Stop Over Hong Kong: "It's more beautiful when it's not perfect"

Singapore never stands still, a city in constant modernization mode: There is always construction work going on somewhere; old buildings are being torn down and new ones being built. “Not only is the city improving, but we residents also feel the constant urge to optimize ourselves,” says Pann Lim.

At first glance, Lim, a successful graphic designer and co-founder of the Kinetic Singapore agency, seems a natural fit for this quest for perfection. In conversation, however, it quickly becomes clear that he has little use for flawlessness. Lim likes rough edges. He publishes a magazine called “Rubbish” in a city where there is not a single piece of trash on the street. “My favorite places are those that are a little gritty,” says Lim.

This includes the Heap Seng Leong café with its plain walls and red plastic chairs. “In a perfect world, I would love to start the day there,” says Lim. “Typically Singaporean, with Kopi O, black coffee with a chunk of butter floating in it, and toasted bread with kaya, coconut jam.” According to Lim, one of the strangest, but in its own way most beautiful places in Singapore is the Haw Par Villa theme park: Over 1,000 handpainted statues tell the story of Chinese culture and Far Eastern folklore. “The place is so unique that everyone should see it,” he enthuses.

Lim grew up in a family of musicians: His father gave violin lessons, his mother is a soprano, and his sister plays in the Singapore Symphony Orchestra. Although he chose a different career path, music still plays a major role in Lim’s life. “I’ve been a metal head since I was a teenager,” he says. His favorite items of clothing are band T-shirts, and he is passionate about playing the guitar. Lim likes to browse records at Memory Lane or Vinyl Kakis, and for guitars at Guitar Connection. “Most of the instruments there have a relic and aged look to them,” says Lim. “The vibe is very vintage. Some don’t cost much, others 15,000 dollars and up.”

For a quick lunch in Singapore, you don’t have to break the bank – and still get dishes worthy of a Michelin star, such as at Hill Street Tai Hwa Pork Noodle. The noodles are served with minced meat, pork liver, crispy pork rind, and deep-fried flatfish. “They are very flavorsome, spicy, and tangy,” says Lim. A small portion costs 8 Singapore dollars (about 6 USD).

Ask Lim where he most likes to spend his time in Singapore, the answer is Basheer Graphic Books. “The bookstore is a paradise for anyone who is passionate about art, design, architecture, and illustration,” he says. When Lim was a student, the owner let him read the books in the store. “He knew I had no money and couldn’t buy the books,” says Lim. “Without him, I wouldn’t be the designer I am today.”

3 Favorite Tips

1) Drinking a cocktail with Asian flavors at Native.

2) Eating authentic Singaporean food at Chinatown Complex Food Centre.

3) The beauty of my neighborhood: Joo Chiat Road.

Producer: Nicola van der Mee
Photos: Zac Tan

About

Pann Lim is a successful graphic designer, co-founder of the agency Kinetic Singapore, and publisher of the magazine Rubbish – but above all, a passionate metal head.