Sam Allen is a multinational individual who is inspiring an interest in the arts in Singapore.
What’s your story?
A multipotentialite from the UK, from an Australian and West Indian background. I’ve lived in London, Australia, Nicaragua, Portugal over the last ten or so years and I’ve been in Singapore for the last four. I founded Creative Arts Social in 2014.
What excites you most about your industry?
I love the fact that the arts have really come alive in Singapore in the last few years. There’s more variety and art shown and created here from around the world. There’s a greater interest in the arts from locals, educators and expats living here. Slowly, slowly Singapore’s creativity is emerging.
What’s your connection to Asia?
I came here for the first time in 2001 and loved how different it was from Europe; culturally rich and diverse in a completely different way. I have now lived in Singapore for the past four years.
Favourite city in Asia for business and why?
Singapore because this is where I do business! It is a real business hub and great for networking, meeting new people and collaborating with people from all over the world.
What’s the best piece of advice you ever received?
Travel and get to know the world and cultures outside of your own.
Always be true to yourself.
Who inspires you?
Women.
What have you just learnt recently that blew you away?
How valuable it is to give someone else your undivided attention to hear what they have to say. That’s so rare in a world filled with social media.
If you had your time again, what would you do differently?
Nothing, my life has been amazing so far for all it’s ups and downs. I truly think that would be a waste of good energy. Making mistakes, taking risks, winning and losing are all part of the ride.
How do you unwind?
I love to paint, cook creatively and dance to anything or get away somewhere to work on my surfing
Favourite Asian destination for relaxation? Why?
Indonesia, somewhere that I can surf and just watch the world go by.
Everyone in business should read this book:
The Geography of Thought, Richard Nisbett. It is so relevant to today’s global business network.
Shameless plug for your business:
Creative Arts Social is an integrated arts community running events across Singapore every month for people who want to learn about the arts, discover their own creativity and innovation and connect with like-minded people. Come and be inspired!
How can people connect with you?
[email protected]
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This interview was part of the Callum Connect’s column found on The Asian Entrepreneur:
Callum Laing invests and buys small businesses in a range of industries around Asia. He has previously started, built and sold half a dozen businesses and is the founder & owner of Fitness-Buffet a company delivering employee wellness solutions in 12 countries. He is a Director of, amongst others, Key Person of Influence. A 40 week training program for business owners and executives.
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