The co-founder and Group Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Tipsy Collective, Derek Ong, passed away on Saturday (26 Aug) at 35.
Funeral parlour Green Pasture posted his obituary on their website, stating that his funeral will take place on Thursday (31 Aug).
In light of the tragedy, Tipsy Collective subsequently announced the postponement of Tipsy Unicorn, their latest outlet at Siloso Beach in Sentosa.
Green Pasture Funeral Services put up an obituary for Mr Ong, stating that he was “called home to the Lord” on 26 Aug.
Source: Green Pasture
The reasons for Mr Ong’s passing are still unclear at the time of writing.
On 27 Aug, Tipsy Collective posted a tribute to Mr Ong via their Facebook page, “It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our dear co-founder and Group CEO, Derek Ong.”
The team behind the Tipsy Collective shared that Derek’s visionary leadership had strongly influenced the foundation of the company, as he guided them through challenges and successes.
“Derek’s values will remain in our foundation as we honour his memory.
“His legacy will forever be interwoven into the fabric of every single one of our journeys at Tipsy Collective,” they wrote.
The company also requested the empathy and respect of the public, and to give Mr Ong’s family privacy.
According to OCBC, Mr Ong launched Tipsy Collective with David Gan to reinvigorate the local dining scene in 2018.
Source: @dereeeeeeeek on Instagram
Based on the unique concept of introducing a different gastronomical experience in each location, Tipsy Collective now has over 10 restaurants and bars operating islandwide.
For instance, their Tiki-inspired bar Tipsy Hippo offers Hawaiian cuisine, while Tipsy Flamingo boasts a colourful range of fusion delicacies.
In addition, diners would be familiar with Lady Wu, a rooftop bar inspired by the First Empress of the Tang Dynasty and catered mainly for women.
“We want to create an environment where the experience is not bound by usual expectations or any limitations,” Mr Ong had explained.
The hospitality group was about to open another outlet, Tipsy Unicorn, at Siloso Beach in Sentosa.
However, in light of Mr Ong’s passing, Tipsy Collective announced via PR rep Word of Mouth Communications that they had postponed the venue’s grand opening to a later date.
The group will announce further details of the event in due course.
“We would like to extend our deepest condolences and sympathy to Derek’s family and loved ones.
“Our thoughts are with them and the Tipsy Collective team during this most difficult time,” said the spokesperson.
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Featured image adapted from Green Pasture and @dereeeeeeeek on Instagram.
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