What does beer represent?

Beer symbolizes an escape from the stuffy, lavish world of Singapore's elite. During a particularly agonizing meal at the Colonial Club, Michael thinks about how much he would prefer having a beer with his friends rather than enduring a lavish, European-style meal with Astrid's family. Similarly, at Araminta's bachelorette party, Rachel escapes from the glamorous partying girls in search of a simple beer that she can enjoy by herself. Sophie, also staying on the outskirts of the party, is relieved to see Rachel likes beer too. For Michael, Rachel, and Sophie—three characters who do not fit in with the elite—beer goes against the societal grain and is a momentary escape from Singaporean culture.