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Friday, March 31, 2023
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What Women Want In The Real Estate Industry
Dora Chng, General Manager (Residential), GuocoLand. Image: GuocoLand.
As General Manager (Residential) of GuocoLand — a premier real estate company renowned for their integrated mixed-use developments such as Guoco Tower, Singapore’s tallest building — Dora Chng is one of the most notable women in Singapore’s real estate industry. Ms Chng has close to 20 years of experience in the sales, marketing, and leasing of residential properties. Chng has the chops to affirm her position in the industry after having snagged awards for the group’s residential properties, some of which include Wallich Residence and Martin Modern. Her forte shines in product development, product positioning, and communications strategy. Since joining GuocoLand in 2014, she’s made a name for herself. LUXUO spent 15 minutes with the cheery and affable Ms Chng where she shared her insights as a woman working in the male-dominated real estate industry.
Why did you choose to go into the property industry?
I am a trained interior designer and took an interest in real estate when I started work as an interior designer. I began to fall in love with it because of the satisfaction that comes from helping people find their dream homes, and even more so now that I am part of the creative team which designs the developments.
What do you think about being a woman in a male-dominated industry?
Being a woman in a male-dominated industry can be challenging, but it can also be empowering. But I honestly do not feel that being a woman is a disadvantage for me in the real estate industry. In fact, I think that as women are more sensitive to everyone’s daily requirements, we can address the needs and wants of the end users better.
Pool deck at Wallich Residences. Image: GuocoLand.
What do you think are some of the tenets of a working woman today?
It’s more challenging than ever being a working woman today as women have been advocating gender equality, fair opportunities as well as non-bias representation in leadership. So, the working world today is expecting more from women than before. However, the working women of today are multi-taskers who are more confident to voice out their stances for causes they care about. I think the modern women of today prefer flexible work arrangements to look after their young families or aged parents. In terms of professional development, many women are investing time and money in formal courses to improve their professional prospects.
I also believe many women are recognising that personal well-being is important, especially mental health. They are also more conscious of their physical well-being, too. So, I think women are more health conscious in the current digital age. I also see some women wanting to gain financial independence either to pamper themselves or basically feel proud of themselves. I also notice more women are taking time to volunteer in social causes, so they value their contribution to society.
What do you think the industry is lacking for women?
I genuinely do not feel that we have been disadvantaged as women in the real estate industry in Singapore. There has been greater gender diversity and equality and women in our industry have equal opportunities and representation in this industry.
Martin Modern residences. Image: GuocoLand.
What do you think about AI disrupting the property industry?
I think AI disruption has been benefitting the real estate industry in Singapore. It helps with productivity and efficiency in areas such as streamlining transaction time and resources at our showsuite (option generation system). In fact, AI is helping the real estate business not just in Singapore but the world over through augmented reality. This has helped buyers and sellers with new innovative ways to view and market properties, thus not only improving the experience but also reducing travelling time. In terms of sustainability, which is the buzzword currently, AI is helping real estate businesses to reduce their carbon footprint such as providing option documents digitally and reducing building energy costs through intelligent sensors. However, it is critical that AI is used ethically and responsibly.
What are some of the challenges you face in your work being a woman?
While I generally do not face many awkward challenges in my work as a woman, I do notice that it is still very difficult for married women with children to balance family and work commitments. It is often expected of women to be sacrificing their work advancement opportunities when they have young children or elderly family members to care for. With that said, I’ve also noticed that women in Singapore have made significant progress in the workforce e.g., the Head of Departments in GuocoLand is made up of a high percentage of women.
What kind of soft skills is important in your area of expertise?
Strong communication skills are crucial in motivating and leading a team, conveying strategies, and building strong relationships with stakeholders. Being a leader with high EQ is required — understanding the emotions of your team and clients so that one can respond adequately to build trust and rapport. We need to constantly approach marketing and sales strategies creatively to differentiate ourselves from competitors and be quick and effective in solving problems as they arise.
What would you like to see women working in this industry 10 years from now?
I am quite sure that employers and policymakers will take steps to address the challenges which women face now and create a more inclusive and supportive work environment for women in Singapore.
Rendering of Balcony design at a unit at Midtown Modern. Image: GuocoLand.
If you had a chance to tell your younger self, what advice would you give her?
Learnings and encounters on the job are indispensable stepping stones and opportunities. Accept the challenges with an open heart. Without these, I will not acquire the skills I have today.
What would you do in your capacity to change the mindset about women working in this industry?
I think the women in Singapore have been very fortunate, being able to enjoy the same education opportunities as our brothers. Therefore, I feel there is no disadvantage for us in the real estate industry. On the contrary, women need to empower themselves with the skills required in any capacity and embrace the challenges that come our way, if we are interested in being in this industry. If we had set our mind to do it, we would have won half the battle first. I am looking forward to seeing more husbands taking a supporting role in their families, allowing their wives to take centre stage in their careers.
Tell us something you like to do in your free time.
I am now investing time in my personal well-being as well, spending time exercising to build a stronger, more resilient body to handle more challenges ahead. Other than golf classes, I like to paint and spend time with my fur babies.
For more property reads, click here.
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Lamborghini Revuelto: The First Super Sports V12 Hybrid HPEV
When Lamborghini announced that it would discontinue the production of the Aventador, it signalled the end of an era. For a decade, the Aventador represented the pinnacle of luxury sports cars, and the last naturally aspirated Lamborghini to be produced in Sant’Agata Bolognese was the Aventador LP 780-4 Ultimae Roadster. But following months of teases and speculations, the Raging Bull has unveiled a successor for the Aventador, the Lamborghini Revuelto — the first super sports V12 hybrid plug-in HPEV (High Performance Electrified Vehicle).
This beast is a befitting sports car to celebrate the 60th anniversary of Lamborghini while also marked the first foray into the world of electrification by the Italian automaker. According to the plans set forth by the brand, it is on track to become electrified, and the Revuelto is the first hybrid model from Lamborghini. Powering the Revuelto is a combination of an internal combustion engine as well as three electric motors. The former is Lamborghini’s signature 6.5-litre V12 engine, which has been used in its flagships for decades. With the aspirated engine alone, the Revuelto can deliver 814bhp at 9,250rmp and 725Nm of torque. Combined with the three electric motors, the car can hit 1,001bhp.
As for the “newer” component of its powertrain, two motors are located on the front axle and another above the eight-speed double-clutch gearbox. A lithium-ion high power battery pack powers the three motors. Coupled with the ICE, its acceleration from 0 to 100km/h only takes 2.5 seconds, and it can also hit a top speed of more than 350km/h.
The battery motors are recharged via three methods: charging via an outlet that only takes 30 minutes to recharge fully; regenerative braking from the front wheels; or directly from the V12 engine in just under six minutes. With such a powerful car, one would expect the batteries to be heavy, but Lamborghini has kept it at 70kg. To further mitigate the effects of the battery pack, the Revuelto is built upon the marque’s new aeronautics-inspired chassis, the “monofuselage”. This chassis is made of multi-technology carbon fibre, with forged composites for the front structure, allowing for a 25 per cent increase in torsional stiffness over the Aventador while being 10 per cent lighter.
The Revuelto has a striking appearance that is sure to turn heads. While the powertrain is the most talked-about aspect of the car, its design is just as impressive. With a wedge shape, sharp angles, and scissor doors, the Revuelto is an exaggerated version of the Aventador, complete with a rocket ship-like rear and a front fascia featuring hooded headlights and Y-shaped running lights. Despite its aggressive exterior, the cabin is surprisingly spacious, with more headroom than previous Lamborghini models. The driver’s cockpit resembles a fighter jet with three digital displays, including a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, an 8.4-inch infotainment screen and a slightly larger display at 9.1-inch for the passenger. To maximise the hybrid powertrain, the driver can choose from 13 driving modes using the squared-off steering wheel and infotainment system, including Recharge, Hybrid, and Performance.
Overall, the Revuelto is a beautiful and innovative supercar from Lamborghini. Its potent new powertrain is sure to capture attention, but the design and interior of the car are also noteworthy. With a unique and bold exterior design and a spacious and technologically advanced cabin, the Revuelto is a step forward for Lamborghini as it embarks on a new era of electrification. The driver can choose from various driving modes to make the most of the hybrid powertrain, and the fighter jet-style cockpit will surely make for an exciting driving experience.
“The new Revuelto is a milestone in the history of Lamborghini, and an important pillar in our Direzione Cor Tauri electrification strategy,” said Stephan Winkelmann, Lamborghini Chairman and CEO. “It is a unique and innovative car but at the same time faithful to our DNA: the V12 is an iconic symbol of our super sports heritage and history. Revuelto was born to break the mould, combining a new 12-cylinder engine with hybrid technology, creating the perfect balance between delivering the emotion that our clients want with the necessity to reduce emissions.”
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Thursday, March 30, 2023
Watches and Wonders 2023 Day 3 Highlights
A day without fanfare at Watches and Wonders Geneva is as likely as a sunny January day in the Scottish highlands. So it is that our third day at the fair must begin with a watch that no one can buy, and for which there is no price: the Roger Dubuis Monovortex Split Seconds Chronograph. The watch is a wild one, packed with what we can only call brazen innovations, including a “vortex” tourbillon, which the marketing team tells us does not really qualify as a true tourbillon. It also leans into the gravity element of the story, as tourbillons do, with a special rotor called the turbo rotor. Roger Dubuis happily tells us that they wanted to be a bit silly, and thus the rotor — being arranged perpendicularly to the movement — finds itself in a disadvantageous position. The goal of this concept is to push boundaries into the realm of the cool — hyper cool, one might say. This message, delivered during the product presentation, is a little at odds with the official position, but this will just join our list of questions for the future, as we note at the end. For now, we know that Roger Dubuis calls all this extravagance hyper horology, to distinguish it from vanilla haute horlogerie. It is even called Hyper Horology, with a “TM,” in a nod to how seriously takes Roger Dubuis takes its mission to find a bit of fun in timekeeping.
- READ MORE: Watches and Wonders 2023 Day 1 Highlights
In a totally distracting and disarming move, Roger Dubuis had all kinds of robots on display in its stand, including a Boston Dynamics robot dog (that may just look like that robot because we didn’t ask) that attempted to make friends with everyone. The coming robotic apocalypse never looked so appealing… Similarly, Tudor stole the show from under its own novelties by turning its manufacture into a digital participant in its debut video. The video showcasing its new facility in Le Locle was deeply absorbing, besides being indicative of Tudor’s plan to go all the way on the METAS path. Speaking of which, Tudor does indeed have a whole slate of new models that will be available for wrists everywhere, including its second-ever METAS model, the Black Bay in 41mm. This watch seems like another step towards Tudor adopting this certification across its range. The firm is obviously able to control more of its production with the addition of the new manufacture. Still, production facilities and certifications do not mean any given watch will be a good one, which is why the new variations of the Black Bay GMT are key. We think Tudor is paving the way for big things, but that is only possible with more and more novelties that fire people up.
While we have already paid our respects to more than two dozen brands, this story should close with TAG Heuer, where we discovered that we were both right and wrong about the Carrera. Yes, there is indeed a new Carrera in town, but the current model remains in the picture. This is similar to what happened when the new Aquaracer debuted in 2021, with both old and new versions of the same model family coexisting. The new 39mm model is quite the festive number, even earning itself the catchy glassbox moniker (TAG Heuer proposed this themselves and the Internet took the bait, even though it is a bit confusing, but we can think of nothing better ourselves), and even sports an evolved version of the automatic calibre Heuer 02 called the TH20-00. It is all a bit mysterious since there are two models here, with date windows on opposite ends of the dial, and thus two variations of the calibre, which is a reasonable assumption. As always, it would not be a watch fair if we left with more answers than questions, but we have the rest of 2023 to figure it out.
Read about our Watches and Wonders 2023 Day 2 Highlights here.
For more watch reads, click here.
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The Glenturret Prowess Is The Second Single Malt Under The Trinity Series
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This Mallorca Beach House Should be Your Next Holiday Abode
Known for its beautiful coastline, secluded coves, wineries, fresh produce farms and many more, Spain’s Mallorca is a popular destination for holiday-goers. Its Mediterranean climate is also a huge attraction for those looking to escape the cold during winter or the sweltering heat of summer. Those looking to take advantage of what Mallorca has to offer have a chance to buy a beach house and build the perfect base for a family vacation.
Nestled at Cap Depera, a renovated beach house sits just above the sea on the rocks along the up-and-coming east coast of Mallorca. Located in a quiet neighbourhood, the property is discreetly positioned with trees lined around it. This house is one of the best choices for families that value their privacy.
Just behind the house is private access to the beach, and it only takes five minutes to reach it. With such proximity to the beach, partaking in water activities could be the family’s next favourite pastime. There is also the possibility of docking a boat or even housing sea kayaks and paddle boards. Looking to venture further out the coast? Boat chartering services are also available. If the sea is not the top pick of the day, there is a large free form pool that the family can use and it comes heated should the weather turn chilly.
Moving on to the house, the property is a masterclass in design and artisanal work. From the doors to cupboards and windows, these are all hand-crafted to the highest specifications. To elevate the vacation vibes, the house is dressed in subtle colours one would associate with relaxed beach living. Rattan furniture, one of the hallmarks of living by the beach, occupy the space with generous amount of cushions.
On the upper floor is a double bedroom with en-suite bathroom. A level down, on the garden floor, there are three more en-suite bedrooms that open out to the pool and the sea, and at the entrance level is a self-contained master suite that sits privately to one side of the house. Apart from having its own bar station, the suite comes with a balcony and a sitting room where you can spend the day watching your favourite shows on the large-screen TV.
The house is looked after by a charming concierge and two wonderful Spanish ladies who will dish out delicious food with ingredients sourced locally. Getting around the area is fairly easy as most places are within a short five minutes walk like the Cap Depera village, while the golf course is just a five-minute drive. The airport, Palma de Mallorca international airport, is only an hour away from the house.
With most of the amenities already provided for alongside the stunning location, this beach house at Cap Depera, Mallorca, should be your next holiday house.
For all information and bookings, you may contact SJ Villas, the boutique villa agency headquartered in London.
For more property reads, click here.
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Wally Ups Horsepower on Wallypower58x
Wally staged the world premiere of the wallypower58x at the Palm Beach International Boat Show in Florida, where it photographed the first unit fitted with four 600hp Mercury Verado V12 outboard engines. With the model’s most powerful propulsion option working in tandem with the ultra-deep-V hull, the wallypower58x can top 50 knots at half load and has a cruising speed of 42 knots for 320nm.
The outboard version of the wallypower58 that debuted last year, the x edition has a reduced draft compared to other models, making the boat suitable for shallow waters, while the rotating gearcases and joystick manoeuvring system assist docking in tight spaces.
- READ MORE: Wally Adds Wallywhy100 To High-volume Series
Stefano de Vivo, Managing Director of Wally, said: “Wally stands for avant-garde, so we’ve found a way to unite the very latest in outboard performance with the essential access to the water that the wallypower line provides. Exhilarating speed from 2,400hp of motors, peerless handling and a true spirit of enjoying what nature has to offer — these are all hallmarks of Wally yachts.”
The four engines are arranged in two pairs, separated by a central transom, while the outer transoms, which include a hydraulic passarelle that doubles as a bathing ladder, can combine with the fold-down bulwarks as part of a 25sqm beach club.
Like on the original model, the aft area is dominated by a four-person sun pad, which can adjust to sit four people facing forward, while a sleek sun awning folds up to cocoon the sunpad at the touch of a button. Deep side decks run forward to a second sun lounge on the foredeck.
The stealth-like deckhouse includes an electric overhead hatch and a one-piece windscreen, while the covered area includes two long sofas, a foldable dining table and a galley, and can be air-conditioned or even fully enclosed and heated.
Below deck is a master cabin with en-suite bathroom in the bow, while midships, illuminated by an overhead glass panel, is the option of a full-beam saloon or a portside guest/crew cabin and a smaller saloon. The interior’s major innovation is the ‘Magic Porthole’, a large screen on the inside of the hull that shows the outside view as relayed by a camera.
This article first appeared on Yacht Style.
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Wednesday, March 29, 2023
Watches and Wonders 2023 Day 2 Highlights
Life at the PalExpo for Watches and Wonders Geneva begins at Rolex and Patek Philippe, even without the right appointment. We kick off day 2 at Patek Philippe, with a series of chiming watches, including new versions of our favourite, the Grandmaster Chime. One is a fully gem-set wonder, Ref. 6300/403G-001 that is destined for only the boldest and most prosperous of wrists (or perhaps just one), while the other is the first two-tone version of their model ever, Ref. 6300GR-001. Patek Philippe drew our attention in particular to Ref.5316/50P-001, which is the perpetual calendar with minute repeater, now for the first time with a sapphire crystal dial. Like all the chiming watches, this one was only in the showcase, but it seems the manufacture is quite proud of it, given that they made special points about the gold appliqués that are set on top of the crystal, which reveals the intricacies of the perpetual calendar module. The bulk of our time was spent eyeing Ref.5224R-001, which a new travel time piece, but this time sans pushers because everything is controlled via the crown.
Reversing time by 24 hours, we return to Zenith where the highlight is also a calendar mechanism that is also awesomely put together in a way that does not call attention to itself. The distinguishing feature of the new Big Date Flyback Chrono with double date disc window is really how the watch feels to operate and to wear. The pushers have been configured here to deliver very precise amounts of pressure to activate the chronograph functions, making everything feel as smooth as ceramic ball bearings, or silk if that analogy makes more sense to you. The watchmakers have paid a lot of attention to making the use of the pushers a real pleasure., while also working to reduce shocks to the movement that are typically associated with the flyback function. We were doubly impressed by the date display, which also employs a new instantaneous change system that the brand showed us works in less than 0.03 seconds; the movement can also be adjusted quickly without fear of the calendar tens and units discs running amok. There is more to say here, but we must move on to Grand Seiko, where yet another chronograph is on the up.
Helpfully named the Tentagraph, the watch is of course known by its reference number, SLGC001, as is normal for Grand Seiko. It is recognisable by its tri-compact layout, pretty standard for this sort of complication. In all other ways, the Tentagraph is completely different, being one of only a handful of chronographs in the world regulated by something other than the Swiss lever escapement. Here it is the dual impulse escapement you might recall from a couple of years ago, and most notably in calibre 9SA5, which is now implemented in the chronograph calibre 9SC5; we understand that this is a chronograph module added to 9SA5. The Tentagraph is actually the first chronograph from Grand Seiko and this is a magnificent start; the name Tentagraph is indicative of the 36,000vph beat rate.
High-beat movements are not on the cards for Rolex this year, but the brand has revealed its most exciting slate of watches in years, with the Perpetual 1908 being a clear winner for us, and the exhibition caseback on the Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona clearly breaking the Internet. Apparently, we will need to discuss finishing at Rolex for the first time since this writer’s own Prince 5443. Indeed, there are tonnes of little developments and major ones at the world’s most important luxury watch brand and we will not get to them all in this post. Well, something to look forward to then, but do note here that the calibre 7140 powering the 1908 is entirely new, and features the first use of both the Syloxi hairspring and the Chronergy escapement.
Read about our Watches and Wonders 2023 Day 1 Highlights here.
For more watch reads, click here.
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Gear Up With Victorinox’s Hi-Vis Alox Limited Edition 2023 Collection
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The Glenrothes Debuts “The 42”
When the media is invited for a whisky tasting session, there is a certain anticipation of what’s to come because we are often intrigued by how these whisky brands will introduce their products to us. We have five senses: sight, hearing, smell, taste and touch. While the sense of taste is a no-brainer for a tasting session, enjoying a glass of Scotch would involve the remaining senses for a holistic experience. Nailing this to a tee was the launch of The Glenrothes 42 at Singapore’s 67 Pall Mall.
The journey of The 42 starts with the first experience, where guests walk through a green foliage. This part of the mini tour explains the connection with nature that The Glenrothes has in producing some of their signature expressions. Leaving the “greenery” behind, a small reception area awaits and a wall featuring The Glenrothes 18 Years Old, 25 Years Old and 30 Years Old decorates the spaces. As for the welcome drink, it was a cocktail made with the 12 Years Old which the brand said it would discontinue producing.
- READ MORE: The Glenrothes: In Quiet Pursuit Of Success
For the next leg of the tour, guests were ushered into a room where the spotlight was on The 42. A short CGI film was played to introduce the rare spirit before a door was made known and the final destination was revealed. It was a room with tables interspersed around, and lunch was next up on the agenda for the day. A four-course meal was specially curated by the chef to pair with the four expressions to be tasted: The Glenrothes 18 Years Old, 25 Years Old, 30 Years Old and 42 Years Old.
In the whisky world, there is no right or wrong regarding the age of a whisky expression. While there is a consensus that older whiskies tend to be more complex due to the ageing process, it is not the be-all and end-all. But for this special occasion, The 42 Years Old stood out as the star and is not without reason. The spirit is an amalgamation of hand-picked The Glenrothes Single Malt casks that have matured for more than four decades on the distiller’s estate.
Under the expert guidance of Master Whisky Maker Laura Rampling, she selected just four casks that met her criteria. The flavours of the liquids have reached “a pinnacle of flavour, producing a liquid that reflects the changing colours of the Rothes landscape and shines through in the vibrant flavour profile of the whisky.”
On the nose, a comforting flora scent engulfs the senses with aromas of sun-ripened apricots, sugared almonds, orange peel and coriander seed. As the golden liquid coats the mouth, vanilla, honeycomb and fragrant orange oil give it a richly sweet taste likened to brown sugar. As for the finish, The 42 is creamy sweet and velvety with a hint of spiciness that doesn’t overpower the entire experience. Overall, The 42 has a myriad of colours waiting to be discovered and represents the numerous seasons of change that the whisky underwent to produce its unique quality.
Sharing more about The 42, Laura Rampling said: “This 42-year-old whisky epitomises the character of The Glenrothes distillery. These four casks have taken our spirit on a journey of maturation over more than four decades, refining the original delicate and fruity character of our new make spirit without overpowering it. Part science, part alchemy and a little bit of magic, the result is a beautifully elegant whisky that truly allows the bright and vibrant character of The Glenrothes to sing.”
Just 1,134 bottles of The 42 will be available worldwide. For more information, head over to The Glenrothes website here.
For more alcohol reads, click here.
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