Inaugural HCS Ambassador Series – An Evening with The Royal Thai Embassy

The Harvard Club of Singapore (HCS) welcomes you to our Ambassador Series, a unique and annual event that focuses on diplomacy, policy, trade and culture in collaboration with ambassadors and their embassies in Singapore.

Join us for our inaugural Ambassador Series – An Evening with the Royal Thai Embassy on 1 August evening. As Thailand and Singapore proudly commemorate 60 years of diplomatic relations, the Royal Thai Embassy in Singapore is delighted to host our Harvard alumni to an exclusive reception, “A Glimpse of Thailand Through Singaporean Lenses”. This significant milestone underscores a deep-rooted friendship and a shared cultural heritage that has flourished over six decades. This evening event is thoughtfully designed to not only celebrate this enduring bond but also to look forward, fostering even greater governmental and cultural understanding, and collaboration. By presenting Thailand through the unique artistic perspectives of Singaporean talent, the Royal Thai Embassy aims to bridge Thailand and Singapore even closer, highlighting the mutual appreciation and respect that define their relationship.

Event Key Highlights

• Preview: An exclusive showcase of two black-and-white photographs of Thai kopitiams, captured by a talented Singaporean photographer. These images offer a compelling visual prelude to the highly anticipated Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre (SCCC) exhibition, a collaborative effort with the Embassies of Thailand and Malaysia, launching later this year. Guests will have the opportunity to engage with the visual narrative of these cherished community spaces.
• “Wheel Tracks” Documentary Screening: A captivating short documentary on the iconic Tuk Tuk in Bangkok, meticulously crafted by a group of innovative students from Nanyang Technological University (NTU). This segment offers a contemporary and authentic glimpse into the daily life and unique charm of Thailand’s bustling capital.
• “Kin” Documentary Screening: Explore the rich evolution of Thai cuisine in this compelling documentary, narrating the journey from traditional roots to modern interpretations, with a focus on a restaurant’s generational legacy.
• Culinary Delights: A curated selection of refreshments inspired by the “Kopitiam” theme, offering guests a taste of the shared culinary heritage that binds our culture.

Event Objectives

• Showcasing Thailand through Artistic Eyes: Offer a unique perspective of Thailand, interpreted and captured through the artistic lenses of talented Singaporean individuals. This aims to highlight the vibrant cultural tapestry of Thailand as seen by our friends in Singapore.
• Previewing Cultural Collaboration: Provide an exclusive preview of the Royal Thai Embassy’s upcoming collaboration with the Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre (SCCC), emphasizing the shared cultural heritage of “Kopitiams” between the 2 nations. This will be an opportunity to celebrate commonalities through art and culinary delights.
• Fostering Cross-Sectoral Connections: Create a dynamic networking platform for prominent individuals from diverse sectors, including alumni from Harvard University, representatives from the arts and museum community, national line agencies, and the media, encouraging
  meaningful dialogue and future collaborations.
• Celebrating Emerging Talent: Recognise and celebrate the innovative work of young Singaporean talent, particularly the Nanyang Technological University (NTU) students, in presenting facets of Thai culture through their documentary.

Attendees

• Professional Leaders: Harvard Club of Singapore and its members representing a variety of sectors.
• Cultural and Arts Influencers: Representatives from leading museums, art galleries, and the broader arts sector in Singapore.
• Government and Policy Makers: Representatives from various national line agencies of Thailand.
• Emerging Talent & Educators: Representatives from Nanyang Technological University, including the documentary filmmaking team.

Event Details

• Date: Friday 1 August 2025
• Time: 6pm till 8.30pm
• Venue: Royal Thai Embassy, 370 Orchard Road, Singapore 238870 (5mins walk from Orchard Place MRT station, take exit 1)
• Culinary Delights: A curated selection of Thai and Singapore refreshments
• Dress Code: Business casual

We have limited slots available on a first-come-first-serve basis and so please sign up ASAP.

Event Program Details

18:00–18:30hrs: Arrival of Guests & Welcome Drinks

• Guests arrive at the Royal Thai Embassy.
• Networking begins with welcome refreshments.
• Opportunity for guests to view the featured Kopitiam photographs.

18:30–19:00hrs: Official Remarks & Ceremony
18:30hrs: Opening Remarks by H.E. Mrs. Ureerat Chareontoh, Ambassador of Thailand to Singapore
18:35hrs: Remarks by Mr. Alvin Tan, CEO, Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre (SCCC)
18:40hrs: Remarks by Mr. Lester Lesdema, the exhibition photographer
18:45hrs: Handover Ceremony of Kopitiam Photo

• Mr. Alvin Tan, CEO of SCCC, formally presents one of the black-and-white Kopitiam photographs to H.E. Ambassador Ureerat Chareontoh, symbolising the joint cultural endeavour.
• Photo opportunity.

18:50hrs: Introduction to “Wheel Tracks” and “Kins” Documentaries

• Brief introduction by a representative from Nanyang Technological University (NTU) or a member of the student documentary team.
• Providing context on the inspiration and production of the documentary.

19.00–19:10hrs: Screening of “Wheel Tracks” Documentary.
19.10–19.20hrs: Screening of “Kin” Documentary
19:10–20:30hrs: Networking Reception & Cultural Immersion

Please make sure that you purchase only those tickets for which you are eligible. Guests must make sure that they are accompanied by a qualified Harvard alumnus.  Please take note that Harvard alumni status is determined by the Harvard Alumni Association (HAA)and only those whose names are set out in the HAA online directory can be verified by the Club.