Latest news with #Hoffmann
Vogue Singapore
2 days ago
- Business
- Vogue Singapore
'Our mission is to ignite the human spirit through movement": On CEO Martin Hoffmann on the brand's flagship store opening
Founded in the Swiss Alps, ever since its inception in 2010, On has been a key player with its distinct performance technology—pushing the boundaries of innovation in sportswear and rethinking what performance truly means. Its latest venture brings the brand's signature 'Dream On' retail experience to Singapore's Jewel Changi Airport, marking its first flagship in Southeast Asia with a sleek, two-storey space. At the helm of this innovative sportswear brand is Martin Hoffmann, CEO and CFO of On, who we had a chance to sit down with prior to the store's grand opening. The newly opened On flagship at Jewel Changi marks the Swiss sportswear brand's first step into Southeast Asia. Courtesy of On 'Southeast Asia wasn't our initial priority,' Hoffmann shares. 'But we've seen an incredible surge in demand across the region, and this store is just the beginning of our journey here.' He adds that a location in Bangkok is next on the roadmap, with a test store already up and running in Jakarta. Upon stepping into the store, visitors are immediately greeted by the fresh tonal grey interior—a space that feels both immersive and calming, designed to allow ease of movement. And speaking of movement, the store's signature Magic Wall slides open easily, allowing visitors to access footwear for quick try-ons—aligning with the brand's focus on an easy and comfortable retail experience. Sliding open effortlessly, the Magic Wall invites visitors to explore footwear with ease and comfort. Courtesy of On As for the footwear itself, the designs are thoughtfully segmented into different categories: performance zones for runners and athletes, and lifestyle zones for everyday use or light activity. One standout moment is the newly launched Zendaya capsule collection—a comprehensive line of training gear that includes apparel, footwear, and accessories. Founded by a former professional triathlete and a designer with roots in architecture, On lives at the intersection of performance and precision. Their signature silhouette—with signature CloudTec soles punctuated by holes—redefine what performance gear can feel like. And while their roots lie in running, the product universe has expanded into trail, tennis, training, and lifestyle—each infused with the brand's ethos: performance first, and lifestyle second. The store's performance and lifestyle zones showcase On's signature CloudTec soles in versatile designs. Courtesy of On Jewel's location pick was also intentional. With its lush indoor waterfall and global foot traffic, the mall mirrors the Swiss brand's own values: innovative design and accessibility for its users. 'It felt like the perfect spot,' Hoffmann notes. 'The environment reflects our design values,' Hoffmann shares. 'And because it's at the airport, we see a lot of tourist footfall—which is a huge driver for retail.' But beyond the store's sleek façade lies a deeper strategy: bringing the full On brand experience directly to consumers. That includes not just product, but also local run clubs, collaborations, and community activation. 'Our mission is to ignite the human spirit through movement,' he shares. 'Whether that's a fast run, a slow jog, or just a walk—there's a product for everyone.' 'The design isn't just about how it looks—functionality comes first, the look comes second' And when it comes to sustainability, the sportswear brand already has a few initiatives in place. On's Cyclon program—a circular, subscription-based shoe initiative—is one of the brand's most ambitious environmentally-friendly ventures. Customers return their used shoes, made from a single recyclable material, to be remade into new ones.'It's a fully circular product,' Hoffmann explains. 'It's designed to be returned, disassembled, and then re-used.' While the program isn't available in Singapore yet, its ethos represents On's larger goal: to make sustainability actionable. As for the sneaker space itself, which often skews status-heavy, On is staying grounded. 'We're very aware of the tension between performance and hype,' Hoffmann says. 'But for us, success is measured by how many people are actually using our products in real life. Not just how they look on Instagram.' Collaborations like Loewe x On have also brought design-world prestige, but the heart of the brand still lies in Zurich, where scientists, engineers, and creatives work in tandem to create products that place performance as their priority. Inspired by the spirit of movement—a tonal grey palette and sleek interiors create a purposeful space where design meets function. Courtesy of On Still, that doesn't mean compromising on visual appeal. 'The design isn't just about how it looks—functionality comes first, the look comes second,' Hoffmann explains. 'The most comfortable chair can also be the most beautiful one. It's not either-or—it's both.' That belief underscores everything On creates: gear that's engineered for action, but designed to turn heads too. With Southeast Asia's climate in mind, localised products are also in the pipeline: breathable silhouettes, easy slip-ons like the Coast, and apparel tailored for the region's lifestyle. 'Southeast Asia's quite humid, it's quite hot in the summer months—maybe you don't always want to wear sneakers,' Hoffmann explains. 'We have a slip-on sneaker called the Coast, and offering products that suit Southeast Asia's lifestyle is important to us. It'll be the same with apparel as well.' Hoffmann explains. And really, that's the heartbeat of On: designed to move with the wearer—regardless of the weather, activity and wherever the road (or trail) leads.
Business Times
5 days ago
- Business
- Business Times
Singapore runners, rejoice: On opens store at Jewel as Asia revenues soar
[SINGAPORE] Any runner in Singapore will tell you this: Scoring a pair of On shoes in recent months has been a minor sport in itself. The Swiss sportswear brand, known for its cloud-like soles and slick minimalist designs, has become a breakout hit across running clubs and TikTok feeds. Social media traction has exploded, thanks to performance-forward models such as the Cloudmonster and fashion-friendly lines like the Cloudnova. Yet, walk into a shoe store such as RL2 by Running Lab or JD Sports – and you are likely to hear the sales assistant say: 'Sold out already.' Well, runners need not fret any more. On's flagship store in Singapore's Jewel Changi Airport is a gateway into the South-east Asian market. PHOTO: ON On has opened its first South-east Asia flagship store at Jewel Changi Airport – a two-storey, 9,300 square foot store that offers the full suite of On gear: from high-performance footwear and warm-weather training apparel to its lifestyle silhouettes and even a kids' collection. For the 15-year-old brand, the Singapore flagship is 'a strategic response to rising demand' and a way to deepen the brand's long-term presence in the region, said On CEO Martin Hoffman. It was created in partnership with Gill Capital, the Singapore-based regional operator for several international brands such as COS, H&M and Hershey's. The launch comes at a time of record-breaking growth for the Zurich-headquartered On. In 2024, On's revenue in Asia-Pacific grew 84 per cent to 260 million Swiss francs. In Q1 2025, it surged another 130 per cent year-on-year to 120.6 million Swiss francs (S$193.8 million), making Apac the company's highest-growth region by year-on-year performance. 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 On CEO Martin Hoffman says Asia-Pacific is a primary focus, thanks to a stunning sales surge. PHOTO: ON Globally, On generated 2.32 billion Swiss francs in revenue in 2024, up 29 per cent from the previous year. Net profit more than tripled to 242 million Swiss francs. Hoffmann expects that a 'significant portion of our future growth will be driven by markets outside our more established regions', adding: 'Asia-Pacific is a primary focus – and we're just at the beginning of our journey here.' Inspired by Singapore's coastal running routes, the Singapore store's facade and interior mimic the movement of light bouncing off the sea and skyline, as seen through the eyes of a runner. Curved walls, kinetic lighting and greenery-inspired textures evoke motion and airiness. The flagship is split into two levels: Level one features hero products such as the Cloudmonster and Cloudrunner, as well as the Zendaya x On Zone Dreamers training collection. Level two houses casual models such as the Cloudtilt, performance tennis gear co-designed with Roger Federer, and a compact kids collection which signals On's family-friendly direction. The On store design is inspired by Singapore's coastal running routes. PHOTO: ON Beyond Singapore, On already operates a test store in Jakarta and is preparing to launch in Bangkok. Markets including Malaysia and the Philippines are under active consideration. 'Our strategy isn't about planting flags on a map,' Hoffmann told The Business Times. 'We grow thoughtfully, with the right partners and the right community. Whether it's direct to consumer or strategic local partnerships, it's about offering premium experiences with precision.' Currently, On has a presence in 80 countries. Hoffman added that while demand is high, supply will remain intentionally limited. 'We never discount. We don't chase volume. Even if we see that there is a strong momentum, we will always work through a protected supply. And we will not flood the market.' The store will also host the On Run Clun Singapore for running enthusiasts. PHOTO: ON The Jewel store will also serve as home base for the On Run Club Singapore, hosting weekly group runs, form clinics, injury prevention workshops and athlete meet-ups. 'Movement is a universal language,' said Hoffmann. 'And Singapore – with its vibrant fitness culture – is the perfect place to speak it.' One catch: On's sustainability programme Cyclon – a recyclable, subscription-based running shoe – is not yet available here due to logistical limitations of serving a small market like Singapore. Such a programme requires 'scale and infrastructure', Hoffmann noted. For now at least, the Singapore runners who have been chasing restocks for months can finally slip into the Clouds.
Indianapolis Star
10-07-2025
- Indianapolis Star
What to know about Indiana's zoos in Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, Michigan City, South Bend, Lafayette and Evansville
If you're looking for something fun to do this summer, we have not one, not two but six zoos in several cities across the state. Each one with different activities and animals. Whether you're looking for monkeys, meerkats, giraffes, penguins, bears, reptiles or even goats, these Indiana zoos have something for everyone. Here's what you need to know about each of the six zoos on our list. The Indianapolis Zoo is located at 1200 W Washington St, Indianapolis, IN 46222. The Indianapolis Zoo near White River State Park is one of the largest privately funded zoos in the country, and the largest in the state, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes. At 67 acres, the zoo is home to more than 1,400 animals. This includes lions and tigers and bears (oh my), baby elephants, giraffes, chimpanzees, pythons, alligators, kangaroos, dolphins and 3,000-pound walruses. Reviews on TripAdvisor say the Indianapolis Zoo can be walked at a leisurely pace in roughly 2-3 hours. The Indianapolis Zoo is open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon-Thu, and 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Fri-Sun for regular admission. Hours can fluctuate during holidays and other special events, so visit and check the schedule for updates. Tickets to the Indianapolis Zoo range from $15-$35 general admission when you purchase them online in advance. It's more expensive at the gate, so it pays to visit the zoo's official website for a detailed list of ticket packages. Children younger than 2 get in free. Story continues after photo gallery. The Potawatomi Zoo is located at 500 S Greenlawn Ave, South Bend, IN 46615. Opened in 1902, the Potawatomi Zoo is the oldest zoo in Indiana. It's currently home to nearly 400 animals, zoo officials said, which include giraffes, capybaras, tigers, jackals, okapis, reptiles, red foxes and sloths. Animal encounters allow a more up-close look at some of your favorite critters, such as hand-feeding a bison or touching a rhino. At roughly 23 acres in size, people who gave reviews on Tripadvisor called the Potawatomi Zoo a good smaller-sized zoo families can walk in roughly 90 minutes to 2 hours. The zoo is open March 29 to Nov. 24 and its hours change depending on the season. Guests can visit the Potawatomi Zoo from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. spring and fall, and 10 a.m.-8 p.m. June 1 to Aug. 31 in the summer. Holidays and special events can affect hours. Visit for updates. Story continues after photo gallery. Tickets are $12-$14 general admission when you purchase them online in advance. Children younger than 2 get in free. Visit the Potawatomi Zoo's website for a detailed list of ticket prices. Tickets to ride the train, carousel or feed the giraffes cost $3 each. The address for the Fort Wayne Children's Zoo is 3411 Sherman Blvd, Fort Wayne, IN 46808. Yes, the Fort Wayne Children's Zoo is home to the Hoffmann's two-toed sloth, according to its website. The 40-acre facility has among its list of roughly 1,600 critters, penguins, binturongs, sharks, dingoes, Flemish giant rabbits, servals, tree frogs, capuchin monkeys, moon jellyfish, pythons and orangutans. The Fort Wayne Children's Zoo opened in 1965 and USA TODAY ranked its red panda exhibit among the top ten in the nation. Reviews on TripAdvisor are overwhelmingly positive and say the zoo can be walked in roughly three hours. The Fort Wayne Children's Zoo is open 9 a.m.-6 p.m. April 27 to Nov. 3., and 9 a.m.-8 p.m. on Wednesdays from May through July. Tickets are $16-$22, depending on the day you visit and whether you buy your tickets at the gate or online in advance (psst, paying online is cheaper). Children younger than 2 get in free. Visit the Fort Wayne Children's Zoo's official website for more details at The Columbian Park Zoo is in Lafayette located at 1915 Scott St. The Columbian Park Zoo opened in 1908 and is one of Indiana's smaller zoos, but that doesn't mean you should skip it. The six-acre park has roughly 190 animals to see, which include bald eagles, porcupines, otters, emus and laughing kookaburras. Reviews on TripAdvisor say you can walk the park in roughly 1-2 hours, but the fun doesn't stop there. When you're done with the penguins, check out the pedal boats you can maneuver around the lagoon. There's also train rides and a variety of native and North American butterflies to observe at the zoo's butterfly garden. Peak season hours for the Columbian Park Zoo are 10 a.m.-7 p.m. May 24 - Aug. 10. The zoo is open 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. April 12 - May 23, and Aug. 11 - Oct. 4 during its off-peak season. The zoo is closed Oct. 5 - mid-April. Story continues after photo gallery. If you're on a tight budget but want to treat your kids to a fun zoo trip, Lafayette is your best option. Tickets to the Columbia Park Zoo are $3 for anyone age 3 and older. Children age 2 and younger get in free. Visit the zoo's official website at for more information. The Mesker Park Zoo is located at 1545 Mesker Park Dr, Evansville, IN 47720. Yes, the zoo has red pandas, an ocelot and a troop of Francois Langur monkeys at the Mesker Park Zoo's Discovery Center. Where else but Evansville can you meet a cute anteater named "Mr. Pickles?" Opened in 1928, the Mesker Park Zoo & Botanic Garden has around 700 animals. Its themed exhibits include Amazonia and the Children's Enchanted Forest. In addition to "Mr. Pickles," animals at Mesker Zoo include porcupines, Komodo dragons, greater kudus, tigers and takins. TripAdvisor lists the 45-acre zoo as one of the top 5 attractions in Evansville. The Mesker Park Zoo is open 9 a.m.-4 p.m. year-round. Visitors can explore the zoo until 5 p.m., but admittance is closed after 4 p.m. Story continues after photo gallery. Admission rates vary between season but range $8-$12. From November to February, Adults pay $9 and children age 3 and older are charged $8. From March to October, Adults pay $11 and children age 3 and older pay $10. Children younger than 2 get in free. Vanderburgh County residents can receive a $2 discount off the cost of admission. Visit for more information. Washington Park Zoo in Indiana is located at 115 Lake Shore Drive in Michigan City. There are roughly 90 species of animals you can discover walking the tree-lined pathways at the Washington Park Zoo. Its animals include Bengal tigers, grizzly bears, grey wolves, ring-tailed lemurs, tamarins and alligators. Opened in 1928, the zoo's humble beginnings started out with a retired circus bear along with other surrendered exotic pets. The Washington Park Zoo is a fun place to take the kids if you need a break from the Lake Michigan shoreline. Of note, there's a 70-foot tall observation tower and a castle-like structure — a replica of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers official insignia built during the Great Depression — housing some of the zoo's smaller mammals, birds and other reptiles. Reviews on TripAdvisor say you can walk the 15-acre zoo at a gingerly pace in roughly an hour or less. The zoo's hours change seasonally. Tickets to the zoo cost $8-$10. Adults (age 12-61) pay $10. Seniors age 62 and up pay $9, Children ages 3-11 pay $8. Children younger than 2 get in free. Michigan City residents can receive a discount off the cost of admission with proof of ID. Visit the zoo's official website at for more information. There's a separate charge for parking because the zoo shares a lot with the beach, splash park and Washington Park. If you don't have an annual parking sticker, the cost is $20 for all-day parking. John Tufts covers trending news for IndyStar and Midwest Connect. Send him a news tip at JTufts@ Follow him on Twitter at JTuftsReports.
The Star
14-06-2025
- Science
- The Star
Chinese astronomers recorded details of dying star's explosion in 1408: study
Just after sunset on an October evening in 1408, six years into the reign of the Ming dynasty's Emperor Yongle, Chinese court astronomers spotted a mysterious new star glowing high in the southern sky, near the heart of the Milky Way. 'It was about the size of a cup-shaped oil lamp, with a pure yellow colour, smooth and bright,' according to Hanlin Academy scholar Hu Guang, in a formal report to the emperor that interpreted its appearance as a heavenly endorsement. 'We, your ministers, have encountered this auspicious sign, and respectfully offer our congratulations ... This splendid omen is truly a sign of an enlightened era,' Hu wrote, praising the ruler whose sweeping ambition had launched Zheng He's treasure fleets and extended China's reach as far as Africa. 'The star remained stationary and calm over 10 days of measurement and observation,' he noted, in a rediscovered memorial that has settled a long-standing debate among modern astronomers about the true nature of the 1408 event. While earlier records were too brief to draw firm conclusions, this official account confirms that the phenomenon was a nova – the slow, temporary brightening caused by a dying star – rather than a comet or meteor flashing through the sky. The discovery was reported last week by researchers from China, Germany, and Chile in peer-reviewed The Astronomical Journal. The unprecedented details, including the star's size and brightness, also helped the team to narrow down the star's possible position. The astronomers' analysis pointed to a stellar remnant named CK Vul, located between the modern constellations Cygnus and Vulpecula, as the most probable aftermath of the 1408 nova. Co-author Suzanne Hoffmann, from the University of Jena in Germany and the University of Science and Technology of China in Hefei, said the team hoped the paper would spark the interest of observational astronomers. None of the authors currently has access to telescope time, so they are unable to follow up on CK Vul and other candidate objects, to confirm whether their assessment is correct, she explained. Hoffmann said that such collaborations are common in science, pointing to the discovery of Neptune in 1846 as an example. French mathematician Urbain Le Verrier predicted its existence and calculated the position, but had no telescope. Le Verrier sent his calculations to the Berlin Observatory, where astronomers spotted Neptune, within just 1 degree of the predicted location – about the width of two full moons side by side in the night sky. According to Hoffmann and her colleagues, the star that caused the 1408 nova would have lived on as a white dwarf – the hot, dense core left behind by the death of a star like our Sun. More than 250 years later, it is likely to have merged with a companion star, in a dramatic event that led to the 1670 eruption now associated with CK Vul, the researchers wrote in the paper. However, CK Vul is hidden inside an opaque shell of dust and remains difficult to observe. Hoffmann said astronomers could still search for faint traces of the ancient eruption –such as expanding gas shells or glowing filaments – using infrared or X-ray telescopes. Over a span of more than 2,000 years, astronomers in ancient China carefully recorded celestial events, tracking everything from 'guest stars', as temporary bright objects were termed, to comets and eclipses with remarkable accuracy. One of the best known examples is the Crab Nebula, the remnant of a supernova explosion recorded by Chinese astronomers in 1054 as a brilliant 'guest star' that shone even in daylight for weeks and remained visible at night for nearly two years. Nearly a thousand years later, modern telescopes linked that ancient sighting to a glowing cloud of debris 6,500 light years away, showing how centuries-old records can still guide today's astrophysics discoveries. -- SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST
The Star
14-05-2025
- Politics
- The Star
India-Pakistan: conflict with no clear winner
PARIS: A ceasefire between India and Pakistan has calmed fears of all-out war and despite conflicting claims, experts say no clear victor emerged in the brief conflict between the nuclear-armed foes. - No clear winner - Both South Asian countries claim to have achieved their goals in their worst conflict since 1999, without admitting significant losses. Four days of intense fighting began last Wednesday (May 7) when India launched strikes against what it described as "terrorist infrastructure" in Pakistan. India claims Pakistan backs the militants it says were behind an April attack in which 26 people were killed in Indian-administered Kashmir -- a charge Islamabad denies. "If victory is defined by who lost the most manned aircraft, then India certainly lost this one," said Ashley Tellis of the Carnegie think tank. "But India also succeeded in effectively interdicting a range of Pakistani surface targets and imposing significant costs on Pakistan," Tellis told AFP. "Both sides continue to claim air-to-air kills, but clear evidence remains unavailable at the time of writing," said Fabian Hoffmann from the University of Oslo. "What stands out is the extensive use of conventional long-range strike systems by both sides to target military infrastructure deep within enemy territory, including sites near their capitals," he added. - Nuclear powers - While slow to begin with, the international community, including the United States, eventually intervened, alarmed by the possibility of further escalation. Hoffmann said the bitter foes showed little restraint despite the absence of "deliberate strikes on critical civilian infrastructure". "Any shift in that direction would... potentially bring the conflict closer to the threshold of nuclear use," said Hoffmann. The global trend towards violence, especially by states facing internal turmoil, demands greater international vigilance, according to Tellis. The fact that both countries are nuclear powers "makes the conventional balances all the more important. But the fact remains that neither side has a decisive conventional edge in a short war," said Tellis. - Drones on the frontline - Like other modern conflicts, this one confirmed the "widespread" use of drones for warfare, according to Oishee Majumdar from British intelligence firm Janes. Israel Aerospace Industries' exploding drones Harop and Harpy, as well as reconnaissance drone Heron were used by India, Majumdar told AFP. According to specialist site Military Balance, India also deployed Indian drones Nishant and Drishti. Indian media said New Delhi also used French SCALP and Indian BrahMos cruise missiles, and AASM Hammer bombs developed by France's Safran. The Pakistani army used Songar drones developed by Turkey's Asisguard, according to Janes. Military Balance said Islamabad was also armed with Chinese combat and reconnaissance drones -- CH-3 and CH-4, Wing Loong -- and Turkey's Akinci and TB2 drones. - Chinese neutrality? - At the start of the conflict, China urged restraint from both sides and promised to play a "constructive role". But experts say Beijing has clearly picked a side. China said it considered Pakistan an "ironclad friend" and that it "understands Pakistan's legitimate security concerns", said Chietigj Bajpaee from think tank Chatham House. Bajpaee also said that "over 80 percent of Pakistan's arms imports over the last five years have come from China". "Beijing supplies Islamabad with key systems" including the HQ-9/P surface-to-air missile system, the LY-80 medium-range air defence and FM-90 defence systems, said John Spencer, an ex-US army officer and researcher at the Modern War Institute. But Islamabad's "reliance on Chinese exports has created a brittle illusion of strength", said Spencer, adding that the systems are "designed to provide layered protection" but "failed" against India's strikes last week. - Rafale jet claims - Pakistan claims to have shot down five Indian fighter jets, including three advanced French Rafale aircraft, all of which were in Indian airspace at the time. India has not disclosed any losses. Rafale maker Dassault did not comment. According to a European military source, it is "very unlikely" that three Rafales were destroyed, but "credible" that at least one was. Analysts suggest that Indian aircraft were shot down by a Chinese air-to-air missile, the PL-15E, with a range of 145 kilometres (90 miles) in the version acquired by Islamabad, and whose debris was found in Indian territory. "India lost at least one Rafale to a Pakistani J-10C firing a PL-15 air-to-air missile in an ultra-long-range air engagement," said Carnegie's Tellis. This type of missile can target a position while remaining undetected "until its own radar is activated a few dozen kilometres away, or a few seconds" from its target, according to a French fighter pilot interviewed by AFP. "You can't escape it". - AFP
