A Decade of excellence, a future of opportunity – 10 years in Asia

On the 6th of December, 120 guests came together at the Asian Civilisation Museum, a heritage building in Singapore, to celebrate a decade for 3i in Asia.

Guest of Honour, Mr Tharman Shanmugaratnam, Minister of Finance and Minster of Education, gave an opening address, highlighting Singapore’s unique position within Asia, multi-cultural identity and economic strengths, did well to set the tone for the evening.

With 16% of the Group’s new investments in Asia for the year until March 31st 2006, US$535 million invested in the year to March 31st 2007 and over US$400 million invested in the last six months, we had more than enough to celebrate with regards to business performance. However, the purpose of the event was to highlight our focus on the future, a future of opportunity.

“Singapore is at the heart of our Asia network,” Chris Rowlands, Managing Partner, Head of Asia

Chris’s presentation touched on our performance as a group, and in Asia, emphasizing the importance of Singapore as an international business hub at the heart of our Asian network, but also as a great place to do business. Digital profiles of three of our Singapore-based investments: Asia Capital Re., Franklin Offshore and Nimbus Communications, brought our relationships, investment approach and sector focus to life.

Simple designs, in Singapore’s national colours; a champagne reception; a five course dinner with Jazz entertainment from Claressa Monterio, renowned Singaporean solo artist, made for an elegant evening:

“It has been some time since I last hosted such an elegant event.” Diana Ser, Singapore celebrity and Television Broadcaster for Channel NewsAsia, our Master of Ceremony for the evening.

The highlight of the evening was by far the finale, by Selina Tang, a 12 year old violinist, who beautifully represented a ‘future of opportunity,’ and a true celebration of talent.