Robb Report Singapore’s second annual gala, Luxury Distilled, returned to Capella Singapore for an immersive evening celebrating elegance, innovation, and luxury with heart
The grand ballroom of Capella Singapore radiated understated elegance as guests arrived for Robb Report Singapore’s second annual gala, themed Luxury Distilled. From the moment attendees stepped into the venue, they were immersed in an atmosphere of sophistication as readers, industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and brand partners mingled and posed against the event’s photo wall.
The evening began with a welcome address by Daniel Chan, publisher of Robb Report Singapore, who reflected on the magazine’s 13-year journey and shared his vision for the future. Video montages highlighted key milestones and celebrated the brand’s enduring values of aspiration, excellence, and refinement.
Michael von Schlippe, president of Media Publishares, followed with remarks on redefining the meaning of luxury and introduced the newest members of the Robb Report Thought Leaders community. Behind-the-scenes footage from the October photo shoot offered an intimate look at these individuals shaping conversations around luxury, innovation, and leadership. The honorees later took the stage to receive exclusive copies of the issue featuring their portraits, before posing for a commemorative group photograph.
Guests were then treated to a meticulously curated five-course dinner, with each dish paired with select wines and champagnes from 75cl and Champagne Collet. The interplay of flavours and textures, complemented by live jazz from Rebecca Burch and James Fernando of Bikerband, transformed dinner into a multisensory expression of the evening’s theme.
The night’s highlight was the Luxury Distilled 2025 awards, recognising outstanding contributions in business innovation, philanthropy, the arts, and sustainability. Presented by Alvin Wong, editor-in-chief of Robb Report Singapore, the awards underscored the transformative potential of modern luxury.
The honorees were Samuel Rhee and Gregory Van, co-founders of Endowus, for the Business Innovation Award; UBS for the Patron of the Arts Award; Esther An, chief sustainability officer of City Developments Limited, for the Advocate of Sustainability Award; and Melissa Kwee, who accepted the Spirit of Philanthropy Award virtually, sharing a heartfelt reflection on the power of purposeful giving.
Video interviews revealed each recipient’s philosophy and approach to success, while bespoke plaques and luxury gifts from Dyson, Montblanc, Clé de Peau Beauté, and Bell & Ross marked their recognition.
As the evening drew to a close, conversations and connections continued to flow, reinforcing the community’s shared appreciation for excellence and innovation. Guests departed with curated gifts—including Air France first-class amenities, Riedel glassware, a Clé de Peau Beauté travel set, and the October issue of Robb Report Singapore—a thoughtful reminder of an unforgettable night.
From the opening notes of jazz to the final farewell, the gala fulfilled its promise: an evening where luxury was not merely celebrated but distilled to its purest form. Robb Report Singapore extends its gratitude to its partners—Air France, Dyson, Riedel, Champagne Collet, Montblanc, Visit Monaco, Corvette, Bell & Ross, and Clé de Peau Beauté—for helping realise this elegant celebration of refinement and excellence.
This story first appeared in the November 2025 issue. Purchase it as a print or digital copy, or consider subscribing to us here
