Robb Report Malaysia

04/11/2025

Opens Its Doors To Guests

The launch of METT Singapore marks the brand’s debut in Asia. Located in the heart of Fort Canning Park, the hotel offers a blend of lush greenery and vibrant city life. There are 84 suites and rooms in total, with in-room essentials that champion local Singapore brands. Featuring two sparkling outdoor pools, a padel court, and a luxury gym fitted with state-of-the-art Technogym equipment, the hotel also offers four dining venues—from Italian cuisine at Art di Daniele Sperindio to a glamorous interpretation of Korean grill at Hanu. Set to open in the fourth quarter of 2025 is Madison House, a private members’ club that serves as a wellness haven offering treatments such as cryotherapy, a science-driven spa, and aesthetic treatments.

THIS WEEK IN LUXURY: https://tinyurl.com/twil31oct

03/11/2025

When it comes to trailblazing women, Claire Chiang sets the standard. At 75, the co-founder and senior vice president of shows no signs of slowing down, with her signature flowing locks and indomitable spirit. When we spoke, she was set for back-to-back business trips to China, Indonesia, the Maldives, and Mexico. She co-founded the group together with her husband, Ho Kwon Ping (who also acts as executive chairman), in 1994. Fast forward 31 years, the global developer and operator of hotels, spas, residences, food, and retail is on track to open its 100th property in November with the Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree in a symbolic homecoming in Singapore.

Besides being a mother of three children who are involved in the business, Chiang’s catalogue of accomplishments is extensive. She served as a Nominated Member of Parliament in Singapore, was among the first two women admitted to the Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, authored the Chinese-language autobiography My Journey and After, and has chaired numerous non-profit boards—all with extraordinary elegance and poise.

“What sets Banyan Group apart from other names in hospitality is its focus on value creation, humanity, community, and people—drivers that ultimately fuel our efforts. These values, which have inspired me whether I was a Rotarian or working in social services, have driven me and have been translated into the business. We remain an independent company, which is why we are able to be consistent and show perseverance throughout the decades. I believe that doing good is the role for businesses rather than being a wealth creation vehicle.

“When I first started on this journey, I was the charter president for Singapore Compact, the local chapter of the United Nations Global Compact. At the time, CSR was equated with charity and philanthropy. I’d go out a lot to explain that it’s beyond giving money, but also the way you operate, design your workforce, and connect with stakeholders. We’ve disbursed millions of dollars through our foundation and supported countless community projects. It’s all about the transformation in positive change.”

“Not everyone is a leader, but they like to observe and follow them. From this, you can create leaders because you give them the courage to do so. I hope that all three of my children are able to motivate and influence through the way they behave, live, communicate, and facilitate. I don’t care about being in power but only about being an agent of influence.

Claire Chiang, Co-Founder of Banyan Group, On Positive Change And Gender Biases: https://tinyurl.com/powerindividuals2025claire

03/11/2025

The CEO of Triangle Worldwide opens up about evolving from a driven newcomer into a reflective, people-first leader.

Marc Zuriel Philip, the CEO of Triangle Worldwide, opens up about evolving from a driven newcomer into a reflective, people-first leader.

03/11/2025

The St. Regis Langkawi Launches The Fourth Chapter Of The Gastronomy Series

For two nights only, The St. Regis Langkawi will be welcoming chef Deepanker Khosla from the one-Michelin-starred Haoma in Bangkok. The seven-course dinner will be hosted at the stunning Kayuputi, where chef Khosla will showcase a modern take on Indian cuisine through regenerative practices. The menu is curated with ingredients sourced from the vibrant markets of the island and the pristine waters of the Andaman Sea. More than the acclaimed one Michelin star, Haoma was also awarded a green star and was most recently featured in the Star Wine List Grand Prix 2024 for the world’s best sustainable wines. The experience is only available on 21 and 22 November at RM750 nett per person and RM950 nett with wine pairing.

For reservations and enquiries, call +604 960 6666 or email [email protected].

THIS WEEK IN LUXURY: https://tinyurl.com/twil31oct

03/11/2025

The New Minute Repeater Marries Elegant Design With Consummate Watchmaking

At 40mm across and only 9.6mm in thickness, with a yellow gold case and a black onyx dial set off by an austerely minimal set of hands and markers, the latest release from Gérald Genta is simple, elegant, and timeless—in essence, the ideal dress watch. Now under the purview of Louis Vuitton’s La Fabrique du Temps manufacture, the subtle geometry of a circular track within an ever-so-slightly squared-off circumference is a fine homage to the eponymous designer, who is famous for his work on iconic 1970s timepieces.

Although this release is definitively a dress watch, it is also something more extraordinary—lurking within its slim profile is a minute repeater. The manually wound calibre GG-002 is a classical take on this sort of striking complication, with two stainless steel hammers and hand-tuned gongs; these gongs are fixed to the case to maximise volume and projection.

THIS WEEK IN LUXURY: https://tinyurl.com/twil24oct25

02/11/2025

Breguet Celebrates Its 250th Anniversary With Two New Watches

To mark this special occasion, the watchmaker presents two new launches in the Reine de Naples collection inspired by the 9935 and 8925 models. While the new 9935BH features its original display, numerous aesthetic enhancements were made—including its debut in Breguet gold and a reworked movement with a larger moon-phase indication. Meanwhile, the 8925BH is enlivened with three complementary faces. The first is adorned in extra-white mother-of-pearl, the second features Breguet gold omnipresent in every detail, and the third is coated in shimmering black aventurine.

THIS WEEK IN LUXURY: https://tinyurl.com/twil24oct25

02/11/2025

The GlenDronach Introduces The Master’s Anthology Collection Of Single Malt Whiskies

The Glendronach Distillery has recently unveiled a collection of three non-age-statement single malt whiskies that are curated by master blender Rachel Barrie. In no particular order, they are: Ode to The Valley, Ode to The Embers, and Ode to The Dark. The first is a vibrant showcase of floral and summer berry notes, which was matured in port and sherry casks. Meanwhile, Ode to The Embers features smoky peat and spiced flavours, thanks to the Oloroso and Pedro Ximénez casks the spirit was aged in. Then, Ode to The Dark, which also matured in Pedro Ximénez casks, is the richest expression of chocolates, black cherries, and dates.

Glendronach Distillery’s Master’s Anthology is now available from the Official Shopee Store of Drinks Connexion.

THIS WEEK IN LUXURY: https://tinyurl.com/twil31oct

02/11/2025

Get the most out of luxury travel with our hitlist of 77 new and improved properties, destinations, and experiences in Asia Pacific and around the globe.

Your luxury travel guide 2026 is here with our hitlist of 77 new and improved hotels, experiences and more in Asia Pacific and beyond.

02/11/2025

Upon his appointment as Standard Chartered Malaysia’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) on 18 August 2022, Mak Joon Nien became the first Malaysian CEO of the country’s oldest operating bank. For Standard Chartered, which has been present in the country since 1875, Mak’s appointment, following a sterling career with the bank for more than 25 years, feels pre-ordained, given that Mak has always risen to challenges, given his mantra that a lot of what life is revolves around giving your best because “regret is painful when you don’t place enough importance in doing your best”.

This year, the Kuala Lumpur Standard Chartered Marathon, which took place on 4 and 5 October, also saw Mak participate in the half-marathon category. He shares parallels in financial and physical fitness, and why it’s important to build resilience to bounce back from the worst of times.

“For me, financial fitness gives us clarity and focus in life—so we’re not worrying about where the money is coming from, and you’re not distracted by economic turbulence. All this means you can live life in the way you wish—too often, I think money worries take up a big chunk of people’s time.

“When I was younger, I’ve had my fair share of financial mistakes, but over time, once you’re able to manage your finances well, you remove a big burden from your shoulders. A lot of what it takes is simply discipline and willpower—you need to get into the frame of mind to invest, save, and plan.

“It’s the same with sports—the first key thing is simply in showing up, just like making that first investment or savings. When you put on your shoes to go on a long, challenging run, it may seem daunting. But with repeated actions and muscle memory, you start experiencing the more interesting aspects of your run."

Mak Joon Nien, CEO of Standard Chartered Malaysia, On The Parallels Of Running And Being Financially Fit: https://tinyurl.com/powerindividuals25makjoonnien

01/11/2025

The chef-owner of the one-Michelin-starred restaurant is bringing Thai cuisine to the world stage.

Restaurant.Potong

Chef Pam, the chef-owner of the one-Michelin-starred restaurant Potong, is bringing Thai cuisine to the world stage.

01/11/2025

Minotti SpA Opens Its Latest Flagship Store In Riyadh

Minotti has collaborated with Gallery Design to open its latest flagship store in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in the King Abdullah Financial District—which is also affectionately known as ‘The Leaf’. The 620 sq m store is designed by Minotti Studio in a deconstructivist-inspired building and has three large glass façades. Meanwhile, its interiors pay tribute to the Roman domus and Arab houses, in which an open-air patio traditionally located in the centre of both buildings formed the crux of daily lives. Artworks by Nisreen & Nermeen Abudail, Muhannad Shono, Nasser Al Salem, and Helidon Xhixha further enhance guests’ experiences as they discover the latest collections from the Italian furniture brand.

THIS WEEK IN LUXURY: https://tinyurl.com/twil31oct

01/11/2025

It’s all about fun, flair, and glamour when the magic of Langkawi and Saint-Tropez come together.

Vilebrequin x The St. Regis Langkawi

It’s all about fun, flair, and glamour when the magic of Langkawi and Saint-Tropez come together.