Cover Singapore’s president Tharman Shanmugaratnam (pictured third from left) officially opened the Singapore Red Cross International Bazaar 2023
Singapore’s president Tharman Shanmugaratnam (pictured third from left) officially opened the Singapore Red Cross International Bazaar 2023
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Singapore’s president Tharman Shanmugaratnam was on hand to officially open the fundraising event last month
With a resounding hit of the gong, Singapore’s president Tharman Shanmugaratnam officially opened the Singapore Red Cross (SRC) International Bazaar 2023, at the Ngee Ann City Civic Plaza on November 18.
The signature fundraiser of the global Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, returned to Singapore after a six-year hiatus with the theme of "One World United in Humanity", featuring more than 80 stalls set up by the diplomatic corps, local and international enterprises, as well as civic groups and schools.
In his speech, SRC chairman Tan Kai Hoe, said, “The theme could not be more apt, as we mobilise the power of humanity and the spirit of solidarity to help carry us through the changes and challenges ahead.”
President Tharman, who is also the patron of SRC, accompanied by Tan as well as International Bazaar 2023 organising committee chairperson Peggy Jeffs, later visited the stalls to meet with volunteers and sponsors.
Roxanne Davies, Benjamin William, Peggy Jeffs, Tharman Shanmugaratnam, Tan Kai Hoe
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A melting pot of cultures, the International Bazaar 2023 offered insights into the rich cultures and heritage of 20 countries. People from all walks of life had the opportunity to savour Chilean empanadas, Pakistani chicken biryani and Swiss cheese raclette, and shop Colombia coffee powder, Japanese ceramic wares and Maldivian canned tuna, among others.
Throughout the day, visitors to the bazaar also enjoyed various performances on stage, from Peranakan folk songs to taekwondo demonstrations from South Korea.
The event also featured a silent auction of items such as The Girl Looking Beyond quilt by Singaporean Aimee Lee of 2Quilters, a private food truck dining experience from The Good Burger which serves up plant-based burgers, and a white and rose gold Necklace by Genark & Co, featuring Singapore's national flower, the orchid.
The funds raised from coupon sales and the successful bids from the silent auction will go towards the local humanitarian programmes and services run by the SRC for vulnerable communities, including the elderly who live alone, persons with disabilities, lower-income families, children and youth, and migrant workers.
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.
