Recession-hit Singapore splurges on extravagant cultural show for rich Arabs
http://www.albawaba.com/en/countries/UAE/243188
A cultural event organized by the Singapore International Foundation (SIF), Singapore Encore is a showcase of Singapore’s finest arts, culture and cuisine around the world. This year, SIF has partnered the Singapore Consulate-General in Dubai to present Singapore Encore in the United Arab Emirates.
Held at the Atlantis, the majestic focal point of Palm Jumeirah, Singapore Encore kicked off the evening with an exhibition by the Photo-Art Association of Singapore. Singapore jazz diva Claressa Monteiro and singing sensation Kareema Ramli provided the entertainment for the evening. A dinner reception prepared by Chef Mohammad Ali Kunhi, Chef de Cuisine of Saffron Restaurant at the Atlantis, served up delicious Singaporean cuisine like laksa, satay and Hainanese chicken rice. The event was compered by Mr. Moe Alkaff, a well-known Singaporean entertainer-host.
Singapore’s Acting Minister for Information, Communications and the Arts, Rear Admiral (NS) Lui Tuck Yew, was the special guest at this year’s Singapore Encore. Over 300 top government officials and distinguished guests from the diplomatic, business, social and cultural strata of the Emirati and Gulf society attended the event.
Singapore’s Consul-General to Dubai, Mr Dileep Nair, said, “I am indeed happy that Singapore Encore has come to the Middle East and made its debut in Dubai. As a hub city of the region, Dubai is ideally suited to showcase Singapore’s unique cuisine and artistic talent. Awareness of Singapore as a destination of choice for business and leisure has been rapidly growing in this part of the world. Singapore Encore will certainly enhance Singapore’s profile amongst our friends in the region and be a milestone event in cultural diplomacy between Singapore and the Middle East.�
SIF Governor Michael Gray elaborates, “Singapore Encore is a wonderful platform for us to showcase Singapore’s exciting developments in the field of arts and culture, which complements our exponential economic growth. Although Singapore is a small and young nation, its cultural and ethnic diversity has helped to fuel a flourishing local arts landscape. SIF is privileged to be able to play a role in sharing Singapore’s rich cultural talents with the rest of the world. We were happy to partner the Singapore Consulate-General in Dubai in bringing Singapore Encore to the Middle East this year. I hope that our Middle Eastern friends found much pleasure as they became acquainted with the delights of Singaporean arts, culture and cuisine.�
Since its inception in 2004, Singapore Encore has travelled to cities such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, Vienna, New York, Washington, Tokyo and Manila. Past performers include Jacintha Abisheganaden, Nuradee Brothers, Jeremy Monteiro, Alemay Fernandez and the Huqin Quartet.
About the Singapore International Foundation
Established in 1991, the Singapore International Foundation (SIF) is a not-for-profit organisation that seeks to nurture active global citizens and friends for Singapore.
SIF aims to help the development of communities outside of Singapore through the Singapore Volunteers Overseas (SVO) programme. SIF facilitates the participation of volunteers in capacity-building programmes in areas as diverse as healthcare and health education, organisational and personal capacity development, empowerment of disadvantaged children, women and families, and rehabilitation of the disabled.
SIF seeks to reach out to new audiences and friends of Singapore through a public and cultural diplomacy programme which includes organising concerts abroad and hosting visits to Singapore by foreign thought leaders and influential personalities in the fields of academia, business, civil society, government and the media.
For its work, SIF was presented the Excellence for Singapore Award. Our Patron is His Excellency S R Nathan, President of the Republic of Singapore.
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