Syed Ahmad Bin Abdul Rahman Alhabshee's career journey is about resilience and a certain bullishness. As the founder of Urban Salvation, an independent furniture maker who uses locally sourced or salvaged wood from the region to make customised designs and does antique restorations, he isn't just a man clever with his hands but a passionate orator of the incidents that have shaped him in life.
We're at his workshop in Tampines, a mid-sized warehouse on the second floor with rows of beautifully grained furniture. Ahmad greets us with a warm welcome, gesturing to a table with food and snacks. He's prepared them for us and tells us there are drinks in the fridge.
Urban Salvation is a success story that's easy to get behind. The 35-year-old was featured in this year's National Day Parade in August and the People of Design campaign by DesignSingapore Council earlier in the year. It's a feel-good headline that aligns with Singapore's 2030 Green Plan a local furniture maker pushing for sustainability. But like the rest of the trade skills, such as farming and sewing, interest in woodworking is dying out.
A SAFE SPACE TO LEARN
While the number of young people who come to their workshops is "very disappointing", a few have the tenacity and desire to continue. He is effusive in his praise for an ex-intern named Firdaus, a firefighter who now has his own furniture repair company on the side, and Dina, a former student who wants to return as a teacher after getting married. "These kinds of people are tough to come by," he sighs.
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
SECRET FUN
Behind imposing angular structures lies a portal to the family's very own clubhouse, complete with a pool and basketball court.
RATTAN REIMAGINED
From chance discovery to mastery, Ng Si Ying’s journey into rattan weaving bridges tradition and modernity with every piece she creates.
AN APPETITE FOR ADVENTURE
Forget the pampering body wraps and hot stone massages. Andrew Leci discovers that adventure is the best path to a spiritual awakening.
PARADISE, PRESERVED
Luxury and purpose are embraced at this idyllic retreat tucked away in Indonesia’s Anambas Archipelago.
GRAPES OF CHANGE
The time is ripe to explore the burgeoning potential of Asia's wine regions, where innovative winemakers are cultivating distinct flavours and putting their mark on the global wine scene.
VESSELS OF THE HEART
Daisuke Shibuya, head sommelier at one-Michelin-starred Terra, shares his penchant for collecting cups and glasses, and how his eclectic collection mirrors his approach to wine.
ONE OF ONE
At the by-appointment-only Rolls-Royce Private Office Seoul, where clients can commission bespoke, one-of-a-kind Rolls-Royce creations, nothing is too complex or unattainable.
WATCH HIS WORLD
Radiologist and self-professed watch addict Dominic Liew, who began collecting at 15, shares what makes him tick.
PERFECTION PERSONIFIED
Swiss master artisan Agnes Paul-Depasse, who makes straw, feather, and silk thread marquetry dials for Hermes, reveals eight fascinating truths about such rare historical crafts.
FACES OF CHANGE
These days, it's not unusual for watch brands to have exclusive boutiques.
