 10,000 people – more than double the current employment. The government is further investing to build its R&D and manpower to cater to an anticipated increase in focus in this area. The government is already a pioneer in several respects – its method of waste water reclamation is being studied and applied in markets overseas. One Singaporean company in particular – Hyflux – has been making the headlines and has been contracted to build the world’s largest water desalination plant – in Algeria.

•

Entertainment: Since the mid-1990s, the government has

adopted a somewhat liberal approach to the previously strong controls it enforced over censorship and broadcasting. Since broadcasting was privatised, there has been a proliferation in content, mainly through cable, though satellite TV is still banned.

The media industry now contributes S$18.2 billion to the economy, and employs more than 50,000 workers. Singapore has also forayed into digital production – into digital gaming as well as animated TV serials. George Lucas’ Star Wars animated series “The Clone Wars” was produced in Singapore. There are currently plans to set up Asia’s first Digital Cinema Hub and Network Operations Centre in Singapore.

PROFESSIONAL BODIES Singapore has a highly efficient machinery in place to ensure that it is a conducive place for work, investment and business tie-ups. This includes various statutory boards with specific functions to market Singapore to the worldwide investment community. The Singapore government is careful that it functions as more of a facilitator, by putting in place a framework that nurtures business, rather than stifle it through overregulation.

The Economic Development Board (EDB): The EDB describes itself as the “compass for Singapore’s future”. It is the “lead government agency that plans and executes economic strategies that enhance Singapore’s position as a global hub for business, investment and talent.” The EDB’s strategies are three-pronged: 1) Attract investments locally and from foreigners; 2) Grow industry verticals; and 3) Enhance the business environment. One of the achievements of the EDB in 2007 was attracting a record S$16.1 billion in manufacturing investments – for the first time breaching the S$10 billion mark.

One of the key initiatives that the EDB has announced recently is “Future Singapore”. The initiative includes three business growth themes: urban solutions, lifestyle, and healthcare – three areas in which Singapore itself faces challenges and by tackling through innovative ideas, the country hopes to present to the world solutions for the future.

Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR): An A-star grade is the best that a student can aspire to obtain. When 44

Best of Singapore

it comes to science and technology, Singapore is not prepared to accept or provide anything less than the highest standards. A*STAR was created to answer the need for world-class scientific research, to boost Singapore’s economic competitiveness. While the EDB compares itself to a compass, A*STAR describes itself as a “luminous constellation”, charting the course for Singapore’s science and technology.

Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (IDA): The IDA’s objective is to attract foreign investment through innovative and state-of-the-art information and communications technology development, deployment and usage. The IDA is committed to instituting and facilitating a high level of IT infrastructure and usage for not only business but for Singaporeans as a whole. The IDA works with government organisations to ensure that almost every sector of Singaporeans’ life and work are enhanced through connectivity. It effectively functions as the “Chief Information Officer for the Singapore government.”

Singapore has one of the world’s most wired and wire-free infrastructures in the world. Many shopping malls as well as major eateries such as McDonald’s and Starbucks have wireless internet access. Under a 2015 master plan, the IDA plans to build a next generation infrastructure of wired broadband and wireless networks.

The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS): Much credit for Singapore’s current position as a financial hub has to go to the MAS. The regulation of Singapore’s economy and financial sector has been a success, if one based it on the results. The high level of transparency and clarity in laws and processes makes Singapore a highly reliable and trustworthy conduit for financial transactions – in banking, insurance, wealth management and treasury services.

The MAS is also the central bank of Singapore, charged with the mission to sustain non-inflationary economic growth and a sound

and progressive financial centre. Its functions include the conduct of monetary policy, currency issuance, oversight of payment systems, management of the official reserves, and acting as the financial agent of the government. Last but not least, the MAS is charged with the function of developing Singapore into an international financial centre.

SPRING Singapore is the nation’s enterprise development agency, tasked to nurture innovative startups, foster a competitive SME sector, and develop global brands. SPRING Singapore works with partners to help enterprises in their financing, capabilities and management development, technology and innovation, and market access. As the national standards and accreditation body, SPRING Singapore also develops and promotes internationally-recognised standards and quality assurance to enhance competitiveness and facilitate trade.

International Enterprise (IE) Singapore: IE Singapore’s mission is dual: promoting the overseas growth of Singapore-based enterprises and international trade, and promoting Singapore as a base for foreign enterprises to further expand into the region, in partnership with Singapore-based companies.

As a champion for international trade, IE Singapore actively markets the products of Singapore. It works to broaden the Singapore exporter base and also attract international traders to establish operations here. IE Singapore’s Global Trader Programme provides incentives to attract international traders. IE Singapore’s specific responsibilities are wide ranging – providing consultancy on Free Trade Agreements to companies, identifying opportunities, providing intelligence to Singapore companies venturing overseas, forging business alliances, undertaking customer research, and overseeing tax incentives and grants.

Can anyone ask for a more pro-business environment?

“All relevant processes and rules, from implementing a legal entity to obtaining licenses, are very clear and transparent. Singapore has to be one of the most pro-business countries in the world.”

PHOTO COURTESY OF SINGAPORE TOURISM BOARD

Dino Civitarese Managing Director Asia-Pacific Telecom Italia Citizen since 2009

Best of Singapore

45

Ivor J. Lim Plastic Surgery Dr Ivor J. Lim is a renowned and decorated plastic surgeon, with the most immaculate of credentials. A recipient of the pretigious Ian MacGregor Gold Medal by the British Association of Plastic Surgeons, and the only Singaporean Plastic Surgeon, to date, to be honoured with the FRCS (Plastic Surgery) qualification by the Intercollegiate Specialty Boards of the United Kingdom, Dr Ivor J. Lim’s proven experience and expertise is the best assurance you can find, for the precise care and fulfillment of your personal plastic surgical needs.

Chapter 4 Fine Dining

Chapter 4

PHOTO COURTESY OF SONG OF INDIA

FINE DINING

50

Best of Singapore

The range of delectable food choices available in Singapore give meaning to the term ‘food paradise’.

Indian cuisine at its best – The Song of India Best of Singapore

51

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE CLIFF

FINE DINING

From hawker centres to food courts, to fast food, to 24-hour coffee shops, to the finest restaurants and steak houses, Singapore is quite simply a gastronomical heaven.

Google “food paradise” and the name “Singapore” is likely to appear as one of the top three search results. That says a lot about the range of gourmet choices available here. From hawker centres to food courts, to fast food, to 24-hour coffee shops, to the finest restaurants and steak houses, Singapore is quite simply a gastronomical heaven.

In fact, food is a national past time that has been fighting for mind share with another increasing and counteractive obsession – that of watching one’s weight and burning off the calories. It’s a tough choice when you consider the amount of diversity.

The cultural diversity of Singapore is more than well-represented in the culinary choices available. Indian, Chinese, Peranakan, MiddleEastern, Japanese, Korean, Indonesian, American, French, Brit, Arab, Russian – you name it, we have it. With close to 20,000 food and beverage outlets packed into a space of barely over 700 square kilometres, Singapore is one of the most densely ‘food-populated’ countries in the world.

both Western dishes and Chinese specialties and offers a view of the South China Sea. Then there is Braise, which offers diners an open view of Palawan Beach and the sea. Palm trees lend a truly resort feel to this restaurant, which serves European cuisines. Also located at Palawan Beach is Silk Road of the Sea, which serves famous seafood dishes of the Chinese provinces The Knolls on the other hand serves a mix of both Western and Asian food choices. Besides a view of the sea, The Knolls would be ideal for an intimate evening.

If you really want to dine in a romantic setting, then head to the Jewel Box, located at Mount Faber hill, where you’ll have a choice of high-end restaurants – the Sapphire, Empress Jade, Black Opal, Moonstone and Emerald Lodge. Set in a natural environment of trees and foliage, the Jewel Box offers stunning views of the city, the harbour, the nightscape and the sunset. Alternatively, embark on a cable car at Faber Hill for a two-hour sky dining experience, 90 metres above the sea. The cable car will take you all the way to Sentosa, where you can chill out with a drink at Café del Mar by the beach.

DINING WITH A VIEW DINING TO IMPRESS The Equinox Complex’s restaurants at Swissotel the Stamford command a breathtaking view of the cityscape. Set 70 floors (230 metres) above the ground, they provide a panoramic view of the skyline, the river, a good part of Singapore, as well as parts of Indonesia and Malaysia. Designed to offer choice, The Equinox restaurant provides both authentic Western and Asian cuisines. The complex’s other restaurant, Jaan par André, offers a distinctive menu of French nouvelle cuisine, in a swanky, stylish environment.

There are number of diners in Sentosa island which offer panoramic views of the beach and/or sea. Barnacles Restaurant & Bar serves

If you’ve just made a tonne of money in the stock market and feel the need to celebrate it by lavishing, head to the Au Jardin Les Amis.

This luxurious restaurant, renowned for being pricey even among the priciest in Singapore, is located amidst the lush greenery of Botanic Gardens. Au Jardin is modeled after the ‘Relais et Chateaux’ restaurants found in Europe, and serves contemporary French cuisines.

Less pricey, but equally impressive is Lawry’s the Prime Rib, located in the heart of the Orchard Road shopping district. Decorated with 52

Best of Singapore

Best of Singapore

53

PHOTO COURTESY OF EQUINOX RESTAURANT SWISSÔTEL THE STAMFORD

PHOTO COURTESY OF FAIRMONT SINGAPORE

FINE DINING

54

Best of Singapore

French Impressionist paintings, and rustic, old English style furniture, this restaurant transports you back to a bygone era. Impress your date with trivia such as “did you know that this place has the highest ceiling for a restaurant in Singapore?” Lawry’s signature dish is Roasted Prime Ribs of Beef, carved and wheeled to diners in silver carts for them to choose their preferred cuts. Other highlights include the Original Spinning Bowl Salad, Atlantic Lobster Tails, Yorkshire Pudding, and Strawberry English Trifle.

Morton’s the Steakhouse is well known for its beef steaks, particularly its signature 24-ounce Porterhouse steak. Morton’s also offers a selection of seafood and carefully prepared side dishes such as Mash Potato, Sautéed Spinach and Grilled Jumbo Asparagus.

Morton’s has perfected the art of presentation – the servers roll out a cart with all the meats, seafood and vegetables and provide a description of each. If you are game for dessert, the Soufflé and Hot Chocolate Cake are highly recommended.

the former having a seating capacity of 1,200 diners at any time. No Signboard, Fisherman’s Village and Red House are other outlets at East Coast, all of which are rather well known. If you are somewhere in town and are craving for seafood, head to the Quayside Seafood Restaurant at Clarke Quay.

The dining experience in Singapore is not complete without a trip to Little India. Dining at Little India always offers great value for money, and the food is also great. Notable restaurants include Muthu’s Curry and Anandha Bhavan. The Indians have always had a weakness for desserts and the sweetmeats that you will find here at Little India are sinfully indulgent, to say the least.

For Indian fine dining, visit the Rang Mahal at the Pan Pacific Hotel or the Vaansh at Stadium Waterfront. Crystal Jade and Tung Lok are the renowned Chinese restaurants.

DINING WITH CHOICE

There are a number of locations that are today entrenched in Singapore’s culture as major dining hubs. These include ION Orchard, Clarke Quay and Holland Village.

ION Orchard is the latest trailblazer in shopping and dining to hit the town. It is one of the largest food hubs in Singapore – 21 per cent of its massive floor space is dedicated to a variety of international and local foods, as well as casual and fine dining.

For dining and then partying, head to Clarke Quay, where there are some 60 distinctive food and beverage outlets, of a myriad of nationalities. Almost every major type of food – Middle-Eastern, Indian, Italian, Chinese, Japanese, Cuban, Indonesian and local fares – is available at this iconic night spot.

Almost equally international are the cuisines at Holland Village, where you can find a wide range of restaurants offering Western, Middle-Eastern, Chinese, Thai, African and South Asian cuisines, as well as a number of coffee shops. Throw in a hawker centre and the ingredients for your typical Singapore food hub are complete.

In all honesty, you can get really good food in Singapore just around any corner. It really is hard to do justice to the Singapore food experience within the confines of a few pages. However, the restaurants and dining locations highlighted in this chapter are among the finest and most popular in Singapore.

If you have not made up your mind on what you want to eat, then the smart thing to do is to head to a place which offers a wide range of choice. The numerous food courts in Singapore serve a diversity of favourite dishes, and if you don’t mind the crowd, or the less comfortable seating, you will always be able to find something to your liking.

Suntec City offers a good diversity as well, from fast food to traditional Chinese, to Indonesian, to steak houses and cafes.

However, the food court located there, while offering variety, doesn’t offer the best quality.

If you are a big fan of Japanese food, one of your lifetime goals must be to dine at the Inagiku restaurant, one of, if not the premier, Japanese restaurant in Singapore. The kaiseki meal is a ravishing multi-dimensional treat, encompassing multiple courses of fresh seasonal ingredients. All the usual Japanese favourites – sushi, sashimi, tempura and teppanyaki dishes – are prepared by a team of expert chefs.

If you want to try the famed Chilli Crab or Black Pepper Crab, head to the seafood restaurants at East Coast. Jumbo Seafood and Long Beach Seafood Restaurant are the more noteworthy names there, with

DINING HUBS

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE WHITE RABBIT

The main dining hall

Best of Singapore

55

FINE DINING

MORTON’S OF CHICAGO, THE STEAKHOUSE Serving the choicest prime USDA beef and delivering an unsurpassable dining experience Morton’s of Chicago, The Steakhouse, located at Mandarin Oriental Hotel, is renowned for its signature menu and legendary hospitality.

The place for true beef connoisseurs, Morton’s has remained true to its founders’ original vision of combining generous portions of high-quality food with exceptional service in an enjoyable dining environment.

The restaurant’s interior retains the timeless feel of an old-fashioned, Midwestern steakhouse. The solid elegance of the mahogany-paneled room with its spacious leather booths, engraved glass partitions displaying the distinctive Morton’s logo and classic white tablecloths all combine to give the dining room an intimate appeal. Subdued lighting, warm brickwork, walls adorned with celebrity photographs and a large collection of LeRoy Neiman serigraphs and prints, add to the atmosphere. The lavish food and wine displays and the trademark exhibition kitchen complete the distinctive Morton’s ambience.

Morton’s of Chicago serves only the finest quality food, featuring aged grain-fed beef, along with fresh seafood, hand-picked produce, a selection of delicious appetisers and delightful desserts. A large selection of imported wines is available to complement every meal, and Morton’s very own in-house sommelier is always ready to offer a choice of the finest wines to guests.

When it comes to service – it’s always service with a personal touch – and Morton’s of Chicago is clearly a mark above the rest.

Famous for its unique tableside presentation,

menu items are exhibited by the friendly wait staff in a unique “show-and-tell” manner, much to the delight of the guests.

Morton’s of Chicago has an on-site sales & marketing manager, who specialises in customising the perfect menu for private or corporate events and functions. Private boardrooms, which can accommodate parties of 6 to 40, are available for business and social functions. The restaurant can also be reserved for private functions during the day.

What’s new at Morton’s of Chicago The newest addition to Morton’s of Chicago’s exclusive menu is the infamous ‘Morton’s USDA Prime Burger’ that started Morton’s more than 30 years ago. Guests will get to experience a part of Morton’s history and above all, savour the American gourmet sensation of USDA hand ground beef set between two crisp hamburger buns, with a choice of Swiss, crumbled blue or cheddar cheese; crisp bacon, sautéed mushrooms or onions and served with a generous portion of hand-cut Idaho Potato French Fries.

Late Night Feature at The Bar at Morton’s The Bar at Morton’s, located at the Atrium level on the fourth floor of Mandarin Oriental Hotel, offers a perfect environment for predinner aperitifs or post-meal cocktails, with its wide range of spirits and premium Cuban cigars. The Bar is also well-known for Mortini Nights, which run on weekdays from 5pm to 56

Best of Singapore

7pm, featuring five stunning Martinis (Classic, Cosmopolitan, Chocolate, Appletini and Lycheetini).

Aside from the Mortini Hours, The Bar at Morton’s has also recently launched a new Late Night Feature. Now, from 8pm to closing daily, guests who prefer a relaxing, hearty evening can enjoy great value on Morton’s USDA Prime Burger, Heineken draft and Santa Helena Siglo d’oro, Cabernet Sauvignon, from Chile’s Colchagua Valley 2008, at special prices.

The Bar at Morton’s now offers a new Bar Food Menu that offers plates of mini munchies, accompanied by Morton’s extraordinary bar selections featuring over 50 martinis, including Morton’s signature “Mortinis”, an award-winning wine list, the finest spirits, domestic and imported beers, the best in cordials and coffee drinks. The goodies on the ‘Bar Bites’ menu at Morton’s are easily one of the biggest restaurant bargains in town.

Designed for convivial meeting, greeting, eating and long-known as a chic place to sample award-winning cocktails, served with that famous Morton’s panache, the Bar at Morton’s is spacious with an elegant and contemporary interior that retains the warmth and inviting comfort that Morton’s of Chicago is known for.

Tel: (65) 6339 3740 www.mortons.com Best of Singapore

57

Opposite: Morton’s Cajun Ribeye Above Left: Morton’s USDA Prime Burger Above Right: Carrot Cake Above Right Below: Booths Below: Seafood Platter

FINE DINING

The Cliff - the cutting edge of sophistication Award-winning seafood restaurant at The Sentosa Resort & Spa is in another league The Sentosa Resort & Spa offers a variety of dining options, ranging from casual to elegant chic.

For seafood connoisseurs, The Cliff featuring contemporary cuisine inspired by the sea is a gastronomic experience not to be missed.

Designed by famed Japanese designer Yasuhiro Koichi, The Cliff sets new standards in the culinary arts in Singapore. Perched on a cliff overlooking the South China Sea, this alfresco-style restaurant is a haven of the best in seafood and fine wines for discerning aficionados.

After enjoying a drink at The Cliff’s outdoor bar amidst the enchanting sunset, diners can savour the freshest ingredients prepared with finesse and presented like delectable works of art.

The menu reflects a creative gastronomy with distinct contemporary French flair. A favourite with regulars are the Tasting of Oysters, available with a number of winning combinations, including fresh shucked with tuna and avocado tartare or baked with forest mushroom fricassee and foie gras hollandaise. The tempting dessert platter, Chocolate Experience for Two, features warm 70% guanaja foam with vanilla ice-cream, 55% equatorial macaroon and 66% caraibe sorbet with mint espuma and more.

58

Best of Singapore

Signature dishes include Pan Roast Black Cod with puree of potato, leek and bacon ragout and Wild Canadian Lobster poached in chardonnay nage, creme fraiche with fettuccini and fresh herbs. Meat lovers can delight in A Study of Kurobuta Pork comprising bacon-wrapped rib eye, crisp roulade of confit shoulder and cider braised belly with fennel ‘risotto’.

The Cliff’s reputation has earned it numerous laurels, with recent ones being the winner of the Singapore Business Review The Top 50 Restaurants Awards 2008 – Three Chef’s Hats, Wine & Dine Singapore’s Top Restaurants Guide 2008 – Special Awards: Best Ambience (Western), Singapore Best Restaurant Guide by Singapore Tatler 2008 and Simply Dining Restaurant Guide 2008 – Gold Award. All these are authentications of one of the finest culinary experiences in Southeast Asia.

In addition to The Cliff, the resort’s new restaurant, The Garden delivers a destination dining experience termed Conscious Dining.

Nestled next to Spa Botanica, it serves a wholesome contemporary cuisine in an idyllic respite using specially-sourced organic or bio-dynamic ingredients.

Tel: (65) 6371 1425 www.thesentosa.com Best of Singapore

59

FINE DINING

Thanying – a Thai restaurant fit for royalty Thanying at Amara Singapore and Amara Sanctuary Resort Sentosa is a restaurant for the most discerning of diners with a penchant for fine Thai cuisine.

Serving authentic royal Thai cuisine, Thanying is an award-winning restaurant that has built up a loyal following that includes local and foreign dignitaries.

Thanying Restaurant’s outstanding reputation is not surprising, once you learn that their consultant chef is none other than the renowned Chalie Amatyakul. Best known for setting up the famous Thai Cooking School at the legendary Oriental Hotel in Bangkok, Khun Amatyakul’s years of experience show in the skills of the chefs and the immaculate cuisine prepared by them.

of Thailand. This spicy prawn soup is where Thanying stamps its position at the pinnacle of refined Royal Thai cooking. The broth is clear and not laced with the oily residue of a chilli paste, different from most other Tom Yams. Ethereally light, yet full of attention grabbing flavours, the purity of the kaffir lime leaves, lemongrass and prawn is allowed to shine through with just the right balance of sour and spicy notes. Another hot favourite is Tom Poe, a 200-year old recipe soup consisting of snapper fish and heart of coconut.

Each savoury bite The splendour of Thai court cooking is exemplified in signature dishes such as Miang Khum. It is a dish that contains a cornucopia of Thai flavours – peanut, shrimp, herbs, lime, chillies and toasted coconut, topped with tamarind sauce and wrapped delightfully in fresh betel leaves. These parcels contain all the distinctive and wellloved flavours of Thailand, bringing waves of complex textures and tastes to the diner, with every eagerly anticipated bite.

Follow that up with the Tom Yam Goong, perhaps the most popular Thai dish outside

Save the best for the end The highlight for most at Thanying is undoubtedly the end of the meal. Thanying gives a multitude of reasons to not restrict oneself to a single choice of dessert.

Thanying believes that guests should enjoy a colourful buffet of the finest sweets in Thai cooking. From the coconut custard tarts to the steamed tapioca and the candied bananas, the entire spread is prepared by chefs who specialise in desserts . Even the fresh tropical fruits are expertly carved to please the eyes, as well as the taste buds.

60

Best of Singapore

Dining in Style With all the food on show, it is easy to miss the restaurants’ interesting and elegant interiors.

Thanying at Sentosa Inside, the restaurant is sleek and simple and predominantly white with touches of warm wooden hues showing through the furniture and polished floor. The feel is certainly comfortable and modern. Though the decor is not traditional, the beautiful, exposed wooden rafters and thatch on the ceiling reminds the diner of the restaurant’s link to its tropical origins.

Set amidst swaying palm trees and beautifully restored historic buildings, Thanying is Amara Sanctuary Resort’s contemporary Royal Thai restaurant.

The best place to dine is probably outside in Thanying’s newly completed courtyard, under the stars, near a herb garden. For greater intimacy, two private dining rooms are also available.

Thanying in the heart of the city The flagship Thanying Restaurant is located in the Amara Singapore. All the delectable fares described above are available at this outlet, which first opened in 1988 and which remains to this day as Singapore’s highest benchmark in authentic Thai cuisine.

If your intent is to impress or to make that special person feel extra special, with great food to top it off, Thanying is the place you want to head to.

Thanying at Amara Sanctuary Resort Sentosa 1 Larkhill Road, Sentosa Singapore 099394 Tel: (65) 6825 3881 Web: www.amarasanctuary.com Thanying at Amara Singapore 165 Tanjong Pagar Road Singapore 088539 Tel: (65) 6222 4688 Web: www.amarahotels.com

Best of Singapore

61

FINE DINING

Silk Road Restaurant, Chinese provincial cuisine Reproducing the original tastes of the famous dishes of the provinces of China in all their splendour, Silk Road Restaurant transports you to a time and destination long gone but not forgotten.

Inspired by the Chinese dishes that thrived for many centuries along the Silk Road, and the market places that the famed voyager Marco Polo must have encountered during his trips to the East, Silk Road Restaurant serves the delectable dishes of the Chinese provinces of Sichuan, Shaanxi, Liaoning and Beijing.

A feast to every sense The restaurant focuses on the celebrated Chinese dishes that came into being and thrived for many centuries along the Silk Road.

A special eye-catching feature is the open kitchen. You can spectacle the chefs creating favourites such as Pan-fried Snowflake Dumpling, Xiao Long Bao and many different kinds of handmade noodles. An unexpected highlight of the evening is the aromatic eight treasure tea. Not only is this a special blend created by the restaurant’s tea master, known as the La Cha Sifu, the tea is also served in style. Hot water from a copper kettle with a metre-long spout is poured throughout your meal, keeping your tea topped up. It is a task that requires great skill, accuracy and

two years training. On Friday and Saturday evenings, the agenda includes special tea demonstrations with guest interactions.

That should say it all about why the Silk Road Restaurant has won so many Best Restaurant awards, from the likes of Singapore Tatler, Wine & Dine and Tables.

The restaurant has also bagged a business innovation award from Spring Singapore.

The first Silk Road Restaurant was established at the Amara Singapore hotel.

The specialties at this flagship restaurant include signature items such as garlic pork, sesame chicken, dumplings and handmade noodles.

The Silk Road of the Sea The outstanding standards set at the flagship restaurant, in terms of the quality of the cuisine, customer service and focus on providing a sensory dining experience to customers, were carried over to the Silk Road of the Sea at Sentosa.

Seafood dominates the menu at Silk Road of the Sea, the specialty of the restaurant. The versatility of the team of highly trained chefs is impressive - dishes as diverse as Golden 62

Best of Singapore

Pumpkin Soup with Shark’s Fin and Caviar, Golden Ribbon Lobster, Panseared Cod with Spicy Beancurd, Poached Mussels with White Wine and Bouillabaisse are some of the many dishes that the restaurant prepares expertly.

As the sea route of Silk Road passed through South-East Asia, the menu also includes Singapore favourites like Chilli Crab and Pepper Crab.

Especially memorable are the stir-fried Sri Lanka Crabs with dried red chilli, done the Sichuan way, a fiery dish that retains the delicate flavour of the fresh crab. A favourite amongst locals and tourists, it is an interesting departure from the usual chilli or pepper crab that most other Chinese restaurants serve.

Rather than confuse flavours from different parts of the world, Silk Road of the Sea endeavours to reproduce the original unique taste of each dish – thanks to the restaurant

Best of Singapore

63

head hunting and hiring the best chefs from around the world, and at the same time employing only specially imported spices and sauces.

When it comes to seafood, freshness is the most important consideration. Silk Road of the Sea makes this possible through an innovative aquarium showcasing live seafood.

Countless varieties of fish, crustaceans and shellfish are displayed invitingly at the restaurant. Once you choose your meal, it can be ready in a matter of minutes – it could not be any fresher than that.

Inspiring to every sense Located on Sentosa’s Palawan Beach, Silk Road restaurant offers a charming beachfront ambience. Whether you choose to dine outdoors on the beach front deck or in the modern and elegant dining room, an unobstructed view of the gentle, rolling waves

of the South China Sea promises to be one of the most ravishing experiences.

In terms of quality of cuisine, customer service, and focus on providing holistic experience, customers are assured of a truly memorable dining experience at all our Silk Road restaurants.

Silk Road at Amara Singapore 165 Tanjong Pagar Road Level 2, Singapore 088539 Tel: (65) 6879 2655 Web: www.amarahotels.com Silk Road of the Sea Palawan Beach Walk, Sentosa Tel: (65) 6377 4248 Web: www.amarahotels.com

FINE DINING

Redefining Indian Cuisine The Song of India is a majestic and unique restaurant that has proved an instant success in Singapore due to its challenging approach to the whole dining experience.

Redefining Indian Cuisine

Step away from Orchard Road into a Heritage bungalow with a bright and exciting future.

Welcome to the Song of India, a unique stylish restaurant which raises the bar for Indian cuisine not just in Singapore but all over the world.

Since opening in April 2006 on Scotts Road, the Song of India and its renowned Chef, Milind Sovani have garnered numerous awards, from BEST restaurant, BEST winelist to BEST Asian Cuisine Chef.

The Key to this instant success ? Lush, Soothing surroundings with a hush of privacy, contemporary style and superb cuisine.

This refreshing new take on Indian fine dining is diversification of the First Flight Group and the brain child of Mr. OP Saboo, Mr. Paul Joseph, Ms Terese Paul and Chef Sovani. Their mantra ? To redefine Indian cuisine to suit modern sensibilities. The menu is a gastronomical journey through India thanks to Master Chef Milind Sovani. Chef Sovani has served his creations to the Indian Prime Minister and many other dignitaries,

Milind Sovani 64

Best of Singapore

hosted his own cookery shows and written a book entitled “5- Star Recipes”.

Once you have made your way through the landscaped gardens, having enjoyed complimentary Valet parking, you will be greeted by luxurious interiors with stark white walls offset by grand chandeliers, the warmth of wood, the coolness of marble and granite.

Artwork adorning the walls, which changes every 3 months is available to buy and the restaurant promotes contemporary Indian artists.

Traditional dishes have been given a unique twist to create unique combinations of flavours. Authentic herbs, spices and the finest ingredients sourced from India and the world over, lend their distinctive flavours to each delicacy. The Restaurant introduces for the first time in Singapore, the cuisine of Lucknavi Royals, recreated and presented in a modern and elegant style.

The beautifully designed wine cellars houses a collection of some of the finest wines the world has to offer, all carefully chosen to pair with the cuisine. An eclectic range of cigars is also on offer.

Outside the elegantly designed restaurant, is the recently launched “Whispering Palms” alfresco dining and bar, a venue for you to loosen up & a perfect place for get-togethers, company events, special occasions or just hanging-out.

Imagine nestling in the shadows of a tranquil bungalow amidst a lush tropical garden, the sound of flowing water, hushed candlelit settings and lounge music creating for you a symphony of sensations making it a stress-free setting.

At the Song of India, you can feel the warmth of Indian hospitality for an unforgettable dining experience. Within the realm of Best Restaurants, Singapore has a few which stand out, but none so clearly and with such effortless culinary class and aesthetic generosity as The Song of India.

Indigo Mist

Tel: (65) 6836 0055 www.thesongofindia.com

Whispering Palms

Malvani Jatra Best of Singapore

65

Tandoor Platter

33 Scotts Road

Chapter 5 Hotels & Hospitality

Chapter 5

PHOTO COURTESY OF CAPELLA

HOTELS & HOSPITALITY

68

Best of Singapore

What really deďŹ nes the experience at the best Singapore hotels are the ďŹ rst-rate services and leisure facilities.

Best of Singapore

69

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE FULLERTON HOTEL

HOTELS & HOSPITALITY

The standard of service and quality of facilities of Singapore’s hospitality industry are a reflection of the country’s standing as one of the most modern, developed cities of the world.

Tourism is a top revenue generator for the Singapore economy and in view of this, the government has emphasised the progressive development of the hospitality industries.

The Singapore hotels provide first class service to their customers.

The considerable number of 5-star hotels found here signify the country’s position as a top destination for businesses, conventions, meetings and holidays. The top-rated 5-star hotels include Raffles Hotel, The Fullerton Hotel Singapore, Swissotel the Stamford, Capella Singapore, Shangri-La, Ritz Carlton and Fairmont Singapore. Each has a distinct characteristic, but one thing they all share is a penchant for the very highest standards in service.

The majority of the hotels are located in the central areas – the shopping belt stretching from Orchard Road to Marina Bay, and the business district stretching from North Bridge Road to Raffles City and from the Suntec City area to Fullerton Square. These locations make it extremely convenient for tourists and business travelers, whether they are here in Singapore for shopping, dining, clubbing, business meetings, conferences or leisure.

FULFILLING THE BUSINESS TRAVELLER’S NEEDS The business traveller is assured of staying connected and staying on top of his business when in Singapore. Hotel rooms come equipped with high-speed internet access and voicemail facilities. The major cable TV business channels will be available in all 5-star hotels.

Typically, executive suites will also come equipped with facsimile machines and printers.

Most top range hotels are also amply equipped with facilities for business such as meeting and conference rooms, business centres offering the full range of secretarial and administrative services and equipment for presentations.

What really defines the experience at the best Singapore hotels are the first-rate services and leisure facilities. You can expect the health, spa and sports facilities – the saunas, steam rooms, swimming pools, gymnasiums, tennis and squash courts – to be of the very best standards.

BOUTIQUE AND RESORT HOTELS The boutique hotels of Singapore are a class act in themselves.

Resplendent with luxurious interior decorations including ornaments, elegant furniture, art pieces, carpets and other finishings, you can be assured of a comfortable and perhaps more personalised service at these hotels. The boutique hotels of Singapore have a quaint and unique allure that have made them popular venues.

Guests will have no complaints about the facilities as well – leisure and business facilities would be comparable to those found in any 5-star hotel located elsewhere in South-East Asia. Some of the renowned boutique hotels in Singapore are Naumi Hotel, Berjaya Hotel, New Majestic Hotel and 1929.

Singapore’s resort hotels are mostly found in Sentosa island. The resort hotels are best suited for those who want to escape from the busy city. These hotels are quite self-contained and will also have more elaborate facilities such as shops, restaurants, bars, leisure and 70

Best of Singapore

PHOTO COURTESY OF FAIRMONT SINGAPORE

The considerable number of 5-star hotels found here signify the country’s position as a top destination for businesses, conventions, meetings and holidays.

Best of Singapore

71

HOTELS & HOSPITALITY

PHOTO COURTESY OF SWISSÔTEL THE STAMFORD

A towering icon of hospitality

72

Best of Singapore

PHOTO COURTESY OF INTROBAR SWISSÔTEL THE STAMFORD

In view of the criticality of maintaining service standards in the hospitality industries, the Singapore government has been a strong advocate of training. entertainment options. If you are truly looking for a holiday without any distractions, Singapore’s resort hotels such as Rasa Sentosa Resort, Siloso Beach Resort and Capella Singapore will be ideal escapes.

SERVICED RESIDENCES Serviced residences in Singapore combine the experience of a luxurious hotel room and services with flexibility and a relative level of independence. A serviced residence includes a living room and kitchen, and can be seen as a combination of a hotel room and a residential property. The same facilities and services available at a top-rate hotel are also available at serviced residences, and are usually available at more affordable rates compared to a hotel, which means luxury and value-for-money.

Best of Singapore

73

A few of the names in Singapore’s service residential market include The Ascott Group, Frasers Hospitality, Shangri-La Apartments, Park Avenue Suites and Darby Park Executive Suites. The Ascott Group is the forerunner in the service residential market, having pioneered the concept in Singapore more than a quarter of a century ago. It today operates three brands – Ascott, Somerset and Citadines – each suited to different lifestyles.

In view of the criticality of maintaining service standards in the hospitality industries, the Singapore government has been a strong advocate for training. The Singapore Hotel Association has also been a key proponent of this. In addition, the Singapore Hotel and Tourism Education Centre is a leading training facility for this industry, providing a range of courses for the workforce, across all management and service levels.

HOTELS & HOSPITALITY

The grand dame of hotels – The Fullerton Hotel Singapore There is nothing more spectacular – The Fullerton Hotel Singapore injects in new charm to a building that dates back to the 1900s and adds a touch of elegance that makes guests feel pampered The Fullerton Hotel Singapore offers old world charm with new Asia elegance, and the result is something spectacular. Built in 1928, the hotel’s building was once home to Singapore’s General Post Office, Chamber of Commerce and The Singapore Club – all of which played an important role in the history of Singapore. However, in 2001, when the luxury hotel opened its 400 rooms and suites, it beckoned in a whole new era.

The hotel, which stands in the heart of the Central Business District, is within walking distance to key cultural attractions such as the Asian Civilisations Museum, Victoria Theatre and Concert Hall, and the Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay as well as Boat Quay, Singapore’s popular dining and entertainment belt. It is also minutes away from the shopping hub of Suntec City Mall and Marina Square, and in close proximity to the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) station, that brings you to other parts of the island.

The Fullerton experience Guests at the hotel enjoy a view of the sunlit atrium courtyard or have balconies that open out to the sweeping panoramas of the city skyline, river promenade or sea. In the rooms, there are state-of-the-art features and high-speed broadband connectivity, and guests enjoy personal touches such as polished shoes are dispatched through a specially-designed niche in the wardrobe closet of each room. To have the full Fullerton experience, you need to stay in one of the hotel’s elegant suites such as the two-storey duplex Loft Suites which has a living room on the first level and the bedroom above; Governor Suite, the grand dame of suites, which has a luxuriously-furnished bedroom, elegant dining room and kitchen, as well as a state-of-the-art sound system and television; or the crème de la crème 199-sqm Presidential Suite, which is furnished with a baby grand piano and a private elevator for discreet access.

74

Best of Singapore

Guests who stay at the suites enjoy The Straits Club privileges, which include 24-personalised service, complimentary daily breakfast, reading room access, and evening canapés and cocktails at the Club’s lounge.

Winning formula While at the Fullerton Hotel, there is a wide selection of stylish restaurants and bars for the most discerning of tastes whether you are looking for a quick sandwich or latte at The Courtyard or a leisurely dinner at the Town Restaurant. Those who are looking for contemporary Chinese cuisine can check out Jade or The Lighthouse for modern Italian food. There is also Post Bar, which features the original ceiling and pillars of the General Post Office, comprises a cocktail bar, a stylish music room and lush outdoor seating. And for those looking for some pampering, you can treat yourself to one of the many massages and body treatments at The Asian Spa, take a dip in the 25m outdoor infinity swimming pool, or do some retail therapy in the hotel with boutiques offering a selection of quality souvenirs and art pieces. View a collection of works by some of the finest and most promising contemporary Asian artists.

Fullerton’s winning formula of personalised service and style continues to win over many each year. It was voted one of the top 25 business hotels and conference hotels in Asia in SmartTravelAsia.com’s Best in Travel Poll 2009, and was listed in Condé Nast Travel’s Gold List 2009. In 2008, Fullerton Hotel bagged the 101 Top Hotel Suites of the Year of Elite Traveler 2008, Singapore’s Leading Hotel in World Travel Awards 2008 and in Travel + Leisure 500 2008 as one of the world’s best hotels. This all cements its reputation as being one of the leading hotels in Singapore and a must for any business traveler.

Tel: (65) 6733 8388 www.fullertonhotel.com

Best of Singapore

75

HOTELS & HOSPITALITY

25 Years of Defining Global Living at Ascott Pioneer and leader in the serviced residence industry is renowned for making travellers feel at home 2009 is a special year for The Ascott Group Limited (Ascott) as it marks the 25th Anniversary of the global leader in the serviced residence industry. Since pioneering the serviced residence concept with one property each in Singapore (The Ascott Singapore) and France (Citadines La Défense) in 1984, Ascott has grown to be the world’s largest international serviced residence owner-operator with 25,000 units across 67 cities in the Asia Pacific, Europe and the Gulf region.

A class apart For 25 years, Ascott has set itself apart from all other accommodation providers by bringing business and leisure travellers worldwide a memorable ‘home away from home’. Its premium serviced residences combine the space and privacy of an apartment with the services of a top-rated hotel. Travellers can choose from three distinct brands – Ascott, Somerset and Citadines – which cater to different lifestyles.

This ensures there is an apartment designed to make every traveller feel at home.

Ascott residences offer discreet service

in an exclusive environment. They frequently welcome top executives, government dignitaries and industry leaders. Somerset residences are designed for travellers with families and feature more childrenfriendly facilities such as playgrounds, indoor playrooms and children’s swimming pools. Citadines residences cater to savvy, independent travellers who want high quality accommodation that provides the flexibility to pay for the services they require.

More than an accommodation All serviced residences under the three brands offer prime location, excellent business connectivity and maximum comfort.

Beyond these, travellers appreciate that they do not just come back to an accommodation.

They return to familiar faces, welcoming surroundings and the assurance that their needs will be taken care of. Furthermore, residents’ programmes which include city tours and workshops on local culture help travellers settle in quickly. Those on long stay can even bring their favourite furniture from back home into their serviced residence and feel truly at home.

76

Best of Singapore

Ascott’s global network of properties has also meant that travellers only need to work with one party for all their accommodation needs, wherever they travel to. Moreover, they can experience the familiar home environment that Ascott provides, no matter which country or city they visit.

International recognition The company’s properties and hospitality have thus enjoyed worldwide recognition.

It has won a number of prestigious awards for consecutive years. These include Business Traveller UK, Business Traveller Asia Pacific and Business Traveller China Awards; DestinAsian Readers’ Choice Awards; TravelWeekly (Asia) Industry and TravelWeekly China Awards; and TTG Travel and TTG China Travel Awards.

As part of its 25th Anniversary celebrations, Ascott introduced a series of promotions and rewards, including an unprecedented grand prize of free stays for the next 25 years, to thank travellers for their support.

Tel: (65) 6272 7272 www.the-ascott.com Best of Singapore

77

HOTELS & HOSPITALITY

The irreplaceable Capella experience Capella has raised the benchmark in luxurious resort living with its newest property on Sentosa Island.

Tucked away from the hustle and bustle of Singapore across 30 acres of verdant flora on Sentosa island is Capella Singapore, a resort that is reminiscent of colonial splendour and set in a tropical oasis.

The Capella experience is an unforgettable one – guests will be pampered by the trained personal assistants in every way. The personal assistants will make all the necessary arrangements to ensure that guests receive royal treatment – from planning a culinary tour of Singapore specialties to organising a romantic dinner or a children’s birthday party, to deep sea fishing and to even arranging a private jet.

Feeling at home, living in style As you approach the end of a long driveway, you will be greeted by two regal Tanah Merah colonial buildings, paintstakingly restored and embellished with contemporary touches by renowned British architect Lord Norman Foster. The interiors of the spacious 112 rooms – two manors, 38 Pool Suites, 11 suites and 61 premier guest rooms – will convey tropical living with a warm colour palette and

the use of rattan and wood. All rooms are equipped with latest in technology from touch screen control panels that control lighting, air conditioning, drapes and the LCD TVs. Also available are wireless broadband connection and iPod docking stations.

It is obvious that Capella Singapore was conceptualised to cater to the history buff, nature lover and the discerning traveller. The restored Colonial Manors, with 3 bedrooms and a mini lap pool evokes the feeling of the 1880s. If you prefer a private retreat, the Pool Suites have a panoramic view of the South China Sea or the lush gardens. Alternatively, opt for one of the Constellationrooms and enjoy the southern night skies as you sink into your own private rooftop jacuzzi. For those who like lots of elbow room, the Sentosa Suites and Capella Suites offer spacious modern living wtih stunning views of the South China Sea. For those planning a long stay, the hotel has no less than 81 accommodation choices under ‘The Club at Capella Singapore’, a special programme for long-stay guests.

There are 72 sea-facing suites and duplexes 78

Best of Singapore

and nine manors with private pools.

The interiors are designed by renowned interior designer Jaya Ibrahim. All units are fully furnished and outfitted with walk-in wardrobes, Miele kitchen equipment, 46-inch high definition flat screen TV and a home entertainment system.

For those seeking special kneads there is the Auriga spa, which has been specially developed for Capella Hotels by West Paces Hotel Group, owner of the Capella brand, in collaboration with award-winning Swedishbased Raison d’Etre. Choose from four signature treatments that correspond to the different lunar phases. Capitalising on the lush foliage and natural light all treatment rooms feature an outdoor garden for that back-to-nature experience.

An array of options, a complete experience When it comes to gastronomic indulgence, Capella pleases with the all-day-dining at The Knolls where an exciting blend of flavours from west to east. The afternoon tea experience is made far more unforgettable with more than 40 varieties of Japanese, English and Indian teas to complement every delectable morsel. For a fine-dining option there is Cassia Chinese restaurant, which will delight with its stylish decor and haute cuisine. Savour traditional Cantonese dishes spiced up with divine western touches such as foie gras, caviar and Australian wagyu beef. Then end the evening with a night cap at Bob’s Bar as you gaze out to the sea and beyond.

If all that is not enticing enough, then perhaps a relaxing ride in the Rolls-Royce Phantom to shopping venues around Singapore, or to take you to the airport, may be just the thing to convert you to experience the resplendent and distinctive Capella Singapore. If there is one thing you will not want tomiss out during your stay in Singapore, it is definitely a visit to Capella .

Tel +65 6377 8888 www.capellasingapore.com Best of Singapore

79

HOTELS & HOSPITALITY

An urban oasis in the heart of the city Naumi Hotel is where you can experience personal luxury at its very best, where the smallest details are looked in to, and where your every need is attended to, attentively and sensitively.

Naumi is a 40-room luxury boutique hotel located in the center of Singapore’s business district. It has suites and rooms, designed with the softest touch, to be a haven of quiet comfort and personal luxury in the heart of the city.

The three Luxury Suites offer the ultimate indulgence from Top-of-the-Line Italian designer furniture comprising the Poltrona Frau Don’do Rocking Chair, to the Naumi luxurious bedroom featuring a King-sized bed with six layers atop the mattress, to a spacious 17sq m bathroom in white Voltex marble with complimentary range of Kiehl’s skincare products and a fully equipped kitchenette.

Naumi’s Executive Two Bedroom Suites offer more privacy for families. The Executive Patio Suite has a spacious al fresco patio for unwinding over drinks, while the Corporate Suite is designed for entertaining with a wine chiller and space for an intimate crowd.

The deluxe rooms are the largest of their kind in Singapore, with a kitchenette for light meals, and an oversized bathtub to luxuriate in.

80

Best of Singapore

Naumi’s impeccably-fitted premium rooms feature rain showerheads in the bathroom and a pantry well-equipped with electrical appliances such as a gourmet Nespresso coffee machine.

Naumi has paid attention to the special needs of the female traveller, dedicating the entire floor on level six for ladies who seeks privacy. Access to this floor is only possible through a glass security door. Rooms on this floor are enhanced for women guests, from delicate aromatherapy and satin room accessories to an extensive range of Kiehl’s skincare products (make-up remover, toner, cleanser).

All of Naumi’s suites and rooms have data ports, hotel-wide broadband and a secure wireless CISCO IP telephone. At the same time, the rooms also come with Bose iPod docks and 42-50 inch plasma televisions. A 24-hour personal aide is on hand for each guest to meet every request discretely and promptly.

Start the day with a work-out in our fullyequipped gym featuring cutting-edge fitness solutions by Technogym®, the exclusive supplier of fitness equipment for the 2008 Olympics or have your personal sun salutations in our Yoga Room. Alternatively go for a dip in the Naumi Rooftop Infinity Pool or sip a cocktail at Naumi’s fabulous chilled out Naumi Bar. The Naumi Bar and Restaurant is a favourite amongst the glitterati in the city.

In the day, it serves sumptuous healthy full breakfast buffet and casual dining. The Naumi Bar is also known for its exquisite Liquid Buffets, tasting selections of the best whiskeys, sakes, cocktails, and more, served at the organically-curved origami steel bar counter under the massive whimsical steel and glass sculpture, “Garden” that wraps along Naumi’s walls.

It is not surprising that Naumi Hotel has made it to the Condé Nast Hot List as “One of The Best New Places To Stay In The World”.

It was rated twice the Best Boutique Hotel in Singapore by Singapore Tatler. Naumi is luxury personified.

Tel: 6403 6000 Address: 41 Seah Street, Singapore Email: naumiaide@naumihotel.com Web: www.naumihotel.com

Best of Singapore

81

HOTELS & HOSPITALITY

Frasers Hospitality Pte Ltd – the trusted brand name in extended-stay accommodations Frasers Hospitality Pte Ltd’s success in always putting guests first has allowed it to stamp its global presence Frasers Hospitality Pte Ltd (Frasers), the hospitality arm of Fraser and Neave, has set its sights globally. Its extended-stay accommodations are marketed under four brands – Fraser Suites, Fraser Place, Fraser Residence and Fraser Resorts.

Since its inception in 2001, Frasers has been expanding aggressively into various regions, including Australia, North Asia, Southeast Asia, Europe and the Middle East, and expects to have more than 10,800 apartments come 2012 in new markets such as Budapest, India and Malaysia. Frasers will also open new properties in existing markets Japan and China.

From just two serviced apartments 11 years ago to 32 around the world today, Frasers has come a long way indeed. Eighty percent of its clientele come from Fortune 500 and Forbes’ List companies, and 60 percent of the guests stay in the serviced apartments for extended periods. In this time, Frasers has come to understand its guests’ varied needs and is able to deliver the kind of accommodation that would make its guests

feel truly at home. Its success is evident from the number of guests who have stayed as residents for as long as 11 years, since the apartments first opened.

Customised and convenient Even before the company began, Frasers took efforts to understand its clientele’s needs. It surveyed more than 500 people who stayed in serviced apartments. Careful thought went into a lot of aspects – the height of the sinks, a choice of both ovens and microwaves in all apartments, full-size refrigerators instead of mini-bar fridges, proper exhaust systems in kitchens and many others. Frasers was also the first serviced apartment provider to fit both washers and dryers heeding to the voice of guests that they disliked laundromats. Frasers always goes the extra mile and some facilities are provided at no cost, such as a coffee percolator and a specially designed music room for rest and relaxation after a hard day’s work.

Frasers also is the first in the industry to come up with services and facilities such as the Fraser Kids Club, which offers babysitting 82

Best of Singapore

services and recreational trips for Frasers kids, a spa which offers aromatherapy massages and stress-relieving treatments, and a meeting facility called The Retreat with high-tech multimedia equipment and conducive work spaces.

Frasers will personalise individual residences to turn each into the home you have always dreamed about. You will be free to choose from Asian or Western kitchen packages, or the Kiddies’ Dream Package where your child’s room transforms into a fantasy wonderland.

Home away from home Two of its flagship properties in Singapore include Fraser Suites, which is elegant, yet cosy, and Fraser Place, a chic and fun residence with the latest technology, ideal for urban cosmopolitan living. Each of Frasers’ properties provides the same Asian-style warmth, intuitive hospitality and personalised services that are the reasons why clients keep coming back. Fraser Touch Specialists are always on-hand to help in all your needs and are more than happy to fluff your pillows or replenish your favourite tea.

Fraser Suites River Valley is near to the Central Business District as well as to the shops and restaurants on Orchard Road, while Fraser Place Robertson Walk is close to Singapore’s iconic waterfront recreation hotspots – Clarke Quay and Boat Quay – with their varied restaurants, wine bars, cafés and pubs. You can use the complimentary shuttle service to get you around, including into the shopping belt. And, if you choose to stay in, you can enjoy the monthly activities such as yoga and meditation classes or opt to go for a culinary adventure. The choice is all yours!

These two properties have earned a number of accolades and industry awards including the “Excellence Service Award 2004-2009” by Spring Singapore, the “Best Serviced Residence (Property) Award 20072008” by readers of TravelWeekly Asia as well as the “Best Serviced Apartment Vendor of the Year 2007-2008” by readers of Human Resources Magazine.

Latest addition Frasers continues to expand with its latest addition – Fraser Place Fusionopolis, which opened in July 2009. It is located at onenorth, Singapore’s futuristic research and development, bio-tech, infocomm and lifestyle hub. It is also close to amenities and nightlife at Rochester and Wessex districts, which boast the finest local and international cuisine, along with a specialty café, wine bars and pubs. Fraser Place Fusionopolis is Singapore’s first all-loft serviced residence, customised just for its guests. The décor focuses on sleek modern interiors while facilities and services such as comprehensive, ‘surround sound’ entertainment systems, iPod docking stations, game console, WiFi and IP telephony are aimed at today’s tech-savvy professionals.

Truly Gold-Standard!

Tel: (65) 6270 0800 Web: www.frasershospitality.com Best of Singapore

83

HOTELS & HOSPITALITY

Tropical paradise - Amara Sanctuary Resort Located on Sentosa Island, Amara Sanctuary has all the privacy and luxury of an exclusive island retreat.

Mere minutes away from the business and financial district of Singapore, and just half-an-hour drive from Changi International Airport, Amara Sanctuary is ideal for the business traveller, who at the end of a day desires to return to a tranquil island retreat.

This 121-room resort, set on a hilltop and just a few minutes walk from the beach, combines elements of Singapore’s colonial architectural heritage, with a modern resort, giving the feel of a true tropical paradise.

The lush greenery of the resort will instantly calm and transport guests to a haven away from busy Singapore. The landscape has been specially designed to incorporate many local plant species. From the Palmyra palms that welcome guests, to the ancient banyan trees that adorn the resort, visitors will feel right at home. A walk through the resort’s grounds is one of the most pleasurable and soothing experiences you can ever have.

Luxury accommodations A stay at the resort’s private villa is the ultimate indulgence. The villas come in one or two bedrooms, and each villa is equipped with a private plunge pool, landscaped courtyard gardens, outdoor bath and shower, all in a modern home with aspects of colonial architecture.

Amara’s eight Verandah and 12 Courtyard suites are impressive. Located in a former two-storey British Sergeants’ quarters built in

the 1930s, these lavishly restored buildings won the Urban Redevelopment Authority’s Architectural Heritage Awards for 2007. With poster beds, private rest areas and luxurious bathrooms, these unique buildings are among the most charming rooms that can be found anywhere on the island.

The facilities at Amara Sanctuary Resort are the finest. The 91 Sanctuary Rooms offer the convenience of a hotel, while allowing guests to enjoy the services of a resort.

Facilities such as a tennis court and three swimming pools are located within the resort.

For Sanctuary room guests, the romantic rooftop Infinity Pool (reserved for adults) offers an awe-inspiring view of the South China Sea. In addition, a Dream Pool and a children’s pool, ideal for families, are located at the resort’s landscaped tropical gardens.

Wide ranging food choice Amara Sanctuary offers a broad range of the finest cuisines. Shutters is an all day restaurant offering contemporary intercontinental cooking. Silk Road of the Sea presents Chinese cuisine with the delectable spices inspired by Marco Polo’s voyages in Asia.

Seafood is Silk Road of the Sea’s specialty, allowing diners to choose from a selection of the freshest produce from the marketplace.

Thanying serves exquisite Royal Thai dishes that can be enjoyed on the verandah or alfresco in the aromatic herb garden.

84

Best of Singapore

SiBon is a unique boutique restaurant serving Japanese kushikatsu (skewer) cuisine, rarely found outside Japan.

Amara Sanctuary is an ideal venue for business meetings, conventions and special events. The resort’s facilities include a grand ballroom and seven function rooms. All function rooms are equipped with the latest high-tech equipment. A personalised events concierge service will assist guests with event planning and organisation. Notably, the function rooms housed in the convention centre are quite separate from the accommodation areas, ensuring that the different functions of the resort are kept distinct, without losing the unifying theme of tropical tranquility.

One highlight of the resort is the stunning Glass Pavilion. Located centrally in the resort’s beautiful gardens, the Glass Pavilion is one of the most romantic and elegant places for a wedding or solemnisation.

Equipped with Philippe Starck-designed “Louis Ghost Chairs” and a waterfall as a backdrop, the Glass Pavilion is a stylish venue for any special event.

Whether it’s a weekend getaway or weeklong pampering, Amara Sanctuary is the perfect escape.

Amara Sanctuary Resort Sentosa 1 Larkhill Road, Sentosa Singapore 099394 Tel: (65) 68253888 Fax: (65) 68253878 Email: sentosa@amarasanctuary.com Web: www.amarasanctuary.com Best of Singapore

85

HOTELS & HOSPITALITY

Asian hospitality, Amara style Amara Singapore is one of the most prestigious brand names in the Asia-Pacific hotel industry. One of the finalists of the reputable Hospitality Asia Platinum Awards (HAPA) Deluxe Hotel of the Year 2008 award, Amara is the benchmark for Asian hospitality and services.

The care and attention to detail accorded to guests show in every aspect of the hotel’s facilities and services, from the time they step into the spacious and calming lobby environment, to the point they check out of the hotel. The tastes and preferences of each guest are recorded and referenced back every time they return, ensuring a highly reliable and delightful experience on every visit. This is one of the important reasons why many of the overseas guests at Amara are repeat visitors.

and the financial heart of Singapore – the central business district.

In addition, the flagship hotel is in close proximity to two exciting developments that are set to transform Singapore’s entertainment landscape – the Resorts World at Sentosa and Marina Bay Sands resorts. A stone’s throw away from where key businesses and financial institutions are located, yet near enough to the entertainment spots where one can unwind, Amara is the perfect choice for business travellers.

Ideally located The location of the flagship Amara Singapore hotel is perfect for guests, allowing them to see the real Singapore and experience all that it has to offer. From the Tanjong Pagar MRT station near the hotel, within minutes, guests can get to various attractions and amenities around the country, such as the shopping belt of Orchard Road, the Esplanade theatres, the up-and-coming Marina Bay area as well as renowned night spots such as Clarke Quay and Boat Quay. Amara Singapore is also within walking distance to busy Chinatown,

Luxurious living A minimalist concept pervades Amara’s 380 guest rooms, as well as the ballroom and other function rooms. The Grand Ballroom (850-capacity, auditorium seating style) and four function rooms cater to events of all scales, from weddings and social functions to meetings and exhibitions.

The complete range of five-star hotel facilities are available at Amara Singapore.

This includes: comprehensive business centre services, ensuring that you will never feel far away from the necessities of an 86

Best of Singapore

office; a fitness centre offering state-of-the-art exercise machines, such as treadmills with personal video screens; a beautiful, Balinese style swimming pool; and tennis courts with coaching services, available on request.

•

The crème de la crème in dining options With eight distinctive and superlative dining experiences, the Amara guest will be spoilt for choice. The restaurants include: •

•

•

Element – Featuring an open kitchen and a Teppanyaki counter, guests dining at this restaurant are feted with the best daily international lunch and dinner buffets in this part of the city district.

Café Oriental – Fashioned after the traditional Chinese coffee shop of the 1950s, complete with marble tables and wooden chairs, Café Oriental serves original Singaporean cuisine.

Alphabet Bar – This bar has a wide selection of fine wines. Boasting a classy yet cosy inner chamber and decked out with comfortable plush seats, it is the perfect setting to chill out with friends, business associates or that special

Best of Singapore

87

•

•

someone, to the accompaniment of soft music.

Hue Restobar – Authentic Vietnamese cuisine including those of Vietnam’s former Imperial City, Hue, are served here.

An open kitchen concept allows guests to appreciate the artistry of the chefs, as they prepare the meals. A high ceiling, well-stocked wine cellar and lounge are complemented by al fresco dining, with a view of the city.

Silk Road – The charming cuisines that the legendary voyager Marco Polo encountered during his trips to Asia can be savoured at the Silk Road. Guests also experience first hand the ancient art of tea pouring, through a metre-long spout.

There is also an interactive open kitchen where guests can watch the chefs making noodles by hand.

Thanying – Special recipes that have been tried and honed to perfection over centuries, from both eastern and western cultures, come together at this Royal Thai restaurant. The renowned consultant chef Chalie Amatyakul’s work shows in the delightful dishes, such as Miang Khum,

•

•

which contains a marvelous mix of Thai flavours. The highlight of the meal is at the end, when you have a wide range of dessert choices.

Santaro Fine Dining – Helmed by renowned chef Santaro Li, Santaro is renowned for serving nothing but the very best in traditional Japanese fare.

This master chef is limited only by his imagination and the availability of the finest quality ingredients.

Hyang-to-Gol – This restaurant, with a 28-year heritage in providing the finest Korean cuisines, is a fitting complement to the grandeur that the Amara Singapore has come to be associated with. Hyangto-Gol serves authentic Korean dishes in ala carte and barbeque styles.

Amara Singapore 165 Tanjong Pagar Road Singapore 088539 Tel: (65) 6879 2555 Fax: (65) 6224 3910 Email: singapore@amarahotels.com Web: www.amarahotels.com

Chapter 6 Shopping

SHOPPING

Chapter 6 SHOPPING

90

Best of Singapore

Millions of tourists from around the world come to Singapore to shop, giving credence to its label ‘shoppers paradise’.

Shopping is a national pastime to Singaporeans, and there are numerous shopping centres and retail outlets catering to them all over the island.

Singapore’s success was built on entrepot trade – between India and China in the nineteenth century and between the East and the West in the twentieth century. So it’s only natural that the shopping culture is ingrained in Singaporeans. “Shop till you drop” was probably Singapore’s contribution to the English lexicon.

In addition, millions of tourists from around the world come here to shop, and you cannot blame them – the amount of choice – in terms of products available, all conveniently located at a stone’s throw away, is simply mind blowing. Everywhere you turn, there are temptations. Almost any kind of product is available in Singapore, save for the illegal ones.

In fact, right from the time that visitors land at the Changi Airport, there are temptations galore. Changi Airport is a shopping city in itself, with a wide variety of fashion, beauty and lifestyle products, as well as duty free shopping. Almost any product is available, and while the impression is that of an upscale shopping centre, the airport guarantees that the products you buy there will be no more expensive than similar off-airport outlets – with the exception of liquor and cosmetics, which you can get at up to 60 percent and 40 percent discounts respectively!

THE GREAT SINGAPORE SALE Held every year around May to July, The Great Singapore Sale is the most important shopping event in Singapore. Stores stay open till late hours – 11 or 12 pm – and discounts stretch up to 70 percent off the

usual prices. And the discounts cover just about anything, from fashion wear, to designer apparel to jewellery, food, household items, watches and more.

Tourists receive exceptional treatment during this time, as they are entitled to exclusive promotions on selected retail and lifestyle purchases. All these are further complemented by special offers on dining island wide.

ORCHARD ROAD Orchard Road is quite simply the shopping capital of Singapore. Its foundations were laid in the 1970s when three juggernauts – C K Tangs, Plaza Singapura and Mandarin Hotel – came together to start a transformation process of Orchard Road from what used to be mud-tracks, into a shopping haven. The huge shopping malls in Orchard Road are all located very near each other.

Many of the shopping malls in Orchard Road by themselves are quite holistic in their product range – you will be able to find cost-effective household items, as well as antiques, furniture, books, electronics, clothes and almost anything else you can think of.

The malls falling into this category include The Heeren, Forum the Shopping Mall, Meridien Shopping Centre, Midpoint Orchard, OG Orchard Point, Plaza Singapura, Paragon Shopping Centre, Shaw House (not to be confused with Shaw Towers in Beach Road or nearby Shaw Centre), Tangs and Wheelock Place.

If you are really looking for street fashion, or for quaint non-mass-produced items, then

PHOTO COURTESY OF SINGAPORE TOURISM BOARD

PHOTO COURTESY OF ION ORCHARD

SHOPPING

92

Best of Singapore

head to Far East Plaza, Far East Shopping Centre, Orchard Plaza or Lucky Plaza, where the mishmash of retail outlets without a strong unifying theme will make you feel like you are in another country. This coterie of malls attracts an interesting mix of shoppers, comprising tourists, foreign workers and teenagers, hoping to keep their grunge look current.

If you want something up-market, or are shopping for some luxury brands, then there is ample choice for that too. At the DFS Galleria Scottswalk, you can enjoy duty-free savings. Other venues include Paragon, Delfi Orchard, The Shopping Gallery at Hilton, Mandarin Gallery, Ngee Ann City, Pacific Plaza and Palais Renaissance.

Some of the malls also have a selection of boutique and specialty outlets selling quaint decorative items and furniture, frequented by a loyal staple of expatriates. These include International Building, Park Mall, Wisma Atria, Tanglin Mall, Tanglin Shopping Centre and Tudor Court.

A household name, The Centrepoint is a shopping landmark in Orchard Road. It features a mix of well-known retailers selling a wide range of items such as musical instruments, books, luxury carpets and rugs, furniture, exercise equipment, healthcare products and handicrafts, among many others. Anchor tenants include Robinsons, Marks and Spencer and Cold Storage.

One of the newest and trendiest malls in

Orchard Road with something for everyone is ION Orchard. This 660,000 square feet of shopping space features four levels of the top luxury brand names and on the other end of the spectrum, four levels retailing mass-appeal labels. ION Orchard also features new-to-market brands as well as an arts section with some of the best Asian and Singaporean contemporary works by established and emerging artists and designers. In addition, ESTHEVA Spa is the only high-end spa located at ION Orchard.

BUGIS What used to be a popular joint for sailors, transvestites and a colourful nightlife is now a major shopping zone.

Bugis Street is the largest street shopping venue in Singapore, with more than 600 retail outlets. Comparable to Chaktuchak market in Bangkok, you can find a range of products here – clothes, souvenirs, shoes, all kinds of accessories, beauty services such as manicure and pedicure, hair extensions, hair dressing and tattoos. Almost anything is available affordably and at good quality.

Nearby, Bugis Junction, housed in Singapore’s first glass-covered airconditioned shopping street, sells everything from fashion wear to electronic items to kitchen ware and accessories of all kinds.

Throw in a cineplex, a food court and a major departmental store and Bugis Junction

becomes a place where the average Singaporean can feel right at home spending a lazy weekend.

MARINA BAY, RAFFLES CITY & SUNTEC CITY The government has big plans for Marina Bay, and the shopping malls located there.

Nearby locations also stand to benefit greatly as the government’s developmental blueprints are gradually rolled out.

Marina Square Shopping Mall is one of the larger shopping malls in Singapore.

It comprises four levels of shopping with more than 300 shops. Once you are done at Marina Square, take a walk through CityLink, Singapore’s first underground pedestrian mall, to the Raffles City and Suntec City malls.

A range of specialty shops and food outlets are located at this underground passage, including Adidas, Lee Hwa Jewellery, FCUK, Loccitaine, HMV music store, The Coffee Connoisseur (TCC), Thai Express and Nooch Resturant.

The Raffles City shopping complex houses a range of fashion and specialty shops such as Tommy Hilfiger, Guess, Lifeshop, Country Road and Metropolitan Museum of NY store. Besides the clothing stores and the department stores, you will be able to find branded watches, jewellery, electronics, optical goods and cameras here.

The retail outlets at Millenia Walk seem to specifically cater to the yuppie working

PHOTOS COURTESY OF BUGIS STREET

Shopping in Singapore isn’t just restricted to what is largely considered as the shopping belts – stretching from Orchard Road to Raffles City and Suntec City to Bugis.

Best of Singapore

93

PHOTO COURTESY OF SINGAPORE TOURISM BOARD

SHOPPING

SHOPPING EXPERIENCES IN THE SUBURBIA Shopping in Singapore isn’t just restricted to what is largely considered as the shopping belts – stretching from Orchard Road to Raffles City and Suntec City to Bugis. In fact there are numerous other places where you can get a good bargain or a good quality product. North, South, East or West, there are shopping malls located in each major neighbourhood town.

One major mall that is located off the beaten path, at HarbourFront precinct, is Vivocity. Boasting over 1 million square feet of floorspace, VivoCity is the largest mall in Singapore. It houses a diverse mix of 450

retail, food and beverage outlets. Just a few minutes away from Sentosa island by train or car, VivoCity is more than a useful shopping stopover.

CHINATOWN, LITTLE INDIA AND ARAB STREET At multi-coloured Little India, you can get handicrafts, Kashmir silk, silver and pottery, cheap bangles and necklaces, spices of all kinds, and all things Indian. Department Store Mustafa Centre has built a reputation as the place where you can find almost any product (with the exception of alcohol) at really low prices. Since it is open 24 hours, it is a haven for shopaholics.

Chinatown is abuzz with herbs, handicrafts, teashops, clothes, cosmetics and artifacts imported from all over Asia. Here and there, you will find street vendors on loudspeakers promising quick fixes to health ailments.

Finally, at Arab Street, you can browse through all kinds of household items such as imported carpets and rugs, rattan, floor mats, ornaments, silk, batik and handicrafts.

There are many good reasons to visit Singapore. Shopping ranks as one of them.

PHOTO COURTESY OF SINGAPORE TOURISM BOARD

class – here you can find more than 90 top-ofthe-range designer and street smart fashion stores and specialty shops – fashion stores such as Raoul, watch boutiques like The Hour Glass and Cortina E’space and electronic superstore Harvey Norman.

Suntec City has a huge shopping mall, sprawled out over 83,850 square metres of retail space. Here, you can find a mix of branded products, street/casual wear, electronics, sports wear, books, lingerie, jewellery, toys and many others. The Fountain of Wealth located at the centre of Suntec City is believed to be world’s largest fountain and is listed in the 1998 Guinness Book of Records as such.

94

Best of Singapore

PHOTO COURTESY OF ION ORCHARD

SHOPPING

ION ORCHARD – SHOPPING ICON Award winning design; a sterling portfolio of flagship lifestyle brands; innovative retail concepts; a showcase for art – in a nutshell, ION Orchard has redefined the shopping experience in Singapore.

Laid out over 640,000 square feet across eight floors, ION Orchard consists of 335 shops with products across the broad spectrum of fashion, lifestyle, food and entertainment, at the heart of Singapore’s shopping district.

Situated right above the Orchard MRT station, ION Orchard is easily accessible. In fact, the ION experience captures shoppers’ attention right from the time they walk out of the stations. ION Paterson Link is a 24-hour underground walkway. And with shops and dining outlets on either side, it is the first of its kind in Orchard Road. It provides direct connectivity between Orchard MRT, through the shops at Basement 2 of ION Orchard, all the way to the street. Several major bus routes will also bring shoppers directly to the doorstep of ION Orchard.

A shopaholic fantasy ION Orchard has been designed to appeal to a broad cross-section of shoppers – half of the floors – levels B1 to B4 – are dedicated to popular and mass affluent high street labels, bridge fashion brands and lifestyle shops.

Levels 1 to 4 on the other hand cater to luxury and premium international brands.

PHOTO COURTESY OF ION ORCHARD 96

Best of Singapore

PHOTOS COURTESY OF ION ORCHARD

In fact the ION Orchard shopping directory will sound like a “Who’s Who” of the most prestigious names in consumer fashion and retail. These include: Cartier, Dior, Dolce & Gabbana, Giorgio Armani, Louis Vuitton, Prada, Topshop/Topman, Uniqlo and Zara.

There are also some new-to-market brands and first time stand-alone stores such as Bimba & Lola, Boss Selection, Boucheron, Car Shoe, Chaumet, Christian Audigier, Church’s, Custo Barcelona, Dsquared2, Diane von Furstenberg, Harry Winston, Hilfiger Denim, HOM, IWC Schaffhausen, Just Cavalli, Korres, O’neill, Marc Jacobs, Patek Philippe, Paule Ka, T.M Lewin, Vivienne Tam, and 7 for all Mankind; as well as existing brands like Bally, Burberry, Body Shop, Ermenegildo Zegna, Muji, Sephora, and Yves Saint Laurent. Many of the retail outlets have chosen ION Orchard as the venue to locate their flagship outlets. .

A significant number of multi-label stores have also established outlets. These include: Metrox, Tyan Boutique, Pois Boutique, and 6FiveBarcode. Other iconic brand names include: Apple Epicentre, Armani Exchange, CK Jeans, Cole Haan, Fred Perry, Fossil, Guess Accessories, Mango, Massimo Dutti, Max Mara, Miu Miu, Promod, Pull and Bear, Salvatore Ferragamo, Springfield, Swatch and Thomas Sabo to name a few. With such a stellar list, ION Orchard has indisputably laid claim to the mantle of “Shopping Icon”.

Best of Singapore

97

Tantalising gourmet hub ION Orchard is also one of the largest food hubs in Singapore – 21 per cent of its floor space is dedicated to a delectable range of international and local fare, from casual to fine dining, food stores, confectionary, and a gourmet supermarket.

Spread across different levels of the mall are a total of 27 restaurants and cafes, with the largest clusters on Level 4 (for fine dining) and Basements 2 and 3 (for casual dining). In addition, Basement 4 features ION Food Hall, home to the largest variety of international cuisine, foodstuff and snacks in one location on Orchard Road – with no less than 80 food stalls and cuisines, guaranteed to satisfy all palates.

ION Orchard also offers tantalizing new-to-market food and dining propositions including Watami, AOBA Ramen, Sho Teppan and Lu Gang Xiao Zhen. Established food operators like Burger King and Xing Wang Café have also chosen ION Orchard to unveil new concepts. Gourmet supermarket ThreeSixty from Hong Kong, will also make its debut in Singapore at ION Orchard.

A multisensory experience ION Orchard is Singapore’s first truly multisensory shopping experience. Careful thought has gone into ensuring that the mall is a delight in every sense. For example, ION Orchard signature scents have been created and are subtly diffused throughout the mall,

while tailored playlists of easy-listening, lounge and chill-out music can be enjoyed at various times of day.

To visually delight, several innovations have been incorporated. These include: a media wall borne created using cuttingedge technology; ION Sky, a viewing venue that will give visitors a commanding and unhindered 360° panoramic view of the city from the highest point in this prime spot (opening in 2010); and ION Art, a dedicated arts program that will feature some of the best Asian and Singapore contemporary works by established and emerging artists and designers.

A truly service-oriented mall ION Orchard’s aim is to ensure that every shopper walks away with a pleasant shopping experience. In view of this, four concierge counters are spread out across the 8 levels of the mall. In addition, the mall’s ION Officers are roving ambassadors who also patrol the mall, to assist customers and answer any queries they might have.

As a testament to the importance of ION Orchard to shopping tourists, the Singapore Tourism Board has set up the Singapore Visitors Centre at Level 1 of the mall.

Tel: +65 6238 8228 www.ionorchard.com

SHOPPING Northpoint New Wing Facade

Frasers Centrepoint Malls Redefining the shopping experience With its newest addition, YewTee Point, Frasers Centrepoint Malls now comprises eight shopping malls across the island, spanning both urban and suburban areas. They include The Centrepoint, Causeway Point, Compass Point, Northpoint, Anchorpoint, Robertson Walk and Valley Point.

Frasers Centrepoint’s city malls The Centrepoint is the flagship mall of Frasers Centrepoint Malls. Prominently located in the heart of Orchard Road, it houses a good mix of well-known anchor retailers such as Robinsons, Marks & Spencer, and Cold Storage. Other quality retailers include Harvey Norman, Esprit, Gap, and Timberland. Since 1983, The Centrepoint has gained a following of faithful shoppers from many parts of the world.

Robertson Walk, located within the vicinity of Robertson Quay, is the perfect destination to wine, dine or chill out with friends. With its specialty restaurants, watering holes, alfresco dining and a pretty courtyard, it presents a romantic setting reminiscent of a Mediterranean town square. Robertson Walk is also home to talent schools for dance and

music such as Popstars City, Tanglewood Music School and The Singapore Repertory Theatre.

Valley Point is centrally located at River Valley and is home to Dozo Restaurant, Crystal Wines and Cold Storage Supermarket.

It also houses a spa, dance school, yoga studio, laundry, medical and dental services.

Frasers Centrepoint’s suburban malls Causeway Point is the largest shopping mall in the Frasers Centrepoint Malls group. Located in Woodlands Regional Centre, next to the Woodlands MRT station and bus interchange, it enjoys huge shopper traffic from the northern towns of Woodlands, Marsiling, Yishun and Sembawang. Anchor tenants are Metro, Courts, Cathay Cineplexes, Cold Storage, Horizon Foodmall, John Little, Kiddy Palace, Banquet, POPULAR Bookstore and Timezone.

Compass Point is situated in the heart of Sengkang and is integrated with the MRT, LRT and the bus interchange. The mall boasts well-known retailers Best Denki, Cold Storage, Kopitiam Spectrum food court, Metro and POPULAR Bookstore. It also houses Sengkang Public Library, and is Singapore’s first thematic ‘Learning Mall’. In 2003, Compass Point won the prestigious Maxi Award, an international award that is given out yearly to shopping centres, which have successfully implemented marketing programmes.

The refurbished Northpoint encompasses a new wing that is fully integrated with the main building. The mall now enjoys a wider mix of shops, with more exciting retail 98

Best of Singapore

YewTee Point

concepts such as the Japanese-themed food court Ishi Mura and Bakerzin. It is also home to Yishun Public Library. Northpoint lays claim to being the first suburban mall to be built in Singapore in 1992, and its success has spawned the growth of other local suburban malls.

Robertson Walk

Causeway Point Atrium

Unique mall concepts A new food and lifestyle hub in the north-western part of Singapore, YewTee Point is the group’s first ‘neighbourhood’ mall, well served by the Yew Tee MRT station and easily accessible via the Kranji Expressway. Anchor tenants like NTUC FairPrice supermarket and Koufu Foodcourt will have extended operating hours to cater to the residents’ shopping and dining needs. The mall also has established F&B tenants like Shin Tokyo, Subway and Xin Wang Hong Kong Café, alongside some interesting new food kiosks like Tenderfresh, O!manju, Four Seasons Durians and Nubian Goat’s Milk.

Anchorpoint is Singapore’s first village-themed outlet mall, located at the core of the Alexandra estate. It is a suburban mall that houses premium brand name boutique outlet stores, such as Billabong, Charles & Keith, City Chain, G2000, and Giordano. Anchorpoint is also home to Cold Storage, Koufu and Zhou’s Kitchen. Recognised for its efforts in maintaining energy efficiency and indoor environmental quality, the mall garnered an Energy Smart Retail Mall label, which was awarded to only two local malls in March 2009 by the National Environment Agency.

Recent international awards In the International Council of Shopping Center (ICSC) Asia Shopping Centre Awards held in October 2009, Anchorpoint garnered a Merit Award for Renovation or Expansion of an Existing Project whilst Frasers Centrepoint Malls bagged a Silver Award for Marketing Excellence, Community Relations for its green project “Are You With Us?”.

Tel: (65) 6276 4882 www.fraserscentrepointmalls.com

Anchorpoint

Best of Singapore

99

SHOPPING

Exclusive boutiques offering exquisite merchandise From high fashion to fine jewellery, the boutique retailers at Changi Airport showcase the creme de la creme to suit the tastes of the savvy customer.

Singapore Changi Airport regularly wins awards for being the best airport in the world because it offers a complete experience to its travellers. Part of that includes a shopping experience rivalling the best that the city itself has to offer.

If you are looking for jewellery or great accessories as gift items, or even as indulgences, you will be spoilt for choice.

Internationally renowned names such as BVLGARI, Cartier and Tiffany & Co have their boutiques in Changi, as do homegrown giants such as Aspial, Lee Hwa Diamond Gallery, so you can bring home a delicate pearl necklace or the latest ‘it’ handbag.

Travelling through Changi gives you the perfect excuse to pack lightly. You can fill up your suitcase with the latest fashion from Paris and Milan just by strolling through the Fendi, Gucci, Hermes, Hugo Boss, Prada and Salvatore Ferragamo boutiques.

After the sheer exhaustion of decking yourself out in designer clothes, you can relax in one of Changi’s spas: Body Contours & Nail Spa, The Ultimate Spa and Fish Spa Reflexology all offer to pamper you and massage out the tensions of travel. Then keep that glow going with the perfect eyeshadow shade from Becca, Benefit or M.A.C.. Changi is, in fact, the first Asian airport to launch

Becca and Benefit as well as Victoria’s Secret Beauty Range.

Something for everyone You don’t have to be a fashionista to love Changi. For gadget-geeks, there are electronics shops, including a massive Sony Style which carries everything from Vaio laptops to Cybershot cameras. You can also pick up Vertu’s hand-assembled mobile phones for the busy world traveller or drop into iStudio, a premium Apple reseller, for the newest iPod and MacBook.

Football fans can stop by the Fifa Official Store in T3 for unique official Fifa merchandise, from vintage-style jerseys to casual wear and even high-end apparel.

You can stock up on snacks and basic necessities at the convenience stores, Cheers and 7-Eleven, or the pharmacies, Guardian Health and Beauty and Watsons Personal Care Store, for travel-ready toiletries.

If you’re travelling with children, cheer them up with a visit to the toyshops, such as Kids World or Kaboom, and let them pick up the latest and greatest toys, as well as educational gifts that make perfect last-minute gifts for little ones waiting at home.

Entranced children playing with toys can be very distracting. To ensure you don’t miss 100

Best of Singapore

your flight, make sure you have your watch on you. If you haven’t got one, you can choose from the many exquisite timepieces from the Omega boutique, Sincere Watch or Dufry’s The Watch Shop.

A memento of the good times Before boarding, pick up the latest Vogue or Fortune from Changi’s numerous bookstores – Relay, Times Newslink and Hot off the Press, and get a souvenir of your stay in Singapore from one of the souvenir and gift shops, as a memento of your holiday in Singapore.

If you need more reasons to shop at Changi, here are two: If you are not happy with a purchase for any reason, you can return it for a full refund or exchange, no questions asked.

And prices at Changi are guaranteed to be no higher than at comparable outlets downtown (please check with the respective stores for a list of comparable outlets). If you find an item bought at Changi Airport to be more expensive from a comparable outlet, you’ll get twice the price difference refunded. That means you can shop away, knowing you’re not paying a premium for the luxury of Changi shopping.

Tel: (+65) 6595 6868.

Web: www.changiairport.com Best of Singapore

101

SHOPPING

MISS AMBER The gleaming chic and radiant beauty of amber

Creator of Dreams Sarcar remains true to its founder’s vision of crafting artfully exquisite timepieces that are “large enough to be strong and small enough to be free”.

Since 1948, Sarcar has been renowned for producing gem-set luxury timepieces with its patented rotating element, based on state-of-the-art technology and superlative finishing, executed by the finest “Artisans of Time”. Loupe gem-setting, hand-polishing, engraving, cutting and assembly are all meticulously performed to ensure that the finished product bears the hallmark of a precious and unquestionably unique object.

Staying true to Sarcar’s founder Carlo Sarzano’s philosophy – “Big enough to be strong, small enough to be free”, Sarcar’s brand name withstood the test of time over the last 61 years. Sarcar’s master craftsmen hold dear to Sarzano’s legacy and belief.

Combining the latest technology with their own know-how and dexterity, they inject life into new concepts, harmonising performance with innovation and aesthetic elegance, yet adhering to Sarzano’s legacy with creative, stylish timepieces tailored to market demand.

This legacy is reflected in its luxury series, namely Moonlight Galaxy, Magic World, and Magic Moon, earning the brand dedicated clientele, which includes royal families worldwide.

In addition to using the finest precious materials such as gold, precious stones and natural mother-of-pearl, it is through the inventiveness and originality of its models (particularly the Solitaire and its rotating diamond) that Sarcar has earned the loyalty of customers who wish to be in sync with the times and to assert their own image through the personalised choice of an exquisitely crafted model, reflecting their desire for innovation and creativity.

Time, patience and skilful creativity are all essential contributing factors to the sterling reputation that Sarcar has established for itself.

In the Carrousel collection, launched in 2007, micro oil hand-painting technique, combining with maximum concentration and peace of mind, were needed to create the miniature paintings for the dials. Using a sharpened human hair as his tool, an artist with extreme dexterity will have to immerse himself in an atmosphere of love, lower his heart rate to just 35 beats per minute, and only then proceed to create his masterpieces.

The sun, the moon and the myriads of stars are the greatest inspiration of Sarcar’s 102

Best of Singapore

SARCAR’s Exhibition Booth at the annual BaselWorld - clock, watch and jewelry show

team of craftsmen. It is this fascination with the universe that gave birth to The Twist, the latest technical marvel from Sarcar, combining expertise, innovation, and a masterful understanding of micro technology, orbital dynamics and levitation. This latest creation is indeed another great milestone in the field of horological sciences, that will steal the hearts of all aficionados.

Incorporating a “one-carat” floating solitaire on a brilliantly set pavé-dial, encased by an intricately diamond-studded gold case,

CARROUSEL PANDA MICRO-PAINTING

Best of Singapore

103

this ingeniously-designed luxury timepiece has propelled Sarcar’s brand image to its highest level in this world of Space Age Horology.

The floating “one-carat” solitaire above the 12 o’clock index turns around in all directions at the slightest twist of the wrist, exuding multi-stream of colours of scintillating brilliance that are bound to mesmerise and fascinate. The Twist is already an acclaimed creation, as accolades keep flowing in ever since it was unveiled.

RONDO ROSE GOLD

Seeing is believing – be enthralled by the exquisite beauty of Sarcar timepieces.

Visit Sarcar’s official retailers today and experience a whole new level of exhilaration, brought specially to you by the master craftsmen of Sarcar.

Tel: (65) 6296 2075 www.sarcar.com

THE TWIST A spectacular world first

SHOPPING

Martini-G – making that important day all the more special Finding the right dress for a special occasion can be stressful for anyone. However, with the right couture house to work with, it can be a breezy affair Making every client look and feel beautiful is what couture house Martini-G at Pahang Street is all about. The face behind the label is Ada Goh, who has more than 10 years’ experience designing and manufacturing wedding and evening gowns. With a global and local clientele, her gowns can be seen in bridal boutiques as far away as Europe and Japan.

Exquisite design and detailing Martini-G brings a holistic approach to every client’s needs, from functionality, form, cut and colour that is befitting of the occasion.

With an eye for detail, Ada puts her own special touch into every single gown. Each is a one-of-a-kind design that suits her client’s unique preferences. When you turn a Martini-G gown inside out, you can’t help but notice the exquisite workmanship that is of French couture standards.

The couture gowns and bridal dresses are all designed and produced in-house,

with fabrics, laces and beaded embroidery imported from India and Europe. Besides that, Ada also designs and manufactures cheongsams, cocktail dresses, other evening gowns and ready to wear for the socialites.

One-stop wedding shop Martini-G believes that a wedding involves many aspects, all of which need close attention, to make the day all the more special for the couple-to-be. Working closely with the couple and listening to their every need, Martini-G will assist them in everything else other than their attires –hand bouquets, wedding care décor, veils, gloves and other accessories. Not to forget the other people involved in the wedding party, Martini G provides made-to-measure services for the bride and groom’s mothers and bridesmaids, flower girls and pageboys.

Clients also appreciate Martini-G’s valueadded services including recommending beauticians, freelance hair and make104

Best of Singapore

up artists, actual day photographers/ videographers (pre-wedding and actual day) and other wedding suppliers.

Martini G’s Philosophy Ada enjoys the satisfaction that comes with a job well done. She says: “Couture is my passion. Creating one-of-a-kind gowns gives me immense satisfaction and seeing my customers walk away happy is my reward for all the hard labour.”

Her philosophy and drive have helped her create a name for herself in this trade, and earned her a steady clientele that always walks away happy and satisfied, with gown in hand.

Tel: (65) 6392 3495 www.martini-g.com.sg Best of Singapore

105

SHOPPING

The Ultimate Destination for Bespoke Jewellery La Putri’s collection of exquisite jewellery is the ultimate marriage of art and investment.

Located at the exclusive Mandarin Gallery, La Putri’s new fine jewellery boutique embodies La Putri’s best known virtue – a personal and professional jewellery service in a friendly welcoming environment. Organic textures combined with cosy hues provide the perfect ambience for that relaxing cup of tea or a celebratory champagne toast. The elegant drawing room setting is the ideal place to meet old friends or make new ones. The new La Putri boutique is Singapore’s ultimate destination for affordable fine jewellery.

La Putri’s collection is defined by the painstaking creation of each of its bespoke pieces. The selection of each of gem is done individually. Inhouse designers study the gems before exploring various design concepts to enhance the inherent beauty of these precious stones. Mastercraftsmen apply their talent and years of experience to bring to life their creative expressions. The result is a true marriage of art and investment.

La Putri also offers a custom design service, where an existing piece can either be refreshed or rejuvenated. Discerning connoisseurs can also create unique pieces from La Putri’s own extensive treasure trove of loose gemstones.

At La Putri, our philosophy is that exceptional gems should not be overwhelmed by design. Solitaire diamonds

and important colour stones should take centrestage as the primary focus in a jewel setting. Haute couture is where the ordinary is transformed into the extraordinary.

Exceptional stones speak for themselves in simple yet elegant solitaire settings. Luxury and fine taste is personified in the fine detail of simplicity itself.

Inspired by nature La Putri is well known for its nature-inspired pieces. Utilising the beauty of organic shapes and forms, South Sea and Keshi pearls become flowers, butterflies and other magical creatures. Witty and intellectual, these pieces are true works of art which are always unique and one-of-a-kind.

The boutique also pays careful attention to deploying colour. From gentle pastels to electrifying vivid hues, one can create a casual accessory or make a dramatic entrance. In addition to its regular collection of colourstones, La Putri has acquired some exceptional sapphires, rubies and spinels.

Completely natural and un-enhanced by man, these collectibles are increasingly rare. The value lies not just in its beauty but also in its potential as an investment. As part of this range, La Putri has put together a brilliant prêt-a-porter collection of multi-hue sapphires as earrings and rings.

106

Best of Singapore

One of La Putri’s specialities is working with Jade. This enigmatic “Stone from Heaven” has been a long been a favourite of many La Putri regulars. La Putri applies a modern attitude to this traditional gem thereby creating unique pieces which offer a contemporary twist on an ancient cultural heritage. Black onyx is often introduced, as well as unusual combinations with other colour gems. Jadeite is expressed not just in its classic green hues but also in chic translucent white, as well as yellow and dramatic black.

With a distinguished history that goes back more than three decades, La Putri is synonymous with quality and tradition. Not surprisingly then, La Putri’s exclusive clientele includes royalty, foreign dignitaries as well as many esteemed members of high soci¬ety in Malaysia, Singapore and beyond.

Tel: (65) 6733 3345 www.laputri.com Best of Singapore

107

SHOPPING

Bugis Street – street shopping Singapore style Bugis Street has always been an icon for shopping and night life. With around two decades of retail history, Bugis Street today is a prime destination for value-formoney products and services.

Some 10 million people – more than twice the population of Singapore – visit the sprawling street shops at Bugis Street every year, making this one of the biggest shopping success stories of this country.

Formerly known for its glamorous nightlife and raucous bars, sailors on R ‘n’ R, colourful street scenes with humble food carts and trolleys serving all kinds of local delights until the wee hours, Bugis Street has undergone a major image overhaul over the years. One thing that hasn’t changed is its distinctive street market ambience, where one can find a range of trendy, chic, affordable clothes and accessories which would be of appeal to both the locals (youths in particular) and tourists.

Right off the doorsteps of Bugis MRT station, and right smack at the heart of city central, Bugis Street is strategically located along significant bus routes linking the business districts and offices to the heartlands and suburbs. Bugis Street is also just ten minutes away from Orchard Road.

Premier street shopping hub With more than 600 retail outlets in total, spread out over 9,069 square metres of 108

Best of Singapore

space, Bugis Street stands as the largest street shopping venue in Singapore.

It is a cosmopolitan hub comprising an eclectic selection of shops selling a range of products. Whether its clothes, souvenirs, shoes, all kinds of accessories, beauty services such as manicure and pedicure, hair extensions, hair salon or tattoos, you can find almost anything at a good price and a good quality.

There are also plans for Singapore’s first dedicated Mobile Technology Street Superstore, called Mobile IT Comm. In a nutshell, this mobile and IT hub will be a showcase of the latest and most innovative technology products.

Along the street lie a coterie of snack shops selling items such as pancakes, kueys (sweet cakes), popiahs and also a wide variety of fruit juices. At the end of your shopping trek you might want to retire to the Kopi Place, where you can dig into local favourites like Roast Duck, Pork Rice, Seafood, Coffee and Toast etc.

If you are looking for bargain prices, or that bona fide street shopping experience reminiscent of the good old days, Bugis Street is the place to head to. In fact, Bugis Best of Singapore

109

Street is a must-visit location for shopping tourists, as well as for Singaporeans looking for products affordable and good.

Shopping in comfort To make the street shopping experience at Bugis Street a truly pleasurable one, the management has introduced many innovative features designed to make shoppers feel comfortable as they browse.

A high roofing structure allows natural skylight onto the street walk, giving a bright and breezy atmosphere. Aggressive cooling and lighting systems have also been installed, setting a new benchmark in the street shopping experience.

Each shop also fronts a common exterior with free play of space for the interior, to allow them to have their own unique retailing characteristics.

Tel: +65 6338 9513 www.bugis-street.com

Clarke Quay, Singapore’s Premier Gourmet and Entertainment Destination

Dine in an international atmosphere where all your senses are luxuriously pampered. Be thrilled by a veritable smorgasbord of food, drinks & entertainment – right in the heart of the city. Sip your drinks under the unique & beautifully-lit canopy and take in the river view with breezes to help you unwind.

The possibilities are endless at Clarke Quay. CLARKE QUAY – WHERE THE WORLD GATHERS AT ONE PLACE.

www.clarkequay.com.sg Dining & Clubbing, Shopping & Entertainment Outlets...

Alegro Ɣ Attica/Attica Too Ɣ AZZUCAR! Ɣ Baize & China One Ɣ Bar CoCoon @ The Forbidden City by IndoChine Ɣ Bayang Ɣ Borgata Trattoria Osteria Ɣ Coffee Club Ɣ Coriander Leaf Ɣ Crazy Elephant Ɣ Cuba Libre Café & Bar Ɣ Gotham Penthouse Ɣ Haagen Dazs Ɣ Hooters Singapore Ɣ Hot Stones Steak & Seafood Restaurant Ɣ Hutong Ɣ Ivory-The Indian Kitchen and Lounge Bar Ɣ King Satay, Satay Club Ɣ Kura no Naka, Japanese Restaurant Ɣ L’Entrepot Bistrot Ɣ Le Noir Ɣ Lunar: Asian Fusion Bar Ɣ Mama’s Caribbean Bar Ɣ Marrakesh- Moroccan Lounge & Bar Ɣ Metropole Herbal Restaurant Ɣ Mulligan’s Irish Pub Ɣ Nectarie Le’Dessert Patisserie Ɣ Peony - Jade Restaurant Ɣ Quayside Seafood Restaurant Ɣ Ras The Essence of India Ɣ REBEL Boutique Club Ɣ Renn Thai Ɣ Restaurant Madame Butterfly @ The Forbidden City by IndoChine Ɣ Señor Taco Ɣ Shiraz Ɣ Shiraz ‘Mazzeh’ Ɣ SOSIS by Shiraz Ɣ Tapas Tree Ɣ THE Singapore Sling Boutique Ɣ The Arena Ɣ The Bellini Grande Ɣ The Bungy Bar Ɣ The Clinic Ɣ the coffee connoisseur (tcc) Ɣ The Highlander Bar & Restaurant Ɣ The Pump Room Microbrewery + Bistro + Club Ɣ The Rupee Room Lounge & Bar Ɣ The Steakhouse Ɣ The TENT Mongolian Fresh Grill & Bar Ɣ Tomo Izakaya Ɣ Verve Ɣ WHOPPERTM Bar Ɣ Yello Jello Retro Bar Ɣ Yue Ɣ Zirca Mega Club Ɣ Ben Ri Den Ɣ G-Max Reverse Bungy Ɣ GX5 Extreme Swing Ɣ HiPPO River Cruise Ɣ Royal Selangor Ɣ Spring Spa

To get to Clarke Quay by MRT, take the North East line (NEL) and alight at the Clarke Quay station (NE5)

3JWFS 7BMMFZ 3PBE 4JOHBQPSF t 5FM

Chapter 7 Nightlife

Chapter 7

PHOTO COURTESY OF CLARKE QUAY

NIGHTLIFE

112

Best of Singapore

Singapore never sleeps. With its active, vibrant nightlife, you will never have a dull moment.

Best of Singapore

113

PHOTO COURTESY OF SINGAPORE TOURISM BOARD

NIGHTLIFE

There’s enough action in Singapore’s nightlife to keep nocturnal creatures fully occupied, into the wee hours of the morning.

Singapore is a place where you can really have fun. There are numerous pubs and discos all over the city central. The following is a list of the well-known night spots in Singapore.

CLARKE QUAY Clarke Quay houses a colourful mix. Five blocks of old warehouses and several Chinese junks have been transformed into a series of restaurants and pubs. While during the daytime a quiet, laid back atmosphere pervades, at night, Clarke Quay transforms into a buzz of life and activity. Some of the major discos include the Pump Room, the Arena, the Highlander Bar, the Rupee Room, Lunar, Zirca, Rebel, and The Clinic. Notable restaurants include the distractingly loud and eyecatching Hooters, Brewerkz and the Quayside Seafood Restaurant.

It may be out of character, but there’s also a reverse bungee jumping station here. Just don’t try this after several jugs of beer!

BOAT QUAY Clarke Quay’s famous ‘sister’ – Boat Quay – is located across the road and caters to a more “yuppie” crowd – which isn’t too surprising considering its proximity to Raffles Place, the financial district of Singapore. This stretch of pubs and eclectic mix of al fresco restaurants is the hangout place for financial geeks and expatriates. The infamous Nick Leeson, who played an integral role in the downfall of Barings Bank, is known to have frequented Harry’s Bar here, which has dubiously honoured him by creating a drink called the Bankbreaker. Other famous pub-cum-restaurants at Boat Quay include Molly Malone’s and Penny Black. Timbre, located right near the spot where Sir Stamford Raffles landed, is acquiring a reputation for its pizzas. If you want a little beer-by-the-river nostalgia, accompanied by really good music and good food, Timbre is the place to head to.

114

Best of Singapore

ZOUK Zouk Disco is one of the longest surviving and most successful discos in Singapore. Zouk, along with adjacently located Velvet Underground and Wine Bar are the places to be seen and to see. Just stand outside the club and take in a view of the patrons – the scene would be akin to a fashion show. From house music to garage to techno to progressive, Zouk and Velvet will offer something to almost anyone with a musical rhythm in their bones to fit in. Over the years Zouk has played host to hundreds of world famous deejays.

What was once an early 20th century coal fire power station, St James Power Station is today a classy nightspot with a choice of nine different entertainment outlets, featuring Chinese pop, latin, jazz, rock, rhythm and blues, world and other dance music. There are also karaoke outlets, a bar screening football matches, an outdoor bar, as well as Powerhouse, which is a 10,000 square foot disco catering to a largely young crowd.

TANGLIN VILLAGE

PHOTO COURTESY OF RED DOT BREWHOUSE

Another historically sentimental place to Singapore’s National Servicemen – Tanglin Village – used to be a cluster of military buildings and enlistment centres which have now been converted to less serious purposes. Located in a somewhat less “built-up” part of Singapore, sophisticated individuals with a weakness for cigars, liquor, fine dining or who just want to take it a little slow will find Tanglin Village suiting their inclinations. At RedDot BrewHouse, you can enjoy home-brewed beer amidst the lush tranquility of nature. Friday nights and Saturday nights are bingo nights at RedDot.

PHOTO COURTESY OF SINGAPORE TOURISM BOARD

ST. JAMES

Best of Singapore

115

PHOTO COURTESY OF CLARKE QUAY

NIGHTLIFE

ORCHARD ROAD Orchard Road is known more for its shopping malls than its night spots. However after a hard day’s round of shopping, there are nightclubs and bars conveniently located to help shoppers wind down. These include Alley Bar, Ice Cold Beer, Que Pasa and No. 5 Emerald Hill Cocktail Bar, all located at Emerald Hill. The rows of prewar houses now turned into nightclubs serve a largely expatriate and up-market crowd. Other nightspots and dance floors include Howl at the Moon at Peranakan Place, and Brix at Hyatt Hotel, which have been packing in the crowds recently.

Over the years, there have been more and more discos and pubs opening all over Singapore, and it would not be too surprising to hear the country adding another tagline, as a “pub-crawler’s paradise”, to its list of positioning statements.

PHOTO COURTESY OF SINGAPORE TOURISM BOARD 116

Best of Singapore

PHOTO COURTESY OF SWISSÔTEL THE STAMFORD

New Asia Bar

Best of Singapore

117

NIGHTLIFE

Clarke Quay – Singapore’s premier food and entertainment destination In many senses, Clarke Quay is a microcosm of what Singapore is today, a mix of cultures, flavours and products, a place that embraces and celebrates diversity with all its heart, a place where anyone and everyone can feel at home.

Whether you are a tourist or local, whether dining or partying into the wee hours of the morning, Clarke Quay is where you want to be, whatever you are in the mood for.

Once you step into Clarke Quay, you are transported to a different place – a colourful variety of clubs and exotic gourmet food choices greet you.

What was already a well known landmark received a further rejuvenation in 2006 through an $85 million revamp. The enhancement included grand canopies called Angels to shield patrons from the tropical heat, along with cooling mechanisms such as a fan system, fountain feature, trees and even unique and colourful platforms called “Bluebells” to provide a special al fresco dining experience. So successful after its revamp, a staggering one million patrons now visit Clarke Quay every month.

At the heart of Clarke Quay lies the Central Square, a choice venue for product launches, music events and weekend bazaars.

Interestingly, this is also the place where one can sit back, take in the tranquillity and peace and “people watch”. The fountain located there is a centre of attraction for children, and an occasional thrill to those young at heart.

International Cuisines The list of restaurants at Clarke Quay sounds almost like the membership at the United Nations – Cuban, Indonesian, Italian, Persian, Moroccan, Chinese, Japanese, Indian, you name it, Clarke Quay has it. There are around 60 very distinctive food and beverage outlets within Clarke Quay and along the river.

The reputable eateries include Coriander Leaf, which serves up Middle-Eastern dishes with an Asian influence; Ivory the Indian Kitchen, where you can get a taste of one of Kolkata’s famous restaurants; and Hutong restaurant, which serves traditional Northern Chinese cuisines.

If there is a food that Singapore is famous for, it has to be chilli crab, and you can also get this and other popular seafood like scallops and drunken prawns at Quayside Seafood Restaurant, one of the longest riverside restaurants in Singapore. If you are a fan of everything Latin – whether it is music, food, sangrias, tequila, salsa or tapas – then you’ll feel right at home at the Tapas Tree restaurant located also by the riverside.

At The Pump Room Microbrewery and Bistro, you can have a taste of Australianinspired specialities, before adjourning a few steps away to sample a range of classic and speciality beers freshly brewed in house. There aren’t many places in Singapore where you can get Persian food, but at Clarke Quay, at the Shiraz restaurant, you can.

And there a number of kiosks conveniently located nearby where you can grab a quick bite – taco wraps, sandwiches, ice creams, before, after the party or while club hopping.

Vibrant Night Life Unlike many night spot hubs where the experience is the same one pub to another, each of the individual clubs at Clarke Quay are strongly themed, and stand out on their own: at the Pump Room it’s ever-popular 80s and 90s 118

Best of Singapore

music with one of the most well known resident bands in Singapore; at the Arena, hip hop to contemporary R&B music; it’s all things Scottish at the Highlander Bar; at the Rupee Room, it’s heart-thumping Bollywood music; and over at Lunar, it’s your favourite Canto pop hits.

The allure of Zirca is altogether different – a musical feast of International DJs are lined up to keep those with an insatiable musical appetite through a musical journey from electro to house, then progressive to trance. And at the Yello Jello Retro Bar, time travel back to the days of Wham and Boy George. It’s house music at Attica, a New York styled nightspot featuring four different bar concepts – an al fresco bar, a Balinese inspired courtyard, a cozy lounge area and a dance club. Experience Shanghai Glam at Shanghai Dolly club and restaurant, which will absolutely wow you with its large team of singers, dancers and deejays from Singapore, Hong Kong and China.

It would suffice to say that Clarke Quay has taken the clubbing experience to a brand new level. The strong themes and brandings of many of the night spots have made them choice venues for corporate and commercial events. And all these are just the tip of the iceberg.

Other Attractions Patrons who want a little adrenaline-pumping action can try out the G-Max Reverse Bungy Best of Singapore

119

– Singapore’s first and only reverse bungy. The G-Max is an open-air capsule that catapults the darers to a height of 60 meters, at a wind rushing speed of 200km/hr. However, if that’s a little too much action, then patrons can also opt for something easier – like a traditional trishaw ride or a river cruise (operated by HiPPO River Cruise).

Additionally, visitors can find out about the process of creating Selangor Pewter at Royal Selangor’s School of Hard Knocks. Once they have successfully created a pewter dish, visitors will be presented with a certificate, warranting them the right to add this new skill to their resumes!

Clarke Quay today promises an exceptional dining and entertainment experience to rival that of Times Square in New York and Lan Kwai Fong in Hong Kong, right in the heart of the city. It is the ultimate party venue; an ideal location to wine and dine with your friends, family or business associates. With something for everyone, the possibilities are simply endless at Clarke Quay.

Clarke Quay 3 River Valley Road Singapore 179024 Tel. +65 6337 3292 www.clarkequay.com.sg

NIGHTLIFE

The Cannery – the hottest nightspot in town With eight chic and sexy party destinations in one vicinity, the night is always young at The Cannery Set against a glittering night sky and towering buildings is The Cannery, some of the most sexiest and exciting clubs and eateries in town. Replicating the chicness of Paris, the raciness of New York and the grooviness of London, this Clarke Quay location conjures up similar nightime magic for party goers.

There are many party options for patrons and even the most finicky of club goers would be able to find a venue to their liking. With a musical offering that ranges from retro pop to trance, the Cannery is one of the premier spots with an international clout that pulls in the best in the club circuit and music industry.

Of the eight clubs that make up The Cannery, Zirca Mega Club and Lunar are currently the two reigning venues that attract crowds to their doorstep every weekend.

Zirca Mega Club If you are looking for an exhilarating workout then head to Zirca Mega Club, a witty dance club. This is home to Singapore’s most talented deejays. In fact, Zirca is one address that international deejays stop by to show off their prowess at burning up the dance floor.

Every night from Wednesday to Saturday patrons are given an audio-visual treat. The “head bangers’ music” as some would call it ranges from electro, house, progressive to trance. Since 2008 this mega club has played 120

Best of Singapore

host to several early hour shows and concerts for global super stars such as Craig David and Datarock.

Rebel: Boutique Club This is one spot that your parents will not approve. What is rebellious about this place is the attitude and the unconventional chic (yes, think London’s West End and you’ll get the picture).

Rebel is an adult playground strewn generously with toy collectibles. The walls are scrawled with graffitti painted by renowned street artist Megg from Australia. There is certainly no shortage of serious bling here reminiscent of the disco ball and the latter day Swarovski variety.

On Wednesday, Friday and Saturday evenings, attitudinal deejays keep patrons gyrating on the dance floors. Although considered a new kid on the block, this high-energy, cool urban hip-hop club has attracted the likes of global superstars such as DJ Z-Trip (US), DJ Becareful (HK), Jakuan (NY 360 Toygroup), DJ Hazime (Japan), DJ Mouss (France) and MC Ekilps (France).

THE CANNERY ZIRCA: www.zirca.sg REBEL: www.rebel.sg

Best of Singapore

121

NIGHTLIFE

The Elixir of the Gods Microbrewery RedDot BrewHouse sets the standard for beer in Singapore RedDot BrewHouse is one of Singapore’s hidden gems, a microbrewery built with obsessive attention to details, yet paradoxically one of the most relaxing spots to unwind after work.

RedDot prides itself on producing on its own premises some of the best tasting ales and lagers in Singapore. The six beers – the Czech Pilsner, the Monster Green Lager, the RedDot Lime Wheat, the Weizen, the English Ale and the Summer Ale – honour their heritage with a unique microbrewery twist.

These alcoholic masterpieces are the product of a decade of brewing experience

by RedDot owner and head brewer Ernest Ng. His profound understanding and love for the chemistry and art involved in brewing shows in the way he talks about his creations.

He was bitten by the microbrewery bug during a safari holiday at the Kruger National Park in South Africa. He went on to learn through experimentation and obsessive study the craft of brewing, the special alchemical process that turns water, yeast, hops and barley into the elixirs served at RedDot. Brewed by artists Ernest’s obsessive commitment to his craft goes beyond the gleaming steel vats inside the brewery. The restored military 122

Best of Singapore

Tanglin Barracks that the RedDot BrewHouse occupies were carefully conserved. Ernest, a former builder, repaired and restored the building himself. The bricks in the walls and bar counter as well as the main stairways are the original handmade bricks that were used in the original building 148 years ago.

His painstaking labour yielded stunning results. Singapore’s colonial history is now blended skilfully with the gleaming microbrewery equipment, creating a unique restaurant among Dempsey Road’s quiet, leafy neighbourhood.

Climb up the ‘historical’ flight of stairs past the gleaming stainless steel equipment, assembled and designed by Ernest as well, and you’ll find a sprawl of tables outdoor and indoor, set amid lush greenery and quiet pools. There is nowhere in Singapore more relaxing to watch the sun slowly set whilst sipping a beer.

Then tuck into a meal that matches the drinks. RedDot specialises in modern European cuisine with an impressive menu that serves everything from wagyu rumps to escolar fillets. The meats are char grilled in the open so you can watch expert chefs at work.

RedDot BrewHouse is where dedication to craft meets with the love for food, beer and the outdoors, a place for friends to gather, for meals to linger over, great live band music to enjoy in the weekends and microbrews to remember.

Tel: (65) 6475-0500 Web: www.reddotbrewhouse.com.sg

Best of Singapore

123

Chapter 8 Sentosa

Chapter 8 SENTOSA

© 2009 RESORTS WORLD AT SENTOSA

Resorts World Sentosa, the latest attraction on Sentosa

126

Best of Singapore

Sentosa is Singapore’s premier island resort, with a truly multi-dimensional appeal.

Best of Singapore

127

SENTOSA

PHOTO COURTESY OF SENTOSA

Tanjong Beach

While it retains pockets of calm and serenity, its plethora of exciting leisure offerings are a magnet for the more than 6 million tourists who visit annually.

Named after the Malay words ‘peace’ and ‘tranquility’, the island of Sentosa, just 15 minutes away from the city area, is one of Singapore’s favourite destinations for sun and water-soaked activities, entertainment, resort living and fine dining.

Sentosa has three beaches – Siloso, Palawan and Tanjong – each catering to different segments. The sporty ones head to Siloso, where the beach would be littered with scores of hot bods, playing volleyball or partaking in a range of sea sports. Palawan Beach, with its children’s playground, animal show and aviary is a family beach.

Finally, Tanjong Beach is a great romantic retreat. As night falls, hang out by one of the beach bars at Bora Bora Beach Bar, Sunset Bay, Bikini Bar or Café del Mar. RESORT LIFESTYLE Sentosa is one huge mega-resort, offering a range of leisure activities.

A club membership at ONE°15 Marina Club, located on this island, is an enviable possession indeed. Evoking the glamour and elegance of Monte Carlo, ONE°15 offers world-class marina facilities, and is replete with a comprehensive range of luxurious private club amenities, catering to both boaters and non-boaters.

Siloso Beach Resort is a romantic getaway. Located on the island’s Siloso Beach, every guest room at this resort comes with a bay window that looks out to the white sandy beaches of Sentosa and the sea. The resort also includes 12 exclusive villas that sit on slopes, with trees interloping into the buildings’ interiors. Siloso Beach Resort offers a quiet and peaceful respite.

Amara Sanctuary is another spot that you can escape to. This 121-room resort would be perfect for honeymooners and newlyweds.

The romantic rooftop Infinity pool (reserved for adults) offers a

fantastic view of the South China Sea. The restaurant choices at Amara are exquisite – ranging from Thanying, one of the premier Thai restaurants, to Silk Road, which serves a range of spicy food from the provinces of China, to Si Bon, which serves rare Japanese cuisines such as kushikatsu (skewer).

Perched high atop a cliff amid landscaped tropical gardens, The Sentosa Resort & Spa is one of Asia’s best-kept secrets. It is a stylish, tranquil resort with superb facilities and designer guestrooms in 27 acres of lush greenery. This luxury Sentosa island hotel is renowned for its award-winning garden spa, Spa Botanica, and The Cliff, which serves contemporary seafood in a stylish al fresco seating, with a marvelous sea view. Sentosa Resort Spa was one of the first in Asia to open a luxurious mud pool.

Resorts World Sentosa (RWS) is a unique integrated resort combining three mega attractions, six unique hotels, shopping, casinos, dining and 24/7 world class entertainment. Occupying 49 hectares and costing over $6 billion, the resort will put Sentosa on the world map.

One of the key attractions at RWS is Universal Studios Singapore, which includes a total of 24 rides, 18 of which are brand new or specially customised for Singapore. In addition to that, there will be a range of thrill rides for children and adults alike, named after popular Hollywood movies – Shrek, Madagascar, WaterWorld and Battlestar Galactica.

RWS will also feature a FestiveWalk, a 24/7 bustling boulevard with endless shopping, dining and entertainment. Dining options will range from award winning restaurants with celebrity chefs to waterfront bistros, cafes, pubs and hawker fare. Street buskers and performances will complete the experience.

128

Best of Singapore

A TREAT FOR NATURE LOVERS Finally, RWS will be home to a Marine Life Park, housing one of the world’s largest oceanariums, featuring more than 700,000 marine creatures, including superstars such as sharks, stingrays and dolphins. The resort will also have a civic cause at heart – facilities will be established for marine research and conservation.

In fact, Sentosa, with all its developments and goings-on, is one of Singapore’s best showcases for animal and plant life.

At the Dolphin Lagoon, you can get really close with the pink Humpback dolphins. At the Butterfly Park and Insect Kingdom, you can study 3,000 species of butterfly and insect specimens, one of the world’s largest collections, as well as 1,500 live butterflies. Observe the miracle of animal metamorphosis at the pupae enclosure.

If all this is not enough nature, then hit the Dragon Trail/Nature Walk, a 1.5 kilometre trek through a tropical secondary rainforest.

Also, check out the Herb & Spice Garden, with its 250 species that make it South-East Asia’s largest collection of medicinal and culinary plants, the Orchid Gardens, as well as the Enchanted Grove of Tembusu, with its constellation of Tembusu and MacArthur palms.

Finally, get a laugh at the antics of the monkeys, squirrels, peacocks, parrots and macaws and their human trainers at the Animal and Bird Shows. The performances are interactive, and the animals get quite friendly and up close with the audience.

IMAGES OF SINGAPORE Sentosa is also a showcase for Singapore’s historical and cultural heritage, brought to life through wax figures, animatronics, live shows,

exhibits and special effects. ‘Images of Singapore’ is divided into four zones – Stories of the Sea, Pioneers of Singapore, the Surrender Chambers and Festivals of Singapore.

If you are a historical buff, be sure not to miss Fort Siloso. Built in the 1880s by the British Royal Artillery, this preserved coastal fort serves as a reminder of Singapore’s colonial roots. Also, walk up Mount Imbiah and visit the large underground bunker complex and giant gun emplacement, two of the few remaining remnants of a time long past but well remembered, for the lessons it yielded a young nation.

ENTERTAINMENT POINT If you are tired from all the walking and need to rest your legs, then there are a number of ways to keep yourself entertained without much effort.

Cinemania is a 3D virtual reality attraction, taking you on a thrilling, heart-pumping adventure ride. The Musical Fountain is a S$4 million extravaganza of sound, light and laser effects, as well as flames so fiery that you can feel their heat.

If the children are still in a hyperactive mood, then let them go wild at the Merlion Walk, where jumping water jets can keep them preoccupied long enough for you to recuperate. Located nearby is a 37-metre tall merlion overlooking all of Sentosa majestically. The 360-degree view of the island from the Mouth Gallery viewing deck of the Merlion is well worth the walk up or the queue to get there.

With so much to offer, it is no wonder that Sentosa is established as the biggest and premier playground in Singapore, for adults as much as for children.

Siloso Beach Resort Sentosa - Wedding/Solemnization Best of Singapore

129

SENTOSA Sentosa Express & The Merlion

Sentosa, Asia’s favourite resort and lifestyle destination The island of Sentosa is fast becoming Asia’s favourite waterfront leisure destination. The extent of entertainment and activities attract more than six million visitors every year.

Located on the southern tip of Singapore and covering a five square kilometre area, Sentosa is accessible by car, taxi, bus, monorail and cable car. With world-class attractions and recreational developments, championship golf courses and an emerging waterfront residential-cum-marina enclave adding to its established appeal and unique business conventions and meetings facilities, the island is poised to be your favourite place to live, work and play.

Sunny beaches Sentosa is best known as an outdoor playground, a place of sun-kissed beaches and many other attractions. Sentosa is a popular venue for beach volleyball as well as numerous beach bars and pubs including the popular Café del Mar. These are all located at Siloso Beach. Whether it is fun in the sun or chill-out sunsets, Siloso is the place where many young people head to.

Palawan Beach, on the other hand, is Singapore’s happiest family beach. Families are drawn here because of the numerous activities that it offers. Walk across the suspension bridge from the beach and it

will lead you to the southern-most tip of continental Asia.

The tranquil Tanjong Beach on the eastern end of Sentosa is where people go to get away from it all. The white sands of Tanjong Beach draw those seeking peace and serenity.

Sentosa isn’t just about beaches though.

Songs of the Sea is an award-winning worldclass water extravaganza with dramatic fire effects, water jets, lasers and music. This S$30 million night attraction is the only one of its kind in the region.

Visual treats Another popular spot is Imbiah Lookout, which has a cluster of 11 attractions, all within walking distance. Check out the new MegaZip Adventure Park and the Sentosa Nature Discovery, an educational nature gallery housed in a former monorail station, which were recently added to the cluster.

There is also Tiger Sky Tower, which is Singapore’s tallest observatory; Cineblast, a simulation ride; the experiential Sentosa 4D Magix cinema; Singapore’s first interactive shoot-out game at DESPERADOS; and the 130

Best of Singapore

Perspective view of iFLY

exciting Sentosa Luge & Skyride for the adventure-seeker. Other worth-visiting attractions include Images of Singapore, a showcase of Singapore’s heritage and culture; the majestic 37 metre-tall Merlion; an impressive collection of ‘live’ and specimen butterflies and insects at the Butterfly Park & Insect Kingdom; and Singapore’s famed cable car rides.

Exhilarating rides Among the recent new attractions is MegaZip Adventure Park, which is a S$2 million flying fox and high-rope adventure park offering a mix of education, adventure and thrills. From the top of Sentosa’s forested Mount Imbiah, visitors zip 450 metres over Sentosa’s lush forest canopy and land on an islet off Siloso Beach, at a height of over 70 metres.

Other upcoming developments include: iFly Singapore, a vertical wind tunnel where you can experience skydiving at a flying height of 17 metres; and the S$6.59 million Resorts World at Sentosa, an integrated family resort housing the region’s first Universal Studios theme park, the world’s largest oceanarium, a water park, casino, resort hotels and spas.

Songs of the Sea

Best of Singapore

131

Sentosa Luge & Skyride

Golf clubs and meeting facilities Sentosa is an ideal corporate destination for business and leisure. It offers a host of first-class indoor and outdoor facilities for meetings and conventions. These include resort hotels such as the Amara Sanctuary Resort Sentosa, The Sentosa Resort & Spa, Rasa Sentosa Resort and the Sentosa Golf Club. One of the most prestigious golf courses in Singapore, Sentosa Golf Club is also home to the annual Barclays Singapore Open, Asia’s richest national Open. For the first time, the arrival of Capella Hotel’s Capella Singapore at Sentosa has brought the finesse of six-star luxury living to the island.

From beach sports to romantic sunsets, from gourmet dining to hard partying, Sentosa offers something for every side of you.

Everything comes together at Sentosa, Asia’s favourite playground.

Tel: 1800-SENTOSA www.sentosa.com.sg

SENTOSA

A tropical resort like no other Find secluded romance amidst the cool forest foliage at the Siloso Beach Resort.

Your search for a haven of nature and luxury ends at Sentosa island’s Siloso Beach Resort.

A small forested path leads to 12 exquisitelydesigned villas surrounded by lush rainforest, just minutes from the beach.

Once you enter the grounds of each villa, the outside world falls away behind you.

The villas are thoughtfully integrated into the landscape, with natural materials that don’t compromise on comfort. From the timbered deck outside, watch squirrels scamper up towering trees, then head inside for the ultra-modern facilities of each villa, from the flat screen televisions to the enormous fourposter beds swathed in romantic airy cotton.

The star attraction of the villas is the outdoor Jacuzzis. Wide and long enough to comfortably take two people side-byside, the Jacuzzi is surrounded on all sides by high walls and trees so that you can relax under the stars and tree canopy while enjoying complete privacy. Rest on the gently sculptured seats while water jets massage your back and legs, then, once the jets are off, float dreamily on the warm water.

The resort has one- and two-bedroom villas, including the spectacular two-bedroom villa with swimming pool. This villa is often booked as a conference room for small groups 132

Best of Singapore

because of the size and its exclusiveness.

Couples looking for a place to celebrate their vows with family and friends in a private ceremony, with the promise of a romantic wedding night, choose this villa too.

Spectacular views Siloso Beach Resort also offers a range of rooms with spectacular views of the South China Sea. The best view is from the roof-top terrace, popular for functions and private events for the dramatic sunsets and excellent hotel service. At other times, guests are welcome to gaze at the panoramic view of the lush greenery, the white sands and calm waters that surround Siloso Beach Resort.

The hotel’s spectacular cascading poolside waterfall leads to a 95 metre swimming pool, landscaped to be part of the rainforest setting. Tucked in around the undulating pool are small gazebos with hammocks and lounge chairs for long, lazy afternoons in the shade.

The hotel’s beachside café serves a wide selection of local and continental favourites in casual dining. After cocktails by the pool, have dinner and people-watch as the beach comes to life after dark.

Best of Singapore

133

True to nature Siloso Beach Resort does more than look natural; the entire hotel was designed to integrate with the landscape with eco-friendly features. When the resort was built, the developer took great care to preserve all the major trees on the property. The result is trees twining through corridors and pathways built around massive tree trunks. More than 600 trees were lovingly preserved, giving the resort a unique rainforest atmosphere.

Even the swimming pool is eco-friendly.

It uses water from an underground reservoir, once a water source for the island. This water is only lightly treated so the overflow can safely be used for the small ponds scattered throughout the hotel where water lilies grow and fish swim.

The Siloso Beach Resort is anything but rustic: it is nature and luxury, moments from the beach, the perfect island getaway.

Tel: (65) 6722 3333 Email: enquiry@silosobeachresort.com Web: www.silosobeachresort.com

SENTOSA

Your Luxurious Playground by the Sea Evoking the glamour and elegance of Monte Carlo, situated one degree fifteen minutes north of the equator, ONE°15 Marina Club is the region’s exemplar for luxury lifestyle and world-class nautical pursuits.

Nestled within the exclusive Sentosa Cove enclave, ONE°15 Marina Club is part of the upscale luxury neighbourhood that is positioned to become one of the world’s most well-integrated waterfront lifestyle communities. A private members’ Club encompassing a 142,000 square metre area, ONE°15 is the first purpose-built marina in Singapore, and one of the few marinas in Asia, with full facilities and berths to house mega-yachts of up to 200 feet within the splendor of a clean, safe, and natural deep water basin.

Yachts and even mega-yachts have different requirements, but the spirit of meticulous attention remains unchanged. At ONE°15, mega-yacht owners can be assured of a dedication that does not end at the water’s edge. There is no finer marina in the region, both in terms of the range of services available and in the ways you can enjoy your lifestyle. Our premium berths are equipped to allow mega-yacht owners the choice of using their yachts as a home away from home, and feature a power supply of up to 250 amps, individual water pedestals, and waste pump-out facilities. For the convenience

of yacht-owners, there is a direct fueling system, on request bunkering, assisted port clearance, 24-hour security, and WIFI Internet broadband access.

A world of nautical pursuits Offering world-class marina facilities and breathtaking sea views, the Club is minutes away from the bustle of the city, and is a gateway to the nearby cruising grounds of Singapore’s picturesque Southern Islands, South China Sea, Andaman Islands or even further afar. Glorious cruises on pristine waters and splendid parties aboard luxury yachts can be arranged, allowing one to truly embrace the nautical lifestyle, regardless of whether one owns a boat or not, through ONE15 Luxury Yachting.

Replete with a comprehensive range of Club facilities and amenities, ONE°15 is the perfect venue for members and megayacht owners to enjoy the luxury marina lifestyle. For a unique stay-in experience, members can also reside in one of the Club’s houseboats. The equivalent of a ‘floating apartment,’ our houseboats are ideal for both family fun and corporate events. Those 134

Best of Singapore

seeking a relaxing abode by the water can check into one of our appointed clubrooms or über-luxurious club suites named after exotic boating destinations: Monte Carlo, St. Tropez and Portofino.

For a truly indulgent experience, members seeking a getaway from the buzz of the city can pamper themselves at an elegant spa, work out at a fully-equipped fitness centre, luxuriate in a designer Infinity Pool, chill out at the chic Bar Nebula or the casual Boaters’ Bar. A host of excellent dining options completes the experience. These include Asian and Continental cuisines at LATITUDE ONE°15 or exquisite haute Chinese cuisine at our Cantonese restaurant.

Awards of the highest stature ONE°15’s excellent facilities and marina management systems have won it the coveted FIVE Gold Anchors Award – the highest accolade conferred by The Yacht Harbour Association – presented to marinas that adhere to the highest international standards in every endeavour. ONE°15 is also the first to receive the internationally recognised Environmental Management Best of Singapore

135

System ISO14001/ 2004 certification, within its first year of operations.

Other awards include “Best Asian Marina/ Yacht Club of the Year” at the Asia Boating Awards 2009, an award that was conferred on the club following a host of stellar developments and events since opening in 2007. This includes the Volvo Ocean Race 2008/2009, the world’s premier and one of the most grueling yacht races. The race was a historic moment for Singapore and Asia as the fleet traversed Asian waters for the first time and made Singapore their first Southeast Asian stopover for 3 weeks this year. The award recognises the tremendous effort the Club put into hosting this world renowned event and is a testimony to ONE°15’s vision of being Asia’s finest marina and leisure hub.

ONE°15 Marina Club is the new playground for luxury yachting, international regattas and boating events. More than just a club, it’s an unprecedented lifestyle destination.

Tel: (65) 6305 6988 www.one15marina.com

Chapter 9 Spas & Beauty

Chapter 9

PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE ORIENTAL SPA

SPAS & BEAUTY

138

Best of Singapore

The spas in the island state are simply world-class in service, standards and treatments.

Best of Singapore

139

PHOTO COURTESY OF WILLOW STREAM SPA

SPAS & BEAUTY

Singapore’s spa and beauty industry is a multi-million dollar one that has grown steadily over the years, spurred by Singaporeans’ greater demand for luxurious indulgences, as well as increasing tourist arrivals.

Spas here are simply world-class and provide the full range of treatments and services. Whether you need to go for a day spa, medical spa, luxury spa, niche spa, indoor or outdoor, whatever your preferences, you can pick and choose from the excellent range available in Singapore.

If you are in Singapore for a visit, you may want to try treatments that are uniquely Singaporean, such as curry wraps, ginger baths and chilli scrubs. In fact, many of the spas in Singapore are developing their unique treatments, in an effort to give visitors treats that they cannot enjoy elsewhere. For example, the Singapore Flower Ritual is a signature Singapore treatment, exclusively provided at the Spa Botanica garden spa.

Spa Botanica’s other services include traditional medicine treatments, yoga and pilates sessions. Spas are seen as ways to escape from the stresses of Singapore Inc. Spa Botanica, set in lush greenery, amidst waterfalls, floatation pools and lap pools, may be just the thing you need.

Aramsa Spa is another garden spa with an all-natural concept that includes earth décor and gardens filled with more than 20,000 plants from about 200 species. Clients experience a ‘one-with-nature’ feel, right from the reception to the treatment rooms, all the way to the al fresco dining at the Green Room Café and Canopy Garden Dining Bistro.

BODY, MIND AND SOUL In addition to traditional massages such as Thai, Swedish, Chinese, Indonesian, Shiatsu, foot and back, more holistic Ayurvedic treatments, designed to soothe the body and mind, are also gaining in popularity. For the health conscious, there are programmes for

detoxification, green tea hydrotherapy, weight management and sports. Beauty packages for facials, scrubs, wraps, manicures, pedicures, cellulite treatment and ice zone slimming therapy are also easily available.

At the Oriental Spa located at Mandarin Oriental Hotel, you can indulge in their signature 90-minute massage that combines Thai, Shiatsu and Swedish massage therapies, or opt for a yoga class on the outdoor patio. Each treatment combines an Oriental meridian massage with the therapeutic benefits of custom-blended essential oils.

Willow Stream spa positions itself to provide “unique experiences based on lifestyle” – for example, treatments specifically designed for stiletto wearers. At this spa, treatments include Shirodhara influences as well as European Spa Kur rituals.

Estheva Spa, the only high-end spa located at ION Orchard, the newest shopping phenomenon in Singapore, provides a natural escape after a hard day’s work shopping. This spa, increasingly popular among ladies and couples, provides a comprehensive range of 128 body treatments and 18 facials.

MERGING FIELDS Medical spas are a recent phenomenon. While spas were traditionally seen as being in the domain of beauty, the increasing sophistication of clientele, as well as their understanding that the body, mind and soul are interlinked intricately, have given rise to medical spas.

Medical practitioners are increasingly cognisant of the fact that their patients desire to be pampered.

Institutes such as Clinique Suisse and medSpa are leading the efforts to marry the field of medicine with aesthetics.

140

Best of Singapore

Best of Singapore

141

PHOTO COURTESY OF WILLOW STREAM SPA

SPAS & BEAUTY

The Oriental Spa – a complete luxury spa indulgence Take away the stress of the day and treat yourself to a signature massage or an outdoor yoga class The Oriental Spa, tucked away on the fifth level of Mandarin Oriental, Singapore, provides you with an unforgettable sensory journey to wellness. You can indulge in their signature 90-minute massage that combines Thai, Shiatsu and Swedish massage therapies, or opt for a yoga class on the outdoor patio, amidst lush greenery to relieve the day’s stress.

In true Oriental spirit The Oriental Spa experience begins right from the time guests enter the premises.

Tranquility and harmony are the inspiration behind the spa and the surroundings feature walnut timber flooring and Asian motif panels, complemented by traditional Chinese furniture. Attentive receptionists and staff greet the guests as they walk in and are offered cool, fragrant towels and a cup of herbal tea, followed by a relaxing shower.

At a relaxation lounge, guests can unwind to calming music before and after treatments.

Each treatment begins with a soothing foot ritual as the skilled spa therapist assesses the guest’s individual needs. Each of the treatments consists of a relaxing, handson body massage ritual that combines the powerful effects of Oriental meridian massage with the therapeutic benefits of customblended pure essential oils, created uniquely for Mandarin Oriental.

142

Best of Singapore

Couple treatments The 528-square metre spa comprises of five luxurious treatment rooms. For couples or friends who wish to share their spa experience, there is also a spacious 62-square metre couples’ suite equipped with two beautiful Agape baths and a steam room. Before treatment, guests can indulge in a fresh flower bath and an invigorating steam bath. There is also a separate relaxation area that offers a comfortable opium bed for guests to float back to reality at their own leisurely pace after the treatment.

There is also a fitness studio equipped with state-of-the-art exercise equipment.

After working out and pampering your body, you can complement your experience with other indulgences in the hotel – you can enjoy a glass of champagne at the Axis Bar and Lounge offering panoramic views of the city skyline or skip all that for a quiet Italian meal at signature restaurant Dolce Vita. Alternatively, pick and choose from the buffet at MELT~ The World Café or modern Cantonese cuisine at award-winning Cherry Garden restaurant.

Tel: (65) 6885 3533 www.mandarinoriental.com Best of Singapore

143

SPAS & BEAUTY

ESTHEVA Spa – Singapore’s most luxurious spa experience for ladies and couples The name ESTHEVA has a simple, yet luxuriant meaning: “A place where life is always beautiful and rejuvenating, where one achieves a balance of mind, body and spirit.”

ESTHEVA is one of the most beautiful luxury day spas in this part of the world. This year, ESTHEVA opened a brand new flagship spa at the iconic ION Orchard, providing a commanding view of lush greenery in busy Orchard Road.

ESTHEVA is inspired by the natural thermal spas of Southern Italy. It merges the pursuits of beauty and wellness in truly conducive surroundings. The premier esthetics day spa in this country, ESTHEVA has been consecutively named for five years as the ‘Top Day Spa’ by Singapore Tatler. It has also received numerous other awards.

ESTHEVA provides its clients with only the highest level of services and the finest treatments and products by leading European brands.

Peace and Energy Upon entering the soothing confines of the spa, the guest is embraced by an ambience of calm tranquility – soft pastels and fresh blossoms characterise the décor. As you then venture into the inner luxurious sanctum of

the spa, permeated by natural light, a highly positive energy grips you. Lavishly furnished oversized spa suites with Feng Shui influence provide for a truly luxurious pampering environment. ESTHEVA has created an elegant oasis in the heart of bustling Orchard Road for ladies and loving couples to revel in beauty, massage and spa therapies.

ESTHEVA’s prized collection of spa treatments are the main draw for its repeat and new clients, which is practically a Who’s Who of high society in Singapore and neighbouring countries. It is no wonder then that ESTHEVA’s most popular item is the Celebrity Peel©, a highly refined anti-aging facial treatment. Inspired by a technique much revered by celebrities in Hollywood, Celebrity Peel© has a regular female client following from as far as New York!

The Ultimate Scrub Package is another highly popular treatment. This includes an exotic Personalised Scrub (with 12 different scrubs to choose from), an invigorating HydroBath (tailored according to body type) and a revitalising Body Massage.

144

Best of Singapore

This package offers the guest the option of indulging in 12 different scrubs, one each month for a year.

The above are just a few of the 128 body treatments and 18 exclusive luxurious facials available at ESTHEVA Spa. Other highly popular treatments include Sparomatic Detox Package, Ice Tonic Express Treatment (for Slimming), OxyAromatic Seaweed Wrap, Swiss Very Whitening Treatment, Sparomatic Mineral Mask with Face-Gym© Massage, and Ultimate Eye Face Chest which uses Marine DNA and Vitamins A, C and E. ESTHEVA believes in being at the forefront in the development of new, highly unique, world-class treatments that are popular among Singaporeans. ESTHEVA’s treatments are gaining a following from overseas guests as well, who recognise that they cannot get many of the treatments in their own countries.

Pioneering Treatments Recently, this full-fledged day spa also added a new addition to its repertoire. The ladies’ Spa Nights, introduced in conjunction with the world’s first Formula 1 Night Race in Singapore, was picked up by the Singapore Grand Prix and featured as the top spa on its official website.

Another first in Singapore is ESTHEVA’s Spa Parties, exclusively for ladies to celebrate special occasions with their close ones. Targeted at groups of five or six within a private area, the Spa Party comprises the services of a personalised “butler” and therapist, exquisite spa refreshments, use of AromaSteam and a retreat space, all specially customised.

One of its signature treatments, Choc DeAger©, is a hit amongst ESTHEVA’s affluent clientele from all over the world.

ESTHEVA is highly valued by its clients and business partners, both for its professionalism and commitment to service excellence. Our clientele includes celebrities, socialites, professionals and all who seek a beautiful and balanced lifestyle.

Tel: 65 6509 3900 www.estheva.com

Best of Singapore

145

SPAS & BEAUTY

Back to nature with Spa Botanica The stunning, award-winning garden destination spa is a haven in the urban jungle and a firm favourite for ultimate relaxation Spa Botanica, set in the lush grounds of The Sentosa Resort & Spa on Sentosa island is Singapore’s first tropical garden destination spa. Constantly ranked among the best destination spas in the world, Spa Botanica is a haven for luxurious indulgence.

From a tropical garden setting to a carefully choreographed menu of signature treatments to the dedicated service delivery, Spa Botanica offers a unique experience that allows the guests to connect with themselves and embrace nature.

Spa Botanica promises a blend of indoor pampering or treatments outdoors. By harnessing the very best in spa ingredients and blending it with a lush environment, you can look forward to soothing treatments from the region’s top spa therapists.

Before treatments even begin, guests are encouraged to enjoy the spa gardens with cascading waterfalls, floatation pools and lap pool. Opt for volcanic mud to be applied to the body to cleanse, nourish and moisturise the skin. Then de-stress and reconnect with nature in the meditation labyrinth. This pretreatment ritual increases the therapeutic

effect of the treatment to follow. In fact, for most visitors possibly the most stressful part of their visit is deciding which treatment to revel in!

Designed for ultimate relaxation, the signature packages are best enjoyed when time is of no object. Guests can make optimum use of the spa’s facilities and garden grounds.

The spa’s highly-recommended signature treatment is the Five Elements Cleanse and Purifying Ritual. The detoxifying body treatment comprises Tibetan and Traditional Chinese medicine origins with ginseng and lotus blossom. It begins by cleansing the body with natural water chestnut body cleansing milk. A detoxifying massage with warm herbal oil and healing clay enhances the elimination of body toxins. It continues with a healing clay wrap rich in natural salts which deeply nourishes the skin. Finally, a herbal bath and refreshing body moisturising session prepares the guest for a revitalising journey to good health.

The three-hour Tropical Glow treatment is an established favourite. The blend of 146

Best of Singapore

indigenous tropical fruits, flowers and spices smoothens the skin and creates a truly natural botanical experience. It includes a rhythmic massage for a natural skin workout followed by a refreshing shower. The result? Radiant healthy glowing skin! As with many of the treatments available, this too can be enjoyed by either individuals or couples.

For guests with the luxury of time, the Botanical Refresh is an ultimate indulgence.

The total experience is one that revitalises, relaxes and refreshes one’s senses with specialised aromatherapy treatments. A Vichy rain shower treatment is offered with an aromatic Body Booster and an aromatherapy massage. After a light lunch, a premium organic facial and a spa pedicure treatment will round up the day leaving the guest feeling fully rejuvenated.

Nestled next to Spa Botanica, an all-new restaurant, The Garden delivers a destination dining experience termed Conscious Dining.

Serving a wholesome contemporary cuisine in an idyllic respite, the chef uses speciallysourced organic or bio-dynamic ingredients.

Moving into the wellness arena and complementing Spa Botanica is Seven Eden Wellness Centre, it encompasses a lifestyle gymnasium with top-of-the-range fitness equipment and a Zest Studio for healthy lifestyle programmes (Aerobics, Flexi Tone, Cardio Sculpt, Taichi and Yoga). Offering Traditional Chinese Medicine consultation, cupping, acupuncture, executive health and active-ageing programmes and aesthetic medicine for renewed vitality, it is a holistic wellness retreat to reinvigorate the body, soul and mind.

As a testimony to Spa Botanica’s premium services, multiple awards have poured in. The most recent ones being Conde Nast Traveller UK Readers’ Spa Awards 2008 – Top Ten Day Spas – Overseas (Sixth in ranking) and winner of the 22nd Singapore Tourism Awards 2008 Best Spa Experience and Best Tourism Host – Spa and SpaFinder Readers’ Choice Awards 2008 – Favourite Spa in Singapore.

Tel: (65) 6371 1318 / 1288 www.thesentosa.com

Best of Singapore

147

SPAS & BEAUTY

Return to nature at Aramsa ~ The Garden Spa Recognised as Asia’s first outdoor spa in a park, Aramsa ~ The Garden Spa is set in the lush botanical beauty of Bishan Park 2. From its luxuriant surroundings and nature-based treatments to its garden facilities and botanical ingredients, Aramsa is the perfect destination for relaxation & rejuvenation retreat in Singapore; a haven tucked away from the maddening crowd.

Winner of the Singapore Tourism Board’s “Best Spa Experience” in 2006 and a finalist in 2007 and 2008, Aramsa offers a unique garden spa experience not found elsewhere in Singapore. The architectural design by local design firm Formwerkz has won for Aramsa numerous awards and accolades, including the SIA Architectural Award 2008 Honorable Mention.

Aramsa ~ The Garden Spa stays true to its name – the spa is beautifully landscaped in all-natural concept with earthy décor and glorious gardens, and featuring an incredible 22,000 plants from 200 species. There is simply no escaping the ‘at one with nature’ feel, from the reception to the treatment rooms to the alfresco dining at the Green Room Café and Canopy Garden Dining & Bar. Pebble paths lined with scented herb gardens lead to 17 separate treatment suites including couple suites, a hydrotherapy suite and a Vichy shower suite, all of which replicate the outdoor garden feel, complete with outdoor rain showers and sunken garden baths.

Truly natural relaxation Aramsa’s exclusively created products tap into the curative powers of nature, using botanical extracts and herbs as well as nutritive ingredients including essential oil, coconut, ginger, marine mud and seaweed. A combination of traditional Asian and Western massage techniques are used to relax and soothe the body, mind and soul.

One of their signature garden packages is the “Tropical Java Lulur”, which begins with a rice and turmeric scrub before a nourishing yoghurt mask followed by an Aramsa Touch Massage, and finally a floral garden bath to complete the experience. Aramsa Spa’s signature Aramsa Touch massage is a fusion of Eastern meridian and Western massage techniques, focusing on nothing less than complete relaxation.

The multitude of massages offered at Aramsa include acupressure, Swedish, Thai and rhythmic Hawaiian massages.

Aramsa also offers traditional treatments like Boreh scrub and Rawatan Halia, the latter incorporating therapeutic Indonesian ginger 148

Best of Singapore

ball rub combined with a beneficial ginger cream exfoliation and firming abdomen massage. Other spa therapies include body scrubs, ear candling, cold stone treatments, water treatments and body wraps. An outdoor shower or a soothing garden bath is the ultimate in solitary water refinement, with choices ranging from rainforest shower, milk & rose, floral infused and mineral detox. All water therapies start with gentle dry brushing.

Complete indulgence To compliment the spa’s philosophy of encompassing nature with natural living there are several healthy dining and recreational options that make Aramsa a one-stop wellness experience. The Spa’s Pilates studio PowerMoves specialises in enhancing flexibility, coordination and strength building.

UNB Aramsa provides manicures and pedicures; using Cuccio quality products to pamper hands and feets. The Ultimate and Classic packages start with a fresh milk soak to nourish the skin, followed by rich Cuccio exfoliation and a fresh coat of OPI paint for the nails.

The Green Room Café is vegetarian dining at its best. Catering to all strict health aficionados, this vegetarian café uses fresh ingredients in delicious healthy dishes, served either indoors or alfresco among the gardens. Health drinks ranging from herbal teas to smoothies to power juices have been specially created to provide preventative health benefits. The Stylish Canopy Garden Dining and bar serves modern Australian cuisines as well as hearty Sunday brunches.

The alfresco bar opens after 5 pm and serves quality wines, wine cocktails, spirits and beers, alongside tempting bar snacks to help you unwind for the day.

1382 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 1 Bishan Park 2 S(569931) Tel: (65) 6456 6556 www.aramsaspas.com

Best of Singapore

149

Chapter 10 Healthcare

Chapter 10

PHOTO COURTESY OF PARKWAY HEALTH GROUP

HEALTHCARE

152

Best of Singapore

The public healthcare system in Singapore turned 50 in 2009. In this brief period, the standard of Singapore’s medical infrastructure and quality of its practitioners have leapfrogged over many countries.

Best of Singapore

153

HEALTHCARE

PHOTO COURTESY OF SMILEWORKS

PHOTO COURTESY OF PARKWAY HEALTH GROUP

Singapore is considered to be one of the most health-conscious countries in the world.

In a recent World Health Organisation survey, the country was ranked 6th out of 191 countries assessed in terms of the quality of its healthcare system. Within Asia, it was ranked right at the top.

Besides the world class medical care, there is a generally high health consciousness among Singaporeans. Many Singaporeans exercise, try to eat right (despite the numerous temptations), attend talks and go for health screenings.

BOOMING INDUSTRY As the population greys, healthcare needs are projected to increase and the pharmaceuticals and supplements industries are booming.

Recent epidemics such as SARS, the Avian flu and H1N1 have only added to the consciousness, to a point of healthy paranoia.

There has been considerable focus on Singaporeans taking responsibility for their healthcare needs and a compulsory savings programme – called Medisave – actually ensures this. Singaporeans set aside about 6 to 8 percent of their income into a savings account to meet their future personal or family hospitalisation, surgery and certain outpatient expenditures. “The healthcare system is superb.

Government programmes such as Medishield and Medisave have been set up with the people’s interests at heart,” says Michael Anthony Rebaczonok-Padulo, a Singapore citizen since 2009.

HEALTH INFRASTRUCTURE The public healthcare system in Singapore turned 50 in 2009. In this brief period of history, the standard of Singapore’s medical infrastructure has leapfrogged over many other countries. Today it is the one of the world’s top ranking medical systems, and the country is a hot spot for medical tourism.

Public healthcare facilities fall under four broad clusters – Alexandra Health Pte Ltd, the National Healthcare Group (NHG), National University Health Systems and Singapore Health Services (SingHealth). In addition to the major general and specialist hospitals operated by these four groups, NHG and SHG also operate a number of polyclinics in neighbourhood towns. “One of the things that astounded me was the quality of the public healthcare system, other than cost. The public hospitals and clinics are as good as private hospitals, and this is something very rare,” says Dino Civitarese, a Singapore citizen since 2009.

Besides the comprehensive services provided by the government hospitals, for those who don’t want to wait a few hours for a consultation with the doctor, there is a range of private clinics and service providers offering general practitioner as well as specialist medical advice. The key private hospitals and hospital hubs include Novena Medical Centre, Camden Medical Centre, Thomson Medical 154

Best of Singapore

Centre and the Parkway Health Group, which operates the East Shore, Gleneagles and Mount Elizabeth Hospitals.

The health authorities, social clubs, fitness clubs and others play an active role in educating the populace – through talks, seminars and print media.

Singapore’s Health Promotion Board (HPB) is the main champion for health matters in Singapore. The HPB organises various programmes – on breast screening, childhood injury prevention, mental health, myopia, effects of smoking, nutrition, osteoporosis, workplace health and many others. The HPB also organises campaigns such as the National Healthy Lifestyle Campaign, National Smoking Control Campaign and AIDS Awareness Program.

The efforts of the various health organisations to promote a healthy lifestyle among Singaporeans have borne fruit. A 2005 ACNielsen survey found that 60 percent of Singaporeans try to eat healthily. The survey found women to be significantly more conscious of their diet, although males can also be said to be increasingly watchful. Only 14 percent live the “carefree life” – not paying too much attention to the nutrient content of their food.

THE HEALTHY LIFESTYLE Singapore has a physical infrastructure well-suited to pursuing the healthy lifestyle. There are a significant number of yoga and pilates centres, swimming pools, tennis courts, tracks, fitness centres, and social clubs, making it easy for Singaporeans to break sweat now and

then. Of course, greater affluence and an increasing focus on work-life balance have also contributed to the general health consciousness.

Membership in fitness centres such as Sky Fitness, True Fitness and California Fitness Centre are rising year to year.

At some point, living well and looking well merge into a singular concern, and that is a philosophy that many Singaporeans have bought into. Clinics such as Clinique Suisse for example are focusing on age management and aesthetics – a positioning that is increasingly appealing to image- and health-conscious Singaporeans. Ivor J Lim Plastic Surgery carries out the whole spectrum of plastic surgery and aesthetic treatments for the face and body. Dental clinics such as Smileworks are also increasingly popular.

REGIONAL MEDICAL HUB With such a fervent interest in health, and with its superior facilities and expertise, Singapore is set to consolidate its position as one of the world’s most popular medical tourism hubs. A flexible immigration policy for those requiring medical treatment ensures they receive the best possible care with peace of mind.

The reliability, high safety standards and outstanding service provided by medical practitioners here have helped to attract many foreign patients from around the world to take advantage of the country’s superior facilities and expertise, a trend that is only set to accelerate in the near- to mid-future.

PHOTO COURTESY OF PARKWAY HEALTH GROUP

Reliability, high safety standards and outstanding service – some of the reasons why many patients from around the world are taking advantage of the country’s superior facilities and expertise.

Best of Singapore

155

HEALTHCARE

The Smileworks Experience A visit to the dentist today is no longer associated with pain but one that is convenient and comfortable.

If the sleek contemporary decor and the sms smile icon of the logo is anything to go by, you should be well convinced that this is no stuffy dental clinic of yesteryear. Here there are no stiff wooden benches and the overwhelming whiff of Dettol associated with dential clinics of yore. Smileworks, located on the 11th floor of Paragon Medical Centre, is decked out in modern creature comforts with a designer sofa, a ‘tooth’ lamp cum stool and an espresso machine. The friendly staff offers a hot cuppa, and you wonder if the single shot of caffiene is good for the teeth. There is none of the unnerving whirring sound of dental drills and the clatter of metal. As you await your turn, you look out the window at the retail district below and contemplate a worthy purchase.

Founding principles Smileworks was founded in 2001 by four dental specialists with an unshakeable dedication to providing the best dental care and services. Eight years on, the clinic now houses about 10 specialists. The facility was conceptualised to be a one-stop 156

Best of Singapore

place catering to busy professionals and executives.

What is impressive is the clinic’s wide array of dental services ranging from basic dental to specialised care such as smile reconstruction, root canal therapy, full mouth rehabilitation and child dentistry, among others.

Smileworks is outďŹ tted with state-of-the-art technology to cater to both the young and mature adults. The clinic can handle all kinds of procedures from the regular basic dental services to aesthetic dentistry. Apart from the equipment, it is the personal touch and care that the specialists render that makes a visit comfortable and assuring. A good example of that is the children’s dental suites, which are strewn with stuffed toys galore to distract and comfort the kids.

Calming environment Not only the children, but the adults also need reassurance. The six white and cosy suites, which are stylishly concealed behind full-height sliding doors, are awash with ample natural light for the specialists to Best of Singapore

157

HEALTHCARE

perform their specialised procedures. It is definitely comforting to note that in addition to providing patient care, many of the dental practitioners in the clinic teach at the Faculty of Dentistry at National University of Singapore.

Smileworks also offers diploma certification from University of Frankfurt and conducts training programmes in the area of implant dentisty for dental care professionals.

The specialists are highly prolific in the international dental fraternity, have published papers on dentistry and have travelled widely to deliver lectures in their particular fields of expertise.

As a full-service dental clinic, Smileworks caters to everyone, from children needing braces to mature adults needing full dental rehabilitations. And with about 10 specialists on staff, you can be sure you are in great hands.

290 Orchard Road, #11-11/12 Paragon, Singapore 238859 Tel : 62389318 Web : www.smileworks.com.sg 158

Best of Singapore

Best of Singapore

159

HEALTHCARE

Prevention Is Better Than Cure Whoever said that those who are not sick have no need for a physcian? Speak to Dr Y.M. Wong and your attitude to good health will change forever. Dr Wong and Clinique Suisse belongs to the generation of doctors who “treats” by prevention.

“Give me one year and I will aim to return ten,” that is the motto of Dr Y.M. Wong and Clinique Suisse International. And that is certainly reason enough to dash out to the clinic for Preventive Ageing Medicine at Paragon Medical Centre.

What exactly is Preventive Ageing Medicine? It is about health management inside and out; a holistic attitude to medicine, which in the past was a divorced treatment of eastern and western approach to well being. Some progressive doctors, Dr Wong included, have research and integrated the knowledge of east/west and quantum medicine and developed this branch of medicine.

There is a worldwide paradigm shift in medical appraoch to prevention rather that cure. Take the case of breast cancers in singapore – the death rate is up yearly in spite of the amount of resorces devoted to treatment of the disease. The answer should

be in prevention and not cure alone.

Clinique Suisse has developed the wellness and health programme – the one-year programme that attends to clients about 12 to 24 times a year on treatment for prediction and prevention.

Preventive Ageing Medicine takes that once-a-year check-up one step further with closer followups and giving the body regular tune ups. The human body, just like automobiles, requires regular conditioning to keep it running in optimum form. It would be sheer folly to seek treatment only when the body breaks down.

“Why repair the vehicle (the body) after the accident when you can initiate the repair (of the human body) to avoid the accident,” quips Dr Wong, who is trained in Age Management by French, Swiss, American and Chinese specialists. A gynaecologist by training, Dr Wong, is also one of the founders of Clilnique Suisse International along with 160

Best of Singapore

Swiss and German associates. In his clinic, he uses mainly nutritional, detoxification and bio-identical hormonal replacement therapies. Dr Wong strongly believes in minimising invasive procedures and the usage of drugs. He recommends detox therapies for heavy metals, pesticides, environmental toxins and food additives.

According to Dr Wong, who has been practicing Preventive Age Medicine, “having no disease is not synonymous with good health or optimum organ function.” Hence he encourages a monthly to bimonthly check-up to ensure the body stays in optimum health.

Dr Wong is walking testimony to his belief. Having listened to many of his male patients’ complaints and after speaking with Claude Chauchard of La Clinique De Paris International, Dr Wong realised that he too was also going through menopause. Dr Wong underwent pan hormone replacement therapy which inlcudes the use of human growth hormones. That was 10 years ago when he went to Europe and had his hormone levels measured and replaced. Within nine days, Dr Wong felt like his old self again and that was when he decided to take the treatment back to Singapore. He still practices this therapy on himself, wife and mother.

This treatment philosophy is gaining momentum globally and each year Dr Wong sees clients from around the region. He strongly believes that using the innovative stem cell treatment for prevention rather than for treatment of disease alone. He refers cases to legitimate clinics overseas and hospitals for such treatment as the majority of his colleagues do not believe that stem cells should be used in prevention and confine treatment only to cases such as leukemia and lymphoma.

Clinique Suisse, is part of a well-established international network of medical clinics. The clinic at Paragon Medical Centre offers a wide array of services such as anti-ageing medicine, aesthetic medicine, breast thermography, nutritional medicine and medical detox. Dr Wong is an ardent believer in detoxification as a vital part in antiageing management. In his opinion any age management treatment is more effective if the body undergoes detoxification first.

While Dr Wong has tirelessly worked to promote and educate the public on the importance of Preventive Ageing Medicine, many in the region still regard it as an anti-ageing treatment aimed at improving appearance and self esteem. The affable doctor believes that it may take up to 10 years or more before this particular area of

Best of Singapore

161

Dr Wong

HEALTHCARE medicine is widely accepted as more than just a pursuit of youth and beauty. However, in the meantime, Dr Wong has incorporated many beauty treatment protocols into his age management progamme to educate and spur the growth of Preventive Age Medicine.

One of the current projects that Dr Wong is working on to raise awarenes is a medical holistic spa where guests can undergo detoxification and beauty/slimming programmes. There will be a medical centre and a restaurant to cater to the guests’ well being and comfort. This spa is akin to the likes of Chiva-Som or Canyon Ranch.

“Not enough importance is given to preventive medicine. Currently the approach to medicine is disease oriented, “ says Dr Wong, who feels that insufficient resources and time are given to this area of medicine.

When asked for a final word of advice, Dr Wong says, “The best time to achieve optimum health is when you are still healthy.”

290 Orchard Road #08-01/02 Paragon Medical Centre Singapore 238859 Tel: (+65) 6235 4040 Fax: (+65) 6733 1721 Web: www.cliniquesuisse.com

162

Best of Singapore

Mrs Wong with Hydro Health Staff

Best of Singapore

163

HEALTHCARE With the Singapore government ramping up efforts to boost the already booming $40 billion medical tourism industry, Singapore looks poised to become the global leader in this field. The government aims to attract close to a million overseas patients by end 2012.

Among the range of medical services offered is Plastic Surgery, which takes a large slice of the annual 200,000-strong medical tourist pie. Among those heading the pack with its impressive track record, state-of-theart facilities and comprehensive services is Ivor J. Lim Plastic Surgery.

Holistic service offering Located at the 12th floor of Camden Medical Centre, Dr Ivor J. Lim’s clinic carries out the whole spectrum of aesthetic treatments, ranging from the minimally invasive to formal plastic surgical operative procedures. The menu of services is comprehensive and offers procedures not just for the face but for the body as well.

Dr Lim received his undergraduate training at Cambridge University and St Thomas’s Hospital, London, where he was first exposed to Plastic Surgery. He completed his Basic Surgical Training and obtained Fellowships at both the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh and the Royal College of Surgeons of Glasgow in 1997. In Singapore, he was awarded the Master of Medicine (Surgery) degree, winning the Yahya Cohen Gold Medal at that examination.

Dr Lim won competitive entry into Plastic Surgery Advanced Surgical Training shortly thereafter, and rotated through all departments of Plastic Surgery in Singapore.

His formal specialist training was rounded off with competitive entry into the prestigious Pan-Thames (London) Plastic Surgery rotation in the United Kingdom. This qualified him to sit for the UK Intercollegiate Specialty Boards examinations in Plastic Surgery, where he was awarded the FRCS (Plastic Surgery)

Deft Strokes Plastic Surgery has been garnering more interest, partly because what used to be associated with cosmetic improvements now has a lot to do with restoration of form and function.

164

Best of Singapore

diploma. At that exam, he also won the Ian MacGregor Gold Medal in Plastic Surgery, the first non-British national to do so.

Accomplished to distinction After Exit Certification in Plastic Surgery, Dr Lim also obtained Exit Certification in Hand Surgery which is his reconstructive interest. He is the only Plastic Surgeon in Singapore to be doubly Exit Certified.

Other academic awards under his belt include the Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship at the Rockefeller University in New York; and the Saleh M. Shenaq International Research Award by the North American Plastic Surgery Research Council.

Dr Lim’s personal surgical interests include facial cosmetic surgery, cosmetic breast surgery and body contouring procedures. He is an Adjunct Associate Professor in Surgery at the National University of Singapore (NUS) where he teaches and does direct research. It was at NUS that years ago he partnered with Associate Professor Phan Toan Thang on their ground breaking work in keloid scar biology - a partnership that continues to this day. Dr Lim is also a founder of CellResearch Corporation, a biotechnology company focused on proprietary cord lining stem cell technology.

Ivor J. Lim Plastic Surgery has two laser treatment rooms, three therapy rooms and a full fledged operating theatre in a private and comfortable environment. The clinic is a Ministry of Health-certified Day Surgery facility. Dr Lim is ably assisted by three nurses and four therapists who ensure that all patients are closely attended to and cared for at all times.

1 Orchard Boulevard Suite #12-01/02 Camden Medical Centre Singapore 248649 Tel: 65 6887 3852 Email: ivor.lim@ivorjlim.com Web: www.plasticandhand.com.sg Best of Singapore

165

HEALTHCARE

Start Living Right SKY Fitness has distinguished itself from conventional gyms by pioneering a whole new concept called biological fitness.

SKY Fitness is the first in Asia to provide a wide variety of services that are not traditionally provided by fitness centres. At SKY Fitness, you will break away from the daily grind of life as you work out in style. Once you are done, leave the running to the concierge. Book a taxi, movie tickets or reserve a restaurant space while you’re at SKY Fitness. This, plus a range of other services provided by the fitness centre has made its membership a coveted commodity.

At Sky Fitness, you get to enjoy a suite of preventive diagnostic checks with programmes (with class 2A medical equipment) that accelerate you and your family towards achieving equilibrium in health and fitness.

Raising the bar SKY Fitness is located on the 16th floor of Harbourfront Tower. Members work out on treadmills as cable cars to and from Sentosa pass under them. The breathtaking view also includes that of Sentosa and Mount Faber. One cannot ask for a more uplifting environment to workout.

SKY was conceptualised by the collective desire and interest of a group of people who

felt that there was a strong need to redefine the fitness industry. The management at SKY believes that a well-crafted and comprehensively designed fitness programme has the potential to change lives for the better. Their vision was to inspire each individual associated with Sky Fitness to “Start Living Right”.

The centre is equipped with cutting edge, top-of-the-line equipment for cardiovascular and strength training, as well as a comprehensive range of free-weights. 5-star services SKY provides first class personalised services in a range of areas that are traditionally not cared for by other fitness centres. These include: •

Concierge services The SKY concierge team will take care of your laundry drop-offs, air ticket and movie reservations, limo and cab bookings.

•

Spa Services SKY’s trained spa professionals will pamper and revitalise members through a range of relaxing, rejuvenating and detoxifying massages. The spa also provides body and facial treatments.

166

Best of Singapore

•

•

Child minding services Taking to heart the needs of parents, SKY has engaged award winning service provider, Cherie Hearts Group, to provide complimentary child-minding services as members work out.

Café The café at SKY features a full menu of nourishing meals, healthy delicious snacks and blended and juiced beverages.

SKY GENESIS Sky Genesis leverages on Space Technology, the latest diagnostic tools and traditional Chinese medicine methodologies to ease stressful minds and bring the body back to equilibrium. SKY GENESIS is a holistic fitness and wellness programme that provides a quick fix for busy city dwellers with a fast paced lifestyle and little time to recharge.

This programme will help you to not only get lean and fit but also to recharge, regenerate at a cellular level, alleviate pain and stress and rejuvenate by naturally spiking the release of anti-aging hormones in the body. This Best of Singapore

167

completely personalised programme is the first of its kind in the world and aims at total wellness.

Group Class Studio SKY Fitness also provides a range of classes such as Total Body Conditioning, Latin Jam, Latin Aerobics, Power Stretch, Yoga, Pilates, Cardio Dance, Hi-Lo 101, Kickboxing, Pump & Sculpt, Yoga and many others.

SKY Golf Conditioning SKY Golf Conditioning will help golfers ‘tune up” their body to play the game more efficiently, prevent injuries by strengthening their foundation and correcting muscular and postural imbalances. The nation’s top two golfers Lam Chih Bing and Mardan Mamat have been on the programme and have experienced significant improvements in their physical conditioning and professional game.

Sky Fitness Training System SKY’s internationally certified and highly trained professionals will create the perfect fitness regimen for you. SKY Fitness spent a year researching and developing new programmes to

suit different categories of individuals that need specialised conditioning and fitness beyond the physical self. The Sky Fitness Training System offers an in-depth personal training system, with emphasis on correcting postural and muscular imbalances. This is a common problem most city-dwellers suffer due to prolonged usage of desktops and laptops in a high-stress living environment.

Exclusive Membership & Franchise SKY is a private club with a limited membership, aimed at maintaining exclusivity and catering to the individual needs of each member. At SKY every member is a ‘VIP’. SKY is a fast growing franchise in Asia and constantly looking for business partners to expand its growth in different parts of Asia.

Address: 3 HarbourFront Place, HarbourFront Tower 2, #16-01, Singapore 099254 Franchise Enquiries: enquiry@skyfitness.com.sg Web: www.skyfitness.com.sg

!

Welcome!

Bienvenidos! âƒśä–˘

Welcome to a World of Learning American curriculum enriched by an International Accredited curriculum Daily Mandarin and Spanish classes, ELL and Mother-Tongue Support Centrally located, and easily accessible, Stamford offers a short commute Dedicated teachers provide the highest quality education from Nursery through Graduation Brand new, purpose-designed facilities feature spacious 75 square meter classrooms

+65 6602 SAIS

Chapter 11 Education

IMAGE COURTESY OF EMAAR INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

Chapter 11

EDUCATION

170

Best of Singapore

Over the years, Singapore’s academic curricula have been progressively adapted to nurture future leaders and entrepreneurs.

Best of Singapore

171

PHOTO COURTESY OF ETONHOUSE

EDUCATION

Singapore’s students perform to distinction in international competitions such as world debating championships and international Olympiads.

Singapore’s education system is one of the most rigorous, competitive and advanced. Over the years the standards of curricula have consistently gone up. It is common for one generation to look back and find that the academic questions and problems their children are tackling in school are beyond them.

The schools aim to develop students’ minds in a range of faculties.

There is emphasis on bilingualism (the study of English and one native tongue), mathematics, science, general knowledge and extracurricular activities. The objective is to imbue in students skills that will set them up to succeed in the working world.

Singapore’s students perform to distinction in international competitions such as world debating championships and International Olympiads (i.e. Mathematics, Chemistry, Biology, Physics and others). They have consistently surpassed international averages in mathematics and science. For many years, Singapore’s polytechnic students have been the champions in micro-mouse competitions.

TOP STUDENTS According to The McKinsey Report, (which analyses educational systems that produce students who perform well in international tests), Singapore ranks very high in its list of world’s best performing school systems. According to the Global Competitiveness Report, Singapore’s education system was ranked no.1 in terms of its ability to meet the needs of a competitive economy.

If one is to fault the educational system in any way, it is that it is too competitive and stressful not only for students but also teachers. On the bright side, by learning to thrive in a competitive environment, students are set up to succeed in the rat race that is Singapore’s business world.

Under the conventional system, Singaporeans go through five

major phases: kindergarten, primary school, secondary school, pre-university and university. The somewhat controversial concept of ‘streaming’ is another hallmark of the Singapore education system.

One can argue that the education system run by the government is quite akin to a manufacturing plant churning out highly efficient products made for the competitive economy. The true test however is the extent to which the Singapore-made product succeeds in the business and corporate world, and to date, we have not had reason to fault the system in this respect.

INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS The international schools are less prescriptive, cultivate intellectual freedom and encourage risk-taking. There is considerable autonomy in financial, institutional and academic planning and decision-making.

The curriculum is still relatively packed, but there is significant emphasis on developing cross-cultural understanding and communication, and in ensuring that students develop into caring and responsible global citizens.

There is a range of international schools and private schools run by private enterprises. American College, Australian International School, Canadian International School, Chatsworth International School, EtonHouse, Emaar, Stamford American International School and United World College are a few such examples. One of the key selling points of these schools is that their students are given a strong foundation in a broad range of skill sets, emotional and professional intelligence, and other soft skills. Along with graduates from local academic institutions, the Singapore economy is assured of a diverse range of talent.

On top of the local universities, many leading foreign universities are increasingly establishing their presence here, either through physical 172

Best of Singapore

campuses or joint offerings in partnership with local universities.

These include INSEAD, University of Chicago Graduate School of Business, Duke, SP Jain Centre of Management, John Hopkins, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Wharton School, Cornell, UCLA and many others.

GLOBAL EDUCATIONAL HUB Singapore has a high quality education system to nurture future leaders and entrepreneurs. Foreign students from around the world come to Singapore to study, making Singapore a global schoolhouse.

The sheer number and diversity of educational institutions that have established their presence here have helped to position Singapore as a major global hub for education. Students from all over Asia

as well as children of expatriates working in Singapore find the international schools a logical choice. To facilitate matters, processing of applications for student passes has been made extremely fast and efficient.

In addition, there is tremendous emphasis on continuous learning so that the work force remains relevant to the needs of the economy. Even after graduating from university, many students take up post-graduate diploma and certificate programmes to keep themselves up-to-date with skill sets required to succeed in the ever-evolving economy. Singapore actively promotes and sponsors continuous education.

It’s no wonder Singapore is the destination of choice for so many foreign students.

“There is genuine meritocracy in this country. All people are given the opportunity of a good education, and it’s up to them to make the most of it in life. Anyone with an education, or special skill or talent is welcome here and given a fair shot.”

PHOTO COURTESY OF DAVE LAW

Michael Anthony Rebaczonok-Padulo Lecturer Ngee Ann Polytechnic Citizen since 2009

Best of Singapore

173

EDUCATION

Creating lifelong learners The formative years in your child’s growth and development are extremely important. The foundation they receive and the learning environment in which they are immersed will be pivotal to their development into confident, young people.

Stamford American International School’s (SAIS) mission is to provide a world class education for children 2 years of age and older. Our child-centered philosophy engenders a lifelong love for learning and motivates students to become truly global citizens. SAIS’ core values create a caring and thoughtful community in which diversity is celebrated and respect for self and others is encouraged.

THE CURRICULUM At SAIS, children receive the best of two curricula. Students are introduced to an academically rigorous American curriculum, based on US National Standards, which is enriched by an Internationally Accredited curriculum. To prepare children for an increasingly globalised world, and to emphasise the importance of cross-cultural communication, SAIS focuses on developing language competencies. From as early as 2 years old, children receive daily Mandarin and Spanish lessons and the option of Mother-Tongue support is also available. In the case of students for whom English is not

the primary language, support is provided through the English as a Learned Language Program (ELL).

The curriculum is geared towards infusing a lifelong love for learning in children.

Students are introduced to an inquiry-based approach to education – one that engages each student to become enthusiastic, independent learners.

HIGHLIGHTS • The most modern facilities: The Foundation Campus has spacious, 75 square meter classrooms, soccer fields, a basketball court, nursery and kindergarten outdoor play areas, IT suite, art suite, music suite, library and a multipurpose hall.

• Experienced teachers: SAIS’ dedicated teachers are committed to achieving the highest possible academic standards, while focusing on the needs of the individual. To ensure that each child receives attention, SAIS maintains a low student-to-teacher ratio.

174

Best of Singapore

•

The Permanent Campus: In 2012, SAIS will move to its Permanent Campus at Upper Serangoon Road (near Woodleigh MRT Station), which will offer advanced, world-class classroom technologies and IT infrastructure. A “green” design with modern athletic and recreational facilities will complement the central location of the school.

KEY DETAILS: • Students: Nursery (2 years) – 18 years • Academic year: August to June • Contact: +65 6602 SAIS • Email: admissions@sais.com.sg • Website: www.sais.com.sg Stamford American International School is a Cognita owned school.

11 Lorong Chuan, Singapore 556821 Tel: +65 6602 SAIS (7247) www.sais.com.sg

Best of Singapore

175

EDUCATION

A truly international education EtonHouse International Primary campus is an International Baccalaureate World School offering high quality international education to a multi-cultural community of learners from Nursery 1 to Year 6.

In this increasingly globalised world, creating graduates who are adept at communicating and working across cultural and language barriers is a challenge for educators.

Technology has broken down traditional barriers, and members of the workforce have to be able to interact with colleagues, customers and business partners around the globe. Cross-cultural skills are extremely crucial to being successful in this global workplace.

At EtonHouse, your child will receive an education that is truly international in design and delivery. An EtonHouse education will introduce your child to the world, along with all its wonders and possibilities. Beyond giving your child a world of knowledge, he or she will also be equipped with a range of skill sets to be a dynamic participant in this globalised world.

Inquiry-based learning One of the hallmarks of an EtonHouse curriculum is its International Baccalaureate (IB) philosophy of inquiry-based learning. The IB programme aims to create knowledgeable, caring young people with inquisitive minds.

This programme focuses on the development of open-minded students with 176

Best of Singapore

intellectual understanding, compassion, skills of analysis and reflection, integrity and the strength to act upon one’s beliefs as an advocate for international understanding and respect for all. In short, this programme will not only help your child to be successful, it will also help him or her develop a sense of responsibility and mission in life.

Outstanding Second Language Programmes The school offers second languages such as Mandarin, Malay, Hindi, Japanese and ESL. The bi-lingual programmes taught by experienced native language teachers offer children opportunities on a daily basis to acquire strong language skills. The immersion Pre-SAP programmes and cultural lessons further challenge children in strengthening their skills in the second language.

Exceptional Educators EtonHouse’s educators are recruited from all over the world – the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, USA, South Africa, China, Korea, Japan and Singapore.

All teachers, both local and international, are experienced, fully-qualified practitioners.

EtonHouse’s educators are all involved in continuous professional development throughout their tenure. This professional development may be arranged through Best of Singapore

177

EtonHouse Education Centre in-services and in-school pedagogical support, through whole school workshops and staff attendance at regional conferences.

EtonHouse believes that its commitment to professional development and lifelong learning will equip its teachers with an enhanced knowledge base, skills and perspectives to deliver the most exciting, challenging, creative and reflective programmes for children.

Facilities: Our campus facilities include: • State-of-the-art education technologies that include interactive whiteboards and laptops • A multi-purpose hall for dining, assemblies, theatre performances and physical education • Extensive grounds for outdoor play and sports • Large, well-resourced classrooms • A well equipped library • Specialist art and music rooms • A quiet, riverside campus setting

51 Broadrick Road, Singapore-439501 Tel: (65) 6346 6922 enquiry@etonhouse.com.sg www.etonhouse.com.sg

EDUCATION

World class education, world class students Emaar International School (EIS)’s vision is to be the premier provider of high quality education to children from the international community in Singapore, from Pre-School to Grade 12.

EIS’s mission is to provide each student with opportunities to reach their full potential as lifelong learners in a holistic, challenging and supportive learning environment that will ultimately prepare them to be active and responsible global citizens in a multicultural world.

Holistic Curriculum At EIS the administrators and teachers share a common goal, which is to ensure that students harness their full potential and effectively apply their knowledge, skills and abilities in each subject. EIS aims to develop students holistically through a balanced curriculum based on international best practices.

EIS is in the process of implementing the IBO/PYP programme for students from Kindergarten to Grade 5. The IB/ PYP Programme is an international transdisciplinary programme designed to foster the development of the whole child, not just in the classroom but through other means of learning. PYP focuses on the total growth of the developing child, encompassing social,

physical, emotional and cultural needs in addition to academic welfare.

The EIS Lower Middle School curriculum in Grades 6 to 8 is based on the best local and international practices where communication skills, confidence building and understanding of the global environment and its challenges are emphasised. The CIE Cambridge Lower Secondary Programme (CLSP) for English, Mathematics and Science, modeled upon the English and Singapore National Curricula provides an additional framework for the Lower Middle School curriculum. Subject curricula in Grades 9 & 10 lead to CIE IGCSE examinations at the end of Grade 10.

‘The International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) is the world’s most popular international qualification for 14 to 16 year olds. It develops successful students, giving them excellent preparation for their next steps in education, and equips them with skills for immediate employment.

Cambridge IGCSE is recognised by universities and employers worldwide.

Students in Grades 11 & 12 follow subject 178

Best of Singapore

courses from the IB Diploma Programme, a challenging two-year curriculum, primarily aimed at students aged 16 to 19. It leads to a qualification that is widely recognised by the world’s leading universities.

Accreditations and credibility EIS is an authorised school for the IBO Diploma Program. We are also a Candidate School for the IB PYP (Primary Years Program). In addition, we are a Cambridge International Examination Board Center (CIE) and a regular member of the Council of International Schools (CIS). As a further validation of our credibility and accountability, our school is a candidate school for the accreditation program with the Council of International Schools (CIS) and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).

Rest assured that your child will receive the best, world class education, at a reasonable tuition fee.

Respect and care EIS parents have commended EIS for creating a nurturing environment in which Best of Singapore

179

individuals are taught to respect themselves, as well as others. In addition, students are encouraged to have respect for the environment and to make decisions as responsible citizens of his/her local and worldwide community.

Truly international In a globalised world there is increased need for people to be able to interact across various geographies, economies, and cultures. At EIS, emphasis is not just on creating a challenging academic environment, but also on developing students’ responsibility as internationally minded individuals. EIS’s 400-strong student population comprises young people from fifty nations learning to develop their crosscultural understanding, acceptance and appreciation.

Individual attention We believe that each student is a unique and special individual deserving attention and care and we develop programmes in which the individual needs, abilities, and interests of

the child are met. As educators, we believe that our responsibility is to help each student maximise his or her potential. Our curriculum does not concentrate solely on academic achievements, but also on the physical, emotional and social development needs of children. There is considerable emphasis on developing students’ critical thinking, understanding and problem-solving abilities. *

Only schools authorised by the International Baccalaureate Organisation (IB) as IB World Schools can offer any of its three academic programmes: the Primary Years Programme (PYP), the Middle Years Programme (MYP), or the Diploma Programme. Candidate status gives no guarantee that authorisation will be granted.

** Candidate for Accreditation: approved by the Schools Commission of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, until such time as candidacy has either lapsed or been denied

Tel. +65 6536 6566 www.eis.edu.sg

Pr e- Fr N o Ye urs m ar ery 6 to

Preschool

PHOTO COURTESY OF EMAAR INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

EDUCATION

Confidence and a sense of independence going into primary school are some of the biggest gifts that children in Singapore receive.

Singapore has an efficient network of preschools, run by kindergartens and childcare centres. Kindergarten operators include community foundations, religious bodies, social and business organisations.

Given the government’s focus on education, it should come as no surprise that the country starts early in terms of moulding young minds. In Singapore, recognition is given to the fact that the preschool education years – from ages three to six – are a crucial period in children’s early development. The aim is to set them up for success, both in life and in learning.

The focus is on training children to effectively problem solve, to understand situations, to make predictions and to be committed and focused. Language and communication skills are another key area, critical to their subsequent learning experience.

ALL ROUNDED DEVELOPMENT The Ministry of Education has a holistic focus on preschool education, one that emphasises soft skills such as relating well with friends, family, teachers and others. All preschools either have to be certified by the Ministry of Education (in the case of kindergartens) or the Ministry of Community Development and Sports (in the case of childcare centres).

The majority of the kindergartens in Singapore are operated by the ruling People’s Action Party’s Community Foundation (PCF).

The PCF’s mission is to enhance the well-being of the community through educational, welfare and community services. PCF’s vision

is to provide quality education at affordable prices. There are 84 PCF kindergarten branches in Singapore, each operating one to eight centres.

FOCUS ON LANGUAGE COMPETENCIES The daily programme at these kindergartens include learning activities that develop language and literacy skills, basic number concepts, simple science concepts, social skills, creative and problem solving skills, appreciation of music and movement and outdoor play. Children learn in two languages, English as the first language and Chinese, Malay or Tamil as a Mother Tongue language.

Children of expatriate parents may prefer to enroll their children into foreign system kindergartens or international schools. Private international preschools such as EtonHouse also place emphasis on language competencies.

At Eton House, children learn Mandarin through integrated programmes, immersion Pre-SAP programmes and cultural lessons.

The scope of languages offered at international preschools is also significantly wider compared to the PCF kindergartens. In addition to Mandarin, Eton House for example offers Japanese, Hindi, Malay, Korean and English as a Second Language, all taught by experienced mother tongue language speakers.

That Singapore’s students excel academically right from Primary 1 compared to their peers around the world has to be credited to the quality of the preschools.

182

Best of Singapore

Best of Singapore

183

PHOTO COURTESY OF SAIS

PHOTO COURTESY OF ETON HOUSE

EDUCATION

Shaping the future through education EtonHouse provides an inquiry-based education delivered by a highly experienced teaching and learning team. Our focus is on developing confident, competent and happy global citizens, amidst an interactive, close-knit learning community.

The first EtonHouse school started in 1995 at Broadrick Road. Today there are several schools in Singapore, China, Indonesia and India, offering a high quality international education to children from 18 months to 18 years. The pre-schools in Singapore offer places from pre-nursery (18 months) to 6 years.

The best gift you can give your child The early years in your child’s life are crucial.

The experiences that your child goes through during ages 3 to 6 are particularly important, as your child becomes more independent, explores his/her surroundings, and starts to actively interact with other children and adults.

These are formative years which shape a child’s personality. These are the years when you as a parent will want to ensure that your child is in the most stimulating and challenging of classroom learning environments.

The EtonHouse Inquire-Think-Learn curriculum is child-responsive and playbased. It has been developed from the Reggio Emilia pre-school pedagogy of Northern Italy and International Baccalaureate inquiry learning. Children are encouraged to become active, responsible participants in their own learning. The curriculum is designed to build skills 184

Best of Singapore

of exploration, discovery, investigation, research, collaboration and teamwork.

Documentation is a key component of the curriculum. Children are key stakeholders in the learning process. Learning is based on what they already know, what they are interested in, and how they can extend that knowledge.

A new direction in education Our approach is based on the sociocultural principle that children develop by constructing an ever broadening understanding of the world, as they interact with a wide range of peers, materials and adults. Through conversations and interactions, EtonHouse educators seek to ascertain exactly what a child already knows and understands about specific concepts – using this as the basis for further extension and sophistication of the child’s thinking.

Learning experiences are carefully planned for the children, facilitating in-depth studies of concepts and ideas that arise either from within the group, or which are introduced by educators. These inquiries may last for short periods, or may extend across several months. Throughout an inquiry, educators will help children to make decisions about the direction of the study, facilitate research by Best of Singapore

185

individuals and small groups of children, and support them in their efforts to represent and communicate their ideas.

Children are immersed in both large and small group work. Educators carefully construct groupings based on the individual child’s skills and strengths. Children are encouraged to listen, critique, negotiate, hypothesise, predict and solve problems in group settings. They also have access to a range of materials and resources to aid their learning.

Outstanding Second Language Programmes EtonHouse excels in its provision of language programmes. These programmes are offered daily in all Centres. Opportunities exist in the different pre-school settings for bilingual learning through integrated Mandarin programmes, immersion Pre-SAP programmes and cultural lessons.

Children can become truly bilingual through the excellent quality of these programmes.

Languages offered across the EtonHouse Centres include Mandarin, Japanese, Hindi, Malay, Korean and English as a Second Language.

All languages are taught by experienced mother-tongue language speakers.

A truly international educational experience At EtonHouse, children move beyond the acquisition of knowledge into the realms of skill building and the building of reflective attitudes towards life and community.

EtonHouse children are encouraged to develop an awareness of the underlying concepts in their learning topics and to respond to situations in a confident and responsible way.

These are qualities that build global citizenship and the ability of a student to move seamlessly from school to school or country to country. These attributes will support the ongoing development of curiosity, creativity, purpose of vision and lay the foundation for life long learning.

2 Orchard Boulevard, 62523322; 764 Mountbatten Road, 64405100; 39 Newton Road, 63523322; 240, Outram Road, 62211050; 1, Vanda Road, 64687880; 717, Mountbatten Road, 64400777 enquiry@etonhouse.com.sg www.etonhouse.com.sg

Chapter 12 Design & Interior

Chapter 12 DESIGN & INTERIOR

188

Best of Singapore

The highly competitive interior design industry has helped cultivate standards to such levels as those set by The Plush.

Best of Singapore

189

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE PLUSH

DESIGN & INTERIOR

Singaporean interior designers have a unique ability to create innovative and functional, yet aesthetically pleasing designs.

The Interior Design industry in Singapore has historically been a thriving one. The reason for this is simple – Singapore is always in a state of physical evolution – construction is a top performing sector and economic contributor, keeping the interior design industry dynamic.

In addition, Singapore customers with money to splurge on quality finishings are a demanding lot, helping to keep industry standards high.

Interior design companies in Singapore are widely diverse, serving different sectors. From local design houses serving the residential market to multinational design companies serving the local and international corporate market, this is an industry almost as diverse as the economy.

Specialised knowledge is obviously a key definer of this industry, and service providers specialise in niche verticals according to their track record – i.e. residential, office, retail, food and beverage, medical, hospitality and others. Needless to say, there is further segmentation within each of these sectors.

INDUSTRY SUPPORT GROUPS There are various educational institutions offering courses in interior design, from Diplomas to Masters. Some of the well known institutes include Raffles Design Institute, Singapore Polytechnic, Temasek Polytechnic, LASALLE-College of the Arts and Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts.

On top of the ample education opportunities, the DesignSingapore council also actively promotes the industry locally and internationally.

Set up in 2003 by the Ministry of Information, Communications and the Arts, this organisation aims to place Singapore on the world map for design creativity. The Council works closely with government agencies, the design community, industry and education institutions.

There is also support for this industry from the highest institute in Singapore – the office of the President. The President’s Design Award, established in 2006, is quite simply the highest accolade that any interior design company or interior designer can achieve. There are awards for Designer of the Year and Design of the Year.

190

Best of Singapore

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE PLUSH

Interior design companies in Singapore are widely diverse, serving different sectors.

Best of Singapore

191

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE PLUSH

DESIGN & INTERIOR

Many interior design companies have built a name for themselves internationally.

192

Best of Singapore

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE PLUSH

Singaporean interior designers are making a name for themselves in the international scene. Their familiarity with both European and Asian styles and trends has given Singapore interior designers a unique ability to create innovative and functional yet aesthetically pleasing designs. Singaporean interior designers are increasingly being engaged for projects in Asia and in the Middle East.

One well known name in the Singapore interior design industry is The Plush, which has built up an impressive portfolio of residential and commercial properties in Singapore, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Indonesia, Malaysia, China and the Philippines.

Evelina Hu, Design Director of The Plush, says: “Singaporeans stick closely to rules and regulations, and this is an advantage overseas, as clients trust and respect us, knowing that we will honour our contracts to the point. The fact that we are bilingual and speak many different languages and dialects, also bridges a gap with our clients around the region.”

She adds: “Our diverse cultural background is another plus point.

We tend to be a lot more creative and as most of us are well travelled, are endowed with a liberal grounding in a broad spectrum of design possibilities. We are viewed as reliable and creative people and these have been Singaporean interior designers’ secret to success overseas.”

Other established design houses include DP Design, i-bridge design, Chew Interior Design, Novelty Project Services, Designworx and Artrend.

The government’s focus on developing this industry, which requires mastery of many different skill sets, (i.e. ergonomics, technical proficiency, aesthetics, customer knowledge) through sponsorships, initiatives and infrastructure, have been highly constructive.

Best of Singapore

193

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE PLUSH

EXPORTING THE BEST OF SINGAPORE

DESIGN & INTERIOR

Interior Designs of Impeccable Style and Taste The Plush Singapore has made a name for itself as one of Singapore’s foremost interior design firms with an attention to detail and a commitment to excellence that is second to none.

When discerning home owners need a gifted, passionate interior design firm to transform their homes into works of art that are as beautiful as they are liveable, they inevitably turn to The Plush.

Helmed by the talented Taiwan-born, US-educated designer Evelina Hu, The Plush comfortably handles all styles from modern, to classical and retro.

The secret of the firm’s success is its uncompromising attention to detail. Every design decision, no matter how small, is carefully thought through.

The Plush begins by listening carefully to the needs of the clients and striving to understand their lifestyle. Taking all these inputs into consideration, the firm then designs a tailor-made solution that is precisely calibrated to the needs of the client.

To ensure maximum control over the final effect, the firm sources the finest materials from around the world. The fabrics and much of the furniture comes from Europe. To create

unique pieces, the firm has a workshop in the Philippines where craftsmen skilfully carve out one-of-a-kind pieces that are tailored made for the space they are meant to occupy.

The firm even brings in fresco painters from outside Singapore to complete homes that are anything but ordinary.

Only The Best is Good Enough The Plush accepts nothing but the best, from itself as well as from others. According to Hu: “Sometimes even when the owner approves a certain design, I might not approve it because I feel that it could be even better.

Rather than just saying yes to get it through, we’ll explore a bit further and most of the time, the owners loves the outcome even more!”

Thanks to this dedication to excellence, many of the clients of The Plush are return clients who also recommend other clients to the firm. “The reason why our customers keep coming back to us is because they know that 194

Best of Singapore

we will take care of their space as if it is our own,” says Hu. “We are frank in our approach and we do not compromise on quality.”

Such is the trust that they have built up with their clients that some of these clients give them a free hand, with only general instructions to work with. Most of their clients even want them to take over the construction of the whole project.

The Plush has built up its reputation for impeccable style and taste over the past six years in Singapore. Thanks to its string of delighted customers, The Plush’s portfolio today consists of condominiums, landed properties and commercial properties in Singapore, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Indonesia, Malaysia, China and the Philippines.

Tel: (+65) 6220 4535 Best of Singapore

195

DESIGN & INTERIOR

Simmons – the epitome in luxurious sleep Good sleep is priceless. An investment in a Simmons mattress or product is the best investment you can make to attain quality sleep – one that truly reinvigorates you, helping you make the most of the day ahead.

Simmons’ high-quality Beautyrest® mattresses have been the respected name in sleep matters for decades. Driven by their relentless pursuit and passion to deliver innovative products of premium quality, Simmons today is the benchmark in sleep products.

Simmons understands the sleep process intimately. The average person tosses and turns 40 to 60 times per night, and 70 percent of the time, their partner moves with them, resulting in reduced deep sleep. However, Simmons mattresses, equipped with patented Simmons® Pocketed Coil® spring and “Do-Not-Disturb”® technologies, provide minimal motion transfer, exceptional comfort and durability. The result: uninterrupted, quality sleep that will ensure that you wake up rejuvenated and ready for peak performance the next day.

Another unique feature of a Simmons mattress is its non-flip design with bloc foam, the first in the industry to eliminate the need to flip the mattress, making it easier to care for and maintain.

Keys to undisturbed sleep Simmons’ range of high quality sleep products include: s 3IMMONS¤ "EAUTYREST "LACK The Simmons® Beautyrest Black™ is a mattress fit for royalty. It represents the very pinnacle in luxurious sleep. Its revolutionary, three-wire-woven-together pocketed coil system is a world’s first, providing strength and durability.

Performance foams and luxurious infill, coupled with Simmons’ renowned advanced pocketed coils, help the 196

Best of Singapore

mattress cradle and conform to your body shape, providing you with uninterrupted sleep through superior motion separation.

The Beautyrest Black™ is also generously encased in layers of memory foam and latex to enhance the sleep surface. Natural fibers – silk, wool and alpaca – provide for unparalleled softness, warmth and comfort, assuring the ultimate sleep.

The mattress, with its silky, smooth, Cashmere-knitted surface, beckons you from the moment you set your sight on it.

Truly luxurious looking, the mattress is a delight, in both form and function.

Best of Singapore

197

DESIGN & INTERIOR s 3IMMONS¤ "EAUTYREST¤ .X' Combining several high-tech patented technologies including the NxG™ Advanced Memory Foam and the legendary Simmons® Pocketed Coils, the Beautyrest® NxG™ Series delivers the ultimate hybrid sleep experience, with superior motion separation and enhanced conformability.

Created in a special vacuum-sealed chamber, the NxG™ Advanced Memory Foam has a uniquely formulated open cell structure that enhances heat dissipation, to keep one at an ideal sleeping temperature. It also affords you complete freedom to move, without the “quicksand” feeling you get from traditional memory foams.

The Simmons® Beautyrest® NxG™ Series is more than just a work of technology. It is a blend of art and balanced harmony, providing you with a perfect state of rest and rejuvenation.

s 3IMMONS¤ "ACK#ARE¤ /RIGINAL 3ERIES The positive health effects of negative ions – in terms of reducing fatigue and stress, increasing oxygen absorption in the blood stream, mental alertness and better sleep, are well-established. The Simmons® BackCare® Original Series is the first to tap this power.

The air spaces in these mattresses are brimming with negative ions, providing you with the same relaxation that you get from being in the countryside or near waterfalls. This sense of relaxation provides for a less interrupted and better sleep, contributing to a higher level of physical and mental rejuvenation the next day.

The Simmons® BackCare® Original Series is highly recommended for sleepers with back issues, as it provides unparalleled support and helps maintain proper spinal alignment when one sleeps on it.

198

Best of Singapore

s 3IMMONS¤ "EAUTYREST¤ .ECK#ARE Pillow There is only one Pocketed Coil® pillow in the bedding industry today and that is the Simmons® Beautyrest® NeckCare Pillow.

The coils in this pillow provide individual movement, ability to adjust and adapt to any head shape, weight and neck movement. Your head gets proper support and spinal alignment, without muscle tension and morning aches.

Unlike down and feather pillows, the Simmons® Beautyrest® NeckCare pillow is permanently soft and plump, has the ability to breathe, and comes in four varying degrees of firmness – soft, medium, firm and ultra firm.

3IMMONS 'ALLERY THE SLEEP BOUTIQUE OF MODERN TIMES At Simmons, we recognise that to achieve a truly restful sleep, every aspect of the bedroom plays a part. In addition to the mattress, this also includes the pillows and bed linen. As part of our spirit of providing a holistic sleeping experience to you, our Simmons Gallery boutiques carry the entire bedding range, all under one roof.

At Simmons, we believe that choosing a mattress is an important and highly individual matter. Customers are accorded considerable privacy and are encouraged to lie on mattresses for as long as they want, as they think over their choice. Trained and knowledgeable retail consultants are always at hand to answer any question you have on the products and to guide you to make the perfect choice.

With warm lightings, soothing music and the sound of flowing water to relax one’s senses, considerable attention to details has gone into the showrooms to create a conducive sleeping environment at the Simmons Gallery boutiques located in Marina Square, Paragon, Tampines 1 and Park Mall.

When you buy a Simmons product, what you are buying into is the best comfort to help you sleep well. The only thing you need to be concerned about is being able to get up and leave your comfort zone!

Simmons is for the discerning and wellheeled, and this is illustrated by the fact that it is recognised as the gold standard in uninterrupted sleep, amongst renowned hotels in and around Singapore.

For a restful, uninterrupted sleep, choose Simmons to be your perfect sleep partner.

Tel: (65) 6294 2278 www.simmons.com.sg

Best of Singapore

199

Chapter 13 Property

Chapter 13

PHOTO COURTESY OF FRASERS CENTREPOINT

PROPERTY

202

Best of Singapore

From commercial developments to private housing, when it comes to their modernity and visual aesthetics, Singapore can rival any major metropolis around the globe.

Best of Singapore

203

PROPERTY While the recent financial crisis and economic recession provided a bit of a dampener, Singaporeans are increasingly investor-savvy, and recognise that crises often also present opportunities. Sentiment in the property sector seems to defy the fundamentals. In 2009, construction was the only sector of the economy to register growth, one indication that the property sector was not as affected as the rest of the economy by the recession.

Several new private property estates were sold out within a matter of days of their launches in 2009. Property sales in 2009 far exceeded that in recession-mired 2008, in tandem with a strong stock market rally, anticipating and perhaps signifying an economic recovery.

PHOTO COURTESY OF FRASERS CENTREPOINT

THE FUTURE Going forward however, many pundits are skeptical that the 2009 property market bullrun can be sustained in the near- to mid-term.

The government took measures to rein in the market by removing two programmes that had been prime stimulants to the sector – the interest absorption (IAS) scheme and interestonly housing loans (IOL) scheme. The IAS is a programme encouraging purchases of private properties before they were built. Buyers make a down payment and take a loan on the property and in the interim period before the property is built, would not have to fork out any cash. The IOL allowed buyers to pay a small installment only, until the property was completed.

Many of the investors today are expatriates who instead of renting, now recognise the long-term value in buying a property.

Expatriates see in Singapore, with its attractions such as the Integrated Resorts and the F1 Race, and various other entertainment facilities in the pipeline, a very exciting and vibrant future worth investing in.

Despite the huge initial outlay needed, a residential property investment in Singapore is seen as a somewhat stable and safe proposition. One reason for this is that the government maintains the price of housing units built by it. The public houses, built by the Housing & Development Board are less prone to speculations and fluctuations in price, as all valuations are done by HDB-authorised valuators.

LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION Even in tiny Singapore, location of the property matters a great deal in how they are priced.

The most sought after and pricy real estate are in the central, shopping and business districts – which include Orchard Road, River Valley, Shenton Way, Marina Bay as well as now in one of the most exclusive places of all – Sentosa island – where a marina side luxury apartment starts at a minimum of a few million dollars.

Certain locations are also highly sought after for the high prestige they are associated with.

These include residences in Chancery Lane, Nassim Hill and Sixth Avenue.

The quality of the HDB units has grown over the years, and many are comparable to private condominiums in terms of quality and finishing. More than 80 percent of Singapore residents live in HDB estates, which they can

Singapore’s property prices are among the highest in the world. As the population continues to expand, given the country’s limited land space and the historically ascendant trend in prices, one can only expect prices to go up further in the foreseeable future.

204

Best of Singapore

afford through a mandatory savings system called the Central Provident Fund. The only drawback of public housing is that they do not have lavish facilities like a swimming pool, tennis court or gymnasium.

RETAIL DEVELOPMENTS In 2009 alone, the total retail space in Orchard Road grew a significant 24 percent – from 3.4 million square feet to 4.5 million square feet. This increase was partly accomplished through new shopping hubs such as ION Orchard and Orchard Central.

Other retail domains which have augmented and reinvigorated the retail scene include the two integrated resort locations – Marina Bay Shoppes in Marina Bay Sands, through the addition of 800,000 square feet of retail space, and Resorts World Sentosa, with its 330,000 square feet of retail space.

OFFICE MARKET 2009 was not a good year for the office rental market. Since the financial crisis started to hit home, the central business district – the financial heart of Singapore – has felt the impact the most. Rentals in the CBD have fallen – by close to 50 percent between Q3 2008 and Q2 2009.

The decline was in part the result of an anticipation of oversupply.

However, growing confidence in economic resurgence, as well as the government’s ardent efforts to position Singapore as a premier entertainment hub are likely to have a positive effect on the state of affairs, spurring demand for office space.

locations and types. This includes enhancing the new towns further through the addition of amenities, and rejuvenating the more mature towns with new generation facilities.

To offer city-living choices and to capitalise on opportunities offered by the Sports Hub and the waterfront, Kallang Riverside will be developed into a mixed-use lifestyle precinct.

Marina Bay and the city centre will continue to be the key commercial centres in Singapore, meeting the demand from the financial, business services and tourism sectors. In the near future, areas in Tanjong Pagar, Beach Road and the Ophir-Rochor corridor will be developed as strategic gateways to the city centre.

Commercial hubs will also be developed outside the city centre to offer alternative locations for businesses and to provide jobs closer to homes.

Some of the key names in the local property scene include Frasers Centrepoint, CapitaLand, Far East Organisation, City Development Limited (CDL) and Allgreen Property. These companies are responsible for not only some of the major residential and shopping landmarks within the country but also for a number of developments beyond Singapore’s shores.

The quality of locally developed properties is internationally acknowledged, through awards such as the FIABCI Prix d’Excellence, the MIPIM Asia Awards, Cityscape Asia Real Estate Awards and Building and Construction Authority’s Green Mark Certifications.

These awards evaluate properties according to a range of criteria such as innovation, architecture & design, eco-friendliness, concept, development, safety, branding and marketing. The strong showing by Singapore properties is an indication of the sophistication and maturity of the players in the property market.

THE RESIDENTIAL MASTER PLAN

IMAGE COURTESY OF CDL

The government’s aim is a simple and practical one – to create a quality living environment for its denizens, with a wide choice of housing

Best of Singapore

205

PROPERTY Soleil@Sinaran, Singapore

A towering beacon for property standards In Singapore and around the world, Frasers Centrepoint Limited is making a name for itself as a premier brand in the commercial, residential and serviced residences markets.

Frasers Centrepoint Limited (FCL) is a leading residential property developer, retail mall, office and high-tech business space owner and operator in Singapore and overseas. The company in the first half-year of 2009 outsold other developers in the private homes sector.

A fully-owned subsidiary of Fraser and Neave, Limited, FCL’s businesses include Frasers Centrepoint Homes (residential), Frasers Centrepoint Commercial (commercial properties and asset and funds management), Frasers Hospitality (serviced apartments), and Frasers Property (overseas developments).

Innovative Homes Frasers Centrepoint Homes offers a choice of quality homes, finished to the highest specifications and standards, and featuring many innovations. Within the first six months of 2009, Frasers Centrepoint assumed the lead in the private homes sector in Singapore, selling a total of 1,423 homes and garnering a 19.3 per cent market share of the 7,374 private homes sold by developers.

8@Woodleigh, with its excellent location and proximity to the North-East MRT line and access to two major expressways, won the hearts of new homebuyers and investors and was fully sold in just 10 days.

This was preceded by the successful launch 206

Best of Singapore

Lumiere Residences, Sydney

Gardens at Riverside Quarter, London

and impressive sale of Caspian Condominium and Martin Place Residences in February and May, respectively. Both these residential projects wooed buyers with their luxurious facilities, generous space, locations and lush green landscaping.

Distinctive Shopping Malls Frasers Centrepoint Commercial focuses on commercial property investment and management, as well as asset and funds management. It has a portfolio comprising retail, office and industrial assets spanning six countries, including Singapore. Frasers Centrepoint Commercial manages its stable of eight local shopping centres under the brand “Frasers Centrepoint Malls”. They comprise The Centrepoint, Causeway Point, Compass Point, Northpoint, Anchorpoint, Robertson Walk, Valley Point and YewTee Point.

Best of Singapore

207

Central Park, Perth

PROPERTY Fraser Suites, Hong Kong

Regent Place, Sydney

Growing Commercial Projects Under its funds management arm, it also manages two SGX-listed real estate investment trusts (REITS) – Frasers Centrepoint Trust (FCT), a retail REIT with a S$1.1 billion portfolio of three quality suburban malls in Singapore and Frasers Commercial Trust (FCOT), a commercial REIT with a S$1.9 billion portfolio comprising ten commercial properties in Singapore, Australia and Japan and an investment in an unlisted property fund in Australia. FCT also has a strategic stake in Hektar Reit, a retail reit listed on the Malaysian Bursa.

Award-winning Hospitality Frasers Hospitality is a premier global serviced residence owner and management company that has won numerous international awards. Starting from relatively humble beginnings in 1998 with two properties in Singapore, Frasers Hospitality has expanded tremendously in just a few years to now feature 55 Gold-Standard residences in 35 major gateway cities in Europe, the Middle East, Asia PaciďŹ c, North Asia and Australia.

Dubai, Edinburgh, Budapest and New Delhi are just a few of the vibrant cities where new developments are launching.

Upcoming International Projects Possibly the most exciting member of the FCL family is Frasers Property. which develops residential projects, ofďŹ ces, industrial parks, retail and serviced apartments around the world. Frasers Property has been responsible for some of the most stunning architectural landmarks ever built. For example, the Foster + Partners-designed Lumiere Residences,

The Centrepoint, Singapore

208

Best of Singapore

Alexandra Technopark, Singapore

Songjiang Four Seasons, Shanghai

St. Thomas Suites, Singapore

located in Sydney’s midtown, is Australia’s first ‘vertical village’. A global design team including Jean Nouvel and Patrick Blanc will soon transform six hectares of Sydney’s inner city into an integrated development named ‘Central Park’, with the goal of becoming Australia’s first six-star green community. Completed in 2009, Lorne Killara is perfectly placed in the heart of Sydney’s North Shore, while Trio is a bold new addition to City Quarter, an established residential community in Sydney’s desirable Inner West.

In London, the Gardens at Riverside Quarter project has received considerable attention. Sited in Wandsworth, along the River Thames, Gardens at Riverside Quarter will consist of 504 apartments in six residential buildings. Each apartment will include a Winter Garden, a balcony or south-facing sun terrace.

Frasers Property’s residential head-turner in Bangkok is The Pano, a 55-storey apartment building next to the Chao Phraya River. The development is aptly named as residents will enjoy panoramic views of the river, city, as well as the spectacular King Rama VIII suspension bridge.

On a completely different scale is the Songjiang Four Seasons in Shanghai. This development will sit on 710,000 sq m of land and will comprise townhouses, semi-detached villas, medium-height and highrise residential buildings as well as residents-only clubs, commercial blocks and kindergartens. To be launched over five phases, the first phase comprises townhouses and semi-detached villas in a green space that will also come complete with winding streams and excellent landscaping.

With clarity in its vision, impeccable design sense, and an innate understanding of the needs of modern urban living, FCL is set to continue playing a major role in Singapore and the global property scene in the years to come.

Tel: (65) 6276 4882 www.fraserscentrepoint.com Best of Singapore

209

Chapter 14 Luxury Lifestyle

Chapter 14

PHOTO COURTESY OF ONE°15 MARINA CLUB

LUXURY LIFESTYLE

212

Best of Singapore

Singaporeans by and large are a well-to-do lot, with means to pursue the luxury lifestyle.

Best of Singapore

213

PHOTO COURTESY OF ALILA HOTELS AND RESORTS

LUXURY LIFESTYLE

It is ingrained in the culture of Singaporeans to actively pursue wealth, and all the indulgences that wealth can afford and is associated with.

According to 2008 statistics by the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank, Singapore has the fourth highest gross domestic income (GDI) per capita of all nations. GDI per capita is usually regarded as an arbitrary but fairly good indication of a country’s standard of living.

A 2008 Mercer Human Resource Consulting Survey also ranked Singaporeans as having the highest quality of life among nations in Asia. In addition, according to a United Nations Development Programme index, Singapore is the 23rd most desirable country to live in. What all these mean is that Singaporeans by and large are a wellto-do lot, with money to spend on the finer things that life has to offer.

THE 5 C’s It is ingrained in the culture of Singaporeans to actively pursue wealth, and all the indulgences that wealth can afford and is associated with.

The 5 C’s – condominium, credit card, car, country club and cash – are a prime preoccupation (some may call it obsession) and define success in Singapore.

Even with car prices being artificially inflated and incredibly expensive comparative to other countries, it is estimated that around one in 10 Singaporeans own a car. There are also a fair amount of the luxury marquees that you can find on Singapore roads – from the BMWs, to the Mercedes-Benzes, to the Lexuses to the Porsches and Lamborghinis.

Survey the wallet of any working professional and you will find at least a few credit cards in it. The credit card industry has grown in sophistication over the years. From owning a credit card, to owning a Gold card, to a Platinum card, then Titanium and subsequently to a Diamond card, Singapore has run out of precious metals to name new cards, indicating new income stratums.

While the majority of Singaporeans reside in government-built multi-storey flats, private condominiums, with their array of facilities, which usually include swimming pools, gymnasiums, private lifts, advanced security features and tennis/squash courts are seen as a “scale up” to quality living. There are numerous condominiums in Singapore to cater to the higher-than-average income earner’s quest for a closer-to-resort style living.

PRESTIGIOUS CLUBS Membership to country clubs and golf courses are generally expensive, due to the scarcity of land. As such, being a country club member is a strong indication of an individual’s financial and social status. And among country clubs, membership in a marina club or a yacht club has to be the gold standard.

ONE°15 Marina Club, located in the ultra-prime district of Sentosa Cove, is the cream of the cream. The club received the Best Asian Marina/Yacht Club of the Year award at the 5th Annual Asia Boating Awards.

214

Best of Singapore

PHOTO COURTESY OF ONE°15 MARINA CLUB PHOTO COURTESY OF SELETAR COUNTRY CLUB

ONE15 Luxury Yachting, an associate of ONE°15 Marina Club, is Singapore’s premier luxury yacht charter service for guests to experience the marina lifestyle and explore the high seas in style.

Cruises to the Southern Islands or further afield can be arranged.

Guests can also host their very own dockside parties on privately chartered luxury yachts. Setting sail from ONE°15 Marina Club, Asia’s widest range of vessels are available for private parties through One15 Luxury Yachting.

Raffles Marina, a megayacht marina located in western Singapore, Seletar Country Club, a 18-hole golf club and the historically rich Singapore Island Country Club are some of the other prestigious names among country clubs.

As a sign of the increasing number of ultra high net worth individuals in Singapore, ownership of private jets has also been on the rise. The opening of the integrated resorts is expected to attract more individuals with the means to own jets.

In addition, a new terminal catering to the elite – the JetQuay CIP Terminal at Changi Airport – was also opened in 2006. Passengers who use JetQuay receive personalised service that includes checkin, immigration and baggage clearance. The CIP Terminal promises hassle-free travel “for those accustomed to superior levels of service, for families, the elderly and small groups, for romantic getaways, for passengers in transit and (who) need a shower and an oasis of calm, or for private jet passengers who traverse through Changi.”

FINE LIVING Affluence has allowed Singaporeans to pursue the luxurious lifestyle.

From high teas, to fine dining, to stage side tickets at concerts and musicals, Singaporeans have many opportunities to indulge themselves. And there are many venues as well as high society events for them to do this.

Best of Singapore

215

Retailers thrive on the lavishness of those in the higher income brackets. There are a ready pool of customers for luxurious watches, exquisite jewellery, art pieces and other collectibles. Retail outlets resplendent with these items can be found all over the shopping belt from Orchard Road to Raffles City and Marina Square. In fact, one gets an indication of the opulence right from the time they land at Changi Airport and are greeted by boutique shops and display cabinets showcasing some of the finest, luxury products.

Many Singaporeans are avid watch collectors and those in the higher echelons of Singapore society will have no qualms about lavishing on luxurious timepieces – Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet, Breitling, Chronoswiss, Hublot, Breguet, Charriol and others – that can be bought from a number of renowned watch boutiques such as Cortina, The Hour Glass, Sincere Watch, Watches of Switzerland and Precious Times. Singaporeans also aspire to own luxury marquee items such as Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Cartier, Ermenigildo Zegna, and Porsche Design. The truly refined will pay attention to all the small things, and would be willing to invest in accessories such as an exquisitely crafted Caran d’ache writing instrument or a Sarcar timepiece.

Health clubs and spas are thriving businesses in Singapore.

Image and beauty count for something and in Singapore the cosmetics industry is one of the most profitable.

The effect of affluence can be seen in almost every aspect of the high net worth’s lifestyle. A wedding has always been a grand affair but wedding boutique companies such as Martini-G, as well as premium class florists such as Fiore Dorato, are hired to add class, elegance and attention to intricate details.

In recent years, more and more Singaporeans are also heading to fitness centres. Fitness clubs have been upgrading their standards and facilities and offering luxury services. An increasingly healthconscious culture is one of the strongest indications that life here is quite simply worth living.

PHOTO COURTESY OF SINGAPORE TOURISM BOARD

PHOTO COURTESY OF CAPELLA

LUXURY LIFESTYLE

216

Best of Singapore

A wedding project with David Tutera #LUB 3TREET 3INGAPORE s 4EL s &AX s %MAIL INFO lOREDORATO COM SG s 7EBSITE WWW lOREDORATO COM SG Best of Singapore

217

PHOTO COURTESY OF FIORE DORATO

Floral Expressions That Make A Lasting Impression

LUXURY LIFESTYLE

A royal sport, a royal club There are numerous private clubs in Singapore. However, there is only one polo club.

Founded in 1886 by the officers of the 1st Battalion, King’s Own Regiment, the Singapore Polo Club is the only place where one can partake in the “Sport of Kings”.

Nestled amidst the lush, tropical greenery of Mount Pleasant Road, polo is played weekly throughout the year (except in the months of December to February).

Club chukkas are played on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5 pm and on Saturdays and Sundays from 4.30pm.

A horse riding culture Every month club tournaments are held. At present, there are three major international events. Members can keep their pony in a club stable or, alternatively, lease a pony from the club. In addition to polo, the Club is also a centre for other equestrian activities.

The Club has a very active riding section, including basic riding, dressage and show jumping at various levels. Alternatively, riders can enjoy the simple pleasure of exploring the jungle trails adjacent to the club on horseback. There is also a covered arena for indoor riding and events. The arena boasts a mezzanine viewing gallery, with premium views for spectators of indoor equestrian events and the polo field.

If you want to learn to ride, there is no better place than the Singapore Polo Club.

The Club has fully-equipped facilities and a dedicated staff of certified teaching 218

Best of Singapore

professionals, both local and international.

Group, private and semi-private lessons are available, and school horses are matched to the ability of the rider. Once a student masters the basics of riding, he or she may opt to learn the elegance of dressage; the thrill of showjumping; or the fast pace of polo.

Full facilities As a premier social institution, the Singapore Polo Club also has all of the facilities EXPECTED OF A PRIVATE CLUB GYMNASIUM SPA

swimming pool, tennis courts, squash court, bar and three recognised food & beverage outlets. The Mountbatten Room serves exquisite French cuisine and has a purposebuilt wine cellar; the Verandah serves local delicacies to diners overlooking the polo ďŹ eld; and the Poolside Grill offers a selection of pizzas, pastas and salads.

The spa, dining facilities and equestrianthemed retail shop are open to both members and non-members of the Club. The Singapore Polo Club is a welcome relief to the pace of life in this thriving city. Once you are ensconced in its green embrace, you will be hesitant to return to the noisy shopping malls, frenetic business district or bustling heartlands.

Tel: (65) 6854 3999 www.singaporepoloclub.org Best of Singapore

219

LUXURY LIFESTYLE

The Family Club of Choice A membership at Seletar Country Club is one of the most sought after commodities among the Singapore affluent.

Set right in the northern countryside of Singapore, Seletar Country Club is a haven of peace and tranquility. Strategically located on a hill overlooking the Lower Seletar Reservoir and the Johor Straits, the acres of lush greenery provide a truly serene and restful atmosphere. Since its relocation to its present site in 1995, Seletar Country Club has come to be known as a fine private club and a meeting point for leisure.

While functioning as a home to one of the finest golfing, sports and social activities in the country, it also strives to protect and enhance the natural surrounds. The club has been designed and built to complement the eco-habitat of the various species of flora and fauna.

A breathtaking and challenging course The beautiful, 18-hole course in Seletar Country Club is the result of its founding members’ vision. Thanks to efforts to make the most of the naturally undulating terrain and the talent of course architect Chris

Pitman, this is a stoic course filled with challenges and breathtaking beauty. The course is a sheer joy and excitement to those who try to make par on the course.

The course’s signature hole 6, at 515 metres long, also happens to be its longest and most challenging hole. It requires one to make a tee shot with at least a 195 metrescarry to cross the stream at the nearest point on the right side of the bridge. On the left side of the green, sits the Lower Seletar Reservoir, providing a striking approach view to the golfer.

More than a golf club Aside from its highly-coveted club membership and the stunning course, Seletar Country Club also has a range of other facilities that make it the envy of many a club member. This includes a thrilling water sports hub, a beautiful club house, private hilltop jacuzzi overlooking the beautiful, landscaped swimming pool area, dance studio, bowling centre, integrated sports and recreational 220

Best of Singapore

complex with a gym and activity rooms. There is also the excellent Seletar Terrace and Seletar Tavern with sumptuous food and great music, set in a cozy atmosphere. For those who prefer a formal dining setting, there is the Eagle’s View restaurant, which provides fusion cuisine and a panoramic view of the environment.

Seletar also has its array of recreational facilities of karaoke, jackpot, reading room, billiards and tennis courts, amongst many others. Additional facilities include function rooms, a theatrette for talks and seminars, as well as the screening of cable TV programmes for members and their families at the Seletar Terrace. Dance classes and

Best of Singapore

221

music jam sessions are organised regularly for members, to interact and get to know each other better. The Club also actively promotes sailing.

The ultimate choice It is therefore not a surprise that Seletar Country Club turns out to be the choice country club for locals and foreigners.

Whether it is weddings, parties, corporate golf games, retreats, seminars or other sporting activities, the club’s facilities and service offerings surpass all.

Complementing the club’s countryside charm is the legendary Seletarian spirit.

Whether you are a member or guest on our

grounds, you will be won over by the warmth and fellowship of Seletar members and staff.

Membership is open to any person above the age of 21 years old with Singapore citizenship or permanent residency. A monthly subscription is payable.

For enquiries, please contact: Seletar Country Club 101 Seletar Club Road Singapore 798273 Tel: 6481.4812 Fax: 6481.3000 Email: feedback@seletarclub.com.sg Website: www.seletarclub.com.sg

Chapter 15 Holiday Getaways

Best of Singapore

223

HOLIDAY GETAWAYS

Chapter 15

PHOTOS COURTESY OF ALILA HOTELS AND RESORTS

HOLIDAY GETAWAYS

224

Best of Singapore

Discover some of the most exotic locations in Asia from one of its most famous gateways, Singapore.

Best of Singapore

225

PHOTO COURTESY OF ALILA HOTELS AND RESORTS

HOLIDAY GETAWAYS

In a matter of hours, you could be sunning in the beach, traversing through nature, checking out historical artifacts, swinging a golf club or having a close encounter with a whale shark.

Conveniently located a few hours away from Singapore are a number of getaways that promise a quick respite for those who want to escape the busy city life. Many airlines offer direct flights from Singapore to popular tourist locations in Asia.

We profile here a few of the popular tourist locations near Singapore.

BALI, INDONESIA Rich in culture and history, Bali is Indonesia’s most famous tourist destination. Elements of Hindu culture can be found in its architecture and numerous statues erected around the city. Some of the key tourist attractions in Bali with historical value include Goa Gajah, a T-shaped cave built almost a millennium ago, Gunung Kawi, a 11th century tomb and Para Besakih (Mother’s Temple), the largest temple on the island. Be sure to visit Kintamani, a mountain village set 1,400 metres above sea level, which offers a spectacular view of a still active volcano. At Tampaksiring, there is a spring that bubbles up into the courtyard of the Tirta Empul Temple, which supposedly has healing powers. If you want to buy paintings, head to Ubud.

BINTAN, INDONESIA Located less than 40 kilometres from Singapore is Bintan, the largest of 3,200 islands in the Riau Archipelago of Indonesia. Recreational activities at Bintan include sea sports, golf, fishing and shopping.

Because it is located amidst of a large cluster of other Indonesian islands, it is also a great place from which to island hop. Thanks to its proximity to Singapore, and relatively undeveloped state, Bintan is a popular location for company and spa retreats, as well as nature treks and fishing tours.

CEBU, PHILIPPINES The long, narrow island of Cebu and 167 other islets surrounding it are characterised by rolling hills, mountain ranges and limestone plateaus. Cebu regularly makes it to the top 10 lists of islands to visit. Tourists who wish to reside in a more developed part of the island can head to Cebu City, which has a host of hotels, casinos, golf courses and shopping centres. To take in a view of the city, head to the cool hills of Busay, set 2,000 feet above sea level, offering a panoramic view of Metro Cebu, as well as some nearby islands.

GOA, INDIA The beaches of Goa, the smallest state in India, are world-renowned for their beauty. Located on the west coast of India, the beaches stretch for miles and miles. The beaches in the northern part of the state are a hive of organised carnivals and festivals, while the southern beaches would be ideal for those who seek peace and quiet. Goa also has a rich cultural history, composed of Indian, Mughal and Portuguese influences. The cathedrals, ancient forts, temples, art galleries and museums are a living testimony to Goa’s colourful past.

GOLDEN TRIANGLE OF INDIA The Golden Triangle of India is a tourist circuit of three of India’s most captivating cities – Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur – separated by not more than 250 kilometres from each other. From Agra’s grandiose Taj Mahal and monument city of Fatehpur Sikri Ruins, to Delhi’s Red Fort and Qutab Minar, the world’s tallest brick minaret, to the magnificent City Palace of Jaipur, these three cities are a spectacular tribute 226

Best of Singapore

to bygone eras. The Golden Triangle is a reservoir of architectural wonders profiling India’s rich legacy. Package tours covering the three cities within a week-and-a-half or so would be easily available, helping you witness all their splendour. Being popular tourist hot spots, each of the cities has a good infrastructure of hotels and are well connected by transportation.

one of which is a 79-metre high waterfall. Ko Samui offers the full range of sea sports. Be sure to visit the Secret Buddha Garden, a beautiful garden surrounded by jungles and hills, the highest point on the island. The views from this pinnacle are awesome.

KANDY, SRI LANKA

Langkawi, located in the North of Malaysia, consists of a group of more than 100 islands, the main one being Pulau Langkawi (Island Langkawi). There are several hotels and resorts that you can check into at Pulau Langkawi, which organise various activities for its guests. Langkawi’s beaches are generally regarded as Malaysia’s best. Langkawi is a popular target for beach-bummers as well as nature lovers, given a number of attractions which includes a lake, a geologically unique waterfall and marine park.

Kandy, situated in Kandy Valley, is one of the most scenic cities of Sir Lanka. Located around the banks of a beautiful lake, Kandy is set amidst tea plantations at a height of 490 metres. The Temple of Tooth, which is a key attraction of this city, is a revered shrine to the Buddha and is so named thanks to a relic believed to be the tooth of the Buddha himself. Probably the best time to visit Kandy may be in late July or August when the city celebrates Perehara, a 10-day long festival when the tooth casket is paraded in the streets in a lit up procession that includes elephants, drummers, dancers, acrobats and others. Another key attraction of the city is the Peradeniya Botanical Gardens, featuring over 4,000 species of plant and tree life.

KERALA, INDIA Located on the Malabar Coast of southwestern India, the tropical state of Kerala is famous for its ecotourism initiatives. The state is a showcase of natural wonders, with its 42 rivers, backwaters, highlands and mountains. Particular attractions include Thiruvananthapuram, the capital city of the state, with a history stretching back to the 11th century, Kovalam, one of the finest beach resorts of the world, ideal for surfing and skiing, Alappuzha, known as the ‘Venice of the East’ for its natural beauty, Kumarakom, a captivating network of waterways and canals, Periyar Wild Life Sanctuary, the 80-feet high Athirappilly Waterfalls, and much more, making Kerala one of the fastest growing tourist destinations of the world.

KO SAMUI, THAILAND

MALDIVES, INDIA To many, the Maldives is the closest thing to a paradise on earth.

Clear, pristine, turquoise waters, breathtaking coral reefs and huge lagoons define the over 1000 islands that make up the Maldives.

With over 2,000 species of fish such as whale sharks, a variety of rays including the giant Manta Ray, butterfly fishes, giant Napolean Wrasses, sweetlips, wahoos and fusiliers inhabiting the surrounding waters, the Maldives is a divers’ delight. The white sandy beaches of Maldives are another thing to die for.

PHUKET, THAILAND Just North of Langkawi lies the hilly island of Phuket. This tropical island boasts spectacular sceneries, white beaches lined by palm trees and an exciting night life. Patong Beach is where all the action is. Along this beach are a stretch of diners, pubs and shopping outlets/centres. Besides the developed Patong Beach area, there are a number of other well known beaches, all along the west coast.

These include Kamala Beach, Surin Beach and Bang Tao Beach towards the north of Phuket and Karon Beach, Kata Noi Beach and Kata Beach towards the south. Phuket and some of its nearby islands such as Phi Phi Islands, Similan Islands and Bon Island are popular diving destinations.

If your stay in Singapore is an extended one, make the most of it by visiting these venues. Flights are easily available to any of the key tourist destinations, many at budget prices.

PHOTO COURTESY OF ALILA HOTELS AND RESORTS

Ko Samui is renowned the world over as a romantic island of great beauty. Chaweng and Lamai are the two main beaches, among the many spectacular beaches that this island has to offer. Other notable natural features include Namtok Hin Lat, a waterfall with a large basin for swimmers, as well as the two Namtok Na Mueng waterfalls,

LANGKAWI, MALAYSIA

Best of Singapore

227

HOLIDAY GETAWAYS

Bintan’s Preferred Beach Resort Escape to Bintan’s Lagoon Resort, where you have a range of options for dining, wining, recreation and golf.

Situated in Bintan Island, part of the Riau Archipelago of Indonesia, Bintan Lagoon Resort is a 470-room beachfront resort overlooking the South China Sea. The rooms at the resort recently received a facelift as part of its S$15.46 million upgrading project.

Besides enhancing the spacious rooms, the newly redesigned guestrooms also come with flat-screen televisions, a range of modern Indonesia designer teak furnitures and enhanced daybeds. The bathrooms showcase Bravat designer bathtubs and sanitary ware as well as impressive full length floor-to-ceiling mirrors.

All guestrooms are attached with a balcony facing either the resort’s three kilometre stretch of private beach or the lush green landscape of the woodlands.

The resort’s 57 villas, ranging from two to five bedroom configurations, are in more casual settings. Equipped with kitchenettes, barbecue areas, and a personal buggy to get around, the villas are ideal for families, friends and corporate groups. For bigger groups, the 4-bedroom Angsoka Villas comes with the added indulgence of a private pool.

Indulging your every palate Complementing the resort’s wide range of accommodations is a plethora of dining options. At the heart of the resort is Kopi-O,

which offers buffet and a la carte options for breakfast, lunch and dinner featuring authentic Asian and Western cuisine.

Nearby, the Miyako and Orzo restaurants serve Japanese and Mediterranean delights respectively.

Nelayan Grill, located by the beach, serves up a tantalizing array of ‘surf and turf’ barbecue and you could choose to dine under the stars or in the air-conditioned comfort of the restaurant. A short stroll down the beach is the Pasir Panjang Beach Bar, which is a haven for sun seekers and beach lovers, offering a mouthwatering array of quick meals such as pizzas, finger snacks and wide range of drinks to keep the heat at bay.

By the resort’s two swimming pools are Ripples, a swim up bar, and Verandah, both of which provide light meals and drinks perfect for an unwinding session.

Alternatively, you could relax with a view of the undulating greens of the resort’s sea view course over gourmet sandwiches or pastries at Haskells, located in the golf club house; or retreat to the shade of the lobby with a cuppa at Horizons Café or an ice cold beer at the Terrace Lounge whilst soaking up the spectacular view of the South China Sea. Come dusk, belt out your favourite hits in various languages at the Karaoke Lounge, 228

Best of Singapore

and groove to the beat in Silk, clubbing hotspot with live music from Tuesdays through to Sundays.

Ideal for corporate and private affairs With extensive meeting facilities and a variety of outdoor locations, Bintan Lagoon Resort offers the perfect setting for private parties, corporate meetings, conferences, incentive trips and teambuilding events.

The resort’s nine function rooms can accommodate various set-ups. The largest ballroom, Manado and Sulawesi can accommodate up to 400 guests in a theatre style seating. In addition, outdoor locations have been popular with corporate groups and private parties for themed dinners on the resort’s private beach and golf course.

A comprehensive adventure training centre, complete with professional facilitators are also at your disposal.

Tee off in style Bintan Lagoon Resort is home to not one but two championship golf courses designed by professional golfers Ian Baker-Finch (Woodlands Course) and Jack Nicklaus (Sea View Course), set amongst lush landscapes overlooking the South China Sea with spectacular signature holes, fast greens, undulating fairways and scenic water hazards.

Golfers wishing to improve their swing can do so at the resort’s driving range or sign up for golf clinics with the resort’s team of golf professionals.

Recreation Guests will never run out of activities in the resort. The resort offers 30 different types of water sports and 20 different activities on land such as tennis, archery, Laser Quest and for the adventurous, all-terrain vehicle rides.

At the end of the day, retreat to the tranquil haven of Taman Sari Spa and unwind under the healing hands of the therapists.

Reservations and enquiries: +65 6223 3223/+62 772 691 388 Email: reservation@bintanlagoon.com Website: www.bintanlagoon.com Best of Singapore

229

Chapter 16 Events

PHOTO COURTESY OF SINGAPORE TOURISM BOARD

Chapter 16

EVENTS

232

Best of Singapore

Singapore is a truly global city. With its conuence of cultures, good infrastructure and relevant expertise, it is an ideal venue for major international events.

Best of Singapore

233

PHOTO COURTESY OF LAT PHOTOGRAPHIC

EVENTS

Every year, the country plays host to a number of high-profile events, both in the professional and entertainment domains.

Singapore is an enjoyable place to live, work and play. Thanks to aggressive marketing, the country continues to be a choice venue.

We present to you some of the key events held in 2009 and upcoming in 2010.

PHOTO COURTESY OF SINGAPORE TOURISM BOARD

FORMULA 1 NIGHT RACE Every September for the past two years, Singapore has revved up to maximum gear for the Grand Prix. And it is not an ordinary Grand Prix. Singapore has the distinction of being the only country to have ever hosted a Formula 1 Night Race. Into its second year, the 2009 Singapore Grand Prix was held at the Marina Bay street circuit and contested over 61 laps.

Another first for Singapore, related to this event, was the inaugural F1 Rocks concert, featuring performances by a who’s who of the pop world – Beyonce, Black Eyed Peas, ZZ Top, Simple Minds, No Doubt, Jacky Cheung and A*Mei. The event was hosted by Lindsay Lohan.

As for the race, McLaren-Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton clinched the championship, followed by Toyota’s Timo Glock and 2008 race winner Fernando Alonso of Renault in third place.

ASIAN YOUTH GAMES The first-ever Asian Youth Games was held in Singapore from 29 June to 7 July 2009. An estimated 1,300 athletes, aged between 14 and 17,

PHOTO BY ANDREW TIMMS 234

Best of Singapore

from 43 countries, competed for more than 80 gold medals. Not too surprisingly, China topped the medal tally with 25 gold medals and 52 medals in total. South Korea finished second with 20 gold medals, but its total medal tally of 54 surpassed that of China. Thailand was third with nine gold medals and 20 medals in total. Singapore finished a highly creditable fourth with 11 gold medals and 30 medals in total.

SUMMER YOUTH OLYMPIC GAMES The Asian Youth Games were a prelude to an even bigger event upcoming this year. To be held from 14 to 26 August 2010, 3,600 young athletes of 14 to 18 years in age, 800 officials, 205 National Olympic Committee members as well as half-a-million spectators are expected to converge in Singapore. The first ever Youth Olympic Games, its aim is to inspire young people around the world to participate in sports and live by Olympic values.

THE GREAT SINGAPORE SALE

SINGAPORE FASHION FESTIVAL One of the most glamorous, glitziest events – the Audi Fashion Festival Singapore 2009 – rolled out the red carpet to international top models, fashion designers and celebrities for five days from 6 to 10 May 2009.

Champagne and cocktail parties, catwalks, luxury exhibitions and a charity gala made it a truly classy event. Ashley Isham, RAOUL, Mango, Vivienne Westwood Anglomania and Marc Jacobs were some of the posh brands profiled.

SINGAPORE INTERNATIONAL WATER WEEK

PHOTO COURTESY OF LAT PHOTOGRAPHIC

The Singapore International Water Week is a global event bringing policymakers, industry leaders, experts and practitioners together to address challenges, showcase technologies, discover opportunities and celebrate achievements in the water world. The 2009 event,

PHOTO COURTESY OF SINGAPORE TOURISM BOARD

The Great Singapore Sale is a much-awaited shopping event, when the shopping belts of Orchard Road and Marina Bay can be expected to overflow with shopaholics and bargain hunters. Stores offer discounts of up to 70 percent for just about anything, from fashion wear to jewellery to watches and household items. Tourists will be able to take advantage of special promotions on selected products. The Sale was held from 29 May to 26 July in 2009.

Best of Singapore

235

EVENTS themed ‘Sustainable Cities – Infrastructure and Technology for Water’, was attended by more than 10,000 delegates from over 82 countries/ territories. Held from 22 to 26 June 2009, deals totaling $2.2 billion were concluded during the course of the week.

Marina Barrage

WORLD GOURMET SUMMIT & SINGAPORE FOOD FESTIVAL Given Singapore’s reputation as a food paradise, it is only apt that a global event such as the World Gourmet Summit is hosted in Singapore. Held from 19 April to 2 May 2009, the World Gourmet Summit (WGS) is an international gastronomic extravaganza jointly organised by Peter Knipp Holdings Pte Ltd (PKH) and the Singapore Tourism Board (STB). The event showcases the intricate craftsmanship of prestigious chefs around the world.

As if that wasn’t enough food, another event – the Singapore Food Festival, held from 17 to 26 July 2009 – also profiled Singapore’s favourite food types. This year, the focus was on Peranakan dishes.

Highlights of this year’s event included a Peranakan Parade along Singapore River and Clarke Quay and a Peranakan buffet line, stretching across the whole of Read Bridge, featuring around 100 dishes and culinary workshops.

PHOTO COURTESY OF SINGAPORE TOURISM BOARD

PHOTO COURTESY OF SINGAPORE TOURISM BOARD

APEC Singapore 2009 The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) is a forum which brings together heads of state, ministers and dignitaries from 21 Asia-Pacific countries to cooperate on regional trade, investment liberalisation and facilitation. APEC’s objective is to enhance economic growth and prosperity in the region. The theme of APEC Singapore 2009 was ‘sustaining growth, connecting the region’. Singapore, whose success was built on trade, was the ideal country to host the 21st APEC Ministerial Meeting. In his welcome remarks, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said that the APEC forum “takes place at a pivotal moment when the world economy is emerging from the global financial crisis, when the situation has stabilised, yet the economic outlook remains uncertain, when much still needs to be done to sustain the economic recovery, and also to prepare for the post-crisis landscape.” The event provided an opportunity for US President Barack Obama to make his debut visit to Asia, and what better way to kick it off than through an event hosted in Singapore?

PHOTO COURTESY OF APEC SINGAPORE 2009

PHOTO COURTESY OF APEC SINGAPORE 2009 236

Best of Singapore

EXPLORE SINGAPORE! From 14 November to 6 December 2009, members of the public went on a trek across museums in Singapore, in an effort to rediscover their history, heritage and culture. A series of eclectic and entertaining activities were organised during this period, bringing to life Singapore’s short but colourful past.

NIGHT FESTIVAL Night life in Singapore goes beyond shopping, dining and clubbing.

Night Festival, a nocturnal extravaganza of theatre, music, dance and the visual arts, brought thousands of participants into the Bras Basah precinct after sundown on 10 and 11 July 2009. This showcase of arts and culture spilled out into the normally traffic-packed street.

ZOUKOUT Asia’s largest outdoor dance music festival, ZoukOut, is the most anticipated beach party of the year. Held in Sentosa’s Siloso Beach, this event draws in thousands of partygoers every year. 2009’s ZoukOut Party, held on 12 December from dust to dawn, featured world famous and award-winning deejay Van Buuren. With earblasting music, free-flowing beers and foam parties, ZoukOut revelers cast aside all inhibitions and partied vigorously, as is the case every year.

CHRISTMAS IN THE TROPICS Christmas in Singapore is a magical period. Huge Christmas decorations and spectacular lightings crop up all over Singapore, ushering in the festive season with grandeur. Between 21 November 2009 and 1 January 2010, the Orchard Road and Marina Bay areas were dressed up, while traditional pantomimes and carolers took over, along with a Christmas gift market.

MARINA BAY COUNTDOWN 2009/2010 On New Year’s eve, thousands of Singaporeans converged at the up-and-coming new downtown centre – Marina Bay – to welcome 2010. This year-end event brought together the collective wishes and aspirations of thousands of Singaporeans, and united them all in anticipation towards 2010, brimming with hope.

PHOTO COURTESY OF SINGAPORE TOURISM BOARD

Best of Singapore

237

PHOTO COURTESY OF SINGAPORE TOURISM BOARD

PHOTO COURTESY OF SINGAPORE TOURISM BOARD

4 Volume 4

will be published in 2010

Are you the best in your industry?

Celebrate your success through the next Best of Singapore edition!

To ďŹ nd out how, kindly contact Amit Sen

amit@mapletreemedia.com +65 9627 6717

T Shanmugaratnam (Shan) shan@mapletreemedia.com +65 9692 5861

Chapter 17 Future Developments

Chapter 17

IMAGE COURTESY OF SINGAPORE TOURISM BOARD

FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS

240

Best of Singapore

Singapore consistently reinvents itself, maintaining its allure to both international and local audiences.

Best of Singapore

241

© Resorts World at Sentosa Pte. Ltd. 2009. All rights reserved.

FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS

Employing creativity and innovation, Singapore has persevered to improve the quality of life for its denizens.

One of the hallmarks of the Singapore miracle is its strong and persistent focus on the future. The government plans many years in advance. This has kept all aspects of the country’s economy and infrastructures highly advanced and competitive.

Over the years, the government has grown highly receptive to alternative view points, and in light of them, has been willing to review existing laws and policies, in an effort to stay relevant to the changing times. From allowing bar top dancing to relaxing censorship regulations, the government has made a number of surprising moves, which have been interpreted as signals to Singaporeans to be more creative and to take more risks.

district, Marina Bay Sands will be a key venue for conventions and exhibitions. It will have two 2,000-seat theatres, a casino, an ArtScience museum and floating pavilions. The three towering hotel structures will be linked by a SkyPark.

THE INTEGRATED RESORTS

RAPID TRANSIT SYSTEM

The government’s decision on the Integrated Resorts (IRs) was a significant about-turn in one of its longest-held policies. Having eschewed the idea for many years for the potential negative effects it brought to society in the form of excessive gambling, the government recently acknowledged the huge positive economic value of the IRs – in terms of tourism and jobs creation. Opening in 2010, Resorts World Sentosa (RWS) and Marina Bay Sands will be more than just casinos.

In 2010: Occupying 49 hectares of prime real estate in Sentosa island, Resorts World Sentosa (RWS) will boast an impressive array of facilities – six hotels, shopping, casinos, dining, pubs, and aroundthe-clock entertainment. Costing over $6 billion, the resort is set to further augment Sentosa’s growing image as a sophisticated and popular ‘playground’ for adults and children. Almost half of the resort will be occupied by Universal Studios Singapore, which will feature 24 rides and shows.

In 2010: Marina Bay Sands, with its three 245-metre high hotels, will be an iconic addition to the city skyline. Located near the financial

By 2011: The Circle Line will be Singapore’s fourth MRT line. This $6.7 billion, 29- station project, will lay more than 33 kilometres of tracks. It will cut travelling time by allowing passengers to bypass the crowded central area stations. Starting at Dhoby Ghaut MRT Station and ending at HarbourFront MRT Station, passengers will be able to interchange at the stations in Dhoby Ghaut, Promenade, Paya Lebar, Serangoon, Bishan, Botanic Gardens, Buona Vista and HarbourFront.

By 2016: The Downtown Line, will connect the north-west and east of the island to the central business district and Marina Bay areas.

This new line will add 40 kilometres of tracks and is expected to improve accessibility to the Marina Bay area, ease traffic jams in the north and also link up various parts of the east.

By 2018: The Thomson Line, will run along the north-south corridor of Singapore and complement the existing North-South line.

By 2020: The Eastern Region Line will start from the south and run eastwards along Tanjong Rhu, Marine Parade and Siglap, all the way to Changi.

EXTENDING THE TRANSPORTATION NETWORK By any measure, Singapore’s public transport system is one of the best and most intricate in the world. The backbone of the system – the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) trains – will be extended significantly in the coming years, connecting up almost every part of the island.

242

Best of Singapore

NEW EXPRESSWAYS By 2013: The 5 kilometre-long Marina Coastal Expressway (MCE) will join the Kallang-Paya Lebar Expressway (KPE) and the East Coast Parkway (ECP) in the east to the Ayer Rajah Expressway (AYE) in the west.

By 2020: The North-South Expressway (NSE) will cater to the projected growth in travel between the northern and city areas, and provide some relief to the often congested Central Expressway (CTE).

This 21-kilometre highway is expected to cut travel time from the north to the city by up to 30 percent.

SPORTS HUB By 2014: Located on a 35-hectare site in Kallang, the Singapore Sports Hub will be the country’s premier land and sea sports spot. It is expected to rejuvenate the sports industry and quite simply, take sports spectatorship and participation to a new level.

In addition to the 11,000 capacity Singapore Indoor Stadium currently in place, the Singapore Sports Hub will feature the following facilities: • A 55,000-capacity National Stadium with a retractable roof • A 6,000-capacity indoor Aquatic Centre • A 3,000-capacity multi-purpose arena (scalable and flexible in layout) • A 41,000-square metre commercial space • A Water Sports Centre Located next to the Marina Bay area, the Singapore Sports Hub is expected to ride on the wave of exciting upcoming developments there. Accessibility to the Singapore Sports Hub will be enabled through a new Stadium MRT station.

Once up, the Sports Hub is expected to draw international events and also provide tremendous opportunities to sports-related enterprises.

GARDENS BY THE BAY

INTERNATIONAL CRUISE TERMINAL In 2011: Singapore is already a hub for cruises. However, with demand overflowing, the country is building a new cruise terminal, which when completed, will double the total berth capacity currently available. The International Cruise Terminal (ICT) will complement the existing Singapore Cruise Centre.

Deep waters, a large turning basin as well as no height restrictions will enable the ICT to take in some of the world’s largest ships, such as the Oasis-class ships currently being built. This purpose-built cruise terminal will be able to turn around cruise ships within 30 minutes between disembarkation of passengers and departure from terminal.

As a member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and as the current chair of the ASEAN Cruise Working Group, Singapore is working closely with ASEAN members to create a cruise-friendly environment in the region, develop enticing cruise itineraries and promote ASEAN as a cruise destination.

Despite the economic turbulences Singapore’s cruise passenger rates have grown at an average of 12 percent between 2003 and 2008. The first half of 2009 saw a 20 percent increase in arrivals over the same period in 2008. For the first time ever, Singapore is projected to register a million cruise passengers within a single year.

The Singapore Tourism Board is targeting to attract 1.6 million cruise passengers yearly by 2015.

Leveraging Singapore’s prime location at the nexus of major international maritime routes, as well as its excellent land, air and sea connectivity to destinations worldwide, the ICT will be a strategically located and world-class cruise terminal that will be abuzz with activity all year round. Its location, in Singapore’s new downtown lifestyle and financial hub, will complement business facilities as well as new leisure and entertainment attractions such as the Singapore Flyer, Marina Bay Sands, Gardens by the Bay and the Marina Barrage.

IMAGE COURTESY OF SINGAPORE TOURISM BOARD

In 2011: Singapore has been referred to as a Garden City for many years. The Gardens by the Bay project will reinforce Singapore’s positioning in that respect.

Gardens by the Bay comprises three distinctive waterfront gardens in Marina Bay that are set to position the city state as the world’s

premier tropical garden city. NParks’ vision, the 101-sector Gardens by the Bay consists of Gardens at Marina South, Gardens at Marina East, and Gardens at Marina Centre. The Gardens will stretch across the mouth of the Singapore River.

Highlights of this new attraction include plant-based edutainment, horticultural displays, garden craftsmanship and floral artistry.

Renowned for its tropical horticultural excellence, Gardens by the Bay will add another dimension to the lifestyles and recreational activities of Singaporeans and tourists.

Best of Singapore

243

ESSENTIAL GUIDE TO

GEOGRAPHY Located just 137 kilometres north of the equator, Singapore is an island nation in South East Asia, at the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula.

Singapore is made up of 63 islands in total including mainland Singapore.

The other major islands include Sentosa, Pulau Ubin and Pulau Tekong.

The island covers a 707 square kilometre area. More than 20 percent of its total land area consists of reclaimed land.

NAME In a nutshell, the name “Singapore” and its Malay equivalent “Singapura” mean “Lion City”. “Singa” in Sanskrit and in Tamil means “lion” while “pura” comes from the Sanskrit “puram” which means “city”. Singapore is often alternatively referred to as the Lion City. Singapore owes its name to Sang Nila Utama, who gave it the name after encountering what he believed to be a lion when he first landed on the island. In all likelihood, the animal that the prince saw was a tiger, as lions are not believed to exist in South East Asia historically, but just the same, both the lion and the tiger are represented in the nation’s coat of arms.

These ministries are further supported by government statutory boards, which despite being government agencies, exercise considerable autonomy in terms of decision making.

ECONOMY Singapore has a highly successful free-market economy, heavily dependent on exports. Its key industries include manufacturing, consumer electronics, tourism, information technology, pharmaceuticals, construction, marine, financial services, and hospitality services. Its Gross Domestic Product in 2008 was around US$236 billion.

POPULATION As of 2009, the population of Singapore was around 5 million, making it one of the most densely populated countries in the world. Around 3.7 million are Singapore citizens and permanent residents. The rest are expatriates and foreign workers. As of 2008, the population consisted of 74.7% Chinese, 13.6% Malays, 8.9% Indians and 2.8% Others.

BRIEF HISTORY

LANGUAGES

Singapore was a fishing village for many years until it was discovered

by British statesman Sir Stamford Raffles in 1819. Raffles developed its potential to be a trading port on the China and India sea route, and Singapore grew rapidly as a British settlement until 1942 when the Japanese invaded Singapore during World War II. After World War II, Singapore became a part of Malaysia for a brief period before being ejected from that federation in 1965. Lee Kuan Yew, the first Prime Minister of Singapore, is widely held to be the architect of modern Singapore and is credited for putting the nation on a path of industrialisation and economic development.

Singapore has four official languages – English, Malay, Chinese (Mandarin) and Tamil. In business and education English is the language predominantly used. Malay is considered to be the national language for historical reasons. The national anthem, “Majulah Singapura” is in Malay. Singapore has promoted bilingualism for many years – English and a native mother tongue. One notable development is the emergence of “Singlish” – a mixture of English with elements of other major languages spoken here. Besides Mandarin, other Chinese dialects such as Hokkien, Teochew and Cantonese are used in daily communications.

CLIMATE & TEMPERATURE

RELIGIONS

Singapore has a tropical rainforest climate. Temperatures range from 22°C to 34°C. There are no distinct seasons, but generally the hottest months are June and July, while it gets slightly cooler in November and December.

Singapore is a multi-religious country. The major religions include Buddhism (± 42 percent), Christianity (± 15 percent), Hinduism (± 4 percent), Islam (± 14 percent) and Taoism (± 9 percent). An estimated 15 percent have no religious affiliations. Despite its religious diversity, there is considerable tolerance among the various religions.

CURRENCY The Singapore dollar is the currency of Singapore. It is commonly represented by the abbreviation SGD or S$.

LEGAL ENVIRONMENT Singapore’s legal system is based on the English common law system.

However, certain Singapore statutes are based on legislations from other legal systems. Both corporal and capital punishments are included, and drug trafficking or possession can be punished by death.

GOVERNMENT

TIME ZONE Singapore is 8 hours ahead of Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) or Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). Singapore is on the same time as Malaysia, Philippines, Indonesia, Hong Kong, China and Western Australia.

DIAL CODES & IMPORTANT TELEPHONE NUMBERS Thanks to its small size, there is only 1 telephone code for Singapore – 65. There are no area codes.

The Singapore government consists of the President and the Cabinet.

All of the major political and policy decisions are made by the Prime Minister and his Cabinet Ministers. The Cabinet is formed by the political party that wins the majority constituencies in each election. Government Ministries include:

Important numbers include:

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

INTERNET ACCESS

Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports (MCYS) Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) Ministry of Education (MOE) Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources (MEWR) Ministry of Finance (MOF) Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) Ministry of Health (MOH) Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) Ministry of Information, Communications and the Arts (MICA) Ministry of Law (MinLaw) Ministry of Manpower (MOM) Ministry of National Development (MND) Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) Ministry of Transport (MOT)

• 999 - Police • 995 - Singapore Civil Defence Force/Emergency Ambulance • 1777 - Non-Emergency Ambulance

Singapore has one of the most technologically advanced infrastructures.

Computer literacy and Internet penetration rates are one of the highest in the world. All top hotels and even many budget hotels have Internet access. Wireless@SG, the government’s wireless broadband programme facilitates free Internet access in many of the cafes and public places around Singapore. Wi-Fi access is also available via your laptop or mobile device. You can call any of the major telecom operators – Singtel, M1 or Starhub – for help with Internet access.

For further information about Singapore visit: www.edb.gov.sg www.visitsingapore.com

The boutique media house that maximizes your reach We offer clients powerful media platforms and communication strategies that reinforce their brand positioning to increase their returns on their investment and expand their market share.

Under Mapletree Media we have three core groups

• • •

The Cage Medical Tribune Aerospace Singapore

MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES

PUBLISHING

The in-house Communications Arm

UREKA MARKETING

• • • • • •

Best Of Singapore Best Of Malaysia Best Of Philippines

Intergrated Marketing Communications Custom Publishing Public Relations Interactive Communications Event Management Media Consultancy

• • •

www.mapletreemedia.com Email: shan@mapletreemedia.com / amit@mapletreemedia.com

Tel:

+65 6372 9480

Fax:

+65 6372 9458

Millenno - The Strategic Of¿ce Your Gateway to Asia

S

ingapore is recognized as a gateway to Asia and a doorway to South East Asia even though it has inadequate natural resources and land. It is a great place for investments with its sound infrastructure, educated multi-lingual/cultural human resources, low taxes, and a sound legal and ¿nancial system.

Many foreign companies have invested in Singapore, making it their regional headquarters for business operations. International companies in example of consulting and ¿nancial businesses generally ¿nd themselves in the central business district of Singapore, an area with limited supply growth in of¿ce space and one of the highest of¿ce rental rates in the world.

Millenno – The Strategic Of¿ce, a business division of Millennia Corporation Pte Ltd, offers excellent alternative solutions to foreign companies that needs to set up business presence in the central business district of Singapore without vast capital requirement.

Located in one of the most vibrant business environments in Singapore, the company provides premiere Serviced Of¿ce and Virtual Of¿ce solutions to all its international and local clientele cost-effectively. This is one of the rare few companies in their business domain which have set its sight in the international market and which have consistently invested in protecting its brand and prestige. The marketing and sales strategies of the company are constantly and stringently audited for the maximum preservation of brand and the maximum return of value to their clientele. And Millenno also works selectively with well known and respectable international partners in order to reach their potential clients with information and solutions ef¿ciently.

The Àagship of Millenno is the Virtual Of¿ce service. Innovative technologies have been embedded into the critical service component of one of their three plans, the Premium Plan, for maximum Àexibility in dedicated number call forwarding and fax forwarding. By offering secured payment gateway solutions via the largest provider in the world, they have greatly assured purchasing clients with maximum Àexibility and options in payment transactions via their web purchase platform.

The company has already emerged as a recognized service provider for many satis¿ed clients from Singapore and countries in other parts of the world. The client pro¿les include award winning branding companies to Forbes fastest growing international companies and prominent ¿nancial market association and consultants, and many more others which are returning clients.

Website: www.millenno.com Contact: info@millenno.com

30 years of Track Record in Providing Time-Sensitive Printing Services An established leader in the printing industry, Xpress has 32 of its flagship Print Stations (sales and service centres) located right in the hearts of the business districts of 19 cities in the Asia Pacific region. With this extensive network, supported by a sophisticated infrastructure of print facilities and advanced information technology, Xpress provides Print Management Services to global clients in search of effective and cost-efficient print solutions in Asia.

ur Products Our Products Our Products Our Products Our Products Our Product u Products ts O ur P roducts O ur P roducts O u Pro roducts O Our Products O Our Our Products Our Products O Our Products Our ur Products u ts Our ur Products rodu uc Our Products Pr roducts Our Products P o oducts Our Products Pr roducts Our Product Pr ro roducts O Our r Products O Our ur P Products roduct Our Products Our Products O Our ur Products O u Our u Pro ANNUAL REPORT ur Products u Our Products Our Products Our Products Our Products ro oducts Our Product o Pr ro roducts O Our Products Our Products Our Products Our Products Ou Our ur Products O u Our u Pro u ro oducts Our Product o Pr ro ur Products Our Products Our Products Our Products Our Products roducts O Our Products Our Products Our Products Our Products Ou Our ur Products O u Our u Pro ur Products u Our Products Our Products Our Products Our Products ro oducts Our Product o Pr ro roducts O Our ur P Products roducts Our Products Our Products Our Products Ou Our ur Products O u Our u Pro od ducts Our Products P oducts Our Our Products Pr ducts Our Products Pro ro oducts Our Our Product Pro ur Products Our Products roducts Our Products sO Our ur P Products roducts O Our Products sO Our ur P Products roducts O Our u Products Our Pro Financial Research Corporate Finance Annual Reports Asset Management

Our Products Our Products Our MICE ur Products Our Products Our Products Product roducts Our Products Our Products Our Products Our Products Our Products Our Pro r ducts Our ur Products ro od ur Products Our Products Our Products Our Products Our Product roducts ts sO Our P Products sO Our Products s Our ur Products O Our u Products O Our Products Our u Pro ur Products od Our O Products P od Our Products r ducts Our Products Pro od ducts Our Products Pr P r Our O Product Pr ro A Child’s World roducts ts s Our Products sO Our ur P Products roducts Our Products Our Products Our Products Our u Pro ur Products od Our Products od ducts Our Products d Pr r Our Products Our Products Our Product ro roducts ts s Our Products sO Our Products s Our Products Our Products Our Products Our u Pro ur Products od Our Products od ducts Our Products d Pr r Our Products Our Products Our Product ro roducts ts s Our Products sO Our Products s Our Products Our Products Our Products Our u Pro ur Products Our Products Our Products Our Products Our Product od od ducts Our Products d Pr r ro roducts ts s Our Products sO Our Products sO Our Products s Our Products Our Products Our u Pro ur Products Products Our Products Our Products t Our O Pro oducts Our Products Pro od r roducts Our Our Product Pro roducts Our Products ts Our Products O Our Products sO Our ur P Products roducts O Our u Products Our Pro ur Products Our Products Our Products Our Products Our Product ro oducts Our Ou r Products Prod Education Healthcare Media & Publishing Professional Services Others roducts Our Products Our Products Our Products Our Products Our Products Our Pro S&P Global Strategy

Malaysian Equities: Six-Month Outlook

SEMI

OFFER DOCUMENT DATED 21 AUGUST 2008 (Registered by the Singapore Exchange Securities Trading Limited on 21 August 2008) 8)

FOR YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2008

ake, you y This document is important. If you are in any doubt as to the action you should take, should consult your legal, financial, tax, or other professional adviser(s). the “Exchange”) “E An application has been made with Singapore Exchange Securities Trading Limited (the for permission for the New Shares and all the Shares to be listed for quotation on Catalist. atalist

Companies listed on Catalist may carry higher investment risk when compared with larger or more h large established companies listed on the SGX Main Board. In particular, companies mayy list on o Catalist without a track record of profitability and there is no assurance that there will be a liqu liquid market in the shares or units of shares traded on Catalist. You should be aware of the risks isks of investing in such companies and should make the decision to invest only after careful consideration and, if derat appropriate, consultation with your professional adviser(s).

This offer is made in or accompanied by an offer document that has been registered by the Exchange acting as agent on behalf of the Monetary Authority of Singapore (the “Authority”). ”). We have not lodged or registered this Offer Document in any other jurisdiction.

Neither the Authority nor the Exchange has examined or approved the contents off this d document.

Neither the Authority nor the Exchange assumes any responsibility for the contents off this d document, including the correctness of any of the statements or opinions made or reports contained in this ontain document. The Exchange does not normally review the application for admission on but relies on United Overseas Bank Limited, our Sponsor, confirming that our Company is suitable able to be listed and complies with the rules. Neither the Authority nor the Exchange has in any way considered the y cons merits of the New Shares being offered for investment.

ANNUAL REPORT 2009

The registration of this offer document by the Exchange does not imply that at the Securities and Futures Act (Chapter 289), or any other legal or regulatory requirements, or equire requirements under the Exchange’s listing rules, have been complied with. d with

Acceptance of applications will be conditional upon issue of the N New Shares and upon listing of all the Shares of our Company. Monies paid in respect of any application accepted will be returned if the admission n and listing do not proceed. The dealing and quotation of the Shares will be in Singapore dollars.

After the expiration of six (6) months from the date of registration of this gistrat offer document, no person shall make an offer of securities, issue s, or allow, a or sell any securities, on the basis of this offer document, and nd no officer or equivalent person or promoter of the entity or proposed entity will authorise ty wil or permit the offer of any securities or the allotment, issue e or sale sa of any securities, on the basis of this offer document.

Investing in our Shares involves risks which are described in the section ection on “RISK FACTORS” of this Offer Document.

Qualitas Medical Group Limited

(Company Registration No.: 200717959H) (Incorporated in the Republic of Singapore on 28 September 2007)

Invitation in respect of 22,000,000 New Shares comprising:(a)

1,100,000 Offer Shares at $0.25 for each Offer Share by way of public offer; and

(b)

20,900,000 Placement Shares at $0.25 for each Placement Share by way of placement,

payable in full on application.

MICA (P) 079/11/2008

THE LEARNING LADDER

The Learning Ladder • Schoolhouse By The Bay

Xpress Holdings Ltd No.1 Kallang Way 2A Singapore 347495 Tel : (65) 6880 2828 Email: sales@xpress.sg www.xpress.sg

Beijing Changsha Chengdu Guangzhou Hong Kong Shanghai Shenyang Shenzhen Taipei Wuhan Xiamen Ho Chi Minh Jakarta Kuala Lumpur Manila Melbourne Seoul Singapore Sydney

PUBLISHING PARTNERS

We thank our Publishing Partners once again for their support.

250

Best of Singapore

Best of Singapore

251