Urgent.News

What's breaking now, across thousands of outlets.

World

Up in smoke: how Southeast Asia bungled its haze response

Dr Asma Zafirah doesn’t need satellite images to know when Kalimantan is burning. She sees it in the watery eyes and laboured breaths of the patients at her clinic in Sarawak, and the children who are kept home from school to protect them from the toxic air. Southeast Asia’s transboundary haze crisis was meant to have been brought under control six years ago. But Borneo is once again belching out…

Up in smoke: how Southeast Asia bungled its haze response

Moutai House Singapore, the region's first dedicated showcase for Kweichow Moutai, is set to open at the Fullerton Waterboat House later this month. Spanning three floors, the establishment will present rare bottles worth up to S$1 million, a collection of Moutai bottles birthed in the year of visitors' birth, and Guizhou and Huaiyang cuisine by Imperial Treasure. Additionally, visitors can enjoy Moutai cocktails crafted by Nutmeg & Clove.

Kweichow Moutai, a potent Chinese liquor renowned for its complex and aromatic character, is a symbol of China’s rich heritage. Its popularity extends beyond China, as the country’s status as a gateway between China, Southeast Asia, and the wider world makes it an ideal platform for introducing Moutai’s culture and versatility to an international audience, according to Moutai House’s managing director, Shi Yun Ding.

The location on the riverfront is significant, as Singapore’s connection with Moutai dates back over seven decades. In 1954, the first bottle of Kweichow Moutai arrived in Southeast Asia at the Waterboat House, marking the beginning of a lasting bond between the spirit and this historic landmark.

At the Moutai Experiential Centre, guests embark on a multisensory journey, exploring Moutai's ingredients, production techniques, and flavor profile through sight, scent, touch, and taste. The center also houses Southeast Asia's largest Moutai collection, featuring more than 300 exclusive and collectible bottles, including rare ones valued at up to S$1 million. Additionally, a birth-year Moutai collection will showcase annual vintages dating back to 1965, reflecting visitors' personal milestones.

To complement the Moutai collection, Imperial Treasure will offer Guizhou and Huaiyang cuisine, both of which are deeply rooted in Chinese culinary traditions. Guizhou cuisine, known for its spicy, tangy, and aromatic dishes, will be prominently featured, while Huaiyang cuisine, one of China’s four major culinary traditions, will be presented through refined, elegant, and balanced flavors.

The Moutai House will also host a rooftop bar, Sohaus, created by Nutmeg & Clove. The bar will feature eight original signature cocktails that showcase Moutai and reinterpret classic cocktails with Moutai-inspired flavors, providing an accessible entry point for those unfamiliar with the spirit.

Written by urgent.news from CNA - Singapore's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.

This story

This is one outlet's version. Read the fullest account.

Read the original at scmp.com →

More in World

Shiran Basik’s father arrested

By Norman Palihawadane Abdul Razak Mohamed Basik, father of alleged drug trafficker Shiran Basik, has been arrested over the purchase of an apartment valued at more than Rs. 30 million, police said.

More from Saturday 12 September →