This year’s dinner was held at &Sons Barcaro, a Venetian gastropub in China Square Central. It was well attended by around 38 members and guests drawn from a variety of backgrounds in connection with construction, law, and related activities.

The evening began with pre-AGM drinks, then a lively AGM through which a new SCL(S) Council was elected. After the close of the AGM, the Immediate Past Chairman, Anil Changaroth welcomed all members and guests. He thanked the sponsors, who were present in good numbers, for their generous support:

-          Hogan Lovells Lee & Lee (for the lawyers);

-          Navigant Consulting (for the consultants); and

-          Shanghai Tunnel Engineering Co., Ltd (for the contractors).

Darren Benger, the incoming Chairman, then also thanked the sponsors. He outlined the intended areas of focus for the coming two-year term, (which can be found in the “Chairman’s Message 2014”).  He also thanked the past Social & Networking Sub-committee and Secretariat for organizing and hosting the event tremendously.

With that, members and guests tucked into a selection of Italian delicacies. We were well attended by the venue staff and there was a generous flow of sparkling, white and red wines. There was a relaxed atmosphere and diners were encouraged to move from table-to-table throughout the meal, in a “flexible-socialising” set-up. This worked well.

The after-dinner speech was given by Mohan Pillay, Chairman of SCL(S) from 2008-2010. He gave a witty and insightful account of the last 12 years (and 6 chairmen) of SCL(S) 2002-2014 entitled “Circumstance, Choice & Chance”.  Mohan’s running commentary of 12 years in the SCL(S), which was peppered with anecdotes, has indeed raised the bar for next year’s speaker.

Once again, many thanks to the 3 sponsors, organizers, speakers, members and guests for a thoroughly enjoyable evening which was a grand success.

 Click HERE to view more photos.

Zoe Stollard

Honorary Secretary 2012-2014