SPECIAL REPORT Thursday, August 16, 2018 GO ASIA SINGAPORE

TROPICAL BEAUTY HUB Singapore is transforming into a ‘City in a Garden’ with lush gardens, nature parks and state-of-the-art green architecture 2 Thursday, August 16, 2018 ¢ GO ASIA SINGAPORE ¢

NATURE CITY GROWS INTO TROPICAL BEAUTY HUB The state is packed with lush gardens, nature parks and green architecture, and is a short ferry ride from the turtles and fine beaches of neighbouring Indonesian islands, writes Michelle Lam

Singapore is within easy reach of some beautiful islands and lots of homegrown nature spots. Indeed, almost half of the city state is covered in greenery, thanks to charming urban parks, unspoilt nature reserves and a Unesco World Heritage Site. The Lion City has long been the place to be if you enjoy an urban lifestyle but love nature. “Our first prime minister, Mr Lee Kuan Yew, [was] the architect of Singapore’s transformation,” says Masagos Zulkifli, Singapore Minister for the Environment and Water Resources. “He focused on creating a ‘Garden City’ [and] planted the first tree in 1963, which kick-started the annual Tree Planting Campaign. Today, we are building on the legacy of our pioneer leaders and transforming Singapore into a ‘City in a Garden’.” Locals and tourists also enjoy Singapore’s easy sea links to neighbouring islands such as Bintan, which is the largest island in the Riau archipelago of Indonesia. An hour’s ferry ride from Singapore, Bintan is famous for its luxurious resorts, turtles and the charming rocks of its Trikora Beach. There are also “pristine mangrove forests” on Bintan’s “meandering, clear river of Sungei Sebung”, says Indonesia’s Ministry of Tourism. “Visitors can take a boat ride almost right to the source of the river, and experience a thrilling trip into the world of tropical mangroves.” The interior of Singapore. The boomerang-shaped Pulau Ubin (Malay Nature lovers might also trek to the island’s Gunung Changi Airport’s for Granite Island) is popular for its forests, wetland and a Bintan Besar hill, whose forest tracks offer sweeping views new Terminal 4 rich variety of local flora and fauna among its abandoned of the island. (above) reflects quarries in the northeast of Singapore. Just a 10-minute The Indonesian island of Karimun lies to the west of Singapore's bumboat ride from Changi Point Ferry Terminal, Pulau Bintan on the Strait of Malacca, and is popular for its commitment to Ubin’s ecosystem also includes several threatened species water sports, white-sand beaches and fine sea food. sustainability. of birds. Along with the neighbouring island of Batam, it forms the Photos: Alamy “The star attraction is the Chek Jawa Wetlands,” the Indonesian government’s Batam-Bintan-Karimun Free Singapore Tourism Board advises. “The intertidal flat Trade Zone for tourism. comprises coral reefs, which are home to extensive If you have little time to explore these beautiful islands, marine wildlife, such as sea hares, sea squirts, octopuses, The Cloud Forest (left) in Gardens by the Bay shows how do not worry, because there is plenty of nature in starfish, sand dollars, sponges and cuttlefish.” Singapore is transforming into a ‘City in a Garden’.

Gardens by the Bay is one of the most popular tourist spots in Singapore, and shows how the city state encourages architects to imaginatively blend functional buildings into their natural surroundings. SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST THURSDAY, AUGUST 16, 2018 3 4 Thursday, August 16, 2018 ¢ GO ASIA SINGAPORE ¢

PROPERTY INVESTORS FLOCK TO PRIME DISTRICTS Robust residential sector attracts wealthy buyers to the city’s best addresses, but analysts warn fresh cooling measures could dampen their demand, writes Peta Tomlinson

Investor appetite for prime Singapore property is robust across all sectors. After cooling measures subdued the market for the past few years, house prices are rising again, and foreign investment is flowing in. According to CBRE, property investment sales soared by 11.4 per cent in the second quarter, taking the investment tally to S$20.318 billion (HK$116.7 billion) for the first six months. The 32 collective deals signed during the period already exceed the 26 collective sales registered for the whole of 2017, and include 15 residential sites. Desmond Sim, CBRE’s head of research, Singapore & Southeast Asia, credits a vibrant residential sector with driving the investment climate over the past six months. Notable, he says, “have been some positive stories behind the prime districts 9, 10 and 11”. However, Colliers says the “euphoria” surrounding the residential rebound may be tempered by fresh property cooling measures – the higher additional buyer’s stamp duty and lower loan-to-value limit – announced by the Singapore government on July 5. TwentyOne “Location, location, location remains the biggest Meanwhile, 8 St Thomas, an upcoming landmark “The introduction of these measures a year into Angullia Park decision determinant in real estate,” Sim says. “People development by Bukit Sembawang Estates, should attract market recovery, after four years of decline, was aimed at (above) would still like to have a property in one of these prime keen interest as well. calming the euphoria in the private residential sector,” embodies districts.” Located at 8 St Thomas Walk, the 250-unit says Tricia Song, head of research for Singapore at Colliers the luxury of Leong Boon Hoe, chief operating officer of List development comprises a mix of one to four-bedroom International. Singapore’s Sotheby’s International Realty, Singapore, agrees that flats, plus two lavish penthouses. Commanding views of Home prices had risen “by 3.9 per cent in Q1 2018, and prime District 9. luxury is a big attraction. Orchard, Marina Bay Sands and the city skyline, 8 St another 3.4 per cent in Q2”, she adds. “The price growth – “The prestige and exclusivity of the prime districts Thomas offers full condo facilities including a pool. The which is expected to taper in the quarters ahead – was largely came about due to [their] association as homes of District 9 property is within walking distance of two MRT largely driven by the brighter economic outlook, pent-up the local affluent families and wealthy expatriates,” he stations, Somerset and Orchard, as well as the expanding housing demand and more positive market sentiment.” says. “As a large proportion of the properties are privately rail network and transport interchanges, with island-wide These measures “might stymie demand”, but Colliers owned and have freehold tenures, prices are higher than connectivity to the central business district, Marina Bay expects home prices to hold steady in the near-term. other parts of the island.” Financial Centre, Clarke Quay, Fort Canning Park, The Even though CBRE agrees the new measures might Orchard Road, Singapore’s premier shopping belt American Club and The Tanglin Club. slow down some new development projects, Sim does not which offers a plethora of entertainment and retail From a global perspective, Leong says luxury homes in believe confidence in prime districts – where buyers are options, is a core component in District 9’s appeal, Leong Singapore are more affordable than those in cities such as typically high-net-worth individuals – will be adversely adds. “Designer goods and luxurious lifestyle options Hong Kong, where two Mount Nicholson flats on The impacted. Throughout market cycles, prime property which are abundant here are often prerogatives for the Peak were sold together for US$148.5 million; or in New traditionally holds its value, he explains. well-heeled community [who] live within the area,” he York, where a 7,929-square-foot Park Avenue penthouse These prime areas, near Orchard Road, are the explains. sold for US$60 million (or US$7,577 per sq ft). traditional luxury areas of Singapore, favoured for their As an example of the premium that desirable luxury In contrast, the US$45.75 million Sculptura Ardmore lower density, privacy and exclusivity, as well as their properties in District 9 can command, TwentyOne 10,300 sq ft super penthouse’s rate of US$4,573 per sq ft is proximity to the central business district, Orchard Road Angullia Park recently sold a unit at close to S$3,900 per sq probably the highest in Singapore in the past five years, shopping and international schools. ft, he adds. while the median price for luxury properties in Singapore has ranged between US$2,400 and US$2,650 per sq ft. Bukit “The increasing demand for luxury homes from Sembawang foreigners, especially from China, Malaysia and Estates’ plush Indonesia, signal their confidence in the Singapore 8 St Thomas, market,” he says. promises Leong does expect some “knee jerk reaction” to the excellent views latest cooling measures, but while this may put a of Singapore. dampener on the sharp V-shaped recovery seen in the previous four quarters, he says “it could result in a gentler U-shaped upturn that would last longer amid the improving local and global economic performance”. In making a comparison with other overseas markets, foreign investors will consider such factors as geopolitical stability, foreign exchange, taxation laws and growth prospects of the local property market, Leong adds. “They will have confidence in the market that will give good wealth preservation shelter and growth potential over the long term,” he says. Thursday, August 16, 2018 5 ¢ GO ASIA SINGAPORE ¢

FOOD FINE DINING WITH FABULOUS VIEWS Three restaurants whet appetites for city’s glittering skyline, writes Michelle Lam

Several fine-dining restaurants with breathtaking views charming Gardens by the Bay. Cé La Vi also has a club restaurant is also the world’s highest urban craft-brewery. Cé La Vi (left) could steal the spotlight from next month’s 2018 lounge and a rooftop SkyBar featuring celebrated DJs such “The restaurant has taken a leaf out of the resident offers superb Singapore Grand Prix. Here is where to enjoy the best food as Stéphane Pompougnac and Born to Funk. The brewmaster Gabriel Garcia’s technical manual and city views from with splendid views of the city state’s glittering skyline. restaurant’s interior decor is inspired by the tropical prepared a [dinner] menu that is wholly inspired by craft Marina Bay Jaan at level 70 of the Equinox Complex at Swissôtel lushness of Southeast Asia and cultural landmarks such as beers and the carefully calibrated brewing process,” the Sands’ Tower 3, The Stamford is the place for dining with business Bali’s temples. Led by executive chef Joseph Sergentakis, restaurant says. and is a perfect partners, or a special occasion. The restaurant overlooks Cé La Vi creates modern Asian cuisine that melts the Using authentic recipes and traditional methods, the spot for a fun the Marina Bay Sands and the Singapore Strait and region’s cultural boundaries. restaurant’s craft beers are freshly-brewed, and the food is night out with was awarded one star in the Michelin Guide Singapore “Through the playful use of textures, acidity and Asian served with a modern European and craft-beer-inspired friends, while this year. spices, I hope to bring a new style of modern Asian cuisine orientation. chef Kirk Jaan now serves “reinvented British” cuisine, says its and excitement to Singapore,” Sergentakis says. The dinner menu includes starters with beer elements Westaway English head chef, Kirk Westaway. Its menu reflects the The restaurant’s innovative dishes include the Warm such as the Beef Carpaccio, a dish with Australian Wagyu (above) chef’s passion for natural flavours and childhood food Salad of Tochigi Wagyu Beef, in which the meat is lightly slices, silvers of beetroot and pickled shallot served with reinvents memories, such as colourful salads, Scottish scallops and seared for a caramelised texture and sous vide at a low beer mustard and malt yolk cured overnight. British cuisine Strawberry cheesecake. Elegantly decorated for 40 guests, temperature; and Tuna Tartare Jicama Rolls, in which Its mains include smoky flavoured kangaroo loin at Jaan, on level the restaurant features curated furniture and a silver free- freshly minced Japanese bluefin tuna with mango coulis served with beetroot leather, beetroot vinaigrette and 70 of the form chandelier across its ceiling. and Yuzu dressing is rolled into thinly sliced jicama turnip purée. Desserts include the beer malt praline Equinox Cé La Vi in Marina Bay Sands’ Tower 3 also offers (Mexican turnip) and topped off with crispy taro root. Cereal, consisting of almond milk mousse, lemon curd, Complex at spectacular sea and city views, and is a perfect spot for a LeVeL33 at Marina Bay Financial Centre Tower 1 is a spiced dried apricot and blended macadamia. Swissôtel The fun evening out with friends. The 230-seat restaurant has a fun place with hand-crafted beers and the beautiful view Such appetising menus might soon divert your Stamford. private dining area and a viewing veranda over the of the Marina Bay. Serving modern European cuisine, the attention from the Grand Prix. 6 Thursday, August 16, 2018 ¢ GO ASIA SINGAPORE ¢

SERVICED APARTMENTS GROUPS CONNECT WITH ‘NOMAD’ MILLENNIALS Ascott and Oakwood devise apps, robots and co-living concepts for ‘tech-savvy’ clients, writes Peta Tomlinson

Home is where the heart is. For millennials, it is also the “More than anything else, they seek out experiences, and place where technology is up to scratch, time-saving value being part of a community.” conveniences are a given, and, ideally, there are So as millennials globetrot with higher expectations opportunities for wellness and social engagement within than generations before, they have raised standards for their own niche community. nomads of all ages. In housing, that means more value They are not so inclined to want a “job for life”, nor plan added being offered by the serviced apartments sector, the to put down permanent roots in one place. According to traditional provider of flexible, convenient leasing PwC’s Millennials at Work research, the current generation packages for the mobile workforce. of 20- and 30-somethings will represent 70 per cent of the Nowhere is this more apparent than in Singapore, global workforce in less than five years, and two-thirds of rated by expatriates as the best country in the world to live them would be happy to get an overseas assignment and work – for the third year in a row – in the annual HSBC during their career (32 per cent more than Generation X.) Expat Explorer survey. “This mobile generation of millennials grew up with Appealing to the tech-savvy, Oakwood in Asia-Pacific technology, social media and the sharing economy,” says provides an in-room tablet and mobile phone with 4G Mindy Teo, vice-president for brand, marketing and digital capabilities for guests’ use in both Oakwood Studios allows guests to request additional amenities, report An artist’s innovation, The Ascott. “They demand flexibility, Singapore and Oakwood Premier OUE Singapore. defects and shop for their groceries. At Oakwood Studios impression openness and collaboration. “This includes our own Oakwood app,” says Paul Singapore, partner companies supplying speciality items reveals lyf Funan They no longer draw distinctions between business Stocker, vice-president, sales, marketing & revenue via the app include Nespresso, Monogram, a special tea Singapore’s and pleasure, work and play. They have no qualms about management of Oakwood Worldwide (Asia). blend; and Skin Inc, a bespoke skincare brand. designs on being digital nomads, travelling frequently as part of work The app provides information about the In the coming months, a collaboration with an millennial or relocating for work. neighbourhood and apartment equipment manuals. It established medical group and reputable home spa customers. company will offer guests at Oakwood Premier OUE Singapore more comprehensive services via the in-room technological devices, Stocker says. Ascott also provides a pocket Wi-fi device for guests at its Singapore properties. Service butler robots deployed in Ascott Raffles City Beijing and Ascott IFC Guangzhou can perform tasks such as leading guests to their rooms or properties’ facilities; providing concierge services; refilling room supplies and delivering packages. “We are testing the use of artificial intelligence to learn guests’ temperature preferences, and pairing this with a smart thermostat device to control air-conditioning settings, to enhance guest comfort,” Teo says. At Pan Pacific Serviced Suites Orchard, lifestyle facilities focus on wellness, with an infinity outdoor swimming pool overlooking the marina, a pool deck for residents’ yoga and a “hugely popular” five-step hydro-therapeutic spa. Millennials will continue to drive the evolution of serviced apartments services, experts say. With the millennial traveller segment already making up one- quarter of Ascott’s global customer base, and poised to expand, Teo says: “We design products and experiences for the future of travel through lyf [pronounced ‘life’] a co- living brand designed and managed by millennials for millennials and the millennial-minded”. Since the brand was launched in 2016, “we have secured five properties in China, Singapore and the Philippines that will come under the ‘lyf’ brand and open from late 2018 to 2021”, Teo adds. Ascott has simulated a lyf product and tests co-living concepts at lyf@SMU, the sector’s first living lab in Singapore, Teo says. A partnership with Singapore Management University (SMU) in the 3,000-square-metre space since 2017 enables SMU students to be the “first to experience and shape upcoming lyf properties”, he says.

The social area at lyf@SMU Oakwood Studios Singapore Thursday, August 16, 2018 7 ¢ GO ASIA SINGAPORE ¢

THRILLING ENTERTAINMENT SENTOSA’S ATTRACTIONS MAKE YOU JUMP Resort island’s Halloween programme recreates ‘Stranger Things’ creepy haunted houses; pits visitors against zombies, and offers free-fall diving and bungee thrills, writes Michelle Lam

Adventure seekers have two more reasons to visit mental. We always believe that it is more about being Singapore. Resort island Sentosa, off the city state’s focused,” says founder AJ Hackett, a New Zealander who southern coast, has two new adrenaline-pumping is known as the “father of commercial bungee jumping”. attractions alongside its all-time favourite, iFly. “Do not think, just jump, because the more you think, At Universal Studios Singapore, next month and the more your knees become wobbly. So when we count October, brace for Halloween Horror Nights 8. Themed down and reach one, do not hesitate. Go for it and take “Infinite Fear” this year, the park’s eighth Halloween event that leap!” promises spine-tingling moments galore. The site also offers a 40-metre-long Skybridge with a In a collaboration with Netflix, the park this year see-through glass floor, and Giant Swing, the world’s only recreates scenes and storylines from the celebrated TV dual swings in which visitors can take two of their friends series Stranger Things in one of its haunted houses. to fly high with them in the sky. Stranger Things fans will find themselves in the dark The indoor skydiving venue is next to AJ Hackett, and Hawkins National Laboratory, the Byers home with the popular with first-time and seasoned skydivers. petrifying Upside Down woods, and then progress to “You get to experience the thrill and excitement of much more eerie rooms. skydiving in a safe and realistic indoor setting while The park also features four other hair-raising, Asian- enjoying an unparalleled view of the South China Sea in horror-themed haunted houses and killer live shows. Its the largest themed wind tunnel in the world,” an scare zones include the retained and upgraded Zombie attraction spokesman says. Laser Tag, an action-packed battle in which players must The five-storey vertical wind tunnel is a skyfall and fend-off zombies. free-fall simulation that provides a wide range of air On the other side of the resort island, on Siloso Beach, speeds for flyers, enabling flyers to execute a variety of the extreme-sports operator AJ Hackett runs the country’s movements in skydiving, such as free flying, formation first and only bungee-jumping site, which was opened last skydiving and vertical relative work. year. “Everyone who’s going to do a bungee jump Such attractions suggest Singapore has become the remembersoap_scmp_halfpage_256mmx160mm_fa_(editable).pdf that it’s 10 per cent physical and 90 per cent 1AJ Hackett’s26/7/18 bungee5:28 PM jumps are enticing thrill-seekers to drop into Singapore. excitement entertainment hub of Asia.

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EVENTS CITY SPARKS AFTER DARK A night arts festival, the floodlit Grand Prix and Asia’s best ensure a lively scene after sunset, writes Ada Jiang

Singapore seems very different at night, and there is plenty to see under the city’s bright lights, especially in its busiest tourist season, from now until the end of the year. The Singapore Night Festival (SNF) returns for its 11th year to “Bring on the Night”, with memorable light The sunset-to- cars to scream to their limits under the memorably bright displays and night events, from August 17 to 25. Beginning sunrise ZoukOut lights of the Marina Bay Circuit during the weekend. The with the annual Night Lights, the festival will light up the Beach Party Singapore Grand Prix is also famous for its off-track Bras Basah Bugis precinct with 16 light installations by (left) returns to concerts, and this year’s performers include Jay Chou, The artists from different backgrounds. Visitors can also enjoy Sentosa’s Siloso Killers, Liam Gallagher, and Dua Lipa. 27 performances from different genres in Singapore’s arts Beach on The Grand Prix weekend has been a significant boost and heritage district. December 1, and to the city state’s tourism since it first hosted F1 in 2008, “We wanted to challenge ourselves to expand on the the Singapore with several off-track events, from virtual-reality race idea of creativity and explore possible synergies,” says SNF Grand Prix simulations to after-parties, its organiser says. festival director Angelita Teo. As a result, SNF 2018 invited (above) will be The event has grown to be more than a race, they add. “unexpected artists” from very distinct backgrounds and raced under It is now a showpiece “for the whole country where a who were supported by over 60 partners. floodlights on partnership between government and the private sector “We invite everyone to explore the numerous giant horses in its FierS à Cheval or “Proud Horses” September 16. could present the new modern Singapore to the rest of the interesting spaces around the precinct; [to] participate performance. Alternatively, visitors might be awed by the world via inbound tourism and showcasing the stunning and interact with the different acts, performers and art thunderous spectacle created by the British troupe Lords renaissance of the downtown Marina Bay district”, says installations we have created and planned,” says Jervais of Lighting, which features nearly four million volts of Singapore Grand Prix executive director Michael Roche. Choo, the festival’s programme director. The event’s electricity that sends lighting bolts hurtling up into the air. Music fans can then dance to visitors can appreciate avant-garde clothes in the New You might need earplugs for the Formula 1 2018 at arguably Asia’s best rave, the 18th ZoukOut Beach Party, Zealand-based fashion competition, World of Singapore Airlines Singapore Grand Prix, which returns to which returns to Sentosa’s Siloso Beach, from sunset to WearableArt, which combines art, technology and the city, and is raced at night, from September 14-16. sunrise on December 1. The rave’s performers include fashion. Or, they might bump into Company Quidams’ Motor racing fans can expect Formula 1 and other racing Dimitri Vegas and Like Mike and W&W.