Mazda is Proud to be the Official Car for SJ50 – Celebrating 50 years of Singapore-Japan Diplomatic Relations

SINGAPORE, 21 October 2016 – Eurokars Group presents Mazda as the official car of the SJ50 Event, a specially-curated event which celebrates the momentous occasion of 50 years of excellent diplomatic relations between Singapore and Japan.
In conjunction with the SJ50 Event and its aim to enhance social inclusiveness and raise awareness about individuals with special needs, Mazda is participating in the three-day event that is taking place from 21 to 23 October at the Paragon Shopping Centre.

“Even as Eurokars Group celebrates its success in doing business, it believes in making a positive impact on the communities that it serves and operates in, and in doing its part to give back to society. The group has made significant contributions to various charities over the years. For its efforts in building social capital and contributing to the community, Eurokars Group has been conferred the Community Partnership Excellence Award of the People’s Association Community Spirit Awards 2016,” says Mr Karsono Kwee, Executive Chairman of Eurokars Group.

“We think it is fitting for Mazda, a made-in-Japan car which has gained a strong and loyal following here in Singapore, to be the official car for the SJ50 Event. As of September 2016, Mazda is now ranked third in Singapore in terms of new registrations, according to the latest Land Transport Authority New Registration statistics,” he adds.

The SJ50 Event is headlined by a performance and exhibition entitled “A Stroke of Genius” featuring Miss Shoko Kanazawa, a highly acclaimed Japanese calligrapher with Down Syndrome, and a piano performance entitled “The Sound of Silence” by Singaporean Mr Azariah Tan, an award-winning concert pianist who was diagnosed with bilateral hearing loss at the age of four. The opening performances and exhibition, which were graced by the Guest-of-Honour, Mr Tan Chuan-Jin, Minister for Social and Family Development, attracted an enthusiastic turnout at the Paragon Shopping Centre today.

Among the guests of the opening were His Excellency Mr Kenji Shinoda, the Ambassador of Japan to Singapore; representatives from the Singaporean and Japanese government and business communities, and recipients of the 938LIVE Friends of Singapore-Japan Business Community and Corporate Champions of Inclusiveness accolade. Representatives of the special needs and arts communities in Singapore were also present to show their support.

Miss Kanazawa’s soulful and intuitive brush strokes mesmerized and firmly grasped the crowd’s attention. Her distinctive and bold brushstrokes are capable of expressing strong emotions, and are a reflection of her own interpretation of the words. At home and abroad, her can-do spirit; determination to overcome obstacles, passion for her craft and dedication to raising support for causes that are linked to people with down syndrome and disabilities, have earned her respect and admiration.

After Miss Kanazawa’s performance, the enchanting sounds of the ivory keys made by Mr Azariah Tan performing his rendition of a classical composition transformed the Paragon Shopping Centre into a grandiose operatic stage. Rounding off the opening, Mr Tan, who returned home specially for “The Sound of Silence” from the US where he had just graduated with a Doctorate in Piano Performance from the University of Michigan, led with the opening strains of “Home” – a tune that is well-loved by many Singaporeans – and the guests were then surprised with a melodious “Flash Choir” performance by singers from Temasek Polytechnic.

Catch “A Stroke of Genius” and “The Sound of Silence” between 12 noon to 2.15pm from 22 to 23 October. View Miss Shoko Kanazawa’s unique calligraphy works on exhibition from 10am to 10pm daily from 21 to 23 October.