PLQ - Singapore’s Latest Business And Lifestyle Hub

Paya Lebar Quarter (PLQ) by Lendlease marked the transformation of Paya Lebar into Singapore’s latest business and lifestyle hub with a grand opening ceremony with celebrations over the long weekend. The event was graced by Guest-of-Honour Mr Lawrence Wong, Minister for National Development and Second Minister for Finance, and Mr Bruce Gosper, the High Commissioner of the Commonwealth of Australia to Singapore. They joined Mr Steve McCann, Group Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director and Mr Tony Lombardo, Chief Executive Officer, Asia, Lendlease to mark the opening by activating a vertical domino show, which gradually unveiled the Paya Lebar Quarter logo against the songket-inspired backdrop.

Ng Hsueh Ling, MD Singapore and Chief Investment Officer, Asia, Lendlease; Tony Lombardo, CEO, Asia, Lendlease; Steve McCann, Group CEO and MD, Lendlease; Lawrence Wong, Minister for National Development and Second Minister for Finance; Bruce Gosper, the High Commissioner of the Commonwealth of Australia to Singapore; Richard Paine, MD, Paya Lebar Quarter by Lendlease...

(Photo Source : Lendlease Singapore)

First-ever joint performance between the Singapore Symphony Orchestra and the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra – a musical collaboration echoing the Singapore-Australia connection in Lendlease’s largest project in Singapore...

(Photo Source : Lendlease Singapore)

With the completion of PLQ, the 22,000-strong workforce within a seven-minute walking radius of PLQ and one million residents in the trade area can now enjoy the 100,000 sq ft of green spaces across the precinct. PLQ also supports Singapore’s car-lite vision with its superb connectivity, with direct links to the dual-line Paya Lebar MRT interchange and seamless connection to the wider Park Connector Network.

"Today, we have before us a truly world-class example of what can be achieved when government and companies such as Lendlease partner with local communities to deliver game-changing urbanisation projects that will leave a positive legacy for the community for generations to come."

--- Steve McCann, Group CEO and MD, Lendlease ---

PLQ Workplace is now home to 18 multi-national corporations and leading Singapore organisations, including newly moved in UOB, Sabre Asia Pacific, Roche Singapore, Obayashi Singapore and Tokyo Electron Singapore. Lendlease’s inaugural flexible workplace solution, csuites, which combines the benefits of premier corporate offices with the advantages of shared services and collaborative spaces offered by co-working products, has received much interest from the market, and is set to welcome German multinational pharmaceutical and life sciences company Bayer later this year.

As the heart of a new lifestyle precinct and the social heart of the Paya Lebar community, PLQ is set to welcome even more sumptuous offerings across the development, with the opening of Maccha House, Joe & Dough, Hokey Poki, Donburi King, Makino, Western Mahua and Ichikokudo Hokkaido Ramen (halal-certified), together with experiential brands from Smigy, Zone X to Sing-My-Song Karaoke.

There are exciting retailers such as The Whisky Distillery, H&M, Mango, 6ixty8ight, iStudio and Laneige to look forward to. Living up to its vision of one place, many moments, PLQ Mall also offers a multi-layered experience for the community - from book exchange spots, quirky photobooths, Instagram-worthy backdrops, interactive activity/play areas and a Cine-Mini installation.

"We set out with a mission to create one of the best and most progressive places for Singapore with PLQ. Today, we are proud to say that we have achieved this mission with the support from the community, tenants and partners."

--- Tony Lombardo, CEO, Asia, Lendlease ---

As part of its Community Development Plan, PLQ has been actively engaging the community from the start of the project in 2015, including the conceptualisation of events and activities to be held at 100,000 sq ft of green public spaces in PLQ.

One initiative is an upcoming collaboration between PLQ, Health Promotion Board and anchor tenant Virgin Active to host complimentary health and wellness activities at PLQ to improve the health and well-being of residents as well as building a healthy and vibrant workplace community.

PLQ has also been engaging with schools in the area and is partnering a secondary school for the next three years to enable their students to learn about sustainability using PLQ as a case study. Other initiatives are also in the works, including the creation of an online portal to support sustainability education by schools.

On the employment front, PLQ previously partnered with Workforce Singapore for a job fair showcasing jobs at PLQ, bringing jobs closer to homes and enabling employment and upskilling.

From Friday 25 October to Monday 28 October, PLQ will play host to various celebration activities including performances by 53A, Supersonic and Sambiesta. Members of the public can also look forward to acts by renowned local acts like magician Danny Koh, caricaturist Welles Tan and Cyr Wheel performer Yang Shih Hao, with a nightly mass silent disco celebration.

Enigmatic Yang Shih Hao, Asia's Got Talent finalist, will be performing with his Cyr Wheel...

For more information, visit www.payalebarquarter.com.

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Singapore Cricket Club - Luncheon With Paul Askew

The Singapore Cricket Club (SCC), the premier sports club on the Padang commemorated Singapore’s Bicentennial with two weeks of events and activities while at the same time raising funds for sports development under the auspices of SportCares.

On 22 October, the SCC featured a Luncheon & Cooking Demonstration with celebrity chef Paul Askew.

Champagne was served in the pre-lunch cocktail reception...

The menu was thoughtfully set out in an elegant folder for each individual diner...

 The luncheon was held at The Padang Restaurant with walls decorated with nostalgic paintings of old Singapore...

A huge video screen with live video streaming to allow all to have a close-up view of the cooking demo...

APPETIZER - AMUSE BOUCHE

The first dish for the luncheon was the Amuse Bouche with a theme on onion. Chef Askew put considerable thought into this modest dish. It was only after his explanation did we understand how complicated the multi-layer preparation was.

At the top is a thick mousse of white onion and potato soup. Embedded within the soup was a sprinkling of crispy baby onion rings to create a surprise to the liquid texture, followed by chives and herb oil. Right at the bottom is the coffee-brown caramelised shallot puree, creating a dessert-like finish to the starter dish.

Wine Pairing : Saint Louis Blanc de Blancs Brut, France

Named after King Saint Louis who reigned over France in the Middle Ages, renowned for his charity and much beloved by his people, this aromatic sparkling wine is refreshing with a good balance of green apple flavour.

STARTER - Barramundi Fillet

Freshly-delivered from Jurong Port, the barramundi was roasted to perfection with a crispy skin and semi-seared outer crust. Risotto was stir-fried with aromatic saffron to create that delicious yellow texture with mussels.

The dish was tastefully decorated with a circle of red wine reduction, a simmered liquid made with red wine and vinegar, and dotted with exquisite beluga caviar, which added to the taste and colour of the light-coloured fillet.

It was not every day that every dish you eat is cooked right before you, with each procedure carefully explained in detail. Having such an explanation allowed us to savour each mouthful with greater consideration and appreciation for the thought that Chef Askew has put into it before it is presented to each of us on a plate.

Wine Pairing : Noblesse Sauvignon Blanc 2017, Central Valley, Chile

This was a medium-bodied white wine, bright with golden hues, and aromas of lime and pear with notes of spices. Light on the palate, it delivers a crisp and clean taste with a lingering finish.

MAIN - Honey-Glazed Duck Breast

The main was heavier on the palate with a honey-glazed duck breast with lavender and the flavourful pan-fried foie gras doused with roast orange puree, and served with duck fat potatoes, charred baby gem lettuce, peas, and spring onion.

One important lesson that we've learnt from Chef Askew is the respect he puts into his food. Every possible part of the animal he cooks is put to good use. In this case, the duck fat contributes to the richness of the potatoes, creating a smooth texture for the normally starchy side.

Wine Pairing : Noblesse Merlot 2017, Central Valley, Chile
The Merlot was deep red with hues of purple. The initial taste was tannic, on opening up, aromas of red berries and blackberry with notes of spices can be detected. When paired with the duck, the fruit-laden intensity of the red can be savoured.

DESSERT - Pavlova

Ending it all is a sweet Pavlova of gin-soaked blackberries, raspberries and strawberries with Turkish Delight ice cream and white chocolate soil.

To find more about the Singapore Cricket Club and the events for Singapore’s Bicentennial, visit scc.org.sg.

About Paul Askew

Paul Askew is Chef Patron of The Art School in Liverpool, now in its 5th year of business following its launch in September 2014. For 12 years before, Paul ran The London Carriage Works in Liverpool, where he and the team helped to build the city’s reputation for gastronomic excellence by opening its first boutique hotel with fine-dining restaurant.

With over three decades of experience working in the restaurant industry, Paul Askew has a firm reputation as a pioneer of excellent modern British cuisine, as well as having an unmatched level of commitment to developing the next generation of culinary talent.

Throughout his career, Paul has become a stalwart of Liverpool’s burgeoning culinary scene, helping the city to grow to become the gastronomic hub that it is now, and cementing him as one of the country’s most popular chefs.

About SportsCares

Established in 2012 as the philanthropic arm of Sport Singapore, SportCares activates sport as a force for social good; leveraging sport experiences to empower the vulnerable and the underserved communities in Singapore. Through its programmes and initiatives, SportCares creates opportunities that nurture positive values and practical capabilities in children and youth at-risk, building their confidence and imbuing in them a positive worldview.

SportCares serves to inspire and enable:  

• Children and youth from low-income families
• In-risk and at-risk youth 
• Vulnerable seniors
• Persons with disabilities (PwDs) and special needs (SNs)

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Singapore Cricket Club - Peranakan Fiesta

The Singapore Cricket Club (SCC), the premier sports club on the Padang commemorated Singapore’s Bicentennial with two weeks of events and activities while at the same time raising funds for sports development under the auspices of SportCares.

On 18 October, the SCC Peranakan Fiesta featured a Straits Chinese buffet feast prepared by The Peranakan’s Chef Raymond Khoo.  

(Photo Source : SCC)

The Peranakan Fiesta was held at The Oval with its choice of alfresco dining on the verandah or an aircon dining area...

Food was served buffet style amidst the scenic view at the Padang...

Start your meal with light bites like popiah...

The all-time favourite was Ayam Buah Keluak with its thick gravy simmered to richness...

Savour traditional Peranakan desserts with their mix of sweetness and a tinge of coconut flavouring...

The plate of traditional Perankan declicacies...

Local night "street" stalls at the Club’s Courtyard were selling batik patchwork pieces, rattan bags and print crafts among other items.

The Peranakan Voices (TPVs) choir and band from The Peranakan Association Singapore  provided live entertainment with their melodious voices and colourful Peranakan outfits...

To find more about the Singapore Cricket Club and the events for Singapore’s Bicentennial, visit scc.org.sg.

About Chef Raymond Khoo

The Peranakan opened its doors in June 2016 and it is currently the only traditional Straits Chinese cuisine restaurant along the Orchard Road belt. The restaurant is owned and managed by Executive Chef Raymond Khoo who serves authentic home-cooked Straits cuisine based on recipes handed down from three generations of Nonyas and Babas in his family. 

An F&B veteran. Raymond has been behind the creation of many novel concepts like the first of Singapore’s Hong Kong style cafes - Tong Shui Café (2006) at River Valley, the rainforest themed 3 Monkeys (1997) at Orchard Road and the Singapore hawker food corner, Rasa Singapura (2008) at The Venetian, Macau. 

He is also the founder of The Saturday Movement (saturdays@lengkokbahru), comprising a non-profit group of professionals and volunteers who donate their time and resources each Saturday afternoon, come rain or shine, to see to the needs of a group of elderly residents living alone, also providing free tuition for the children living in one of Singapore’s oldest HDB estates, Lengkok Bahru.

(Photo Source : SCC)

About SportsCares

Established in 2012 as the philanthropic arm of Sport Singapore, SportCares activates sport as a force for social good; leveraging sport experiences to empower the vulnerable and the underserved communities in Singapore. Through its programmes and initiatives, SportCares creates opportunities that nurture positive values and practical capabilities in children and youth at-risk, building their confidence and imbuing in them a positive worldview.

SportCares serves to inspire and enable:  

• Children and youth from low-income families

• In-risk and at-risk youth 

• Vulnerable seniors

• Persons with disabilities (PwDs) and special needs (SNs)

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Style Theory Launches First Offline Flagship Store

Style Theory, Southeast Asia’s largest online subscription-based designer fashion rental service,  officially unveiled its first permanent retail store on 18 October 2019. 

(Photo Source : Style Theory)

“We’ve been blown away by the impact Style Theory has had on shoppers in Singapore over the last three years, and we’re extremely excited to be launching our first permanent retail store as part of our goal to make sharing fashion the norm."

--- Raena Lim, co-founder of Style Theory ---

Riding on the success of their pop-up stores, the online fashion rental company’s new physical store located at 313@Somerset introduces the "see now, rent now" concept for new subscribers to walk away immediately with their first box of rented items. 

“Having successfully launched various pop-up stores throughout the years, we recognise that a physical space allows customers to easily find their perfect fit and interact with a like-minded community, which encourages them to embrace the idea of renting and reduce wasteful purchasing as part of the shift towards sustainable living,"

--- Raena Lim ---

A wall filled with style influencers...

The new permanent store will help first-timers get even more out of their subscription, providing over 300 apparel pieces and 30 designer bags in a location where customers can see, touch, try and immediately rent products – including casual everyday pieces, formal business outfits or occasion and weekend wear, as well as classic, trendy, and seasonal bags.

It leads the way in making sustainable living more accessible by bringing the fashion rental experience to life in a physical space, encouraging more consumers to embrace renting and kick over-consumption habits.

“The textile production industry is the world's second-largest contributor to pollution after the oil industry today, with fast fashion leaving a negative impact on environmental waste. We are confident that Style Theory will be the future of fashion – one where people would feel that renting is equivalent, if not better, than buying as we make significant strides towards ending today’s buy-and-throw-away culture.”

--- Raena Lim ---

Entering The Store

Upon stepping in, shoppers will be greeted by an immersive life-sized art installation – The Infinite Wardrobe – designed in collaboration with Laura Francois, a prominent social impact strategist and sustainability advocate. The three metres tall installation, created entirely with retired clothing from Style Theory, represents a future where the dream of having an infinite wardrobe turns into reality through sharing clothing that are made to last.

Personal Styling Sessions

New subscribers can take advantage of complimentary 60-minute personal styling sessions (worth $250), where professionally-trained image consultants will share bespoke advice and recommendations based on body type and preference. The styling sessions are available by appointment during the store’s operating hours from 11am–10pm. 

There are lots of motivational quotes dotted in eye-catching places throughout the store...

Build-Your-Own Welcome Kit

The Style Theory store also features a Build-Your-Own Welcome Kit section, where customers can pick out a curated selection of travel accessories, fashion items and other lifestyle items starting from November. 

Exclusive Member Events

Additionally, subscribers get to be a part of a wider community and enjoy access to Style Theory’s curated series of exclusive member events on a first-come-first-serve basis.

A Create-Your-Own-Totebag booth at the launch...

About Style Theory

Style Theory is Southeast Asia’s largest subscription-based fashion rental service offering women the opportunity to build their infinite wardrobe in an affordable, convenient and sustainable manner. Founded in Singapore in 2016 by Raena Lim and Chris Halim, Style Theory operates in the sharing economy as a solution to fashion consumption that is making significant strides towards ending today’s buy-and-throw-away culture. In early 2018, the company launched into the Indonesia market, and now carries more than 50,000 high-quality designer pieces and more than 2,000 designer bags for its growing base of over 130,000  users. For more information, visit sg.styletheory.co.

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