Hasnor Sidik Pulls Out All The Stops Promoting Local Culture
The Singapore Edition’s director of culture and entertainment is advocating for local art, music, fashion, and design.
Among the many grounds where art, music, fashion and design converge is The Singapore Edition. A luxury hotel that opened its doors last November, it sits in the upper Orchard Road district and is the first Southeast Asian outpost of Edition Hotels. The property is a collaboration between Marriott International and Ian Schrager, who co-founded the legendary Studio 54 nightclub in New York.
As the director of culture and entertainment, Hasnor Sidik fosters partnerships and curates the multifarious elements. The 43-year-old ensures that contemporary art and design are a part of the hotel’s walls through exhibitions, installations, and events with local galleries, museums, and other institutions.
To develop the fashion pillar, he collaborates with clothing labels and designers. Providing them with a space for runway presentations and trunk shows is a future goal.
When it comes to music, however, Sidik already has the connections. After picking up the turntables at the age of 17, he spent years spinning at the iconic Zouk nightclub in Jiak Kim Street and has earned a reputation for being one of Singapore’s best-known DJs. If anything, Mr Has—the moniker he goes by—is a consummate cultural changemaker.
Perceptibly, Sidik is not only able to leverage his relationships but is also in a position to lend insight into the challenges of the local music scene. He identifies two. First, gaining the support and trust of the community can be arduous. “This is especially so when promoting out-of-thebox ideas. It takes a lot of time, perseverance and effort to reach out and connect with the community,” he lets on. Second, our relatively small market limits potential. “This underscores the importance of expanding one’s reach within South-east Asia, a large and growing market.”
Before his current appointment at The Singapore Edition, he was music director at W Hotels and The Lo & Behold Group. He also co-founded Telok Ayer Arts Club (TAAC), an eatery that doubled as a venue to discover emerging talents and creatives here—think art, music, and F&B—in one cohesive space. TAAC successfully operated for three years but closed shop during the pandemic.
The experience, says Sidik, transformed his approach to business as much as it steeled his desire to bring TAAC back one day. “Manpower has been an issue for businesses in Singapore, particularly in hospitality. My key takeaway is that the team we assemble must be pivotal in overcoming challenges and ensuring the successful execution of our vision.”
For now, he is devoted to pulling out all the stops to promote local culture at The Singapore Edition. Our country being chosen as the regional launchpad makes it clear that we have a lot to offer. “Culturally, Singapore is at the forefront of embracing and celebrating diverse heritage. Our ability to blend tradition with modernity resonates with The Singapore Edition’s commitment to providing a distinctive immersive experience for its guests,” he asserts.
What does that experience look like? For one, local touches in every aspect, from freshly-made kaya doughnuts as a welcome treat to retail items crafted by local artisans. Additionally, a series of compelling activities.
The hotel will celebrate Art Week this month through trunk shows and a wellness activation programme. “The best way is by engaging on a personalised level and maintaining a genuine approach. This is the magic formula.”
Art director: Ed Harland
Videographer: Alicia Chong & Yvonne Isabelle Ling
Photographer: Mun Kong
Photographer’s assistant: Teo Ren Jie
Makeup: Aung Apichai & Keith Bryant Lee
Hair: Jenny Ng & Keith Bryant Lee
Watches: Grand Seiko
