Singapore – A glittering celebration unfolded at Marina Bay Sands on August 12 as more than 400 guests, including political leaders, diplomats, and business heavyweights, gathered for the Singapore Stories gala dinner. Organised by The Business Times and supported by Temasek, the evening paid tribute to six decades of economic growth and the ecosystem of enterprises that have powered Singapore’s transformation into a global financial hub.
Minister-in-charge of Trade Relations and Minister for Sustainability and the Environment Grace Fu delivered the keynote address, reflecting on the publication’s vital role in shaping Singapore’s economic discourse. “Since its founding in 1976, The Business Times has been more than a financial daily. It has been a fact-checker, a storyteller, a convener and a catalyst – shaping discourse, celebrating excellence and strengthening market function through information access,” she remarked.
Fu highlighted BT’s extensive coverage of corporate achievements, citing features on Zuellig Pharma’s digital trust initiatives and ExxonMobil’s partnership with Singapore in pioneering cross-border carbon capture and storage. She also underscored the impact of BT’s signature awards, from the Singapore Business Awards to the Sustainability Impact Awards, which not only recognise excellence but inspire progress across industries.
The gala also unveiled SG60 Singapore Stories, a commemorative hardcover book chronicling the nation’s economic evolution through profiles of companies and institutions. Copies were presented to attendees, including Fu, by SPH Media chairman Khaw Boon Wan.
Performances by young talents added a refined cultural dimension to the evening. Internationally recognised violinist Travis Wong, singer-songwriter Amni Musfirah, and Steinway Artist Jessie Meng graced the stage. Meng, the youngest musician to hold the Steinway distinction, performed on a Steinway Grand Piano, captivating the audience with her artistry.
Adding to the ambience, paper artist Dawn Koh collaborated with Rachel Chua of The Weekend Florist to create Where Grace Takes Root, a poetic installation symbolising Singapore as a thriving, evolving garden. The art piece echoed the evening’s theme of resilience and renewal.
Fu closed her address by contextualising the nation’s journey against a shifting global environment, emphasising the enduring need for trusted voices in business journalism. “As a trusted voice in our business community, BT helps us surface ideas, connect changemakers and shine a light on what matters,” she said.
The Singapore Stories gala was not only a commemoration of the past 60 years, but also a call to chart new pathways in a dynamic global economy. With its blend of reflection, recognition, and artistic inspiration, the evening captured the spirit of a nation looking confidently towards its next chapter.
