Anabel Fielding shares her insight about visiting the Asian city of Singapore for business – and extending your stay when the work is done
How do you get to Singapore? Is there a hub airport nearby, good road and rail connections?
The best way to get to Singapore is straight into the city state’s Changi International Airport. Touchdown to city centre can take as little as 45 minutes by taxi. It’s also incredibly easy to reach neighbouring states such as Malaysia by road and rail from here, making travelling and exploring easy.
Is the city well-served by public transport and taxi services? Are there any interesting ways of getting around?
Singapore’s public transport system is very reliable and efficient. There are three modes: the mass rapid transit (MRT) system, the equivalent of the London Underground; the bus system which has an extensive network, and the taxis which are metered. Taxis are generally accessible with a common booking number, SMS service, and a mobile app.
Sightseeing offers some more interesting transport methods, such as DUCK tours, a land and sea adventure onboard an amphibious craft. The tours cruise along key sites in the civic district and offer unbelievable, panoramic views of Singapore – one of my favourite elements of the city.
Segways are a wonderful way of exploring the city, especially if you’re feeling adventurous and want to explore Singapore’s roads and trails. You can definitely cover more ground than on foot and zip around effortlessly all day.
Bike sharing has also become quite popular as an alternative with locals and tourists. It’s certainly cost-efficient and well managed via mobile apps, probably a better option for the cooler evenings, not when the city is at peak humidity!
Could you recommend any business hotels in Singapore?
ANDAZ Singapore is great because of its proximity to our Singapore office and central business district. Located on the periphery of the this, it gives guests the best of both worlds. It also saves time when travelling into downtown Core but isn’t so close to be constantly reminded of work. Great for some work, life-travel balance.
ANDAZ also has its own rooftop bar which is perfect for entertaining clients while escaping the crowd at the Marina Bay Sands rooftop. After dark, Haji Lane is a great option – it’s dotted with hipster shops, bars, restaurants and live bands.
For something more boutique, there is the The Warehouse Hotel. Housed within a beautifully restored heritage building. The 37-room hotel sits by the Robertson Quay riverside which I home to dozens of great restaurants and bars and it’s a hop into the CBD and Orchard Road shopping district.
For a downtown option, I would recommend The Fullerton Bay. Luxuries aside, it is the hotel’s food and beverage offerings that give the property its edge. Framed by an infinity lap pool, Lantern is one of the city’s swankiest bars; The Clifford Pier, the largest of its impressive set of restaurants, offers a variety of heritage favourites and culinary highlights, and The Landing Point is perfect for afternoon tea.
Could you suggest any shared working venues for business visitors or coffee shops where they could catch up on paperwork?
For business travellers looking to catch up on emails and paperwork, I would recommend One-Ninety Bar at the Four Seasons. The attention to detail and overall service standards create a genuine sense of calm.
Shared working spaces are increasingly popular with each of them positioned slightly differently. For example, The Working Capitol targets start-ups and Collective Works tends to attract rapidly growing businesses.
Alternatively, pop into Clan Cafe, members club Straits Clan’s public facing all-day dining lounge. The atmosphere is always lively and they offer all day healthy dining.
With which industries is Singapore associated?
Singapore has always been considered as the region’s financial services hub. Increasingly there has been a shift in focus to industries such as fintech and start ups which combine well with the city’s well-educated workforce.
Interestingly, it was recently reported that Singapore achieved a record high of US$229.1 m (S$309.8m) of fintech funding in 2017, and is home to more than 400 fintech companies, with this number growing every year.
Retail start-ups have also taken advantage of multi-million funding offers to become regionally known names – HonestBee, Carousell and Redmart, to name a few.
What interesting businesses and organisations are based in Singapore?
Gryphon Tea, Tiger Balm, Tiger Beer, Singapore Airlines and Banyan Tree are testament to the diversity in local brands born out of Singapore. Many of these brands are now in their fourth generation and continue to thrive in today’s business climate.
Are there any major business events or conferences taking place in Singapore over the coming year?
Singapore is a major conference destination so there are naturally all sorts of major business events taking place every week. On the travel front, the city hosted the inaugural edition of International Luxury Travel Market (ILTM) Asia Pacific in May this year. The prestigious Milken Institute Asia Summit and Milken Institute Women Leaders’ Summit also take place in Singapore.
Could you recommend a venue for a lunch meeting in in Singapore?
For a casual option, PS. Café at One Fullerton ticks a lot of boxes. The decor is Singapore colonial style, creating a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere. The café is located almost directly opposite the iconic Marina Bay Sands and offers views of Singapore’s stunning skyline and the menu caters for pretty much every taste.
If you are looking to impress a client, you could head to Artemis Grill. Forty floors above the hustle and bustle of the CBD, Artemis is a Mediterranean cuisine concept that offers amazing views and the floor to ceiling windows ensure an abundance of natural light. The tables are well spaced giving diners a little more privacy too.
And where would you suggest holding a client dinner?
As a big fan of local flavours, one of my favourite places to host client dinners is at National Kitchen by Violet Oon. The food is Peranakan cuisine, which is a cuisine that comes from descendants of early Chinese migrants and combines Chinese, Malay and other influences.
The restaurant sits in the National Gallery of Singapore which is in incredible building that was formerly the Supreme Court Building and City Hall (national monuments). The restaurant also has its own private dining room ideal for discreet and intimate dinners.
Where could visitors have drinks with colleagues after a day of meetings in in Singapore?
Southbridge’s laidback and casual rooftop bar vibes make it a great place to unwind after a day’s work. Looking out upon the city lights is also a rather therapeutic and calming experience.
Are there any challenging aspects or downsides to Singapore for business travellers that should be taken into account?
Language is hardly a barrier in Singapore as everyone speaks English, making conversation easier compared to other Asian cities. Tipping is not expected and is actually actively discouraged by some. However it’s worth noting that chewing gum is banned in Singapore and it is illegal to bring gum into the country and to consume it here.
Tell us a bit about Singapore’s unmissable attractions
I hope you fall in love with the Marina Bay precinct as much as I did, and still do. You may experience some form of sensory overload on your first visit to the Bay because of the beauty of it, no matter where you turn. Don’t miss Spectra, the water and light show displayed over the waterfront at the Marina Bay Sands Event Plaza, that takes place twice nightly at 8pm and 9pm from Sunday to Thursday, with a third show on Friday and Saturday at 10pm.
Sentosa is Singapore’s largest island-resort and I would recommend setting aside an entire day to explore it. It’s home to historical attractions, beach clubs, amazing golf courses, and Singapore’s first integrated resort, Resorts World Sentosa; there really is something for everyone.
Sprawling across 101 hectares of land, Gardens by the Bay should also not be missed, it takes in the majestic sight of the world’s tallest indoor waterfall at the Cloud Forest; and is also home to a spectacular Flower Dome as well as one the world’s largest glass greenhouse. You can truly bask in the beauty of Singapore’s skyline 22 metres above ground from the OCBC Skyway.
Can you give some insider information about some hidden treasures outside the tourist haunts?
The arts landscape in Singapore has grown tremendously in recent years, and one of the best spots to witness its vibrancy is at Gillman Barracks. It’s such a unique place: a contemporary arts cluster set in former military barracks amid lush greenery. It’s home to local art galleries, contemporary arts, and restaurants. The venue also plays host to a number of festivals throughout the year, with the most notable being Art After Dark.
My advice would be that when you tire of the hustle and bustle of city living, put on comfy shoes and head to Punggol Waterway Park, which can be reached on foot or on rental bikes. You can cruise along the promenade and take in the sights and sounds that nature has to offer and relax the mind! There are incredible scenic views to make photo memories and if you’re hungry head to The Punggol East Container Park, which is a foodie enclave that has something for everyone.
Are there any local dishes that visitors should try?
Singapore is a gourmet’s paradise and once of the reasons I love it. Don’t miss local favourites such as Hainanese chicken rice, a ubiquitous offering of either braised or roasted chicken with fragrant rice cooked in chicken stock, ginger and pandan leaves; and laksa, thick vermicelli noodles in a spicy coconut milk broth.
Why do you love Singapore?
Because of its vibrant lifestyle landscape that never fails to delight and surprise each time I visit. There is plenty to look forward to each time I am in town with the team. Galleries that offer an insight into Southeast Asian art, restaurants that push culinary boundaries, and world-class events
What is also lovely about Singapore is that moving around has always been fuss free, and safe. I have never had to worry about staying out late with friends.
Why would you recommend Singapore as a place to do business?
The local taxes make doing business here a hotbed for start-ups and large corporations alike. The city is easy to navigate and traffic conditions are largely manageable. Singapore has all the trappings of a global city, but its size makes it manageable and enjoyable – it really is perfectly formed. I would recommend it for professionals, families and travellers alike.
Anabel Fielding is CEO of Quintessentially Events & Weddings
