Why do you think it is important to conserve old buildings?
Cities can only be rich if they are layered with the architectural tales of many generations past. Progress doesn't mean newness at the expense and erasure of the past.

What’s special about Macalister Mansion?
We employ a greater and more sophisticated design philosophy that generates newness from the layers of history. Our Macalister Mansion project doesn't just involve existing historic architectural cues. It tells history, with the tale of Norman Macalister as an underlying narrative. In a way, history itself has been “adaptively resued”!

What’s the biggest challenge when outfitting a new heritage project?
Heritage buildings come with an original use and spatial planning. It takes quite a lot of creativity to work within these constraints and adapt it seamlessly to the building's new function.

What’s your main aim when working on a colonial building like Macalister Mansion?
With Macalister Mansion, the end aim was to strike a good balance between nostalgia and relevance for the future. Against the backdrop of a conserved mansion, the heritage spaces have been carefully adapted. Key features have been conserved and infused with contemporary design. 

What are some examples of ways Ministry of Design balances modern convenience with old school charm?
Entering the hedge-lined driveway, guests are welcomed by an oversized 2.5 meter high fractal bust of Norman Macalister—a modern reinterpretation of the colonial artefact—which is juxtaposed against the elegant grand dame of a mansion. Another example of new against the old is in the reception. The entrance features the building’s original ornately designed doorway and a reflective copper reception bar, with video art by Mansoor Ramli—a collage of abstracted Penang scenes accompanied by an indie electronic soundtrack.

Ministry of Design worked on Penang boutique hotel Macalister Mansion.

How do you think the dating scene in Singapore compares with that of other countries were Lovestruck has a presence (like London and Hong Kong)?
There is a certain level of reserve that exists throughout Asia, and Singapore is no different. We've seen this firsthand at our events, and had to employ ice breakers to go around introducing singles to one another. We don't have to do this in the UK! Furthermore, it appears that it's always down to the man to make the first move. Part of this can be attributed to the ritual of local Singaporean dating. It can be a very slow, drawn-out process.

What would you like to see more of in the Singapore dating scene?
More “chemistry test” dates—coffee dates, lunch dates, after-work dates and during-work dates! Keep it to an hour to see if the chemistry's there. 

What’s the funniest pickup line you’ve heard?
Guy goes up to girl and says, “Feel that,” pointing to his shirt. “That's boyfriend material.”

What’s the most interesting success story you’ve seen come of Lovestruck?
My best friend got married from the site last year. Of course, being Best Man gave me the opportunity to plug Lovestruck the whole day!

What should daters never do? What would you say is the biggest turn off?
Key deal-breakers on first dates are body odour, bad breath and rudeness. Not far behind this trifecta of first-date horrors is nose-picking. The final one is a real sign of the times: Your date should be your sole focus for the next few hours, so don't check your smartphone unless you absolutely have to as it will make them feel unimportant. We've all got aspects of ourselves that we'd like to improve—after all, nobody's perfect—but if you can avoid all of the above, then your chances of first date success look good. To really ensure it's not a first date fiasco, I advise you to turn up on time, avoid splitting the bill, dancing—if you can't—and kissing badly.

What’s a guaranteed way to get a man or woman’s attention?
Your eyes are the simplest and easiest way to let someone know that you are interested. A few glances should suffice, but don't overdo it. Also, try replicating their behaviour to build a connection—even if both of you are sitting far away from each other. Look good and dress well—wear something red—and try and get across this: “I am fun and love my life. Come into my world.”

Brett Harding manages dating website Lovestruck.

What do you hope to achieve with this event?
To preserve artisanal craft and heritage for the next generation, create opportunities to professionalize the street food industry, and delve into new ways to strengthen the scattered and fractured street food players worldwide.

How long did it take to plan this event?
Two years!

You’ve got quite a line up of guest speakers. How did you approach them to join the project?
These are people who are captains of the industry and movers and shakers in their own right. Many of them are good acquaintances of event creator and curator KF Seetoh. He personally paid a visit to each of them and sought their views and advice on the potential of this movement. No one declined and many more came and offered their expertise once word got around.

Which speaker are you personally most looking forward to hear from?
Professor Simon Tay from the Singapore Institute of International Affairs (SIIA). He is from the SIIA—which is dedicated to the research, analysis and discussion of regional and international issues—and he’s speaking on street food culture? I’d be very interested to know how this connects with what he does!

What was the most upsetting thing about the current street food scene?
The fact that street food culture isn’t more loved and isn’t institutionalized. You can’t go get professional training and few have access to opportunities to learn.

How do you hope the World Street Food Congress will grow?
We hope to have the World Street Food Congress in San Francisco, Mexico or even Israel one day and to be a truly global event, with countries and partners who believe in what we do.

The World Street Food Congress is on May 31-Jun 9 at the F1 Pit Building.