On 2 December 2022, SMU hosted its first in-person Dinner and Dance since 2019. Themed “Glitz and Glamour”, the 2022 event was held at the Sheraton Towers Singapore and everyone who attended was dressed to impress. The night featured many highlights such as the presentation of long service and various other excellence awards, lucky draws, stage game prizes, and best-dressed awards with more than $12,000 worth of vouchers given away.
The event saw the largest Dinner and Dance turnout ever of almost 600 staff. In fact, the highly anticipated celebration took place in two ballrooms to accommodate everyone, with the emcee doing a fantastic job of engaging and involving guests in both venues. From all-gold suits to flapper-style get-ups, the atmosphere was electric with SMU staff channelling their inner glamazons. A “glam up booth” was also set up, offering temporary tattoos to help complete outfits; while a gleaming backdrop added a dash of dazzle to photo opportunities.
“This year’s D&D theme is aptly named ‘Glitz & Glamour’ because we wanted to give everyone the opportunity to dress up and put your best feet forward,” said SMU President Professor Lily Kong, in her welcome address during the event.
“Today is the day for everyone to dazzle and shine brightly like the stars that you are.”
The night kicked off with a brilliant LED performance to set the tone for the rest of the party. This was followed by the presentation of awards by Prof Kong and SMU Provost Prof Timothy Clark, during which long-service members — including Associate Professor of Accounting Goh Beng Wee, who has been with the University for two decades — were recognised for their hard work and dedication to SMU over the years. Those who have achieved success in different fields were also honoured through teaching excellence, staff excellence, research staff excellence and team excellence awards.
Moreover, the gala turned out to be much more than anyone expected with energy-filled stage games led by the emcee. Adding an element of fun and surprise, the challenges proved themselves invaluable in getting participants on their feet. After all, some good old-fashioned competition is always sure to keep the energy high at such a large-scale event.
Many participants had a chance to win something, no matter what table they were at — including fun and functional door gifts and an exciting lucky draw. The event also featured a best-dressed contest where attendees showed off their most glamorous looks on stage.
It was great to see everyone come together and have fun, especially as the 2021 iteration of the event was cancelled due to the pandemic. Despite safe distancing measures due to Covid-19, however, the University had pushed the envelope on engaging everyone during the intervening years.
“Our teams continued to work tirelessly and explored multiple avenues for staff engagement,” recalled Prof Kong.
“From virtual workshops at home in our kitchens and living rooms, to our very first fully online SMU Family Day, the SMU community has pivoted quickly and shown up with the same enthusiasm and participation as any in-person event.”
But nothing beats in-person festivities to lift spirits and honour successes. It felt like nothing could stop the SMU family from having a good time after so many months physically apart. An incredible celebration filled with music, laughter, prizes and plenty of glitter, the SMU Dinner and Dance 2022 was certainly a night to remember.
The video highlights and photos from the SMU Dinner & Dance 2022 are available on the University Social Club Facebook page.
