SWA started out as an auxiliary to the Scandinavian Society of Singapore (SSS) in 1975, on the initiative of a Norwegian lady, Marit Thome. At the closure of SSS in 1995, the SWA was formally registered as the Scandinavian Women’s Association. One aim was for the SWA to bring together Scandinavian women in Singapore through various activities, such as monthly coffee mornings, classes, tours and lectures. Another was to contribute, as a charitable organisation, both financially and personally, to local families in need of extra support. Through the years, SWA has, in essence, maintained the original purpose for which it was founded. Every month we offer either a coffee morning or a luncheon, and activities ranging from lectures and art exhibitions to beach trips. We also offer a wide range of tours throughout Singapore. In addition, various classes give our members opportunities to join classes such as Yoga, Thai Chi, Calligraphy, Computing, Photography and Golf. The charitable side of the organization still depends heavily upon donations given by Scandinavian and local businesses, as well as individuals. We sponsor several local families and also offer scholarships to Singaporean students. One of the scholarships is in honour of our founding member and honorary chairman, Marit Thome.