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 2nd
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.
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