Singapore: Transcending The Turbulence

Amid persistent trade tensions and weakness in the global manufacturing sector, Singapore is facing headwinds on multiple fronts. Even as the city-state braces for the challenges ahead, however, it continues to attract strong investment as firms continue to put their faith in the strengths of this international business and financial center.

After all, Singapore’s own story as a city-state has shown its ability to transcend the uncertainty in the global economy and adapt to an evolving landscape, continuing to present itself as a safe haven for investment and business.

Multinational corporations and homegrown companies from a range of industries are leveraging Singapore’s strengths of geography, ease of doing business and support for innovation to forge ahead with their expansion plans in the face of an uncertain landscape.

Leading real estate developers are rolling out daring new residences that are redefining luxury living in the city. For instance, City Developments Limited has unveiled three new premiums condominiums–Boulevard 88, South Beach Residences and Nouvel 18–in some of the city’s most sought-after neighbourhoods.

Another stunning development in downtown Singapore, Marina One Residences in the heart of vibrant Marina Bay, launched its second tower earlier this year. This unique project by developer M+S was conceived through a historic collaboration between the Malaysian and Singaporean governments.

On the hospitality front, icons are being reborn even as new brands enter the market. Raffles Hotel Singapore reopened this year after a major restoration, reinvigorating a historic landmark with a heritage that stretches back over a hundred years. Meanwhile, The Ascott Limited is shaking up the industry by launching its largest co-living property in Southeast Asia in Singapore, the first under its lyf brand of co-living properties designed for millennial and millennial-minded travellers.

Another leading hospitality player, Pan Pacific Hotels Group (PPHG), continues to expand its portfolio of properties in Singapore and around the world as it brings its signature brand of sincere hospitality to more markets. The group aims to be a leader in sustainability, with its upcoming property, Pan Pacific Orchard, designed to be its first zero-waste hotel.

From its regional base in Singapore, luxury car maker Jaguar Land Rover is also upping its game in terms of innovation and service levels across 17 markets in Asia as it taps into the rising affluence in the region’s dynamic economies. The recent relaunch of one of its most iconic vehicles, the Land Rover Defender, is set to make a splash among car buyers in this part of the world.

But it’s not only multinational corporations that are capitalizing on Singapore’s advantages. One of the country’s most successful brands, traditional Chinese medicine giant Eu Yan Sang, is reinventing itself for the digital age 140 years after its founding.

Supporting these enterprises are Singapore government agencies like Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA), which is developing a robust ecosystem for companies to thrive in a rapidly digitalizing economy. Among other initiatives, the agency is working with industry partners to facilitate the development of applications that leverage ultra-fast 5G wireless networks.

The path ahead remains rocky for the foreseeable future, but in these challenging times businesses around the world are banking on Singapore’s stability and proven success in navigating crises to accelerate their growth journeys.

Singapore: Becoming Asia's Digital Global Node

Singapore’s ArtScience Museum

Singapore has launched a series of key initiatives in recent years as it quickens its strides towards becoming one of the world’s leading digital economies. Led by its government agency Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA), these measures aim to develop robust infrastructure to support Smart Nation solutions, ensure legislation remains relevant in the digital era, and groom a new generation of future-ready workers.

Having completed the deployment of its Nationwide Broadband Network—which can deliver high-speed broadband of up to 2Gbps to all physical addresses in the country—the government is now working to support the development of applications that leverage ultra-fast 5G wireless networks. Thus, IMDA and Singapore’s National Research Foundation have set aside S$40 million (US$29 million) to support, among other initiatives, 5G technology trials for enterprise uses and 5G-related research and development.

These efforts will focus initially on areas such as maritime operations, urban mobility, smart estates and Industry 4.0, as well as consumer and government applications. Industry partnerships have already been forged as part of this push. For instance, two of Singapore’s mobile network operators, Singtel and M1, have been awarded a contract by IMDA and port operator PSA to explore 5G for the maritime industry.

Building Trust

5G will cause data use to explode, and therefore the trusted use of data is another critical step to help deliver significant benefits to organizations and consumers.

To this end, IMDA unveiled a first-of-its-kind Trusted Data Sharing Framework for organizations that establishes a set of baseline practices when it comes to sharing data, and suggests a systematic approach to establishing trust between data-sharing partners.

Complementing this, the government released its Model Artificial Intelligence (AI) Governance Framework in January. The framework is the first in Asia to provide detailed guidance to organizations that addresses key ethical and governance issues when deploying AI solutions.

Such moves are already being recognized, with the government winning a top award at the prestigious World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) Prizes in April for its AI governance and ethics efforts.

Progressive Legislation

Along with trust and hardware, other parts that must adapt to the rapidly changing digital landscape include laws and regulations. As such, the government is reviewing some legislation to ensure they continue to be relevant in the digital age.

For instance, developments such as the adoption of the Model Law on Electronic Commerce (MLEC) by the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law, along with the emergence of new technologies such as distributed ledger technology, smart contracts and biometrics, are changing the nature of electronic transactions.

Singapore was the first country globally to adopt MLEC when it first enacted the Electronic Transactions Act (ETA) in 1998. The aim of the act was to provide legal certainty to electronic transactions in Singapore. In June, IMDA launched a public consultation to seek views on the review of the ETA to ensure that it continues to be progressive, facilitate innovation and strengthen Singapore’s position as a hub for electronic transactions.

An Autonomous Guided Vehicle (AGV) for 5G trials at PSA Living Lab
Singapore Digital (SG:D) Industry Day 2019 is held in conjunction with FUTR and the Future Economy Conference and Exhibition (FECE).

Enabling a Vibrant Tech Ecosystem

All these are boosted by the fact that Singapore is in the heart of a digitally thriving Southeast Asia, with a vibrant technology hub home to 80 of the top 100 global technology companies and more than 4,000 homegrown and international start-ups from around the world. To ensure continued growth, the government has also enacted a wide range of plans to build a strong pool of talent while empowering companies to grow.

For example, IMDA’s SG:D Accreditation and SG:D Spark programs have attracted many best-in-class local and foreign tech companies to set up their businesses in the Republic and expand regionally. To date, companies under these programs have benefitted from access to over 2,000 projects worth more than S$429 million (US$310 million), with enterprises in areas such as cybersecurity, the Internet of Things (IoT), AI and AdTech. Several companies, such as Jewel Paymentech, DataRobot, Shift Technology, Paxata, DataVisor and Dynamic Yield were listed by CB Insights as among the top 100 AI companies; while V-Key and CashShield are some of Singapore’s fastest growing homegrown information and communications technology (ICT) companies.

To provide a “first-stop” for companies seeking help in digital-industry-related matters, the Digital Industry Singapore (DISG), a joint office between the Economic Development Board, Enterprise Singapore and IMDA was established in June this year. The office leverages the networks and resources of the three agencies in industry development, market access, capability development and policy formulation to promote the growth of the technology sector.

Beyond government support, tech companies in Singapore can also capitalize on the country’s 190,000-strong ICT workforce, where global and local talent work together to push the frontiers of innovation.

Singapore will continue to develop this workforce, as it helps to equip local ICT professionals with emerging tech skills through the TechSkills Accelerator (TeSA). Companies can tap into TeSA to enable employees to pick up skills, prepare individuals to take on digital leadership roles, or recruit from a pool of trained ICT professionals.

The city-state also welcomes global tech specialists in areas such as AI, cybersecurity, IoT and data analytics to join its ecosystem to collaborate and learn from one another.

About Singapore Digital

Singapore Digital (SG:D) is a nationwide movement to unify Singapore’s digitalization efforts. Whether it’s help for different industries to start their digitalization journeys, or creating new ecosystems, opportunities and capabilities for the future, SG:D is set to take Singapore forward as a leading digital global node in Asia. Find out more about the strategy driving its digital economy at www.SGDigital.sg.

 

Raffles Singapore: An Icon Reborn

The historic Raffles Hotel Singapore is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks.

Raffles Singapore has reopened after a multimillion-dollar restoration, reinvigorating an iconic landmark while retaining a heritage that stretches back more than a hundred years. Following a tasteful transformation of its public areas, suites, restaurants and bars, the hotel offers the perfect venue for discerning business and leisure travelers thanks to its unparalleled service and facilities.

The careful and sensitive restoration was designed to ensure that the hallmarks of Raffles Singapore—from the striking architecture to its graceful service—were left intact.

The hotel continues to offer luxurious all-suite accommodation, with an expanded suite count of 115 that features new categories, as well as enhanced amenities and technology. The Arcade at Raffles Singapore will be home to Raffles Boutique (previously known as the Raffles Gift Shop), accompanied by new-to-market retail and dining concepts and a brand-new Raffles Spa, a sanctuary for hotel residents and visitors looking to escape the bustle of the city.

After more than a century of providing unsurpassed service excellence, the reborn Raffles Hotel offers enhanced splendor and comfort to discerning travelers.

A dazzling chandelier creates a focal point in the Grand Lobby.

World-class Dining Concepts

Raffles Singapore has a long history of serving up some of the city’s finest culinary delights, including being the first hotel in Singapore to bring in French chefs in 1899, and this remains unchanged following its restoration. The hotel’s latest dining experiences will combine its much-loved culinary traditions with contemporary dining concepts by renowned celebrity chefs. These include Michelin-starred chef Alain Ducasse’s first Mediterranean sharing and grill concept, BBR by Alain Ducasse, and MasterChef China’s Jereme Leung with the hotel’s first Chinese restaurant in more than a decade, yì by Jereme Leung. Meanwhile, Anne-Sophie Pic, one of the world’s top female chefs and winner of three Michelin stars for her Maison Pic restaurant in southeast France, makes her debut in Asia with La Dame de Pic, Raffles Singapore.

Signature dining experiences that are synonymous with the hotel will also make their return. These include the world-famous Singapore Sling at Long Bar, exceptional North Indian cuisine at Tiffin Room and the classic Raffles Afternoon Tea at the hotel’s legendary Grand Lobby. The historic Long Bar has been fully restored and has reopened at its original location in the Raffles Arcade. In keeping with tradition, guests will be able to enjoy peanuts from a gunny sack and throw their shells on the floor as part of the Singapore Sling experience.

City Developments Limited: Presenting the Pulse of Luxury in the Heart of the City

South Beach Singapore

Since its founding in 1963, City Developments Limited (CDL) has forged an unrivalled reputation for its ability to create residences that set new standards for luxury living in some of Singapore’s most sought-after addresses. Discerning buyers can appreciate CDL’s hallmark for distinctive design, unparalleled luxury, sustainability and premium hospitality services in three of CDL’s recent landmark developments in the heart of Singapore: South Beach Residences, Boulevard 88 and Nouvel 18.

South Beach Residences

South Beach Residences in downtown Singapore is an exclusive sanctuary for those who seek a refined fusion of history and modernity in the colonial quarter of the city. Located opposite the world-renowned Raffles Hotel and rising above the luxurious JW Marriott Singapore South Beach, this residential development spans the 23rd to 45th floors and offers unparalleled views of the surrounding city and the sea.

South Beach Residences is the residential component of the South Beach integrated development – an architectural masterpiece designed by internationally lauded architects Foster + Partners. Residents can find acclaimed restaurants such as Akira Back, by the Michelin-starred chef of the same name, and Madame Fan, a theatre-dining concept from famed restaurateur Alan Yau, right at their doorsteps. A dazzling array of cafés, restaurants and pubs can also be found along South Beach Avenue, and at the beautifully preserved heritage buildings from the former Beach Road Camp.

With just 190 units and ready for occupation, buyers can choose from impeccably designed two-, three- and four-bedroom homes, as well as sprawling multi-level penthouses that feature exquisite finishing and designer appliances. Residents can also look forward to a range of services offered by a team of Signature Residential Hosts and enjoy special privileges from JW Marriott Singapore South Beach.

South Beach Residences is well-connected to the rest of the city, with direct links to Esplanade MRT and City Hall MRT interchange stations. South Beach Singapore is jointly developed by CDL and IOI Properties Group Berhad.

Boulevard 88 (Artist’s Impression)

Boulevard 88

Designed by Moshe Safdie, the award-winning architect behind Jewel Changi Airport and Marina Bay Sands, Boulevard 88 is a flawless gem set in the heart of Singapore’s premier shopping and lifestyle district. Once completed, this freehold luxury residences, located along Orchard Boulevard, will be a head-turning addition to the city’s skyline.

Spanning the top of Boulevard 88’s two 28-storey towers is the Sky Boulevard, an architectural wonder that creates a dramatic and unique “urban window” while imbuing the development with a striking skyline silhouette. The towers are elevated to offer breathtaking views of the prestigious neighbourhood below.

The Sky Boulevard not only acts as the building’s crowning glory, but also provides an exclusive urban sanctuary in the midst of the bustling city. One can find here a number of intimate spaces in which residents can unwind or socialize with friends and family, including the Sky Club, which is designed for private social functions; the gourmet Sky Kitchen and the Sky Lounge, where residents and their guests can sip drinks while taking in the breathtaking views. The state-of-the-art Sky Gym and spectacular Infinity Sky Pool are also available for residents to use, while CDL’s Signature Residential Hosts can provide concierge and selected services for an additional fee.

Boulevard 88—which offers a choice of 154 exclusive apartments ranging from two-bedroom+study to four-bedroom apartments – is part of an exclusive integrated development that’s perched atop The Singapore EDITION Hotel, a luxury hotel acclaimed for its artful aesthetic, conceived by legendary hotelier Ian Schrager in collaboration with Marriott International.

Nouvel 18

Nouvel 18

Located in one of Singapore’s most sought-after neighbourhoods within the exclusive Ardmore and Anderson enclave, Nouvel 18 is the epitome of luxurious living. Designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Jean Nouvel, the development’s two 36-storey towers are an architectural work of art that celebrates the interplay between modernism and nature, while the dramatic façade of this rare freehold development features lush landscaping and tiered cascading waterscapes.

Residents can enjoy a variety of recreational and entertainment facilities at eight “Sky Terraces” spaces that come in the form of thematic lifestyle gardens located on various levels of the two residential towers. There is also a tennis court, a swimming pool located beside the clubhouse and another leisure sky pool at the Aqua Veranda on level 14.

Befitting its address, Nouvel 18 is close to some of the city’s most exclusive social and recreational clubs. The nearby embassy district, Singapore Botanic Gardens and the Orchard Road shopping belt also add to the allure of this location. In terms of connectivity, residents can easily access the rest of the island through the expressways and Orchard MRT station located nearby.

Ready for occupation, the development’s 156 residences are made up of two-bedroom+study, three-bedroom, three-bedroom+study or four-bedroom+study units, as well as an exclusive sky suite luxury unit and penthouses. Every spacious home comes finished with designer fittings sourced from international brands.

Bringing CDL’s expertise in hospitality to the home, residents of Nouvel 18 can also take advantage of the developer’s Signature Residential Services, to cater to their needs and allow them to enjoy a lifestyle that is truly worthy of their elegant surroundings.

For the pleasure of ownership, call (65) 8783 1818

www.cdlhomes.com.sg

The Ascott Limited: lyf Funan Singapore Redefines Coliving

Millennial and millennial-minded travellers can plug into the local community and form connections with like-minded trendsetters, jetsetters, business executives, technopreneurs and creatives.

The largest coliving property in Southeast Asia, lyf Funan Singapore, launched with much fanfare in September, achieving close to 100% occupancy within two weeks of its opening. It is the first property globally under The Ascott Limited’s new ‘lyf’ brand, which is designed for millennials and the millennial-minded. Ascott’s Deputy Managing Director of lyf, Ms Mindy Teo, talks about why lyf breaks new ground in the fast-growing coliving segment.

What is the appeal of coliving spaces like lyf and why have they grown in popularity in recent years?

Coliving is centered on creating a home environment that inspires and empowers its residents to be active creators and participants, cultivating collaboration amongst residents and the community. The demand for coliving is driven by the sharing economy, as buzzing start-ups in vibrant cities give rise to a popular culture of living and co-creating as a community.

It is also tied to housing affordability, growth in global mobility and millennials’ desire for experiences over cookie-cutter accommodation. The demand for coliving by corporates is also growing. Multinational corporations and start-ups alike want collaborative living spaces with high quality facilities for their project teams wherever they are in the world.

What are some of the unique features of lyf Funan Singapore that cater to millennials?

lyf Funan Singapore provides flexible communal spaces that facilitate collaboration, community building and socializing among guests. Our coworking areas can easily be transformed into communal spaces for events or social gatherings. These include workshops with local artisans, hackathons, music jam sessions and cooking lessons that are organized weekly to provide residents with the opportunity to plug into the community, experience local culture and build networks with like-minded professionals.

lyf Funan Singapore is also the only coliving property in Singapore with a hotel license, which means that it can cater to a flexible range of accommodation needs, from daily stays to stays of several months or even a year.

Why has Ascott decided to locate its first lyf-branded property in Singapore?

lyf is a homegrown brand, and hence it was apt to have our first and flagship property in Singapore. With rising demand for coliving driven by the growing sharing economy and “bleisure” (business and leisure) travel, lyf Funan Singapore will stand to benefit from Singapore being one of the top startup ecosystems globally and the second-best Asia Pacific destination for bleisure travel, according to The Economist’s Bleisure Index 2019. Every lyf property takes on design elements of the local culture where it is located, and we are proud to showcase elements of Singapore within our property, such as the tiles at the entryway of lyf Funan Singapore that reflect our Peranakan culture.

How does being located in Funan mall add to lyf’s allure?

lyf Funan Singapore is at the center of the city-state’s buzzing retail, commercial and cultural belt. Spanning about 121,000 square feet, lyf Funan Singapore houses 412 rooms across 279 apartments. The nine-story coliving property will be linked directly to the City Hall Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) interchange, which is well connected to the rest of the city. lyf Funan Singapore is also the only coliving property in Singapore that is located within an integrated development.

Additionally, easy access to the new Funan mall also adds another layer of convenience for our guests, as they are just a few steps away from a wide range of recreational, retail, dining and commercial options right at their doorstep. lyf Funan Singapore also works with merchants in Funan mall to offer special discounts and deals for our guests across various local F&B, retail, beauty and wellness merchants by simply flashing their mobile key on their lyf by Ascott application.

What are your plans for growing the lyf brand in Southeast Asia?

We have seven more lyf properties opening over the next three years in Bangkok, Fukuoka, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Cebu and Shanghai. We are also exploring the possibility of introducing lyf in key gateway cities in Australia, France, Germany, Indonesia, Netherlands, South Korea and the United Kingdom.

Jaguar Land Rover: Setting a Global Standard for Excellence

Robin Colgan, Managing Director, Jaguar Land Rover Asia Pacific Region

Whether in London, Hong Kong or anywhere in between, stepping into a Jaguar Land Rover dealership can evoke a sense of déjà vu for the brand’s customers. From the spotless workshops and professional service to the unmistakable designs of their luxury vehicles, the premium car maker has made it its mission to implement one gold standard across its global operations.

To this end, the Singapore office of Jaguar Land Rover has the unenviable task of ensuring that this single brand approach is executed across its 17 markets in Asia, encompassing Southeast Asia, New Zealand, Hong Kong and Taiwan. And yet, it is a challenge that Robin Colgan, Managing Director of Jaguar Land Rover Asia Pacific Region, embraces wholeheartedly.

“I don’t think you’ll find a more diverse market grouping anywhere in the world; whether it’s different languages, different currencies, different cultures, or different rules and vehicle requirements,” he says. “Having said that, we also believe that the fundamentals of a good customer experience are common wherever you are.”

To maintain standards across the region, Jaguar Land Rover Singapore runs its markets like a franchise business, supporting its distributors in each country in almost all aspects of the business, from sales and retail operations to business development and corporate marketing.

“We implement global standards and make sure they are upheld by our partners. These standards are in place to enhance the brand, improve the customer experience, or indeed, to protect the customer,” explains Colgan. “If we feel that we can’t deliver in a certain market, we won’t enter it.”

Among other things, this means that all markets feature technicians trained to the same stringent qualification levels, offer the same availability of parts, and provide the same exceptional level of customer service. From Singapore, Jaguar Land Rover also develops and testbeds new service innovations that it then rolls out to the rest of its markets. One example of this is an online sales platform that was first launched in the city-state. Using a mobile app, customers can browse for cars that match their search criteria, get information on the value of their existing vehicle, and even arrange for financing.

Colgan and his team are leveraging this franchise strategy to capitalize on rising demand for luxury automobiles in dynamic markets in the region such as Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia and Laos.

“Amid a sluggish global market, Southeast Asia is beginning to stand out. There are short-term risks and opportunities in the region but the bigger story is how quickly and confidently the middle classes are emerging. While growth in auto sales is slowing globally, we see large numbers of highly educated young people getting ready to join the workforce in the coming years and that brings with it opportunity.”

Staying Ahead Through Innovation

Product innovation is another key aspect of Jaguar Land Rover’s strategy to differentiate itself from the competition, and the brands have moved quickly to stake their claim in the premium end of the increasingly important electric vehicle (EV) market. One groundbreaking launch in this segment was the Jaguar I-PACE in 2018, the first luxury EV crossover from Europe to hit the market.

New Range Rover Evoque
New all-electric Jaguar I-PACE
Asia Pacific Technician Awards 2019

The all-electric I-PACE has wowed the industry, sweeping a hat-trick of awards—including World Car of the Year—at the 2019 World Car Awards. “The I-PACE launch was a defining moment for the industry. The challenge now is to stay ahead of that curve,” says Colgan. “Electrification is absolutely a core part of our strategy going forward.”

As part of this strategy, Jaguar Land Rover also announced earlier this year it will be building an all-new flagship Jaguar XJ sedan as a full electric vehicle. The company will invest billions of pounds to create the new vehicle and upgrade the plant located on the outskirts of Birmingham, England.

Another niche, but steadily growing business for the auto maker is in creating highly customized versions of its Jaguar and Land Rover vehicles at its “Special Vehicle Operations” division in England. The facility even features a paint line where customers can mix and match different colours to design a personalized palette for their car.

Jaguar Land Rover showroom in the Philippines

Steeped in History

Even as it looks forward, however, Jaguar Land Rover is keenly aware of its distinguished past. On September 10, it unveiled the successor to one of its most famous vehicles: the Land Rover Defender. The original Land Rover became an automotive icon and was traditionally the choice of adventurers and pioneers around the world. While retaining its distinctive design, the 21st-century version has been updated to “raise the threshold for both off-road ruggedness and on-road comfort”.

Says Colgan: “People have been asking me for years when we’re going to build a new Defender. It’s a relief to finally be able to answer! The pre-orders have been off the scale.”

 

Pan Pacific Hotels Group: Looking to the Future

Pan Pacific London

Anticipating the demands of increasingly sophisticated travelers, Pan Pacific Hotels Group (PPHG) continues to expand the breadth and enhance the quality of its portfolio of properties around the world. In doing so, the Singapore-based hospitality group is taking its signature brand of sincere hospitality to new heights.

One exciting new launch will see PPHG’s European flagship property being unveiled in London in 2020. Located in the heart of the city’s financial district, Pan Pacific London will be the group’s maiden entry into Europe’s luxury hospitality market. Designed by acclaimed international firm Yabu Pushelberg, Pan Pacific London will offer 237 keys at One Bishopsgate Plaza, a five-minute walk from Liverpool Street station in central London.

The luxury hotel will provide unmatched scale and quality in this prime neighborhood, while the Signature Suite on the 18th floor comes with spectacular views of one of London’s best-known landmarks: The Gherkin. The Pan Pacific London will also house the City’s first smart ballroom, capable of accommodating up to 370 guests. An indoor lap pool with views of the street, relaxing spa treatment rooms and a modern fitness center offer guests a welcome respite from the bustle of the city, while a dedicated Studio Lounge provides a comfortable space for early arrivals and late departures.

With this flagship opening in London, Pan Pacific Hotels Group will join a select handful of Asia-based hotel companies who have entered the European luxury hotel space, where it will introduce the art of sincere hospitality to a mature and sophisticated market.

PARKROYAL Dalian

There will also be new launches across Southeast Asia’s capital cities, including Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, Jakarta and Hanoi, over the next two years. In addition, PPHG will cross an important milestone in the key China market when it launches its first PARKROYAL-branded property in Dalian, Liaoning Province in the fourth quarter of 2020. The arrival of PARKROYAL Dalian brings the expanding PARKROYAL network to a total of 20 hotels, resorts and serviced suites in Asia-Pacific, including major cities such as Singapore, Sydney, Kuala Lumpur, Ho Chi Minh City and Yangon.

Ms Cinn Tan, Chief Sales & Marketing Officer, Pan Pacific Hotels Group, says: “As a brand under Pan Pacific Hotels Group, PARKROYAL is growing rapidly across Asia-Pacific, offering vibrant hotels, resorts and serviced suites in key and upcoming cities. The PARKROYAL brand is about celebrating people. It resonates well with the travelers of today and tomorrow, where emphasis is placed not only on hardware, but more importantly on the real connections between individuals and the environment that create meaningful experiences.”

PARKROYAL Penang Resort

Enhancing the Guest Experience

Beyond new launches, PPHG also strives to meet the heightened expectations of its guests by enhancing its existing stable of properties through renovation projects and the introduction of new innovations. In the past two years alone, the group has undertaken multi-million dollar refurbishments for properties such as Pan Pacific Melbourne and Pan Pacific Perth in Australia, PARKROYAL Penang Resort in Malaysia, and PARKROYAL on Beach Road and PARKROYAL on Kitchener Road in Singapore. The refreshed guestrooms will feature contemporary, human-centric designs that cater to the needs of the modern traveler. Meanwhile, new F&B concepts will be introduced to satisfy more sophisticated taste buds, while ensuring the authenticity of the cuisine.

On the innovation front, PPHG continues to invest in new technology and will be rolling out a range of new digital solutions at its properties—including self-check-in kiosks, a luggage tagging system and a mobile app—to enhance the guest experience.

Fostering Service Excellence

To realize its vision of sincere hospitality, PPHG is embracing a robust service culture that celebrates flexibility and empowerment. The group’s recently revamped Service Excellence program emphasizes sincerity in all its service offerings, and encourages associates to go the extra mile for guests.

Hiring talent with the right vision, purpose and values is also key to PPHG’s ability to offer a consistent brand experience that runs true to its DNA. Among various measures to attract the best talent, the group’s Graduate Management Development program fast-tracks the careers of high-potential graduates with the goal of preparing them for a general manager position in eight to 10 years.

PARKROYAL on Pickering, Singapore

A Leader in Sustainable Hospitality

PPHG is leading the way in sustainable hospitality by adopting earth-friendly practices, as well as designing and building green hotels in the heart of urban centers around the world.

Reflecting its success in this area, the group’s flagship property in Singapore, PARKROYAL on Pickering, has been recognized as the “World’s Leading Green City Hotel”. The property is Singapore’s first “hotel-in-a-garden”, featuring 15,000 square meters of sky gardens, waterfalls and planter walls, which add up to more than twice the hotel’s total land area.

PPHG plans to build on this success with the launch of Pan Pacific Orchard in Singapore in 2021. The new hotel will feature foliage spread over four levels of sky gardens that occupy three times the size of the property’s land area. The massive scale of this greenery is unprecedented in a built-up urban center. Pan Pacific Orchard will also be the group’s first zero-waste hotel, a feat that will be achieved through the use of innovative solutions such as a rainwater-harvesting system, a recyclable water system and a compactor that transforms food waste into compost, among others.

“We are defined by our core values of sincerity and integrity, and are committed to caring for the environment and operating in a sustainable manner across our portfolio of more than 40 hotels, resorts and serviced suites globally,” says Tan.

“Pan Pacific Hotels Group is deeply invested in the push for sustainability and we have plans to expand our footprint of experiential green hotels, each one designed to surprise and delight our guests. With their unique eco-architecture, our green jewels will redefine not just the landscape they are in, but the very concept of sustainable hospitality.”

Transforming Eu Yan Sang: Realizing the Next Phase of Growth

Long service employees, management teams, shareholders and board members are featured in a series of Eu Yan Sang family portraits taken in Singapore, as the heritage brand celebrates its 140th year anniversary.

More than two years after a historic change in leadership and its delisting from the Singapore Exchange, Eu Yan Sang is casting aside its image as a family-run enterprise narrowly focused on the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) market in just a few key countries. Under a new management team, it is transforming into a different kind of organization and seeking rapid growth by expanding into new markets and customer segments around the world.

While keenly aware of the advantages that a 140-year heritage and an illustrious brand name bring to the table, the TCM giant’s new leadership team, which is a combination of fresh talent and deep sector experience, has rolled out innovative strategies to stay relevant in a fast-changing global market.

Aaron Boey, Group CEO of Eu Yan Sang, took over the reins in late 2017 when previous CEO Richard Eu stepped down after 28 years at the helm of the company that was founded by his great-grandfather 140 years ago. This marked the first time that leadership of the firm has been handed to a non-family member, and Boey is convinced that radical change is key to the firm’s long-term success.

“The family members that have remained in the company understand that the entry of new shareholders and professional leadership is for the better, because it drives value creation, it drives the growth in the company,” says Boey. “And we would like to open up many new areas that we have not pursued or thought of before.”

New Expectations, New Markets

Beyond leadership renewal, Eu Yan Sang was also re-capitalized in 2016, with new financial investors stepping in as major shareholders.

“As financial investors, our shareholders measure our performance in similar ways to any investment of this type. So, the new team operates within that set of expectations, and does the necessary to deliver,” explains Boey. Recognizing that the company is currently strongly rooted in its core markets of Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong and Macau, but that, over time, it had become too reliant on those markets, the first challenge was to identify new areas for future growth. While Eu Yan Sang continues to grow in its core markets, it has also looked to expand its presence in other markets with large Chinese diasporas, a common characteristic among its legacy markets. These include both coasts of the United States, Canada, Australia, Taiwan and Southeast Asia.

Eu Yan Sang also refreshed its strategy in China, where its brand is starting to gain traction. Having closed most of its brick-and-mortar stores in China, the company now distributes through wholesale channels such as pharmaceutical chains. It also launched an e-commerce platform that aims to be the company’s main driver of growth in China. “With e-commerce, we can leapfrog the conventional growth process and scale much faster. The early signs are very promising. I think our China business has the potential to be as big as our entire business is today,” says Boey.

However, the local regulatory framework in new markets continues to be a challenge to the company. “TCM is a category that many regulators don’t necessarily have all the current facts about. Many countries don’t see the priority in putting the appropriate resources behind this yet. And if they are in doubt, they tend to stay on the side of being more conservative, thereby restricting the accessibility of the category. We, in our small way, continue to try our best to engage and educate regulators.”

Today, Eu Yan Sang has an extensive network of over 200 retail outlets and TCM clinics in Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Macau and China.

Going Beyond TCM

Boey is also expanding the company’s offerings beyond the scope of TCM and into the broader wellness segment, allowing it to reach younger customers as well as those beyond the Chinese community who are looking for more natural alternatives to maintain their health.

“Wellness is about maintenance and prevention, and that for us is an area we believe we have a strong legitimacy to play in, given what we’ve been doing for 140 years,” he says. “We challenge ourselves to develop innovative wellness solutions with a TCM origin, and try to convince people to give us a larger share of their wallet; part of which they would be spending on other things, such as synthetic supplements.”

One challenge in unlocking this potential is demystifying TCM in order to appeal to younger consumers. With that in mind, the company has developed new dosage forms—such as capsules and liquid sachets—that are more palatable to millennials compared to the more traditional pills and powders. The company is also leveraging technology to modernize its distribution channels. Beyond its established brick-and-mortar outlets, it has strengthened its e-commerce platforms and social media presence to offer customers a greater variety of ways to maintain their relationship with the brand.

Eu Yan Sang’s new range of TCM solutions meet modern consumer needs.

Fixing the Plumbing

Making the management team’s vision for Eu Yan Sang a reality will require the organization to undergo a major internal transformation, or what Boey calls “fixing the plumbing”. “The plumbing of the business is how the business runs, day in day out, consistently.” he says. “It’s often not sexy, but if it doesn’t work, then nothing works.”

This internal overhaul involves upgrading IT and other systems, implementing common processes across its various markets, and meticulous planning. The last and perhaps most important piece of this puzzle is people. “We have to help our people understand that we are now majority-owned by institutional investors, which means that results matter. And that involves changing the culture.” Among other things, this means that employees are now more accountable for their actions, and growth plans need to have clear milestones to help ensure that they stay on track.

Boey notes that Eu Yan Sang’s transformation ultimately aims to achieve its newly minted brand purpose, which is to “empower you to live your best quality of life through accessible, natural wellness solutions based on our deep TCM wisdom.”

While the company is in a significantly stronger financial position than it was two years ago, he admits that there is still much work to do in realizing this vision. However, Boey is confident that the changes put in place at Eu Yan Sang are already sowing the seeds of its future success. “Despite the challenges, there are many pockets of strength in the business today. Eu Yan Sang is a strong consumer brand that is respected for its quality, safety and innovation. And our strategies and choices are starting to bear fruit for the long term.”

Marina One Residences: The Definitive Luxury Residential Address

Marina One Residences

Located in the heart of Singapore’s vibrant downtown, the second tower of the luxurious Marina One Residences has been launched for sale and is available for immediate occupation. The award-winning development consists of two 34-storey towers, each housing 521 units, and is part of the Marina One mixed-use project that includes Grade A offices and premium lifestyle offerings.

Marina One Residences’ central location, stunning design and premium amenities make it an attractive proposition for both investors and potential home owners. Buyers can choose from one-, two-, three- and four-bedroom units, as well as a handful of exclusive penthouses.

The story of Marina One’s genesis is as inspiring as its unique design. The project came about through a historic collaboration between the Malaysian and Singaporean governments, as the project’s developer, M+S Pte Ltd, is jointly owned by the two countries’ sovereign wealth funds, Malaysia’s Khazanah Nasional Berhad (60%) and Singapore’s Temasek (40%).

Location, Location, Location

Marina One sits in the thick of Singapore’s most prestigious and vibrant district: Marina Bay. The area is a buzzing hive of round-the-clock activity, with Singapore’s new financial hub sitting comfortably alongside Michelin-starred restaurants, lifestyle outlets and world-renowned entertainment. Indeed, the development is just a stone’s throw from some of Singapore’s most iconic attractions, including Marina Bay Sands, Gardens by the Bay, Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay and the ArtScience Museum.

As the centrepiece of Singapore’s urban transformation, Marina Bay will continue to evolve as a vibrant downtown hub. A new masterplan will transform Singapore’s CBD into a dynamic mixed-use district for city living, while a new 1,000-room luxury hotel tower and an entertainment arena for world-class concerts are being planned at Marina Bay Sands. As one of the first integrated projects to be completed in Marina Bay, buyers can fully realize the investment potential from the area’s planned development in the coming years.

“This puts Marina One Residences right at the centre of this dynamic evolution, making it well-positioned to reap the tremendous benefits that are expected to be generated from the area’s growth,” says Kemmy Tan, CEO of M+S Pte Ltd.

Marina One residents will also be spoilt for choice when it comes to transport and connectivity options. The development is served by a comprehensive transport network, including four underground MRT stations and major expressways that conveniently connect residents to the rest of the island.

50-meter lap pool
Green Heart

Park Living in the City

Sustainability is a key theme in the design of Marina One, which has been brought to life by Christoph Ingenhoven, founder of Ingenhoven Architects and a recognised leader in green architecture.

Penthouse

One striking feature of the Marina One is Green Heart, a 65,000-square-foot garden in the centre of the integrated development that has been crafted to resemble a rainforest valley. Designed by Gustafson Porter + Bowman, the landscaping firm behind Bay East Garden at Singapore’s Gardens by the Bay, Green Heart boasts 386 species of plant and is the largest bio-diversity garden in the CBD.

Set amid the lush greenery and spectacular waterfall features is a range of integrated private and public spaces. Residents can choose to unwind at the 50-meter lap pool or the fully equipped 200-square meter gym, or entertain their guests at the private dining rooms or teppanyaki terraces.

The development is further flanked by two lush parks, offering residents the rare opportunity for park-side luxury living, reminiscent of prized developments around London’s Hyde Park and New York’s Central Park.

From Green Heart, residents have direct access to a great variety of lifestyle and retail options at Marina One, such as The Macallan Boutique bar, the Virgin Active Fitness Club, a Cold Storage supermarket and the two renowned signature restaurants: Majestic and Wakanui. Open sky terraces and transport facilities are also right on the doorstep.

Once inside, each home at Marina One Residences has been thoughtfully designed to offer a premium living experience. Every unit is equipped with Villeroy & Boch bathware, high-end appliances from Miele and signature Poggenpohl kitchen designs, while the spacious and meticulously crafted interiors seamlessly blend into the development’s overall design.

With so much to offer, Marina One Residences continues to be one of Singapore’s most sought-after residential addresses.

 

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