IN GOOD TASTE
These culinary luminaries are the architects of Singapore’s food culture, who are setting new benchmarks in the dining scene
GRANT ASHTON Asia’s Most Influential 2023 Founder, 67 Pall Mall
Grant Ashton made a notable shift from finance to his passion: wine.
His ambition: to build “the world’s foremost wine club”.
In 2015, he launched 67 Pall Mall in London, turning a historic vacant building into a landmark for wine aficionados. In 2022, he opened its Singapore outpost. “I am passionate about our mission to bring a wider range of wines and wine knowledge to Singapore.”
His plans for growth are ambitious. More club locations are underway in Beaune and Bordeaux, France. A prime site has also been secured in Melbourne’s renowned shopping district, often referred to as the “Paris‑end of Collins Street”.
67 Pall Mall will introduce the En Primeur membership this year. “This will open our membership base to new members, with a bespoke calendar of events in their home city, even if we don’t have a physical club open.”
LOH LIK PENG Asia’s Most Influential 2021-2023 CEO, Unlisted Collection
Loh Lik Peng has grown his umbrella brand Unlisted Collection into a formidable player in the lifestyle sector. The brand’s portfolio includes five distinctive hotels and over 20 restaurants, each embodying the company’s ethos of design‑forward, innovative concepts that deliver unforgettable experiences to guests. A trailblazer in the industry, Loh was among the early visionaries who transformed dilapidated shophouses in Keong Saik and Chinatown into thriving restaurants, and kickstarted the boutique hotel trend in Singapore. Today, he is also a prominent restaurateur. Each culinary institution under Unlisted Collection has a distinctive identity and is led by acclaimed chefs. In Singapore, its restaurants include modern barbecue restaurant Burnt Ends, and three‑michelin‑ starred Restaurant Zén. Loh was also co‑founder of the #savefnbsg movement, aimed at addressing the issues F&B operators faced during the pandemic lockdown.
SAM GOI Asia’s Most Influential 2021-2023 Executive chairman, GSH Corporation and Tee Yih Jia Food Manufacturing
Often hailed as Singapore’s “Popiah King”, Sam Goi is executive chairman at both GSH Corporation, a prominent property development firm, and Tee Yih Jia Food Manufacturing, a global manufacturer of popiah skins. With a significant 59.82 per cent stake, Goi is the primary shareholder of GSH Corporation. The corporation oversees two luxurious Malaysian resorts and is also actively involved in developing properties in China and Malaysia.
Goi’s net worth is estimated at around US$2 billion. He holds substantial investments in several listed companies, such as Serial System, JB Foods and Envictus International. His directorial roles extend to GSH, JB Foods, Tat Seng Packaging Group, and Tung Lok Restaurants highlighting his influence in the F&B scene, and various other sectors.
SAMEER SAIN Asia’s Most Influential 2023 Co-founder and CEO, Everstone Capital and Culinary Arts Group
Sameer Sain is the co‑founder of the Culinary Arts Group in Singapore. The group creates dynamic dining venues that blend exceptional gastronomy with heartfelt hospitality. Its culinary concepts include the avant‑garde grill Revolver, now defunct Latin‑indian izakaya Barood, intimate Michelin‑ starred sushi‑kappo restaurant Hamamoto, and the contemporary Pacific cuisine of Araya.
Sain also co‑founded Everstone Group, steering it to become a key player in transcontinental investments between North America and Asia. He was pivotal in bringing Burger King to India in 2015.
The Everstone Group, under Sain’s guidance, maintains a robust global presence. Managing a diversified portfolio worth US$8 billion, the firm’s investments span private equity, real estate, credit, green infrastructure, and venture capital.