At the UNAS 40th Anniversary Gala Dinner 2010.
The tables such as this of the Guest of Honour, Mr. Kamal Malhotra, was decorated with flags from the countries represented at the table.
R. Di Nardo, P. Tan and CM Cordeiro for CMC © 2010
The United Nations Association of Singapore (UNAS) recently celebrated their 40th anniversary with a charity gala dinner, with the event opening with a Welcome Speech by Dr. Tham Seong Chee, who is President of the UNAS. The event was held at the Shangri-La Hotel and the purpose was to raise funds for the association’s educational and humanitarian efforts.
The main goal for UNAS when it was formed was to build awareness and support for the United Nations and its ideals. As such, this event marked Singapore’s milestone in its efforts in continued support of the United Nations and their international programs.
The Guest of Honour this evening was Mr. Kamal Malhotra, UNDP Resident Representative for Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei and UN Resident Coordinator for Malaysia.
The gala dinner was held at the Island-Ballroom of the Shangri-La Hotel, Singapore.
Apart from those in the diplomatic circles in profession, the crowd included an eclectic mix across social structures from students to professionals in various industries interested in supporting the cause of the UNAS. This offered excellent networking opportunities for cross-sectorial interests and collaboration, besides that most of the participants were familiar with each other from having worked together on various projects from many years before.
The stage was set for speakers as well as occasionally more light hearted entertainment.
Recollecting and reflecting upon the mission of the UN and the supporting role that UNAS plays in Singapore, the atmosphere to the gala dinner began mellow and thoughtful. The entertainment program was however, not lacking in vigour, and the organizers soon had the crowd sitting up and smiling as soon as the award winning St. Patrick’s School Band got on stage!
The centerpiece of each table consisted of white roses set with the national flags of the guests seated at the table. And the accompanying wines for the evening – Espiritu de Chila Cabernet Sauvignon and Carlo Pellegrino Fiorile Bianco.
The award winning St. Patrick’s School Band opened the evening’s Entertainment Program for the guests.
Bowen Secondary School Malay Dance Performancers.
Amidst an fusion-of-cultures dinner menu of ginger soup with coriander prawns, pan friend chicken breast, pancakes rolled in Teriyaki sauce and petits fours for dessert, guests were also treated a colourful display of cultures, both local and European, via dances from Bowen Secondary School who performed Malay and Indian cultural dances, and Pasión Gitana, who performed the Flamenco.
p align=center>Celebrating Jaimie Lim’s (pictured in a green gown) win of air tickets to Cambodia via Silk Air together with Mr. Yap Kwong Weng who is Director of the Youth Council, UNAS.
The girls from our table.
The evening could not have ended in a happier mood than seeing my friend Jaimie Lim winning the second best price in the evening’s raffle – two air tickets to Cambodia from Silk Air.