ASEAN embassies and high commissions in Singapore gathered at the Orchard Hotel to mark regional unity, cultural richness, and the handover of the ASEAN Chairmanship.
Singapore, 10 December 2024 – The ASEAN Gala Night brought together embassies and high commissions from the ASEAN Member States, including the Embassy of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, at the Grand Ballroom of the Orchard Hotel in Singapore. With the theme “ASEAN: Enhancing Connectivity and Resilience”, the event highlighted cultural exchange, regional unity, and collaboration.
Led by the Embassy of Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR), the ASEAN Chair for 2024, the gala featured distinguished guests, including Singapore Ministry of Foreign Affairs Permanent Secretary Mr. Albert Chua, representatives from ASEAN missions, dialogue partners, and other organisations. A notable highlight was the symbolic handover of the ASEAN Chairmanship for 2025 from Lao PDR Ambassador Sengkeo Pouangpadith to Malaysian High Commissioner Dato Azfar bin Mohamad Mustafar.
The evening showcased vibrant cultural performances, with each ASEAN mission contributing to the entertainment. A standout moment was the performance by Ms. Shine Pacis, a recent graduate of Singapore’s Filipino-owned Perpetual Hope International Academy, who captivated the audience with renditions of iconic Filipino songs, supported by musicians Mr. Maynard Pacis, Ms. Rio Dumaguing, and Mr. Emman Castillo.
The Philippine booth dazzled guests with culinary delights such as halo-halo, lechon from Singapore’s renowned Filipino restaurants, and San Miguel Beer. It also featured displays of Filipiniana attires from Maison Inabel, men’s barong coats from Filshopper, and hand-painted bags by Ms. Jasmin Orosa, celebrating the Philippines’ rich heritage.
Adding excitement, the event included a lucky draw with prizes such as a Singapore-Clark return ticket from Cebu Pacific Metro Tours, a hand-painted bag from Ms. Jasmin Orosa, and calamansi liqueur from Destileria Limtuaco.
First held in 2010, the ASEAN Gala Night has become an annual tradition that celebrates ASEAN’s cultural diversity and fosters stronger regional bonds. It also serves as the official conclusion of the current ASEAN Chairmanship and the transition to the next.
Source: Philippine Embassy in Singapore
