SINGAPORE ARMENIAN HERITAGE: 175TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS
Release/idUS181885+15-Sep-2009+BW20090915
Reuters
Sept 15 2009
UK
–Largest gathering of Armenians and their friends in Singapore
modern history–
–Extraordinary events planned in Singapore for the week of October
4, 2010–
SINGAPORE–(Business Wire)–The Singapore Armenian Heritage Committee
today announced plans for a series of extraordinary events to be held
in Singapore during the week of October 4, 2010.
The Committee expects this celebration to be the largest gathering
of Armenians and their friends in Singapore in modern history. The
weeklong celebration will include a diverse range of cultural,
economic development, and festive events highlighting the Armenian
community and its contributions to Singapore.
The Celebration is open to all who have a positive interest in
strengthening relations with Singapore, Armenia, and the global
Armenian Diaspora.
Internationally recognized Armenian entertainers will perform as part
of the Celebration, which will be attended by local and international
dignitaries. In addition, organizers are reaching out to Armenians
and their friends throughout the world as well as to the Government
of the Republic of Armenia to join the celebration.
The Committee is planning an evening Gala at the Armenian-founded
Raffles Hotel highlighting Armenian contributions to Singapore and
other countries along the Silk Road. Special religious and cultural
events will be held at Singapore`s oldest church, the Armenian Church
of St. Gregory the Illuminator Singapore, to commemorate the Church`s
175th Anniversary.
Committee Chairman Paul B. Kazarian, Chairman and CEO of Japonica
Partners, commented, "This celebration is a wonderful opportunity
for Armenians and their friends around the world to learn from the
extraordinary success stories in Singapore."
Former United States Ambassador to Singapore and Committee Co-Chair,
Frank Lavin, stated, "This is a great opportunity to strengthen the
Armenian community and its ties to Singapore."
The Celebration seeks to build and strengthen the local Armenian
community and its contributions to Singapore through a series of
ongoing cultural and economic development activities. Significant
Armenian contributions to Singapore include: the first Christian
Church, St. Gregory; the renowned Raffles Hotel; the National Flower,
Vanda Miss Joaquim; and, the leading national newspaper, the Straits
Times.
Haig Didizian, a prominent member of the international Armenian
community, noted "Armenians throughout the world should attend the
celebration and experience the rich culture of both Singapore and its
Armenian community, and to witness firsthand the significance of the
Church in Armenian life."
Professor Tommy Koh, Ambassador-At-Large at the Singapore Ministry
of Foreign Affairs observed, "Strengthening the Armenian community
in Singapore is a great benefit to all," and encourages all to visit
and experience firsthand the wonders of Singapore.
Singapore`s Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew`s visit to the Republic
of Armenia from 17-19 September 2009, where he will meet with His
Holiness Karekin II Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians,
Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan, Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan
and members of the National Competitive Foundation of Armenia, is a
historic step in strengthening Singapore-Armenian relations.
Those interested in learning more about, or participating in, the
events should contact [email protected]. Information on
the history of the Armenian Church and the Armenian community
in Singapore can be found at A
panoramic video tour of the Church can be viewed at
ChurchInside.html.
Over the next several months, there will be announcements of additional
Co-chairs who share the common passion to rebuild the strength of
the Armenian community in Singapore, as well as announcements of
additional events.
Singapore Armenian Heritage Committee Pierre Hennes, +65.6334.0141
[email protected]