Author Archives: Yan Joon Wing

Interview: Rolls-Royce CEO Torsten Muller Otvos

The Cullinan has fast become one of Rolls-Royce’s most successful models

Named for the largest gem-quality rough diamond ever discovered, the Rolls-Royce Cullinan is the Goodwood brand’s belated if epic response to the SUV genre of automobiles. During the early days of the SUV growth spurt, Rolls-Royce briefly courted some controversy when they declared that a sport utility vehicle and all its connotations of “practicality” and “utility” would run counter to the brand’s automotive ethos. Nevertheless, when Rolls-Royce sets it mind to making a sport utility vehicle, by damned, it’s going to be an SUV worthy to carry the Rolls-Royce badge. The Cullinan, the Goodwoord marque’s first SUV, is also the brand’s first all-wheel drive vehicle.

When you pay a certain price, it comes with certain expectations and we spend over 800 hours making a single Rolls-Royce to ensure that it is immaculate. This is our competence. – Rolls-Royce CEO on build quality of his cars

Swinging through the East, starting in Japan, spending some time in Seoul, LUXUO’s Jonathan Ho and YACHT STYLE’s Gael Burlot eventually caught up with CEO Torsten Müller Ötvös at the Fullerton Bay Hotel Singapore to talk about the direction of Goodwood and the potential of the Rolls-Royce Cullinan.

 

Rolls-Royce CEO Torsten Müller Ötvös on brand direction and the growth potential of the Cullinan

In fact, with the Cullinan, we’ve begun to use words at Rolls-Royce that we never thought we would use like “utility” and “practicality” – Rolls-Royce CEO Torsten Müller Ötvös on the new Cullinan

LUXUO Group Managing Editor Jonathan Ho and YACHT STYLE Publisher Gael Burlot in conversation with Rolls-Royce CEO Torsten Muller Otvos at TMO, the lobby lounge of the Fullerton Bay Hotel Singapore

You have enjoyed great success in 2018, especially in Asia, could you share some of the factors which contributed?

It was a record year for us historically. In comparison to 2017, we had full availability of the Phantom in 2018 and it had fantastic reception, becoming our main driver of revenue for that year. We were also helped with the launch of the Cullinan which brought lots of attention to the brand as you can imagine. We have delivered a cars since last Christmas across the ranges: Ghost, Wraith, Dawn and of course the Phantom. Furthermore, many markets are in excellent condition, the United States, our biggest; the Middle East is recovering while China is growing from strength to strength. Meanwhile in East Asia, Japan and Korea in particular, show amazing growth rates, totalling up to 1700 cars last year in all [laughs].

 

How has this exuberant growth affected your operations? Have you had to appoint more apprentices to the program?

We’ve had to employ 200 more crafts people to deal with the demand for the Cullinan. Our brand is running in contrary to what is evident in the UK automotive industry, we’re in very good shape. We want to continue our growth rate. We are always looking for more apprentices because it is not easy to find the skills required for our products, we are always looking into training and educating our staff. The best example is that coachline painting has to be done by hand and we only have three artisans capable of doing this under the guidance of Mark Court, famed Coachline painter; hence, we are always on the lookout for new people to train in all artistic fields required: embroidery, marquetry, etc. We’ve had a record intake of apprentices this year as well, we will probably continue for a number of years to come.

 

Do you share craftsmen in common with British shipyards like Princess and Sunseeker?

No, we have done so in the past. The teak decking found on so many yachts can also be found on models like the Dawn and the Phantom drophead. Back then, we had to get the marine skills to make that decking. We used to hire people from shipyards but not anymore because they are quickly snapped up by Princess and all the others. For this reason, we are no longer sharing but we have amicable relations. When you pay a certain price, it comes with certain expectations and we spend over 800 hours making a single Rolls-Royce to ensure that it is immaculate. This is our competence.

Torsten, pictured with the latest and greatest Rolls-Royce Cullinan parked outside the Fullerton Bay Singapore

 

You have the ability to offer really bespoke products…

Indeed, I dare say Rolls-Royce wouldn’t exist if we weren’t able to deliver this experience. 98% of all cars leaving Goodwood are heavily bespoke because once you decided that you want a Rolls-Royce, a lot of creativity goes into making the ultimate car your own. Your imagination is our limit. The bespoke division alone employs over 100 people: engineers, designers, consultants and so forth.

 

With this level of hyper-luxury, do you find any synergies or similarities with other industries like watchmaking or the arts?

Very much so. In fact, many of our clients are very interested watches way beyond the kind that I would wear [he wears a Vacheron Constantin Patrimony]. These timepieces are commissioned by them and just for them, over half a million dollars or more by watchmakers I have not even heard of before. We share common ground in our attention to details and artistry. Art and even bespoke tailoring inspires us, I’m glad that luxury exists because it’s an enriching lifestyle.

he eighth-generation Phantom featured a dashboard panel fashioned from a single piece of glass, allowing three-dimensional artworks to be displayed. This is known as the Rolls-Royce Gallery.

 

We have seen C-level Executives from yacht companies crossing over to luxury automotive brands, are there crossovers in design or more potential collaborations?

We deal a lot with Burgess. We also attend all the relevant boat shows (Monaco Yacht Show, etc) because client profiles are very similar. We have also launched cars on the decks of yachts and we provide a great experience on the Sydney Harbour as we unveil a car on the helipad with a great party. Amazing photo-opportunities. Part of the allure of luxury is our ability to surprise and delight a client: Rolls-Royce is not in the car business, we are in the luxury goods business, nobody actually needs us and so we have to create something they absolutely want. It’s all about inspiration at the end of the day.

 

Have you been asked to incorporate your designs onto their yachts?

What we have seen happen is clients who want the Rolls- Royce feel for their Gulfstream. Sometimes certain colours and key details are commissioned to match. As you get to know your customers better, you will find key elements and themes will be commissioned for his helicopter, home and private jet. His DNA is reflected in his environment.

Interior of the Rolls Royce Cullinan

 

The media landscape changes often, is there a platform you find particularly effective to reach ultra high net worth individuals?

It’s very much driven by private functions and money can’t buy invitations. We do a lot on social media and electronic direct marketing. Broader advertising is not very effective for us. The brand doesn’t have a problem for not being recognised or being unknown, everyone knows Rolls-Royce, for us, it’s all about targeting customers. We do more with digital intelligence and digital science to identify potential prospects and finally, the most important thing is that the potential customer needs to test-drive it. You can talk about a Rolls for hours but nothing compares to the experience, particularly on a model like the Cullinan. This model approaches customers we have never seen before and its crucial for them to drive it first thus, we started having exclusive drive events which allow the customers to drive it for a day so they understand what it means to own one.

 

When I last saw you at the launch of the Wraith, you mentioned that this was the ultimate self-drive Rolls-Royce, is the Cullinan more for personal driving or for people to be driven in?

Self-drive is the name of the game. You hardly see in Asia that our cars are operated in chauffeur mode with the exception of the Phantom. Nobody operates a Dawn or Wraith or Black Badge in chauffeur mode. The Cullinan is 80% self driven. Funnily enough, the demographics have changed as well, our customer profiles are skewing younger and younger over the last years. They are so much younger than they used to be 10 years ago thanks to new business models, IT, apps, Fintech and technology entrepreneurs. If you are smart and creative, it’s much easier to make money today than 20-30 years ago hence, we are getting new customers we have never seen before including families and female customers.

Rolls Royce Black Badge Dawn

 

How do you precisely target this younger generation in Asia?

Just to go on a slight tangent, Bloomberg reported that the car brand most mentioned in pop songs and music videos is Rolls-Royce by far. In a way, with all the influential celebrities and pop cultural influences, this becomes a self-fulfilling mechanism which helps us a lot. We can’t influence this and we are not paying influencers, this authenticity comes from natural, organic, influence. We also created a lot of marketing collaterals and assets which help support the eco-system. The Black Badge with a black Spirit of Ecstasy also helped to create an “edgy” Rolls-Royce which resonated with younger audiences. Success with the Black Badge has shown us how to connect with these consumers.

 

We have seen Rolls-Royce entering less developed markets like Kazakstan and closer to home, Cambodia, what are some of the considerations when choosing which market to enter? What would be the trigger to enter such a market?

We look at the market potential. We don’t open a dealership because we have 5 or 6 ready customers, we look into the long term to see what potential there is and how many high net worth individuals are in the area, will there be potential growth over time? We look at mutual growth opportunities. Our partner invests big money and we want to ensure that it is a successful enterprise, especially for us brand-wise. It takes a year at minimum to analyse, make a conclusion, develop a business plan and then execute. I would say that we are happily covered globally, there’s no need for further expansion, we are currently sitting on 135 partners and representatives in 56 countries worldwide and that’s sufficient. It’s easy to harvest the low hanging fruit like the first 4 or 5 customers but once they’ve bought, you have to look for the others and if they’re not there, then you are in trouble. Having a luxury dealership close because there’s no business doesn’t convey the prestige of success if you fail.

The Rolls-Royce Maharaja Phantom Drophead Coupé, a one-of-a-kind Bespoke vehicle created exclusively for customers in Dubai

 

Do you find the same situation with other luxury car brands where the infrastructure or roads not ready to support these vehicles but people still want to buy?

Yes we do. Cambodia and Africa are good examples where certain individuals just collect the cars. India is a difficult market for us even with the long-standing history between the country’s maharajahs and the brand. We are still selling cars there but the combination of lack of infrastructure, a complicated tax scheme and the government not supporting luxury consumption adds up to create a slower market for us there. In fact, Indian journalists often ask when India will be overtaking China so there’s definitely the aspiration for luxury, just not the consumption.

 

China has clamped down on luxury consumption as well haven’t they?

They did it years ago during President Xi’s investigation of corruption scandals and that dampened demand for luxuries for not just cars but timepieces and other luxuries. Things have since normalised and now business is in good shape in China.

The Cullinan is sold out far into the 3rd quarter 2019 and the beginning of the 4th quarter.

How do you measure success and importance of a model like Cullinan in Asia?

We have our business matrixes whenever we conceive a new model. We are not sales or volume driven. We are profit driven. My target for the BMW group (our shareholders) is profit and we are tasked with how we want to reach it. We need to sell cars otherwise we wouldn’t generate revenue but I think we have conservative plans because it is even better to achieve victory when we overshoot these goals. The Cullinan is sold out far into the 3rd quarter 2019 and the beginning of the 4th quarter. The whole plant is doing extra shifts to cope with demand but there is a limit to how many we can produce. The Cullinan appeals to families and female customers for many reasons – the power, strength and safety of an SUV. In fact, with the Cullinan, we’ve begun to use words at Rolls-Royce that we never thought we would use like “utility” and “practicality” – you can take the kids to school or throw the dogs in the back.

Rolls-Royce is backed by the electrical engineering technology of parent company – BMW Group

 

What is Rolls-Royce’s stance on the environment? Any plans to go electric?

We will go full electric and not hybrid within the next decade. We are probably one of the last ones offering 12 cylinder combustion engines and there are a growing number of markets which will no longer allow combustion vehicles in the current form. For this reason, we need to prepare ourselves and I believe that a fully electric car fits very well with the brand in terms of instant full torque and silent running. I’m very optimistic that evolution of battery technology will see improved range that is inline with what we expect from a Rolls-Royce. We are also part of the BMW group which has invested massively into electric drives.

 

Where do you believe the next big opportunity for the brand?

I would say the next big thing is electrification. These technologies will be developed in-house using BMW Group technology but most importantly, it has to be a proper Rolls-Royce at the end of the day. This is one phase. The next phase is also to enter real customer commissioned bodies and coachbuilds.

Rolls-Royce will be looking into more serious bespoke options right down to bodywork commissions in the future

 

What is the biggest challenge for Rolls-Royce in Asia?

Uncertainty in business – from lowering taxes or consumer sentiment. You only buy a Rolls-Royce when you feel good because you don’t need one to travel from A to B. Consumer sentiment is the most troubling because it is a very big influence on our customers who are business people and entrepreneurs worried about politics, international trade routes, trade relations, tax wars between countries. This is the biggest concern in general, not just Asia.

 

Any challenges due to Brexit?

It’s extremely hard to forecast. We are very much worried and we are urging the government to create a smooth transition. A hard Brexit will disrupt our logistic chains overnight, the flow of skilled labour from outside the UK – 30% of our staff are non-Brits. Going down the wrong alley would not be good for our business. Not from a tax or import tariff perspective but the super delicate logistics chains which will affect the flow of parts for our cars. We are importing 38,000 components daily, higher for some models and I only need to lose one part and we cannot finish a product anymore. Only 10% come from UK suppliers and even these suppliers will have sub-suppliers in Europe, this chain is very delicate and our products are super bespoke with specific configurations. I cannot afford to go on a stock hold for components.

 

Is the contingency plan a Rolls-Royce that is not from Goodwood?

No. Definitely not. We will not move to our factory to Europe, our contingency plan is alternative routes for logistics and even the feasibility of flying components into the country to avoid jams on the border. But all this is limited because we can only sustain this for a short period.

 

Ulysse Nardin unveils revolutionary Marine Mega Yacht

Ulysse Nardin recently unveiled a tourbillon watch called Ulysse Nardin Marine Mega Yacht at the Miami Yacht Show. This is not the first time Ulysse Nardin created a watch inspired by luxury liners. Back in 2016, the Swiss label celebrated sailboats and luxury liners with the release of Marine Grand Deck Tourbillon. Taking inspiration from mega yachts, this new watch is like a breath of fresh air in terms of appearance and complications.

Look-wise, the platinum ship’s bow forms a stunning backdrop for the 3-D blue Grand Feau enamelled platinum tourbillon timepiece at the 12 o’clock position, while the label fixes its patented 80-hour power reserve at the 3 o’clock position which is indicated by a moving anchor connecting to a windlass. Additionally, one particular aspect we love about this piece is the propeller-like flying tourbillon, which isn’t just functional but also gives the watch an avant-garde look.

The watch also comes with a moonphase in the form of a 3-D blue-and-silver-glazed globe. The blue PVD finish signifies the period of the new moon, whereas the rhodiumised silver symbolises the illuminating effect of the sun. The tide indicator adjacent to the moonphase completes the masterpiece. Of course, what really gives the watch life is its UN-631 calibre which resembles the engines of a vessel. Ulysse Nardin got its top watchmakers and skilled independent watchmaker Christophe Claret to build this yacht-inspired gem.

The 44mm Ulysse Nardin Marine Mega Yacht retails at CHF310,000 and is limited to 30 pieces only.

Visit here for more info.

 

Rado HyperChrome Ultra Light won Good Design Award

Rado has recently won Good Design Award with its high-tech ceramic Rado HyperChrome Ultra Light.

Part of 2018 collection, the award-winning piece Rado HyperChrome Ultra Light is made of groundbreaking ultra-light high-tech ceramic, which only bears half of the weight of standard high-tech ceramic. Not to mention, it is more solid and more scratch-resistant.

This marked Rado’s eighth win in a row at the prestigious award ceremony organised by The Chicago Athenaeum Museum of Architecture and Design.

Drawing its inspiration from 20th-century pocket watches, the classic-looking timepiece is endowed with Rado’s signature monobloc case and a brown sunray high-tech ceramic dial. The watch is also powered by ETA A31.L02 automatic movement with 21 jewels and 64-hour power reserve.

Gaining recognition in ‘Personal’ category of Good Design Award, the HyperChrome Ultra Light is undeniably a masterpiece in terms of quality, function and aesthetics – that designs to stand the test of time and speaks more than a commercial product.

 

Who are the Crazy Rich Asians in properties?

One of PALACE magazine’s esteemed Luxury Expert columnist – Alexander Karolik-Shlaen – who has written for the magazine since 2009, has appeared in various regional and global media, TV, and is frequently sought to attend established business forums, writes about his personal experience with some crazy rich Asians in properties he has met and known in his career.

Luxury Expert columnist – Alexander Karolik-Shlaen

There are plenty of rich Asians in the business of luxury. Some are golf fanatics; some love watches and spend fortunes on their collections; others love big, fancy yachts or exorbitantly priced supercars. But all have one thing in common – the love of property! So, it’s hard not to subscribe to this pan-Asian “religion”. For affluent individuals, this “religion” is also their main source of fortune. For the ones who draw their billions, not from property, they still invest heavily in property, usually the trophy kind, and more likely a lion’s share of their income is going into property investment. Let’s look at the Forbes’ top richest Singaporeans. We will find a major part of them derive their fortune, and or are, engaged in property business. The same can be said about the super-rich folks in Malaysia. Observing the top-tier billionaires on the Singapore list. The richest of them all are Brothers Robert and Philip Ng that control the privately held Far East Organization, Singapore’s, and probably, the region’s largest private landlord and property developer. The group was founded by their father, who moved from China to Singapore in 1934 and came to be known as “The King of Orchard Road”.

Skyline Residences by Far East Organization

According to Forbes, they are worth USD 11.9 billion but we are certain there is some fortune unaccounted for when mentioning of such a gigantic, privately-held organisation. In no.4 slot with USD 7.6 billion is Kwek Leng Beng, the executive chairman of Singapore’s Hong Leong Group, founded by his father in 1941. Kwek is also executive chairman of City Developments, Singapore’s second-largest property developer.

Kwek’s companies are acquiring assets in the UK, China and Australia, and also owns a chain of hotels, as well as some of the fanciest hotels in Singapore such as St. Regis Hotel and Residences, W Hotels and JW Marriott that they also developed. For the Kwek family, it is an example to “dig” a bit deeper into the “branching of wealth” among super-rich Asians. Leng Beng’s cousin, Quek Leng Chan, also a billionaire, runs the Hong Leong Group’s Malaysian operations. The huge conglomerate split up in the 1980s, so Mr. Kwek Leng Beng became executive chairman of the Hong Leong Group in Singapore while Mr. Quek Leng Chan, son of Mr. Kwek Hong Lye, heads their business interests in Malaysia.

His son, Sherman is a group CEO of City Developments. Kwek Leng Joo, who was the younger brother of Leng Beng, passed away on 15 November 2015 from a heart attack. The deputy chairman and executive director of City Developments, himself a billionaire, was an outstanding photographer and philanthropist. A true intellectual and caring person. Conversations with him were always enlightening. Leng Joo always had a keen interest to hear other people’s opinions and he frequently asked my opinions and points of view on property markets of Singapore and the region.

At this juncture, the article reveals that there are a big number of family members of each so-called “official” listed billionaires that are not on the list, yet they are very rich, and their wealth is derived from properties. In fact, more than 15 family members control Hong Leong Group, a conglomerate with interests ranging from finance to property in both Malaysia and Singapore. Forbes estimates the family value at over USD 23 billion.

Goodwood Park Hotel owned by the Khoo family

In no. 5 spot, USD 6.7 billion are the Khoo family, who are the heirs of late banker Khoo Teck Puat, who invested in Standard Chartered Bank. The lion’s share of their fortune comes from the sale of their stake in Standard Chartered Bank for USD 4 billion in 2006. The Khoos also control the Goodwood Group of Hotels. Their property positions include the iconic and historic Goodwood Park Hotel in the famed Orchard Road vicinity. In the 6th spot with USD 6.5 billion is the Wee Family. The father for the current chairman of United Overseas Bank, which is one of three biggest banks in Singapore, co-founded the bank in 1935. While the third generation of Wees is running the bank and the sibling is on its board, the family’s property arm is a privately held Kheng Leong. Headed by one of Wees, Kheng Leong Co. (Pte.) Ltd. operates as a real estate investment and property development company. It builds residential developments and retail projects across the Asia Pacific region in locations such as Shanghai, Hong Kong and Sydney, as well as London and Los Angeles. The company was founded in 1949 and is based in Singapore with an additional office in Shanghai. This company also owns 45 apartments in The Nassim, an ultraluxury condo, acquired for USD 290 million.

In no.7 position with USD 5.4 billion is the Kwee Family. The four Kwee siblings control privately-held Pontiac Land, which owns several luxury hotels and iconic office towers across Singapore such as the Ritz-Carlton Singapore. The company was founded by their Indonesian father Henry Kwee, a textile trader and real estate developer, who migrated to Singapore in late 1950s. The Kwee brothers are building an 82-storey tower beside the Museum of Modern Art in New York, where apartments sell from USD 3 million to over USD 70 million. Last year, the brothers bought the Cappella Hotel group from legendary luxury hotelier Horst Schulze. The Kwees are building a resort complex in the Maldives and are partners in Mont Azure, a huge multipurpose project in one of the prime areas of Phuket. In no. 9 are the father-and-son pair, Raj Kumar and Kishin RK. They run the Royal Holdings/RB Capital which is one of Singapore’s leading landlords and property owners. The duo has been on a deal-making spree after a 2011 family settlement between Raj and his younger sibling Asok Kumar Hiranandani, who is also a billionaire.

Raj and Kishin own a few office buildings in prime locations: the 442-room Holiday Inn Express and the five-star Hotel Intercontinental at Robertson Quay, a riverside popular area. In society circles, the family is known to own the biggest fleet of Lamborghini cars, some 11 cars which cost no less than SGD 1 million each (USD 730K), because Singapore is the most expensive place on earth to own a car.

Raj Kumar and Kishin RK run the Royal Holdings/RB Capital which owns the five-star hotel Intercontinental at Robertson Quay.

The 10th richest Singaporean with USD 2.6 billion is hotel tycoon Choo Chong Ngen, who made his fortune in textiles before launching his Hotel 81 budget chain in Singapore’s red-light district. The chain expanded islandwide and is now fast expanding in the mid-tier market, where he introduced a few more new hotel brands. The number “81” refers to the unit number of his home at the time. His privately-held hotel empire, which daughter Carolyn has been helping him run since 2002, has more than 6,500 rooms across Singapore alone. Since 2017, he has expanded into Thailand, Malaysia and Australia with four hotels managed by Travelodge and Holiday Inn. He is known to be a colourful person who had dropped out of high school to go to work to help his family.

He said he started buying land 30 years ago and kept buying until now. “If I didn’t buy them, I wouldn’t be able to buy now because the price is very high. But 30 years ago, it was very cheap. I was very lucky,” opines Choo. Besides Hotel 81, he now owns Value Hotel, V and Venue brands, a four-star Hotel Mi and a massive Hotel Boss in a good location on Lavender street. Choo recently rebranded his group as Worldwide Hotels.

In no. 11 with USD 2.5 billion is Kuok Khoon Hong, who cofounded Wilmar in 1991 and built it into one of the world’s largest palm oil producers. They delved in agricultural land and commercial property, but Kuok went further into plain property business, but of course. Kuok’s other investments include stakes in billionaire Zhong Sheng Jian’s Yanlord Land, a property company that develops residential real estates in China, as well as Perennial Real Estate Holdings. Kuok owns the Aviva Tower in London together with Indonesian billionaire and Wilmar co-founder Martua Sitars.

Kwek’s companies are acquiring assets in the UK, China and Australia, and also owning a chain of hotels such as
St. Regis Hotel and Residences.

In 12th place with USD 2.5 billion is Peter Lim, who after cashing out of palm oil giant Wilmar (yes, that is agricultural land) eight years ago, focused on property, healthcare and sports. Lim is redeveloping Manchester’s historic Northern Stock Exchange into a boutique hotel and is involved in various property projects as well as plans for development in the Malaysian state of Iskandar, which is cross the border from Singapore.

The 14th richest Singaporean is Sam Goi who owns Tee Yih Jia Food Manufacturing, the world’s largest maker of popiah skins, which are used for spring rolls. He also has real estate interests through his stakes in listed firms GSH and KOP. In 16th place with USD 1.9 billionaire husband-and-wife Ong Beng Seng and Christina Ong, who is one of Singapore’s most influential, property-focused couples. They built many high-end condos in Singapore: a partnership in the massive D’Leedon with 1,715 units, and co-developed the beautifully-designed Interlace. Ong is managing director of Singapore-listed Hotel Properties, which owns the Four Seasons and Hilton hotels in Singapore and is probably the biggest single owner of Four Seasons Hotels in the world. The group owns hotels, resorts and shopping galleries in 13 countries, namely, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Maldives, Seychelles, Vanuatu, the United States of America, Bhutan, Tanzania, South Africa, Vietnam and the United Kingdom. Christina runs Como Hotels & Resorts, retail empire Club 21 and London-listed handbag maker Mulberry.

 

Ong Beng Seng and Christina Ong, own the Four Seasons and Hilton hotels.

 

Malaysian Property Kingpins

 

The richest of them all is Robert Kuok with USD 14.8 billion originating in his palm oil, shipping and property business. You probably know of his awesome Shangri-la Hotels. Next, no. 2 is Quek Leng Chan with banking and property, worth USD 7.2 billion. He is the cousin of Leng Beng who is no. 4 on the Singapore list. In no. 5 position, USD 5.6 billion is Lee Shin Cheng, who chairs IOI Corp., the world leader in oleochemicals and one of the largest palm oil plantation companies in Malaysia. His younger son leads property group IOI Properties.

At no. 6 with USD 4.7 billion is Lim Kok Thay the Genting chairman. Lim has fast expanded the group’s global footprints in the gaming sector. Forbes states he plans to open Resorts World Las Vegas in 2020 and launch the world’s first 20th Century Fox movie-inspired theme park at Resorts World Genting in 2018. Earlier this year, Lim’s Empire Resorts Inc. opened USD 1.2 billion Resorts World Catskills, a casino, hotel and entertainment complex. His New York complex will be the largest integrated commercial casino resort in the state, fitted with more than 150 table games and 2,150 slot machines. In no. 7 with USD 3.3 billion is another casino and hotel developer Chen Lip Keong.

In 9th place is Lau Cho Kun with USD 2.6 billion with interests in farmland for palm oil and property business. In 11th place is Francis Yeoh with USD 2.4 billion. Yeoh helms diversified YTL Corp., founded by his late father Yeoh Tiong Lay. The family’s global empire boasts businesses in sectors such as utilities, cement manufacturing, hotels and property development. In Singapore, they hold the most trophy-prized possessions through their Reits, owning the Wisma Atria and Takashimaya shopping mall.

They built a few luxury condos as well as a luxury villa project in the upscale Sentosa island. And the list goes on and on. The article’s message is clear. If you are wondering what is moving Asia, now you know. Indubitably, these rich Asians’ unstoppable love for real estate is just beginning to show up on the radar screens on an international level.

 

About: Alexander Karolik-Shlaen

 

Shlaen founded Panache Management (PM) in 1995 in Japan, crafting his “East Meets West” style of business management. He was later based in Hong Kong for four years, before relocating to Singapore in 2003 where he has since been based. Shlaen has also served on the board of directors for Brinks Japan, a joint venture between Nissho Iwai Corporation (the sixth largest company in the world at the time) and Brinks Inc (a Fortune 500 US corporation). As one of the few market analysts to predict a property boom at a time when global markets were in decline, Shlaen’s expertise is in high demand from prestigious companies to UHNWI investors.

Shlaen’s PM represents companies that have superb and exquisite products that are outstanding in their niche markets. PM is representing Aston Martin Interiors, Tonino Lamborghini Casa, Formitalia design lines in Asia. PM is also involved in real estate and tech investment projects as well as providing luxury interiors and designs for exclusive homes, villas, hotels, offices, private jets and super yachts. He has been writing the Luxury Expert column in Property Report Asia and Palace magazine since 2009 and has appeared in various regional and global media, TV and is frequently sought to attend established business forums. Shlaen is an Independent Director on the board of SinoCloud Group Limited, which is publicly traded on the Singapore Stock Exchange. Shlaen holds an Executive MBA from the Kellogg School of Management and the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology.

 

By Joe Lim

Roberto Coin introduces Sauvage Privé collection

A brand that took the jewellery world by storm when it first launched in 1996, Roberto Coin is now a celebrated jewellery house that loved by many.

Known for creating innovative and distinctive designs that capture women’s heart, the brand has quickly gained ground with famous celebrities and personalities like Ashley Judd, Halle Berry, Reese Witherspoon, Michelle Obama and Oprah Winfrey.

Each piece of jewellery designed by Roberto Coin is a memento of the founder’s journey where he materialises his valuable experience into a collectable creation, where each is attached with a little red ruby, a hallmark of Roberto Coin carrying the meanings of good health, happiness and long life.

To mark the opening of its Starhill Gallery’s boutique, Roberto Coin introduces the Sauvage Privé collection. A collection of jewellery with exceptional cutting designs and concoction of coloured gems.

Take Rose & White Gold Cuffs with Diamonds, for example, – we can see Coin’s creative take on a cuff by transforming the ends of the cuff into square pyramids, creating an enthralling piece that emanates elegance.

Another is the Rose Gold Earrings with Black Jade, Malachite and Diamonds. This exotic pair of earrings might not captivate you at first sight, but it will definitely have you mesmerised by its charm, the longer you gaze at it.

Rosemin Manji wearing Sauvage Privé collection

To view the Sauvage Privé collection, visit Roberto Coin boutique in Starhill Gallery at Adorn floor.

 

Videocitta’ And Fendi presents Lux Formae in Rome

From 19th to 28th of October 2018, Italy hosted a festival in Rome called Lux Formae, supported by Fendi and produced by Solid Light for Videocittà. In celebration of the bond between contemporary art and fashion, the spectacular project mapping is the largest project ever seen in Italy yet. The upscale video mapping is created through an avant-garde medium by an internationally acclaimed artist – Laslzo Bordos, and showcased at a unique location, Palazzo della Civiltà Italiana.

Lux Formae is a festival that pays tribute to the audiovisual industry. As a pioneer of digital arts and architectural mapping, Hungarian artist Laslzo Bordos has curated more than 50 projects in over 22 countries. For the Videocittà audiovisual festival, Bordos arrived in Rome for the first time and identified the home of the Roman luxury house Fendi as the ideal location for his performance. The imposing building was transformed into a palette: the artist, by using projections as a hi-tech brush 4.0, will bring it to new life, revealing its never-seen-before features.

Serge Brunschwig, CEO of Fendi continued by saying, “We are excited to host in our Rome headquarters, Palazzo della Civiltà Italiana, the work of one of the most famous video mapping artists of the world, Laszlo Bordos, that will transform the building facade into a living object.”

Since Fendi always had a strong connection with Rome. With its bond with the city more pronounced in recent years, and now, its shared the mission of Videocittà, Lux Formae represents the desire to highlight the best aspects of the city, as the capital of art, fashion and beauty.

Louis Vuitton Art of Travel with the Rijksmuseum

At the turn of the millennium, global luxury Maisons have looked increasingly to the art world for inspiration. This trend is no better encapsulated in French fashion house Louis Vuitton. From regularly working with artist commissions to reinvent their iconic bags, to supporting art museums and art projects, Louis Vuitton has constantly pioneered and by itself, inspired the muse of art and its artists.

Collaborations between artist and artisan from two distinct realms like crossover collections like Yayoi Kusama for Louis Vuitton and supported by centres for artistic endeavour like the more than 450m² devoted to the arts, the Espace Louis Vuitton Paris, on the top floor of the Maison Louis Vuitton on the Champs-Elysées leads one to believe that nurturing the arts and young talents is more than just lip service or good PR.

It is representative of true passion for the arts, thus, there’s no better emblem for Louis Vuitton when the Parisian Maison partnered with The Rijksmuseum to create a customised signature trunk to transport the masterpiece – The Milkmaid by Johannes Vermeer.

Largely regarded by The Rijksmuseum as one of its most important pieces, Johannes Vermeer’s The Milkmaid will travel in its own bespoke Louis Vuitton trunk from Amsterdam to its new temporary home in Tokyo at the Ueno Royal Museum, Japan.

Concepts like the Espace Louis Vuitton actively supports the arts with the sharing and exchange of ideas beyond its exhibitions through scheduled encounters between artists and other art professionals: thus it seems apt and natural that Louis Vuitton Art of Travel is physically manifested in a customised art trunk. Louis Vuitton was recently commissioned to create a bespoke trunk which saw the World Cup return home with its victorious French team.

For The Milkmaid’s voyage, Louis Vuitton lives up to its literal “Art of Travel” reputation with a special-order trunk, handcrafted in the Maison’s heritage workshops and dressed in the brand’s signature “LV” monogram canvas, complete with iconic brass corners and key lock. The bespoke Louis Vuitton art trunk will deliver Johannes Vermeer’s masterpiece in secure safety, lying on a bed of yellow cushion hand-painted with stripes.

The Louis Vuitton art trunk for The Milkmaid is not the first but it is its most recent. Since 1924, Louis Vuitton has made trunks for some of the world’s most prominent artists and gallerists including René Gimpel, a French gallery owner who used bespoke “Art of Travel” Louis Vuitton trunks to move and showcase his artworks to clients around the world.

 

Meet Prada’s new family of Mysterious Creatures

Prada is no stranger to the creation of miniature, usually quirky character keychains. This November, the Maison will be introducing its new Pradamalia collectibles. This time, a new family of creatures that resembles humans’ best companions – animals.

Named the portmanteau of “Prada” and “Animalia”, Pradamalia is a collection of jewellery, small leather goods and (of course) accessories imprinted with seven animal-like creatures. The new series is made in part biological and technological, united by the Prada DNA. Each creature features prominent Prada codes including metal studs, ombre tones, polished wood, printed lips, and the iconic Saffiano leather, finished with the triangular Prada heart.

The seven Pradamalia creatures, each an organic depiction of a real-life animal, exhibits its own character and quirks that make them more a companion than simply an accessory. They are even christened with their own names. Spot that resembles a cat, Scuba the octopus, Socks – a man’s best friend, a pair of monkeys Otto and Toto, and the jellyfish-looking Fiddle and Disco to complete the set.

Each charm is then packaged with extensive information of its unique anatomy, qualities, and behaviours, plus a note on their origins. As it is being unwrapped, one gets to discover the story of their new Pradamalia friend. As an extension to the storytelling concept, a segmented campaign featuring animated Pradamalia in Prada Labs and, post-escape, in the world, will launch in November 2018.

Featuring a wide range of products from the tricks accessories and jewels to leather items for women and men, Pradamalia collection is an adorable venture made in collaborative measure with 2×4 New York, the design company that was responsible for Prada’s comic-inspired spring/summer 2018 womenswear runway set.

 

The collection will be hitting the Prada stores as well as its official website starting November 2018.

By Lynette Kee

Here’s what you can expect at the coming Affordable Art Fair in Singapore

With even more art galleries representing works from around the world, the Affordable Art Fair is back in Singapore for its ninth Autumn Edition.

The fair will be open to the public from 16th to 18th November at the F1 Pit Building. Special exhibitions including the Young Talent Programme, #SPOTLIGHT Showcase, and Special Projects will be on display along with works from 600 artists.

Originally launched in the UK back in 1999, the Affordable Art Fair now takes place in nine countries and includes major cities such as London, Hong Kong, Singapore, and New York. The unique and friendly environments are paired with art priced below $15,000, while 75% can be purchased from less than $7,500.

The key to its longstanding success has not only been the affordable prices which bring out newcomers and seasoned collectors, but also Affordable Art Fair’s ability to present emerging artists next to the superstars of the art world.

This year will see an increase in the number of galleries from 70 to 80, along with 22 galleries from Singapore, out of a total of 48 representing Asia. There are 21 galleries exhibiting for the first time at the Affordable Art Fair along with 240 new artists.

Works range from painting and sculptures to everything from photography, new media, drawings, interactive installations, edition prints, street art, assemblage, contemporary calligraphy, to name but a few. Anything you see at the fair can be purchased on the day.

One of the highlights of the fair is always the Young Talent Programme. Launched in 2012 in association with ION Art, it has showcased 45 talented young artists. Each applicant must be below the age of 35 and be born or reside in Southeast Asia. Eight artists have been selected to showcase their art at the Affordable Art Fair this year.

On the upcoming Affordable Art Fair, Ms. Camilla Hewitson, Regional Manager Director of Affordable Art Fair said, “It is an honour to work in partnership with ION Art and to have experienced first-hand the determination and extraordinary talent of young artists living throughout Southeast Asia over the past six years. We look forward to continuing our support to enable this next generation of artists to develop their practice whilst helping to connect them with the art industry, collectors and the public for many more years to come”.

View some of the art pieces featured at the Art Fair below:

 

For more information, please visit www.affordableartfair.com.

 

Five Things We Love About Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix

There’s a reason why the Singapore Grand Prix attracts more than 200,000 spectators each year, with almost 400 million more watching on TV globally. Known as the heart of Asia racing, the Singapore GP isn’t just Asia’s premier racing event, it’s an all-encompassing bonanza with fantastic live music, entertainment, dining and a festival atmosphere unlike any other. We had a chance to experience the prestigious event and here are five reasons why it’s a top race to go to.

 

The Night Race

F1 race under lights at night is one of the most amazing things you’ll ever see, with lights and sparks dancing off the multi-million dollar cars as they go wheel-to-wheel racing up to 320km/h. We know the paddock goes on about it every year but you have to see it to believe it. The experience is utterly different to the traditional European circuits and the track is lit up by 1,600 lights projectors with a total power output of over 3 million watts. It’s a thing of beauty and when you add to that the stunning city and harbour, it makes for a truly unique racing experience.

 

A-list Entertainment

Singapore was the first F1 race to sign top stars for race weekend concerts and this year’s entertainment lineup was one of the best the city has ever seen. Fans were treated to incredible live performances from 27 acts this year, featuring headliners Martin Garrix, The Killers, Liam Gallagher, Jay Chou, Dua Lipa and Simple Red.

The action-packed weekend also saw international acts such as Young Fathers, The Sugarhill Gang, Sekai No Owari and Bjorn Again. You can expect 2019’s entertainment line-up to make news when it’s released, with the past headline acts at the event including Rihanna, Calvin Harris, Bon Jovi, Ariana Grande, Maroon 5, Kylie Minogue, Linkin Park and more. There’s something for everyone.

 

Culinary Feast

Singapore’s reputation for good food runs deep and this year, Singapore GP recruited some of the best in the industry for the fans. Neil Perry’s Rockpool restaurant made its debut in the Formula 1 Paddock Club, the world-famous super luxe hospitality precinct that also featured Nobu, Hong Kong-based bar and restaurant Stockton, and international star Como Cuisine.

There was another debut happening further down the pit straight with new VIP party precinct dubbed as Twenty3. Named after the final turn where it’s located, it houses over 3,000sqm with three five-star restaurants, four bars, a 10-metre long dessert bar and, to top it off, a two-storey nightclub named as the Apex Lounge – complete with a kinetic light installation, which was specially brought in from Germany.

 

Glam Parties

Singapore really comes alive at night on race weekend. There’s no shortage of bars, clubs and rooftop hotspots where you can party until the small hours. At the higher end, the Amber Lounge put on an F1 fashion show on Saturday night and party with F1 drivers and celebrities after the race on Sunday. In a similar vein, The Podium Lounge took over the grand ballroom of the Ritz Carlton for F1-themed parties all weekend. Meanwhile, 1-ALTITUDE at the top of the 1 Raffles Place skyscraper for “The Circuit” parties or CE LA VI at the top of Marina Bay Sands offered the best rooftop views for post-race drinks.

 

World-class organisation & fantastic crowd

Singapore GP organisers did such a good job of providing useful information to the fans and visitors. From survival guides to a detailed website and useful app, not to mention thousands of young crew members all over the circuit grounds, the organisers went out of their way to make sure fans have the best experience possible. So, it’s not a surprise the Singapore GP always attract a fantastic crowd.

The street circuit is popular with international and local fans, who can watch the action on their own doorstep and it’s also hugely popular with Malaysians racing fans, being not too far away from this homeland. One thing’s for sure in Singapore – you can expect an awesome vibe from the crowd when F1 comes to town.

A trip to the Singapore Grand Prix becomes both an unforgettable and magical experience. The effort made in to organising the venue, the entertainment, outstanding food and a positive vibe around the whole of Marina Bay takes considerable effort. No other circuit captures the speed and excitement of GrandPrixx racing as much as Singapore does, and the atmosphere is something that F1 fans should savour at least once.

 

Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show 2018 is happening this November

Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show (KLIMS) is back again and this year will mark its ninth edition.

KLIMS 2018 will be a brand new experience with its change of location to Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) this year.

Boasting an expansive area to showcase up to 2,200 booths and ample parking spaces, the new venue with a futuristic interior will definitely be a draw for the visitors.

The theme for this year is “Beyond Mobility”. Therefore, expect to have your eye on the groundbreaking technologies presented by marques including Daihatsu, Honda, Proton, Toyota and others.

Some showcases that you can expect are the latest breakthrough in the diesel engine, the 1.9L Bluepower Diesel Engine by Isuzu; the Tata Super Ace small pick-up, ultra trucks and Prima prime mover by Tata Motors; the “Tanker”, 20-foot high robot made of metal and automotive parts by MSM Metal Industries; and more.

You will also get to see the showcase of passenger vehicles, concept cars, exotic cars and bikes along with one of the main attractions of this year – the commercial vehicles. Also, don’t forget to check out the autocade of commercial vehicles as well when you are there.

 

The Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show 2018 will be happening from 23 November to 2 December 2018.

For more information, visit www.klims.com.my.

These new editions of watches by Montblanc are made for the watch collectors

Montblanc 1858 Collection

Of all the five new watches in the Montblanc 1858 Collection launched this year, the 1858 Automatic and1858 Automatic Chronograph are closest to original, boasting all the vintage aesthetics.

The 1858 Automatic is housed in a 40mm stainless steel case with a bronze bezel and fluted crown. It is available in two dial versions of black and smoked champagne. The 1858 Automatic Chronograph, on the other hand, features a 42mm stainless steel or bronze case and bi-compax counters at 3 and 9 o’clock. Both models are water resistant to 100m and fitted with either a high-quality black and grey NATO strap or aged calfskin strap.

The 1858 Geosphere is dedicated to the world’s Seven Summit mountaineering challenge. If you didn’t know, the challenge is considered the most difficult mountaineering quest worldwide and only 500 athletes have ever completed it.

The timepiece features a world time complication with two turning domed hemisphere globes that make a full rotation in 24 hours. The northern hemisphere (located at 12 o’clock) turns counter-clockwise, while the southern hemisphere (at 6 o’clock) turns clockwise. Both of them are surrounded by a scale with the 24 time zones, along with a day/ night indication in contrasting colours. You can also see the longitude reference meridian on both hemispheres coated in Superluminova.

In addition, there is a second time zone indicator at 9 o’clock and a date window at 3 o’clock. To keep the spirit of mountain exploration alive, all the summits are marked on the globes with red dots. It comes with either a stainless steel or a bronze case limited to 1858 pieces.

The 1858 Monopusher Chronograph Limited Edition 100 was inspired by the historical Minerva monopusher chronograph calibre 13.20 that was developed in 1920. Limited to 100 pieces, this new model shows off an enigmatic smoked green dial and matching green alligator strap. Reminiscent of the early Minerva chronographs, the bi-compax dial places the small second counter at 9 o’clock and a 30-minute counter at 3 o’clock. On the case back, the sapphire crystal reveals the Calibre MB M13.21, recognisable by the iconic V-shaped chronograph bridge whose design was protected in 1912.

Last but in no way least, the 1858 Pocket Watch Limited Edition 100 represents the greatest attempt at embracing the Minerva Manufacture heritage. Designed for mountain explorers, the 60mm pocket watch(made from grade-two titanium that is both polished and satin finished) has three different uses.

You can set it up on a table with a stand or combine it with an in-built compass that can be accessed by laying it flat on a map. It can also be transformed into a wristwatch when attached to a unique brown Sfumato aged calfskin strap. Then, of course, you can hold it in your hand – just like a traditional pocket watch. The 30-minute counter at 12 o’clock and small second counter at 6 o’clock are cut directly into the dreamy Dumortierite stone.

 

 

 

All you need to know about Beringer Wine of the Napa Valley?

Established in 1876, Beringer is the paragon of US wine imbued with the greatness of Napa Valley. Beringer has been making wine with grapes from its own well-maintained and vast vineyards with the expertise of Chief Winemaker Mark Beringer.

It is no surprise that Beringer is the twelve-time winner of Wine & Spirits “Winery of the Year”. With its special curated formulas like Beringer Private Reserve, Beringer Knights Valley and others – which are rated more than 90 points by Robert Parker and Wine Spectator – Beringer has carved out a reputable name among a sea of Old World labels.

 

During Penang Rendezvous 2018, we met Sam Stephens, the ambassador of Beringer and we were honoured to have him to talk about the brand and its legacy.

 

Can you tell us a little about yourself and what you do?
My name is Sam Stephens and I’m the brand ambassador for Treasury Wine Estates. Based in Southeast Asia, I go to all the markets to educate and inspire people about our brand, wines, history and stories behind our brand. I have been working in the wine trade for 23 years now. I’m currently studying for my masters in wine qualification.

 

What is the story of Beringer?
Beringer is actually one of the most storied and famous wineries in America. It is based in Napa Valley, California, which is one of the most premium regions for wine in the U.S. regarded by many.

Beringer was first established in 1876 by two German brothers, who moved to California and saw the potential of the Napa Valley as a fantastic wine region. They established the winery after that and today we are the longest continually produced winery in the US. We have the great great grandson of the Beringer brothers, Mark Beringer as our current chief winemaker.

Can you tell us the difference between Napa Valley wine and traditional European wine?
 In my opinion, Napa Valley is being regarded as an amazing place for premium quality and luxury wine because it has an amazing climate for growing premium quality grapes. It is slightly warmer than usual traditional European places.

Style-wise, you will find Beringer and premium luxury wines richer and more full-bodied, probably right into the character than your traditional burgundy wine. All these have to do with the climate. We also find that Napa Valley wines have just as much elegance and sophistication as the Old World wines, but it is richer in flavour and more full-bodied.

 

What is the difference between drinking culture of Malaysia and that of the US?
The difference is the US has a much more introspectiveness, they drink a lot of local wines. On the other hand, here in Malaysia, we don’t have a local wine source. Therefore, Malaysians drink a wider scope of wine and I think they are really embracing premium American wines like Beringer. This is because they understand the quality, heritage and history particularly behind the brand like Beringer.

I think Malaysia’s wine culture is really growing exponentially at the moment, particularly here in Penang. We are seeing some amazing premium wine boutiques stocking up wines and we met some really engaged consumers who enjoyed the variety the wines bring to their life. In fact, it is a very social thing which you can enjoy drinking wines while sharing stories with your friends. For me, Malaysia’s wine culture is considered at the exploratory stage.

Can you give us some tips on how to find a good wine?
With wine, it comes down to knowing what you like. So, I always recommend people taste everything, try as much as you can because that allows you to build your own portfolio of what you like and what you don’t like, that is very important.

A good tip for finding a good quality wine is never go for the cheapest wine, whether you buy it at the restaurant, the grocery store or the wine merchant. Generally, you get a much better attempt if you go up one or two price level. So the idea is to look at something that is closer to the range of MYR 100 and above, instead of MYR 50 or MYR 60.

Let’s take Beringer as an example, we have a fantastic entry level gourmet wine. With that, can you step up to founder level, which is just MYR 20 more, and you can really taste the difference. And if you continue to step up to Napa Valley range, which what we showcased here today, it gives you another level of complexity, intensity and richness. Therefore, a couple of steps up the price ladder will give you a much more premium wine and enjoyable experience.

 

Lastly, in your point of view, how do Malaysians perceive U.S. wine especially Beringer?
I have been to Malaysia nine times last year including this Penang trip, I found out that people start to embrace US wine and premium US wine on the same level as the traditional European wine.

With the discovery of wines like our Knights Valley, Private Reserve and white wine Chardonnay, I think people in Malaysia seemed really excited about the quality coming out of Napa Valley and the luxury wines they are able to access here.

 

Discover more about Beringer wines on www.beringer.com.

What to expect at Baselworld 2019?

The Swatch Group CEO Nick Hayek has dropped a bombshell last month with an exclusive interview with Switzerland’s Neue Zürcher Zeitung and the news has quickly made to the headlines of every watch publications.

According to a statement issued by The Swatch Group, “Today everything has become more transparent, fast-moving, and instantaneous. Accordingly, a different rhythm and a different approach is needed. … In this new context, annual watch fairs, as they exist today, no longer make much sense. This does not mean that they should disappear. But it is necessary that they reinvent themselves, responding appropriately to the current situation and demonstrating more dynamism and creativity”.

In response to the statement, René Kamm, the former CEO of MCH Group – who has resigned after the departure of The Swatch Group from Baselworld – said, “We extraordinarily regret Swatch Group’s decision. The cancellation is all the more surprising for us because this news reaches us at a point in time when new management has arrived with a new team, new esprit and many new ideas’.

In the same month – when the news of The Swatch Group’s departure broke –, Baselworld has welcomed a new Managing Director, Michel Loris-Melikoff and he revealed that it will be an entirely brand new experience for Baselworld 2019 with the transformation of the annual event from a media andtrading platform to an attractive marketing, communications and events platform.

René Kamm has stepped down as CEO of MCH Group on 3 August.

The following are the low-down on what he shared about the plans for Baselworld 2019:

 

More exclusive contents
Baselworld will present Les Ateliers in Hall 1.0 South which provides a better opportunity for the independent watchmakers to showcase their creations. What’s more, the Hall 1.1 will be the venue for “The Loop”, a space for the presentation of watchmaking art.

A hub for jewellery makers
The “Show Plaza” in Hall 1.2 will feature a spectacular 240° catwalk with numerous LED screens to present the latest jewellery collections, which will also be used for wholly revised press day and a Retailer Summit.

The privilege of dining and accommodation
Baselworld will be offering a diverse selection of catering options, be it take away or dine-in at an exclusive three-star restaurant. Aside from dining, Baselworld plans to sign “Charta” with partner hotels to ensure a reasonable price for accommodation during Baselworld.

Information at fingertips
Baselworld will deliver all relevant information directly to the user’s phones via messaging services of chatbot and WeChat (for Asian audiences).

 

The Swatch Group was the largest exhibitor of Baselworld – with 18 brands under its helm such as Omega, Longines, Tissot and others – which funded the prestigious watch event with more than $US 50 million annually. Although Baselworld has survived from the departure of big brands like Cartier and Piaget previously, losing The Swatch Group as its main backer will definitely have an impact on Baselworld.

However, news about potent exhibitor leaving Baselworld did not come as a complete surprise as it has been happening throughout the decades. For example, the exit of Movado Group and Breitling last year; Vendôme Group in 1990; Hermes and others. The number of exhibitors has also dropped drastically from over 1300 to around 650 in 2018, which was only half the exhibitors in 2017.

The Swatch Group, which carries Omega has quit Baselworld.

Despite that, there are still 650 brands signed to exhibit in Baselworld 2019.

5-star Langkawi trip with Bell & Ross

Day 1

If I was allowed to use one word to describe my trip, it would be overwhelming. Last month, Bell & Ross flew me to Langkawi to preview their latest collection from Baselworld and I was inundated by the luxury I had during the trip.

The clock’s hands pointed at ten and eight as my flight touched down at Langkawi International Airport. It was sunny when I stepped out of my flight. I had a feeling the trip gonna be good and I was not wrong.

After less than half an hour journey, we finally reached our accommodation – Four Seasons Resort Langkawi. Unfortunately, the rain started to lash down. The hotel staff was caring enough to shield us with umbrella and drove us into the resort with a buggy.

Inside, it was truly an oasis decorated with a backdrop of Insta-worthy beach view and dotted with villas. I was ushered to the arrival hall. The friendliness of the staffs, the tasty welcome drink and the idyllic setting instantly put me on cloud nine. Then, we adjourned to the Serai restaurant, a restaurant serving buffet meals to have lunch and headed back to my room afterwards.

I was given a room with a partial sea-view. The room was an epitome of opulence, which comprised a spacious room boasting a king size bed; an expansive dressing room consisting dressing area, double vanity, a toilet and an indoor bathroom; an outdoor terrazzo bathtub; and a personal patio with a partial beach view.

Partial sea-view ground floor pavilion

 

Bedroom

After a restful nap, I donned a resort outfit and got ready for the highlight of the day – Discover the evolution of Dive Instruments and the retrospective of Bell & Ross’ Dive Watches.

Hosted at Rhu Bar of Four Seasons Resort, booths were set up to showcase Bell & Ross’ Baselworld collection – BR03-92 Diver Blue and limited edition BR03-92 Diver Bronze.

BR03-92 Diver Blue and BR03-92 Diver Bronze were the extended versions of BR03-92 Diver Black introduced back in 2017. Continued to cherish its glory of being the first brand to introduce square diving watch, Bell & Ross rolled out the two horological marvels in a row during Baselworld 2018.

Bell & Ross BR03-92 Diver showcase

BR03-92 Diver Blue

The trailblazing square diving watch BR03-92 Diver is a professional diving instrument that meets ISO 6425 standard, thanks to its capability of diving underwater up to 300 metres of depth. Aside from its impressive water resistance, it is also imbued with a calibre BR-CAL. 302. automatic mechanical heart, enclosed in a 42mm case. It also boasts White SuperLuminova® on its hour hand, minute hands and indices granting its legibility even underwater and under dark condition, defining a true diving watch.

That night was topped off with gourmet meals served exclusively by the Four Seasons’ chefs.

Day 2

After an English breakfast buffet at Serai restaurant, it was time for an exhilarating adventure at Kilim Geoforest Park. It was a two and a half hour tour which I visited mangrove swamp; abandoned charcoal mill where a troop of monkeys lived; Karst Hills where a flock of red eagles and sea eagles were seen hovering around; and bat cave.

In the afternoon, we popped in Kelapa Grill restaurant – an eatery surrounded by the emerald waters of the Andaman Sea – to sate our hunger for the afternoon. After we were done, Bell & Ross announced they were going to give a surprise in the evening.

Kilim Geoforest Park

Kilim Geoforest Park

Around 6 p.m., Bell & Ross drove us to the secret place in the rain. After half an hour journey, we rolled up at our destination – Ritz-Carlton Langkawi. There were plenty of buggies were already waiting there. We got on the buggy straight away and headed inside the resort. Then, we took a stroll along a hidden alley to get to the secret place.

Surprise unveiled: it was The Horizon, a lounge which perched above a rock with a picture-perfect sunset view. What’s more, there were models looking stunning with swimsuits and BR03-92 Diver watches welcomed us at the infinity pool.

After showering the models with the flashlight, I sat down and had plenty of delicacies such as satay, pad thai and mango sticky rice. As the day faded away, DJ amped up the party with upbeat music and I relished the moment drinking luscious champagne by the infinity pool. All these magnificent moments were preciously stored in my brain.

Take your cruise vacation to new heights with Seabourn Ovation

 

An impeccable getaway with a ritzy setting, the sublime beauty of nature, gourmet cuisine and splendid retreat is not a dream anymore because the new Seabourn Ovation cruiseliner has arrived.

A new ultra-luxurious cruise ship, the Seabourn Ovation is the cruise to join where you can indulge in the finest luxury experiences – perfect for a decadent summer getaway.

And, we get a first look of the ultra-luxury Seabourn Ovation.

 

The Swanky Design

Behind the extravagant and majestic design is Adam D. Tihany, one of the most prominent designers in the world

And with every design Tihany has ever created, it has always been noted as masterpieces, which includes a portfolio of restaurants, hotels, resorts and spas.

To enshrine the philosophy of Seabourn, “choice is fundamental to the experience of luxury“, Tihany ensures every guest on Seabourn Ovation revel in ultimate pleasure in every nook and cranny of the ship with his design strategy.

On his inspiration for the Seabourn Ovation, Tihany says, “The curving lines, intricate connections and yacht-inspired details are very much a part of the ship’s identity. Around every corner, the design creates an opportunity for guests to discover and connect with their environment.”

 

The Plush Suites

Signature suite

Seabourn Ovation boasts six types of suites including Wintergarden suite, Signature suite, Owners suite, Penthouse suite, Penthouse Spa suite and Veranda suite catering to various needs of its guests.

And rest assured, each and every room design is made for ultimate comfort and luxury, unlike your regular cruise cabins.

Inside, you will find spacious closets, comfortable sleeping areas, elegant bathrooms, a well-stocked in-suite bar and personal entertainment options – all donned in a profusion of colours and opulence of fine materials.

Whirlpool bathtub of Wintergarden suite

Not only that, Seabourn has partnered with Molton Brown to take its luxury experience up a notch, where every guest is offered body and hair collections in Seabourn Signature Scents designed exclusively by Molton Brown.

As for couple travellers, you and your partner can even have an intimate alfresco meal overlooking the beauty of nature as the ship slips by a glistening ocean.

 

The Splendid Amenities

The Retreat

Onwards to its facilities, the highlight is The Retreat, the extravagant recreational space filled with 15 private cabanas that are shielded by a flower-shaped canopy.

And right at the centre, there is a whirlpool jacuzzi for your pleasure.

The Retreat aside, you can also head to Spa and Wellness, where you can enjoy the expertise of skilled therapists with plenty of options like massage, detox, cleansing and wrap treatments.

There are even meditation and yoga session available if you want to stretch your muscle.

Spa & Wellness

In addition to that, there is a fully-equipped gym at Fitness Center which provides you with the aerobics, variable resistance and free weights training, along with a beautiful view of the sea.

After your workout, gussy up yourself with the Skinceuticals facial therapies and full-service salon that nestled inside the fleet.

 

The Holy Grail of Entertainment

The Observation Bar

The Observation Bar will serve you drinks from morning to night. The early risers can have a cup of coffee or tea here and feast their eyes on the ocean view; while the social butterflies can sip the cocktails as they listen to the soothing piano music.

Nothing is better than having the chance to taste the alcoholic marvel curated by Brian Van Flandern, “America’s Top Mixologist”.

And you can spend the rest of your night at The Club if you are into some gambling and theatrical performances.

The Grand Salon

Alternatively, visit The Grand Salon, where new shows by seasoned entertainers or cultural productions from prestigious guest speakers with the likes of American journalist Dan Rather and Forbes Media Chairman Steve Forbes, are scheduled.

Also, breathe in some cool air while you savour drinks well crafted by the Seabourn team when you head to Sky Bar on the patio to revel in the tranquil atmosphere of the starry night.

 

World-class Cuisine

The Grill by Thomas Keller

Ultra-luxurious fleet and world-class cuisine make a perfect match. Helmed by Michelin-starred Chef Thomas Keller, the cuisine offerings here will top off your cruise journey with a happy ending.

The Colonnade

A slew of options are available, which includes The Grill by Thomas Keller, which inspired by classic American chophouse where you can whet your palate with succulent steaks; Sushi, Japanese gourmet meals prepared using fresh ingredients shipped from Japan; The Colonnade, a decent dining spot serving buffets, a la carte items and daily specials in daytime and regionally themed with full table service in night time; and of course,  fine dining at The Restaurant.

 

For more information about the Seabourn Ovation and its tour schedule, visit www.ovation.seabourn.com.

 

Penang RendezVous is happening this 26th to 29th July 2018

Taking place for the first time on the Pearl of the Orient, the Penang RendezVous is happening from 26th to 29th July 2018 (Thursday to Sunday), at the scenic Straits Quay Retail Marina in Penang, Malaysia.

The Penang edition of the RendezVous will stay true to its brand DNA by fusing multi-bespoke luxury lifestyle elements that are both local and regional. The Penang RendezVous seeks to offer you a luxury lifestyle experience in a marine environment encompassing cars, art, fashion, entertainment and food with an interactive approach.

As of today, there will be over 20 yachts and one seaplane on display by key partners Pen Marine (including Princess Yachts, Jeanneau, Leopard Catamarans and Amel), Simpson Marine (Monte Carlo Yachts, Beneteau Oceanis, Gran Turismo and Lagoon Catamarans…) and Hong Seh Marine (Ferretti Yachts and Cranchi).

The Penang RendezVous’s exciting agenda will include a H.O.M.E by Martell pop-up too. Following its “Be Curious” theme, guests to the Martell pop-up can explore special workshops and indulge in gastronomic dining experiences too.

Additional highlights visitors can expect from the four-day luxury lifestyle event include convoys from Ferrari Owners Club members, and the Eastern & Oriental Berhad Sunset Cocktail Party. There will also be special Volvo test drives for Penang RendezVous guests.

There will also be daily entertainment line-ups comprising roving caricaturists, interactive saxophonists, as well as live musical performances – here’s your chance to sway along to melodious beats from genres like jazz, soul, and blues and funk!

Furthermore, the Penang RendezVous 2018 will play host to Penang’s leading resorts, hotels and property developers. Eastern & Oriental Berhad will be presenting the Seri Tanjung Pinang development, slated to be Penang’s biggest master-planned seafront project, which will be rolled out over two phases.

Want to know what sets the Penang RendezVous apart from the rest? You’ll also receive the rare opportunity of getting a head start in the thrilling world of cryptocurrency, through seminars presented by Aditus. A revolutionary new platform that brings the world of luxury to crypto-affluents, Aditus operates through a privacy-centric decentralised network utilising smart contracts and blockchain technology.

Cryptocurrencies are currently the fastest growing new asset class, giving rise to a growing new community of high net worth individuals. Make sure you join us for the Aditus Circle Lounge party!

Have we piqued your interest? Well, mark your calendars for July 26 to 29 and join us for this exciting adventure soon!

 

Be sure to check Penang RendezVous out at www.penangrendezvous.com or visit our  Instagram (@penangrendezvous) and our official FaceBook page (facebook.com/PenangRendezVous).

 

You can also RSVP to Penang RendezVous right now via email [email protected].

Here are the reasons why you need to visit Tai Kwun

Courtesy of Tai Kwun

After eight years of restoration, the brand new cultural hub Tai Kwun has finally opened its doors on 29 May 2018.

The name Tai Kwun （大馆）means “big station” in Chinese, which is a colloquial name used by police officers and public alike to refer to the former law enforcement complex, located in Central, Hong Kong,  which is now turned into a cultural hub.

The restoration plan was started up by the Hong Kong Jockey Club, in partnership with the government of the Hong Kong SAR and the restoration saw a total of HK $3.8 billion spent, which was all sponsored by Hong Kong Jockey Club.

Officially named “Tai Kwun Centre for Heritage and Arts”, the centre – with its first phase now opened to the public – offers a medley of contemporary art and performing art programmes for all.

And here’s why you need to pay it a visit now:

Courtesy of Herzog & de Meuron

Reason #1: Tai Kwun is a heritage gem

Occupying over 300,000 square feet. of space, Tai Kwun used to be the Central Police Station, Central Magistracy and Victoria prison.

Playing such monumental roles in the past, Tai Kwun is probably one of the most prominent heritage sites of Hong Kong.

Now, it has been transformed into a new historical attraction for both locals and tourists alike, with 16 restored historical buildings as well as two additional new buildings designed by Swiss studio Herzog & de Meuron.

Courtesy of Spring Workshop

Reason #2: A place rife with arts

Tai Kwun aims to be an art hub where it provides a non-commercial creative platform for the artists to share their passion.

Tai Kwun Contemporary is the place to be if you are into art exhibitions and programmes as it plans to organise six to eight exhibitions a year to bring different creative contents to its visitors. All these will be housed under the museum-standard galleries, designed by Herzog & de Meuron.

One of the exhibitions to visit is the “100 Faces of Tai Kwun”, which started on 29 May and will last until 2 September. Here, you will get to know the stories of 100 Hongkongers who spent their days at Central Police Station during its heyday.

Accompanying the opening of Tai Kwun is also the inaugural exhibition dubbed “Dismantling the Scaffold” which happens now until 15 August 2018. It features works from both local and international artists under the theme of socialism and civilisation.

The inaugural exhibition sheds light on various issues such as social participation, commodification, exclusion and confinement, and others – that happened in public and private spheres.

Courtesy of Tai Kwun

Reason #3: A home to performing arts

Contemporary art aside, Tai Kwun is also the hub for performing arts, where it cultivates the appreciation of the art.

To achieve that, Tai Kwun curates several seasons of entertainment to offer the visitors different facets of Tai Kwun. It includes theatre season in July 2018; dance season, from mid-September to late October 2018; and special-themed season, in December 2018.

For classic film lovers, especially those who fancy crime and legal genres, you have to check out the HKIFF Cine Fan.

Happening at JC Cube every month, these inaugural programmes presented by Cine Fan will feature classic films of law and order including The Killer (1989, starring Chow Yun-fat) and The French Connection (1971, starring Gene Hackman).

Not only that, you also get to watch Ingmar Bergman’s films as Tai Kwun celebrates the late Swedish master film maker’s centenary retrospective.

Courtesy of Tai Kwun

Reason #4: Food and Shopping paradise

You will also find plenty of delectable restaurants here at Tai Kwun. Among those, there are three we found most intriguing: Café Claudel, a Parisian cafe to savour classic French food and immerse yourself in an authentic Parisian atmosphere; LockCha Tea House, a Chinese tea house that serves healthy tea sourcing directly from farms; and MaoMao Eat, a local tea house serving authentic Hong Kong pastries.

In addition to that, there are several soon-to-be opened restaurants await you including Dragonfly, a swanky restaurant designed by Ashley Sutton; hc: Bistro, a casual dining place where you can enjoy foods, art and music; and Madame Fu, a restaurant comprising a mix of Hong Kong’s colonial architecture and European cafe’s grandeur.

The best way to complete your visit at Tai Kwun is to pop in the shops nestled inside Tai Kwun, be it Bonart, a terrarium concept store which you can immerse yourself with beautiful green plants; Harrison Wong, a place to reward yourself some designer’s clothes; or Loveramic, a shop where you can hunt for modern ceramics as souvenirs.

To discover more about Tai Kwun and find out more information on the hub, visit www.taikwun.hk.

MoMA at NGV: 200 works of art and 130 years of art innovations, from New York to Melbourne

Marking the largest instalment of the Melbourne Winter Masterpieces exhibition, MoMA at NGV features more than 200 artworks; from a glorious line up of great nineteenth and twentieth-century artists, including Vincent van Gogh, Pablo Picasso, Marcel Duchamp, Salvador Dalí, Frida Kahlo, Andy Warhol, and also contemporary artist such as Jeff Koons and Cindy Sherman.

MoMA at NGV 2018

Exploring the late nineteenth century urban and industrial transformation through to the digital and global present, the radical innovation of art movements across for more than 130 years is segmented into eight chronological themes: Arcadia and Metropolis, Machinery of the Modern World, A New Unity, Inner and Outer Worlds, Arts as Action, Things as They Are, Immense Encyclopedia and Flight Patterns.

MoMA at NGV 2018

MoMA at NGV 2018

Here is a sneak peek of the artworks that are going to be housed in the gallery:

 

 

MoMA at NGV: 130 Years of Modern and Contemporary Art 2018 will be held at the Ground Level of National Gallery of Victoria, from 9th June to 7th October 2018, 10am–5pm daily.

For tickets and more information, visit www.ngv.vic.gov.au.

Rimowa collaborates with Off-White for transparent luggage

Without a doubt, Virgil Abloh and his label Off-White are a cult now and anything has to do with him is always coveted including the coming Rimowa X Off-White collaboration.

In celebration of its 120th anniversary, luxury travel brand Rimowa and streetwear label Off-White have come together for a limited edition luggage collection, featuring a transparent design!

Made with transparent polycarbonate, the Rimowa x Off-White carry-on luggage juxtaposes its clear design with black details such as accented black handles, wheels, labelling on the locks and telescopic handle.

It is a playful take to highlight the privacy culture of surveillance and anonymity in today’s world.

This case has replaced the interior lining with their own design of Flex-Divider system and customised bags to keep things in neat and modest order.

It also enhanced with Rimowa’s silent Multiwheel system, TSA combination locks, an exclusive transparent amenity kit for an efficient performance and even an additional set of wheels in Off-White orange that you can swap out with.

On the collaboration, Virgil Abloh says, “This collaboration was an experimentation where we studied travelling and one’s emotional connection to their own “personal belongings”. This project had been in the works for a while and now the accumulation of various ideas from over a long period of time will be released to the world.”

 

Be sure to check out Off-White’s men fashion show on 20th June 2018 for the premiere of the suitcase.

Get your hands on the suitcase from 25th June in select Rimowa & Off-White’s stores, Rimowa Europe’s website, select wholesale partners and Wechat pop-up store.