It was a night of triple celebrations for Her World, Singapore’s No. 1 women’s magazine published by SPH Magazines Pte Ltd, which turns 50 today. Held at a black-tie gala dinner at Capella Singapore, the event also presented two prestigious awards: Her World Woman of the Year and Young Woman Achiever.
The Her World Woman of the Year 2009 award goes to Mrs Lim Hwee Hua, who broke boundaries and made history as the first-ever woman minister of Singapore.
The Young Woman Achiever 2009 award is given to the 6 inspiring and courageous women from the Singapore Women’s Everest Team, 5 of whom formed our nation’s first all-women mountaineering team to reach the summit of Mount Everest in May 2009.
Gracing the momentous occasion was Guest of Honour, Dr Tony Tan, chairman of Singapore Press Holdings Ltd, along with over 300 guests, including Members of Parliament, business leaders, key advertisers and partners, past Her World Woman of the Year and Young Woman Achiever winners and celebrities.
Capella Singapore’s grand ballroom was transformed, with a striking Her World Wall of Fame featuring 50 of the most memorable covers over the last 50 years at the pre-function area. Guests were also part of Her World’s history as they signed off birthday wishes on instant photos and dropped them into the Her World Time Capsule.
The event commenced with a welcome address by Mr Loh Yew Seng, CEO of SPHM, followed by a keynote speech by Dr Tony Tan. Award winners Mrs Lim Hwee Hua and the Singapore Women’s Everest Team were each given a crystal trophy, a portrait by local photographer Russel Wong, and gifts from sponsors Cle de Peau Beaute, Poh Heng and Max Mara.
Throughout the night, birthday greetings by famous celebrities and designers from around the world were shown in a three-part video, providing much joy and laughter.
Homegrown singer Olivia Ong also specially flew in from Taiwan to perform, accompanied by a live painting artist.
The night ended with the sealing of the Her World Time Capsule, cementing Her World’s place in Singapore’s history.
As the definitive guide to Singapore’s women, Her World gives out two prestigious awards every year – the Her World Woman of the Year and Young Woman Achiever awards, to outstanding Singaporean women who have contributed significantly to society, have projected the best image of our nation and are inspirational role models to other women.