Healthcare with a heart

The Osler Health doctors and staff care for families in Singapore every day, and although we sometimes see people at their most worried, we also witness joy on a daily basis (especially when new babies are involved!). Alongside the medical support we provide there are a few other small things that Osler Health do to enhance others’ life and living.

Foreign workers:domestic Pro bono clinic

Did you know that we offer pro bono cervical cancer screening (PAP) tests to the domestic helpers of our patients? Also known as a ‘silent killer’, cervical cancer often produces no signs in its early stages. It is the second most common cancer in women and is one of the most frequently diagnosed cancers in females aged between 35 - 44. Regular PAP tests are fundamental to early detection and treatment.

Cervical cancer numbers have been on the decline across much of the world, but remain high in less developed countries. The reason is simple: women from less developed countries typically have limited information about cervical cancer screenings and less financial access to regular PAP testing. Whilst domestic workers receive mandatory health check-ups every six months, PAP tests are not a requirement.

Our doctors aim to bridge that gap by offering free PAP test clinics to our patients’ domestic workers. We run approximately four clinics each year (the next is 11 March 2023), testing and protecting multiple helpers.

We cover all the expenses including clinic costs, laboratory costs and the doctor’s time. It’s free of charge to the helper and their employer. If you’re a patient of Osler Health (or want to become a patient), please contact us and protect your helper.

Becoming a carbon neutral company

Osler Health is the first carbon neutral healthcare company in Singapore. The healthcare industry contributes 5% of global greenhouse gas, prompting us to take steps to make a difference.

Over the last year, we collaborated with ‘Climate Partners’, an environmental agency that guides companies across the world through a process to measure, reduce and offset their carbon footprint.

We firstly measured our CO2 emissions and then took action to reduce them (e.g. becoming paperless). Lastly, emissions that simply could not be stopped (e.g. medical grade fridges for vaccines) were balanced through an official offset programme. The programme we support removes plastics from the ocean. These initiatives, we hope, do a little to make the world a slightly better place.

When the term ‘Goblin Mode’ was declared the Oxford English Dictionary’s Word of the Year for 2022 by popular vote, many of us felt confused. Oxford defines goblin mode as “a type of behaviour which is unapologetically self-indulgent, lazy, slovenly, or greedy, typically in a way that rejects social norms or expectations.”

When Covid lockdown restrictions were lifted last year, many people around the globe decided to reject the idea of returning to life as ‘normal’. Across all areas of pre-pandemic life, our existence involved many unattainable standards and unsustainable activities which were flaunted on social media. Post-pandemic, the traits of goblin mode suddenly felt somewhat desirable.

Indeed, two years of panic and instability has changed the flow of people’s lives and the thought of returning to ‘normal’ is no longer the dream for many. We’re a generation fed up with trying to live up to impossible and unrealistic expectations. We want to figure out what’s important to us. In short, we want to get our goblin mode on.

In today’s modern world this means being unapologetically selfindulgent by adopting a lifestyle which is balanced by focusing on selfcare, comfort, and enjoyment. A lack of motivation, increased selfisolation and depression can be signs that you’re falling out of sync, so it’s important to set goals for yourself:

1Set aside 15 minutes a day to take care of you. Spend time writing in your journal, meditating, or having a break from screen time. There are many good ways to prioritise yourself.

2Release built-up stress as a way to protect your emotional wellbeing. Watch a movie, listen to your favourite music, and reach out to family and friends for help if you need it.

3Nurture your physical body which is essential for your overall health. Drink lots of water, eat well, and get plenty of rest. Try incorporating a small walk around the block into your schedule to add physical activity to your day. Just getting outside for a moment instead of being cooped up will improve your physical and mental wellness.

4Make sure your professional and personal spaces are tidy and organised. Set a goal to declutter and clean one space at a time. Remember that progress is progress no matter how big or small.

5Enjoy yourself! Discover a new sport or find an interesting hobby. Open your mind to getting creative and just having fun.

6Check on your family and friends. We all have someone we’ve been meaning to call and catch up with, but our busy lives get in the way. Pick up the phone. You might be surprised at how happy it will make both parties to get connected.

Remember, there’s no need to feel guilty if you’ve been contemplating going into goblin mode. As long as it doesn’t spiral out of control and endanger your mental health, prioritising your wants, comfort, and enjoyment is beneficial. However, if you or someone you know is constantly in goblin mode and doesn’t care about how they look or what they do, try encouraging them to speak to a therapist, psychiatrist, or other mental health professional.

ANN is the founder of Revel, an online destination that straddles the border between lifestyle and mental health. Her work has been welcomed at Raffles Hotel, Design Orchard, and Merci Marcel. Her background in early childhood and psychology lends itself to a compassionate approach to mental health, which she believes is a fundamental part of human development. As such, she strives to make the most out of each day by being mindful of her thoughts and actions, and she encourages others to do the same. www.heyrevel.com | @revelgrams

ILANA

Statesman Benjamin Franklin quoted, “Nothing in this world is certain but death and taxes”.

Although death is inevitable, paying tax may not be. Non-residents don’t pay Australian tax on foreign sourced income. What about after someone has passed? Well, that depends on the following:

Where the beneficiaries are resident

If in and out of Australia, the asset type can determine whether Australian tax is payable. E.g. cash from a Singapore bank received by Australian residents is tax free, whereas cash from a Singapore trust may not be. Another tax-free source of inheritance is life insurance.

Where the executor of the estate is a resident

If Australia, the entire estate is deemed an Australian estate, thereby bringing foreign assets into the Australian system. Having separate wills for assets located offshore has the added benefit of faster access to assets since probate can occur in each country simultaneously.

Where the trustee of testamentary trusts is a resident

If Australia, the trust is deemed to be an Australian trust, thereby bringing foreign assets into the Australian system.

Multiple testamentary trusts allow different assets or amounts to be controlled, managed and distributed under differing terms to different beneficiaries (such as children, grandchildren, marital issues, or children of past relationships).

The assets

Structuring investments for beneficiaries to receive ongoing tax and asset protection benefits e.g. investment-linked life assurance policies.

Charitable donations

The potential for tax deductions for the estate or testamentary trust against Australian sourced income.

How Australian superannuation is distributed

If you are able to, you should nominate binding nominations for your Superannuation to spouses because benefits to non-dependants (including children over 18) may be taxed.

Records for Australian property ownership and use

The beneficiary’s future CGT calculation is reliant on your actions, uses and costs for the property during your lifetime. Specifically documents supporting capital improvements, mortgages, rates and property maintenance. This also includes holiday homes, and not just investment properties.

Written instructions for assets held outside the wills

Trust assets remain in the trust after death. When this occurs, a letter of wishes provides guidance for the future control of the trust (i.e. investment and distribution wishes).

Ilana Kramarov is the Director of Tax for Select Investors Australia, if you would like to discuss tax planning for your estate, please contact Ilana via email ilana@selectinvestorsaustralia.sg