Ms Joanna Smith and Ms Veomanee Duangdala
Artists
Ock Pop Tok, Luang Prabang, Laos

A London fashion photographer by training, Joanna Smith's artistic flair is evident in the stunning textile craftworks she designs and produces together with talented Laotian weaver, Veomanee Duangdala, in their gallery, Ock Pop Tok, which means East meets West in Laotian. Enthused with the chaste raw beauty of the land and people of Laos, Joanna relocated to be amongst the rolling hills and lush tropical valleys she had fallen in love with during a fateful encounter a few years ago. The hand-woven silk art pieces they present are sensitive interpretations of a tranquil and unhurried civilization.

Ms Serena Sutcliffe M. W.
Moderator
London, United Kingdom

Ms Sutcliffe is the Head of Sotheby's wine department and is one of the world's foremost authorities on wine. Her sensitive palate and acute sense of smell, coupled with a curious mind and immense talent has firmly established her influence in the wine industry. Ms Sutcliffe gained her Master of Wine in 1976 and has been awarded the Chevalier dan L'Ordre des Arts et des Letters by the French government.

Dr N K Yong
Wine Consultant
WFAE

A well-known wine connoisseur, Dr Yong is one of the select few who influenced the development of wine appreciation for over three decades.

The French government honoured him with the Officier de l'Ordre du Mérite Agricole for distinguished service to the international Wine & Food Society in 1989. Dr Yong is also a member of the Confrerie des Chevaliers du Tastvin of Burgundy, Commanderie du Bontemps de Médoc et des Graves in Bordeaux, as well as the Jurade de Saint-Emilion. In 2004, he was awarded officier de l'ordre national du Mérite by the French Ambassador to Singapore.