Need a boost, a laugh or even a good cry? The Singapore Women’s Weekly readers got all that and more at the Great Women Of Our Time 2017 Forum held on Saturday, 16 September at Trehaus – Singapore’s first co-working space with childcare and learning facilities.
Our six amazing panelists shared their inspiring success stories with us to encourage women to find work-life balance and be the best they can be whether at the office or at home; and to always pursue our happiness no matter what winding paths may lie ahead of us.
In line with our message of lifting women up and giving them the tools to pay it forward, our forum gave our readers from all walks of like the perfect space and opportunity to inspire and be inspired by one another.
View a gallery of photos from the event below:
The Great Women Of Our Time 2017 is presented by Lancôme.
The day started bright and early at Trehaus, located at the heart of Orchard Road, which was generously transformed into an event space for our second Great Women Of Our Time Forum 2017.
Co-Founder of Trehaus, Dr Elaine Kim, set the tone of the day’s events with her keynote speech. In it, the palliative care doctor talked about tackling society’s expectations of her as a woman, mother and social entrepreneur.
The Great Women Of Our Time 2015 Health, Sports & Wellness nominee also tackled issues that plagued the everyday woman such as time management and guilt. While many women with multiple roles to play, the diminutive powerhouse says two P’s have helped to guide her decision-making process: Purpose and Priorities.
The first panel, moderated by The Weekly‘s Editor-in-Chief Barbara Koh, featured three distinguished speakers: Irene Ang of Fly Entertainment, Elim Chew of 77th Street fame, and Doris Goh, Chief Marketing Office at Two Roads Hospitality, which owns the luxury brand Alila Hotels and Resorts.
The women tackled the issue of how a woman can be her best at home and the workplace.
Being amongst some of the most successful women in Singapore, their insider knowledge on how they’ve built a solid personal brand that in turn gives rise to an impressive career, provided invaluable insight into how to form our own success story.
The audience, too, felt the same and were smiling, laughing and asking probing questions throughout the duration of the first panel. This year The Weekly made use of an interactive platform where readers could submit their answers anonymously via the interwebs. Great for those shy but inquisitive readers out there!
Irene Ang reinforced the message that women make powerful leaders and by keeping the fairer sex inspired and focused, organisations too can tap into the wonders that women bring to the table and how they can value-add to the company.
Following the end of the first panel, the speakers couldn’t wait to document the moment by getting everyone to take part in a massive selfie of sorts!
During the break, readers were treated to some scrumptious finger food from PAUL bakery and beauty treats from Lancôme, who were kind enough to set up a booth showcasing all their bestsellers from the brand.
From blush to cushion foundations, to vibrant lipsticks in every colour under the rainbow, readers were impressed by the array of high-quality products that Lancôme continuously pushes out year after year.
The Weekly’s Associate Editor, Sean Tan, and Senior Graphic Designer, Christina Lim, were all smiles in the front of the cameras as they lent their support to the team on the event day itself.
Readers who turned up to the Forum also couldn’t wait to take part in some selfie action and were ready to be caught on candid camera with their beautiful smiles and cheeky placards.
The second panel returned after the break to take on the enduring question of whether women really can have it all. It featured another batch of truly inspirational women: Winnie Chan of Bynd Artisan, Dr Elaine Kim who also helms CRIB and Candice Ong, Chief Commercial Officer of ShopBack.
The trio took a fresh look at the idea of women having it all and explored whether the work-life balance is really just a women’s issue. Drawing on personal experiences, the daring visionaries shared their stories on reassessing the female narratives that they grew up with and how to find your happy.
No successful event would be complete without someone walking away with a prize or two. One lucky reader who took part in the lucky draw managed to snag a full-size Lancôme product. Woohoo!
Our readers weren’t left in the lurch either. Everyone who participated went home with goody bags filled with current and past issues of The Weekly, exclusive merchandise and more Lancôme products.
Some readers also couldn’t wait to get up close and personal with the panellists in attendance. There was a line forming behind Irene Ang, in particular, as people queued patiently to get a snap with the iconic actress.
The Weekly‘s Editor-in-Chief, Barbara Koh, took some time out from her busy moderating schedule to pose for some photos with the panellists. Here she is seen with Bynd Artisan’s Winnie Chan who was a Great Women Of Our Time 2016 Finance & Commerce nominee.
We pride ourselves in being a magazine that brings women together to inspire and support each other so it was heartening to see our panelists genuinely leave the Forum on a heartwarming note as they bid their goodbyes.