‘Paradis’ state of mind: Toast to moments of bliss with Gen.T and Hennessy Paradis

Just like the perfectly balanced cognac that is Hennessy Paradis, Benjamin Chua’s paradise is “a state of equilibrium, where my professional ambitions align harmoniously with my personal life”, says the founder and CEO of social enterprise Speco. “As a business leader, I thrive on making a meaningful impact on the world through our work, helping to solve complex problems and empowering individuals. This is equally embodied in quiet moments at home with my family, [such as sitting down together for] a good meal and [being] at peace.”

Chua is consciously creating a business that values not just growth, but also empathy, inclusivity and warmth. By doing so, he believes he can inspire others to seek their own versions of paradise too. The 2022 Gen.T honouree, who has transformed his cleaning company into a cleantech organisation that partners with other agencies to support and train disadvantaged Singaporeans, muses: “An actual paradise on earth for me isn’t necessarily a far-off exotic destination, but rather, experiences imbued with genuine happiness and connection. It could even be a day spent volunteering for the community. Don’t get me wrong, I love travelling, but for me, paradise is less about the place and more about the feelings those places evoke, the memories they create, and the people I share them with.”

While Paradis can be sipped at distinctive moments, the idea of paradise is ours to define. For Jane Wang, anywhere can be a paradise when you have the right mindset and passion in life. In her case, as founder and CEO of medical device start-up Roseco Technologies, her calling is making a positive impact on others’ lives. “I am building neuro-rehabilitation technologies with a passionate team to help neurological patients recover from disabilities. We are trying our best to reduce disabilities, suffering and build a better world with our technologies,” she explains.

For Wang, moments of bliss are always at hand—and in hand, be it in the form of dumbbells, or a golden elixir swirling in a crystal cognac glass. “It can be the muscle soreness after an intense workout, the feeling after an effective meditation [session], or when I hear about our patient’s improvement after using our products,” she expounds. “I’m still in the process of building my self-awareness and reaching my spiritual paradise.”

Always the life of the party, Errol Lim built his company around events and human interaction—powered by artificial intelligence. Over 10 years ago, the co-founder and chief operations officer of international event engagement hub, Jublia, envisioned a platform that could optimise event management and guests' satisfaction. Today, Jublia has successfully provided that through data-driven processes that enhance audience engagement, from AI-matchmaking, content recommendations and attendee concierge services, as well as ways for organisers to measure and engineer the participation ROI of their clients through in-depth data analytics. 

So it's no surprise that his definition of paradise is to create enriching experiences in his journey through life: "Paradise to me is a blend of purpose, passion and impact. It's where my business venture, personal interests and family life intersect". And while there's never a dull day—or night—in his schedule, what with his packed social and work calendar as well as being a new dad, the way he describes how he is pursuing this personal paradise of his is pure and simple: "by being disciplined and working hard". "I work hard towards my purpose in life, which is to leave the world in a better place than I found it". 

For Manfred Lim, or DJ Myrne, as he is better known, “paradise would be a music festival”. Says the 2019 Gen.T honouree, whose future pop and R&B sounds have landed him on the stages of international music festivals: “Just to see everyone having fun and savouring all kinds of music I don’t normally listen to is a nice way to stay inspired.”

Believing that everyone possesses the ability to create and share art, Lim wishes for everyone to have a little dabble in making something they enjoy and bring that thing into the world—“I feel [that] everyone would just be a bit more understanding and happier after that,” he says. The classically trained pianist enjoys getting up every day to write, create and enjoy music. “Bliss also comes from the little things, such as watching a movie, playing a game and getting a drink of Paradis with some friends. The time you enjoy wasting is never truly wasted,” he quips with a chuckle, as he takes another sip of Hennessy Paradis.

On the nose, the Paradis exudes jasmine and honeysuckle notes, with spice and red fruit at the back. On the palate, honey, dried flowers, truffles and soft spice notes of cinnamon and cardamom come to the fore. Its silky texture runs all the way through to a deep, persistent finish. Today, eighth- generation master blender Renaud Fillioux continues the expertly blended harmony of Paradis first created by sixth-generation master blender Maurice Fillioux.

Discover the Hennessy Paradis Tatler collection at www.hennessy.com.