Singapore Airlines Announced As Principal Sponsor Of Two Emperors: China’s Ancient Origins
Singapore Airlines is pleased to announce its partnership with the Auckland Art Gallery as the principal sponsor of the
upcoming exhibition Two Emperors: China’s Ancient Origins.
The exhibition of over 280 Chinese artefacts from two of the major formative Chinese dynasties, the Qin and Han, will be
on show at the Auckland Art Gallery from January 16 through to March 9, 2003.
Singapore Airlines General Manager New Zealand, Mr C W Foo, said Singapore Airlines was pleased to be involved in the
exhibition, which is the most significant of its kind ever to travel to New Zealand.
“Many of the artefacts in the exhibition have never been publicly displayed anywhere in the world, including China, so
we are proud to be able to help bring this exhibition to New Zealand.
“Singapore Airlines has strong links with China and we operate an extensive network of flights to various cities there.
Accordingly it is our privilege to support an exhibition that will provide people of all cultures in New Zealand with a
glimpse of the rich history of China and a preview of the wonders that country has to offer,” Mr Foo said.
“Singapore Airlines has long held a reputation, not only for excellence in passenger service, but also for its expert
handling of artefacts and other precious cargo,” Mr Foo said.
“Interestingly, the largest item in the collection to be exhibited, a life sized terracotta horse, was flown into
Auckland aboard Singapore Airlines' B747 MegaArk freighter aircraft. While we carry thoroughbreds and polo ponies
regularly to and from New Zealand on our freighter, the terracotta horse was indeed a unique shipment,” he said.
Chris Saines, Director of the Auckland Art Gallery, welcomed Singapore Airlines’ involvement as principal sponsor of the
exhibition.
“Singapore Airlines’ valued support enables us to bring Two Emperors: China's Ancient Origins to New Zealand audiences
who will be thrilled with this exploration of China's fascinating and sophisticated history,” Mr Saines said.
Singapore Airlines' commitment to New Zealand dates back more than 30 years, when the airline opened its Auckland sales
office in 1970. Flights commenced to New Zealand a few years later in 1976 with twice-weekly services from Singapore to
Auckland.
Singapore Airlines currently operates services to Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhau in China, with its regional
subsidiary, Silk Air, operating services to Macau, Xiamen, Kunming and Chengdu.
Singapore Airlines is also a sponsor of the Business Seminar programme and the Singapore Scholarship Programme run by
Asia 2000, a non-profit organisation dedicated to promoting greater understanding between New Zealand and Asia.