Moxie. A word that is seldom or rarely used, but means daring, brave and bold. It perfectly encapsulates the idea behind MOX, a unique space that can be found in what was previously Katong mall.
Spanning across 40,000 square feet, MOX fills three floors – consisting of co-working spaces, an area where courses for the public can be conducted, and a childcare centre.
Beyond just the functionality of a co-shared space, MOX breaks boundaries and reinvents the idea of how retail and experiential marketing should be moving ahead towards the future.
MOX is the brainchild of Invade, in partnership with Buxani Group, a real estate investment firm. We got to speak to Lee Haoming, Head of Strategy at Invade, on how the concept for MOX came about.
Invade’s first initiative for MOX was to launch Singapore’s first independent design resource workspace.
Haoming shares his thoughts.
“The brand MOX aims to represent creative entrepreneurs who dare to be different.”
They chose to create this space in order to empower the creative community in Singapore and solve the pain points faced by local designers and makers – such as expensive equipment, lack of suitable creative work spaces, high rental costs for an office space and the lack of the right community support at other co-working spaces.
MOX also aims to bridge the gap between the creative industry and the retail industry so that creative entrepreneurs are able to run more sustainable and scalable businesses.
His Source Of Inspiration
Having spent 5 years living in Melbourne, Haoming was fortunate to have experienced first-hand the creative culture in Australia. He credits this to being an inspiration and driving force behind MOX.
“I have always believed that a great culture should be built first, before great things can happen.”
“Exposure to different creative cultures in different parts of the world made me realise that what Singapore was lacking was a platform to support the local Creatives. That was one of the inspirations for us to build MOX as a platform, to effect change in our local creative community.”
Before MOX, Invade was the key driving force in bringing Artbox to Singapore, the container pop-up event at Marina Bay Sands in April, which attracted about about 600,000 visitors over six days.
He believes that having travelled and witnessed other countries and their infrastructure, Singapore does not lack the potential to be just as, if not even more, creative.
“At this point of time, I would say Singapore is in its infant stage of creativity as compared to many other countries. We have an abundance of unpolished creative talents who simply need a support system like MOX to empower and incubate their growth.”
Living The Dream
It is through MOX that Haoming hopes to create the platform for the building of creative community under one roof.
“MOX is community-driven, and I hope the creative community within MOX, and in Singapore, will grow and thrive as we empower and accelerate the growth of Singapore’s creative industry.”
He hopes that MOX can represent our local creative community in other industries as well, such as retail. They want to create a movement in the industry, for retail to be design-focused and culture-driven.
Thus far, shops such as Mighty Jaxx, Cakerholic and Artisan Bricks have taken up tenancy within MOX.
What’s Next?
Not resting on their laurels, Haoming and Team Invade have other plans lined up, including a second MOX space in Orchard next year.
“Invade will be launching our own IP event in December 2017. We will be creating an immersive creative playground called Flashbang that will run for 22 days from 9 December to 30 December in Somerset.”
Transforming the 50,000 square feet Grange Road open-air carpark into a creative market by day and neon-lit party space by night, Flashbang will feature some 120 retailers and food and beverage operators, as well as workshops, neon light installations and live music by buskers and DJs for 22 days.
Remember to mark your calendars for this Christmas, for Invade will be coming to you in a Flashbang!
