Innholdsfortegnelse for August 2023 i Tatler Singapore

TATLER HONG KONG In the Weigh-In column, we pitted Yat Siu, chairman of Animoca Brands, and Web3 trailblazer Vivien Khoo—as well as ChatGPT—against each other to debate the extent to which AI should be used for problem-solving. TATLER INDONESIA Mixed martial artist Jeka Saragih has made remarkable strides in UFC’s lightweight division. He etched his name in history by becoming the first Indonesian fighter to reach the final of Road to UFC, after knocking out Ki Won Bin in the semifinals. He spoke to Tatler about the challenges he has overcome and how he hopes to continue along the path to success. TATLER MALAYSIA AMI 2021 honouree Pamela Tan chatted to Tatler about her move from architecture to art, and her desire to represent the diversity of the Malaysian people…

LYLA CHENG Taiwan-born fashion stylist Lyla Cheng is based between London and Asia. She specialises in photo shoots with storytelling elements and describes her style as “cool, edgy and feminine” and has worked for publications including Vogue Portugal and Numéro Tokyo. For Tatler, Cheng styled this month’s fashion shoot, which celebrates diversity in fashion. HEI KIU AU Hong Kong-born food historian and photographer Hei Kiu Au combines visual storytelling with her extensive research experience. Having previously worked with the United Nations on global research initiatives, her ongoing work at Oxford University and Yale-NUS College is anchored on the global interconnections of food. Rooted in her family’s fusion restaurant background and influenced by her crossroads cooking research at fine-dining restaurant Nouri, she recognises the profound narrative power of food. This month,…

Yip Pin Xiu won Singapore’s first Paralympic gold medal at the Beijing Summer Games in 2008 (where she also took home a silver in a freestyle event)—and in the years since then, the national backstroke swimmer has won four more golds across a total of four Paralympic Games. Her sporting achievements, including five gold medals and two silvers at the World Championships as well as a gold and two bronzes at the Asian Para Games, have filled many newspaper column inches of much‑needed representation for persons with disabilities (PWDs), which is something Yip says she did not have growing up. “I’m in this field of sport, where when you achieve something, your achievements are publicised [in the media] and people know about it,” says Yip. “For many years, I’ve been…

No stranger to the camera, Annabel Böhm cuts an impressive figure in a crushed velvet column gown, as if it was made specifically for her, towering at an astounding 1.8 m in heels. After all, the 18-year-old half-German, half-Czech beauty—the only daughter of the inimitable society face Paulina Böhm—is a professional model, at least in her free time. You can say that the apfel does not fall far from the tree—in the sense that both their styles and cackles are uncannily similar. “Aiyah, just how do you want me to pose?” Böhm asks, with an inflection of Singlish so nuanced it completely warms our hearts to hear, before breaking into that familiar Böhm-brand laughter. Her family, with mum and older brother, relocated to Singapore when she was six-months-old and her…

Nothing gets past Elizabeth von der Goltz. After a waitress took her order at the restaurant where we meet for this interview when she was in Singapore this May, she remarks, “I like how she’s wearing Chanel earrings.” What women wear has always been Von der Goltz’s business. This year, the 50-year-old was appointed the chief fashion and merchandising officer of online luxury fashion retailer Farfetch. She also became the CEO of Browns Fashion, the influential London-based fashion retailer now owned by Farfetch. Before that, she worked at fashion e-commerce companies MatchesFashion and Net-a-Porter, as well as New York department store, Bergdorf Goodman. Von der Goltz’s resume reads like a directory of where rich women shop. As for what they buy, she has an eye for that too. Her trend…

The idiom “as easy as ABC” is not something every child can relate to—Mint Lim certainly couldn’t. She remembers spending her evenings as a kindergarten student at home with her mother, who tried to teach her to read and write the English alphabet. But the young Lim was confused: she could not see how what she had written was any different from what her mother wrote. “I kept saying, yes, I understand, but she kept saying no,” Lim recalls. “We just kept going back and forth like that. And when somebody says something that’s very different from what you perceive, it really throws you into a realm of self‑doubt. You’re like, ‘Okay, so what is it I’m seeing now?’” For Lim, mastering the ABCs seemed like a Herculean task. And…

Aun Koh (AK): How and when did you first hear about Aware? Ong Soh Chin (OSC): I can’t remember exactly when but I’ve always felt like Aware has been present in my life. From when I became conscious of myself as a woman and my place in society. You know, growing up in Singapore, in the 1970s and ’80s, which were my formative years, thinking about civil society wasn’t such a big thing. But Aware was there somehow, always in the back of my mind. Corinna Lim (CL): I’d never heard of Aware until a friend said to me, “Hey, there’s a pretty cool women’s group that’s [organising an event], why don’t you come by? I think it might have been the first members’ night in 1991 or 1989. I…

Asia is home to some of the world’s oldest civilisations, and its diverse cultures have long told tales of tradition that are cherished and passed down through generations. Culinary traditions, in particular, continue to be shared and taught, connecting families and communities with each other, and their past, through good food. Today, the guardianship of these traditions is a challenge underscored by the relentless march of modernity, particularly in Asia’s frenetic restaurant scene. But herein lies the culinary paradox—can the forward-thinking spirit of innovation be the champion of tradition? We asked five chefs in Asia, each with their own distinctive cuisine to share, how they do just that. “My cuisine is where old meets new,” explains executive Chinese chef Jayson Tang of Man Ho Chinese Restaurant in Hong Kong. “I…

I am standing on the observation deck of the Shogunzuka Seiryuden Temple perched atop Mount Higashiyama, the exact point where Emperor Kanmu founded the ancient city of Kyoto in the 8th century. As I listen to soothing piano music through earphones while looking at the majestic view of the former capital of Japan in front of me, I slowly take a sip of Dom Pérignon’s Assemblage 2022. A blend of chardonnay and pinot noir, it is light and delicate with just a hint of fruitiness. “It’s a still wine at the moment,” says chef de cave Vincent Chaperon, as it needs to undergo a second fermentation and mature in the cellar for at least eight years. This is the second of three acts of a special exhibition, From Matter to…

Favourite brunch spot? Gjelina in Venice is a must‑visit every time I go back to LA. Located on Abbot Kinney Boulevard in a cosy and rustic setting, it serves simple Californian food that is made skilfully and beautifully. Besides the wood‑fired pizzas and heartier meat dishes such as pork meatballs, duck confit, pan‑seared steaks and beef cheek orecchiette, each one of its vegetable dishes is, quite frankly, a star. Brunch and LA sunshine are synonymous, so I also have to recommend the oceanside Malibu Farm; Salt’s Cure for oatmeal griddle cakes; Superba in Hollywood for a courtyard vibe with an extensive menu and an oyster bar; as well as Polo Lounge in The Beverly Hills Hotel and The Tower Bar in Sunset Tower Hotel for a classic Hollywood‑style ambience. Best…

The past decade has seen a tremendous shift in people’s attitudes towards how they expect to be treated—and this is highly prevalent at work. No company today—if it wants to hire and retain great talent—can afford to ignore discussions on and programmes to promote and protect diversity, equity and inclusion. For some, the sudden shift to ask new colleagues what their pronouns are has been startling and confusing. But for so many others, the new acceptance that not everyone needs to conform to old‑fashioned and out‑of‑date norms is not just welcomed but something many have been fighting for years, perhaps even lifetimes. The pursuit of acceptance, the battle for equity, and the advocacy of new ways to help everyone excel and thrive are just some of the things that many…

When the eighth edition of the Tatler Gen.T List was unveiled this June 1, Tatler Asia also announced the launch of a new purpose‑driven initiative: its first charitable non‑fungible token (NFT) collection. Signifying renewal and the strength to overcome challenges, it is aptly named Phoenixes of Tomorrow, a play on the “Leaders of Tomorrow” moniker bestowed on the honourees featured on the annual Gen.T List. While the 180 profile picture NFTs in the collection, created exclusively for the 2023 Gen.T Leaders of Tomorrow, cannot be sold or traded, each comes with a Friend of Phoenix NFT that can be purchased on the NFT marketplace OpenSea, with the aim being to raise funds for important causes across Asia. Designed by Singaporean artist Dawn Ang, better known as Aeropalmics, both the Phoenixes…

Han Chong does not waste time. The day before his photo shoot and interview with Tatler, the Malaysian designer hosted four separate sessions to personally introduce Self-Portrait’s pre-fall 2023 collection to his Malaysian clientele. Kuala Lumpur was the penultimate stop of his short Asia tour, having completed his rounds in Hong Kong, Taipei and Shanghai. His next stop was Singapore, heading there on the day of our shoot. Chong’s busy schedule is meticulously pre-planned months, or even a year, in advance, but this is his normal; he has always worked at a breakneck pace. In 2013, the Penang-born, London-based designer launched his womenswear label Self-Portrait with a collection of reasonably-priced guipere lace dresses. Within a year, the brand’s signature designs were stocked in Selfridges, the prestigious British department store. Within…

COME ON, BARBIE There’s no other way to put it: the influence of the doll who has been a style icon since the Fifties is staying with us for a while and keeping the world bubblegum pink. If you are not over the Barbie live-action movie (we’re not), proudly and unapologetically add a few pieces in this cheery shade to your wardrobe. OVER AND OVER—AGAIN Pre-fall fashion has brought a renewed focus on bottoms, with designers reviving the Noughties short-over-long trend of skirts or dresses with trousers. The notion is to get experimental with your wardrobe:, mix textures and patterns; pair a long tunic or oversized shirt over slim-fitting pants; or simply go for a monochrome look. MATCHING LINEN No doubt thanks to quiet luxury, linen has lost its old-fashioned…

Watch enthusiasts in Southeast Asia will surely remember the Patek Philippe Watch Art Grand Exhibition held in Singapore at Marina Bay Sands in 2019. Showcasing 467 timepieces, it was the fifth, and then-largest, grand exhibition organised by the iconic Genevan watchmaking company—after editions in Dubai (2012), Munich (2013), London (2015) and New York (2017)—and the first held in Asia. After the success of the Singapore exhibition, which was visited by almost 70,000 people over the course of 16 days, Patek Philippe decided that the next one would be in Tokyo in 2021—after the Munich exhibition, it had become tradition to organise a grand exhibition every two years. But, of course, the world stopped turning in 2020 and the showcase was postponed. Two years after it was originally scheduled—and four since…

EDITOR’S PICK The botanical wonderland of the Château de Bagatelle in Paris was in full bloom earlier this year, transformed by Chaumet into an enchanted secret garden to celebrate its latest high jewellery collection, Le Jardin de Chaumet. Among the guests were actresses Song Hye Kyo, Gao Yuan Yuan and Jessica Alba. All eyes, though, turned to singer-actor Cha Eun Woo. Forsaking flowers and pocket squares, he chose to accent his dapper suit with two dramatic black Encres transformable brooches from the maison’s Ondes et Merveilles collection, made of white, rose and yellow gold, set with turquoise, mother-of-pearl, Grand Feu enamel and brilliant-cut diamonds. TREND Ditch the sparkling whites and add a pop of colour to your ensembles this month AISLE READY The Vela halo engagement ring by Hearts on…

Precious gems have been at the heart of Vihari Poddar’s family for generations: she runs her own jewellery brand, Vihari Jewels; her father is the founder of diamond company House of Gems; her grandfather was a gemstone auctioneer; and her great‑grandfather was a gem merchant. But more than just being the commodity of their trade, Poddar reveals that jewels, in particular rubies, hold so much more significance: they are the lifeblood of her family. During the Second World War, Poddar’s paternal grandmother, Ranjan Sheth, who was born in Myanmar (then known as Burma), lost her parents and their family home burnt down. About 12 at the time, she and her nine siblings fled Yangon (then known as Rangoon), the capital city where they lived, for Kolkata (previously Calcutta) in India.…

“Stop daydreaming” is what I remember my teachers saying to me in secondary school. My report cards would come back stating that I was bright, but that I could not focus or apply myself, that I spent too much time daydreaming in class. It would have helped to know back then that I had ADHD (attention‑deficit/hyperactivity disorder), but in those days, no one ever spoke of learning differences. Fast forward 36 years and I wish I could tell those teachers that my ability to daydream, to see the world differently, is my superpower. I never understood how much of a strength it is until my son Tyler was diagnosed with dyslexia at six, and ADHD at eight. Tyler was a bright, happy and inquisitive little boy. No different from any…

SHREDDED DUCK MEAT SOUP Man Ho Chinese Restaurant, Hong Kong The shredded duck meat soup is a twist on a traditional Hong Kong winter warmer: snake soup. Recognising that some diners were unable to enjoy this classic dish due to supply issues and dietary preferences, chef Jayson Tang substitutes duck for snake and pairs it with an array of ingredients including chicken, fish maw, mushrooms, ginger, bamboo piths and mushroom. This adaptation aims to bring Cantonese traditions to a broader audience. PRAWN & SHELL, EGG YOLK Beta KL, Malaysia Chef Raymond Tham’s Tour of Malaysia menu at Beta is constantly evolving; but one of the innovations that transforms something familiar into a new dining experience, while maintaining the essence of Malaysian heritage, is a version of prawn noodles from Penang.…

1 THE ESCAPE Summer magic can be found at Rissai Valley, a Ritz‑Carlton Reserve tucked within the Jiuzhaigou Nature Reserve in China. The 87‑villa property offers picturesque views of lush mountains, technicolour lakes and ancient villages. 2 THE RETINOL Revitalise your skin with The Retinol Serum, the latest addition to Augustinus Bader’s serum collection. With a lightweight texture and an advanced formula that is gentle yet effective on skin, the serum reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, blemishes and pigmentation sans redness and irritation, while locking in moisture to keep skin well hydrated. 3 THE RING Get arty with this ring from Chopard’s 2023 Red Carpet high jewellery collection, which pays homage to the seven arts. It features antique‑style sculptures carved in gold holding up a yellow sapphire…

When Sean Foo came out at age 23 to a few of his straight friends, the experience of being “bombarded with questions” helped launch Dear Straight People, which today is one of the most popular LGBTQ+ online media platforms in Asia. “I was the first openly gay friend for many of them,” says Foo. “I realised just how rife the misconceptions were about the queer community. It struck me that a gap exists between the straight and queer communities because queer publications were only talking to queer audiences.” For a passion project created in 2015 during Foo’s final year of his communications degree in Australia’s Monash University, Dear Straight People—its name a bold declaration and direct confrontation all at once—has since built an impressive following in countries in regions as…

Ku Geok Boon works with an executive assistant who is blind—and she is highly competent in her job, not letting her disability slow her down. “[Tan] Siew Ling is a fabulous note taker [in meetings]; she listens [well] and can pick up on cues such as tone of voice,” says the CEO of SG Enable. Tan later became deaf due to a neurological condition. “Going past our emotional response [that she is now deaf-blind], reality hit: what would her job role be and how do we support her,” Ku shares. “Colleagues rallied around her, and her job had to be redesigned as she wouldn’t be able to do certain tasks.” Together, they decided to tap on Tan’s gift of writing. On top of managing Ku’s schedules, Tan also writes a…

Skincare lovers with a penchant for luxury know that the Chanel Sublimage range ranks among the most indulgent in the world. After all, its ethos is epitomised by Gabrielle Chanel, who melded simplicity and freedom of choice with an elegant and refined aesthetic. The Sublimage collection is characterised by its use of sumptuous ingredients that deliver unparalleled results while elevating the sensoriality of skincare. For the latest innovation to the range, the brand taps into another of Mademoiselle Chanel’s passions—travel—to ensure that the modern jet-setter will have easy access to her daily dose of skincare indulgence no matter where she is in the world. At the heart of the Sublimage range lies a meticulously chosen ingredient sourced from Madagascar, itself a bucket list travel destination where discoveries abound. Chanel’s scientists…

EDITOR’S PICK Rolex celebrates the centenary of the 24 Hours of Le Mans race in magnificent style with an 18-karat white gold Daytona featuring a black Cerachrom bezel with the number 100 in red ceramic, a specially adapted 4131 calibre automatic movement with Côtes de Genève decoration, and a caseback revealing its decorations. The movement allows the 24-hour chronograph counter to be readjusted for the legendary endurance race. The calibre incorporates Rolex’s patented Chronergy escapement and Parachrom hairspring for precision, performance and resilience. TREND This season, let’s set time in precious stones—quite literally LUXE BRILLIANCE With its precisely engineered chronograph movement enclosed within a masculine yet sumptuous 39mm black titanium case, the Tag Heuer Monaco Special Edition embodies discreet elegance through rose gold accents that complement a two-tone, grained dial…

Naoya Hida launched his independent watch brand in 2019. The resulting timepieces, inspired by traditional Japanese aesthetics and blended with avant-garde mechanisms and designs, exhibit a combination of minimalist style and tech-savvy flair that’s reflective of contemporary Japan. Hida-san tells Tatler about his journey from novice to pioneering watchmaker, and the challenges he has faced. How did you decide to get into watchmaking? I joined the watch business in 1990, working for Desco von Schulthess, a Swiss trading company. In Tokyo, [such] companies were the sole agents for Audemars Piguet, Jaeger-LeCoultre and so on. I joined as a sales representative, dealing with department stores, watch retailers and so on. At that time, Japanese customers saw watches as a status symbol, which is why we mainly saw golden bracelets with diamond…

When Constance Singam was widowed at 42, she woke up to a frightening reality. The death of her husband, who had made decisions and financially provided for her, left her alone to take the reins of her life for the first time. She did not know what to do. “I began to think about how girls [in Singapore] were brought up differently, how dependent we had become—by the way we were raised—on the men in our lives,” she says. “I felt helpless; I was upset, maybe even angry for being brought up to be so dependent.” The year was 1978. More than a decade into its independence from British colonial rule, Singapore, then led by prime minister Lee Kuan Yew, was shaped by a system that gave men more power…

In the vast culinary landscape of Southeast Asia, one cuisine has often stood in the shadows. But as the accolades pour in for author and food historian Khir Johari’s epic tome, The Food of Singapore Malays: Gastronomic Travels Through the Archipelago, for winning the top prize at the 28th Gourmand World Cookbook Awards this May, the spotlight is finally on the age-old secrets of Malay gastronomy. Among the contenders from around the globe, Khir’s 621-page chronicle of Malay cuisine was recognised as the Best of the Best Book in the World. Shortly after this achievement, Fiz, a contemporary restaurant celebrating the region’s culinary heritage and diversity, opened its doors, adding to the limited—but growing—number of Malay fine dining establishments in Singapore. Led by chef-owner Hafizzul Hashim, Fiz offers thoughtfully curated…