Olympics Team Singapore Celebration in Beijing

Date: 23rd August 2008
Venue: Grand Millenium Hotel Beijing
Time: 6.30pm - 9pm

Style! emcee:

This event was organized to bring together Singaporeans overseas and celebrate Singapore's first Olympics medal after 48 years. Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, Mr Ng Ser Miang and Dr Tan Eng Liang were all there too. Take a look, I had the chance for photographs beside our Table Tennis athletes!

Posing with Minister Dr Vivian Balakrishnan

It's me with Wang Yuegu!

Here's the heroine... Li Jiawei!!

And not forgetting Jin Junhong too!

Upclose with Li Jiawei (Too bad photo blur)

Mr Ng Ser Miang - Chef De Mission for Singapore

Beautifully taken - Dr Vivian Balakrishnan & Me

I realized that there were a lot of Singaporeans either working or studying in Beijing! The event was filled with good fun, good food and good company!

Photos: Singapore Airlines New Products Launch

Style! Emcee:

Here are some of the photos for the event!

The first session of the event was for the media...


Backdrop in chinese...


Welcoming the event with excitement and enthusiasm...

"We are giving away free business class tickets!"

Describing the Airbus A380...

"Did you know that the Airbus A380 is HUGE??"

Guest of Honour delivering his speech...


When the night falls, the ballroom was rearranged with cocktail reception...

Behind the screen is a marvel of display

The PPS Club members and their guests

Here we go round and round... Who's the first lucky winner?

Squinting my eyes. The name is in fine print...

As our lucky winner comes onto the stage...

"Ahh.. There you are. I can see you from afar!"

Me stealing glances at our pretty SIA stewardess

Finally, at the end of the event, had a chance to take photos with some of the organizers

This pretty lady and I are born in the same day, month and year! I think even same time!

Another member of the organizing committee...

How come most events organizers are ladies?

An Invitation - Touring the new Boeing 777-300ER

Look of success - Sitting on the throne of the first class seat

The new business class section...

Someone thought that I was the steward!

Singapore Airlines New Products Launch in Beijing

Event: Singapore Airlines New Products Launch in Beijing
Date: 27th Jun 2008
Venue: China World Hotel, Beijing, China
Event Production: TBWA - Auditoire China
Pax: 120

Style! Emcee:

My first debut event in Beijing and second event in China. The first was in Dec 2006 in Shanghai. Now here's the second one.

The event was held for the whole day, with 2 sessions, one from 2.30pm - 5.30pm and the other from 7pm - 10.30pm.

First Segment: Media Launch (2.30pm - 5.30pm)

Audience from major media companies, including broadcasting stations, were invited to catch a glimpse of the latest products offering on the Airbus A380 (super jumbo in the sky) and the Boeing 777-300ER.

There was a question and answer session, with our guest of honour from Singapore Airlines Mr Yap Kim Wah, Senior Vice President Products and Services who chaired the panel of speakers. The guest of honour also delivered his presentation earlier, sharing with everyone some of the luxurious features found in the cabin of the two new aircrafts.

The finale of the session was amazing. After a video presentation, the huge screen was slowly drawn to the side, together a spectacle of lights and sounds, revealing the tempting A380 suite, B777-300ER widest First Class Seat and other wholesome surprises. Audience were invited to step up to the stage and right into the exhibition behind the screen.

Second Segment: PPS Launch (7.00pm - 10.30pm)

The evening event was catered to the PPS club members, also known in full as Priority Passenger Service (PPS). Membership for PPS is earned via miles and value flown with Singapore Airlines. Invited guests brought along their partners and business associates, all waiting to witness and discover for themselves the splendour and delight of the new A380 suite class.

The fifth Airbus A380 delivered to Singapore Airlines will be used on the Singapore - Beijing sector for a week (2nd - 8th Aug) leading up to the Olympics. Additionally the Boeing 777-300ER will be flying the Singapore - Beijing sector from 1st July. For our frequent flyer passengers, it presents a whole new flying experience.

As Singapore Airlines puts it "Travelling in a new light"...

The audience came from all parts of the world and have been flying with Singapore Airlines for many many years. Some of them have businesses here and some of them specially flew in for this event. It was indeed my honour and pleasure to meet these well-acoomplished guests and to host the event for them.

There were free flow of red and white wines, beers, cold canapes and other delicacies that were served rounds after rounds.

One of the highlight for the night was a lucky draw and two lucky winners were drawn and they walked away with krisflyer miles that are equivalent to a free return ticket on the Singapore - Beijing sector on business class! I could share the elation and thumping joy when names were being announced. Just imagine if you were one of the winners....

The event company that managed the entire production was Auditoire China, a subsidiary of TBWA.

I had a wonderful event. Guests were enjoying themselves. It was awesome!

Singapore Airlines A380 flying to Beijing for the Olympics

Style Emcee:

Singapore Airlines will be flying the new A380 to Beijing to welcome the Olympics! I am sure it is a great news for all travelers whom will be coming in to Beijing via Singapore. Just imagine your itinerary....

1. Fly A380 on SQ802 and arriving in Beijing in the afternoon around 3pm.

2. Proceed straight to the Olympics for the grand opening ceremony

3. Stay throughout the entire month (8th Aug - 24th Aug) and watch the adrenaline rushing games and soak in the atmosphere as everyone gathers to cheer for their teams.

How nice would that be.... Imagine flying here on the new A380 suites, having a glass of champagne and tucking in to succulent and tender beef steak or fine cuisine, followed by hours of entertainment watching the 23" LCD TV with Bose headset, and finally a heavenly nap on the new flat bed.

I am looking forward for a chance to view and enjoy the new features and products of this great new aircraft!

Look out for my next post!

New Beijing CCTV Headquarters!

I think this is a great wonder and a magnificent work of excellent architecture and civil engineering!

Take a look, it is the new headquarters for Beijing CCTV.

2 towers leaning towards each other, and the top connecting piece is connected at right angles.
Impressive!

And viola! Here's how it looks when it is completed!

Don't miss this tower when you come to Beijing!

Beijing Olympics Here I Come!

Style! Emcee:

One day I got a phone call...

"Hi Richard, you are going up to Beijing for the Olympics!"

I couldn't believe my ears when I heard that.

Now here I am in Beijing, typing this entry. I am excited about the Olympics, about the sports stars that I will have a chance to meet. Not too sure how it is going to be like, but I am sure that it will be a fantastic opportunity and experience!

I was there in Sydney when they had the Olympics in 2000. Everywhere was crowded and full of people all watching the Olympics at every television at every corner of the street. The streets were filled with people, shopping, but many were standing and sitting, just waiting for their countrymen to do them proud. You could feel the suspense and when the race was over, there were loud cheers of joy! The atmosphere was immense and awesome.

Right now in Beijing, the winter is reaching the end and weather's turning warm with occasional downpours and thunderstorm. Everywhere you can see posters, banners, billboards, signs and other forms of media talking about the Olympics. Everyone seem to be preparing for this grand moment to arrive. Hotels, airports, trains, taxis, buses, restaurants, bars, pubs and every other tourist related industry are all getting ready to rock and roll. Prices are also rising and more and more people are coming into Beijing.

There's a little statue, like a monument somewhere near where I am staying in Chaoyang district. This is the Olympic monument. It shows the number of days left to the Olympics, right to the very second!

I wonder how's things in Singapore? Is there a big Olympics fever brewing? I am sure our athletes are all preparing for the showdown. I wish them all the best!

I will periodically update my blog and post photos to share with everyone.

Olympics, here I come!!!

Harry Potter Dumbledore or the Wizard of Oz?

I found this photo that was taken last year when I dressed up in costume and supposedly to look like the wizard Dumbledore from Harry Potter.

Harry Potter Dumbledore?

On another occasion, I met this caricature artist who was engaged for pre-dinner activities during one of the Dinner and Dance.

This is me, striking a Kung-Fu Smash!... *watch out!*

Another photo that I found was this photo taken when I hosted Johnson and Johnson "Kids @ Work" event in 2007. The employees were invited to bring their kids to work to learn about what daddy and mummy do in the company. The kids had a chance to visit all the different departments and to learn more about the businesses.

Big Kid @ Work?

Triumph Inspiration Award 2008 Photos Collection

Triumph Inspiration Award 2008

Event: Triumph Inspiration Award 2008 Date: 14th Mar 2008 Venue: Rendevouz Hotel Time: 12.30pm - 5pm Web: http://www.triumphinspirationaward.com/

Facebook: Triumph Inspiration Award

"For more than a century, Triumph has been designing and producing elegant and fashionable intimate wear of excellent workmanship. Triumph's inspiration has always been the people whom wear closest to their skin. To all the women in the world, you are truly unique and special in your own way and our inspiration is everything about you. The thoughts, ideas, desires and fears related to being a woman." That was my opening address for the event. I was invited to host the Triumph Inspiration Award Singapore National Final. The Triumph Inspiration Award is a global competition dedicated in search for the most inspiring lingerie designer across the globe. Fashion and design students from over 30 countries will be competing for their chance to win Euro 15,000 and at the same time, the champion will have his or her design adapted and interpreted by Triumph design team, and ultimately sold in selected Triumph stores worldwide with a special hangset. In Singapore, 10 finalists from Raffles Design Institute and Temasek Polytechnic presented their designs showcases to a panel of judges renowned for their expertise and experience in the fashion arena. Panel of Judges:

1. Ms Doy Teo, Director of Triumph International Singapore

2. Ms Elizabeth Gwee, Editor of Her World 

3. Ms Grace Lee, Editor-in-Chief of Nuyou Singapore 

4. Mr Nic Wong, Designer for "nicholas" The lecturers from both schools attended to give their support to their own students. 

Lecturers: 

1. Associate Professor Guiseppe Spinelli, Principal and Program Director for Fashion Design Department 

2. Mr Wilson Choo, Design School Lecturer in Temasek Polytechnic

Finalists had their showcase donned by models whom sashayed down the runway, after which they would explain and share their design inspiration with the panel of judges. I guess the toughest part for the finalist wasn't about sharing their inspirations with the panel, but it was the question and answer sessions that challenged the finalists regarding their designs finesse.

The top 3 winners of the national finals finally emerged after a detailed and thorough discussion by the judges behind closed doors.

Top 3 Winners:

1. Afton Chen Sihan, Raffles Design Institute, Design Theme: G.I Jane 2. Wong See Fei Joyce, Raffles Design Institute, Design Theme: Flower Jane 3. Jiang Ying Alice, Raffles Design Institute, Design Theme: Dita Von Teese Afton Chen will be representing Singapore in the Triumph Inspiration Award International Finals held in Beijing, China on the 31st July 2008. The champion, 1st runner up and 2nd runner up walked away with cash prizes of SGD 3000, 2000 and 1000 respectively. All the 10 finalists will be showcasing their designs during the Triumph's "Viva La Eve" fashion show on 3rd April 2008 at the Singapore Fashion Festival. Don't miss the opportunity to catch our young and talented local designers with their masterpieces!

The award was covered in TODAY Newspaper 15th March 2008 and The Straits Times on 17th March 2008.

General Motors Hi Tea Event

Event: General Motors Hi Tea Event
Date: 1st Mar 2008
Venue: Royal Plaza on Scotts - Balmoral Hall
Time: 2.30pm - 5.30pm
Pax: ~100

Style! emcee:

This event was done at the beautiful Balmoral Hall of Royal Plaza on Scotts. The hall was located on level 5 and had full length glass surrounding the entire venue. Take a look at the photos!

Beautiful isn't it?

From a corner of the hall, one could also see the modern and chic looking swimming pool.

Swimming in serenity

With the event set in such nice and posh setting, it was definitely a nice and relaxing time for all at the hi-tea session.

Guests started arriving and everyone was in casual and relaxed outfits, all wanting a time of fun and feast. The MD gave his speech and presented the Long Service Awards to employees. The hi tea buffet started and everyone had a good time to the food.

Let the party begin!

Now it's time for Style! emcee to do his role. From a quiet and silent atmosphere, the entire mood was uplifted with loud clapping, cheering, whistling and laughters. Style! emcee delivered his repertoire of games and this time he added a new game "Olympic Battle", in conjunction with Singapore holding the Youth Olympics Games in 2010. Cool! The audience laughed heartily as they were busily participating in the game. Awesome!

The first game session went by so fast and now it was time for the lucky draw. Prizes for the lucky draw was superb and fantastic. Some of the prizes were like Palm Treo 650 Smartphone, Philips LCD TV, Sennheisser audio equipment and many more! One could see the crowd so excitedly waiting for their chance.

As it was also a family event with kids and spouses, the kids were not forgotten. They too, participated in the games and braved their wits and skills to win for their teams.

Finally, it's time to say goodbye and everyone certainly left the event with sumptuous spread in their tummy, great prizes in their hands and loads of fun and happiness in their spirit!

Wedding @ Carlton Hotel

Event: Wedding @ Carlton Hotel
Date: 28th Feb 2008
Venue: Esplanade Room
Pax: ~300

Style! Emcee:

This is my first wedding event hosted in 2008! The entire wedding event was spectacular. Here are some highlights (and maybe also some suggestions for couples preparing for their wedding event)

1. The groom was on the stage and the bride came in and started to sing "Lovers' Concerto" immediately after the door was opened. (The effect was enough to bring the audience to tears)

2. The champagne toast and "Yum Seng" was done after the first march-in. This allow family members, relatives and friends to have a good dinner without interruption of the traditional toast

3. For the second march-in, the couple came into the ballroom on a Harley Davidson! The engine was roaring at full majesty and everyone was amazed. (If you have a long straight aisle, it's the best)

4. Surprise the guests by having dessert buffet outside the ballroom with a myriad of various desserts like cakes, pastries, sweets, macaroons and other delights

5. Get buddies or mutual friends (without the couple's knowledge) to go on stage and share how the couple got to know each other and dated. Best time also to let loose some jovial moments

6. Get a good emcee (get someone whom is comfortable with speaking to a crowd and spontaneous).

** If you have come across some good ideas to share, be it in your wedding or others that you have attended, drop me a comment. Thanks **

Bukit Batok East Lunar New Year Celebration Dinner

Event: Bukit Batok East Lunar New Year Celebration Dinner
Date: 16th Feb 2008
Venue: Blk 283 Bukit Batok East Ave 4
Time: 7.30pm - 10.30pm
Pax: ~300


Style! emcee:

After the Chinese New Year break, it's time to get back to emceeing! Had a great new year of foodies and goodies (angbaos aka red packet).

Lunar New Year Celebration Dinner

This event was held to celebrate chinese new year together as one big Bukit Batok East family. The evening started with the arrival of distinguished guest Mdm Halimah Yacob, MP for Jurong GRC and Advisor to Jurong GRC GROs. The lion dance troup gave a rousing fanfare for her grand entrance, together with the thunderous applause accorded by the audience and guests. Upon her arrival, she was ushered onto the stage to partake in a mega "loh hei" (tossing of the chinese raw fish delicacy) accompanied by the other grassroots leaders. Every table had a plate of "loh hei" and instantaneously at that moment when the emcee gave the signal, strings of blessings and properous words were the predominant voices heard.

The variety program unfolded with various artistes and groups. The lion dance troupe led the evening with an auspicious and symbolic performance of "cai qing" (plucking the green). This performance according to chinese, means good luck, prosperity and good fortune. The chairman of Bukit Batok East Citizens' Consultative Committee was invited on stage to receive the lucky banner.

Following the grandeur of lion dance, next was a chinese dance performance by 3 young ladies. After that, we invited our first singer VJ, who is an entertaining indian singer with his song and dance. Although majority of the crowd couldn't understand the tamil songs, however everyone enjoyed the catchy beat of the songs. The evening rolled on with malay dance titled "Joget Silat" performed by Bukit Batok East MAEC.

The second segment was simply awesome. Not only was it entertaining, it was a great opportunity for me to meet singers from various walks of life. There was an indonesian chinese (couldn't remember her name) who belted out teochew and chinese tunes. Among the few singers, Cheryl Chan caught my attention. She was tall and poised, dressed in a nice flowy tube dress. Then later did I realise that she was the cast for the movie "I Not Stupid" (a local movie production that received tremendous viewership). She sang 2 chinese and 1 english song. The crowd had a fabulous time!

Another highlight of the evening was the acrobatic show performed by Choo and Geen. The crowd was totally amazed that despite their seniority, they were able to perform acrobatic stunts and tricks to wow the audience. Their finale item was the bending of the chinese spear using the throat. My heart was held in suspense as I witnessed them accomplished the amazing feat.

The finale highlight of the evening was an unusual twist of singing performance by 圣文 aka 泰国千变王子. He came out in a clown costume and sang 奇异的约会. It was totally hilarious! Within a minute, he went off stage and came back up in a policeman uniform of the olden days in Singapore when the policemen were all wearing short. He delivered another 2 songs (Teochew and Cantonese).

To complete the event, the crowd did a cheer together with the emcee. Each time the emcee shouted "Hip Hip", the crowd would go "Huat ah!". The cheer was repeated thrice and the entire compound was filled with echoes of the word.

I am sure the crowd had an awesome time at the dinner. Throughout the evening, there were throngs of passerby standing around and enjoying the performance too!