Dene Mullen

Dene Mullen

Dene Mullen is a freelance journalist based between Cairo and London. His work has appeared in Ozy, the Daily Beast, the BBC and others. He previously lived and worked in Southeast Asia where he was editor in chief of Southeast Asia Globe magazine and an editor at the Phnom Penh Post.

Articles by Dene Mullen

Jun 15, 2018 • 3 min read
The dining room

Southeast Asia's first fine-dining Turkish restaurant

With a total of 14 years in Asia, punctuated by stints at world-class restaurants including Noma, chef Fatih Tutak got the opportunity to put his stamp on the Dining Room at The House on Sathorn restaurant a little over three years ago.  Here, he discusses the challenges of opening Southeast Asia’s first fine-dining Turkish restaurant
By Dene Mullen - Jun 15, 2018

Oct 03, 2017 • 3 min read
Como Uma Ubud

A haven in Bali

A warren of stone walkways, lavish greenery and traditional thatched roofs set the mood at this holistic haven just outside central Ubud in Bali 
By Dene Mullen - Oct 03, 2017

Aug 03, 2017 • 3 min read
The W Bangkok

Explore Thailand's glitziest hotel

Located in the financial district of Silom, the Thai capital's glitziest hotel comes out fighting with brassy colour schemes, prodigious party credentials and nods to muay thai boxing throughout
By Dene Mullen - Aug 03, 2017

May 31, 2017 • 2 min read
Pho fusions

What the pho? Vietnam’s iconic soup, in a bun

When gourmet burger joint Relish & Sons decided to get creative in Ho Chi Minh City, few would have expected them to transform Vietnam’s beloved broth
By Dene Mullen - May 31, 2017

Apr 21, 2017 • 3 min read

Jet Set: Hotel Muse

Classic style and sumptuous drinking and dining options help this spot in the Lumpini area stake a claim as one of Bangkok’s coolest hotels
By Dene Mullen - Apr 21, 2017

Mar 17, 2017 • 3 min read

Jet set: Swissotel The Stamford in Singapore

With 1,261 rooms set over 73 floors, Swissotel The Stamford is a true giant of Singapore’s hospitality industry. From Michelin-starred dining options to rooms with sweeping views of the city-state, the hotel delivers classic luxury in the heart of the business district
By Dene Mullen - Mar 17, 2017

Dec 30, 2016 • 4 min read

TV5's Supachai Verapuchong: 'All television in Cambodia is losing money'

Supachai Verapuchong is the billionaire businessman behind one of Thailand’s pharmaceutical giants, as well as numerous hotels and beverage companies. But navigating Cambodia’s ailing television industry is his biggest challenge yet
By Dene Mullen - Dec 30, 2016

Nov 07, 2016 • 4 min read

Jet set: Bangkok's Ma Du Zi Hotel

Every detail has been carefully considered at Bangkok’s Ma Du Zi Hotel, where personalised service makes guests feel at home The term ‘boutique’ is thrown around with a little too much abandon in the hotel industry these days. Far from a “small, exclusive business offering customised service”, as per the…
By Dene Mullen - Nov 07, 2016

Nov 03, 2016 • 9 min read

Is Asia’s dance music revolution around the corner?

Legendary DJ Pete Tong has been a giant of the global dance music scene for three decades. Tong spoke to Southeast Asia Globe about his start in the industry, building a lasting dance music scene in Asia and trying to unearth the next Skrillex
By Dene Mullen - Nov 03, 2016

Oct 27, 2016 • 4 min read

Jet set: the Samaya Ubud

With sumptuous views and a close connection with local villagers, the Samaya Ubud offers luxury with a little soul in Bali’s cultural heart
By Dene Mullen - Oct 27, 2016

Aug 30, 2016 • 11 min read

Gaggan Anand: “The guest is not always right”

He spent his youth battling poverty and dreaming of rock stardom. But after a career volte-face, Gaggan Anand has become a highly successful chef, with his restaurant recently named the best in Asia for the second consecutive year. The only trouble is, he’s already tiring of his celebrity chef status
By Dene Mullen - Aug 30, 2016

Aug 04, 2016 • 8 min read

Thai artist Piyarat Piyapongwiwat talks life on the margins

Piyarat Piyapongwiwat is one of Southeast Asia's most promising contemporary artists. Photo: Vincenzo Floramo Piyarat Piyapongwiwat is one of Southeast Asia’s most promising contemporary artists. Armed with an analytical mind and a big heart, she discusses rebelling against her conservative upbringing, why she is drawn to marginalised groups and the difficulties faced by artists in military-ruled Thailand
By Dene Mullen - Aug 04, 2016

Jul 21, 2016 • 4 min read

How to read minds and influence people: a mentalist's guide

Tom DeVoe is a Singapore-based ‘mentalist’, an entertainer who uses psychology, suggestion and observation to do amazing things with people’s minds. He has performed around the world, been hired by brands such as Bulgari and Jaeger-LeCoultre and appeared on Channel News Asia, CNN and the BBC
By Dene Mullen - Jul 21, 2016

Jun 15, 2016 • 4 min read
Entrepreneur

Trec's co-founder on how to build the perfect entertainment hub

Kuala Lumpur’s shiny new entertainment hub known as Trec provides a one-stop shop for dining, drinking and clubbing. Co-founder Douglas Cheng discusses securing prime real estate, knowing his demographics and attracting tenants
By Dene Mullen - Jun 15, 2016

Apr 22, 2016 • 10 min read
Innovation

Top startup entrepreneur Cheryl Yeoh shares tips for success

Cheryl Yeoh sold her shopping app to Walmart and led Malaysia’s national startup programme, making her one of the region’s most in-demand entrepreneurs. Here, she discusses building startups, lessons learned in Silicon Valley and selling junk to strangers
By Dene Mullen - Apr 22, 2016

Mar 08, 2016 • 10 min read

Meet Chef Wan, Malaysia’s most outrageous food export

Chef Wan has been cooking on Malaysian TV and spreading the word of Southeast Asian cuisine for 25 years. With his latest show a global hit, the flamboyant star is showing how a little personality can make a big difference
By Dene Mullen - Mar 08, 2016

Feb 12, 2016 • 11 min read
Zouk KL

Inside Asia’s biggest nightclub

Zouk KL welcomes 17,000 clubbers a week and attracts the world’s biggest DJs. The men behind the business share the secrets behind Asia’s largest nightclub
By Dene Mullen - Feb 12, 2016

Jan 19, 2016 • 4 min read

Jewel in the east: E&O Residences

The storied Eastern & Oriental hotel has spawned a stylish outpost in the centre of Kuala Lumpur: E&O Residences
By Dene Mullen - Jan 19, 2016

Dec 28, 2015 • 4 min read

A vision in green: Four Seasons Sayan

Effortless style and unrivalled comfort come packaged with scintillating views and access to nature at Bali’s Four Seasons Sayan
By Dene Mullen - Dec 28, 2015

Dec 11, 2015 • 11 min read
Luxe lifestyle

Luxury brands court Southeast Asia’s consumers

The world’s most prestigious brands are working hard to attract the region’s swelling middle class. To achieve success, they must seek to understand the Southeast Asian consumer, create compelling digital content and offer unrivalled boutique experiences
By Dene Mullen - Dec 11, 2015

Nov 03, 2015 • 5 min read
One Championship

Beyond the cage

One Championship is famed for its high-octane mixed martial arts events that combine elbow-striking action with red-carpet glamour. Southeast Asia Globe was granted unprecedented access to their most recent fight night to witness what goes on behind the scenes at one of Asia’s most dazzling sporting spectacles
By Dene Mullen - Nov 03, 2015

Oct 28, 2015 • 3 min read

Cambodia’s got talent: top chefs

We asked some of the country’s finest Cambodian chefs to prepare their favourite dishes and share their stories. The results were never anything less than scorching
By Dene Mullen - Oct 28, 2015

Sep 28, 2015 • 4 min read

The place to be: Fraser Place Robertson Walk

Just a short stroll from Singapore’s Clarke Quay, Fraser Place Robertson Walk encourages guests to truly make themselves at home
By Dene Mullen - Sep 28, 2015

Aug 26, 2015 • 4 min read

Jungle junction: Kayon Resort

Perched upon infertile stone hills amid untouched Ubud rainforest, Kayon Resort has Balinese culture, craftsmanship and natural beauty at its core
By Dene Mullen - Aug 26, 2015

Aug 10, 2015 • 13 min read

The foodie factor: the Ubud Food Festival

The first Ubud Food Festival brought together some of the finest chefs from Southeast Asia and beyond. It provided the perfect opportunity to ponder whether Western chefs in the region should be considered dietary dignitaries or culinary colonists
By Dene Mullen - Aug 10, 2015

Jul 17, 2015 • 7 min read
Grab

Way to Goh

GrabTaxi is a true Southeast Asian success story. The taxi-booking app has been downloaded 4.4 million times and has outstripped worldwide cab giant Uber in terms of number of rides in the 20 cities it services across the region. Cheryl Goh, the company’s group VP of marketing, has been a key element of its meteoric rise
By Dene Mullen - Jul 17, 2015

Jul 16, 2015 • 10 min read

Andre Chiang: Philosopher of food

Andre Chiang became a chef because he wanted to take over his mum’s business. But when he got to France and learned from the masters of nouvelle cuisine, things got a little out of hand. This year his restaurant came fifth on the Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants list, meaning it was also named Best Restaurant in Singapore. Chiang took a rare break between lunch and dinner services to discuss his philosophy, treating customers like guinea pigs and why he doesn’t use “funny meats”
By Dene Mullen - Jul 16, 2015

Jul 14, 2015 • 10 min read
Gilbert Cheah

A sense of refinement

Gilbert Cheah might just have the most glamorous job in the Southeast Asian magazine industry. As publisher of Singapore Tatler, he must be equally well versed in the worlds of both luxury lifestyle and media. Here, he talks to Southeast Asia Globe about the digital revolution, the challenges of working with billionaires and the importance of good teeth
By Dene Mullen - Jul 14, 2015

Jul 01, 2015 • 4 min read

Going Green: Angkor Golf Resort

With a handful of top-class courses and glorious weather, Cambodia is proving a hit with golfers looking for some tee along with their temples. David Baron, director of golf at Angkor Golf Resort, talks us through the options for a quick round in the Kingdom
By Dene Mullen - Jul 01, 2015

Jun 29, 2015 • 6 min read

The hills are alive: Mondulkiri

Mondulkiri's rolling green scenery marks it out as a special destination within Cambodia, but it is the province's indigenous people and their rich culture that make it quite unlike anywhere else on earth
By Dene Mullen - Jun 29, 2015

Jun 24, 2015 • 3 min read

Do it yourself

Led by one of cambodia’s finest homegrown chefs, the Shinta Mani Club's cooking class provides all the excitement of the kitchen minus the hard work and sweaty brows
By Dene Mullen - Jun 24, 2015

Jun 23, 2015 • 5 min read

Only one click away

Advertising is changing. With the ability to identify, analyse and buy ad space in a matter of milliseconds, Chris Dobson is confident that the Exchange Lab has the keys to the industry’s future
By Dene Mullen - Jun 23, 2015

Jun 14, 2015 • 7 min read

Recruitment advice: expat or local?

Four key recruitment players give their viewpoint on whether to hire local or expat talent
By Dene Mullen - Jun 14, 2015

Mar 16, 2015 • 8 min read

Fight the power

With the region’s finest artistic minds gathered under one roof at Art Stage Singapore, Southeast Asia Globe explores the complex relationship between art and oppression
By Dene Mullen - Mar 16, 2015

Dec 19, 2014 • 3 min read
Cambodia

Hun Sen “misinformed” over Cambodia’s mass HIV infection, says Françoise Barré-Sinoussi

Virologist jointly credited with discovering HIV calls for calm Françoise Barré-Sinoussi – credited along with her colleague Luc Montagnier as the discoverer of HIV – has said that Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen has been “misinformed”, following his comments regarding an outbreak of the virus in Battambang province, in Cambodia’s northwest
By David Hutt and Dene Mullen - Dec 19, 2014

Dec 12, 2014 • 8 min read

Through the eyes of a killer

The Look of Silence is Joshua Oppenheimer’s second film about Indonesia’s communist purges of the 1960s. The first film, the Oscar-nominated The Act of Killing, was centred on the murderers; this time the focus is shifted to the victims, who have been afraid to raise the matter for half a century. Oppenheimer spoke exclusively to Southeast Asia Globe about finding the right leading man, the caustic effects of impunity and finding compassion in the darkest recesses of humanity
By Dene Mullen - Dec 12, 2014

Nov 27, 2014 • 8 min read
Interview

A perfect blend

Singapore-based TWG Tea has grown to become one of the region’s most recognisable luxury brands. Maranda Barnes, the company’s director of business development and communications, has been there since the beginning
By Dene Mullen - Nov 27, 2014

Nov 13, 2014 • 3 min read
Music

“Nobody knew that ‘I wanna sex you up’ would be the hit record it became”

In 1991, Colour Me Badd released “I Wanna Sex You Up”, the classic R&B love song that inspired innumerable school disco hook-ups. Ahead of their appearance at Retrofest in Kuala Lumpur on November 1, founding member Kevin ‘KT’ Thornton, who quit the pop music game to become a minister, discusses stardom, blessings from God and meeting Wesley Snipes
By Dene Mullen - Nov 13, 2014

Nov 12, 2014 • 4 min read
Business

Market to malls: Aeon Mall

Taking a look into Cambodia's first luxury mall, Aeon Mall
By Dene Mullen - Nov 12, 2014

Oct 06, 2014 • 4 min read
Hotel

The view from the top

Tama Hotel is taking offbeat design and rooms with a view to new heights in Phnom Penh
By Dene Mullen - Oct 06, 2014

Aug 26, 2014 • 5 min read

A killer buzz

With a global audience of more than 130 million, BuzzFeed’s accessible blend of breaking news, original reporting and entertainment, all packaged up in sharable, social media-sized chunks has helped the New York-based company grow into a global phenomenon. Now it’s setting its sights ever more firmly on Southeast Asia. Scott Lamb, the firm’s vice-president, international, discusses why the online giant is buzzing about the region
By Dene Mullen - Aug 26, 2014

Jul 04, 2014 • 10 min read
MMA Singapore

The arts club: One FC

From the arm-triangle choke to the heel hook, there are myriad ways for mixed martial artists to dole out a healthy dose of pain to their opponents. Southeast Asia Globe joins One Fighting Championship in Singapore to learn more about the sport that is taking the region by storm
By Dene Mullen - Jul 04, 2014

Jun 25, 2014 • 9 min read
Interview

In the firing line: Roland Neveu

Over the past 40 years, a select handful of photographers have become synonymous with Southeast Asia. Roland Neveu’s work in the region has ensured his name is included in that pantheon. Southeast Asia Globe is delighted to present Neveu’s key works, as chosen and described by the man himself
By Dene Mullen - Jun 25, 2014

May 13, 2014 • 14 min read
Asean Football

The greatest show on earth?

Asean is planning a sensational bid to host the World Cup, but what are the realitiesof bringing this footballing fiesta to our backyard?
By Dene Mullen - May 13, 2014

Apr 17, 2014 • 5 min read
Market

A shift in focus

Canon’s top executives are targeting emerging regional economies in response to the smartphone’s huge impact on the digital camera market
By Dene Mullen - Apr 17, 2014

Aug 20, 2013 • 6 min read
Indonesian Genocide

Documenting death

Described by some as genocide, the bloody purge of Indonesian ‘communists’ in 1965-66 is examined in a new documentary
By Dene Mullen - Aug 20, 2013

Aug 15, 2013 • 4 min read
Interview

Burn notice

In his new book, Squatters into Citizens, Dr Loh Kah Seng explores how the vision of a modern city was achieved in Singapore in the aftermath of the great fire of 1961. Here, he discusses the city-state’s public housing sector, its transformative effect on citizens and Singapore’s good economic fortune
By Dene Mullen - Aug 15, 2013

Aug 09, 2013 • 7 min read

Hello, boys!

Modified motors and buxom beauties continue their age-old alliance at Southeast Asia’s largest customised car show
By Dene Mullen - Aug 09, 2013

Jul 12, 2013 • 9 min read
Cambodia

The man with the mirror

An estimated 80% of amputees suffer from an excruciating syndrome known as phantom limb pain. Unbelievably, the solution to a lifetime of suffering can be found in a simple household accessory
By Dene Mullen - Jul 12, 2013

May 20, 2013 • 4 min read

A right mouthful

Getting to grips with some of Cambodia's rarest culinary creations
By Dene Mullen - May 20, 2013

Mar 12, 2013 • 7 min read
Festival

Bringing the heat

Ahead of their performance at the Big Wig Festival in Singapore, Cuban Brothers founder Miguel Mantovani discusses Spanish children’s entertainers, nude sunbathing and Tom Jones having sex with a cardboard box
By Dene Mullen - Mar 12, 2013

Jan 04, 2013 • 4 min read
Mental Health

Bleak house

Rejected by their families, Indonesia’s mentally unwell are often subjected to torturous conditions in underfunded institutions
By Dene Mullen - Jan 04, 2013

Nov 13, 2012 • 15 min read

Perfect isolation: Song Saa Private Island

Nestled in the stunning Koh Rong archipelago, Song Saa Private Island has taken luxury to a new level, in more ways than one
By Dene Mullen - Nov 13, 2012

Nov 06, 2012 • 4 min read
Jetset

Escape the urban sprawl with long-term stays at Capella Singapore

Twelve hectares of tropical garden unfurl before your eyes. Peacocks amble past your table at breakfast time. The ocean laps lazily at the shore as you relax on the patio. Most amazingly of all, you are in Singapore
By Dene Mullen - Nov 06, 2012

Oct 26, 2012 • 8 min read
Cambodia

Little champions: tennis federation of Cambodia

With extensive work in orphanages and schools, the Tennis Federation of Cambodia hopes to prove it is not just a game for the elite
By Dene Mullen - Oct 26, 2012

Jul 31, 2012 • 10 min read
Capital punishment

Last rites? Death penalties in Southeast Asia

Despite the global trend towards abolition, Southeast Asia’s appetite for the death penalty is far from sated. Southeast Asia Globe looks at capital punishment across the region.
By Dene Mullen - Jul 31, 2012

Nov 08, 2011 • 6 min read
Cambodia

Crowd control: the Koh Pich stampede

One year on from the Koh Pich tragedy, what lessons can be learned in terms of safety for future events?
By Dene Mullen - Nov 08, 2011

Jan 23, 2011 • 10 min read
Election

Hearts and minds

Is Cambodia’s political environment encouraging a muted voter generation or are they happily disengaged?
By Dene Mullen - Jan 23, 2011