A Joyful Finale: SWA & Symrise Year-End Celebration 2025
On December 20, 2025, the Singapore Women’s Association (SWA) and Symrise Asia Pacific Pte Ltd came together one final time to celebrate their partnership at Chui Huay Lim Teochew Cuisine. This gathering brought together 105 participants, including 37 children and 30 adults from homes supporting women and children, alongside 13 SWA volunteers, 10 guests, and 18 Symrise volunteers.
Celebrating community, partnership, and shared memories
As we marked this milestone, the venue filled with laughter and joy. What began years ago as a partnership to support Project Rebuild had grown into many memories of togetherness and celebration. Today’s event was a testament to the journey we’ve shared and the lives touched along the way.
Behind the Scenes: Volunteers Bring the Magic to Life
Before guests arrived, volunteers from both SWA and Symrise gathered to set up the hall. Angeline Yang led the decoration team, coordinating balloon arrangements and photo booth backdrops, whilst Serene Tan, Stephanie Lim, Catherine Ong, and Pauline Ng organised door gifts, game coupons, and lucky draw tickets for every participant.
The Symrise team set up four game booth stations. The camaraderie amongst volunteers from both organisations reflected the spirit of partnership that has defined this collaboration over the years.
SWA and Symrise volunteers working together to prepare gifts for all participants
Opening Speeches: Gratitude and Reflection
Lee Li Hua, President of SWA, took to the stage to deliver a welcome speech. Her words emphasised the importance of community support and the power of partnerships in helping women and children rebuild their lives with dignity and hope.
Following the opening address, guests watched a short corporate video from Symrise, showcasing the company’s values and commitment to community engagement.
Game Booths Bring Energy and Excitement
Children and families collected their game coupons from four game booth stations around the hall. Each child received four coupons for challenges ranging from sensory guessing games to craft activities.
Symrise volunteers staffed each booth, celebrating every success and encouraging friendly competition. From “Guess the Smell” sensory challenges to “Place it Right” coordination games, each station offered opportunities for laughter and family bonding.
One popular station featured shrink art and keychain-making activities. Tanja Schrader, Pearly Lam, Maru Miranda, Chua Yean Leng, Aricen Ho and Linda Chan guided children through the process, helping them create keepsakes to remember the day.
Capturing Memories with Santa
Families queued at the photo booth to take photos with Santa Claus. Sara Mei Woo, SWA Advisor, along with Kyla Tan (Miss Singapore International 2010) and Roxanne Zhang (Miss Singapore International 2015), joined Santa in welcoming guests and distributing door gifts.
Holiday memories with Santa and the MSPI queens
Children approached Santa for photos and presents, creating memories against the festive backdrop.
A Feast to Remember
The celebration paused for a halal-certified buffet lunch prepared by Chui Huay Lim Teochew Cuisine. The menu featured sweet and sour chicken, spring onion and ginger fish fillet, stir-fried broccoli with garlic, and home-made vegetable beancurd braised with fresh mushrooms, complemented by garlic fried rice and fried noodles.
Chilled Aiyu jelly, fruit punch, and an ice cream booth delighted everyone. The meal created opportunities for conversation amongst volunteers and guests.
Performances
Residents from our partner homes showcased the talents and confidence of those supported by Project Rebuild. Eight performers from the homes took to the stage with a festive dance routine, their synchronised movements and smiles captivating the audience.
Following that performance, three residents from our partner homes delivered a singing and dancing performance.
Lee Li Hua presented prizes to all performers, recognising their courage and talent. The 11 performers received chocolate goodie bags, whilst the remaining 19 children from the shelters also received treats.
Emcees Lead the Celebration
Throughout the event, masters of ceremony Kyla Tan and Roxanne Zhang kept energy levels high. Their coordination ensured smooth transitions between activities, keeping all participants engaged and informed.
Kyla Tan and Roxanne Zhang hosting the celebration
From announcing the ice cream booth opening to leading the lucky draw, Kyla and Roxanne’s professionalism contributed to the event’s success.
Creative Table Games Challenge
Each of the 10 tables received a set of Playdoh to create the most attractive, creative High Tea themed display.
Tables buzzed with activity as families collaborated to craft miniature cakes, sandwiches, teacups, and pastries from the modelling compound. Volunteers Angela Wong, Serene Tan, and Pauline Ng circulated amongst the tables, offering encouragement.
Judges Lee Li Hua and Audrey Heng evaluated each table’s creation based on beauty, creativity, and teamwork. The top three tables received prizes—mugs, unicorn pens, and crayons—whilst every participant received their own prize.
Lucky Draw
Kyla Tan, serving as MC, announced the 20 winners. Participants clutched their lucky draw tickets for a chance to win NTUC vouchers ranging from $10 to $80.
Angela Wong, 2nd Vice President of SWA, drew prizes 21 through 30, followed by Sara Mei Woo, SWA Advisor, who drew prizes 11 through 20. Lee Li Hua drew the top 10 prizes.
Prize presentation
Winners rushed to the stage to collect their prizes. The lucky draw captured the spirit of giving and celebration.
Children’s Artwork
Displays of children’s artwork added colour and personality to the celebration. Young artists from the shelters had created pieces that showcased their creativity and imagination.
Children expressing themselves through creative activities
These artistic expressions reminded everyone of the importance of providing opportunities for children to explore their talents and build confidence. The artwork served as testament to the support offered through Project Rebuild, nurturing not just basic needs but also creativity and self-expression.
Gratitude to Our Partners and Volunteers
This celebration would not have been possible without the volunteers from both SWA and Symrise who gave their time and energy.
SWA Volunteers: Lee Li Hua, Angela Wong, Sara Mei Woo, Angeline Yang, Serene Tan, Stephanie Lim, Kyla Tan, Roxanne, Catherine Ong, Pauline Ng, Wendy
SWA volunteers who brought this celebration to life
Symrise Volunteers: Audrey Heng (Volunteer Committee POC), Laurent Soubiran, Jacky Yee, Lester Antony Francis, Juliana Khatmin, Irene Chong, Chua Yean Leng, Tanja Schrader, Pearly Lam, Maru Miranda, Linda Chan, Xiao Ping, Aricen Ho, and members of their families who joined us.
Symrise volunteers
A Partnership That Transformed Lives
As we celebrate this final gathering, we reflect with gratitude on the journey SWA and Symrise have shared through Project Rebuild. Over the years, Symrise Asia Pacific Pte Ltd has been champions of women and children rebuilding their lives with dignity and hope.
Through many celebrations, skills training sessions, and community gatherings, Symrise volunteers have walked alongside shelter families, offering not just financial support but friendship, encouragement, and belief in new beginnings. Their commitment to Project Rebuild has created change that will continue into the future.
Together we celebrated, together we grew, together we made a difference
To all Symrise volunteers: thank you for believing in our mission and showing up with compassion year after year. You’ve shown shelter families that they are valued, that their dreams matter, and that support can transform lives.
Your partnership has created impact far beyond the events and programmes. The strengthened spirits of families who now believe in their own potential—this is your legacy.
As both organisations move forward, we carry the spirit of collaboration and care that has defined this partnership. Thank you, Symrise, for being partners in creating change through Project Rebuild.
Memories to Cherish
Guests departed with memories, photographs with Santa, door gifts, and prizes. The smiles on every face reflected the success of a celebration that honoured community, partnership, and shared purpose.
This year-end gathering was an affirmation of what happens when organisations come together. The memories created will continue to inspire hope for years to come.