The Singapore Armenian Heritage Committee today announced plans for a series of extraordinary events to be held in Singapore during the week of October 4, 2010. The Committee expects this celebration to be the largest gathering of Armenians and their friends in Singapore in modern history.

The weeklong celebration will include a diverse range of cultural, economic development, and festive events highlighting the Armenian community and its contributions to Singapore.

The Celebration is open to all who have a positive interest in strengthening relations with Singapore, Armenia, and the global Armenian Diaspora.

Internationally recognized Armenian entertainers will perform as part of the Celebration, which will be attended by local and international dignitaries. In addition, organizers are reaching out to Armenians and their friends throughout the world as well as to the Government of the Republic of Armenia to join the celebration.

The Committee is planning an evening Gala at the Armenian-founded Raffles Hotel highlighting Armenian contributions to Singapore and other countries along the Silk Road.

Special religious and cultural events will be held at Singapore's oldest church, the Armenian Church of St. Gregory the Illuminator Singapore, to commemorate the Church's 175th Anniversary.

Committee Chairman Paul B. Kazarian, Chairman and CEO of Japonica Partners, commented, "This celebration is a wonderful opportunity for Armenians and their friends around the world to learn from the extraordinary success stories in Singapore."

Former United States Ambassador to Singapore and Committee Co-Chair, Frank Lavin, stated, "This is a great opportunity to strengthen the Armenian community and its ties to Singapore."

The Celebration seeks to build and strengthen the local Armenian community and its contributions to Singapore through a series of ongoing cultural and economic development activities. Significant Armenian contributions to Singapore include: the first Christian Church, St. Gregory; the renowned Raffles Hotel; the National Flower, Vanda Miss Joaquim; and, the leading national newspaper, the Straits Times.

Haig Didizian, a prominent member of the international Armenian community, noted "Armenians throughout the world should attend the celebration and experience the rich culture of both Singapore and its Armenian community, and to witness firsthand the significance of the Church in Armenian life."

Professor Tommy Koh, Ambassador-At-Large at the Singapore Ministry of Foreign Affairs observed, "Strengthening the Armenian community in Singapore is a great benefit to all," and encourages all to visit and experience firsthand the wonders of Singapore.

Singapore's Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew's visit to the Republic of Armenia from 17-19 September 2009, where he will meet with His Holiness Karekin II Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan, Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan and members of the National Competitive Foundation of Armenia, is a historic step in strengthening Singapore-Armenian relations.

Those interested in learning more about, or participating in, the events should contact armenian.church@yahoo.com. Information on the history of the Armenian Church and the Armenian community in Singapore can be found at www.armeniansinasia.org. A panoramic video tour of the Church can be viewed at www.singaporevr.com/vrs/ArmenianChurch/ArmenianChurchInside.html.

Over the next several months, there will be announcements of additional Co-chairs who share the common passion to rebuild the strength of the Armenian community in Singapore, as well as announcements of additional events.