Born to Roar. Celebrating 50 years of living, surviving and becoming.

Join Iris Koh as she turns 50, celebrating the night that carries us into freedom, inspired by1001 Nights.

This birthday celebration begins on 10.01, 10 January and carries us past midnight into 11 January—a symbolic crossing into a new chapter.

In the ancient tales of One Thousand and One Nights, Scheherazade survives night after night through voice, courage, and storytelling. Freedom does not arrive at the beginning of the 1001st night—it comes after the night has been lived through. This celebration mirrors that moment: the night that leads into choice, renewal, and becoming.

The evening is designed to unfold naturally—from arrival and connection, to shared food and light entertainment, and finally into storytelling, music, and dancing as the night stretches past midnight.

Programme

At some point later in the evening, Iris will share her in-person Year in Review of 2025, and what’s coming next in 2026. There is a lot in store — and she's excited to begin this next chapter together with you.

This will be followed by Untold Tales from The Silent Roar—stories told after dark—before the night opens fully into music, dancing and celebration of friendship and staying alive.

6.30 – 7.30pm
Guests arrive & mingle

7.30 – 9.00pm
Food will be served at 730p.m with simple entertainment

9.00 pm till late
Stories, music, dancing & free flow celebration
(Crossing into midnight and beyond)

Food & Beverages

Guests may choose from two dinner menus:

• Non-Vegetarian Menu
• Vegetarian Menu

Please indicate your preference during registration so arrangements can be made.

Turkish tea will be free-flow throughout the evening.

For guests who prefer not to have dinner or who are joining later:

• Tea & Baklava, served after 9.00pm

This lighter option is perfect for those coming mainly for stories, music, and dancing.

Kindly Register by Thursday 8 Jan 12p.m so the restaurant can prepare for this event properly.

Dress Code (Optional)

Arabian Nights–inspired, festive & comfortable

Think warm evenings, lantern light, and celebration after dark.
Flowing fabrics, rich colours, relaxed elegance, or smart casual are all welcome.

Feel free to dress up—or keep it simple and comfortable.

Date: Sat, 10 January (through to early hours of 11 January)
Time: From 6.30pm till late
Location: Ayasofya Turkish Restaurant, 51 Burssorah St.

It will be a night to remember with many tales to share, including how this party came about.

Your presence at this evening will be the best gift for me.
Also, The Silent Roar Books will be available for collection during the event as well.

Thank you!

Getting There — Public Transport

MRT (Train)

Nearest Stations (all within ~5–10 min walk):

• Bugis MRT Station — East West Line (Green) & Downtown Line (Blue). About a 7-minute walk to Arab Street / Bussorah Street. Moovit
• Nicoll Highway MRT Station — Circle Line (Yellow); also within walking distance (about 6–10 minutes). Moovit

Tips:

• Bugis is generally the easiest and most convenient stop for most routes.
• Follow signage toward Arab Street / Kampong Glam once you exit the station.

Bus

Multiple bus services stop close to Arab Street / Bussorah Street with short walks:

Nearby stops (3–5 min walk):

• Victoria St – Opp Stamford Pr Sch
• Ophir Rd – Village Hotel Bugis
• North Bridge Rd – Bef Sultan Mosque
  These stops are served by several SBS Transit routes including 2, 23, 48, 175, 851E, 857 and others that connect from major parts of Singapore. Moovit

More routes:
Additional services like 100, 107M, 32, 51, 61, 63, 961M also stop near Arab Street / Sultan Mosque area, depending on where you’re coming from.

Taxi / Ride-Hail

• Taxis and ride-hailing services can drop you off near the Sultan Mosque or Bussorah Street entrances.
• This is convenient for larger groups or if arriving later at night.

Parking Options (If You’re Driving)

Parking in the immediate pedestrian zone around Bussorah Street itself is limited, and the area can get busy in the evening. It’s often easier to park nearby and walk 5–10 minutes than to try street parking. Airial

Closest Car Parks

• Arab Street/Queen Street Car Park – Highly rated public car park, a short walk to Arab Street.
• Golden Landmark Shopping Complex Car Park – Convenient and right on Arab Street.
• URA Carpark Off Arab Street – Small public car parking right off Arab Street.
• Aliwal Street Car Park – Good local option (check operating hours).
• Public Car Park (Pahang St) – Additional nearby public parking.
• Bugis Public Carpark – A larger parkade option slightly farther but useful if closer lots fill up.
• Block 13 HDB North Bridge (MSCP) – Another nearby option with convenient access to North Bridge Road.

Motorcycle Parking

• Motorcycle Parking – Close by on Bussorah Street for two-wheelers.