WOWS was the acronym and wow the impact at the World of Wines & Spirits (WOWS) by Changi Airport in partnership with Lotte Duty Free on Saturday night.
What an outstanding venue – the National Gallery of Singapore – and what sublime visuals, culinary and fine wines & spirits the occasion offered.
Time for a photo opportunity with Changi Airport Group leadership representatives (from left) Chief Executive Officer Yam Kum Weng; Executive Vice President, Commercial Lim Peck Hoon; and Senior Vice President Airside Concessions Chandra Mahtani
I never underrate the sheer privilege of being able to attend such events and being able to experience – and write about – two subjects so close to my heart: wines & spirits and travel.
And in this case not just any wines & spirits but in what was delightfully dubbed an ‘Artistic Alchemy of Wines & Spirits’, a meticulously curated array of more than 100 rare and premium liquors from over 60 brands. A personal nirvana.
The Macallan Horizon is an extraordinary collaboration between The Macallan and Bentley Motors. Featuring a horizontal design, The Macallan Horizon deviates from traditional vertical whisky bottle aesthetics, inspired by the horizontal trajectory of the automotive world, honouring the heritage of both The Macallan and Bentley Motors while looking towards the future. Only one bottle is available exclusively at WOWS for S$66,800 (US$51,725).(Above and below) Guests peruse some of the outstanding wines & spirits on offer {Photos: Changi Airport Group}
Earlier on Saturday I had the pleasure to interview Changi Airport Senior Vice President, Pricing and Commercial Strategy Jeffrey Loke at Lotte Duty Free’s Terminal 2 duplex store. The setting was the lovely upstairs liquor-tasting lounge (themed the Forest of Li Bai in honour of the revered Tang Dynasty poet, Li Bai), where several of the rare WOWS bottlings are on display.
As with all his Changi Airport Group colleagues, Jeffrey could not have been more helpful in explaining not only the latest retail initiatives but also outlining how the airport company is doing everything in its power to boost spending in a subdued market environment. You can read my interview with him coming soon.
Jeffrey Loke and I enjoy the ambience of an unforgettable evening
A prime example is the recent launch of a Monarch VVIP tier for the Changi Rewards programme, designed to recognise and incentivise the loyalty of key airport customers.
The name takes inspiration from the Monarch butterfly, a symbol deemed synonymous with Changi Airport and featured in the Changi Rewards logo.
The Monarch, dubbed the king of butterflies (and, alas, a species, teetering on extinction due to global warming) is known by scientists as Danaus plexippus, which in Greek literally means ‘sleepy transformation’. According to World Wildlife Fund (WWF), the name evokes the species’ ability to hibernate and metamorphise.
Members of the Changi Airport Group executive leadership team celebrate a landmark event. Vice President, Advertising, Marketing & Promotions Nicole Foo; Vice President, Airside Concessions Gwyn Sin; CEO Yam Kum Weng; Executive Vice President, Commercial Lim Peck Hoon; Senior Vice President, Airside Concessions Chandra Mahtani; Executive Vice President, Corporate, People & Culture Justina Tan; Executive Vice President, Safety and Security Tan Lye Teck; and Senior Vice President, Pricing & Commercial Strategy Jeffrey Loke.
The Monarch butterfly also boasts an extraordinary migration pattern – according to the WWF the most highly evolved of any known species of butterfly or moth and perhaps any known insect.
Lots of obvious analogies with an airport company, for sure. Metamorphosis is a constant about Changi and migration an everyday theme for its passengers. But there is absolutely no sense of sleepiness about the constant transformation of this extraordinarily energetic airport company. ✈️
The National Gallery of Singapore was lit up in memorable style by Tan Zi Xi (MessyMsxi), famed for her work that captures the pulse, movements and heritage of Singapore, her home city
Singaporean violinist Joy Young and professional contemporary dancer Beryl Tay added brilliantly choreographed dazzle to the evening
Changi Airport Group Vice President Corporate & Marketing Communications Dennis Yim and I sample a piece of renowned pastry chef Janice Wong’s delicously edible chocolate art installation
Janice Wong explains her incredible work of culinary art {Photo: Changi Airport Group}With Changi Airport Group Chief Executive Officer Yam Kum Weng (right) and Senior Vice President Airside Concessions Chandra MahtaniWith industry veteran Casey Lim and (right) Treasury Wine Estate Travel Retail Manager – Asia Michel TanLagardère Travel Retail Ann Pang was also on hand to enjoy an unforgettable eveningA great shot with (from left) Changi Airport Group Senior Manager – Corporate and Marketing Communications Hui Hui Ng; DFNI Editor Kapila Ireland; Global Travel Retail Magazine Correspondent Karuna Tuli; and Changi Airport Group Vice President Corporate & Marketing Communications Dennis YimIt was lovely to catch up with Jenny Tan, one of travel retail’s finest Brand Ambassadors, a frontliner who makes a huge difference to the customer experience at Lotte Duty Free, Changi Airport, and (below) Lotte Duty Free Security & ESG (Compliance) Assistant Manager Raja Shir Khan
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