Love The World Soul Rock Restaurant, Bar & Bistro uses music to penetrate the marketplace.

CN FILE PHOTO

As far as restaurant-owner Samuel Seong Koon is concerned, Christian music is not just good for church. At Love The World Soul Rock Restaurant, Bar & Bistro, located in the Singapore Flyer Retail Terminal, customers can wine and dine on good food while enjoying live bands performing Christian and inspirational pop songs.

Upon stepping into LTW, one will find a large and cosy indoor area which opens out to a breezy alfresco exterior overlooking the mouth of the Singapore River and the F1 race track. It can be customized for various events, ranging from birthday parties and company functions to album launches. Its concept is inspired by City Harvest Church.

Seong Koon explained, “Before setting up LTW, I went to many churches to draw inspiration from them. When I visited City Harvest Church, I was amazed by the music band. It was not only professional, but carried a certain vibe, a unique anointing.”

The name “Love The World” originates from the Bible verse from John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that He gave.” The concept of giving is practised in LTW, where a portion of its proceeds from merchandise goes to helping adopted charities’ outreach to needy youths in Singapore.

LTW’s unique concept has been one of the critical factors in drawing crowds to the Singapore Flyer since its inception on Dec. 22, 2008. A day after their opening, the Singapore Flyer encountered a major technical fault resulting in people being trapped in the flyer’s cabins. As a result, visitor levels dropped. Seong Koon and his team started to work closely with the management of the Singapore Flyer to lure visitors back. Seong Koon used the opportunity to organize a Christian rock concert called the Concert of Hope. The event attracted more than 5,000 people to the Singapore Flyer and was even featured in The Straits Times and on Channel NewsAsia.

LTW has also hosted several events like The Holy Ghost Getai in September 2009, which was a crowd-puller. Instead of commemorating the Hungry Ghost Festival through prayers and the setting up of getais, which generally feature songs about stolen love and sadness, LTW decided to host an event with singers belting out Cantonese, Hokkien and Mandarin Christian and inspirational songs.

During Halloween last year, LTW held a Hell-No-Win concert depicting a hopeful and upbeat atmosphere. Instead of dressing the venue up with images of the dark side, LTW’s decorations showcased an “angel” theme.

LTW has also hosted local Christian artists like Alarice and Kevin Soh, an ex-convict-turned-gospel singer, as well as international artistes like Australian Chad Blondel and Australian-Chinese singer-songwriter Deb Fung who won the All-Australian Songwriter Award.

In 2010, with the support of Integrity Music, LTW aims to give Christian bands and singers an opportunity to showcase their talents in a Battle of the Bands Competition.

Seong Koon’s vision for LTW is to set up outlets in all the major cities in the world, duplicating the business model of Hard Rock Café. His view is that if a secular restaurant and bar can successfully expand into every major city, how much more LTW, whose vision is supported by Christians around the world.

LTW has begun talks to enter the Chinese market, with its first bar and bistro to be set up in Chengdu in Sichuan Province. The soft launch of LTW Chengdu will take place in August or September with its official opening scheduled for Oct. 4 this year. More LTW bars are slated to open in China.

Special discounts apply to CHC members. For more information, log on to lovetheworldsoulrock.com.

The Bok Seng Group has gone from strength to strength in 30 years through prudence and unity. City News profiles this family-owned logistics company.

PHOTO COURTESY OF BOK SENG GROUP

Founded by Henry Ng, the Bok Seng Group of Companies has a rich company history dating back to more than 30 years. The group comprises Bok Seng Logistics Pte. Ltd., BS Technology Pte. Ltd. and Bok Seng Asia Pte. Ltd., making Bok Seng Group an end-to-end integrated logistics provider.

Ng started out as a bulldozer operator three decades ago. His foray into business began when he formed a partnership with his father, called Bok Seng Construction. As the construction business grew, Ng saw the opportunity to go into the transportation business, and later renamed the company Bok Seng Transport & Construction. Bok Seng Holdings Pte. Ltd. was established in 1988 to manage the logistics business as well as other business interests. In December 2000, the company was renamed Bok Seng Logistics Pte. Ltd., and has since been certified ISO 9001:2008 and OHSAS 18001:2007.

Carrying the vision of “moving the world,” Bok Seng Group has handled major projects like the transportation of the MRT trains for the commissioning of the North East and Circle Lines in Singapore. It has also transported the new series of cable cars for the upgrade of the Sentosa Cable Car System.

Today, Ng has trained his own son, Dave, to take over the family business. Expressing passion for his line of business, the younger Ng says, “I love looking at huge machinery on the move. Each time when our team successfully executes a job for our clients, we feel a sense of achievement.”

Dave Ng, together with his team, heads the second generation that has taken over the business activities. They have a vision to take Bok Seng to the next level with the guidance of his father who now serves as managing director.

The company, like any other, has been through its share of ups and downs, such as the 1997 economic crisis and SARS outbreak. To stay afloat and remain profitable, stringent measures had to be taken. These measures included a wage freeze, reduction of commissions and taking action to streamline costs.

Bok Seng’s team remained steadfast and united, emerging relatively unscathed through the tough times. “We were fortunate as our team members were able to stay strong together and continue building the company despite the economic downturn and other difficulties,” said Ng.

“Together with the pioneers, good management team and staff, we managed to pull through the obstacles and pooled the required resources for the company to continue its vein of sustainable and profitable growth.”

Presently, all three Bok Seng companies are well-known in the market for their services. They are the experts in land logistics, marine logistics and specialist logistics in moving heavy machinery. The company even has its own fleet of tugs and barges

Bok Seng Logistics focuses on project management for marine and heavy equipment as well as logistics management in the area of warehouse and inventory management, container trucking and depot management.

Bok Seng Technology is the industry’s leading company providing sales, rental and services of various ranges of safety access, material handling advance lifting equipment.

Bok Seng Asia is the wholly-owned subsidiary of Bok Seng Logistics, focused in providing one-stop support for transit cargo in the oil and gas sector, marine and other construction sectors.

The Bok Seng group has received industry recognition in the area of Boon & Scissor Lift Operators Training in 2010, an International Award for Powered Access (IAPA).

Visit www.bsgroup.com.sg for more information about the Bok Seng Group.

Two out-of-the-box shops—Kki and The Little Dröm Store—have garnered media attention since opening in January. City News talks shop with the owners.

PHOTOS: Kki

Situated in a cozy corner at the foot of Ann Siang Hill in Tanjong Pagar are two unique shops sharingone space. Kki offers Japanese inspired French pastry, while The Little Dröm Store is a vestibule filled with vintage knick knacks.

Kki is the brainchild of couple, Kenneth Seah and Delphine Liau, while the Little Dröm Store was conceived by their partners, Stanley Tan and Antoinette Wong, as a platform for local artists and designers to display their talent and creativity.

Just opened since Jan. 1, Kki and The Little Dröm Store have been featured widely in mainstream media such as in TODAY, Sunday Business Times, URBAN, Home & Décor, Simply Her, i-Weekly and on Channel 8’s Citybeat, hosted by Bryan Wong and Kym Ng. According to Liau, Kki and The Little Dröm Store started having regular customers within two weeks of their official opening.

These two shops are also making waves in the social networking space with a vibrant loyal group of followers that includes food bloggers.

Dröm means “dream” in Swedish. Liau shares over a warm latté how she and her husband prayed very specifically for a suitable place to start up their dream café. God answered each of their requests, from the rental cost, to location, to collaborating with The Little Dröm Store—even the display window was an answered prayer!

“When we started Kki, we didn’t want to be caught in the center of the mainstream competition; we wanted to bring cake-savoring up another level,” explains Liau. “Kki is carving out its own niche: many of the items are influenced by Japanese baking techniques and have a light flavor that’s not as overwhelming as conventional French pastries.”

Seah is the pastry chef for Kki. An experienced baker, he was a freelance food and beverage consultant who helped start another pastry shop in Holland Village. The Seahs have a desire to educate cake lovers on the joys of their Asian-infused French cakes.

Kki’s best-selling item is a white chocolate cake named “Antoinette.” The couple baked that teardrop-shaped cake for Wong on her birthday. Biting into the light pastry, Wong was delighted to discover mango fruit puree oozing out from its center.

Even the names of the cakes reflect the local flavor—“Kinabaru” combines coconut puree and passionfruit, inspired by Kota Kinabalu. This sticky layered cake is an eye-catching yellow and has proven to be another best-seller for Kki.

PHOTO: The Little Dröm Store

Equally artistic, though inedible, are the offerings at The Little Dröm Store. The store is an independent publisher of local creative works, and also acts as a gallery for its owners to display their family’s creativity.

“The idea was for our family to come together to display their works. The photo books you see are from Antoinette’s collection, while the comic-style sketches are doodles from my dad. My mum also pitches in to sew the handmade bags with our logo. The items you see on our shelves here—cameras, miniature dolls—it’s like a replica of our rooms at home,” says Tan.

Both couples quit their full-time jobs to run Kki and The Little Dröm Store. Seah’s fine reputation as a food and beverage expert, Liau’s past experience as an events coordinator, together with Tan and Wong’s design background in advertising, have all worked together to usher in success for the two shops.

PHOTOS: Michael Chan

A heartwarming and elaborate welcome awaited the visiting team from Singapore and other countries at the Christian Television System broadcast headquarters. CTS broadcasts Harvest Time, a 30-minute show featuring messages by Kong Hee.

The station put up a music and performance extravaganza that was broadcast Live, covering a medley of traditional fan dances, modern dance and soulful worship performances that wowed the studio audience and those watching on television.

The visitors were taken on a tour to view the station’s studio sets, control rooms and dubbing rooms to get an insight into the inner workings in the world of broadcasting.

CTS is the fourth largest Christian TV station in the world and has rapidly achieved global influence in the short 15 years since its inception in 1995. There are over 10 million households that subscribe to this station, which has been instrumental in uniting Christians in Korea. It was established by 86 primary Christian denominations and 43 religious associations, all of whom are shareholders. Coverage spans not just Korea but also Asia, Australia, North and Central America, southern Europe, Middle East and Africa.

CEO Kam Kyung Chul envisages the station to be a global broadcasting evangelist, to carry the “Great Commission” through media to the ends of the earth.

The station’s programs are diverse, and include interviews with celebrities and community leaders, current affairs discussions with Christian leaders, sermons, global missions and worship segments. There’s even a childcare program to help mothers and encourage higher birth rates.

Beyond its high-tech broadcast and media technology, CTS is a channel for good. In his address to the visiting team, Kong shared a letter he received during this trip. The writer wrote, “I was about to give up on my faith and turn away from God but I happened to switch on the TV and watched the CTS channel. It was broadcasting a message [by Kong] that helped me to turn back to God. Right now I am restored and actively serving as a leader at Yoido Full Gospel Church!”

Aries Zulkarnain, CHC’s pastor in charge of media programs and services, was impressed by what he saw. “Being here helps us to visualize what we can do back home in the future, in terms of media facilities, broadcast potential and reach. We want to go beyond providing content for sermons and move into producing content for CTS’ new family channel.”

Chan Kai Kong, manager of the IT department in CHC was equally impressed by “the diversity of programs” and “incredible global reach” achieved over such a short period of time. He added, “I believe such accelerated growth has been a result of constant prayer and tenacity. In terms of content, we want to contribute more than just religious topics but programs that inspire godly values, which can be viewed by all audiences.”

The ballroom at Hotel Intercontinental was abuzz with anticipation on 26 August 2009, as business owners and executives gathered for the Marketplace Luncheon with one of Singapore’s most prominent business figure, Ho Kwon Ping. With a multi-faceted portfolio ranging from media to education, from hotels and property development—Ho is the Executive Chairman of Banyan Tree Hotels and Resorts—the speaker’s thoughts on entrepreneurship and business success proved invaluable.

Ho was a rebellious youth notorious for his vocal opinions in the university, and a journalist with the Straits Times. Since his “colorful” past, Ho has grown in stature and contributed much to society. Most recently, he was awarded the 2009 National Day Meritorious Service Medal for his work in revolutionalizing Singapore’s tertiary education as Chairman of Singapore Management University. Ho is also the chairman of Wah Chang International Corporation and has held directorship for Standard Chartered Bank, MediaCorp and Singapore Tourism Board.

To kick off the session, Ho started by answering the burning question on the minds of all present — what is his secret to success, and what can Singaporean entrepreneurs learn from him when it comes to creating a global name like Banyan Tree.

The success of Banyan Tree lies in the ability to leverage on competitive advantage. Ho shared two advantages in life: proprietary technology and branding. Since he was never a technologist, he learned through his early days of starting his business that there was a need to create his own brand instead of competing merely on pricing. This revelation was a turning point for his business, one that took Banyan Tree up to a whole new dimension. On the importance of brand ownership, Ho shared that this allowed for the business to develop a niche and differentiate itself from others in the market. How does one create a successful brand?

First, be a dominant player that is not just localized but globalized. He challenged the businessmen and executives present to view themselves as not just an Asian brand or icon but as a global brand. Beyond the corporate PR and glitz behind a brand, there needs to be a solid corporate identity and values that drive what the business is about. The entire management infrastructure is carried out based on these values and it filters through the organization, right down to the janitor. Ho is a firm believer of the triple bottom line: one, measuring business success; two, focusing on empowering people; and three, protecting the environment and producing sustainable profits.

PHOTOS: Gabriel Seow

His leadership mantra is a strong set of values which he feels is a necessary business imperative for the 21st century. Working in the hospitality line where “the customer is always right”, Ho explains that he wants to create an organization where his workers come to work each day feeling a sense of belonging and are proud of where they work. This, he feels, is the way to build a business that is both sustainable and competitive. Planting a unique concept in the minds of those present, he shared that sustainable businesses have to think bigger to fulfill the demands of not just shareholders, but all stakeholders. These stakeholders include employees, the community you are doing business in, partners, management, customers, interest groups and even the government.

The new generation of business leaders needs to think about not just impacting the bottom line monetarily, but also about maximizing stakeholder value, above and beyond shareholder value. As Ho encouraged the business owners in the audience and challenged them to start defining the key values that drive their company. On a more personal note, he said that for the upcoming ‘Y’ Generation to be successful, they have to always ask “Why?” It is only by understanding the purpose behind the process that one can identify ways to improve, change and grow.

He encouraged his audience to always be bold and to not be afraid to be inquisitive. Ho’s session left his audience ready to turn their businesses into global giants. “I was very inspired by everything Ho Kwon Ping said! There are few business leaders out there who are able to have such a broad and long-term perspective in viewing business sustainability,” says Sherie Ng, 30s, Vice President of Marketing for Asia Pacific, Invensys Process Systems. “His talk encapsulates what it means to see beyond short-term gain to have a more holistic view of business covering economic development, community impact and social responsibility.”

The Big Groove 2009 is touted as Asia’s most anticipated Hip Hop Festival. Held on 28 June 2009, it featured 18 dance crews from seven countries (Japan, China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Philippines, Indonesia and Singapore) participating and showcasing award-winning choreographies.

The Big Groove is in its fourth year running and seeks to engage young people in expressing their creative talents to raise the standard of Hip Hop in Asia. The festival functions as a regional platform for local dance crews to showcase their talents alongside Asia’s best!

Not to be disappointed, the audience was treated to a dynamic and blood-pumping array of hip-hop beats. The multi-award winning and ever entertaining Wrecking Crew Orchestra (W.C.O.) from Japan, as well as an unique all-girls dance group made up of 11 to 13 year olds that call themselves Cool Mint (Japan), kept the crowd riveted and cheering for more dance feats! Proving that age is no boundary in topping the game for any crew, Cool Mint moved in flawless synchronization, which was a testament to their hard work!

“This year’s Big Groove 2009 brings a fresh surge of creativity through the unique story lines that are fleshed out in the different performances. The performances from overseas crews were electrifying! I noticed various choreographies that depicted some of Michael Jackson’s signature moves as a means to commemorate his contribution to the global dance scene.” Daryl Kang, 21 years old, student.

PHOTOS: Aaron Low

Opening Address by Guest-of-Honor Mrs Lim Hwee Hua Minister, Prime Minister’s Office and Second Minister for Finance and Transport

This year’s Miss Singapore World 2009 Grand Finals held on 31 July 2009 was a pageant with a difference.

Held at the Island Ballroom at the prestigious Shangri-La Hotel, it was a unique collaboration; in conjunction with the Down Syndrome Association of Singapore’s (DSA) annual charity gala dinner — “Mystique III”. Gracing the event was Guest-of-Honor, Lim Hwee Hua, Minister, Prime Minister’s Office and Second Minister for Finance and Transport.

During the pre-event cocktail, City News spoke to Faraliza Tan, winner of Miss Singapore World 2008, who had the following words of wisdom for the upcoming winner, ‘Never let fame get to your head; when you are not wearing the crown, that’s when it is the true you. There needs to be a level of sincerity and humility in the way we carry our title.’

A recent graduate with a Bachelor Degree in Mass Communications from Nanyang Technological University, she shares that her experiences as a pageant winner has helped her to be more confident and to be a promoter of charitable causes as the ambassador for Action for AIDS.

Melissa Teo, Valentane Huang and Genecia Luo (from left to right)

Making an appearance at the gala was Genecia Luo, winner of Miss Singapore International 2006/2007; Valentane Huang, winner of Miss Singapore Tourism Queen 2009, Miss Singapore Chinatown 2008/2009 and Miss Singapore Global Beauty Queen 2008; and Melissa Teo, winner of Mrs. Singapore Global Beauty 2010. Teo is currently very active in charity work, chairing an online forum that helps single mums.

Beyond the usual pageant segments such as the swim wear and evening gown segments, each section of the competition was interspersed with performances from past pageant winners, as well as fundraising activities for DSA.

The DSA Dance Ensemble put up a rousing dance number to the Bollywood hit “Jai-Ho”, which got the crowd grooving. Decked in psychedelic costumes, members of the DSA Dance Ensemble synchronized dance movements with precision and rhythm, which is a testament that persons with Down Syndrome are not with gifting and talent.

Past pageant winners of children beauty contests made their appearance on stage as well. Carrying confidence beyond their age, past Miniature Miss World winners entertained the crowd with angelic voices.

All proceeds of “Mystique III” will go to DSA, including table sales, auctions of Persian carpets and paintings by persons with Down Syndrome.

In the final moments of the gala dinner, the entire ballroom was charged up with anticipation as the Top 8 grand finalists selected sashayed on stage in their evening wear. The announcement of the Top 3 winners took place just a few moments after with tensed silence as the envelope containing the name of the winner was opened.

Pilar Arlando, a 19 year old student came in second runner-up; Claire Lee, a 22 year old graduate won the first runner-up position and Ris Low, a 19 year old student won the title of Miss Singapore World 2009.

Ris Low, currently pursuing a double diploma in travel & tourism as well as nursing, won a total of five awards — Best Dressed, Dazzling Eyes, Best Catwalk and Most Photogenic. With one of the largest cohort of supporters, Low also bagged the award for highest charitable donations via table sales and advertisements at the gala.

Claire Lee, Ris Low and Pilar Arlando (from left to right)

In an exclusive closed-door interview with the pageant winners, City News got up close and personal with Oxy Ong, 20 year old student and winner of the Miss Singapore Model of the World Award. “I have gained valuable experience from this pageant in terms of learning to give back to society.”

Ris Low	Pilar Arlando	Claire Lee	Oxy Ong	Sonia Sawlani
Daniel Poh

On her future plans, second runner-up, Pilar Arlando commented, “I am going to continue volunteering with DSA and be more active in helping to raise funds for individuals with Down Syndrome, to help them better integrate into mainstream society.”

Claire Lee, first runner-up, shared with City News that she wants to break the stereotyped notion that people have of beauty queens. “I want to personally embody a person who possesses both beauty and intelligence, who is actively engaging different people from many different cultures.” Lee herself is a multi-linguist, fluent in languages such as Thai, French and German.

“I have a heart for needy children, especially in the slums in India. I do hope to be able to travel to countries like these such as Nigeria and South Africa, so that I can help to bring about sustainable change to young lives,” said Sonia Sawlani, winner of Miss Community Ambassador, Miss Lifestyle and Miss Singapore Globe Award.

Speaking to the newly crowned Miss Singapore World 2009, City News finds out what is Low’s most valuable lesson learned throughout the pageant. “Winning this title has helped me realized that one can always fulfill one’s dreams and be confident. I am excited to represent Singapore at the Miss World Finals in South Africa and I want to do our nation proud.”

In her teen years, designer Sabrina Goh drew inspiration from her dad’s work as an architectural draughtsman, observing structures and forms of buildings and designs. Now, years later, his influence echoes in her fashion design: Her line, Elohim, is loved by fashionistas and the fashion press for its startling structure and play with symmetry. Elohim received rave reviews at the recent Audi Fashion Festival, when Goh debuted her line alongside Vivienne Westwood and Gareth Pugh.

Born in Malaysia, Sabrina went all the way to pursue her dreams, making up her mind to enroll in LaSalle-SIA College of the Arts in Singapore when she was just a secondary school student.

Goh’s persistence has been her secret to success. While at LaSalle, despite not being a top student, Goh was determined to press on till she grabbed the fashion limelight. She interned as a stylist at MediaCorp, and participated in the Singapore Young Designer Contest in 2006 and 2007. In these contests, she emerged a top 10 finalist and worked for various local labels as an in-house fashion designer for four years before launching her own label Elohim in January 2009.

“Elohim means ‘God of creativity’,” says Goh, adding that this is an inspiring label that encourages the wearer to be confident of herself both outwardly and inwardly. Her stark silhouettes portray the image of strength and vulnerability at the same time.

Her latest Fall/Winter 09-10 Collection has garnered much interest from local celebrities such as Felicia Chin, and her fashion is being used in an upcoming Mediacorp variety show.

Goh is determined not to rest on her laurels — she thrives on having her creativity challenged all the time. Her personal design heroes include Nicholas Ghesquiere from Balenciaga, who creates minimalist and unexpected designs. By observing other established designers she vies to create her own brand spirit and value.

Goh lives by this quote from the legendary Cristobal Balenciaga: “A couturier must be an architect for design, a painter for color, a musician for harmony and a philosopher for temperance.” More then being a self-made success, Goh attributes her rise in the fashion arena to many who have given her emotional support and business advice.

“Most importantly,” she says, “I want to thank God for giving me the strength and wisdom to bring the label and business to next level.”

Goh aims to market her label internationally, and to open concept stores islandwide. For now, fashion-forward shoppers can buy Goh’s designs at Hide & Seek and Blackmarket, as well as via her website www.sabrinagoh.com. International shoppers can purchase Elohim at New York-based fashion website Pixie Market (www.pixiemarket.com) starting August.

Dr Nelson Kim is a living example of a marketplace minister. A businessman before he became a minister, Dr Kim is best known for Mook, the fashion brand he created in 1992 in South Korea. In five short years, by 1997, Mook was turning over US$100 million. Following such success, Dr Kim handed the company over to his brother, and went into full-time ministry after graduating from Hansei Theological Seminary.

At a recent business luncheon organized by The Marketplace, at the Swissotel the Stamford, Dr Kim talked about his life and shared his keys to business success. Speaking to business owners and marketplace leaders, he gave an amazing testimony to the power of God, and the miracles that God gave him and his company over the years.

During the 1997 Asian financial crisis, Dr Kim suffered in his business and also his personal life. Business was so bad he found himself on the brink of bankruptcy. At the same time, his wife was diagnosed with cancer. Dr Kim spoke to his mentor in church and was encouraged to fast and pray at the prayer mountain. During this time of humbling and fasting, He felt that God was removing a pious mask, a façade that he had put on because his heart was not fully committed nor sincerely in love with God.

When he repented, the grace and love of God filled the emptiness inside. His father had built a small church on the company grounds but the creditors had taken it away. God gave him the mandate to “rebuild the fallen tent of David”. USD20,000 was needed but Dr Kim did not have the finances to fulfill this call. Through prayer he received the revelation that the company was not his but it belonged to God. A few days later, after putting his products for auction online, God provided Dr Kim with the exact amount for the rebuilding — through online sales!

When this amount was sown to build God a church, God provided another USD2 million to help to bring the entire company out of debt! Today, 95 per cent of his employees have become Christians.

PHOTOS: Gary Sim

During the luncheon, Dr Kim was posed the question on how one should handle economic difficulties during this recession. He provided an answer that encouraged the people to do business God’s way, instead of the way the world does.

“In running a business, you may go through times of affliction or hardship. But never give up. God wants to bless you much more than whatever you have at present. Learn to hear the voice of God, obey it and never give up!” advised Dr Kim.

He shared that the secret to receiving God’s blessing in business was to obey God immediately and completely. He went into full time ministry upon graduating from Hansei Theological Seminary, and started three churches in Hong Kong, Shenzhen and Guangzhou.

City News got in touch with Dave Thong from Rhema Church in Sitiawan, Malaysia to find out how this church has been impacted by the ministry of City Harvest Church (CHC). Thong recounted that during the period from 2003 to 2005, his church was a small town traditional church that had stagnated in growth and was on the decline in attendance. For 3-4 years, there was a high turnover in church members. The pastoral leadership was in great need to stem the outflow of members.

It was a divine appointment when Thong got in touch with the founder of City Harvest, Kong Hee through a mutual friend and pastor, George Ong. Inspired by the strong vision and amazing story of growth of CHC, he decided that he needed to be more equipped to do the work of the ministry and enrolled himself in the 2005 intake of CHC’s School of Theology (SOT). It was during SOT that God placed in him a fervent desire to grow the church through discipleship and engaging the youth. While attending the Emerge Youth Conference in 2006 and 2007, Thong received a clear vision and mandate to focus on youth. By implementing the caring system, he taught his members to actively reach out to meet the needs of those around them.

By discipling the members on an on-going basis, they learnt to love God wholeheartedly and serve God with a spirit of excellence. Through the impartation received from CHC and by putting into practice keys to growth such as discipleship, prayer and cultivating spiritual hunger in the members, since then, his church has doubled from 65 to more than 130 people!