Cover Meet the four inspiring change-makers who received awards
Meet the four inspiring change-makers who received awards
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Tonight, we honoured four exemplary individuals for their work, ideas and actions that have left indelible impressions on many lives
On top of dressing up in lavish gowns and digging into tantalising plates, our annual Tatler Ball celebrates those who have made and are making a significant impact in the community. This year, our ball honoured these individuals through four awards: Style Award, Cultural Icon Award, Hero Award and Diamond Award.
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Standing out for her impeccable taste while dominating the fashion and luxury sector is Asia’s Most Stylish honouree, Willabelle Ong. Recipient of the Style Award 2023, Ong has enthralled her followers on social media with her ability to combine elegance and humour. Dressed in a dramatic couture gown by Sebastian Gunawan, the sartorial trailblazer was awarded 12,500 Ion Points from Ion Orchard, along with a special edition bottle of Kim Jones Hennessy XO from Moët Hennessy Diageo Singapore. On stage, Ong made a speech about the impact fashion has had on her life. “Fashion has always been my language of self-expression, and to be celebrated for that I am eternally grateful,” she shared in her speech.
Above Willabelle Ong
Above Andrew Gn
Willabelle Ong
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The Cultural Icon Award was presented next, honouring an individual that makes outstanding and enduring contributions to Singapore’s cultural scene while representing the island on a global stage. Who better to receive the award than fashion designer Andrew Gn? Ahead of his fashion exhibition at the Asian Civilisation Museum (ACM), Gn appeared on Tatler Singapore’s May issue, reflecting on his multicultural identity and growing his legacy. His exhibition was ACM’s largest showcase, with five sections and over 100 representative works that put the spotlight on the contemporary Singapore fashion designer.
“You know what—fashion comes, fashion goes...but culture stays. Thank you so much for this wonderful award,” he said. Tonight, he was awarded a personalised bottle of Johnnie Walker Blue Label from Moët Hennessy Diageo Singapore.
Above Dipa Swaminathan
Dipa Swaminathan
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Dipa Swaminathan is this year’s Hero Award recipient. Gracing Tatler Singapore’s cover for the November issue, she is the founder of ItsRainingRaincoats, a volunteer and not-for-profit organisation mobilising thousands of Singaporeans to care for migrant workers. This year, she was honoured for making an outstanding and impactful contribution to Singapore through her tireless and impactful work to create a kinder and more equitable nation.
She single-handedly built the organisation, which created a community of thousands willing to help this overlooked part of our society. “10 years ago, if someone told me that I would be standing here with this award I’d find that incredulous. It’s a testament to how far society has come,” the pioneer shared.
Along with the award, she received a luxurious set of skincare products and a platinum facial treatment from La Prairie, as well as personalised bottle of Johnnie Walker Blue Label from Moët Hennessy Diageo Singapore. In recognition of Swaminathan’s achievements, leading financial trading institution CMC Markets also made a charitable donation of $2,500 to ItsRainingRaincoats.
Above Koh Seow Chuan
Koh Seow Chuan
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Last, but certainly not least, the Diamond Award was conferred to architect Koh Seow Chuan. The award celebrates his lifelong dedication to serving the community. A leader in his sector and in philanthropy, he is known as one of the most important architects in the history of Singapore. Koh established Design Partnership (later renamed to DP Architects), a full-service architecture firm that has engaged in large-scale architectural projects locally and regionally—one of them being the Esplanade.
The retired architect is also a highly respected patron of the arts, having donated over 2,700 historical items to the National Library Board, over 90,000 photographs and postcards to the Singapore Philatelic Museum and more. In addition, he is the founding chairman of the National Gallery Singapore.
Upon accepting the accolade, he imparted some words of wisdom; “life has a lot of opportunities and a lot of challenges, it’s up to all of us to make sure that we can overcome. I’m sure we can, that’s the Singapore spirit.”
Together with the award, he received a Chopard Classic watch and a personalised bottle of Johnnie Walker Blue Label from Moët Hennessy Diageo Singapore.
Amanda Goh was the former senior writer for Tatler Singapore.
