Diplomats, tycoons and socialites mingled in the intimacy of the Conrad hotel's Pacific Bar for the launch of a new public relations and event-management firm, Blue Lotus International.

The hosts and managing directors of the new company, Sophia Harilela - all smiles in sky blue - and Elizabeth Harrington Lynch - so businesslike in a dark blue suit - greeted their guests with short speeches. The champagne flowed while author Nury Vittachi, the dapper master of ceremonies for the evening, entertained guests.

Among the guests were the consul-general of Mexico, Mario Leal; Ryszard Potocki, the consul-general of Poland; and the consul-general of Saudi Arabia, Alaudeen Alaskary. Other guests were Geoffrey Fawcett, Island Shangri-La general manager Franz Donhauser and Marcus Valle.