Thank you for joining us in an evening of wine and convivality as we celebrate the bonds that bring us together.
You are a distinguished medical doctor and the founder of one of Singapore’s leading aesthetic clinics, where you have earned renown for your expertise in advanced laser treatments focused on skin health and rejuvenation. Your dedication to both science and patient care has positioned you at the forefront of aesthetic medicine in Asia.
Beyond your medical career, you are a long-time aficionado of fine wine, gastronomy, and cultural heritage. Since 1988, you have been a proud member of the Singapore chapter of the Commanderie de Bordeaux, as well as a member of the Confrérie de la Chaîne des Rôtisseurs and the Knights of Alba. These affiliations reflect your profound commitment and appreciation for the art of viticulture and culinary excellence.
You are also a passionate traveller who explores the world through the lens of wine, cuisine, culture, and history. Every journey you undertake is a pursuit of meaningful expériences, those that blend indulgence with cultural depth.
A strong advocate for healthy longevity, you live by a philosophy that embraces balanced nutrition, moderate wine enjoyment, and a physically active lifestyle. Your days are filled with movement, whether rollerblading, scuba diving, windsurfing, hiking, or motorsports, you embody vitality and mindfulness in every aspect of your life.
Now at 68, you continue to embrace life with passion and gratitude. You cherish the simpler pleasures, time spent with your grandchildren, the warmth of vinyl records, the comfort of a good book or film, and the joy of sharing meaningful conversations with loved ones over a thoughtfully chosen bottle of wine.
We take great pleasure in receiving you, Kenneth Thean, into the family of the Jurade as Vigneron d’Honneur et Bourgeois de Saint-Emilion.
As an entrepreneur in Singapore, you represent the third generation of a distinguished family-owned business, engaged in the distribution of consumer foods, beverages, electronics, wellness, and nutrition products. Your professional journey is marked by a deep respect for heritage, innovation, and quality.
You possess a sincere appreciation for life and the beauty of human creativity—whether expressed through automobiles, fine timepieces, fashion, exceptional cuisine, or remarkable wines and spirits. Your refined tastes reflect a keen eye for excellence and authenticity.
A dedicated fitness enthusiast, you maintain a balanced lifestyle. When not at the office or enjoying a fine glass of Merlot, you are often found in a spin class, embracing the discipline and energy of physical activity—an effort that makes each culinary indulgence all the more rewarding.
You value the warmth of friendship and the joy of shared moments. For you, few pleasures surpass those of gathering with dear friends, a good bottle of wine, and heartfelt conversation—simple yet profound experiences that enrich your days and embody your philosophy of living well.
Wayne Goh, it is our pleasure to name you Vigneron d’Honneur et Bourgeois de Saint-Emilion.
Since 2015, you have been actively involved in your family’s wine business, building a strong presence as an importer and distributor in both Hong Kong and mainland China. Your role has been pivotal in shaping the company’s vision and expanding its reach within a dynamic and evolving market.
In 2018, you enhanced your expertise by earning a Master’s degree in International Wine Management from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, equipping yourself with a comprehensive understanding of global wine markets, business strategy, and cultural appreciation.
As a true wine lover, your work is driven by a genuine passion and an insatiable curiosity for discovering value-driven wines from France and across the globe. You actively seek out wines that offer both quality and character—ones that resonate with your customers and reflect your personal commitment to excellence.
To share your passion more widely, you organize a wide range of wine events, including tastings, pairing sessions, and educational experiences. These gatherings are designed not only to promote the wines you import, but also to foster deeper connections between your customers and the world of wine, making every bottle a story worth discovering.
Michael Sze, we are delighted to declare you Prud’homme de la Jurade.
A dynamic leader and seasoned professional, currently serving as the Asia CEO of a prestigious international broking firm. With a sharp business acumen and a passion for connecting markets, Sirikit has played a pivotal role in driving innovation and growth in the financial service sector.
Beyond the corporate world, Sirikit is a dedicated traveller, constantly seeking new experiences and cultures that enrich both professional and personal perspectives. A true enthusiast, Sirikit appreciates the fine nuances of wine and gastronomy, savouring the best culinary delights across the globe. Music and dance are integral to Sirikit’s life, adding rhythm and energy to every adventure. When not immersed in business strategy or cultural pursuits, Sirikit enjoys spending time on the golf course with her family and friends, honing skills and embracing the challenge of the sport.
With a vision for excellence and a passion for living life to the fullest, Sirikit continues to inspire and learn from admirable leaders, blending business expertise with a rich tapestry of personal interests.
Sirikit Oh, for all these reasons, we are happy to name you Dame de la Jurade.
As a seasoned hotelier with a lifelong dedication to the hospitality industry, you bring an exceptional depth of experience and passion to your work. Your career began with a Diploma in Hotel Management, earned in 1995 through a collaborative initiative between the Singapore and Malaysia Hotel Associations.
In your pursuit of continuous growth, you completed advanced training through the General Manager Program at Cornell University and the Nanyang Institute of Hospitality Management in 2009. These milestones further refined your leadership approach and broadened your strategic outlook.
Over the years, you have had the privilege of leading exceptional teams and curating memorable guest experiences across a variety of properties. Your leadership philosophy centers on creating hotels that serve as gateways to discovery—inviting guests to engage deeply with the local culture, landscapes, and especially, the wines of the region.
A central part of your mission has been to integrate the richness of regional wines into the hospitality experience. You have consistently prioritized wine in your restaurants and bars, organizing wine tastings and pairing experiences that cater to all guests—from casual tourists to seasoned wine connoisseurs.
Your commitment to authenticity and excellence is further reflected in your collaborations with winemakers, sommeliers, and regional wine bodies. Through these partnerships, you have curated impactful tastings and promotional events that spotlight both emerging wineries and historic domaines, offering guests a true taste of the region’s heritage.
Choon Teck Khew, for all these reasons, we are happy to name you Prud’homme de la Jurade.
Ace began her career in mortgage lending and later expanded into wealth management, driven by a desire to continuously learn, grow, and thrive in the banking industry.
Beyond her professional life, Ace is deeply passionate about wine—drawn to its richness, complexity, and its remarkable ability to bring people together. She finds genuine joy in sharing great bottles and heartfelt conversations with her close-knit circle of wine-loving friends, continually enriching her appreciation for both the craft and the community of wine.
Ace Tay, it is our pleasure to name you Dame de la Jurade.
With an impressive career spanning over 40 years in the alcohol industry, you bring a wealth of experience and expertise to the table.
You spent more than two decades with Bacardi, where you honed your knowledge and built a strong foundation in the field. In 2011, you took a bold entrepreneurial step by founding your own importing and distribution company, Boutique Fine Wines & Spirits Sdn Bhd, based in Malaysia.
Under your leadership, your company has specialized in importing and distributing premium wines, particularly from renowned regions such as Bordeaux, Burgundy, Tuscany, and Napa Valley. Your dedication to quality and your deep understanding of the market have distinguished your business in a competitive industry.
Over the years, you have organized more than a hundred masterclasses and dinner events, promoting and celebrating fine wines. Notably, you have hosted events in collaboration with prestigious châteaux, including Château Angélus and Château de Pressac. Furthermore, your involvement has extended to coordinating corporate tours and sales events directly at Bordeaux châteaux, enhancing both visibility and appreciation for these exceptional estates.
Karen Lee, it is our pleasure to name you Dame de la Jurade.
Paul is Australian and the son of Korean immigrant parents who made their way to Sydney where he was born. He came to Singapore for “one year only” in 2006 and 18 years later he’s still here and loving it in the place he calls home.
Paul got a taste for wine in Australia but didn’t learn to really appreciate wine until Singapore. He’s new to wine and still learning, so he appreciates any chance to build his knowledge further with others over a drink…. when he has a leave pass!
Wine is best when enjoyed with friends – Paul was fortunate to meet the Jurade community through his BFF and travelled to join him as “his other half” in their Saint-Emillion wine trip in 2023 which was a highlight.
He’s married with three kids (one is four-legged), he likes to stay active, loves to socialise (or so his wife keeps telling him) and is an accountant by training but not by personality.
We take great pleasure in receiving you, Paul Pak, into the family of the Jurade as Vigneron d’Honneur et Bourgeois de Saint-Emilion.
Your journey in the food and beverage industry began shortly after you earned your Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration in 2000, setting the stage for a meaningful and enduring career.
In 2005, together with your longstanding partners in Bordeaux—renowned wine négociants—you co-founded Comptoir Français du Vin. Despite facing the significant challenges of high taxes and a complex market in Thailand, you embraced the ambition of importing Bordeaux wines with a mix of passion and audacity. This journey, now nearly two decades long, is a testament to your perseverance and vision.
Over the years, you have consistently dedicated yourself to promoting the prestige and heritage of Bordeaux and Saint-Émilion wines. At the same time, you have demonstrated adaptability and foresight by responding to the changing tastes and lifestyles of today’s consumers—especially the emerging younger generation of wine lovers.
To further strengthen your expertise, you pursued and obtained the WSET Level 3 certification in 2021, followed by the French Wine Scholar title in 2024. Your commitment to deepening your knowledge reflects your ongoing passion for wine, and your unwavering dedication to sharing the excellence of Saint-Émilion wines with Thailand’s wine enthusiasts.
Cheerawan Utchaiya, it is our pleasure to name you Dame de la Jurade.
You have dedicated your entire professional life to public service within the financial sector, embodying a deep sense of responsibility and commitment. Now, in this new and semi-retired chapter, you continue to offer your expertise and insight through roles in corporate stewardship, while also engaging in meaningful voluntary work—giving back generously to the community you have served for many years.
For all this, you’ve been awarded the Public Administration Medal by the President of Singapore in 2014 for your public service contributions.
Beyond your distinguished professional and civic engagements, you cultivate a rich personal life rooted in the pursuit of wellness, discovery, and the pleasures of gastronomy and fine wines. Few moments, for you, rival the serenity and joy found in sharing a good glass of wine with loved ones, watching the sun set—an evening ritual that brings both reflection and contentment.
This harmonious blend of ongoing contribution, personal fulfillment, and appreciation for life’s simple yet profound pleasures defines your current journey, and stands as a testament to a life lived with purpose and grace.
Kim Leng Chua, for all these reasons, it is our pleasure to name you Vigneron d’Honneur et Bourgeois de Saint-Emilion.