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.