UltraLuxe 2024 is set to return in grand style at the Tent@Ngee Ann City Civic Plaza style from October 4 to 13. Now in its third edition, the highly anticipated event has established itself as Asia’s foremost festival of niche luxury, drawing discerning eyes to Singapore. Boasting an unparalleled showcase of niche luxury curated for discerning men and women, attendees can look forward to various installations, runway shows, panel discussions, and masterclasses.
Presented in three main parts—JeweLuxe, Homme, and Advocacy—UltraLuxe 2024 will see the convergence of over 120 jewellery, fashion, spirits, watches, leisure, and lifestyle brands from around the globe. JeweLuxe, the festival’s anchor, will spotlight independent jewellery houses and designers, presenting haute joaillerie, investible gemstones, and exclusive pieces that cater to collectors and connoisseurs alike.
Homme offers a sophisticated social space, where discerning men can explore their passions, be inspired, and invest in the finest. At its heart is the UltraBar, a stylish haven designed by Elliot James Interiors, where visitors can savour rare wines and spirits. For those with a taste for meticulous craftsmanship, the ChronoSphere and StyleSphere lounges will showcase the finest in timepieces and jewellery.
The UltraLuxe Advocacy panel discussions, supported by CIMB, allow pioneering game changers and tastemakers to share their inspiring journeys. Through masterclasses, fireside chats, and networking events, these leaders will delve into the theme of purpose, offering insights into sustainability, philanthropy, and the intersection of luxury with social responsibility.
As UltraLuxe 2024 makes its much-anticipated return, it celebrates with CIMB nine extraordinary individuals who embody the fusion of luxury and purpose. Adorned with dazzling jewels from one of Singapore’s first luxury houses, B.P. de Silva Jewellers, these trailblazers represent boldness, innovation, and impact. Their presence and the exquisite pieces they wear are a perfect match, highlighting the true beauty of purposeful luxury.
Ismail Gafoor
Executive Chairman & CEO, PropNex
Ismail Gafoor exemplifies the power of resilience and vision. Growing up in a one-room rental flat with five siblings, he first saw entrepreneurship as a dead-end path, shaped by his father’s life as a newspaper vendor and provision shop owner. However, Ismail’s perspective shifted dramatically when he founded PropNex, which has since grown into Singapore’s largest listed real estate group. With a sales force of more than 15,000 agents and a market capitalisation exceeding S$640 million, PropNex’s influence now spans across Southeast Asia and Australia. The company was recently ranked amongst the inaugural Fortune Southeast Asia 500 list.
Having grown up with limited means, Ismail feels a profound responsibility to give back, particularly in supporting the development of future generations. As PropNex prepares to celebrate its 25th anniversary, he sees this milestone as a moment to further cement his values of generosity and community impact, ensuring that the wealth he has created benefits those who need it most.
Dr Ho Ching Lin
Senior Consultant at Singapore National Eye Centre, Ophthalmologist, Clinical Associate Professor, and Director of Philanthropy and Development for the Eye Academic Medical Program, Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School
Dr Ho Ching Lin is a respected medical and philanthropic figure, known for her remarkable achievements in ophthalmology and her steadfast dedication to giving back. As the founder of VisionSave, a charity focused on fighting blindness and saving sight, Ho transforms her passion for healthcare into tangible, life-changing outcomes. Her influence, however, extends beyond eye care.
Ho is involved in various charitable causes, ranging from the arts to children’s welfare and broader community health initiatives. Recently, she chaired the 12th annual Eye Ball in August, a significant fundraising event, and is collaborating with Twomorrow Jewellery later this year to support the Singapore Children’s Society. Her commitment to making a difference, which began with volunteer work at a young age, continues to fuel both her medical career and philanthropic endeavours. Ho believes that philanthropy offers a profound sense of fulfilment, allowing her to witness the positive impacts of her contributions, reinforcing her belief in helping others create meaningful change.
Joy Tan
Lawyer, and chairman of the Singapore Repertory Theatre
Joy Tan has established herself as a formidable force in the legal world, holding dual roles as the Deputy Head of the Commercial & Corporate Disputes Practice and Joint Head of the Corporate Governance & Compliance Practice at one of Singapore’s leading law firms. Known for her straight-shooting and thoughtful approach, Tan combines her legal acumen with a deep-seated passion for the arts, serving as Chairman of the Singapore Repertory Theatre (SRT).
Tan’s dedication to the arts is evident in her leadership at SRT, where she plays a pivotal role in enriching Singapore’s cultural landscape. Under her stewardship, SRT is set to take its beloved production Por Por’s Big Fat Surprise Wedding, featuring Koh Chieng Mun, on tour in Australia later this year. Tan believes deeply in the power of the arts to reflect society, build a sense of identity, and foster community. She also strongly advocates arts education as it is essential to nurturing creativity and innovation in the next generation.
Pandora Ip
President, Singapore Sogetsu Association
With nearly three decades of expertise in Sogetsu Ikebana, Pandora Ip has dedicated herself to preserving and elevating this revered Japanese floral art within Singapore’s vibrant, multicultural tapestry. As the President of the Singapore Sogetsu Association, she has expertly guided the organisation’s activities, ensuring that Ikebana thrives in contemporary Singapore through captivating exhibitions and demonstrations highlighting its beauty and cultural resonance.
Under Ip’s leadership, the association has also embraced philanthropy, channelling its efforts into charity fundraising and supporting over 30 local organisations. As the association celebrates its 58th anniversary this year, it embarks on a noble mission to raise funds for the Children’s Cancer Foundation. Ip is excited about the upcoming collaboration with UltraLuxe 2024, where a special Sogetsu Ikebana installation and demonstration will be featured in the event lineup. This collaboration exemplifies her steadfast commitment to merging art with philanthropy, using creativity as a powerful tool to foster community and inspire positive change.
Shanya Amarasuriya
Executive Director, B.P. de Silva Jewellers
Shanya Amarasuriya, Creative Director of B.P. de Silva Jewellers, has played a pivotal role in guiding her family business towards sustainability and social responsibility. Initially inspired by her brother’s passion for B Corp certification, Shanya took on the challenge of integrating these values into the company. Working closely with her team, she sought to align their operations with ethical practices, ensuring that the business remained true to its heritage while embracing a more purpose-driven approach.
One significant change was introducing a supplier code of conduct, which led to parting ways with nearly 90 percent of their suppliers. This decision wasn’t about enforcing authority but building stronger partnerships grounded in shared values.
Shanya also encouraged community engagement, implementing pro bono volunteer hours for staff. Under the company’s B Corp commitment, 2 percent of its top-line revenue is donated to local charities, further deepening its connection to the community.
In 2024, B.P. de Silva Jewellers received the Company of Good Award from NVPC in Singapore, recognising their efforts in corporate giving and social impact, further underscoring Shanya’s collaborative leadership and aspirations not just for B.P. de Silva Jewellers but the whole B.P. de Silva Group at large.
Wu Hui Jie
Managing Director, Deren Media
Wu Hui Jie, the driving force behind Deren Media, has made her mark as the Managing Director of one of Singapore’s most innovative media companies. Renowned for producing content that resonates deeply with audiences, Deren Media reflects Wu’s vision of pushing creative boundaries while delivering impactful narratives.
Yet, Wu’s influence extends beyond the screen. As a charity ambassador for Sian Chay Medical Institution, a social service agency offering free Traditional Chinese Medicine consultations and affordable treatments to the community, she channels her leadership skills into philanthropy. The joy she derives from helping others is palpable, as she finds profound inner fulfilment in giving back to the community. For Wu, the true measure of success lies not just in professional achievements but in the difference she makes in the lives of those in need.
Von Leong
Co-Founder, Purpose Venture Capital and Partner, Artificial Intelligence International Institute
Von Leong’s story is one of resilience and purpose. Raised in poverty and foster homes, Leong’s early challenges shaped her commitment to making a difference in the world. She began her corporate career in her early 30s after spending a decade as a stay-at-home mother, but the late start didn’t hinder her from achieving remarkable milestones, including becoming a senior leader at Aon and Amazon Web Services.
Winner of the 2021 Advocate of the Year at Women in IT Asia Award, Leong led fundraising efforts for 12 years, recently for RSVP Singapore charity dinner. In 2020, she co-founded Masks for All SG, mobilising 6,500 volunteers and 17 partners to distribute 500,000 masks to 32,000 beneficiaries before mask-wearing was mandatory nationwide. As an early investor in biotech firms like Terray Therapeutics and a co-founder of Purpose Venture Capital, she supports sustainable tech startups that align profit with purpose. At the Artificial Intelligence International Institute, Leong fosters AI leadership for a sustainable future. Leong’s work reflects her mission to build a more inclusive and resilient society.
Sophia Shen
Entrepreneur and co-founder, The Goodburger
Sophia Shen, one of the visionaries behind The Goodburger, has made a name for herself by blending indulgence with sustainability in Singapore’s fast-food scene. Starting in 2019 with just one food truck, The Goodburger became a symbol of eco-conscious dining, avoiding food waste, upcycling materials, and eliminating single-use plastics. Beyond serving up delicious plant-based burgers, Shen ensures the brand supports local causes, including the Yellow Ribbon Singapore, the Singapore Cancer Society, and the Institute of Mental Health.
Shen’s entrepreneurial spirit extends beyond The Goodburger. In 2023, she unveiled Gourmet Park at Resorts World Sentosa, Singapore’s largest food truck park, and is set to expand further this year with the launch of Gourmet Park at Kampong Bugis. Her portfolio also includes the recent opening of Carnaby, a modern British diner in partnership with Chef Adam Penney, and a Caribbean concept that will debut later in the year. Shen’s ventures are driven by her commitment to creating a more sustainable future, ensuring a better future for the next generation.
Meaghan See
Director of Partnerships, Eco-Business
Meaghan See is heading partnerships at Eco-Business, Asia Pacific’s leading media organisation focused on sustainable development. With a career path that once saw her as APAC legal counsel for a London Stock Exchange-listed financial institution, where she co-led ESG and women’s network initiatives, See’s journey is as remarkable as it is unconventional.
See’s decision to pivot from the legal field to sustainability at Eco-Business four years ago was a bold leap of faith that paid off in ways she could never have imagined. Beyond providing legal counsel, she now plays a pivotal role in expanding the company’s regional influence through flagship forums and strategic partnerships. Her commitment to meaningful causes extends to supporting EB Impact, Eco-Business’ non-profit arm dedicated to youth and education, underscoring her deep-seated passion for driving positive change in the world.
