Anggun Bestowed With "Beacon of Light" Award (November 28 , 2002)

November 28 , 2002

SINGAPORE, Nov 28 (Bernama) -- Internationally renowned singer-songwriter Anggun, was bestowed with the 'Women Inspire Beacon of Light Award' at the Women Inspire 2002 Awards ceremony here Wednesday night for her achievements as a role model for many young women in Asia.

 

Presented this year for the first time, this special award is given to those whose lives and achievements "provide a shining light for others to follow", said Denise Marsh, Project Director of Women Inspire Awards.

 

Anggun, whose real name is Anggun Cipta Sasmi, which in Bali means 'A grace born out of a dream' was among six women adjudged for their notable contributions in business, arts, community development, Information Technology (IT) and Sports.

 

Also present was Malaysian Minister of International Trade and Industry, Datuk Seri Rafidah Aziz who also delivered an inspiring speech to the packed audience.

 

"Despite the huge success that she has enjoyed in Europe, Anggun's heart is still in Asia. To succeed in her chosen field, it was necessary for her to spread her wings and face the challenges of an international environment beyond her homeland", said Marsh.

 

Accepting the award last night, the Indonesian-born artiste who is now based in Paris, said that "my aim is for the moon, but I have to make tonnes of wishes to go for it", drawing applause from the women, who were mainly professionals and entrepreneurs.

 

Born on April 29, 1974 in Jakarta, Anggun has to her credit 16 compilation of songs released between 1987 and 1994. She left Indonesia in 1994 for London, and recorded four songs, but later moved to France in 1997 where she launched her French album "Au Nom de la Lune."

 

After a worldwide release of "Anggun" in the summer of 1997, she later moved on to launch in 1998, "Snow On The Sahara" album in the US and Italy, and later distributed in 33 countries, selling one million copies.

 

 The other five winners of the Women Inspire 2002 Awards were Suong Ngoc Tran of Vietnam (Business Category), Preeyapun Sridhavat of Thailand (Arts), Leonarda N. Camacho of the Philippines (Community), Shanti Lasminingsih Poesposoetjlpto of Indonesia (Information Technology) and Se Ri Pak of South Korea (Sports).