WITH the Asian version of the American reality TV show to be filmed in Singapore, the burning question is: Who will be the Asian version of Donald Trump, the larger-than-life American tycoon who hosts the popular series?
Or perhaps it could even be a female tycoon, seeing how American lifestyle guru Martha Stewart helmed a spin-off in 2005.
When contacted, Mr C. Scot Cru, executive (international) at Mark Burnett Productions, would say only that the company is in 'active discussions' with a wide range of 'A-class recognisable business leaders' who want to be associated with the successful worldwide format.
The American show features a group of aggressive entrepreneurs in a weekly game of elimination as they vie for a real-life job in Trump's business empire.
The Apprentice spawned Trump's famous catchphrase 'You're fired', which he says towards the end of each show.
Since no name has been picked, LifeStyle - with tongue firmly in cheek - offers some suggestions.
They are hotelier Ong Beng Seng, tycoon Oei Hong Leong, Hyflux group chief executive officer and president Olivia Lum, Qian Hu boss Kenny Yap and St James Powerhouse chief executive officer Dennis Foo.
When told he is one of LifeStyle's picks, Mr Foo deadpans: 'I'm not very good at firing people. I've fired only two people in my entire career.'
Mr Yap seems taken aback when asked for his reaction. 'I've never associated myself with the word 'tycoon'. I've always seen myself as a fish,' he says, laughing.
But when probed for his own catchphrase should he be asked to host the show, he gamely replies: 'I'd say: Please go to the other ocean.'
Big fish in the pond
Kenny Yap, 42
Qian Hu Corporation's executive chairman and managing director
Who's he: The boss of the listed ornamental-fish provider Qian Hu calls himself Kenny The Fish. He is well-known for being outspoken and is not shy about promoting his company. He once posed almost completely nude and produced a calendar featuring his fish-related philosophical quotes.
Net worth: $60 million (not his personal worth but that of the company)
Wow factor: Young, irrepressible and has a trademark laugh. He is not exactly modest - note the almost nude shots - and that means he has something in common with The Trump.
The steely magnate
Oei Hong Leong, 60
Indonesia-born tycoon
Who's he: Listed by Forbes magazine as
Singapore's 29th richest man, he made his fortune dealing in everything from steel to palm oil to property.
His father is Mr Eka Tjipta Widjaja, who controls the Sinar Mas conglomerate of Indonesia. Recently, he made news by buying 40,000 Buddhist artefacts, adding to his 10,000-strong personal collection.
Net worth: $290 million
Wow factor: The man is a perfect candidate for reality shows, if the drama surrounding his failed bid to buy NatSteel in 2003 was anything to go by.
Known for his dry humour, he was quoted as saying in an interview after the failed bid: 'I'm happy. Imagine if I'd been successful. I would have had to work like hell.'
His successful rival, hotelier Ong Beng Seng, was welcome to all the hard work running the company, he added.
Making a splash
Olivia Lum, 46
Group chief executive officer and president of Hyflux
Who's she: A former chemist, she founded water treatment firm Hyflux in 1989.
Last year, her company teamed up with United States giant Marmon Water to set up a $50-million research and development facility in Singapore, and a factory in China.
Net worth: $477 million
Wow factor: Given up for adoption when she was born, her story is the classic rags-to-riches one that everyone loves.
The fact that she is the richest woman in Singapore will up the watchable quotient.
He's the boogie man
Dennis Foo, 55
St James Powerhouse chief executive officer
Who's he: He is the undisputed king of local nightlife and possibly no one understands the industry as intimately as he does. In the 1990s, he ran Europa Holdings, Singapore's largest chain of 10 bars and pubs. Now, he helms Singapore's hottest nightspot, the $43-million megaclub complex St James.
Net worth: $20 million
Wow factor: Voted by Life! as one of the most powerful people in entertainment last year, he can bring showbiz glamour to the show.
It would be fun to see him give contestants the boot in his throaty voice, with a glass of his favourite Johnny Walker Black Label scotch in hand, of course.
Living life in the fast lane
Ong Beng Seng, 62
Hotel Properties Limited managing director
Who's he: Based in Singapore, he is listed as Malaysia's 12th richest man by Forbes magazine.
He has investments in hotels, real estate and steel.
Last May, a consortium led by him made history by winning the bid to bring the lucrative Formula One (F1) racing to Singapore.
Net worth: $802 million
Wow factor: Popularly known as OBS, his name has a huge Asian - if not international - appeal now that it is associated with the F1 races. Often described as flamboyant, he also matches Donald Trump in the glamour department.
He is married to the impossibly chic Christina Ong, managing director of Club 21, Como Shambhala and Como Hotels and Resorts.
