Articles by Grace Chong

[Big read] Not just money: Gold carries the weight of memories

Amid global uncertainty, rising inflation and weak consumer confidence, gold has once again come into favour as a safe-haven asset, echoing its role in times of war. Yet while its value can be measured in markets, the true weight of gold is not purely numerical. Beyond price and purity, it carries memories, meanings and emotional significance — as ThinkChina’s Grace Chong discovered in conversations with gold jewellers in Singapore and China, across generations.

Grace Chong

20 Mar 2026

[Big read] From Nam Tin to Yue Hwa: An heirloom from our forebears

Yue Hwa Chinese Products Building is an iconic landmark in Singapore’s Chinatown. In fact, Yue Hwa, a well-established Hong Kong retail group, celebrated its 65th anniversary last month. But this historic building did not begin life as a department store. How did it end up housing a Hong Kong brand? ThinkChina’s Grace Chong tells the story.

Grace Chong

15 Jul 2024