SG Magazine, Jan 15

w w w. s g n o w. s g | M PA S W e b s i t e o f t h e Ye a r

Your FREE independent guide to the next two weeks

Arty-tarty-farty

SG MAGAZINE | ISSUE #693 | JANUARY 15, 2016

what’s on what’s new what matters

Photojournalist Bryan van der Beek painstakingly captures Singapore’s transition from day to night in his new book.

See PHOTOGRAPHY , page 11, for an interview.

DINING

EVENTS

TRAVEL

INTERVIEW

Trends to Watch in 2016

Book Ahead Comedy Shows

Great Reasons to Leave Town

Why Startups Fail

w w w. s g n o w. s g | M PA S W e b s i t e o f t h e Ye a r

SG MAGAZINE | ISSUE #693 | JANUARY 15, 2016

Your FREE independent guide to the next two weeks

page 3 16

feature

16 Wishes for 2016

It’s Arts Season

8 photography

8 art

Steve McCurry

Must-See Exhibitions

10 music

14 comedy

Local Acts to Catch at Laneway

Three Shows to Book Ahead

8 types of local artists you’ll find in Singapore

2. The Freedom of Speech Advocate There’s always an angry Facebook post about arts funding and conservative government institutions stifling their creativity.

18 wellness

20 dining

Fun Workouts

Hot Food Trends

22 travel

23 interview

Great Reasons to Escape

Issac Tay of Honest Bee

Editorial Managing Editor Mrigaa Sethi editor@asia-city.com.sg Features Editor Chelsia Tan Digital News Reporter Xie Shi Min Branded Content Writer Prabhu Silvam Design Associate Art Director Carmen Louise Ho Senior Designer Fishy Toh Designer Carmen Chua

Where to find us!

Bangkok Asia City Media Group 9/F, Room A, Sathorn Nakorn Tower, 100 North Sathorn Road, Silom, Bangrak, Bangkok 10500 Thailand Tel: 66-2-624 9696 Fax: 66-2-237 5656 bkmagazine@asia‑city.co.th

4. The Tortured Soul It’s a cliché, but no decent arts community can do without one.

6. The Sensitive Creative Drawing inspiration from the mundane, they write sonnets about everything—the sky, the leaves, and even trash.

Advertising Director, Business Development Intan Agustina advertising@asia-city.com.sg

Finance Senior Finance Associate Nai Rohmat finance@asia-city.com.sg

Senior Manager, Media & Marketing Shernan Plameras

Finance and Admin Assistant Rusydi Ya’akup

Executives, Media & Marketing Lee Wee Keong

Group Directors Chief Executive Officer Gretchen Worth gworth@asia‑city.co.th

Media Coordinator Sharon Leong

3. The Law Breaker Graffiti and gleefully controversial performance art are their modus operandi.

5. The Child Prodigy Their parents are their biggest fans. Diss their work and they’ll bring the wrath of social media down on you.

Who's in charge?

Publisher & General Manager Ric Stockfis countrymanager@asia-city.com.sg

1. The Confessional Poet There are no boundaries when it comes to Art, especially not when it’s about their complicated sex lives.

7. The Outspoken Socialite Likes to be seen with the who’s who at art festivals and is usually funded by the State. Highly opinionated and likes to criticize the local arts scene every now and then.

8. The Expat Moves overseas to pursue their liberal artistic intentions, because Singapore is too stifling (see point 2).

Group Digital Director Greg Duncan gduncan@asia‑city.com.sg

Marketing Marketing Manager Silver Adrienna Ng marketing@asia-city.com.sg

On the cover Bryan van der Beek

Who are we?

Published every two weeks (with daily updates at sgnow.sg), SG (previously I-S) delivers honest, independent and irreverent coverage of the Singapore lifestyle scene. We’ve been recommending what to do and where to go here for 21 years—and we’ve never been more excited about the city than we are right now.

The Asia City Media Group

Singapore Asia City Publishing Pte. Ltd. Block 211 Henderson Rd. #07‑02 Henderson Industrial Park Singapore 159552 Tel: 65‑6323‑2512 Fax: 65‑6323‑2779 contact@asia-city.com.sg

Distributed by

Awesome events, cool new places, the very best of the next two weeks

High-end, hawker and everything inbetween: news on the drink and dining scene

Hot topics, local initiatives and ideas for making Singapore even better

Because Singapore is only so big: the best deals and destinations around Asia

Fashion, fitness, tech and more SG Magazine is published 24 times a year by Asia City Publishing Pte Ltd., 211 Henderson Road, #07‑02, Singapore 159552.

Tel: 65‑6323‑2512 • Fax: 65‑6323‑2779. Copyright ©2016 Asia City Publishing Pte Ltd. The titles “SG Magazine”, “I-S Magazine” and their associated logos or devices, and the content of SG Magazine and I-S Magazine are the property of Asia City Publishing Pte Ltd. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is strictly prohibited. SG Magazine may not be distributed without the express written consent of Asia City Publishing Pte Ltd. Contact the Publisher for ad rates and specifications. All advertising in SG Magazine must comply with the Publisher’s terms of business, copies of which are available upon request. Printed by KHL Printing Co. Pte. Ltd., 57 Loyang Drive, Singapore 508968. ISSN 0218‑8872 MCI (P) 166/12/2015

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SG MAGAZINE FRIDAY, JANUARY 15, 2016

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ADVERTORIAL

5 REASONS

WHY

Chinese n ew Year in Hong Kong IS

THE

BEST

3

Michelin-starred dim sum feasts, funky night parades and bespoke cocktails—what better way to celebrate?

I

t’s always a good time to visit hip, happening and heritage-filled Hong Kong, but things are just extra exciting during Chinese New Year. In addition to all the cool lifestyle offerings, there are plenty of traditional celebrations to soak in, along with the famously good food. Here are some great reasons to visit in February.

1

Unique snacks and celebrations

Extravagant decorations, endless firecrackers and over-the-top parades are just part of the Chinese New Year experience in Hong Kong. Don’t miss the Cathay Pacific International Chinese New Year Night Parade on Feb 8 (www.discoverhongkong.com) for a visual feast of elaborate floats, dance troupes and performers from around the world who will strut their stuff to usher in the Year of the Monkey. There’s also the Temple Street Night Market (www.temple-street-nightmarket.hk.com), where you’ll get to try decadent CNY sweetmeats like the nin gou (glutinous rice cake), lo baak gou (turnip pudding) and—for those who dare—the zyu lei (pig’s tongue). Or, get in on the good vibes by tucking into a platter of cyun haap (Tray of Togetherness) featuring tasty snacks like candied lotus seeds and winter melon.

2

Feasting and fireworks

Having a decadent reunion feast with family and friends is a must for CNY, but in Hong Kong, gastronomic indulgence also comes with views of the fireworks. Two great places with the perfect combination of food and views include Yan Toh Heen (www.hongkong.ic.intercontinental.com), by the scenic Tsim Sha Tsui promenade, and Man Wah (www.mandarinoriental.com/ hongkong), which serves Michelin-starred dumplings amid classic lanterns and a view of Victoria Harbour. For a uniquely Hong Kong take on the Spring Festival, head down to the Lam Tsuen trees at the Hong Kong Well-Wishing Festival from Feb 19-Mar 5. All you have to do is pen down your wish on a piece of red and gold paper, tie it to a string and fling it over the tree branches—the higher the branch, the better your luck.

Or head to the scenic Lam Tsuen Canal at night and release a water lantern as you make your wish.

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Indulgent after parties

Once you’re done lining your stomach, it’s time for postdinner cocktails at Aberdeen Street Social (www.aberdeenstreetsocial. hk.com) where you’ll find bespoke concoctions like What The Doctor Ordered ($25) featuring a citrusy mix of whisky and lemon. For something with a punch, try God Save The Gin ($22), a mix of gin, apple cinnamon syrup, lemon juice and soda. If you’re up for a long night ahead, head to famous clubs like Dragon-I (www.dragon-i.com/hk) or Sevva (www.sevva.hk.com) for electronic and house music to party the night away.

A bit of time travel

Despite its ever-changing cosmopolitan vibe, Hong Kong is very much in touch with its rich culture and diverse heritage.

For a glimpse into CNY celebrations of the past, head to The New Territories Walled Villages and Clan Halls (www.discoverhongkong.com) where you’ll get up-close with ancient royal heirlooms, a beautifully maintained Ching dynasty rural mansion and the legendary tree house of Kam Tin. Also finding its roots here is the Poon Choi (Big Bowl Feast)—a seafood and meat based dish originally created by rural villagers for sharing which has become a dining staple at communal gatherings and celebrations. Next, get a glimpse of HK’s wartime past at Crown Wine Cellars (www.crownwinecellars.com) an upmarket restaurant and wine cellar at Shouson Hill, housed within a war time military bunker dating back to 1937. Or simply sign up for walking tours by local historian Jason Wordie (www.jasonwordie. com) who does guided tours of lesser known heritage sites like the gun battery at Sai Wan Hill and the Sham Shui Po Wet Market.

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Unforgettable stays

Hong Kong is full of five-star hotels, but on the rise are unique experiences at its growing selection of luxury boutique hotels like Tuve (www.tuve.hk.com) near Victoria Park, where the minimalist rooms are a soothing balance of grey, black and metallic surfaces softened by classic wooden furniture. Or try the Phillip Starck-designed J Plus Hotel (www.jplushongkong.com ) near Causeway Bay, a refurbished colonial outlay decorated with graffiti art and accents of pink, tangerine, yellow and blue. For a stay at a heritage building decked with opulent colonial chinoiserie touches, there’s also Luxe Manor (www.theluxemanor.com).

BROUGHT TO YOU BY

Get the low down on the best deals in town, plan your itineraries and share your special moments in Hong Kong with the My HK Guide app.

Visit www.DiscoverHongKong.com for more information.

up front HOT OR NOT

Singapore’s latest news, numbers and dramas at a glance

Our biweekly study of the city’s burgeoning (and dying) trends

NEWS FROM SGNOW.SG

The line-up for next year’s SingJazz Fest is pretty exciting

Sonny Liew

Hot: Arts season

Not: Arts funding

Jonathan Lin

We can’t wait to check out the series of exciting arts festivals happening this month, like the M1 Fringe Festival and the Singapore Contemporary Art Show. But a recent uproar on social media about a speech by Professor Chang Heng Chee (chairman of the National Arts Council), who said that standards are often determined by the state while addressing the issue of censorship and arts funding, shows that the freedom of expression for artists in Singapore is still very much a thorny topic.

The Singapore International Jazz Festival is bringing in a variety of acts from Mar 4-6 at Marina Bay Sands.

Most excitingly, we’re being paid a visit by some of the surviving members of the Buena Vista Social Club, a loose collective of Cuban musicians who did that son/bolero album in 1996. Also exciting is Grammy Award-winning Joss Stone (Mar 5), known for soulful tracks like “Super Duper Love” and “Put Singjazz Fest Your Hands on Me.” There’s also the relatively young Australian band, Hiatus Kaiyote (Mar 4), who will play neo-soul tracks. On the local front, DJ collective Darker than Wax (Mar 4) will be spinning and local musician Charlie Lim will take the stage on Mar 5 with his bluesy, acoustic tunes. If you’re a purist, old faithful Jeremy Monteiro will also be playing on Mar 6.

Check out the full line-up at www.sing-jazz.com/2016/. Tickets range from $85-250, depending on if you want a full day pass or a VIP one.

Website of the Year MPAS 2015

S I N G A P O R E ’ S H OTT E ST L I F E ST Y L E N E W S

Hot: Dempsey Hill

Not: Rochor Centre

MissChampers

The Dempsey cluster has been buzzing with the opening of the newly revamped Loewen Road, a lifestyle and arts cluster featuring a spa, a yoga and pilates studio and even a luxury pet hotel. And just last month, it was announced that there will be several new F&B outlets including a restaurant by Jean-Georges Vongerichten and also Singapore’s first Dover Street Market store.

In sadder news, the colorful 39-year-old Rochor Centre will be demolished soon to make way for the new North-South Expressway.

NUMEROLOGY

4,000

156

Number of new hotel rooms to be added in Singapore this year, including the debut of 314-room Oasia Hotel Downtown and the 451room Holiday Inn Express Singapore Katong.

Number of online advertisements uncovered by Acres (Animal Concerns Research and Education Society) selling exotic animals as pets in Singapore.

$1.01 Million

R18 505kg

Hot: Madonna

Not: Show curation

It’s a great year for music lovers, with the Queen of Pop, Madonna, finally coming to Singapore on Feb 28, for her Rebel Heart Tour. But it was also given an R18 rating, and some adjustments to the concert line-up including the exclusion the song “Holy Water”, deemed religiously insensitive by the Media Development Authority.

OB INDEX DEC

Charting the ups and downs of Singapore's openness, tolerance and freedom of expression

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The issue of violence against sex workers is no laughing matter, but a campaign by Singapore animator and local sex workers rights group Project X chose to highlight the abuse and discrimination faced by the often marginalized community through humor. The collaboration features caricatures of those—like gawkers and nasty clients—who are directly or indirectly involved in the misrepresentation and violence against sex workers here. “We had this idea for a long time. When you work intimately with sex workers, you hear a lot of stories about bad clients, bad journalists...and you know, there is nothing funny about this violence, but these stories are often told with humor,” said Sean Francis, Project X’s marketing manager. Still, the cause remains a serious one. According to Sherry, a writer and researcher with Project X, “The biggest problem is marginalization and discrimination. This results in sex workers being stuck in this industry. Some wish to move on to a normal job but fail to do so because their self-esteem had been deteriorated by society.” For more on the campaign, visit www.theprojectx.org.

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SG MAGAZINE FRIDAY, JANUARY 15, 2016

Weight of elephant tusks seized by Singapore Customs from an air shipment from Nigeria.

Fine imposed on whole seller Ng Teck Beng for selling duty-unpaid loose self-rolling tobacco leaves without a proper tobacco import and wholesale licence.

77% Percentage of Singaporeans who support Lee Kuan Yew’s wish to demolish his home at 38 Oxley Street in an online poll by Hong Kongbased market research firm YouGov.

Get this issue to go.

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BE GOOD

Shop for a cause

Sources: The Straits Times, Channel NewsAsia, The New Paper, Today

CAREERS www.sgnow.sg

We are currently accepting applications for the following positions:

• Branded Content Writer • Media & Marketing Executive Email jobs@asia-city.com.sg

Help disadvantaged women and children in Singapore by heading down to the EcoBank Bazaar on Jan 16 and 17, 10am-8pm at City Square Mall, B1 Fountain Square.

There will be pre-loved clothes, fashion accessories, toys and books on sale and proceeds will go towards beneficiaries under the Singapore Council of Women’s Organisations.

For more information, head to www. eco-business.com/EcoBank.

ADVERTORIAL

J

WORLD RENOWNED GALLERIES, INTIMATE ARTIST SHARING SESSIONS AND UNIQUE ARTWORKS—SO MANY REASONS TO HEAD DOWN

anuary is a big month for art lovers in Singapore, with several annual regional and international shows coming to town. This year, art aficionados and collectors are in for an extra special treat, with the arrival of the first-ever Singapore Contemporary Art Show (Jan 21-24). Organized by the team behind Hong Kong’s Asia Contemporary Art Show, the Singapore event will be a feast of original paintings, limited editions, photography, video art and sculptures by emerging and mid-career artists. There’s a whole lot to catch over four days. Here are some of the highlights.

1.

MID-TIER PIECES FROM GALLERIES AROUND THE WORLD

Singapore Contemporary focuses on collectible pieces between $10,000100,000—perfect for both seasoned collectors looking expand their portfolios as well as amateur collectors who are ready to take things up a notch. Browse hundreds of pieces brought over by galleries from Australia, Hong Kong, Shanghai, South Korea, France and elsewhere.

2.

A GRIPPING SURVEY OF CONTEMPORARY INDONESIAN ART

From the politically charged to the avantgarde, Indonesia’s contemporary arts scene has fostered some of the country’s best-known artists and rising stars—many of whom will be showcased at the art show’s Indonesian Pavilion. Curated by five galleries, the collection will feature more than 200 paintings and sculptures from the likes of Nyoman Erawan, Chusin Setiadikara and Yoga Mahendra.

Simon Wee

3.

CHINESE ARTISTS ON THEIR WAY UP

Another must-visit feature of the art show is China Encounters—a special showcase bringing together over 400 pieces from contemporary Chinese artists who are already household names in China, and are starting to show abroad. On display will be works by Wang Xiaosong, Su Xiaobai, Zhang Qing, Wang Min, Ma Dan and Zheng Fanzhi.

4.

A CHANCE TO MEET THE ARTISTS

Rather than just chatting with gallerists and representatives, Singapore Contemporary brings you closer to your favorite artists with their Artist Dialogues, a series of 16 talks by artists whose pieces are on display at the show. Learn about the inspirations and motivations behind the work of photographer and body-paint artist Emma Hack from Australia, contemporary wood-block artist Kan-Zan-Loc from Japan, Italian-Australian abstract acrylic painter Francesca Gnagnarella and many others.

Emma Hack

Zhang Xiangming

Jeff Murray

Yu Nancheng

5.

MOVERS AND SHAKERS IN SINGAPOREAN ART

There will be plenty of local representation here, with several Singaporean galleries participating. Expect a veritable who’s who, including watercolorist Poh Siew Wah, ceramic artist Jessie Lim, Chinese ink painter Lim Choon Jin and mixed-media acrylic painter Sheetal S Agarwal.

6.

LIVE PAINTING DEMONSTRATIONS

There’s nothing like seeing an artist at work.

Singapore Contemporary’s live painting demonstrations will bring together four different artists with varying styles, so you can watch their techniques and thought processes unfold in real time. The eclectic line-up will include Singaporean painter Simon Wee, British ink-pen artist Jeff Murray, Indonesian hand painter Awiki and Australian painter Madeleline Ekebald.

7.

A TWO-IN-ONE ART EXPERIENCE

Running concurrently with The Singapore Contemporary Art Show is Art Stage Singapore 2016. There’ll be complimentary buses shuttling from the Art Stage at Marina Bay Sands all the way down to Singapore Contemporary—so jump aboard!

The Singapore Contemporary Art Show takes place Jan 21-24 at Suntec Singapore Convention & Exhibition Centre. Earlybird specials on 2-for-1 tickets available online for S$30 at Sistic till Jan 21. Tickets are available at the door for $30. For more information, visit www.singaporecontemporary.com

BROUGHT TO YOU BY

now

The essential guide to what's on in Singapore Send your events news to art@asia-city.com.sg, nightlife@asia-city.com.sg, stage@asia-city.com.sg

© Sundaram Tagore Gallery

PHOTOGRAPHY

DRINK

2

Pretend to be knowledgeable about craft beers Famous for bringing in lesser-known breweries from the UK and Sweden, craft beer distributor Applehops is celebrating its second birthday party with Beer Bash 2016, featuring a fresh selection from Adnams Southwold, Beavertown, Buxton Brewery, Brew by Numbers, and more. Jan 16, Red Baron, 45 Malan Rd., www.applehops.com. $26-32.

ART

3

Marvel at Andy Warhol’s artistic genius

At Andy Warhol: Social Circus, catch a glimpse into the pop art icon’s legendary take on fame and celebrity through a series of polaroids, featuring socialites like Bianca Jagger, dancer Martha Graham and Vogue editor-at-large Andre Leon Talley and others from the infamous Studio 54 scene. Jan 16-29, Block 47 Malan Rd., www.gillmanbarracks.com. Free.

ART

1 5

Meet the legendary Steve McCurry

MUSIC

6

Catch esoteric art exhibitions

The Singapore Contemporary Art Show carries work priced from $10,000 to $100,000. There will also be a series of 16 artist dialogues, including talks from Australian Emma Hack and Italian Australian artist Francesca Gnagnarella.

Especially exciting is an exhibition by big-deal artist Yayoi Kusama.

Jan 20-24, Suntec Convention and Exhibition Centre, 1 Raffles Blvd., www.singaporecontemporary.com. $30-54.

Official Media Partner

Most famous for his photograph of the Afghan Girl, National Geographic photographer Steve McCurry will be in town to open an exhibition of his best work, The Iconic Photographs, from Myanmar, Pakistan and China.

If you’re a die-hard fan, sign up for a spot at the Q&A session on Jan 16, 3-5pm, though spots are limited. Jan 16-Feb 21, Sundaram Tagore Gallery, 5 Lock Rd., www.sundaramtagore.com. Free.

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CONCERT

Dance to Walk The Moon Known for the songs like "Anna Sun," and "Shut Up and Dance with Me", the '80s-inspired Cincinnati band is coming to town in support of their latest album Talking Is Hard. Jan 19, Fort Canning Green, Canning Rise, www.sistic.com.sg. $98-194.

Catch a local beatboxer in action

Well-known local beatboxer Dharni will be at Circular Road’s hip hop club, with DJs Titus and Ollie Des—don't miss this showcase. Jan 16, Refuge, #02-01 79 Circular Rd., www.facebook.com/refugesg. Free.

ART Where to catch high-brow visual art in January The city is awash this month with arty fringe events like flea markets and gallery parties, but for those of you who actually want to gaze endlessly at paintings and sculptures, here are the exhibitions to hit.

M1 FRINGE FESTIVAL The M1 Fringe Festival is back, so get ready for 11 days of edgy plays, dances and art exhibitions. This year's theme is Art and the Animal, which explores humanity's intricate relationship with the world's creatures. Don’t miss the feminist two-woman show “When Bitch Meets Butch”, which already has a waiting list. Jan 13-24, various venues, www. singaporefringe.com. Free to $22

SINGAPORE ART WEEK Comprising 80 art shows and festivals over a week and a half, this year’s Singapore Art Week will include Tang Da Wu’s "Earth Work," about how a construction site becomes a public housing estate, and sculptor Han Sai Por and Kum Chee-Kiong's "Rising Moon", which pays tribute to the Singapore River. Also exciting is whimsical woodland creature Donna Ong's exhibition, My Forest Has No Name, exploring the

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SG MAGAZINE FRIDAY, JANUARY 15, 2016

evolution of the forest. Jan 16-24, various venues, including National Gallery and Gillman Barracks. www.artweek.sg. Free to $10.

PRUDENTIAL EYE AWARDS Even if you didn’t score an invite to the Champagneinfused awards ceremony, the accompanying art exhibition is a two-and-a-half month showcase of Asia’s contemporary artists. There are 39 pieces from 15 artists, who are doing some pretty interesting things with video, installation, photography, and of course, painting and sculpture. Local photographer Robert Zhao Renhui is shortlisted for one of the awards. Jan 16-Mar 27, ArtScience Museum, 6 Bayfront Ave., www.prudentialeyeawards.com. $9-13.

ART STAGE Part of Singapore Art Week, Art Stage features work from 32 countries and 30 cities. There are 65 galleries exhibiting new pieces, and 112 exhibitors

from all around Asia. There will also be a Southeast Asia Forum, where art experts talk about the issues that affect the region. Look out for the installation called "Dada on Tour", which celebrates the 100th anniversary of Dadaism. Jan 20-24, Marina Bay Sands, Expo & Convention Centre, 1 Bayfront Ave., www. artstagesingapore.com. $32-88.

Prudential Eye Awards

ART APART FAIR A room on the 14th floor of ParkRoyal on Pickering will be turned into a giant gallery when the seventh edition of this fair returns, with a huge focus on artists from Southeast Asia featuring 100 artists and 1,500 pieces.

So far, the local artists exhibiting are Tia Boon Sim, Phyllis Chong and Shi Lifeng. Jan 22-24, Parkroyal on Pickering, 3 Upper Pickering St., www.artapartfair.com. $10.

M1 Fringe Festival

ADVERTORIAL

11 Fun Ideas For a Festive Reunion at Serangoon Gardens From lazy brunches to decadent Korean fried chicken to a quick mid-week lunch, round up your friends and family for one of these meals.

C

hristmas and New Year may be a not-so-distant memory, but the time has come to gear up for yet another round of reunions and festivities as Chinese New Year beckons. Whether it’s a long overdue beer session with your college buddies, a night out with your girl gang or a nice Chinese dinner with your mom and dad, here are some places to feast out in Serangoon Gardens.

For extended family lunches Wo Pen g

For classic Chinese food with your loved ones, go for a HKstyle Cantonese meal at 1 Wo Peng (#02-01, myVillage, 6634-7666), which serves, among other things, highlights like Hong Kong-style dim sum, smoke-roasted duck and Guangzhou barbecue. If you want to break away from Asian cuisine, try Mediterranean restaurant and wine bar 2 Plonk (7 Maju Ave., 6286-4688, www.plonk.com.sg), which does approachable but interesting plates like sumac and mintmarinated lamb T-bones and Argentinian rib-eye, along with a host of shareable tapas.

iSteak Grillhouse

For a girls’ night out For a decadent brunch Plonk

For casual reunions with old friends Let’s face it—when you’re busy making house visits, it’s your old buddies who get overlooked during Chinese New Year.

Squeeze in an evening of drinks at one of Serangoon Gardens’ casual nighttime hangouts. Then head to 3 Yogiyo Chicken (#B1K01, myVillage, 6634-2288) for soju, beers and Korean fried chicken that come with sweet, savory or spicy glazes. If you’re more picky about your beers, choose from American, Australian and European bottled brews at 4 Thirsty’s (#01-04,myVillage) which recently set up a new branch in the neighborhood.

Brunch is a time-honored tradition when catching up with your friends, and there are two solid options in the area. In addition to local-Western fusion, 5 Arbite (66A Serangoon Garden Way, 6287-0430, www.arbite.com.sg) has decadent brunch platters like the smoked salmon Florentine and the duck and eggs (poached eggs, duck rillettes and a cheese and jalapeno muffin). To satisfy your sweet tooth, head to pancake and waffle specialist 6 Little Wimbly Lu (#01-09, myVillage, www.facebook.com/ littlewimblylu).

Catching up with your BFFs is its own reward, especially when it’s easy on the wallet. The new 7 Wine Connection (#B1-05, myVillage, 66348245, www.wineconnection.com.sg) branch carries over 1,200 wines, with many starting at under $30—like zingy proseccos, full bodied merlots and decadent bubblys that are perfect if you need to stock up for the CNY afterparty at home. For a big meal, try 8 iSteak Grillhouse (#02-03/06, myVillage, 6285-8839) for imported, premium cuts of well-charred ribeyes, steaks and tenderloins at reasonable prices. A must try here is the succulent 100 day grass-fed ribeye. Or if you’re in the mood for pork, then their pork loin is will surely hit the spot.

Little Wimbly Lu

Wine Connection

For a lightning-fast check-in Arbite

No time to meet every last one of your favorite people over the festive season? Then book them for a quick hawker lunch during the work day.

Not the most atmospheric, but there are several famous stalls around Serangoon Gardens to make it worth your (short) while. The iconic 9 Chomp Chomp Food Centre (20 Kensington Park Rd.) has the best-selling $1 chicken wings at Chong Pang Huat (#01-26) and cheesy sushi popiah at I-Chai Food Speciality (#01-34) a few doors down. If you don’t mind the walk, head further down to the 10 Serangoon Garden Market & Food Centre (49A Serangoon Garden Way) which boasts a loyal following for its Garden Street Kway Chap (#0121). Afterwards, head down to 11 Hockhua Tonic (#B1-08/09, myVillage, 6634-5070, www. hockhuatonic.com) and load up on healthy goodies like tasty bird’s nest, traditional herbs and premium abalone—perfect CNY gift ideas for friends and family.

Thirsty BROUGHT TO YOU BY MYVILLAGE

www.myvillage.sg FRIDAY, JANUARY 15, 2016 SG MAGAZINE

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now NETWORKING

7

Rub shoulders with fellow geeks

General Assembly, which does lots of cool tech-related courses ranging from coding to data analytics, is having an open house. Expect to meet tons of aspiring entrepreneurs.

Jan 15, GA Singapore @ The Working Capitol, 1 Keong Saik Rd., www. generalassemb.ly/singapore. Free.

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Gawk at jaw-dropping driving stunts

MOTORING

8

PARTY

Pig out at a free-flow brunch at Ce La Vi Ditch your New Year’s diet and head to Ce La Vi's Sky High Brunch. DJ Brendon P will be spinning Ibiza-style tracks while you load up on decadent offerings like fresh oysters, foie gras, gourmet wraps and Veuve Clicquot Rose. Jan 23, Tower 3 SkyPark at Marina Bay Sands, 10 Bayfront Ave., www.sg.celavi. com. $198.

Scope out your next set of wheels (or ogle the ones you’ll never have) at The Singapore Motor Show. The show highlight is a visit by famous stunt driver Russ Swift, who will be showing off a few tricks. Jan 14-17, Suntec Singapore Convention & Exhibition Centre, 1 Raffles Blvd., www.motorshow.com.sg. $6.

SHOPPING

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NIGHTLIFE

Shop at the Singapore Art Museum

11

SAM is celebrating Singapore Art Week with several days of tours, parties and local musicians from Jan 15-21. Of note is the The Local People X SAM Night Market, where you’ll get to shop for cool stuff by indie local labels, like The Lorem Ipsum Store and Honey and Gazelle, to name a few. Jan 24, Singapore Art Museum, 71 Bras Basah Rd., www. facebook.com/TheLocalPeopleSG/. Free.

Dance to worldclass electro

Voted one of the “Top 10 DJs Who Rule The Earth” by Rolling Stone, Alex Ridha, also known as Boys Noize, will be dishing out electro dance tracks alongside funkadelic duo DJ Mag Allstars with Hong.

Jan 26, Zouk, 17 Jiak Kim St., www. zoukclub.com.sg. $28-33.

MUSIC The All-Asia Guide to Laneway 2016

LITERARY

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Cheer on your favorite storyteller

Usually a fixture at Artistry, Story Slam Singapore is upgrading to a bigger, sexier venue for its big Grand Slam, where eight storytellers pit themselves against one another. Expect to laugh, cry and everything in between. Jan 29, Esplanade Recital Studio, 1 Esplanade Dr., www. storyslamsingapore.com. $30-42.

Official Media Partner

It may be the stomping grounds of Pitchfork-endorsed bands like Purity Ring, The Internet and CHVRCHES, but there’s a decent Asian contingent of bands on the line-up, too, few though they may be. Here’s who to make room for on your dance card.

CASHEW CHEMISTS These guy burst into the scene with their first demos titled "What She Said" and "Road Trip". Influenced by the rock sounds of America, they have since released a four-track EP titled Previously On... Cashew Chemists with songs like "Feel Amazing" and "Take A Walk."

CHEATS Hailing from the Philippines, Cheats started out as a duo but now consists of eight band members, influenced by pop and rock sounds, particularly bands like Arcade Fire and LCD Soundsystem.

Well-known tracks include “Eye,” “Summer,” and "Again, Professor Manny?" from their self-titled debut album released this year.

GDJYB We're especially excited about this quirky, all-girl, Hong Kong

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SG MAGAZINE FRIDAY, JANUARY 15, 2016

band which takes its name from the dish "gai dan jang yuk bang" and is known for socio-political commentary done to math-rock and folk with electronica sounds. YouTube the trippy video of their song "Durian Durian What What What."

INTRIGUANT Also known as Louis Quek, tunes by this Singapore DJ and producer are pretty chill and downtempo, with a little bit of hip-hop and soul thrown in. His EP, Ellipse, was released in 2014, which is chock full of laidback tracks to zen out to.

R!OT IN MAGENTA The Singapore band has two EPs, R3B007 and Voices that blend synth, trip-hop, soul and electronica, with Eugenia Yip lending her ethereal vocals to the tracks. Check out “Running” and “CTRL” on their Bandcamp.

GDJYB

Laneway is happening on Jan 30 at The Meadow, Gardens by the Bay, 18 Marina Gardens Dr. Tickets are $180 at singapore.lanewayfestival.com. SHI MIN XIE

now Send your events news to art@asia-city.com.sg, nightlife@asia-city.com.sg, stage@asia-city.com.sg

FOOD

PHOTOGRAPHY Bryan van der Beek and Singapore’s transitioning cityscape

Bishan Park

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Check out PasarBella’s new outlet

PasarBella's downtown branch has finally opened at Suntec City, with 7,000 sq. ft of retail space housing 14 gourmet stalls and one retail shop. The interiors draw inspiration from New York City's Lower East Side, and are filled with bright graffiti and illustrations. Some of their stalls include Wolf Burgers, by the team from Carvers & Co, and Louisiana-style food truck Cajun on Wheels. A healthy option includes Pimp My Salad, where you can customize your own greens. There’s also coffee from Sarnies and juice from Squeezed. Suntec City, #01-455 to 461, 3 Temasek Blvd., www.pasarbella.com.

FILM © Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam (Vincent van Gogh Foundation)

NIGHTLIFE

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Get down at a nu-disco live DJ set Back after performing to a sold-out concert at Loof two years ago, French DJ Kiwi Juice will be helming the decks at The Powder Room's French Kiwi Juice party, which promises a night of nu-disco, hip-hop and funk grooves.

Jan 29, The Powder Room, 19 Cecil St., www.facebook.com/ the powderroomsg. $38-268.

15

Learn all about van Gogh’s genius

The Projector is showing a film series about art and artists for Singapore Art Week. Vincent van Gogh, A New Way of Seeing is our pick. See the full series on their website.

Jan 16, 22 and 24, The Projector, #05-00 Golden Mile Tower, 6001 Beach Rd., www.theprojector.sg. $10.

EXPLORING

Merlion

A trained photojournalist, Bryan van der Beek's work has appeared in The Straits Times and international publications like Time, Newsweek and The Washington Post. In his latest series, Transitions, he combines his photojournalism background with a bit of artistic flair, creating remarkable images of places in Singapore as they transition from day to night. Here, he talks about the difficulties of staying with your tripod all day, and what makes Singapore so different from everywhere else.

What got you interested in photographing Singapore?

I got my start as a documentary photographer and photojournalist so I've always been interested in documenting the places that I live in. This project just takes the documenting processes and mixes it up with the concept of passing time.

the first time. You can't decide half way into it to change your framing. So sometimes, the tough part is working on a frame, discovering a couple of hours into it that it's not working out, and deciding to come back again to reshoot with a better angle or perspective.

Also, when shooting in the more crowded places like Merlion Park, you have to guard your equipment like hawk. All you need is someone How is Singapore different from other cities? to accidentally get to close and kick your tripod Singapore is an amalgamation of both the East to make you have to do it all over again. and the West. I have friends who come from Europe or the States and marvel how "Western" What did you do to make the images transition seamlessly? of a city it is. But move out from the CBD and The most important thing is the patience to you will also see all the different cultures wait with the tripod during the duration of the and traditions come into play. Because of its shoot. The camera cannot move at all during small size, we also have the opportunity to the process. I then select anywhere from two to implement programs and services that might four images from the whole take and digitally not be easily done on a larger scale. merge them together.

What was the most difficult thing about shooting the series?

The thing about this project is that once you decide on the composition of the image, you're committed to it once the shutter goes off for Check out Bryan van der Beek’s Transitions, which is available in book form, at www. twentyfifteen.myshopify.com at $25. SHI MIN XIE

w w w. s g n o w. s g | 2 0 1 5 M PA S W e b s i t e o f t h e Ye a r

Your FREE independent guide to the next two weeks

Arty-tarty-farty

SG MAGAZINE | ISSUE #693 | JANUARY 15, 2016

what’s on what’s new what matters

16

Go on a surreal adventure in Joo Chiat

Oh! Open House’s is doing an interactive play, No Man's Land, around Joo Chiat.

You’ll encounter a man in black at a bar, who asks you to meet him in a hotel room. Then ensues your adventure. Book fast as a couple of shows have already sold out. Jan 22-24 and 29-31, location TBA, www.nomansland.sg, www.facebook.com/ohopenhouse. $55.

Photojournalist Bryan van der Beek painstakingly captures Singapore’s transition from day to night in his book Transitions.

See PHOTOGRAPHY , page 11, for an interview.

DINING

EVENTS

TRAVEL

INTERVIEW

Trends to Watch in 2016

Book Ahead Comedy Shows

Great Reasons to Leave Town

Why Startups Fail

Cover Up SG Magazine covers celebrate local artists, photographers and illustrators and their remarkable depictions of Singapore.

They look so good, we’ve even started hanging them on our walls.

To suggest someone we should feature or to partner with us on this initiative, email editor@asia-city.com.sg FRIDAY, JANUARY 15, 2016 SG MAGAZINE

11

THE COMPLETE CAPITOL PIAZZA

food guide

Perennial Real Estate Holdings Limited

Where to eat and drink at City Hall’s prettiest new hangout

Since its opening, the beautifully built Capitol building has become a veritable lifestyle enclave.

The state-of-the-art Capitol Theatre venue, great shopping and central location aside, the surrounding Capitol Piazza has a slew of restaurants, bars and cafes serving everything from craft beer to Central European cuisine to specialty coffee.

DATE NIGHT

AFTER WORK DRINKS TAP CRAFT BEER BAR

Kaiserhaus

(01-K1/K2, 6384-7188)

(02-06/03-06, 6377-0013)

Gather your colleagues at the end of the day for a few rounds at this new outlet by the folks behind Thirsty Craft Beer Shop which features over 20 beers on tap with another 80 bottled options. Grab a seat at the long, sleek bar and order a charcuterie or sausage platter to pair with beers from the US, the UK, Hong Kong and other international breweries.

Get this: There is a free beer float with every two tapas purchased.

Spizza Mercato Ryu’s Dining & Bar (01-87, 6384-9087)

Known for its Edo-style dishes and sushi offerings ($45), Ryu’s Dining and Bar has a cool izakaya vibe with a wooden bar top and minimalist interiors.

This omakase restaurant does specialty sake offerings that are curated by inhouse sake master Sakuma Hiroyasu.

Get this: They’re currently serving a stewed Iberian pork set ($22) that includes an appetizer, Iberian ribs simmered in sweetened soy sauce and steamed radish with black miso paste, among other goodies.

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SG MAGAZINE FRIDAY, JANUARY 15, 2016

Equilibrium Modern Italian Bacaro & Ristorante (01-86, 6384-4069)

Decked out in warm wooden tones, dark booths and a library-like atmosphere, Equilibrium is a quaint Italian eatery dishing out classics with gastronomic flair, perfect for a bit of mid-week romance. Think pasta carbonara with parmesan foam ($22) and handmade pizzas topped with Coppa ham and truffle paste ($23).

Get this: Get the Cose Semplice set lunch for $13.90.

(B2-52, 6702-1835)

Inspired by bustling piazzas in Italy, the black-and-white interiors of Spizza Mercato are perfect for a quiet date.

The pizza menu comprises hearty fare like the Tara ($20), a tomato-based pizza topped with mushrooms, bacon, mozzarella topped over with a poached egg and the bestselling Quinta ($19), a medley of tomato, mozzarella, egg and a fragrant black truffle paste.

Get this: Come dressed in red in groups of four and get a free pizza.

A rare place in Singapore serving Central European cuisine, the dishes here are inspired by Habsburg royalty. The space boasts a pretty romantic atmosphere, with its luxurious, velvet chairs and wood-and-tile interiors. The menu has approachable dishes like the wiener schnitzel ($21), with a cranberry ragout, but for something a bit more exotic, try the Bohemian meat dumplings ($27).

Get this: The $50 Kaiserhaus Chinese New Year menu includes Tafelspitz, a slice of home-made cake or pastry and a glass of Hirter craft beer.

ADVERTORIAL

HEARTY GET-TOGETHERS

DECADENT DESSERTS

Four Seasons Chinese Restaurant

Angelina

(02-27/29, 6702-1838)

(01-82, 6384-0481)

Famous for their Cantonese roast duck, Four Seasons is a slightly upscale option that also serves pork, seafood and chicken dishes. The Four Seasons Roasted Duck ($68) aside, another must-try is the braised Boston lobster noodle with spring onion and ginger ($88), great for sharing.

Get this: There’s a special Lunar New Year set menu from $368.

Tuck into classic French fare at Angelina, amidst a Parisian inspired and ornate ambience. Save room for their world famous desserts like the signature Mont Blanc ($14), a meringue covered with whipped cream and chestnut vermicelli. For drinks, try the old-fashioned hot chocolate ($13), a personal favorite of fashion icon Coco Chanel.

Teuscher Chocolates (02-31, 9823-3779)

Palette Restaurant & Bar (B1-20/27, 6384-3359)

Sit back, relax and tuck into a sumptuous feast at Palette, a multi cuisine dining concept bringing together 10 specialty food icons like the famous Balestier Bak Kut Teh, Hok Kee’s Beef Brisket Noodles ($15) from Hong Kong, Delhi 6’s Murg Gulnar ($26) and many more.

Naughty Nuri’s (01-84, 6384-6612)

Ubud’s famous eatery specializing in fork-tender barbecue pork ribs and proper martinis has opened shop in Singapore.

Decorated like a 1960s American diner, this grill place does simple yet mouthwatering pork dishes like baby back ribs and pork with rice.

Ramen & Tonkatsu Ma Maison (B2-51, 6384-6211)

Serving ramen with a twist, Ramen & Tonkatsu Ma Maison does interesting variations like the Ma Maison Original Creamy Cheese Ramen ($18) featuring rich, imported handmade cheese from Hokkaido.

Get this: Get the surprisingly light Tonkotsu Ramen & Tonkatsu Set for $19.80

Even if you’re on your way out, there are plenty of great options for classy takeaways at Capitol Piazza—Champagne chocolate truffles anyone?

Voted the “Best Chocolatier in the World” in 2012 by National Geographic Travel, Teuscher Chocolates does upmarket classics like dark chewy sea salt caramel pralines ($42), Bailey’s ice cream truffles ($22) and rose truffles ($42).

Get this: Grab a box of nine Swiss chocolate dipped orange slices for $36 (usual price $42).

Llao Llao (B2-29)

If you’re (sort of) counting your calories, head to the local branch of good ol’ yogurt place Llao Llao. First timers should try the Petitllao ($2.50), a creamy soft serve of yogurt, and then work their way up to the Sanum ($6.95) with fresh fruit toppings like strawberries, blackcurrants and peaches drizzled with honey sauce.

CAFFEINE FIX Great Cafés at Capitol Piazza 1933

Hoshino Coffee

(01-83, 6384-3660)

(B2-55, 6384-5131)

Take a step back in time at this 1930’s inspired cafe that does East meets West renditions of local favorites like the 1933 Hainanese kampong chicken rice ($16.80), the Nanyang curry chicken in bread bowl ($14.90) and the succulent grilled pork loin ($28.90). For drinks, check out their signature 1933 Coffee brewed with Torrefacto coffee beans. Get this: Get the three-course set meal at $17 that includes a soup of the day, choice of main (pan-seared chicken leg or catch of the day), gula melaka pandan chiffon cake and a beverage. Offer valid on weekdays from 12pm-3pm.

Famous for their hand drip black coffee, Hoshino Coffee has some Japanese offerings like the Sakura Latte ($9), a milk based beverage with cherry blossoms, along with hot fruit teas ($9.90) infused with fresh apples, oranges, kiwis and blueberries.

Get this: Enjoy the Hoshino Prosperity Feast ($55) with a choice of two mains, a dessert and two drinks.

Oriole Coffee + Bar (02-20/21, 6384-6495)

With an award-winning local team of baristas and a big focus on good beans and diverse coffee prep techniques, Oriole Coffee + Bar is every caffeine fiend’s dream. Their hearty breakfast offerings include the avocado toast ($14) and fluffy hotcakes ($12) that go well with their signature cold brewed Taisho coffee ($6$8). For something more lunch-appropriate, try their warm spinach salad ($18) or the portobello confit sandwich ($17)—both dishes that are exclusive to the Capitol outlet.

Dazzling Café (01-85, 6384-3310)

Big in Taiwan, Dazzling Cafe’s Capitol outlet does traditional fare with including signature dessert toasts like the classic honey toast ($19.90), mango and coconut gelto honey toast ($18.90) and the hazelnut chocolate honey toast ($18.90). For drinks, try the boozy rose latte ($8) and the Carribean fruit punch with calpis sorbet ($8).

Terms and Conditions apply. Price excludes GST and service charges.

BROUGHT TO YOU BY

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11 Stamford Rd, Singapore 178884 T: 6499-5599 www.capitolpiazza.com

FRIDAY, JANUARY 15, 2016 SG MAGAZINE

13

now BOOK AHEAD 3 big-deal comedians coming to town soon

Russell Peters

ART

17

FESTIVAL

Take a trip through Southeast Asia

Australian artist Belinda Fox is having a solo exhibition at the Chan Hampe Galleries, titled, Balancing The World, which is inspired by what the artist experienced on her travels to Vietnam and Myanmar, dealing with the loss of tradition and exploitation of the environment. Through Feb 14, Chan Hampe Galleries, #01-21 Raffles Hotel Arcade, 328 North Bridge Rd., www. chanhampegalleries.com. Free.

CONCERT

Margaret Cho

KEVIN HART Best known for starring in movies, TV shows and hosting two episodes of Saturday Night Live, American comedian Kevin Hart will regale you with hilarious anecdotes and observations about personal life, his children, and his insecurities, especially of his height. Watch out for his impression of a "rich white guy laugh." Feb 2. Suntec Singapore International Convention & Exhibition Centre, 1 Raffles Blvd., 8pm. $98-188 from Sistic.

RUSSELL PETERS The Canadian-Indian comedian Russell Peters will be in town for his Almost Famous World Tour. Known for his cheeky and irreverent humor, Peters is all about making fun of stereotypes, dating, as well as his father and uncle. And if you get front row seats, be prepared to be roasted. Feb 14. Suntec Singapore Convention & Exhibition Centre, 1 Raffles Blvd., 8pm. $108-228 from Sistic

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Dabble in skater culture

Back for a third time, the Urban Art Festival will have everything from DJing and zine-making workshops, performances by bands like Dru Chen Trio, Take Two and What is Hip, live graffiti and competitive skaters and a skateboard art exhibition. Jan 16, Aliwal Arts Centre, 28 Aliwal St., www.aliwaluaf16.peatix.com. Free.

Get a dose of heavy metal Finnish symphonic heavy metal band Nightwish will be in town for their Endless Forms Most Beautiful tour. Look out their head banging hits "Amaranth," Sleeping Sun" and "Wish I had an Angel." Jan 18, The Coliseum Sentosa, 8 Sentosa Gateway, www.sistic.com.sg. $108-128.

MARKET

ART

Load up on hip groceries

If you missed Open Farm Community's second Social Market earlier this month, Dempsey Hill has another farmer’s market at Loewen Gardens, where Little Pixie Box, Teathos and Healing Nature will be hawking their wares. Jan 23, 75E Loewen Rd., www.dempseyhill.com. Free.

MARGARET CHO Korean-American funnywoman Margaret Cho is bringing The Psycho Tour to town, with her unique brand of warm, incisive and rage-filled comedy dealing with police brutality, racism, LGBT issues and violence against women. Her fall-to-the-floor-laughing impressions of her parents never get old either. Mar 5, Kallang Theatre, 1 Stadium Walk, 8pm, $88-148 from Sistic.

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Hang out at Goodman Arts Centre

The fifth edition of the #TanjongGoodman festival will be showing art exhibition "When Renndom Met Airany". There's also a tour of the center and open studios by the artists in residence there. Make it a whole day excursion by staying for the Great Singapore Garage Sale as well as the Goodman Farmer’s Market. Jan 23, Goodman Arts Centre, 90 Goodman Rd., www.goodmanartscentre.sg. Free.

NIGHTLIFE 5 new happy hours for your next drinking session AURA Padang views aside, this Italian restaurant’s terrace bar has possibly the most extensive happy hour in town, where bubbly, wines, gins, whiskies, rums and even cognacs range from $8-24 during 5-8pm. Don’t miss tasty bar bites like batter-fried zucchini flowers and pulled pork and pancetta crostini (both $18). #05-03 National Gallery Singapore, 1 St. Andrew's Rd., 6866-1977, www.aura.sg.

FRESH! One of our favorite outdoor bars (it has a fun '90s playlist) does tiki drinks heavy on mescal and tequila. From 7-9pm, they’re doing a onefor-one on some of these stiffies. Sip slowly on the mescal-heavy Pressure Dropper ($18), or get the South American Swing ($22) with cachaca, port wine, agave, lime juice. Also on the menu

Laugh

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SG MAGAZINE FRIDAY, JANUARY 15, 2016

are $10 housepours, spirits and wines. #02-01 101 Jln Sultan, 8828-7084, www. facebook.com/ohsofreshsg.

GIBSON This sexy, hidden cocktail bar by the folks behind Jigger & Pony people is doing one-for-one cocktails daily from 5-8pm, featuring classics like The Gibson ($24), which comes with a pickled onion, a smoked quail's egg and a smoked radish. Or try the potent Crimson Bullet ($24), a mix of Don Julio white tequila, Alipus mezcal, fennel-y Kummel, beetroot and lime.

20 Bukit Pasoh Rd., 9114-8385, www. gibsonbar.sg.

LAUGH This new opening at The South Beach is dishing out all-day $10 happy hour deals on wine,

beer and spirits daily. While you're there, try their namesake cocktail, the Laugh Laugh ($18), a mix of vodka, butterscotch syrup, lime juice and fresh raspberries or for something a little stronger, have the Blue Whale ($20), which brings together dark rum, blue curacao, amaretto and an apple and lemon juice mix.

30 Beach Rd., www.thesouthbeach.com.sg.

VERRE MODERN BISTRO & WINE BAR Located in a refurbished warehouse off Robertson Quay, this oenophile's dream may have reinvented itself as a proper restaurant recently, but it still has over 750 labels represented in its walk-in cellar. From 4-7pm daily, savor their extensive selection for $14-32 a glass.

8 Rodyk St., 6509-1917, www.verre.com.sg.

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city scape

16 Wishes for 2016

The city’s movers and shakers tell us what they hope to see happen this year for the arts, music, fashion, dining, humanitarian causes and more. By Chelsia Tan

I

t’s the start of the year and while most of you are making new resolutions (or false promises); we talk to some of Singapore’s most outspoken personalities about their hopes for the future.

On local fashion “Besides a shift in consumer behavior, I do hope to see more works from emerging designers. The various competitions held by fashion publications like Harper’s Bazaar and Men’s Folio over the last two years have seen a heightened profile of these graduates with great works. The continued pace of showing one’s works is essential for a designer to remain ‘seen’.”

Max Tan, founder and designer, MAX.TAN

“Mall operators need to know that Singapore designers, as well as Asian ones, are now just as strong as international labels.

In fact, they have a unique and interesting fashion D.N.A, which combines Asian roots with western sensibilities, like Ong Shunmugam, In Good Company, Aijek, Frederick Lee, Carrie K and more, who have carved a niche and developed a strong USP (unique selling point) to their products.

My wish for 2016 would be a better and fairer representation of Singapore and Asian designers in our malls and stores.”

David Wang, fashion retail consultant

On film “It’s very encouraging that in 2015, our authorities passed many films and content that might not have gotten through in previous years. We as a society need to keep questioning and keep pushing the boundaries. We hope that through constant dialogue and negotiations, we can make this happen.”

Viknesh Kobinathan, assistant programmer, The Projector

On supporting home-grown music

Charlie Lim, singersongwriter

SG MAGAZINE FRIDAY, JANUARY 15, 2016

Ng Xi Jie, director and multidisciplinary artist

On Singapore’s conservation efforts “We need to build a better ecosystem. We’ve got plenty of great talent, but a serious lack of managers, producers, engineers, music journalists, promoters. But the only way to get this scene to a level where it can sustain itself is by having the right people who wouldn’t mind taking a few bullets in order to get the ball rolling.”

16

“I hope to see more wildness—platforms for local films of all sorts, more dialogue about local films, more documentaries that challenge the medium, and more experimental, esoteric work! I also hope there will be more local films in the Singapore International Film Festival and that the festival is able to expand its local audience base.”

“I would highlight new nature parks like the Windsor Nature Park which are currently under development, as well as those that opened recently on the outskirts of the Central Catchment Nature Reserve as the most exciting development for 2016. The development of these parks means that we will soon have a good buffer zone around the forested habitats, allowing for continued spill over of fauna and flora into these areas. These nature parks also provide recreation to the increasing population.”

Tony O’Dempsey, conservationist and spokesperson for nature reserve matters with the Nature Society (Singapore)

On making art in Singapore better “In 2015, I saw many theater and art productions which set a grand concept but turned out looking amateurish.

We need to get away from manufacturing to creating art. More artists are taking more time to research, analyze, experiment and explore their related art forms and this is indeed a good sign. My wish is to see commissioners taking bigger risks to create brave works in Singapore, and hope that Singaporeans are more open to new approaches in the arts.”

“The current arts scene is more developed and exciting than, say, 20 years ago. But there are gaps.

There are still cliques and silos within each form, and a dearth of sturdy critical literature to appraise what is being created. Visual artists and dramatists also have it better than, say, writers. Writing is a lonelier, less glamorous business. I’d like to see a physical literary center being set up in the near future, where writers can hang out, learn from one another, exchange ideas, and cook up some far-out projects.”

Yeow Kai Chai, poet

Goh Boon Teck, chief artistic director, Toy Factory

“In the coming years, it is a dream of mine to see creatives and audiences become one, as we are all in the same boat.

I hope to see art happening in a more organic way, breaking free of compartmentalization, like how graffiti can only be done at select zones like The Rail Corridor. We should be able to free up the space, create more flow in the country and share even more broadly, because regulations ironically lead to an elitist consumption of the arts. Regulations means those in the ‘know’ will be able to get to the art while expression should be free for all to experience as part of daily life.”

Ong Keng Sen, festival director, Singapore International Festival of Arts

On the local F&B scene “With the continued growth of the F&B industry, there aren’t enough qualified Singaporeans and Permanent Residents to fill the necessary positions.

We hope to be able to hire talents for both the kitchen and the service, regardless of the individual’s nationality.”

“I hope to see even more growth in the local farming movement and have chefs utilize vegetables in more creative and fun manner.

The popularity of the farming movement will also ensure fresher vegetables grown and consumed locally as well as discovery and exploration of more delicious edible plants.”

Cynthia Chua, founder and CEO of The Spa Esprit Group

Jason Tan, chef, Corner House

On better protection for migrant workers “We should not treat foreign workers as just cheap labor but people with dignity and rights. Exorbitant recruitment fees of up to $15,000 have been paid by these workers. I also would like to see employers and agents come together to say they will adopt a zero recruitment fee policy. ”

Jolovan Wham, executive director, Humanitarian Organisation for Migration Economics (HOME)

On animal welfare

On building an inclusive LGBT community

“With the laws strengthened in 2015 against animal cruelty, we look forward to seeing enforcement efforts fully stepped against errant pet shops, illegal breeding and animal abuse perpetrators to send a strong message that there is no place in our society for profiting or perpetuating the suffering of animals.”

Thenuga Vijakumar, president, Cat Welfare Society

On fostering the kampong spirit

“Singaporeans are generally fair minded and accepting save for a very vocal minority. The increasing number of straight allies and families coming out in support of Pink Dot shows that attitudes are changing and evolving.”

Deryne Sim, spokesperson, Pink Dot

On cultivating good entrepreneurship “If there was any kind of secret sauce to social cohesion, I would say it’s empathy. This applies, I suspect, to not only social problems but also to all types of problems. If only we learned and listened more, and if we go out of our way to try to learn how others feel, we would be so much better off.”

Adrianna Tan, founder, Culture Kitchen

“We would love to see the education system become more industryknowledge based rather than merely books-based. While there are small changes being made, like schools using situational and case studies to teach students, more changes need to follow [so we can see] improvements in the entrepreneurial scene as people are more informed about the challenges faced by small-medium enterprises.”

Valerie Chai (middle) co-founder, Superlife Co.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 15, 2016 SG MAGAZINE

17

island

The latest openings and hottest trends in Singapore

FITNESS 4 fitness passes to get now

FITNESS

Shape Up

It’s 2016—skip the usual gym routine and try these wicked ways to sweat. By Chelsia Tan Guavapass

GUAVAPASS At $139 a month, it gives members access to classes like yoga, CrossFit, indoor cycling and Muay Thai at over 70 gyms and studios in Singapore. With pluses like GuavaPerks, a programme which offers invites to wellness events, community classes and special deals with partners like The Juice Junkie. Memberships are also valid abroad in cities like Bangkok, Hong Kong, Dubai, Shanghai and Sydney, and the pass is now available via an app for Android and iPhone users, too. www.guavapass.com.

Bossaball

Mermaid School

Zuu

Homerun Baseball

B

ecome a zoo animal, play beach volleyball on a trampoline or bowl in the dark—here are five activities that actually make working out fun.

Automated Indoor Baseball This undoubtedly classic American sport has finally made its way to soccer-loving Singapore. At Homerun Baseball, you get to touch base not on a dusty pitch, but inside an indoor baseball batting cage instead.

The premise is simple: all you have to do is to arm yourself with a bat and fend off a series of balls shot at you by an automated batting system. And this sport isn’t just about working off some post-work rage—apparently you can burn between 200 and 300 calories an hour while working the core, arms and shoulders. 200 Pandan Gardens, 6635-6315, www.hrb.com.sg.

Bossaball Infusing volleyball, gymnastics, soccer and capoeira, kick, spike or dive on an inflatable court flanked by trampolines. While it might seem like child’s play, this team sport is far from just playing ball on a bouncy castle. It combines agility, game strategies and techniques with the challenge of manoeuvring a gravity-defying playing ground, all set to samba or bossa nova tunes. For information on upcoming sessions, check out www.facebook.com/bossaball.singapore. #02-08 10 Raeburn Park, 6100-6292, www.bossaball.com.sg.

Cosmic Bowling Bowling isn’t exactly the sexiest sport right now. But throw in pulsating beats, glow-in-the-dark pins and an atmospheric club-like setting, and it may be marginally cool. If you’d like a bit of kitschy and competitive fun, then gather your friends and head down to Orchid Bowl, where bowling alleys stay open till 1am from Sun-Thu and 3am on Fridays,

Saturdays and eve of public holidays. It’s currently available at The Chevrons (#04-01 48 Boon Lay Way, 6795-5900), SAFRA Tampines (#03-01 1A Tampines St. 92, 6783 6001) and SAFRA Yishun (#02-V2 60 Yishun Ave 4, 6759-9737). www.orchidbowl.com.sg.

Mermaid School Indulge your siren fantasies and work your core and glutes at the same time with self-dubbed “Singapore’s first mermaid”, Cara Nicole Neo. You get to put on a nice fancy tail, pretend to be a sexy work of fiction and swim with a flourish through classes which cover theory lessons on “mermaid lore” and core exercises. This is actually a serious course as you have to meet the minimum requirements of swimming one unassisted lap and tread water for 20 seconds before advancing from bronze for beginners to platinum for advanced learners. www.themermaidsyrena.com.

Tap into your primal instincts at a 20-minute full-body workout which incorporates movements inspired by animals. Channeling your inner beast may sound a little loopy here, but this class is more than just about grunts and growls. Zuu is a high intensity interval exercise which uses six different moves—push, pull, bend, twist, squat, lunge and locomotion—each named after an animal inspiration in a session that purports to burn an average of 300 calories, while helping you improve your mobility, agility, flexibility and cardio endurance.

Virgin Active Singapore, #06-00 1 Raffles Place Tower 2, www.virginactive.com.sg.

Don’t miss out on our guide to the best of the Singapore nightlife scene—more than 100 of our favorite nightspots, from the best rooftop bars and cocktail gems to the coolest microbreweries and wine lounges.

Head to is.gd/SGbestbars to download the e-guide, it’s free.

SG MAGAZINE FRIDAY, JANUARY 15, 2016

PASSPORT ASIA This local fitness app has 300 gyms and studios on its roster, with 50,000 classes ranging from parkour, taekwondo, gymnastics, spinning and of course, yoga.

For an entry-level membership at $59 a month, you get access to four activities across all studios. Making it more convenient to search and book classes nearby, the app has a GPS tool which gives specifics like estimated distance, linking you to your smart phone’s map function. www.mypassport.asia.

Zuu

THIRSTY?

18

KFIT Launched by local entrepreneur Joel Neoh, fitness website and app Kfit lets you try out various classes at gyms and studios around Singapore for $99 a month. You can attend as many sessions as you like, but there are caps on the number of visits per gym per month.

There are currently 589 partners, and the pass is available in eight cities such as Hong Kong, Taipei, Seoul, Kuala Lumpur, Sydney and Auckland. www.kfit.com.

Yo! Fit Pass

YO! FIT PASS Offering healthy meals from various cafes and restaurants in Singapore, with fitness classes that range from yoga, dance to Aikido, this all-in-one pass is tailored for the busy gym rat who is all about convenience. Subscribers pay $180 a month for 10 classes from partners such as Kinetics Climbing, Shiva Yoga and fencing studio SportivA, and 10 meals from quick-fix eateries like DoSiRak, Pia Pit, Cafe Salivation and HIC Juice—there are over 300 classes and 100 meals to choose from per week. www.yofitpass.com.

BUTTER UP!

JANUARY CNY2016_FA.pdf

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FRIDAY, JANUARY 15, 2016 SG MAGAZINE

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eats

The inside scoop on Singapore’s drink and dining scene

burger joint

Carnivores are gonna have a field day From charcuturie selections at Ash & Elm (1/F, Intercontinental Singapore 80 Middle Rd., 6338-7600, www.ihg.com) and Fifth Quarter (39 Syed Alwi Rd., 6291-1936, www.5thquarter.com.sg) to grilled and roast meat specialists like The Carvery (7/F Park Hotel Alexandra, 323 Alexandra Rd., 6828-8880, www. parkhotelgroup.com) and London Fat Duck (#B1-16/17 Scotts Square., 6443-7866, www.londonfatduck.com.sg), meat-focused menus are here to stay. One major highlight is the re-emergence of nose-to-tail dining—while it sure isn’t a foreign concept in Singapore, Dehesa (12 North Canal Rd., 6221-7790) by chef Jean-Philippe Patruno (of Quo Vadis fame), is worth your time only because it specializes in alternative cuts and offal with an elevated slant.

TRENDS

No Reservations Eat your way through 7 deliciously hot dining movements of 2016. By Chelsia Tan Fresh!

There will be more tiki cocktails

Dehesa

Kite

Kitschy, fun and totally fruity—Don Draper wannabes will gasp in horror at the re-emergence of tiki cocktails and other slushed-up creations that come complete with paper umbrellas. Fresh! (#02-01 101 Jln Sultan, 8828-7084, www.facebook.com/ohsofreshsg), Smoke and Mirrors (#06-01 National Gallery, 6384-5595, www.smokeandmirrors.com.sg) and even Hawaiian poke bistro Aloha Poke (92 Amoy St., 6221-6165, www.alohapoke.com.sg) are offering these boozy drinks. On a more homegrown front, Kite (#01-01 53 Craig Rd., 9729-7988, www.facebook.com/kiteoncraig/) and Ding Dong (23 Ann Siang Rd., 6557-0189, www. dingdong.com.sg) are looking to local classics like the Singapore Sling, Milo and even cough syrup Pi Pa Gao for inspiration.

Our fetish for burgers will only increase Antidote

Meta

Decker Barbecue

S

ingapore’s first Michelin guide is just the start to an exciting new year of creative culinary developments, restaurant openings and trends. We’ve been busy casting our eye (and fork) on the local dining scene, so look no further foodies—here’s a cumulative list of what’s hot in 2016.

Korean-fusion will be more of a thing The Korean wave brings more than just basic bingsu and fried chicken to the dinner table. Just last month, Ko-TexMex taco joint Vatos (South Beach, 36 Beach Rd., 63856010, www.vatoskorea.com) opened its first outlet outside of South Korea at South Beach Quarter. Besides galbi rib tacos, another solid new outfit along Keong Saik offers progressive plates with Korean influences. Contemporary Asian restaurant Meta (9 Keong Saik Rd., 6513-0898, www.metarestaurant.sg) is helmed by South Korean head chef Sun Kim, who whips up fusion creations like wagyu tartare with egg jelly and Korean pear kimchi.

Classic cocktails will get makeovers Spirits best served in a snifter are even cooler now, with bars like Antidote (1/F Fairmont Singapore, 80 Bras Basah Rd., 6431-5315) unveiling a new menu called The Revivals.

At Gibson (20 Bukit Pasoh Rd., 9114-8385), the namesake is delicious and comes not just with the requisite pickled onion

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SG MAGAZINE FRIDAY, JANUARY 15, 2016

but also a smoked quail egg and a radish. Also jumping on the trend is a six-part cocktail series by Potato Head Folk.

The Old Fashioned Series features six mixologists like Zdenek Kastanek (28 HongKong Street) and Jeremie Tan (Jekyll & Hyde) coming together in a collaborative modernization of the classic Old Fashioned.

The slow-low burn of American barbecue will continue Here’s the start of a sweet new love affair with the good ol’ smokey grill. Firing up Texan-style meats in a no-frills, smoky corridor behind Boomerang is Decker Barbecue (#01-17 The Quayside, 60 Robertson Quay, www.facebook. com/deckerbarbecue). It may be a simple set-up with a small menu of beef brisket, pulled pork, spare ribs and turkey, but boy, it’s good. Red Eye Smokehouse (1 Cavan Rd., 6291-0218, www.facebook.com/redeyesmoke) is a new addition with a buffet styled spread of beef brisket, chopped pork, pork jowl and spicy Sriracha chicken wings.

We’ve been assaulted by a wave of fancy gourmet burgers that come with an even fancier price tag but next year, burger joint (www.burgerjointny.com), a gritty, nameless New York institution famous for its neon sign and unapologetic (and almost obsessive) focus on your allAmerican cheeseburger, will be opening its first Southeast Asian outlet here in the first quarter of 2016. The clincher?

We heard they’re planning to price their burgers below $15.

Sharing bowls will be the new bottle service Communal drinking isn’t just about downing a couple of beers with the bros—the formerly twee punch is back with a vengence. Swanky watering holes like The Black Swan (The Quadrant, 19 Cecil St., 8181-3305, www. theblackswan.com.sg) and Rabbit Hole (39C Harding Rd., 6473-9965, www.thewhiterabbit.com.sg) are giving the high school party staple a reboot with choices like the Vice Chairman’s Vice (gin, chamomile, lavender syrup) and the White Rabbit Punch (gin, lavender syrup, chamomile tea, soda and pink grapefruit juice). And conveniently serving delicious Thai cocktails in pitchers is Bird Bird (#01-01 18 Ann Siang Rd., hello@birdbirdsg. com); Bjorn Shen’s new fried chicken paradise.

3rd edition coming to your plate in March SG Magazine’s fun and fabulous guide to over 200 casual eateries in town, covers more than two dozen types of cuisine

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2016

ARAB STREET/KAMPONG GLAM · Afterwit · Artistry Cafe · Maison Ikkoku · Working Title · BEACH ROAD · Blu Jaz · The Plaza L1 Office Lobby Reception · The Projector · BOAT QUAY · Enoteca L’Operetta · Harry’s @ Boat Quay · Southbridge · The Arts House at Old Parliament · Timbre @ The Arts House · O Comptoir · BUGIS · Hood Bar and Cafe · Essensuals by Toni & Guy @ Bugis · Kapok @ National Design Centre · BUKIT TIMAH · PasarBella · Skyve Elementary Bistro & Bar · Spruce @ Firestation · CHINATOWN · Lepark · The Working Capitol · The Chamber · The Muffinry · Wa-Cafe · Morsi & Sorsi · CITY HALL · Dimbulah @ Chijmes · The Soup Spoon @ Raffles City Shopping Centre · The Soup Spoon @ Suntec City · Barossa @ Esplanade · Outback Steak House · Paulaner Brauhaus · Timbre @ The Substation · Ice Cold B’s · Brotzeit @ Raffles City · Coffee Club @ Raffles City Shopping · MICA Office Lobby Reception · The Substation · Front Row · Loof · Dome Café @ Singapore Art Museum · Privé Chijmes · WineBos · CLARKE QUAY · Brewerkz · Ricciotti @ The Riverwalk · The Central L1 Customer Service · Crazy Elephant · DEMPSEY · Jones The Grocer · White Rabbit

· House, Barracks & Camp · Dome Café @ Dempsey · Red Dot Brewhouse · DHOBY GHAUT · Kith Café @ Park Mall · Dôme @ Plaza Singapura · EAST · Dutch Colony @ Frankel Avenue · Group Therapy @ Katong · SandBank · Tolido's Espresso Nook · The Tuckshop · City Square Mall Customer Service Counter · HARBOURFRONT · King Louis · Prive Bakery Café · Brotzeit @ Vivo City · Coffee Club @ Harbourfront Centre · HOLLAND VILLAGE · The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf @ Holland Village · Barossa @ Holland V · Harry’s @ Holland Village · Wala Wala · Fosters - An English Rose Café · LITTLE INDIA · Morsels · Workhouse · MARINA BAY · Carnivore Brazilian Churrascaria @ Marina Bay Sands · Erwin’s Gastrobar · The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf @ Marina Bay Sands · Bazin · Salad Stop @ MBFC · Smoothie King @ MBFC · MOHAMED SULTAN / ROBERTSON QUAY · Kith Café @ Watermark · Harry’s @ Pier Robertson · Blow+Bar · Wine Connection Cheese Bar @ Robertson Walk · Wine Connection Tapas Bar & Bistro @ Robertson Walk · Toby’s Estate · En Grill and Bar · Singapore Repertory Theatre · NOVENA · Kitchenette · ORCHARD · Active Life Center · ION

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Concierge counter · The Marmalade Pantry · Coffee Club @ Paragon · Dome Café @ Paragon · Dôme @ Scotts Square · The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf @ Paragon · Dome Café @ Shaw House · Saveur · Sky Pilates · Essensuals

by Toni & Guy @ Orchard Central · Hansel · Lawry’s The Prime Rib · Leftfoot @ Cineleisure · Rockstar by Soon Lee · OUTRAM · The Redundant Shop · RAFFLES PLACE · Club Meatballs · Dimbulah @ Anson House · Dimbulah @ Chevron House · &SONS @ China Square Central · The Bank Bar & Bistro · 1-Altitude · Coffee Club @ Raffles Place Square · The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf @ Republic Plaza · The Exchange · The Royal Mail Restaurant & Bar · True Fitness @ Chevron House · Dome Café @ UOB Plaza 1 · Salad Stop @ One George Street · Boathouse · Kinki · Capital Square · Simply Sandwich · RIVER VALLEY · Erwin’s Gastrobar @ Valley Point · Five & Dime · Bangkok Jam · The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf @ Great World City · True Fitness @ Great World City · Tony’s Pizza @ River Valley · SENTOSA · Kith Café @ Sentosa Cove · Hard Rock Café RWS · iFly @ Sentosa · The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf @ Palawan

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Beach · Tanjong Beach Club · Wave House Sentosa · SOMERSET · Smoothie King @ 313 · Actually · Editor’s Market@Somerset · Dean & Deluca · Ice Cold Beer · No. 5 Emerald Hill · Oriole Café & Bar · Brotzeit @ 313@Somerset · Jibiru · KPO Café Bar · Porterhouse Butcher Bar · Toni & Guy @ Mandarin Gallery · TANGLIN · Spruce @ Phoenix Park · MAD Museum of Art & Design · The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf @ Forum Galleria · Hard Rock Café · TANJONG PAGAR · Group Therapy @ Duxton · Jekyll and Hyde · GAEST · Kyo · 137 Telok Ayer Street Level 1 Reception · The Ogilvy Centre · Boulevard · Pacific Coffee Company @ Reddot Traffic · The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf @ CPF Building · Red Dot Design Museum · The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf @ International Plaza · The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf @ Fuji Xerox Tower · Broth · Latteria Mozzarella Bar · Sprmrkt · TIONG BAHRU · Curated Records · Cycle Project Store · Tiong Bahru Bakery · Coq & Balls · Forty Hands · Books Actually · WEST · Curbside Cafe & Wine Bar · Salad Stop @ Fusionopolis · One Rochester · Nosh · Harry’s @ Mapletree Business City

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21

escapes

Holidays, hotels and insider travel news

Chickenfeet Travels

TRAVEL IDEAS

Wander-list

10 exciting reasons to leave town. By Shi Min Xie Nepal

I 1

Katamama

t’s a new year—and Chinese New Year is coming up soon—so better get planning on those long weekends and annual vacations.

A local startup doing personalized trips

Bespoke travel operator Chickenfeet Travels (www.chickenfeettravels.com), specializes in South East Asian off-the-beaten-track trips. Among the itineraries is a four-day trek to Sumatra’s Gunung Kerinci through tea plantations and wetlands ($492 per person). Prices exclude flights and insurance.

2

A new Potato Head hotel in Bali

The 58-suite boutique hotel Katamama (www. the-katamama.com) is designed by Indonesian architect Andra Matin (known for his AM Residence) and is adjacent to the Potato Head Folk beach club. Suites are a mix of Balinese exteriors and vintage European furniture. Facilities include the Akademi bar by London with bartending legend Dre Masso and restaurant by Australia-based Spanish restaurant group MoVida.

3

Trekking reopens in Nepal

4

Sexy new villas in Phuket

World Expeditions (www.worldexpeditions. com) is bringing back itineraries to the Manaslu Mountains and Langtang National Park from Mar 2016.

Of note is the 17-day Langtang & Gosainkund Lakes Trek (about $2,948) from Apr 2-18 where travelers will visit the Kyanjin Gompa Buddhist monastery and the sacred lakes of Gosainkund.

Keemala Phuket (www.keemala.com) is a new allpool villa resort overlooking Kamala Village and the Andaman Sea. The resort’s 16 clay pool cottages, seven tent pool villas, seven two-story tree pool houses and eight bird’s nest pool villas are joined together by a network of jungle walkways. Rates start at about $562 per night.

5

A new search engine for cruises

The new, mobile-optimized site Cruise.me (www. cruise.me) is an aggregator and booking portal for cruises around the world. Tweak your selection of itineraries from Princess Cruises and Royal Caribbean, along with the regions, travel dates and price ranges for different suites on board. You can see the interactive deck plans, facilities, and use the price tracker.

6

A heritage COMO in Perth

The Treasury (www.comohotels.com/thetreasury) is now open along Cathedral Avenue in the Central Business District. Designed by Singapore firm Kerry Hill,

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SG MAGAZINE FRIDAY, JANUARY 15, 2016

the 19th century building has been restored with dormer windows. There’s the rooftop Wildflower restaurant, and Post, serving Australian dishes with a French twist.

Facilities include a heated indoor pool, and a spa with a wellness center for Pilates and yoga.

7

A new Muslim tour operator

8

Travel writing with a professional

Created by Indonesia’s Ministry of Tourism and new online tour operator Halal Trip (www.halaltrip. com), a new Muslim-friendly guide (ow.ly/WdhI2) includes details of prayer facilities and halal places to dine at in the country, Australia and Jeju Island. So far, only the guide to Indonesia is available in both English and Arabic.

Book flights, hotels and other packages with Halal Trip to destinations like Sarajevo, the Maldives and South Africa.

World Expeditions (www.worldexpeditions.com/ au) has teamed up with award-winning travel writer, Rob McFarland on Apr 30 next year. The itinerary, Travel Writer’s Cambodia (ow.ly/WcNFm), involves an eight-day tour from Siem Reap and ends in Phnom Penh with tours to the Royal Palace and the Killing Fields.

Participants will submit a story to McFarland for feedback when they return. The trip costs $3,067 for one and covers most meals, a bilingual guide and airport transfer for a day. Airfares are not included.

9

Great Wall Marathon

A new guide for surfers and wannabes

SurfGuide (www.surfguide.com) will help you plan your next surfing trip, tailored to your preferred type of swell size, consistency, air temperature and water temperature range. Options include nearby schools and public pools, accommodation and free Wi-Fi. The website will then give you a list of recommendations so you can hang ten.

10

Keemala Phuket

A marathon that traverses the Great Wall of China

Tour operator Albatros Travel is gearing up for its annual Great Wall Marathon on May 21, faturing a full marathon (42.195km), half marathon (21.1km) and a 8.5km fun run. The run is part of a seven- or six-day package (about $1,804-2,100) respectively from either May 17 or May 18 onwards with the run being the last thing you do. International flights are not included, but it’s a pretty thorough introduction to Beijing.

The Treasury

last word

Isaac Tay Founder of tech blog SGEntrepreneurs and service industry job portal Life Opp, Isaac Tay is now best-known for his startup Honest Bee (www.honestbee.com), an online grocery store that delivers within one hour. Here, he talks to Shi Min Xie about the sharing economy, why he started Honest Bee and his thoughts on the startup scene in Singapore.

For the first few years of my life, my family shuffled between staying with my grandmother and my first uncle.

The flat in Jurong East was our family’s first flat.

I remember moving into a place with almost no furniture. I remember us not having proper table and chairs in the living room when the lady selling the Encyclopedia World Book came to visit.

The first major purchase for our new empty home were books especially for me. This is a memory I will always hold dear.

I was a “mugger” growing up. My dream as a child was to become a scholar. That seems pretty ironic now.

We chose grocery shopping because of these two reasons: quality can be standardized and maintained, and grocery shopping happens more frequently than home cleaning.

Singaporean startups fail because we don’t think regional from day one.

I chose to become an entrepreneur because I saw it was the best way for me to achieve financial freedom as well as make a difference within my own sphere of influence. There was also a yearning to create something of my own.

Being an entrepreneur isn’t a path for everyone. It is really about, to paraphrase a Chinese saying, “the right person at the right time in the right place.”

I don’t think I would have become an entrepreneur if I hadn’t the right folks like [Honest Bee co-founders] Joel and Jonathan to share this journey with.

Our belief is that we should not start a business just to create wealth, but also to improve people’s lives.

We started [Honest Bee precursor] LifeOpp because of the belief that the process of hiring and finding a job online can be better and more fruitful for everyone.

Folks like you and I can benefit from LinkedIn, but how about the best waiter in your favorite restaurant?

THAT’S WHAT SHE SAID

Honest Bee provides those who can’t work fixed hours with income opportunities. Before starting, we were considering a few niches—for example, home cleaning and grocery shopping.

I think [more of the world is going freelance] for two very different reasons.

First, the highly skilled workforce is using better tools to manage their time and projects, so it becomes less necessary to have the structure of a firm. While going freelance seemingly sacrifices financial stability, it allows people to increase their per hour income, and satisfies their need to constantly do different and more interesting work.

Second, for the lower skilled workforce, there are less economic opportunities because they are being replaced by either technology or low-cost labor. To them, going freelance is a means to secure as much employment as possible; it is very possible that this segment of society is being underemployed. Chances are, they want to work more but they can’t.

I can understand that feeling [of not being able to earn enough]. With the growth of the sharing economy, there are more opportunities to increase your income.

For example, you can rent out the spare room in your private apartment on Airbnb, or share a journey with your car on GrabHitch. You can also be our shopper bee to help our customers pick up groceries—since you might already be shopping for yourself—and get paid at the same time.

One of the reasons why startups fail is the lack of a product fit for the market. As such, it is important to have sort of a checklist to evaluate the venture.

Will it improve people’s lives, and are there people willing to pay for this improvement to their lives?

Always remember what it was like to be at the bottom. If you forget, you lose your empathy.

Recruit folks who share your values and believe in your vision. Your employees have their own aspirations too so always make sure their personal goals are aligned with your company’s.

At the moment, I’m intrigued by Conor McGregor, the current UFC featherweight champion. His quote after defeating Jose Aldo for the title is wise advice for all startups: “Precision beats power and timing beats speed.”

Singaporean startups also fail because we don’t think regional from day one. Singapore is a good place to start but you’ve got to build to quickly grow out of it.

[You should sell your business] when there is a buyer willing to pay the price you are willing to sell at.

Quipping aside, don’t be too attached to your baby.

Recognize that things change and it is all right to let go.

I would like to see startups that deal with [waning] industries.

In Singapore, the younger generation is bringing the startup mentality into their parents’ businesses.

These businesses [in the waning industries] have put food on the table and still exist in Singapore for a reason even though it seems like they are on their last legs.

by Kathy Macleod

FRIDAY, JANUARY 15, 2016 SG MAGAZINE

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