IN TUNE WITH THE SEASON
Because Taylor Swift hasn’t done a Bob Geldorf or Michael Jackson and galvanised the world’s foremost artistes for a charity concert, I find myself at this time of year turning to the golden oldies. It’s been some four decades since Do They Know It’s Christmas? and We Are the World were released to raise money for famine relief in Africa but the sentiments contained therein still give me the feels. The songs’ exhortation to think beyond ourselves and our privileged lives to give to those who are distressed hits every time, in large part because there are still people suffering today. It’s just a matter of geography.
The luxe world is no doubt a privileged one, but none is better suited to make a difference. In this, our Giving Issue, we spoke with philanthropist Wee Wei Ling about her campaign to foster a more inclusive and equitable society through arts training and home refurbishment programmes. Wei Ling was the recipient of the Patron Award at this year’s Prestige Ball. At the same event, Rumah Group director Kathlyn Tan was recognised for her ocean conservation efforts; the winner of the Prestige Sustainability Award demonstrates how you can be equally passionate about giving back to the planet.
Humanitarian work can be life changing, even if it’s done in a spell of a week. Indeed, read about how you can elevate your holidays by combining it with charity work in our travel- to- serve feature on Page 138.
Also in this issue, we share what went down at our 23rd birthday gala. Over 200 guests and partners of Prestige walked the red carpet to our cinema- themed ball at Capitol Theatre. The venue most people associate with film- watching in their youth was transformed into a splendid ballroom on Nov 3, the mood as sparkling as the champagne as guests mingled, dined and danced into the night.
On that note, here’s to your own gatherings this festive season. May the joy of time spent with family and friends form the backbone of your memories of 2023.