Interview: Executive Director of ACRES, Louis Ng
The Executive Director of animal welfare charity ACRES talks to us about chimps, campaigning and corporate ladders.
I used to terrorize my sister. I was constantly trying to get her to play Monopoly with me. She trained me well for advocacy and campaign work.
I watched the movie Gorillas in the Mist when I was 14. Halfway through, I told my mum I wanted to be like Dian Fossey. She freaked out at the end of the movie when Dian was murdered by the poachers!
Ramba the baby chimpanzee is and will always be my biggest influence. In 1999, whilst being trained for a photography session at the zoo, she ran towards me and showed me her lips to check if they were bleeding after being punished for not sitting still. That’s when the first seeds of ACRES were sown.
I was determined to end this cruelty, stop the chimp photography sessions and reunite Ramba and two other baby chimpanzees with their mothers.
I am truly happy every day because I am doing a job that I have been dreaming of since I was young.
Nothing is impossible, miracles take time.
We’re getting so crowded here that it’s now hard to find a spot where you can get some peace and tranquility.
There is no routine to my work. That’s the best thing about it. I give talks at schools, man roadshows, attend government meetings, perform wildlife rescues, conduct undercover investigations into the wildlife trade, do inspections in zoos and more.
I love that Singapore is so efficient.
Animals can’t speak for themselves. So humans feel justified in treating them as mere objects. It is up to all caring human beings to give them a voice.
Most animal cruelty goes on behind the scenes. We will only see positive change when people become more aware of the plight of animals.
I cannot imagine doing anything else. I hate wearing a suit and a tie and can’t imagine climbing the corporate ladder.
Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.
Economic progress is undoubtedly important but we must also focus on the moral progress of the country.
I’ve learnt that it is necessary to move on. If it doesn’t kill you it makes you stronger.
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Catch culinary heavyweights at the grand Opening Reception ($148; 7-9pm) on April 23 at New York Street, Universal Studios Singapore, Resorts World Sentosa.
For those who appreciate the art of cooking, savor a Culinary Experience ($288; 10am-2pm) at Miele Gallery from April 24-25 and meet Michelin-starred chefs like Fergus Henderson and Ronny Emborg.
There's also an elegant gala Charity Dinner (April 25; 7-11pm) featuring the cuisine of Marco Pierre White and Dani García at the Compass Ballroom, Resorts World Sentosa.
Come April 26, experience the best in French cuisine at Domaines Paul Jaboulet Aîné Hermitage La Chapelle Wine Dinner Featuring Bruno Ménard ($248; 7-11pm) at Forlino.
Take an Intimate Singapore Experience culinary journey (from $248; 7-11pm) on April 26-27 at the Alkaff Mansion, Spruce at Bukit Timah Fire Station (274 Upper Bukit Timah Rd.) and Novus at the National Museum of Singapore.
Enjoy exquisite signature dishes by Marco Pierre White at the Celebrity Chef Dinner ($248; 7-11pm) on April 27 at Grand Hyatt Singapore.
Indoguna Gala Dinner ($188; 8-11pm) on April 28 features Anatoly Komm–esteemed ‘golden boy’ of Russian cuisine, at Forest, Resorts World Sentosa.
Expect a free-flow of craft beer concoctions by international celebrity mixologist Javier de las Muelas in collaboration with brew master Christian Knoch at LeVel33 at the World Gourmet Summit Craft Beer Mixology and World-Inspired Beer Dining ($198; 6:30-11pm) on April 29.
Everyone loves a bubbly brunch. Relish in the best of land and sea at Capella with the Norwegian Waters, Australian Pastures ($188; 11am-3pm) Sunday brunch on April 29.
Learn from the likes of Daniel Jordá or Vikas Khanna, get a rare glimpse into what goes on in the kitchens of these chefs at a Culinary Hands-On Workshop ($148; April 30 and May 2, 10am-2pm) at Sunrice GlobalChef Academy.
Expect an epicurean feast off the fairways at the Gourmet Golf Experience ($288; golf 1-5:30pm; dinner 7-9pm) happening May 2 at Keppel Club.
Come May 3, enjoy bubbly paired with creations by Chef Albert Tse, Ku Keung and Chan Kwok at the Sabre d’Or Champagne Dinner with Three Masters ($378; 7-11pm) at Conrad Centennial Singapore.
For more details on all things WGS, visit the World Gourmet Summit website.
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5 is the Magic Number is Zouk's party to celebrate their no. 5 spot on DJ Mag's Top 100 Clubs Poll. They're also offering free entry every Wednesday throughout April—it's Mambo time! (April 4)
The vivacious Hong Kong diva is expected to throw out some fancy dance routines and her signature love balladry in Sandy Lam MMXII Concert: Singapore.(April 6)
Since its inception 20 years ago, Boat Asia is still the region's leading boat parade. To celebrate their anniversary, this year's show will feature luxury charters trending over the past few years. (April 12-15)
The tragic romance of Romeo & Juliet gets retold from edgy local director Ivan Heng's artistic view. (April 14-28)
Fans of American post-hardcore band Bitch Magnet are rejoicing over their comeback from an eight-year hiatus, and this gig presented by KittyWu is a good way to show it. (April 13)
Men's Fashion Week Singapore is back with an exciting lineup of British, Japanese, Korean and Singaporean labels, including Jun Hashimoto, MCM, Reckless Ericka, Richard Chai and Spencer Hart. (April 18-22)
The World Gourmet Summit, now in its 16th year, is your opportunity to sample the works of renowned international chefs in an intimate setting. (April 23-May 3)
Fans of previous Shakespeare in the Park installments shouldn't miss Pangdemonium's interpretation of the classic Twelfth Night, which stars none other than Adrian Pang himself. (April 25-May 20)
Local shopping site ERINN showcases its wares from designers like By Invite Only, Mileti and Stolen in The ERIIN Heroine Trunk Show, held at up-and-coming coworking space Kennel. (April 19)
Running off for an island getaway every chance you get? Aquabumps is one art show that satiates the beach lover in you, with photographs of the surfing lifestyle and the big blue sea. (Through April 29)
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10 at Claymore Goes Organic
For one night only, 10 at Claymore at Pan Pacific Orchard will be serving only organic meats, as part of their special Plates of Pleasure menu ($52++ per person). Highlights include Australian breed beef striplion, Eberly farmed chicken and Welsh Berwyn mountain lamb. After dinner, enjoy 1-for-1 specials on all housepour spirits, wine and beer (by the glass) from 8:30-9:30pm at their romantically-lit Lobby Lounge. Call 6831-6686 to reserve.
Celebrate Earth Hour at Orchard Road
Other than the fact that various stores will be switching off their lights for an hour from 8:30pm, Orchard Road will also be celebrating Earth Hour with a 60+ human formation of its Earth Hour ambassadors and an eco-carnival with 14 booths promoting energy efficient products and sustainable living.
Earth Hour at Far East Hospitality
Far East Hospitality will be spreading the Gaia love throughout its destinations this weekend. Enjoy 1-for-1 drinks and green-inspired games at the Albert Court Village Hotel, Changi Village Hotel, Orchard Parade Hotel, and East Village Hotel. Other hotels like The Elizabeth Hotel and The Quincy Hotel will be commemorating the occasion by dimming their lights from 8:30-9:30pm.
Special Earth Hour Menu at the Four Seasons Hotel
Come to One-Ninety from 8:30pm to enjoy their special raw-concept, four-course menu ($78++ per person) featuring dishes like grape gazpacho with Marcona almonds, green grapes and edible flowers, white and green French asparagus with poached organic egg, slow-cooked trout with root, stalk and greens of celery, as well as vanilla panna cotta with marinated tropical fruits.
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Head down to 10 at Claymore for an Easter Egg-travaganza brunch from noon till 3pm ($75++ with free flowing fresh juices; $95++ with free flowing wine and beer; $135++ with free flowing wine, beer and champagne) or dinner ($55) for fresh catch from the high seas.
Delight in an eggs-tensive buffet spread of Asian and International cuisine at Aquamarine ($58++ for lunch, noon till 2:30pm; $78++ for dinner, 6:30-10:30pm).
Taste a fusion of Asian delicacies at award-winning buffet restaurant, Azur, with their Easter brunch ($52++; 12:30-3:30pm) filled with an egg-inspired menu (refer to image below).
Celebrate Easter Sunday with a 3-course set meal ($65++; 12-5pm) that includes a starter buffet at French bistro, Brasserie Wolf.
For a sumptuous meal, dig into a variety of seafood and Easter eggs at Carousel’s Easter lunch ($68++) from 11:30am-2:30pm.
Treat yourself to a spread of mouth-watering dishes at Checkers Brasserie’s Easter brunch ($138++) from noon till 3pm. The buffet includes fresh international seafood and traditional Italian Easter bread.
If you feel like splurging a little, Dolce Vita offers an Easter Sunday brunch ($188 with free-flow of Ruinart R de Ruinart Brut NV bubbly; from noon till 3pm) that features savory items such as braised oxtail-foie gras cannelloni.
Celebrate Easter in Singapore at Ellenborough Market Café at any time of the day: lunch buffet at $50++, high tea at $38++ or dinner buffet at $56++.
Graze will be serving a special 3-course set meal ($98 for two) with complimentary homemade apple and cinnamon hot cross buns this Easter Sunday.
Renowned for their Sunday buffet brunches fit for a king, the Easter Vintage Champagne Brunch at Greenhouse ($183; from 11am-1pm or 1:30-3:30pm) is another such occasion, with a free flow of 2002 Moët & Chandon.
Starting an early Easter celebration on Friday, il Lido has a six-course Easter Weekend Luncheon ($68++; noon till 2:30pm) that’s available April 6-8 (see image below).
The Knolls presents an Easter Brunch ($188++; 12:30pm) by chefs from the finest Michelin-star restaurants. Hunt for three coveted eggs and stand to win the grand prize: two nights’ accommodation at the award-winning Ayana Resort and Spa in Bali.
Singapore’s largest Italian mozzarella bar, Latteria, offers a unique Easter four-course set menu ($68++; noon till 2:30pm, 6-11pm) that includes a heavenly Burratina with garden-fresh Zucchini and Mint.
The Line serves Easter Sunday brunch ($98; from noon till 3pm) with free-flowing juices and soft drinks or free-flowing alcoholic beverages ($138). Easter Sunday dinner ($72) is available from 6:30-10:30pm.
For a 4-course Easter set menu at $88++ (refer to image of Pork Rib Soup below), settle into the elegant Novus Restaurant for lunch or dinner in a beautifully restored architecture setting.
Couples can enjoy an assortment of sweet and savory nibbles at $40++ for two with an Easter High-tea Set at Pantry at The Stables, available from 3-6pm.
The Easter brunch at Ristorante Bologna features Italian specialties such as Eggplant Parmigiana and Champagne Panna Cotta ($78++; noon till 2:30pm). Refer to image below.
If you’re a small eater, Easter High Tea ($40) is available at The Rose Veranda from 11:30am-2:30pm or 3-6pm including a selection of chocolate Easter items.
A feast awaits at The White Rabbit with an Easter brunch buffet ($98) available from 10:30am-1pm for the early-risers and 1-3pm if you want to catch up on that beauty sleep.
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