As part of Singapore’s endeavour to deliver a memorable ‘Singapore Experience’, the APEC Organising Committee planned a two-day visit programme for the spouses of Leaders attending the APEC Leaders’ Meeting (AELM) from 14-15 November 2009. The Leaders’ spouses were hosted by Mrs Lee Hsien Loong, spouse of Singapore’s Prime Minister.

2    The Leaders’ Spouse Programme is specially designed and customised to provide the spouses with a ‘Uniquely Singapore’ experience that showcases Singapore's multi-cultural diversity and racial cohesion, rich heritage, iconic architecture and attractions, and cosmopolitan ethos.

3     The second day of the Leaders’ spouse programme on 15 November 2009 featured Singapore’s urban transformation and sustainable development initiatives. Mrs Lee Hsien Loong was joined by Mrs Lim Hng Kiang, spouse of Singapore’s Minister for Trade & Industry. The Leaders’ spouses enjoyed a ride on board the Singapore Flyer, the world’s largest Giant Observation Wheel towering at 165 metres. The Singapore Flyer offers a panaromic view of the developments in the Marina Bay area which is the centerpiece of Singapore’s urban transformation. The Leaders’ spouses were briefed on the developments in Marina Bay such as the ‘Gardens by the Bay’ and the Marina Bay Sands integrated resort. The upcoming ‘Gardens by the Bay’ comprising three world-class waterfront gardens will form a public waterfront loop interwoven with urban developments and will offer a diversity of activities, recreational options and entertainment in a scenic setting.

4    The Leaders’ spouses were also given an insight into the planning involved in making Singapore a great place to live, work and play. The Leaders’ spouses also learnt about Singapore’s sustainable development efforts which included the effective management of our water resources to ensure a diversified and sustainable water supply. The Leaders’ spouses also penned their wishes on the ‘Wishing Spheres’ which would be lit up and floated into the Marina Bay during the annual Marina Bay Singapore Countdown on New Year’s Eve.

5    The Leaders’ spouses also visited the Peranakan museum, a boutique museum with the finest and most comprehensive collection of Peranakan artefacts in the world. The Peranakan Museum explores the culture of Peranakan communities in the former Straits Settlements of Singapore, Malacca and Penang and their links with other communities in Southeast Asia. During the visit, the Leaders’ spouses viewed the important rituals, practices and material culture of the Peranakan community and how this unique fusion culture is viewed today.

6    The Leader’s spouses were hosted to lunch with a molecular gastronomy menu specially created by Chef Kevin Cherkas of the Shangri-La Hotel. The lunch featured innovative cooking processes that enhanced the culinary experience of the Leaders’ spouses and drew a pleasant and memorable conclusion to the two-day Leaders’ spouse programme. (See Annex B)


APEC SINGAPORE 2009 ORGANISING COMMITTEE
15 NOVEMBER 2009

For Media Enquiries, please contact:

Ms Yvonne Chung
APEC Singapore 2009 Organising Committee
Tel: 9133 4753
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it


ANNEX A

LIST OF SPOUSES OF LEADERS ATTENDING THE AELM PARTICIPATING IN THE SPOUSE PROGRAMME ON 14 NOVEMBER 2009

Spouses:
1.    Mdm Therese Rein (spouse of Prime Minister of Australia, HE Kevin Rudd)
2.    Mrs Laureen Harper (spouse of Prime Minister of Canada, Rt Hon Stephen Harper)
3.    Mrs Selina Tsang (spouse of Chief Executive of Hong Kong, China, HE Donald Tsang)
4.    Mrs Ani Bambang Yudhoyono (spouse of President of Indonesia, HE Dr Susilo Bambang)
5.    Mrs Miyuki Hatoyama (spouse of Prime Minister of Japan, HE Yukio Hatoyama)
6.    Mdm Kim Yoon-ok (spouse of President of Korea, HE Lee Myung-bak)
7.    Datin Paduka Seri Rosmah (spouse of Prime Minister of Malaysia, HE Dato’ Sri Mohd Najib bin Tun Haji Abdul Razak)
8.    Mdm Margarita Zavala (spouse of President of Mexico, HE Felipe Calderon)
9.    Mrs Lien Fang Yui (spouse of Special Envoy of Chinese Taipei, HE Dr Lien Chan)
10.    Dr Pimpen Vejjajiva (spouse of Prime Minister of Thailand, HE Abhisit Vejjajiva)
11.    Mdm Tran Thi Kim Chi (spouse of President of Vietnam, HE Nguyen Minh Triet)


Hosts:
1.    Mrs. Lee Hsien Loong  (spouse of Singapore Prime Minister)
2.    Mrs Lim Hng Kiang (spouse of Singapore’s Minister for Trade & Industry)


ANNEX B
Menu prepared by Chef Kevin Cherkas of the Shangri-La Hotel

Ocean
Oyster Pearl/Sturia d’arquitan caviar

Foie crackers
Whipped roast foie gras / Crispy pineapple meringue

The Egg Came 1st
Farm egg (boiled, fried)
Roast onion broth / crispy crumbs / black truffle

Turbot Bouillabaisse
Slow roast turbot fillet/tender leek/ Tomato-saffron broth/ Orange bubbles

New Souffle
Dark chocolate / vanilla / crumbs