Tell us more about your role in Women of Asia.
In Women of Asia, I get to play an operatic diva who speaks to the audience behind the scenes. The role is exciting and funny, and makes a comment on Asian women as depicted by men.

What do you think is the greatest challenge Asian women face today?
Oh, it's tough being a woman today because you have to wear so many hats and yet bear children, and as many as possible too! One of the toughest challenges is be successful, and that means being the best in every aspect of life.

So do you think women are the superior sex?
I prefer to use the word "stronger"—more resilient, more enduring and most of all, endearing.

Who or what inspires you?
It’s silly but my little dog inspires me every day. He loves milk, but he’ll always leave a bit of his milk for my other dog to enjoy. So I learn from my little dog to leave a little of what you love for the one you love every day.

What’s it like returning to the stage after eight years? What have you been doing in the interim?
I have been keeping busy with radio shows, voice-overs and some TV roles. Now, I’m hoping to play roles with a certain gravitas and being able to say anything I want on stage. This privilege is only for older actors comfortable in their own skin.  

Do people still associate you with Dolly from Under One Roof? How do you think that role has shaped your life and career?
Dolly and I will never be separated. She is my alter ego, my better half, the angel and the selfless, long-suffering Mother Earth. Playing the role of Dolly has been wonderful—I don't mind being typecast because TV is all about typecasting anyway. Plus, since Under One Roof was such a successful show, it’s also easier to get jobs.

What do you enjoy most about acting?
Being heard—there are too many people who are ignored in life, and that’s sad. If I get to do comedy, then the entire time that I spend on stage is enjoyable because I get paid to be ridiculous, to say things that are politically incorrect, to make the audience laugh and to have fun.

Why should people watch Women of Asia?
You get to see different types of women in different situations—some lucky, others not so. The script is great, in that the voices of the characters ring true. There are lots of entertaining moments too!

Catch Koh Chieng Mun in Women of Asia, which will be staged at LASALLE College of the Arts on various dates and times from June 19 to 28. Get your tickets here.

When I was going to school here, art wasn’t very encouraged. When I said to my parents I wanted to go into the art world, they were a bit like, “Well, I don’t understand, what would you do?”

I wondered if this art thing had legs, got an internship with Christie’s in New York and it made me realize that whilst by no means am I an artist, I really enjoyed being part of the world.

My background is very much bringing things together, being the coordinator, the puppeteer.

Am I creative? If you mean I’m going to paint Easter eggs with my kids this weekend, then yes, I dabble.

I’m learning this more and more as I get older, but you’ve got to be who you are.

A lot of people think that collecting art is for big grown up people, but I’m a big grown up person now, so when do you really get to that stage? Art is for everybody. You can start whenever you want, with whatever takes your fancy.

I started collecting when I was about 22, and they were all prints. I probably only bought my first painting about five years ago.

The last thing I bought is from Jacky Tsai, who did the designs for McQueen’s scarves.

To be an artist in Singapore, you’ve got to be pretty wealthy. It’s expensive living in all these different cities and not being sure what your next piece will be.

Galleries are working with artists day to day to enable an organic growth of the arts industry. They are the ones enabling artists to be artists. We just hope to provide a network and platform to reach a wide audience.

What hooks people quite often is the thought that they are investing in an artist but also in their future career.

Singapore being the most expensive city in the world kills me. I’ve got twins! What do you do with that?

The prices that people are prepared to pay here are higher and that reflects the amount of disposable income, too. Artwork sold in Singapore averages about $2,800, while in London it’s about $1,500.

People are really interested in the arts here and one thing to look at is the potential visitor base. Singaporeans are very engaged with what’s going on, whether it’s music or drama, there’s no reason to ever be bored here.

What really sets us apart is how complimentary we are and we are seen as an organization that is a catalyst for growing a new art buying public.

We live in a society that is very time-poor now, people are busy.

If I could sum up the Affordable Art Fair mission it would simply be to fall in love with art.

I don’t ever think you could push the boundaries of art because a true artist is “Art for Art’s Sake”. Look at Duchamp who put a latrine in an art exhibition.

I don’t see a lot of the environment reflected in the art here. I see a lot of abstract and painterly works like watercolour and calligraphy. There isn’t too much commentary on socio-political issues. There’s more technique and experimentation.

If I could have dinner with anyone dead or alive it would be Manet because he’s pretty full on or Ai Weiwei as he’s fascinating – we’re going to be reflecting on him in the future.

Always buy for love, not for money.

I like bold pieces and landscapes because initially they can be quite beautiful then they can be quite desolate the longer you stare at them. I don’t know what that says about me, but I do quite like a desolate landscape.

The best comment I’ve had yet is, “But I came here yesterday, and they had that artwork, and now it’s gone, and they said it might be here today”. Or after the fair people often say something like, “So there was this landscape, and it was sort of blue, and I wondered if you could tell me where it’s from.” It’s like playing Sherlock Holmes.

In my spare time, when I’m not doing this whole “art thing” I try and convince my husband to buy more art, or spend time with the twins and the dog.

Packnada takes packing, laundry and baggage claim off the list of perennial travel annoyances. The luggage-free travel service allows users to store their clothes and essentials in Singapore, and then receive their freshly laundered and pressed clothing at their hotel concierge upon their next arrival. Here, co-founder Jonathan Lee tells us how it all began and the trouble with getting people to give up on inconvenient habits.

How did the idea for Packnada come about?

During a business trip, Johnbosco [Ng, co-founder] and I were waiting in a crazily long check-in queue at Hong Kong's airport. All we wanted to do was to get home. And then we thought, "what if we had our clothes waiting for us at our destinations? We wouldn't be stuck in this line. We wouldn't even need to pack! If we can access our files wherever we go via cloud storage, why can't we do the same for clothes?" And so Packnada was born.

How was response been so far?

Humbling! Our customers love the idea of being able to travel luggage-free and hassle-free—it gives them the freedom of carrying nothing but their passport. Studies say that most business travelers don't enjoy business travel, but we think that removing packing and laundry from the process will go a long way in making it less painful.

What’s the most difficult thing about running Packnada?

Our biggest competitor here is the status quo. Plenty of travelers have come to accept travel and its inconveniences. The challenge is to convince them that it doesn't have to be this complicated. Also, as we are the first company of our kind, we don’t have any best practices that we can learn from.

What’s the weirdest clothes/outfit you guys have taken care of?

There was a client who started off leaving only a few tattered clothes, and this raised a few eyebrows at our office. We eventually found out it was because he didn't quite trust that his clothes would be safe. A few trips later, his clothes started to mend themselves—we started receiving more expensive threads. Plus, he was so happy about how well Packnada works that he even left us home-made cheese sticks. Our very own rags to riches story!

What advice would you give to an aspiring entrepreneur?

Don’t lose the child-like curiosity! There's a ton to learn and discover, and inspiration can come from absolutely anywhere. 

Why a barn?

A barn is a rustic, un-pretentious, come-dressed-as-you-are kind of place. And our buildings are all traditional, craftsman-style, created with reclaimed structures and recycled wood, all within the cultural and local aesthetic of Bali. So we truly resemble an Indonesian version of a barn.

How common is this kind of place in Bali now?

We opened the Barn in 2007. But in the last five years in particular, the wellness industry in Bali has grown exponentially.  Yoga studios, retreat centers, eco-villages, organic farming operatives, fair trade clothing manufacturers and health-conscious restaurants have popped up everywhere to meet the demand. I see Bali becoming the spiritual epicenter of Southeast Asia. 

Who might we find at The Yoga Barn?

People from all countries and all cultures. On a typical day we have anywhere from 250-350 people coming through our open doors.  We offer the ultimate "Yogic Buffet" for the spiritually inclined tourist. Whether a complete beginner, an experienced practitioner, or somewhere in between, we have something on offer. Everyone who has a body can do yoga.

Do clothes make the man?

We are all sensorial beings belonging to a highly visual society where clothes have become the author of our story to the world. 

Are hipsters making the tailored suit cool again?

These guys are like art installations on the move. They instigate retro revival and resurrect mundane by taking a whole lot of effort, just to make it look effortless. They throw on a plain (but well-fitted) suit, replace brogues with converse, defy all colour rules with perfectly synchronised colour clashes and go sockless - making this look like a 10-minute job which is what drives us crazy. This is what I call sartorial pride.

What do you think is the average lifespan for a shirt before it goes out of style?

Once you’ve done a #OOTD. The truth is, a well-cut shirt should never go out of fashion. In any case, we should never be hung up about fashion trends—it is about being in style and how the individual wears it.

Bespoke or ready-to-wear?

Fashion is subjective. Be it bespoke or pret-a-porter, ultimately it is about the brand appeal and sustainability of the business model.

Is the weather cramping our style?

Being stylish is all about being creative. Creativity thrives under constraints—I love the concept of layering in winter dressing but there is so much we could do with accessories, shoes and fabrics. Weather is but an excuse.

Describe Singapore’s fashion landscape.

I would say it is still pliable and we are hungrily sponging in ideas and exuding inspirations. It’s nothing too outré or edgy at the moment, but the fact that we are and have done multi-cultural so well in this society proves that we have great potential in amalgamating and developing a landscape that is unique to us.

What do you think about the Singapore cocktail scene?
I truly love the local cocktail scene. It's quite similar to what I have seen across the world, and you can feel the love and passion inside each drink. The only difference to San Francisco is the weather.

Are you inspired by anything local, since Singapore is known as a foodie paradise?
All the fresh exotic fruits--exotic by San Francisco standards--are quite fun to play with. I catch myself just walking around the local grocery stores, looking and thinking about what I can do with all these items. I have different fruit syrups that are used in Manhattan's beverage menu. With time and the use of the extensive ingredients room, which will consist of some local dried herbs and fruits, guests will start to see more of locally-inspired elements mixed into the classic cocktails found at Manhattan.

What is your go-to drink for a customer who is indecisive?
I would ask what sort of things they normally drink so I can get a glimpse of what I should lean towards. But when that doesn't work, a Gold Rush, which consists of Bourbon, lemon and honey is a winner with most.

What drink would you make for yourself to unwind or when you’re out?
When I unwind I usually just want a nice cold IPA, and maybe a shot (whisky or tequila).

Tell us more about the Rickhouse at Manhattan. What sorts of kooky experiments are you trying to achieve?
Well, the Rickhouse has a six-barrel Solera system set up for aging the Negronis, which is pretty rad. But I've also got some bitters and different finishes that I'm planning. Even collaborating with the chef, but I'll save that one for later.

Weirdest drink you’ve ever made.
I have muddled Snickers candy bars into some drinks in the past.

Weirdest request you've ever gotten from a customer.
Back when I spent a few years in Portland, Oregon, I did have a guest ask if I could make their dog something to drink!

So you were crowned “Best Personality”. What do you think the difference is between a good bartender and a great one?
To me, the difference between a good bartender and a great bartender would be knowing you're there for the customer and that you're there for them to have a good time--not the other way around.

Words of wisdom? Mantras? Rules to live by?
There are two things I fully believe in, behind and in front of the bar. One: you never know who you're serving--so give everybody the respect they deserve. Two: you are only as good as your last drink.

For more info on the brand new "it" bar Manhattan, click here.

What’s the difference between the cocktail scene in New Orleans and here?

The cocktail scene in New Orleans has been around since the 1800s; we’ve been slinging drinks for a long time in the States, and it’s awesome to see an American creation--most people would agree that the cocktail is the only American contribution to the culinary world--grow up in different markets all over the world. Singapore has already gotten recognition as a top cocktail city, and I’m excited to be a part of it and grow with it.

What’s your favorite drink to make?

I tend to default to classics: they’re classic for a reason, and if you haven’t tried them, I’d love to share the stories behind them with you while you sip on one. Everytime someone orders a Sazerac, I smile. It’s a damn fine drink. I also love a proper Manhattan or Martini. There’s a lot of elegance in the simplicity and balance and subtlety of a well-made classic.

What was the first drink you ever had that you were completely in love with?

A Mint Julep. I was on a porch in New Orleans sitting in a rocking chair. The lady who lived there had one in a proper pewter cup. I couldn’t legally drink, but things like that don’t really matter in New Orleans. I remember my hands stuck to the tin because it was so cold and covered in frost. There’s something incredibly refreshing about bourbon and mint and sugar and crushed ice on a hot, humid afternoon. Add a porch and a rocker, and I’m in heaven.

What do you drink when you’re not working and have time off?

Oh, I don’t discriminate. All spirits have a place in my heart. For cocktails, I love herbal and citrusy notes, so a Last Word is always a good bet (gin, green Chartreuse, Maraschino liqueur, fresh lime). Or I go the BBS (brown, bitter, and stirred) route and do a rye Manhattan with a dash or two of orange bitters and a lemon twist. I’m a sucker for bourbon and mezcal at the moment, as well. I drink them neat, with a side of beer or cider.

Being a female in a male-dominated industry, were there any major bumps you had to overcome?

I think probably the opposite, to be completely honest with you. My colleagues have always been incredibly supportive of me. I think they were happy to have a female in the industry. I’d love to see more power females in the bar scene here. Everyone in Singapore, from distributors to bartenders to strangers, has been really excited and supportive. Sometimes people look surprised when I introduce myself as the bar manager, but it wears off pretty quickly once we get chatting about my passion.

Had any weird bartending experiences?

Oh, I have countless stories. But a bartender is a professional keeper of secrets, so I can’t share most of them. Some guy gave me his hotel room key as a tip one night. That was pretty sleazy. On a better note, I just got an email from two of my favorite regulars back home. They had met at my bar on a Friday night while I was behind the stick. And they just got engaged! So that’s pretty awesome.

Words of wisdom for fellow lady bartenders who want to get into the industry?

Come see me. I’d be more than happy to speak with you. I’d also be happy to mentor, let you sit in on training sessions, talk you through any questions you have, share my texts with you (I brought a virtual library of reference materials with me). Bartending is all about community and collaboration. And I’d love to be a resource to anyone who thinks he or she may want to be a part of it. 

Check out hip NOLA restaurant, Life is Beautiful for yourself and indulge in Tyler's classic creations.

Describe yourself in three words.

Weird. Happy. Hilarious!

Little Voice spends her time impersonating divas like Shirley Bassey and Marilyn Monroe. So who’s your favorite diva?

My favorite diva is definitely Broadway legend, Bernadette Peters. In fact, she was the first diva I learnt to impersonate! 

Did you encounter any challenges while rehearsing for The Rise & Fall of Little Voice?

Plenty! It's vocally, physically and emotionally taxing. Little Voice doesn't say much, but a lot comes through her physicality, body language and facial expressions. The vocal challenge of it would be the big cabaret scene where I have to change my vocal placements every two seconds to impersonate different divas back to back!

You’ve been acting since you were six. Do you ever get stage fright?

I definitely get nervous! But it's a good thing, because you need that adrenaline to drive you and keep you on your toes. Over the years, I've learnt to use my nerves instead of letting them take control of me.

What’s been your most memorable performance thus far?

I've been very privileged to be able to perform alongside accomplished Broadway performers, Brad Little and Shoshana Bean, last year in The Phantom Unmasked at the Marina Bay Sands Theatre. Brad Little was the Phantom in Broadway's Phantom of the Opera, and Shoshana Bean played Elphaba in Wicked. It was surreal working with these big Broadway stars—I got to sing a couple of numbers with them and that was pretty cool! 

What about your favorite West End play of all time?

I only managed to catch a couple of shows during a short three-day trip in London this year, but Matilda was really amazing! I've seen a lot more shows on Broadway as I've been to New York probably about six times. I'd say my favorite Broadway show would be A Little Night Music—it was so good that I had to watch it twice. And I got to see Bernadette Peters perform live in front of my very eyes!

What other stage projects do you have lined up for 2014?

The Rise & Fall of Little Voice will be my last project in Singapore as I will be going to grad school in August. I've been accepted into The Boston Conservatory's Masters of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre program with a scholarship, so I'll be moving to Boston this fall! 

Mina Kaye will be starring in The Rise & Fall of Little Voice at the Drama Centre Theatre from May 2 to 18. 

What do you enjoy most about MMA?

I enjoy the fact that it’s really non-stop action. You’re always thinking about your next move, whether you’re striking or whether you’re on the ground.

What’s your training regime like?

I train four hours a day, five days a week with my teammates and world-champion instructors. I also try to fit in a gym or CrossCore session over the weekend.

Do you think that the MMA scene in Singapore is growing?

People used to have the misconception that MMA is a violent sport—that it’s all about beating people up. However, they’re now more open-minded, and realize that MMA is actually a great combination of self-defence and keeping fit. The MMA base in Singapore is definitely growing rapidly—more and more housewives are picking up the sport these days!

You’ll be battling against Malaysia’s Raymond Tan. Are you confident of your prospects? 

I treat each bout like an exam—it’s not so much about the rival, but more about assessing myself. I’m not that nervous, but neither am I overconfident—I believe in the hard work I’ve put in, and what I’ve been trained to do. I tore my ligament in 2012 and it took six to seven months for me to recover—it was definitely a tough road. However, I’m lucky to have a team that motivates and pushes me. I’m out there to prove to people that I’m stronger and better this time.

Everyone’s talking about Ben Askren vs Bakhtiyar Abbaso—who do you think will emerge tops?

It’ll be a tough fight, but I think Ben Askren will emerge triumphant. He’s a top-notch, high-level fighter who’s world champ material.

All in all, what can fans expect at ONE FC: HONOR & GLORY?

I think the event’s going to be really exciting and explosive. I’m sure that fans will be surprised by the huge improvements I’ve made as well! 

Radeem will be competing at the upcoming ONE FC: Honor & Glory on May 30 at the Singapore Indoor Stadium. 

What prompted you to write this book?

The Bhutanese have a very great sense of belonging—and therefore a strong attachment to history and their origins. But most of the educated people in Bhutan are affiliated with the system and the government; they have more or less signed an agreement that only allows them to say certain things. So we get a very watered-down version of our history. I’m an independent academic so I have no obligations to abide by any particular version of history.

Are there concrete examples of how that history can inform the present?

A lot of people come with this naïve view of Bhutan: that it’s an isolated Shangri La that’s suddenly been exposed to democracy. In fact, democracy is deeply engrained here. The whole Buddhist system is very democratic, very egalitarian, almost republican. Buddhism doesn’t accept any virtue by birth; there’s no absolute power; you are an independent individual, free to choose your own course. It’s only the election system—of appointing a government—that’s new, and there are big powers at play. The Bhutanese are very shrewd and smart; but things beyond their control, like counting of the votes, mean there’s a risk of manipulation.

What about Gross National Happiness (GNH)—is it a helpful model for development?

To some extent it’s largely rhetoric. It’s a good vision to have; a high ideal. If it happens, then we ought to be optimistic. But I often find GNH comparable to communism. It sounds like a utopian idea: a fantastic ideal, but no one really practices or implements it.

Where do you think Bhutan’s future lies?

We can’t just be isolated like we were 100 years ago. But we’ve become excessively and unnecessarily dependent on India; partly fuelled by the illusion that we cannot exist without Indian support, though that history only goes back 100 years. I’d rather choose to keep India as a very good friend, but pursue multilateral relationships.