HSBC SPRING DINNER. GETTING IN THE “MOOD”.

It’s almost like a favourite personal past time for me having a go at interesting words or names that I come across. When I first met HSBC CEO, Tareq Muhmood, in person for an Asia Inc interview I couldn’t help working the name into some meaningful and useful puns—Teh Tareq was one that is so rare yet so appropriate. For this blog, mood completes the picture—no pun intended. 🙂

© Jan Shim Photography

Last night, HSBC hosted their annual Chinese New Year Spring Dinner 2008 at the International Convention Centre. I’ve worked at this venue on countless occasions and there’s a perfectly good reason why HSBC has to have their event here—to accommodate the capacity crowd that’s expected to fill the hall to the brim—it was packed last year, this year was no different!

© Jan Shim Photography

Chinese New Year may be officially over but last night we immersed ourselves in the festive celebration even if it was for a few hours, it was a few hours to relive our cultural tradition once more! No Chinese New Year celebration is complete without lion dance performances and I noticed [chuckle] that tradition has made way for commercialism or perhaps commercialism is keeping tradition alive. The shirts worn by the performers each bore the Chevrolet logo, an American auto manufacturer exclusively distributed by Goh Hock Kee Motors. Give it another decade or so, expect to see highly decorated lion heads like an F1 car! 🙂 Captured this moment where lion and cymbalist engaged in a gaze!

© Jan Shim Photography

While the performers carried the massive stilt structure off the stage, MediaCorp artiste Bryan Wang emceed the evening. Pictured here, Brian reminded guests to have a go at guessing the number of oranges in the container for a chance to win a lucky draw!

© Jan Shim Photography

Mrs Muhmood admiring the stage performances. Elsewhere in the hall lied interesting silhouettes waiting to be discovered—the little details that are often overlooked.

© Jan Shim Photography

Tareq Muhmood, born in the year of the rat himself knows more about the rat race than anyone in the business, promises an exciting year ahead. Already I’ve been told of two mind blowing events planned for the year—I can’t wait!

© Jan Shim Photography

Traditional to this part of Asia is tossing of Yee Sang to usher in good health and prosperity. Here’s a more dramatic pre-toss event as restaurant personnel prepared to serve each table, a gesture that according to emcee Bryan was “unique” not previously practiced in Singapore where he lives.

© Jan Shim Photography

© Jan Shim Photography

Ceremonious Yum Sing toast by HSBC Management on stage. Seen here are two of three yum sings by Mrs Muhmood. I couldn’t help but noticed the size of the rock on her finger. 🙂

© Jan Shim Photography

© Jan Shim Photography