27th February 2010
Suntec International Convention Centre Ballroom
Preparation had been done by the committee led by Malcolm Tan for almost half a year and the big day has finally arrived. Having been in the loop for the event, I knew it was just going to be another fun night and lots of catching up with old friends. The APR committee who was having their meeting in Singapore was invited to the dinner, including our YAMG Chairman Maeed. Jack and Gai from Thailand also was there (much to the jealousy of others who couldn't come. Hahaha...), dropping by for a short getaway.
The security was really tight - you got to empty your pockets, get your bags checked, and get scanned just to get into the dinner. Well, there's a reason for it because Senior Minister Goh was our Guest-of-Honour. As part of the Council, I had to be there to receive him when he arrived. You should see how he just simply command presence when he's around. Had a handshake and quick exchange with him when he asked what do I do in Scouting. He always seemed so serious when you see him on the TV and newspaper, but deep down inside, you still can see the Boy Scout in him - telling his old adventures, jokes and being joyful. And of course that night, everyone there witnessed a different side of SM Goh. He put everything aside and enjoyed himself. When do you ever get to see your SM sing songs other than the national anthem? He didn't even want to leave when it was his cue that he could - he simply told the emcee, "I'm not going. I'm staying."
The security was really tight - you got to empty your pockets, get your bags checked, and get scanned just to get into the dinner. Well, there's a reason for it because Senior Minister Goh was our Guest-of-Honour. As part of the Council, I had to be there to receive him when he arrived. You should see how he just simply command presence when he's around. Had a handshake and quick exchange with him when he asked what do I do in Scouting. He always seemed so serious when you see him on the TV and newspaper, but deep down inside, you still can see the Boy Scout in him - telling his old adventures, jokes and being joyful. And of course that night, everyone there witnessed a different side of SM Goh. He put everything aside and enjoyed himself. When do you ever get to see your SM sing songs other than the national anthem? He didn't even want to leave when it was his cue that he could - he simply told the emcee, "I'm not going. I'm staying."
All in all, it was a great night. The Scouting spirit, songs, jokes, joy-making, and food. Oh, actually many of us didn't bother about the food as most of the time we were not at the table, but walking around catching up with old friends, only then to realise food was served and off we go back to the table. However, before the next course was served, the table was emptied again, not of food but people.
Photographs by Jacqueline Lau
The event sadly had to come to an end but not after a long night of celebration of Singapore's 100th year of Scouting. And of course there are much more to come in the rest of the year, including the Scout Rally, Scout Museum and the 3rd ASEAN Scout Jamboree. And to end it off, Singapore Scouts now have an orchid plant (Orchid is Singapore's national flower) of our own - Dendrobium Singapore Scouts. I seriously need to get a good picture of that...
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