Under the stewardship of Vicky Hwang, the iconic art deco building Parkview Square is receiving a multimillion-dollar restoration that’s slated to be unveiled this month. She tells KAREN TEE about her passion for this family legacy
In recent years, awareness for shark protection has gained global recognition and declining a bowl of shark’s fin soup or ordering an alternative to this delicacy at a Chinese banquet has become de rigueur for the eco-conscious. But over two decades ago, the Hwang family of the Parkview Group empire was already making a brave stand for this cause.
As Vicky Hwang, managing director for Parkview Group in Singapore recalls, it began in the 1990s when her elder brother Leo began scuba diving as a teenager and learnt about the important role that sharks play in the marine ecosystem. He stopped eating shark’s fin soup at family dinners, where his relatives, including his grandfather, the late CS Hwang, founder of Chyau Fwu Group — which incorporated the Parkview Group — quickly noticed his statement-making act. Confusion soon gave way to understanding and the family, which owns a series of highend residential, hotel and office developments globally, began to take action by phasing out the dish at their restaurants.
Hwang herself was personally converted during her first open-water dive in Palau and now, the family is full of firm advocates of shark protection and its members are raising public awareness for the cause. “My family banned it in all our restaurants. I don’t eat it ever and I decline when it is served to me at banquets,” says Hwang.
Bu hikaye Prestige Singapore dergisinin March 2017 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye Prestige Singapore dergisinin March 2017 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
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.