Making a Positive Impact Together
January 31, 2019 - MoFo Life, MoFo Diversity

MoFo Singapore Celebrates Diversity, Inclusion, and Working Across Differences

MoFo Singapore Celebrates Diversity, Inclusion, and Working Across Differences

MoFo Singapore’s celebration of diversity and inclusion delighted the senses and inspired the mind. The central theme of the evening, “Working Across Differences,” was creatively reflected through a thought-provoking panel discussion as well as lively entertainment, bespoke diversity- inspired food and wine tasting menus, and a cast of distinguished guest panelists. Over 150 MoFo staff, clients, leading D&I champions, and friends attended the evening reception held at Cargo39, a spectacular warehouse venue on Singapore’s industrial waterfront.

Guests were greeted at the venue by an eye-catching exhibition showcasing the firm’s diversity achievements and values, along with music from Singapore’s popular Cuban and Latin band, Havana Social Club.

Designed to engage and inform, the centerpiece of the evening was a lively and thought-provoking discussion on working across differences in our personal and professional lives.

Moderated by MoFo Singapore’s Litigation Department head Dan Levison, the discussion featured guest panelists, Ivan Heng, founder of leading Singapore professional theatre company W!LD RICE; award-winning Singaporean playwright, Alfian Sa’at; and Dell’s head of Diversity and Inclusion for Asia Pacific, Greater China, and Japan Sophie Guerin, who shared the stage with MoFo partner Yemi Tépé and of counsel Maria Steeples.

Welcome remarks by Dan Levison centered on why diversity and inclusion are so important to MoFo, its culture, and its success. The discussion and ensuing Q&A sessions focused on, among other things, the relevance of diversity and inclusion in the Singapore context, personal stories about how to be our authentic selves in the workplace, and the role of theatre in helping people to see beyond the limitations and biases of individual perspectives and to imagine other possibilities.

The evening concluded with a diversity-inspired dinner created by Chef Matteo Pertoldi from boutique caterers Átipico, a delicious selection of wines for tasting provided by Giacomo Pallesi of Angra Wine & Spirit, and entertainment by Singaporean illusionist Ferris Yao.

The evening proved to be meaningful and memorable for those who attended. Guest speaker Sophie Guerin commented, “I was deeply inspired by the work, stories and contributions of my fellow panelists. Despite the wide range of industries, it was clear to me that only together can we drive more inclusive and diverse environments. I’m impressed by MoFo’s leadership and commitment to D&I and commend the team on what was truly an inspiring evening.”

W!LD RICE founder Ivan Heng said of the evening, “It was apparent, from the moment we arrived and the conversations we had with others at the event, that Morrison and Foerster walks the talk about diversity and inclusion. The stories shared by both our fellow speakers and the audience were truly inspiring.”

Learn more about MoFo’s commitment to advancing diversity and inclusion here.

Colorful exhibition showcasing the firm’s diversity achievements and values

Close-up of MoFo’s milestones in promoting a diverse workplace

L to R: Elaine Zhou and Winnie Foo

L to R: Marcia Ellis, Ivan Heng, and Tim Blakely

L to R: Koon Hog Chia, Tracy Forster, and Isabel Janssen

L to R: Dan Levison, Sophie Guerin, Ivan Heng, Alfian Sa’at, Yemi Tépé, and Maria Steeples