Wearing thick-framed spectacles and a loose black overshirt, Eric Khoo rushes into The Fine Line. He spots me from the entrance and waves enthusiastically as he walks towards me. Firm handshake, big smile, contagious laugh – we’re offto a great start. We bond over how hot the weather is and our mutual appreciation for The Macallan.
A pioneer of Singapore cinema, his unadulterated passion for film comes across clearly. Throughout our conversation, he mentions films from all over: Japan, Indonesia, Italy and the US. The minute he sits down, he asks me if I’ve seen WandaVision. His eyes light up and he can’t stop gushing because it’s the latest series he’s binged on. When I admit that I had cried at the end (no spoilers here), he proceeds to give me a brief history of the Marvel Universe which had him hooked since he was a child.
He raises his glass and clinks it against mine as he says: “To creativity!”
Khoo has always been creative. He tells me that he has dabbled in illustration and film his whole life, having been exposed to it from a young age. In fact, it all started with a Canon camera, a cartridge of film and a GI Joe with 21 moveable parts.
You might know him from his first feature film, Mee Pok Man, which revived Singapore cinema in 1995. But his real breakthrough moment happened four years earlier, when he was 26 and his short film, August, placed first in the Singapore Film Festival, gaining the attention of the local and international communities.
This story is from the April 2021 edition of Robb Report Singapore.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the April 2021 edition of Robb Report Singapore.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Uniquely Martell
The French house launches Les Fûts Uniques de Martell, the world's first cognac cask programme.
Opulent Waters
Embark on first-class cruises with Silversea, which has opened sales for its 2026 voyages.
Palatial Presents
From royal gifts to bespoke objets d'art, Singapore's Royal Insignia is reviving the art of gifting.
Back To The Land
Growing up in Beirut, Lina Ghotmeh pursued architecture as a means of building community in times of conflict. Her mission is more relevant today than ever.
Care To Join?
Private clubs are proliferating. But keeping members happy might not be as easy as it seems.
The Vanity Table
The latest grooming products to know.
Rekindle The Flames
Byredo's Ancient Sand candle ignites the holiday spirit within.
Off To The Races
Chanel leans into its sportswear roots with high jewellery inspired by the thrill of automotive competition.
What Time Is It At Home?
Stay on top of your affairs when you are halfway across the world with these trusty and intelligent multi-time zone watches.
Track Records
Brice Tchaplyguine, managing director of TAG Heuer Asia Pacific, dispenses insights on the iconic watch company at the opening of the brand's new boutique in Singapore.
