As an ongoing tradition to bring Singaporeans and all guests from other nations to celebrate Lunar New Year together, The Singapore Business Group (SBG) held the annual event named Reunion Dinner on Sunday, 15th January 2017 at the prestigious Reverie Saigon Hotel, in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC).
The Reunion Dinner was the first event of SBG in 2017. It was a wonderful opportunity to observe one of the most important holidays in the Asian culture, and support our mission of promoting business relations amongst SBG members as well as with Vietnamese enterprises, foreign business entities and business associations.
Almost 230 participants attended the event to mingle and welcome the year of the Rooster with their family, friends and business associates before the long Lunar New Year holidays. Especially, SBG was pleased to welcome Mr. Alvin Tay representing The Consulate-General of The Republic of Singapore in HCMC and Ms. Koh Chong Yu, Centre Director of International Enterprise (IE) Singapore in Vietnam, as well as representatives of some business chambers in Vietnam to the dinner.
Photo: The joyful atmosphere at the Reunion Dinner
The event commenced with the opening speech of the SBG’s President – Mr. Norman Lim. He gave greetings and expressed the appreciation towards the attendees and the valued sponsors of the event. Following that, on behalf of the Overseas Singaporean Unit, Nation Population And Talent Division Prime Minister’s Office, he presented the certificates of appreciation to the long-serving SBG Executive Committee members for their support and contribution to the efforts on engaging Overseas Singaporeans.
Photo: The certificates were presented to the long-serving ExCo members by Mr. Norman Lim – SBG President
To warm up the atmosphere, an impressive and bustling Dragon & Lion Dance was performed. The senior representatives of the four title sponsors (Aquarius Vietnam JSC, CapitaLand Vietnam, F&N FoodsPteLtd and Standard Chartered Bank HCMC branch) were cordially invited to join the special opening performance.
Photo: Mr. Phua Koon Kee representing Aquarius Vietnam were waking up the Dragon and the Lions together with Mr. Norman Lim, SBG President
Photos: Lions dance performance at the Reunion Dinner 2017
The dinner started with the traditional Toss Yusheng which can also be interpreted as “an increase in abundance,” or “good luck,” comprised raw fish, herbs, spices and fresh and pickled fruits and vegetables. All participants inserted their chopsticks into the plate and tossed the mixed ingredients high in the air with a shout of “Loh Hey”, which literally means to ‘move upwards’, and loudly offered wishes of prosperity at the same time. It is believed the higher you toss, the more luck and prosperity will come to you. At the heart of it, the act of “loh hey” is a gesture among friends and family to invite prosperity and joy into the lives of the people they care about. It’s the definition of what the Reunion Dinner was really about – sharing happiness.
Photo: The participants was tossing the salad while saying auspicious well-wishes out loud to usher in good luck
While enjoying excellent 8-course dinner menu served by the well-known 5-star hotel – The Reverie Saigon, all attendees had a meaningful evening with their family, colleagues, partners and friends. There were many interesting and exciting entertainments, joyful table games during the event that made the participant stay close to each other and have fun together.
“I want to thank SBG for an outstanding Event last Sunday evening. All of my colleagues and partners had a wonderful time and really loved your venue, enjoyed your food and your hospitality. People have said the venue was great and some even said it was the best summit they had attended in the last year! You and your team are so professional and well-organised” shared by one of the representative of United Overseas Bank Vietnam.
Photos: All attendees were elated and excited with the fun games during the event
Along with the entertainments, there were many valuable lucky draw prizes prepared to be given out to the event participants. Mr. Daniel Lim, SBG’s Vice President, representing the Singapore Business Group, randomly picked 25 lucky winners and presented them the gift vouchers sponsored by generous in-kind sponsors including Jump Arena Trampoline Park, Les Rives – private cruise tour provider, many luxury resorts and hotels, such as Ana Mandara Villas Dalat, Pullman Saigon Centre, as well as high-class restaurants located in Caravelle Hotel or Windsor Plaza Hotel.
“This was the first time for me and my wife to join the reunion dinner. It was fun! I was very lucky to win the lucky draw prize. Big congratulation and thank to the Singapore Business Group for the successful event!” shared by Mr. Soo Tek Lam, one of SBG’s members.
Photos: The lucky draw winners were very happy while receiving the prizes at the event
By joining the Reunion Dinner, the Singaporean, Vietnamese and overseas business people here in Ho Chi Minh City were able to meet and mingle with friends and business associates before the long break of the Tet Holidays. Simultaneously, they also had opportunity to meet new friends and potential business partners.
“As the organiser and a Singaporean, I am always delighted to get fellow overseas Singaporeans to celebrate Lunar New Year together. We would like to thank all our sponsors for the generous contributions to our Reunion Dinner 2017. The sponsorships have made our event a great success. Something for us to remember for a long time to come.” shared by Ken Ang – SBG Executive Committee member, Term 2016 – 2018.
Photos: The attendees were having a good time with their family, colleagues and friends
Click here for more photos of the event