In just three weeks, Asia’s leading names in design, architecture, development, innovation and influence will descend upon Andaz Singapore, Hyatt’s AFSO-designed gem, for AHEAD Asia 2018.

Located in the heart of cultural a crossroad, Andaz’s surrounding areas of Kamplong Glam and Bras Basah Bugis are a fusion of energy, intimate alleyways and vibrant colours and textures – conveniently setting the theme for this year’s AHEAD Asia ceremony.

Within the hotel, the experience of discovery that has become synonymous with Singapore’s juxtaposition of cultures is reinterpreted throughout. An 8-metre-high lobby features an abstract version of the shop house façades, while Pandan cakery rounds off the arrival experience. Here, Pandan chiffon cakes and a selection of soft buns are on offer in a variety of colours and flavours.

Just upstairs, bold artworks by Monica Delgado and Ahmad Abu Bakar enliven the event spaces, aligning perfectly with the surrounding streets. AHEAD Asia will commence in the Garden Studio, a standalone pavilion surrounded by live cooking stations, complete with lush outdoor terrace decked with potted fan palms.

From here, we will proceed to the ceremony hosted in The Glasshouse, a stunning space with floor-to-ceiling windows garnished with full timber slatted partitions – typical of modern Asian aesthetics.

Elsewhere in the hotel, guestrooms follow the alley concept. Conceived as a contemporary bungalow, whimsical moments such as a doorbell housed within a bespoke post box enhance the experience. Colours of mango yellow, aubergine and mud amalgamate to celebrate the city’s cultural melting pot spirit.

Summarising perfectly, André Fu, founder of AFSO and AHEAD Asia judge commented: “The spirit of my design philosophy is about provoking new ways of thinking about what luxury means.”

The region's leading names will celebrate AHEAD Asia at Andaz Singapore on 15 March 2018.