“I was overcome with joy and excitement when I found out I had been accepted to study Economics at Cambridge. I was also accepted at my residential college of choice - Trinity, which boasts a long list of Nobel Laureates, among which, development economist Amartya Sen is a big inspiration. I am so grateful and privileged to have been a member of the welcoming and nurturing AIS community.”
“During my time at AIS, I loved studying art theo ry. It pushed me to think critically about the world and I learned how to process it in a creative way. Since graduating in 2011, I’ve gone on to specialise in PR and in 2020 I launched my own business, which helps companies and start-ups build their reputation through strategic communications and media relations.”
“I loved my primary school experience at AIS, it is where I de veloped my love of sport and gave me a sense of pride to be Aussie! Being in a school surrounded by other Australian Expats created a strong sense of camaraderie, that has certainly carried through my life and into my sporting career. To this point, I have achieved medals at U23 World Championships and Senior World Cup events, but my proudest moment is being selected on the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. It has been a lifelong dream, and to achieve it makes me burst with pride. I have always aspired to challenge myself and do my best in everything I do. Whether it be my studies and career as a physiotherapist, or my sporting career as a Kayaker. Striving to reach my potential so that I can walk away from anything I do knowing I gave it my all.”
“I am really enjoying the diversity and the feeling of inclusion in Melbourne. This is the same feeling that I used to have every time I stepped into the premises of AIS . As I get closer to finishing my second year, I am grateful that I can experience real life challenges and enhance my knowledge and skills while I earn my pock et money by working in the retail industry in Australia.”
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Well, where did 2022 go? In the blink of an eye we’ve experienced another 12 months which in many ways have felt just as challenging as ‘the pandemic years’. Perhaps you’ve fully embraced post-Covid living with aplomb (was that you mud-surfing at F1?). Maybe you’re continuing to live life on the lowdown, still feeling unsure about how to navigate the world now. Wherever you’re at, as December rolls around we all deserve some comfort and joy.
So, in a bid to make the upcoming holiday period as stress-free and celebratory as possible, this issue of ANZA is filled with tips on how to sail through the silly season easily. Whether you’re staying on the red dot, travelling back down under, or heading on a trip to somewhere exotic, turn to p44 where you can discover how to beat Festive Frazzle while still remaining on speaking terms with your family. P36 is the place to find simple recipes for yummy yuletide snacks from some of our favourite local chefs and nutritionists. For ideas on how to party while being kinder to both yourself and the environment, don’t miss our piece on p32. We’ve got proactive and practical hacks on everything from Christmas tree alternatives, thoughtful present ideas and independent shop options.
Speaking of kindness, gracious characters from both the local and ANZA community are in abundance throughout these very pages. You’re guaranteed a warm and cosy feeling no vintage Port can match after reading our feature on the Singapore Kindness Movement on p28. Also guaranteed to make you fuzzy inside is the round-up of charity work by ANZA Action on p26, and stories of our fantastic volunteers who dedicate their time and energy to our ever-growing groups such as ANZA Scouts (p60), ANZA Netball (p64), and ANZA Cycling (p68).
As we wrap up the year, it’s a huge thank you from myself and everyone in the ANZA office to you - our dedicated members - for your energy, passion and commitment to making our community so special. May you all have a wonderful Christmas and Happy New Year. See you for more fun and frolics in 2023!
Jo Upcraft, Editor editor@anza.org.sg
With ANZA members hailing from every corner of the world and Singapore giving a nod to so many different religious and festive holidays, the period from October to January is such a colourful and joyous time of year to be on the little red dot. When we’re barely out of mid-Autumn displays, we have Deepavali (Diwali), Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year, and the Lunar New Year heralding the Year of the Rabbit. Some of these holidays I only experienced since moving to Singapore!
While many families choose December to travel home to see loved ones, mine always enjoy the holidays here. Rather than struggle to squeeze an oversized bird into a toosmall local oven, we opt for the relatively stress-free option of having Christmas Day lunch out with our extended family of friends.
By way of countering some of the indulgence over the festive season, I usually pledge to undertake the “Festive 500”, a cycling challenge which involves riding a minimum of 500km between Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. I typically follow up a long Christmas Eve ride with an easy, early Christmas Day jaunt with friends, where we spread a little cheer in Christmassy costumes, stop off for some photos with the lights on Orchard, and grab a quick coffee before returning for family celebrations. Whether going hard with 3 - 4 long cycles or tackling a moderate distance, ensuring there is enough in the tank to complete the challenge can be a great way to manage festive excess (and stress!).
For those who don’t ride, an alternative is to complete 50k on foot, either running or walking, within the same period. Or perhaps choose a distance to swim or get moving in other ways? I’d love you to join me wherever you are in the world and whatever your goal is. Add #ANZAfestivefit to Strava activity or other social media posts to connect and inspire throughout the silly season.
Wishing all of our members, friends and families of the ANZA community a happy and safe time with great health and good cheer well into the new year!
Sports Coordinator James Lindsay
No plans for 31 December yet? A kaleidoscope of colour is set to illuminate the Marina Bay skyline with artisanal Japanese fireworks that have never before been featured anywhere in Southeast Asia. Star Island Singapore Countdown 2022 - 2023 is a 70-minute fireworks musical extravaganza which features larger-than-life pyrotechnics, dazzling lights and immersive sound, providing revellers with the chance to see the new year in with a bang. The Float at Marina Bay, 20 Raffles Ave, 03980. starisland.sg
Who are AIS and what is your role?
As Assistant Head, I support diversity and development across the school. This involves leading the development of programmes and cultures to enhance inclusive practices and access to learning. I’ve worked at AIS for 18 years and welcoming new families is a highlight!
How does AIS stand out from other schools here in Singapore?
The oldest church in Singapore is the Armenian Church, Hill Street, circa 1835. Prinsep Street Presbyterian Church dates back to 1843, while the Cathedral of the Good Shepherd, Queen Street, was built in 1847. Approximately 19% of Singapore’s population attest to the Christian faith.
– Raelene Tan
KELLY SOMERVILLE Assistant Head, Australian International School Singapore (AIS)
AIS is an incredible community who embrace and welcome all. Our community population is multicultural, and our school offers a great range of international experiences. We’re highly collaborative and have collective responsibility for all of our students. Our parent body AISPA is exceptional in community outreach by offering many opportunities for parents to connect.
What’s your partnership with ANZA?
AIS is happy to have had a long standing relationship with ANZA for many years. We’ve enjoyed working together on joint events such as the Great Australia Day BBQ and the annual ANZA
Black Tie Ball where our students have provided entertainment. Our students were also onboard as service staff for ANZA’s Volunteer of the Year Awards (VOYA). We especially like sharing interviews with our passionate staff and happy parents that have been published in this very magazine.
What would you most like parents to understand about school and teaching today?
Schools and school leaders are working hard to continually develop their school to create a culture where students feel like they belong. This was more evident in Covid times, but has always been a significant factor, particularly when it comes to an international environment.
If you had to give one piece of advice to parents, what would it be?
Be as active in your school community as possible and encourage your children to engage with others. Take advantage of living in an international environment.
Email us at info@anza.org.sg
on our
THANK YOU TO THE FOLLOWING ANZA PARTNERS, VALUED GREATLY FOR THEIR CONTINUED SUPPORT OF THE ASSOCIATION.
This past year has been one of both challenges
opportunities – a year of storm clouds and silver linings. One significant positive has been the opportunity for family and friends to reconnect with the lifting of Covid-19 restrictions.
At the New Zealand High Commission, we have been delighted to see a return of New Zealand visitors to Singapore, and to see our Singaporean friends travel again down South.
In August, NZ Tourism launched its #ifyouseek campaign here in Singapore, which highlighted what a special place Aotearoa New Zealand is. If you haven't already visited - or are waiting to visit again - here is your sign to do so.
It has also been a pleasure to meet New Zealand officials and business people who have been able to return to the market following Covid-19. In fact, the team did a great job seeing multiple New Zealand ministers come through over the course of just eight weeks!
It has been a busy 2022 indeed, and I can genuinely say I’m looking forward to things staying equally as busy next year. With that, I’d like to wish our kiwi whanau and our friends everywhere a very Meri Kirihimete me te Hape Nū Ia! (Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year). See you in 2023!
The second is our driver, Mohamed Hamli, who first joined us in November 1990. Over the past 32 years, he has shown exceptional professionalism, unparalleled knowledge of Singapore’s roads and most of all, incredible warmth and good humour. We will miss both Jo and Mohamed dearly, but wish them all the very best for the future.
Over the past couple of months we have bid farewell to two of our key team members. The first is High Commissioner Jo Tyndall who finished her posting in September to take up the role of Head of the Environment Directorate at the OECD. Although Covid-19 shaped her posting, Jo’s time in Singapore was bookmarked by two visits from PM Ardern.
We bid a fond farewell to key members of our community and look back on the year that’s been.NZ Minister for Veteran Affairs, Hon Meka Whaitiri paying her respects to fallen NZ soldiers at Kranji War Cemetary New Zealand High Commission team on board HMSNZ Aotearoa, which was stationed in Singapore for a month
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Australia is serious about climate change.
On 8 September the Australian Parliament oversaw the historic passing of new Climate Change Legislation. Australia has made a commitment to listen to our regional partners and to learn from the experiences of others. We recognise that climate change is not an abstract threat, but an existential one.
The Climate Change Legislation is the foundation upon which Australia’s climate policies rest. It will enshrine in law the nation’s commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions
by 43 per cent below 2005 levels by 2030, and net zero by 2050. It provides a framework to accelerate investment in renewable energy, transmission, and storage. It provides a platform for transformative domestic policy, from which we can strengthen our leadership.
Passing this legislation is a step forward towards achieving our shared aspirations. We will work together with the region to build a resilient, clean energy sector and unlock green trade and investment opportunities because our partners recognise that climate change is not only a challenge we need to address together, but presents opportunities for us to embrace.
Prosperous future Australian business is doing its part. For example, Australian company Sun Cable is progressing a project to construct a 4,200 kilometre undersea cable from Darwin to Singapore, to provide renewable electricity generated from what could be the world’s largest solar farm in Australia’s Northern Territory. This is the kind of ambition we will need to face up to the challenge of climate change and set the region up for a more prosperous future powered by cleaner and cheaper energy.
Australia is taking renewed collaborative international action to scale up the clean energy transition in the region, while we work with partners to adapt to the effects of climate change.
“There is no such thing as a healthy environment or healthy oceans without action on climate change. Ambition is our only option.
The new Australian Government understands the urgency of the environmental challenges facing our planet, and we are committed to being a leader in the global fight to solve them. This includes working closely with our Indo-Pacific neighbours to address the impacts of climate change, reduce marine plastic litter, support the blue economy and manage marine protected areas.”
Australian Minister for the Environment and Water, the Hon Tanya Plibersek
We are committed to facing up to the challenge of climate change and are working with our Indo-Pacific partners in the region to transition to greener economies and adapt to climate change through new climate finance and partnerships. Our Climate Change Legislation delivers a simple yet powerful message, at home and abroad. Australia is back.
Australia’s parliament has passed legislation on emissions reduction targets of 43% by 2030 and net zero by 2050
Wishing a safe and happy Christmas and New Year to our extended ANZA community as you head home, stay put, or explore the world during the festive season. It has been such a joy to see our community spring back into action during 2022. We simply couldn’t have done it without your enthusiasm and support.
The ANZA office will be closed from Wednesday 21 December to Friday 6 January. Check the website for any changes to group meet ups. We can’t wait to see you in 2023 for more events, sports, meet-ups, tours and fun in our community.
Disney in Concert comes to the red dot this December with A Magical Celebration. Featuring Disney’s iconic movies alongside a 46-piece orchestra, the concert brings beloved stories and characters to life through musical performances synchronised to original film clips. Families of all ages won’t fail to be sucked into the joyful spirit!
17 December, 3pm. Singapore Indoor Stadium, 2 Stadium Walk, 397691. trip.com.sg
This annual musical treat is making a sparkling comeback this year. Featuring Singapore’s Supertrees but make them festive, watch as they light up to classic Christmas tunes sung by local artists. 2 Dec 2022 - 2 Jan 2023. Gardens by the Bay, 18 Marina Gardens Dr, 018953. gardensbythebay.com.sg
Prepare for Singapore’s biggest Christmas fair with Christmas Wonderland featuring luminarie light sculptures, rides, carnival games, festive market, Santa’s Grotto and more. The human-made blizzard, massive Christmas tree and Christmas carols add to the cheer. Elves are currently hard at work finalising details and dates, but we have it on good authority they’re not going to let us down. 30 November - 26 December. Gardens by the Bay, 18 Marina Gardens Dr, 018953. christmaswonderland.sg
In the run-up to Marina Bay’s firework extravaganza on New Year’s Eve (see p6), eager beavers can get a sneak peek of the show at this exciting prequel. Expect DJ performances, family-friendly entertainment zones and gastronomic offerings at the food village.
25 - 30 December 2022. MBS Event Plaza, 10 Bayfront Ave, 018956. starisland.sg
Affordable Art Fair Singapore returns this November after a threeyear hiatus. With thousands of contemporary artworks priced under S$15,000 from over 75 hand-picked international and local galleries, it’s a must for building up your art collection or learning more about defining your taste.
18 - 20 November. F1 Pit Building, 1 Republic Blvd, 038975. affordableartfair.com
The kind folks at Affordable Art Fair are offering ANZA readers $5 off General Entry and Arty-Licious Evening tickets. To claim your discount, all you need to do is checkout with the code R-ANZA5OFF or follow the instructions below:
Scan the QR code below
Click on ‘Tickets’ Select the number of tickets you’d like and click ‘Checkout’. Two tickets can be redeemed at a time
Fill in your contact details and click ‘Register’. You’ll be taken to the confirmation page and a printable e-ticket will be emailed your way. You can also find the full fair schedule via the QR code.
For a completely bizarre dining experience, head to ‘Karen’s Diner’. This pop-up offers rude service, ungrateful staff and singing - but it’s all part of the fun! The concept is based on a genuine diner in Sydney famous for its terrible service, and replicas have popped from Manchester to Melbourne. Thankfully, the burgers, fries and cocktails are fabulous - and it’s great for the ’gram. Launch date and venue TBC - 31 May 2023. explorehidden.com / bemorekaren.com
Bad news for bird lovers: Jurong Bird Park will welcome its final guests on 3 January 2023, exactly 52 years after opening in 1971. All is not lost as its avian residents and staff will be moving to a brand-new home in Bird Paradise at Mandai Wildlife Reserve. Until then, guests are encouraged to pay a last visit to pick up limitededition terrariums, embark on a Nostalgic Signature Tour, join a dining experience with traditional pushcarts, and enjoy carnival activities.
2 Jurong Hill, 628925. mandai.com
Jump start your January with some rousing musical moments at We Will Rock You. This new uberpowered production of the musical by the remaining members of Queen features 24 of Queen’s biggest hits, including Under Pressure, We are the Champions and Another One Bites the Dustand we challenge you not to singalong!
5 - 22 January 2023. Esplanade Theatre, 1 Esplanade Dr, 038981. sistic.com.sg
Get out and about and
Discover Toa Payoh, one of the first public housing projects in Singapore. Hear about how the Housing Development Board (HDB) came about, visit the HDB Hub, and witness various architectural styles. Afterwards, we’ll head to one of the most popular hawker centres in the area for some local food. Many of the stalls here are so famous that locals from other parts of the red dot will travel just to savour what they consider as “die die must try”!
DATE: Thursday 17 November
TIME: 9am – 12.30pm
MEET: 8.50am in front of Toa Payoh Library, 6 Toa Payoh Central, 319191. Nearest MRT is Toa Payoh
COST: Member $60, non-member $70 NOTES: Please wear comfortable shoes and bring your EZ link card to travel by bus from one place to another
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Eden Hall, the British High Commissioner’s residence in Singapore, is a beautiful house at any time of the year, but in the run up to Christmas it becomes positively breathtaking. Together we’ll embark on a guided tour of the property to discover 100 years of history and marvel at its architecture. Of course, all of this will take place while enjoying some seasonal British-style fare - think mince pies and mulled wine. All proceeds will go to a charity of the British High Commissioners’ choice and to ANZA charities.
DATE:
Let’s explore the 40 murals found in the thoroughfares and side streets of Chinatown, painted by established artists, students and the community. Through their vibrant and lively brush strokes, you’ll understand the heritage of this historical district and the contributions made by early immigrants. On this insightful tour you’ll also hear about what the various animals, objects and shapes in the murals reveal about Chinese beliefs and culture. The fun will end at Chinatown Complex, where you can stay on for an optional lunch.
DATE: Wednesday 7 December
TIME: 9.30am – 1pm
MEET: 9.20am, Telok Ayer MRT, Exit A, street level
COST: Member $55, non-member $65
Chinatown is always fascinating, but never more so than during Chinese New Year celebrations. As we wander through the streets, our guide will explain the customs, taboos and traditions of this exciting and colourful holiday alongside the history of the area. We’ll drop by a bakery that makes traditional Chinese cakes, meet sellers of incense and paper money, and visit a clan house and Kuan Yin Temple. The tour will end at Chinatown Complex where you can opt for some shopping or enjoy a meal at the famous Smith Street Noodle Shop (at own expense).
DATE: Tuesday 17 January 2023
TIME: 9.30am – 12.30pm
MEET: 9.20am at the pergola in front of Block 3, behind the bus stop and on the corner of Neil and Everton roads. Nearest MRT is Outram Park
COST: Member $55, non-member $65
The legends and rituals of Thaipusam, a Hindu festival, are fascinating. Soak up the atmosphere, music, chanting and clapping as you see how devotees enter a trance-like state and pierce their bodies with metal spikes. Follow the participants on foot and by bus as they carry heavy, richly decorated ‘kavadis’ (semi-circular frames) in a colourful procession from a temple in Serangoon Road for four kilometres to another Hindu temple. After paying their respects to the Gods, devotees have the spikes of the kavadi removed - a captivating sight.
DATE: Sunday 5 February 2023
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For those new to the red dot, there was only one place to be in August – ANZA’s Newcomers Information Morning!
Hosting our first ANZA Newcomers Information Morning in two years was a high in the ANZA social calendar.
Staff greeted over fifty new members from around the world at the vibrant HUONE Singapore Meeting & Event Venue in Clarke Quay where we enjoyed tea, coffee, and sarnies from Sarnies.
For some guests, it was the first chance for them to experience our Thriving in Singapore welcome event since they’d arrived on the island in the midst of the pandemic. For others, they’d only landed in the Lion City a few weeks previously! The casual get together was the ideal opportunity to meet like-minded people and learn about expat life here.
Along with lots of chat about settling
into a new country, including all the important stuff like where to find a decent bottle of wine under $70, where to get your hair highlighted, and where to watch the live rugby, we heard a welcome speech from ANZA President Megan Kinder who shared some of her expat experiences since arriving in Singapore twenty years ago.
Integral to the event was the information shared by ANZA’s GM, Kerry Low. There is nothing about ANZA that Kerry doesn’t know (and is not enthusiastic about), and she talked guests through the many diverse community groups and initiatives that we have in place. From Netball to Nippers, Stitches to Secret Men’s Business, Mahjong to our iconic Melbourne Cup Race Day, there was a lot to pack in!
We were also lucky to hear from our expert ANZA Sponsors. AAM Advisory, International Medical Clinic (IMC), Odin Mortgage and Expat Dental all gave informative talks, covering everything
from securing your finances abroad to keeping your family safe from tropical lurgies.
It was exciting to see friendships forming and a new chapter of the ANZA community developing - one that’s full of promise, passion and huge potential! A big thanks to everyone who stopped by, and a special shout out goes to Sue Chamberlain who kept the scores on the doors.
We discover what attracts our members to our growing community.
“We only moved to Singapore from Hong Kong two weeks ago. Right now, I’m looking for somewhere for Georgie, my twelve-year-old, to play netball and meet new friends. For me, I’d like to get into running and cycling.”
“I’m just coming out of the fog of moving to Singapore during the pandemic and would like to immerse myself more in local life. I’m looking forward to finding my way around all the nooks and crannies and exciting places to visit, and I’d like to meet some new people as well.”
SARAH“We chose ANZA because it’s easy to join and well-priced, and you get a lot for your money. My wife and I did the registration, have been to the coffee morning, and like that it’s easy to meet new people within the community.”
PAUL“I moved to Singapore in 2020 and have friends that have come and gone. ANZA offers a great opportunity to form new friendships, and I think it’s time for me to join some of the activities too. The coffee mornings and walks sound good, but I’m here to find out what else is on offer!”
CECILIA“I just arrived from four years in Hong Kong so I know how important it is to feel rooted when you live as an expat. My children are six and nine and we’re a sporty family. ANZA appeals to us as it offers the chance to meet energetic, like-minded people.”
“We’ve been in Singapore for two months, and ANZA was recommended by a girlfriend who used to live here. Making friends, doing more sport, and the social side of the community is what most appeals to us.”
ANZA Golf has gone rogue of late with trips out of Singapore. Not only did they escape en masse to Malaysia to practice their swing, but our ANZA Golf ladies also nipped over to Batam to tee off and enjoy some spa treatments on the side.
We explored what used to be an old swampy area between Rochor and Kallang rivers on our Jalan Besar Tour, hearing stories of street names and discovering the architecture of old shophouses.
ANZA Kill-O-Metres have been immersing themselves in nature, keeping their steps high while looking out for wild monkeys and boars crossing their tracks, and kicking back with an energising shot of coffee.
The early years programme for children aged 2 - 7 years old focuses on holistic learning and nurturing each child’s unique talent. Read on for more.
is a community where children are at the heart of everything we do. The purpose built state-of-the-art DUCKS campus offers facilities designed to nurture the intellectual, physical, social and emotional development of our youngest students. Our children are inspired and have the freedom to inquire and steer their own learning. Here’s why we believe it’s so successful.
In DUCKS, every class from Toddler to Year 2 is taught by at least one native English-speaking teacher and one native Mandarinspeaking teacher. Children are fully immersed in both languages daily as well as having daily dedicated
Mandarin lessons. Our dual-language programme focuses on all areas of the curriculum as well as interactions, storytelling, and role play to boost the development of listening, speaking and literacy skills.
It’s lots of fun and enables our children to gain the confidence to use language with meaning rather than just through imitation.
Our specialist teachers are a particular highlight of our Early Years Programme. The DUCKS specialist teacher programme gives students the chance to excel within the likes of music, sport, drama and art. All children have weekly swimming lessons,
and from the age of three years old, students have specialist PE, music and choir lessons. In addition, there’s weekly DUCKS library lessons.
Children learn in bright, airy classrooms that open up into gorgeous outdoor garden spaces. They also enjoy access to three swimming pools, playing fields, an indoor gymnasium, a rooftop bike track, a dedicated library, two dining rooms, a water play area, our Forest School and a professional kitchen.
All DUCKS children visit our Forest School regularly. They undertake making a fire, roasting marshmallows, sawing wood, and digging trenches. This open-air learning has significant positive effects on children’s physical and mental wellbeing and enables them to develop academic skills as well as build emotional resilience. And of course, they’re always happy when it has rained and they can jump in muddy puddles!
Teachers in DUCKS challenge students in subjects where they show strength and interest and believe they can flourish in areas where they demonstrate talent. This might involve additional maths for those who display an advanced understanding of numbers, or enabling children to lead a lesson in a subject where they possess particular knowledge. We also have several leadership positions open to children including Student Council, House Captains, Global Guardians, Creative Stars, Reading Rockets and Techsperts.
Find out more about Dulwich College Kindergarten School (DUCKS) at singapore.dulwich.org Our admissions team can be contacted at +65 6890 1003 / admissions.singapore@dulwich.org
“There is never a dull moment at DUCKS”
ANZA’s Ladies Night at The Exchange was a roaring success. The wine, lychee martinis and Cosmopolitans flowed as the groups of tables mingled well into the night. We were thrilled to welcome so many new people to this monthly event, and already have venues planned well into 2023. See you there!
We hosted pink-themed events throughout October in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. These included mahjong and coffee mornings with pink clothes, accessories and nibbles!
With the growing demand for flexible work arrangements, individuals and companies have an ardent desire to form genuine connections and build meaningful networks. Hot desking and shared workspaces provide a great solution to retaining the autonomy and flexibility that people now enjoy, while still fostering a sense of belonging and finding a sense of place.
SPECTRUM has introduced their Hot Desk Membership, complementing their existing packages including Flexi, Dedicated Desks, and Private Offices, which are all part of their diverse and curated community. For individuals working remotely or companies looking for a collaborative environment for their teams, SPECTRUM’s Hot Desk Membership offers unlimited access to their open shared workspace, including monthly credits for meeting rooms and printing. With natural lighting, warm hospitality and spacious seating layouts, their workspace has been carefully designed to provide an inviting habitat primed for productivity.
As the new concept commences, community remains at the heart of everything SPECTRUM do. The company looks forward to growing a membership base that will help to create variety and depth to their already strong network and ecosystem.
With their DNA of “work, play, and belong”, the
workspace has not only built a welcome place for proficiency, but a thriving community. To create a personalised service, the team has dedicated personnel who attend to members’ needs. They are constantly on hand to provide operational and IT support, hotel bookings, international guest transfers and other important concierge services.
In line with their vision of helping members to grow their business, SPECTRUM regularly organises activities to link organisations within their ecosystem, thus enabling the right relationships with positive outcomes. Hot Desk members are invited to participate in all community happenings, events, and curated networking sessions to connect with businesses in the same industry or ones that complement their own.
DOOR XXV, a private bar located within SPECTRUM’s workspace, is also an intimate lounge where members can continue to do business or unwind after a long day
To learn more about SPECTRUM’s Hot Desk Membership, visit https://spectrum.global/hot-desk
Hot desking is the way to work postpandemic. SPECTRUM in Bugis has introduced a new Hot Desk Membership with access to their office and events.
Charitable organisations in Singapore have roared back to life after a near shut down during Covid. This is fantastic news for those who rely on assistance, and for our ANZA members who enjoy being involved in the ANZA Action community. As we approach the end of the year, here’s a quick recap on activity from some of our charity partners.
Image Mission support women by helping them to reach economic freedom through employment by offering training and advice. ANZA is a big fan of Dress for Success, a programme offered by Image Mission, which assists women to prepare for interviews with professional attire and interview coaching. During August, Image Mission shared their power walk campaign with ANZA to help raise funds. This saw a group of ANZA members embarking on an organised walk on
Saturday 27 August, strutting their stuff from Stadium to Gardens by the Bay while looking ravishing in red, all in support of this great cause.
September was International Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Children and their families or caregivers face a tough and lonely battle through the treatment journey, therefore the aim of LOVE, NILS is to help the children get through with fun and engaging activities such as art therapy. To support their work, ANZA members engaged in small events around Singapore to raise awareness of childhood cancer and raise funds. This involved celebrating the colour gold in any way they wished, with the purchase of gold ribbons available.
As our charity of choice, ANZA assists RDA to raise funds for Kodie the support horse, our four-legged friend who provides therapy for physically and mentally disabled people through riding and non-riding programmes. Our Melbourne Cup Race Day in November enables the donation of much-needed funds, including RDA being present at the event selling decorative horseshoes.
Calm Collective is an organisation driven to supporting mental health in Asia, offering programmes to encourage sharing, and providing information to reduce the stigma of mental health issues. They also partner with corporations to provide workplace mental wellness initiatives. In October, ANZA Action worked together with Calm Collective to promote awareness of their mental health wellbeing festival, Calmcon. We saw guest speakers covering the themes of workplace wellbeing, maintaining calm, and thriving successfully in today’s fastpaced world.
Wrapping up the year with a round up of our best ANZA Action moments of 2022.
As parents, we all want to give our children the very best start in life and finding the right school for your children can be one of the most important decisions you will make.
Boarding school is often considered by parents as a logistical saviour; the solution that allows their children to attend their school of choice without parents needing to be in two places at once or enduring a time consuming commute. However, many parents quickly realise the benefits of a boarding education which are priceless. Boarding presents unparalleled opportunities for children to grow in independence, confidence, and to refine emotional intelligence, academic, social, and co-curricular skills.
The boarding houses at Marlborough College Malaysia (MCM) are run by highly-trained, experienced senior teachers who provide constant pastoral and academic guidance, while cultivating the atmosphere of a community within MCM’s leafy 90 acre site. Outside the classroom, boarding offers pupils the opportunity to discover and develop their natural talents by enjoying the full range of world-class facilities on campus, whether this is swimming in the Olympic pool, rehearsing in the music facility, kayaking on the school lake or going to the library for extra studying. In doing so, pupils develop into well-rounded individuals who have many passions and hobbies that they’re able to take the lead in cultivating.
Marlborough College Malaysia helps your child to flourish both in the classroom and beyond.
The college also ensures that weekends are filled with fun activities such as cultural trips to Singapore, or go-karting and surfing in Desaru. Boarders can partake in BBQ’s, formal dinners, and games nights which provide them with the freedom to relax outside the classroom while learning vital social skills, manners, etiquette and communication skills by socialising with adults and peers. Consequently, pupils form lifelong friendships which far outlast their time at school. Boarding is not just about living on site; it is about being part of a community which extends to life in the wider world.
Nothing rivals boarding for teaching young people how to be independent, make good decisions, and help others. Boarding develops a sense of self-understanding as pupils become aware of what is important to them and how they can follow their passions. Guided by supportive staff, boarders learn to plan academic work in advance, become adept at cooperative learning, and develop selfdiscipline. As a result, they are often perfectly positioned to thrive as an undergraduate at a distant university, perhaps in another country, more easily than those who are experiencing self-reliance and separation from home for the first time aged 18.
To learn more about boarding at MCM, please visit marlboroughcollegemalaysia.org/boarding
Marlborough College MalaysiaThe only authentic British boarding experience in Asia
Tatler
For a quote that has no official author, the saying “If you can be anything in this world, be kind” certainly is popular. The phrase is emblazoned on t-shirts, mugs, cushions, and across social media. And it is never more poignant than around the holiday season, especially this year, as the world continues in many ways to burn.
Yet for some people in Singapore, kindness is not just for Christmas. Indeed, 25 years ago, former Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong called on Singaporeans to develop into a more caring and gracious society. As a response, the Singapore Kindness Movement (SKM) was born, and they make kindness a way of life.
You might have heard of them. The non-government, non-profit organisation constantly produce posters, videos, children’s newsletters and initiatives to get the good vibes flowing throughout our city-state. One of their major programmes is Kindness Day SG, which was first held in 2013 and takes place
Goodwill shouldn’t just be seasonal. We look at the importance of compassion and meet the Singaporean community who make kindness a way of life.
every year in the month of May to celebrate graciousness.
“We aspire to inspire compassion one kind act at a time. By sparing a thought for the people around us, we hope each of us can be greater, create a more gracious society, and make life better for everyone,” explains Dr William Wan, General Secretary of SKM. He continues, “I believe that Singaporeans are innately kind, but no doubt there will always be a minority who lack the emulation of graciousness toward others. That is why SKM exists to gently remind these individuals to start adopting kindness in their daily lives.”
In a world that is often cruel (perhaps more so than ever), SKM have a big job on their hands. Right now we’re feeling the aftermath of a harrowing pandemic, watching a war rage on in Europe, and dealing with everyday discrepancies such as rising living costs, casual racism, and a prevalence of cyberbullying and online trolling. There’s a lot of meanness to deal with, but if we can start to be more
considerate in small ways, we can reap the emotional dividends. Not only can a thoughtful gesture make a difference to those who are struggling, but studies show that the simple act of being caring boosts the feel-good hormone serotonin, eases anxiety, reduces inflammation and illness, and even helps you live longer.
No-one understands this better than SKM which consists of the SKM secretariats, council members and the lovelysounding Kindred Spirit Circle - a group of volunteers who organise Ground-Up Movements (GUMs), Organised Kindness
Initiatives and Enterprises (OKIEs), and Voices of Loving Kindness (VoLKs).
The circle expands every year, with the past few years promoting several drives including the ‘Be Greater’ campaign which nudged Singaporeans to ditch self-doubt and step up to show spontaneous kindness to strangers. Last year, they produced a video series called ‘Be Kind Be Happy’ to engage the older generation, weaving in Chinese dialects, English and Mandarin. The series showcased one common topic: how to improve graciousness and neighbourliness. In 2022 there has been a commitment to dispelling stereotypes about people in misunderstood jobs and highlighting kindness - and unkindness - within the workplace by launching a book, Making Kindness Our Business. Says Dr Wan, “We hope employers can help bring back the ‘human’ in human resources and make kindness part of their business.”
Thankfully, goodwill does not have to be an overtly grand gesture. You don’t have to donate a kidney or buy everyone at the hawker a beer. As Dr Wan points out: “All kind acts, small or big, will accrue and positively impact society.” The best part is that with little acts of humanity, you can jump on a “positive feedback loop” – where being kind increases your own happiness, not just that of the people you help. And who doesn’t want a bit of that?
ANZA readers interested in showing their support in promoting the value of kindness can share SKM’s content on social media platforms. kindness.sg kindness.sg kindness.sg kindness.sg kindness.sg
● Be ‘other-centered’
Experiment with altruism in your day-to-day life. The key to being kind is by simply not making yourself a constant priority. Being othercentered means being aware and considerate of others
● Start small Say hello to a neighbour or learn the name of your bus driver. Although this doesn’t sound like much, research shows the smallest acts of kindness can have a big difference
Popping out for lunch? Pick up an extra snack for someone who’ll need it. Hitting the MRT at rush hour? Check if there’s someone who needs help with heavy luggage or needs a seat more than you
● Be accountable
Think about your interactions on social media. Before you post something, ask yourself: ‘Is it true? Is it necessary? Is it kind?’ If it’s not at least two of these, then keep quiet
● Control your tech We’ve all succumbed to Stomp-style clickbait, but if we really want to be kinder, reduce time spent on social media, or at least cull the accounts that infuse you with negativity
Inthe Singapore expat community most people have heard of Tanglin Trust School, which is not surprising given its reputation and heritage as the oldest British International School in Southeast Asia. But did you know that it’s an increasingly popular choice for families from Australia and New Zealand? Over 50 nationalities are represented at Tanglin with Australians and New Zealanders accounting for more than 10% of the student population. Australians alone are the third highest in nationality.
Indeed, Tanglin’s Head Boy from the Class of 2022, Matthew Wong, is from New Zealand. When asked why Tanglin was his parents’ school of choice for him and his brothers, Matthew said: “When my parents moved to Singapore 20 years ago, they were intent on finding a good school with a strong British curriculum. My parents liked the fact that Tanglin offers both the option of A Level and International Baccalaureate. I chose A Levels, with the subject combination of Physics, Maths, Economics and Biology. I opted for this combination because I enjoy them and want to have the pathway open for Medicine if I decide to pursue it.”
Matthew has now joined his brother, also a Tanglin Alumnus, to pursue his undergraduate studies at Brown University in the United States.
Is it difficult to transition back to universities down under after studying a British curriculum? Not for Tanglin students. Universities in Australia and New Zealand recognise both A Level and the International Baccalaureate (IB). Tanglin is unique amongst international schools in Singapore as it offers both A Level and the IB Diploma in sixth form, both of which yield consistently outstanding academic results. This year’s IB cohort achieved the school’s highest ever average Diploma score of 41.4 points, more than 9.4 points above the world average and 3.9 points higher than the Singapore average. Tanglin’s 2022 A Level leavers also achieved outstanding results; 100% pass rate, with an exceptional 40% of all grades being an A* and 69% of all grades being an A* or A.
Tanglin’s Head of Admissions, Kellie Hammond said: “We have noticed a rise in new students from Australia and New Zealand, and an increase in the number of Tanglin students who are applying to universities in Australia and New Zealand.”
“One of the key reasons as to why parents from Australia and New Zealand choose Tanglin is because of the school’s versatility. Students sit for public exams in Year 11 and Year 13, and they get a leaving certificate at different exit points; (I) GCSEs, A Level and IBDP. Lots of families have commented that they like the dual pathways option for their children. Many expat parents move around to work and live in different parts of the world, and Tanglin offers their children the option to go to universities all over the world,” Kellie added.
Tanglin’s students often go on to study at the best universities globally. This is not by chance but due to a well-thought out process helmed by Tanglin’s University Guidance Team. Based at the heart of the school’s Sixth Form centre, the team provides all the information, support and counsel students need to make the right decision about their future academic journey. Sixth Form students (age 16 to 18) are invited to university visits where bespoke advice includes one-on-one time with a counsellor to help them decide which higher education establishment and
course best fits them. This includes understanding different countries’ application systems such as UCAS, Common App, OUAC and many more. The team also provides guidance on preparing personal statements, college essays and mock interviews. Typically, 97% of Tanglin students secure their first or second choice of university. It is no wonder that graduating students often report back to the school that it has prepared them well for the ever-changing world ahead and a fulfilling journey beyond the school gates.
Portsdown Road, Singapore 139299
6778 0771
It’s
Ditch the wrapping paper where you can and
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Furoshiki is the beautiful Japanese art of fabric
and we’re
it! Use leftover fabric,
or silk
as an
which can
(spotlightstores.com) is your go-to for cuts of
ribbons and ties. Alternatively, use this very ANZA
for wrapping this year - we’d be
Christmas trees don’t always have to be the pine and bushy variety. Wooden trees look great and add a unique touch (and talking point) to your home. Crate&Barrel (crateandbarrel.com.sg) tend to stock some chic offerings, as do MUJI (muji.com/sg) when the season starts.
It’s the most wonderful - yet also wildly excessive - time of the year. We party more, spend more and waste more in a bid to immerse ourselves in celebrations. But making the festivities simpler and with more thought for the planet does not have to mean scrimping on frivolity. A gentler outlook can lead to increased creativity, smarter thinking and more care going into the entire holiday season. Here’s how to do it.
Real trees are more eco friendly than plastic ones, but going for one that’s grown locally is a pretty hard ask in Singapore. An alternative is a getting a tree from Sing See Soon (singseesoon. com) which hails from a sustainable farm in Canada. Even better, they provide a Christmas tree disposal service once the festivities are over. If you prefer to go artificial, Mason (mason.com.sg) has a large selection of fakes, as do Christmas Trees (christmastreessg.com).
Decorations add to what makes Christmas feel so special. For plastic-free alternatives to tinsel, try a festive garland or banner from Far East Flora Garden (fareastfloragarden.com). For a retro feel, thread strings of popcorn to decorate your tree. Not nimble with your fingers? Twinkly lights give a cosy ambience to
any room. Hooga (findinghooga.com.sg) has a gorgeous selection.
If you want candles, choose eco-friendly soy or beeswax varieties rather than paraffin. Specialising in soy candles, Sally’s Room (sallysroom. sg) offers nine different scents; Mellow Over (mellowover.com) stock a fabulous range; and we’re partial to a purchase from the lovely folk at Gratitude Shop (shopgratitude.com).
Invest in a reusable advent calendar. Etsy (etsy.com/sg-en) has well-priced reusables all set for 2022. Or lose the traditional cardboard calendar altogether and instead hang handwrapped daily treats from a tree branch as part of your decos.
You’re either super-organised and buying gifts in September, or having a Tangs-induced breakdown a week before the big day. Take unwanted stress out of shopping by considering a family Secret Santa; everyone buys (and receives) just one, high-quality, thoughtful present.
Shopping at a local independent
In the week after Christmas, New Zealanders send 50,000 extra tonnes of waste to landfill
business scores you extra simple Christmas points. Design Orchard (designorchard.sg) and Independent Market (independentmarket.sg) are both excellent for SG-flavoured memorabilia for friends and family back home; Nana & Bird (shop.nanaandbird.com) and In Good Company (ingoodcompany.asia) are ideal for the fashionable types in your life; and The Social Space (thesocialspace.co) and Source Collections (sourcecollections. com) stock lots of sustainable goodies. Look out for the Christmas markets by Fairmarch (fairmarch.com), The Green Collective (thegreencollective.sg) and Crane (wearecrane.com) making a comeback this year.
You don’t have to opt for tangible presents. According to research by Science Daily, experiential gifts can result in greater happiness. For inspo, take a look at Singexperience (singexperience. sg) who offer hundreds of activities as gifts for all ages. Bungee jumping, seeing Singapore on a Harley, private yacht excursions and singing in a recording studio will all create lasting memories. And of course, you can’t go wrong with gifting a family an ANZA membership which comes complete with all of our wonderful community activities (anza. org.sg/join-anza/#join).
Personalised gift tags add a special touch. Try Times Printers (marketing@ timesprinters.com) and add dried flowers, strings and twine. Garden centres and markets will provide the foliage.
Clear your clutter in time for Xmas. ANZA Classifieds (anza.org.sg/life-in-sg/anzaclassifieds/), HCSA Community Services (hcsa.org.sg) and Society for the Aged Sick (societyagedsick.org.sg) accept clothes,
furniture and household supplies. Books Beyond Borders (booksbeyondborders. org) and Dignity Mama (projectdignity. sg/dignity-mama) take old tomes. Your secondhand items will perhaps take the pressure off of somebody else’s festive season.
Food is such a huge part of the festivities (see our recipes on p36), but with it comes tonnes of wastage. In Australia, a Melbourne University study found that 40 per cent of food purchased for the celebrations ends up in the bin. Here’s how eat more mindfully:
Use a shopping list to avoid impulse purchases and ask guests to bring something specific to reduce doubleups.
There will always be some leftovers (brussels sprouts, we mean you!).
Get creative in the kitchen, or donate to The Foodbank
Singapore (foodbank.sg)
Considering the kinds of food we eat (meat and dairy has the highest food footprint, poultry is lower) doesn’t have to mean sacrificing the ham or trifle, but taking a more conscious and gentle approach.
LOOK TO OZ Australian
consumers are snapping up festive gift boxes of what they lovingly call ‘wonky’ but fresh fruit and vegetables from social enterprise
Good and Fugly (goodandfugly.com. au). Every purchase comes with a cooking demo designed to reduce food waste, so check them out if you’re overseas.
When it comes to the arts in Singapore, it doesn’t get much better than Pete Hodgson, Ali Tompkins and Roo Pigott. Pete and Ali first met at the UK’s prestigious Guildford School of Acting and today run Centre Stage School of the Arts (CSSA), providing opportunities for young people to develop through drama, musical theatre, acting and dance. Also from the UK, music producer and songwriter Roo Pigott uses his experience of working with the likes of Ed Sheeran and John Mayer to lead a team of internationally successful songwriters, producers and music industry professionals at Songwork International.
Today, the two prolific companies have come together to highlight their exciting collaboration. By joining together, students from both organisations now have access to huge possibilities: Centre Stage students to Songwork’s recording and publishing facilities, and Songwork students to Centre Stage’s performance training, particularly in musical theatre and dance.
“We met Roo about five years ago and immediately hit it off,” says Pete from CSSA. “He told us about how he encourages children and teens to develop their skills
as singer-songwriters, with the mission to expand their artistry and to develop as confident, creative human beings. This was completely in line with the very same principles Ali and I have spent nurturing for the past 30 years.”
Indeed, what Centre Stage and Songwork discovered was that they both shared the same ethos: that young people benefit hugely from playing within an artistic framework. “All the performing arts are rooted in creative experimentation and exploration. We abandon and rebuild, collaborate and share,” Pete continues. “Roo develops the imagination of songwriters and musicians and gives them the tools to develop and work at those skills. Meanwhile, at Centre Stage we use the performing arts to allow children to gain a healthy sense of self.”
Collaboration was a natural step and easy progression, beginning with the staging of The Attic Sessions, a live show that saw Centre Stage and Songwork’s students performing in unison. By far, the most thrilling proposition that has come from their collaboration is the building of a Songwork recording studio at Centre Stage earlier
this year. “This space allows everyone to access the music production, content development and artistic know-how of Songwork, Roo and his team,” says Pete. “We have musical-theatre students recording and building a profile on Spotify and are delighted to now host The Attic Sessions as a monthly event.”
Songwriting workshops and music production courses are a new addition and a Technical Theatre course is in the pipeline. Says Pete, “Combining the collective technical knowledge of both companies gives us the chance to support a child’s development across music, songwriting and the performing arts. Together we can guide them towards future careers and a wealth of options in a way that no other creative organisation can.”
A collaboration between Centre Stage and Songwork International brings new opportunities to young creatives interested in combining the arts with tech and stagecraft skills.
Despite all the big meals, there’s always space for festive munchies. Here’s some scrummy ideas that leave a standard box of Favourites in the shade!
Smoked Salmon Crostini by Chef Luqman Hakim, Sarnies
INGREDIENTS
100g cream cheese
½ tsp herb chives (chopped fine)
½ tsp herb dill (chopped fine)
10g cooking cream
Pinch of pepper
Pinch of sea salt
1 tsp lemon juice
Slices of smoked salmon
Crostini
Capers
Pickled red onions
Dill fronds for garnishing
METHOD
1. Add all ingredients in a bowl and whip until combined. Reserve in the chiller until ready to use. Keeps well in a tight container for up to a week.
2. To prepare, spread a generous layer of cream cheese on crostini.
3. Fold smoked salmon on crostini.
4. Garnish with capers, pickled red onions and dill fronds. Crack fresh black pepper onto prepared crostini for extra freshness.
Nothing can go wrong with Smoked Salmon Crostini. These onebite-wonders pair well with any kind of drink and kids love them
by Group Executive Chef of Baker & Cook, Chef Jenna White, including Brettschneider Baking & Cooking School
INGREDIENTS
200g butter
125g icing sugar
1 egg white
1 tsp lemon juice 350g flour
Pinch of salt Strawberry or raspberry jam Dusting sugar
METHOD
1. Cream the butter and sugar together in a mixing bowl until a pale yellow is achieved. Add in the egg white and lemon juice and mix thoroughly, followed by flour and salt. Mix well until a dough is formed.
2. Cover and rest the dough for one hour or overnight. This will allow the dough to firm up for easy rolling. Preheat the oven to 180°C.
3. Roll the dough out evenly on a floured surface until it’s 4- 5mm thick. Measure and cut out an even amount of cookies. With half of them, cut a small shape in the middle.
4. Lay all the cookies onto a baking tray and bake for 15 minutes, until golden. Remove from the oven and allow to cool.
5. With the cookies that do not have cut-outs, spread with the jam of your choice. Cover with the other half of the cookie that has an empty middle section. Top them off with a dusting of icing sugar.
Brettschneider’s Baking & Cooking School, 1 Greendale Ave, 289495. bakingandcookingschool.com
These cookies will keep you going back for more! The light and airy cookie paired with the tart jam makes your palate pop. Choose your favourite jam flavour wisely. I love raspberry as the slight tartness cuts through the richness of the cookie giving it a balanced flavour profile
by Trained Cook Ian Ferdinand Chong, Marymount Bakehouse
1 sandwich slice Marymount Bakehouse Applewood Smoked Mushroom Sourdough
1 teaspoon chopped onions
½ clove minced garlic
180g turkey leftovers
50g Marymount Bakehouse Onion & Thyme Chutney
30g sliced apples
½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
3 tablespoons Kewpie Japanese mayonnaise
1 type of cheese
10g ham of your choice
5g English parsley
1 sprig thyme leaf
1 hard boiled egg
Salt and pepper to taste
1. Preheat your oven to 180°C.
At the same time, place the egg into water. Turn your stove to high and boil egg for 15 mins.
2. Slice a tartine to approximately 2cm thickness.
3. Toast for 10 mins or until crisp with a fluffy crumb.
4 Take a spoonful of Marymount Bakehouse Onion & Thyme Chutney and spread on the toast.
5. Cut apples into cubes and place in a mixing bowl.
6. Take turkey leftovers from the fridge. Shred the meat with a fork, knife, or with your hands. Place into the bowl with the apples.
7. Remove egg from boiling water and shell. Mash egg with a fork and place into the same mixing bowl.
8. Add chopped onions, minced garlic, mustard, mayonnaise and English parsley to the bowl. Mix into a relishlike texture.
9. Spread toast with the Onion and Thyme Chutney and add mini dollops of the turkey relish mixture.
10. To finish, twirl the cold cut of your choice
place beside the gaps of the dollops of turkey relish mixture. Garnish with salt, pepper, and thyme leaves.
Pintau,
Planningand executing the perfect Christmas meal can be stressful. With so many mouths to feed and dietary requirements to cater for, it can be tempting to give up and call for a takeaway. But that’s for those who don’t know about The Fishwives. For those living in Singapore, The Fishwives’ outstanding selection of quality meat and seafood, alongside essential sauces, cakes, puddings, treats and wines, make holiday meals easier and extra special.
For owner Rebecca Forwood, holiday planning is a year-round affair as she’s always on the lookout for the best festive meats and goodies to stock in her Cluny Court shop and online store. “The holidays were always special when I was growing up,” she says. “I loved the hustle and bustle of preparations, spending time with family in Australia, and all of the fun traditions we had. My mum’s side of the family are incredible cooks and between my mum, grandma, uncles and aunties, we created the most amazing Christmas Day feasts.”
With this in mind, Rebecca works hard every year to continue many of the same yuletide traditions while raising her own kids and operating her gourmet grocery store in Bukit Timah. Her key to success? As long as you have good quality food and plenty of it, you will pull off a successful festive meal. “Choosing the highest quality ham or turkey is a great start,” says Rebecca, who puts hefty legwork into finding premium hams and turkeys
available for every Christmas season. The hams come in half-bone (5kg) and full-bone (10kg) varieties and are certified free-range. The delicious French turkeys are approximately 3.6kg and include the giblets which are great for making gravy.
Rebecca’s holiday meal prep looks much like that of her mum, the original founder of The Fishwives, so the process is near and dear to her heart. “In my family, we always glaze our holiday ham with our homemade glaze made from maple syrup, brown sugar, orange marmalade and dijon mustard - and maybe an extra special secret ingredient,” Rebecca reveals. It’s the same recipe they use in-store if you add a glazing package to your ham when ordering - The Fishwives team glaze and dress your cut for you. By doing so, you can save yourself hours in the kitchen while the ham will be glazed, baked, and the centre of attention come meal time, without you having to lift a finger.
The Forwood holiday turkey is also prepared in the same way every year. Rebecca’s trick for a moist, flavourful turkey is to cover the bird with slices of bacon and slide a homemade butter mixture under the skin of
This Christmas leave the eating and drinking to The Fishwivesyou just have to bring the joy.
the breasts and legs. She also stuffs the whole bird with a mouthwatering homemade stuffing and a tantalising fresh blend of herbs and spices for the perfect finishing touch. “It’s always a winner and everyone always comes back for seconds,” she says.
Indeed, holiday food favourites are endless at The Fishwives and you can create a memorable and special spread with minimal stress. Don’t miss their wide variety of festive specialties including Italian panettone, gourmet Australian cheeses, crackers, dried fruit, and artisan honeys and chutneys for the ultimate cheeseboard. You’ll also find an outstanding artisan Christmas pudding from Australia with a gluten free and vegan option so no one misses out.
Of course, no celebrations are complete without bubbles. Although they’re known for their wholesome, natural Australian foods, The Fishwives offer a carefully chosen selection of excellent cellar door wines, including superior champagnes and alcohol free champagnes. We’ll raise a glass to that!
This year, holiday hams and turkeys will be ready for delivery from The Fishwives from 20 November 2022. Order online at thefishwives.com or visit the store. Delivery is free for all orders over $100. The Fishwives do everything possible to ensure your celebrations are stress-free and focused on time with friends and loved ones. Be sure to stop by as you’re prepping for the festivities this season.
The Fishwives, #01-05B Cluny Court Shopping Centre, 501 Bukit Timah Road, 259760. thefishwives.com
December can enhance feelings of loneliness when expectations of happiness are at a high. Here’s how to look after yourself throughout the silly season and beyond.
The holidays are supposed to be a happy time – peace and goodwill to all! Unfortunately, it doesn’t always work out like that. Christmas has long been known as a time when some people struggle with their mental health - remember all those ads for the Salvation Army on TV in December?
There are many reasons for this. Some people feel under increased stress at work towards the year end, and sometimes financial difficulties can be exacerbated during the festivities. A higher alcohol intake or pressure to socialise can trigger anxiety for many. TV and social media often portray a fixed idea of the ‘Perfect Christmas’ and people feel disappointed when their own plans don’t match up to expectations. It’s also easy to feel lonely when everyone around you appears to be having fun.
This is also when families come together. Feuds are common during the celebrations, which is understandable when many of us will not have been together for a while.
So, as a GP who deals with the international community, here’s my advice for managing your mental health during the months to come:
1Don’t over-book. Make space in your schedule for relaxation alone. Relentless socialising is exhausting and will wear you down.
2Look after your physical health. Don’t drink to excess or over-eat. Fit in some regular exercise, ideally outside in the fresh air.
3If you’re feeling lonely, reach out to someone. Big events with lots of people won’t help your mental state. Focus on spending time with people who really matter.
4Don’t neglect ongoing care. If you’re seeing a therapist or taking medication for your mental health, make sure this continues over the holiday period.
5Make a budget and stick to it. Everyone likes giving and receiving presents, but when costs get out of control you will be left feeling worried and depressed. Remain realistic.
6Lean on friends. If you’re anxious about going to a party or event, arrange to arrive and leave with a friend to take the pressure off.
7Avoid harmful comparisons with others. Manage your expectationsdon’t expect everything to be perfect all of the time.
8
Take the focus off yourself. Try volunteering, donating, or doing something for those less fortunate.
If all else fails and you’re struggling, reach out to your GP. We’re trained to manage mental health problems and will make sure you get the right help. I take this opportunity to reiterate that seeing a GP about mental health issues is completely normal, so don’t hesitate. We see many patients who never thought they would be seeking support and pride ourselves in offering care for everyone in a nonjudgemental and open manner.
Prevention will always be better than a cure, so seek medical help early. Any treatment should be a shared decision with you and your doctor. Please feel free to visit any of our experienced General Practitioners at Osler Health International.
Find Osler Health clinics at 328 North Bridge Road, #02-27 Raffles Hotel Arcade, 188719 and 1 Vista Exchange Green, #B1-27, The Star Vista,138617. Email us at raffles@osler-health.com or starvista@osler-health.com
Is all calm and bright in your world come Christmas? If not, read on for ways to get through the holidays feeling a little less stressed.
It’s official: the festive season can be a veritable hotbed of anxiety. The fairy-light-shaped knot of worry in your tummy tends to start around mid-November when you realise THERE’S JUST A MONTH TO GO and you hardly have a plan. In between working out where to spend the celebrations (are you going to theirs, or are they coming to yours?), complaining about the exorbitant cost of flight tickets home ($3,000 + and counting!), and debating whether you want to go big or small with it all (see our tips for a simple Xmas on p32), yuletide madness is suddenly in full swing.
“It’s common to put pressure on ourselves during the festive period. Many of us are holding on until December when everything - work, school, a tough year - is over and we can breathe a huge sigh of relief and take a well-deserved break,” says Ho Shee Wai, Registered Psychologist and Director of The Counselling Place (thecounsellingplace.com).
The best way to cope, says Shee Wai, is to tune into your festive stress triggers. Are you worried about cooking the dinner? That people won’t have a good time?
The more you can be aware of what’s going on with you, the better able you are to talk yourself down from the stress and manage the situation. When you feel anxious, try to pinpoint which of your issues is being provoked. Is it your persistent feeling of not being good enough? Unresolved conflict with a family member? Imposter Syndrome kicking in?
“Identify your trigger and consider how to solve it,” Shee Wai says. “Perhaps you need to call your sister to reconcile a disagreement beforehand, or to make one amazing meal rather than hosting for days.” Imagine surviving the worst-case scenario and how you’ll cope. For example, if the turkey tastes drier than a desert, pizza is always an option, and the kids will love it …
Anchoring to who you are now (as opposed to who you were during the holidays as an unruly teen) is also key to avoiding the tradition of repetitive festive family squabbles. “If there’s something to come out of 2022 that you are particularly proud of - a success story, a new job, a new baby, a hobby - introduce these into the conversation as a bid to switch up the dynamic,” recommends Shee Wai. And vice versa, find out what your family members are proud of. If all else fails, a good old treasure hunt or session of ‘Pin The Tail On The Drunken Uncle’ can always work to diffuse tension and provide a new focus.
Above all, alone time is especially important for you to be centered throughout the celebrations. “‘Me time’ is not a luxury, it’s a necessity,” confirms Shee Wai. “It helps you to recharge and maintain enough energy and headspace to continue on.”
Go for a walk, take a bath, get up 20-30 minutes earlier in the morning so you can enjoy some peace and quiet. And if you’re in Singapore and need space and a cuppa (or something stronger!), come over to the ANZA office which will be open until 21 December. We can beat the festive frazzle together!
Carving out a schedule during December is a great way to feel in control. Create a list of five things you can do in the four categories below, and commit to doing at least one per category every week on the same day.
Physical: Stretch, engage in healthy/clean eating, juicing, jogging, rope skipping
Mental: Mindfulness, Sudoku, baking, learn or teach a new skill
Emotional: Journal, listen or play music, repeat positive affirmations, perform a random act of kindness
Spiritual: Admire nature, join an organised religious event/ spiritual session, enjoy quiet time alone
If you’ve got people coming to yours, it’s imperative that both parties have space to themselves. Be clear about house rules. This can be done in a creative, fun way; put a welcome pack in their bedroom including some guidelines; or pop a few cheeky signs/reminders around the house
Let guests know clearly when they can spend time with you. “Announcing ‘I only have a couple of hours for lunch today’ is perfectly acceptable,” says Shee Wai
Book visitors into a sightseeing tour without you, surprise them with a daycation or spa treatment (we love Natureland, natureland.com.sg), and set a cut-off time each evening. There’s nothing wrong with saying you need to join a work call or put the kids to sleep. (Just make sure you have children!)
Most people forget that social media tends to project the ‘best’ snapshot of other people’s lives. You’re supposed to be focusing on your family or your holiday. Practice being fully present and savour all the good bits of the season. You can catch up with what everyone else is doing in January.
With the extra partying comes lots of pressure to be chatty and upbeat. The best way to manage social engagements while still preserving your energy (and sanity) is to focus on finding out one new thing about each person you speak to. Says Shee Wai, “Doing so will make you feel like you achieved something at the end of each event, rather than speaking to lots of people, but feeling you don’t actually know anyone better.”
in Australia statistic source: thebanyans.com.au
The whispers surfaced in Singapore around 2018 and went like this:
“Have you heard? One & Only is coming to Desaru.”
“Wow! Um…where’s Desaru?”
Four years, one pandemic, and a $1 billion-dollar reinvention masterplan has finally placed Desaru back on the paradise-map. Located on Malaysia’s easy breezy east coast, it was a popular seaside hangout in the 1970s and today it’s being revived with a selection of properties pitching up on its golden sands. One & Only Desaru Coast Malaysia provides the high-end glamour.
There are many reasons why it’s easy to love
Your name’s on the door and you’re coming in! These luxurious hotels not only offer exceptional hospitality, but also hip beach clubs that double up as destinations themselves.
this beachfront bolthole from a hotel portfolio which already boasts sister-properties from Montana to Mauritius. For starters, One & Only Desaru Coast Malaysia, the group’s first foray into Asia, is a mere sniff away from Singapore. Guests can travel from the red dot via the new ferry service from Tanah Merah, but we recommend the hotel’s private car escort which takes two and a half hours in Tesla-shaped transport with nibbles and massage chairs. Reader, I was pummelled all the way across the Causeway and arrived at the hotel completely chilled for evening cocktails.
It’s sleek vibes all round upon arrival to the resort which has Kerry Hill Architects’ (The Datai Langkawi, Aman resorts) stamp of elegance all over it. Rainforest and ocean-view bedrooms are clad in local merbau wood, with reimagined batik designs and artwork. A beautiful outdoor space with plunge pool sits between the bedroom and bathroom and an indoor veranda extends the sense of space. Ambara, the hotel’s main dining room, and Dusky Monkey, the signature bar, offer just as much relaxation with lovely views of the main swimming pool thrown in for good measure. Japanese restaurant Hoshi, with its topnotch omakase menus, provided one of the most artistic and special meals I’ve ever tasted. There’s also a 24-hour library for those who need to work, a kids’ club for little ones who want to play, and the tranquil Chenot Spa offering exquisite treatments for those who just want to unwind.
Away from the facilities are a hotbed of activities. The location lends itself to a myriad of watersports; wakeboarding, kayaking and water skiing are all available. Morning nature walks are a soothing start to the day as the hotel’s naturalist introduces
guests to a fascinating array of flora and fauna and shares stories of how the locals use flowers and herbs in their beauty treatments and cooking. On dry land, guests can cycle, play table tennis, try techball, or head to the only padel tennis (a cross between tennis and squash) court in Asia. There is also martial arts classes, including Silat lessons, a traditional Malay martial art used for self-defence. I perhaps should not have been wearing a onesie and flip-flops when trying to attempt Silat, but my patient instructor gave me an informative insight into the history of the art and kindly took me through some of the more basic moves.
The cherry on the cake at One & Only Desaru Malaysia is Ember Restaurant & Beach Club. Open to the public as well as staying guests, it works as an idyllic destination for long stays and oneday getaways from the Singapore hustle. Set slightly away from the main property on the final spot of sand on the strip, the club comes framed with lush greenery, the soundtrack of rolling waves, and all of the sunset potential.
Oozing chic seaside luxury, the hip open-air terraced bar overlooks two infinity pools dotted with cabanas that gaze over the hypnotic azure waters. Gentle beats play in the background. A bartender serves you colourful drinks with indigenous fruits and a smile. There’s a swish of a Paloma Blue kaftan here, a suggestion of a Melissa Odabash swimsuit there. It’s classy, stylish, and fast becoming a place for families, couples and friends to see and be seen.
Being a beach club, the art of barbecue infused with Asian flavours is the name of the game, and this comes crafted by acclaimed Chef Andrew Walsh - the man behind Cure Singapore.
All bedrooms come complete with plunge pool
Grilled Prawns feature a refreshing harissa and lemon dressing; Chili Crab Fried Buns are deceptively light and come with a coriander flavouring; Duck Prosciutto, Scamorza, Baby Rocket and 85 Truffle Oil are presented on a woodfired flatbread, bridging the gap between pizza and pita. Charred Baby Gem, Caesar, Nori and 45 Furikake makes for a moreish main of its own.
Ember Curates: Andrew and Friends kicked off over the summer with Chef Walsh collaborating with Chef Julien Royer of Odette, Singapore for one night only. Plans are afoot to bring together more inventive collaborations with renowned chefs from all over the world, and with outdoor movie screenings, live bands and bar takeovers also in the pipeline, life at One & Only Desaru Coast Malaysia looks destined to just get better.
Club at sevenrooms.com/reservations/
COMO Beach Club, Canggu
From Canggu to Parrot Cay, COMO serves up a beach shack-esque club with a stylish edge at every COMO property. Open all day, fresh, regional ingredients drive the simple approach in the kitchen alongside an authentic wood-fired grill. Remember to book your spot in one of the swing-chairs for prime viewing at sunset. comohotels.com
Do you like the freewheeling spirit of 1950s Miami with your beach club? Look no further than Avani Chaweng Samui Hotel & Beach Club on Chaweng’s silky white sands. Brand new SEEN Beach Club Samui sits next door to the hotel and is fast becoming known for its snacks, tipples, retro-glam pool parties and world-class entertainment. seenbeachclubsamui.com
Nammos, Four Seasons Resort, Dubai Tucked next to the main entrance of the Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach, Nammos Dubai has its own private stretch of sand, terrace and restaurant. Bleached wood, natural linens and pale walls pay tribute to the original club on the Greek isles, and bring a slice of Med to the Middle East. Sink into a whitewashed timber chair and hunker down for the day. Nammos.gr
Overlooking Port Helio on Greece’s east coast Peloponnese peninsula, Amanzoe is an exclusive and decadent wellness retreat with a serene private Beach Club attached. Situated 10 minutes away from the resort, guests can enjoy four tranquil pools (two for children), expansive terraces and the pick of loungers to relax upon. aman.com
Looking for a new home is no easy feat. From trawling through endless online listings to negotiating and bidding to finally moving in, there’s a lot to be done - a process made all the more stressful when you’re doing it from overseas.
The only thing harder than finding a new home? Finding one as an expat living in an entirely different country.
That’s where Milk Chocolate comes in. We work with Aussie expats across the globe, helping them to locate, buy, build and move into their dream Australian
home, and making the process smooth and stress-free from start to finish. In fact, 75% of our clients are Australian expats, so we know exactly how to fulfil their unique needs.
Milk Chocolate is an Australian company that works across all parts of the property lifecycle.
We take care of researching, finding, purchasing, managing and building of properties around Oz, and we assist clients from across the country and around the world.
Securing homes for Aussie expat families is a core part of our business. We know finding a family home isn’t just a straightforward property transaction; it’s your new place to live, work and nest. It’s a
highly emotional purchase, so our team holds your hand every step of the way – from figuring out where to live to finally getting those new keys.
You also receive the expertise of in-house licensed real estate agents who are masters of negotiation, location selection
If you’re thinking of moving back to Australia – solo, alongside your partner or with a family in tow – Milk Chocolate can help you find the perfect place to move into.
and asset selection, along with our in-house economists, valuers, designers, builders, property managers and project managers. Plus, our clients get access to a fixed fee structure and more than 20 million data points. That’s a super strong team batting on your behalf.
We believe in total transparency, so we charge a fixed fee for our services, rather than relying on a commission-based structure.
This allows us to remove the unknowns for you and provides certainty of purchasing costs
before we’ve even picked up the tools.
It depends on your needs. You may have a clear idea of exactly where you want to live and only need help finding a property, or you might be starting entirely from scratch, with the entirety of Australia as your oyster. Generally, though, you can expect the process to look like this:
Onboarding to figure out your precise needs
Suburb due diligence to provide locations and other recommendations
Live tracking so you can stay across our property reviews in real time
Property selection, including identifying the right home and completing multiple pre-purchase inspections Property recommendations, be they maintenance or design-related Negotiation and purchase
Exchange to settlement
Pre-settlement inspection
Making the home move-in ready, including utility connection, top-to-toe cleaning and important garden maintenance Handover, including our Home Handover pack
Something we get asked about a lot is how our overseas clients can properly vet each property when they’re far away. Well, that’s where we shine. While you’re welcome to physically attend home inspections here in Australia, it’s not essential. Interestingly, only 3% of our purchases have actually been viewed by our clients. The rest? We help them to see options via video call, or we put together a comprehensive virtual inspection pack that provides a thorough look around prospective homes.
We know construction like the back of our hand and do everything from straightforward cosmetic renovations to complete home builds and even subdivisions. First, we work with you to find the perfect parcel of land in the best location. Then, our design team collaborates closely with you to figure out exactly what kind of home you want. Next, it’s build time and your dream home comes to life.
While we’re pros at purchasing family homes, we’re just as experienced when it comes
to investment properties. A number of clients choose to buy a property back home, with the intention of returning to Australia after a few years. In this instance, we look for properties that boast investment potential, especially when it comes to delivering a solid rental yield for the period you’re away.
Our construction team can also enhance the property to increase its liveability and value, plus we provide property management services. And if you want to expand your property portfolio further, we’ll find you the ideal investment property to suit your budget and financial goals, be they around capital growth or ongoing rental yield.
Ready to get started? Reach out to the Milk Chocolate team today at enquiry@milkchoc.com.au
Do you actually get to enjoy your photos? Read on for helpful tips on how to make the most of your captured memories.
Remember the good old days when you could pull out a photo album and reminisce through your memories without any hassle?
Nowadays, looking at photos often means searching through your cluttered photo library, external hard drives, or your Facebook account. Sarah and Bo from Tekkie Help specialise in helping people manage, organise, protect, and most importantly, enjoy their photos. Here are 7 simple tips on how to liberate your digital photos.
It’s difficult to enjoy your photos when they’re scattered everywhere. The basis of any photo management is to create a “Digital Photo Hub” – a central location where all your photos are stored. From here, you can start to organise, sort and edit them so you can then start to enjoy them.
Even if you’re extremely organised and have your photos in orderly folders on your computer, if you’re not using a specialised photo management software, you’re not going to be able to easily access, sort and enjoy your photos. Mac users are fortunate that the Apple native photo management software ‘Photos’ is an extremely effective and easy to use tool for organising and editing photos. For
Windows users, there is no native software – there are many on the market, both paid for and free. We highly recommend Google Photos as a solution for Windows users.
Adding labels to photos or creating albums makes it supereasy to find your favourite snaps when you want in no time at all. Photos and Google Photos have very powerful search capabilities even without labels – you can search by people’s faces, location, photo content e.g. “dog”, “beach”, “Christmas tree” etc.
Make time to publish your memories – simple prints, or even better to create photo book albums, calendars etc. Great Christmas present ideas too! Both Mac photos and Google Photos have the ability to create photo books from within the photo management software. We love the idea of printing a family yearbook.
Personalise your desktop or TV screen savers with your favourite memories. There are some really cool tools to help select which photos are displayed. This really does create everyday opportunities so you can enjoy all of your favourite photos and cherish those special memories.
There are many products on the market for digital photo frames which you can link to your photo management software to display the photos you want. Customise the frames to display photos of certain events/holidays or which contain certain people in (a
nice idea if you have people visiting is to feature all the memories you have shared with them!).
A key part of enjoying photos is sharing these memories with family and friends. Aside from publishing photo books, you can share photos by creating shared photo albums. You can even make these albums “smart” in that they can automatically populate according to certain criteria e.g. add all photos including a certain person to the album. These are just a few ideas on how you can liberate your digital photos and enjoy your memories.
For more tips on how to enjoy your photos, plus how to implement the ideas above, why not join one of our Photo Management training workshops? For more information and to book visit tekkiehelp.com/it-training or contact 81138682
Clients regularly wish to get ahead and put a plan into place to be in a better position, financially, when they return home. Many people have started families in Singapore and it is a desired outcome to set them up for future success.
We help ensure clients are protected from unexpected situations to help lay a solid foundation which allows for better wealth accumulation. For example:
ESTABLISH A CASH BUFFER: Generally, three to six months of household expenses to meet any unexpected expenses. This is so important today as leaving Singapore is not a cheap exercise
HEALTH INSURANCE: A comprehensive international medical plan to cover any accidents, but also if you repatriate, you can have continued cover with no new waiting periods, exclusions, or loadings
FINANCIAL EDUCATION: The old proverb, ‘Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime’ is even more true for children. Learning about budgeting is a key life skill that you and your children will benefit from in the years to come
FAMILY PROTECTION: Protect your family’s biggest asset – YOU. Your income is the biggest family asset and if something happens it could lead to financial hardship
Once you have a solid foundation, it’s time to put your money to good use. It’s important to match saving with your key financial objectives. These can cover a variety of goals, big or small, but it’s important that the savings vehicles you use are flexible, and internationally portable. Consider the following:
NET OF TAX PERFORMANCE: Tax can impact the overall performance of an investment. In Singapore, there is no Capital Gains Tax on investment, however if you were to move back home, what would the tax be in that jurisdiction? Structure your investments in ways that are tax efficient when back home, too
REDUCING HOUSEHOLD DEBT: Paying off a family home will leave you with financial freedom, and a sense of gratification. Start with highest interest first (credit cards)
COMPOUND INTEREST: As Einstein said: “Compound interest is the eighth wonder of the world”. The important thing is to start saving and investing as early as possible. The more you can save and the more time these funds are invested, the more opportunity you have to benefit from compounding returns
IMPACT OF FEES ON PERFORMANCE:
It’s obvious, but ensure you understand the total costs of investments as these do impact net performance
Family trusts, legal guardians and multijurisdictional wills can be morbid topics. However, it’s important that your assets are passed on in accordance to your wishes and your children are well looked after through the correct distribution of your wealth.
These are only a few key issues when it comes to family planning. Please contact us for more information or to review your arrangements.
This article is purely for informational purposes. It should not be relied upon as financial advice and does not constitute a recommendation, an offer or solicitation.
The value of an investment with St. James’s Place will be directly linked to the performance of the funds selected and may fall as well as rise. You may get back less than you invested.
Advice relating to a will, guardians and/ or trust involve(s) the referral to a service that is separate and distinct to those offered by St. James’s Place.
Contact Jamie on jamie.burgmann@sjpp.asia or +65 9167 9634 to arrange a consultation and discuss your planning needs for your family’s financial future.
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.
What are some key areas or tips when planning for my family’s financial future?
JAMIE BURGMANN, Partner at Select Investors, answers a reader’s question on successful planning with your children in Singapore.
Football, the ‘beautiful game’, mesmerises fans globally when the World Cup is held, once every four years. RAELENE TAN reveals what we can expect from this year’s event.
Qatar is the host country from Monday, 21 November to Sunday, 18 December, with the closing date being Qatar National Day. Thirty-two qualifying teams, with current champion France, will show their sporting skills to approximately 1.2 million visitors at eight venues during the 64-game competition.
The State of Qatar, on the Persian Gulf’s west coast, is a desert country known for its cleverly irrigated farming areas, and as an exporter of liquefied natural gas. Some Bedouin traditions are observed by the mainly Islamic population, where Arabic is the official language. Museums, modern shopping-malls and traditional souqs (marketplaces) are popular attractions.
The eight stadiums where World Cup matches will be played are within a 50-kilometre radius of capital city Doha, known for its equestrian-centre. Stadiums, with seating capacities from 40,00080,000, have unique designs reflecting Qatar’s heritage. Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor City, for the opening match, depicts
a Bedouin tent. The seashore Stadium 974, is built from 974 used shippingcontainers, the number indicating Qatar’s international dialing-code. The closing game will be at Lusail International Stadium with its exotic lantern design.
Some of us might travel to Qatar to watch live matches. What can we expect to eat in this country whose history focused on fishing, pearl-diving and camel breeding? Qatar cuisine encompasses Arab and Eastern Mediterranean fare with input from Iran, India and North Africa, featuring seafood, meat, vegetables, rice and locally harvested dates.
Qatar’s national dish, machboos, highlights slow-cooked meat, usually lamb or chicken, accompanied by rice cooked with aromatic spices such as cinnamon, coriander, cumin, ginger, pepper, saffron and turmeric.
Popular fare includes balaleet for breakfast, with savoury and sweet tastes from cardamom, rose water, saffron and sugar enlivening vermicelli, topped with omelette. A classic Arabian curry, chicken salona, richly spicy, has accompanying vegetables like zucchini, tomato,
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.
cauliflower and capsicum. Turkish chicken or lamb shawarma is ubiquitous, with thinly sliced meat usually wrapped in pita bread. Lebanese kebabs are plentiful, as are mezze platters with selections of small dishes, plus Moroccan tangine djaj of braised chicken. Basbousa (semolina cake), baked with yoghurt and dessicated coconut, is traditionally served in individual pieces, topped with syrup and nuts, eaten cold or warm.
Famed full-bodied Arabica coffee, drunk from small cups, is traditionally served without milk or sugar, enjoyed with luscious dates. Fruit-juices quench thirsts.
Middle Eastern restaurants may feature Qatar dishes, albeit with limited choice. National dish machboos is known as chicken kabsa and chicken mandi rice in other Arabian countries, and in Singapore. Basbousa dessert is also known as nammoura. Try Byblos Grill, seated alfresco in the fascinating Arab Street area at 14 Bussorah Street, or Marmaris Restaurant, seated upstairs, in Little India at 111 Dunlop Street, for savoury tastes. Enjoy basbousa (nammoura) accompanied by ice-cream at trendy Kazbar, 25 Church Street, #01-03 Capital Square 3. May the best team win!
Photographs of chicken kabsa, nammoura, from Raelene Tan
an Australian mortgage as an expat can seem overwhelming. From foreign income and tax residency obligations to deposits and loan structuring, understanding your mortgage rights as an Australian expat is difficult. Exactly what are you allowed to apply for? Are there different rules for expats if you’re not currently residing in Australia?
Don’t worry, Australian residents are eligible for the same mortgage opportunities wherever they live on the planet. For instance, you can apply for an interest-only, variable or fixed-interest loan if you live overseas. Moreover, you can take advantage of an offset account or redraw facility to repay your loan more quickly.
However, applying for a home loan from abroad is easier said than done. The biggest challenge is finding a lender who will consider your foreign earnings reasonably. It’s worth bearing in mind that many lenders won’t use 100% of your foreign income to assess your borrowing power, and this could impact your chances of a low-rate mortgage and cost you more money than anticipated.
Mortgage brokers can assist your home loan journey throughout. If you’re an expat living overseas a broker can help you find specific products and lenders for your situation. Brokers will guide you to the best lenders and loan options, seamlessly helping you through the application process.
When you choose to work with a broker, they’ll review your application. Once they’ve understood your circumstances, including foreign income, tax residency status, and the property you’ve set your sights on (or perhaps haven’t found yet), they’ll provide a comprehensive
assessment. Brokers will supply actual numbers, interest rates, and insightful advice into the foreign lending market.
When you’re in another country, it’s hard to understand the terms of cross-border mortgages. Working with a broker who comprehends the nuances of foreign income mortgage applicants could help you find better rates and lenders accepting your currency. You can create an informed decision about your lending options to secure the best deal.
Applying for a mortgage is less than straightforward. Over the years, the Australian Prudential Regulatory Authority and many banks closed their doors to foreign income earners and those living overseas. With tightened foreign lending restrictions, it’s tough to know your home loan options.
If you’re struggling to find a good home loan deal while living overseas, it’s worth considering working with a specialist broker, especially one who has formed trusted relationships with lenders still willing to offer competitive rates to expats.
Odin Mortgage offer their services to Australian overseas residents and foreign nationals who want advice about cross-border property purchases. We specialise in assisting Australian expats living abroad to optimise their mortgage potential and aim to guide your journey from start to finish at no cost to you.
Contact Odin Mortgage today @odinmortgage.com
Buying property, maximising your money and making smart decisions with Odin Mortgage
Some of us like to start a night out with a long, luxurious bath and time invested in getting party-ready. Others prefer to dive straight into proceedings, hardly pausing for breath while racing from boardroom to bar. Appetite offers a spot that bridges the gap between leisurely preparation and instant gratification. Tucked at the end of Amoy Street, you enter the venue through a nondescript shophouse door and head up a narrow flight of stairs into something of a hidden world. In contrast to the bustling eateries below, Appetite’s Lounge area is low of light, quirky of layout and warmly welcoming. The walls are lined with art which forms a curated exhibition that is swapped up every few months; the seating is stylish yet loungey; staff are smiley, friendly and knowledgeable.
You could be forgiven for thinking that you’ve accidentally stumbled into a hipster’s apartment, especially when you take a second flight of stairs up into the attic, aka the Listening Room. This small but perfectly formed space features cosy sofas, antique rugs and a 3,000-strong vinyl selection complete with turntables and speakers that will get anyone born before 1980 feeling nostalgic and hot under the collar. (Look, don’t touch - there’s a music director on staff!).
But wait - as joyous as the scratchy sounds of Fleetwood Mac makes us - we are here for the food. Appetite’s new Happiest Hour features a menu curated by Ivan Brehm, chef-founder of Appetite and one-Michelin-starred Nouri on the ground floor. Alongside a glass of bubbly, guests can enjoy specially created small bites and sharing dishes based on Brehm’s culinary philosophy of exploring ingredients and cultures from different regions (what he calls “crossroads cuisine”). First up, Tortilla
de Camarones, a tempura-like fritter topped with spot prawns, spiced Marie Rose sauce, and a squeeze of grapefruit and lime. Next, Foie Gras and Chicken Liver Parfait, a dish that celebrates Brehm’s formative years at Hesten Blumenthal’s The Fat Duck, UK, and his love for nouvelle cuisine. Last but not least, King Crab Bhel Puri, a rice bowl luxed-up with Norwegian king crab gives a nod to Vietnamese Chả Cá Lã Vọng. Each dish paired perfectly with the fizz and was not too filling.
But alas, the point of Appetite’s Happiest Hour is to provide a pit-stop. Happening from Tuesday to Saturday, 6pm to 8pm, it’s the ideal launchpad for a night on the tiles or a pre-dinner soiree. “We want our guests to come in and unwind before they transition to the rest of their evening,” says Brehm. The problem is, with nibbles and ambience this good, plus the possibility of a 1967 mono edition of Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band just waiting for a spin, it might be hard to get rid of us.
VERDICT: This two-storey gem is ideal for those who love an early evening start followed by bed by 9pm, or dedicated merrymakers wanting a chic spot to start the night in style.
Appetite’s Happiest Hour includes three dishes paired with a glass of bubbly at $68++.
What’s the one thing better than Happy Hour? A Happiest Hour! JO UPCRAFT heads to Appetite where art, music and dining collide at this ‘amuse bouche’ of bars.
We want our guests to come in and unwind before they transition to the rest of their eveningJo and Laura find some vintage classics Tortilla de Camarones + Foie Gras and Chicken Liver Parfait + King Crab Bhel Puri Appetite’s vinyl-heavy Listening Room
Osteria BBR by Alain Ducasse, the renown chef holding the most Michelin stars at 21, delivers an exceptional experience with impeccable cooking techniques that extract every morsel of goodness from the best of ingredients in the world. The setting is equally impressive at Raffles’ historical Bar & Billiards room. It has an elegant and easy going atmosphere away from the stuffiness associated with old Michelin-starred establishments, or as one guest described it: an Armani suit with sneakers.
We were invited to try the refreshed menu by Chef de Cuisine Natalino Ambra, a native from the Tuscan town of Prato. I noticed straight off the bat that the menu featured some unique ingredients thatunless you’ve lived in the country or are true connoisseur of Italian food - would go unnoticed. Prawns served alongside the Ravioli are from Mazara del Vallo and considered some of the finest in the world, only found in the waters of Sicily. The Acquarello rice in the risotto is a carnaloni variety from the Piedmont region and considered the best you can get. These are
just two examples, but it’s these types of touches that take the food to another level.
After an incredible amuse-bouche that still remains a mystery, the meal got underway with Battuta di Tonno, Asparagi Aneto; delicious tuna tartare accompanied with asparagus and a dill salad. Next was Polpo Spuma di Patate, Profumi Mediterranei, delicately grilled octopus, tender and succulent, with a potato foam that resembled a souffle-like potato.
tomatoes; the Sicilian prawns provided delicate sea flavours. We then enjoyed the Mezzi Paccheri Alla Guancia di Manzo e Barolo, perfect tubes of aldente pasta captured this beef cheek ragu low-and-slow braised with barolo wine. Filled with deep rich flavours, it’s one of their signature dishes.
The Secondi Piatti began with the Baccala, Carote, Salsa All’Arancia, a well executed dish with an orange sauce balancing sweetness and acidity, and roasted carrots to contrast the orange flavours. Our last savoury dish, Filetto di Manzo, Sedano Rapa, Salsa di Tartufo, impeccably cooked angus tenderloin, with celeriac and a truffle beef jus.
For dessert, we shared the Mousse al Cioccolato Gelato al Grano Saraceno and the Tiramisu - the best I’d tasted since my days in Italy.
Above: Ravioli, buffalo Mozzarella, cherry tomato sauce, Mazara del Vallo red prawns; Octopus, potato foam, Mediterranean scents
In traditional Italian order, the pastas arrived starting with Tagliolini, Zucchini and Caviale Kristal. Three ingredients make up this amazing dish; mouthwatering al-dente tagliolini strands served over a pesto-like zucchini sauce with crispy grilled slices of zucchini and topped with Kristal caviar. The delicate essence of each ingredient in our next pasta dish, Ravioli, Mozzarella di Bufala, Salsa di Pomodorini, Gamberi Rossi di Mazara del Vallo, hit the senses in perfect order. The Ravioli offered bites of creaminess that matched with the subtle acidity of the cherry
Oftentimes, when dining at acclaimed restaurants, expectations are high and when a dish doesn’t hit the spot, it puts a dent in an otherwise great meal. This was not the case at Osteria BBR. As well as the a la carte menu, Osteria BBR offers a set lunch, two-course or three-course, for $39 and $46 respectively on Mondays and Thursdays - Saturdays. There’s also the Sunday Roma Brunch for $168++ (Roma Brunch), Brunch Venezia $198 (Brunch Roma + NV BilliecartSalmon Brut Reserve) and the Brunch Milano $228 (Brunch Roma + NV BilliecartSalmon Brut Rose).
VERDICT: Osteria BRR offers an outstanding culinary experience. Chef Ambra does a magnificent job of showcasing the essence of Italian food with dishes that are contemporary but faithful to native ingredients and traditions.
RAF DALMAU goes to Singapore’s Grand Dame for an Italian extravaganza that lives up to expectations.Black Angus beef tenderloin, celeriac, truffle beef jus
The wet weather did little to dampen the spirits of our ANZA Scouts during the last weekend of August. For the first time since 2019, thirty one Joeys, Cubs and Scouts aged 4 -16 years old ascended upon Sarimbun Scout Camp, one of the biggest and oldest scout camps in the northwest of Singapore, for two days of bonding activities and outdoor fun.
The Summer Camp had been a long time coming thanks to Covid restrictions, but when group sizes were finally increased along with five people being allowed to sleep per tent, plans kicked into place.
Saturday began with the kids setting up camp, locating the (retro) loos, and pitching the tents with the help of ANZA parent volunteers who were all set to supervise proceedings and wrangle with a hammer. Once everyone found their sleeping spot it was time to highlight safety instructions for what was to come. “It’s imperative that the adults and children all sit down together to discuss certain protocols and behaviours before we get cracking with activities,” explains Toph Brown, who’s been volunteering with ANZA Scouts for ten years. “We also ask the children to come up with their own suggestions for camp rules to make them feel involved, too,” he adds.
First up was the task of constructing a giant wooden pyramid with poles and ropes. After a few years of activities taking
place on a much smaller scale, the kids loved rising to the challenge and the opportunity to make new friends, work with others, and develop independence.
“As we have no base at the moment, we can’t do anything that involves building things including large scale equipment, so being able to achieve this at camp has been a turning point,” Toph explains. Meanwhile, trusty volunteers not tasked with overseeing activities rolled up their sleeves in the kitchen to whip up a filling tomato pasta alongside cups of Miloproper energy food!
Everyone involved was clearly thrilled
to be outside amongst tropical nature and with an enormous sense of freedom. Many volunteers commented on how happy they were to see children playing and interacting with one another in the wilderness with no technology in sight! Indeed, tech was nowhere on the agenda as the kids constructed swings, navigated complicated rope ties, and slip-slided their way around campus when the rain came. Pure innocent joy and happiness took hold.
Of course, the most exciting thing about Summer Camp is the camp fire which took place after the washing up
ANZA’s Joeys, Cubs and Scouts finally made it to their annual Summer Camp for the first time since 2019. We paid a visit to discover what a jamboree it was!
had been completed, and everyone was clear on safety precautions. A light drizzle didn’t stop the gang from bursting into chants of “Fire! Fire! Fire!” as they willed the flame to catch. Thankfully, everyone got a chance to nibble on toasted marshmallows before the weather got too wet - not that the children noticed!
By 10pm, the little ones were securely snuggled in their tents. As for the parent volunteers, they were just starting the nightshift. “Despite the strict bedtime curfew, it’s likely we’ll be chasing kids back to bed all night long!” laughed Toph, who added that “as everyone wakes with the light, we plan for an early start.”
Sunday’s agenda? Breakfast, more construction, and that essential part of the camping experience - packing up!
“Putting up the tent today. I hope that when we pack up, we can remove the pegs and it will just fall down.”
“Eating marshmallows by the campfire. I’ve been with ANZA Scouts for one month. I’m the youngest in the cubs and I’m still waiting for my special activities suit.”
“I love building things and doing fun stuff like that!”
“Making a sofa from comfy tyres. Sometimes my sister helps me but mostly it’s pretty easy.”
“This trip! It’s nice to get away and have fun.I joined Scouts because I haven’t done anything like this before. I wanted to make new friends, too.”
“During Covid we did lots of activities online like building planes, but now we can do hikes and biking which is cool. I also like constructing things like pyramid structures.”
“How much fun you can have and how you can do silly things. Sometimes we go to museums with ANZA Scouts, but hanging out at camp is much better!”
“I like making new friends and doing things together.”
“This camp! Usually we have to do structured activities at Scouts, but here we can just goof around!”
It brings kids together as a team The chance for children to sleep outdoors to the sounds of nature It teaches new challenges which can only arise in the wild
It’s in our Australasian blood to spend the festivities by the beach. As much as backyard barbecues, pavlova and Carols by Candlelight are synonymous with the silly season, so too is time on the sand. There’s literally no better place to spend the well-deserved end of year break than with family and friends beside gorgeous beaches and ocean water. However, as the fine food takes hold, your togs get tighter, and the Christmas cheer grows cheerier, make sure you always follow these safety rules.
Heat stroke and sunburn are no joke. If you plan on staying out all day, make sure you’re prepared. Bring a tent to keep the kids in the shade, wear a hat
Beachy issues to be aware of include rip currents, big swell, shallow sandbanks and marine animals. Signs at the entrance to the beach will indicate any potential danger happening that day. When any of these signs are up, swim with caution. Here are some important warning signs to familiarise yourself with:
and a rashie (or t-shirt), and use a broad-spectrum and water-resistant sunscreen with minimum SPF30. It’s also recommended to wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from ultraviolet (UV) light and prevent the risk of cataracts or other eye damage.
The only thing we want sizzling are the shrimps on the barbie and not the soles of your feet, so make sure you wear thongs when negotiating the hot sand. (Otherwise, you might end up doing the infamous tiptoeing-to-the-waters-edgedance).
Also, bring water down to the beach in a large bottle that can be refilled. Many beaches have water fountains near the showers/changing rooms.
When the beach is patrolled, the safest place for a swim is of course right in front of the lifeguards – you’ll spot them either in a tower or a sun tent. In Australia and New Zealand, it’s safest to swim between the red and yellow flags. In Singapore, there are usually lifeguard towers on either end of the beach. As for
unpatrolled beaches, don’t go swimming by yourself or venture out too far from shore. It helps to have a good understanding of the potential dangers and to be able to recognise rip currents.
Shallow water. Not suitable for diving
Deep water
Sudden drop off
or see the lifeguards immediately. If available, apply vinegar to the stingsome beaches have a little box with a bottle near the entrance.
Rip currents (or rips) are water currents that flow away from the shoreline toward the ocean very fast. They're a common hazard on most Australian beaches, with many people losing their lives to them. Keep your eyes peeled for these signs: Deeper, dark coloured water with fewer or no breaking waves
Discoloured brown water and foam on the surface beyond the breaking waves Rippled water and debris floating out to sea
If you get caught in a rip and feel yourself being pulled away from the shore, stay calm and turn on your back to float with the rip. Raise one arm, call out and signal for help. Never swim against the rip; instead swim parallel to the shore or towards the breaking waves and let them carry you back to safety.
While this doesn’t apply to Singapore so much, Oz has a reputation for being home to the deadliest animals in the world - some of which live in the ocean. If your Christmas dips are taking place in the waters of Western and Northern Australia, take heed: if you get stung by tropical stingers, call emergency services
A big shout out to all our volunteers who went above and beyond for our ANZA Nippers throughout 2022. From our age managers and assistants, to doting parents and those working tirelessly behind the scenes, thank you for your smiles and for bringing joy to the beach each week.
The past year has been nothing short of extraordinary for ANZA Nippers. We were able to increase group sizes once the restrictions ended, we had more children than ever keen to join the community, and we were able to organise the club’s infamous barbecues and family events. Just like many of the things we missed during the pandemic, they taste that much sweeter now. We wish everyone at ANZA and the Nippers community a wonderful holiday season. Stay safe!
For press and media enquiries contact Kat at sgnipperscomm@gmail.com Stay up to date with ANZA Nippers news by following us on @sgnippers or @SingaporeNippers
www.royallifesaving.com.au Find more safety tips on their website
As a former international player representing Hong Kong for the last decade, and a member of various committees in the Hong Kong Cricket Club, Emma Bibby's experience is perfect for the ANZA Netball Committee. She has wasted no time getting involved, immediately jumping in as a volunteer coach, as well as organising a group excursion to the recent Asian Netball Championships in Singapore. During the tournament, Emma assisted with player photos and autographs as well as explaining on court strategies and tactics to some of the older girls who attended. It was an incredible experience for all players and parents who went along.
“After relocating to Singapore a few months ago, I had the privilege of also joining the ANZA Netball Committee. What a pleasure it has been to become part of a community of dynamic, energetic and vibrant volunteers, coaches, players and supporters.
The Asian Netball Championships 2022 took place from 3 - 11 September. It runs every two years and is the region’s most prestigious netball competition. For the first time ever, this year saw 11 teams fighting it out for the title, with the top two nations qualifying for the 2023 Netball World Cup in Cape Town, South Africa. Having been part of the
New ANZA Netball Committee member, Emma Bibby, comes with amazing personal experience. Read on for her impressive CV and why we’re thrilled to have her!
When your legs get tired, let your heart do the work
Emma Bibby, ANZA Netball CommitteeEmma with Genie, Sri Lanka GS
Don’t just take our word for how great the Asian Netball Championships were - our newest arrival talks us through it.
Hong Kong squad for the past decade, and having competed in the Asian Championships myself, debuting in 2012 in Sri Lanka, I was delighted to take on the task of connecting the ANZA community with this event.
The OCBC Arena at Singapore Sports Hub served as the ideal backdrop to sell-out crowds of budding sports fans cheering on their respective teams. As a professional runner in my youth, I’m very familiar with the energy and enthusiasm that elite sport can bring to a young athlete’s journey, so I was supermotivated to acquaint ANZA players of all ages with this local competition.
Over the course of the week we witnessed some incredible games, especially over the finals weekend when the top four teams fought it out headto-head. In the semi-finals, Singapore
defeated regional rivals Malaysia 54 - 41, while Sri Lanka ran out winners by a 67 - 43 margin over Hong Kong. Lifted by a noisy 2,500-strong home crowd, the final saw Sri Lanka claim their sixth gold medal at the Asian Netball Championships, defending their title from 2018 and claiming victory over Singapore 63 - 53. Although Singapore didn’t win on the day, their fighting spirit was commendable and for a young team they put up a consistent performance throughout the nine-day competition.
I had the pleasure of speaking with Tharjini 'Genie' Sivalingma, from Sri Lanka. Towering at 208cm, Genie is the tallest player on the netball stage and recognised as one of the most successful netball shooters of all time. I first played against her in 2012 and we wish her well in Melbourne as she joins the Victorian
Netball League this season.
ANZA Netball was fortunate to attend the Asian Netball Championships as part of the Schools Outreach Programme which gave 25 free tickets to our players. This was matched by ANZA Netball providing another 25 tickets for accompanying adults ensuring a large group of over 50 ANZA players and parents at the event. A big thank you to Netball Singapore for giving us the opportunity to ‘be the voice behind the Singapore team.’ With ANZA Netball wearing their stand-out pink ‘It’s a Great Day for Netball’ t-shirts, we felt very well represented around the arena.
Lastly, a thank you must also go to all those who joined the ANZA fun. I hope the competition ignited your passion for sport, inspired you to keep pushing towards your dreams, and motivated you to set goals, work hard and enjoy your netball journey.”
Our volunteers are the engine that drives ANZA Soccer. Discover why they dedicate their time and how you can get involved, too.
By CARA MAYEGA.
ANZA Soccer, like many of our sub-groups, relies almost entirely on volunteers to operate. From booking the pitches, to organising our pro-coaches and even designing and delivering our kits – it’s volunteers who make it all happen.
In fact, it's the community focus and grassroots nature which is what makes ANZA Soccer stand out from other soccer clubs in Singapore. We still offer high quality and competitive teams, but with the added layer of a community and grassroots connection. The kids get the benefit of a truly international soccer programme, and our parents get the benefit of volunteerism.
Carnegie Mellon University did a study in 2013 that showed volunteering offers more than just psychological health benefits: it can also lower your blood pressure and extend your life. With the stress of the past few years, we could all do with a bit of relief and volunteering could be just what the doctor ordered.
The good news is, you don’t need to know anything about soccer to join in, as there's a huge variety of ways to get involved. From simple roles like team parent, who organises fruit each Saturday, to more complex committee roles where you can be part of the strategic and structural decisions, each role allows you to get involved and support your children in an activity they love. No matter what you take on, you're guaranteed friends for life. In fact, that is the one consistent piece of feedback we get - it’s the people and the community that make ANZA Soccer so special.
What drives you to volunteer as a coach?
“Rain or shine, parent coaching the Matildas is a highlight of my week. The girls are a delight and there’s a lot of laughter and fun. The biggest benefit has been the additional time I get to spend with my daughter, Sandrene, doing something she loves. I’d recommend it to anyone, even if you’ve never coached before.”
Why did you choose ANZA Soccer to volunteer your time and energy?
“My daughter played the last two years and in hearing more about parent coaches and organisers I was reminded of how I grew up. Sports were always coached by Mums and Dads who gave their time so we could play. I needed to get involved. During my first committee meeting, I was surprised to hear such a variety of accents! It’s a diverse group that make me feel so welcome.”
What advice would you give others about volunteering with ANZA?
“When your child’s group coordinator asks, throw up your hand! There are many people that make soccer happen, and roles can vary in commitment. Your child can grow with ANZA soccer and volunteering helps to support them in this awesome community.”
Abraham Metta is one of the latest additions to the ANZA Cycling Committee looking after membership. An ANZA Cycling member for ten years, here we find out more about him.
I was born in the US, grew up in Mexico City, and my career took me to Newcastle upon Tyne in the UK. It was here that I met my wife and started riding my bike more seriously. We moved to Singapore in 2013, then had a 1.5 year stint in Sao Paolo, Brazil, but now we’re back with our two children, two dogs, and proud to call the little red dot home.
I started cycling as I had my sights on a triathlon. I did a couple in the UK and enjoyed them, but found that cycling was the best part of the experience. It’s just a great activity, where you get to push your fitness, but you can also have a nice chat with a group of people at the same timeunless you’re in the really fast groups!
Before moving to Singapore, I searched online for the best groups for cycling and discovered a few different organisations. When I read about ANZA, I liked the
sound of the spirit of the club. On my first weekend I joined the Mandai 28 and almost passed out!
The main reason to ride with ANZA is the people. During the pandemic, ANZA Cycling was a real sanity saver. There was always someone to ride with, no matter what the rules of the moment were, and it gave us all the opportunity to get out safely and clear our minds.
I’m looking forward to helping the team take our membership system to the next level. My hope is to make it easier for people to join and manage their membership, as well as understand what the benefits are.
It’s in with the new this month as ANZA Cycling announce some of the latest lead figures in the group. Welcome!
Nicolette Tan was born and grew up in Singapore, with a few years living in the UK and Italy. As Treasurer, she hopes to expand the social side of the club.
I came across ANZA Cycling when I signed up for Tour de Bintan 2019 for a lark - even though I didn't know what I was doing at the time! The people at the event from ANZA were so encouraging and supportive, they invited me to check them out back in Singapore.
To be honest, I don't know how I found myself here! I was a kid with a greater love for kebabs than abs! I did a bit of sport when I was at uni, but I mostly picked up cycling just to get to the supermarket from my partner's home when living in Italy.
I absolutely love the community within ANZA Cycling. In the same way I was welcomed, I want to be a part of the team that keeps this community alive and to welcome others.
One of the best things about ANZA Cycling is the social aspect. It was through the breakfasts and drinks that I met a lot of people, many of whom were strong and seasoned racers who encouraged me to push myself during rides. Now the Covid-era is winding down, I would love to grow the social fabric of the group, whether through improving the traditional breakfasts and drinks, or exploring opportunities for club trips and activities.
Lily has been with ANZA Cycling for over two years. During that time, she has helped to grow the community, and continues to be a strong advocate for inclusivity of the community she serves.
Tell us about yourself… I was born in the UK and spent most of my life growing up in Asia. It was my career that brought me to Singapore four years ago. Other than ANZA Cycling, I’m also a member of the German Dragons Singapore, a local expat dragon boat club.
When the pandemic hit, my passions of playing rugby and going to the gym were no longer possible so I looked for alternative activities. A running injury led to my physio recommending cycling to me, and the rest is history.
I initially reached out to ANZA Cycling on Facebook because they had a more visible and active number of female
cyclists. Fast forward two years and I race in ANZA club colours regularly and have podiumed at some local events. That’s not to say I don’t enjoy the occasional social café ride!
What do you most enjoy?
Solo rides are great if you’re on a training ride working towards a specific goal, but group rides are also just as satisfying if you’re looking for an extra bit of motivation to get out of bed early.
My biggest priority is supporting the committee to ensure that ANZA Cycling remains inclusive, and that we continue to cater for road riders of all skills and abilities. I was once that newbie who couldn’t ride with cleats. Now I intend to give back to the community that helped me to become a more confident rider. I'm looking forward to welcoming more people to riding, feeling confident in pelotons, and ensuring that there’s always a ride available for everyone.
Our monthly club breakfasts have been gaining in popularity as the year has progressed and pandemic restrictions have eased. In August and September, one hundred hungry ANZA Cyclists finished their Saturday rides at Tanamera Coffee Robertson Quay (August) and Blue Balls Bike Cafe in Pasir Panjang (September). We refuelled with buffet spreads and vats of coffee - essentials for any successful session we think!
ANZA had a more visible and active number of female cyclists LILY LOW, ROAD DIRECTOR
I want to be a part of the team that keeps this community alive
TAN, TREASURER
ANZA Mahjong meets up on various days and locations around the island. It’s a great way to make friends and learn this fun, brain boosting Chinese tile game. From beginners and beyond, all levels are welcome!
anza.org.sg/groups/mahjong
MONDAY
Open to everyone aged 5-17, ANZA Scouts is about meeting new friends, developing leadership skills and being outdoors. They meet every Saturday at various locations in Singapore from 2-4pm.
Join this group and learn new craft skills, such as silk painting, bookbinding, candle making, sewing, card creation, beading, batik, and more. Activities are designed with beginners in mind, and each month a new craft activity is introduced.
The community affairs arm for ANZA supports charities in Singapore through fundraising and volunteering activities. For info on the charities we support visit the ANZA website.
We have a number of social book clubs that meet monthly in the morning or evening. Contact us to be connected with a group that meets at a time that suits you.
This money-minded group meets monthly to connect and discuss investments and important financial matters for expats.
Sometimes you just need a good cuppa and a friendly welcome. Mini Casual Coffee Catch Ups are being held on various days and locations around the island.
Secret Men’s Business (SBM) is an exclusive ANZA group made up of men of all ages looking to
catch up with like-minded, friendly blokes. The group’s main activity is golf twice a week. There’s also squash, cycling, tennis, lunches and drinks.
Join small group mahjong sessions on various days and locations around the island. It’s fast paced, social and great fun.
Interested in needlecraft? All levels are welcome to come along and learn and sew.
Join us in knitting beanies for Singapore Cancer Society chemotherapy patients. New knitters are most welcome. The group meets on the third Friday of the month in the ANZA office on Beach Road.
We seek out great value set lunch deals around Singapore to enjoy together in group outings. Discover new restaurants and cafes, meet new friends, and explore the red dot’s highly diverse and always delicious food scene.
The group meets regularly to share knowledge and advice in a friendly environment as well as going on photowalks across Singapore. Everyone is welcome with camera in hand!
Join ANZA’s walking group to get moving around some of Singapore’s great nature reserves and interesting neighbourhoods. Check ANZA’s website for times and locations.
Join ANZA’s relaxed cycling group to explore Singapore’s Park Connector Network (PCNs) and off-road bike
paths. Participants will need their own bike and a helmet, but don’t need to be an experienced cyclist.
ANZA organises monthly girls-only get togethers at various hotspots in Singapore. They’re a great way to widen your social circle, and always a good night out.
This group of new writers and published authors meets monthly online to read and discuss their creative work.
ANZA ATHLETICS
ANZA’s track-and-field programme is for kids and teens aged 5-16. Organised and run by parents, the programme teaches children track and field skills, with a focus on fun, fitness and skills.
*Note: this programme is currently on hold due to COVID-19 restrictions.
Three ANZA Cricket teams play in the Singapore Cricket Association. Training usually takes place at Singapore Cricket Club nets from 7pm on Monday evenings and the indoor nets at The Cage, Turf City.
ANZA CYCLING
Join our keen cycling group and you can get out on two wheels every morning of the week to explore all parts of Singapore. Suits most skill levels and includes road, racing, MTB and also triathlon disciplines.
ANZA GOLF / 9 HOLE
ANZA Golf is a great way to get outdoors, meet new people and learn how to play the game. The 9-hole golf group is aimed at beginners and is very friendly and relaxed.
ANZA Netball offers a fun, inclusive and competitive netball programme for players aged 6-16. Teams play Saturday mornings at Tanglin Trust School, with a mix of parent and professional coaches.
This vibrant and welcoming Aussie Rules Football programme is open to men and women aged 18+. Training is on Thursday evenings and Saturdays, with regular social catch-ups.
Children aged 5-14 learn ocean awareness through fun surf lifesaving activities, including paddling, running and swimming. Sunday mornings at Palawan Beach, Sentosa. Meet a community of beach lovers!
Looking for some running buddies in Singapore for regular casual runs? The ANZA Running Group meets Monday evenings in the Botanic Gardens.
Get your kids kicking with ANZA Soccer! Our well-known programme is open to children aged 2-18, focusing on fair play and community. Saturday games and mid-week training at The Cage Sports Park, Turf City.
Join our social tennis group at the Fairmont Hotel, Fridays, 9-11am. Clinics that focus on the fundamentals of tennis meet on Wednesdays and Fridays, 11am. Afterwards, take time out for coffee and a chat.
** Please check current Covid restrictions, which can change group sizes and scheduled meet-ups. For more information and to join ANZA Interest Groups visit anza.org.sg. Drop-ins to ANZA groups are not possible.
circumstances outside of ANZA’s control, activities or events (including sporting competitions and seasons) may be
and prospective members and guests
WE ARE DELIGHTED TO WELCOME NEW MEMBERS EVERY MONTH TO THE ANZA COMMUNITY.
Abigail Browne Darrin Browne Giorgio Scappaticcio Catherine Scheen Alexandra Campbell Sebastian Bird Angela Yu Fan Susan Mcalpine John Mcalpine David Mattinson Wan Nadiah Robert Fitch Kristin Van Barneveld Russell Mahoney Shivram B Bagade Poojanag Bagade Jacquie Arnott Tom Arnott
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Congratulations to Rebecca Francey Winner of this month’s $50 voucher from The Fishwives.
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MOGAMBO BAR & RESTAURANT mogambo.sg
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RAFFLES HOTEL SINGAPORE anza.org.sg/raffles-hotel-anzaoffer/#myaccount
Great deal exclusive to ANZA members. Log in to your ANZA account to find out more
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AWARE’s Women’s Helpline is integral for providing support to women in need in Singapore. We speak to Executive Director, Corinna Lim, about their current mission to raise funds for its essential development.
When was the first women’s helpline at AWARE (Association of Women for Action and Research) launched?
Before its current location at Dover Crescent, AWARE occupied the upper floors of a Little India shophouse. We launched Singapore’s first women’s helpline there on January 7, 1991. It was born out of a need to create a safe space for women who were in distress and needed a listening ear and nonjudgmental advice.
How fast did the helpline gain traction?
Very quickly. People often find it difficult to speak to friends or family members about personal troubles; there’s a fear that the listener might not be empathetic or might pass judgmental comments which can lead to feelings of isolation. Women immediately called about marital conflict, family violence and other things.
How does the Women’s Helpline work?
We only run one Women’s Helpline
and offer a call-back request option and online live chat. Live chats are conducted via Zoom with the video and audio both off. We also have the Sexual Assault Care Centre (6779 0282), and the Workplace Harassment and Discrimination Advisory (6777 0318).
Does one subject reoccur?
More than one-third of callers in 2021 reached out due to emotional and psychological distress. We saw a rise in family violence cases due to pandemic lockdowns, where survivors often had to be in close proximity to their abusers.
Along with a listening ear, how else does the helpline provide proactive support?
Our helpliners can provide referrals to AWARE’s internal services and external agencies. Depending on the caller’s circumstances, we can refer them to emergency shelters, family service centres, family violence specialist
centres and the Family Justice Court. We introduced counselling services in June 1991 and we also run a free legal clinic; our team of volunteer lawyers are available for a 30-minute appointment via the helpline.
Your current Helpline Fund aims to raise $250,000 by the end of 2022. Where will this money go?
People often underestimate how much it takes to run a well-oiled, effective helpline. On the operational side, running the service requires a sizeable technological investment, as well as intensive training for our volunteers. We need as much support from the public as possible to ensure that we can keep up with growing need and remain the premiere service for women in Singapore.
What’s the priority for AWARE’s Women’s Helpline in 2023?
Providing timely support. Our goal is for the Women’s Helpline to never miss a call, and to be accessible to as many women in distress as possible.
How can ANZA readers volunteer on the Women’s Helpline?
All our helpline volunteers are trained by AWARE staff. Recruitment takes place every one or two years, and eligible volunteers undergo intensive training that consists of three phases. Do keep a lookout for the new recruitment cycle next year via our social media platforms or subscribe to AWARE’s monthly newsletter.
The Association of Women for Action and Research (AWARE) is Singapore’s leading women’s rights and gender equality advocacy group. aware.org.sg
