Before the first keynote address echoed through The State Room at Shangri-La Singapore, the atmosphere was already charged with anticipation and joy. The Phoenixus Women With Impact Extravaganza 2025 opened not with speeches, but with an immersive experience — one that invited every participant to reconnect with her sense of beauty, creativity, and purpose.
A Celebration of Self-Expression
Guests began their afternoon exploring the beautifully curated Booth Experiences & Pre-Event Networking segment — a lively constellation of brand and charity partners, each offering more than products or services: they offered transformation.
At the TONI&GUY x K18 booth, participants experienced a moment of rejuvenation — the tactile luxury of having their hair styled and revitalised by professional hands. Laughter and conversation mingled with the soft hum of hairdryers, as women emerged from their chairs renewed, their reflections in the mirror glowing with newfound confidence.
Across the room, the PaoPao Label corner — with its statement sign “Modern Oriental Fashion” — beckoned with an invitation to rediscover style through culture. A draped pao pao cape or modernised cheongsam instantly transformed many visitors; it wasn’t merely about changing clothes, but shifting presence. The garments’ fluidity and structure seemed to echo the event’s deeper message — that empowerment often begins with how one feels within one’s own skin.
Beauty Meets Purpose
Intertwined with these moments of personal transformation were stories of social good. Partner organisations such as Daughters of Tomorrow, Babes Crisis Support, Image Mission, Katsukin Takamura, and NTUC Women’s Wing reminded participants that beauty and empowerment are inseparable from compassion and community.
Every booth — from handcrafted fabrics to hair artistry — became an expression of how creativity can uplift lives. Guests were not simply consumers; they became participants in a shared narrative of giving and transformation.
The Human Canvas
Photographers captured candid portraits of women in motion — hair being styled, fabrics chosen, laughter exchanged. These frames now immortalise that sense of becoming: women turning mirrors into portals of rediscovery.
One participant, caught mid-laughter after her styling session, perfectly embodied the theme “Ignite from Within — Making Impact That Lasts.” The pre-event was more than a warm-up; it was a ritual of transformation — a collective preparation for deeper reflection and dialogue to come.
Guiding the Evening – Emcee Petrina Kow
The evening unfolded under the poised and luminous guidance of Petrina Kow, a seasoned voice and presentation coach whose calm charisma set the tone for the entire event. With her signature warmth and clarity, Petrina carried the audience through the transitions of the programme — from heartfelt introductions to moments of reflection and laughter — holding the room with her resonant voice and effortless grace.
A former radio host and the first Singaporean certified in both Fitzmaurice Voicework and Knight-Thompson Speechwork, Petrina brought her theatre-trained presence and deep understanding of human expression to the stage. Her ability to engage, uplift, and connect gave rhythm to the afternoon, embodying the spirit of the event — authentic voices rising together in harmony.
Whether she was inviting the Guest of Honour to speak, introducing the distinguished panel, or leading applause for the inspiring booth presenters, Petrina reminded everyone that voice is not merely sound — it is the echo of purpose. Her art of presence transformed the programme into a seamless, soulful journey of words, stories, and shared conviction.
Panel Dialogue: “Ignite from Within – Making Impact that Lasts”
Guest of Honour: Ms. Yeo Wan Ling
Panelists: Sharon Phoong-Wong, Sim Hwee Hoon, Moderator Kay Poh
The afternoon’s conversation opened with Guest of Honour Ms. Yeo Wan Ling, Member of Parliament for Punggol GRC and Assistant Secretary-General of NTUC. With calm strength and humour, she spoke about the philosophy of “Flow like water,” echoing Bruce Lee’s timeless words:
“Empty your mind. Be formless, shapeless, like water.
You put water into a cup, it becomes the cup.
You put water into a bottle, it becomes the bottle.
You put it in a teapot, it becomes the teapot.
Water can flow or it can crash. Be water, my friend.”
Ms. Yeo reflected on her own journey — once working overseas, then called back to Singapore during pregnancy. She shared how that pivotal moment reshaped her perspective on leadership and womanhood: that success is not defined by static strength but by the capacity to flow — adapting, nurturing, and yet advancing with quiet power. Her message resonated deeply: women can lead meaningfully while caring for family, and society must continue to enable that balance.
Following her, Sharon Phoong-Wong, Founder and CEO of Motherswork, spoke with the wisdom of an entrepreneur who has built her brand through empathy and endurance. She reminded the audience that “a business is never just about oneself.” Every enterprise, she said, is a living ecosystem sustained by its people — employees, families, and communities. Sharon shared how, through the growth of Motherswork, she discovered that true leadership is found in nurturing others to thrive alongside you — a principle that continues to shape her business ethos.
Sim Hwee Hoon, President of YWCA and seasoned Independent Director, brought a deeply personal reflection. Despite her professional achievements, she revealed that there was a time when she felt a quiet emptiness — success without purpose. It was only when she realigned her path toward service and faith that she rediscovered meaning. Her words, filled with humility, reminded all present that fulfilment is not found in the titles we earn, but in the lives we touch.
As the discussion drew to a close, moderator Kay Poh guided the conversation toward a collective insight: that impact begins within — in self-awareness, courage, and compassion. The panel ended with an uplifting call for solidarity: women empowering women, lifting one another through mentorship, friendship, and purpose-driven action.
Celebrating Purpose through Partnerships
As the afternoon flowed seamlessly from dialogue to discovery, the event culminated in a vibrant showcase of the Booth Experiences & Partner Presentations — each representing not only excellence in craft but also a commitment to community and empowerment.
From beauty and fashion to social impact and mentorship, every partner brought a distinctive voice to the room, echoing the theme of “Ignite from Within.”
TONI&GUY x K18
Bringing artistry and science together, TONI&GUY, in partnership with K18, demonstrated how transformation begins with care. Guests experienced on-the-spot hair consultations and styling, discovering how the right touch — whether through repair treatments or creative design — could restore both confidence and vitality. Their segment reminded everyone that beauty, when rooted in wellness, becomes an act of empowerment.
PaoPao Label
PaoPao Label, with its modern oriental fashion sensibilities, blended heritage craftsmanship with a playful contemporary edge. Their presentation of capes and outerwear inspired by traditional forms invited women to reimagine identity — as fluid, layered, and ever-evolving. PaoPao’s message was clear: to wear beauty with meaning, and to celebrate one’s roots with pride and creativity.
Katsukin Takamura
From Japan came Katsukin Takamura, offering artisanal creations that married precision and artistry. Their showcase reflected the subtlety of Japanese aesthetics — simplicity, harmony, and the beauty of restraint — qualities that spoke to the deeper discipline behind all acts of creation and leadership.
NTUC Women’s Wing
Representing advocacy and policy, the NTUC Women’s Wing reaffirmed their mission of uplifting women in the workforce, ensuring fair opportunities and nurturing career resilience. Their presence connected the conversations of the day to the broader movement for gender equity in Singapore — bridging inspiration with action.
Daughters of Tomorrow (DOT)
The team from Daughters of Tomorrow shared heartfelt stories from their community work, helping underprivileged women access livelihood opportunities. Their message was both humble and profound: empowerment begins with trust, and the courage to take the first step.
Babes Crisis Support Services
Babes spoke about their compassionate work supporting young women through unplanned pregnancies, providing care, counseling, and a non-judgmental space for growth. Their presence added emotional depth — a reminder that empowerment also means compassion for those in vulnerable transitions.
Together, these partners created a living mosaic of purpose — where style met substance, and commerce met compassion. Their stories wove a collective truth: that beauty, empowerment, and leadership are all part of the same radiant continuum — one that begins with self-belief and flows outward to transform communities.
Group Photo & Collaboration for Good
It was a moment to recognise that every collaboration, however small, becomes a ripple in the larger movement for change. Laughter and camaraderie filled the room as everyone — attendees, partners, speakers, and committee members — gathered for the group photo. The image that emerged was not just of smiling faces, but of a living network bound by shared values: to lead with purpose, nurture with empathy, and give back with grace.
Moments of Nourishment and Connection
After an afternoon rich with insight and inspiration, the interlude of refreshments became a tapestry of laughter, conversation, and quiet reflection. Plates filled with delicate bites, each crafted with care, provided more than sustenance — they invited pause, grounding the intellect in sensory delight. In the soft glow of the corridor, old friends found one another again, while new connections sparked over shared stories and sweet indulgences.
Amidst the hum of voices and the gentle clinking of cutlery, the spirit of the event — Ignite from Within — found new expression. Here, nourishment extended beyond the table. It was emotional and communal: a replenishing of energy, a celebration of presence. The act of sharing food became a metaphor for collaboration — reminding everyone that leadership, like a meal, is most meaningful when it is savoured together.
The culinary presentation itself was a quiet triumph — art on porcelain. Each dish, elegantly composed, reflected the sophistication of the gathering: from jewel-toned desserts to savoury morsels that balanced texture and aroma with finesse. The attention to detail mirrored the event’s theme — beauty with purpose, pleasure with meaning. It was a visual and sensory feast that reminded guests that creativity, like nourishment, flourishes when shared with heart and intention.
Final Session: “Phoenixes in Flight” — Stories of Impact
As evening light softened the room, Kay Kutt guided the audience into the final segment — a resonant sharing titled “Phoenixes in Flight.” This session brought to life stories of courage and transformation from within the Phoenixus Network: women who had faced their own summits and valleys, yet emerged with renewed strength, clarity, and purpose.
Each narrative was a testament to the power of resilience — from climbing literal mountains to overcoming inner ones. Through laughter, reflection, and moments of quiet awe, the audience witnessed what it truly means to ignite from within and soar. In these stories, the spirit of Phoenixus — of rebirth, leadership, and sisterhood — found its purest expression: not in perfection, but in perseverance, purpose, and grace in motion.
Closing Reflections — The Fire Within
As the evening drew to a close, a quiet radiance lingered in the air — the kind that remains long after the applause fades. The event had not merely convened women of influence; it had gathered souls united by purpose. Beneath the chandeliers and soft hum of conversation, something invisible yet profound had taken root — a shared awakening, a rekindling of inner fire.
From the opening words to the final embrace, Women with Impact Extravaganza became more than a celebration; it was a living tapestry of courage, grace, and transformation. Every voice that spoke, every ear that listened, added its own thread to this evolving story of sisterhood. Together, these women proved that leadership is not a solitary climb but a collective ascent — one where hands reach out, hearts stay open, and visions take flight.
In the glow of that moment, the message of Phoenixus shone with renewed clarity: We rise by lifting others. And as the lights dimmed over the State Room, each woman departed with a spark — a promise to carry the flame forward, to ignite change wherever life would next take her.
End Notes
Inspired and created a Song.
IGNITE FROM WITHIN
Verse 1
In the golden light of Shangri-La, we came from near and far,
Hearts alive with dreams untold, each woman her own star.
We found our power in laughter’s glow, in mirrors that reflect the soul,
A touch, a word, a spark begun — becoming once again whole.
Chorus
Ignite from within — let your fire begin,
Let beauty and purpose dance under your skin.
We rise by the hands that reach out again,
Together we lead, together we win.
Ignite from within.
Verse 2
From flowing silk to silver thread, from courage softly said,
We dressed our hearts in hope and light, and wore our truths instead.
Through voices calm, through wisdom clear, through stories brave and true,
We learned that love and strength appear — when the heart says, “I see you.”
Chorus
Ignite from within — let your journey begin,
Let compassion be strength, let courage be kin.
We rise by the hearts that believe from within,
Together we shine, together we win.
Ignite from within.
Bridge (Sanskrit Chant + English)
(Sanskrit)
शक्ति प्रवाहमानि दीपं वर्धते ।
नारी तेजो ज्योति प्रज्वलते ॥
(Śakti pravāhamāni dīpaṁ vardhate — nārī tejo jyoti prajvalate)
(English)
Strength flows like a river; the flame within grows,
The woman’s light — eternal, it glows.
Verse 3
From mothers and mentors to sisters and friends,
Our purpose is shared, our circle extends.
Each face a flame, each voice a vow,
We build the future, starting now.
Final Chorus (soaring)
Ignite from within — let your light never dim,
Through the laughter, the tears, the rhythm and hymn.
We rise by the ones who believe we can win,
Together we live, together we begin.
Ignite from within.