The Official Launch of Yeo Boon Khim Mind Science Centre: 5 May 2023
The highly anticipated launch of the Yeo Boon Khim Mind Science Centre (MSC) took place on 5 May 2023 at Conrad Centennial Singapore’s ballroom. The milestone event was graced by Mr Teo Chee Hean, the Senior Minister and Coordinating Minister for National Security.
The evening began with a cocktail reception, where guests were invited to a Poster Presentation at the Foyer of the hotel. The insights from the centre’s programs and research initiatives set the tone for the remarkable evening ahead.
Upon the arrival of our Guest-of-Honor – Senior Minister Teo, the welcome party escorted him to meet and greet the centre’s Advisory Board Members, Donors and Volunteers.
The Centre Director – Associate Professor John Wong Chee Meng led Senior Minister Teo on a tour of the poster exhibition which featured the ongoing programs, as well as research findings and updates.
The dinner commenced with a mesmerizing performance by Red Dot Baroque, an award-winning ensemble. Comprising of talented Singaporean musicians, the group showcased their expertise in Baroque music, taking the audience on a captivating journey through time. Led by Alan Choo, concertmaster of the Grammy Award-winning Apollo’s Fire Baroque Orchestra, Red Dot Baroque has gained critical acclaim since 2018.
The Chairman of National University of Singapore (NUS) Board of Trustees and National University Health System (NUHS) Board – Mr. Hsieh Fu Hua opened the evening’s program with his address. In his address, he expressed his support for the centre’s mission and the importance of a strong collaboration between NUS and NUHS in delivering mental health benefits to the community through the centre’s key programs and initiatives.
Amidst the delightful ambience, the evening progressed as the distinguished guests indulged in a sumptuous dinner, accompanied by another enchanting performance by Red Dot Baroque.
Following which, Professor Kua Ee Heok, the Tan Geok Yin Professor in Psychiatry and Neuroscience at the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, NUS, delivered his key speech – ‘The Ecology of Resilience’. During his speech, he thanked Mr Lin Tah Hwa for his generous donation of S$6 million to Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, in support of MSC’s work. As such, the Centre will be named as the Yeo Boon Khim Mind Science Centre, in memory of Mr Lin’s late mother, Madam Yeo Boon Khim. Watch the speech at this link.
Thereafter, Senior Minister Teo took the stage to deliver his remarks, where he highlighted that strengthening the mental health and well-being of our people needs to be achieved by the collaboration of all segments of society. MSC’s efforts are greatly valued by the government and the launch of the research centre is a timely boost to the national effort.
With that, the centre’s key stakeholders were invited on stage to witness the official gifting of S$6 million to the centre and the subsequent launch proceedings.
A symbolic puzzle comprising of four matching pieces was prepared as the launch mechanism for the night. The first two pieces were placed by Mr Hsieh and Dr Cheong Choong Kong, the Chairman of MSC, signifying the unwavering support provided by NUS and NUHS over the years. With the final two pieces put in place by Mr Lin and Senior Minister Teo, the puzzle box lit up to the grand round of applause from the guests.
To officiate the launch of Yeo Boon Khim Mind Science Centre, Senior Minister Teo was then invited to endorse on the launch plaque.
In recognition of Senior Minister Teo’s invaluable support, a token of appreciation was presented to him by Mr Hsieh.
The evening resumed with the continuation of the delightful dinner, allowing attendees to engage in meaningful conversations and foster connections. The ambience was filled with an air of accomplishment and anticipation for the MSC’s future endeavors.
The event drew to a close with the closing address delivered by A/Prof Wong, the Lin Jo Yan and Yeo Boon Khim Professor in Mental Health and Neuroscience. Once again, he expressed his gratitude to all who had contributed to the success of the centre and reaffirmed the center’s commitment to transforming the mental health prevention landscape in Singapore.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
We would like to express our greatest gratitude to Mr Lin Tah Hwa, Conrad Centennial Singapore, Pontiac Land Group, Ms Mary Anne Tan and the organizing team for making this milestone event possible.
SPECIAL MENTION
We would like to thank Pek Sin Choon and Yakult for sponsoring the door gifts of the night. The gifts of Classical Nanyang Tea and Yakult Gold beverage added a touch of sophistication and indulgence to the event and were well-received by the guests. In addition, MSC arranged for a small chocolate souvenir by Mr Bucket Chocolaterie for the guests, with specially customized sleeves to mark the centre’s milestone launch.
We will be updating this space with the recorded speeches when it’s ready!
Check back in a few days’ time or simply follow us on Facebook to be notified when the recording has been uploaded.
Event Gallery
Click HERE to view more photos of the event
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