Reimagine Experiences

EPISODE 4 [A Handshake of Possibilities]: Learning about new tourism concepts and offerings arising from novel partnerships

Even as countries around the world gear up to reopen their borders, the demands of travellers continue to change. Exclusive insights into post-pandemic traveller trends will unravel the profiles of the future traveller, their new need states, and the desired experiences they seek.

EPISODE 3 [Travel by Design]: An unexpected unique perspective on travel experiences through design and architecture

Singapore’s flair for combining creativity with practicality shines through its innovation in design. Uncover the sheer power of design and the pivotal role it plays, in inspiring innovation and possibilities for locals and tourists alike.

EPISODE 2 [A Whole New (Phygital) World]: The convergence of digitalisation and experiences to address business needs of today and tomorrow

COVID-19 has given rise to a multitude of platforms that enhance the overall traveller experience. To create new value to travellers, brands have had to adapt and integrate digital and virtual elements into their physical businesses.

EPISODE 1 [Understanding the New Traveller]: A data-driven consumer insight study on the new post-pandemic traveller

Hosted by CNA’s Steven Chia, our first “Reimagine Experiences” forum featured industry leaders from different sectors and disciplines across four distinct episodes.

STEVEN CHIA

SHOW HOST

Steven Chia currently hosts Talking Point on CNA, a programme that tackles Singapore’s hottest and most current topics. Each week, the show dives into issues that are of concern to Singaporeans, presenting these matters in a fresh and innovative manner.

Over the years, Steven has interviewed numerous personalities – from politicians to influencers, athletes and even celebrities such as Sir Ian McKellen, Kevin Spacey, Lady Gaga, Josh Groban and Maggie Q, just to name a few.

EPISODE 1:

UNDERSTANDING THE NEW TRAVELLER

JESSICA TANG

SENIOR CONSULTANT, WGSN

A data-driven trend forecaster and strategist with experience in luxury, retail, travel, fashion and consumer technology across APAC, Jess is a senior consultant with WGSN, the world’s largest future trends and consumer insights subscription platform that helps companies to navigate change by curating consumer and product design information.

TIAGO TEIXEIRA CORREIA

DIRECTOR OF NEW BUSINESS & VENTURES, WARNER MUSIC GROUP

An innovation strategy professional with more than 10 years of experience in the media, entertainment and technology space, Tiago joined Warner Music Group in 2018 with the Global Business Development Team to look into emerging technologies, innovations and start-ups that could better connect artists and fans. Prior to this, he worked for several blue-chip companies developing board-level strategy projects with FTSE 100 and S&P 500 firms.

JASON LOE

FOUNDER, TRIBE

Jason is an entrepreneur and the creative force behind Tribe, a tour company that specialises in privately guided tours curated by locals. Under his leadership, Tribe was awarded the Outstanding Tour Experience for the Disappearing Trades Tour at the Singapore Tourism Awards in 2017, and more recently for the Chinatown Murders Tour in 2021.

KRYSTAL TAN

FOUNDER, BLUE SKY ESCAPES

Krystal is a lawyer-turned-travel entrepreneur, who believes in a world unlocked and without barriers, brimming with rich experiences that shun discrimination and encourage self-discovery. What began as a side gig grew into Blue Sky Escapes, a Virtuoso^TM travel and lifestyle company based in Singapore that unlocks extraordinary experiences around the world.

EPISODE 2:

A WHOLE NEW (PHYGITAL) WORLD

MATHIAS KUEPPER

MANAGING DIRECTOR, KOELNMESSE

Mathias is the Managing Director of Koelnmesse Pte Ltd, one of the world’s largest trade fair companies, and oversees the offices in Singapore, Thailand, Japan and Taiwan. A trailblazer in the MICE industry with more than 18 years of experience, Mathias’ leadership guided Koelnmesse onto the path of digital transformation.

CHONG SIAK CHING

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, NATIONAL GALLERY SINGAPORE

Besides being the Chief Executive Officer of National Gallery Singapore; home to the largest public collection of modern art in Southeast Asia, Siak Ching is also the Head of the Visual Arts Cluster, which comprises the Singapore Art Museum, Singapore Tyler Print Institute, and National Gallery Singapore. Prior to her current role, she was the President and CEO of Ascendas from 2001 and was recognised as Outstanding CEO of the Year at the Singapore Business Awards 2009 for her leadership and dynamism.

SANTOZ KUMAR

DIRECTOR OF SALES FOR ASIA, IRONMAN GROUP

Santoz is the Director of Sales for Asia for IRONMAN Group, the largest operator of mass participation sports in the world, including the famous IRONMAN Triathlon Series and premier running events such as the Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon. With over a decade of experience in sales and partnerships, Santoz understands what it takes to organise large-scale sporting events.

EPISODE 3:

TRAVEL BY DESIGN

CHARU KOKATE

PRINCIPAL AND DIRECTOR, SAFDIE ARCHITECTS

Charu is the Principal and Director of Safdie Architects’ Singapore office, where she oversees and leads the firm’s efforts throughout Asia. Working closely with Founding Principal and Lead Designer Moshe Safdie, Charu is an influential point of contact for clients, contractors and consultants – where she has been integral in delivering projects that embody their original design intent. Notable Singapore projects include the iconic structures of Marina Bay Sands Integrated Resort, Sky Habitat Residential Towers, and Jewel Changi Airport.

EPISODE 4:

A HANDSHAKE OF POSSIBILITIES

CHRISTIAN WESTBELD

MANAGING DIRECTOR, RAFFLES SINGAPORE

Appointed General Manager of Raffles Singapore in 2017, Christian has over 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry spanning various cities including Bangkok, Manila, Dubai, Singapore, Beijing and more. Christian’s dynamism and acute business acumen saw him take Raffles Singapore to new heights as he oversaw the iconic hotel’s extensive restoration, leading up the hotel’s grand reopening in 2019.

FELIX LOH

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, GARDENS BY THE BAY

Felix is the Chief Executive Officer of the award-winning Gardens by the Bay. A horticulturist by training, Felix began his career at the National Parks Board and subsequently worked at the Ministry of National Development. With more than 20 years of experience in parks management, horticulture and landscape industry development, he now leads a team to curate and refresh immersive experiences for visitors, as well as to showcase the Gardens as a model for sustainable development and conservation.

HOSSAN LEONG

CREATIVE DIRECTOR, DOUBLE CONFIRM PRODUCTIONS

One of Singapore’s most loved and recognised entertainers, Hossan is a consummate performer. He is also the founder of Double Confirm Productions, a theatre and entertainment company that produces musicals and events with a local flair. In 2011, Hossan was conferred Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres by the French Ministry of Culture and Communication for his contributions toward bridging the cultures between France and Singapore.

MICHAEL LEE

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, HUSTLE & BUSTLE

Michael is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Hustle & Bustle. Having spent more than a decade in the creative industry, Michael and his team have spearheaded inaugural firsts such as Fullerton Concours d’Elegance, a vintage car exhibition and most recently, against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic, organising American sculptor Dale Chihuly’s first major garden exhibition in Asia, Dale Chihuly: Glass in Bloom, at Gardens by the Bay. Michael also founded The Common Ground, an inclusive space for start-ups and individuals to network and share ideas.