Cover Singapore prime minister and minister for finance Lawrence Wong (centre) with (from left) Jazz Association Singapore executive director and music director Jeremy Monteiro, honorary chairman Albert Chiu, chairman Edmund Lam and vice-chairperson Susan Peh
Singapore prime minister and minister for finance Lawrence Wong (centre) with (from left) Jazz Association Singapore executive director and music director Jeremy Monteiro, honorary chairman Albert Chiu, chairman Edmund Lam and vice-chairperson Susan Peh
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With Prime Minister Lawrence Wong as guest of honour, Jazz Association Singapore marked its 10th anniversary with star-studded performances, philanthropic honours and a record-breaking fundraising milestone in support of Singapore’s jazz community
A decade of nurturing talent, championing musicians and bringing Singapore jazz to the world culminated in a milestone celebration at the Jazz Association Singapore (Jass) Benefit Gala 2026. Held on September 26 at Shangri-La Singapore, the black-tie affair, themed "When You Wish Upon A Star – A Decade of Dreams", brought together the music and philanthropic communities for an evening that raised a record-breaking sum of more than S$1.4 million.
With prime minister and minister for finance Lawrence Wong in attendance as guest of honour, the gala celebrated the association’s achievements since its founding in 2016, while rallying support for its continued work in jazz education, youth development, community outreach and musician welfare.
The evening opened with a welcome address by Jass honorary chairman and founding director Albert Chiu, followed by a speech from PM Wong. Reflecting on the association’s first decade, the celebration highlighted how a shared passion for jazz has grown into a movement supporting generations of Singapore musicians.
Read also: Jazz Association Singapore turns 10: a decade of building Singapore jazz beyond the stage
Above Jass honorary chairman Albert Chiu
Jass honorary chairman Albert Chiu
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Above Prime minister and minister for finance Lawrence Wong
Prime minister and minister for finance Lawrence Wong
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Music naturally took centre stage. Rising Singaporean vocalist Maya Raisha, a recipient of the Jass Music Scholarship 2025 who is pursuing her master’s degree in jazz studies in New York, opened the evening’s performances. Renowned Hong Kong vocalist Teresa Carpio, celebrated for her versatility across English and Cantonese repertoires, brought star power to the occasion as special guest performer.
One of the evening’s highlights saw musicians from the Jazz Association Singapore Orchestra (Jasso) and Jazz Association Singapore Youth Orchestra (Jassyo!) unite onstage under the musical direction of jazz maestro Jeremy Monteiro, alongside deputy music directors Chok Kerong and Tan Weixiang. Their combined performance was a fitting expression of Jass’ commitment to connecting established musicians with emerging talents, while also celebrating Monteiro’s 50th year as a professional musician.
Above Jazz maestro Jeremy Monteiro, with musicians from the Jazz Association Singapore Orchestra (Jasso) and Jazz Association Singapore Youth Orchestra (Jassyo!)
Jazz maestro Jeremy Monteiro, with musicians from the Jazz Association Singapore Orchestra (Jasso) and Jazz Association Singapore Youth Orchestra (Jassyo!)
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Above Rising Singaporean vocalist Maya Raisha, a recipient of the Jass Music Scholarship 2025
Rising Singaporean vocalist Maya Raisha, a recipient of the Jass Music Scholarship 2025
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Above Renowned Hong Kong vocalist Teresa Carpio
Renowned Hong Kong vocalist Teresa Carpio
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Beyond the performances, the gala recognised the generosity that has sustained the association’s mission. The inaugural Jass Philanthropy Award honoured distinguished supporters, including Albert Chiu, Adrian and Susan Peh, Julian and Sandra Chang, Jeremy Monteiro, the Composers and Authors Society of Singapore, Neo Group Limited and EFG Bank AG.
The spirit of giving continued with the “Power of Love” Pledge, while donor Roger Parellada received a particularly memorable keepsake: a Heritage H-535 guitar autographed by PM Wong and sponsored by Swee Lee.
Edmund Lam, Lawrence Wong, Albert Chiu, Heng Swee Keat, Jeremy Monteiro, Susan Peh
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The evening reached another high point when Jass vice-chairperson Susan Peh, whjo is also fundraising and gala chair, announced the record fundraising total. A celebratory 10th-anniversary cake-cutting followed, before flautist Rit Xu and Maya Raisha brought guests to their feet with a lively closing dance set.
For an association that has supported more than 220 musicians, mentored over 110 young talents and brought Singapore jazz to international stages, the occasion was more than a celebration of past achievements. It was a testament to the community that has made those milestones possible—and a promise of more music to come.
Susan Peh, Edmund Lam, Chang Hwee Nee, Heng Swee Keat, Jeremy Monteiro, Albert Chiu, Teggy Chiu, Jonathan Foo, Chok Kerong
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Credits
Photography: Norhendra Ruslan, Khidzer Chong
As Senior Editor of Tatler Singapore, Hashirin champions and refines the storytelling across platforms—curating and crafting compelling profiles, cover stories and features that spotlight visionaries shaping culture, business and impact. Driven by curiosity, she draws inspiration from the artists, changemakers and trailblazers she encounters through her work. Beyond the pages of Tatler, she is an avid supporter of local theatre and delights in seeking out art in every city she visits.
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