Where were you born?

Singapore.

Where do you live?

The east coast of Singapore, in an old-school condominium.

If money was no object, where would you live?

I would love to take over a colonial black and white bungalow with a sprawling garden, or a row of conservation Peranakan houses, collaborate with my favourite designers and artists and turn it into a creative clubhouse.

What are your favourite stores?

Front Row and the Reckless Shop.

And your favourite restaurants?

White Rabbit on Harding Road, PS Cafe at Ann Siang Hill and the Tippling Club at Dempsey.

Do you have a favourite local cafe?

The Garden Slug on Lorong L Telok Kurau; the gourmet’s best-kept secret.

Any recommendations for must-try dishes?

Any of the Garden Slug’s fusion dishes and the Cheng Tng martini at PS Cafe.

Where do you take out-of-town friends?

Shopping at Singapore designer boutiques – I introduced Adam Lambert to Reckless Ericka and the Reckless Shop. Other favourites are Front Row, Blackmarket and Hide & Seek. I also take visiting friends to the Night Safari night zoo.

How do you like to celebrate?

A night at the theatre, especially a Wild Rice Christmas pantomime. Drinks at One Altitude, Raffles Place, the world’s highest alfresco bar, or dinner at Equinox at the Swissôtel, which has a great view, and attentive staff. Tab, Orchard Road, or anywhere my favourite local band, West Grand Boulevard, are performing. A crazy night at the Butter Factory on Fullerton Road, or Zouk on Jiak Kim Street.

What’s Singapore’s best building?

The best buildings in Singapore are slowly being demolished – the old National Library, for example. My favourite building right now is the old Tanjong Pagar Railway Station.

Which Singaporean do you most admire?

Lee Kwan Yew; without him, there wouldn’t be a Singapore to admire and boast about!

Any advice for visitors?

Skip the predictable, sterile tourist attractions and get to know the real Singapore. Go far off the beaten track and you’ll get a taste of the essence of real Singapore!