Tiny homes for Indonesia's young urbanites draw criticism over livability
JAKARTA - The government's proposal to develop compact, subsidised housing for urban youth is facing growing criticism from both experts and potential occupants, who say the poor design and cramped living conditions of these 'mini houses' could jeopardise their inhabitants' physical and psychological well-being.
The Public Housing and Settlements Ministry last week showcased two prototype units at Lippo Mall Nusantara in South Jakarta.
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Business Times
a day ago
- Business Times
Andrew Li and Germaine Tan: Love at first beat
AT FIRST GLANCE, THIS NEWLY engaged couple run on different frequencies. He's Andrew Li, the ambitious CEO behind Zouk Group's global rise as a lifestyle conglomerate – from velvet-rope nightclubs in four cities, to popular burger joints and bistros. She's Germaine Leonora Tan, a radio DJ by night and content creator by day, with a combined social following of over 200,000. She also happens to be the daughter of Hao Mart founder Tan Kim Yong. One builds profit-and-loss forecasts and expansion playbooks; the other curates playlists and hosts live events. One strategises across time zones; the other reaches into thousands of homes through the evening airwaves. But when they first met at cocktail bar Here Kitty Kitty in 2022 and stepped onto the dance floor, it was – quite literally – love at first beat. A shared sense of rhythm, both physical and emotional, sparked something neither had expected. 'He could dance,' Tan says, grinning. 'And rhythm is important to me. Not many guys have it. But he did.' A NEWSLETTER FOR YOU Friday, 2 pm Lifestyle Our picks of the latest dining, travel and leisure options to treat yourself. Sign Up Sign Up 'She had this energy,' Li recalls. 'Yes, she's beautiful – but it was the way she moved. The joy, the spontaneity. That's what pulled me in.' Later, when she posted a clip from the night on Instagram, he sent her his first text: 'Help me tag Here Kitty Kitty.' (The cocktail bar belongs to Zouk.) 'Typical businessman,' Tan says, laughing. 'Didn't even say hello. Just wanted brand visibility.' Still, something in the way they moved – his quiet swagger, her magnetic energy – drew them together like a song they couldn't resist playing on repeat. They started dating, and were quietly surprised by how naturally their lives began to sync. Germaine Tan wears a doll dress by Max Mara; and Force 10 Rise earrings and necklace by Fred. Andrew Li wears a singlet, blazer and trousers by Dolce & Gabbana; and Force 10 Winch small and large pendants necklace by Fred. PHOTO: DARREN GABRIEL LEOW Nightlife was just the beginning Before they met, they had danced to the beat of their own careers, not realising how closely their professional paths would one day intertwine. London-born hospitality executive Li had joined Zouk Group in 2015 – the same year that Tan started her career as a DJ. Back then, Zouk was a beloved Singapore brand with global ambition but modest infrastructure. Under Li's leadership, it transformed into a multi-venue, multi-market lifestyle portfolio spanning nightclubs, bars, restaurants, and fast-casual brands in four countries. Zouk Las Vegas helped the brand break into the American market. Zouk Tokyo is tapping into Japan's reserved nightlife culture. The pivot into food and beverage – brands such as Five Guys, The Plump Frenchman and Korio – reflects both strategic diversification and Li's instinct for scalable, sticky experiences. 'I came into this role to expand the group,' he says. 'I didn't come here to operate just one nightclub. Now I need to see that growth year on year – but also make sure the business is sustainable and profitable. That gives me the ammunition to keep building.' His toughest leadership test came during and after Covid-19, when he had to manage venue closures, layoffs, and high DJ fees in an inflationary US market. The experience taught him to 'take emotion out of the decision-making process – while staying empathetic to the people working with you'. Today, the company is trialling a new Zouk app that serves as a customer relationship management and loyalty platform, capturing real-time data on guests' preferences, behaviour and spend. 'We have thousands of people coming through on a weekend night,' he says. 'We can get insights to help shape everything from bookings to brand partnerships.' Where older perceptions of Zouk Singapore hinged on DJs and velvet ropes, Li's version of the brand is broader: a lifestyle ecosystem that's as much about burgers and bistros as it is about bass lines. 'We're not just a nightclub anymore,' he says. 'We're a diversified lifestyle business.' Germaine Tan wears a short dress and sandals by Louis Vuitton. Andrew Li wears a shirt, suit and shoes by Louis Vuitton; and a Force 10 Winch ring and small and large pendants necklace by Fred. PHOTO: DARREN GABRIEL LEOW From supermarket to studio mic While Li, 42, is in his second act as a business leader, Tan, 29, describes herself as 'still building' her foundations. As the Hao Mart scion, she spent five formative years in the family business. By the age of 28, she had risen to marketing director, leading big campaigns, managing teams, and getting a hands-on education in corporate realities. 'It taught me a lot,' she says. 'Especially about people – managing personalities, handling pushback, learning when to push and when to let go.' In 2024, she left the position – not out of conflict, but clarity. Retail had taught her discipline. But radio was her first love. She had been DJing since her student years at Ngee Ann Polytechnic, where she ran the campus station. After graduation, she landed a role at Class 95 FM as a producer and part-time presenter. In 2019, she joined 987FM, while simultaneously working for Hao Mart. 'My parents never pressured me to stay in the family business,' she says. 'They were supportive even when I eventually chose radio over the business. I just knew I wanted something that was mine.' That independence extended beyond the airwaves. She grew her presence online, hosting brand campaigns and sharing food and travel stories with a growing digital audience. Germaine Tan wears an evening dress by Brunello Cucinelli; and Destinee diamond and white gold ring, Etoile necklace and Etoile bangle by Lee Hwa Jewellery. Andrew Li wears a knitted top and trousers by Zegna; and Italgold Aurion Horizon necklace and ring by Lee Hwa Jewellery. PHOTO: DARREN GABRIEL LEOW Winning over their families What started as chemistry on the dance floor soon distilled into something more substantial – based not just on attraction, but a willingness to adapt and understand each other's worlds. 'He has incredible discipline,' she says. 'He can compartmentalise stress, stay calm in chaos. I'm still learning that.' For Tan, dates matter – birthdays, anniversaries, Valentine's Day, even the day they first met. 'She would ask: 'When's our anniversary?' And I would panic because I don't remember,' Li says. 'I had to learn that what's important to her has to become important to me.' Their families quickly embraced the relationship. Li brought Tan to his 40th birthday retreat just weeks into dating – a full immersion into his extended family. 'She was incredible,' he says. 'My nephew still says she's his favourite aunt.' Tan's father, a passionate entrepreneur himself, took to Li immediately. 'My dad loves him!' she says with a laugh. 'At dinners, he always wants Andrew to sit beside him – not me. They talk business, markets, everything. He told me: 'I can see he takes care of you. That's all I need to know.'' If their relationship began with chemistry and curiosity, it has now matured into something more architectural – layered, intentional and shaped by effort. They talk often about the life they want to create together. Not just a home or a family, but a balanced existence where work, wellness and joy can co-exist. 'We plan everything,' Li says. 'We talk about the future all the time – not in abstract terms, but practically. Where we want to live. How we want to raise kids. Our long-term goals.' Visions and vows Several years ago, Li began working with executive coach Alex Butt, a former Microsoft managing director who also spent time as a monk. The sessions, he says, helped him navigate some of his toughest leadership decisions with more clarity and emotional intelligence. Watching the impact Butt had on Li, Tan decided to work with him too – not just to manage stress, but to sharpen her own sense of professional purpose. 'He helped me reframe how I think about ambition,' she says. 'It's not just about chasing financial growth. It's about aligning your work with what truly matters.' They speak candidly about starting a family. Tan jokes that Li is more enthusiastic about having kids than she is. What do they want: girls or boys? 'Girls,' Li answers without hesitation. 'I grew up with only brothers – I want more women in my life. I want to raise daughters who are strong, self-aware, and know their worth.' Tan is more measured. 'Motherhood is something I want. But I'm realistic about what that means for my career. It's not a setback – but it is a choice. And I want to make that choice on my own terms.' Their wedding is set for mid-2026 in Phuket, with just close friends and family. Despite public expectations of a high-society blowout, they're keeping it low-key. 'Everyone thinks we're throwing some 500-person wedding,' Tan says, laughing. 'But we want something small and intimate. Joyful, but grounded.' She hasn't chosen a dress yet. He still forgets which anniversary counts as the 'real one'. But what they do know is this: they've already chosen each other. Everything else – from playlists to place cards to prenups – is just part of the dance. Photography: Darren Gabriel Leow Fashion direction: CK Grooming: Grego Oh, using Chanel Beauty and Revlon Professional Make-up and hair (for Tan): Nicole Ang, using Chanel Beauty and Kevin Murphy Location: Nathan Home at 8 Baker Street
Straits Times
3 days ago
- Straits Times
Ukraine's military loses first French Mirage fighter jet in crash
Find out what's new on ST website and app. A Mirage 2000 fighter jet supplied to Ukraine from France crashed on Tuesday after experiencing equipment failure during an assignment, with the pilot ejecting safely, Ukraine's military said. It was the first loss of a Mirage jet since Ukraine's military started receiving them earlier this year. "Equipment failure occurred, which the pilot reported to the flight controller," a military statement said on Telegram. "The pilot then acted competently, as is expected in crisis situations, and successfully ejected. A rescue crew found the pilot in a stable condition. There were no casualties on the ground." Ukrainian news reports said the incident occurred in the northwestern Volyn region. Ukraine's military announced the arrival of the first batch of Mirage aircraft in February. U.S.-made F-16 fighter jets began arriving last year from different countries as Ukraine's Western allies sought to help Kyiv upgrade its largely Soviet-era air force fleet. REUTERS Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore Two found dead after fire in Toa Payoh flat Singapore Singaporeans aged 21 to 59 can claim $600 SG60 vouchers from July 22 Singapore Singaporeans continue to hold world's most powerful passport in latest ranking Singapore Singapore, Vietnam agree to step up defence ties, dialogue between leaders Asia Malaysia govt's reform pledge tested as DAP chief bows over unresolved 2009 death of political aide Tech Singapore to increase pool of early adopters in AI to complement data scientists, engineers Singapore Prosecution says judge who acquitted duo of bribing ex-LTA official had copied defence arguments Singapore Ports and planes: The 2 Singapore firms helping to keep the world moving
New Paper
5 days ago
- New Paper
BTO Telegram groups connect thousands in new kampung spirit
Mr Thomson Lim designed the interiors of his two-room flexi Build-To-Order (BTO) flat in Tengah's Garden Vale project, and would periodically share pictures of the carpentry in the estate's chat group on Telegram. When the renovations were done in June 2024, other residents were curious about how his flat looked, so he hosted an open house for around 20 neighbours. The 50-year-old had met his fellow Tengah residents through Telegram and was keen to share his experience with them, so they could make decisions about their own renovations. "I enjoy bonding with the residents from our chats... I believe sharing is always a good thing to do in life," said Mr Lim, who works at a fast-food chain. He has since become close friends with the neighbours he met on Telegram, going for meals and exercising with them. They even volunteer together at the Tengah Community Club, helping out at events such as family day, award ceremonies and workshops. Mr Lim and his Tengah buddies are among an estimated tens of thousands of Singaporeans who are members of resident-run Telegram groups for BTO estates here. There are no official numbers of BTO Telegram groups, but they can be easily found by searching on Telegram or BTOHQ, a community-run website sharing information on local properties. The size of each of these groups can range from a few hundred to thousands. Such groups started to gain popularity over the last few years when demand for BTO flats surged in 2020. Around the same time, Telegram also gained traction here as a messaging platform. While residents of BTO projects also form chat groups on WhatsApp, another popular messaging platform, such groups have proliferated on Telegram, likely because it allows up to 20,000 members, compared with WhatsApp's 2,000 members. Telegram's large group size limit allows a chat group to be created for an entire BTO estate, rather than just for one block or specific resident interest groups. Members can also chat in different channels created within the group. WhatsApp also allows members to chat under different topics. While Mr Lim's Telegram group has 1,300 members, he does not know all of them personally. He got to know the residents who reached out to him individually on Telegram and sometimes even meets up with them. These groups serve as hubs for information and commonly start as a way for residents to get information on their BTO projects and seek advice on everything from BTO queue numbers to various Housing Board policies and schemes, to estate amenities. After residents move in, many groups evolve to become avenues through which residents socialise, trade items and share updates on estate developments. Such groups are usually created by one or more residents before the BTO's balloting stage, and are open to members of the public. Residents can also volunteer to run smaller BTO project groups from the larger estate group. At Punggol's Northshore Residences, one resident said he set up the BTO estate's Telegram group as an information hub for his neighbours about a year before they collected their keys in 2020. The 39-year-old project manager, who wanted to be known only as Jerry, said residents would join the group to be "in the know" as there would be discussions about project milestones. Some residents, such as Mr Yong Ming Rong, 35, have found such groups useful for getting advice on home furnishings. The private tutor, who lives at Northshore Residences, had initially sent a message to neighbours in his BTO Telegram group to give away some coffee powder. He later told another resident in the group that he was considering getting solar film to cover his windows, and the resident invited him to her home so he could see what solar film on windows looks like. "It helps to build a bit of a kampung spirit knowing there are people who can answer each other's questions," Mr Yong said. Tengah, a relatively new HDB town with 18 BTO projects, has a number of Telegram groups, including one with around 10,000 members. The group that Mr Lim runs allows members to chat across 17 different channels on topics such as childcare, gardening, group buys and home-based food businesses. Through Telegram, another Tengah resident, Mr Chris Loh, met others in the estate who, like him, love gardening. The 44-year-old senior operations executive said some residents would occasionally reach out to him through the app for help to propagate and pot their plants. "When you like something or there is a common topic, you want to share. For example, sometimes when you work from home, people ask if you want to eat lunch together," he added. Freelance photographer Chan Kai Lun created an estate health and fitness Telegram group where Tengah residents organise activities such as group runs. "Without this space to voice out and share, most people would remain isolated, only (saying) 'hi-bye' with the next-door neighbour. But I have made many good friends in Tengah through Telegram. It makes a real difference," said the 42-year-old. Unlike WhatsApp, Telegram allows its users to maintain privacy as phone numbers are not needed to create accounts. Dr Vincent Chua, an associate professor in sociology and anthropology at NUS, said Telegram groups are a way for people to balance maintaining privacy with being sociable. Mr Thomson Lim (right) and his Tengah buddies are among an estimated tens of thousands of Singaporeans who are members of resident-run Telegram groups for BTO estates here. ST PHOTO: LUTHER LAU Pointing to how these neighbourhood online groups tend to focus on exchanging information over relationship-building, he said it is one way the kampung spirit among residents has evolved - it has become "quieter but still present" through the way residents show support for one another online. Dr Chua added that building strong ties is still possible when online interactions are paired with or lead to offline interactions. "They nourish each other. Support online translates offline. Over time, they blend and human relationships become friendships." Tengah resident Cyrus Xu, a 32-year-old additive manufacturing engineer, linked up with his future neighbours on Telegram in 2022, even before choosing his unit. He collected his keys in March 2025 and still keeps in touch with them. "We get to know what our neighbours are up to if they are keen to share, and can ask for help at our fingertips," said Mr Xu. "I have got to know many neighbours from all the blocks."
