From left: Her World Features and Lifestyle Editor Kimberly Spykerman, Deputy Chairman, WongPartnership and Her World Woman of the Year 2014 Rachel Eng, Chairperson of Her World Woman of the Year 2017 Judging Committee Jennie Chua, Executive Director and CEO Designate of SPH Ng Yat Chung, Her World Young Woman Achiever 2017 Kirsten Tan, Her World Woman of the Year 2017 Angelene Chan, Minister for Culture, Community and Youth and Leader of the House Grace Fu, Deputy CEO of SPH Patrick Daniel, CEO of SPH Magazines Low Yew Seng
If you’re searching for some of Singapore’s most successful women (think CEOs, doctors, singers, athletes…basically a female role model in their own industries), there is one night that will gather all of the above in one room.
Her World Young Woman Achiever of the Year 2016 Jenny Tay and husband Darren Cheng
We’re referring to our annual Her World Woman of the Year Gala (WOTY) of course. This year marks our 27th edition of WOTY. Since its inception in 1991, we’ve kept our eyes peeled for local female professionals who not only excel in their lives but also have left a positive and long-lasting impact both in Singapore and around the world.
The wait is over; our Young Woman Achiever 2017 Kirsten Tan arriving at Shangri-La Hotel Singapore
And every year, we present awards honouring these wonderful women who’ve been such great examples for all the other women in Singapore. Naturally, our list of alumnae features notable trailblazers including Professor Chan Heng Chee (1991), Halimah Yacob (2003), Kit Chan (1999), and Stefanie Sun (2001), just to name a few.
Last night, we’ve invited 400 guests to join us in welcoming our two new inductees into our prestigious set of heroines. But before the night officially kicked off, our guests were treated to the stunning displays by our sponsors BMW and Yuli Inc. Fine Jewellery.
The irresistibly stylish BMW 7 Series on display was seriously stealing the limelight last evening.
After ushering our VIPs into the Island Ballroom at Shangri-La Hotel Singapore, we were all set for the big unveiling. Our Woman of the Year 2017 is notable architect Angelene Chan who received the award from Minister for Culture, Community and Youth and Leader of the House Grace Fu as well as Executive Director and CEO Designate of SPH Ng Yat Chung.
RELATED: IN PICTURES: HER WORLD WOMAN OF THE YEAR 2017 GALA AT THE SHANGRI-LA HOTEL, SINGAPORE
Her World Woman of the Year 2017 Angelene Chan
“I love what I do and I consider it a huge blessing to be able to do what I love,” shares Angelene. “So, to be recognised for my work makes it a double blessing and special for me.”
If you haven’t met Angelene before, chances are, you’ve seen some of her works in Singapore. The two-time President’s Design Award recipient, together with her design team, has molded some of Singapore’s most recognisable landscapes like Resorts World Sentosa, Wisma Atria and the Singapore Flyer.
Young Woman Achiever 2017 Kirsten Tan
Our other awardee is filmmaker Kirsten Tan whose works have not only been presented at international film awards but also clinched awards in Singapore and around the region since 2006.
Her debut feature film Pop Aye, for example, has bagged the Special Jury Prize for Screenwriting at the Sundance Film Festival 2017. Additionally, Pop Aye has racked up positive reviews from entertainment and film sites including The Hollywood, Reporter and Variety.
On her best advice to the fellow females out there? “I think women can empower themselves by not setting limits for themselves,” she says. “Instead, we should do the things that we love, we want as well as whatever that matters to us.”
The two recipients were joined by throngs of VIPs, equally accomplished guests and supporters of Her World such as Jennie Chua, Georgia Lee, Paige Parker and more. To see more photos from this year’s Her World Women of the Year gala dinner, click here.