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The Singapore Evening show, themed "Our World, One World", was inspired by the spirit of cooperation of the 21 APEC member economies.
After all, what could be more fitting to end a financially-troubled year than the high-level APEC 2009 meetings, which saw the world’s leaders – from US President Barack Obama to Chinese Premier Hu Jintao – gather in Singapore to discuss matters which will set the stage for global recovery?
Coming on the back of major events such as the 2009 FORMULA 1 SINGTEL SINGAPORE GRAND PRIX in September, Singapore has more than proven its mettle in hosting global events of stature and importance in what has been a challenging year for the global meetings industry.
Much preparation went into ensuring that the APEC 2009 meetings and events went smoothly. Months before leaders were due to touch down, rehearsals and drills were conducted to ensure the delegates’ safety and visitor experience.
Held from November 9 to 15, APEC Singapore 2009 comprised a series of meetings which included the APEC Ministerial Meeting, the APEC SME Summit, as well as the APEC CEO Summit, all of which culminated in the finale event, “Singapore Evening at the Esplanade”.
Spouses of the APEC leaders enjoying Singapore's skyline on the Singapore Flyer.
With social events driven by the Singapore Tourism Board ( STB), all hands were put to the till to ensure a memorable experience for the delegates and their spouses. The Singapore Evening on November 14 offered a showcase of Singapore’s creative talents and its unique blend of leisure and entertainment offerings.
Mr Aloysius Arlando, Executive Director, Singapore APEC 2009 Organising Committee, said the objective was to “give all delegates a memorable and Uniquely Singapore experience through an evening featuring our multi-cultural diversity and local gastronomical delights.”
Themed “Our World, One World”, the Singapore Evening featured an integrated multimedia concert directed by Cultural Medallion Award winner Mr Dick Lee, as well as a unique dining concept set against Singapore ’ s iconic architecture and waterfront landscape.
A total of 376 local artistes were involved in the 30-minute musical extravaganza, as well as part of the interactive cultural pavilions and performances along the Waterfront.
“The show is inspired by the spirit of cooperation and cohesion that unites the 21 APEC member economies. Water, a key element connecting the world over, is also a key theme that integrates the different components of the show together. The performers and performance groups participating in the show reflect Singapore’s multi-cultural heritage, as well as our vibrancy and diversity," said Mr Dick Lee, Creative Director of the show.
The Waterfront Dining Experience, conceptualised by a c reative team at PICO Art International , in consultation with Mr Jeremiah Choy, featured the diversity and vibrancy of Singapore’s multi-cultural and multi-ethnic heritage. Different zones presented delegates with the artistic, cultural and gastronomical highlights unique to each ethnic group in Singapore.
A two-day visit programme was also put together for the spouses of leaders attending the APEC Leaders’ Week, on November 14 and 15.
Hosted by Ms Ho Ching , wife of Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, the spouse programme on November 14 was designed and customised to provide the spouses with a Uniquely Singapore experience.
The second day on November 15 featured Singapore’s urban transformation and sustainable development initiatives, which included a ride on the Singapore Flyer and a briefing on the developments in the Marina Bay area, such as ‘Gardens by the Bay’ and Marina Bay Sands™.
The spouses were also given an insight into the planning involved in making Singapore a great place to live, work and play, learning about Singapore’s sustainable development efforts, which include the effective management of water resources.
They also visited the Peranakan museum, which explores the culture of Peranakan communities in the former Straits Settlements of Singapore, Malacca and Penang, and their links with other communities in Southeast Asia.
The highlight of lunch during the second day’s programme was a molecular gastronomy menu, specially created by Chef Kevin Cherkas of the Shangri-La Hotel who was only too happy to impress the spouses with his innovative cooking skills.
