Is this the end of era? Singapore’s premier nightlife destination Zouk will no longer be completely directed by its own super-suave management — it’ll soon be engulfed into the folds of Genting Hong Kong.
The holding company under Malaysian conglomerate Genting Group is set to completely acquire Singapore’s most beloved nightclub by the end of the year. Genting Hong Kong will soon be running the show when the new Zouk Club opens in Clarke Quay next year, as well as the club’s annual dance music festival Zoukout.
Oddly enough, the Zouk branch in KL will not be subsumed under the acquisition umbrella. Zouk founder Lincoln Cheng will remain as the Non-Executive of Zouk KL, but everything else will be handed over to Genting Hong Kong.
“Zouk, a world-class brand, has all along had ambitions to expand beyond Singapore and Malaysia,” remarked Cheng regarding the acquisition. “Genting Hong Kong will take the Zouk brand further and to greater heights, together with the existing Zouk Singapore team, mapping its footprint out of Singapore and Malaysia, and into the future.”
Most of the faces currently helming Zouk Singapore will still remain on deck to operate the iconic nightlife brand under the long-time tutelage of managing director Benny Heng. With the acquisition comes Genting Hong Kong’s Andrew Li, who’ll provide strategic input and direction for Zouk’s expansion plans.
Prior to the deal, Genting Hong Kong is mainly known for its business in cruise and resort operations along the lines of leisure, entertainment and hospitality activities. They’re responsible for the establishment of Resorts World Manila, which opened back in 2009 across the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.
What does this mean for the 24-year-old nightlife stronghold who’ve developed into a mainstay in the list of the world’s top clubs? It’ll probably remain pretty much the same with the usual bevy of top international DJs coming down to entertain carousing young adults — but expect to see the Zouk brand in a lot more cities.
More details on the new club at Clarke Quay will be announced at a later date. In the meantime, check out who’s coming down to Zoukout 2015 and get your tickets if you haven’t already.
Photo: Zouk Singapore Facebook page
