BMW and Tatler raise a toast to SG60 with Richard Eu, Mervin Wee and Juliana Chan

“The vehicle you’re about to see embodies Singapore and BMW Asia’s successful journey together over the years—a one-of-one exclusive “Singapore Icons” edition proudly customised and built for Singapore to celebrate this occasion,” said Nielsen. “This masterpiece exemplifies our expertise in individualisation, and pays homage to iconic buildings that blend historical structures with modern architectural marvels that make any Singaporean proud.”

The symbolic unveiling was followed by a guided walk-through of the car’s design and features by Benjamin Lan, product & pricing manager of BMW Group Asia. Designed as a collector’s celebration of SG60, the BMW i7 Singapore Icons is uniquely adorned with local design cues and exclusive touches that reflect Singapore’s multifaceted identity, detailed in elements such as hand-stitched embroidery, engravings, and special paintwork.

Dinner—featuring elevated Singaporean favourites like kueh pie tee and Peranakan ayam buah keluak—served as a fitting overture to the panel discussion that followed. The roster? Powerhouse leaders in the business of health and wellness, science and self-expression, all of whom are living proof that each turning point in Singapore’s story is paved by different generations of individuals who are driven by passion, and purpose. Namely, Richard Eu, non-executive chairman of Eu Yan Sang; Mervin Wee, managing and creative director of Jean Yip Group; and Dr. Juliana Chan, scientist, science communicator, and founder of Wildtype Media Group.

Titled “Driven by Passion: Turning Points at 60”, the panel moderated by Tatler Singapore’s Koh saw Eu, steady as ever, tracing the legacy of Eu Yan Sang with the conviction that their “mission has always been to care for people across all stages of life. As society’s needs evolve, so must we—with science and soul working hand-in-hand”, as he recounted the evolution of Traditional Chinese Medicine to holistic modern-day wellness solutions. This shared vision binding progress with purpose felt particularly resonant in a room brimming with some of Singapore’s eminent pioneers spanning the industries of cars, construction, fast-moving consumer goods and dining.

Mervin Wee, whose creative stamp through the Jean Yip Group helped redefine local standards of beauty and self-expression, took that theme further: “It’s not about East or West anymore—it’s about confidence, catering to our Asian features, and accentuating our voice through style.” In those words, the narrative shifted: Singapore’s story is no longer about blending in, but about standing out.

Dr. Juliana Chan, representing a different generation of innovation, was electric in her honesty. Her leap from academia to entrepreneurship wasn’t some calculated move—it was necessity, risk, and the radical act of betting on herself. “Our differentiator is our humanity—that’s the battery we must keep recharging,” she declared, reminding us that in an age of disruptive technology, the most potent driver remains a deeply personal, authentically branded one.

The heart of the evening lay in these exchanges: legacy, not as a monument but as a living conversation; curiosity, not as a fleeting impulse but a lifelong engine. Mervin’s reminiscence about his three-wheeled BMW summed it up best: “Drive comes from curiosity…that’s what built Jean Yip.” It was a timely reminder that neither business success nor national progress favour the timid.

As the panel wound down and champagne flutes topped up, a single thread persisted—Singapore’s journey, like the design of the BMW i7, has always demanded reinvention. This was echoed in Eu’s closing sentiments: “Thought can outlast structures. If we remain true to our values and adapt with the times, our impact can transcend generations.” 

And finally, to bring the evening's insightful programme to a close, just as dessert was about to be served, Michelle Yang, general manager of marketing and CRM at BMW Eurokars Auto took to the mic to share more about the company's exceptional—and adventurous—ownership journeys.

The night culminated with guests, panellists and the teams from BMW Asia, Eurokars Auto and Tatler Singapore raising a toast to the BMW i7 Singapore Icons and to SG60—a milestone that reminds us that the road ahead is built on the turns we've taken and the drive that continues to push us forward.

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