How Agrocorp’s second-generation CEO Vishal Vijay is leading the company into its next era

Succession is one of the most delicate chapters in any family enterprise, no doubt compounded by the “three‑generation rule”: that most such businesses fail by the time the grandchildren take over. This idea, though, is more myth than reality. The fact is, family businesses often outlast their non‑family counterparts, dominating the ranks of the world’s longest‑standing companies. One such family business is Agrocorp, founded in Singapore in 1990. For a company of its scale—it is one of the world’s leading agri‑commodities traders with offices across 15 countries and customers in more than 50 markets—succession demands careful planning.

In February 2024, when founder Vijay Iyengar stepped back from the company’s day‑to‑day management, moving from managing director to executive chairman, his elder son Vishal Vijay was appointed CEO. Vishal joined Agrocorp in 2016, over the years working in business development and strategic investment.

As part of a joint stewardship with Vishal, Vijay remains actively involved in the business and Vishal shares that “we have the next five to 10 years … to ensure that some of the core traits he wants to instil can remain”. 

Read the full story here.

In 1969, as New York pulsed with cultural revolution and the hippie movement challenged every convention, Cartier designer Aldo Cipullo created what would become a veritable jewellery manifesto: the Love bracelet. This was not jewellery as adornment but as declaration—an oval bracelet fastened with a special screwdriver, a precious handcuff that required two people to secure its screws. By wearing it, every couple could proclaim their love for one another for all to see. Love, Cipullo suggested, was no longer ephemeral but something to be locked into place, worn on the wrist, impossible to remove alone.

What made the Love bracelet truly radical was not merely its symbolism but its aesthetic audacity. Cartier made the radical decision to leave the functional screws visible—a stylistic intuition that saw beauty where others saw mechanics. These screws echo the Santos de Cartier watch, which has featured them on its bezel since 1904, establishing a visual vocabulary that would become one of the Maison's most recognisable codes. The feeling of straightness is accentuated by the alignment of the screws, which follow the parallel lines of the bracelet, creating a design language of uncompromising precision and androgynous appeal.

Read the full story here.

From Milan to Seoul, Paris to Tokyo, the world’s most storied fashion houses are no longer content with the runway or the sheen of glossy boutiques. Increasingly, they are crossing into the culinary realm, unveiling branded cafés and restaurants where devotees can sip a cappuccino beneath the very insignia they might wear on their sleeve.

These ventures are less about coffee or cuisine than they are about immersion. Each space is an invitation to step inside the brand’s universe, where lifestyle and luxury entwine. In a moment when experiences rival objects in value, the café becomes another stage for storytelling—an edible extension of the maison’s myth, deepening desire while offering, quite literally, a taste of its allure. 

Read the full story here.

While Singapore’s hospitality landscape continues to evolve at breakneck speed, the most compelling transformation may be happening in plain sight on Sentosa Island. Resorts World Sentosa (RWS) is experiencing a renaissance that speaks directly to discerning travellers everywhere. Beyond its familiar attractions, the resort is ushering in a new chapter of luxury hospitality. RWS has become a destination in itself, where design, gastronomy and culture intersect with ease. The result is an experience that feels both elevated and inviting, appealing as much to seasoned global explorers as to locals seeking something refreshingly different.

The crown jewel of RWS’s accommodation portfolio is The Laurus, a Luxury Collection Resort, crafted in collaboration with Marriott International. Representing a paradigm shift in luxury hospitality design, this contemporary hotel masterfully balances understated elegance and modern sophistication, offering guests the perfect launching point for exploring the extensive offerings at RWS. 

Read the full story here.

A European city that welcomes visitors with open arms no matter the season, where golden sunshine graces the skyline year-round and the climate remains effortlessly mild? Athens ticks every box. With its captivating blend of ancient history, contemporary design and a culinary scene steeped in time-honoured tradition, the Greek capital offers a rich tapestry of experiences that delight in every season. From its myth-laden landmarks to its stylish modern enclaves, there’s something to discover at every turn. Here’s our thoughtfully curated guide to ensure an unforgettable stay.

Read the full story here.