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New Paper
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- New Paper
Match Me Abroad contestant comes to S'pore to find love
A repeat participant of American dating show Match Me Abroad, Harold Davis, has come to Singapore in an attempt to find his soulmate. In the reality series launched in 2023, expert matchmakers connect Americans with love overseas. Davis, a New Mexico native who previously introduced himself as someone on the autism spectrum, joined the show in its first season with the aim of finding a Czech partner. He grew close to a woman in Prague, but the relationship did not work out. The second season follows six Americans, including Davis, in pursuit of love. The 43-year-old, who lives in Texas and has become popular with fans of the show, said on Match Me Abroad that "dating in America hasn't worked out" for him. He switched locations on dating apps and found that he had the most success in Singapore. "I think because they see me as tall and cute. So I wish to go to Singapore to have my luck changed," he said in a trailer for the show. Davis said he finds women in Singapore "beautiful and sexy". He also noted that many women in Singapore state on their dating profiles that they enjoy anime, and he has "seen thousands and thousands of anime". He said it would be cool to "nerd out on all the same things" with his future soulmate. Harold also went on a "practice date" with an international matchmaker who goes by "Dolly", who played a "typical Singaporean woman". Their date took place at Artyzen Singapore, a hotel in Orchard. On the practice date, he gave Dolly a hand-drawn flower, describing himself as "an artist, inventor and designer". He later received feedback to "loosen up a little", as he appeared to be nervous and stiff. Davis also shared some of his experiences in Singapore on Instagram (@harolddavisii), including visiting The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, visiting a Toys 'R' Us shop, walking along Orchard Road and visiting a McDonald's outlet. On July 5, Davis posted about a date with "Cheezy", where they visited a cat cafe and enjoyed art together. He wrote in his caption: "Art cafe with cats, modern dating, a little behind the scenes, exploring Singapore." After the date, Cheezy noted that Davis was kind and gentle. His hands were clammy, however, which "was not a nice feeling" for her. The show airs on HBO Max from Aug 15.
Fashion Network
08-07-2025
- Business
- Fashion Network
Singapore's 240,000 millionaires spur spending on luxury brands
Singapore covers just 280 square miles, fewer than New York City, and its population of around six million is dwarfed by the likes of Asian megacities like Tokyo and Shanghai. Yet it had the third-largest share of luxury store openings last year among 32 Asia-Pacific cities excluding those in China's mainland, according to data shared with Bloomberg by commercial real estate firm Savills. That's benefiting places like The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, where Italian label Marni opened its first store in August last year. The mall provides services like buggies to drive VIPs around for personalized styling sessions, and is set to launch salons previewing unreleased luxury collections for top clients, said Hazel Chan, senior vice president of retail. Brands are also ramping up invitation-only sales events — now held several times a week — reflecting a pivot toward ultra-personalized shopping, said Irene Ho, Chief Executive Officer of marketing group The Luxury Network Singapore. 'Singapore has proved to be a very stable place for wealthy people. That has created a very strong local base for the luxury market,' said Jonathan Siboni, founder and CEO of consultancy Luxurynsight. 'Singapore is an oasis in the desert.' The city-state is a rare bright spot in a luxury market dimmed by China's slowdown. Decades of pro-wealth policies have drawn high-net-worth individuals and built a robust finance sector, making it one of the world's richest countries. Its strength is reinforced by political stability and rising local affluence. Singapore now reportedly counts over 240,000 millionaires, and median household employment income has risen for five straight years. With visitors from countries including not just China and the US but Indonesia and India driving tourists' retail spend to S$3.9 billion from January-September 2024 — up 5% year-on-year — Singapore is doubling as both a safe haven and strategic gateway for luxury brands targeting Southeast Asia. Brands attracted to Singapore's inbound wealth and clients versed in both Western and Asian aesthetics have begun using the market as a 'controlled launchpad' to test retail ideas, said Angelito Perez Tan, Jr., co-founder and CEO of RTG Group Asia, whose businesses include a luxury consultancy. 'These aren't just gimmicks, they're strategic soft launches that test how consumers engage emotionally with the brand,' he said. Despite its glitz, Singapore remains home to millions of people who aren't millionaires — and its government has been facing a delicate balancing act as it works to narrow the country's wealth gap. Efforts to support the nation's working class hinge partly on raising taxes on the wealthy, but risks driving them away — with some now considering alternative locations like Dubai. Singapore's banks stepped up scrutiny of wealthy clients last year, following a record S$3 billion money laundering scandal that exposed weaknesses in how banks and brokerages in the country screen their customers. Still, the probe has only reinforced Singapore's credibility among the rich by proving that it protects wealth, identity and reputation through rule of law, said RTG's Tan. 'It showed that the system works, and that's exactly what matters to legitimate high-net-worth individuals,' he said. 'When there's that kind of trust, spending naturally follows. That trust and validation are key reasons why luxury spending in Singapore has remained relatively steady, even as the broader region cools.' Spending is flowing across all segments of luxury industry and brands are fighting for attention. Tapestry Inc.'s affordable luxury brand Coach opened its first-ever bar in May, tucked into a Singapore heritage shophouse and serving up customized martinis and New York City-style street snacks. High-end watchmaker Audemars Piguet Holding SA, meanwhile, opened AP Cafe inside its boutique, offering Swiss-Singaporean dishes incorporating wonton skins and chicken rice alongside couture. Raffles City mall also entered the luxury beauty game in 2024 with massive pop-ups. This year, 21 brands — including Armani Beauty, YSL Beauty, Chanel, Dior and Gucci — are on the bill. The upgrades are inspiring Singaporeans like Chloe Liem, 22, an avid collector of jewelry from brands like Richemont SA's Van Cleef & Arpels and Cartier. 'Even though I know luxury items are crazily marked up, I understand I'm paying for the experience and feeling of the brand,' she said. 'I feel confident splurging on these items because I enjoy it.'
Fashion Network
07-07-2025
- Business
- Fashion Network
Singapore's 240,000 millionaires spur spending on luxury brands
Singapore covers just 280 square miles, fewer than New York City, and its population of around six million is dwarfed by the likes of Asian megacities like Tokyo and Shanghai. Yet it had the third-largest share of luxury store openings last year among 32 Asia-Pacific cities excluding those in China's mainland, according to data shared with Bloomberg by commercial real estate firm Savills. That's benefiting places like The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, where Italian label Marni opened its first store in August last year. The mall provides services like buggies to drive VIPs around for personalized styling sessions, and is set to launch salons previewing unreleased luxury collections for top clients, said Hazel Chan, senior vice president of retail. Brands are also ramping up invitation-only sales events — now held several times a week — reflecting a pivot toward ultra-personalized shopping, said Irene Ho, Chief Executive Officer of marketing group The Luxury Network Singapore. 'Singapore has proved to be a very stable place for wealthy people. That has created a very strong local base for the luxury market,' said Jonathan Siboni, founder and CEO of consultancy Luxurynsight. 'Singapore is an oasis in the desert.' The city-state is a rare bright spot in a luxury market dimmed by China's slowdown. Decades of pro-wealth policies have drawn high-net-worth individuals and built a robust finance sector, making it one of the world's richest countries. Its strength is reinforced by political stability and rising local affluence. Singapore now reportedly counts over 240,000 millionaires, and median household employment income has risen for five straight years. With visitors from countries including not just China and the US but Indonesia and India driving tourists' retail spend to S$3.9 billion from January-September 2024 — up 5% year-on-year — Singapore is doubling as both a safe haven and strategic gateway for luxury brands targeting Southeast Asia. Brands attracted to Singapore's inbound wealth and clients versed in both Western and Asian aesthetics have begun using the market as a 'controlled launchpad' to test retail ideas, said Angelito Perez Tan, Jr., co-founder and CEO of RTG Group Asia, whose businesses include a luxury consultancy. 'These aren't just gimmicks, they're strategic soft launches that test how consumers engage emotionally with the brand,' he said. Despite its glitz, Singapore remains home to millions of people who aren't millionaires — and its government has been facing a delicate balancing act as it works to narrow the country's wealth gap. Efforts to support the nation's working class hinge partly on raising taxes on the wealthy, but risks driving them away — with some now considering alternative locations like Dubai. Singapore's banks stepped up scrutiny of wealthy clients last year, following a record S$3 billion money laundering scandal that exposed weaknesses in how banks and brokerages in the country screen their customers. Still, the probe has only reinforced Singapore's credibility among the rich by proving that it protects wealth, identity and reputation through rule of law, said RTG's Tan. 'It showed that the system works, and that's exactly what matters to legitimate high-net-worth individuals,' he said. 'When there's that kind of trust, spending naturally follows. That trust and validation are key reasons why luxury spending in Singapore has remained relatively steady, even as the broader region cools.' Spending is flowing across all segments of luxury industry and brands are fighting for attention. Tapestry Inc.'s affordable luxury brand Coach opened its first-ever bar in May, tucked into a Singapore heritage shophouse and serving up customized martinis and New York City-style street snacks. High-end watchmaker Audemars Piguet Holding SA, meanwhile, opened AP Cafe inside its boutique, offering Swiss-Singaporean dishes incorporating wonton skins and chicken rice alongside couture. Raffles City mall also entered the luxury beauty game in 2024 with massive pop-ups. This year, 21 brands — including Armani Beauty, YSL Beauty, Chanel, Dior and Gucci — are on the bill. The upgrades are inspiring Singaporeans like Chloe Liem, 22, an avid collector of jewelry from brands like Richemont SA's Van Cleef & Arpels and Cartier. 'Even though I know luxury items are crazily marked up, I understand I'm paying for the experience and feeling of the brand,' she said. 'I feel confident splurging on these items because I enjoy it.'
Fashion Network
07-07-2025
- Business
- Fashion Network
Singapore's 240,000 millionaires spur spending on luxury brands
Singapore covers just 280 square miles, fewer than New York City, and its population of around six million is dwarfed by the likes of Asian megacities like Tokyo and Shanghai. Yet it had the third-largest share of luxury store openings last year among 32 Asia-Pacific cities excluding those in China's mainland, according to data shared with Bloomberg by commercial real estate firm Savills. That's benefiting places like The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, where Italian label Marni opened its first store in August last year. The mall provides services like buggies to drive VIPs around for personalized styling sessions, and is set to launch salons previewing unreleased luxury collections for top clients, said Hazel Chan, senior vice president of retail. Brands are also ramping up invitation-only sales events — now held several times a week — reflecting a pivot toward ultra-personalized shopping, said Irene Ho, Chief Executive Officer of marketing group The Luxury Network Singapore. 'Singapore has proved to be a very stable place for wealthy people. That has created a very strong local base for the luxury market,' said Jonathan Siboni, founder and CEO of consultancy Luxurynsight. 'Singapore is an oasis in the desert.' The city-state is a rare bright spot in a luxury market dimmed by China's slowdown. Decades of pro-wealth policies have drawn high-net-worth individuals and built a robust finance sector, making it one of the world's richest countries. Its strength is reinforced by political stability and rising local affluence. Singapore now reportedly counts over 240,000 millionaires, and median household employment income has risen for five straight years. With visitors from countries including not just China and the US but Indonesia and India driving tourists' retail spend to S$3.9 billion from January-September 2024 — up 5% year-on-year — Singapore is doubling as both a safe haven and strategic gateway for luxury brands targeting Southeast Asia. Brands attracted to Singapore's inbound wealth and clients versed in both Western and Asian aesthetics have begun using the market as a 'controlled launchpad' to test retail ideas, said Angelito Perez Tan, Jr., co-founder and CEO of RTG Group Asia, whose businesses include a luxury consultancy. 'These aren't just gimmicks, they're strategic soft launches that test how consumers engage emotionally with the brand,' he said. Despite its glitz, Singapore remains home to millions of people who aren't millionaires — and its government has been facing a delicate balancing act as it works to narrow the country's wealth gap. Efforts to support the nation's working class hinge partly on raising taxes on the wealthy, but risks driving them away — with some now considering alternative locations like Dubai. Singapore's banks stepped up scrutiny of wealthy clients last year, following a record S$3 billion money laundering scandal that exposed weaknesses in how banks and brokerages in the country screen their customers. Still, the probe has only reinforced Singapore's credibility among the rich by proving that it protects wealth, identity and reputation through rule of law, said RTG's Tan. 'It showed that the system works, and that's exactly what matters to legitimate high-net-worth individuals,' he said. 'When there's that kind of trust, spending naturally follows. That trust and validation are key reasons why luxury spending in Singapore has remained relatively steady, even as the broader region cools.' Spending is flowing across all segments of luxury industry and brands are fighting for attention. Tapestry Inc.'s affordable luxury brand Coach opened its first-ever bar in May, tucked into a Singapore heritage shophouse and serving up customized martinis and New York City-style street snacks. High-end watchmaker Audemars Piguet Holding SA, meanwhile, opened AP Cafe inside its boutique, offering Swiss-Singaporean dishes incorporating wonton skins and chicken rice alongside couture. Raffles City mall also entered the luxury beauty game in 2024 with massive pop-ups. This year, 21 brands — including Armani Beauty, YSL Beauty, Chanel, Dior and Gucci — are on the bill. The upgrades are inspiring Singaporeans like Chloe Liem, 22, an avid collector of jewelry from brands like Richemont SA's Van Cleef & Arpels and Cartier. 'Even though I know luxury items are crazily marked up, I understand I'm paying for the experience and feeling of the brand,' she said. 'I feel confident splurging on these items because I enjoy it.'
Yahoo
18-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Waku Ghin: A hidden gem with innovative Japanese cocktails & seasonal delights
Japanese food is probably my favourite cuisine – sushi, sashimi, tempura, donburi – you name it, I probably have a top pick from most of those dishes. I was very excited visit Waku Ghin, a Michelin-starred restaurant by Chef Tetsuya Wakuda located in Marina Bay Sands. While Waku Ghin's highly acclaimed degustation experience at the 10-seater Chef's Table is the ultimate pilgrimage for gourmands, the bar dining area offers a timeless experience of à la carte classics, and is perfect for casual nights out. The restaurant uses seasonal ingredients sourced from various prefectures in Japan, so you know everything is at its best. Chef Tetsuya has a deep appreciation for nature. Each of his dishes pays homage to traditional Japanese sensibilities while showcasing his craftsmanship. Additionally, he employs Western techniques and a distinct Italian influence to enhance some of his creations. Waku Ghin is located on the 2nd level of The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands. The restaurant's exterior is minimalist, with its name on the outside and a gorgeous solid wood door. Award-winning Japanese designer Yohei Akao designed the restaurant's interior. Bold columns covered with striking artwork separate the 24-seater dining area from the bar, and the setting feels both intimate and luxurious. Waku Ghin's bar is a striking display of the restaurant's collection of rare sake, whiskies and spirits. I settled here to admire the display and peruse the extensive à la carte bar menu. It was a fascinating experience to watch the bartender assemble and shake up the cocktails. Fresh fruits feature prominently in Waku Ghin's signature drinks, with a regular rotation that showcases whatever is in season. The cocktails I sampled were the Yamaoroshi (S$25), containing wasabi gin, fresh wasabi, cacao liqueur and cream. This unlikely blend of flavours made for a truly unique sip, with the sharpness of the wasabi being cut by the sweetness of the cream. The Blood Orange Negroni (S$28) and the signature Musk Melon Cocktail (S$28) are examples of Waku Ghin's seasonal fruit-based cocktails and should not be missed when visiting. The Musk Melon Cocktail is an homage to Chef Tetsuya's hometown of Shizuoka, where the melons originate from. In both, the flavour of the fruit is brought to new levels and not masked by the alcohol. It's not just the cocktails that are stellar here, though. I love a good lobster roll, and the Slow Cooked Lobster Sandwich with Black Truffle (S$55) was a truly intriguing way of enjoying lobster that had me at the first bite. The lobster meat was an addictive paradox of being tender yet crunchy at the same time, and the homemade sourdough played off the brininess of the fresh lobster and the decadent black truffle shavings to truly bring everything together. Jinggho Shokudo: Hawker stall serving affordable Japanese fare & giant unagi bowls as big as your face The WG Grilled Wagyu Beef set on Rice (S$58) packed an abundance of flavour and decadence into a small bowl. It featured Japanese rice topped with leeks and grilled wagyu beef slices. The beef was a mouthful of pure luxury. It was rich, tender and grilled to perfection, while the meltingly-soft leeks added a subtle vegetal note that helped cut the richness of the beef. The Aburi Tasmanian Ocean Trout with Yuzu (S$32) was an elegant presentation of fresh ocean trout that had been gently torched and seasoned with yuzu. The flesh of the fish glistened with promise and was of impeccable quality. The delicate flavour of the trout was heightened by the yuzu and will undoubtedly please fish lovers. If you want to experience Japanese cuisine at its finest, pay The Bar at Waku Ghin a visit. The quality and creativity of the dishes, along with the beautifully crafted cocktails, will not disappoint – your meal will be as memorable as it is delicious. Ready for a one-of-a-kind dining experience? Head over to Waku Ghin's website to make your reservations now! Expected damage: S$40 – S$70 per pax * This post is brought to you in partnership with Waku Ghin. 13 best omakase restaurants in Singapore for the most authentic Japanese dining experience [Jan 2025 update] The post Waku Ghin: A hidden gem with innovative Japanese cocktails & seasonal delights appeared first on
