Some soirées remain truly unforgettable, even after the hangovers have eased. On October 5, we held the inaugural Vanguards of the Year awards to celebrate the personalities we’ve featured over the past year.
Aside from being makers and shakers of their respective industries, these individuals also have the biggest hearts for the community. They’ve motivated us with their work ethic, drive to change the world, and dedication to their cause.
“The Vanguards Awards is our way of saying thanks to the community who helped us to be where we are today, and to adulate the people who are making the world a better place. Here’s to those who inspire us to become better,” says Farhan Shah, editor-in-chief of a+ magazine.
Evoking an old-world charm, Tanglin Club’s Churchill Room was a fitting locale for the event. Guests tucked into international and local cuisine prepared by chef Aaron Wong, who honed his culinary skills in a two Michelin starred restaurant in Germany. Highlights included a live laksa station, a fresh seafood counter, and shepherd’s pie.
Guests quenched their thirst at the Woodford Reserves bar, where the classic Old Fashioned was a hot favourite. For wine lovers, there was the crisp and refreshing 2017 Kiraly Vineyard Dry Furmint, courtesy of award-winning Tokaji makers Juliet Victor. Beer and soda, compliments of Travin Singh, founder of Less & Co (formerly Crust Group), kept the conversations flowing.
Hosted by Shah and social media personality Kishan J, the award ceremony kicked off with four awards presented by publisher and managing director of Summer Palette Media, Mr Melvin Ang. The Rising Star of the Year award went to Samantha Soh-Tann, founder and principal of The Radiant Spectrum. Quietly changing the world in her own way, she started the first and only music education centre in Singapore specifically for children and young adults with special needs.
“The awards night was an exhilarating experience celebrating individuals from various fields. It reminded me of the feats that can be accomplished when dedication and passion collide. My journey is just beginning and I’m thankful to have so many role models to look up to,” says Soh-Tann.
The Cause of the Year was awarded to Ivan Chin, CEO of Extra Ordinary People. Working tirelessly to raise funds and organise programmes for its beneficiaries, the company is dedicated to creating an inclusive society and helping children with special needs.
“I’m honoured to receive this award and would like to dedicate it to the professionals in the disability sector. This is an apt reminder for me and all of us to keep on keeping on,” says Chin.
No stranger to supporting a good cause, Christine Amour-Levar was presented with the Philanthropist of the Year award. As one of the foremost beacons of female empowerment and sustainability in Singapore and the region, she walks the talk when it comes to charity endeavours.
Finally, the Changemaker of the Year award was conferred to Leanne Robers, co-founder of She Loves Tech. With her global platform, she helped close the funding gap for women-led and impact entrepreneurs. She was also the first Singaporean to win the Monte Carlo Woman of the Year Award.
Each winner took home a special Vanguards award statue, created by Airlab Singapore. Using the a+ typography, the design is lofted and twisted across a curved path, creating a very complex geometry. Crafted from plastic waste, the statue is designed to not only celebrate the winners of our inaugural Vanguards of the Year awards, but also raise awareness about sustainability.
Our photo wall, kindly sponsored by eco-friendly solutions company Green Lab Singapore, lent the event a beautiful backdrop for group photos. Entertained by illusionist Alexander Yuen and a 360-degree photobooth, our guests partied the night away.
Ending the evening on a memorable note, each guest took home a door gift in the form of our signature a+ tote bag. Inside, there was a copy of our September issue, a bespoke room spray by Leonica K, as well as a travel set by The Powder Shampoo.
