Issue 01 | August/September 2014
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2014 Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix One of F1’s most glamourous and exciting races is back in town!
05 1whisky gastronomy 07 Cliffhanger Golf the ultimate dinner
NEW ZEALAND'S Cape Kidnappers
CONTENTS 01 Note from GM 02 INSIDER
News and updates from Aspire Lifestyles.
03 INSIGHTs
07
09
From the concierge desk.
04 EPICUREAN
New eats in town, and an amazing collaboration.
06 WANDERLUST
Exciting destinations, including New Zealand’s Cape Kidnappers Golf Course.
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08 HOROLOGY
A magnificent remake, a commemorative piece, and an evergreen classic.
09 FOCUS
The F1 Singapore Grand Prix is the
grandest and most prestigious sporting event in Singapore bar none.
12 In the Scene
Events and happenings in the region
and beyond.
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form or by any means without the written permission of the publisher. The views and opinions expressed or implied in ASPIRE LIFESTYLES are those of the authors or contributors and do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher. MCI (P) 097/08/2014
Note from GM
Dear Readers,
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reetings! We are very proud to present to you the inaugural issue of Aspire Lifestyles Magazine. Aspire Lifestyles Magazine aims to bring you the best in lifestyle trends, as well as updates on our latest developments and stories of successful collaborations with our esteemed clients. Aspire Lifestyles is a merger of three of the world’s most premier loyalty, concierge and assistance solutions providers - International SOS' Worldwide Enhancement business, VIPdesk (USA and UK) and EMSM (Korea). With the collective knowledge of these providers, Aspire Lifestyles has over 25 years of experience delivering concierge services to customers of clients in the financial, automotive, travel, retail and insurance-related industries. Our intimate know-how of the industry has certainly put us in good stead. Currently, we employ a virtual network of over 800 concierge consultants and maintain 18 global service delivery centres servicing more than 1.5 million requests each year. We are innovation-minded, and we use breakthrough solutions to engage with the players in the country. The company also leverages state-of-the-art capability and CRM system to deliver solutions to our valued clients. Looking forward, we will always strive to provide quality services, helping our clients to make their brands better and delivering the exceptional. Through this magazine, we hope to engage you, our clients and friends, through insightful, entertaining articles and special features. We hope that you will enjoy reading this magazine as much as we have enjoyed putting it together. Warmest Regards,
Andrew Quake
Montis Loge lounge chair & Catellani & Smith Giotto 3 floor lamp by XTRA
General Manager, Aspire Lifestyles, Malaysia-Singapore
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INSIDER
News and Updates from Aspire Lifestyles
Seamless Service Between Singapore and Malaysia The recent merger of Aspire Lifestyles Malaysia–Singapore in mid June 2014 brings about exciting opportunities for our clients from both sides of the border. Coinciding with this merger is the launch of the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards (PCI DSS) compliant global Concierge case management platform in Malaysia, which creates a secure environment for our clients and their customers.
The award-winning platform was conceptualised on the back of Aspire Lifestyles’ 25 years’ worth of experience and industry expertise. This technology allows us to manage our customers’ requests, calls, emails and online requests in a seamless and more efficient manner. In addition, this system puts a virtual centre between two physical locations in the Malaysian capital Kuala Lumpur and Singapore. This way, we can tap on the strengths of each team in our quest to deliver the best customer experiences and services. Andrew Quake, General Manager, Malaysia–Singapore, said during the launch event: “The launch today is significant not only for the operational synergies but also commercially as well as for the Aspire Malaysia–Singapore team as a whole. Having one platform
New aspire lifestyles centre in Shanghai Clients and customers in China can now have speedier and more personal access to Aspire Lifestyles’ unique brand of concierge and loyalty services, as a new office has been set up in Shanghai recently. The office’s opening ceremony was held in March this year, and it was attended by over 100 clients and partners, as well as Aspire Lifestyles’ senior management. Group Managing Director, Laurent Sabourin officiated the ribbon cutting ceremony to inaugurate the opening of the new office. The Shanghai office is in a strategic position to serve our growing business in China and provide immense local support with global expertise. Apart from the traditional suite of services, they will also focus on some unique offerings such as wellness programmes which are specially catered for the local market.
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in two locations and operating as one merged business unit is innovative and opens up new possibilities in terms of structuring new commercial programmes and client engagements.” He added: “From a people standpoint, the Aspire Lifestyles team in Kuala Lumpur today has more vibrancy and the expansion has also created more buzz and camaraderie.” Indeed, the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.
From the concierge desk
INSIGHTS
A Moving Love Story A birthday celebration arranged with plenty of sincerity can make your loved one feel really special. But to make the occasion truly unforgettable, you will have to create something extraordinary. That was exactly what Simon Lai* did. For his girlfriend’s birthday, he booked a luxury train ride to a unique holiday destination. Not only that, Simon wanted to make the transit to their destination unforgettable by surprising her with a bouquet of flowers at the exact timing of 6pm, while they were still on board the train and just in time for the beautiful sunset. A timely delivery of flowers can be done really easily. However, doing that on a train that was travelling across the country can be a huge logistical challenge. It takes plenty of coordination and planning in order to make it work. As this was of utmost importance to Simon, everything had
to be absolutely perfect. With that in mind, Simon contacted Aspire Lifestyles in China, as it is a service he knew he could trust, with a team of experienced concierge consultants he could rely on. In order to meet the timing to a tee, consultants from Aspire Lifestyles reckoned that they had to send a deliveryman aboard the same train as Simon and his girlfriend. After contacting the train operator, the consultants found out the schedule and gave exact instructions to the deliveryman. The deliveryman boarded the train and everything was going according to plan, until 30 minutes before 6pm. The deliveryman peered through the cabin door and realised the couple left their seats. The quickthinking Aspire Lifestyles consultant left no time
Photo: Shutterstock
A Service
to panic; he checked with Simon via text messages and directed the deliveryman to the dining cabin where they were seated at. Just as the clock struck the golden timing, the flowers were presented to Simon's girlfriend. Simon was delighted with Aspire Lifestyles' ability to fulfil such a precise request and needless to say, Simon's girlfriend was simply ecstatic. She certainly had one of the most memorable holidays and birthday celebrations in her life.
in Good SteaD
For the Chinese, the Lunar New Year is undoubtedly one of the most festive and important holidays of the year. Apart from family gatherings and boisterous celebrations, the Chinese will always put up symbols, ornaments or go through particular ceremonies to welcome luck and fortune. As 2014 marks the year of the horse, Mr. Tan* thought that having a horse at their family gathering to usher in the Lunar New Year would be meaningful. With that in mind, he contacted Aspire Lifestyles in Singapore. To help Mr. Tan with his request, Aspire Lifestyles quickly ascertained the situation. The request was made
more challenging, as it came just three days before Chinese New Year when most businesses were closed. Through the consultants’ resourcefulness, they presented three breeds to Mr. Tan in just a short span of two days. And to help make this a truly unforgettable experience, the consultants had even sourced for a horse trainer. The night of the dinner party came and Mr. Tan’s family members were thrilled to see the magnificent stallion. Everything went according to plan. The Tan family had a truly memorable Chinese New Year celebration, all thanks to the thoughtful and expeditious concierge service from Aspire Lifestyles.
* All names have been changed to protect customers’ privacy.
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epicurean
No reservations? need to arrange something extraordinary? No problem. Wine and dine without a worry at the latest culinary gems around the world.
Modsin Magic Self-taught chef Han Li Guang opened Labyrinth in early 2014 and within months, the restaurant has earned plenty of rave reviews. This is hardly surprising, given chef Han’s brilliant reinterpretation of local dishes. The signature Labyrinth Chilli Crab comprises tempura soft shell crab, sturgeon caviar and chilli crab ice cream on a bed of mantou crumbs. This dish delivers a brilliant juxtaposition of textures and flavours.
Photo: Labyrinth
Concierge Tip: The counter seats let you watch the chefs in action. But if you want privacy, tables at the quieter side of the restaurant are available. 5 Neil Road SINGAPORE 088806 www.labyrinth.com.sg
The people behind Bali’s famed Potato Head Beach Club opened their first ever overseas venture in Singapore. Potato Head Folk is housed within the iconic Tong Ah Building along Keong Saik Road. The interiors are designed by Australian artist David Brumley. Headlining Potato Head Folk is Three Buns, a gourmet burger restaurant. It takes up the first and second floors of the building. The third floor houses the exclusive Studio 1939 bar, while the Rooftop Garden serves tiki cocktails and barbequed nibbles. Concierge Tip: Studio 1939, on the third floor, is available via reservations only. if you intend to enjoy a tipple there, speak to your Aspire LIFESTYLES representative for an arrangement.
Photo: PotatoHead Folk
36 Keong Saik Road SINGAPORE 089143 www.pttheadfolk.com
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Photo: Hashida Sushi
A-Head of the Curve
Tsukiji in Singapore Travellers to Tokyo often rave about their adventures to the soon-to-be-closed Tsukiji Market. It is always about the boisterous tuna auctions and the visit to that celebrated sushi restaurant near the famed market. That restaurant, better known as Hashida Sushi, is now in Singapore. You can expect the same level of quality at Hashida Sushi’s first overseas venture. Everything, down to the quality of the grain of the sushi rice, is not compromised. The restaurant is helmed by the founder’s son, Kenjiro Hashida. He is mentored by his father and a graduate from the L’ Ecole Tsuji Tokyo, one of Japan’s top culinary schools. Hashida Sushi is best experienced through its omakase menu, where you can expect to savour the season’s freshest produce as well as the signature dish, Chawanmushi with Fugu Shirako. Concierge Tip: Even though the restaurant is famed for its fresh seafood, Chef Kenjiro makes seriously delicious macarons. 333A Orchard Road #02-37 Mandarin Gallery SINGAPORE 238897 www.hashida.com.sg
Ultimate Collaboration
Speyside and Spain may sound like strange bedfellows but collectively, they create a gastronomical experience like no other.
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t is an unexpected, but perfect marriage of two legendary establishments. Whisky producers The Macallan collaborated with El Celler de Can Roca, one of the best restaurants in the world, to come up with a spectacular gastronomic extravaganza, The Ultimate Dinner. This event will be hosted at the El Celler de Can Roca restaurant in Girona, Spain, on 22 March 2015. The dinners are limited to a very small number globally. Seats are filling up fast, but a small quantity is still available. For US$10,000 a head, you will get an evening of exquisite dishes inspired by the tasting notes and house style of The Macallan distillery. Each of the dishes will be paired with drams of mostly-never-released cask strength whiskies. And you will feel great amidst the indulgence, as the net proceeds from the dinner will go to charity: water, a
non-profit organisation that aims to bring clean and safe drinking water to people in developing nations. On the collaboration, Josep Roca, sommelier of El Celler de Can Roca, said: “It is both a pleasure and an exciting challenge to work with The Macallan team. We combine knowledge, effort and hard work to improve in areas that we would have never imagined we could achieve individually, and all that with a strong commitment to innovation.” The Roca brothers promise that the dishes will be “unique, unpredictable, overwhelming, authentic, original, fun and different, with a high degree of innovation and creativity.” As for the whiskies, The Macallan selected some really rare bottles to suit the occasion. You will get to experience 14 expressions, which are all bottled at cask strength. They include The
Macallan M, reputed to be the most expensive whisky in the world. Also to be uncorked during The Ultimate Dinner is The Macallan Lalique 62 Years Old. As its name suggests, this single malt Scotch whisky spent 62 years in American oak sherry seasoned casks. After spending over half a century absorbing all the nuances of the cask, the ensuing whisky promises to be intriguingly complex and of course, very delicious. Ken Grier, director of The Macallan, said: “Whisky and cuisine have a long-standing connection, but never have any two partners come together to really explore what this could, and should mean. Our collaboration is set to break down classic perceptions of food pairing and enter into a whole new, awe-inspiring world of taste and flavour experience. ■ www.themacallan.com
kindly contact your Aspire Lifestyles representative for bookings or for more information.
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Don't worry, we've got you covered. Just sit back, relax, and lose yourself to the many wonders of the world.
Photo: Alexander Soria
wanderlust
Heightened Utopia In the novel Lost Horizon, British author James Hilton described Shangri-La as a mystical utopia, especially with the majestic Himalayan Mountains as its backdrop. A stay at the Lhasa Shangri-La, one of the latest offerings from the luxury hotel group, is probably the closest you can get to experiencing the fictional paradise. The five-star Lhasa Shangri-La offers a luxurious glimpse of Tibetan culture. You will be welcomed with a hada (a traditional ceremonial white silk scarf ) and the throwing of barley on the chema (a wooden container used by Tibetans to pray for a bumper harvest) before being escorted to your spacious guestroom. And it does not end there. The Tibetan staple, Yak Butter Tea, is served to rejuvenate even the weariest of souls. Another highlight of this hotel is its location. It is situated in one of the world’s highest cities but more interestingly, the Lhasa Shangri-La is within walking distance of the Potala Palace. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is the traditional residence of the Dalai Lamas. Like at the Lhasa Shangri-La, you will definitely feel a unique sense of awe and reverence there. 19 Norbulingka Road, Lhasa, Tibet Autonomous Region, 850000, China. www.shangri-la.com/lhasa
A Luxurious Rejuvenation It was the place where the first bikini was unveiled (much to the shock of the public back in 1946). The historical Piscine Molitor, built in 1929, was a hip hangout for the Parisian avant garde crowd and a venue that was celebrated for its fashion shows, theatre and architecture. It was closed in 1989 and gazetted as a national monument. 25 years later, the place has been restored and it is now part of a luxury hotel. Even with its modern fittings and furnishings, the Molitor Paris retains an inexplicable charm and spirit reminiscent of its hip heydays. Apart from the rooms, Clarins spa and restaurant that is conceptualised by multi-Michelin star chef Yannick Alleno, the highlights at Molitor Paris are the pools. The indoor Winter Pool is sheltered from the elements by a huge glass roof, providing serene privacy from the frenzied happenings in the French capital. The Summer Pool, as described by the hotel, is an "ode to slipping into oblivion". Despite its name, the pool can be accessed all year round as it is heated to an inviting temperature of 28°C. Bikinis are definitely welcomed here. 13 Rue Nungesser, Et Coli, 75016, Paris. www.mltr.fr/en
High Life in the Sky Four Seasons brings its unique brand of hospitality to new heights, literally. The Four Seasons Jet was introduced earlier this year, and it comes with everything that you would expect from the renowned hotel chain. The private jet seats 52 passengers and features individually handcrafted leather flatbed seats, globally-inspired cuisine and of course, impeccable service. You can get to experience the private jet via the three itineraries that are currently available.
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The Around the World programme is in a word, epic. Over 24 days, you will be travelling to iconic destinations like the Forbidden City in Beijing, the Medina in Marrakech and the pristine waters of Maldives. This elaborate itinerary ends
off with a glamourous dinner event in New York City. Expect to be put up at the best Four Seasons properties and be treated like royalty. www.fourseasons.com/aroundtheworld
A Cape Like No Other Cape Kidnappers Golf Course offers almost everything conceivable for a luxurious and indulgent golf holiday.
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olf courses are usually pigeon holed into a few stylistic categories. You have parkland courses, where the fairways are primarily flanked by a forest or jungle. For that, Singapore Island Country Club’s historic Bukit course comes into mind. Then, there is the sandy links style courses like St. Andrews in Scotland and the mountainous ones like the Banyan Golf Club in Thailand. But having said that, the golf course at Cape Kidnappers Golf Course is one you cannot really put a finger on, and that is what makes it really special. The preconceptions of golf courses on cliffs near a sea or ocean are that they are bumpy and sandy. But Cape
Kidnappers, perched 500 feet on the cliffs over New Zealand’s Hawke’s Bay, is actually very green and lush. Said Tom Doak, course architect of the 10-year-old course: “There is nothing anywhere like Cape Kidnappers. That is why it is so cool.” Doak has four of his courses listed in the World’s Top 100 Courses. Cape Kidnappers is one of them. Doak has done a great job using the area’s natural topology to shape 18 holes of pure enjoyment. The varied layout makes the course very engaging, and it offers a fair challenge to all golfers. The view from anywhere on the golf course is simply stunning. The resort at the golf course, or The Farm, offers luxurious accommodation
and dining options. Fancy a visit to the famed vineyards around Hawke’s Bay? How about a guided tour to see New Zealand’s national symbol, the kiwi, in its natural habitat? All these, and more, can be arranged. ■ Concierge Tip: The owner, Julian Robertson, owns the Te Awa vineyard and he has his best bottles at The Farm, Cape Kidnappers. The wines pair very well with the amazing view from the dining room.
The Farm, Cape Kidnappers 446 Clifton Road Te Awanga Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand www.capekidnappers.com
kindly contact your Aspire Lifestyles representative for bookings or for more information.
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horology
Adding a particular timepiece to your collection? We will help you sort it out.
Rhapsody in Blue This historic Bol d’Or Mirabaud regatta turns 76 in 2014 and to commemorate this momentous occasion, Swiss watchmakers and official timekeeper of the event, Hublot, introduced a limited edition watch – the Classic Fusion Bol d’Or Mirabaud 2014. This handsome sports watch exudes plenty of masculinity. It has a lightweight, yet shockproof titanium case. A liberal amount of carbon fibre is incorporated into the watch, evident from the dial, bezel and strap. The midnight blue colour, mirroring the waters of Lake Geneva, is used on the counters. Like the racing yachts at this race, you will have to be really fast if you want one. Only 76 pieces are available globally. www.hublot.com
Matte Black Beauty De Bethune’s DB28 is an award-winning timepiece, having won the Aiguille d’Or”, the highest distinction awarded by the Geneva Watchmaking Grand Prix in 2011. Buoyed by its success, the innovative Swiss watchmaker reinterpreted their ground-breaking model and came up with a limited edition, matte black version. Like its predecessor, this DB28 has lugs that are able to adapt to almost every wrist. Its case, instead of stainless steel or titanium used typically in watches, is made using zirconium. More than just a mere switch of materials, the people at De Bethune chose zirconium for its sustainability, aesthetics and ability to withstand oxidation. As you peer into the dial, you will see an arresting interplay of light reflections off the textures of the metals. Its Calibre DB2115 is an engineering marvel, boasting a degree of precision equivalent to a mere one-day difference every 122 years. www.debethune.ch
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An Evergreen Beauty The timeless elegance of the Parmigiani Tonda Qualité Fleurier is simply undeniable. This meticulously handcrafted timepiece does not have the bells and whistles; but in its simplicity, it allows its craftsmanship and beauty to shine. Its 18-carat rose gold case is 39mm in diameter, and it houses a white lacquer dial with hand-painted numerals. The date is displayed clearly at the six o’clock position. Powering this exquisite timepiece is the Parmigiani Fleurier calibre 4000. It offers 55 hours of power reserve and features an ingenious mechanism that imparts a constant amount of energy regardless of how much the spring is wound. In addition, it is COSC (Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres) certified, ensuring time accuracy and durability. www.parmigiani.ch
F1 SINGAPORE GRAND PRIX
Night Fever Since the inaugural race in 2008, the F1 Singapore Grand Prix has been one of the most popular rounds on the annual F1 calendar.
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ormula 1 has been on a global push in the last 15 years and one of its most watched rounds is none other than our very own F1 Singapore Grand Prix, which is into its seventh edition this year with Singapore Airlines as the new title sponsor. This is hardly surprising, given that there is no other race like it on the calendar. From the eye-catching location of the Marina Bay street circuit, which runs past the island republic’s skyscrapers and monuments, to the race being the only Grand Prix held after dusk. Throw in the heat, humidity, bumpy track and twisty turns, many consider the Singapore Grand Prix to be the season’s most gruelling, or at least most unrelenting. “The round in Singapore is an incredible one,” said Christian Horner,
focus
the team principal of the Red Bull Racing team, whose driver Sebastian Vettel has won the event the last three years. “It is the most physical and the most mechanically demanding race on the calendar now, and it poses a real test for any driver. Duration-wise, it is also one of the longest, always lasting close to two hours.” When it comes to challenges, the list is long: Like in Monaco, it is a street circuit, but it is possible to overtake other cars as it is wider in certain areas; the asphalt is uneven; the air temperature is extremely high and so is the humidity; the race is run at night (this is the first night race in F1, and only one out of two night races in the 2014 season), and last but not least, it is far from the European home bases of many teams.
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Focus
F1 SINGAPORE GRAND PRIX
In terms of pure spectacle, the Singapore Grand Prix beats all the new races and it is only rivalled by the one in Monaco. Running through the central business district and past the skyscrapers of the high-flying business centre, the 5km-long track also winds its way around a few classic colonial vestiges such as the St. Andrew’s Cathedral, Padang and Old Supreme Court Building. Running the race after the sun has set proved to be such a huge success that other race organisers (especially those in the Middle East and Asia) have either imitated it or said that they will look into the feasibility of doing so. The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix runs partly in
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daylight and partly after nightfall; the Malaysian Grand Prix starts later in the afternoon but without artificial lighting; and the promoters in Bahrain have been looking into installing a lighting system similar to the one used in Singapore. The Marina Bay Circuit employs more than 1,500 light projectors, each with 2,000-watt, white-metal halide lamps, which produce illumination that is four times that of an average sports stadium. Before the inaugural race in 2008, teams and drivers were concerned about the intensity of the lights (whether they would be blinding) and the colour of the beams emitted. However, when the cars first hit the
track, all fears were unfounded. Some drivers even commented that visibility was better than in bright sunshine. In the paddock and hospitality suites, the timing of the race contributes to an atmosphere unlike that of other Grands Prix, with sponsor visits, driver interviews, business meetings and every other aspect of the weekend taking place “after hours”. The race sees the drivers complete 61 laps around the Marina Bay Circuit. Run anti-clockwise (another rarity in F1), the course has 23 corners, two of which will be taken at more than 160km/h. As Horner pointed out, all previous editions of the Singapore Grand Prix ran close to the full two-
Concierge is all about giving you access
an open bar, dance floor, and you will
to the people, places and things that
be mingling with VIPs and celebrities.
are deemed important to you. Aspire
Tickets and access to the clubs are
LIFESTyLES has special access to the best
subject to availability at time of request.
seats at the Singapore F1 race. Tickets
Concierge Tip: Another way to experience
to the pit grandstand, Green Room,
the Singapore F1 race is to view it at a
Paddock Club and team paddock clubs,
hotel room that overlooks the track.
are available. And for the ultimate
The best hotels for this are Ritz Carlton,
post-race party, there is nothing quite
Mandarin Oriental and Fullerton Hotel.
like the Amber Lounge. There will be
www.singaporegp.sg
A World Class Act
hour limit, a duration imposed by the FIA. Further proof of how unforgiving the layout of the track can be is the fact that the Safety Car (usually called into action when a huge accident has occurred) has made at least one appearance in every event since 2008. Martin Whitmarsh, ex-team principal of the McLaren Mercedes team, defined Singapore’s stature among the newer races in the sport’s global scheme of things. “It
is a showcase Grand Prix for F1,” he said. “And it is an event that epitomises F1 perfectly; a daring departure from tradition that works. It manages to retain all the timehonoured characteristics that make a Grand Prix so fascinating. But the fusion of its oriental setting, glittering skyline and demanding high-speed course make it feel more like you’re watching a Hollywood movie than an international sport. And that is marvellous.” ■
With each edition of the F1 Singapore Grand Prix, the off-track activities get increasingly exciting. Concerts are very much part and parcel of the event now. The line-up of personalities who are taking to the stages all over the race site this year reads like a who’s who of the entertainment world. Headlining this year’s Singapore F1 Concert is global mega superstar Jennifer Lopez. Apart from being a three-time American Music and three-time BRIT Awards winner, she is also the first woman to receive the lifetime achievement Icon Award at this year’s Billboard Music Awards for outstanding contribution to pop music. Fans can expect to hear the catchy single “First Love” as well as the hip hop and synthpop song “I Luh Ya PaPi” from her recently released eighth studio album, A.K.A. Other top acts include nine-time Grammy Award winner John Legend, who will bring his blend of R&B and soul with his velvety voice. Legend has won his first set of Grammy Awards in 2006 for Best R&B Album with his critically acclaimed "Get Lifted", Best Male R&B Vocal Performance for his single “Ordinary People” as well as Best New Artist. Then, there is the very charismatic and talented Robbie Williams. He was inducted into the UK Music Hall of Fame as the greatest artist of the 1990s alongside Madonna and Michael Jackson. Catch Robbie and the rest of the stars at the Singapore F1 Grand Prix!
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Catch the most popular performances from the best seats in the house.
Singapore and Malaysia Events
KL Tower international jump malaysia 2014
Singapore Swim Stars
kuala lumpur, Malaysia
5-7 September
See adrenaline junkies give their all at this exhilarating event. Base jumpers only have a few seconds to pull the rip cord after jumping off the platform on top of the 300m-tall KL Tower. Given the obvious risks involved, organisers only allow experienced applicants who have done at least 120 base jumps.
OCBC Aquatic Centre, Singapore
This is arguably Singapore’s biggest and most exciting swimming event. Catch world champions such as James Magnussen, Nathan Adrian, Jeanette Ottesen, Kosuke Kitajima and Katinka Hosszu make a big splash at the OCBC Aquatic Centre. Apart from the exciting races, there are also workshops, and an open water swim at East Coast Park on the final day.
26–29 September
Swan Lake 9–12 October Esplanade Theatre, Singapore
This year, the da:ns festival opens with Matthew Bourne’s legendary interpretation of Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake. This popular ballet is given a stylish and contemporary twist and with the costumes put together by awardwinning designer Lez Brotherston, it is going to be a multi-sensory feast.
International Events Katy Perry Prismatic World Tour 19–20 September Staples Centre, California, United States
Surely, this concert will be full of "Fireworks". Do not blow "Hot and Cold" at this girl, she is your "Teenage Dream" on your "Birthday". International superstar Katy Perry will be belting out her catchy and very popular hits at the home of the LA Lakers basketball team.
Photo: kentstate.u-la-la.com
In the Scene
Sime Darby LPGA Malaysia 2014 Ryder Cup
Kuala Lumpur Golf and
25–28 September
Singapore F1
Country Club, Malaysia
Gleneagles Hotel, Scotland
19–21 September
Catch the world’s best women golfers at the Sime Darby LPGA Malaysia! Last year’s champion American Lexi Thompson looks set to defend her title in Malaysia after clinching her first major championship earlier this year. The in-form golfer will face top competition from the likes of Stacy Lewis, Inbee Park and Lydia Ko.
The Ryder Cup is golf ’s most exciting team-based tournament bar none. Team America, led by multiple-time major championship winner Tom Watson, will do battle with Paul McGinley’s Europeans. The Europeans won the previous tournament that was held in Medina, Illinois; the Americans will be looking to avenge that narrow, one-point defeat and bring the cup back across the big pond.
Marina Bay Street Circuit, Singapore
One of the biggest and most glamourous sporting events in Asia is back! Apart from the speed machines, the Singapore F1 race features performances from international stars and exclusive parties. Indeed, it is an event not to be missed, especially if you are a speed junkie.
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9–12 October
BNP Paribas WTA Finals Singapore
SM Town Live World Tour
17–27 October
4-5 October
Sports Hub, Singapore
Ajinomoto Stadium,
2014 Grand Slam winners Li Na, Maria Sharapova and the world’s best tennis players will be in Singapore to compete in the US$6.5 million BNP Paribas WTA Finals Singapore. There will be 11 sessions of world class tennis action played over seven days. Experience the grace, power and footwork of these amazing athletes.
Tokyo, Japan
With ultra-popular acts such as Girls’ Generation, EXO, SHINee, BoA, TVXQ, Kangta and Super Junior, this is a K-pop concert of epic proportions. Kindly contact your Aspire Lifestyles representative for bookings or for more information.
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L I F E S TY L E S
ith more than 25 years of heritage and forward-thinking ethos, Aspire Lifestyles has been delivering richly customised concierge and customer relationship engagement services supported by unmatched technology. Our platform’s service delivery process is specifically calibrated to increase customers’ interaction with your brand through bespoke benefits and concierge programmes. Delivering exceptional value and access via quantifiable metrics is our core focus and value commitment to you. Across thriving concierge centres, we are supported by an integrated CRM technology platform in North America, Europe, Russia, China, Thailand, Hong Kong, South Korea, Australia and Singapore. We are also proud to be certified as a Level 1 Service Provider in compliance with the Payment Card
Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS), the highest available. This provides you, our client, with peace of mind knowing that your customer’s confidential information is handled in the most discreet and careful manner. Our delivery platform made up of over 800 concierge consultants in more than 18 global concierge centres services more than 1.5 million requests each year. These requests range from travel and dining reservations to the most bespoke experiences. Spanning the globe to seek out the best experiences for the discerning consumer is our team of experts who are well-connected and the insiders to every local market. Leveraging our unmatched combination of global reach with deep local expertise strengthens your connection to your most valued customers in the most meaningful ways.
Aspire Lifestyles Global Headquarters
India
331 North Bridge Road #17-00 Odeon Towers Singapore 188720
Suite No 605-606, 6th Floor, Copia Corporate Suites Plot No 9, Jasola District Center New Delhi 110025, India
Regional Offices :
Japan
Singapore
8 Changi Business Park Ave 1, #09-51 UE Bizhub East (South Tower) Singapore 468018 Phone: +65 6338 2311 Email: aspiressea@aspirelifestyles.com
Malaysia
Unit A-12A-1 Level 12A, Menara UOA, Bangsar 5 Jalan Bangsar Utama 1 59000 Kuala Lampur, Malaysia Phone: +603 2787 3000 Email: malaysia@aspirelifestyles.com
China
Tower B, Units 1801, 04-06 Baoland Plaza, 588 Dalian Road, YangPu District, Shanghai, China 200082
Hong Kong
16/F World Trade Centre 280 Gloucester Road Causeway Bay, Hong Kong
11th Floor, Sumitomo Fudosan Shin-Akasaka Bldg. 4-2-6 Akasaka, Minato-ku Tokyo, 107-0052 Japan
Philippines
Unit 2802D-2803A West Tower Philippines Stock Exchange Centre, Exchange Road, Ortigas Centre 1600 Pasig City, Metro Manila, Philippines
South Korea
15th Floor, Apple Tower 175 Jamsil-dong, Songpa-gu Seoul 138-161, South Korea
Taiwan
RM 405, 4F, No. 96 Chung Shan North Road, Sec. 2 Taipei, 104, Taiwan, R.O.C.
Thailand
93/1 GPF Witthayu Towers, Tower B, 11th Floor, Wireless Road, Lumpini Pathumwan, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand
Vietnam
South: 65 Nguyen Du, District 1 Ho Chi Minh City, 70000, Vietnam North: 72 Xuan Dieu, Tay Ho District Hanoi, 10000, Vietnam
Australasia
445 Clarence Street Level 3 Sydney NSW 2000 Australia
Europe
Building 4, Chiswick Park 566 Chiswick High Road London W4 5YA England
North America (USA & Canada)
324 N. Fairfax Street Alexandria, VA 22314 USA
Russia
16/1, Dokukina Street Moscow, 129226, Russia
South Africa
72 New Road, Midrand, South Africa, 1685
United Arab Emirates Suite 4000, W7B, Dubai Airport Free Zone PO Box 54757, Dubai (UAE)
www.aspirelifestyles.com
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