This year’s winner of the Salome de Decker Award is Sue Sismondo. Following her move to Singapore from New York in 1982, Sue sought to continue her prior engagement in arts and cultural activities. She joined FOM soon after, enticed by its lectures and study groups. Since then, there hasn’t been a year where she hasn’t been involved as a member and active volunteer.
The Salome de Decker Award recognizes FOM volunteers who quietly and positively contribute their time and skills. Sue’s long service to FOM and Singapore’s cultural community capture the award’s essence. Her early participation in FOM’s Architecture Study Group and as a lecturer in the FOM Lecture Series eventually led to leadership roles in those activities. This, in turn, led to organizing several National Museum exhibitions, including editing and designing the exhibition catalogues and related materials. Sue simultaneously became involved in FOM leadership, serving as President from 1988-1989. She then joined FOM’s Advisory Committee, eventually chairing the Registration Committee that established FOM as a Singapore Registered Society in 2004 and drafting its constitution and bylaws. Sue has served as an STPI docent, served as STPI Coordinator for ten years (until 2016), and has been instrumental in training many FOM docents. She also is a docent at the Heritage Conservation Center (HCC), which preserves and protects Singapore’s National Collection, much of which is housed in the museums FOM supports.
Sue’s continuing involvement has been motivated by her deep belief in FOM’s mission and all it offers its members. She also deeply appreciates the extraordinary learning opportunities, memorable friendships, and opportunities to contribute to her community that FOM has given her in return. FOM, she adds, has increased her confidence in communicating and managing diverse communities. While Sue loves Singapore’s lush tropical gardens, some of her favorite Singapore places are – not surprisingly – the indoor environs of the HCC, with its behind-the-scenes conservation work, and STPI, for the extraordinary work of its visiting artists.
FOM is grateful to Sue for her many years of service and looks forward to many more!