Singapore Press : Fifth edition of Asian Masters promises stellar line up and innovative, gastronomic experiences

Singapore, 22 February 2017- Asian Masters returns for its fifth edition from 1 March 2017 to 28 February 2018, celebrating the very best of Asian Gastronomy.

Organised by Sphere Exhibits Pte Ltd, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Singapore Press Holdings, and Presenting Partner HSBC Bank (Singapore) Limited, Asian Masters is set to wow diners with its four key pillars: The Straits Times and Lianhe Zaobao's Best Asian Restaurant Awards, Gastronomic Treasures, Feast Asia and Mixology Asia.

This year, Asian Masters promises to deliver more finesse and exclusivity through the introduction of premium beverages such as wines, cognac, whisky and champagnes. Singapore's leading dining establishments such as Shinji by Kanesaka, Hashida Sushi, Shisen Hanten by Chen Kentaro, Summer Pavilion, The Rizt-Carlton, Millenia Singapore, The Song of India, Fat Lulu's, National Kitchen by Violet Oon, Long Chim Singapore, VLV Singapore, Jade, The Fullerton Hotel Singapore and Cherry Garden, Mandarin Oriental, Singapore, come together to create an Asian culinary odyssey.

Ms Elaine Chia, Managing Director of Sphere Exhibits, said 'We are heartened by the success of our gourmet festivals and look forward to presenting more events with greater finesse and sophistication to discerning diners locally and regionally. Through our strong partnership with HSBC on various gourmet festivals, we are pleased to partner with HSBC for the very first time for Asian Masters and we strongly believe that HSBC's well-defined spectrum of local and regional cardholders will definitely enjoy this gastronomical offering.'

Mr Matthias Dekan, Head of Customer Value Management, Retail Banking and Wealth Management, HSBC Singapore Limited, said: 'With the continued success of our partnership with Sphere Exhibits and Gusto Italiano, we are delighted to be the official partner for Asian Masters. Through participation in these world-class gastronomic events, we demonstrate our commitment to bringing value and new experiences for our customers. HSBC cardholders can continue to savour Asian culinary delights through dining promotions at leading Asian restaurants.'

HSBC cardholders will enjoy 20 per cent off all Asian Masters events as well as Mixology Asiacocktail promotions and 15 per cent off a la carte food bills at all Feast Asiaparticipating restaurants.

Reservations for Asian Masters events can be made through the official website www.asianmasters.com.sgor through the hotline at (65) 6319 4038.

Highlights of Asian Masters

The Straits Times and Lianhe Zaobao presents The Best Asian Restaurant Awards

Date : 29 March 2017, Wednesday
Time : 7pm
Price : By invitation only
Venue : Grand Mandarin Ballroom 1-2, Mandarin Orchard, Level 6333 Orchard Road, Singapore 238867Dress Code : Professional Attire

An Awards ceremony will be held to announce the results of the Best Asian Restaurants. The evening expects to see 200 guests with attendees being leading professionals from Singapore's food & beverage industry, representatives from winning establishments and readers who have won tickets to the event. The celebration will be followed by an epicurean spread presented by Olympic Gold winning team from Singapore Chefs Association. Their creations will be prepared from some of the finest ingredients specially procured from gourmet purveyor Angliss. Beverages served for the evening includes Hennessy Cognac, Glenmorangie Whisky and Ruinart. There will also be a TWG Tea feature as part of the awards reception.

Gastronomic Treasures

Hennessy presents A Culinary Journey through China
Date : 21 March 2017, Wednesday
Time : 7pm
Price : $134.40++ (HSBC Cards) | $168.00++ (Other payment modes)
Venue : Jade, The Fullerton Hotel Singapore1 Fullerton Square, Singapore 049178Dress Code : Smart Casual

Launching the fifth edition of Asian Masters is a bespoke 'Culinary Journey through China' dinner, specially curated by The Straits Times' renowned food critic Wong Ah Yoke and Lianhe Zaobao's veteran food consultant Alan Ng.

This evening offers diners a rare opportunity to experience the culinary genius of six culinary maestros from leading Chinese restaurants, who will come together to create a gastronomic odyssey. Their 8-course menu will be paired with three expressions of Hennessy cognac.

The restaurants featured at this dinner include Jade, The Fullerton Hotel Singapore, Chef Kang's Kitchen, Imperial Treasure Shanghai Cuisine, Lokkee, Spring Court and Paradise Teochew. They will present eight regional styles of Chinese cuisine encompassing Teochew, Cantonese, Shanghainese, Fujian, Beijing, Hunan, Nanjing and Sichuan.

An Evening in Gion with Hennessy Paradis Imperial
Date : 7 March 2017, Tuesday
Time : 7pm
Price : $502.40++ (HSBC Cards) | $628.00++ (Other payment modes)
Venue : Shinji by Kanesaka, The St. Regis Singapore29 Tanglin Road, Singapore 247911Dress Code : Smart Casual

Treat yourself to a night in Gion as Head Chef Shunsuke Kikuchi impresses diners with his unmistakable taste of delicate cuisine. The dinner will showcase the harmonious pairing of high expression Hennessy Paradis Imperial with Chef Kikuchi's creations.

An Evening in Gion with Hennessy Paradis Imperial
Date : 8 March 2017, Wednesday
Time : 7pm(Reception) 7.30pm(Dinner)
Price : $110.40++ (HSBC Cards) | $138.00++ (Other payment modes)
**Based on communal seating
Venue : The Straits Room, The Fullerton Hotel Singapore Level 41 Fullerton Square, Singapore 049178Dress Code : Smart Casual

Singapore Symphony Orchestra's (SSO) Co-Concertmaster Lynnette Seah, also known to be a great Peranakan chef, will prepare a feast which will be paired with a range of bespoke cocktails featuring Hennessy VSOP, Glemorangie Original and 'R' de Ruinart. Even better, Lynnette will be performing one of her favourite classical pieces. Be mesmerised by the beautiful ambience of The Straits Room at The Fullerton Hotel Singapore, delectable Peranakan flavours and classical violin tunes.

The Pillow Book Dinner with Ruinart
Date : 9 March 2017, Thursday
Time : 7pm
Price : $126.40++ (HSBC Cards) | $158.00++ (Other payment modes)
Venue : VLV Singapore, Clarke Quay3A River Valley Road, #01-02, Singapore 179020Dress Code : Smart Casual

Inspired by the ancient Chinese erotic literature 'The Pillow Book', Chef Martin Foo creates an aphrodisiac menu which will be paired with the outstanding champagnes from the House of Ruinart. Get ready for an evening that will stimulate your senses!

Hashida presents an Omakase Evening with Krug
Date : 14 March 2017, Tuesday
Time : 7pm
Price : $422.40++ (HSBC Cards) | $528.00++ (Other payment modes)
Venue : Hashida Sushi Singapore333A Orchard Road, #04-16 Mandarin Gallery, Singapore 238897Dress Code : Smart Casual

Experience the simplicity and artistry of premium Japanese sushi as Chef Kenjiro Hashida pairs his signature creations with luxurious champagnes of Krug.

Sichuan Signatures with Rhone Treasures
Date : 15 March 2017, Wednesday
Time : 7pm
Price : $158.40++ (HSBC Cards) | $198.00++ (Other payment modes)
Venue : Shisen Hanten by Chen Kentaro333 Orchard Road, Singapore 238867Dress Code : Smart Casual

Celebrity Chef Chen Kentaro invites diners to join him on a journey of discovering the very best of Sichuan flavours. Chef Kentaro's menu will be paired with various gems from the region of Rhone Valley, France.

Audi presents The Royal Cuisine of Rajasthan with Glenmorangie Single Malts
Date : 16 March 2017, Thursday
Time : 7pm
Price : $94.40++ (HSBC Cards) | $118.00++ (Other payment modes)
Venue : The Song of India33 Scotts Road, Singapore 228226Dress Code : Smart Casual

No one can deny that Single Malt Whiskies and North Indian Cuisine make a perfect marriage! Be treated like royals as one Michelin-starred Chef Munjunath Mural showcases a 6-course menu that encapsulates the rich and royal flavours of Rajasthani cuisine. The evening's menu will be paired with 3 expressions of single malt whiskies from Glenmorangie encompassing of Glenmorangie Lasanta, Glenmorangie Quinta Ruban and Glenmorangie Nectar D'Or.

An Asian Grill with the wines of Arzuaga
Date : 23 March 2017, Thursday
Time : 7pm
Price : $86.40++ (HSBC Cards) | $108.00++ (Other payment modes)
Venue : Fat LuLu's297 River Valley Road, Singapore 238338Dress Code : Smart Casual

Embark on a grilled indulgence as Chef Sam blasts kickass flavours into charcoal-fired Asian BBQ in his very own no-burn-no-taste style while his partner in crime Chef Song crafts technique-driven desserts of intricate refinement that promises a happy ending. Complementing the intensities of flavours are the fine wines of Arzuaga.

A Tok Panjang Dinner with the wines of Chapel Hill
Date : 25 March 2017, Saturday
Time : 7pm
Price : $102.40++ (HSBC Cards) | $128.00++ (Other payment modes)
Venue : National Kitchen by Violet Oon1 St. Andrew's Road #02-01, National Gallery, Singapore 178957Dress Code : Smart Casual

Peranakan cullinary doyenne Violet Oon shares her 50-year collection of treasured recipes at an exclusive Tok Panjang Dinner. Chef Violet's creations will be paired with New World Wines of Chapel Hill.

Ruinart presents The Cuisine of War
Date : 28 March 2017, Tuesday
Time : 7pm
Price : $ 126.40++ (HSBC Cards) | $158.00++ (Other payment modes)
Venue : Cherry Garden, Mandarin Oriental, Singapore5 Raffles Avenue, Singapore 039797Dress Code : Smart Casual

Inspired by Sun Tzu's The Art of War, we believe that in order to win life's battles, one needs to be of good and sound mind and body. The Cuisine of War which is about the cuisine of vitality will be presented by Cherry Garden's Executive Chinese Cuisine Chef Cheng Hon Chau. To accompany the night's gastronomic delights are the champagnes from the House of Ruinart. Renowned for its distinctive style and dedication to small production numbers, enjoy expressions including Ruinart Blanc de Blancs, Ruinart Rosé and Dom Ruinart.

LIULIGONGFANG presents a Celebration of Crystal and Culinary Art paired with Shichiken Sakes
Date : 30 March 2017, Thursday
Time : 7pm
Price : $158.40++ (HSBC Cards) | $198.00++ (Other payment modes)
Venue : Summer Pavilion The Ritz-Calrton, Milennia Singapore7 Raffles Avenue, Singapore 039799 Dress Code : Smart Casual

An evening which is all about Art! Chinese Executive Chef Cheung Siu Kong promises to excite palates with his repertoire of exquisite, contemporary Cantonese cuisine presented in a form of culinary arts. Especially appealing to all art lovers, LIULIGONGFANG will also be featuring a line of Crystal art which makes the entire dining experience visually intriguing. The dinner menu will be paired with a fine range of sakes.

The Flavours of Thailand with the wines of Schlossgut Diel
Date : 4 April 2017, Tuesday
Time : 7pm
Price : $102.40++ (HSBC Cards) | $128.00++ (Other payment modes)
Venue : Long Chim by David Thompson10 Bayfront Avenue, #02-02, Atrium 2,
The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, Singapore 018955Dress Code : Smart Casual

Savour authentic Thai dishes featuring the flavours of Essan, fronted by Head Chef Yingyod Raktham, paired with award-winning wines from Schlossgut Diel. The night will serve classic cuisine which has evolved with the changing times, while staying true to the heart and soul of the original dishes.

Feast Asia Dining Programme

As part of Asian Masters, Feast Asia will be offering deals exclusively to HSBC Cardholders in this dining programme, from 1 March 2017 to 28 February 2018. Enjoy attractive year-long offers of 15% off a la carte food items at a selection of over 40 Asian restaurants across Singapore. From Chinese, Thai, Indian to Japanese, these fine cuisines are guaranteed to whet anyone's appetite. Sit back, relax and relish your tastebuds as we bring you a new variety of restaurants every three months!

Mixology Asia Cocktail Promotions

From 1 to 31 March 2017, in conjunction with Asian Masters, Mixology Asia will see thirteen bespoke bars serving up irresistible Asian inspired cocktails, created using Hennessy VSOP cognac and Glenmorangie Original whisky. Sip on exhilarating cocktail infusions by mixologists whose love for experimentation lies in their creations presented before you.

The Flavours of Asia Culinary Workshops
Date : 4 & 5 March 2017, Saturday& Sunday
Time : 10am, 12pm, 2pm and 4pm
Price : $102.40++ (HSBC Cards) | $128.00++ (Other payment modes)
Venue : ToTT Cooking Studio896 Dunearn Road, #01-01A Sime Darby Centre
Singapore 589472Dress Code : Smart Casual

Create culinary magic with one's own hands by learning from any of the eight leading Asian maestros on 4 and 5 Marchat ToTT Cooking Studio. Attendees can pick up valuable insights from these culinary experts as they prepare signature dishes that can be easily recreated at home. The sessions on 4 Marchwill be moderated by Lianhe Zaobao food correspondent Ms Ng Yimin and the sessions on 5 March(presented by Naturel) will be moderated by renowned food critic and deputy editor of The Straits Times Mr Wong Ah Yoke!

Presenting Partner:HSBC Bank (Singapore) Limited

Partners:· Supporting Media: The Straits Times and Lianhe Zaobao
· Employability Partner: e2i
· Official Car Partner: Audi
· Official Crystal Art: LIULIGONGFANG
· Official Cognac: Hennessy
· Official Whisky: Glenmorangie
· Official Prestige Champagne: Krug
· Official Champagne: Ruinart
· Official Tea Partner: TWG Tea
· Official Food Service Equipment Provider: Sia Huat Pte Ltd
· Official Venue: ToTT Store
· Official Porcelain Ware: Cerabon
· Official Gourmet Purveyor: Angliss
· Official Beef: Teys
· Official Pork: SIG
· Official Oil: Naturel
· Official Fish: Kühlbarra
· Official Chef Jacket Supplier: Green
· Official Radio Station: Kiss92
· Supported By: Singapore Chefs Association
· Wineries: Chapel Hill, Domaine la Barroche
· Wine Partner: Cellarmaster Wines, Grand Vin, Water and WIne
F&B Partners:· Cherry Garden, Mandarin Oriental, Singapore
· Fat Lulu's
· Hashida Sushi Singapore
· Jade, The Fullerton Hotel Singapore
· Long Chim Singapore
· Mandarin Orchard
· National Kitchen by Violet Oon
· Shinji by Kanesaka, The St. Regis Singapore
· Shisen Hanten by Chen Kentaro
· Summer Pavilion, The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore
· The Song of India
· VLV Singapore
Feast Asia Participating Restaurants:

For more information, please contact:

Chua Pei Ling
Corporate Communications & CSR Senior Executive
Singapore Press Holdings Ltd
DID: 6319 1895
Email: plchua@sph.com.sg

About Sphere Exhibits Pte Ltd

A wholly owned subsidiary of Singapore Press Holdings (SPH), Sphere Exhibits, which stands for 'SPH Events, Roadshows and Exhibitions', aims to be the leading events company catering to a diverse mix of trade and consumer clientele.

Backed by a committed and experienced team of professionals and SPH's comprehensive range of media platforms, Sphere Exhibits' shows, events and exhibitions centre on unique concepts that attract local audiences and regional participants. Among Sphere Exhibits' events are The IT Show, COMEX, Licence2Play, Asian Masters, Gourmet Japan and Kidz Academy.

Leveraging on its expertise in event conceptualisation, planning and execution, Sphere Exhibits delivers memorable and quality events that meet the objectives of its clientele and partners.

About Singapore Press Holdings Ltd

Incorporated in 1984, main board-listed Singapore Press Holdings Ltd (SPH) is Asia's leading media organisation, engaging minds and enriching lives across multiple languages and platforms, ranging from print, digital, radio and out-of-home media.

SPH owns award-winning newspapers, magazines and best-selling books in both print and digital editions, as well as online classified businesses in the region. In addition, SPH has two English radio stations and one Chinese radio station, an out-of-home digital advertising unit, a regional events and conferences arm, and runs a chain of modern retail convenience stores. SPH also has a 20 per cent stake in MediaCorp TV Holdings Pte Ltd, which operates free-to-air channels 5, 8 and U, and a 40 per cent stake in MediaCorp Press Limited, which publishes the free newspaper, Today.

SPH REIT comprises Paragon, a premier upscale retail mall and medical suite/office property in Orchard Road and The Clementi Mall, a mid-market suburban mall. SPH's latest retail development is The Seletar Mall located in Sengkang.

For more information, please visit www.sph.com.sg

About HSBC Bank (Singapore) Limited

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