Self-sufficiency and purpose bubble strong in Kim Fournais. The chief executive of Saxo Bank made his mark as a pioneer of fintech, having set up an online trading platform in 1998, six years after he founded the company at the age of 26 with 70,000 euros in capital. Today, he heads a global firm with over 2,500 employees across major cities managing over US$100 billion (S$1.3 billion) in client assets. AIong the way, he learned how to pilot a turbo prop plane because he loves the freedom it affords as well as the efficiency of zipping his people around Europe.
The 57-year-old Dane is in Singapore on his bi-annual visit to the company's first office outside of Denmark. Sitting down with Prestige, he shares that he has been conducting a sustainable living experiment for the past two decades. "In 2005, I bought a small, 155ha island in Denmark and made it self-sustaining. There are wind turbines, solar cells, battery storage, regenerative farming. It's to show that sustainability can happen, that you can have wonderful nature, wonderful home-grown food and live a healthy and beautiful life in balance with nature," he says. The island is not financially sustainable yet - that's the trial part of the project - but he believes it's a model for what can be achieved, to rebalance the environment and create jobs.
This story is from the December 2023 edition of Prestige 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 December 2023 edition of Prestige 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
In The Know
Fashion designer SHANNON LEE's Shirt Number White flies under the radar, just where he likes it ... for now Words:
Turn Of Thai Rice
Rare Okinawan spirit awamori captures a slice of the Japanese island's soul.
Art For Heart Sake
Ceramicist JEANETTE ADRIENNE WEE moulds a future in pottery art.
Empire State Of Mind
Harry Winston's New York Collection is a love letter to the city that never sleeps. The jeweller's latest high-jewellery collection explores NYC's landmarks and symbols through several chapters.
Guarding A Grand Heritage
In an exclusive interview with Prestige, fourthgeneration Patek Philippe chief THIERRY STERN discusses meaningful innovations, business continuity and what surfing's got to do with it.
Layers Of Meaning
Louis Vuitton’s Les Parfums Purs, a collection of single notefocused perfumes, allows you to be your own master perfumer.
His Time To Shine
2024 is the year men’s jewellery is shown off for what it ought to be bold, brilliant and tastefully transgressive.
Watches And Wonders 2024: A Show Of Range
In the second instalment of our report on Watches and Wonders the horological trade fair took place in Geneva in April we highlight standout new releases from 10 brands, ranging from stealthy tool watches to statement pieces you couldn't miss, even if you tried.
Raise A Glass To China
At the inaugural Wynn Signature Chinese Wine Awards, three experts tell Prestige why you should consider picking up a bottle for your next dinner party or date night.
TOAST TO LOCAL SPIRITS
A growing class of \"Made in Singapore\" liquors give drinkers a taste of home.
