New year, new beginnings

CHRISTMAS has whizzed by and now, the pussy willows and kumquat trees are out in full force. As the countdown to the Year of the Snake begins, BT Luxe gets things rolling with our Chinese New Year issue that drops this Friday.

As it is every spring, it’s all about making peace with the year before and making a fresh start. In our cover feature, we spotlight three sets of individuals for whom 2025 will be filled with exciting projects and opportunities. First, we meet Pranai Phornprapha, the scion of the family behind Siam Motors Group in Thailand, who flew to Singapore specially to speak with us about his new lifestyle ventures. Not wanting to play it safe by joining his multi-billion-dollar family business, he talks about making his mark as a hospitality entrepreneur who creates meaningful and authentic experiences for travellers while contributing to the community.

We also meet Singapore-based lifestyle entrepreneur Bryan Lee, who has plans to turn the Labrador Hill nature reserve enclave into a wellness-centric destination. And for some star appeal, we catch up with newly-wed acting couple Shawn Thia and Xenia Tan, who are looking forward to married life and new work projects.

Elsewhere in the issue, we take you on a cruise to visit polar bears in their natural habitat, while contemplating the tranquil lifestyle of Tottori prefecture, which also happens to be a place for some of the best snow crabs in Japan.

Get ideas on new furniture items to spruce up your home for the festivities, while reading about Kris Yao, one of Taiwan’s most prominent architects, who talks about his projects and their impact on Taipei’s landscape.

Don’t miss this special keepsake issue that’s free with your copy of BT this Friday.