July, 2012:

Osia’s first-ever Cooking with Friends by Chef Scott Webster at RWS

Jul 19th, 2012

Goat Cheese Soufflé with Hazelnut Truffle Honey

Mention Perth and you’ll get polarised reactions. It’s either the “Ooh, love the climate” or “What a boring place” response. But when it comes to food, most don’t do a second take. Singaporeans love the free-spirited, effortless, clean flavours of Australia-inspired cuisine.

Black Truffles

Did you know that Western Australia is a land of plenty? The self-sufficient state is a producer of many fresh ingredients like black truffle from the quaint town of Manjimup and succulent seafood including rock lobster, scallop and yes, even abalone from the frigid waters of the Indian Ocean. Ever heard of the freshwater yabby native to Australia? I call it a cross between the prawn and crayfish.

Australian Chef Scott Webster

Endowed with natural resources and chefs who swear by the ‘let the produce speak for itself’ philosophy, it’s little wonder why Celebrity Chef Scott Webster decided to bring a piece of magnificent Perth to kick-start his spanking new “Cooking with Friends” series at Osia.

Executive Chef Chris Taylor from Fraser’s Restaurant

From 24 to 28 July, Executive Chef Chris Taylor from Fraser’s restaurant will be the guest chef at Osia. His fuss-free approach to cooking is a reflection of Chef Webster’s mantra in the kitchen, making him the obvious choice to set the tone for “Cooking with Friends”. As the culinary ambassador for the Western Australia (WA) Tourism Commission, Chef Taylor has promoted the use of WA produce through cooking classes and many other high-profile events.

Nestled amid WA’s picturesque King’s Park, Fraser’s restaurant has become a popular haunt for locals and Singaporeans alike.

“Having been to Singapore many times, I’m very aware of what expectations Singaporeans have of food. My restaurants in Perth have been frequented by Singaporeans for years and the connection has been fantastic. Having a produce driven, brasserie-style approach to dishes suits the modern style of dining in an urban city,” chef Taylor quips.

Ceviche of Yellow Tail Kingfish and Crab

If you enjoy clean, simple, big, and bold flavours, then chef Taylor’s cuisine is bound to whet your appetite. He does a mean curing of raw seafood, infusing them with citrus juices that dance on the palate. The Ceviche of Yellow Tail Kingfish and Crab is a perfect appetiser to appreciate fresh seafood without much post-processing.

: Pan-fried Spinach Gnocchi

There’s a whole menu of other dishes which I find most intriguing like the Pan-fried Spinach Gnocchi; Seared WA Scallops, Tomato Fondue, Shaved Jamón and Garlic Oil; and Sea Urchin Roe, Scrambled Egg, Urchin Salad. For mains, must-tries include the WA Rock Lobster and Asparagus Risotto with Truffle Butter, Duck Confit and Roast Breast with Mushroom Polenta, and Braised Lamb Shoulder, Roast Cutlet and Chickpea.

Other than the a la carte menu designed to showcase Fraser’s signature dishes, Chef Taylor has also orchestrated a set lunch and set dinner which will have you salivating. For those of you who’re more interested to learn the tricks of the trade and whip up your own little party, sign up now for Chef Taylor’s masterclass happening on 27 and 28 July, from 2.30pm – 5.30pm at $88++. If you’re an RWS Invites member, you pay a special price of $75++.

For reservations or enquiries, kindly call: +65 6577 6560 or email osia@rwsentosa.com.

The New Tree Top Lofts at RWS

Jul 19th, 2012

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When I first heard about the Tree Top Lofts, I immediately imagined the hastily put-together, slightly ramshackle tree houses of early childhood stories. Of course I knew this wouldn’t be the case; after all, the Lofts are set to deliver a 5-star “back to nature” experience. And while there is something charming about climbing onto a rickety tree house (complete with ladders made of leftover planks) the real Lofts blew all thoughts of shabby versions right out of the water.

Nestled in the lush forests off the Western zone of the resort, the Tree Top Lofts are the epitome of modern living set within nature, blending harmoniously with the rare and heritage trees that can be found in the vicinity. If you’re worried that the natural quiet would be spoiled by the influx of Loft guests, then take comfort in the fact that there are only two such unique lofts; Angsana and Tembusu.

Apart from exclusivity, the small number also means more space and more privacy, which means a higher chance of catching a glimpse of the natural wildlife in the area. If you’re a nature photography buff this will be the perfect elevated stake out spot. Come sunset, enjoy the panoramic views of Mount Faber to the north and the forests of Sentosa to the South.

Standing at a height of 7 and 12 metres respectively, the architecture of the Angsana and Tembusu lofts were conceived as “log cabins in the sky”. Perched on four thick columns (1.3 meters in diameter!) the ascension to the lofts lends a surreal feel: imagine being a bird perched in its nest in the forest. It’s easy to forget that you’re barely minutes away from the excitement of the Resort and a small stretch of sea away from main land Singapore.

And that’s what the Tree Top Lofts aim to achieve: the feeling of a getaway, an escape from the concrete jungle. Of course, this escape comes with creature comforts, like personalized butler service and luxurious hotel amenities.

The interior of the lofts are spread over 73 square meters, consisting of the living room, the bedroom, and the bathroom. But the main draw is the surrounding outdoor terrace area, all 90 square meters of it. The idyllic setting makes you feel like lounging outside all day, from dawn to dusk. After all, being in a tree top loft is all about immersing yourself in the natural environment. Imagine kicking back with a cup of tea or a tall cold drink whilst listening to the sounds of the forest. The forests of Sentosa could very well be the fictional Shangri-La, place of perfect bliss that James Hilton wrote about in his 1933 novel Lost Horizon.

Inside, the high wooden ceiling structures add to the loftiness (no pun intended) of the place. At 5 to 6 metres high, it’s almost double the height of most HDB ceilings, and when you sink into the cushions of the couch and prop your feet up, the high rafters take away the usual oppressive feeling of the low ceilings of the buildings we are so used to.

The rack rate for Angsana and Tembusu are S$3000++ a night, and are available for booking from July. You can email enquiries@rwsentosa.com for more information.

If you still want to stay with nature without being in the treetops, check out our Beach Villas or the Equarius Hotel.

My first experience in ESPA at RWS

Jul 19th, 2012

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by Chisato Endo

I love massages and have tried a few spa treatments, but never in a spa as famous as ESPA. And since I got to know that ESPA at RWS has Japanese-inspired outdoor onsen pools, I’d been waiting for an opportunity to experience them as well as the first-in-Singapore “Indulgence Hammam Ritual”. I trooped down with a friend to find out just how good the global leader in spa is.

The lobby was bathed in soothing colours and warm lighting. A pleasant receptionist welcomed us and guided us to the consultation lounge where we were served welcome drinks (pineapple and lychee), freshened up with chilled towels and filled up the consulting card.

The special thing about the card is personalization, the heart of treatments at ESPA. With over 20 different types of treatments available, they’ll probably cater to even the most specialized requirements – be it a foot rub for the mother-to-be or even grooming needs for men. You could also indicate on the card specific areas you would like the therapists to focus on. Naturally, I ticked the Hammam treatment.

Pre-Treatment Facilities

When making the appointments, we were advised to arrive an hour earlier to enjoy the pre-treatment facilities and that was what we did. It would be a pity not to come an hour earlier to get into the mood of things since that’s already included in the treatment cost.

Here’s the thing about ESPA: the facilities are amazingly extensive, with separate male and female pre-treatment facilities which include vitality pools with air and water massage jets, outdoor plunge pools and warm pool, dry sauna, crystal steam rooms and unisex Forest Onsen pools.

After a quick visit to the ladies locker room to change into our swimwear – where an ESPA attendant is always ready to assist – we headed straight for the outdoor plunge pools. The fresh air, light breeze and massage jets helped us relax and set the mood for our next stop: the Forest Onsen pool.

I am really fond of the Forest Onsen pool, which is shaded by trees and surrounded by big rocks with a small waterfall at about shoulder height. I grew up in Japan and this reminded me of onsens that I used to visit often in my youth. The water is not as hot as an actual Japanese onsen, which is good if you prefer a milder soak.

After the warm dip in the pools, we rested and leisurely snacked on some apples at the tea lounge that overlooks the Forest Onsen. It was the perfect prelude to our Hammam Experience.

The Hammam Experience

Stepping into the Hammam treatment area felt like going into a totally different world. Unlike other parts of ESPA, the Hammam area is furnished with marble slabs and stones complete with some cute Turkish style kettles and bowls. In Japan, we’d call them ‘kawaii’!

What’s nice is that we were given the option of having the treatments together or in our own private rooms. We took the group treatment since that is how they do it in Turkey and we wanted as authentic an experience as possible.

While sipping mint tea (served from a very cute tea pot) in the warm room, our spa therapists gave us a rundown about what we were going to experience. They were donned in black swimwear, which could only mean one thing: it was going to get wet.

Our treatment started with a soothing, warm hair wash, which reminded me of how my mother used to do it back when I was still a kid.

Next, we were told to lie face-down down on the marble slab. It was hard but thankfully warm. I didn’t know what to expect but when the spa therapist started literally throwing water onto my body, I was so surprised I started laughing. A hard body scrub followed, and a second water splashing session. Every time they splashed water on me, I admit I laughed – I couldn’t help it! I found out later that this water splashing treatment was supposed to invigorate our bodies and get the blood flowing.

Next, the therapist used a pillow case and created a thick foam of soap bubbles that they use to wrap my entire body with. It was a soft, light and comfortable feeling when the therapist started giving me thorough foam massage before rinsing me with water.

Mineral mud used in the Hammam treatment

Lastly, we had our bodies covered in green mud body masks, before going for a 10-minute steam room session. The Hammam treatment ended with us rinsing off and the therapists helping us towel dry.

Some Post-Treatment Loving

After this, guests can proceed to the sleep zone for a nap accompanied by soothing music; we didn’t take up this offer as we had other plans but a peek into the sleep zone revealed a cool, quiet, warmly-lit area filled with cleverly private lounge pods; it looked so conducive for sleeping and was sorely tempting.

For ladies, don’t forget to check out the Finishing Studios to get your manicure and pedicure. We had our nails worked and I have to say it was professionally done. We also saw a variety of ESPA products to purchase for home use. Like all products used for the treatments, these are all made from natural ingredients at ESPA’s own factory in UK.

Getting a pedicure at the finishing studio while getting a back massage and hydrotherapy bath at the same time

We spent nearly 3 hours at ESPA at RWS and came out feeling rejuvenated, refreshed and raring to go again. My skin felt like a new born baby’s after the rigorous scrubbing during the treatments. It was a one-of-its-kind experience and I personally liked the Hammam treatment. I’m already looking forward to future sessions at ESPA.

Although it may seem pricey at S$200++ for a one hour Treatment Session, the price includes use of ESPA unique signature heat experiences, pools and various relaxation areas. In all, that price gave me an incredible 3 hours experience to a more relaxed and contented ‘me’. On days that I feel like really pampering myself, ESPA is now an option.

Enjoy a 60-minute signature massage at ESPA worth $200+ when you sign up with RWS Invites, Resorts World Sentosa’s premier loyalty programme. Better yet, park for free when you pamper yourself. All with an annual membership fee of $150.

For more information, visit the website.

4Minute at Resorts World Sentosa

Jul 19th, 2012

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Korean girl group 4Minute was in town recently to perform for their fans. Hear what they enjoy about Singapore, and what they have to say to their supporters here!

‘Annie The Musical’ premieres in Singapore

Jul 14th, 2012

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CNA – 14 July 2012

SINGAPORE: Some three decades after its Broadway debut, ‘Annie The Musical’ premieres in Singapore.
27 of Singapore’s budding actresses will be given the opportunity to act alongside the main cast in this timeless tale of ‘Little Orphan Annie’.
It’s hoped that a whole new generation will have the chance to witness the rags-to-riches story about never giving up hope.

‘Annie The Musical’ is showing at the Marina Bay Sands from 10 July to 5 August.

All that glitters

Jul 14th, 2012

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Singapore International Jewellery Show 2012

AsiaOne, Fri, Jul 13, 2012 by Jamuna Sundaraj

If gold and silver have lost their shine for you these days, how about adding diamonds and sapphires to your collection?

Perhaps, a little more sparkle for that wedding or just a touch of exquisite on your finger? If you’re interested (which we know you already are) head down to Marina Bay Sands this weekend where the bling and sparkle welcome you.

The Singapore International Jewellery Show 2012 makes its eighth presentation here in Singapore at Marina Bay Sands with more than 200 jewel exhibitors from all over the world, including two very large contingents of jewellers from India and Sri Lanka who will present their latest collections.

More than US$100 million (S$127 million) worth of jewellery will be on display and sale during the four-day event that ends on July 15.

Celebrating with the theme Glittery Inspirations, the highlight of the show is the largest natural blue sapphire ever showcased here on our shores. The 99-carat beauty possesses the intense cornflower blue hue and is certified to have an extremely rare combination of size, colour and reflection.

Presented by DeGems (Singapore), it is associated with Ceylon Sapphires which are known for their quality and colour, from the lightest to the darkest of blue hues. These gemstones are symbols of wisdom, love and royalty and have been part of the crown jewels of the United Kingdom.

Also, for the first time in Singapore are members of the Gassan family from Amsterdam who are here to launch the Gassan 121 diamond, the world’s first diamond to have 121 facets.

A regular round brilliant cut diamond has 57 facets. With an additional 16 facets at the top and 48 more at the bottom, the Gassan 121 diamond sparkles in spectacular fashion.

Complementing the vibrancy and glitter of the exhibits is an exciting line-up of event highlights that include fashion shows, lucky draws as well as talks from industry experts on trends and fine jewellery.

The Singapore International Jewellery Show 2012 is on at the Convention Centre Halls of Marina Bay Sands from July 12 to 15.

RWS casino executives probed for reimbursing levies

Jul 13th, 2012

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AsiaOne Friday, Jul 13, 2012

Several casino executives are being investigated by the Commercial Affairs Department (CAD) for allegedly reimbursing casino levies to patrons.

This is in addition to a probe by the Casino Regulatory Authority (CRA) into the incidents at Resorts World Sentosa (RWS) which allegedly took place last year, reported The Straits Times.

RWS had allegedly given gifts to patrons who renewed their $2,000 annual entry levies. The gifts were intended to entice casino patrons to continue gambling at RWS.

According to an earlier story by another Singapore newspaper, hundreds of patrons had their casino entry levies reimbursed. Several senior executives were suspended by RWS because of this probe.

Singaporeans and permanent residents pay $100 a day for access to either of the two casinos here, or $2,000 for unlimited access in a year.

If found in breach, RWS could be disciplined in one or more of the following ways:

- Have its casino licence cancelled or suspended – Be given a financial penalty of up to $1 million – Be issued a letter of censure – Have the terms of its licence changed

RWS was penalised before for reimbursing casino entry levies for a launch event in July 2010.

Global AgInvesting Asia, with Keynote Speaker Jim Rogers, Brings the Largest Gathering of Ag Investors to Singapore

Jul 12th, 2012

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Global AgInvesting – Tue, Jul 10, 2012

BOSTON, July 11, 2012 /PRNewswire-Asia/ — Global AgInvesting(SM), the world’s premier agriculture investment conference series, is returning to the Marina Bay Sands in Singapore, September 25-27. Building on the remarkable success of its inaugural event last December at this venue, Global AgInvesting Asia (www.globalaginvesting.com) will provide access to a targeted gathering of key forward-thinking end investors, sector education, exposure to deal flow, overviews of diversified strategies, discussion of industry trends, and opportunities to develop new partnerships.

At this international event, hundreds of allocators( http://www.globalaginvesting.com/Conferences/LastYearAttendees?eventId=9 ), fund managers and industry executives will converge to build their networks and gain a greater understanding of agriculture as an asset class. Topics to be discussed include regional risk and return profiles for global farmland, agribusiness private equity, animal protein plays, water, new technologies, and responsible investing.

“Scarcity-driven alternative investments are gaining more attention due to the strong fundamentals associated with the global economy, climate change, and continued population growth in key developing countries,” said Philippe de Laperouse, managing director of conference host company HighQuest Partners( http://www.highquestpartners.com ), a globally recognized strategy consulting firm serving agriculture, agribusiness, agricultural investment, and food sectors. “The second edition of Global AgInvesting Asia will examine agriculture and related sectors through a series of panel discussions and presentations tailored to the Asian investment community, with the addition of new content and formats.”

Some of this new content includes an agriculture fund manager showcase, intimate roundtable discussions, and a keynote address from investment expert, Jim Rogers( http://www.globalaginvesting.com/Conferences/KeynoteSpeaker?eventId=9 ). Rogers, a bestselling author, Singapore local, and long-time advocate of agricultural investing, will discuss the importance of the Asian region in the current economy, as well as what he considers to be promising agriculture investment strategies. He also will take questions from conference attendees in what promises to be a lively Q&A session.

The full conference agenda( http://www.globalaginvesting.com/Conferences/Agenda?eventId=9 ) and registration information( http://www.globalaginvesting.com/Conferences/Register?eventId=9 ) are available exclusively at www.globalaginvesting.com.

Since its inception in 2009, HighQuest Partners’ Global AgInvesting has attracted over 2,200 attendees worldwide and now organizes four international conferences( http://www.globalaginvesting.com/conferences ) annually. Its new robust Research & Insight( http://www.globalaginvesting.com/ResearchInsights ) platform at www.globalaginvesting.com offers up-to-the-minute news, market intelligence and current investment themes, focused research papers, interviews and editorials( http://www.globalaginvesting.com/news ), and the first comprehensive directory( http://www.globalaginvesting.com/GAIDirectory ) of investors, managers, operators, and service providers involved in global agriculture investing.

CONTACT:

Michelle Pelletier Marshall, (978) 887-8800, x117

mmarshall@highquestpartners.com

Casinos net $93m in levies in H1

Jul 11th, 2012

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my paper – Wednesday, Jul 11, 2012

A total of $93 million was collected from Singaporeans and permanent residents who entered the two casinos here in the first six months of this year.

This was revealed by Minister of State for Finance Josephine Teo yesterday.

In the first half of last year, the casino-entry levy collected was $102 million, said a Ministry of Finance spokesman.

A total of $195 million in casino-entry levies was collected last year, said Mrs Teo.

Singaporeans and permanent residents have to pay a levy of $100 a day, or a $2,000 annual entry levy, to enter either of the casinos at Resorts World Sentosa and Marina Bay Sands.

The levies are collected by the Singapore Totalisator Board and used for social and charitable purposes in Singapore.

Last year, 200,000 Singaporeans and permanent residents reportedly visited the two casinos here.

Ms Teo also revealed that the Government collected $1.1 billion in tax revenue from the two integrated resorts in the fiscal year of 2011. This compares with the $900 million of tax revenue paid in the fiscal year of 2010.

“The casino operators have made more money but, at the same time, they’ve contributed to our tax revenues,” she added.

“And, through these tax revenues, the Government is able to provide support to Singaporeans in many areas and expand our resources in terms of care for Singaporeans.”

Mrs Teo was replying to Member of Parliament for Jurong GRC Ang Wei Neng’s suggestion to persuade the integrated resorts to ramp up their corporate-social-responsibility efforts, in the light of their “very good profits”.

Mr Ang had urged for more to be done for low-income groups, especially Singaporeans who are financially and emotionally affected by family members who patronise the integrated resorts.

Mrs Teo gave the assurance that the issue of “whether we’re doing enough to deal with problem gambling is being looked at seriously”.

Since 2009, the Government has more than doubled its expenditure on containing gambling ills, from $3.8 million in fiscal year 2009 to $9 million in fiscal year 2011, said Mrs Teo.

Some key initiatives include the establishment of the National Council of Problem Gambling, which administers casino exclusion and implements public-education programmes.

Singapore casino law to allow fines up to 10 percent of revenue

Jul 6th, 2012

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Reuters – Fri, Jul 6, 2012

SINGAPORE (Reuters) – Singapore plans to toughen its casino laws and allow the regulator to impose a fine of up to 10 percent of annual revenues generated by operators Las Vegas Sands and Genting Singapore, local media reported on Saturday.

The maximum penalty that Casino Regulatory Authority can now impose is S$1 million ($785,000). But after amendments to the law are passed, the fines could potentially exceed $200 million.

The changes were announced by S Iswaran, a minister in the Prime Minister’s Office, who said the proposed revisions will help ensure Singapore’s two multi-billion-dollar casino-resorts “remain full-fledged tourist destinations, (and) not just casinos with frills,” according to the Straits Times.

Today, another Singapore newspaper, said the new rules should be in place by the end of the year.

Singapore’s two casinos must abide by various regulations, like keeping strict records and preventing money laundering.

Both have been fined for admitting minors and for permitting Singaporeans and permanent residents to enter without paying the S$ 100 dollar entry fee intended to keep in check gambling addictions. Foreigners pay no admission fee.

The casinos are among the world’s most profitable and together generate gaming revenues comparable to the combined gaming revenues of casinos along the Las Vegas Strip.

Genting Singapore’s Resorts World at Sentosa reported S$2.69 billion in gross gaming revenue last year, while Las Vegas Sand’s Marina Bay Sands managed $2.36 billion.

Singapore’s casino regulator could not be reached for comment.

($1 = 1.2720 Singapore dollars)