What has been a remarkable year for women came to a crescendo at The Weekly’s Great Women Of Our Time 2018 Awards party — a night that celebrated the game-changing successes of 18 brilliant, inspiring women BY NATALYA MOLOK
What has been a remarkable year for women came to a crescendo at The Weekly’s Great Women Of Our Time 2018 Awards party — a night that celebrated the game-changing successes of 18 brilliant, inspiring women BY NATALYA MOLOK
What do you get when you mix the Great Women Of Our Time Awards, made possible by main presenter Lancôme and presenter PANDORA, with a beautiful room filled with successful women and a whole lot of fun and festivity? A party to remember!
For the past 13 years, The Singapore Women’s Weekly has been boldly celebrating the achievements of remarkable women. The initiative celebrates the unsung “sheroes” among us, who are doing incredible things that need to be acknowledged.
By highlighting their actions, we hope to inspire a generation of other women to follow in their footsteps because as The Weekly’s Editor-in-Chief, Barbara Koh, said at the awards event on October 5, “Empowered women empower women”.
This year’s nominees were a formidable mix of trailblazers, entrepreneurs and creative powerhouses.
The world needs more women like these: Fearless females who challenge the status quo and affect positive change both in the workplace and for their community.
PANDORA had a lovely mirrored setup that brought out the sparkling beauty of its jewellery collection.
Director of Project M, Erna Sorianto (left), with entrepreneur extraodinaire Elim Chew.
Makeup essentials from Lancôme were on hand.
From left: General Manager of L’Oréal’s Luxury Division, Michelle Chew; General Manager of SPH Magazines, Diana Lee; and Managing Director of Market Development (SPH Magazines), Geoff Tan.
From left: Dr Sherry Aw, Olivia Lee, MAJ Sylvia Koh, Charlotte Lim, Karen Tok, Cassandra Chiu, Jaelle Ang, Christine Lim, Lynette Tan, Rujia Ali Shahul Hameed, and Judith Knight.
The floral bar was kindly set up with lovely blooms from Petals & Foliage.
From Left: Dr Fock Ee-ling of The Missing Piece looking resplendent in a dress from her own label. FLY Entertainment Artistes, Amy Cheng (left) and Angela May.
PR Coordinator of Global Fashion Group ZALORA, Jamie Alcantara.
Words of Wisdom: Barbara Koh, Editor-in-Chief of The Singapore Women’s Weekly
Kicking off the awards by quoting American poet Nayyirah Waheed’s “Do not choose the lesser life”, Barbara took charge of the event’s proceedings by highlighting our alumna: More than 230 women who have been recognised since 2005, who certainly have not chosen to lead the lesser life.
“When we started the initiative, we knew we wanted to shine the spotlight on women who are going about their day to day work, pouring their heart out and achieving so much, yet with little recognition,” she said in her opening speech at Sinfonia Ristorante.
“And it’s exciting to see how so many of these women have gone on to even bigger and better things, with the awards having been a springboard of sorts for their career or business.”
She cited two past winners, Yvon Bock of Hegen, and Winnie Chan of Bynd Artisan, who have blossomed since picking up their accolades. Their path, according to Barbara, serves as proof that the Great Women Of Our Time has become more than just an awards event.
“We have seen how this initiative has evolved to inspire, empower and give back to other women.”
Paediatric Emergency Specialist, Dr Jade Kua (left), with The Weekly’s Editor-In-Chief, Barbara Koh.
Most Inspiring Woman winner, Rujia Ali Shahul Hameed (right) shares a tender moment with her husband.
The crowd was all ears during Barbara’s opening speech, which highlighted the awards as a platform to empower women.
Guests, including Health, Sports & Wellness nominee Cassandra Chiu (right) had their fill of light bites from Sinfonia Ristorante’s kitchen, helmed by Chef Simone Depalmas.
General Manager of PANDORA Singapore, Wing Chan.
CEO of Rentadella, Ming Bridges.
Eye-catching floral centrepieces.
Words of Wisdom: Indranee Rajah, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office; Second Minister for Finance and Education
A great woman in her own right, Ms Indranee Rajah is one of only three women who are full ministers in Singapore’s Cabinet. So, when it comes to praising the achievements of other local heroines, there is no one better.
“To the ladies nominated for the awards tonight, thank you for being an inspiration to all of us. I hope that you will continue to be excellent role models for many more women in Singapore and worldwide,” said Ms Indranee.
“These women inspire us with their words and actions, and also their warmth and kindness. They have overcome their own personal challenges, succeeded beyond expectations and most importantly, given back to society.”
She called attention to the roles that the men in our lives can play in empowering women. “Women juggle multiple responsibilities at work and at home. They often take up the role of caregiving, looking after children, parents and other family members, as well as managing the household,” explained the Minister.
“There’s a need to raise awareness of men’s responsibilities as fathers, husbands and members of the family. So women, help the men you know gain more confidence to take on greater parenting roles.”
From left: Chief Executive Officer of SPH Magazines, Loh Yew Seng; Managing Director of Business Solutions (SPH Magazines), Maureen Wee; Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office & Second Minister for Finance and Education, Indranee Rajah; Group Editor-in- Chief of SPH Magazines, Caroline Ngui; and Chief Executive Officer of SPH and Chairman of SPH Magazines Board, Ng Yat Chung
Great Women Of Our Time awards alumni, Eunice Olsen (left) and Beatrice Chia- Richmond, strike a pose at the photowall.
Our emcee, Angela May, adorned with jewellery from PANDORA
Founder of SocietyA, Pek Lay Peng (left), hamming it up at the vintage photobooth courtesy of datboothie with the fashion label’s General Manager, Lily Hamid.
Kiss92 FM DJ and Founder of Madly Gems, Maddy Barber.
From left: Group Editor of SPH Magazines, Tara Barker; Audrey Low; and Founder & Managing Director of Hegen, Yvon Bock.
PHOTOS: ANGELA LAU AND ZAPHS ZHANG / OFFICIAL VENUE SPONSOR: SINFONIA RISTORANTE
