The Singapore Polo Club (SPC) marked their 125 years with yet another milestone recently with the official launch of its revamped Mountbatten Room.

Once a fine-dining restaurant, the space is now a wine and cigar lounge imbued with a casual sophistication, and a vantage location to enjoy the ultimate "Game of Kings" on the field.

Founded in 1886, during Singapore's colonial past, the Club has a long and fascinating history. Set in acres of lush, tropical grounds, the Singapore Polo Club is a world apart from Singapore's bustling pace yet located just minutes from the heart of the city's hectic business and commercial centre.

The old world, rustic charm of the clubhouse with its open verandah and views of tropical greenery and open spaces provides a relaxing and understated, natural ambience.

The main focus of the Club is of course polo and more generally, equestrian sports, but other sports activities and facilities are also well represented. Members can either keep their own polo ponies at the club stables, or alternatively lease ponies from the Club's own string. Beginners, or those wishing to hone their skills may sign up for polo lessons with the Club's resident pros. For those interested primarily in horse riding, you can participate in any of the Club's varied Riding Section programmes and activities including basic riding, competitive dressage as well as show jumping at various levels, either in one to one or group lessons with our qualified riding instructors.

You may also choose to enjoy the pleasure of simply hacking along a wide selection of jungle trails that are accessible from the Club.

Singapore Polo Club, 80 Mount Pleasant Road

Tel: +65 68543999 or email: [email protected]

Harley-Davidson Inc., the largest motorcycle manufacturer in the U.S., opened its first Asian headquarters in Singapore. The maker of Fat Boy and Sportster motorcycles has said it wanted an Asian office, partly to better understand the challenges of doing business in China, India and other fast-growing nations.

International sales, which accounted for 25% of the company’s business four years ago, were 35% in 2010. The company has set a goal of at least 40% by 2014.

While cultivating sales in Asia, Harley-Davidson says for now it doesn’t plan to manufacture bikes there.The nearest it has come to that are operations in India, where American-made Harleys are reassembled from kits to avoid tariffs.

The company is not new to the Asia-Pacific region. Its founders realized the importance of international markets soon after Harley-Davidson began operations in 1903, and archives show sales to Japan as early as 1912.

Harley is recognized in Japan as an American icon, but it hasn’t always been easy to sell heavyweight motorcycles there. Years ago, Japanese motorcyclists were required to pass a special exam if they wanted to ride large touring bikes such as Harleys. One of the tests was to ride across a balance beam. Only about 2% of riders passed the test. In 2005, Japan repealed a law that prohibited motorcyclists from carrying a passenger on major highways. That helped boost Harley sales, according to motorcycle industry analysts.

The key for Harley-Davidson will be creating a culture that views motorcycles as leisure products rather than vehicles used for everyday transportation. Much of the company’s success in the United States has come from riding clubs, called Harley Owner Groups, and from motorcyclists customizing bikes.

Everything that’s essential to supporting a regional market has been included in the new Asian office, including sales, marketing and dealer development.

253 Alexandra Road, #01-04

Tel: +65 64750123

Designed in Tokyo - Inspired by Life - Built for City Living

Tokyobike started in 2002 in the old Tokyo suburb of Tanaka. Its inspiration came about from its name. In the same way Mountain bikes are meant for mountainous riding, Tokyobike is designed for navigating around Tokyo.

Now the Tokyobike lifestyle can also be seen in cities such as Sydney, London, Berlin and Singapore.

Its ethos stems from exploring one's favourite city and the nooks of the less beaten path. From the lightness & comfort of pedaling to the simplistic design and multitude of colours, Tokyobike envisions its riders exploring their cities, enjoying themselves and taking it slow in today's fast-paced society. Afterall, life is always about the journey rather than the destination.

Tokyobike’s first and only flagship boutique in Asia outside of Japan arrives in Singapore mid-2011. Set in the colourful environment of Haji Lane – wedged between the old and the new, lose yourself to the sights, sounds and scent of middle-eastern shisha, street food, trendy bars and chic boutiques. Haji Lane provides the perfect backdrop to the Tokyobike lifestyle – where every turn is a discovery and every discovery a surprise.

38 Haji Lane

Tel: +65 62995048

The Singapore Turf Club has a long tradition of giving. Over the years, under the aegis of its parent organisation, the Singapore Tote Board, billions of dollars derived from the sport of racing have been used to fund projects benefitting Singaporeans from all walks of life.

The Singapore Turf Club Riding Centre (STCRC) is an exciting new community project by the Singapore Turf Club. The Club aims to develop the horse riding community in Singapore.

Built right next to the Singapore Racecourse at Kranji, the STCRC will provide a range of programmes to introduce the fun of horse riding to everyone in Singapore, beginning with youths and school children.

Singapore Turf Club Riding Centre, 10 Woodlands Avenue 3.  

Tel: +65 68791800 or +65 68793600