What is something most people don’t know about you?
It’s a little-known fact that I dive deep into whatever I’m passionate about, whether it’s a career path or a market trend. With time, I’ve learnt to be more deliberate about which rabbit holes to pursue.
How has your taste evolved over time?
My tastes have shifted from being externally referenced to internally anchored. Early on, I paid more attention to what was trending or widely considered desirable. As time goes on, it becomes apparent how quickly narratives change in a world moving rapidly. Things built on strong fundamentals that hold up even when the noise fades are what I gravitate towards now.
What makes luxury different from discernment?
Society often positions luxury as desirable or valuable. Knowing why something is valuable is the essence of discernment. One is external and often transient, while the other is internal and more enduring. Over time, I have found myself relying less on social signals and more on my own instincts, which naturally changes how I interact with both.
“I like how smooth it is. Tasting something so refined is a pleasure and one I don’t take for granted.”
Chang, on the Royal Salute 24 Year Old Cognac Cask Finish
What attracts you to watches and whisky these days?
I am drawn to the fact that they are both analogue in nature, built, crafted, or matured over time with a deeply considered process. They are not simply optimised for scale. Often, this craftsmanship can be traced back to a family, a region, or a group of individuals who once used tools and techniques found only in the town or prefecture where they lived. Watches and whisky still feel like they were made by humans in an abstract world.
Tell us about the watch you’re wearing.
To celebrate my son’s birth, I chose the Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 116519LN, knowing it would eventually be something I would pass on to him as a generational keepsake.
What’s the most memorable conversation you’ve ever had because of a watch or a glass of whisky?
This is less about a single conversation and more about how often these interests naturally lead to connection. Many meaningful relationships, whether with long-time friends or new acquaintances, begin with something as simple as “Nice watch, are you a collector?” or “What kind of whisky do you enjoy?” What’s interesting is how quickly it progresses beyond that initial ice breaker. You end up talking about why someone chose something, how their tastes developed, or what was happening in their life at the time.
What legacy would you like to leave behind?
When it comes to legacy, I don’t think in terms of what gets built or what gets left behind. I would rather be remembered for how I treated people. If those who know me said I was kind, helpful, and genuinely caring, that would be enough. That’s especially true as my children, family, and friends eventually come to know me.
Enjoy Royal Salute responsibly.
Photography Mun Kong
Art Direction Ed Harland
Grooming Sarah Tan, using MAC and Goldwell
Photography assistant Melvin Leong
