August 2005 - Association of Dutch Businessmen

BOOK REVIEW
Singapore CityScoops
Singapore’s 1 st independent and hip guide to authentic
local and urban experiences.
Singapore CityScoops is the first
city guide of its kind that samples
Singapore’s eclectic best ... and
captures its heart and soul. It
presents urban explorers the
opportunity to discover just what
makes this dynamic city both timeless and exciting.
Singapore CityScoops features no advertisements
or paid reviews, which makes it truly independent.
Spanning the island, Singapore CityScoops
zooms in on cosmopolitan hot spots, beloved local
finds, cool and hidden spaces, as well as remarkable
services. This 144-page guide also takes the reader
on, off and beyond the beaten track to find eats,
buys, clubs, thrills, escapes ... and more!
With its vibrant design and striking photographs,
Singapore CityScoops has strong coffee-table
book appeal. Insightful texts, easy-to-use maps and
a handy size make the guide an ideal travelling
about time Singapore had its own hip and alternative
guide to showcase its intriguing offerings. “This
guide is real proof that Singapore is not boring,”
says Dawn. “We’ve lived here for 5 years and would
have loved a guide like this when we first moved
here,” add Marijke and Sietske.
The CityScoopers scoured the entire island to
select exceptional places and experiences and
consulted with 15 CityGurus – a savvy, mixed bunch
of lawyers, parents, designers, urban mavens,
clubbers and writers – on their favourite city finds.
Visits were made to each location and interviews
were conducted with owners and managers to gain
insight to the how and why behind their business.
All the reviewed outlets in the guide share
two common factors: they are run by people
who are passionate about what they do and they
exude a certain ‘wow’ factor. Explains Marijke,
“We’re not just about the latest hot spot or trend.
Sometimes it’s about an innovative concept,
a charming setting or a cool product or
service. Most importantly, it’s about real
experiences”. This is what the CityScoops
concept is about: compiling and presenting
the inside scoop on cool finds and must-have
experiences that are not only quintessential,
but have soul and character – and that reveal
a compelling story.
companion. In addition to the 90 full-page reviews,
there’s also a SuperScoops section – a quick-list of
trendy picks, cool ideas and useful finds.
Singapore CityScoops is for anyone who loves
discovering the new, different and authentic. With
this guide foreigners will get to know the city like
a local and Singaporeans will rediscover their city
like a first-time visitor.
Singapore CityScoops is conceptualised,
produced and published by CityScoops Media. Its
partners are art director Marijke den Ouden, business
and financial analyst Sietske van Harte – both Dutch,
and writer Dawn Mok – a Singaporean. All three
CityScoopers are proud to call Singapore home.
As Singapore is a cosmopolitan, multi-cultural
city, it made sense to have a similar team seek out
and showcase its gems. Combining their passions
and skills, these urban curators thought that it was
Singapore CityScoops Fact Sheet
Content:
- 90 full page reviews, accompanied with
contact information and photos
- Subjects: 26% food, 14% clubs & chills,
12% body & soul, 7% fashion, 11% other shops,
6% thrills & skills, 6% services, 5% escapes,
5% home & living, 4% kids, and 3% the arts.
- 97 additional ‘SuperScoops’ listings featured
according to subject, with snippet reviews.
- 220 vibrant photos
- 7 comprehensive area maps
- Index by alphabet and by subject
Retail price : S$25.00 (including GST)
Available at : all major bookshops and selected
outlets in Singapore.
Website : www.cityscoops.com
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Vol.15 • No. 6 • July/August 2005