Self-sufficiency and purpose bubble strong in Kim Fournais. The chief executive of Saxo Bank made his mark as a pioneer of fintech, having set up an online trading platform in 1998, six years after he founded the company at the age of 26 with 70,000 euros in capital. Today, he heads a global firm with over 2,500 employees across major cities managing over US$100 billion (S$1.3 billion) in client assets. AIong the way, he learned how to pilot a turbo prop plane because he loves the freedom it affords as well as the efficiency of zipping his people around Europe.
The 57-year-old Dane is in Singapore on his bi-annual visit to the company's first office outside of Denmark. Sitting down with Prestige, he shares that he has been conducting a sustainable living experiment for the past two decades. "In 2005, I bought a small, 155ha island in Denmark and made it self-sustaining. There are wind turbines, solar cells, battery storage, regenerative farming. It's to show that sustainability can happen, that you can have wonderful nature, wonderful home-grown food and live a healthy and beautiful life in balance with nature," he says. The island is not financially sustainable yet - that's the trial part of the project - but he believes it's a model for what can be achieved, to rebalance the environment and create jobs.
Denne historien er fra December 2023-utgaven av Prestige Singapore.
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Denne historien er fra December 2023-utgaven av Prestige Singapore.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Double Take
Although somewhat dismissed by the contemporary art world as gimmicky, works that incorporate optical illusions remain immensely popular with the general public. Perhaps it speaks to our inherent need for something slightly magical in our everyday lives.
Plugged Into Wealth
Fintech advocate Carney Mak is bullish on disruptive technologies, but preaches deep understanding of business models before diving in.
Going for Green
SIMON ROGAN's visionary approach of cooking in tune with nature is inspiring chefs in Asia to be more sustainable.
TABLES TURNED
They could have their pick of the best schools, but more young super achievers from Asia are going to a hotel academy a choice they believe opens up more doors.
PRECIOUS HISTORY
Cleef Arpel TACHA VASSILTCHIKOV res her insights the jewellery house Peers preserving its patrimony and Heritage.
MARKS OF DISTINCTION
A clasp-free necklace that could be easily put on by the wearer, without assistance.
Colours of the Season
Thanks to K-pop stars, analysing colours to personalise make-up has surged, with theslategs service available from the boutique of Korean. brity make-up artist JUNG SAEM MOOL.
MAKING OF AN OPUS
In Hermes’ Barénia, in-house perfumer CHRISTINE NAGEL has realised a decade-long dream that harks back to her childhood stories.
Everywhere Care
Serums from homegrown skincare brand Blé de Fonty target more than just the face.
Pucker Up
Lip moisturisers are essential in Singapore’s air-conditioned environment. We share our personal favourites and introduce lip care that go the distance.
