Darren Chen - The Man behind SAVOUR 2013

Darren Chen: The man behind SAVOUR 2013

A profile on the man and his passion for food

Known for his unique combination of charm and dry wit, Darren Chen is the mastermind behind SAVOUR, Singapore’s premier festival of culinary adventures as unique as himself. In its 2^nd edition, SAVOUR returns from 11 to 14 April 2013 with an even larger cast of players – much to the credit of Darren’s vision and driving force.

Although an engineering graduate from the National University of Singapore, Darren was drawn into the corporate world. It was in sales and marketing that he found his calling, specifically in sports marketing early in his career.  

“Obviously I did not choose the well-beaten path; perhaps it would have been easier if I had stayed in engineering. However my experiences have indeed enriched me – I wake up in the morning with a bounce in my step, simply because I’m one of the lucky ones who really love what they do,” Darren shares.

Armed with Asia-wide sports marketing and sponsorship experience, Darren joined Singapore GP Pte Ltd, the organiser of the FORMULA 1 Singapore Grand Prix, as Director of Corporate Sales, 18 months before it was due to host it’s first race. He was instrumental in developing a strong corporate hospitality program, which, in turn, was key to the long-standing support of the event by major corporations such as SingTel and Standard Chartered Bank. Darren adds, “The biggest challenge I faced in that role was the sheer weight of expectation to organise a truly global event with a massive global audience. Nevertheless, it was fun working on the project, especially if you are an F1 fan, though you get less star struck by the likes of Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton through prolonged exposure!”

As one who loves taking on challenges, Darren stepped into the role of Executive Director of Savour Events, the organiser of SAVOUR, when the opportunity arose in 2011. Despite what people may believe, Darren was quick to point out that his role does not mirror the fun and glamour associated with the event. “I oversee key areas of SAVOUR which won’t make the front page news, such as event operations, production of the events’ content, finance, as well as the sales and marketing. How unsexy is that?” Darren quips. The first edition in 2012 was a success, even making the World’s Best Food Festivals list on CNN Travel.

This self-confessed kampong boy had lofty ambitions for SAVOUR. Seeing the passion for food being a common denominator between different cultures and countries, he wanted SAVOUR to be a platform of opportunities for all participants regardless of social or occupational status – chefs and restaurants get to introduce themselves and their foods to regional visitors, producers and manufacturers test their products in the marketplace, sponsors avail themselves brand exposure and attendees get access to all of the above, in one convenient location.

Darren shares further, “Thematically, the first SAVOUR came with celebrating the delicious – positioning this event as a culinary playground where visitors can find something for everyone. The second edition takes this journey further along – we now place the mapping of this trek in the hands of the attendees, and facilitate for them to create their own culinary journey.”

Although he’s rubbed shoulders with international masters of the culinary arts, Darren’s food interests are much simpler and closer to home. He enjoys home-cooked comfort food, especially food from mum’s Peranakan heritage.

About SAVOUR

The SAVOUR concept is a first of its kind in Singapore, with a philosophy to unite the finest food and drink with a plethora of expert master classes, live demonstrations, fun workshops and culinary shopping, in an event that is accessible to all. Within one purpose-built venue, one can find an alfresco Gourmet Village teeming with award-winning restaurants helmed by celebrity chefs; a bespoke indoor Gourmet Auditorium complete with a state-of-the-art kitchen where culinary master classes are held; and a Gourmet Market that boasts an international showcase of artisan food and drink exhibitors.

SAVOUR is presented by Savour Events Pte Ltd.

SAVOUR runs from 11 to 14 April 2013 in F1 Pit Building and Paddock, 1 Republic Boulevard. Tickets are on sale at all SISTIC outlets.

Ticket Prices

Savour Premier Pass (Entry into the Gourmet Village and Gourmet Market + $30 Savour dollars)             S$65

Savour Premier Pass for Saturday or Sunday afternoon (11am – 4pm) (Entry into the Gourmet Village and Gourmet Market + $20 Savour dollars)             S$45

Savour Pass (Entry into the Gourmet Market ONLY + $20 Savour dollars)                                              S$35

Savour Dollars are the official SAVOUR currency used to purchase food and drink consumed on the premise. Tickets can be purchased via SISTIC online bookings, SISTIC counters and phone bookings. For more information, please check www.sistic.com.sg for their hotline & outlets operation hours.