His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco last visited Singapore in 2018 for the 10th anniversary of the Ball in Monaco, the biennial fundraising gala organised by the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation Asia. Now, four years later, he returned to our shores for the Ball in Monaco 2022: Ocean Edition, which took place on October 28, at the Sands Expo and Convention Centre.

Monaco honorary consul Jean‑Marc Deromedi paid tribute to the prince for his leadership of his namesake foundation’s work in the protection and preservation of the oceans. He also thanked the gala’s donors and supporters, who could always be counted upon for their support, with just a matter of one call or e-mail.

Singapore’s minister for foreign affairs, Vivian Balakrishnan, who was the guest of honour for the evening, highlighted how as island nations, the fates of both Singapore and Monaco are intimately intertwined with the oceans.

Sharing the same sentiments, Prince Albert II emphasised that “no action is effective if isolated”. He offered a special mention to Jacky Deromedi, president of Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation Asia, for bringing everyone together in support of the cause, adding that the presence of the 600 guests at the gala motivates his action to make this world a better place. Besides ocean conservation, the foundation’s work also includes areas such as sustainable forestry management as well as renewable energy.