Recession-hit Singapore splurges on extravagant cultural show
for rich Arabs
http://www.albawaba.com/en/countries/UAE/243188
A cultural event organized by the Singapore International
Foundation (SIF), Singapore Encore is a showcase of Singapore’s
finest arts, culture and cuisine around the world. This year,
SIF has partnered the Singapore
Consulate-General in Dubai to present Singapore Encore in the
United Arab Emirates.
Held at the Atlantis, the majestic focal point of Palm Jumeirah,
Singapore Encore kicked off the evening with an exhibition by the
Photo-Art Association of Singapore. Singapore jazz diva Claressa
Monteiro and singing sensation Kareema Ramli provided the
entertainment for the evening. A dinner reception prepared by Chef
Mohammad Ali Kunhi, Chef de Cuisine of Saffron Restaurant at the
Atlantis, served up delicious Singaporean cuisine like laksa, satay
and Hainanese chicken rice. The event was compered by Mr. Moe
Alkaff, a well-known Singaporean entertainer-host.
Singapore’s Acting Minister for Information, Communications and
the Arts, Rear Admiral (NS) Lui Tuck Yew, was the special guest at
this year’s Singapore Encore. Over 300 top government officials and
distinguished guests from the diplomatic, business, social and
cultural strata of the Emirati and Gulf society attended the
event.
Singapore’s Consul-General to Dubai, Mr Dileep Nair, said, “I am
indeed happy that Singapore Encore has come to the Middle East and
made its debut in Dubai. As a hub city of the region, Dubai is
ideally suited to showcase Singapore’s unique cuisine and artistic
talent. Awareness of Singapore as a destination of choice for
business and leisure has been rapidly growing in this part of the
world. Singapore Encore will certainly enhance Singapore’s profile
amongst our friends in the region and be a milestone event in
cultural diplomacy between Singapore and the Middle East.”
SIF Governor Michael Gray elaborates,
“Singapore Encore is a wonderful platform for us to showcase
Singapore’s exciting developments in the field of arts and culture,
which complements our exponential economic growth. Although
Singapore is a small and young nation, its cultural and ethnic
diversity has helped to fuel a flourishing local arts landscape.
SIF is privileged to be able to play a role
in sharing Singapore’s rich cultural talents with the rest of the
world. We were happy to partner the Singapore Consulate-General in
Dubai in bringing Singapore Encore to the Middle East this year. I
hope that our Middle Eastern friends found much pleasure as they
became acquainted with the delights of Singaporean arts, culture
and cuisine.”
Since its inception in 2004, Singapore Encore has travelled to
cities such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, Vienna, New York,
Washington, Tokyo and Manila. Past performers include Jacintha
Abisheganaden, Nuradee Brothers, Jeremy Monteiro, Alemay Fernandez
and the Huqin Quartet.
About the Singapore International Foundation
Established in 1991, the Singapore International Foundation
(SIF) is a not-for-profit organisation that seeks to nurture active
global citizens and friends for Singapore.
SIF aims to help the development of
communities outside of Singapore through the Singapore Volunteers
Overseas (SVO) programme. SIF facilitates the
participation of volunteers in capacity-building programmes in
areas as diverse as healthcare and health education, organisational
and personal capacity development, empowerment of disadvantaged
children, women and families, and rehabilitation of the
disabled.
SIF seeks to reach out to new audiences
and friends of Singapore through a public and cultural diplomacy
programme which includes organising concerts abroad and hosting
visits to Singapore by foreign thought leaders and influential
personalities in the fields of academia, business, civil society,
government and the media.
For its work, SIF was presented the
Excellence for Singapore Award. Our Patron is His Excellency
S R Nathan, President of the Republic of
Singapore.
—-—-—-—-—-—-—-—-—-
Latest Update at Singapore News Alternative:
1. Gan Kim Yong: Singapore’s unemployment rate likely to rise in
Q1
2. Recession in Singapore adds to stress on university campus
3. 28 hospitalized after eating Indian-style food in
Singapore
4. Hidden deficit horrors
5. Singapore “regrets” North Korean rocket launch
.