Forerunner Foundation fashion show in Singapore shared stories of resilience, hope and strength
The Forerunner Foundation held the “EMPOWER WOMEN, OVERCOMER” Fashion Show on Saturday, 5 September 2026, at Mandarin Oriental, Singapore. The event featured personal stories from women who had faced major life challenges, highlighting themes of perseverance, family, work, faith and community support.
One of the speakers shared how an unexpected return to Singapore during the COVID-19 pandemic became a new chapter for her family. She had left Singapore at the age of 45 to follow her husband, who was working in Indonesia. In 2020, she returned to Singapore with her youngest daughter to attend her son’s Registry of Marriage ceremony, planning to stay for about 10 days.
However, Indonesia went into lockdown while she was in Singapore, preventing her from returning as planned. She stayed with friends for several months before finding a home in Singapore. She also resumed her career and brought her clients back while adapting to life in Singapore. Her husband later joined the family after seven months apart.
She said her work and the people around her helped her continue during a difficult period. She also spoke about maintaining a desire to live and finding purpose in everyday life.
Another speaker shared her experience as a multi-stage cancer survivor. She was diagnosed with stage two breast cancer in 2010, when her son Siddharth was four years old. After undergoing chemotherapy and radiation, she was later diagnosed with stage four cancer that had spread to her brain and bones.
She described how caring for her son gave her motivation during treatment. She recalled putting on her trademark red lipstick, wearing a wig and getting dressed before meeting him at the school bus, despite the physical effects of treatment.
She also spoke about the support she received from her family, doctors, and counsellor. Reflecting on her experience, she said, “When you change the way you look at things, things around you will change.”
The event highlighted the importance of support networks and the personal strength women can draw from family, friends, work and community.
Source: IN Diplomacy Reporter
