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A U S T R A L I A N A N D N E W Z E A L A N D A S S O C I AT I O N
TH E AU STR AL I AN & N EW ZEAL AN D ASSOCIAT ION March/April 2024
Si ngapor e
True Story
"My Life as a mermaid"
QUIRKY SINGAPORE
y k r i u Q
The luxe private island that dares to be different
MUSIC, DRAMA & ART CLASSES FOR DOGS!
Singapore
Go off-the
MARCH/APRIL 2024
-beaten tr ack with se cret restau undercov rants, er bars, k ooky act ivities & a host of hid den ge ms
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Explore Pathways to Success at The Australian International School
Prou Awar
SECONDARY: Ages 12 - 18 Years
Become part of the accomplished community of 2000+ graduates who have harnessed their capabilities at The Australian International School (AIS) over the past 30 years. Our focus on robust academics, essential soft skills, and holistic guidance fosters success not only in university but also in future careers.
Two Pathways We take pride in offering two exceptional pathways for our students - the International Baccalaureate (IB) program and the Higher School Certificate (HSC).
2023 Results International Baccalaureate (IB)
Higher School Certificate (HSC) ATAR* % of students who achieved the highest band
32.9 29.6
Average score
84.1 points
AIS Average Score
Worldwide
38% *ATAR stands for Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank. It is a number between zero and 99.95 that tells Universities a student’s position amongst their year group.
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Disco Austr wher deve
Elevate Your Child’s Wellbeing with AIS! Proud Winners of the HoneyKids Education Awards for Student Wellbeing 2023! Discover a nurturing haven at the Australian International School (AIS), where academic excellence meets holistic development!
Education Awards 2023 Student Wellbeing
“Academic Wellbeing is enabling students to feel happy, safe and engaged” Dr. J. Dianne Brederson Head of Secondary School
Holistic Wellbeing Approach
Comprehensive Wellbeing Team
AIS embraces a holistic approach, acknowledging the interconnected nature of academic success and student wellbeing, creating an environment where higher psychological and emotional wellbeing lead to greater academic achievements. AIS students outshine expectations, securing an extra 0.93 points per subject in 2022.
Led by qualified educators, our Wellbeing Team comprises various professionals, including Heads of Year, Senior Leadership Team, International Students Coordinator, and more. Together, they provide extensive support and guidance, ensuring students feel happy, healthy, and safe, promoting an environment where they can thrive.
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Celebrating 30+ years of Academic Excellence through our school values of Achievement, Opportunity and Respect
50+ students & teacher nationalities
World Class Facilities
Multiple Pathways: IBPYP, IGCSE, IBDP and HSC
300+ Co-Curricular Activities
Book A Tour for 2 Months – 18 Years Contact us at admissions@ais.com.sg or call 6517 0247. For more information, visit www.ais.com.sg Australian International School Pte Ltd | CPE Registration Number: 199204405H | Period of registration of PEI: 6 July 2023 to 5 July 2027
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Q
uirky and Singapore are not two words that usually go together. The Lion City has a reputation for many things, but being a little leftfield is not one of them. However, we know different! As someone who’s always searching for the unusual here, peeping around corners, creeping around malls, and locating lonely bus stops for this issue has been a dream. The first stop for Singapore surprises is p28, where you’ll find lesser-known facts about this tiny island. This feature enlightened all the ANZA office members on some local eccentricities - including the Singaporeans! Then turn to p34 for Singapore: The Quirky Side where we’ve rounded-up fabulous offbeat gems to visit and experience. Let me know if there are any we’ve missed! Of course, the red dot is not just home to some kooky places and activities, but also fascinating people. It was an honour speaking with our cover star Syrena, Singapore’s original mermaid and founder of Singapore Mermaid School. Her passion for mermaiding and the services she provides to the wider community may not be traditional, but they are wholly joyful as you can discover on p40. Equally, I adored meeting Joy Chia, the owner of dog enrichment school, Pawsible. Her dedication to learning more about dogs sees her teaching music, languages and art lessons to our fourlegged friends. Unconventional, but utterly heartwarming. I challenge you to read her story It’s A Dog’s Life on p30 without smiling! By dint of being an expat, we are perhaps not drawn to ‘the norm’ and seek to find a ‘life less ordinary’ whether we
Above: Pawsible students Right: Jo, searching for the ‘weird’
realise it or not, so I hope this issue resonates with you and speaks to your spirit of adventure and thirst for alternative possibilities. As New Zealand Trade Commissioner Maggie Christie says on p8, in a piece where she imparts wisdom for International Women’s Day, “Don’t second guess yourself. You need to grab opportunities with both hands and make the most of them.” Let’s do it! Happy exploring!
Jo Upcraft, Editor editor@anza.org.sg
GENERAL MANAGER AND SPONSORSHIP Kerry Low gm@anza.org.sg
THE ANZA TEAM AUSTRALIAN AND NEW ZEALAND ASSOCIATION
SALES AND MARKETING Jolene Cornford marketing@anza.org.sg
ACCOUNTS AND OPERATIONS Ellie Mills accounts@anza.org.sg
EVENTS Melinda Kaur events@anza.org.sg
261A Beach Road, Singapore 199541 Hours: Mon–Fri, 9am–5pm +65 6291 6301 www.anza.org.sg facebook.com/anzasingapore @anzasingapore linkedin.com/groups/ANZA-Singapore
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MEMBERSHIP SERVICES Sarah Myers info@anza.org.sg
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A LIFE LESS ORDINARY MARCH/APRIL 2024
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FEATURES
28 CHECK OUT Find lesser-known facts about our adopted home here
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30 IT’S A DOG’S LIFE Music, languages and art lessons are all on the timetable at this school - for dogs!
34 QUIRKY SINGAPORE 40 I’M A REAL LIFE MERMAID Meet Singapore’s original mermaid and founder of Singapore’s Mermaid School
46 COLOUR YOUR WORLD Want to make better decisions, and get that promo? Start looking at the shades around you
58 THE HOUSE OF BAMBOO Escape the real world with a barefoot break at this truly unique (and nearby!) getaway
30 REGULARS 01 04 06 07 08 10 12 16
Editor’s Note President’s Message Post It Partners Page New Zealand High Commission Australian High Commission ANZA Tours What’s On
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Out & About Ask The Expert Tuckerbox Hotspots ANZA Sports Spotlight On New Members 10 Minutes With …
COVER: JOSHFATHER PHOTOGRAPHY
We reveal the best hidden gems and out-there experiences around the island
the fine print ANZA will not be liable for any consequential loss or damage occasioned by the failure of any advertisement to appear due to any cause whatsoever, nor does it accept any liability for error in any advertisement published or its failure to appear on a specific date. ANZA does not endorse or promote any product, service, or view offered through any advertisement, community service notice, or club or group activity that may appear in the magazine, nor does it accept responsibility for any specific advice or opinions offered by contributors or writers, and any subsequent reliance on such advice or opinions by its readers. ANZA magazine permit number: MCI (P) 054/10/2022.
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Providing a voice and sense of belonging for all. At Dulwich College (Singapore) we believe in nurturing global citizens and well-rounded future leaders who are equipped to create solutions to the world’s challenges. Our goal is to encourage our students to Live Worldwise – to make informed choices, take inspired action and create positive impact. Our innovative and world-changing education is wellbeing-focused and balances academic excellence with a wealth of co-curricular opportunities that enable our students to discover their individual talents and passions. To learn more visit Singapore.dulwich.org or call admissions at 6890 1003
Dulwich College (Singapore) CPE Registration Number: 201027137D. Period of Registration: 09 January 2024 to 08 January 2028. School Location: 71 Bukit Batok West Avenue 8, Singapore, 658966
PRESI DENT ’S MES S AG E
Scouting Out Singapore
I
was excited to discover the theme for this issue is ‘quirky Singapore’. Having lived on the island for over 20 years, when we have repeat guests in town we’re keen to find activities that feel off-the-beaten track to see and do. My ‘not-the-regular-tourist-sights’ include jumping on the MRT and sitting at the front of a driverless train (available on all lines except the red NS and green EW). We alight at Maxwell MRT and stroll to the Urban Redevelopment Authority Centre (URA) - the planning and conservation branch of the government. It’s amazing to see just how incredible Singapore planning is, from the land reclamation works, to new HDB towns. Our next stop is Marina Barrage which is a wonderful place from which to admire the city and then walk through Gardens by the Bay. You’ll also find a great display of the workings of Singapore’s 17 reservoirs (fun fact!) and the story behind the island’s water system. I recently joined a boating tour of the island’s fish farms, featuring stories of smugglers and Coast Guard chases. These spots may not be so ‘secret’, but they’re certainly informative and quirky! Having worked in relocation for years, I love sharing tales behind some of the properties here, from HDB flats where cats are banned and an ‘ethnic integration policy’ is strictly enforced, to the random houses of Sentosa Cove, including the ‘Flintstones’ house and the ‘Anubis’ gallery. Then there are historic areas such as Tiong Bahru’s 1930s homes, plus futuristic ones like the Supreme Court ‘UFO’ (featured in Westworld). Away from my island adventures, I look forward to the ANZA General Meeting on 19 March. This is always a fabulous get-together and the chance to hear about all that has happened and developed within our association over the past twelve months. Tickets are also on sale for ANZA’s Black & White Ball (hands down, the best ball of the year) so get your crew together and lock in a table for 10 May.
ANZA EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
President Megan Kinder
Vice President Mark Neo
Treasurer Tristan Perry
Membership Secretary MaryScot Thom
Community Service Coordinator Debra de Reeper
Sports Coordinator James Lindsay
Sports Coordinator Melanie Speet
Committee Member Don Northey
Committee Member Christo Alexander
Committee Member Philip Simmonds
Committee Member Kylie Barry
Committee Member Shaun McEwan
Committee Member Megan Scott
Committee Member Julia Erakovic
See you in ANZA-Land!
Megan Kinder
In loving memory of Zara Mei Orlic, ANZA joins together to express our deepest condolences to Zara's family. May they find solace in memories and strength in the support of our community at this difficult time. Zara loved swimming, the beach, and accompanying her sister to Nippers. Zara will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.
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CO-PATRONS Gabrielle Rush New Zealand High Commissioner to Singapore I Mr Allaster Cox Australian High Commissioner to Singapore ANZA AMBASSADOR PJ Roberts
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WHAT’S ON
March/April 2024
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POST I T
POST IT
K E E P U P -T O - D AT E W I T H T H E A N Z A C O M M U N I T Y E A C H M O N T H AT A N Z A .O R G . S G
IT’S A GIFT TO GIVE
ANZA is dedicated to supporting the local community and this was demonstrated when some members of the Secret Men’s Business group, led by Mike Sabey, visited Melrose Children’s Home to present a cheque for Chinese New Year. SMB has been raising funds for the charity over the past few months, popping $5 into the collection plate whenever they played golf. Items were also auctioned to top up donations. “We love Singapore and the life it gives us,” says Mike. “It’s just our small way of giving back.”
DID YOU KNOW?
From left: SMB’s Don Northey, Pete Commell, Chris Easton and Mike Sabey with Serlina Huang and Joice Ng
Easter, observed by Christians worldwide, commenced this year with Shrove Tuesday on 14 February, while Lent began on Wednesday, 15 February. Good Friday, a public holiday in Singapore, will be commemorated on 29 March, with Easter Sunday celebrated joyfully on 31 March. – Raelene Tan
Meet A Featured Partner
DIANA CHUA,
Technical Consultant at Select Investors diana.chua@sjpp.asia
Who are Select Investors? Select Investors provides a holistic wealth planning approach that integrates tax consulting, wealth management and succession planning for individuals, families, and businesses. We’re a Senior Partner Practice of St. James’s Place Wealth Management, a FTSE 100 company with over AUD $300 billion* in managed funds. What’s your role? Our team consists of advisors from Australia and other diverse backgrounds to walk alongside every client through their financial journey. A big part of what I do is provide tax guidance and repatriation tax planning for Australian expatriates and those intending to emigrate to Oz. How do Select Investors stand out from the competition in Singapore? With our tax-led advice. What’s your partnership with ANZA? Select Investors and ANZA have formed a long-
GOT SOMETHING TO SAY? Email us at info@anza.org.sg or comment on our Facebook page facebook.com/anzasingapore 6
standing partnership, collaborating on events, and offering ANZA members exclusive access to a range of bespoke wealth management and tax consulting services. How’s working with the ANZA community? Working with a vibrant network of people within ANZA as well as supporting individuals and families in understanding the Australian tax environment as a non-resident has been gratifying. Over the last 19 years, I’ve found great fulfilment in guiding clients towards better outcomes in Australian taxes through effective planning. What are you up to when not at work? I enjoy exploring places in and out of Singapore, photography, and seeing my niece, Amelia. What’s your investment advice for expats? Stop procrastinating. Start with understanding your personal circumstances and commit to it. The key is to start.
*Data correct as at 30 September 2023
Senior Partner Practice of St. James's Place (Singapore) Private Limited
STAY CONNECTED WITH ANZA facebook.com/anzasingapore @anzasingapore linkedin.com/groups/ANZA-Singapore
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AN Z A PARTN E R S
THANK YOU TO THE FOLLOWING ANZA PARTNERS, VALUED GREATLY FOR THEIR CONTINUED SUPPORT OF THE ASSOCIATION. PREMIER PARTNERS
PLATINUM PARTNERS
GOLD PARTNERS
SILVER PARTNERS
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NEW ZEAL A N D HIG H C OM M IS SION
Leading Ladies
As part of celebrating International Women’s Day on 8 March 2024, we meet three leading ladies of New Zealand’s public service.
Clockwise from left: Maggie Christie, Gabby Rush and Shauna Graham
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New Zealand High Commission Singapore One George Street, Level 21-04 Singapore 049145 Tel 6235 9966 Fax 6536 8180 nzhc.sin@mfat.govt.nz
he New Zealand High Commission in Singapore is a proudly diverse community of individuals and strongly supports the role of women in the workplace. Meet High Commissioner Gabby Rush, Trade Commissioner Maggie Christie, and Defence Adviser Shauna Graham to discover more about their work and home lives.
How long have you been in Singapore? MAGGIE: Just over three years. We arrived in Singapore in February 2021 - me, my husband and two slightly reluctant teenage boys. SHAUNA: Twelve months, but I was previously posted to Singapore in 2012 - 2015 and I’m living right next door to my old house in Sembawang! GABBY: I arrived in Singapore over Lunar New Year 2023 with my partner and two well-travelled Hong Kong cats!
What is the main focus of your role?
STAY CONNECTED Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/ NewZealandinSingapore Register when travelling: safetravel.govt.nz Find out more: mfat.govt.nz/singapore
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MAGGIE: New Zealand Trade & Enterprise (NZTE) is New Zealand’s trade promotional agency so our role here in Singapore is supporting and guiding companies to grow into Singapore and South East Asia. For me, it’s working with our Business Development Managers and our customers to validate, enter and grow in Singapore. This includes everything from market insights, introductions to local connections, and buyers to partner. We also provide strategic services and support to inform market entry and growth plans – both from New Zealand and here in Singapore. The other part of my role is building relationships in Singapore to help raise awareness and
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understanding of what New Zealand can offer, and provide a warmer landing for companies. SHAUNA: As Defence Adviser to Singapore, Vietnam and Cambodia I'm the New Zealand Chief of Defence Force’s representative in those countries. I engage with local senior Defence officials to share New Zealand’s position on Defence and Security issues and learn from Singapore, Vietnam and Cambodia about regional issues. I look for new opportunities for our nations to work together from niche information sharing events like the NZ/SG Defence Women’s Forum last year, to large scale annual military exercises that New Zealand has been supporting for over 50 years. GABBY: As High Commissioner, I'm the official representative of the Government of New Zealand in Singapore. I help deliver New Zealand’s foreign and trade policy goals and coordinate
New Zealand’s diplomatic links with the government here. A key focus for me is advancing work under the Singapore New Zealand Enhanced Partnership which was established between the two governments in 2019. Outside of core foreign and trade policy goals, I try to represent what is best about our country and highlight our cultural links with Singapore including through music and the arts.
What’s your favourite thing about Singapore? MAGGIE: Firstly, the diversity of the culture – the people, the
food, the language – you can visit three ‘countries in one day’ – Chinatown, Little India and Arab street! Also, the centrality of Singapore for travel and adventures. SHAUNA: The academic, sporting and cultural opportunities for my son and the amazing life experiences and family memories we’re creating. GABBY: It is leafy and green and full of interesting, friendly people from many different cultures. I respect the work ethic here and intellectual rigour, but I love that Singaporeans also have a good sense of humour and enjoy having fun.
What’s been your biggest accomplishment since you’ve been here? MAGGIE: Along with NZ Inc., delivering our first Prime Minister
Mission post Covid. I was so green, and then got Covid on the day of their arrival! The success was seeing every member of the remarkable team pull it off with passion, grace and utter commitment. SHAUNA: Supporting two Royal New Zealand Navy Ships in Singapore and Vietnam last year; the ships and crews completed large scale training, maintenance and diplomatic engagement activities during their deployment to the region. It is great to see New Zealand operating with our partners in support of regional security. GABBY: Acclimatising to the heat!
What do you miss most about NZ? MAGGIE: Of course my family! But aside from that, walking
along the beach early in the morning, feeling the sand between my toes, the fresh breeze on my face and Rangitoto in the background. SHAUNA: The accent. (*Editor’s note - this was her actual answer, we didn’t make this up!) GABBY: My good friends and family, but also the temperate weather, home grown veggies from my garden, the view from Mt Kaukau in Wellington and the joy I get from ocean swimming year-round.
What key life lesson would you like to pass on to girls this International Women's Day? MAGGIE: Don’t second guess yourself. The amount of times I
have held myself back thinking I’ll do it when I know a little more or when I’m more confident … that time never comes so you need to grab opportunities with both hands and make the most of them. You learn the most when you fail! SHAUNA: Be adventurous. Set goals and run at them with all the energy enthusiasm and determination you can muster. GABBY: You don’t have to be perfect to succeed. No matter how accomplished we are, everyone has strengths and weaknesses, and up and down times. Learn what your strengths are, work hard to succeed, but when things don’t work out know it's just part of your journey. March/April 2024
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AUSTR ALIAN HIG H C OM M IS SION
A place of honour
A cemetery may not be top of your list to visit in Singapore, but this one is an essential spot for remembrance and respect.
K
ranji War Memorial and Cemetery, sitting quietly near the border of Malaysia, 22km from the heart of Singapore, is not what HMAS Anzac personnel stand at ease during the 2023 dawn service at Kranji War Memorial instantly comes to mind when we think of places to visit on the island, but holds immense HMAS Anzac Commanding Officer Commander David McPherson and Leading Seaman Boatswains Mate Samuel Corcoran lay a wreath during the 2023 Anzac Day dawn service at Kranji War Memorial significance. It honours the men and women from Australia, New Zealand, Britain, Canada, Sri Lanka, India, Malaya, and the Netherlands who died in the line of duty in the region during World War II. During World War II, many Prisoners of War hospitals set up a small cemetery in the area, which was then turned into a permanent war cemetery by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. It was officially opened on 2 March 1957. The cemetery contains almost 4,500 headstones. The Singapore Memorial has the names of 24,000 missing personnel inscribed on its walls Australian the war dead with no High Commission known graves. Singapore The Singapore Memorial was designed by Colin St Clair Oakes and When Australians and captures all three services in the design. There are New Zealanders visit 25 Napier Road columns representing the Army in ranks, the Air Kranji, the legacy of Singapore, 258507 Force is represented with the roof shaped like the those who served lives on wings of an airplane, and the Navy with a conning Tel 6836 4100 tower on a submarine. Commandos on 7 July 1945 was tragically only Fax 6737 5481 one month before the end of the War in the Pacific. Remembering the fallen Kranji War Cemetery in Singapore holds a Major commemorative ceremonies that are deep and enduring significance for us. It serves held annually at Kranji War Cemetery include as a sacred resting place for those who made Remembrance Sunday, which takes place on the ultimate sacrifice, a symbol of shared history STAY CONNECTED the Sunday closest to Remembrance Day (11 with Commonwealth nations and a space for Follow us on Facebook: November), and ANZAC Day (25 April). reflection and remembrance. When Australians facebook.com/ Other significant events are staged there such as and New Zealanders continue to visit Kranji, they AustraliaInSingapore the commemoration of the Fall of Singapore and ensure that the legacy of those who served lives LinkedIn: linkedin.com/ - coming up in 2025 - the 80th commemoration of on, and the lessons of history remain etched company/ahc-sg the Operation Rimau raid which ended in disaster in the collective memory of our nations. We for the famous Z Special Unit Commandos in encourage you to explore this very special place of X: @AusHCSG 1944. Thirteen Commandos were killed in action remembrance right on our doorstep here on the Instagram: @AustraliaInSG or died in captivity. The trial and execution of 10 red dot. 10
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ANZA Tours’ new batch of jaunts bring fascinating insights, cultural flavour, and unique journeys around the island for adults and kids.
Singapore Port Tour
Embark on a tour through Singapore’s maritime heritage. You’ll experience the bustling hub of maritime trade and witness firsthand the impressive operations of one of the world’s busiest ports. You’ll head from Marina South Pier to Pasir Panjang Terminal, passing through the iconic terminal and navigating the scenic islands in the southern region of the island. Gain deep insights into the significance of the port, marvel at the sheer magnitude of the operations, see the incredible scale of the port facilities, and get a deep understanding of Singapore’s role as a trans-shipment centre.
DATE: Tuesday, 19 March TIME: 9.30am – 12pm MEET: 9am, Marina South Pier TOUR GUIDE: Diana Chua COST: Members $85, nonmembers, $85 ADDITIONAL NOTES: This tour is open to children aged 8 and above, under the full responsibility of their parents
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Information Session at the Australian High Commission
Do you know what the mission of the Australian High Commission is? Do you know what the High Commissioner does? Do you know when they can - and can’t - help you? Join us on this visit to the Australian High Commission in Singapore where we’ll find out the answers to these questions and more. In the process, you’ll meet some of the people who work in the building. Following the session, we’ll enjoy light refreshments at the High Commission.
DATE: Friday, 22 March TIME: 3pm – 4pm MEET: 2.45pm, Australian High Commission, 25 Napier Road, 258507. Please allow additional time for security screening EXERTION: Low COST: Members $20, non-members, $25
Kampong Glam Ramadan Food Bazaar & Islamic Heritage
This tour focuses on the people who settled in Kampong Glam back in the day who continue to practice their Islamic traditions. As a melting pot of Bugis, Malays, Arabs and South Indians, this neighbourhood has many mosques, madrasas (schools), specialty shops, and some fabulous food options. You’ll see the Hajja Fatimah Mosque, sample local favourites such as kebabs and nasi lemak (at your own cost), and since this tour is taking place during Ramadan it will be a unique opportunity to learn about the food bazaar known as “Raikan Cahaya”, meaning “celebrate the lights”.
DATE: Tuesday, 26 March TIME: 5.30pm – 8.30pm MEET: Lavender MRT, Exit A EXERTION: High TOUR GUIDE: Sarah Lev COST: Members $45, non-members, $50 March/April 2024
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Public Housing & Food Tasting Tour
Public housing and hawker centres are ubiquitous in Singapore and both have received international recognition. On this tour, you’ll visit Toa Payoh, one of the first public housing projects on the red dot, and hear about the hows and whys of the Housing Development Board (HDB). Afterwards, you’ll visit one of the most popular hawker centres in Toa Payoh to eat what some consider “die die must try” food! In 2020, Singapore’s hawker culture became one of UNESCO’s lists of intangible cultural heritage, so you won’t want to miss this. Afterwards, you’ll have a quick jaunt around the neighbourhood. DATE: Wednesday, 17 April TIME: 9am – 12.30pm MEET: 8.50am, in front of Toa Payoh Library, 6 Toa Payoh Central, 319191 EXERTION: High TOUR GUIDE: Charlotte Chu COST: Members $60, non-members, $70
ANZAC Day Dawn Service
Join the Australian and New Zealand communities in Singapore as we gather at the Kranji War Memorial Cemetery to commemorate the 108th anniversary of the Gallipoli landings, hosted by the Australian High Commission. We provide buses that will depart from Newton Food Centre car park and then leave the cemetery, returning to Newton. Please note that due to parking restraints, we will need to walk about one kilometre up a gentle hill to reach the ceremony. There will not be a professional guide for this tour. DATE: Thursday, 25 April TIME: 5.30am – 9am MEET: 5.20am at the entrance to the Newton Food Centre car park EXERTION: Medium. Some walking in the heat required, plenty of rest stops available COST: Members $12, non-members, $15
Explore & Play in Little India – For Kids
Join KiddoTrip (kiddotrip. com) for this fun exploration of Little India, a tour specifically designed for kids. Over 1.5 hours, we’ll make seven stops where we’ll engage in interactive games and activities like spot-the-difference, mazes, and crosswords. The games are age-appropriate, with printed books for 4 -7 year olds and another for 7 - 10 year olds to use as we go along. We’ll finish at a playground where participants will have the opportunity to sample some Indian sweet treats. DATE: Saturday 20 April TIME: 3pm – 5pm MEET: 2.50pm, in front of the Indian Heritage Centre, 5 Campbell Lane, 209924 EXERTION: High. Substantial walking required in the heat. Expect to be on your feet for most of this tour TOUR GUIDE: KiddoTrip COST: Members $35, non-members, $40
Notes: Recommended for children aged 5 - 10 years old and children must be accompanied by an adult
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Introduction to Singlish
Lah, leh, lor, liao, la? We hear these words in Singapore constantly, but few of us understand what they really mean. Singlish is the beloved vernacular of the Lion City. Come along for an introductory lesson in Singlish where our guide Charlotte Chu and her sidekick, Victor, will have a series of short conversations using Singlish in different contexts. At the end of this fun lesson, you’ll take a short walk and get the chance to practise your Singlish by ordering your own kopi or teh (included in cost). Come lah! DATE: Tuesday 30 April TIME: 10am – 12pm MEET: 10.50am at the ANZA Office, 261A Beach Road, 199541 TOUR GUIDE: Charlotte Chu COST: Members $40, non-members, $45
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Be Future Ready New School, Fresh Approach, Award-winning Heritage. Offering a 1 year and 2 year IGCSE and IB Diploma experience like no other, our mission is clear – to best prepare students for leadership roles in the field of STEM and business on the global stage. With graduates consistently ranking within the top 1% worldwide, Westbourne has a centurylong history of facilitating 90% student access to the world’s leading universities. Westbourne College Sydney, launched in 2021, already ranks 1st in Australia for the highest proportion of students achieving 45+ Points. We expect no less for Singapore.
Discover more at an Open Day +65 6235 1538 www.westbournecollege.com.sg
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If you think traditional museums are boring, Singapore’s “mini museums” could change your mind. Street Corner Heritage Galleries have now launched in Katong-Joo Chiat, allowing visitors to discover the history behind six foodie heritage businesses in the area, each with a story of resilience, innovation and intergenerational piety. From one of Singapore’s oldest popiah makers, to the family producing Peranakan classics, pay them a visit to find out more. nhb.gov.sg
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Images Courtesy of National Heritage Board
MINI MUSEUMS FOR THE WIN!
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ART WALKABOUT RETURNS
OH! Open House’s signature art walkabout is back, this time uncovering the layers of Kampong Gelam’s history. Did you know that Kampong Gelam was once the literary capital of the Malay World and the place where the literati came to exchange ideas, discuss and debate? OH! Kampong Gelam will feature 11 artworks by local and international artists highlighting this interesting past. Mr Ibrahim Tahir, founder of Wardah Books in Kampong Gelam since 2002, says, “Not many people recall this history. We hope to remind people of this legacy by working with OH! for this art walkabout.” 30 March - 12 May
klook.com
Don’t just look - book! Theatre The Death of Singapore is a kooky play set in the Lion City. Before any theatre show hits the stage here, the script must first be sent to the Infocomm Media Development Authority of Singapore (IMDA) for approval. This play covers what happens when a playwright and IMDA officer come to a disagreement, as well as looks into how theatre in SG has been regulated over the years. 14 - 30 March. Wild Rice at Funan, 107 North Bridge Road, Level 4 Funan Mall, 179105 sistic.com.sg
Zackery Michael
Pop Niall Horan returns to Singapore after six years for a one-off gig at Singapore Indoor Stadium in May. See the former One Direction member perform tunes from all of his three solo albums, including new album, The Show.
9 May. 2 Stadium Walk, 397691
ticketmaster.sg
Kids Humour, horror and horticulture collide in Little Shop of Horrors, a smash-hit musical that has been going for over 30 years. There’s just one important rule for rocking up to see this - don’t feed the plants! Zubir Said Drive, 227968
Comedy Trevor Noah, comedian and the “best host ever” according to Taylor Swift (apparently), is coming to tickle our funny bones. His Off The Record Tour takes place on 3, 4 & 5 June, and as it’s the first time the South African comedian has performed in SG since 2019, we predict a riot! 1 Vista Exchange Green, #04-01, 138617 thestar.sg
Musical Award-winning musical Miss Saigon is coming to Sands Theatre from 15 August. This beautiful story about love, loss and resilience follows the relationship between a young Vietnamese woman and her American G.I. love interest. A bit of a blub is practically guaranteed. 10 Bayfront Avenue, 018956 sistic.com.sg
12 - 28 April. Sota Drama Theatre, 1 sistic.sg March/April 2024
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PROUDLY PRESENTED BY AUSTRALIAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL port In sup lrose of Me ren’s Child e Hom
THE ANZA HERE COMES FUN!
Elegance meets enchantment and sophistication at the ANZA Black & White Ball on Friday, 10 May at The Ritz-Carlton, Singapore. LUCKY PRIZE DRAW
Indulge in our free-to-enter prize draws for a chance to win a wine fridge filled with Australian wines from Global Financial Consultants, a stunning artwork by Hayden Kays from Art Works Advisory and a prize from Odin Mortgage.
CHARITY PRIZE DRAW
Win fantastic vacation stay prizes in our Charity Prize Draw worth $12,000. 100% of funds raised are donated to Melrose Children’s Home.
GLAMOURSNAP
Capture the glamour, camaraderie and good times at the Art Works Advisory Photo Booth.
GALABID SILENT AUCTION
Bid on an array of items, from coveted sports memorabilia to luxury getaways, at our Galabid Silent Auction. Staking your claim without making a sound is the height of chic!
TASTING BARS
From the vibrant botanical notes of Ginealogy’s artisanal gin from Quebec to the smooth, aged depths of Cellarbration’s finest whiskies, indulge in a sensory journey unlike any other.
SWEET TREATS
Save space for a selection of petit fours by PS.Cafe at 10pm. These bite-sized confections offer a blend of indulgence and flavour.
THE COUNTDOWN BAND
Singapore’s legendary 9-piece showband will get you off your seat and onto the dance floor.
EASTERN CARPETS LIVE AUCTION
Our 11pm auction offers the chance for you to win a beautiful addition for your home or discover stunning artefacts.
MIDNIGHT SNACKS
Refuel with delicious hot pies, the perfect way to replenish energy after all that fun!
Platinum and Presenting Sponsor
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Gold Sponsors
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$12,
Charity Prize Draw
000!
Join the excitement of our live Charity Prize Draw supporting Melrose Children’s Home.
InterContinental Koh Samui Resort, Thailand Three-night stay in a Classic Ocean View Room for two people, including daily breakfast, one Sunset Package at Air Bar, and use of non-motorised water sports
D Value SG
$2,810
Telunas Resorts, Indonesia
Two-night stay at Telunas Private Island in an Overwater Villa for two people, including daily breakfast, lunch, dinner and round-trip transfer from Sekupang to Telunas Private Island
D Value SG
$1,370
Hotel Tugu Lombok, Indonesia
Two-night stay in a Garden Villa for two people, including daily breakfast and sunset high tea, private antique collection tour and beach activities
D Value SG
Casa del Mar, Langkawi
Two-night stay in a Beachfront Studio Suite for two people, including daily breakfast
D Value SG
$850
$710
Temple Tree Resort, Langkawi Two-night stay in an Estate House for two people, including daily breakfast
$520
Two-night stay in a Resort Classic Ocean View Room for two people, including daily breakfast at Citron Restaurant
D Value SG
$1,600
D Value SG
InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort, Vietnam
Vibe Hotel Singapore Orchard
One-night weekend stay in a Premier Room for two people, including breakfast
D Value SG
$432
Silver Sponsors
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Pullman Singapore Hill Street
Two-night stay in a Deluxe Room for two people, including daily breakfast
D Value SG
Two-night stay in a One Bedroom Pool Villa for two people, including daily breakfast
D Value SG
$1,000
$890
The Boathouse Pulau Tioman, Malaysia Two-night stay in a Deluxe Bungalow for two people, including daily breakfast
D Value SG
Concorde Hotel Singapore
One-night stay in a Deluxe Room for two people, including breakfast and Harvest of Sea buffet dinner
D Value SG
$570
$540
Casa del Rio, Melaka
One-night stay in a Deluxe Lago Room for two people, including breakfast
D Value SG
IZE Canggu, Bali
Two-night stay in a Deluxe Room for two people, including daily breakfast
D Value SG
$375
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Templation Angkor, Siem Reap
$320
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OUT & ABOUT
F E AT U R E
LADIES NIGHT
January may have been dull outside, but inside all the fun was being had at ANZA’s Ladies Night. For drinks with a difference we went to Clubhouse SG for discounted beverages, nibbles, and the chance to practice our swings on the simulated golf course. Some might say that the more drinks we had, the more proficient at golf we became, but we strongly deny that rumour.
MAHJONG
Our dedicated players can’t get enough of the game, meeting several times a week. CNY snacks and memorabilia also brought good fortune in February!
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TOURS
A visit to Capella Singapore is always a treat, and never more so than with ANZA Tours. The group met up to learn about the history and architecture of this iconic landmark on Sentosa, as well as enjoy a glorious afternoon tea at the hotel. Alright for some, eh?!
SINGING GROUP
The best way to get yourself through the early months of the year? Sing! This gorgeous group started 2024 practicing their notes for some upcoming performances. Maybe we should get their autographs now?!
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GOLF
ANZA Golfers are experts at having a great time on and off the course! There’s been holesin-one and long lunches, but the hightlight was presenting ang bao to the lovely staff at Mandai Golf Club for CNY.
CASUAL COFFEE
It’s been wonderful to welcome so many new members to ANZA Casual Coffee these past few months. Every week we bond over coffee (okay, sometimes tea!) and chat at a cool venue. We’ve got some great ones lined up for the coming months, so join us!
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KILL-O-METRES
ANZA’s walking group continue to take on the island’s best park connectors and rogue routes in the name of fitness and friendship. Look out for them strutting past you every Monday!
SCOUTS
ANZA Scouts and Venturers took on Singapore’s Southern Ridges on a ‘trial trek’ with camping gear in their backpacks. They stopped off to learn new skills, explore the wilderness and discover just how many of them can fit onto a swing! March/April 2024
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SP O N S O R E D C O N T E N T
Preparing Children for 21st Century Success In today’s evolving world, formal education must empower students with the skills, knowledge and motivation to thrive as digitally literate global citizens.
A
t Dulwich College (Singapore), we focus on developing confident, compassionate, and outward-looking young individuals with a passion for lifelong learning. In Senior School (Year 7 - 13), our curricula is aligned to progressively prepare students for success in life beyond school: Lower Senior School (Years 7 - 8) Emotional Intelligence, Critical Thinking and Problem Solving: During this critical time in a student’s education, we focus on developing effective learning strategies and self-awareness of individual strengths and areas for improvement. Students work with subject specialists to explore topics in-depth, building skills and foundational knowledge in multiple subjects. This stage aims to build critical thinking skills and encourage personal reflection on their strengths and weaknesses. Middle Senior School (Years 9 - 11) Collaboration, Communication, Creativity and Innovation: Putting their self-reflection and critical thinking to the test, students are given a unique opportunity to have more choice and
ownership over their education by creating a tailored curriculum that suits their personal interests and goals. Unlike other schools, we offer a threeyear IGCSE programme, giving students extra time to develop important skills across different subjects. This approach allows students to learn at their own pace, enabling them to go through the College with enhanced research, selfmanagement, communication, and social interaction skills. Upper Senior School (Years 12 - 13) Lifelong Learning, Resilience and Career Preparation: To channel passion into execution, our students study
“The IB programme motivates students to develop using the Dulwich values of Determination, Courageousness, Skilfulness and Graciousness. The programme urges time management and organisation skills which allow me to face future life with a well-developed toolkit.” - AMELIE DURA, YEAR 13, HEAD STUDENT
the globally recognised International Baccalaureate (IB), selecting the IB Diploma Programme (IBDP) or the IB Career-related Programme (IBCP). The IBCP was developed for students who wish to engage in career-related learning while gaining transferable and lifelong skills. Both emphasise life skills like open-mindedness, care, principled moral behaviour, and curiosity through inquiry. The College’s IBDP programme fosters individuals who excel intellectually, emotionally, ethically, and academically. Offering a broad range of subjects often not found at other schools in Singapore (e.g. Health Sciences), we can tailor each student’s education. This allows students to delve deeper into their interests and combine theoretical knowledge with practical skills. In turn, this develops essential personal and professional skills for an ever-changing job market, providing authentic experiences in their desired career path. Our IB students are supported along by our professional University Counselling and Career Programme. In 2023, our 118 IBDP students received an average score of 36.8. Notably, 33% scored 40 or higher, and three achieved a perfect 45 points. Also last year, 96% of our students went to the university of their choice.
Dulwich College (Singapore) 71 Bukit Batok West Avenue 8, 658966 +65 6890 1003 admissions.singapore@dulwich.org, www.singapore.dulwich.org
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TICKETS ON SALE FROM 5 MAR:
WWW.BOUTIQUEFAIRS.COM.SG
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SP O N S O R E D C O N T E N T
Tanglin reaches
Australia!
In 2025, Tanglin Trust School will launch the Highlands Programme, a 5-week educational experience for Year 9s at its new 15-acre sustainable campus in West Gippsland close to Baw Baw National Park. Experiential learning in Australia
Whilst ‘heading to the Bush’ is not uncommon in Australia, Singaporean schools have not yet embraced the benefits that an extended residential wilderness programme in Australia offers. By providing learning and experiential opportunities in a safe environment, young people develop the levels of emotional resilience to be effective agents of their own path. Tanglin’s Highlands Programme based at its new Gippsland campus, will be a very different experiential learning experience to the co-curricular trips and expeditions that students at international schools in Singapore typically go on.
A rich history of holistic learning
The importance of experiential learning can be found in Tanglin’s rich history. In 1934, Tanglin’s founder, Miss Griffiths Jones, opened a boarding school in the Malaysian Highlands which offered a healthy, safe, and refreshing new learning environment for her pupils. Today, sitting in the bush on the traditional territory of the Gunakurnai people, Tanglin students will gain a new perspective
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from their learning environment, as they spend time finding out more about the history and geography of the area from both Indigenous and non-Indigenous perspectives.
A brand new Experiential Learning Programme for Year 9s
Tanglin understands that at this age, it’s important to not just develop academic knowledge but also essential life skills, confidence in learning, and a sense of belonging to a larger community. The new five week Highlands Programme has been designed to encompass these aims and students will experience a healthy mix of learning both in and outside the classroom. Studies will be tailored to maximise experiences in the natural environment and broaden perspectives. So, students will be able to learn more about Gippsland’s rich mining and maritime history and the region’s abundant flora and fauna. The rural nature of the programme will also offer plenty of fieldwork opportunities in the studies of Biology and Geography. Disconnected from devices, students’ timetables will feature daily fitness,
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THE OUTDOOR PROGRAMME FOSTERS TEAMWORK, CONFIDENCE, RESILIENCE AND GRIT
outdoor expeditions, and of course free time to simply enjoy their natural surroundings. The culmination of The Highlands Programme will be a Rite of Passage experience, where students will be tested to apply all the skills they have acquired during their transformative 5 weeks of independent living. Camaraderie, resilience, and initiative will have been established amongst the group of Year 9’s, and hopefully, they will leave from their time at Tanglin Gippsland with a lasting sense of adventure too. Returning to Singapore students can draw on their experiences, with memories of starry nights, long hikes and exploring in the bush with their friends, as they continue their adolescent journey and prepare for the next stages of their education.
Preparing students for the future
In creating the Highlands Programme, Tanglin has reflected on its past and used it to create a contemporary new learning experience for current and future students. This ambitious endeavour demonstrates Tanglin’s ongoing commitment to providing a holistic education that values experiences outside of the classroom to help better prepare students for the wider world. Learn more about Tanglin’s new Highlands Programme at www.tts.edu.sg
Tanglin Trust School 95 Portsdown Road, 139299 www.tts.edu.sg | |
www.facebook.com/TanglinTrustSchool instagram/tanglintrust March/April 2024
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C H E C K OU T
Singapore is home to a host of kooky trivia that will get you everywhere at pub quizzes! Read on for some of the best.
Who donated ancient buildings to the island?
leehsienloong FB
Did you know that in 2009, film star Jackie Chan donated a pavilion, opera stage, and two houses named Da Tong and Du Zhe to Singapore? Each one is said to date back to the Qing and Ming dynasties (around 380 years ago), and they stand proud at Singapore University of Technology and Design at 8 Somapah Road. Significant restoration work was carried out by a team of 24 craftsmen from China, who were brought in to restore the properties to their original glory.
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What was Bugis MRT station originally called? The station as we know it today was named after the Bugis people – a seafaring tribe from South Sulawesi who were among the first groups to arrive in Singapore after the British established a trading settlement on the island in 1819. The wider area was known as 'Rochore'
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An achievement to go potty about
What ‘World Day’ was pioneered by Singapore? The red dot is a famously sanitised city-state, but you may not know the island pioneered ‘World Toilet Day’. Yes, back in 2001, dunny-lovin’ Singapore proposed making 19 November ‘World Toilet Day.’ A whopping 122 countries backed the idea, and the World Toilet Organisation (worldtoilet.org) was born. That's what we call a flushing success!
Where can you find a stash of soy sauce bottles? We’re all familiar with Sultan Mosque, or Masjid Sultan, the biggest mosque in Singapore. It stands resplendent in Kampong Glam and is one of most photographed locations on the red dot. But if you look a little closer at its majestic, glistening gold domes,
In what unusual place is SG's national anthem? Money is big business in Singapore, so it’s no wonder they decided to go for it with their S$1,000 banknote. Until 2021, not only was it possible to get a note in this hefty domination, but written on the back
in micro text was the entire Singaporean national anthem. Issuance of S$1,000 notes was discontinued by the Monetary Authority of Singapore, although notes in circulation remain legal tender.
Has the red dot ever disappeared? The red dot is firmly on the map now, but it wasn't always this way. Back in the 1600s, the island and its attractive trading port were generating much interest. This caused pirates to attack and burn the early settlement down in 1613, leaving it obsolete for more than a hundred years. It wasn’t until Sir Stamford Raffles established Singapore as a British trading post in 1819 that SG returned to the map for good.
Which body part was once deemed unacceptable? Chewing gum, vaping, and being a public nuisance are all out in Singapore, but did you know that having long hair was a big no-no for males from the 1960s to the 1990s? Back then, flowing locks on guys was deemed to be detrimental to the country and men with it were turned away at immigration checkpoints. As if that wasn’t enough to get Head & Shoulders weeping (perhaps), bands with unruly manes such as Led Zeppelin and the Bee Gees had to cancel their Singapore tours. In June 1970, lengthyhaired male performers were forbidden from appearing on locally recorded television programmes.
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Sources: Monetary Authority of Singapore, National Library Board, biblioasia.nlb.gov.sg
(and still is today), but the station was originally called Victoria. It was renamed Bugis in 1985.
something else might catch your eye. The reflective black strip that follows beneath the dome is lined with soy sauce bottles! According to historians, the bottles were sourced from poor Muslim families when the mosque was built in 1826. A reconstruction in 1924 led to the bottles today symbolising the entire Muslim population, regardless of wealth, who contributed to the most important mosque on the island.
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L O C A L R E P O RT
… and we want it! As more people welcome pets into their lives, we peek into some of the niche services available for Singapore’s beloved pooches.
W
hen four year old Summer spots the school bus pulling up outside the family home in Bukit Timah to pick her up, she cannot contain herself. She spins around in pure elation, jumps on the furniture, and presses her face against the window, her big wet nose leaving a sizeable stain. She’s safely ensconced with the crates and all set for travel in seconds, for Summer is a labrador and the much-loved pet of her ‘pawrents’, the Goh family. It’s no surprise that Summer is excited. Pawsible - Dog Enrichment School in Joo Chiat Road offers the kind of daily timetable and creative fun that would make any human envious. The day starts at 9am, five days a week, with 30 furkids enjoying a relaxed excursion in East Coast Park to stretch their (many) legs. After a short rest, one-on-one classes commence which, alongside learning basic good manners such as “sit” and “stay”, include languages, music, and art. There’s supervised indoor and outdoor playtime, children and animal bonding, and rest periods for canines who can’t keep up with the (literal) young pups. At 3.30pm, everyone prepares for the bus home.
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Specialist services
Singapore’s parks and open spaces leave us in no doubt that the Lion City is a dog-loving city-state. According to a Euromonitor International report, the pet dog population in SG during 2023 was around 114,000, up by almost three per cent from 2019. And as the dogs increase, so too does the number of pawrents searching for specialist services to provide their fur babies with the best life possible. Today there are endless non-traditional pet services that go beyond a simple shampoo and set. Raw diets, staycays, yoga, private plane seats, palliative care, bespoke funerals, estate planning services, and even luxury cruises for dogs are now very much ‘a thing’. Joy Chia, 43, founded Pawsible in 2012
after a career in the financial industry. “It made no sense at the start as I didn’t want to train dogs, but I was passionate about discovering more about them on a psychological level - who are they, what are they, and what can they do that we don’t already know about?” Joy says. After gaining qualifications at the Karen Pryor Academy for Animal Training & Behavior (karenpryoracademy.com), Joy opened her enrichment school with the mission to help dogs to grow through empathetic training and a very unique canine curriculum. “Pawsible’s enrichment lessons came about organically,” Joy explains, sharing that the idea for teaching music developed when she started strumming her guitar during an afternoon nap session. Being careful so as not to stun the animals, she was fascinated by the result. “Some of the fur students would come up and touch the guitar with their nose; a few would tap at the strings; others would confidently strum with their paws.”
Witnessing the intrigue of the dogs, and learning a lot about their cognitive abilities while doing so, Joy began introducing instruments to the oneto-one classes. Macarenas, chimes and tambourines all proved popular. Small poodle Rex is talented on the xylophone. Atom, a Shibu Inu, is particularly into a guitar riff. “Dogs have an amazing sense of hearing so they tend to perk up when they hear a sound, feel psychologically soothed by music, and develop curiosity and confidence through exploring the instruments,” she says.
Connection & trust
As fur students at Pawsible increased, and more staff joined, it was Joy’s young daughters who inspired her to add art into the school schedule (oh yes, she also had three children while establishing the company). “My girls would return home from pre-school with pieces they’d painted for me, and I realised that dogs could benefit from experiencing artistic expression too,” she says. Art classes see the dogs doing paw painting and clay work, and Joy likes to set out projects throughout the year. The start of 2024 was spent making Chinese New Year decorations - students dip their paws into paints to make stamp decorations and embellish red packets. They also create pawsome gifts for Mother’s Day, Christmas, and more. “Many dogs dislike you holding their paws to paint, so this exercise is useful to prepare them for getting their nails clipped or going to the vet,” reveals Joy. “It also builds connection and trust between animal and human.” Languages are also on the enrichment rota. As a bid to bond the dogs with locals who are not so fluent in English, Joy teaches in a variety of languages and dialects including Teochew, Hokkien and Tamil. “From my observation, dogs get a lot of stimulation and satisfaction from being able to do something and get rewarded for it,” she says. “The curriculum at Pawsible offers a lot of mental stimulation which you can visibly see makes them content and happy.”
One-on-one classes include languages, music, and art
Doggy gym
The happiness of pets is also the driving force behind Sara Lam’s company, RehabVet Clinic. With an impressive array of treatments on the menu such March/April 2024
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Joy and Atom practising a doggy duet
as massages, herbal medicine, oxygen therapy, laser therapy, acupuncture, and conditioning sessions, you’d be forgiven for thinking it’s a sanctuary for humans, not for Summer on the ‘school bus’ hairy hounds. Sara, 36, established the company in 2019 due to the fact that while physical therapy and rehabilitation is on tap for people recovering from injuries and surgery, there wasn’t the same care in Singapore for pets. Five years on, she treats all different types of pets, but has around 20 dogs a day who visit for rehabilitation and rejuvenation. Massages are performed on pooches by trained physiotherapists to decrease swelling and promote circulation. Furry friends are monitored as they wobble atop balancing discs, recline for a spot of light energy laser therapy, or settle down for an acupuncture session to manage conditions such as arthritis, gastrointestinal disorders and anxiety. Meanwhile, RehabVet’s hydrotherapists assist dogs needing an Epsom salt bath to soothe skin conditions and relieve aching muscles, or prepare them for some healing cryotherapy. Tardis, a six-yearold corgi is a big fan of the onsite doggy gym which includes peanut balls, rocker boards and resistance bands. Romeo (opening pic) loves swimming and the underwater treadmill which not only provides a workout, but also supports joints and improves flexibility.
Alternative therapies
Of course, as fun as these activities sound, they are all performed in the name of health and wellbeing. Known as Integrative veterinary medicine (IVM), this relatively new approach to pet care combines conventional and alternative therapies. “Unlike a regular vet, we seek to address the root cause of a pet’s health issues rather than just treating the symptoms,” Sara explains. “We develop individualised care plans that take into account factors such as age, breed, lifestyle, and medical history, to give each pet a brighter future.” The majority of her patients, Sara says, are suffering from acute or chronic pain in the form of sprains, soft tissue injuries, or nerve pain. “We see a lot of puppies with 32
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Sara, third left, with the team at RehabVet
Massages are performed by trained physiotherapists congenital issues and older dogs with slipped discs, hip dysplasia, arthritis, or who are too elderly for surgery.” Since opening, RehabVet has treated over 1,500 animals and demand has grown by four hundred per cent since 2020. With a variety of hi-tech healing machines also on offer, it’s the oxygen chamber that’s the showstopper. The human version of the machine - like a large tube you lay inside has a reported celebrity fanbase including Cristiano Ronaldo and Justin Bieber. With health benefits ranging from increased energy and stamina, better wound healing, improved cognitive function, and pain relief, it’s no wonder that pet lovers are using it to treat their dogs-in-need, too. The Hyperbaric Oxygen Chamber certainly worked for Apple, a 13-yearold silky terrier who was suffering with
extreme vertigo. Says Sara, “I’d never seen such a severe case and was losing hope, but after seven daily sessions in a row, Apple began to stabilise and her balance and mobility slowly improved. It was a miracle to witness.” RehabVet’s oxygen chamber is the only one in Asia. “I believe that through the services we offer, pets can feel pain relief instantly,” Sara shares. “We can visibly see animals easing up and feeling better while we’re treating them. Watching them progress over the weeks or months we work together is an incredible feeling.” As you can imagine, the pets feel safe and spoilt. “Coming to us is like a fun park for them in comparison to going to a ‘usual vet’,” she laughs. “Animals understand that we’re there to help them feel better. One patient keeps barking at us when we don’t get the laser therapy machine to him fast enough!” pawsible.sg 35 Joo Chiat Road, 427492 rehabvet.com 513 Serangoon Road, #01-01, 218154
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105 Cecil Street, #11-00 The Octagon, Singapore 069534
The Counselling Place has an international team of Therapists experienced In serving Expats in English, French, German, Spanish, Japanese, Korean, Thai, Indonesian, Malay, Mandarin, Teochew, Hokkien & Cantonese.
Counselling for:
Children’s & teens’ issues Parenting concerns Relationship/marital conflicts Sex, sexuality, identity issues Anger & stress management Anxiety & depression Grief, trauma & loss Relocation & adjustment
New! TCP welcomes a new therapist to our team. Check out the bio!
WE PUT THE FUN BACK INTO FITNESS!
Psychological testing for:
Learning challenges , e.g., Dyslexia Behavioural issues, e.g., ADHD, Autism Career guidance
Camp g Siblin unt! Disco
www.thecounsellingplace.com
TENNIS SWIMMING HOLIDAY CAMPS Venue: Raffles Town Club & Condos
97507400
info@tfl-training.com
www.tfl-training.com
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SE C R E T SP E C IA L
THE QUIRKY SIDE Under the radar, slightly kooky, and only accessible if you’re in-the-know. ANZA explores the more unique aspects of the island.
S
EATERIES
ingapore is famous for its iconic tourist attractions, awe-inspiring buildings, and glitzy veneer, but what happens when you scratch beneath the shiny surface to discover a more lesser-known side of our adopted home? You find a secret world of hidden havens and enigmatic happenings – many of them hiding in plain sight. Let's go!
INCOGNITO
Mama Diam
Mama Diam is the name for a convenience store in Singapore often found under a HDB block. This quirky eaterie resembles just that from the outside, but push the shelf of magazines and you’ll find a speakeasy bar complete with old-school HDB stools, vintage knickknacks and traditional snacks. Crowd faves include Mama Diam’s signature Crab Kueh Pie Tee as well as their unique cocktails using local ingredients such as Pandan, Sour Plum and Halia. 38 Prinsep Street, 188665 mamadiamsg.com
Synthesis
This hush-hush restaurant is fooling everyone with its TCM-inspired storefront in Suntec City. Behind the apothecary medicine chests is something of an ‘uber entrance’ which first leads into a sleek neon-lit passageway (great for Insta), then into a sultry speakeasy offering private booths and dining tables. The menu is Mod-Sin and as for the TCM that lured you inside, you can choose from TCM-inspired or local-inspired cocktails. 3 Temasek Boulevard #01-643 Suntec City Tower 4, 038983 synthesis.sg
Lou Shang
Taking secrets to a whole new level, last year the owners of Mama Diam (above) opened Lou Shang , a hidden gem located directly upstairs. Scale the HDB letterboxes, dustbin, noticeboard, and excessive pamphlets to access the lobby lift button and voila! The cafe-to-cocktail bar concept has a different vibe and menu to its sisterrestaurant including Rainbow Roti, Murgh Makhani, and very creative locally-inspired drinks. @loushang.prinsep
Smith Marine Floating Restaurant
What started out in 2006 as a wooden fish farm off Changi and Pulau Ubin, has been revamped to become a modern kelong with the first Floating Seafood Restaurant in Singapore. As one of the most unique dining options around, today Smith Marine offers mouthwatering set menus alongside a one-of-a-kind dining experience where guests can fish for their meals before the chefs get busy in the kitchen. smithmarine.com.sg
The Dragon Chamber
This is something of a Singapore stalwart, but if you’re new to the island you won’t want to miss it - except for you probably will because it’s super-hidden. Head for the corner kopitiam on Keong Saik Road where patrons are sipping beer and slurping noodles. Maintain the right level of "confused face" and a secret panel in the kopitiam wall will be opened for you to enter inside. Once seated, the menu reveals a plethora of delicious age-old Chinese dishes that never caught on in mainstream restaurants. 2 Circular Road, 049358 thedragonchamber.com March/April 2024
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Taylor Adam
It looks like a tailor’s shop front from the outside, but move past the fitting room, velvet curtains and sliding mirror door, and you’ve made it into a classy speakeasy. The setting and menu are inspired by Singapore’s history with Britain and the theme of travel and trade is relevant through crafted cocktails. 1 Raffles Place, #01-03, 048616 tayloradamsg.com
Set of Six
Set of Six is a novel written by Joseph Conrad, and it’s the inspo for this notso-well-known bolthole in Tanjong Pagar. Customers can expect fabulously decadent design, delectable food, and an innovative cocktail experience – you’ve just got to find it concealed behind a mysterious entrance on Craig Road. 20 Craig Road, #01-01, 089692 setofsix.sg
There are strong retro-American dive bar vibes at this new cosy hideout. The 80s rule thanks to walls decked out in car plates, guitars, and pics of legendary musicians like David Bowie. Slip into a red-lit leather retro booth for stylish cocktails and bar bites such as Dirty Dog Chips and Crispy Spicy Winglets. 18 Teck Lim Road, #02-01, 088390 @parliamentbar.sg
Ume San 100
For a clandestine Izakaya head to the colourful row of Japanese-inspired vending machines at Fortune Centre. In true wacky style, you have to push the blue machine selling condoms (seriously!) for access, but that’s where all potential seediness ends! Inside there's nibbles such as ramen, chicken karage, and Wagyu steak all waiting to be washed down by the biggest collection of umeshu on the red dot. 190 Middle Road, #02-07 Fortune Centre,188979 pebble.by/umesan100
KOOKY
ACTIVITIES
SECRET
SIPS
Parliament Bar
Queen of Hearts
Starbucks @ Bird Paradise
Beautiful is not a word that you tend to associate with Starbucks (sorry Bucksies!), but it seems appropriate for the outlet at Bird Paradise. Grab your drink from this eco-friendly sanctuary at Mandai Wildlife West, and you might forget to visit the park altogether. Made from sustainable materials, boasting rustic furniture, quirky artwork and outdoor and indoor seating, coffee in the jungle does not get better. 20 Mandai Lake Road, #02 05, 729825 36
Clutch at your pearls ladies, Queen Of Hearts is a Singaporean male exotic dance crew catering to female audiences (screeaam!). The dancers, made up of 13 members aged 27 to 42, pride themselves on being the island's version of Magic Mike - the 2012 film about male strippers in Las Vegas. Before you get all hot under the collar, they tend to do private soirees (a 45-minute appearance starts at about $750), but they also shake their thang at events and nightlife venues. If you’re wondering how exotic it gets, Queen Of Hearts say they only go shirtless … @instagram.com/queenofhearts_sg
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The Magic Attic
Yunnan Garden
SPACES
Nestled within the facade of a landed house, this little-known gem is the (literal) home of amazing live magic shows filled with mystery and illusion. Hosted in the private residence of award-winning magician Ming Da, The Charming Conjurer, scale what appears to be regular stairs in his pad until you hit the attic. There are special family shows, a Wednesday Jam Night, and magic workshops. 3 Lorong Salleh, 416747 @themagicattic.sg
BookXcess
Books and banking come together at BookXcess, a bookstore hidden inside various Singapore banks, giving you the chance to enjoy a relaxed browse before facing your finances. The main sleek and chic store is at OCBC Wisma Atria, but there are also outlets in OCBC Ang Mo Kio, United Square and Tampines. Here you'll find everything from children’s novels to hobbyist genres. Just don’t splash all your cash …
SECLUDED OUE Downtown 2
Shenton Way is full of office buildings, which is why OUE Downtown 2 is one of the best secret escapes in the CBD. Sitting pretty on the fourth floor is an outdoor garden with a soothing fountain, lush plants, shady trees, and plenty of breathing space. Head here for a proper green gem. 6 Shenton Way, 068809
Yunnan Garden is full of features that pay homage to literature, culture and architecture. There are 19 designated trails to choose from where you can discover various plants, herbs and flowers. This serene park also packs in stone sculptures, ponds, gazebos, and lovely boardwalks at Nanyang Lake. The showstopper is the 5.6-metre-tall waterfall at the heart of it all. 12 Nanyang Drive, 637721
Hampstead Wetlands Park
Birdwatchers will love this undercover spot of former marshland which has been jazzed up to resemble a lush English garden with a pond and lily pads. Despite being in an industrial estate, it’s charming, rustic, and includes a short trail loop with observatory decks. 1 Baker Street, 799977
Keppel Hill Reservoir
Getting to Keppel Hill Reservoir requires determination and sturdy walking boots, but it’s worth it. This was a former private reservoir in 1905, a swimming hole in the 1940s, and left out of official maps of Singapore from 1954. Be warned: rumour has it it’s haunted … Keppel Hill. Start on Keppel Hill Road and join the man-made path
NPark
Rower’s Bay Park
Rower’s Bay is part of the 60km first phase of the Round Island Route (RIR) and a brilliant natural bolthole in the Northeast. The boardwalk offers excellent waterside views of the surrounding wetlands which are packed with plant species. As a habitat for native wildlife, look out for the grey heron, copper-cheeked frog, and maybe some friendly ANZA members. Seletar Club Road, 793273 March/April 2024
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@the_curious_accountant
Seletar Fishing Village
This spot may resemble an abandoned village, but the wooden jetty (called Jenal Jetty) and kampong huts were only discovered by hikers a few years back and are still being used by fishermen making a living today. Known as the last fishing village in Singapore, Seletar Fishing Village is out of bounds to the public, but there are private tours available. The best secret of all? The small beach area next to it is reputed as the best place on the island to catch the sunset. Seletar North Link. Take bus 103 or 117 and alight at the Before Shell Aviation bus stop
GEMS
Thow Kwang Pottery Jungle
HIDDEN
This is such a gem that ANZA Tours visited it last year. Formed by a group of Singaporean clay artists, this rural hideaway gives serious kampong vibes and is said to be the city’s last dragon kiln. Not only will you find more ceramics than you can shake a stick at, but there's also classes, workshops, firing events, and more. Go now before rumoured urban redevelopment projects reclaim it. 85 Lor Tawas, 639823
Boh Geh Uncle Canteen
Boh Geh Uncle Canteen opened in 1969, and not much has changed since then. Prepare to perch on mismatched stools and benches at rickety tables under a DIY canopy. There are three stalls to choose from: a cai png shop, a Muslim food stall, and a drinks stall run by Boh Geh Uncle himself. Perhaps not one for Date Night, but ideal for a true taste of a bygone era. 398 Piccadilly, 798368
Raffles Marina Lighthouse
You might have seen pictures of Raffles Marina Lighthouse but not realised it’s on this very island. Situated at the tip of Raffles Marina’s breakwater, it was built in 1994 and stands at 29 metres, making it the perfect height to overlook the Tuas Second Link bridge. Today it lights the way for yachts navigating in and out of the marina and makes a winning spot for an Insta shot. 10 Tuas West Drive, 638404 38
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Gold Bars
A Bunch Of Blooms
Need a natty bouquet in a hurry? White Dew Flower sells blooms at a 24-hour vending machine near Upper Thomson MRT. It holds up to 10 bouquets at a time in various designs, such as a graduation bouquet complete with a card and teddy bear. The machine is restocked twice a week and the floral designs change weekly. (Men - tell your mates!) @whitedewflower
It’s annoying when you run out of pure gold, but a couple of handy machines in Singapore are primed to distribute medallions and bars should you come unstuck. Puregold.sg is an e-commerce store selling swag via eight vending machines located in the likes of VivoCity and Marina Square. One to remember if you forget your wallet on the way to Fairprice. puregold.sg
VENDORS
Cake In A Can
Chances are you’ve sampled a ubiquitous cocktail-in-a-can from M&S (if not, how can we be friends?!). Now it’s time for cake-in-a-can! Japanese restaurant chain Gaku has a selection of vending machines in locations such as Plaza Singapore and Suntec City where you can get a canned cake in seven flavours - think tiramisu, matcha and mango chocolate. @okashigaku.sg
WACKY
Medical Assistance
Fresh Salmon
Norwegian Salmon vending machines have been serving Singaporean customers since 2019. Yep, metal boxes (which remain at a constant temperature of -4 degrees Fahrenheit) dispense several options, from a 200-gram salmon fillet, a serving of smoked salmon or even salmon sashimi (which includes five pieces, a fork, and must-have soy sauce). @norwegian.salmon.atm
Last year, SmartRx launched machines that took the old-fashioned vending machine up a notch. Separated into two parts, the first section is a vending machine selling over-the-counter medicines; the second is an attached pod where patients can consult with a virtual doctor for prescription-only medicines. Check out Charazoi Telemedicine Kiosk at Jalan Besar Stadium for starters. Keep your eyes peeled for similar machines cropping up this year.
New Porsche
Autobahn Motors made international headlines in 2017 after launching Singapore’s first car vending machine. The 15-storey building holds about 60 luxurious cars over four floors, each displayed through massive glass windows, making it look very much the part. Ten Square, a 20-storey building in a similar style opened in 2022. Mr Gary Hong, general manager of Autobahn Motors told the Straits Times that he sells up to 12 cars a month. “Hopefully, buying a car will be like buying a can of Coke,” he said. abm.sg
Beauty Products
Picture the scene: ION is closed and your visage needs a swift pick-me-up. Grab a purifying sheet mask or enzyme cleanser from homegrown beauty brand Ice’s Secret’s skincare vending machine. Simply head to the second floor of Thomson Plaza for some ion water essence face mist, oligopeptide milk cleanser, lip masks and sunscreen. Apparently, the machine receives several hundred transactions every month. icesecret.co March/April 2024
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Syrena doing Singapore's first live public tank performance on Orchard Road
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REAL LIFE
Syrena is Singapore’s first professional mermaid and founder of the Singapore Mermaid School. Here's why she's not just a fish out of water.
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hen it comes to unique professions, mermaiding is up there! Syrena's career began a decade ago when the mermaid movement was in its infancy around the world. She talks to ANZA about how she became involved and leads a tight-knit mermaid community on the island today.
Have you always been attracted to water? Oh yes, I was that kid on beach holidays spending hours gazing out to sea. Water is such a fascinating medium because the rules of the world on land don’t apply. It can be an incredibly challenging element to work with, but also very liberating.
How did your mermaid life begin? I started with performances - creating unique experiences for corporate and kids-centric scopes. I wanted to ignite a sense of wonder and awe for little ones. It was difficult at first, I’d get maybe one party booking a month and I felt like giving up, but after a few years I founded the Singapore Mermaid School.
What events do you do today? They span a large spectrum. Besides kid-centric and corporate parties, I also do family events, events that are wholly
on land, wholly in water, or a hybrid of both. I’ve been booked locally and internationally for conventions, private experiences, and masterclasses. Whatever you can imagine, I can probably help bring to life!
Any standout moments? On the kids side of the business, I was booked by a rather fabulous lady to do a mermaid party for her two granddaughters. She proceeded to book me again for the next two years, after which she requested a private mermaid workshop for not just her granddaughters, but also herself! On the corporate side I collaborated with the Singapore Zoo to create Singapore’s first mermaid aquarium performance for several years running. I also partnered with ION Orchard to devise Singapore’s first live public mermaid tank performance. It was pretty surreal seeing a tank being built for me in the middle of Orchard Road!
You recently hosted The Otherworld Ball ... It was the first in Asia and quite the spectacle: we had knights in doublets, warriors in full plate armour, fae maidens in wings, satyrs, faun, and mermaids.
Above and right: Syrena with students from Singapore Mermaid School
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“I have the largest personal collection of silicone tails in the world”
mermaids. There's another ball (theotherworldball.com) later this year.
Where do you source your mermaid tails from?
Tell us about the rest of your look ... It helped to have a signature look when I started out, but these days I enjoy switching things up. Doing so many events and classes, I like to keep it fresh! I often customise to my client's brief, for example, at Chinese New Year I’ll go with more oriental-inspired pieces and my most elaborate and heaviest tail, the Koi Empress.
How does the breathing underwater work? I wish I could breathe underwater! It requires a great deal of mental and physical discipline and this is what suspends disbelief for your audience. Many people ask me “Do you have breathing tubes somewhere?” or “Where’s your tank?” But it’s all just the power of the human body!
How long can you hold your breath? I don’t time my 'holds' as that creates unnecessary pressure. The best happen when you’re in the moment, going with the flow and enjoying yourself (as much as one can do without oxygen!).
Tell us about the Singapore Mermaid School… The Singapore Mermaid School opened in 2015. It came about very organically - people would watch my performances live or online, or read an interview and write in wanting to learn from me. When I founded the company I just wanted to impart the magic of mermaiding to people in a safe, structured and immersive way. Since its inception, it’s gained a following locally and internationally, and even had a mention on Netflix! 42
What classes do you teach? It’s the first mermaid school in the world to offer a tiered syllabus for progressive learning. Each level has a specific focus which not only teaches physicality, but also theory. In true Syrena style, you learn about mermaid myths and legends around the world. There’s also a strong emphasis on community. I always say that people walk into class as strangers and emerge as each other’s bridesmaids … I’ve seen it happen more than once!
Who are your students? To date, the Singapore Mermaid School has taught hundreds of students from all walks of life. Our youngest has been four years old, and our most senior 88 years old. We’ve had nurses, lawyers, teachers, homemakers, celebrities, and even royalty – anyone can be a mermaid if they put their heart to it.
How do you see students evolve as they learn mermaid skills? Mermaiding is transformative. For one, it’s a wonderful workout that’s easy on the joints. Core mobility is improved, your posture gets better, and you naturally grow more flexible as the basic mermaid undulation really gives you a good stretch. When you become familiar with the amazing things your body can do in this hobby, you really get a boost of confidence. Suddenly you’re walking taller, feeling stronger and tighter, and feeling more at home in your skin. It’s also very freeing because we emphasise what your body can do, not what it looks like.
What type of person makes a good mermaid? The beauty of it is anyone can be a
mermaid! Age, gender, body shape, career, race – there is room for all to come as they are. For me, mermaiding starts with the inner self. Mermaids look out for the people around them and operate from a place of kindness, grace and love. If you’re doing that, you’re already a good mermaid in my book.
Are mermen welcome? Mermen are welcome and beloved here! They’re a more elusive breed, so it’s always amazing when we get new mermen sign-ups. Our most recent Bronze Mermaids batch had three mermen sign up independently - an unprecedented number - and that’s an amazing step forward for the Singapore mermaid community. They’re incredibly brave for bucking stereotypes and diving into this world with us.
What’s next for you Syrena? As well as working on releasing a small capsule collection of dresses, I'm currently writing a children's book. It's a whimsical read teaching the importance of creating a place where we - and others - can belong and feel appreciated no matter who we are. See Syrena in action at her ongoing weekly show at Fish Pool, JW Marriott South Beach’s NCO Club, on Fridays and Saturdays, 6.30PM & 830PM. thencoclub.com themermaidsyrena.com @thesingaporemermaid
Joshfather Photography
They are made by two of my dearest friends who helm Finfolk Productions. They're made entirely of special effectsgrade silicone, and custom-made to my measurements and preferred colour palette. I’m a bit of a tail addict and have the largest personal collection of silicone tails in the world. Each one weighs between 15 - 25kg.
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SP O N S O R E D C O N T E N T
Hidden nature at Marlborough College Malaysia There’s more than meets the eye at this school - an outdoor education paradise and hidden lake for starters.
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ith its recently transformed hidden lake and dedicated forest school area, students at Marlborough College Malaysia (MCM) are
exploring nature without even leaving the school grounds. On a beautiful afternoon, a group of pupils make their way along a wooden jetty before hopping aboard their kayaks and paddling towards the middle of a serene lake. It’s a scene that has now become commonplace at Marlborough College Malaysia after the transformation of a hidden lake nestled behind the Prep School into a fantastic outdoor learning resource. During the summer of 2021, work began on the lake’s boathouse and outdoor classroom. A floating pontoon and jetty were created to enable pupils safe access to the
Pupils regularly enjoy kayaking and paddle boarding as part of the curriculum
water, and kayaks and paddle boards were purchased. All the necessary safety checks and training were undertaken
feeds into a local river, giving them the chance to explore the
so that when pupils returned in August, they were able to
mangroves and jungle.
take full advantage of some new watersports activities at
Knowledge of the environment
the start of the academic year. And since its opening, the lake’s popularity has grown. This year, Senior School pupils have taken longer canoe and kayak trips since the lake
There has also been a real focus on improving the biodiversity of the lake in the last few years. New varieties of fish have been introduced that provide students with the opportunity to try catch to release fishing and an abundance of wildlife has
returned to the area. Fish eagles, Stork-billed kingfishers and a family of otters are all now regular visitors to the lake, providing pupils with a unique opportunity to observe wildlife in their natural surroundings. With over 90 acres, the College benefits from ample space to create a range of outdoor classrooms to enhance learning. Alongside the development of the lake, a dedicated forest school area for Pre-Prep pupils offers uninterrupted time to explore, discover and play in nature. Pupils can enjoy anything from whittling wood, to climbing trees or hunting for minibeasts. Two qualified and experienced Forest Pre-Prep pupils enjoy Forest School lessons on the 90 acre estate
School Leaders continuously look for new ways to introduce knowledge of the environment into lessons. Mr Lyden Astill, Director of Co-curriculum at the College said, “The connection with nature is absolutely vital to us all. Here at Marlborough College Malaysia, we want to make outdoor learning integral to the curriculum. There is so much scope for developing a whole host of skills when pupils take part in outdoor activities. We are aiming to teach pupils to enjoy and appreciate the environment they are in but also to conserve it.
MARLBOROUGH COLLEGE MALAYSIA Jalan Marlborough, 79200 Iskandar Puteri, Johor Malaysia +60 7 560 2200 www.marlboroughcollegemalaysia.org Marlborough College Malaysia mcmalaysia @MarlboroughMCM Marlborough College Malaysia
In doing so, pupils develop a richer learning experience.”
To find out more about Marlborough College Malaysia or to tour the campus book a place at one of our Admissions Events or arrange your own private viewing by contacting admissions@marlboroughcollege.my March/April 2024
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Annual General Meeting 2024 6.30pm for a 7pm start Tuesday 19 March 2024 All members are invited to attend the ANZA Annual General Meeting 2024 at the New Zealand High Commissioner’s Residence. Delve into the essence of our community through insightful presentations by our diverse sporting and interest groups and participate in the election of our new Executive Committee. Network with fellow ANZA members amidst the tranquil ambience of the Residence’s grounds, complemented by a selection of New Zealand wine, beer and delicious canapés.
Registration for this event is essential for security purposes.
Register at anza.org.sg
LADIES NIGHT ANZA organises monthly girls only get-togethers with great deals on drinks and food at different hotspots around Singapore.
APR
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Wednesday 20 March , 6.30 - 9.30pm Cooling Tower Rooftop Bar Carlton City Hotel Singapore, 1 Gopeng St, Level 29, 078862
Wednesday 24 April, 6.30 - 9.30pm Hard Rock Cafe 50 Cuscaden Rd, #02-01 HPL House, 249724
Register at anza.org.sg/groups/ladies-night
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SP O N S O R E D C O N T E N T
DIANA CHUA, Technical Consultant at Select Investors, guides non-resident taxpayers of Australia on superannuation.
What superannuation tips will help my retirement nest to grow more effectively?
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ustralian superannuation is a longterm savings plan for retirement. are residing in Australia, tax is payable A minimum upfront savings of Whilst you’re an expat working on withdrawal. 17.5% is attractive, but you must take outside of Australia, you no longer receive into consideration the ongoing 15% superannuation contributions from your Policy Year Tax outcome if planholder tax on investment earnings during employer and many of you will start to is Australian Tax Resident the accumulation phase. For each question if you have enough in your Within 8 years 100% of earnings assessed at individual’s marginal tax contribution, the rules around age, super for retirement. rate (MTR) contribution caps, transfer balance As a non-resident, you can continue During the 9th year 2/3 of earnings assessed at cap, and division 293 impact must be to make superannuation contributions individual MTR During the 10th year 1/3 of earnings assessed at considered. to superannuation funds in Australia. individual MTR If you have the intention to ultimately However, you are not allowed to After the 10th year No additional tax payable reside in Australia, one alternative have a self-managed superannuation on earnings strategy is to hold investments through fund (SMSF) as the SMSF will be nonan investment-linked life-insurance bond complying, and this can result in paying It is important to compare this against where any withdrawals after 10 years are as much as 45% tax. your investment timeline and horizon. tax-free. As long as the contribution does If you do not have any Australian Unlike superannuation, access is not not exceed 125% of the previous year’s assessable income, any superannuation based on reaching retirement age, contribution, it will be considered part of contribution would be a nontherefore providing you with more the initial investment. This means each concessional contribution and this forms flexibility. additional contribution does not need to the tax-free component. The nonSuperannuation can be complicated, be invested for the full 10 years to receive concessional contribution annual cap for so make sure you reach out to a the full tax benefits. the 2024 financial year is $110,000. professional to discuss your contributions If the contribution exceeds 125% of the When you have a property in Australia before you make them. previous year’s investment, the start date that is net positive after taking into The levels and bases of taxation and reliefs from of the 10-year period will reset to the consideration depreciation expenses, taxation can change at any time. The value of any tax relief depends on individual circumstances. You are start of the investment year in which the you can consider making a concessional advised to seek independent tax advice from suitably excess contributions are made. You will contribution to reduce the tax payable. qualified professionals before making any decision as then have to wait for a further 10 years The deduction is only to the extent that to the tax implications of any investment. The value of an investment with St. James’s Place will be directly from this date to gain the full tax benefit. it would reduce taxable income to zero. linked to the performance of the funds selected and Any withdrawals made whilst you are The concessional contribution cap for the may fall as well as rise. You may get back less than a Singapore tax resident is tax-free. If you 2024 financial year is $27,500. Income the amount invested. derived from interest, unfranked dividends, and royalties are Please contact Diana on diana.chua@sjpp.asia or +65 8807 2552 if you would subjected to withholding taxes like her to provide guidance on Australian tax matters or would be interested in in Australia and a tax deduction a complimentary review of your personal financial situation together with one of cannot be claimed against this our wealth planners. type of income.
Senior Partner Practice of St. James's Place (Singapore) Private Limited
The ‘St. James’s Place Partnership’ and the titles ‘Partner’ and ‘Partner Practice’ are marketing terms used to describe St. James’s Place representatives. Members of the St. James’s Place Partnership in Singapore represent St. James’s Place (Singapore) Private Limited, which is part of the St. James’s Place Wealth Management Group, and it is regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore and is a member of the Investment Management Association of Singapore and Association of Financial Advisers (Singapore). Company Registration No. 200406398R. Capital Markets Services Licence No. CMS100851. St. James’s Place Wealth Management Group Ltd Registered Office: St. James’s Place House, 1 Tetbury Road, Cirencester, Gloucestershire, GL7 1FP, United Kingdom. Registered in England Number 02627518.
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YOUR
WORLD Want to feel more confident, communicate better, and make faster decisions? Here’s how tuning into certain shades can turn your life around.
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eing human, we all encounter a vast spectrum of emotions. But have you ever blamed a bad mood on the shade of your socks? Or attributed a wave of kindness to a splash of pink on the MRT? Maybe you should, as research shows that colour can play a powerful force in our life, affecting body and mind, and influencing us in more ways than we realise. “When we see colour, it’s more than just a visual experience,” explains Eva Papadakis, personal stylist and colour specialist at Style Your Fashion Soul (@styleyourfashionsoul). “Through scientific and anecdotal experiences, we know that human interaction with colour affects our disposition and physical actions. The part of our brain that interprets colour also controls our thoughts, autonomic nervous system, circadian rhythms, sexual desires, and more.” Indeed, across cultures we use colour to convey emotional states. We feel blue, see red, or are green with envy. We wear white to weddings, black to funerals (in Asia white is worn), give red hearts on Valentine’s Day and wear red at Chinese New Year. Colour and emotional associations are ubiquitous.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
Understanding the power of colour starts with science. “Colour is light, and light is energy which speaks to us in vibrations,” explains Eva, an expat in Singapore who has formally studied colour training and colour and design psychology. “When light enters our eye, it causes the release of hormones that affect our moods, temperature, sleep, and blood pressure, amongst other things. This means that colour is not purely a visual stimulus, but it also constantly creates physical and psychological changes and responses within us, too.” The International Colour-Emotion Association Survey proves that the colour red has been shown to raise pulse rate, while blue can foster trust and encourage innovative thinking. (Hello ANZA’s primary branding colour!). Statistics show that colour can account for up to 85% of the reason why we choose to buy certain products. Many ancient cultures, including the Egyptians and Chinese, practised chromotherapy (the use of colours to heal), which still takes place today as a holistic health treatment. March/April 2024
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Yellow is thought to stimulate the nerves and purify the body, indigo can alleviate skin problems, and orange is used to heal the lungs and boost energy. When we understand more about colours, we can consciously use them to support our emotions and create certain behaviours, not just in ourselves but in others. And the quickest way to do this? Through your wardrobe. Says Eva, “When you wear a palette that’s harmonious with your personal colouring and personality, you’ll feel more at home in your skin in a deep authentic way. Confidence can grow, moods can level out.”
WHAT TO DO
The best way to explore which colours work best for you is to compare and contrast different colour dimensions. “Observe how your skin and eyes look next to a certain tones and notice how your physical body reacts - you may feel yourself stiffen or recoil. “Others might bring on a sense of calm or cause you to smile,” Eva continues. “When you’ve found colours and combinations that work for you, you can often feel favourable results instantly. People will compliment you more often, not necessarily on what you’re wearing, but that you look well, or different, and so on.” With a stronger sense of self, you can use colour to address a specific behaviour or issue you’re dealing with. For example, let’s say you work in a young, dynamic, environment, but are older than the majority demographic and favour structured tailoring and darker blues to show gravitas and responsibility. “Adjusting to brighter colours can encourage colleagues to see you as more creative, innovative, and fun. Through consciously working with 48
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different tones and combinations, you can encourage a change in your behaviour and how people respond to you.” And if black is your go-to, note that it’s the total absorption of light. “Black has a quality of glamour (which is why many highend luxury brands use it), but it can also feel oppressive, heavy, isolated, or menacing,” warns Eva. “However, it also provides the psychological feeling of protection and can make us feel safe. This is why people often reach for it in their wardrobe, as a form of armour.” Going deeper, when we reach for one shade habitually and reject a wider spectrum of colour in our life, it can also mean that we’re denying aspects of ourselves. According to Eva, this is a sign that we need to step consciously into colour, which can be challenging for those with aspects of their subconscious buried.”
STAY TUNED
As your awareness of colour increases, you’ll start to easily identify the characteristics of specific colours and how they resonate with your personality. Eva suggests keeping a Pinterest board of interiors and fashion you like and changing it seasonally. Doing so will help you become more aware of yourself, the shades you’re selecting or avoiding, and give you the opportunity to reflect on why this might be. “It’s always worth reevaluating your palette, especially after big life changes such as a move to a new location, a relationship breakup, or if you’ve fallen into unconscious habits with your colour choices,” says Eva. The beauty is that the power of colour is open to everyone. “Through my work, I’ve seen countless examples of people enhancing their wellbeing and increasing energy levels simply through working more consciously with colour,” Eva continues. “In some instances, just by adjusting the use of colour in their wardrobe, people have subsequently received that overdue promotion at work or had a positive shift in a romantic relationship.” Now, it’s over to hue.
Chromotherapy research: sciencedirect.com, Product branding: brandminds.com, Colour specifics: limesurvey.org
Colour constantly creates physical and psychological responses within us
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SP O N S O R E D C O N T E N T
Subtle signs of a concussion Spotting a mild form of concussion can be hard, so knowing the signs is important. Dr Hutchins explains all.
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watch most of my son’s rugby matches trying to hide my internal wincing every time I see a big tackle coming. I find myself willing him to run faster to safety rather than to glory. My son loves the game and, considering the benefits that come from team sports, I’m happy for him to play. But one thing I am adamant on is strictly no playing if there’s even a hint of a concussion. Even if the next game is the final, or the star player is injured and the team needs him, or he doesn’t want to appear ‘weak’ to his friends. Not allowing the brain time to recover before potentially suffering another head blow can be very dangerous indeed.
Spot a concussion
To stop children playing with a concussion, you have to be able to tell when they have one. That may sound easy enough: if the child has had a major blow to the head, has lost consciousness, or is clearly very disorientated and they need to go to hospital for imaging of their head and spine. It’s when the head injury is milder and the symptoms are more subtle that the diagnosis is more difficult, especially if they’re older and tempted to downplay their symptoms to get back on the pitch! Essentially, if they don’t seem themselves, however muted, and they have a history of a head injury, get them seen by a medical professional.
Symptoms to monitor: Headache Dizziness Incoordination
Loss of balance Nausea and vomiting Sensitivity to light or sound Feeling mentally foggy or slow Disorientation Difficulty concentrating or remembering Word finding difficulty Fatigue Irritability Sadness Inappropriate emotions Nervousness Behavioural changes Difficulty sleeping or sleeping excessively
What to do
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Don’t let your child play on, and prevent them from partaking in other activities that may lead to another head injury e.g. skateboarding, trampolining, etc. Let them rest but not for too long; 24 - 48 hours is ideal, after which introducing a programme of exercise that gradually increases in intensity (to a
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FOR MORE INFORMATION
level that doesn’t make their symptoms worse) is recommended. They may also need a period of rest from activities that require their focus and concentration. For example, reading, computer games, prolonged screen time, and even schoolwork may bring on symptoms in some children. Take your child to see their doctor for a proper assessment and advice regarding diagnosis, symptom management, and advice on returning to school and sports. They may need a few visits so the doctor can properly assess their progress. If they’re serious athletes in a contact sport, consider asking their doctor to do some baseline tests of their memory, cognition, and balance at their next routine check-up. Determining a baseline might make it easier to spot - or rule out - any symptoms of a mild concussion in the future.
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Visit our website or make an appointment to learn how we can help you to take control of your own health and wellbeing. osler-health.com
Dr Natalie Hutchins is a British GP based at the Osler Health Star Vista clinic. Tel: 6339 2727.
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Thriving in Singapore Whether you’re new to Singapore or a long-term resident, join us to learn more about life on the island. Hear about a plethora of activities happening in the ANZA community, get advice from our guest speakers, and meet new friends over a relaxed morning tea. All welcome! REGISTER ONLINE AT ANZA.ORG.SG
PREMIER SPONSOR
Date: 9.30am 11.30am 20 March Venue: Boomarang Bistro & Bar ANZA members and non-members: Complimentary
SILVER SPONSORS
VENUE PARTNER
9 Hole Golf
Looking to kickstart your golf game? This relaxed group of golfers meet on Tuesday mornings. Other activities include group lessons and social events. Suitable for beginners and those seeking a handicap.
VENUE: Mandai Executive Golf Course Upper Seletar Reservoir, Mandai Rd Track 7, 779384 anza.org.sg/sports/golf-9-hole
Ads Client Mar24.indd 50
19/2/2024 4:06:49 PM
SP O N S O R E D C O N T E N T
NEW YEAR, NEW ME! NEW INJURY?
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Aches and pains in the foot and ankle can not only hurt, but be seriously debilitating. Read on for advice.
ost people make new year’s resolutions and commonly these are to do with getting healthier. There are no
health-related downsides to stopping smoking, drinking, or eating junk food of course so if you have managed to stick to those great work! Increasing activity levels, especially running, however can have its downsides in terms of ‘overuse’ injuries if you go too hard and too fast too early. Tendinopathies, (previously incorrectly called tendinitis) in the foot and ankle occur frequently. Plantar fasciitis, also known as policeman’s heel, is one of the commonest orthopaedic conditions affecting 10-15% of people in their lifetime.
What is the pathology?
standing when getting out of bed or having been
manufacturers produce running shoes that are
All tendinopathies including patella tendinopathy
sitting for a long time.
designed for different foot shapes (high arch vs
(jumper’s knee), lateral and medial epicondylitis
ACHILLES TENDINOPATHY
flat foot) and it is important to check that you are
(tennis and golfer’s elbow), Achilles
This may be at the insertion of the tendon onto
tendinopathy and plantar fasciitis have the
the back of the heel bone or in the middle of
For plantar fasciitis, silicone heel cups and a
same underlying pathology. Whenever we do
the tendon (non-insertional tendinopathy).
Strassburg sock or night splint may be helpful.
any activity, we cause tiny tears in the tendon
Interestingly, there is a big difference in the
For Achilles issues, a heel raise is extremely
or fascia which should heal with good quality
incidence according to ethnicity with 90% of
useful.
collagen fibres lined up along the lines of force.
Caucasians presenting with non-insertional
Eccentric exercises are the key to getting
This is the natural process of turnover and
and 90% of Asians presenting with insertional
the tissues to heal for both conditions with
regeneration of tissues. If we create these tears
tendinopathy.
up to 90% of patients achieving success with
faster than they can heal, there is a breakdown
Treatment
in the healing process, and we end up with
using the correct ones for you.
this alone. It is worth having a physiotherapist supervise this.
tendinopathy. It is similar to the mechanism of a
The first thing to do is to remove ‘training
Shockwave therapy for plantar fasciitis and
stress fracture in the bone, just in the tendon.
errors’ such as over-training. This may include
non-insertional Achilles tendinopathy also has
changing your activity (e.g. swimming instead of
good evidence of success.
PLANTAR FASCIITIS Plantar fasciitis presents with pain at the bottom
running) until the injury has recovered.
of the heel. The pain is usually worst when first
Footwear is important; the major
Injections can have complications and are generally not useful other than in specific circumstances. Platelet rich plasma has been shown in several good studies not to work.
Dr Chris Pearce is an Orthopaedic Surgeon at Altius Clinic specialising in foot and ankle conditions. He is the author of several scientific studies, articles and book chapters on tendinopathies of the foot and ankle. altiusclinic.sg Altius Clinic Sports and Orthopaedic Surgeons 290 Orchard Road, #09-11/12 Paragon, 238859 contact@altiusclinic.sg +65 8500 3961 +65 6970 1518
If all else fails, there is the option of surgery, but it is rarely required. Place your forefoot on a step and lower your heel all the way down 15 times with the knee straight and 15 times with the knee bent for three sets. Try to do this twice a day.
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SP O N S O R E D C O N T E N T
The Connection Cure
The quality of our social interactions plays a huge part in our health as a whole. Read on for how Lifestyle Medicine can help.
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mpathy, understanding, and a sense of belonging and closeness can bring about a host of positive emotions impacting our physical and emotional health. The Covid-19 pandemic, by contrast, was a stark reminder of how isolation can trigger a worsening of mental health for so many people, some of whom considered themselves resilient. With an impact across other pillars of Lifestyle Medicine nutrition, physical activity, sleep, use of harmful substances, and stress reduction, the quality of our social connections occupies a uniquely important place. How often do we, as doctors, ask our patients about how connected they feel to those around them? Perhaps not as often as we should. Evidence suggests that having positive social connections reduces the risk of chronic diseases such as coronary artery disease, strokes, diabetes, and mental health disorders, including dementia. It improves immunity against infectious diseases. We know that it is an independent protective factor in prolonging a healthy lifespan - a study with 300,000 people found that survival in chronic disease increased by 50% in those with strong social connections. On the other hand, those who experience social isolation or loneliness are more prone to chronic disease and may face early death. They face similar risks to those who smoke 15 cigarettes a day or consume excessive alcohol. Their risk of mortality exceeds that of physical inactivity or obesity! A prolonged period with insufficient social connection triggers an inflammatory response in the body, manifesting in increased body fat, raised blood pressure and a spike in stress hormones. Unhappy individuals are more likely to indulge in less healthy behaviours
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regarding their diet, exercise, alcohol and smoking, resulting in worsening inflammation and chronic disease. As Lifestyle Medicine specialists with a coaching approach, social connection is stressed, and support is offered. Clinical data from more than 40,000 patients revealed that patients receiving psychosocial support in addition to usual treatment were 20% more likely to survive in general and 29% more likely to survive longer than patients who received standard medical treatment. This underscores the benefits of an integrated Lifestyle Medicine approach for patients. Suggestions to improve connectedness include: Joining social groups or activities you enjoy; meeting people with a common interest, e.g. a book club, hiking group, volunteering If someone has a serious illness, the company of a group is invaluable in providing support and advice Reaching out to people or seeing a counsellor if you are shy Seeking help from a couples counsellor, as a troubled relationship can do a lot of harm to your health Forgiveness, gratitude, and mindfulness can also help.
Dr Charu Narayanan, International Medical Clinic – Katong trained in nutritional Medicine and studied Lifestyle Medicine to obtain the International Board Certification in Lifestyle Medicine conferred by the American College of Lifestyle Medicine in 2020. She is uniquely positioned as a doctor to personalise healthcare and work with patients to reverse/reduce disease risk rather than just treat it. www.imc-healthcare.com
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TUCKE R B OX
Spice Up Your Life
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ncient spice ANISE, used sparingly, adds light sweet tones to savoury and sweet food like stews, curry, muffins, fruit, and mixed drinks. Wrap food like chicken, fish, and vegetables in BANANA LEAVES for cooking (roasting, steaming, barbecuing) for a delightful flavour. Ground CUMIN added to vegetables and fried rice highlights natural tastes. DASHI, Japanese fish stock, is subtly briny. Use instant dashi when cooking veggies or noodles. ESSENCE adds tantalising aromas and tastes. Try almond, coconut, vanilla or ylang-ylang in cakes, custard, fruit salad, and cocktails. FERMENTED SOYA-BEANS add a relatively strong flavour in classic Chinese dishes like steamed porkribs, seafood, and beancurd. Try with stir-fried asparagus. Blue ginger, or GALANGAL, creates a floral aroma and taste, particularly in Thai dishes. Use in green papaya salad. HIMALAYAN PINK SALT sprinkled lightly on cooked beef accentuates bovine flavours, especially barbecued meat. INDIAN SPICES are used with rice dishes, meat, and veggies. Bake in breads (sesame), puddings (cinnamon), biscuits (cardamom), and add colour to pickles (turmeric). The local name for anise (above) is JINTAN MANIS. KALAMANSI
Q-Nami Rub provides exotic touches when barbecuing meat or seafood LEAVES (type of lime), wiped over fish, helps remove any ‘fishy’ odour. Of the ginger family, LENGKUAS is also known as galangal (above). MIRIN, Japanese sweet rice-wine, makes a nice glaze. I occasionally use mirin in lieu of sherry, with Western-style meat or vegetables. NUTS, especially cashews, are popular in Singapore. Crushed, they add substance to curries and gravies. Use floral-scented OOLONG TEA in dips, marinades and soups. Boil eggs in oolong tea; steep oats overnight for a refreshing change. Of Indian origin, PANCH PHORAN combines five (panch) spices. Add to oil prior to cooking for a distinctive flavour, or rub on meat prior to cooking.
Q-NAMI RUB provides exotic touches when barbecuing meat or seafood. Fragrant Huadiao, Chinese RICE WINE, is popular for enhancing flavours when cooking. Add a zing to Chinese Szechuan dishes by using whole or ground SZECHUAN PEPPERCORNS with soup, meat, and vegetables. Mapo doufu and Chongqing hot-pot are well-known restaurant fare. Szechuan chicken is a personal favourite. TUNG CHYE or salted cabbage, purchased in small packets, garnishes soups, vegetables, and can be added to meatballs for an uplifting salty taste. From Turkey, URFA BIBER PEPPER FLAKES have a smoky pungency. Sprinkle flakes over cooked meat; add to vegetables; jazz up pizza. Used lightly, the white powder VE-TSIN is said to add flavour to dishes. Enliven humble WHITE SAUCE by sprinkling with some of the above seasonings, earning positive comments. A Beijing favourite, XI GUA LAO is watermelon jelly made using agar-agar (processed seaweed) with watermelon juice. YLANG-YLANG, a fragrant Malaysian tropical flower; refer to Essence above. ZEST of citrus fruit adds oomph to dishes, especially chutneys and salads. Enjoy experimenting!
Born in Adelaide, Raelene Tan is an etiquette consultant and a food and travel writer. She has authored five books and has been a regular guest on radio and television. March/April 2024
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Photograph: Indian spices, from Raelene Tan
Seasonings and flavourings from Asia add an alphabet of tastes to dishes, including Western fare, says RAELENE TAN.
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13/2/24 9:11 PM
Play Mahjong with ANZA
SOMETIMES YOU JUST NEED A STRONG CUPPA AND A FRIENDLY WELCOME. Whether you’re new to Singapore, new to ANZA or have been here a while, Casual Coffee mornings are a fantastic way to meet new people and pick up tips for living in Singapore. ANZA Casual Coffee meets at various locations around the island.
MONDAY EVENING SESSIONS!
ANZA Mahjong meet up on various days and locations around the island. It’s a great way to learn this brain boosting Chinese tile game. From beginners and beyond, all levels are welcome!
Register at anza.org.sg/groups/ casual-coffee
ANZA Stitches Join ANZA Stitches and work on your own needlecraft project while you make new friends. Plus, discover the best spots in Singapore to purchase crafting materials.
anza.org.sg/groups/mahjong
Singing Group We cover pop, rock, musicals, old favourites, classical, karaoke – you name it! Don’t be shy, all abilities welcome. Group host, Bernadette Nagy, is an opera singer and a passionate music educator.
Find out more at anza.org.sg/ groups/singing-group MORE INFO: ANZA.ORG.SG/GROUPS/STITCHES
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We commemorated the Year of the Dragon with a visit to FIRE, a new Argentinian restaurant that’s truly hot stuff.
EAT
FIRE
2 ORCHARD TURN, #55-01 ION ORCHARD, 238801, firerestaurant.sg
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mbark on a culinary journey at FIRE, where traditional Argentine asado flavours meet modern innovation. Led by renowned chef Soledad Nardelli, the team combine a century of experience to craft dishes that pay homage to Argentina’s rich gastronomic heritage. This, paired with epic views of Singapore’s Orchard Road, creates an experience that truly captures the essence of Argentinean culture. We were presented with their impressive three-course lunch menu (S$58++). The Caramelised Artichoke Mash with Flat Bread was a fantastic start. The velvety artichoke mash, crisp flatbread, and the subtle crunch of pumpkin seeds and smoked paprika created a dance of flavours on the palate. The drizzle of extra virgin olive oil added a luxurious touch, setting the tone for the culinary delights to follow. The Grilled Spice-Marinated Free Range Baby Chicken, with its succulent meat marinated expertly in spices, was accompanied by a luscious Truffle Potato Puree and Charred Corn. The dish featured a quintessential Green Chimichurri, adding a burst of freshness that complemented the smoky flavours of the chicken. No Argentinean meal is complete without beef, and the Parrilla Grilled US Morgan Ranch Striploin MS 6-7 (+$30
supplement) lived up to its reputation. Cooked to perfection, it showcased the excellence of Argentinean parrilla cooking. The Herb Roasted Baby Potato and Broccolini on the side provided a delightful balance, while the Red Chimichurri added a bold and tangy kick.
Decadent fondant
To conclude, we indulged in the Warm Dark Chocolate Fondant. The decadent fondant oozed with rich chocolate, and paired flawlessly with a medley of mixed berries and a Hazelnut
Quintessential Green Chimichurri, added a burst of freshness
Crumble. The thick chocolate sauce drizzled over the dessert served as an exquisite finale. The cocktail menus, featuring Mixologist Specials and FIRE Signature Cocktails, were irresistible. We opted for the Mixologist Specials, $26 each. The Carpe Diem, curated by Afad M, stood out with Black Tears Spiced Rum, Lemon, Fresh Raspberries, Mint, and Vanilla - a winning concoction embodying its byline: “Enjoy the moment, cherish the time and seize the day.” From the FIRE Signature Cocktails menu, the Yerba Spritz ($23) was equally impressive, embracing its Argentinean roots with Yerba Mate Gin, Peach Moscato, Passionfruit Purée, and Thyme Maple Syrup. The attentive service and elegant ambience of the restaurant elevated a straightforward lunch to an absolute treat. Each dish reflected the chef’s expertise and embraced the soul of Argentinean cooking. Although we chose the Set Lunch, the à la carte menu highlights some of the most classic dishes in Argentinean cuisine. Considering the remarkable condensed lunch offering, the à la carte menu at FIRE holds the promise of an immersive journey into Argentinean gastronomy. VERDICT: Whether you’re a food enthusiast or simply seeking a memorable dining experience with a view, FIRE hits the spot. Come here for gorgeous flavours and visual delights both on the plate, and through the surrounding panoramic vistas.
March/April 2024
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SP O N S O R E D C O N T E N T
Fun of the Fair
Boutique Fairs Singapore takes place in April. Major shopping of expat and local designers ahead!
W
hether you’re new to town or have been here for a while, there is one event you should
mark in your calendar: Boutique Fairs Singapore, a three-day shopping event that champions more than 300 designforward, boutique brands on the island. Be spoiled for choice as you discover products across women’s and men’s fashion and accessories, home decor and lifestyle products, children’s toys, fashion, and food and beverages. Find the perfect fit for your style, be it bold colours, prints and patterns, or understated, minimalist pieces. If shopping sustainably is important to you, Boutiques has you
Each edition, Boutiques presents a rare
them in person. Concerned about height
opportunity to personally connect with
and sizing for apparel? You will always
brand owners and designers, and to learn
get the right one at Boutiques - no need
the story, creative vision, and craft behind
to bother with returns. As always, many
every piece. Among our community of
labels offer new collections exclusively, so
brands are labels with global design
prepare to be the first to shop lots of new
sensibilities, both expat and local-owned,
and exciting pieces from beloved brands
and international brands making their
while getting acquainted with new ones!
Singapore debut at Boutiques. Many participants do not retail at
This edition, Boutiques will be unveiling more dedicated cafe seating and savoury
physical stores, so this is a great chance to
meals catering to different dietary
get a first-hand look at their products, feel
preferences to make your experience even
their fabrics and material, and experience
more comfortable. They will also continue
covered too.
to offer a free shuttle bus service from Millenia Walk, so you can skip the extra steps and get to the venue without breaking a sweat.
Event Details
The Spring Summer 2024 Edition of Boutique Fairs Singapore Fri, Apr 26, 10am8pm
Sat, Apr 27, 10am8pm
Sun, Apr 28, 10am6pm
With plenty of brands and designers to discover, bites and beverages to savour, and activities, talks and workshops to enjoy, you will want to take your time to get the full Boutiques experience. Come and go any time throughout all three days on a single $5 ticket. For those bringing the whole family, children under 12 enter for free.
F1 Pit Building 1 Republic Boulevard, 038975 Enjoy three-day unlimited entry for just $5. Tickets are available online from 5 March 2024 boutiquefairs.com.sg boutiquefairssg BoutiquesSingapore Children under 12 enter for free
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Mediterranean “kefi” (joy) meets culinary excellence at Zorba The Greek Taverna’s new venue on Singapore’s riverfront. By KERRY LOW.
ZORBA THE GREEK TAVERNA
3A RIVER VALLEY ROAD, CLARKE QUAY BLOCK A ORA 1, 179020 zorba.sg
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re we in Singapore or Santorini? It’s hard to tell when perched at one of the outdoor riverside tables at Zorba The Greek Taverna, the national colours of blue and white at every turn. Longer-term expats may recall this restaurant when it was located next door here. Now it has returned to the recently rejuvenated Clarke Quay and it’s a very happy homecoming. By day, Zorba operates as a charming cafe, offering Mediterranean brunch
favourites such as Shakshuka, Greek coffee, and avocado toast with cherry tomato confit, feta cheese, and a pomegranate and balsamic glaze - so far, so Greek. As night falls, it transforms into a bistro serving authentic cuisine crafted meticulously by a team led by a Greek chef. From tantalising mezes to the sizzling perfection of grilled meats and fish, each dish is a testament to Zorba’s commitment to authentic dishes and exquisite flavours. During a sunny Saturday afternoon, we dived into various items from the menu. In true Med-style, we started with the Dips Platter (S$28), featuring a medley of Tzatziki, Hummus, Tirokafteri, and Taramasalata, accompanied by the warmest, fluffiest pita bread this side of Athens. No Greek feast is complete without Moussaka, and being
EAT
a signature dish here, we opted for the beef version. Being a filling dish, we were pleased with the portion size which allowed us to indulge, but also leave room for what was to come. The harmonious balance between the different layers of minced beef, eggplant and potato was spot on; it tasted juicy, hearty and homely. Next, we savoured the Htapothy Sti Shkara, or the more commonly known grilled marinated Gilmar octopus. It was served to perfection in terms of char and texture, and showcased the mastery of simplicity. Taste sensations kept coming in the shape of the Mixed Grilled Platter (small S$78 / large S$108), featuring Lamb Gyro, Chicken Souvlaki, Duroc Pork Chop, Chips, Baby Salad, and Tzatziki. Each meat piece was a juicy, gorgeously grilled delight. While Zorba boasts a few signature dishes, focusing on just one or two would be a disservice - here you have to do as the locals would do and go large. Having recently travelled to Greece, this meal served as a journey down memory lane. Surrounded by platters, people, and the internal promise of a postprandial nap, you can fool yourself into thinking you’re on a holiday in the Hellenic Republic. Being the weekend, we indulged in a couple of Zorba’s cocktail signatures ($20), each one named after a Greek god. Bottles of the famous Greek lager, Mythos, is available too. We also welcomed the chance to hang out with some furry friends: Zorba’s pet-friendly environment is reminiscent of the relaxed and inclusive dining culture in ‘real life’ Greece. Sadly for them though, the food was too good to share. VERDICT: Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur of Mediterranean cuisine or a newcomer eager to explore, Zorba’s dishes promise a fantastic culinary experience. The vibrant flavours take you through authentic recipes and invoke many memories. With confidence, I can say that Zorba is my top Greek restaurant destination in Singapore.
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T R AV E L
Conservation and bucking convention lead the way at this private island, a hidden gem in Indonesia. By JO UPCRAFT.
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ost of us have some prerequisite requirements when considering a paradise island getaway. Powder white sand, crystal clear waters, a smattering of palm trees, and a significant amount of sunshine usually come high on the list. If this sounds like your kind of must-have criteria, Cempedak Private Island ticks all the boxes. As for the accommodation, a natural, stylish private hideaway with mandatory thatched roof and four walls will do the trick. Wait … what’s that? Cempedak doesn’t do walls? It’s true. Cempedak (pronounced ‘chempuh-dak’), is an Indonesian paradise island of dreams that dares to do things differently. Located just 56 miles from Singapore, it’s a 50-minute ferry to the island of Bintan, followed by a one-hour drive and a 30-minute speedboat transfer. But where the Lion City fully embraces partitions and panelling, Cempedak bucks convention with the adoption of minimalism and freedom. Covering 17-hectares, the island, founded by Australian Andrew Dickson, is as compact as it is Crusoe-esque, yet it still manages to feel spacious and secluded. This could be due to the lack of said villa walls. Cradled in thick, lush jungle, 20 giant eco-smart villas sit confidently on the beach and hillside boasting
Left: Sarah and Jo at the spa Below: Early morning sun
architectural structures so dramatic that they appear to be both natural and alien. It’s as if giant bamboo spaceships have risen from the soil.
Natural air flow Bamboo (ten types of it from Java, Bali and Sumatra) is everywhere - and used in ways never seen before. It moulds, blends, intertwines, and holds the villas together so impeccably that it provides symmetry to the environment as well as protection from the elements. Crescent-shaped curved roofs made from local grass shroud each structure, allowing gravity
to pull the shaggy thatch down towards the ground, almost shielding the villa like a protective parent. Walls don’t get a look in. The two-floor property we’re in simply goes without which, for me and my travel buddy Sarah provokes several questions. “What if it rains?” “What if there are bears?” “What if there are jungle tribes?” “What if we haven’t packed enough Moz Away?”
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Thankfully, fears are quashed as we slide open the glass lounge doors to the huge deck of our villa, complete with plunge pool, sunloungers, and basic kitchen facilities. A sea breeze slips inside which ebbs and flows throughout the space. It weaves past the tastefully decorated lounge with rustic chic sofa, chairs, coffee table, dining table and thoughtful soft furnishings, and through the downstairs bathroom, encased in bamboo with minimum fuss but all the essentials. It dances up the wide, cascading bamboo staircase, to the upstairs bedroom where it wafts around the fourposter bed and Australian-made sheets, simple side tables and writing desk. It slithers into the semi-open-air bathroom, resplendent with rainshower, and out again to two chairs, ideally positioned in front of more sliding glass doors, which present panoramic views of the ocean as it tapers into infinity. The gentle flow of air cancels out the need for air-con, and super energy-efficient fans keep things remarkably cool. Reader, we were not remotely hot, rained upon, or stolen by pirates.
Villas or alien spaceships?
Conservation & community The villas may be the obvious showstoppers at Cempedak, but the island itself is just as mesmerising. Sandy walkways crisscross the diameter and the ocean is always by your side. There are two white sand beaches at the main entrance of the resort, and a third beach awaits a short hike past rocky coves and through thick emerald-green jungle if you really want no-one to find you. While avoiding people is easy here (especially little ones as the island only allows those aged 16+), steering clear of the array of wildlife is not: sea otters, bottle-nose dolphins, green sea turtles, silver-leaf monkeys and hornbills will be your new friends. With nature coming first and foremost here, Cempedak works hard to source food locally, reduce waste, and support many green initiatives, including water conservation and the community. We were fortunate to take an educational tour around the island to hear about ecology and were blown away by the safeguarding efforts (and the knowledge of our guide, Jaslan). If you’re feeling sociable, there’s scope for finding some welcoming faces. The Rock Spa offers lomi lomi massages, facials 60
It’s as if bamboo spaceships have risen from the soil and foot rituals to whispers of the South China sea, and the communal swimming pool accommodates those who want to do lengths before pitching up at the seashell-shaped bar next to it, or the Dodo Bar for sundowners. There’s also a range of complimentary and paid-for activities including stand-up paddle-boarding, sailing, kayaking, tennis and croquet. Dining here is also pretty special, especially as it’s exclusive to guests only and meals are tailored to suit individual
needs. A daily menu of modern cooking featuring Indonesian flavours and the freshest ingredients is highlighted on a blackboard in the dining room and changes according to the seasonal availability of ingredients from local markets. Portions are plentiful, and we devoured the likes of Pomelo Salad, Barbecued Seafood, Beef Rendang and Papaya Gaul. Indeed, so delicious are the offerings at Cempedak that a new cookbook Island Life: Recipes from Nikoi and Cempedak (oolors.com) was launched late last year. So if you can’t make it to paradise just yet, you can get paradise to your kitchen on a plate. Walls optional. cempedak.com
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SP O N S O R E D C O N T E N T
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C YC L I N G
It’s a celebration
It seems ANZA Cycling know how to party just as much as they know pedal! MARCO MEJIA reports.
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NZA Cycling said goodbye to another great year of cycling, tours and friendship with a fabulous end of year bash at The Dempsey Project. The evening kicked off with a buzz as Abraham Metta took the stage, charming the crowds with his unique way of making everyone feel right at home. He didn’t waste a minute before diving into the warm welcomes and special thanks. There were some fresh new faces on the cycling committee to highlight - Ashrin Amir, who’s jazzing up the club’s events, and new Road Director Scott Mitchell, who's steering us into exciting rides for 2024. During the sponsor's shout-out the crowd went wild for TVH Group who we’re thrilled to announce as our main sponsor - Daniel Brownlie was there soaking up the gratitude. A huge shout-out also went to Odin Mortgage and Tax who’ve joined the gang along with the folks from Strength Clinic Academy. We’re so happy to have you on board! Of course, it wasn’t all speeches, handshakes and applause. We had our own ANZA Cycling heroes to highlight such as Martin Herbrich and Gillian Li who did us proud at the Tour de Batam. Martin
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absolutely smashed it with a stage win, and Gillian showed everyone how it’s done by finishing first in her category. Then there were prizes, prizes and more prizes – the generosity of our sponsors was something else. Trouble Brewing provided some swag and TVH some very cool Bluetooth speakers. A special thank you also goes to member Martin Tresca from DCK Board Shorts
as well as Wouter Duyck from Zenko Superfoods. It was the always-smiling Sarah Zhang who won the big prize, a shiny new Chapter 2 frameset from BB Bike Studio. We can't wait to see her hit the road on that beauty. The night also included some very touching moments, with Megan Kinder and Andrew Cherriman receiving Lifetime Memberships. Megan, our former club president and current ANZA President, has done wonders for ANZA Cycling, setting the bar high for how we roll today. Andrew, with his captain hat on for the Saturday rides and his knack for organising the annual KL trip, has been the heartbeat of our community. Everyone mingled and shared stories of their two-wheeled escapades while enjoying nibbles and sipping drinks. It was a night that reminded us all why we love the club so much. ANZA Cycling is not just about the biking; it’s about the people, the friendships, and the good times we have when we’re not pounding the pedals. Here’s to another year of great rides and company!
BIG THANKS TO OUR 2024 SPONSORS
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N E T BA L L
Coaching Up! DEE BUTLER is one of many spirited forces behind ANZA Netball, graciously giving her spare time as a volunteer to support our groups of goal-getters.
Above: ANZA's U13 Champions
U15 Champions
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ensure there’s never a dull moment. For Dee Butler, an expat from Ireland, ANZA Netball has become a family affair as not only do her three daughters Lucy, 11, and twins Zara and Lina, 8, play, but Dee is one of the esteemed volunteer coaches who shares her expertise, keeps Dee with her daughters Lucy, Lina, Zara, and Chloe (who can't wait to the teams motivated, and makes start netball next year!) sure fun is first and foremost. Her biggest challenge? Getting her girls on the court in time for practice! Here’s what fulfils her time as an ANZA coach and what she loves about the programme.
NZA Netball in Singapore is like one big party! It’s not just about the game; it’s about making awesome friends, learning new skills, getting active, and having a blast on the court. Regular training sessions, competitive matches and local leagues
What Dee’s Daughters Say! “I like Mum coaching. She helps me learn more about netball and get better at it” - ZARA
“I like being in Mum’s group. Sometimes she is strict if I'm not listening!” - LINA 64
Why ANZA Netball? When we moved from Sydney to Singapore 10 years ago, we heard about ANZA being a really well-organised and friendly association. When my daughters showed an interest in the game it was my first port of call! This was in 2020 during Covid, but despite the restrictions, we still managed to have fun training in our small groups each Saturday. We found the community to be super-friendly and welcoming from the get-go, and all feel very lucky to be a part of it.
What other sports do your family enjoy together? We play Gaelic football and enjoy swimming and gymnastics. In school, the girls play soccer and basketball.
How did you become an ANZA Netball volunteer? The online application for my daughters to sign up for netball included a check box for volunteer coaching. I wasn’t sure if I had enough technical knowledge – it had been several decades since I had
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Lightning, Thunder)
Below: In front of the tour bus
Teams on tour Above: U11 Champions
played, but I ticked it anyway! I later learned that the ANZA pro coaches do session planning and explain the drills to all the volunteer coaches before training commences each week. This ensures that we all know what we're doing! With parent volunteers organising and coaching the games there’s a real sense of community and camaraderie; I think it brings a bit of extra cheer and sense of fun!
Why would you recommend parents get involved? I love that the kids get to experience being part of a team and to participate in a club with volunteering at its heart. Adults and children all contributing their time and energy to play sport is a wonderful feeling. Both parents and players get so much out of it, and the feeling of togetherness is very nurturing for all, especially when you’re an expat living away from your respective home.
One of the highlights of ANZA Netball is the opportunity to travel and participate in tournaments against other clubs and schools. The most recent took place at Marlborough College Malaysia for the Straits Tournament. Five teams headed to the college which boasts fantastic facilities including four outdoor netball courts, and two indoor courts so the matches could be played in fast progression. There almost wasn’t time to stop for food at the local vendors! It was a very successful outing for ANZA, bringing home the champions trophy in all three age groups entered. Dee’s daughter Lucy talks us through the day. “Travelling on my first overseas tour with ANZA Netball meant getting up at 5am, so that was an early start! But the coach journey was nice and all the teammates got to chat the whole way there. Marlborough College is a lovely setting with lots of trees and greenery. It was really hot, but that didn’t stop us from enjoying the games. At the end, we all had ‘smashed cupcakes’ while we waited on the medals ceremony. One of my favourite parts was spending time with my team. It’s good to make new friends outside of school, and we’ve had a reunion since. A big thank you goes to all the volunteers who coach and put in all the hard work organising tournaments for us.”
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SOCCER
ANZA Soccer has a reputation as the go-to club for fans of the game - and with good reason! Here’s a reminder of what makes us number one.
David Lau
Goal Diggers
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David Lau
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NZA Soccer is a grassroots, not-forprofit organisation in Singapore that provides a fun and inclusive environment for children to learn and play. We’re big on the belief that every child can play soccer, regardless of their background, gender or skill level. Welcoming expats and locals from across the island, we’re a family-oriented community with supportive volunteer coaches and mixed teams of boys and girls from different cultures and walks of life. While we emphasise the importance of raw talent, we know that every child has their own unique set of skills and abilities that can be harnessed on the soccer field. We seek to nurture and develop children from an early age, helping them to expand a love for the sport and to grow their talent and confidence over time. One of the best things about ANZA Soccer is its inclusive nature. We welcome children from all backgrounds, ensuring that everyone feels welcome and valued. Boys and girls playing alongside each other provides a great opportunity for them to learn and develop, regardless of gender.
Above: Kepri Batam Tournament Below: The final training session at Turf City
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Soccer is not just about winning; it’s about building friendships that can last a lifetime Family-friendly environment
Another great aspect of ANZA Soccer is the family-friendly environment. We’re all about creating a fun, relaxed atmosphere that encourages families to come together, after all, Soccer is not just about winning or losing, it’s about building friendships and connections.
We're not just the best possible place for your child to develop their soccer skills, but skills for a lifetime. Whether your child is just starting out, or an experienced player, our coaches, team members, and inspiring community is the top choice for anyone looking to get involved in the sport of soccer. March/April 2024
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Words:Mohamad Hisham Bakri
David Lau
Of course, ANZA Soccer would not happen if it wasn’t for our volunteer parents who are encouraged to keep motivation levels high and contribute to the smooth running of the club. Our expert paid coaches are friendly and knowledgeable, providing a nurturing environment for children to learn and improve. If you’re up for helping to organise events, fundraisers, and other activities that can raise awareness of our mission, let us know!
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C R IC K E T
Misfits No More! Thankfully, the only budgie smugglers at the Misfits Beach Cricket Day were one of our two battle-ready ANZA Cricket teams.
Above: The infamous Budgie Smugglers team
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eautiful yet untypically overcast weather at Tanjong Beach Club on Sentosa was perfect for the annual Misfits Beach Cricket Day. Every year teams come together to do battle on the sand, and this time saw 16 teams of seven taking part. ANZA’s two entrants, Budgie Smugglers and Piha Bro’s, comprised Aussies and Kiwis and both were on top form returning with pieces of silver. While the sand and the sea didn’t replicate a true green outfield, the Budgie Smugglers made it to the Gold cup and the Piha Bro’s won the Silver cup.
Passion for cricket The pictures tell it all. Dad bods and dubious fashion were out in full force, and 68
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Above: ANZA's Piha Bro's cool off
It was a great occasion to meet old friends
neither team was shy about getting in the sea. It was a great occasion to meet old friends who have a common passion for cricket. The day was well captained by Patrick Winters and Guy Hudson, and a big thank you goes to all the players who took part and make ANZA Cricket the brilliant club it is today.
NETs stuff to know
NETs kick off each Wednesday at The Cage Sports Park, Kallang from 7pm. We assemble 5 - 10 people through our WhatsApp chat to roll the arm over. It's not a problem if you don’t want to play games, don't have equipment, and/or just want to do NETs. They are social NETs and everyone is welcome.
SCC Youth Development As yet, ANZA doesn’t run a junior team, but Singapore Cricket Club offers a youth development programme for kids aged 5 -10. With a variety of sessions running weekends and mid-week, the Cubs Cricket environment is “all about fun and enjoyment through our brilliant game.” To find out more contact David Bennett at JuniorCricket@scccricket.com March/April 2024
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SP O T L IG H T O N
Pickleball As ANZA Pickleball hits one year old, we look into what’s making it one of our most popular groups.
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lend the best bits of tennis, badminton and table tennis together and you've got Pickleball! ANZA Pickleball is not just a sport; it's a joyous blend of camaraderie, exercise, and plain old fun. When we launched the group last year, it became immediately obvious that it was going to be popular. Members fully embraced this new sports craze and today we offer not one, not two, but three thriving Pickleball groups to our community. If you're new to the game, fear not. There's the beginners clinics - a 4-week course played once a week for 1.5 hour sessions. These clinics are like a Pickleball ABC for those starting out. If committing to a month-long course isn't possible, the ANZA weekly beginner sessions are probably more for you, with flexible days
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and locations to fit your schedule. Both groups are led by qualified coaches. That's not all - we've also got social weekly sessions on Friday mornings. These sessions are brimming with Pickleball enthusiasts who've played before, completed a clinic (or a minimum of four beginner's sessions), and know the basic rules and how to score. Plans are afoot for evening and weekend social sessions,
so grab a paddle, put on your game face, and we'll see you at ANZA Pickleball! Find more info at anza.org.sg
Upcoming 4-week clinics Friday 1 March to 22 March Friday 5 April to 26 April Time: 10am – 11:30am Venue: 51 Telok Ayer St Cost: $120
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Soccer Athletics Cycling Netball Nippers Cricket AFL Photography Scouts Casual Coffee Men’s Group Volunteering Book Clubs Writers Group Knitting & Sewing Investors Group Mahjong Tennis Walking Golf Running Yoga Events Meet-ups Networking Friendships Soccer Athletics Cycling Netball Nippers Cricket AFL Photography Scouts Casual Coffee Men’s Group Volunteering Book Clubs Writers Group Knitting & Sewing Investors Group Mahjong Tennis Walking Golf Running Yoga Events Meet-ups Networking Friendships Soccer Athletics Cycling Netball Nippers Cricket AFL Photography Scouts Casual Coffee Men’s Group Volunteering Book Clubs Writers Group Knitting & Sewing Investors Group Mahjong Tennis Walking Golf Running Yoga Events Meet-ups Networking Friendships Soccer Athletics Cycling Netball Nippers Cricket AFL Photography Scouts Casual Coffee Men’s Group Volunteering Book Clubs Writers Group Knitting & Sewing Investors Group Mahjong Tennis Walking Golf Running Yoga Events Meet-ups Networking AN Friendships Z A GROUPS Soccer Athletics Cycling Netball Nippers Cricket AFL Photography Scouts Casual Coffee Men’s Group Volunteering Book Clubs Writers Group Knitting & Sewing Investors Group Mahjong Tennis Walking Golf Running Yoga Events Meet-ups Networking Friendships Soccer Athletics Cycling Netball Nippers Cricket AFL Photography Scouts Casual Coffee Men’s Group Volunteering Book Clubs Writers Group Knitting & Sewing Investors Group Mahjong Tennis Walking Golf Running Yoga Events Meet-ups Networking Friendships Soccer Athletics Cycling Netball Nippers Cricket AFL Photography Scouts Casual Coffee Men’s Group Volunteering Book Clubs Writers Group Knitting & Sewing Investors Group Mahjong Tennis Walking Golf Running Yoga Events Meet-ups Networking Friendships Soccer Athletics Cycling Netball Nippers Cricket AFL Photography Scouts Casual Coffee Men’s Group Volunteering Book Clubs Writers Group Knitting & Sewing Investors Group Mahjong Tennis Walking Golf Running Yoga Events Meet-ups Networking Friendships Soccer Athletics Cycling Netball Nippers Cricket AFL Photography Scouts Casual Coffee Men’s Group Volunteering Book Clubs Writers Group Knitting & Sewing Investors Group Mahjong Tennis Walking Golf Running Yoga Events Meet-ups Networking Friendships Soccer Athletics Cycling Netball Nippers Cricket AFL Photography Scouts Casual Coffee Men’s Group Volunteering Book Clubs Writers Group Knitting & Sewing Investors Group ANZA Mahjong Tennis Walking Golf Running Events Meet-ups Networking Friendships members are an active bunch,Yoga which is why we offer a plethora Soccer Athletics Cycling Netball Nippers Cricket AFL Photography Scouts Casual Coffee Men’s Group Volunteering Book Clubs Writers of interest moreYoga and Events register at anza.org.sg Group Knitting & Sewing Investors Group Mahjong Tennis groups. Walking Find Golf out Running Meet-ups Networking Friendships Soccer Athletics Cycling Netball Nippers Cricket AFL Photography Scouts Casual Coffee Men’s Group Volunteering Book Clubs Writers Group Knitting & Sewing Investors Group Mahjong Tennis Walking Golf Running Yoga Events Meet-ups Networking Friendships Soccer Athletics Cycling Netball Nippers Cricket AFL Photography Scouts Casual Coffee Men’s Group Volunteering Book Clubs Writers Group Knitting & Sewing Investors Group Mahjong Tennis Walking Golf Running Yoga Events Meet-ups Networking Friendships Soccer Athletics Cycling Netball Nippers Cricket AFL Photography Scouts Casual Coffee Men’s Group Volunteering Book Clubs Writers Group Knitting & Sewing Investors Group Mahjong Tennis Walking Golf Running Yoga Events Meet-ups Networking Friendships SECRET MEN’S BUSINESS WRITERS’ GROUP ANZA SINGAPORE WOMBATS Soccer Athletics Cycling Netball Nippers Cricket AFL Photography Scouts Casual Coffee Men’s Group Volunteering Book Clubs Writers Secret Men’s Business (SMB) is This group of writing WOMBETTESFriendships (AFL) Group Knitting & Sewing Investors Group Mahjong Tennis Walking Golf Running Yoga enthusiasts, Events Meet-upsANDNetworking exclusiveCricket ANZA group and published authors welcomingBook Aussie Rules Football Soccer Athletics Cycling Netball an Nippers AFL made Photography word-lovers Scouts Casual Coffee Men’s Group This Volunteering Clubs Writers up of men of all agesTennis lookingWalking to meetRunning monthly toYoga read and discussMeet-upsprogramme is openFriendships to men and Group Knitting & Sewing Investors Group Mahjong Golf Events Networking catch up with like-minded, friendly their creative work. women aged 18+. Training is on ANZA SCOUTS blokes. The group’s main activity Thursday evenings and Saturdays, Open to everyone aged 5-17, ANZA is golf twice a week. There’s also SINGING with regular social catch-ups. Scouts is about meeting new friends, squash, cycling, tennis, lunches Join our host opera singer developing leadership skills and and drinks. Bernadette Nagy to sing a wide RUNNING being outdoors. They meet every range of songs from pop to choir to Looking for some running Saturday at various locations from STITCHES musicals. Don’t be shy - all singing buddies in Singapore for regular 2 - 4pm. Interested in any type of needlecraft? abilities are welcome. casual runs? The ANZA Running All levels are welcome to join this Group meets on Monday evenings in ART AND CRAFT GROUP relaxed group who sew, chat, and the Botanic Gardens. Join up and learn new craft skills, share creative tips. such as silk painting, bookbinding, SOCCER candle making, sewing, card creation, SET LUNCH Get your kids kicking with ANZA beading, batik, and more. We seek out great value set lunch Soccer! Our well-known programme ANZA CRICKET deals around Singapore to enjoy is open to children aged 2-18, Three cricket teams. Two leagues ANZA ACTION together in group outings. Discover focusing on fair play and community. and one social side. 1-2 teams play The community affairs arm new restaurants and cafes, meet Saturday games and mid-week every week. NETs are on Wednesday for ANZA supports charities in new friends, and enjoy Singapore’s training. evenings. Singapore through fundraising and delicious food scene. volunteering activities. For info visit CASUAL TENNIS ANZA CYCLING the ANZA website. CLICK PHOTOGRAPHY Join our social tennis group. Sessions Join our keen cycling group and you The group meets regularly to share run Friday mornings, 9am - 11am can get out on two wheels every BOOK CLUBS knowledge and advice as well as and Sunday evenings, 7pm - 9pm. morning of the week. Suits most skill We have a number of social book embark on photowalks across the Six-week clinics that focus on levels and includes road, racing, MTB clubs that meet monthly in the island. Everyone is welcome. the fundamentals of tennis run and also triathlon disciplines. morning or evening. Contact us to be throughout the year. connected with a group. KILL-O-METRES ANZA GOLF / 9 HOLE Join ANZA’s walking group to get PICKLEBALL ANZA Golf is a great way to get INVESTORS INTEREST GROUP moving around some of Singapore’s This ANZA Pickleball group meets on outdoors, meet new people and This money-minded group meets great nature reserves and interesting various days and times, at centrally learn how to play the game. The monthly to connect and discuss neighbourhoods. located courts for a friendly hit in 9-hole golf group is aimed at investments and important financial a relaxed atmosphere. All levels of beginners and is very friendly. matters for expats. EASY RIDERS players are welcome. This cycling group explores ANZA NETBALL CASUAL COFFEE Singapore’s Park Connector Network ANZA WATERSPORTS ANZA Netball offers a fun, inclusive Sometimes you just need a good (PCNs) and off-road bike paths. Get out on the water with this group and competitive netball programme cuppa and a friendly welcome. Participants will need their own bike that includes SUP, kayaking and for players aged 5-16. Teams play Casual Coffee catch ups are being and a helmet. sailing. SUP and kayaking take place Saturday mornings at Tanglin Trust held on various days and locations on various days at Sentosa and East School, with a mix of parent and around the island. LADIES NIGHT Coast. Sailing is at various Marina professional coaches. ANZA organises monthly girls-only clubs quarterly. MAHJONG get togethers at various hotspots NIPPERS Join our group mahjong sessions on in Singapore. They’re a great way to Children aged 5-14 learn ocean Monday evenings and various days widen your social circle, and always a awareness through fun surf lifesaving in different locations. It’s fast paced, good night out. activities, including paddling, social and great fun. running and swimming. Sunday mornings at Palawan Beach, Sentosa.
Join the Community!
INTEREST GROUPS
SPORTS GROUPS
disclaimer ANZA offers many and varied activities and events to benefit its members. Occasionally, and due to circumstances outside of ANZA’s control, activities or events (including sporting competitions and seasons) may be cancelled or subject to date, venue or content changes. Every effort is made to avoid this, but where it does happen, neither membership or ticket fees are refundable. Current and prospective members and guests are encouraged to reference both the constitution and terms and conditions of ticketed events.
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N EW M E M B E R S
NEW MEMBERS
WE ARE DELIGHTED TO WELCOME NEW MEMBERS EVERY MONTH TO THE ANZA COMMUNITY.
Anna Lewis
Emma Harris
Virginia Cregan
Anne Elise
Manish Naik
Paul Harris
Henning Terwey
Yves Briantais
Lucy Brust
Chua Teck Seng
Anuja Munde
Ismathur Rahman Mohamed Halidh
Alicia Thew
Chin Meeling
Bharat Shettigar
Noorain Maideen
Peter Thew
Dexter Sim Zhenyao
Kosuke Hirose
Muhammadh Ismathur Rahman
Philippa Nygren
Yuiko Sim Zhenyao
Julia Atwood
Louise Gladstone
Kalle Nygren
Jonathan McCarthy
Tim Rath
Fergus Gladstone
Nidhi Bohra
Charlie McCarthy
Anna Engblom
Johji Teranishi
Arjun Singh Bedi
Jia Du
Tobias Engblom
Kazumi Teranishi
Yeoh Hwei Ping
Bradley Waller
Daniel Mortleman
Jinal Patel
Loh Zhuo Jun
Mark Jordan
Juliet Mortleman
Harshid Patel
Klenn Koh
Pieta Jordan
Georgia Daniel
Elissa James
Keenan Koh
Angela Bowler
Saul Daniel
Duncan Watson
Gladys Lim
Matthew Bowler
David Cameron-Smith
Muhd Abbas B Muhd Aizuddin
Ria Coburn
Debby Fan
Angela McNicholl
Guy Glossop
Chris Coburn
Hugh Baggie
Ayrin Widjaja
Clare Reynolds
Cindy Beleau
Jo-Anne Manski-Nankervis
Pritchard James
Phil Reynolds
Matthew Whelan
Iain Nankervis
Aimee Victoria Hillman
Catriona Morgan
Rebecca Cross
Tien Nguyet Long
Sarah James
Sarah Fitzgerald
Nick Cross
Bogusz Andrzej Grotowski
Alun James
Heather Faulkner
Roxy Jacenko
Jessica Sulkers
Sarah Marie Foo
Matt Faulkner
Ambalavanan Natarajan
Daniel O’Dell
Darren Fangde Foo
Stephen Ames
Damian Adams
Julie Isdahl
Jessica Low
May Ames
Nina Adams
Erlend Aurmo
Peter Low
Koren Wines
Alexandra Forrest
Shumei Winstanley
Willie Smit
Hayden Winch
Neil Forrest
Hamish Joseph Winstanley
Toni Carroll
Joe Condina
Natalie Thinnakone
Kannan Marimuthu
Andrew Lim
Urvi Shah
Adrian Su
Natarajan Logeshwari
Chanda Ho
Johannes Raadama
Sean Hardy
Kevin Fitzgerald
Louise Titterington
Liez Martin
Sheyla Hardy
Eugenia Hartono
Derek Titterington
Lachlan Hart
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Melanie Coate
Bianca Nestle
Claire Bunnemann
Alberto Piovezani
Brandon Coate
Marc Oliver Nestle
Fred Bunnemann
Peter White
Anneke Gibb
Lucas Grewal
Emma Croall
Lucie Turnell
Sam Gibb
Rita Grewal
Alastair Croall
Ben Turnell
Alexandra Cherry
Patrick Harris
Yukiko Yokota
Shahruddin Shukor
Robert Cherry
Lindsey Stalley
Kyosuke Yokota
Rica Suryana
Joanne Bailey
Antonia Cooper
Philip Calland
Max Espley
Mark Bailey
Robert Cooper
Ali Zimmer Sanders
Nadia Espley
Vanessa Colless
David Cooper
John Sanders
Vivienne Robinson
Bevan Colless
Ian McMahon
Sandra Perez
Michael James
Josh Colman
Francesca Scaramozzino
Giovanni Retana
Kristine James
Jade Stewart
Cesare Scaramozzino
Caroline McGauley
Wanying Lim
Tayla Hart
Damian Khoo
Jens Moller
Daviz Poh
Samuel Nixon
Una Kane
Sofia Moller
Melinda Cho
Teresa Matheson
John Kane
Carlos Garcia Garcia
Bradley Barker
Paul Lovett
Catherine Harder
Maria Amparo Saez Perez
Yan Minbin
Aditi Das
Matthew Harder
Yuki Ishikawa
Jo Stewart
Probir Das
Pirjo Turk
Christopher Bredbury
Chris Stewart
Gaya Youngman
Petr Boucek
Kevin Youngman
Judith Boucek
Rajat Mittal
Francie Eckford
Swecha Mittal
Adrien Grady
Jane Morgan
Piyush Aggarwala
Chua Ee Wen Diana
Meagan Graef
Ang Ban Ming Benny
John Patrick Moore
Kelly Gillespie
Catriona Moore
Anna Shemyakina
Sotirios Lamprinakos
Aleksey Shemyakin
Eleni Grigoriou
Min Hsu
Jane Cashin
Aman Kochher
Paul Cashin
Chris Frawley
Kellie Pearson
Renata Frawley
Craig Milligan
Vanessa Willis
Daichi Kurosawa
Ashley Willis
Andreas Petersen
James Hutchens
Jake Welsh
Nicolette Luke
Peter Welsh
Alice Pochert
Heleston Chew Khai Suen
Marc Pochert
Kng Mian Tze
Emily Zhang
Sheree Hsu
Alexander Grieve
Emily Sambrook Smith
Heidi Roekenes
Jonathan Carswell
Timo Thomas Lorenz
Sophie Dunstone
Isabell Lorenz
Nicholas Dunstone
Clifford De Laine
Kelly Draper
Rebecca De Laine
Oliver Draper
Justin Holloway
Salonika Mitra
Maria Castano
Florian Weidinger
ANZA NEW MEMBER GIVEAWAY Congratulations to LOUISE GLADSTONE Winner of a $150 voucher from The Meat Club
NEW MEMBERS PREMIER PARTNER
NEW MEMBERS SILVER PARTNERS
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ANZA Scouts are all about fun, adventure and learning
The ANZA Mixed Social Tennis groups get together on Friday mornings 9am - 11am and Sunday evenings 7pm - 9pm. Players of all abilities are welcome.
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Find out more and join here anza.org.sg/groups/scouts
Mixed Social Tennis
! S LUANZA Discover Tennis Clinics
The ANZA Discover Tennis Clinics are a six-week programme designed for newcomers wanting to learn the basic skills of tennis, or for players wanting to refresh their technique.
Register at anza.org.sg/sports/tennis
JOIN ANZA SINGAPORE NIPPERS
Term 1 starts 3 March
REGISTER NOW AT anza.org.sg/sports/nippers
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JOIN THE ANZA AFL WOMBATS/ WOMBETTES
Registrations open
anza.org.sg/sports/wombats-afl
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A N Z A M E M B E R D I S C OU N T S
ANZA Members enjoy 15% off the total food and beverage bill and 20% on your birthday month!
Head to our link below to find out more. anza.org.sg/member-discounts/ CASA DEL RIO, MELAKA bit.ly/CasadelRio-ANZA 18% off Bed & Breakfast offer. Minimum two consecutive night stay at the link above
CASA DEL MAR, LANGKAWI bit.ly/CasadelMar-ANZA 15% off when you book a three consecutive night stay at the link above
HERO’S heros.sg 10% discount on all nonpromotional beverages
MOGAMBO BAR & RESTAURANT mogambo.sg 10% discount on all nonpromotional beverages
BQ BAR bqbar.com 15% off the total bill and 20% off during your birthday month
MOLLY MALONE’S molly-malone.com 15% off the total bill and 20% off during your birthday month
AMÒ amorestaurant.sg 10% off the total bill
CAFE MELBA cafemelba.com.sg 15% off the total bill and 20% off during your birthday month
THE EXCHANGE theexchange.com.sg 15% off the total bill and 20% off during your birthday month
YIN BAR yinyang.sg/yin Complimentary classic cocktail when dining in
BEVVIES bevvies.sg 10% off all products online
MISS FITZ missfitzsg.com 10% off drinks, 5:30pm - 7:30pm daily
THE MEAT CLUB themeatclub.com.sg $12 off total order with no minimum spend
SANTI’S santis.pizza 10% off in-store and online
SARNIES sarnies.com 10% off in-store and online
HARRY’S harrys.com.sg 15% off total food and beverage bill and 10% off spirit bottles when registered using the Harry’s mobile app e-card
BRACI braci.sg 10% off the total bill
LEVANT levant.sg 10% off the total bill
SOUTHBRIDGE southbridge.sg 10% off the total bill
LUCE BY DAVIDE GIACOMELLI singapore.intercontinental.com/ dine/lobby-lounge 20% off Food & Beverage A La Carte Menu, Semi-Buffet Lunch and Sunday Brunch
THE LOBBY LOUNGE singapore.intercontinental.com/ dine/lobby-lounge 20% off Food & Beverage A La Carte Menu and Weekdays Afternoon Tea
CLUBHOUSE SG clubhousesg.com 20% off the total bill (food and beverage and simulator rental, if applicable)
GOODMATES goodmates.sg 20% discount using the code ‘GMANZA20’ with a minimum spend of $120
LOCABA locaba.sg 15% off online purchase
KNOTS CAFE knotscafeandliving.com 10% off the total bill
RYAN’S GROCERY ryansgrocery.com 10% off Grocery and Butchery items
RYAN’S KITCHEN ryanskitchensg.com 1-for-1 Main Course
EL CHIDO pullmansingaporehillstreet.com/ restaurants-bars/el-chido 15% discount on Food & Beverage from A La Carte Menu
MOGA pullmansingaporehillstreet.com/ restaurants-bars/moga 15% discount on Food & Beverage from A La Carte Menu
MADISON’S pullmansingaporehillstreet.com/ restaurants-bars/madisons 15% discount on Food & Beverage from A La Carte Menu
1-ARDEN 1-arden.sg $11++ for selected cocktails and 10% off the Food & Beverage Menu
ATICO LOUNGE & BAR 1-atico.sg 1-for-1 on selected cocktails, housepour wines at $15++ (excluding champagnes)
FIRE firerestaurant.sg 10% off total bill
FLNT flnt.sg/flnt 10% off total bill
Terms & conditions apply to member discounts. Please check our website for details of each offer before you go. March/April 2024
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10 MI NUTES W ITH
10 MINUTES WITH...
CENTRE FOR FATHERING
Kevin Goh, Group Head of Engagement and Programmes at Centre for Fathering (CFF), is on a mission to help dads in SG.
What’s the Centre for Fathering? CFF is a non-profit organisation founded in 2000 to promote active and involved fathering in Singapore. In 2009, DADs for Life was launched to inspire and mobilise fathers to become more involved and to be a good influence on their children. In the last 24 years, we’ve equipped over 65,000 fathers through programmes in schools, prisons, religious organisations and companies.
What kind of programmes? We engage more than 700 incarcerated fathers and their families with over 100 workshops and father-child bonding activities each year. We also run nationwide campaigns such as Celebrating Fathers, Eat With Your Family Day, Mum’s Day Out and Back to School with Dad. Our programmes and activities have reached a wider group of fathers such as fathers of marginalised families, fathers of children with special needs, and single fathers.
What challenges are fathers facing in Singapore today? Due to traditional beliefs, fathers may view their primary role as breadwinners, and leave much of the household chores and child minding to mothers. The assumption is that the mother is the primary caregiver and the father is the helper or assistant. Societal attitudes towards a father’s role need to change to encourage fathers to become more involved. As a dad of three, I’m the first to admit that I’m not the perfect father.
Where do you start with updating these traditional beliefs? Workplaces tend to be more accommodating and understanding towards mothers than fathers. Despite holding full-time positions in organisations, mothers are often perceived as the primary caregivers. As a result, fathers who wish to be more involved with their families may be viewed negatively by employers who hold onto traditional views of men as breadwinners. We need to encourage fathers to utilise the likes of paternity leave, as a cultural shift in the workplace is crucial.
And away from the workplace? Childcare and housework should be a shared responsibility, jointly decided based on personal circumstances instead of what society thinks fathers and mothers should do. To move towards greater equality, we need to recognise the important role of a father as caregiver in partnership with the mother.
International Women’s Day is on 8 March. Are gender roles changing here?
How does CFF encourage this? Our Back to School with Dad initiative is a good example. It’s an opportunity for dads to become more involved in their children’s education - a long-term commitment that tends to be taken on by mothers.
How else is CFF striving forwards? Right now we’re working with maternity hospitals in Singapore to reach more fathers with newborns and providing them with skills to become confident caregivers.
There is also MUMs for Life… In 2019, DADs for Life partnered with a group of mother volunteers to launch MUMs for Life. When mums are confident in their unique identity and multiple roles, they can better nurture our children and support dads in building a stronger family in an increasingly complex world.
Statistics certainly reflect a shift in
Please share one piece of advice for fathers … Dads, your wife and children need you. I encourage you to become the best version of a father and husband to them that you can. Just as you’d take time to upgrade your skills as a working professional, invest in upgrading your skills as a father through books, articles, videos, workshops or even being a part of a dad community like CFF. Your role as a dad is for life!
Societal attitudes towards a father’s role needs to change Father and child bonding is a key pillar of CFF
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perceived roles of men and women as well as fathers and mothers. For example, the 2021 Marriage and Parenthood (M&P) Survey showed that almost all (99%) married respondents agreed that fathers and mothers were equally important as caregivers for children. In addition, 95% agreed that both parents should share equal responsibilities at home.
fathers.com.sg
Changing gender roles statistics: population.gov.sg
Kevin with wife Fannie, and children Caleb, Hannah, and Timothy
There are times when I don’t know what I’m doing and feel like I’m alone trying to figure things out.
anza March/April 2024
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WORLD CHANGING
— one BONJOUR at a time.
By rejecting the traditional rote approach, CIS’s PYP aligned French-English bilingual programme has transformed the way children learn to speak, read and write in both languages. Preparing your child for a changing world.
Discover more about our programmes at our monthly open houses RSVP at www.cis.edu.sg/openhouse As an IB World School, CIS offers the PYP, MYP and IB DP. Canadian International School Pte. Ltd. CPE Registration No: 199002243H. Period of Registration: 8 June 2023 - 7 June 2027