UltraLuxe 2025: 11 game-changers share their stories of passion, legacy and transformation

As founder of BitCask, Nate Benitez has carved out a niche in whisky investment by making Scotch whisky casks more accessible, transparent, and profitable. Through data-driven sourcing and deep industry expertise, BitCask has created value for collectors, clubs, and brands across Southeast Asia. His most ambitious project, The Elixir, is a limited release of just sixty bottles of Old and Rare Springbank whisky, created in celebration of Singapore’s 60th anniversary and paired with bespoke artistry from André Wee. Alongside it, The Drop offers a fashion-forward miniature edition in a wearable leather holder—blending heritage with modern design. A lifelong passion for whisky and investments guides Nate’s work, while family remains at the heart of his values. Milestones such as launching BitCask, building alongside his brother, and crafting The Elixir highlight his commitment to creating stories that honour both tradition and innovation.

In his own words: “Our goal has been simple, to make whisky investment more accessible, transparent and profitable through data and expert sourcing.”

For Zach Burks, the story of NFTs is also the story of his own career. Since 2017, he has been at the forefront of web3 innovation, developing first-of-its-kind technologies that have helped shape the space. From creating the official Royalty Standard for NFTs on Ethereum and working with the Ethereum Foundation, to enabling the Singapore Courts to serve legal documents via NFTs, his contributions have brought blockchain technology into everyday life. His platform, Mintable, and its enterprise arm, Mintology, have made it possible for businesses and individuals alike to mint and integrate NFTs with unprecedented ease, expanding their reach to millions.

While NFTs remain his passion and life’s work, Zach is equally drawn to geopolitics, extreme sports, and family life. A former U.S. Military serviceman, he describes his journey as being defined by freedom—the freedom to explore, to pursue what interests him, and to spend meaningful time with loved ones. Among his many milestones, he counts the birth of his first child as the most profound, followed closely by his formative years in the Army, his time skydiving and climbing, and the challenges and triumphs of building a tech company from the ground up.

In his own words: “I think without the shackles of life dragging you down, you can be unburdened to follow your passions.”

As the founder of Hungry Hamster Collectibles, Freddy Lim has been a pioneer in merging the digital and physical realms of art. He created the first hamster IP in Web3 and successfully launched phygital assets, bridging digital collectibles with physical art toys. Beyond his own creations, Lim is a mentor in both the Web3 and designer toy communities, advocating for sustainable innovation over speculation. Drawing on his 20 years of design and manufacturing experience, he guides new artists and helps them navigate the complexities of production. Lim’s upcoming ventures include launching a new line of more accessible art toys and building clearer pathways for emerging artists, particularly in Singapore, where he hopes to share his knowledge and support their creative careers.

In his own words: “Everything I do is rooted in the belief that creativity and knowledge should be used to uplift people and leave the world a little better than before.”

As the founder of Gernise Global and MamaShop, Vanessa Ong has built her career on creating practical, sustainable solutions that make an impact both in industry and in the community. At Gernise Global, she shifted the company’s focus from engineering plastics to bio-based materials made from agricultural waste, encouraging businesses to transition towards greener practices and setting a precedent for sustainable manufacturing in the region. Through MamaShop, she worked with schools on “Bring Your Own” campaigns and co-developed upcycled products from corporate waste—initiatives that have reached more than 30 schools and countless individuals.

Her latest venture involves transforming used coffee grounds into bio-composite materials, which are then repurposed into reusable lifestyle products. It’s a circular economy model that not only diverts waste but also offers a blueprint for other industries to rethink their waste streams. Outside of work, Vanessa finds strength in health and wellness, crediting her love of running, kickboxing and strength training for giving her the energy to balance entrepreneurship with family life. She also co-founded Mumpreneurs Go Places, a platform that uplifts women entrepreneurs through mentorship and collaborations.

In her own words: “Ultimately, I believe true impact comes from creating win-win solutions—where sustainability, education, and entrepreneurship intersect to drive long-term change.”

At La Joie, Jean Nasr is dedicated to celebrating the extraordinary stories that lie within every gem. His work often highlights rare and underappreciated gemstones, encouraging clients to look beyond the familiar and discover the earth’s lesser-known treasures. Alongside this, he is committed to preserving traditional craftsmanship, collaborating with master artisans to ensure techniques passed down through generations continue to thrive in today’s world.  

Recently, Jean has expanded his vision to include Swiss Made watches—a long-held dream that pairs La Joie’s devotion to rare gemstones and artisanal detail with the heritage and precision of Swiss watchmaking. Each timepiece is conceived not merely as an accessory but as an heirloom that honours tradition while offering a fresh perspective on modern fine watches.

His greatest passion remains coloured gemstones, which he describes as small miracles of nature, each with its own story and character. Family, too, is central to his life; he treasures health, time with loved ones, and the joy of becoming a grandfather. Founding La Joie stands as one of his proudest milestones, a tangible expression of a lifelong passion and a legacy built on love, family, and beauty.

In his own words: “I hope we’re not only creating meaningful, timeless pieces for our clients, but also setting an example that true luxury lies in authenticity, knowledge, and the human hands that shape each jewel.”

As the CEO of Merliance Capital, Kelvin Leong is reshaping the private banking landscape with a model that places independence and client interests at its core. His firm integrates private banking, investment banking, and asset management into a single, seamless structure, empowering bankers to offer bespoke solutions—from investment advisory to family office services. This pioneering approach allows bankers to grow their books as strategic partners, not just employees. Beyond finance, Leong’s passion for creating meaningful experiences led him to found Valencia Yachts a decade ago, a business born from a desire to share the freedom and connection that comes from being on the open sea with friends and family.

In his own words: “Deep relationships with friends and family are incredibly important to me—they are the foundation of who I am and the values I carry into my work.”

As CEO of Climate Impact X, Choo Oi Yee is at the forefront of building platforms that help corporates participate in carbon markets and achieve their net zero ambitions. She thrives in the dynamic, evolving landscape of carbon markets—where each milestone brings new challenges and opportunities for innovation. Beyond her role, Oi Yee enjoys cooking for loved ones, playing tennis, skiing, and immersing herself in art galleries and museums. For her, family, health, and giving back to society form the foundation of a meaningful life. Milestones such as shaping ecosystems, building teams, and travelling to Azerbaijan to attend COP29 continue to inspire her journey.

In her own words: “The carbon markets is an ever evolving space with many exciting milestones and challenges!”

At Wush.co, Gregg Lewis is on a mission to make crypto accessible for everyday people. By simplifying blockchain education and demystifying DeFi, his platform helps individuals participate safely and confidently in the evolving world of digital finance. Beyond empowering consumers, Wush.co is exploring corporate treasury products, bridging crypto with traditional import-export industries, and gamifying crypto education for Asia. Gregg’s fascination with technology and trust is matched by his passion for horology, where he not only collects watches but has even assembled one himself. He values time above all—spending it meaningfully with loved ones and building ventures that align with his principles. Milestones such as exiting his first startup, founding Wush.co, becoming a parent, and even buying his first dream watch mark a career and life defined by resilience, curiosity, and purpose.

In his own words: “We believe DeFi shouldn’t just be for tech insiders or whales; it should be something regular people can understand and benefit from. It’s about DeFi literacy, not just technology.”

As project director and co-founder of MNL Solutions respectively, Lai Yuan Weng and Sathiyamoorthy Nagarajan are united by a clear mission: to accelerate Singapore’s transition towards greener mobility. Through their innovative charging infrastructure model, MNL Solutions has already deployed over 700 charge points across the island, enhancing accessibility and encouraging individuals to make the switch to electric vehicles. With a focus on high-power, fast-charging innovations and user-friendly design, they are redefining how urban communities approach sustainable transportation. Both leaders share a passion for sustainability, technology, and continuous learning—while also valuing family and time as their greatest anchors. For them, the journey has been as meaningful as the milestones: building alongside an exceptionally dedicated team and seeing their shared vision of eco-friendly mobility come to life.

With over 30 years in the jewellery industry, Michael Koh combines artistry and technology through Caratell and Experloop. His pioneering venture developed the patented gold RFID microchip—revolutionising authentication, traceability, and valuation in jewellery. This “Phygital” solution not only benefits retailers and consumers but also deters scams and theft, setting new standards across the industry. Michael’s vision extends further: establishing chip production facilities in Singapore, empowering persons with disabilities through training, and expanding globally with strategic partnerships. Passionate about innovation and design, he balances his demanding schedule with family, cooking, and creative jewellery-making. His journey is also defined by resilience—overcoming dyslexia, building ventures from scratch, and raising three children—all milestones that remind him of the rewards of persistence and imagination.

In his own words: “I’ve always been driven by innovative ideas, some of which seemed impossible at first. But I’ve managed to turn these ‘crazy ideas’ into reality, making the impossible possible.”

Discover the iconic niche luxury Singapore and the world have to offer. To book VerveArté experiences, and to pre-register for JeweLuxe shopping expeditions, visit www.ultraluxeglobal.com for details.

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