CYNTHIA CHUA
Founder and chairman of Spa Esprit Group
Cynthia Chua has the Midas touch. The relentless entrepreneur is a tastemaker in the truest sense of the word. Since 1996, the savvy founder of the Spa Esprit Group has built an entire lifestyle empire encompassing some of the city’s most noteworthy F&B venues as well as beauty and wellness brands. The 16 brands (and counting) span over 100 outlets in 10 cities including Bangkok, Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong.
Chua has an uncanny ability to give consumers what they don’t know they want yet. She has dynamically introduced new concepts— to much fanfare—into the Singaporean market such as natural wine bar Drunken Farmer, farm-to-table dining experiences Noka, and Open Farm Community, and gut-friendly and gluten-free venue The Butcher’s Wife. The group, one of the brunch and coffee culture pioneers in Singapore, opens the seventh Tiong Bahru Bakery at the foothills of the historic Fort Canning Hill in April, and a new Common Man Coffee Roasters in Joo Chiat this month.
RISHI NALEENDRA
Chef-owner of one Michelin-starred Cheek Bistro, fine dining restaurant Cloudstreet, and Kotuwa, Singapore’s first full-service Sri Lankan restaurant
What’s new for you this year?
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Rohit Jha
Using lasers and a proprietary shoebox-sized device, this technopreneur’s company Transcelestial seeks to increase connectivity speeds and access around the globe—and soon, beyond it
Fashioning Heritage
Aqilah Zailan founded Studio Gypsied to honour her Javanese heritage and ancestral narratives, reimagining batik into everyday designs
Sound System
Through music and mentoring, ArtSee bridges cultural and educational gaps, nurturing marginalised youth and preserving heritage for future generations. Co-founder Nabillah Jalal reflects on its impact and vision to extend its reach to more communities
Island in the Sun
With its beachfront location and proximity to Singapore, and access to international schools and healthcare infrastructure, Batu Ferringhi makes for an ideal investment destination. Sean Lim of NWD Holdings tells us about the Singapore-based investment group's upcoming hospitality development in Penang
On the Flower Trail
Twenty years after their first collaboration, Louis Vuitton and renowned Japanese artist Takashi Murakami reunite for a vibrant re-edition collection, blending art and fashion in a bold celebration of creativity and craftsmanship
Toast to the New Year
Fashion designer Shuting Qiu brings her vibrant colour palette and intricate designs to Hennessy's Chinese New Year 2025 exclusive releases, which will be showcased at the Crafted, by Hennessy travelling exhibition in Ion Orchard.
To the Moon and Back
Be captivated by the moonphase displays on these A Lange & Söhne timepieces—the ideal companions for cherished moments with loved ones this season
Dreamy Hues
The innovative colour-enhancing and ultra-moisturising Dior Addict Lip Glow now comes in 20 vivid and exciting shades
A Call for Connection
Virtuoso pianist and Rolex Testimonee Hélène Grimaud masterfully bridges the worlds of art and advocacy, using her evocative performances and commitment to conservation to inspire a deeper connection between humanity and the natural world
Eastern Influence
Pascale Lepeu, director of the Cartier Collection, reflects on Cartier's latest exhibition, Cartier, the Power of Magic
