[Event] Singapore International Jewelry Expo 2024

I visited Singapore's most prestigious jewellery show, the Singapore International Jewelry Expo (SIJE) 2024 which was held at Marina Bay Sands Singapore, Sands Expo & Convention Centre Halls A & B from 11 July to 13 July. SIJE is the leading trade show for the jewellery industry, connecting local and international exhibitors with key buyers in Singapore, ASEAN and beyond, facilitating business opportunities and growth. 

SIJE 2024 - Opening and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
Photo Credit: IEG Asia 

The show was officially opened by Guest-of-Honour Mr Alvin Tan, Minister of State, Ministry of Trade and Industry & Ministry of Cluture, Community and Youth. Also present at the official opening of SIJE 2024 were His Excellency Dante Brandi, Ambassador of Italy to Singapore and Brunei; Mr Giorgio Calveri, Trade Commissioner, Italian Trade Agency (ITA) Singapore; Mr Sulistijo Djati Ismojo, Deputy Chief of Mission/Head of Chancery, Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Singapore; His Excellency Senarath Dissanayake, High Commissioner of Sri Lanka in Singapore; His Excellency, Samer Anton Naber, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan to the Republic of Singapore.

SIJE 2024 - Opening Ceremony of Indonesian Pavilion
Photo Credit: IEG Asia 

SIJE 2024 - Opening Ceremony of Italian Pavilion
Photo Credit: IEG Asia 

The Italian Pavilion at SIJE 2024 was officially opened by Guest of Honour Mr Alvin Tan, Minister of State, Ministry of Trade and Industry & Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth; His Excellency Mr. Dante Brandi, Ambassador of Italy to Singapore and Brunei; and Mr Giorgio Calveri, Trade Commissioner, Italian Trade Agency (ITA) Singapore. This milestone event fosters bilateral trade ties between Italy and Singapore, especially in the jewellery industry. The pavilion showcases 14 renowned Italian master jewellers, highlighting exquisite craftsmanship and innovative designs, made possible by the Italian Trade Agency (ITA), demonstrating Italy's commitment to strengthening business relationships and commercial prospects in the region. 

First look at some exceptional gemstones and jewellery from across the globe

A S$3.8 million one-of-a-kind Jade Necklace by Ivy Masterpiece. Each piece of jade in this necklace has been painstakingly curated to present this rare piece of perfection. This HKJJA-certified necklace has 47 Natural Imperial Jadite Beads and weights a total of 691 carats. 

Another piece by Ivy Masterpiece is this Natural Fancy Light Pink "Cushion" Diamond Ring with a carat weight of 4.01 carats and GIA-certified set with marquise and oval-shaped Diamonds mounted in an 18K 750 White Gold Ring. Priced at S$ 1.18 million. My photo doesn't do justice to this stunning piece. It was so dazzling and sparkles from every angle, captivating the eye no matter how you look at it.

A rare and magnificent 9-carat Pigeon Blood Ruby of Mozambique origin, set with two trapezoid diamonds in a timeless white gold ring casing by DeGem, valued at S$ 4 million. Unfortunately, I didn't manage to get a photo of the actual piece. 

Unique, handmade pieces spotted in the Indonesian Pavilion

At the Indonesian Pavilion, we spotted many one-of-a-kind, handmde jewelry pieces featuring intricate designs and delicate patterns. Each piece was skillfully crafted, displaying lustrous pearls and other precious gemstone.  

Various Stage and Longue Programme

SIJE 2024 brought together jewellery enthusiasts and professionals over the four days exhibition show. There were insightful sharing sessions, stylish fashion shows, receptions and community-based activities for public and invited guests. 

XOXO

[Media Invite] Honouring the F&B industry's tenacious workforce at the RAS Epicurean Star Award 2022

 During the pandemic, the F&B industry is one of the industries that has met with many challenges and difficulties with regards to rental, energy, supply chain and manpower. Thus, it is heartening to note that after a three-year hiatus, the prestigious RAS Epicurean Star Award is back. Organized by the Restaurant Association of Singapore (RAS), the RAS Epicurean Star Award is a highly anticipated celebration devoted to recognizing the outstanding accomplishments by individuals and establishments from the Singapore F&B industry. 

The RAS Epicurean Star Award 2022 was held as an in-person event at the grand Fairmont Ballroom at Raffles City Convention Centre. The whole set up was done in a sit-down gala dinner style with a scrumptious 8 course Chinese dinner. I was glad to receive the media invitation to witness the award-giving ceremony together with some of my other blogger friends. 

    An exciting drumming performance kickstart the whole event with a bang as dinner commenced. Shortly after, Mr Andrew Kwan, President of RAS gave his welcome speech followed by the opening speech by Guest-of-Honour Dr Tan See Leng, Minister for Manpower & Second Minister for Trade and Industry.

More than 100 nominations were received from the F&B industry, but only a total of 20 awards were presented to the winners selected by a panel of judges. This award lauded the indomitable spirit and the 'can-do' attitude of everyone in the F&B industry including the service staff, chefs and many more who braved through the adversities during the pandemic years. 

The awards were given based on the 20 categories and the results are as follows:

1. Best Asian Restaurant (Casual Dining) - Peace Japanese Cuisine

2. Best BBQ Restaurant - Griglia Open Fire Italian Kitchen

3. Best Buffet - Lai Huat Signatures

4. Best Cafe - Bees Knees At The Garage

5. Best Chain Restaurant - Putien

6. Best Chinese Restaurant (Casual Dining) - Tunglok Signatures

7. Best Chinese Restaurant (Fine Dining) - Tong Le Private Dining

8. Best Fusion Restaurant - FLNT

9. Best Gastro Bar - Kazbar

10. Best Halal Restaurant (Casual Dining) - Monster Planet 

11. Best Halal Restaurant (Fine Dining) - Elfuego By Collin's

12. Best Hotpot Restaurant - Beauty in the Pot and Yanxi Dim Sum & Hotpot

13. Best Japanese Restaurant (Casual Dining) - Sake Labo

14. Best Japanese Restaurant (Fine Dining) - Takayama

15. Best Mediterranean Restaurant - Kazbar

16. Best Seafood Restaurant - Clan 7

17. Best Vegetarian Restaurant - Lingzhi Vegetarian

18. Best Western Restaurant (Casual Dining) - L'angelus

19. Best Western Restaurant (Fine Dining) - Bedrock Origin

20. People's Choice Award - Shabestan, Finest Persian Restaurant

The evening also cast the spotlight on two other awards, the Workforce Resilience Award by WSG and the Excellent Service Awards (EXSA) 2022. While the Workforce Resilience Award was presented to the various Companies by Guest-of-Honour, Dr Tan, the ultimate Superstar for the EXSA will only be announced in another ceremony on 8 December 2022. Only the six EXSA 2022 Superstar Finalists were announced at the dinner and were cited for their outstanding performance in their service role and for having gone beyond the call of their duties to deliver exceptional service and to create memorable experiences for the customers. 

Congratulations to all the finalists and winners tonight. I would love to visit some of these award-winning restaurants soon to experience for myself the great food and services. A big thanks to The Rainmaker Marketing Group for the invite. 

XOXO