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Tuesday, January 14, 2025
Acer Unleashes Predator Helios 18 AI Gaming Laptop At CES 2025
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Roborock’s New Saros Z70 Packs A Five-Axis Mechanical Arm
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QT Singapore: Where Heritage Meets A Playful Edge
As the first Southeast Asian venture for QT Hotels & Resorts, QT Singapore dazzles with a design that strikes the perfect balance between neo-classical elegance and contemporary boldness. It’s a love letter to Singapore’s past and future, rendered in rich hues, eclectic textures, and thoughtful, unconventional details. Every corner, from its vibrant art installations to the custom furnishings, seems curated for the discerning aesthete—an Instagram-ready dream where every detail invites closer inspection.
Suite Serenity
For a weekend stay, luxuriate in any one of the stately rooms or suites which feel being in a private gallery, with the room itself an exhibit of understated opulence. The spacious interiors in my King Room Suite felt designed for indulgence, while the fluffy QT Dream Bed was an oasis of comfort. High ceilings breathe space and light into room, anchored by large windows that offer a visual reminder of the hotel’s unique location (it sits conveniently next to Lau Pa Sat and is a 15-minute walk to Marina Bay Sands).
The bathroom was my favourite hideaway, simply for the gigantic bathtub that can literally fit four people. After a long soak, I rinsed off in the walk-in rain shower using bath essentials by Aussie beauty brand, Kevin.Murphy, and styled my hair with a Dyson hairdryer. And then it’s off to the plush couches, to enjoy a hot cuppa of Nespresso, and channel surf, order room service, and control the lighting, all using one handy tablet.
Rooftop Revelry
As twilight descended, I headed to Rooftop at QT. The labyrinth pool was a visual spectacle, its mirrored surface merging seamlessly with the skyline. The space had an energy that was both intimate and electric—a modern playground for adults seeking understated glamour.
Here, I recommend indulging in some chilled Frescas and Mezcal Margaritas and Taqueria-style bites as you watch the sun set amidst majestic skyscrapers. It’s after dark where the rooftop comes alive with conversation, a meeting place for creatives and connoisseurs alike.
A Culinary Affair
Dinner at Cygnet was the pièce de résistance of my stay. The Manhattan-inspired steakhouse, helmed by chef Sean Connolly, exuded the kind of chic that felt effortless yet deliberate.
My ribeye arrived with a theatrical flourish, cooked to absolute perfection and topped with a delicate béarnaise sauce. I highly recommend pairing your steak with a New York-inspired cocktail like a Manhattan—mostly for the vibes!
The bespoke uniforms, inspired by Singapore’s national flower, added a unique touch of character to the dining experience. With every bite, I could taste the meticulous attention to detail that defines QT’s culinary philosophy — luxury without pretension.
QT Singapore is more than a hotel; it’s an experience tailored for those who appreciate the finer details of life. Its mix of playful irreverence and design sophistication feels refreshingly different from the cookie-cutter luxury that dominates the scene. From the heritage-inspired interiors to the personalised touches by the charming “directors of chaos” (as the staff call themselves), QT Singapore delivers on its promise to surprise and delight.
QT Singapore is located at 35 Robinson Road. To book a table at Cygnet, call 6701 6800.
This article was first seen on Elle Singapore.
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Stichting Pensioenfonds ABP Cuts Tesla Ties Amid Controversy
Stichting Pensioenfonds ABP Sells Tesla Stock
Europe’s largest pension fund Stichting Pensioenfonds ABP has sold its entire EUR 571 million (approximately USD 585 million) stake in Tesla Inc in the third quarter, partly due to disagreement with Elon Musk’s compensation package. First reported by Dutch newspaper Het Financieele Dagblad, the article stated that poor working conditions at the company were among ABP’s reasons for selling its stake in Tesla. A spokesperson for Stichting Pensioenfonds ABP was quoted saying, “We had a problem” to Bloomberg Sunday, referring to Musk’s USD 56 billion pay package which shareholders approved in June 2024. ABP voted against the pay package, calling it “controversial and exceptionally high”. The fund also considered costs, return and responsible investment requirements in its decision to sell its investment.
Read More: Are Tesla’s Golden Days Over?
Loss or Gain?
The result sees Stichting Pensioenfonds ABP missing out on future gains and all-time highs hit after the 2024 election. The stock options package was initially worth USD 2.6 billion, and spiked to USD 56 billion by the time the judge cancelled it. As it stands, Tesla is worth about USD 1.27 trillion and its stock has risen about 74 percent in the past year. According to Business Insider, Tesla’s Model Y was the best-selling car in the Netherlands in 2024, but the carmaker’s sales have been declining in Europe. New Tesla car registrations from January to November 2024 fell over 15 percent compared to the same period in 2023, according to European Automobile Manufacturers Association data.
Rising Competition
Read More: How Tesla, BYD and Other EV Upstarts Disrupted the Automotive Industry
Similarly, the rise of Chinese automakers like BYD and NIO poses a direct threat to Tesla’s market share in Asia. These brands offer similar tech at more competitive prices, and in many cases, they outperform Tesla on range and features. China identified EVs as a strategic sector in the 2000s and has since employed a variety of policy measures, including over USD 230 billion in subsidies and decisive investments abroad, to gain an edge in low-cost EV manufacturing and target markets that have been traditionally dominated by Western and Japanese marques. China’s support for local EV manufacturers, including subsidies and infrastructure investment, puts Tesla at a disadvantage. In the long term, Tesla may find it harder to compete with domestic giants in the region.
Read More: 10 Influential Billionaires of 2024: Titans of Wealth and Power
In a statement to the NL Times, Stichting Pensioenfonds ABP said, “We cannot and do not need to invest in everything,” and that the divestment was not politically motivated. Musk has been a prominent supporter of President-elect Donald Trump and is co-leading a commission called the Department of Government Efficiency. As reported by Yahoo Finance, Tesla’s stock experienced significant growth following the election, reaching record levels in 2024 and propelling Elon Musk’s net worth to USD 400 billion. On 1 July, Tesla’s stock opened at USD 201.02 and closed at USD 261.63 by 30 September. Throughout the quarter, the stock fluctuated between a low of USD 182.00 and a high of USD 265.60.
Play for Politics
Read More: What is “Threads” and Why is Twitter Threatened?
Tesla stocks aside, tensions are growing within the right-wing movement over Elon Musk’s influence, with some conservative figures feeling disillusioned by his involvement in Republican politics. According to the Times of India, Musk — a key player in tech and government through Tesla and SpaceX — supports H-1B visas, clashing with figures like Steve Bannon, who view them as harmful to American workers. Bannon’s criticism extends to Musk’s role in U.S. politics, citing his South African roots and suggesting he “go back to South Africa.” The feud highlights broader ideological divides within Trump’s political faction.
Read More: Democracy in Decline: A System Hijacked by Commerce
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Monday, January 13, 2025
Collin Seow, Founder of SF5 Pte Ltd on the Future of Trading
Collin Seow, the founder of SF5 Pte Ltd (a ACRA-registered entity that has been operating for over 11 years in Singapore) and a seasoned trader, has spent years perfecting his craft and sharing his knowledge with aspiring traders. From his first trade in Singapore stocks to devising the TradersGPS system, Seow’s journey is one of resilience, innovation, and dedication to education. Speaking to LUXUO, he discusses his trading philosophy, the evolution of his methods, and how his flagship programme, The Systematic Trader (SMT) course, is helping traders succeed in an ever-changing financial landscape. For both new to trading or seasoned professionals, Seow’s insights offer invaluable lessons for anyone looking to thrive in the world of finance.
Can you take us back to your very first trading experience? What do you remember about it, and how did it turn out?
Yes, I still remember it vividly. My first trade was in Singapore stocks, and it was a mix of excitement and anxiety. I ended up losing a few hundred dollars in just a few days, but it taught me critical lessons about discipline and the importance of a structured market analysis framework. This experience ultimately inspired me to create The Systematic Trader (SMT) course to help others avoid such early pitfalls.
Could you provide a brief overview of the key focus areas of your trading strategies?
My strategies focus on systematic trading, much like using a GPS for navigation rather than relying on intuition. By combining technical analysis with rigorous backtesting, the approach minimizes emotional biases and ensures decisions are rule-based. In The Systematic Trader (SMT) course, we teach these principles to help traders identify trends, manage risk, and execute trades confidently.
Which financial instruments are compatible with your trading system?
The TradersGPS system, which is a core part of The Systematic Trader (SMT) course, supports trading across various instruments, including stocks, ETFs, indices, and futures. It adapts to different trading styles, from short-term strategies to long-term positions, offering flexibility to suit traders of all experience levels.
At what point did you realise you had developed a successful trading system, and how does it empower traders to thrive in the financial markets
The system’s potential became evident after 18 months of consistent results, even during volatile periods. As shared in The Systematic Trader (SMT) course, the TradersGPS system simplifies trading by providing clear entry and exit signals, fostering discipline, and incorporating robust risk management. These elements enable traders to focus on consistent, long-term profitability.
What are the common misconceptions about trading you have often encountered?
Many people think trading is about quick wealth or luck. In reality, it requires discipline, clear strategies, and resilience. Another misconception is that trading success demands constant screen time. With the systematic methods taught in The Systematic Trader (SMT) course, trading becomes structured and efficient, reducing the need for continuous monitoring.
Continuous improvement is vital for any trading system. How has your system evolved since its inception?
The TradersGPS system, which is central to The Systematic Trader (SMT) course, has evolved significantly. Initially manual, it now integrates advanced algorithms and automation, including tools for tracking dynamic support and resistance. These enhancements make it more robust and adaptive to changing market conditions, ensuring it remains relevant for traders at all levels.
What do you see as the biggest challenges faced by new traders, and how does your trading system address these obstacles?
New traders often struggle with emotional decision-making, inconsistent strategies, and risk management. The Systematic Trader (SMT) course addresses these challenges by teaching structured frameworks, disciplined execution, and proper position sizing. These tools and principles empower traders to navigate the markets more effectively.
Trading is often viewed as a solitary endeavour. How crucial do you believe it is for aspiring traders to engage with a community, and what benefits can such connections bring?
A trading community is invaluable. It provides support, accountability, and shared learning experiences. Through The Systematic Trader (SMT) course, participants gain access to an engaged community where members share insights, celebrate wins, and learn from each other’s challenges, making the journey less isolating.
What is the most valuable advice you would give to traders who are just starting out?
Start small, focus on learning rather than earning, and track your trades meticulously. In The Systematic Trader (SMT) course, we emphasize building foundational skills, understanding market dynamics, and practicing discipline. Trading is like a sport—focus on the process, and results will follow.
What steps would you suggest for someone looking to transition from a 9-5 job to trading full-time?
Transition gradually. Build a consistent track record, establish a financial cushion, and prepare for market volatility. The Systematic Trader (SMT) course is designed to provide the tools and knowledge needed to navigate this transition, reducing uncertainties and increasing the chances of success.
What key financial insights do you foresee for the year 2025?
I anticipate the market trend to remain upward, with potential corrections of 10 to 15 percent during the year. Regions like China and Hong Kong are undervalued and present significant opportunities. This aligns with the strategic insights we share in The Systematic Trader (SMT) course, which teaches how to capitalise on such opportunities systematically.
What are your personal and professional goals for the future, and how do you see TradersGPS developing in the coming years?
Personally, I aim to inspire more individuals to achieve financial independence. Professionally, I plan to enhance The Systematic Trader (SMT) course by integrating AI and machine learning into the TradersGPS system, further improving its predictive capabilities. My vision is to make it the go-to framework for traders worldwide, helping them succeed in any market condition.
For more information, head to the Facebook account for the Systematic Trader program here.
Discover more on SF5 Pte Ltd’s website here.
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Bang & Olufsen Drops Luxe Beoplay Eleven TWS Earbuds
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Rado’s CEO Adrian Bosshard on Crafting Timepieces That Defy Convention
Rado has been making waves for all the right reasons and so when their CEO, Adrian Bosshard, was in KL for a new boutique launch, we took the opportunity to chat over a cup of coffee
It is no secret that Rado loves ceramic. Today, its entire brand identity is based on this trendy material. However, the difference between Rado and the rest of the brands that are heftily incorporating this scratch-proof, hypoallergenic and corrosion-resistant material into their repertoire is that Rado has been doing it for much longer. Through a conversation with their current CEO, Adrian Bosshard, we found out that time equals experience, and it is this experience that allows Rado to do many things with the material that its competitors simply cannot.
For the longest time, this focus on ceramics and its often sleek and minimalistic design were the brand’s only calling cards. These days, however, we are happy to report that Rado has far more going for it in terms of depth than ever before. The relaunch of the Captain Cook and its subsequent success created a solid foundation for another brand pillar and since then, Rado has been exhaustively digging into the archives to revive bangers of the past. The DiaStar Original in Ceramos comes to mind and the recent revival of the Anatom also offers an insightful look into the brand’s storied past.
Under the leadership of Bosshard, WOW Malaysia has also seen an expansion of the brand’s visibility in the country. There was the time the brand invited the Korean superstar, Ji Chang Wook, for the launch of the boutique in Pavilion KL and just recently, it minted yet another boutique in The Exchange TRX. With so much going on with Rado, we thought it apt to take a breather with Bosshard and have a casual chat on where the brand is headed.
“Personally, I really believe that other brands, luxury brands which are in different price segments, using ceramic is a compliment for Rado. It is underlining that we are doing something right”
You have been with Rado for, what is it, four years now?
Yes, four years. I started [with Rado] on July 1, 2020, after 24 years in the Swatch Group handling Certina, Union Glashütte and I was also the coordinator for the Swiss market and Eastern Europe. I have had a lot of functions but because Rado is such a big global brand, I wanted to focus on it exclusively.
Having now moved to Rado, what are the few things you noticed that are different between Rado and brands like Certina and Union Glashütte?
As the CEO of a brand, you always have to serve the brand. So you need to put yourself into the philosophy of the brand and act accordingly. Certina is a sporty brand in the mid-price segment; Union Glashütte is a German brand with classical watchmaking values; and Rado is a pioneering brand, master of materials, with innovative and provocative designs that are both unique and inspired by no one else. With other brands, sometimes they need to be inspired by their peers but with Rado, there is no need to be inspired by others because we have different technologies to make the watches. Therefore, the biggest difference for me was the size. Certina was an international brand but not a global brand. Union Glashütte was a regional brand, present in Germany, Austria and China. And Rado is a global brand. It is on a totally different scale.
There was a time when Rado was one of the only brands to use ceramics. In the last five years, however, there has been a growing number of brands, some at much higher price points that are using and developing the ceramic material as well. Is the future of Rado in jeopardy?
Personally, I really believe that other brands, luxury brands which are in different price segments, using ceramic is a compliment for Rado. It is underlining that we are doing something right. We were the pioneers in 1986, the first brand to use ceramics with the Integral, and after that, it was the Coupoule and the Ceramica models. We are using a material that has so many advantages – scratch-resistance, lightness and aesthetic beauty and it is only normal that other brands see the advantage and want to integrate such materials into their collections.
However, due to the fact that Rado already has decades of experience in ceramic, it is also obvious that Rado has a patrimony in the material which will always give us an experiential advantage. So for example, in colour variation, we have so many colours which we can produce. When you see the Le Corbusier, you will see that we can make many different colours at a stable level. And all of this at a price point which is unbeatable. Who else can offer a fully ceramic watch at our price point? We have the competence to play around with colours that will never stop. And additionally don’t forget we have other materials like Ceramos on our DiaStar, which is still a popular collection here in Malaysia.
With the DiaStar our experience also gives us an edge. Before this, it was only possible to create the DiaStar at this price point with hard metals but today we can do it in Ceramos as well. Lighter than hard metal, even more resistant and with greater wear comfort, it has the same features as high-tech ceramic. This is our advantage as well to have this kind of variation.
Rado has just launched its new facility in Switzerland. What would you say will be the advantages for the brand now that it has these new capabilities?
The new facilities have three main advantages. When I first started with Rado I told Mr Hayek the biggest asset of the brand is the materials. So the first advantage is quantity and quality. With the new facilities, we are now able to have higher output in terms of production, but with the same level of quality. Secondly, we have better resources for the development of materials. In this facility, they are only making the components for Rado. Only a few bezels are for Longines but the rest are for Rado meaning most of the employees are already Rado-oriented and it is much easier for R&D if everyone there is on the same page. Lastly, the new facilities will be great for telling the brand story to visitors and journalists. When they understand what goes into the watch behind the scenes, it has that much more value.
What do you think the market is looking for? And how are you steering Rado towards this direction?
You know, we are selling more mechanical movements, and this is a trend globally. People who are buying watches at a certain price point like the timeless quality of mechanical movements. Today’s customers mostly have many watches and when they pick up a quartz watch after a long time, the battery can sometimes be flat. With a mechanical watch, they can pick it up, wind it up and it works. And also there is an emotional appeal to winding up the watch, giving it energy. Customers like this.
“As a teaser, we are also currently in the development phases of a movement which we think you will be extremely excited to see”
It is true that the watch buyers of today are looking for more mechanical movements. They are also looking for complications. Will we be seeing more complications coming from Rado in the future?
You are perhaps a few steps ahead of Rado! Of course, now we have a power reserve indicator in the Coupole collection and in the DiaStar we have some small seconds. But you are right, we were, in the past, never a brand to focus on complications. We mainly focused on material innovation and design. But I definitely believe that certain complications, not tourbillons and the like, but some complications can elevate the brand.
We have been quite successful with the addition of the power reserve indicator in the Coupole classic so we will be making more versions with this feature. Also, there are moonphases on the horizon and, a GMT.
Ah the GMT, yes this will be popular!
Yes the GMT is interesting because I think the GMT has a good function. And also we will be having a big surprise next year in the form of a chronograph. And we already have the competence to add these complications because, under the same group, our supplier is ETA. We are already working very closely with them to customise all our movements to our specifications. Tested in five positions, for example, the rotor in the shape of the Rado anchor is another. So it would be easy to develop some complications for Rado’s watches.
However, when we work with ETA in terms of development, we have to finance it. So when there is a business case for it, we absolutely can do it, like the Calibre R808 for example. As a teaser, we are also currently in the development phases of a movement which we think you will be extremely excited to see. But for this, you probably have to wait around two more years. Movements take time…
With such a long history not just in Rado but in the wider Swatch Group as well, what can you tell us is something that has changed over the years?
When I first started in the watch industry as the CEO of a brand it was 2003. At that time there was a huge difference between markets, especially in watch sizes. In China, there was a demand for very classical, small-size watches while in Europe it was sporty, large watches. Today, the markets are more similar because you have global communication through social media. Even if you are in China, the US or Malaysia you get inspired by the same sources worldwide.
I would say the one important difference we still have, especially in South East Asia and India is that yellow and rose gold is much more appreciated in the region as compared to Europe.
What is your focus on the business end of things moving forward?
We have much room for improvement in terms of retail, not just in Malaysia but globally as well. Only with proper retail you can transfer the strength of the brand to the end-user and cultivate a good perception of the brand in the market. In Malaysia, we are on the right track, gaining more and more market share with the Captain Cook collection and with the True collection, and we will continue to develop our retail to continue this trend.
When you are producing products like Rado does, I don’t want to want to see the brand showcased in a crowded environment. It is not a matter of arrogance, it is because we are proud of our products, so we don’t want to see our watches in a store that is not capable of transferring all the features to the end consumer. Because when you are a customer of Rado I want you to be well-served. We want to have the best service possible so we are becoming more selective with our partners.
Just as an example, when I started four years ago, we had about 4,050 points of sales globally. Now we have cut it down to around 3,000 doors and yet, we are selling more watches. And we are not quite done yet.
This article first appeared on WOW’s #74 Autumn 2024 Issue.
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