Royal Geographical Society - Singapore

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The official Singapore Branch of the Royal Geographical Society (with IBG)!

03/09/2026

RGS-Singapore is delighted to present the third edition of our annual Quiz Night series: "Around the World in 80 Questions III"!

Join us on 24 September 2026 for another fun and educational evening filled with geography-related trivia. With eight rounds of questions that will take you around the world, there is something geographic for everyone! Questions range from simple and straightforward to one ‘GeoPro’ question per round. You’ll be amazed by how much you know and how much you don't!

You may form teams of up to six people or join a team on the night of the event. Top-performing teams stand a chance to win attractive prizes!

Sign up here: https://www.eventbrite.sg/e/rgs-singapore-quiz-night-2026-around-the-world-in-80-questions-iii-tickets-1999496064554

(Photo credits: Winel Sutanto via Unsplash)

28/08/2026

Thank you for joining us for our August event "Discovering Golden Bell" at the Golden Bell Mansion!

The day began with a comprehensive introduction to the mansion's distinctive architecture and rich history by our guest speaker Roney Tan. Built in 1909 by philantrophist Tan Boon Liat, the Edwardian-style mansion took more than a year to be completed, and our attendees had the rare opportunity to view the original hand-drawn building plans of this historic structure.

Next, Lachlan Burr-Jensen from the Danish Seamen's Church Singapore (Danske Sømandskirke Singapore) gave a presentation on the estate's modern chapter, shedding light on its transformation into a key part of Singapore's Danish community, as well as the fascinating ties between Singapore and Denmark over the past decades. This was followed by a tour of the mansion's upper floor, during which our attendees could explore the mansion's unique architectural features up close. The event ended with a delectable spread of Danish refreshments, courtesy of the Church.

Many thanks to Roney and Lachlan for the informative presentations, the Danish Seamen's Church Singapore for hosting us and all who joined us for the morning!

Stay tuned for our annual Quiz Night on 24 September - event details will be posted soon!

Yours,
RGS-Singapore

10/08/2026

Tickets are selling fast for our 15 August event "Discovering Golden Bell"! Don't miss this opportunity to join us for an exclusive guided tour of the historic Golden Bell Mansion on Mount Faber, with access to parts of the heritage building that are generally closed to the public!

In this tour, Roney Tan — great-great-grandson of philanthropist Tan Tock Seng — reveals the mansion’s origins. Built in 1909 by his uncle, Tan Boo Liat, this architectural marvel famously hosted revolutionary leader Dr. Sun Yat Sen. Roney takes us through the rich history of 10 Pender Road before introducing us to its modern chapter: since 1975, it has housed the Danish Seamen’s Church. Join us in exploring how this iconic hilltop estate transformed from a lavish Straits Chinese palace into a vital sanctuary and vibrant cultural hub for Singapore’s Danish community!

Sign up here: https://www.eventbrite.sg/e/roney-tan-discovering-golden-bell-tickets-1995051870851

About the speaker:
Roney Tan is a great-great grandson of Singapore philanthropist, Mr. Tan Tock Seng and a nephew of Chinese community leader, Mr. Tan Boo Liat who built the iconic Golden Bell mansion. A keen history enthusiast, he obtained his M. Soc. Sc. from the then University of Singapore in 1973. He has co-edited a book on his family's contributions to Singapore, entitled "An Illustrious Heritage - the History of Tan Tock Seng and Family" that was launched in 2022 by then Deputy Prime Minister, Heng Swee Keat.

Roney had served in Tan Tock Seng Hospital's Medifund Committee for over 30 years, only retiring his chairmanship in March last year. During this time, he had received numerous accolades, including the prestigious Most Distinguished Contributor Award by the National Health Group in 2010. Roney is the unofficial spokesman of the Tan Tock Seng Family.

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(Photo credits: as shown in watermark)

27/07/2026

RGS-Singapore presents our August event: Discovering Golden Bell!

Join us on Saturday, 15 August 2026 for an exclusive guided tour of the historic Golden Bell Mansion situated on Mount Faber.

In this tour, Roney Tan — great-great-grandson of philanthropist Tan Tock Seng — reveals the mansion’s origins. Built in 1909 by his uncle, Tan Boo Liat, this architectural marvel famously hosted revolutionary leader Dr. Sun Yat Sen. Roney takes us through the rich history of 10 Pender Road before introducing us to its modern chapter: since 1975, it has housed the Danish Seamen’s Church. Join us in exploring how this iconic hilltop estate transformed from a lavish Straits Chinese palace into a vital sanctuary and vibrant cultural hub for Singapore’s Danish community!

Danish light refreshments will be available before and after the tour.

Sign up here: https://www.eventbrite.sg/e/roney-tan-discovering-golden-bell-tickets-1995051870851

(Photo credits: as shown in watermark)

26/06/2026

As June comes to an end, here's a throwback to our event with former professional climber Jane Lee earlier this month!

Jane led Singapore's first all-women climbing team to the summit of Mount Everest and later skied across Greenland completely unaided. It was a delight to hear her enthralling recount of how she and her team prepared for the various expeditions, as well as the valuable lessons learnt from overcoming each unexpected obstacle along the way.

Jane also introduced a refreshing perspective on how these big goals are achieved - while some may romanticise the process as acts of heroic energy, her experience was instead a healthy mix of adaptability, perseverance, and teamwork, even during periods when things seemed bleak. The determination to overcome inertia and perform these ordinary and sometimes mundane actions across every part of the journey were what made these seemingly impossible goals within reach.

Many thanks to Jane for sharing your inspiring story with us, and we wish you the very best in your upcoming expeditions. A big thank-you to The British Club Singapore for hosting us, and everyone who joined us for this event!

We will be taking a short break next month - see you again in August!

Yours,
RGS-Singapore Committee

02/06/2026

Meet our June guest speaker: Jane Lee!

Jane is a former professional climber from Singapore and holds the record as the first Southeast Asian woman to complete the Seven Summits, scaling the highest peak on each continent. She led Singapore’s first women’s team to the summit of Mount Everest and later skied across Greenland unaided. In her professional life today, Jane is an innovation leader in the food and agriculture sector, with a corporate career that began at McKinsey & Company. A global citizen, she has lived and worked across North America, Europe, and Asia Pacific, and is also the author of the bestselling new book, “Small Steps to Big Summits”, published by Penguin Random House.

Jane will be joining us at The British Club Singapore this Thursday (4 June) to share an enthralling and inspiring recount of her expeditions from our little red dot to the most extreme ends of our planet! Don't miss this final opportunity to book your tickets for this event: https://www.eventbrite.sg/e/jane-lee-an-unlikely-adventurer-tickets-1987796328328

See you on Thursday!

28/05/2026

RGS-Singapore presents: "An Unlikely Adventurer – from tropical Singapore to the extreme ends of the Earth" with former professional climber Jane Lee!

How does someone from a tiny tropical island with no mountains end up climbing the highest peak on Earth and skiing across Greenland completely unaided?

Jane's answer has nothing to do with natural talent — and everything to do with choice and what it means to back yourself when the odds say otherwise. In this talk, she tells the honest, often absurd story of some adventure highlights, including leading Singapore's first all-women's Everest team and crossing the Greenland icecap on skis. She unpacks what it actually took, what went wrong, and what she learned about performing under pressure when carefully laid plans go sideways.

The through-line isn't simply adventure, though there is plenty of that. It's the mental models we build, the decisions we make when things get hard, and the surprising freedom that comes from embracing uncertainty rather than avoiding it.

Join us at the on 4 June 2026 to hear Jane's enthralling and inspiring recount of her expeditions from our little red dot to the most extreme ends of our planet!

More details and tickets are available via Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.sg/e/jane-lee-an-unlikely-adventurer-tickets-1987796328328

24/05/2026

Thank you for joining us at the Hollandse Club Singapore last week for our May event "A Visitor in the Night: Comet Photography by Avishek Kumar"!

It was a magical night under the stars as Avishek recounted his journey of photographing comets from different parts of the world, including the skills, equipment, and knowledge involved in capturing these fleeting moments. Avishek takes pride in blending the art and science of astrophotography with local culture – by capturing the unique surroundings in addition to the comet, the end product is a powerful image that illustrates how nature and culture may be weaved into a visual masterpiece.

Astrophotography is not just about preparation and patience – it is also crucial to think outside the box and utilise one's knowledge of local geographical features to make key decisions that can affect the end product. Some of Avishek's most prized photos are those captured from unconventional locations that showcase the beauty of not just the comet, but also that of the surrounding built environment.

Many thanks to Avishek for your detailed sharing, and everyone who joined us for this event!

Our next talk, "An Unlikely Adventurer – from tropical Singapore to the extreme ends of the Earth" by Jane Lee, is also open for sign-ups! Please refer to this link for more details: https://www.eventbrite.sg/e/jane-lee-an-unlikely-adventurer-tickets-1987796328328

Thank you, and see you again in June!

Yours,
RGS-Singapore Committee

13/05/2026

Last day to sign up for our 14 May event "A Visitor in the Night: Comet Photography by Avishek Kumar" at the Hollandse Club Singapore!

Don't miss this final opportunity to check out a collection of stunning photographs of comets captured from different parts of the world, and learn about the techniques and stories behind the recording of these fleeting moments of natural wonder!

Register here: https://www.eventbrite.sg/e/avishek-kumar-a-visitor-in-the-night-tickets-1987797253094

About the speaker:
Avishek Kumar is a photographer, adventurer, doctor, and businessman who believes powerful images are created with intention, and not just captured. His work is driven by meticulous planning, patience, and a deep curiosity about light, landscape, and timing. Over the past six years, he has pursued comets across the world, motivated not just by the final image, but by the adventure of capturing a rare, unrepeatable moment.

11/05/2026

The RGS-Singapore Committee is deeply saddened by the passing of Timothy Heng, our March 2026 guest speaker, in the recent Mount Dukono eruption.

Timo joined us earlier this year to share his experiences of training to become the first Singaporean anti-poaching ranger in South Africa, and undertaking frontline wildlife conservation work in the African Savanna. His insightful talk has reshaped our understanding of the everyday challenges faced by anti-poaching rangers tasked with protecting wildlife in these environments.

Our thoughts are with Timo's family and loved ones during this difficult time.

RGS-Singapore Committee
11 May 2026

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https://www.rgs-sg.org/

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