Unlisted Collection’s Loh Lik Peng on serving Singapore’s cultural and public institutions

Perhaps one of the most famous quotes of the second half of the 20th century comes from John F Kennedy, delivered at his inauguration as the 35th president of the United States in 1961. Standing on the East Portico of the Capitol building in Washington, DC, he offered a challenge to the American public: “Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country.”

For decades, this idea has influenced baby boomers and their Generation X offspring. The sentiment is also a universal one; service, after all, is definitely not (only) an American conceit. For some, the value is instilled from young. For others, it might be something they come to only later in life.

For restaurateur and hotelier Loh Lik Peng, it all started with a phone call. “I think I was in my late 20s or early 30s. Madam Kay Kuok (a member of the eminent Kuok family of the Shangri‑La Group) called me, completely out of the blue. I certainly knew who she was, but didn’t know she knew me at all. And I didn’t know what she was calling me for,” Loh tells us. “So when she asked me to join the board of the Singapore Hotel Association (SHA), I nearly fell off my chair. I said yes to the invitation, but I didn’t really know what I was getting myself into.”

That call, and the appointment that was offered later, would set Loh on an unexpected path that has given the former lawyer and entrepreneur immense satisfaction. For the past two decades or so since he joined the SHA board, he has been continuously asked to serve various public and cultural institutions through their boards.

Today, Loh is the chairman of the School of the Arts Singapore (Sota), the Singapore Cruise Centre and Shatec; the deputy chairman of the Singapore Land Authority (SLA); and a board member of the National Heritage Board (NHB). He also previously served as chair of the SHA, the Asian Civilisations Museum (ACM) and the Singapore Philatelic Museum, and sat on the boards of the National Volunteer & Philanthropy Centre and the Centre for Non‑Profit Leadership.

He contributes so much of his time—about 30 per cent, Loh estimates—to helping these organisations. If you were meeting him for the first time, you would never have thought that this gregarious, often slightly underdressed, and incredibly humble gentleman is involved with so many of our important cultural and public institutions. But once you take the time to chat with him, and move the conversation beyond what he is best known for—F&B and hospitality—which can be tricky as Loh is more than happy to talk about chefs and restaurants for hours, you recognise the depth of knowledge and insight he has, which explains why he is courted for these roles.

Loh is not one to toot his own horn. In fact, when we approached him for this story, and told him why we wanted to write about this quiet, and most often invisible, work, his first reaction was to say no. However, after we promised to ensure that he does not come across as a braggart (to anyone who knows him, he most definitely is not); that this might be a chance to inspire young leaders to step up and serve in the way that he has; and that this is an opportunity to discuss some of the institutions he works with, and the great work they do, he finally relented.

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South Actress Mun Ka-young has been announced as the new face of Tumi. Known for her roles in popular K-drama series like True Beauty (2020), Heartstrings (2011) and Exo Next Door (2015), the German-born South Korean actress joins the international travel and lifestyle brand’s roster of ambassadors which already includes Tottenham star Son Heung-min.

To welcome Mun into the Tumi family, the brand hosted a global launch event in Singapore on March 27. On top of introducing Mun, the brand also unveiled its latest women’s collection, Asra.

The latest collection of women’s handbags are elegant, timeless and stylish and it’s only apt for someone like Mun to be the face of the new line. After all, both Mun and the collection share similar qualities.

Sitting down with regional media at Capella Singapore before the grand unveiling, Mun shares her excitement about being the newest face of the brand. “I’m proud and happy to introduce Tumi’s latest women’s collection, Asra … when you look at the new collection, while it’s simple it also has a lot of details especially if you look inside,” she says, adding how Tumi can balance between style and functionality seamlessly.

The brand is constantly innovating and pushing boundaries, especially with its new offerings. Expanding Tumi’s women’s offerings, the Asra collection offers feminine designs and elevated accents. Mun’s favourite out of the collection? The Asra shoulder bag in Moonlight, thanks to its soft and feminine look. “It suits my style very well,” she adds.

The newest global ambassador has always been familiar with the brand. As someone who travels constantly, the brand’s 19 Degree luggage in hunter green is her trustworthy companion. “It’s the luggage I always carry for travel or work,” she explains, adding that the vibrant colour “pops out”, making it easier to identify.

The glamorous event itself saw the region’s leading social media influencers, VIPs and celebrities come together to celebrate Mun and Tumi’s latest collection. In attendance were Hong Kong singer Charlene Choi, Indonesian singer Isyana Sarasvati, Thai actor Dunk Natachai and Taiwanese actress Tzeng Chih Chiao.

The evening began with an intimate sunset cruise around Sentosa before being whisked away to the event’s main venue Sentosa Pavilion which had been transformed for the night. Stepping in, guests were met with vibrant interiors that pay tribute to the latest Asra campaign—think gorgeous hues inspired by the iconic landscapes of Sentosa Island, silk-adorned arches inspired by the bag’s design; and video projection featuring colours of Asra.

Guests were brought to the dining hall where Mun was unveiled as the new global ambassador. Following the exciting unveiling, guests were then treated to a five-course meal conceptualised by art director Loic Serot in collaboration with chef Bjoern Alexander, previously from two-Michelin-starred Hong Kong restaurant Octavium. Each course puts the spotlight on various defining moments in the actress’s life from her musical talent to her iconic roles. Dishes included steamed egg crowned with caviar, juicy Hokkaido scallops, and succulent Wagyu short rib wrapped in eggplant skin. The mouthwatering meal was accompanied by live musical performances and visual projections.

Following the lavish dinner was an after-party on the Sentosa Pavilion rooftop, featuring a digital fireworks display, cocktails by local restaurant and cocktail bar Nutmeg & Clove, and music set by South Korean DJ Siena.

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Nestled in the vibrant Manhattan bar is East47, a progressive cocktail bar that pays tribute to the iconic American artist Andy Warhol. The by-invite-only space—which will open its doors in early April as part of Manhattan’s tenth anniversary celebrations—recreates the legendary ambience of Warhol’s Silver Factory on East 47th Street, which immortalised the era of extravagant parties and revelry in the 1960s.

Before its official opening, Tatler Singapore caught up with Rusty Cerven, the beverage director of Conrad Singapore Orchard who realised the bar concept, to find out what we can expect from their latest private bar, and how we can snag those coveted invites.

“East47 is about breaking barriers, providing an intimate setting where each drink showcases unparalleled craftsmanship. It’s an experience defined by quiet luxury and meticulous attention to detail,” shares Cerven,  who spent the past two years dreaming up the concept and working with Zana Mohlmann, the head bartender of Manhattan, to come up with the beverage programme. The covert quarters, designed by Matthew Shang Design Office, also pay homage to New York’s vibrant art and fashion scene from the late 60s to the early 80s.

Behind the midnight blue drapes, the atmosphere is both reflective and intimate, thanks to elements such as the silver foil-like wallpaper, undulating stainless steel details, and Barovier and Toso Opera Venetian crystal lights. Embellishing the 12-seater bar facade is a tasteful display made up of exquisite glassware—from Baccarat crystal and Kimura Glass—that you’ll soon be sipping from while an original 1962 Gold Marilyn Monroe silkscreen painting by Andy Warhol stares right back at you.

If the Silver Factory is Warhol’s literal manifestation of the future he imagined, East47 is an artistic rebellion against Manhattan’s philosophy with classic cocktails. “[Our] cocktail programme is about pushing the limits of creativity, exploring new methods like distillation, fermentation, and complex flavour extractions. We’re not just experimenting for the sake of it; each cocktail is refined yet approachable, crafted with care at every step,” explains Mohlmann.

Some creations we had the pleasure of enjoying were a lively riff on a pink-hued French 75, featuring red cabbage reminiscent of sauerkraut; an anise-scented, citrus and matcha-based tipple that blends elements of a gibson and martini; and a suave take on a classic tuxedo, sporting a painstakingly redistilled cherry brandy. There’s even a toothsome vintage hanky panky from 2019, one that remained untouched inside a barrel in the Manhattan rickhouse for almost half a decade.

The gastronomy programme is equally as progressive as it is diverse, capturing the very spirit of the cultural melting pot of New York despite committing to sourcing the freshest products closer to Singapore.

Expect highlights such as the Tomato, inspired by Andy Warhol’s iconic Campbell Soup piece, which features meaty local tomatoes expressed in three textures; The Eggplant, spruced up with Michter’s rye whiskey and a tangy bulgogi infusion; and The Silver, an apple compote stuffed cheesecake crowned with a quenelle of rum and raisin ice cream.

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From the 1980s to the 2000s, Orchard Road was affectionately known to some as the “capital” of Singapore. It had everything a hedonist could want, from luxury shopping and fine dining options to high-end hotels and medical/aesthetic facilities. But over the last two decades, some of that shine was lost to Marina Bay, Dempsey Hill, Duxton Hill, and other new lifestyle enclaves. The upcoming New Bahru by The Lo & Behold Group is also another local destination to look out for. 

“Orchard Road used to be the centre of Singapore and then suddenly, [the attention shifted] to Marina Bay,” shares Oscar Postma, cluster (operations) general manager of Conrad Singapore Orchard and Conrad Centennial Singapore. There’s no doubt that Orchard Road continues to be a big draw for residents and visitors alike, but what would it take for the centre of gravity to shift back to the precinct?

Certainly, the recent spate of high-profile openings has refocused the public’s attention to the area. On the hospitality front, there’s Artyzen, Conrad Singapore Orchard, and The Singapore Edition. Over in retail, the district welcomed the world’s largest Richard Mille flagship, Asia’s (excluding China) largest Nike store, and a Marimekko concept store.

Leading the dining vanguard are French pastry chef Cedric Grolet’s inaugural Asian outpost, and Cote Korean Steakhouse, the world’s first Michelin-starred establishment of its kind. Rounding out the lifestyle assortment is Trifecta, Asia’s first integrated sports facility, and Como Shambala’s urban wellness flagship.

The Grand Hyatt’s phased opening and The Standard, Singapore’s upcoming debut in Q3 2024 will also attract more interest. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Several large-scale redevelopments, especially along the Tanglin end of Orchard Road, are set to revitalise the neighbourhood even further.

Singapore’s post-pandemic recovery has been strong, with our island welcoming 13.6 million visitors in 2023, according to STB. These visitors added around SG$25 billion to the city-state’s coffers. But in a hyper-competitive global tourism market, how does Orchard Road stand out from other popular haunts in the region, such as Bangkok’s Sukhumvit, or Tokyo’s Ginza and Shibuya?

Ranim Ben Romdhane, general manager of The Singapore Edition, notes the growing desire among luxury travellers to authentically immerse themselves in the locale and discover the essence of the destination. “They’re increasingly conscious in their choices, seeking experiences that money can’t always buy,” he notes.

For brands already in Singapore, an experiential flagship store could give regional competitors a run for their money. “Rather than repeating the same brands or concepts already present, the new malls can be purpose-built to house duplex luxury flagships, or to add cafes, lounges or event spaces to the retail experience,” she says.

As Singapore’s reputation as a global gastronomic hotspot intensifies, there are also opportunities to cement Orchard Road’s image as an unmissable F&B destination. Sure, there are stalwarts like Iggy’s, Les Amis, and Summer Palace, but the bulk of top-line restaurants are located outside the district.

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