The empire builders

BUILDING empires isn’t always about acquisition and possession for profit and glory. Sometimes, it’s really about a mission to grow beyond oneself, taking an idea and watching it morph into something that makes a bigger impact on people at large.

Welcome to the latest edition of BT Luxe, BT’s seasonal luxury publication that drops this Friday. In it, we celebrate the people with big ideas and the passion to grow them. We talk to veteran hospitality entrepreneur Wee Teng Wen of the Lo & Behold Group, whose drive to promote Singapore brands led him to conceptualise New Bahru, now the hottest lifestyle destination in town. Then there is Declan Ee, founder of furniture brand Castlery, who turned it into a Singapore version of Ikea that has since moved into the global marketplace. And who hasn’t gone on holiday without bringing their YouTrip card with them? This multi-currency travel wallet is the brainchild of e-commerce entrepreneur Caecilia Chu, and she shares how this one idea has become almost synonymous with overseas travel.

Elsewhere, Bling It On – our sparkly spotlight on haute jewellery that showcases the latest gems from luxury brands. In Travel, head to Athens, Tokyo and Vienna, and in Design, we visit the house that Andy Goh, former Ong & Ong CEO of emerging markets, built for himself in rural Kampot, Cambodia. And for fans of the late Fritz Hansen designer Poul Kjaerholm, we visit his family home in Denmark, where his son Thomas is now living amid a valuable collection of his iconic furniture.

There’s something for everyone in BT Luxe’s summer issue, so don’t miss your copy of BT this Friday.