Illustration by Michael (@zp0904)

On a starry night at Taylor’s University on 27 July, The Grand Hall transformed into a realm of enchantment as Taylor’s College Student Council (TCSC) hosted a dazzling gala night—Gala Night: A Timeless Soirée, creating an unforgettable experience for all who attended.

As the clock struck 7pm, the hall started to buzz with excitement as the guests arrived one by one, each looking incredibly stunning and perfectly aligned with the theme. At the main entrance, the guests were greeted by a luxurious blue carpet that guided them into the hall, extending all the way to the dance floor. This elegant pathway was outlined by shimmering LED lights, both on the floor and the walkway, lighting up the night. The hall was adorned with balloons and flower petals, prepared for the magical evening ahead.

The guests took their seats and the evening unfolded gracefully with emcees Jeriel Fam and Marissa Ariana guiding the event, setting a smooth and inviting tone for the evening, along with a welcoming speech from the Campus Director of Taylor’s College, Ms Josephine Tan, followed by the Vice President of TCSC, Ang Ling. As night fell and the guests' appetites grew, they were presented with a mouthwatering array of specially curated food options. There were Western options like the classic grilled lamb shoulder with black pepper sauce, as well as Asian options such as the tangy sweet and sour chicken and the Thai-style spicy squid—sure to wake up your taste buds!

As the guests indulged in the delicious meal, the show began, each performance bringing its own unique flair to the stage. Faez and Nurrania took the stage with their guitar duet, performing "No Surprises" by Radiohead and "Linger" by The Cranberries. Their harmonious playing created a soothing ambiance that had the whole audience swaying to the melancholic melodies.

Following this, the piano duet by Brian Lee and Joanne showcased their musical prowess with heartfelt performances of "Love Wins All" by IU and "Best Part" by Daniel Caesar. The delicate and graceful sound of the keys added a touch of grace to the evening, leaving the audience in awe.

The energy levels soared with the eye-catching dance performance by Taylor’s KGEN, who bewitched the crowd with their dynamic choreography to the upbeat tunes of "Easy" and "Smart" by Le Sserafim. The dancers' energetic movements and synchronised routines left everyone spellbound, injecting a burst of excitement into the gala.

The night concluded with a powerful performance by the band Eunoia, who set the stage on fire with their lively renditions of "I Wish You Love" by Laufey, "American Idiot" by Green Day, and "Aku Skandal" by Hujan. Their energetic stage presence and engaging setlist ensured that the event ended on a high note, leaving everyone cheering for more. But this is not the end of the night yet!

As the amazing performances came to an end, the music shifted to a slower, more romantic tempo, inviting guests to the dance floor and sharing a magical slow dance. The atmosphere transformed into one of timeless elegance as the guests glided gracefully across the dance floor, showcasing their finest gala attire. The beautifully adorned hall provided a perfect backdrop for this enchanting sight, making it feel like a scene out of a fairytale!

Soon after, the DJ blasted up the music and took song requests from the audience. The guests let loose, belting out tunes and dancing their hearts out, forgetting all their worries from studies and everyday life, and enjoyed until the end of the night as if time stood still. To help guests relive the night later, a photo booth was set up with a custom backdrop designed by the TCSC members to capture memories of the night.

This event was originally proposed by the previous TCSC batch (February/April ‘23 intake), led by Chia Kay Len, former Co-Director of Informal Events. However, it was then passed to the current TCSC members to bring to life, spearheaded by Lauren Oliaei, current Co-Director of Informal Events and Project Manager of Gala Night. The planning process was bumpy, with multiple challenges along the way, and financial hurdles to overcome. Yet, despite these challenges, the team managed to pull through and make a significant impact. It's clear that TCSC has been passed down to capable hands!

Beyond the entertainment and festivities, this gala night had a deeper purpose. The event was organised to raise funds for a charity organisation—SHELTER, dedicated to helping children who have experienced sexual abuse, trauma, or neglect. The funds raised from ticket sales and additional donations were directed to this vital cause, giving the children the support they need. The evening was both a meaningful contribution to a worthy cause and an opportunity for guests to enjoy themselves in this timeless soirée!