Celebrating 60 Years of Singapore with the Official SG60 Fragrance
Published on July 10, 2025 | by DSGN arcHive
What if Singapore’s 60-year journey could be bottled into one unforgettable scent? We got the inside scoop from dsm-firmenich on how they brought this one-of-a-kind project to life.
What if you could capture the essence of Singapore — its vibrant spirit, lush landscapes, and forward-thinking energy — in a single scent? To mark Singapore’s 60th year of independence, global fragrance innovator dsm-firmenich has partnered with the Singapore Botanic Gardens to create something truly meaningful: Singapore Eco Orchid. This is no ordinary perfume — it’s the only official SG60 commemorative fragrance. Inspired by an orchid from the National Orchid Garden, this unique scent is a thoughtful blend of nature and innovation, designed to celebrate Singapore’s rich biodiversity and bold future. But that’s not all. Thanks to a special collaboration with OSIM, Singapore Eco Orchid is now making its way into homes across the country. It’s a gentle way to turn daily wellness rituals into moments of quiet celebration — all while marking a major national milestone.
We had the pleasure of speaking with Levenza Toh, Vice President of Perfumery, SEA, Japan & Korea at dsm-firmenich, who gave us a peek behind the scenes of how this commemorative SG60 fragrance came to life.
Levenza Toh on Creating Singapore Eco Orchid
1. What did it mean to dsm-firmenich to be entrusted with creating a fragrance to commemorate Singapore’s 60th year of independence?
Levenza Toh: It was truly an honour. For dsm-firmenich, being entrusted with this commemorative creation is both a privilege and a responsibility. Singapore has been a key part of dsm-firmenich growth in Asia for over 50 years. The company has had a presence in Singapore since 1974, and today, it stands as one of our global innovation hubs. Singapore Eco Orchid reflects our long-standing commitment to the country, and our ability to craft fragrances that celebrate not just nature, but national identity.
2. Aside from SG60, the launch of Singapore Eco Orchid marks several milestones, including the 10th anniversary of the Singapore Botanic Gardens’ UNESCO World Heritage Site inscription and the 30th anniversary of the National Orchid Garden. How did these shape the story behind the fragrance?
Levenza Toh: These milestones deeply influenced our storytelling. The fragrance is a celebration not only of Singapore’s national journey but also of its enduring bond with nature. The National Orchid Garden, with its remarkable collection and the Singapore Botanic Gardens’ global significance, became the perfect setting for our creative immersion. These anniversaries reminded us that Singapore’s identity is inseparable from its natural heritage, as a city in a garden that is always blooming and always evolving.
In collaboration with OSIM, we have brought the fragrance into homes across Singapore, allowing residents to carry a touch of the Gardens’ serenity and beauty into their everyday lives.
3. What was the creative spark that led the fragrance journey? Was there a particular image, feeling, or place that became the North Star during development?
Levenza Toh: The journey began during an immersion day hosted by NParks at the National Orchid Garden. Surrounded by a curated collection of orchid species. Orchids are often referred to as “mute flowers”, and not all orchids have scents.
Our perfumers were particularly drawn to the Vandachostylis Fuchs Ocean Spray, a striking bloom with a soft, gourmand scent. This orchid became our inspiration, embodying the elegance, serenity, and modern vitality we wanted to translate into scent. The image of this flower in bloom amidst lush greenery guided the creative process.
4. The orchid is an enduring symbol of Singapore, yet also widely recognised across the world. How did your team reimagine this floral icon to reflect modern Singapore—its strength, elegance, and quiet confidence?
Levenza Toh: We saw the orchid not just as a flower, but as a metaphor for Singapore itself, graceful, resilient, and quietly powerful. Using our NaturePrint® technology, we captured its scent without cutting the flower, preserving both its integrity and symbolism. From there, we reimagined its natural scent with a modern lens: adding layers that reflect Singapore’s multicultural vibrancy and sophisticated energy. The result is a fragrance that feels both rooted and contemporary, a portrait of Singapore today.
5. Could you walk us through the key fragrance notes and the emotional experience they’re designed to evoke?
Levenza Toh: Singapore Eco Orchid isn’t a fine fragrance worn on skin. It’s an ambient scent designed to elevate everyday spaces. The scent creates a serene, uplifting environment that invites calm and reflection.
Top Note: Fruity Citrus Watery Green
Singapore Eco Orchid opens with vibrant top notes of fruity citrus creating a fresh, invigorating introduction. This crisp and clean opening evokes a sense of clarity and renewal, setting a lively tone that immediately uplifts the senses.
Middle Note: Floral Orchid Muguet Rose
At the heart, the fragrance reveals a floral bouquet, the delicate orchid note forms the
centerpiece, exuding a subtle sweetness. It is complemented by the fresh, green floral nuances of muguet, adding a subtle, clean green freshness. Soft rose petals contribute a classic warmth and richness.
Bottom Note: Creamy Powdery Musky Vanilla
The base unfolds with creamy vanilla, imparting a smooth, comforting warmth that balances the floral heart. Powdery undertones lend softness and a subtle veil of elegance, while gentle musk adds depth and a lingering sensuality. This combination creates a lasting, balanced finish that is both modern and timeless.
We wanted to evoke a sense of clarity and quiet optimism, like walking through the Gardens at dawn. The crisp citrus opening brings freshness and light, while the soft floral heart and warm musky base create a comforting cocoon. It’s a sensory experience that gently reconnects you to nature, to home, and to Singapore’s graceful journey.
6. What eco-conscious innovations or materials played a role in bringing Singapore Eco Orchid to life?
Levenza Toh: Sustainability was central to this creation. We used NaturePrint®, our proprietary headspace technology, to capture the living scent of the Vandachostylis Fuchs Ocean Spray orchid without harvesting or damaging the flower. It works by collecting scent molecules through Solid Phase Microextraction (SPME) followed by analysis and reconstruction using Gas Chromatography (GC) and perfumer artistry in natural composition. This allows us to recreate rare and delicate botanicals in a way that’s both precise and environmentally responsible.
By preserving the plant in its wild state and extracting only its olfactive “breath,” we honour nature while reducing our ecological footprint. It’s a clear example of how innovation and sustainability can go hand in hand in modern perfumery. The fragrance also aligns with our broader commitment to green chemistry and responsible sourcing, which are key pillars in our work at dsm-firmenich. Singapore Eco Orchid represents not just an olfactive creation, but a values-driven one.
7. As a creator, what was the most rewarding—or perhaps the most challenging—part of distilling a nation’s identity into a single fragrance?
Levenza Toh: Personally, I’m proud to be part of this tribute to Singapore, a nation whose resilience, diversity, and optimism continue to inspire me. It is deeply meaningful to me to help tell Singapore’s story through scent.
Translating the essence of Singapore into a singular scent for such a significant occasion like SG60 presented a unique challenge. Singapore is a melting pot of cultures and experiences, and capturing all its facets in one fragrance required careful balancing. The main challenge was to create a scent that felt universally appealing and representative, while also being unique and memorable. It took months of precision and imagination. In the end, we landed on a fragrance that we believe speaks to both personal and collective memory.
8. If someone were to encounter Singapore Eco Orchid 20 years from now, what feeling or memory do you hope it stirs in them?
Levenza Toh: We hope it stirs a sense of quiet pride and deep connection. A reminder of Singapore’s enduring beauty, its harmony with nature, and its ability to grow and thrive with grace. Whether encountered in Singapore or abroad, we hope the scent brings back not just a memory, but a feeling of home, of belonging, and of the timeless elegance that defines this city-state.
More than just a scent, Singapore Eco Orchid is a heartfelt celebration of our shared history, heritage, and hopes for the future — beautifully captured in a bottle. Thank you, Levenza, for sharing these fascinating insights with us. Want to snag a bottle for yourself? Click here to get your very own!
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