Latest news with #AndrewLi
Business Times
23-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Business Times
Partners in love and work
THE heat is on and we're not just talking about the weather but also passion. Our BT Luxe Summer issue drops this Friday and top on our agenda is love and marriage. Here, we explore the unions of successful professionals and hear their stories about how they found their soulmates while pursuing their own career goals. First up is Zouk Group CEO Andrew Li, and his fiancee Germaine Tan, a scion of the Hao Mart group but who follows her creative heart as a radio deejay. Meanwhile, Hunn Wai and Olivia Lee are respected names in design, and they talk about finding success in the same industry while not actually working together. And thirdly, we hear how a battle with cancer shaped the love and business direction of Melissa Ng and Rackley Nolan – co-founders of Bravely, a mental health support platform. We also introduce The Wedding Collective, a guide to hotel wedding experiences, exotic travel destinations – think Uzbekistan, Sri Lanka and Labuan Bajo – and advice on the kind of jewellery and watches you'll want to wear on that big day. Get tips on creating a hygge vibe in your new home, or take a peek at veteran architect Edmund Ng's latest home project. For great reads and beautiful pictures, don't miss your copy of BT this Friday, available at all newsstands.

Straits Times
22-07-2025
- Business
- Straits Times
Zouk nightclub secures 5-year lease extension
Find out what's new on ST website and app. Zouk's chief executive said the lease renewal means a renovation and diversification towards F&B and live music offerings. SINGAPORE – Zouk Singapore, the Republic's longest-running nightclub, has secured a lease renewal from landlord CapitaLand that will keep the iconic venue's doors open until 2031. Zouk's new lease will commence in June 2026, following the expiration of its current agreement in May 2026. The River Valley Road nightclub, which first launched in 1991 on Jiak Kim Street, is Clarke Quay's anchor nightlife tenant and has long been one of Singapore's defining nightlife establishments. Mr Andrew Li, Zouk Group's chief executive, told The Straits Times in an email statement that there are no changes to the leasing terms regarding operating hours. But the company intends to extend the operating schedule for several of its venues, by increasing both the number of operating days and daily operating hours, he said. The nightclub currently comprises three spaces: Zouk, its flagship; Capital, aimed at working professionals; and Phuture, aimed at young adults. Asked about what lies ahead for the venue, Mr Li said: 'We believe that our new set-up and renovations will enable us to develop new verticals by integrating food and beverage offerings and live performances.' Mr Li described these as 'additional revenue streams' which also enhance the overall guest experience. This strategy of diversification reflects broader industry pressures faced by nightlife venues in Singapore, including high operating costs, shifting consumer preferences toward sober experiences, and shifting appeal among Gen Z . Mr Li previously told ST that 2022 marked the nightclub's best year yet, due to post-Covid revenge partying, though business has softened in subsequent years. Amid evolving consumer tastes, Zouk has also sought to transform itself through enhanced music and events programming, featuring sell-out international acts such as American DJ Illenium. Zouk's evolution also reflects broader changes in the Clarke Quay area, which underwent a $62 million rejuvenation project into a day-and-night destination that was completed in 2024. The nightclub moved to its current location in 2016, after a quarter-century spent in its previous home on Jiak Kim Street.


Korea Herald
25-06-2025
- Business
- Korea Herald
Xiaomi to open first official store in Seoul this week
Xiaomi Korea will open its first offline store in Korea at IFC Mall in Seoul's Yeouido on Saturday, marking a major step in the Chinese tech giant's local expansion. 'The opening of our first official offline store in Korea is a significant milestone in Xiaomi's journey to becoming a trusted, friend-like brand to Korean consumers,' Jony Wu, general manager at Xiaomi Korea, said in a press conference in Seoul on Wednesday. 'The new space will offer a close-up experience of our full product ecosystem, from purchase to after-sales service, integrated into everyday life.' Spanning 198 square meters, the Xiaomi Store will serve as a hybrid space combining product displays, purchasing and customer service. It is designed in a showroom style, recreating real-life living environments where visitors can explore a range of products including smartphones, tablets, smartwatches, TVs and home appliances. Explaining the company's decision to choose IFC Mall for the first offline venue, Andrew Li, general manager of Xiaomi international business department's East Asia region, said, 'IFC Mall is a landmark in Korea and Yeouido is a district accessible to both family-oriented customers and younger people, making it an ideal site for our debut store.' Looking ahead, Xiaomi Korea said it plans to gradually expand its retail footprint nationwide, including in Seoul and Gyeonggi Province. The company added that it welcomes inquiries from shopping mall operators interested in offline partnerships. Xiaomi officially established its Korean corporate entity, Xiaomi Korea, in January and launched its official online store, signaling its long-term commitment to the Korean market.


AsiaOne
06-06-2025
- Entertainment
- AsiaOne
New French restaurant concept by Zouk Group to open in Bugis, Lifestyle News
Whether you're a French food connoisseur or just a foodie in general, you'll be glad to hear that there's going to be another option to choose from. Zouk Group announced that it will be launching its first-ever French restaurant concept The Plump Frenchman in Bugis on the week of June 16, the group said in a press release on Thursday (June 5). According to Andrew Li, CEO of Zouk Group, the restaurant's launch is something that he has always envisioned doing. "As a longtime French food enthusiast myself, I've always dreamed of creating a place that blends all the things I love about French cuisine and brasserie culture with the energy of our Zouk brand. It's wholesome, playful and full of personality," he stated. The 70-seater brasserie will focus on serving classic French comfort food. The menu is conceptualised by Zouk Group's Chief Culinary Officer Lorenz Hoja — who was the executive chef at French gourmet restaurant L'Atelier de Joel Robuchon in Singapore. During his time there, he had helped to secure two Michelin stars in 2016 and 2017. "French cuisine doesn't have to be rigid or overly refined, it should be delicious, generous, and deeply comforting. At The Plump Frenchman, we're bringing back the joy of slow meals, shared plates, and dishes made with real heart," the chef stated. Some examples of items on the menu include the Demi Poulet Rotisserie ($17++), a slow roasted chicken dish, and Chipirons ($16++), a baby squid dish stuffed with chorizo, parsley and garlic in olive oil and lemon. For dessert, there's the Tiramisu au Citron ($11++), a classic Italian dessert with an innovative touch — swapping traditional coffee for lemon as the main flavour. From Monday to Saturday, the restaurant will offer Menu de Canut, a curated selection of set menus. The selection will include a two-course set (one main and one dessert) at $25++, three-course set (one starter, one main and one dessert) at $35++, and four-course set (two starters, one main and one dessert) at $47++ and is available from 11.30am to 2.30pm and 5.30pm to 9pm. The new restaurant's interior is inspired by retro French aesthetics. Zouk Group is also behind the launch of artisanal sandwich and donut shop Korio and the Five Guys franchises across Singapore and Malaysia. Address: Guoco Midtown II, 20 Tan Quee Lan Street #01-20, Singapore 188107 Opening hours: 11.30am to 2.30pm and 5.30pm to 10pm (Mon to Sat), 11.30am to 3pm (Sun) [[nid:716572]]


Independent Singapore
05-06-2025
- Business
- Independent Singapore
987FM DJ Germaine Tan and Zouk CEO Andrew Li have announced their engagement after romantic Maldives proposal
SINGAPORE: This past Sunday, June 1, came with some heartwarming news—987FM DJ Germaine Tan is engaged to her boyfriend of two and a half years, Andrew Li! As reported by CNA , Li, the CEO of Zouk Group, proposed in the most dreamy way possible: on a secluded sandbank during their romantic Maldives getaway. Photo: Instagram/Germaine Tan Before the trip, Tan revealed to CNA Lifestyle that she had her 'suspicions'. 'He mentioned he'd set up a photographer for us one day,' said Tan. 'That definitely got me thinking a proposal might be coming, since I'm usually the one pushing for photos!' He went all in As the sun began to set, casting beautiful golden colours across the ocean, Li got down on one knee and asked Tan to marry him. She shared that he then confessed, telling her he'd known all along that she was the one he was meant to marry. He poured his heart out to her, saying, 'The way you love me—so fiercely and wholeheartedly—it pushes me to be the best version of myself. You're everything I've ever dreamed of in a soulmate, a partner, and a wife. 'Say 'yes,' and I'll spend the rest of my life showing you just how happy I can make you.' Tan was so deeply moved by his words that she broke down in tears, completely overcome with emotion and was 'full-on bawling.' The couple actually first crossed paths on a random Thursday night at Here Kitty Kitty, a cocktail bar managed by Zouk Group. No clue who he was 'Honestly, I didn't think much of it that first night, but we had a blast dancing,' Tan recalled. 'He went all out with his boyband moves, trying to impress me. After that, he left a comment on my Instagram—and then slid into my DMs.' Tan confessed she had no clue who Andrew Li was when they first met. 'I went into it with no preconceived notions about him,' she said. 'He later admitted that the moment he saw me taking photos at the bar that first night, he thought I was the perfect mix of gorgeous and adorable—and that's what made him want to get to know me.' 'Li has truly helped me conquer so many challenges throughout our relationship,' Tan shared. He helped her heal 'He's truly pushed me to grow in ways I never thought possible, and he's even helped me heal from past traumas,' Tan shared. 'A year before we got engaged, he said, 'Our relationship is my top priority right now, and I'll do anything to make it work.'' And he really proved it. 'We're in the best possible place.' According to Tan, her father, who founded the supermarket chain Hao Mart, shares a great relationship with Li. 'My dad always makes sure to snag the seat next to Andrew at family gatherings,' Tan shared. 'That way, he can talk his ear off about business and the economy—you know, all the stuff no one else really wants to hear about.' Tan recalled a conversation with her dad where she'd asked if Andrew would need to get his blessing to marry her. Her dad's reply? 'No need! I approved him ages ago!' See also Angelababy and Huang Xiaoming attend event but sit far apart Industry friends cheered them on Sounds like Tan is getting a lot of love from her industry friends! Her colleagues, including fellow Yes 933 DJ Hazelle Teo, and actresses He Ying Ying and Chantalle Ng, have all been sending in their congratulations. Right now, the couple is pouring their energy into planning a wedding that brings all their loved ones together to celebrate what matters most—love. As Tan lovingly shared, 'We're beyond excited to start this new chapter, build a life side by side, and one day grow our own little family.'