Annual Dinner and Dance

Law Society President Mr Philip Jeyaretnam, SC, making his speech

On 25 September 2004 a total of 320 members and honoured guests, including the Minister for Law, the Honourable the Chief Justice, the Attorney-General and members of the Judiciary, attended the Law Society’s Annual Dinner and Dance. For the second year, members’ spouses and partners were also present. The venue was the Grand Ballroom, Singapore Marriott Hotel. For the third consecutive year the event was proudly sponsored by UBS Wealth Management.

For the first time a theme was added and the evening was styled as ‘A Night in Monte Carlo’. Befitting the theme, many gentlemen sported smart tuxedos and the ladies were in exquisite evening gowns.  

Monte Carlo is famed for its casinos, and in keeping with the theme, members and guests were given the opportunity to play at some harmless ‘gaming tables’ at the ballroom’s foyer during cocktails with free chips. The table which ‘won’ the most number of chips stood to win attractive table prizes in the course of the night.

The dinner started with a lively dance performance by the ‘Journey Dancers’ reflecting the music and glamour of the city of Monte Carlo. The Master of Ceremonies, TV host Hamish Brown, welcomed guests and set the mood for the evening with his mellow and easy going style.

The night showcased talents from members of the Bar with an entertaining performance by the ‘Barker sisters’:  Ms Deborah Barker, SC and Ms Carla Barker. Even a spouse of a lawyer came forth to be part of the profession’s night with Mrs Cynthia Yim, spouse of Mr Jimmy Yim, SC enthralling guests with her very professional performance of Whitney Houston favourites.

To round off the evening was Singapore’s very own jazz queen, Ms Jacintha Abisheganaden. She took us back to the best era of jazz with her renditions of songs by jazz legends Ella Fitzgerald and Billie Holiday from the 1940s and 1950s. She was ably accompanied by two accomplished musicians on the violin and piano.

The night was also an evening to honour our own. The following members were recognised for their contributions to the Society:

•    Mr Chim Hou Yan - Chairman, Ethics Committee

•    Mr David Nayar - Former Chairman, Social & Welfare

      Committee

•    Ms Kala Anandarajah - Vice chair, Corporate Practice

      Committee

•    Mr Pradeep Kumar - Member, Admissions Committee

The following non-members who served the profession and the Society were also recognised with the ‘Friend of the Law Society’ award:

•    Mr Kon Yin Tong, Managing  Partner of the accounting firm

      Foo Kon Grant Thornton

•    Ms Jane Ridley, Director, Alexander Forbes Consulting, UK

•    Bizibody Technology (Singapore) Private Limited

The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the CC Tan Award by the President of the Law Society. This is an award which was inaugurated in 2003 to honour a member of the profession who exemplifies the highest ideals of the profession — honesty, fair play, courtesy and personal integrity.

This year’s award was given to Mr TPB Menon and the citation that was read by the President is reproduced on the next page. As Mr Menon was abroad, the award was accepted on his behalf by Mr CR Rajah, SC who was honoured with the award in 2003.

The evening’s entertainment ended close to midnight and many members lingered on for cocktails and conversation till the wee hours of the morning. This year’s dinner and dance was a fun-filled night of good food, wine, song and especially good company.

Sivakumar Murugaiyan

Social and Welfare Committee

The Law Society of Singapore