The eye has to travel: Life lessons on an art-filled day out with the Kohs, in the Zeekr 009

"Can we keep this car forever papa?" exclaimed Tara as she hopped into what Zeekr refers to as their First-Class cabin—the palatial back rows that seat four in their 6-seater variant, and up to five in their 7-seater variant of the Zeekr 009 luxury electric vehicle. The Zeekr 009, with its sleek, futuristic design and aerodynamic lines, exudes an air of sophistication that perfectly complemented the Kohs’ dynamic lifestyle. Its bold front grille, flanked by distinctive LED daytime running lights, made a striking statement as it rolled silently onto the road. A testament to its electric vehicle prowess, the silence is, essentially, a soothing purr of cutting-edge technology. Underneath its grand exterior, the Zeekr 009 houses dual motors with a peak power of 450kW that translates to exhilarating acceleration, capable of propelling the vehicle from 0 to 100km/h in a mere 4.5-seconds. Yet, this performance doesn't come at the expense of efficiency. The 009 boasts an impressive WLTP cruising range of 582km on a single charge, thanks to its high-capacity 116kWh battery. This combination of power, range, and whisper-quiet operation truly sets the Zeekr 009 apart in the world of luxury electric vehicles.

Inside, the Zeekr 009 is a sanctuary of luxury and innovation. The cabin is adorned with premium materials, from the soft-touch leather upholstery to the polished wood and brushed metal accents. The spacious interior, with this six-seater configuration, offered ample room for the entire family, ensuring everyone traveled in comfort. The first-class airline-style seats, complete with massage functions and adjustable leg rests, made even the longest journeys feel like a breeze.

There were five stops on their schedule: Two to spark creativity and curiosity, one for a hearty meal, one to quench the parents’ thirsts, and a final stop at the Padang for the kids to run freely whilst exploring larger-than-life art installations at sunset. Despite the packed itinerary, and the playful chaos that is three kids with entertainingly different personalities, Aun and Su-Lyn still found ways to instill various life lessons in the multi-tasking flow of it all.

“Cutting through the mayhem of Su-Lyn and my busy life, the little moments of magic with our children always provide incredible respite—especially over the weekends when we get to nurture their creativity, spark curiosity, and cultivate a boundless spirit of exploration,” said Aun, as he glided out of their home’s driveway in a Zeekr 009 luxury electric vehicle. “It is also when we get to share with them life lessons that we hope will shape them as individuals”. 

Life lesson number one was dished out in the car, on the way to our first stop—S.E.A. Focus 2025, a curated showcase of Southeast Asian contemporary art held at Tanjong Distripark. “You really only have three main “jobs” as a child: to be a good member of the family, a good student, and kind”, mused Aun as he peered over at Tara in the front passenger seat, and Toby, Tommy and Su-Lyn at the back through Zeekr’s camera function on the 15.05-inch OLED screen in the cockpit. The screen, which doubles as a hub for navigation, entertainment, and vehicle controls, is a marvel of modern technology, offering crystal-clear visuals and intuitive touch controls.

“We always encourage our children to make, and create. To draw and build without necessarily following the instructions as long as it isn’t illegal and it’s safe. We want them to use their imagination, dream, and discover where a simple thought can take you,” ensued Su-Lyn as the family of five strolled into the art fair that featured vibrant masterpieces by established and emerging artists.

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Exposing their kids to art is just one of the many ways Aun and Su-Lyn nurture a spirit of creative expression: “Every piece of art holds a different meaning or showcases a different skill. We want them to recognise their strengths and weaknesses, and learn to utilise them—not fear them. We want them to know that they can face their weaknesses head on by putting the work into overcoming them, to be afraid of doing the difficult things. That’s how we learn and grow”, Aun added. 

After viewing the entire exhibition, it was time to eat—a proper sit-down meal this time, after a quick doughnut pitstop at the Burnt Ends Bakery inside S.E.A. Focus 2025. So over to BurgerLabo we drove, parking right in front of the restaurant for some hearty handmade burgers. While the crispy fries, malted barley milkshakes and burgers packed with smashed wagyu or angus beef made for the ultimate happy meal for both the kids and adults, it was here that yet another parenting gem was uncovered. “We’re huge foodies and we take the kids out to try all sorts of cuisines and flavours because we want them to taste everything. It’s okay if they don't like it—what’s important is that they come with an open mind to try something new”. Most recently, T1, T2 and T3 have been trying—and liking—goose porridge, miso bolognese and jamon croquetas with lemon zest, just to name a few.

The last stops of the day were National Gallery and the Padang but Aun and Su-Lyn had one more pitstop to make: The Champagne Express Lane at InterContinental Singapore, the world’s first champagne drive-thru. En route, the couple were spoiled for choice with the hotel’s expansive list of champagnes viewed from their online menu as Tommy got ultra cosy in the Soft Nappa full-grain leather Sofaro first-class airline seats with a book. “We love that the kids love to read. Reading allows you to learn to see the world through someone else’s eyes, and we tell them to read indiscriminately and as much as they can”.  The 6-seater Zeekr 009 MPV was then greeted by a butler as it pulled up into the hotel’s cobbled courtyard, where he then handed over a bespoke box housing the Kohs’ bubbly of choice and a pair of champagne flutes.

With the goods safely stored inside the Zeekr refrigerator alongside drinks for the kids, and Tommy and Tara locked in on the 17-inch 3K OLED Roof Screen playing their favourite YouTube videos, we set off to Aun’s place of work for more art-filled exploration. The roof screen, with its stunning resolution and immersive sound system, transformed the cabin into a private cinema, keeping the kids entertained while the adults enjoyed the serene ambiance of the Zeekr’s whisper-quiet electric drivetrain.

At the National Gallery, Aun brought the family and Tatler crew around a few exhibitions, taking us all on a journey of Southeast Asia from moving masterpieces of the 19th century that spoke of diverse cultures, reinvented traditions and tumultuous moments in history; to the world’s largest collection of modern and contemporary art from the region. “This is a trip of a different kind. The discovery of other cultures, be it through art or travel, is the key to empathy and understanding,” Aun enthused. 

Our day out was perfectly timed with the marquee event of Singapore Art Week, National Gallery’s Light to Night Singapore 2025, so the family then headed out to the outdoor festival at the Padang to witness theatrical acts and larger-than-life installations. It was here that our escapade with the Kohs came to a scenic end, as the kids ran into the 9m-high installation by Singaporean sculptor and Cultural Medallion recipient, Han Sai Por, aptly titled Travelling Through The Tropical Rainforest.

As the sun set, casting a golden glow over the Padang, the Zeekr 009 stood silently by, its sleek silhouette blending seamlessly with the artistic backdrop. And as the family took their seats on the night festival's food area, they reflected on the day’s adventures, knowing that their journey was not just about the places they visited, but the memories they created along the way—with the Zeekr 009 as the perfect companion for their day of exploration and discovery.

Keen to find out more about Zeekr and experience the ultimate electric vehicle driving experience? Visit zeekr.sg or head to the Zeekr showroom at 9 Leng Kee Road.

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