Cover Singapore’s national flower takes centre stage at Asia’s inaugural Orchid Gala, as Risis marks its 50th anniversary with an evening bringing together conservation, creativity and philanthropy at The Fullerton Hotel Singapore
Singapore’s national flower takes centre stage at Asia’s inaugural Orchid Gala, as Risis marks its 50th anniversary with an evening bringing together conservation, creativity and philanthropy at The Fullerton Hotel Singapore
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Marking Risis’ 50th anniversary, Asia's first Orchid Gala transformed Singapore's national flower into a celebration of conservation, creativity and philanthropy—bringing together the city's cultural, business and philanthropic leaders for an evening where beauty served a greater purpose
There are few symbols more intrinsically Singaporean than the orchid. Yet on Friday evening, beneath the soaring ceilings of The Fullerton Hotel Singapore, it became something altogether more profound.
Conceived as the grand finale to Risis’ Golden Jubilee celebrations, the inaugural Orchid Gala: Living Canvas – The Art of Bloom reimagined Singapore's national flower not simply as an object of beauty, but as a catalyst for conversation around biodiversity, creativity and social impact. More than 200 business leaders, philanthropists, patrons and cultural figures gathered for what organisers aptly described as Asia's first "Met Gala of Orchids"—an ambitious new platform where luxury and legacy met purpose.
In case you missed it: 50 years in bloom: the enduring legacy of Risis and how it is redefining Singapore’s most recognisable orchid motif
For Tatler, whose editorial vision has long championed thought leadership alongside philanthropy, sustainability and cultural stewardship, the evening reflected a belief we have long held: that influence carries its greatest value when it creates meaningful impact. Tatler welcomed guests including Executive Managing Director for Singapore and Thailand Stephanie Tay, Senior Branded Content and Style Editor Adriel Chiun, Rosanna Kuek, Danna Er, Leanne Robers, Marilyn Lum, Anna Vanessa Haotanto, Venessa Chua and Cheryl Koh, joining fellow attendees including Xu Bin, Yang Yan, Desmond Koh and Temasek Foundation Chairman Jennie Chua.
Inside the Grand Ballroom, 21 extraordinary orchid-inspired floral installations transformed each dining table into a living work of art. Created by Fiore Dorato in collaboration with the Floral Designers Society Singapore, every centrepiece celebrated the remarkable diversity of Singapore's national flower while reinforcing the evening's central message: beauty is at its most powerful when it inspires action.
Above BP de Silva Holdings Chairman Sunil Amarasuriya reflects on the Orchid as an enduring symbol of Singapore’s identity—and the importance of continually reinterpreting heritage so that it remains meaningful for generations to come
Above For Risis CEO Verene Ng, the inaugural Orchid Gala signals a new chapter for the homegrown brand, using the beauty of the Orchid to champion biodiversity, Singaporean creativity and positive social impact
BP de Silva Holdings Chairman Sunil Amarasuriya reflects on the Orchid as an enduring symbol of Singapore’s identity—and the importance of continually reinterpreting heritage so that it remains meaningful for generations to come
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That sentiment echoed throughout the programme. The acclaimed Voices of Singapore Children’s Choir Concert Group opened the gala with an uplifting performance, accompanied by harp, setting a hopeful tone for an evening devoted to giving back. Internationally recognised for becoming the first Singaporean children's choir to perform at New York’s Carnegie Hall, the ensemble also represents one of the gala's beneficiaries, reflecting the event's commitment to nurturing both artistic excellence and community impact.
The evening’s festivities also included a lucky draw sponsored by Resorts World Sentosa, adding another celebratory flourish to the inaugural gala.
Addressing guests, Sunil Amarasuriya, Chairman of BP de Silva Holdings, reminded the audience that heritage must continually evolve to remain relevant across generations. RISIS Chief Executive Officer Verene Ng likewise spoke of the gala as the beginning of a new chapter—one that extends beyond preserving orchids to celebrating Singapore's identity through creativity, innovation and conservation.
Above Wong Kee Joo, Stephanie Tay and Sunil Amarasuriya at the Orchid Gala
Above Verene Ng and Stephanie Tay at Orchid Gala
Wong Kee Joo, Stephanie Tay and Sunil Amarasuriya at the Orchid Gala
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Proceeds from the evening will support the Garden City Fund by NParks, United Women Singapore, The Straits Times School Pocket Money Fund and Voices of Singapore, reinforcing the gala's commitment to biodiversity conservation and uplifting women, children and local communities.
Dasmond Koh at the Orchid Gala
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As guests departed with bespoke orchid charms designed by Singaporean artist World of Ying and orchid-shaped chocolates by Janice Wong, the takeaway felt clear. The inaugural Orchid Gala was never simply about commemorating 50 years of RISIS. It was about demonstrating how a national symbol can continue to evolve—bringing together public, private and creative communities in service of something larger than itself.
If Friday evening was any indication, Singapore may well have found a new cultural tradition worthy of blooming for generations to come.
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Adriel Chiun is the Branded Content Editor of Tatler Singapore.
