"One of the best ways to introduce New Bahru is by explaining its name," begins Wee Teng Wen. Wee is the founder of The Lo & Behold Group, the hospitality company behind some of the most exciting brands in Singapore's cultural and culinary landscape today. Over the past two decades, the group has brought to life concepts that include Odette, Fico and The Warehouse Hotel. Still, when it comes to scale and ambition, nothing compares to New Bahru. Undoubtedly the group's biggest project to date, New Bahru transforms the former Nan Chiau High School into a creative cluster that places its focus entirely on local talent.
"Bahru is Malay for 'new' and 'new new' is a reference to how Singaporeans like to say the same word twice. For us, it signals a new community and a new path that we want to build for Singapore's creatives," Wee explains.
You won't find any large international franchises within these walls. Instead, a line-up of local businesses, ranging from dining and lifestyle to wellness and enrichment, showcases the strength and diversity of our creatives. Housed in a site indelibly tied to local culture, New Bahru is like nothing we've seen before in Singapore's retail landscape.
"New Bahru is a dream project for us," reflects Wee. "It's a combination of all the work we've done over the last 20 years. It will bring together some of the most talented creatives and entrepreneurs across the different fields of lifestyle in Singapore and it's what we feel is the first concept to be able to assemble this kind of talent in one place."
Ahead of its opening. Wee shares how New Bahru came to become what it is today, what visitors can look forward to and how he hopes it will help Singapore's creative scene grow.
How did this project come about?
This story is from the Vogue Man Singapore - July/August 2024 edition of Vogue Singapore.
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 Vogue Man Singapore - July/August 2024 edition of Vogue Singapore.
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
A Fusion Of Worlds
Fusing French elegance with Balinese spirit, Sofitel Bali Nusa Dua Beach Resort extends an invitation for free minds to meet.
House Proud
Two symbolic homes come together in Louis Vuitton's latest haute horlogerie creation: a pocket watch that honours its historic trunk manufacture in Asnières and its cutting-edge watchmaking facility in Geneva.
A LIFE'S WORK
There are some paths in life that are a calling and palliative care feels like one of them. With great tenderness, three hospice nurses open up on what it means to offer care—in its many forms—at the end of life.
Genetic Make-Up
Digital filters, but with real-life consequences. Vogue Singapore considers the implications behind a new generation of parents choosing to edit pictures of their children.
Mythic ROMANCE
Dior's Cruise 2025 collection transports us to the enchanting landscapes of Scotland, blending romantic narratives with modern allure.
AN ASYLUM
Co-founders Jaren Neo and Becky Ng speak to Vogue Singapore on the driving force behind their label, its in-house residency programme and their hopes for a more supportive creative ecosystem.
Metropolis of IMAGINATION
Moncler debuts The City of Genius in Shanghai, a bold celebration of creativity featuring an eclectic line-up of visionary co-creators.
STANDING Tall
The Louis Vuitton Cruise 2025 collection was an exploration of postmodern architecture and the future through sharp tailoring, romantic draping and ornamental detailing.
WATERWORKS
In an era of power showers, cold plunges and #Shower Tok, there's still merit to be found in slowing down for the age-old ritual of bathing.
First CLASS
Education is the most powerful weapon, a noble pursuit that these three watches and jewellery brands have embarked on with different approaches.
