24-year old student-teacher and family to experience a magical night at the transformed Esplanade Theatre stage this Jubilee Weekend
6 August 2015, Singapore — Following a week-long search, SG50 has finally found its biggest fan. The lucky winner, Tay Zhi Wen, 24, impressed the judges with a 15-second musical mashup of “Happy Birthday” and this year’s National Day Song, “Our Singapore” with a violin and er hu. Her creative video has earned her and her family a one-night staycation on the Esplanade Theatre stage, and four tickets to the National Day Parade.
Zhi Wen’s video was chosen over 168 other participants who took part in the 10-day contest. The 24-year-old and her family have a deep love of the arts and Esplanade, where she has performed at several times before with the Singapore Youth Chinese Orchestra and Chung Cheng High School (Main) Chinese Orchestra. Her brother, who plays the suona, and her boyfriend, a music composer, will be joining her for the exciting night’s stay at Esplanade. She will also be accompanied by her mother, whose support for her children’s musical interests has allowed her to play audience to many of their performances at Esplanade, but who has never had the chance to experience the stage on such an intimate level before.
“When I received a call from the SG50 organising committee, I just couldn’t believe my ears. I’m happy that I won. Having performed at Esplanade many times before, this will be a really great chance for my family and I to experience Esplanade like never before, in a more intimate and personal way. We are very grateful and feel privileged that we have been offered this special opportunity to celebrate SG50 in Singapore, at what we sometimes call our second home this coming Jubilee weekend, and to create more memories in this beloved Theatre,” said Zhi Wen.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=16NneJehGzs
Themed “A Night through Time“, the party of four’s home at the Esplanade Theatre stage will be refurbished in a style reminiscent of 1960s Singapore. Unique features of the room include old and authentic pieces of furniture that have stood the test of time since the 1960s and have been lovingly restored. The performances, sound effects and stage lighting have also been specially designed to make the entire sensory experience at the Theatre as authentically 1960s as possible.
As part of the experience, Singaporean actress Oon Shu An will play host to the party of four, and take them on a journey back to 1960s Singapore. There, they will have an opportunity to enjoy a fun-filled programme of arts performances, a behind-the-scenes tour of Esplanade, a dinner at Esplanade’s rooftop restaurant, and end their stay with coveted seats at the 2015 National Day Parade.
“The Singapore story is one that resonates deeply with me in my heart. Theatre is my first love and it is a privilege for me to welcome the upcoming winners in a staycation that will literally take them on “A Night Through Time”. This one-of-a-kind event would not have been possible without the collaboration among SG50, Airbnb and Esplanade, and I look forward to bringing them through this once in a lifetime experience” said Oon Shu An, Singaporean actress.
“We are excited to host Zhi Wen and her family at Esplanade. Her birthday wish for Singapore was not only creative but heartwarming, and we hope they enjoy the experience of staying at a venue that some of the very best artists from Singapore and around the world have performed before. We would also like to welcome all Singaporeans to celebrate Singapore’s Golden Jubilee with us at Esplanade, where there will be arts performances and activities by our very talented Singapore artists,” said Racel Yee, Head, Service Delivery & Standards, The Esplanade Co Ltd.
“Airbnb is thrilled to be able to provide a magical hospitality experience for Singapore’s biggest fan and loved ones at Esplanade this Jubilee Weekend. As our guests experience “A Night through Time” at this iconic location, they will be immersed in the richness and nostalgia of Singapore’s exceptional history and culture, and be inspired about the exciting future ahead. This is what Airbnb is all about – creating unforgettable moments in unique accommodations. We couldn’t be happier to make Zhi Wen’s staycation an unforgettable one,” said Chai Jia Jih, Managing Director, Southeast Asia and India, Airbnb.
To watch all the video contest entries that were submitted for this contest, go to apps.facebook.com/sgfiftybiggestfan. Information on the Esplanade Airbnb listing and the programme for the evening can be found at www.airbnb.com/SG50biggestfan.
About Singapore50
Singapore is celebrating the 50th anniversary of its independence in 2015. To commemorate and celebrate this major milestone in our nation’s history, Singaporeans will not only have a say in how the nation celebrates its Golden Jubilee, they will also be invited to plan and organise activities. To guide and coordinate the plans for the 50th anniversary celebrations, a Steering Committee chaired by Minister for Education Heng Swee Keat has been formed. Named the Singapore50 (SG50) Steering Committee, it comprises representatives from the public, private and people sectors. For more information on SG50, please visit www.singapore50.sg.
For more information on SG50, please visit the follow digital platforms:
SG50 Official Website: www.singapore50.sg
SG50 Facebook: www.facebook.com/sg2015
SG50 Instagram:
www.instagram.com/singapore50