Nothing beats examining the insides of something to see how it works.

I have three or four vacuum cleaners at home and I’ve “opened up” all of them except the one that belongs to my wife. She banned me from touching it because she said it’s her favorite workhorse.

Kids today have lots of opportunities and options but also distractions and pressure. I don’t see why children should be crushed with the burden of meeting expectations in their early years. There is a whole world out there beyond assessment books and worksheets.

It is all-important to find a “universal” to make sense of the “particular.” If you study aeronautical engineering with the view of wanting to design your own aircraft, you will find that all the different subjects make sense. If you study a business course, you need to have view of starting your own business. Pursuing your goal thoroughly is good education.

I’m happy with every idea that works out and serves a useful end. They all excite me; whether it’s an idea embodied in computer software, one that explains a gap in our understanding or simply a device that fills a need. I cannot recall my first invention but every new one holds excitement for me.

The fire tornado had a visible and immediate impact on my family, friends and other people.

Watching people standing a meter away from a huge flaming vortex, feeling the heat and experiencing a sense of wonder and terror, thrills me!

My wife and daughter have used the term “mad scientist” to describe me. Recently, they’ve even started using “pyromaniac.” To some people, the label persists. Certainly, there are crazy ones. But I think in general, most scientists are not mad but responsible.

Those who want to do something new have at times done what many perceive as “crazy” or have “tread where angels fear to tread.” A good scientist, engineer or inventor must go against the grain to try things which many at first glance may perceive as totally illogical or silly.

We should not be conservative. We should be rebels coming up with new solutions or ideas. In some sense, the crazier the idea, the more likely for it to be original and something new! But let it also be said that being an innovator requires lots of discipline in grinding out an elegant solution. It is a lot of work to translate an idea into reality.

When I work late into the night, my son, daughter or wife will call me and say, “Dad, you better get home now or the bogeyman will get you!”

In the context of innovations, inventing and research, I live by this mantra: “Don’t be afraid to be different or to swim against the tide, when you have to.”

2
In this thoughtfully abstract piece, the Tao Dance Theater from China performs a musical score derived from their daily conversations. Audiences are invited to interpret the symbolism of the number “2” as they wish. Find out more at their post-show dialogues. Jun 3-4, 8pm.

A Game of You
If you like being toyed around, you might appreciate this experimental performance by Belgian theater group Ontroerend Goed. You will be led into rooms that look foreign and familar at the same time, and when you emerge, you might be confused about the part you were playing all along—a willing audience or the lead. Jun 3-5, 2pm, 7pm.

Beautiful Thing 2
One of India’s most influential and controversial contemporary dancers Padmini Chettur lives up to her reputation with her 11th creation, a piece that investigates how the memories of who we were incessantly influence who we become. Witness how Chettur breaks the boundaries of tradition and continuously embraces new ideas with her provocative performance. Jun 4-5, 8pm.

The Conference of the Birds
An allegorical poem adapted for the stage, The Conference of The Birds tells the tale of the birds of the world embarking on a journey to seek their spiritual King, the Simorgh, to address all their doubts, only to discover that the Simorgh resides within themselves. Jun 3-4, 8pm.

Radio Muezzin
Stefan Kaegi and his group Rimini Protokoll continue to have a strong impact on the world’s alternative theater scene with this provocative piece that visualizes and provides a voice to the fight for the protection of the muezzin (the person who recites the prayer call) in the Islamic world. Jun 4-5, 8pm.

What if, by some cosmic miracle, your six numbers are picked for a $5 million dollar jackpot win? What if you find out that a dead relative has left you all his cash monies to be spent however you please? It can happen, and when it does, here are some tips on how to spend that money in style before Monday rolls around.

Friday: Party Like a Rockstar

6pm: First things first. Call Lotus Limousine (47 Club St., 6325-9585, www.lotuslimos.com) to have a Chrysler 300 Super Stretch limo ($2,500 for 10 hours) pick you up and take you around the city for all the high-roller action you’ve got planned today. Each ride is eight meters long and equipped with a state-of-the-art audio system and leather couch seats. You can BYOB at a corkage fee of $80 or the company can arrange to purchase your poison for you.

6:30pm: With your moolah, you can afford to host a small party in one of the famed Japanese fine dining hotspot Waku Ghin's private dining rooms, complete with a showcase of prowess by your very own assigned chef—a great way to start the celebrations. Indulge in the 10-course degustation menu ($400++), pick something nice out of their 3,000-bottle wine collection and take in the sensational city views through the restaurant’s floor-to-ceiling windows.

7.30pm: Everyone should be in pretty high spirits by now, making this the perfect time to head to the circus! The newly-opened Cirque Eloize iD is adapted from the world famous Cirque du Soleil and features acrobats, break dancers, contortionists and even a stunt biker. The VIP boxes ($500 for four seats each) should do nicely.

9pm: After the show, blow close to 10 grand on your buddies at Axis by buying them a Caviar Motini each. Made from super premium black vodka, dry vermouth and fresh lime juice, it comes with 30g of the finest Iranian beluga caviar, beluga-stuffed olives and all the traditional condiments you’d expect. At $1,888 a pop, it’s only natural that you’re required to order this baby two days in advance.

11pm: This is when the party really starts. Take the whole crew out for a celebration designed to make even Snoop Dogg weep with envy. Rent the Asha, a 48-ft. catamaran with gorgeous double cabin interiors from Lloyd Marine (#32-08 UIC Building, 5 Shenton Way, 6438-7889) for $1,900-3,600 and have your guests wake up to an amazing view of the sunrise, breakfast on the sun deck and access to snorkeling equipment, as well as a sea kayak. Want to make it a real occasion? Bring on board crates of delicious Krug Grande Cuvée, $3,076 a bottle from Vinopolis (#44-01 Suntec Tower 3, 8 Temasek Blvd., 6866-3390). Even millionaires get seasick, so if that happens, round up the troops for a late-night soiree overlooking the city skyline at Helipad. Cocktails and canapés for the night will set you back about $15,000. Send everyone home with a bottle of The Macallan 1946 whisky (register on www.themacallan.com to order), each customized by prestigious photographer Albert Watson ($20,700 each inclusive of a signed one-off collectible platinum print).

3am: OK, so maybe you’re not a celebrity flying in for your Asian World Tour concert, but that doesn’t mean you can’t be treated like one. Hell, go all the way and do a turnaround flight (to Jakarta and back, say) just so the crew at Marina Bay Sands can pick you up upon arrival at the tarmac and escort you to the arrival gate by limousine transfer as part of their exquisite VIP experience package. Get to the hotel in a BMW 5 or 7 Series luxury sedan and check into their highly exclusive Chairman Suite (spanning over 700 sq. m.—nearly the size of four tennis courts) and enjoy 24-hour personalized butler service plus access to their invitation-only club Paiza. All for just $17,000 a night. Get waited on hand and foot while you sip on their 2003 Domaine Romanée-Conti Grand Cru, priced at $22,708 a bottle.

Saturday: Shop Like There's No Tomorrow

10am: After all that partying the night before, load up with Super Brunch ($158++) at Ritz Carlton and ponder your fine luck over fresh greens, Japanese sashimi, succulent seafood, slow-roasted wagyu beef and of course, free flowing Moët and Chandon Grand Vintage 2002 and Moët and Chandon Grand Vintage Rose 2003—one of the most indulgent buffets in town and worth every penny spent (not that you have to worry about things like that).

12pm: Not even the Queen can get an appointment with the Hong Kong-based Aussie celebrity hairstylist Kim Robinson but, as a newly-made millionaire, you should treat yourself to his famous dry cut, a signature technique he’s trained all his creative stylists to master. Get that perfect coif at kimrobinson hair salon (#02-12 Ngee Ann City, 391 Orchard Rd., 6738-8006, www.kimrobinson.com), where prices start from $158 for a consultation, wash and cut. And it’s not just your hair that’ll get the royal treatment here. Book their four VIP suites for yourself and your posse (an extra $280 each), and get to sit on leather-bound ergonomic chairs from Japan worth over $7,000 each. Every client gets a free review one week after their initial cut too. If you’re lucky enough to have your tresses trimmed by the man himself (and you might, considering you just scored yourself more money than the Youth Olympics budget), be prepared to fork out $1,580—his standard fee.

3pm: Round up eight or more of your les amis and reserve one of the private dining rooms at Savoy, Michelin-starred chef Guy Savoy’s Singapore offering. Indulge in their signature Menu Prestige, a 10-course degustation menu that includes their refreshing oyster in ice gelée and pigeon “poché-rôti” with pumpkin gratin and watercress. That’s $688 (inclusive of wine pairing) well spent.

5pm: Now that you’re done indulging your hair and body, it’s time to suit up and get slick. Make an appointment at the Club 21 Style Services Suite (#02- 20/21 Hilton Singapore, 581 Orchard Rd., 6304-1388), a salon spanning over 1,250 sq. ft., complete with three fitting rooms, consultation rooms and a powder room with a full M.A.C. makeup bar. With its dark oak floors and elegant velvet accents, the salon is where you can sit back and preview the fashion empire’s latest collections over organic tea or fine wine. A session here costs $300 (and that's without all the real shopping involved).

6pm: Sometimes, the most satisfying way to spend your money is to buy something for someone. With or without the proposal, the Destinee Aria ring (picture above) is one of the most extravagant pieces of jewelry a woman can buy. It features a magnificent 4-carat diamond centerpiece in a petal-shaped setting and can cost over $800,000 from Lee Hwa Diamond Promenade. For the guys, pay a visit to the biggest Montblanc Mandarin Gallery boutique in Southeast Asia, with its own four-meter high Swarovski crystal chandelier. Keep an eye out for the John Lennon Special Edition pen ($1,330), styled after an old vinyl record with a peace sign engraved into the handcrafted rhodium-plated 18k gold nib. Unfolding paper money from your breast pocket is gauche in any situation so invest in a money clip ($530 from their Men’s Classic collection) while you’re there. And you can’t not head over to The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, which is something of a playground for those with money to burn. Spoil your best girlfriends with a luscious Lady Dior handbag ($4,400-5,000 at #B1-28, 6688-7188) or an edgy Bryanne bangle ($1,548) from Tianpo’s (#B2-16, 6688- 7044) latest Spring/Summer collection. While we’re on the subject of shopping— why not spruce up your pad as well so that you’ll have a design haven to come home to when the whirlwind weekend is over? Invest in a statement piece like a Giorgetti Royal sofa (over $200,000 depending on configuration), exclusively created by hot new Italian designer Antonella Mosca at Space. Check out other designers’ works over gourmet coffee and wine at their brand new showroom, which houses a villa-like showcase unit. Hang a masterpiece like a Botero or Chagall on your wall for $10,000-75,000 from Opera Gallery and everyone will be dying for a sleepover. And hell, why not treat yourself to a kickass home theater system at Coherence Audio. Go for the MBL Reference line (about $246,455) and a $15,000 JVC RS60 projector—sweet.

10pm: All good things must come to an end; well a classy end anyway as you lounge at Tanjong Beach Club with the friends (or friend, now that you’re nearing the end of your million-dollar weekend). Tuck into a good supper and down a couple of potent cocktails for the sweet sum of $2,280-3080 if you book the whole space for yourself for a couple of hours.

Note to Self: In case all this indulgence kills you, snag a prime spot at Asia’s largest six-star columbarium Nirvana Memorial Garden (950 Old Choa Chu Kang Rd., 9047-0330, www.nirvanasg. com), which is equipped with a fancy lounge area, VIP discussion and prayer rooms, as well as various color scheme choices. Penthouses are also available.

Sunday: Live Like A King

10am: Time to unwind a little, and what better way to get things started than with a lovely day at the spa? Auriga Spa’s (Capella Singapore, 1 The Knolls, Sentosa Island, 6591-5023) Honey Moon couple’s wellness journey ($1,176) involves the award-winning spa’s signature Moon Spa treatment, a ritualistic floral bath, an intimate tea session in their private garden, mocktails and tapas—perfect for you and a loved one. Or you could take over the entire place for three hours for $9,888.

1pm: Sundays are great for lazy picnics on the beach but we’re not talking about Sentosa. Rent the entire Pulau Pangkil for $6,900-7,900 for three days (daily rates are also available). Have it all to yourself and a maximum of nine other people and go kayaking, sailing and snorkeling without having to wait around for equipment to be available. Their attap huts or “driftwood palaces” are also perfect for lounging about. There are only about 25 members of staff stationed on the island so you feel almost completely isolated from the rest of the world.

If your little getaway is making you crave a real, honest-to-goodness holiday, book one! In fact, go the whole way with the Singapore Airlines Suite, exclusively available onboard their Airbus 380 (up to $15,435 for a round trip). There are only 12 available, and each is equipped with sliding doors for privacy, a lavish Italiancrafted armchair and a queen-sized bed. You’ll be choosing from menus created by SIA’s International Culinary Panel, dining on Givenchy tableware, sleeping in Givenchy bedlinen and pajamas, and treated to their award-winning “cinema in the sky” concept. How’s that for luxe?

5pm: Getting used to the island life? Snag a spot at the ridiculously upscale Sentosa Cove after your little sojourn back into town. For $2,800,000 (assuming you still have spare cash), cop yourself a nice three-bedroom apartment with a sea view at the Oceanfront Sentosa —perfect if you need extra space for your diamond-encrusted kicks and hot new friends.

6pm: Ah, golf… the rich man’s game. Fit in with the upper crust by practicing your swing at the Singapore Island Country Club. Book the entire golf course for $2,850-2,980 for yourself and 14 of your other rich and sporty pals.

9pm: Round off your weekend with a magnificent aerial tour (Helicopter Flight Services, ST Aerospace Engineering, 600 West Camp Rd., 6480-6877) of Singapore. This commercial division of the aviation giant conducts all commercial flights on an EC120B Colibri and also provides VIP transport, as well as aerial filming and photography services. Look for chief pilot Captain Tan Sah Boon to make arrangements. It costs $500-2,000 for just 20-45 minutes of flight but the 360-degree view of our tropical island at sunset is absolutely worth it. That's the lights going out on your luxe lifestyle, by the way.

Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous

Just a few of the extravagant tasks luxury concierge service provider Quintessentially (#06-31 High Street Ctr., 1 North Bridge Rd., 6511-1199, www.quintessentially.com) have done at their members' request:

• Find five tiger cubs for a junglethemed party.
• Arrange for three reindeer, a sleigh, Mrs. Claus and some elves to attend a Christmas party in London.
• Deliver a metal detector up to the French Alps for a member who’d lost his house keys in the snow.
• Arrange a romantic and private dinner for a member and his wife—on an iceberg.
• Send 50 roast ducks and 40 pork bellies from London to Thailand.
• Source a pet jellyfish for a member’s home.
• Create a Batman-style bat cave in a member’s house, complete with a secret passage.

Life before the Biggest Loser Asia was tough. I used to play computer games for about six to 12 hours a day, usually World of Warcraft, and I was a very depressing and negative person to be around with. I was also single.

Only after I decided to take control of my life did things change for the better.

I used to get a lot of attention due to my size. I could feel people staring at me, giving me the look that said, “Wow, you’re really big.” It made me feel worthless. But after the show, it felt like I could finally fit in with the general public.

One of the toughest moments was watching two of my teammates in the competition go home. Seeing fellow Singaporean Jonathan get sent off really drove home the message that no-one’s position in the show was certain.

I met my girlfriend on this website called OkCupid. It started with a simple online message and I suggested we have dinner rather than continue talking through emails. We hit it off from there and we’ve been together since; for one and a half years now.

People lack honesty. They’d rather lie to your face to make you feel better than to actually tell you what’s wrong. That shouldn’t be the case. The truth might hurt you but it’ll help you become a better person.

I hope to set up a successful business dealing with motivating people to change their lives. I also want to help children in school tackle obesity. After the experience I’ve had, all I want to do is help other people change their lives for the better.

I haven’t seen the world so I don’t really think I can judge Singapore. I like our food though.

I admire people like Jonathan, who despite weighing the most at first, working out the same number of hours as the rest of us and eating the same kinds of food, emerged one of the more victorious in the competition. But that’s not why I like him. I like his blunt honesty and wisdom best.

I didn’t join the competition for the money. I wanted the chance to regain my life and the possibility to do all the things I couldn’t do before, like being able to buy clothing off a rack for example.

The worst advice anyone has given me was, “Come on bro, play World of Warcraft with me—in moderation.” That was how I got addicted to gaming.

I live by this saying, “Be better than yourself yesterday, today.”

Having a huge variety of clothing available to me right now gives me a headache. When I was heavier, I would just go into the plus size shop and pick out some XXXL t-shirts and a pair of jeans and I’m done. Now, I need to think of shirts, blazers, pants and different cuts of jeans.

I enjoy my potato chips and chicken rice a lot. Of course, I feel very guilty after. But it kind of inspires me to head back into the gym.

Being a gamer, I don’t play to lose—ever.

Why did you choose to do a piece on the ancient Shu Kingdom?
Leslie Tan: When the composer (Hu Xiao-Qu) and I first started talking about ideas for the commission, we talked about the last piece of his that we played and realized that style of composition suited the quartet very much. We work well with him in terms of translating into performance his ideas of ancient and lost cultures. Based on that, he pointed me in the direction of the archaeological finds in Sichuan. I was intrigued and immediately hooked on that as a source for the commission.

What is the significance of the Shu Kingdom in ancient Chinese history and how did this inspire your work?
Ang Chek Meng: We really appreciate the mystique and spirituality of this recently discovered part of Chinese history, the Jinsha civilization that lived in the ancient Shu Kingdom. There is no written text on the artifacts so, in truth, a lot of the stories here are still a mystery to archaeologists. There is a parallel here with the work we do as musicians. We can only hope to interpret music written based on experience, tradition and a little bit of instinct.

Ng Yu-Ying: The composition is also about the cultures of other ethnic minorities becoming more obscure with passing time, not just the people of Jinsha. We use our instruments to imitate sounds and work with sound samples made by the composer. It is all a very challenging and new experience for us.

What can the audience look forward to?
ACM: I think they will be awed by the spirituality and the mysterious sound of this work. The subtle images used as well as the use of electronics help add a different dimension to the sounds we make with our own instruments. We will also be doing what we don’t usually do—playing Tibetan chime bowls and different types of hand bells, as well as reciting in ancient Chinese!

What lessons did you take away from Soul Capture?
Lionel Tan: That it’s only our imagination that limits us.

NYY: That we can always push boundaries and try new things and continue to be inspired.

Witness the magic of Soul Capture on May 31-Jun 1, 8pm at the SOTA Concert Hall, School of the Arts, 1 Zubir Said Dr., 6338-9663. $20-60 from Sistic.