Alan At The SOE Gala Dinner: Supporting, Celebrating, And Empowering Entrepreneurs

The Spirit of Enterprise (SOE) Awards 2025 Ceremony & Gala took place recently on 27 October 2025 at The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore, where entrepreneurs and supporters gathered for a night dedicated to honouring outstanding achievements and shared success. The grand ballroom buzzed with anticipation as guests gathered to honour the remarkable achievements of homegrown business leaders who have contributed to Singapore’s vibrant enterprise landscape.

Across the room, there was a shared sense of pride as honourees, partners, and supporters came together to mark the culmination of months of preparation. With its elegant setting and lively atmosphere, the gala stood as one of the most anticipated milestones in the SOE calendar, drawing the community together in a thoughtful celebration of innovation, resilience, and leadership.

The spirit of enterprise shines through

More than 600 guests filled the ballroom to celebrate the success of 53 inspiring honourees. The presence of Guest-of-Honour Mr Alvin Tan, Minister of State for the Ministry of Trade and Industry and the Ministry of National Development, added further significance and encouragement, especially as Singapore’s entrepreneurial landscape continues evolving.

The evening also welcomed familiar faces from the local entertainment scene. Film director, comedian, and actor Jack Neo, as well as Tay Ping Hui, director and actor, were among the distinguished attendees. Their presence served as a reminder that enterprise extends far beyond conventional business sectors. Creativity, storytelling, and the arts carry entrepreneurial strength of their own, built on passion, dedication, and the courage to keep pushing boundaries.

Alan’s first gala as a member of the Board of Governors

This year’s gala carried special meaning for Alan, our founder and CEO, as it marked his first ceremony since joining SOE’s leadership as a Board of Governor earlier in 2025. Stepping into the role of Co-Chairman overseeing the PR & Media Outreach department, he has been actively involved in strengthening SOE’s voice and presence throughout the year. His focus has been on amplifying the stories of local entrepreneurs and supporting SOE’s mission to recognise and celebrate enterprise across Singapore.

The Board of Governors is made up of dedicated leaders who each play a vital role in shaping SOE’s direction. The board is helmed by President Novie Djayayanti Tjoa, whose steady leadership has guided SOE’s ongoing efforts to uplift and empower entrepreneurs. Supporting her is Vice President Sreerangan Kurup, who oversees Networking and leads initiatives that bring the entrepreneurial community closer. Also serving on the board is Chairperson Durga Poonambalam, who leads the SOE Book committee and oversees the publication that highlights the journeys and achievements of honourees each year. Together, along with others, their collective experience and commitment help anchor SOE’s work and ensure that its programmes remain impactful.

The journey towards the gala evening began months earlier, with an August briefing at The Ritz-Carlton that offered honourees a preview of what to expect. This session, presented to the 2025 Spirit Of Enterprise’s honourees, walked them through the key programme details for the awards night, from stage layout and seating to the overall flow of activities. Alan, together with the SOE team, guided honourees through this preparatory session, helping them build confidence for their moment on stage. The briefing also introduced their upcoming feature in the annual SOE Book, making it a significant milestone ahead of the gala.

A moment of recognition from the Community Chest

While the evening celebrated entrepreneurs, it also offered a moment of appreciation for the Board of Governors. The Community Chest recognised the board’s continued efforts in supporting fundraising initiatives by presenting an award to all members. This acknowledgement reflected not only the work done over the past year but the broader commitment the board has shown in uplifting communities and contributing to social causes.

For Alan, receiving this award as part of the Board of Governors was a meaningful reminder of the role SOE plays beyond entrepreneurship alone. It highlighted the organisation’s dedication to community building, collaboration, and shared growth. It also underscored the importance of service, a value that has guided much of SOE’s work and continues to anchor its initiatives.

Honouring resilience, leadership, and innovation

As each honouree took the stage, the audience was reminded of the heart and grit behind every business featured. Many entrepreneurs shared how their journeys had been shaped by challenge, perseverance, and a commitment to their teams and communities. Their stories captured the true essence of enterprise: a willingness to stay adaptable and to keep moving despite uncertainty.

The gala programme unfolded seamlessly, thanks in part to the leadership of the broader SOE team. Sivanessan s/o Kitnasamy, Vice President of SOE Awards & Events Chairman, played a key role in shaping the evening’s flow and ensuring every segment ran with clarity and intention. Geraldine, Secretary of SOE, also contributed to the event’s meticulous organisation, helping to coordinate details that kept the programme running smoothly. Their dedication, together with the collective effort of the committee, helped create an experience that honoured the achievements of every honouree.

Honourees received their awards with pride, supported by partners and colleagues who had walked the path with them. The elegant backdrop of The Ritz-Carlton added warmth and sophistication to the evening, making it a celebration that many will remember fondly.

Beyond the awards, the dinner provided opportunities for networking and meaningful conversations. New relationships were formed across tables, while longstanding connections were strengthened. Many attendees reflected on their entrepreneurial milestones and looked ahead with renewed drive.

A night that reflects SOE’s spirit

Throughout the evening, the event highlighted what SOE stands for. The organisation’s mission to support and uplift entrepreneurs was evident not only in the awards presented but in the thoughtful structure of the programme. Stories of resilience and creativity brought the community closer, reminding everyone that enterprise is not merely about business growth. It is about people, purpose, and the willingness to create impact.

Alan’s involvement in the gala mirrored this spirit. As Co-Chairman of the Board of Governors, his participation in the evening reinforced his commitment to helping shape the next chapter of SOE’s journey.

Looking forward with purpose and optimism

As the evening drew to a close, guests left with a renewed belief in what entrepreneurs can achieve when supported by a strong and caring community. The stories shared on stage, coupled with the camaraderie in the ballroom, painted a vivid picture of the resilience and determination that continue to drive Singapore’s enterprise landscape.

Alan, like many others in the room, walked away inspired. The SOE Awards 2025 Ceremony & Gala not only celebrated success but reaffirmed the importance of nurturing an ecosystem where entrepreneurs can continue thriving. It reflected the collective achievements of individuals who dared to dream, and the community that stood behind them.

The night was a powerful reminder that enterprise is a shared journey. With leaders, partners, and supporters coming together, the future looks bright for the next generation of entrepreneurs who will build and shape Singapore’s tomorrow.