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First Look: 4 Upcoming Residential Developments for your Next Luxury Home

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This article is in association with City Developments Limited (CDL).

AMBER PARK | FREEHOLD

Artist’s impression of Amber Park. Featuring The Stratosphere (enhanced jogging track). Image by CDL.

Located along Amber Road in Singapore’s ever-popular East Coast neighborhood, Amber Park is a new icon for luxury living in the area. Not only does it boast excellent connectivity since it’s just a three-minute walk to the upcoming Tanjong Katong MRT station on the Thomson-East Coast Line, it also sits on a rare expansive freehold site in the exclusive Amber Road enclave.

Artist’s impression of the living and dining interior in an Amber Park unit. Image by CDL.

The development is designed by SCDA Architects’ award-winning Principal Architect, Chan Soo Khian, and features a unique 32,507 sq ft rooftop recreational deck ‘The Stratosphere’ that is 235 ft above sea level and seamlessly connects three 21-storey towers. Amber Park also boasts a first in Singapore: A 600-meter sky jogging track, that elevates exercise to a delightful sensory experience, against a backdrop of the open sky and sea.

BOULEVARD 88 | FREEHOLD

Artist’s impression of Boulevard 88 at dusk. Image by CDL.

The luxurious Boulevard 88 is a new freehold residential development located in the highly coveted area of District 10 along Orchard Boulevard. Just a short stroll away from the Orchard Road shopping area, it’s the perfect home for well- heeled urbanites who are seeking connectivity, convenience, and of course, luxury living.

Artist’s impression of the living room interior in a Boulevard 88 unit. Image by CDL.

Perched above The Singapore EDITION Hotel, Boulevard 88 is designed by world-renowned architect Moshe Safdie, who is instrumental in making Singapore’s skyline and landscape a global icon, with well-known landmarks like Marina Bay Sands and Jewel Changi Airport. Boasting stunning architecture, Boulevard 88 comprises two 28-storey residential towers that are connected at the top by the Sky Boulevard, which creates a tall “urban window” that frames an unparalleled skyline silhouette. Residents can also enjoy Signature Residential Services from hospitality- trained Residential Hosts.

HAUS ON HANDY

Artist’s impression of Haus on Handy. Image by CDL.

Heritage and modernity come together at Haus on Handy, a new condominium on Handy Road in prime District 9 that’s a mere two minutes’ walk to the Dhoby Ghaut MRT interchange. The development comprises two residential towers and features a rare heritage bungalow — formerly known as the Tower House, a prominent landmark in the Mount Sophia neighborhood — that has been conserved and converted into the “Club Haus” that offers an array of facilities. These include a Gym Studio, Freeform Studio, Power Studio, and Club Lounge.

Artist’s impression of the Sky Park at Haus on Handy. Image by CDL.

At the signature rooftop Sky Garden, residents can enjoy beautiful city views, as well as access facilities like the Yoga Lawn, Sky Fitness, Rooftop Lounge, and Nutmeg Garden. Within the apartments, residents can look forward to a Wireless Smart Home System that provides added convenience and security.

IRWELL HILL RESIDENCES

Artist’s impression of Irwell Hill Residences. Image by CDL.

Irwell Hill Residences, located in District 9 and mere minutes away from the upcoming Great World MRT station, is located on an elevated terrain and features two 36-storey towers with a stunning champagne gold pixel-patterned façade that will redefine Singapore’s skyline.

Artist’s impression of the pool and function room at Irwell Hill Residences. Image by CDL.

Designed for sustainability and wellness, the architecture by MVRDV is carefully configured to optimise the living environment, seamlessly integrating the four heritage trees into the landscape. The architecture also connects the botanical landscape with the outdoor spaces of the balconies, creating a green and enjoyable dwelling experience.

Irwell Vista, located on Level 24 of both towers, features a purpose-designed workspace ‘Vista Co-Work’ equipped with WiFi and charging points, all in a setting that offers a spectacular view of the sky framed by greenery. Located at the top of the towers is Irwell Sky for intimate gatherings with friends and loved ones.

Artist’s impression of the living and dining interior at Irwell Hill Residences. Image by CDL.

The apartments come with thoughtful touches that anticipate our modern needs, allowing one to transform spaces to accommodate working from home, as well as designs that incorporate sustainable materials.

For more information, click here.

Tech Leader Advocates for STEM Education and Career for Women

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Women remain underrepresented in Singapore tech sectors, particularly in leadership roles where they make up only 27 per cent of senior management and 12 per cent of CEO or board-level positions. This is according to a recent case study presented by Boston Consulting Group and Infocomm Media Development Authority of Singapore.

The same study says women account for 41 per cent of the tech workforce in Singapore, and only 32 per cent in Southeast Asia.

STEM careers are considered jobs of the future which drive innovation, social well-being, inclusive growth and sustainable development. The lack of gender diversity in the workforce represents a tremendous loss of opportunities among women. Moreover, it impedes companies from looking at problems from different perspectives and finding new solutions to them.

“When I look at the opportunity that is out there, it’s really about exposure,” says Susan St. Ledger, President, Worldwide Field Operations at Okta, a digital identity management provider. “We must make sure that we expose girls at a much younger age so that they actually understand the opportunities that are out there for them.”

According to a UNESCO research, only 35 per cent of STEM students in higher education globally are women, and only 3 per cent of female students in higher education choose Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) studies.

“Gender diversity brings diversity of thought,” St. Ledger remarks. “Statistics show us that companies that have gender diversity perform better. And so, it’s important for companies to understand it’s a business imperative.” For many years, gender diversity was “almost a checkbox, where it was the job of human resources as opposed to people understanding that it actually helps companies perform better”.

St. Ledger forged an exemplary career in tech demonstrating how women can break boundaries and take on new roles in their desired fields. After obtaining a degree in computer science, she joined the US National Security Agency as a software engineer before assuming the posts of sales and business leader at Sun Microsystems, Salesforce, and later on at Splunk, where she notably grew the business from 700 million US dollars to 2.5 billion in revenue.

The daughter of a history teacher and a nurse, St. Ledger grew up in a small town in Pennsylvania. In school she displayed a natural aptitude for math and science and went on to college with the intention of becoming a doctor. However, a computer science class that she attended convinced her to change tracks. “Just the level of analytical thinking really appealed to my analytical brain,” she recalls.

“I do believe there is a natural aptitude, but I also believe that there is still a gender bias that exists where teachers steer boys towards math and girls towards humanities or creative. But I think that anybody can develop all sides of their brain. It’s about learning how to learn so you can learn anything that you want,” she points out.

St. Ledger did very well in her STEM education, earning straights A’s in all her computer science classes, and graduating magna cum laude. After graduation, she pursued a career in STEM, admitting she simply didn’t know another path. “When we graduated college, it was whatever you got – your degree –that’s where you went and did. Today, it can be very different,” she observes.

“What I love so much about STEM education today is when I look at the world of technology, there’s a world out there I didn’t even know existed. You could go into marketing or product marketing. You could be an engineer, or you could go into sales, Or the academia, for sure. There’s just so many paths. And I think that is what is so exhilarating about a STEM education right now.”

Adopting the high-growth mindset has helped St. Ledger shape a truly remarkable career. “If you look at my career, all of it has been at very high-growth companies,” she says, adding that it as among her reasons for joining Okta. “When you’re at a high-growth company, the thing that you have to understand is that there’s no certainty. Change is the only constant.”

She has identified three pillars for her high-growth mindset: One, always be learning; two, aim for continuous improvement. “No matter how well you do something, if you look back, you can always find things you could have improved. If you build that muscle for continuous improvement, it just leads to excellence and more excellence.

“Lastly, be comfortable being uncomfortable. If you’re in growth mode, you’re going to be uncomfortable. Right? Growing, by definition, means you’re uncomfortable.”

St. Ledger thinks that things have improved where women and STEM education are concerned. “I think part of the improvement is exposing young women earlier.” Another factor is the nature of the world that girls are growing up in today, she cites. “They have to understand the digital world to some extent whether it’s their iPhone or gaming; there’s some element that they’re already exposed to. That was not the case when I was growing up.

“I do think that we are making strides, but we still have a long way to go.”

In Singapore to speak at a Women in Tech roundtable on how women should prepare to take on new roles in tech, St. Ledger took time to present a cheque to local non-profit United Women Singapore. The organization supports STEM education for girls, a cause that is close to St. Ledger’s heart.

Performance Without Reservations

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Imagine 544hp of raw power. Imagine 795Nm of unbridled torque. Imagine going from standstill to 100km/h in under four seconds. Imagination generating zero local emissions from the tailpipe.

The first-ever fully electric BMW i4 M50 lets your imagination run wild.

For the first time ever, BMW’s iconic M badge is tagged onto a model that is powered solely by electricity. The BMW i4 M50 introduces to the world a Gran Coupe that continues the brand’s sporting lineage with a new approach towards a sustainable future.

The M DNA of the new i4 M50 sits at the crux of the proposition. This is ultimately a premium performance car that leaves little to be desired in terms of power, handling, and comfort. The fact that it does not drink a drop of petrol makes it all the more alluring.

This first purely electric M Performance model from BMW M GmbH puts out 400kW/544hp of power and 795Nm of torque while allowing over 500km of travel before needing a charge. Just as importantly, it has many of the features of a luxury sports model to affirm its place in the legendary M stable.

Power means nothing without control. The model-specific adaptive M suspension combines with variable sport steering, the M Sport braking system, two electric motors and xDrive to handle all driving conditions. And in spite of the long wheelbase and wide tracks, the body structure is made of lightweight materials and provides superior aerodynamics and the best in tensile strength.

BMW’s fifth-generation eDrive technology integrates the electric motor, power electronics, and transmission into one compact housing, resulting in the most efficient production and use of electric power. Given the car’s ability to take DC fast charging at a rate of up to 205 kW, the i4 M50 is the perfect vehicle to take on a long drive. In just 10 minutes, the range can be increased to 140km.

The enhanced battery technology is the result of years of dedicated research and development by the BMW Group. The electrification of automobiles is just one prong in the BMW Group’s mandate towards building a sustainable future – it also encompasses responsibility in every aspect of the entire value chain. For example, every BMW Group production site uses 100 per cent renewable energy. Suppliers to the Group are also contracted to adhere to the same principles.

How the two electric motors in the i4 M50 integrates with the architecture of the car is an exercise in holistic engineering. In addition, the slim, high-voltage battery is positioned between the 4 wheels as a flat pack. Not only does this help maintain the signature BMW 50/50 weight distribution, it also contributes to a low centre of gravity aiding dynamic handling. Adaptive recuperation further increases efficiency – energy is recovered during braking by intelligently adjusting the braking effect depending on the driving situation.

BMW has left no stone unturned, including the aural landscape of the driving experience. World-renowned film music composer Hans Zimmer lent a hand to create an energy-charged soundtrack in the BMW i4 M50 through the BMW IconicSounds Electric package.

Not only does the BMW i4 M50 offer instant dizzying excitement on demand, it also serves as the perfect daily driver with over 40 driver assistance systems contributing to a safe and enjoyable journey. Front-collision warning, Lane Departure Warning, Park Distance Control, Reversing Assist Camera, and Speed Limit info is standard. A wide range of other state-of-the-art features are also available as options.

Of course, driving the BMW i4 M50 is more than just enjoying a car that pushes the envelope in performance. The electric M Performance model combines sports appeal with touches of luxury that is synonymous with the Munich brand. Features such as BMW LaserLights, the BMW M Sport seats wrapped in premium leather upholstery, and the Harman Kardon sound system all reflect the premium leanings of the car. The large tailgate and 470l boot space (expandable to 1290l) further add highly useful practicalities.

Functionality is up front and centre. The eye-catching BMW Curved Display creates a futuristic ambience in the interior, with advanced graphics that come with the powerful software of BMW Operating System 8.

BMW M models have been at the forefront of performance-enhanced, everyday cars for some time now. The fully electric i4 M50 adds to BMW’s wide offerings and takes the brand into the next generation of zero-emission vehicles that are not only sustainable, but also incredibly exciting to drive.

Visit the BMW iPavilion at ION Orchard, (L1 ION2) from 27 August to 18 September, from 10am to 10pm, and find out more about the latest BMW electric vehicles. This event is open to the public and admission is free.

For more details, go to bmw.com.sg

A Meal With… Alvin Tan, Deputy CEO, National Heritage Board

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The National Heritage Board (NHB) safeguards and promotes the heritage of Singapore’s diverse communities. It owns and operates museums, heritage institutions and World War II interpretative centres through which it carries out its multifarious work in heritage preservation and promotion, museum excellence, community outreach and engagement, and sector development.

Anyone who marvels at how Singapore preserves its cultural heritage amidst the breathtaking modernity will not be amiss to imagine that NHB has had a hand in it in some way.

In 2019, for instance, close to 3 million people visited the nine museums under NHB’s care. It was also a banner year for NHB’s audience engagement which saw the launch of innovative new programs that drew the crowds in while serving as platforms for robust two-way interaction. Unfortunately, we all knew what happened in the couple of years the followed.

 

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A post shared by National Heritage Board (@nhb_sg)

But with things inching their way back on track, I felt it was time to reconnect with Alvin Tan, 50, deputy CEO of NHB, to find out what has changed, what will remain, and how things will become better for museums and museumgoers moving forward.

Alvin Tan, Deputy CEO, National Heritage Board

We arranged to meet for lunch at Wolfgang’s Steakhouse as only a hearty meal could fuel a hearty conversation. When I learned that our friends at Pernod Ricard were sending down a bottle each of Royal Salute 21 and Royal Salute 30 to pair with our food, I knew that things couldn’t get any better.

A salute to heritage

It was befitting for Royal Salute to get behind this undertaking. Similar to NHB, the label is closely associated with the commemoration and preservation of heritage.

Royal Salute 21, for example, was created to celebrate the ascent of Princess Elizabeth to the British throne in 1953. The number on the label signifies both 21 gun-salute that was paid as tribute to the event as well as the age of whiskies—at least 21 years old—that were used in the Royal Salute blend.

Royal Salute 21-Year-Old The Signature Blend

Meanwhile, the Royal Salute 30 Year Old Key to the Kingdom, launched this year, commemorates the presentation of the keys to the City of Edinburgh to HRM Queen Elizabeth II in what is known as the Ceremony of Keys. The new blend comprises select whiskies aged for a minimum of 30 years and sourced from various parts of Scotland.

Keeping heritage alive is a noble undertaking by any measure. Royal Salute has also been playing its part in ensuring that heritage resonates with its recipients’ present lives. Its informal motto, “We Begin Where Others End”, indicates its view of the past as the start of new beginnings.

Royal Salute 30-Year-Old Key to the Kingdom. Photo: Royal Salute

Quick and efficient

I caught Alvin just as he was preparing to leave for Prague to present a paper before the International Council of Museums (ICOM). His abstract on digital museum-based learning during the pandemic elicited interest among members of the organisation that they invited him to share Singapore’s experience.

There have been learnings – as people are now wont to say in reference to the pandemic, and to Alvin the lessons came relentlessly and swiftly, demanding inventive and agile response. In March 2020, NHB issued their first set of new operational guidelines for museums; a month later, with the government’s stay-home order and tighter safety measures, all museums in Singapore closed their doors.

At the start of the pandemic, Alvin assembled what would become the NHB Covid-19 Rapid Response Team. “It wasn’t even a committee – we simply didn’t have time; I happen to know who among our staff was strong in research and who was good in deciphering macro trends, so, I picked three of them and we did environment scans of what governments worldwide were offering to their arts and culture sector, how museums were responding to different challenges.” By the end of March, they released their first report with corresponding recommendations.

“We had to hit the pause and cancel buttons,” he recalled. “Pause for the projects that had to be deferred and cancel for those that had to be called off.” Meanwhile, visitor figures continued to plummet, and museums suffered unprecedented revenue losses—but they still had to remain connected to their audiences.

A digital pivot became necessary. “As our teams frantically tried to deal with the fallout that followed the cancellation of exhibitions, they tried to develop digital content for programs that were originally meant to be delivered in person.”

Alvin admitted that although their digitalisation plan served them well during the pandemic, it was originally intended for cataloguing and archiving, as well as for enhancing accessibility. “Once (our resources) have been transcribed to a digital format, it became easier to offer them up to audiences everywhere.”

The interior of Wolfgang’s Steakhouse by Wolfgang Zwiener that’s styled after a Victorian era, featuring Chesterfield-inspired leather furniture and wood panelled walls

“We have a mostly young, digital savvy staff which makes the transition easy,” he added. “When we did a survey of the museum roundtable members, a collective of over 60 private and public museums operating in Singapore, we found out that a lot of them faced challenges due to lack of digital capabilities.” NHB then launched several online training sessions in which experts shared digital learnings and best practices with the roundtable members.

Through tough times

NHB museums are largely funded by the government; they also rely on fundraisers and donations. With admission free for Singaporeans and permanent residents, their dependence on admission fees for income is also somewhat eased. This is one of two important factors that helped them endure the lockdown.

The second is their early adoption of digitalisation. “We embarked on a digitalisation and transformation plan way before the pandemic broke out,” Alvin shared. “We have digitalised our collections and resources and began offering more immersive digital experiences to our visitors.” When the lockdown disrupted their normal operations, they turned to increasing existing and creating new digital resources to continue their work.

The five-course menu served at Wolfgang’s Steakhouse, with a select pairing of Royal Salute whiskies

Eventually, air travel came to a standstill, making it even more difficult to borrow artefacts from museums overseas. “But a good thing that came out of the situation was the exposition of rarely glimpsed pieces from our national collection. We went through what have and curated exhibitions around them.”

Engaged and Empowered

Museum visitors are changing in what they expect to see and how they interact with what is before them, observed Alvin. “In the past, they were more of passive consumers of whatever museums put up.” Today, they expect representation and a voice in the exhibitions. And this is an area where NHB is taking a lead.

In some of their museums, NHB has successfully launched community co-curated exhibitions. For instance, at the Malay Heritage Centre, they collaborated with various sub-ethnic communities such as the Bugis community for the loan of personal artefacts and the provision of stories to help the curators develop story lines for exhibitions.

Alvin agreed that it is no longer the museums alone that are putting out their perspective on things. Exhibitions have become community collaborations that often involve the audiences. “A lot of the time, such exhibitions involve community stories, community contributions, community voices.” They also transform the museums into vibrant community spaces as the communities involved would often invite their families and their entire network of friends.

“It’s a win-win situation,” Alvin remarked. “Some contributors in our co-curated exhibitions even come back to give special guided tours – community guided tours – and they layer the tour experience with their own personal stories that makes the exhibitions more relatable. They also feel a sense of ownership and a sense of pride.”

Access here for any enquiries on Royal Salute 21YO and 30YO.

WOLFGANG’S STEAKHOUSE SINGAPORE

1 Nanson Road 02-01, InterContinental Singapore, Robertson Quay

APPETIZER

Crab Cake or Tuna Tartare

Royal Salute 21YO

“Rich, fruity aromas and sweet fragrance

of autumn flowers on the nose with

powerful whiffs of sweet pears and

citrus fruits and a dry oakiness enhanced

with subtle notes of sherry and smoke.”

SOUP

Lobster Bisque or Soup of the Day

ENTRÉE

Petite Fillet Mignon or Grilled King Salmon

Royal Salute 30YO

“A luxuriously sweet and fruity blend with notes

of ripe, juicy pears, blood orange and thick set

honey that form a medley of majestic flavours,

and a long finish with enduring smoky notes.”

SIDES

Mashed Potatoes or Creamed Spinach

DESSERT

Tiramisu or Key Lime Pie

Specially Curated for Portfolio

Words by Marc Almagro; images by Alvin Lim; in association with Royal Salute and Wolfgang’s Steakhouse Singapore. A version of this article first appeared on Portfolio.

The McLaren 720S is Here, and You Get to Make Your Own

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The 720S is without a doubt, a beautiful car. We already know it’s fast (it goes 0-62 mph in 2.8 seconds with a torque of 770 Nm) but even when unmoving, the 720S is definitely made right.

First released in 2017, the 720S has since gone through several variations, from the hard-top to the coupe, the Spider (a stunning convertible, the first of its kind built on carbon fibre), and to now what’s perhaps the fastest and most beautiful car of your dreams, thanks to the Bespoke Collection that’s now arrived in Singapore.

If you were a fan of that Gulf race livery they did at the Monaco Grand Prix a couple of years back, then paint orange and blue to your heart’s content, or anything you desire. The 720S Bespoke Collection allows you to choose from over 250 different exterior paintwork from the McLaren Special Operations (MSO).

In other words, it’s personalisation made possible as Bespoke paints can be made available on request. The MSO includes a colour-to-match service (includes a 2 to 4-week review process) where the paint craftsmen will work on creating the custom paint blend.

In the interior department, options of Nappa or Alacantara® leather in various colours are available, as well as contrast stitching for absolute detailing. Bespoke headrests, whether embossed, debossed, or embroidered, allow for custom patterns, designs, or colours in a range of 15 choices.

On the other components such as a coloured marker for the steering wheel, a painted harness bar, door sills, accompanying key, and even down to the accelerator pedal, all of them offer a myriad of options that it’s impossible to create a 720S like any other. And if you’re not fussy and curious what McLaren can do for your car on a whole, there are select in-house themes to choose from, our favourite being the black-blue gradient body and everything else it comes with from the ‘Coriolis’ outfit for a 720S Spider.

 

In terms of maintenance, as McLaren would tell you, extraordinary cars would need the same extraordinary care. It’s advised that the 720S model be serviced every 10,000 miles (15,000km) or after 12 months if that comes sooner. On top of the standard 36-month warranty and, in most areas, McLaren Roadside Assistance, McLaren’s meticulous standards of retail service are promised to be unmatched.

Despite the latest adjustments to the ARF tier for luxury cars, McLaren still assures the value of your car with their Guaranteed Future Value (GFV) Programme with a fixed buy-back value after two years. The programme mitigates the impact of depreciation over time and ensures that your vehicle retains its value even with the latest ARF changes.

Here’s a breakdown of how McLaren’s GFV Programme would work:

(the following breakdown is for illustration purposes only)

Under the Old Tax Scheme:

Original Price: $1,080,000
Buy Back: $864,000
Depreciation for 2 years: $216,000

With the New Tax Scheme:

New Price: $1,148,000 (increase in ARF)
Buy Back: $918,400
Depreciation for 2 years: $229,600

Difference between the two years: $13,600 i.e. the difference per year: $6,800

So what’s McLaren trying to tell you? It’s like we said, perhaps the fastest and most beautiful car of your dreams — a benchmark for supercars, and it’d be foolish to settle for anything less.

Women Supporting Women – a Roundtable Discussion

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Since its establishment in 1942, Emperor Watch and Jewellery has catered to a predominantly male clientele. This holds true even among the timepiece brands it represents; although they offer distinct collections for men and women, the former makes up a majority of their loyal following.

Through time, however, the number of its female timepieces customers has grown. As women become aware of the high art of horology, they develop an interest in collecting timepieces for their complex mechanisms, technical merits, multiple functions, hand-applied finishes, and precious gemstone decoration.

Consequently, they have started making astute purchases, even fuelling a craze for bigger sized, super-complication, and even sporty timepieces that were previously considered to be men’s domain. Women have found exclusive timepieces to be a unique expression of success, confidence and savvy. Empowered and financially independent, they have taken the lead in deciding which timepieces to acquire and value.

The inclusion of women in discussions on timepieces has largely benefited from social media platforms. These selection of blogs, podcasts, and discussion bulletins has allowed interest groups dedicated to horology to grow and transcend gender and age biases, thus paving the way for richer and more meaningful discussions about timepieces.

It is no longer a stretch to claim that a woman’s choice of timepieces is a reflection of her growing self-awareness and confident self-expression.

Emperor Watch and Jewellery supports the empowerment of women. In this first segment of a series of roundtable discussions, we rally behind women who support other women in the workplace.

By encouraging women to be active participants in the workplace, we bring out the best in everyone. It also allows us to celebrate each others’ wins, face our vulnerability together, and accept and embrace our individuality.

Stronger Together

Female corporate leaders discuss supporting women in the workplace

“Typically, banking and finance is an industry where women are generally under-utilized. If we look back at our graduate intake, we find that women and men is a 50:50 ratio. That is progress from when I started 15 years ago. However, as we moved up the ranks, we do see a pyramid structure, with a lot of attrition happening especially at the vice president and director level. 

Females are under-represented in this group. Less than one in five are in leadership positions or sitting on executive committees or boards where they can influence and change the conversation. I think we could do better there as an organization.

But we have made progress, albeit slow, uneven, or fragile. In the early days of the pandemic, we’ve seen some sectors and industries where women had suffered. In 2021, however, we saw the first female CEO of a major Wall Street bank—Jane Fraser of Citigroup. There are other female CEOs, but she was the first of a major Wall Street bank.” – Deena Chauhan

“I work for SWAT Mobility, a Singapore mobility tech startup. By ‘startup’, as you can tell, all of us are very young. And a lot of them may be fresh from school. We’re a six-year-old startup company. When the company first started, it was mainly male dominated. I joined two years ago to co-lead the company with my two very talented male founders. Today, about 10 per cent of our employee population is female.

We have a balanced distribution of females in technology, product, quality assurance, marketing, and sales; we have female GMs in countries where we operate. Even in the more heavy-duty, labor-intensive functions like solution delivery, I’ve got quite a good team of females representing our business as well. 

I think we’re making progress. Can we do better? Definitely. Technology is typically a very male-dominated industry. We also face the same ‘glass ceiling’ challenges in terms of helping my team break through. So, one of the things I hope to do is also to continue to inspire and be the role model to help my younger generation of women try to engage in different functions.” – Grace Ho

“360F is a startup in the insurance and financial technology space. I’m the co-founder and I have the hand in enabling who works in what area. I am proud that in my company the women are not necessarily always in sales and marketing. I have a female data scientist who is on par with her male colleagues, and a project manager who is highly capable in depth of technology and client management. I love seeing women in these roles, which are not the stereotypical ones.

Even then, we have some room for improvement in increasing the number of women on our teams, but for me, that’s not really the main point. I want to see women being used more constructively and being deployed in areas that matter.” – Clarie Kwa

Building Strength Together

Panelists

Deena Chauhan – Director, Global Investment Wealth Solutions, HSBC

Grace Ho – President, SWAT Mobility Pte Ltd

Clarie Kwa – Chief Market Officer, 360F 

Moderator 

Marc Almagro – Editor-in-Chief, Media Group

Communicating the New Twenty ~4 Automatic

A glimpse at the creation of a campaign that reaches out to women

In 1999, Patek Philippe expanded its presence further in the ladies’ watch segment by launching the Twenty~4®, a model that was intended to accompany women in their everyday lives around the clock, as its name suggests. 

To underscore the significance of this realignment, the manufacture presented a campaign explicitly for the Twenty~4® with the headline, “Who will you be in the next 24 hours?” 

A major international advertising campaign dedicated to the launch of the Twenty~4 Automatic was rolled out to reach a new demographic of discerning customers. It paints the portrait of today’s modern, independent, and active woman in a video and vibrantly modern ads. 

Ahead of the launch of the Twenty~4 Automatic, Patek Philippe developed an additional campaign dedicated to the specific event by focusing on the new product and illustrating the evolution of women’s self-confidence across the past 20 years. The international campaign is intended to reach mainly the 30- to 40-year-olds bracket and, like the “Generations” campaign, was developed by Leagas Delaney agency in London.

The video was shot in Rome and highlights the Twenty~4 woman who stands out with great aplomb and projects the harmonious pairing of class and composure. It showcases a watch that is fitting at any time of day or night and matches any wardrobe. 

Rhythmically edited, the video shows a woman in constant motion in various everyday situations, striding forward with poise to meet what life has to offer. The images are accompanied by the voice- over narration of an assertive, style-conscious woman who knows what she wants and what her goals are, a woman who leads a multifaceted and vibrant life. Thus, the video paints a picture in which active and modern women automatically recognize themselves. In perfect balance with the 

Produced in various formats, the ads blend luxury with a fresh approach and contemporary finesse. They always feature two images, one with the woman as the protagonist, the other showing the watch on her wrist as a replacement of the conventional product pack shot. The motto is a further style element that emphasizes the campaign’s underlying concept: “As I live my life.” 

It projects the image of a watch with impressive style that accompanies the lives of modern and active women. These women move consummately in a networked high-tech world but at the same time appreciate beautiful objects of value that stand for artisanal skills and deep-rooted tradition. They represent the growing number of watch enthusiasts who prefer distinctive timepieces with mechanical movements. 

“As I live my life” campaign celebrates the confident, active modern woman and her outlook on the life she leads. A woman of style and substance, her words reflect her ambitions, her hopes and the enriching world in which she lives.

Twenty~4 Automatic timepieces feature three different variations: Haute Joaillerie with diamond pave on the dial, bezel and bracelet, rose gold with silvery, vertical and horizontal satin-finished dial, and a stainless steel with olive green sunburst dial. 

The campaign created for it revolves around a film created by Dutch photographer and cineast Anton Corbijn, who is famous for his portraits and films about the great music stars. 

Here are 4 of the Best Luxurious Voyages of Europe’s Best Coasts

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What’s the antidote to a prolonged pandemic confinement? Well, it’s to bust out of your abode and take a very long, very pampered vacation to just about every corner of the world. And a luxury cruise does just the trick.

According to a statistics report on Statista, the global cruise industry revenue grew to over US$27 billion (over S$36 billion) in recent years, though travel restrictions brought on by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic hit this sector hard in 2020. Similar activity is reflected in Asia, with the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) championing for cruise development in the region.

The Regent Suite

Now, getting holed up on a luxury cruise ship should be the least of your worries. On board Regent Seven Seas, they believe in promising an Unrivalled Space At Sea®, and that means sprawling suites, multiple dining options and spacious social areas where there are no crowds and no waiting.

From revisiting the sands of ancient Greecian glory to admiring the preservation of gothic Spanish architecture, we picked out four luxury all-inclusive voyages on Regent Seven Seas’ The World’s Most Luxurious Fleet™ that celebrate the very best of Europe.

Rome to Athens

It’s ancient history in the flesh with daily stops at different cities, where one can encounter numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites. You’ll start in Civitavecchia, Rome’s principal port that faces the Tyrrhenian Sea. It’s no harbour without the gargantuan Fort Michaelangelo, a fortress that was first constructed in 1508 during the papacy of Pope Julius II.

Similar sights will behold you in Greece, Montenegro and Croatia, after which the Peloponesse town of Gythio will greet you as the ship sets its anchors down for the day. Another port stop in Santorini will round up the trip before its conclusion in Athens. 

What we love: The option of a Go Local Tour. There’s an abundance of Shore Excursions at each port stop that are curated according to tour type, duration, and activity level.

This Old Mediterranean voyage includes a port stop at Dubrovnik, which famously served as the fictional city of King’s Landing in Game of Thrones. Among the Go Local Tours, one can enjoy a leisurely drive along the Dalmation coast and discover traditional Croatian produce and local wines.

Duration: 14 nights. Departs 6 August, 2022

Explore the full itinerary here.

Athens to Athens

From Piraeus and back again, this voyage allows you to indulge in the grandeur of Greecian and Turkish architecture. The trip begins in Piraeus, the gateway to the city of Athens. Throughout the voyage, one will bounce between the port cities of Greece and Turkey. 

A port stop in Dikili includes a hilltop view of the Acropolis as well as an enriching trip of the local markets, where one can enjoy local cuisine, shop for local goods such as their acclaimed textiles, rugs, and jewellery. 

What we love: As part of the range of Shore Excursions, Regent Choice is a curated itinerary designed for smaller group formats. One can expect more unique site visits that are more accessible for smaller parties, as well as more personal engagement between yourself and your guide.  

For instance, a Regent Choice day trip in Marmaris entitles you to a sailing cruise of the Turkish Riviera. While on board a traditional Turkish gulet, one can even opt for a dip in the pristine waters of the Nimara Peninsula.

Duration: 22 nights. Departs 20 August, 2022

Explore the full itinerary here.

Rome to Monte Carlo

This extended itinerary combines classic destinations such as Positano and Barcelona, with boutique ports in Albania, Malta, Croatia, and Montenegro for an authentic taste of the diverse customs, culture, cuisine and coastlines of Europe. 

An overnight stop in Trieste welcomes a timely break while halfway at sea. It’s haven for those seeking for little retail therapy whether it be at designer boutiques and/or outdoor markets. And of course, one can’t forget to seek out the local osteria and enjoy a plate of good old pasta, nonna-style, no less.

What we love: The opportunity to discover the road less traveled. Among the excursion offerings when in Tirana, go hiking across the Albanian landscape that reveals the country’s medieval history while on the guided The Best of Kruja & Tirana tour. Discover religious landmarks, the famous bazaar in the town’s cobbled streets and a traditional meal to try local delicacies.

Duration: 19 nights. Departs 2 October, 2022

Explore the full itinerary here.

Barcelona to London

Somewhat a break from the ancient ruins and old towns is a tour of Europe’s favourite destinations … built on ancient ruins and old towns. After all, isn’t that what Europe is all about?

For 14 nights aboard the Seven Seas Splendor®, you will travel through Spain to Morocco, Portugal to France, with the final stop at Southampton, London. While a visit to the Serranos Towers in Valencia is definitely a must-see (it was a former prison built around a moat à la 14th Century), roaming the countryside in Oporto, the home of port wine, is a refreshing break from cobblestone streets. 

What we love: Regent’s Hotel & Land Programs offer Pre- and Post-Cruise trips to let you indulge just a little bit more of your city of arrival and/or departure. All accommodations and dining arrangements are catered for in an average 4-day itinerary, and includes guided tours and transportation, up to your day of embarkation.

Duration: 14 nights. Departs 9 May, 2023

Explore the full itinerary here.

For more information, please visit RSSC.com or call +65 800 616 7097.

New Zealand Beckons

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New Zealand has captivated Singaporeans for years with its stunning landscapes, the luxury of space, and unbeatable surroundings that highlight the beauty of nature.

The country has also enjoyed the distinction of being one of the most livable places on Earth, making it an obvious holiday destination for Singaporeans seeking both adventure and rejuvenation.

But more than just a place to visit, New Zealand also proves that it is a great place for investment – particularly property and home ownership. This is an opportunity enjoyed by a select few – namely Singaporeans and Australians – thanks to a free-trade agreement.

While this may all sound exciting, we’re certain that there will be many questions that need answers. Where? Why? And ultimately: How do I get started? This is where Williams Corporation steps in.

Gateway to New Zealand

Williams Corporation was established over a decade ago by Matthew Horncastle and Blair Chappell. It is New Zealand’s second-largest residential builder responsible for high quality and affordable homes in locations close to where people live, work, and play in cities like Auckland, Christchurch, Wellington, and Tauranga.

Its success is drawn from the way it conducts business, delivering on a vision of building a more livable country, seen through values like Innovation, Leadership, Trust, and Community.

Moving forward, Williams Corporation has also created a 100 Year plan, providing it with a pathway to becoming a true multi-national company that focuses on structures in Singapore and Australia.

For Singaporeans, New Zealand is a great opportunity for you to invest in property that is secure and boasts great potential growth returns. The two countries share a great relationship, which means that purchasing an investment property is relatively easy, especially with the assistance of Williams Corporation’s experienced team.

What’s more, buying property in New Zealand does not carry any stamp duty or capital gain tax after five years of holding onto the investment. There is also no inheritance tax for people looking for future estate planning.

Finally, investors in Singapore are guaranteed peace of mind when it comes to their overseas investments. The Williams Corporation Singapore team are on hand to help investors with their asset progression structuring and will be able to arrange for a one-on-one consultation at the Singapore office, or even remotely via Zoom.

Investor Experience

We spoke to Dominic Chng, a Williams Corporation client in Singapore, to find out more about his experience. 

Tell us about your decision to invest in New Zealand.
I have been a property investor for years, starting with the local market, then moving into the UK market. I recently came across investment opportunities in New Zealand through social media and decided to find out more.

What drew you to New Zealand and what are your long-term plans for your investment in the country?
In a way, the New Zealand property market is quite similar to the UK with a strong legal jurisdiction and a tight rental market, though at a smaller scale.

The prices are at a relatively affordable level even in the current environment and there is no stamp duty. The FX rate is also quite stable over the years, which provides comfort.

Williams Corporation also has a presence in Singapore, which provided assurance and better access to information and holistic services (including referral to notary, legal counsel, bank broker, and FX provider).

My long term plan is to hold on to the properties that I have purchased for at least five years and then decide, taking into consideration the climate and alternative opportunities to liquidate or continue holding on to them.

How did you find out about Williams Corporation and what made you say ‘yes’ to working with them?
I found out about Williams Corporation through social media and decided to approach them to enquire more. After a few rounds of discussions and fact finding, I find the opportunities aligned with my investment goals. The local team also provides good and assuring services, which led to my investment in Williams Corporation.

Can you tell us more about your experience working with Williams Corporation?
The experience has been very good. They are approachable, understand investor lingo, and know what we are looking out for.

Have you invested in the Williams Corporation capital fund? If so, what was your experience and would you recommend it to others?
Yes, I have. The initial placement can be quite tedious as there was quite a bit of declaration/verification needed to qualify for the scheme, but the Williams Corporation team in Singapore helped a lot with the process. Post-application, I find that the update of fund situation is timely and dividends were remitted without much fuss.

I will recommend it to others, but the recommendees need to be aware of the inherent risks of the investment, especially the default risk of issuer and FX risk (SGD/NZD can be quite volatile even on a daily basis).

Being a savvy investor yourself, can you share some tips for other Singaporeans to ensure their interests are well taken care of in New Zealand property investments?
If you are not that familiar with the New Zealand market, it will definitely be a good idea to work with someone who can provide the full suite of services locally so that you can be handheld through the initial journey.

For more information on Williams Corporation, click here

Smart Wealth

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“My wealth management plan has three  buckets,” shares entrepreneur Jaelle Ang.  “The first is wealth preservation, which I  defend despite negative returns. This bucket  is for essentials, shelter, and safety.

“The second is market risk, a bucket for  the next level of needs that enables and  facilitates nurturing and supporting my family and important peers. Investments  with market-risks, such as stocks and real  estate, sit in this bucket.”

The third, she says, is a bucket for aspirational goals and the pursuit of dreams. “In order to have a shot at meeting aspirational goals, I allocate  capital to projects that may be viewed as uneconomical or to investments that, in adverse circumstances, may result in catastrophic losses.

“We are surrounded by noise all the time,” Ang says, “noise that distracts us from doing smart things. The inherent stubbornness and audacity of most entrepreneurs make it necessary to have a trusted advisor or someone in that role who can offer a systematic path with regular check-ins along the way.”

Many veterans in the banking and property industries consider Ang, 40, a peer — a distinction she earned from years as a banking analyst and a property developer. Today, the young wife and mother of four is  the co-founder and CEO of The Great Room,  a dynamic and successful co-working space  brand. With several commitments in her  personal and professional life, Ang chooses which aspects to focus on, and manages the  rest with help from her team.

Most people get stuck with being a worker  for the machine rather than being its  designer or manager, observes Ang. Anyone  who can recognize the difference between  those roles, and how being a good designer/ manager is more important than being a good worker, becomes in charge of the  choices and outcomes, she concludes. 

Designing and managing an ecosystem, whether it’s a commercial enterprise or a  non-profit, is what interests Ang, as it hands her an ownership of the result. The position comes at a hefty price, she cautions. “It’s  a ton of crazy hard work — you have to get comfortable with being very uncomfortable. But I never take for granted that I’m doing something I love and that makes me happy and fulfilled.”  

Ang has launched The Great Room in major cities across Asia-Pacific, including Hong Kong, Shanghai, Tokyo, and Sydney, and her hard work has rewarded her fairly. She can secure, together with her husband, the future of their children, and live a life with an easy  access to their dreams. However, this does not mean she’s resting on her achievements. Ang is still cranking the machine.  

“The co-working sector is estimated to take up 30 per cent of total commercial  real estate space by 2030. We are now at 2-3 per cent,” Ang explains. Covid-19 is a catalyst of this tenfold growth, she elaborates; companies are realizing that agility counters the uncertainty brought about by the pandemic, as well as the volatility in business environments, and the  shorter business cycles. “Luckily for me, this industry is moving and changing fast; there’s no chance to slow down.” 

A PARTNERSHIP THAT WORKS

Although Jaelle Ang can execute whatever is required to achieve organizational goals, she isn’t beyond enlisting help wherever it is required, especially when it comes to wealth management. This is where Citigold Private Client (CPC) is able to lend assistance to independent-minded, self-assured, and daring entrepreneurs like Ang, who may still need highly proficient wealth management services.

CPC’s array of investment products and wealth advisory services form a holistic approach that answers Ang’s needs for wealth preservation and pursuing her aspirations.

CPC offers the best-in-class wealth advisory. This is administered through a dedicated senior Relationship Manager who leads a team of senior specialists across investments, insurance, treasury and mortgage to attend to the needs of every client. This team is well-equipped with proprietary wealth advisory tools, including Citigold Total Wealth Advisor (TWA) and Portfolio 360, as well as Citi Wealth Insights – world-class insights backed by over 400 research analysts worldwide.

On top of these, CPC also provides its clients with access to enhanced wealth product offerings and preferential pricing, this includes exclusive access to some products that Citigold clients may not have.

Being a CPC client opens up a world of privileges, starting with exclusive access to Citi’s largest wealth hub and CPC lounge at 268 Orchard Road. They also get to enjoy a host of specially curated lifestyle and birthday privileges, plus invitations to exclusive events. They can also enjoy global banking conveniences, such as free ATM withdrawals worldwide, Citigold status portability, and free fund transfer with Citibank Global Transfer.

Let our wealth specialists spot opportunities for you. For more information, click here.

Your Future And Your Wealth

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Before the pandemic, architect Jonathan Quek would take his family everywhere — from France to New Zealand — on twice yearly trips. His goal was to expose his three children, now aged 12, 10 and seven, to different cultures, languages and people. “It’s amazing watching them grow up and reveal their own personalities as time passes,” he says proudly.

These days, with travel plans on hold and working from home a sound option, Quek spends more time with his children. “When I return from work, I make it a point to interact with them; we even plan new adventures such as exploring various parts of Singapore.”

A gifted architect, Quek is expected to take over the reins of RT + Q, the award-winning practice that his father TK Quek and partner Rene Tan founded together. He is up to the task: “I’m passionate about my profession and the pursuit of creating delightful spaces. Nothing beats walking through a completed project after years of devotion paid to it.”

It appears that Quek is living a charmed life of a young family man in a very secure job that he enjoys. However, he admits that he is not spared of tough challenges. “Architecture requires creativity, resilience and, now more than ever, adaptability, particularly with the difficulties that the construction industry faces.”

As a professional, I have to ensure that our work is consistently strong. Consistency is key, and we pursue it relentlessly.” Fortunately, the high stakes and responsibilities do not weigh him down. “If anything, they motivate me to work smarter and try even harder in the face of adversities.”

On the personal front, Quek’s greatest responsibility is towards his children. “Together with my wife, I deploy my best efforts towards their development. My main goal is to provide them with the best education we can afford.” He wants to ensure that he has the resources to accomplish this.

Quek relies on his profession for his primary source of income, which he augments with some investments. For now, his future and that of his family, are adequately secure, but he is not taking any chances. He knows full well that circumstances can change quickly, offering up both challenges and opportunities. And when they turn up, those armed with foresight and preparedness will have the advantage.

THE RIGHT PARTNER TO MEET YOUR LONG-TERM GOALS

With a steady and secure career, individuals like Jonathan Quek are poised to start building the future of their children.

This becomes a reality for individuals with a wealth management partner like Citigold Private Client, which has the expertise and solutions to help them work towards these goals.

Understanding that clients want the best for their children and to give them a head start in life, Citigold Private Client also offers the Next Generation Programme, which provides exclusive access to specially curated events and courses designed to provide client’s children with the building blocks to success.

Citigold Private Client also offers bespoke wealth advisory services to individuals like Quek who are seeking long-term stability in their wealth preservation plan. A dedicated senior Relationship Manager is assigned to each client, and supported by a team of senior specialists across investment, insurance, treasury, and mortgage. This team can provide insights from a balanced perspective, and customize a wealth management plan intricately tailored towards a client’s individual needs, goals, and risk appetite.

Drawing on strong global perspective and insights from Citi’s global team of 400+ analysts, clients can obtain timely updates on crucial market developments to help them make informed decisions on their portfolio.

Citigold Private Client helps clients attain peace of mind knowing that their wealth plans and portfolio are in good hands. This assurance in turn allows them to discover and pursue what wealth really means to them.

Let our specialists spot opportunities for you. Receive a welcome gift of up to S$29,256* when you start a Citigold Private Client relationship. For more information, click here

*T&Cs apply.