Malathi Das, Mary Tan, Betty Chen

The rumbling sound of drums reverberated around the Tower Ballroom of Shangri‑La Hotel, Singapore, signalling the arrival of guest of honour, Singapore Council of Women’s Organisations (SCWO)’s patron Mrs Mary Tan. But more than that, the rhythms resonated with the “Marching to Our Own Beat” theme of SCWO’s annual gala dinner to mark International Women’s Day.

SCWO president Malathi Das paid tribute to the Singapore Women’s Hall of Fame honourees, including the late May Wong, a pioneer community worker and fundraiser; Jaya Mohideen, Singapore’s first female career diplomat; as well as food personalities Violet Oon and Aziza Ali. The women were presented with The Flame—a trophy that symbolises the vitality of the women and the torch of inspiration burns across generations.

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'gallery right' 'gallery right'
Photo 1 of 12 Malathi Das, Mary Tan, Betty Chen
Photo 2 of 12 Lily Neo, June Rin
Photo 3 of 12 Margaret Thomas, Laura Hwang, Tommy Koh
Photo 4 of 12 Annabel Pennefather
Photo 5 of 12 Julia Raiskin
Photo 6 of 12 Mary Beatrice Klass,Janet Jesudason
Photo 7 of 12 Adeline Lim, Peggy Jeffs
Photo 8 of 12 Aziza Ali, Violet Oon
Photo 9 of 12 Joan Yim, Violet Yeo
Photo 10 of 12 Judith Prakash
Photo 11 of 12 Celeste Basapa, Jaya Mohideen
Photo 12 of 12 Minds Taiko Drum troupe