As the world economy emerges from one of its darkest eras, the CEO of UBS Wealth Management Singapore, Christine Ong, shares how she’s going to take the banking industry to the next level.

When Christine Ong came on board in April 2009 as the chief executive of UBS Singapore’s wealth management unit, she had a tough job to tackle, but one she took on with a soft heart.

While most new bosses “integrate” with their teams by pure fiat, Ong seeks consensus, gathering feedback from 30 of her core employees to tweak her management style, as well as to seek a deeper understanding of their needs.

She partakes in community and charity work. One of these is the Young Women’s Leadership Connection, which was launched to create a pipeline of women leaders.

In 2005, she and a few others founded the Asian chapter of UBS’ Community Affairs mission —an outlet for employees to participate in charitable, volunteer work, with the financial backing of the company.

It is a huge endeavour, one that spans countries as far flung as India and Hong Kong, underlining her strong commitment to society. Locally, her pet project is an internship programme with the Asian Women’s Welfare Association for disabled youths, some of who were ultimately hired by the firm full-time.

“UBS has been investing a great deal in talent development,” she tells us. For that reason, the bank has developed a one-of-a-kind wealth management campus at the old Command House in Kheam Hock Road. There, new employees are educated on various aspects of the business, most importantly, how to listen to, and understand clients’ needs. “We’re here to stay, to grow and contribute to the industry,” she says, followed by a pregnant pause. “This is how I see UBS giving back and bringing the industry to the next level.”

Bespoke travel services handle and fulfil your discerning requests, but perhaps the best luxury they give you is time.

Over the past few years, the concept of a concierge has migrated beyond the lobby and into the office (and even your home) — to tend to the increasing number of well-heeled, discerning travellers looking for their next unique travel adventure that defines “bespoke”.
Here are a few companies to consider:

Quintessentially has a wide-reaching network, with 50 offices wordwide. The Singapore office began its service in 2008. Customised itinerary planning, restaurant recommendations, and access to exclusive or invitation-only events are some of the common requests the team gets. Membership fees start from $2,500.
Tel: 6511-1199
www.quintessentially.com

Club Concierge began in Dubai in 2005, and then set up a Singapore branch last year. The most challenging requests, according to operations manager Taina Kivisto, come at the eleventh hour, such as attending a sold-out concert or heading to a fully booked restaurant. That’s when they plumb their little black book. Membership fee is $5,000 annually. 
Tel: 6733-8038
www.clubconcierge.ae

Quotient Travel Planner’s strength lies in bespoke or customised travel, and no membership fee is required. The company also organises a European horology road trip that starts from Munich: Pick between Porsches and Maseratis, and stop by luxury watch houses.
Tel: 6435-0922
www.travelplanner.com.sg

Urbane Nomads offers bespoke travel, with a focus on destinations in Asia and the Middle East. No membership fee is required. Through contacts, they are able to arrange for a visit to a warlord’s fortress in Afghanistan, or hold a private concert in a 14th century Mamluk palace in Syria. They are also organising an adventure with reindeer herders in inaccessible parts of Mongolia.
Tel: 6728-8614
www.urbanenomads.com

As Tag Heuer celebrates its 150th anniversary, The Peak reports on what makes this luxury Swiss watchmaker tick.

Tag Heuer announced two new products during its 150th anniversary celebrations.

The first is a new in-house movement, the Calibre 1887. It is borne out of several needs, the most pressing of which is product differentiation. Variety is another issue. With the Calibre 1887 joining the roster, the brand can offer a wide price range of chronographs from €2,000 (S$ 4,026) to €20,000 (S$40,260), The second announcement is the Silverstone re-issue of the 1974 classic of the same name. It painstakingly follows the design of the original, right down to the “Heuer” badge on the dial. The only difference is the movement - it is now powered by the modern Calibre 11.

Silverstone is released as a limited edition, 1,860 pieces each in blue and in brown. “We’re sure it’ll be a success,” says Jean Christophe Babin, the CEO and president of Tag Heuer.

And success is something Tag Heuer needs these days. The entire Swiss watch industry took a massive hit during the recession, but Tag Heuer is optimistic that its financial performance will improve in 2010. The company is well positioned to take advantage of the upswing: its product range has now diversified to encompass luxury mobile phones and cutting-edge eyewear.

So what’s next for Tag Heuer? According to Babin, the company intends to pursue its special obsession for ultimate precision and the domination of the world market for luxury chronographs. But he also hints that it will be looking beyond a traditionally male audience. “We have big news for ladies in spring,” he tells us. “And it will be a drastic evolution.”