SINGAPORE — Greek philosopher Heraclitus’ proclamation that the only constant thing in the world is change doesn’t always beget a roar of a approval. Just ask Amber Lounge founder Sonia Irvine.

In her case, it was more “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”. When she previously tried revamping the look of Formula One’s most exclusive party of the year, in an attempt to stay fresh, it was met with panic and extreme reluctance from her regular party-goers.

“They were like ‘Noooo’,” said Irvine. “They wanted table number 6, and only table number 6!”

Is she worried that the punters might find having the same thing year in, year out, a little boring after a while? “I suppose it might, but the only thing people have to remember is that I come here once a year, and so do the drivers,” she replied. “So as long as the people are still happy, at the end of the day it’s about the mix of people and music that you have in there. It works.”

For this year’s Amber Lounge here in Singapore - which, incidentally marks its 10th anniversary - Irvine is upping the game with the visual effects, a nostalgic follow-up to the funky themes of what she summarises as “past Amber Lounges”; and this curious thing called video-mapping.

“When the drivers and fashion designers come out on the cat-walk, there will be something funky going on behind them, whereas before it was just static branding,” she said. “Also, when you walk into Amber Lounge and look to the right, there will be two walls that will seem as if you’re looking out of a window of Singapore’s night skyline.”

She talked about her start with creating one of the world’s most anticipated post-race party events. “I wanted it to be a bit different. Years and years ago, there wasn’t anywhere that everyone in the paddock could enjoy themselves together. Coming up with something clean and fresh, it was a completely new concept - A difference between the business of the outside and the relaxed chill setting inside.” Irvine explained.

However, if there’s one thing that Irvine has learnt over the span of her 18-year career with Formula One, it’s that - no matter what or who you have to deal with - one must learn how to listen. “Do you know what’s the thing about first meeting people? It’s listening. Most people don’t listen to what you have to say,” she posited. “I’m a very good listener, a skill that I learnt in physiotherapy training. In order to treat patients, you really had to listen to their history and understand the root of the problem. That’s the skill that I then brought when I started managing Amber Lounge.

“It’s just the art of listening.”

Given the continuing popularity of Amber Lounge, it’s a good thing that Irvine listened to all those party-goers.

Passes to Amber Lounge start from S$900. Visit http://www.amber-lounge.com for more details