Every professional association should find occasions on which to acknowledge the contributions made to the profession by outstanding practitioners and to encourage the development of talented young individuals who are the future leaders. On Saturday 22 January, LAS did just that in very pleasant surroundings at the Hotel Rendezvous. The LAS High Tea was opened by Guest of Honour  Dr Varaprasad  who gave food for thought in a brief and provocative address on the future of libraries and librarians.

The awards ceremony followed. Two young people with potential were recognized with the LAS Library School Scholarship going to Ms Vu Giang Thanh, Samantha and the LAS Outstanding Newcomer Award going to Mr Nurhazman Aziz Abdul.

The LAS award will assist Samantha in her studies for the Masters Degree in Information Studies at Nanyang Technological University. For Nurhazman it is hoped that the award will inspire him to greater heights in the years to come as a professional librarian.

Next, a current leader in the library profession in Singapore, Choy Fatt Cheong, received a well-earned acknowledgement of the many years of outstanding contributions to LAS and the profession at all levels and in almost all possible roles through the award of the LAS Professional Service Award. Finally, Datin Patricia Lim Pui  Huen was awarded the LAS Lifetime Contribution Award for decades of innovation and promotion of scholarship. Dr Lim has contributed prolifically, nationally and internationally, both as a librarian and scholar and is still actively publishing at an age when most have long relinquished active professional publication.

Both of these recipients spoke eloquently of the drivers for their dedication over many years and in the face of many challenges. As Choy said, not everyone has to be a leader to support libraries and librarianship.  The profession can benefit from all contributions made according to individual ability and opportunity. All that is required is a commitment  to face the challenges to the profession , which, as Dr Varaprasad pointed out earlier are substantial.

The High Tea followed the more serious  part of the programme with the inner librarian then being well sustained by an excellent meal and related conviviality. LAS thanks Micrographics Data for their sponsorship of this stimulating and pleasant occasion.

Contributed by Isabella Trahn