Over 200 readers, industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and exclusive brand partners graced Robb Report Singapore’s inaugural gala event, Thinking Luxury, in October

Purpose, impact, and the true power of wealth and privilege. These deeper ruminations on the evolving meaning of luxury were expressed and celebrated at Robb Report Singapore’s first gala event, aptly themed Thinking Luxury, on 12 October.

Set against the backdrop of Capella Singapore’s ballroom, the soiree drew the magazine’s readers, trailblazers, and luminaries across various industries, standing as a testament to the pinnacle of luxury, innovation and leadership.

The night commenced with an opening address by Daniel Chan, publisher of Robb Report Singapore, setting the tone with a retrospective on the brand’s journey and vision for the future. Accompanied by introductory video presentations, Chan’s speech charted the evolution of the magazine, which is currently in its 12th year.

The evening unfolded through a meticulously prepared five-course menu complemented by a selection of cocktails, wines and champagnes, courtesy of partners Penfolds, La Maison Du Whisky, Johnnie Walker, Tanqueray, Don Julio and Diageo. The refined atmosphere was further elevated by a soulful jazz performance from musicians Maya Raisha and Wesley Wong.

Taking to the stage to address the guests, Michael von Schlippe, president of Media Publishares, reiterated Robb Report Singapore’s journey and dedication to excellence. His words resonated deeply, reaffirming Robb Report’s position as a vanguard of luxury and thought leadership. Von Schlippe’s address then segued into a tribute to the newest inductees of Robb Report Singapore’s Thought Leaders community, accompanied by a behind-the-scenes video of the photoshoot featured in the magazine’s October 2024 issue.

A speech by Robb Report Singapore’s editor-in-chief, Alvin Wong, followed, urging guests to consider the potential of transformative luxury, and the evening culminated with an awards presentation ceremony.

The Thinking Luxury 2024 awards recognised the achievements by leading figures in the fields of business innovation, philanthropy, the arts and sustainability and, in doing so, sought to inspire the evening’s guests to do the same. The award recipients were Keith Ong and Foo Mao Ching, co-founders of RealVantage, for the Business Innovation award; Rachel Teo, co-founder of The Private Museum, for the Patron of the Arts award; Fang Eu-Lin, leader of PwC Singapore’s sustainability and climate change practice, for the Advocate of Sustainability award; and Chew Sutat, chairman of Community Chest, for the Spirit of Philanthropy award. The recipients were presented with personalised plaques along with exclusive gifts from Devialet, Montblanc, Clé de Peau and Chopard for the individual awards.

Each honoree’s unique journey, ethos and philosophy was expressed in specially prepared video interviews that preceded their acceptance speeches. And when they spoke, the recipients, too, made impassioned calls for excellence, creativity and advocacy that aligned with the evening’s theme.

Indeed, as inspirations for new ideas, ventures and perspectives were sparked, and new friendships blossomed while old relationships were affirmed, Robb Report Singapore’s Thinking Luxury gala achieved as its moniker intended. As the night drew to a close, guests went home with curated gifts comprising delicacies from TWG and Läderach, a Riedel wine glass, and the October issue of this magazine, ensuring the evening’s heartfelt conviviality lasted long after the dinner.

Special thanks to sponsors, Artworks, Chopard, Montblanc, Devialet, Clé de Peau, Don Julio, Tanqueray, Johnnie Walker, Penfolds, Riedel, TWG, and Läderach.

This story first appeared in the November 2024 issue. Purchase it as a print or digital copy, or consider subscribing to us here