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With Mr Heng Swee Keat in the audience, and an invigorating panel discussion and a virtual fashion and jewellery show on the line-up, here’s why the Singapore Red Cross’ dinner was the place to be at last weekend
Last weekend, society’s most influential philanthropists gathered at the Shangri-La Hotel’s Island Ballroom for an unforgettable evening spent discussing the latest humanitarian trends and challenges that philanthropy is facing in our current climate at the Singapore Red Cross’ The Future of Humanitarian Action forum.
The forum was graced by Deputy Prime Minister and Coordinating Minister for Economic Policies Mr Heng Swee Keat as well as chairperson Mrs Genevieve Peggy Jeffs, who was part of the organising committee, and saw 300 guests present.
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The Singapore Red Cross is a crucial organisation that not only provides international disaster relief but also galvanises the community to take action to support vulnerable groups such as at-risk youth and the differently-abled.
With Covid-19, philanthropy and the nature of humanitarian work have drastically changed over the years primarily due to the pandemic and the restrictions it has imposed upon those catering to the less fortunate and overlooked in society.
Last weekend’s forum was a crucial step for the organisation as it looks ahead to the uncertain future.
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Some highlights from the evening included a keynote address by Singapore Red Cross Chairman Mr Tan Kai Hoe, who emphasised that there needs to be an integrated approach to facing humanitarian challenges.
He brought attention to the fact that the charity sector and social service agencies must leverage their collective strengths and complement each other’s work by sharing resources and expertise. He also added that after Covid-19, the world will likely continue to see various natural disasters and pandemics.
“While these represent possible threats to the stability of our society, we should also view them as catalysts that challenge us to do better,” he said in his speech.
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The gala also saw a virtual fashion and jewellery show by JeweLuxe and other performances that were all raising funds for the Singapore Red Cross’ local humanitarian services.
These were services such as their TransportAid, FoodAid, ElderAid and for the Red Cross Home for the Disabled, Singapore’s only residential home for the severely disabled, all of which do incredible and meaningful work for the community.
During the event, Mr Randy Lianggara, regional chief executive of insurance firm Aviva, also made a personal donation of $120,000.
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It was certainly a night to remember and one that will set the scene for the future of philanthropy in Singapore and around the world, as well as provide significant funds to the current causes the organisation are supporting.
“Even before the pandemic, the adequacy of funding has always been an issue within the humanitarian sector,” said Mr Tan. “I expect the next few years may prove financially difficult for some charitable organisations."
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Camillia Dass is the digital writer for Tatler Singapore.
