The other award that was presented on Aug 16 was the Her World Young Woman Achiever award, which was first introduced in 1999. The award recognises young women whose achievements have surpassed existing boundaries, inspiring those around them and paving the way for others in the future.
Around 300 guests were invited to a gala dinner at Shangri-La Hotel Singapore to celebrate these two exceptional role models, movers and shakers who have gone above and beyond to innovate, inspire and spread the message of personal empowerment to women all over. These women have passion and gumption by the truckloads, and they are fearless in their pursuit of excellence.
Attended by business leaders, recognisable faces from the arts, fashion & beauty mavens and some of the most influential people across the island, it was certainly a night that went down in history. From chic cocktails to beautiful people, here are the 15 things that you need to know about WOTY 2019.
Photo: Darren Chang
1. The Guest-of-honour for the event was Mrs Josephine Teo, Minster for Manpower and Second Minister for Home Affairs.
In her speech, Minister Teo shared that Singaporeans now have the world’s longest life expectancy at about 85 years. It is even longer for women. As such, she believes that longevity is our opportunity.
“With more good years in our lives, there’s really no need to give up one aspiration for the other,” said the Minister.
But she cautioned, “we need not be equally good in all of these things all the time. That is a recipe for great stress.”
“Instead, we can re-order our priorities at each stage of life. We can be good in the things that matter at different times,” Minister Teo advised.
“Over the course of many years, we can live life to the fullest. That is the great choice we have today as women.”
Susan started the company in 2002 at a time when few businesses were aware of environmental friendliness and sustainability.
As a result of her innovative work, Greenpac has grown into one of Singapore’s leading sustainable packaging companies. It is now one of Singapore’s top 10 packaging companies, which has won more than 50 enterprise awards and counts some of the largest Fortune 500 companies as its clients.
In 2017, she founded NeuralBay, her second start-up, which develops software to detect and recognise people, objects and text, paired with hardware to capture images.
Her vision is to make AI accessible, affordable and available to the larger community.
She has also been a strong advocate of giving back to the community as a Make-A-Wish Singapore volunteer for the past seven years.
4. Most inspiring quote #1:
“I want women to know that even though they may have goals and dreams that seem impossible to achieve now, that they should keep them close to their hearts. It’s really about your aptitude for learning, how determined you are, and your attitude. If you consistently work at improving yourself, some day, you’ll see success.”- Susan Chong
Watch Susan’s speech in full here.
5. Most inspiring quote #2:
“I’m just a girl who dares to love – who dares to open up her heart to include others, who dares to share and contribute…When you give with an open heart, you will receive in more ways than you could ever imagine.” – Annabelle Kwok
Watch Annabelle’s speech in full here.
6. Past Her World Woman of the Year winners like Ng Ling Ling (2018), Lim Swee Hia (2013), Jennie Chua (1999) and Yu-Foo Yee Shoon (1995) attended the event.
Former Young Woman Achiever award winners such as Olivia Lee (2018), Kirsten Tan (2017), Jenny Tan (2016), Janice Wong (2011/2012) and Kit Chan (1999) were also present.
All nine ladies were given a round of applause from the audience as Ms Jennie Chua invited all past winners to rise from their seats to be acknowledged.
Photo: Darren Chang
7. The vivacious Sandra Riley Tang or Rriley charmed the audience and burned the stage with a dynamic performance. She flaunted her lovely vocal cords with her song “Burn”, from her latest album RRILEY as well as her latest single “Mmm bye”. She was decked out in a stunning Fendi number that showed off her tan beautifully.
We sum up the 2019 Her World Woman of the Year Awards in pictures
A night of fun and laughter
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The Her World 2019 Woman of the Year awards opened with a bang (if you missed it, read all about it here). Our Guest of Honour, Minister of Manpower Josephine Teo, shared many insights on what being a woman means in this century. Jennie Chua, 1999 Her World Woman of the Year and the chairperson of the Her World Woman of the Year judging committee, also delivered humorous and heartfelt speeches before she announced the winners.
When dinner was served, there were nods of approval and we saw glasses being constantly filled up. Other than that, local singer Rriley hit the stage with insane dance choreography and strong vocals.
We’re immensely grateful that our guests enjoyed the gala, so swipe for more happy faces.
WOTY From left: Nellie Lim, Jade Seah, Oon Shu An, Savina Chai, Ginette Chittick, Wendy and Constance Lau
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We announced our new winners
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From left: SPH Deputy CEO Anthony Tan, SPH Magazines Group Editor-in-Chief Caroline Ngui, 2019 Woman of the Year Susan Chong, Minister of Manpower Josephine Teo, 2019 Young Woman Achiever Annabelle Kwok, SPH Magazines CEO Maureen Wee and SPH CEO Ng Yat Chung.
From left: Ng Yat Chung, Susan Chong and Josephine Teo
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Annabelle Kwok, our 2019 Young Woman Achiever
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<p><strong>ALSO WATCH: <a href=”https://www.herworld.com/features/women-now/meet-2019-her-world-young-woman-achiever”>MEET THE 2019 HER WORLD YOUNG WOMAN ACHIEVER</a></strong></p>
From left: Ng Yi Lian, Annabelle Kwok and Anthony Tan
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The winners getting their group shot with SPH representatives and our GOH
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From left: Ng Yi Lian, Ng Yat Chung, Susan Chong, Josephine Teo, Annabelle Kwok, Anthony Tan, Jennie Chua, Maureen Wee
Our Guest of Honour, Minister of Manpower Josephine Teo, gave a strong speech
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The Minister of Manpower shared about her time as a university student in London to her thoughts on family.
Charmaine Yee, our lovely host of the night
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We knew we could entrust Charmaine with the host duties for the night and she was such a great host.
Local actress Oon Shu An catching up with friends
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We are totally digging our August cover girl’s edgy new look!
In the foreground, Amanda Lee Koe – her first book Ministry of Moral Panic: Stories is a familiar text to lovers of local literature, and she released her debut novel, Delayed Rays of A Star, earlier this year.
Seated next to her is Kirsten Tan, our 2017 Young Woman Achiever. When she shared with us why she loved filmmaking so much two years ago, we were wowed by her passion.
RRiley put on a great show
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Local singer Rriley jazzed up the event with her powerful voice and energetic beats.
Past winners graced our event
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2013 Her World Woman of the Year Professor Lim Swee Hia, and SPH Magazines CEO Maureen Wee posing at the photo wall.
Past winners graced our event
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Ng Ling Ling was our 2018 Woman of the Year.
Her past work with Comchest inspired many of us last year and at this year’s celebration, she was all smiles and sporting a glamorous look.
The more the merrier
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Our past winners gather for a photo.
From left: 1999 Woman of the year Jennie Chua, 2018 Woman of the year Ng Ling Ling, 2019 Woman of the year Susan Chong, 1999 Young Woman Achiever Kit Chan.
Everyone looked stunning
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From left: Sarah Benjamin is a cook, food writer and host, Radio DJ Charmaine Yee was our amazing host for the night and Radio DJ Maddy Barber looked pretty in pink.
Swipe on to check out photo of all our other guests.
Suhina Singh
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Yumika Hoskin and Sarah Benjamin
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Claudia Lim and Jean Yong
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From left: Cheyenne Chesney, Xixi Lim, Cheryl Chou
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From left: Brenda Lim, Lysan Chew, Mary-Ann Soh, Doreen Chia, Cherish Koh
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From left: Gillian Tyo, Jessica Fun, Nora Lim, Stephanie Tan
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From left: Yu-Foo Yee Shoon (WOTY winner 1995), Ching Lin Ho, Trina Liang-Lin, Grace Ban
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Yvette King
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Kit Chan
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Jennie Chua
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From left: Anna Haotanto, Rachel Lim, Tinoq and Dylan Chan
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From left: Dylan Chan, Kirsten Tan, Amanda Lee Koe, Tinoq, Trina Liang-Lin and Tan Kheng Hua
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The plaques for Her World Woman of the Year and Young Woman Achiever awards
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Hush Candle had a pop-up booth where guests could create their own botanical scented tablets
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Martell created two bespoke cocktails specially for our guests that evening
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The bespoke cocktails were called Curious Punch and Curious Julep
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The main of the evening was guinea fowl truffle velvet with pumpkin savoy cabbage ragout, crisp potato and arugula cracker
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The sumptuous dessert bar featuring delights like passion fruit crème brûlée and Hawaiian vintage chocolate crunch bar was a real treat for guests
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Guests went home with Her World's September issue, spa vouchers from SK-II Spa, and fragrances from Interparfums
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8. The emcee of the event was Charmaine Yee, who captivated the crowd with her poise and eloquence.
Photo: Darren Chang
9. Guests were treated to a sumptuous dessert bar after dinner, featuring an extensive selection of mouth-watering sweets to tantalise. On the table: Caviar and Essence of Lime Yuzu, Passion Fruit Crème Brûlée, Kona Mocha Cheese Cake, Hawaiian Vintage Chocolate Crunch Bar and Mini Coconut Cup filled with Adzuki Bean Pudding. Definitely the one that all guests were gravitating towards.
Photo: Darren Chang
10. Two bespoke cocktails were created by Martell specially for our guests that evening. The Curious Punch was a delicious concoction of Martell VSOP with lemon juice and sugar syrup. The Curious Julep was a real crowd pleaser, elegantly garnished with berries and a mint bouquet.
11. A decadent main of Guinea Fowl Truffle Velvet with Pumpkin Savoy Cabbage Ragout, Crisp Potato and Arugula Cracker, had guests nodding with unequivocal approval.
12. Both winners of the awards received a jewellery set from Tiffany & Co and SKII-Spa vouchers.
Photo: Darren Chang
13. Guests went home with some exquisite door gifts: spa vouchers from SK-II Spa and fragrances from Interparfums.
14. Guests could create their very own botanical scented tablets by arranging and decorating their scented tablets with beautiful dried pressed flowers, filled with Hush Candle’s calming (lavender, bergamot, ylang ylang) & detoxifying (geranium, grapefruit, orange) scents at a special pop-up booth- a unique souvenir that guests appreciated.
These are the best dressed guests at Her World's Woman of the Year 2019
Dress to Impress
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The Her World Woman of the Year 2019 event is one of the biggest highlights on Her World’s calendar. We give out two very special accolades — the Her World Woman of the Year and the Young Woman Achiever awards — to two outstanding women (you can read all about them here).
This year’s affair, held at Shangri-La Hotel, Singapore, was attended by Minister of Manpower and Second Minister for Home Affairs Mrs Josephine Teo, who was our Guest-of-Honour, and other distinguished guests from all walks of life. They showed up in full force in support of Her World and what we’ve been doing since 1991, when the Her World Woman of the Year award was inaugurated.
And since this significant event happens only once a year, our beautiful guests pulled out all the stops with their outfits.
We spotted a lot of sequins and tulles. So hint: if you’re thinking of what to wear for your next gala event (read all about the complete guide on where to shop or rent formal outfits), take a cue from these women in the next few slides.
It’s dressing to impress, literally. Over here, Serena Adsit, model and founder model agency Mint Singapore, made a statement in this luxurious pink gown that sports a huge black bow sitting right across her collarbone. She also wore a pair of black of translucent gloves that gave her look an extra pow.
Fashion influencer Nellie Lim’s definitely one who’s fashion forward. She showed up toting a micro-purse that’s all the rage for F/W ’19. Nellie’s mini tote is from Cartier.
Aside from that, her black number from Jessica Cindy — which sports a turtleneck long-sleeved upper and a bouffant tulle bottom — and Chanel earrings are absolutely stunning.
All eyes were on Yvette King (we’re not joking about this) when she stepped into the ballroom in this liquid gold, embellished tulle gown with a train. She went all out by wearing a pair of shell earrings, a simple bangle (on her right arm) and a floral bracelet in the same hue as her dress. Gold’s definitely her colour.
As always, our April cover star Constance Lau is feminine yet striking at the same time. This Marchesa Notte pastel blue tiered tulle gown from Style Lease says it all. She neatly kept her hair away with a simple ponytail for her outfit to shine. We’re obsessed.
Not only did our August cover star, Oon Shu An, rock her recent bob haircut immaculately, her gold-and-black sequinned number with strong and sharp shoulders by Chanel was just as glamourous. She wore it with sassy patent leather booties. We’re lovin’ Shu An’s new look! Plus, if you want to know how Shu An looks so fabulous, you got to watch this video.
Our very own editor Ng Yi Lian is definitely one who’s into supporting local talents. She wore a custom-made two-piece number by a Singaporean fashion label that pays homage to the traditional cheongsam, Ong Shunmugam. This number sports chinoiserie elements, but it was spun in a modernised way. We’re #obsessed.
We’re stans of anything bright, bold and colourful. Founder and designer of OlivAnkara Ifeoma Ubby looked absolutely stunning in this printed dress (that’s btw, from her brand). She stole our hearts when she completed the look with a pair of hoops and some simple arm accouterments.
Our emcee for the night, radio deejay and host Charmaine Yee, is one that’s definitely multi-hypenate. Apart from her remarkable presentation skills, her green sequinned maxi number and sleek back hair wowed us. She finished her sleek look with a pair of Tiffany & Co earrings.
Dress for a formal function? Nah. How about a fancy blouse and a pair of fancier pants? That was definitely on curator of The Fifth Collection Angie Chen‘s mind when she turned up in this white puffed sleeve blouse and gold glitter wide-leg pants for the night.
Of course, how can we forget about Rriley, who performed two of her singles, Burn and Mmbye, during the night? She wowed the crowd with her dance moves in this black netted top and a sheer tulle skirt.
If you know Jade Seah, the host and actress who has over 24,000 followers on her successful YouTube channel and 76,000 followers on Instagram, she’s got quite the eclectic style.
Jade told us in an earlier interview that she doesn’t like planning outfits in advance because it kills the fun of dressing up spontaneously. Also, she admits that she often decides on her outfits at the very last minute.
At the event, she showed up in a backless nude tulle dress and embroidered with butterflies and matching red earrings. If that was put together at the eleventh hour, we have to say that it was quite wonderfully executed.
Classy, poised and with a youthful spunk — that’s what Cheryl Chou is all about. Nevertheless, her ensemble displayed her personality. She was seen in a sophisticated red number that has a twist of athleisure to it. Furthermore, she complemented her look by clutching onto a rock ‘n’ roll-styled biker jacket.
Fashion curator (FYI, she’s the mastermind behind the Frida Kahlo exhibitions in London and New York) and head of fashion at Lasalle College of the Arts, Circe Henestrosa, knows that comfort is (still) key even when it comes to glamming up. Underneath her black floral embroidered number is a pair of white sneakers. Sneaky, but sassy.
Formal functions doesn’t necessary mean you’re obligated to be in a ballgown. Project M Model Search 2019 winner, Claudia Lim, wore a simple black midi number that sports ruffled details on its hem.
Also, Singaporean model Jean Yong rocked the skirt suit (or we’d like to call it the soft suiting) well too. She paired a simple navy blue dress with a tailored and structured blazer in the same hue.
Like we’ve always mentioned, a simple black number will never fail you. Our local award-winning actress Tan Kheng Hua (who’s known for her role as Constance Wu’s mother in recent hit film Crazy Rich Asians) knows this too, as she showed up in a simple black slip maxi dress from local label Stolen.
She added a pop of sass by donning a pair of drop earrings with multiple rainbow-coloured fan shaped details from theKang, which is an accessories brand that uses upcycled materials for its creations. The actress is a fan of supporting local brands and she stays true to that even in her outfit choices at our event.
Many guests have turned up in the classic LBD, but here’s why we’re loving Soho House & Co’s event production manager Lexie Rodriguez’s outfit. She styled the black number up with contemporary accessories — a textured bolero, a newspaper boy cap and a Gucci fanny pack.