Singapore Chamber of Commerce Korea Chairman Justin Yong, sixth from left, poses with Singapore's Ambassador to Korea Eric Teo, sixth from right, and honored guests during the chamber's end-of-year gala event at Signiel Hotel in Seoul, Friday. Courtesy of Singapore Chamber of Commerce Korea
By Jhoo Dong-chan
The Singapore Chamber of Commerce Korea (SingCham Korea) hosted its first-ever end-of-year gala, Friday, with government officials and business leaders from Korea and Singapore in attendance.
About 200 guests, including Singapore’s Ambassador to Korea Eric Teo, attended the event to not only celebrate the success of bilateral cooperation between the two countries but also provide attendees with an opportunity to network, strengthen relationships and enjoy after-dinner performances.
“It has been a very hectic but very productive year for the relationship between Singapore and South Korea,” Teo said during his welcome remarks for the gala at Signiel Seoul Hotel in Songpa District, Seoul, Friday. He is also the honorary patron of SingCham Korea's operations.
“Both countries agreed that we will work towards upgrading our bilateral relationship into a strategic partnership in 2025 on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of our diplomatic relations. In commemoration of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Singapore and Korea, the Singapore Embassy in Seoul looks forward to working closely with SingCham Korea. My sincere thanks to SingCham Korea Chairman Justin Yong and his team for inviting me and my wife for this evening's gala.”
In return, SingCham Korea Chairman Justin Yong expressed his gratitude to the ambassador for his and the embassy’s support in the chamber’s operations since its founding.
“(2024) was the year of growth. One of our greatest achievements this year is gaining official recognition as a nonprofit organization in Korea. This journey has taken no less than three years to accomplish. This milestone has not been easy. I’d really like to thank you all,” Yong said during his welcome address for the event.
“As we reflect on the future, let’s also remember Helen Keller who once said: Alone, we can do so little, but together we can do so much. This chamber, this community and this evening, none of it would have been possible without each and every one of you. Together, let’s build something extraordinary, and together we will continue to thrive. Thank you.”
Accompanying the dinner, SingCham Korea showcased performances representing the pop culture of both countries, featuring artists such as Nat Ho from Singapore and Hyewon and Crowe from Korea's 1MillionDance Studio.
Along with the Embassy of Singapore, several local and Singaporean companies, including CapitaLand, UOB, Songdo Wellness Medical Checkup Center, Wishcompany and Youngjin Tax Corp., sponsored SingCham Korea’s gala evening.
CapitaLand is one of Asia’s leading real estate groups that entered the Korean market in 2002, while UOB is one of Asia’s leading financial groups with a global network of 500 branches and offices in 19 countries providing services in the area of corporate loans, bank guarantees and foreign exchange.
The Songdo Wellness Medical Checkup Center provides a wide range of diagnostic and preventative health services in Incheon.
Founded in 2010, Wishcompany has rapidly grown into one of the leading beauty and cosmetics companies, offering various product brands including Dear, Klairs and By Wishtrend.
Youngjin Tax Corp. also offers not only accounting services but also licensing, tax, legal and labor services.
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