Comcepts was appointed by Grayling Global, Rolls-Royce's public relations agency, to conceptualise and organise this ceremony. (One of the major challenges we faced was to ensure that another groundbreaking ceremony for one of Rolls-Royce's JV facilities scheduled for the day before was not simply replicated, as most aviation industry media and guests would be attending both ceremonies!) The process included ensuring the proposed forested grounds were properly prepared by the landlord, JTC, for us to erect a fully air-conditioned reception tent for the ceremony. We were also responsible for the design of all communications collaterals from invitation, to the ceremony setting and protocol.

One of our logistics challenges was to manage the on-site parking constraints due to the land geography. Thinking out of the box, we secured temporary parking facilities at the nearby Selatar Golf Club and organised shuttle services for the guests.

The symbolic ground breaking ceremony was turned on it's shovel, literally. Instead of just shovelling earth, we invited the Minister of Trade and Industry, Mr Lim Hng Kiang together with Sir John Ross, Rolls-Royce Chief Executive, to plant a tree to signify the commitment of Rolls-Royce to the environment. A very appropriate gesture, as the new facility will be built to the 'Green Mark' standard for best practises in environmental design and performance.

As the occasion took place during the Chinese Lunar New Year period, probably the most interesting challenge was how to organise a mass "Lo-Hei" (tossing of prosperity raw fish salad) for the large number of VIPs and the invited guests.

An auspicious toss indeed, to the prosperity of Rolls-Royce and Singapore!