Orient Issue 34

BRITCHAM ORIENT MAGAZINE

ORIENT T H E O F F I C I A L MAGAZINE OF THE BRITISH CHAMBER OF COMMERCE - SI N G A P O R E

I S S U E 34

w w w. b r i tch a m . o rg. s g

YEAR IN

ISSUE 34

REVIEW building networks connecting business creating opportunities

CONTENTS W W W. B R I T C H A M . O R G . S G

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The BritCham Masquerade Ball 2011

Pr e s i d e n t ’s M e s s a g e Headline n

The BritCham Masquerade Ball 2011

1 2 D e c e m b e r Fe a t u r e – Ye a r i n R e v i e w

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British Chamber of Commerce, Singapore, Year in Review Event Roundup

16 Economic and Business Insights

A recipe for success: Organisational Change Management as a key enabler for strategy execution – Deloitte Consulting

UK/Switzerland Tax Agreement – A Tax on Convenience? – The Fry Group n

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20 Inside Britain

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British Business in Singapore goes from Strength to Strength – UKTI

Year in Review

22 Corporate Social Responsibility

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Laxton Singapore Corporate 7s – Laxton

24 Out of the Box

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Technology: Its Downside – ABE Giving Your Child Competitive Advantage through Education – SAIS Coping with Stress – Spinal Balance

30 High Commission News

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Economic & Business Insights

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British High Commission News Dec 2011 / Jan 2012

32 Chamber News

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BritCham New Members Events Calendar BritCham Members Offers

40 The BritCham Membership

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Sterling News

24

Out of the Box

EDITOR:

Akansha Gupta Wahi Email: Akansha@britcham.org.sg

Orient is a bi-monthly magazine published by the British Chamber of Commerce.

ASSISTANT EDITOR:

138 Cecil Street #13-03 Cecil Court Singapore 069538

LAYOUT & PRINTING BY

Tel: +65 6222-3552 Fax: +65 6222-3556 Email: info@britcham.org.sg

Loong Yong En Email: yongen@britcham.org.sg

Novus Media Solutions MICA (P) 209/03/2011

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www.britcham.org.sg

The views and opinions expressed or implied in Orient are those of the authors or contributors and do not reflect those of the British Chamber of Commerce, its officers or editorial staff. All rights reserved.

No reproduction of articles without the prior permission of the Chamber.

Unsolicited transparencies ad articles are sent at owners’ own risk and the Chamber accepts no liability for loss or damage.

Cover Photo by guitargoa http://www.sxc.hu/photo/1239963

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CO N T E N TS 44 BritCham Events

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BritCham Events

Economic Briefing Economic Briefing with Roman Scott – Calamander Capital E&SBG Working Lunch E&SBG Working Lunch with HRH The Duke of York Breakfast Clubs The Anti-Wind Tunnel Marketing Movement – BBH Asia Lifecycle of a British Expat – Iyer Practice & Fry Group Working in a Multi-Cultural Team – British Council The Outlook for Energy: A View to 2040 – ExxonMobil The End of Progress – TIB E&U BF Club: Securing the Resource – Air Energi New Members Night BritCham New Members Night – Host @ Clarke Quay Business Lunch Signing of UK-SG EBP – Mr Lim Hng Kiang & Dr Vince Cable n

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51 The BritCham Membership

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Corporate News

58 Arts & Culture

Sports

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British Theatre Playhouse presents “Out of Order” Art sponsorships make corporations shine – NAC

61 Sports

London 2012 in 2011: All Venues Completed on Time and Within Budget – UKTI

An Incredible Year for the British Dragons – British Dragon Boat Team n

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64 Destination

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Destination

68 Wine Club

British Chamber of Commerce, Singapore SPONSORS PLATINUM SPONSORS

SILVER SPONSORS

BRONZE SPONSORS

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BREAKFAST CLUB SPONSOR

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P R E S I D E N T ’S M E S S AG E Dear Members, We approach the end of another busy year where we’ve seen our membership grow to see more of us enjoying a greater number of events. Throughout the year the focus has been on BritCham developing and implementing strategies to improve, while managing a robust operation in unsettled economic times.

The year has seen the Chamber strengthen relationships with our partners in the community, such as UKTI and the Singapore Business Federation (SBF). We also continue to develop working relationships with Singapore’s business-focussed entities EDB and Spring. So it’s fitting that we can close the year by celebrating the recent signing of the UK-Singapore Economic and Business Partnership.

At the “Leaders in Business” lunch last month, UK Business Secretary, Vince Cable and the Singapore Minister for Trade & Industry, Lim Hng Kiang, signed an agreement to establish a frequent and strategic dialogue on a range of issues that help create valuable partnerships and generate new economic opportunities. Prioritised business sectors will include urban solutions, clean technology, ICT, education and creative services. The agreement will include a focus on the UK as a gateway to Europe and leveraging Singapore as a gateway to Asia.

Over the coming months UKTI and Singapore’s MTI will fill out this framework agreement and input will be received from the business community. We intend to organise a forum early next year where members’ ideas and opinions can be heard on how best advantage might be taken from this opportunity.

In 2012, London will be in preparation for the Olympic Games in August which will put the UK truly in the global spotlight. Singapore maintains and holds special ties with London 2012, as many of you will fondly remember from that warm sultry night in 2005 at Eden Hall when we celebrated the award with the UK delegation. The British business community in Singapore will certainly be celebrating London’s hosting this coming August.

BRITCHAM BOARD: PRESIDENT: Steve Puckett – Tri-Zen International VICE-PRESIDENTS: John Horsburgh – Rolls Royce Singapore Hugo Walkinshaw – Deloitte Consulting SE Asia TREASURER: David Macdonald – Skandia International HONORARY SECRETARY: Damian Adams – Watson, Farley & Williams LLP EX-OFFICIO: Judith Slater – British High Commission Mark Howard – British Council BOARD MEMBERS: Peter Allen – Pacific Century Regional Developments Emma Boyd – Pinstripe Business Solutions Richard Burn – Diageo Singapore Ingrid Child – HSBC Bank Stephen Crisp – Nokia Siemens Networks Singapore James Deely – The Royal Bank of Scotland plc Charlie MacLean - Barclays Bank plc Nick McGlynn – British Airways Pek Hak Bin – BP Singapore Roman Scott – Calamander Capital Andrew Thomas – Ogilvy & Mather Singapore Philippe Touati – Standard Chartered Bank Andrew Vine – The Insight Bureau PAG E 4

In June 2012, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II will celebrate 60 years on the throne. Diamond Jubilee celebrations are being planned in Singapore and 2012 in London promises to be a summer to remember.

The Chamber will begin the New Year with a new residence, but it’s not moving far. The office lease was up for renewal after eight years on the 11th floor of Cecil Court. Our current landlord offered us a costeffective opportunity; a better space with more room on the 13th floor. The benefits include a larger meeting room where we can host small gatherings; a proper reception and meeting area; and a hot desk with facilities that members can use should they need when visiting.

While the Chamber had another strong year and while we expect to build on this next year, the upbeat business climate and economic growth we have experienced in Singapore this past year turned the tides, due to continuing financial trouble in Europe. The issues in Europe and its impact on the global economy, were colourfully explained by our Economic Spokesman Roman Scott at our recent Economic Briefing in the Arts House – these will likely cloud the outlook for 2012. We continue to live in interesting and challenging times and I hope that Chamber events will provide a forum for networking and sharing thoughts on how best the new year’s challenges and opportunities might be met.

Finally, on behalf of your board and our management team I wish you and your families a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, wherever you might be this holiday season.

Steve Puckett, President, British Chamber of Commerce

COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSONS: Corporate Social Responsibility: Richard Burn Events & Sponsorship: Philippe Touati External Affairs: Steve Puckett Marketing & Communications: TBC Membership: Andrew Vine BUSINESS GROUP CHAIRPERSONS: Energy & Utilities – Damian Adams Entrepreneur & Small Business – Sonia Fuller Financial Services – Patrick Donaldson IT and Communications Technology – Henry Farahar Leadership – TBA Media & Marketing – TBA Professional Services – TBA Property & Construction – Alan Dalgleish Shipping Transport & Logistics – Neil Johnson Young Professionals – Miles Gooseman MANAGEMENT TEAM: Executive Director: Brigitte Holtschneider Accountant: Sabitha Munnangi Business Enhancement & Events Development Manager: Erica Seo Business Events & Business Group Relations Manager: Tiffeny Kua Marketing & Communications Manager: Akansha Gupta Wahi Marketing & Communications Assistant: Loong Yong En Membership Manager: Katie Hudson Office Administration & Membership Support: Emi Hosono

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STERLING MEMBERS

British Chamber of Commerce, Singapore Sterling Members

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HEADLINE TITLE SPONSOR

BritCham

BRONZE SPONSOR

Masquerade 2011 Ball

T

he legendary BritCham Ball returned in 2011 with a masquerade theme.

This year we partied at The Ritz Carlton in a mystical atmosphere created by candle light, red roses, magicians and dancers.

enthusiasts went as far as the UK, to find identical creations for their entire table and couples teamed up in complementing masks to show their unity!

The masquerade theme prompted many of our guests to go browsing on the Internet and trawling all of Singapore for a unique and fitting mask for the night. And what a display we saw! There were colourful and diverse masks on every guest’s face. Some The night opened with a mystical crystal ball and light dancers. Their fantastic moves and tricks amused guests and promised a great evening for all. During dinner, we were entertained by the musical styling of Greg Lyons and his band. Later our guests hit the dance floor as they were inspired by the fantastic band Tabula.

With the festivities of the evening in full swing, guests had the opportunity to have their portrait photographs taken, in a picturesque setting sponsored by Allied Pickfords.

Before the dancing began, guests had the chance to bid for three amazing auction PAG E 8

items. The highlight of which were two British Airways business class tickets to London and two nights at the legendary Ritz London. Raffle tickets went like hot cakes just till before the winners were drawn. One lucky lady went away with a Burberry Heritage Coat! Once again thanks to Burberry for their kind donation and congratulations to the winner!

The fabulous event was supported by Title Sponsor, The Royal Bank of Scotland and Bronze Sponsor, Rolls Royce Motor Cars whom we thank very much for helping us to make such a night possible.

The party went on till after 4 am and only then did many of our guests reluctantly head home. All who attended are looking forward to the next BritCham Ball in 2012.

We hope to see you next year on December 1 at the Shangri-La so WATCH THIS SPACE!

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HEADLINE

Auction Prizes 10 pax VIP Lunch Table at British Polo Day Singapore with Exclusive Chauffer service by Rolls-Royce for 2 persons.

British Polo day works with the top British brands to export a slice of Britain and give guests the full British luxury experience. They encapsulate the history, heritage and tradition of Britain and the game of polo. British Polo Day combines the traditions of Wimbledon, the exhilaration of Royal Ascot and the exclusive experience of Lords with the world’s oldest sport on a quintessentially British day, courtesy of British Polo Day Pte Ltd. SPONSOR

Winner: Stephen Brock

4 x British Airways Economy Class Tickets with exclusive hotel stay at The Observatory Hotel.

A short trip to Down Under is just six hours away from Singapore. The allure of Sydney beckons and this trip will be a breeze with British Airways. Sydney is know for its beaches and a happening night life. Sydney Harbour is the city’s greatest asset, while Sydney’s ocean beaches and lush parks sustain as much life as the city streets. Positioned in the heart of Sydney, close by The Rocks, The Observatory Hotel is the ideal base from which to explore Australia’s most vibrant city. This Orient-Express urban retreat is known for its tranquil, boutique atmosphere, yet offers easy access to Sydney Harbour Bridge and big city action.

Winner: Phillippa J.E.Laxton SPONSORS

2 x British Airways Business Class Tickets with exclusive hotel stay at the Ritz, London Start your journey by travelling with British Airways, Club World and enjoy all the decadence the Ritz London has to offer. The Ritz London, few other places can summon such an immediate atmosphere of unparalleled style and elegance. Afternoon tea at the Ritz is must-have experience in London. Perfectly situated in the heart of London, this masterpiece of legendary hotelier Cesar Ritz continues to embody all the glamour and excitement of this great city, just as it did when it opened over 100 years ago.

SPONSORS

Winner: Terry O’Connor

Event Sponsors AUCTION

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PHOTOGRAPHY

WINE

SPIRITS

GIFT BAG

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Raffle Prizes PRIZE

WINNER

Heritage Trench from Burberry

James Deely

iPad II from StarHub

Justin Price

iPad II from StarHub

Agnes Slater

3 months’ trial membership with The British Club

Janet Davies

Panasonic 42” Full HD LED TV from Courts

Fitri Gledhill

1 night weekend stay in Kallang Bay View Deluxe room at The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia for 2 persons

Ian Johnson

1 night weekend stay in Kallang Bay View Deluxe room at The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia for 2 persons

Christina Barlet

2 nights stay with breakfast at Hotel Imperial Tokyo, Japan from The Leading Hotels of the World

Duncan S.

Hamper box for skin care from Penhaligon’s

Morven Davis

A weekend (Saturday) stay for 2 persons in an Executive Suite with Regent Club Access and A Sunday Lunch at Summer Palace for 2 persons at The Regent Singapore

Jason Humphries

1 night weekend stay at the Conrad Centennial Singapore with buffet breakfast for 2 persons

Christin Culme Seymour

Diageo Spirits Hamper

Chris & Tracy Ivinson

MAGNUM Astrolabe Voyage, Pinot Noir - Marlborough NZ from Rubicon

Andrea Bonardi

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SPONSORS

YE A R I N R E V I E W

BRITISH CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, SINGAPORE, REVIEWING THE YEAR

December ’11 Dear Members, The year has flown by extremely quickly and Christmas is upon us again very soon.

2011 has been yet another eventful year for your Chamber and I would like to use this opportunity to focus on a few highlights: Membership continued to grow and more members dedicate their time to help develop the course of the Chamber. A worthy area of involvement is the growth of our Business Groups with ten groups now either active or in planning/reactivating mode.

This year, the Entrepreneur and Small Business Group has been reactivated–chaired by our member Sonia Fuller. In addition, the Property & Construction Business Group, chaired by Alan Dalgleish, launched its activities with a first evening briefing on November 30. A Leadership Business Group is being planned and we will see some traction in Quarter 1 in 2012.

The Board and Management Office is supported by five committees all of which are instrumental to drive development and progress. I would like to take this opportunity to express my sincere thanks to all board members, committee chairs, committee members, business group chairs and core business group members for their time and effort given to the Chamber!

Other important areas and core to our success are our events. In 2011 we have seen the number of events swell to over 70 catering to the diverse spectrum of members’ interest. Just to review a few of the initiatives: • In line with and supporting the relaunch of our Entrepreneur and Small Business Group we organised a lunch with HRH the Duke of York particularly emphasising upon challenges and opportunities in Singapore and Asia.

• We welcomed Jeremy Brown, Minister of State in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, in charge of SE Asia and the Olympics, amongst others, the first official visitor of the new coalition government at one of our Leaders in Business Lunches.

• HE High Commissioner Antony Phillipson arrived in April to take up his post and gave us inspiring and thought-provoking insights after his first 100 days in office.

• Roman Scott, Board Member and Economic Spokesperson of the Chamber, delivered two fascinating and insightful Economic Briefings in a year which seemed to get off to a great start and only to end in turmoil again due to the Eurozone crisis. If you have missed the November Briefing, please log on to www.britcham.org.sg and watch the video.

• The twelfth annual Business Awards saw another step change since inception in 1999 with the support of EDB, SPRING, SBF, UKTI, EuroCham as co-partners and the engagement of BBC as official media partner. If you wish to revisit winners, judges and other details log on to www.businessawards.com.

• Our second Chamber Rugby Dinner was a roaring success, attended by 370 rugby enthusiasts thoroughly enjoying the speeches delivered by rugby legends Will Greenwood, Owen Finegan and Scott Quinnell.

• Last but not least, our annual ball has been a great party, held this year on a Friday in mid-November. It was earlier than usual but nonetheless a great night out for many members and their guests (see our headline section for details).

As mentioned by Steve, when you read this, the Chamber has moved office to be able to offer better services for members with more up-to-date facilities and a bigger meeting room providing more member briefings and discussions in-house. We remain in the same building at 138 Cecil Street - Cecil Court, we have moved two floors up from unit 11-01 to 13-03.

To conclude, I would like to inform you about an upcoming staff change. Our Marketing and Communications Manager Akansha Gupta is leaving us end of December to go on to being a full-time mum for the next couple of years. We have all thoroughly enjoyed working with Akansha and are sad to see her go. We wish her all the best in her new role and will certainly stay in touch.

I wish you a wonderful Christmas wherever you are going to spend the festive season and all the very best for a healthy and successful 2012!

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Brigitte Holtschneider Executive Director British Chamber of Commerce www.britcham.org.sg

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Event Roundup

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Annual Event Annual Event Professional Services Social Financial Services ICT Social

June 2-Jun Annual Event BritCham Golf Tournament 6-Jun Breakfast Club Lobbying and building trust in the EU Jeremy Galbraith, Burson-Marsteller 8-Jun Annual Event Rugby Dinner Will Greenwood, Owen Finegan, Scott Quinnel 10-Jun Breakfast Club Building a World Class Finance Function Raphael Young, SAP Asia and R. Raghunanthan, PwC 21-Jun Breakfast Club IT Mobility - SCB’s adoption of mobility technology with iPhone and iPad Trevor Haeger, Standard Chartered Bank 23-Jun Networking New Members Night

Professional Services Financial Services

Economy YBC Social

ICT

Media & Marketing HR/Leadership Economy

May 10-May Breakfast Club Implementing Successful and Sustainable Business Transformation Anthony Lucas, Accenture 25-May Breakfast Club Budget 2011 Highlights for Businesses & the Productivity & Joan Fuan, IRAS

Innovation Credit Scheme 26-May Annual Event Annual General Meeting

April 5-Apr Breakfast Club Demystifying Social Business Design Anne Bartlett-Brag, Headshift 8-Apr Breakfast Club Understanding Generation Y: getting your young talent to deliver results Simon Walker, talentsmoothie 8-Apr Leaders in South East Asia, as viewed from the UK: The UK Government agenda Jeremy Browne MP

Business Lunch on emerging powers 12-Apr Breakfast Club Drastically decreasing IT budgets John Kerckhoffs, Alpha & Omega

Are ever increasing IT expenses boosting your productivity?

20-Apr Lunch The Powershift to Asia - Rebalancing of the Global Economy Jeremy Hillman, BBC News 28-Apr YBC Networking Mentor Series with John Horsburgh John Horsburgh, Rolls-Royce Aerospace 29-Apr Networking Royal Wedding Evening

Energy & Utilities Professional Services HR/Leadership Financial Services Shipping YBC

March 10-Mar Breakfast Club Overview of Singapore LNG Rod Duke and Graham Holland, Singapore LNG 17-Mar Breakfast Club Effective Meetings Ray Bigger, Think 8 22-Mar Breakfast Club What’s on your CEO’s Human Capital Agenda?

James Clemence, PwC International 24-Mar Breakfast Club Purchasing property in Great Britain: Practical and Tax considerations Nicholas Moraitis, Lloyds TSB and Martin Rimmer, Fry Group 30-Mar Breakfast Club Overview of the current Shipping Industry Chris Jones, Island Insurance Brokers 31-Mar YBC Networking The Freemasons, Myths vs. Reality

Sector

Energy & Utilities Economy Social Professional Services Shipping Social

Speaker

February 10-Feb Breakfast Club Floating Liquefaction Philip Fjeld, FLEX LNG Ltd 15-Feb Breakfast Club (Almost) One year on: the UK’s economic growth strategy Martin Donnelly, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills 17-Feb Annual event Sterling and Sponsors Acknowledgement Dinner 23-Feb Breakfast Club UK Bribery Act 2010 Steve Cannon, Eversheds 24-Feb Breakfast Club Common Pitfalls in Making Shipping and Trade Contracts Michael Collett, 20 Essex Street 24-Feb Networking New Members Night

Event Title HR/Leadership Economy YBC

Type of Event

January 19-Jan Breakfast Club Hiring Right the First Time Gavin Mulcahly, Cubiks 20-Jan Flagship Event Economic Briefing: Second Bounce of the Ball Roman Scott, Calamander Capital 27-Jan YBC Networking Mentor Series - Selling the right way John Bittleston, Terrific Mentors

Date

EVENTS ROUNDUP 2011

YE A R I N R E V I E W

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Shipping E&SBG Professional Services YBC

August 3-Aug Breakfast Club Unification Contract Law Angharad Parry, 20 Essex St 4-Aug Networking ESBG Networking 17-Aug Breakfast Club Mastering Intercultural Intelligence in Singapore Jenny Castelino and Ng Mui Hwa, Cartus International 25-Aug YBC Networking Business Tour of SAESL Facility Gary Nutter, SAESL

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Business Lunch

building networks • connecting business • creating opportunities Dr Vince Cable and Minister Lim Hng Kiang

New Members Night Working in a Multi Cultural Team Stephen Jenner, British Council Economic Briefing: The Three Witches Roman Scott, Calamander Capital The Outlook for Energy: A view to 2040 David Reed, ExxonMobil Corporation The End of Progress: how modern economics has failed us.

Graeme Maxton, The Insight Bureau Rethinking growth as the measure of progress BritCham Ball The Developing World - Embracing an explosion of creativity Fredrik Haren, The Insight Bureau What happens when the line goes dead - The risks and opportunities of Peter Lovelock, Margaret Manning, John Galligan, Bill Padfield and Tim Pullan putting your business into the cloud.

GSK Biologicals Plant Visit Victor Hingot, GlaxoSmithKline Is London still among the World-Class Cities?

Yolande Barnes, Savills Residential real estate – a view from London

Signing of UK-Singapore Economic & Business Partnership (EBP)

Professional Services Property and Construction

Annual Event Media & Marketing ICT

Social Professional Services Economy Energy & Utilities Economy

December 6-Dec Breakfast Club Singapore Pre-Budget Briefing KPMG Economy 13-Dec Networking Christmas Networking Evening Social

November 2-Nov Networking 9-Nov Breakfast Club 10-Nov Annual Event 11-Nov Breakfast Club 15-Nov Breakfast Club

18-Nov Annual event 24-Nov Breakfast Club 25-Nov Business Group

Working Lunch 28-Nov Business Tour 30-Nov Networking

Financial Services

Annual Event Media & Marketing Energy & Utilities

E&SBG

Economy

HRH Duke of York

31-Oct

BritCham Entrepreneur and Small Business Group Working Lunch with HRH The Duke of York

Economy

Business Group Working Lunch

October 5-Oct Annual Event Business Awards 13-Oct Breakfast Club The Anti-Wind Tunnel Marketing Movement Charles Wigley, BBH 19-Oct Breakfast Club Securing the Resource: Blending local, regional and expatriate sources Ian Langley, Air Energi

of talent for major energy projects 20-Oct Breakfast Club Lifecycle of an Expat - The Tax and Financial Consequences Martin Rimmer, Fry Group and Shanker Iyer, Iyer Practice

from Beginning to End 20-Oct Business Lunch Economic Opportunities in the UK and the Infrastructure Challenge Paul Skinner, Infrastructure UK

30-Sep

September 2-Sep Leaders in 100 days in office with HE Antony Phillipson HE Antony Phillipson, British High Commission

Business Lunch 9-Sep YBC Networking Mentor Series with Ian Mullane - Making Your Passions Your Career: Ian Mullane, Vanda Sports YBC

from Corporate to Sports 16-Sep Networking Leadership in Turbulent Times: What Have We Learned?

Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy HR/Leadership 22-Sep UKTI Briefing Doing Business in India Ian Gibbons, UKTI India Economy 22-Sep Networking F1 Networking DHL Annual Event 26-Sep Leaders in Is that a light at the end of the tunnel, or an oncoming train?

Sir Martin Sorrell, WPP Economy

Business Lunch 28-Sep Breakfast Club UK Statutory Residence and Tax Implications Martin Rimmer, The Fry Group Financial Services

YBC

Professional Services YBC Professional Services

July 12-Jul Breakfast Club How to fully engage people and energise your operation Helen Lee, Lee Heiss Coaching 21-Jul YBC Networking Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP) Tools for Business Communication Lindley Craig, All in the Mind & NLP Association Singapore 26-Jul Breakfast Club Advanced Negotiations Skills: What ultimately separates Greg Moore, Huthwaite Asia Pacific

skilled negotiators from average negotiators 28-Jul YBC Networking Twilight Sail and Mentoring Session Tan Thong Meng and Lynnette Leong Li-Ling, Keppel Bay Sailing Academy

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ECO N O M I C & B U S I N E S S I N S I GHTS

A recipe for success: Organisational Change Management as a key enabler for strategy execution

by Mario Ferraro, Director, Human Capital Consulting, South East Asia, Deloitte Consulting

I

was once interviewed by the Straits Times and asked to comment on the similarities between my native country, Italy, and Singapore. An innate passion for food was the first thing that came to mind.

Not surprisingly, small talk about food, restaurants and cooking TV shows provides a frequent and convenient ice-breaker before many business meetings in Asia.

When the discussion eventually settles on business matters, it is natural to draw some analogies between the skills of a master chef and the challenges faced daily

by CEOs. A chef conceives a dish, selects the right ingredients and brings them together in the right sequence and in just the exact proportions, blending them skillfully to ensure they all contribute to the achievement of that original vision. The part that we often forget is that celebrity chefs spend their entire careers getting to the point of making it all look so easy. Reality hits us when we try to recreate that culinary masterpiece in our own kitchen, achieving at best a sad looking soufflé bearing only a vague resemblance to the one we saw on TV. We knew what we wanted to make. We followed the recipe. Somewhere along the way something must have gone wrong.

What is the recipe for success for today’s CEO? I often tell my clients that there is a simple formula to succeed, both in business and in life. The equation for success is: Vision x Strategy x Execution. In practical terms that means that if you are clear about what you want (the vision) and have figured out the best way to attain it (the strategy) and then you actually do what it takes (the execution), you will most probably get what you wanted. It is easy to feel cheated by the apparent simplicity of this formula, which belies the innumerable challenges lurking within its application. Experience tells us that reality is more complex than PAG E 1 6

that; many corporate soufflés have deflated along the journey from Vision to Execution.

Why does that happen?

The number of people involved from Vision to Execution grows exponentially. Vision requires genius, but in itself it does not necessarily involve many people. It is an idea, an ambition or a dream in somebody’s head. In a sense, vision is the easy part, which explains why the world is full of people with visions and dreams that were never strategised or executed.

As we try to define a strategy, complexities start to creep in. Even if we are absolutely clear about what we want, there is usually more than one way to attain it. Choosing the right strategy, out of many, is not always a trivial task. The temptation to achieve the goals quickly needs to be balanced with the need to keep the workforce productive, motivated and supportive of the change.

So, as we evaluate various strategies, we develop an early awareness of some of the challenges awaiting us during the execution phase.

As it happens in our kitchens, execution is where things are most likely to go wrong. It is when we finally move from the paper recipe, roll up our sleeves and start playing with real things. In the business context, the key challenge is that this is when our vision and strategy start to have a real impact on people’s jobs, lives and feelings. Change is a complex equation where each affected individual is a “variable” that could either facilitate or hinder the successful outcome. This is also the phase when one person’s vision needs to be communicated, understood, accepted and adopted by hundreds, thousands or perhaps tens of thousands of people.

Trying to execute change without a proper approach is equivalent to crossing fingers

and hoping for the best. Not surprisingly a large proportion of change initiatives fail to deliver their intended results to the extent originally anticipated. To enhance success rates, organisations are increasingly creating specialized roles, such as “Chief Transformation Officer”, to own and manage organisational change, reflecting the fact that Change Management has finally come of age and is now recognised as a key enabler for successful strategy execution.

How, then, do we align a whole workforce and commit it to an idea conceived by somebody else? The starting point of successful Change Management is a clear articulation of the vision. After all, even if we had a magic wand to make it all happen overnight we would still need to be absolutely clear as to what we want. At a very early stage it is critical to ensure that the top management shares both vision and strategy, with a clear understanding of its likely organisational impact. Having a cohesive leadership team driving change will ensure clear direction throughout the organisation and prevent the emergence of different factions amongst the workforce.

Change is usually expensive, disruptive and somewhat annoying, therefore in a corporate environment it is common to support the vision with a clear business case, showing the various benefits to be derived from the proposed change – in other words, why it is worth the trouble.

The impact of any change initiative will be different for various employee groups.

Understanding who the stakeholders are, how they are going to be affected and what role they need to play in the implementation of the change, is at the core of a good Change Management strategy. Some employees will require a lot of information, training and support, whereas others will be satisfied with being simply informed that a

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change is happening around them. Hence the timing, content and medium for changerelated communication will also be different for each employee group, and should be carefully planned. Too much communication too soon could result into unnecessary anxiety and information overload; too little too late may lead to suspicion, speculation and a distorted perception of the proposed change and its motives. A well-managed communication strategy will help the stakeholders develop the right level of awareness and understanding of the change and the benefits it will bring, ensuring that the changes are gradually adopted and institutionalized.

Communication also involves the creation of feedback channels to monitor how the change is being perceived and experienced in various segments of the organisation. If there’s trouble brewing, it is best to have a forum for dialogue, rather than allowing issues to fester for too long.

Although resistance to change is normal, it is important to understand exactly where it comes from, rather than complacently accepting it as a fact of life. The most common enemies of change are a sense of personal or job insecurity, failure to understand the vision and its benefits, no sense of urgency for the change or simply poor change leadership. Leadership plays a key role in monitoring and measuring progress and taking decisive corrective action as and when needed.

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The timing of the change can also significantly affect the chances of success. If employees are already going through other intense organisational changes, introducing yet another at the same time can be very unsettling. Employees who feel fully competent in their jobs today may begin to feel insecure about a future where they will be expected to work to very unfamiliar processes, policies or technology tools, or perhaps in a new organisational structure.

Also, in environments where employees are constantly exposed to change, there is a risk that new initiatives may be greeted with a passive and sometimes cynical attitude.

In order to keep the stakeholders engaged and committed to the change, conveying a sense of genuine urgency is very important. At the same time, the anxiety that comes with urgency should be carefully managed. Employees need to feel that they will be supported and that there are adequate initiatives to help them be fully functional in the future operating model. In practice, this means reassuring the employees that they will be given the necessary information, guidance, support and training, so they will be just as efficient after the change as they are today. Shortterm wins and harvesting of low-hanging fruits can provide positive reinforcement and be great catalysts for building support and morale. Often, the creation of “working groups”, representing a cross-section of stakeholder profiles, is a good way to identify key concerns to be addressed and

possible early wins to keep staff engaged and committed to the change.

Successful Change Management is a specialist area that ultimately rests on a deep understanding of human needs and behaviours, requiring far more than a set of techniques or tools. But a structured approach goes a long way in ensuring that all the critical areas are adequately covered to minimise the chance of failure.

We live in an environment where change is happening at an increasingly fast rate, and an ability to manage change successfully continues to be recognised as a critical success factor to achieve the resilience and agility essential to survive, and thrive, in today’s world.

About the Author: Mario Ferraro Mario is Director of Human Capital Consulting for Deloitte Consulting South East Asia. Deloitte’s Strategic Change practice has assisted numerous organisations with the successful implementation of their business initiatives

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ECO N O M I C & B U S I N E S S I N S I GHTS

UK/Switzerland Tax Agreement – A Tax on Convenience?

by Martin Rimmer, Tax Manager, Asia Pacific, The Fry Group

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s part of our role as tax experts, The Fry Group regularly monitors all developments in British tax law which might conceivably impact our clients in Asia.

One such development is a new tax agreement recently signed between the British and Swiss governments. Its aim is to capture British taxpayers who have undeclared accounts in Switzerland.

Switzerland has always been a centre of gravity in the private banking world and it is not uncommon for our non-UK resident clients to hold funds there.

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HM Revenue & Customs has a wide range of instruments at its disposal to combat tax evasion, from the European Savings Tax Directive, Exchange of Information articles in most double tax treaties, specific Tax Information Exchange Agreements and, increasingly, individual agreements with countries which have historically been regarded as tax havens. Two years ago, the UK and Liechtenstein governments reached a wide-ranging deal to offer an amnesty on undeclared monies by funnelling the disclosure through Liechtenstein. Given the fanfare with which this was announced,

you might have been forgiven for thinking that they had solved eliminating world poverty! So, what is so special about this new agreement with Switzerland, and why should you, as a Singapore resident, be bothered with this? After all, you might argue that if you meet the conditions to be a non-resident in the UK for tax purposes and receive income from investments in Switzerland, there is no liability to British tax on Swiss income and certainly no failure to disclose income to HM Revenue & Customs. And you would be completely right about that. So, why the fuss?

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Well, first of all the agreement doesn’t offer any kind of amnesty. It simply applies a penalty charge of between 19 to 34 percent to the average capital value of the account and will be levied as soon as the agreement comes into law. Moreover, it does not apply only to British residents, but specifically also to non-residents who, holding invested assets in Switzerland, have not provided evidence of their residence outside of the UK. Of course, it is very common for British clients to use a British forwarding address when dealing with European financial institutions. After all, this is simpler, safer and more convenient. If you hold assets in Switzerland and the institution is dealing with you via a British care of address, or you have not already provided evidence of your residence in Singapore, you could well end up being at risk of this penalty charge – even though you have no liability to British tax or Singaporean tax on the investment income.

In effect, the agreement requires the Swiss asset holder to presume that you are British resident if they do not have verifiable proof otherwise. Therefore, in practice we might

as well call this a tax on the convenience of using a UK forwarding address.

The solutions are clear - either ensure that the institution has sufficient proof of your residence in Singapore, or consider moving those assets back to Asia - perhaps to Singapore or Hong Kong. The Fry Group has offices in both locations and trained wealth managers would be happy to advise you impartially and transparently about the options for holding any such funds in a manner which suits you best.

Now, I realize that most people reading this article will not have assets situated in Switzerland, in which case you can relax and feel smug – there is nothing to worry about. However, although the Swiss agreement will not be come into force before January 1 2013, there is a call to action for those who do.

itself up the political agenda in some way, shape or form. Future agreements might be modelled on this Swiss deal, which offers no amnesty. In which case, you would be well-advised to make sure that all of the financial institutions you deal with are duly aware that you live in Singapore, and not back in the UK. Finally, on behalf of everyone at The Fry Group, may I wish you all a very happy, healthy and prosperous new year.

About the Author: Martin Rimmer is Tax Technical Manager at The Fry Group

Although there is no indication presently that similar agreements are in development with Singapore, Hong Kong and other global private banking centres, it’s not likely that it will be too long before this pushes

Money can't buy you happiness, but it does bring you a more pleasant form of misery.

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Raising lively, curious and balanced children was never designed to be easy. Providing for their future can be just as hard. With timely advice and careful planning you can still provide the best education money can buy. We'll show you how.

With over 100 years experience working with British Expatriates and over 35 years in Singapore, The Fry Group offers sensible advice on how to plan your future.

The Fry Group, 6 Battery Road, #13-03 Singapore 049909. Tel: 6225 0825 Fax: 6225 4679 PAG E 1 9 b u i l d i n g n e t w o r k s • c o n n e c t i n g b u s i n e s s • c r e a t i n g o p p o r t u n i t i e s Email: aidan.bailey@thefrygroupsg.com, Website: www.thefrygroupsg.com Licenced by the Monetary Authority of Singapore. Licence no. FA095023-4

INS I D E B R I TA I N

British Business in Singapore goes from Strength to Strength

by Sarah Croft, Director, Trade, UK Trade & Investment

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his was another year of continued growth for British business in Singapore. The macro figures paint a promising picture with bilateral trade up significantly (see Figure 1). It was a year in which established companies enhanced their presence and in which many new companies entered the market. And the really good news is this growth seems to be across the board, in a wide variety of sectors and industries, ranging from Singapore Airlines’ purchase of 20 of Airbus’s new A350 aircraft to Standard Chartered opening their new building to the opening of the Serious Games Institute and the first Penhaligon store in Asia.

Figure 1: UK Trade in Goods with Singapore – January to August 2011 (in Pound Sterling) UK Imports from Singapore 2011 2,541,876,560

2010 2,392,582,386

% change + 6%

2010 2,139,263,013

% change +7%

UK Exports to Singapore 2011 2,296,038,147 Figure 2: University Tie Ups Manchester University - joint MSc with NTU in Project Management, supported by Rolls-Royce.

University College London – MSc in Facility and Environment Management with Singapore’s Building and Construction Academy.

University of Sterling - has signed an MOU with SIM Global Education and Singapore’s Workforce Development Agency to develop talent in the management and leadership of the retail industry Birmingham City University – Birmingham City University’s LLB Programme is being conducted by AEC College. This is the first LLB Programme in Singapore that’s conducted by a private education institution.

Figure 3: Engineering Success Stories

Growth in the retail sector was not confined to perfumiers. For those of you hankering after a taste of home, Cold Storage sent a team of buyers to the UK to enhance their lines from British suppliers and English lamb is now available at Huber’s. Your pets too can benefit from new British ranges in Pet Lovers Centres, now stocking Byopet products.

Educational links seemed to be a recurring theme throughout the year with a number of British universities forming partnerships with Singaporean educational institutions (see Figure 2). But some of our biggest successes, in terms of value, were undoubtedly in the field of engineering, both high performance and infrastructurerelated (see Figure 3).

And it was not quiet in terms of governmentto-government relations either: Negotiations progressed on the EU Free Trade Agreement; the Met Office signed an MOU with its Singaporean counterpart; and the Ministry of Trade and Industry signed an PAG E 2 0

Company Sector Contract Detail Airbus Aerospace Won order from Singapore Airlines to supply 15 A330

aircraft. Contract signed in September 2011. * Airbus Aerospace Contract awarded by Singapore Airlines for firm

orders of 20 the new A350 aircraft with an option for

a further 20 craft. * Arup Rail Contract awarded around March 2011, for Architectural and Engineering Consultancy Services

on the Proposed Thomson Line (TSL) - Mainline Package D, package awarded by LTA. Balfour Beatty Rail / Rail July 2011 awarded contract for civil and trackworks Gammon JV

by The Land Transport Authority (LTA).

Parsons Rail Contract awarded by LTA for Electrical and Mechanical Brinckerhoff Pte. Ltd. Consultancy Services for new lines on the Mass Rapid Transit System of Singapore, in March 2011. Parsons are

100 percent owned by Balfour Beatty Rail Rolls-Royce Aerospace Won a US$1bn order from Singapore Airlines in Aerospace June 11 to supply Trent 700 engines to power

15 Airbus A330 aircraft, along with TotalCare®

services support.

Rolls-Royce Marine Energy In July 2011, Rolls-Royce Marine was awarded a

contract by Swire Pacific Offshore to supply advanced

anchor handling systems to four offshore vessels

being built at the ST Marine shipyard in Singapore.

Tata Steel Sports Secured an order to supply more than 5300 tonnes of Infra-structure tube sections for the roof of the main stadium on the

Sports Hub project using UK steel.

Tata Steel Rail Secured an order to supply Alstom Transport

with more than 7500 tonnes of rail in late 2010 for the LTA Downtown Line 1 and 2 and NEL extension in

late 2010. * not 100% benefit to UK

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2012 Events January • Singapore delegation to BETT (education) show in UK • Singapore delegation to meet UK group at Arab Health • Clipper Round the World Yacht Race BHC hosted reception for race organisers as it reaches Singapore February • Singapore Airshow: UK exhibition and mission groups to attend, plus BHC hosted reception • Chemical Innovation knowledge transfer networking event

UK Electric Vehicles: Meeting the low carbon challenge Singapore’s inter-agency Electric Vehicle Taskforce, led by the Energy Market Authority and Land Transport Authority, announced the launch of the electric vehicle (EV) test-bed project at the end of June 2011. Its objectives are to test different EV prototypes and gauge charging technologies in the local urban environment of Singapore.

With assistance from UKTI Singapore, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Limited made Singapore the very first stop outside of Europe on their world tour to showcase their Phantom Experimental Electric car, known as 102EX. The 102EX is a Rolls-Royce Phantom standard wheelbase that is a 100 percent battery electric vehicle; it’s a one-off running prototype and a working test that will not be manufactured. It has been

Economic and Business Partnership with the UK’s Department for Business Innovation and Science. All such agreements will only serve to help strengthen our strategic relationship, with the intention of providing our respective firms with a more conducive business environment.

Taking a peek into 2012, highlights for the UKTI team in Singapore will be the PAG E 2 1

• • • •

UK Software sector mission Digital Media Mission Visit by Treasury Select Committee Visit by Education Select Committee

March • UK Exhibition group at Asia Pacific Maritime Exhibition, plus BHC hosted reception • Visit by the Lord Mayor of London and business delegation Quarter 2 onwards • Food & Hotel Asia Exhibition: 17-20 April 2012 (UK exhibition group)

designed to provide experiential feedback on alternative drive-train technologies in ultra luxury cars, to benchmark reliability and quality against customer expectations of the world’s pinnacle automotive brand.

Rather than stir debate on low carbon vehicles, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars wants to ask the questions – does electric power make sense for luxury cars and can electric motoring deliver a true Rolls-Royce experience?

As part of the event, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars recreated Goodwood, the home of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars in Southern England, in Singapore. The inside of the venue was converted into a mock tour of their factory featuring experts especially flown in to reveal the secrets that go into handcrafting each Rolls-Royce Motor Car. Selected guests got the chance to see their full model range, talk to the experts, test drive a Ghost or Phantom and view the Phantom Experimental Electric Concept

Singapore Airshow, the visit by the Lord Mayor of London with the London 2012 Games and its events taking place in the Business Embassy in Lancaster House.

• Mission of UK companies from South West region to coincide with Food and Hotel Asia Exhibition • HR Summit: 9-10 May 2012 (UK exhibition group) • CommunicAsia/BroadcastAsia: 19-22 June 2012 (UK exhibition group) • Asian Attraction Expo Show: 22-24 June 2012 (10 UK participants) • Singapore International Water Week: 1-5 July 2012 (UK exhibition group) • Offshore Southeast Asia (OSEA) Exhibition: 27-30 Nov 2012 (UK exhibition group)

car, the 102EX. The UK has a proven track record in the automotive sector with particular strengths in advanced combustion engines, new and lightweight materials and innovative and niche vehicles and products; we are also well known for the strength of our motorsport and engineering services sectors.

These capabilities have provided the UK with a leading edge capability to respond to the low carbon transport challenge and in delivering technology and products to the new and emerging green market.

The UK’s capability in low carbon vehicles was further demonstrated at LCV 2011, a two day event in September held in Great Britain. The event was aimed at providing stakeholders in the field of low carbon vehicles a unique opportunity to participate in several activities which demonstrate the progress and positioning of the UK automotive sector in moving to a lower carbon economy.

About the Author: Sarah Croft Director, Trade UK Trade & Investment

For more information follow us on Twitter (@UKTI_Singapore); on Facebook (www.facebook.com/UKinSG); and on our websites (www.ukinsingapore.fco.gov.uk and www.ukti.gov.uk).

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CO R P O R AT E S O C I A L R E S P O NSIBILIT Y

Laxton Singapore Corporate SEVENs

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n September the British Chamber had the opportunity to participate in the Singapore Corporate Sevens; a charity rugby event which is held annually at the Yio Chu Kang sports ground and aims to raise funds for worthwhile causes whilst providing companies with the opportunity to provide their staff and clients with a fun and action-packed day out. Tsunami Sports were crowned champions on the day, but despite not walking away with any silverware, the British Chamber and all other teams had a fantastic day and will hopefully be back to challenge for the trophy in 2012.

responsibilities. Most if not all of the current events are affiliated with charities and make huge donations towards their various causes. This coupled with the health and well-being of playing rugby encourages a standard of life that many corporates look to promote among their employees.

Events such as the charity-endorsed Savills Professions Sevens in Hong Kong have set the benchmark for such events. With the level of competition high and restrictions

limiting teams to a certain number of nonemployees, companies have resorted to recruiting from their regional affiliates in order to gain the upper hand.

Sevens rugby has a long-standing history with Asia and has for many years been seen as the top regional destination within the IRB World Sevens series. Tournaments such as the Hong Kong and Singapore Sevens have made the shortened version

Pippa Laxton, Managing Director of the event organisers, Laxton Marketing Consultants, puts much of the success down to the growing desire for the corporate world to be seen fulfilling specific criteria in relation to their corporate social PAG E 2 2

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of the game synonymous with the region. The enthusiasm for the sport is without question and this has seen an emergence of Sevens’ events within which companies are able to compete to be crowned champions of the corporate sevens world.

Laxton Marketing Consultants, an event management company based out of Hong Kong and Singapore, felt that due to competition and enthusiasm within the corporate world that it would be natural to develop an event similar to that of the Savills Professions Sevens of Hong Kong, in Singapore. This year saw the third Singapore Corporate Sevens event,

which was yet again a huge success on the annual sporting calendar, so much so that plans are in place to increase the number of teams from an eight to sixteen team format for 2012. This method of holding an event has worked so well that Laxton have plans to take it further afield with the third quarter of 2012 welcoming Sydney as the next destination for the Corporate Sevens.

Teams and sponsors have begun signing up and are taking part in what looks to be yet another successful event in a country passionate and celebrated for rugby.

Scholarships

at UWC South East Asia UWCSEA educates individuals to embrace challenge and take responsibility for shaping a better world.

We are proud to offer four 50% funded scholarships to study the two year IB Diploma at our new East Campus from August 2012.

The scholarships are open to Singapore citizens, Singapore PRs and expatriates based in Singapore.

Applications are open until Friday, 20 January.

For more information and the application form visit www.uwcsea.edu.sg

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UWCSEA Dover is registered by the CPE. CPE Registration No. 197000825H CPE Registration Period 18 July 2011–17 July 2017 | Charity Registration No. 00142

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TECHNOLOGY: ITS DOWNSIDE

by Lyndon Jones, Founder Chairman, Association of Business Executives and Dr Penny Hood, Director of International Partnership, Business School of Anglia Ruskin University, UK

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measured on brain scans. The Internet encourages distraction and interruption, dipping into mental activity and then sampling another; as Nicholas Carr, author of The Shallows: What the Internet is Doing to our Brains, notes: “We are evolving from being cultivators of personal knowledge to being hunters and gatherers in the electronic data forest.”

echnology is designed to increase productivity. But is there a downside?

A recent US survey concluded: • More than half of US workers waste an hour per day or more on interruptions, 60 percent of which comes from electronic devices and e-mails; • 45 percent of workers waste 2.5 hours weekly looking for documents in poorly organised electronic files, and • These distractions cost US businesses nearly US$11,000 annually per worker.

Similarly, in the UK, it was reported that more than half of office staff spend some 40 minutes a week on social networks such as Twitter and Facebook for personal use while at work. This is estimated to cost businesses some £1.4bn a year in lost productivity, yet this could be even higher because respondents may have underestimated their usage.

In a purely oral culture, thinking is governed by the capacity of human memory.

Knowledge is what can be recalled; what a person can recall is limited to what they can store in their mind and a literate brain is structured differently to an illiterate one.

Socrates, the ancient Greek philosopher, accepted that there were practical benefits to capturing thoughts in writing to avoid losing them through memory failure; but he went on to argue that dependence on technology alters a person’s mind – and not for the better. He believed that substituting outer symbols for inner memories prevents a person from achieving the intellectual depth that leads to wisdom and true happiness.

Today neurologists are seeking to ascertain whether literacy changes brains, exploring if a digitally literate brain will be different to a academically literate brain and, if so, what the consequences will be.

Today’s world of work is heavily influenced by technology. From Plato to Marshall PAG E 2 4

McLuhan, thinkers have understood how our tools affect our thoughts. The invention of the map caused us to see space differently and the invention of the clock changed our conception of time. Similarly, when failing eyesight forced Friedrich Nietzsche to take up typing instead of using longhand, his prose style changed radically. The use of skills and tools change us because by using them we form new connections in the brain. For example, a typical taxi driver in London must acquire and retain the knowledge of all the streets in the city, thus tests have shown that taxi drivers tend to have a dramatically enlarged posterior hippocampus – the part of the brain where such information is stored and used. This, of course, may change with the increasing use of satellite navigation systems; once again, the influence of technology is evident.

Mobile phones and e-mailing encourage short attention span activities and multitasking but little is known about the longterm neurological impact of this technology.

How will new technology change the way we absorb and retain information? If the brain is re-wiring itself to sift and filter information and to respond faster, will it recall less? How does this affect our thinking? When using technology, does it become more difficult to sustain our concentration or newlyacquired information?

The Internet is quite possibly changing the way we think for the worse. It strengthens what he calls ‘primitive’ mental functions (quick decision-making and problemsolving) over intellectual functions associated with reading (language, memory and visual processing). This shift can be

According to Jackson’s book, Distracted: The Erosion of Attention and the Coming of the Dark Age, “The ability to focus and concentrate on a task, the capacity for deep and sustained attention is diminishing.” As multi-tasking increases, the deep learning and wisdom achieved from focussed and sustained attention is being lost.

Neuroscientist, Joshua Greene of Harvard University argues that “The Internet hasn’t changed the way we think. It has provided us with unprecedented access to information but it hasn’t changed what we do with it”. Conversely, Howard Rheingold, a communications scholar believes the Internet fosters “shallowness, credulity, distraction”. Evgeny Morogov, an expert on the Internet and politics argues: “Our lives are increasingly lived in the present, completely detached even from the most recent of the past. Our ability to look back and engage with the past is one unfortunate victim.” The debate goes on.

About the Authors: Lyndon Jones is the Founder Chairman of The Association of Business Executives Dr Penny Hood is the Principal Lecturer at the Lord Ashcroft International Business School, Anglia Ruskin University

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GIVING YOUR CHILD A COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE THROUGH EDUCATION

by Malcolm Kay

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t’s an understatement to say that the past few years have been tumultuous for the world economy. There has been remarkable controversy over budgets, changes in fiscal policy, and methods for creating jobs, growth and reinvigorating the economy.

This current economic climate will shape the world for many years to come, making quality education choices vital. Education seeks to prepare students for future success but with the job market in flux and up to 80 percent of the jobs of 2020 yet to exist, success at work will require an edge in the global competition for employment.

To be successful in your career, teaching and learning must derive its cues from the needs of society. Education cannot exist as an island of standards isolated from a changing world. To remain relevant, education must forecast change and evolve along with changing needs of society to prepare children with the necessary skills needed to join a future workforce. This may seem like an obvious concept but there are societal standards of traditional education that still remain. For some, the assumption persists that because these standards have existed for so long, they must hold merit.

While age-old, government-led education standards use methodologies that focus on presentation and memorisation of facts, the International Baccalaureate (IB) programme embraces inquiry and creativity instead.

The IB programme has the independence of preparing students to apply, create and adopt new information through inquirybased skill-building. The IB is a nongovernmental organisation that began with the inclusion of a handful of schools in Switzerland in the 1960s, and today has spread to 141 countries around the world.

The IB offers a sequence of three distinct education programmes for students from age three to 19.

The Primary Years Programme (PYP) sets the foundation for lifelong learning by developing the holistic child as an inquirer, both in the classroom and in the world. The PAG E 2 6

Middle Years Programme (MYP) provides a framework of academic challenge that encourages students to embrace and understand the connections between traditional subjects and the real world, and work toward become critical and reflective thinkers. The Diploma Programme (DP) is the culmination of the framework providing a challenging but balanced programme of education for students taught over two years (age 16-19) with final examinations that prepare students for success at university and life beyond.

Though originally developed in Europe, the most rapid growth of the IB programme has occurred in the United States, where almost 40 percent of the total IB World Schools can be found. The IB has developed a worldwide

reputation for high quality education that encourages a global mindset and a positive attitude to learning. The IB encourages students to ask challenging questions, to critically reflect on their learning, to develop research skills, to explore methods of learn and to participate in community service.

At Stamford American International School,

we are an IB candidate school* for the PYP and MYP and will add the DP with the growth of our school through twelfth grade. Our teaching framework is distinct by using the IB’s transdisciplinary themes integrated with the most rigorous American subject-based standards to drive student progress. Through this, students learn to link information together and are able to learn more, remember more, and create better skills through relatable application.

The value of the IB framework is enhanced by aligning it with the strength and relevance of the US curriculum standards.

The US standards align favourably when compared internationally and as the US remains the leading global economic driver, this combination provides the best programme for international education.

US standards alone will no longer give a competitive advantage but the unique enhancement and collaboration of the IB within US standards will prepare students for university and the working world with the edge they need.

An example of how these dual curricula are actually taught in the classroom at Stamford

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can be demonstrated by a Grade 3 class that has just completed one of the six units of inquiry that will be taught and assessed during the year. The transdisciplinary theme of the unit was “how we organise ourselves”.

The central idea for this unit more specifically described is “operating a business involves ethical decisions, teamwork and decisionmaking”. Further aspects of the area of study included: “types of products and services,” “the local economy and its various components,” and “processes involved in the planning, production, marketing and distribution of products and services and the relationships between these processes.”

Overlaying these concepts, the US based academic standards are also integrated into each of the subject areas incorporated under the theme including Language, Math, Science, Social Studies, Arts and Personal, Social and Physical Education. As the students work through inquiries and explore the application of academic standards, they begin to discover there is no boundary where one subject ends and another begins but rather a seamless composite of subjects and standards.

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world, this requires an edge in the global competition for employment. The key competitive advantage of the IB programme is that it develops higher order thinking skills that can be used in any number of real-world applications. The combination of the IB and American standards makes ideal preparation for a future workforce; a work force that will need self-motivation, flexibility and the ability to understand and adapt to a fluid and everchanging economy.

The goal of education is to make people successful in life and in our changing

In a future workforce, when entrepreneurial competence will provide a competitive advantage, it is reasonable to conclude that rigorous inquiry-based learning will prove relevant for students’ futures and give them a competitive advantage over those who have taken a more traditional approach to knowledge acquisition and application.

Today’s delivery and design of education has to prepare students for a global job market and those with the ability to create questions and construct solutions will have a great advantage. Those who have diverse language skills, a multi-cultural understanding, and a rigorous academic

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OU T O F T H E B OX base will be prepared for the flattening of the world markets. Those who are comfortable using technology to efficiently and effectively address real world needs will be the employer’s first choice. At Stamford, we understand this and are preparing our students for the climate they will enter upon graduation.

The economic balance of the world has shifted. Countries that have traditionally had global influence in world markets have accumulated high levels of debt and have depleted foreign currency reserves, whereas other countries, particularly in Asia, are becoming significant engines of the world economy. Unemployment levels have not been easily addressed because of the

inability of traditionally strong countries to provide the necessary economic stimulus, while job opportunities can be found in the quickly emerging economies of Asia.

There is worldwide competition for jobs and students around the world are strongly motivated and working hard to compete in the global market. The world our children will be faced with when they graduate will be different from the one we see today but there will be similar challenges.

Choices in education today will shape the opportunities that are available to your children as they enter the workforce. The International Baccalaureate programmes, primary years, middle years and diploma course are highly regarded. The skills they develop and reinforce are extremely relevant in today’s society. Coupled with strong curriculum standards, these programmes represent an option that will not only give students a competitive advantage for university entrance but more importantly a strong foundation for success in an ever more demanding world economy.

About the Author: Malcolm Kay is the most experienced IB educator in Singapore. Kay began his career in international schools in Geneva Switzerland at a founding IB school. He then took a leadership position at ACS International Schools (ACS) in London and spent the next 27 years crafting the school into the world-renowned academic institution that it is today. As Superintendent of ACS International Schools for 15 years before joining Stamford, Kay provided educational leadership for over 2,600 students and 400 staff. * SAIS is a candidate school for the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme and Middle Years Programme and is pursuing authorization as an IB World School. IB World Schools share a common philosophy—a commitment to high quality, challenging, international education that SAIS believes is important for our students. Only schools authorized by the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO) as IB World Schools can offer any of its three academic programmes: the Primary Years Programme (PYP), the Middle Years Programme (MYP), or the Diploma Programme. Candidate status gives no guarantee that authorization will be granted.

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Coping with Stress

by Dr Soni

Modern Stress The modern world is becoming increasingly complex with many demands on our time and attention. Simultaneously, the business world has become more competitive, with the Industrial Age’s machines that increased productivity. Everyone experiences stress daily. Stress is defined as a reaction to any internal or external stimulus that upsets normal functioning and disturbs mental or physical health.

Internal conditions such as illness, pain, or emotional conflict, as well as external circumstances, such as a death in the family, or financial problems can cause stress. Even positive experience like a recent marriage or job promotion can provoke stress. Longlasting or chronic stress suppresses the immune system, which in turn increases the susceptibility to illness.

Source of Stress We perceive stress from three basic sources: Environmental stress includes noise, weather, physical threats, time pressures and performance standards.

Body stress includes disease processes, organ malfunction, poor nutrition, poor sleep, and physical injury.

Emotional stress is more difficult to define.

It encompasses our reactions, in thought and emotion, to environmental and physical stressors.

Effects of Stress on Health Stress is the “fight or flight” response. This is a systemic physical reaction, affecting almost every part of the body. The heart rate increases, blood pressure increases and blood is directed away from most bodily functions to combat the response. Your vision, becomes more focused and hearing more acute. This is useful if we’re running from a prehistoric raptor, or confronting a more modern threat to physical safety.

However, the long-term effects of this state can be disastrous to good health and a downward spiral in health begins.

Headaches, diabetes, cardiovascular conditions, skin reactions, stomach instability, and fatigue are only some of the consequences courtesy of chronic stress.

Stress Reduction Many symptoms of stress can be addressed by an assessment of diet and nutrition levels. You can reduce stress by avoiding caffeine and food additives and eating fresher and wholesome foods that are high in complex carbohydrates and low in fat. You should consume very little food containing simple sugars – ideally being fruit. Eating these proper food groups can be very therapeutic. A complete balance of exercise and diet will work in making the body healthier, thus reducing overall stress.

Make a plan to exercise everyday and stick to your programme.

It’s important to understand that the way we think or feel can play a very significant role in our overall health.

Our immune system can be enhanced or suppressed by what we think and how

PAG E 2 9

we respond emotionally to everything around us.

Alternative Approach to Stress One effect of chronic stress is prolonged muscle tension. This creates uneven pressures on the physical structures of the body, often leading to misalignments of the spinal column. Chronic stress will therefore lead to nerve irritation thanks to misalignments of the spinal column. The chiropractor can remove these unwanted misalignments reducing spinal nerve irritation, and improving blood circulation.

These changes may be enough, in many cases, to convince the brain to turn off the “fight or flight” response, beginning the process of healing. A Doctor of Chiropractic practice may also discuss posture and environmental change to help recover from chronic stress.

Summary In stress management care, it is imperative for the patient to realise that most issues cannot be fully resolved in one day. Life is a process and revelations occur over a period of time. Thus, stress management strategies are directed at positive emotional and physical movement for resolving our issues.

Being educated is the first step to controlling your health. It’s easy to get a prescription from the doctor and take a couple of pills.

While in fact, most prescription drugs don’t “heal” anything, but only alleviate the symptoms. We must be responsible for our own health, and that may include changing our habits, lifestyle and paradigm!

About the Author: Dr Soni is a chiropractor specialising in Holistic Gentle Sacro-Occipital Technique qualifying from the UK. He has 10 years of experience ranging from brand-new infants to the retired covering a wide spectrum of conditions. He can be found at Spinal Balance Pte Ltd located at 3 Raffles Place, 07-01 Bharat Building.

T: 6329-6484

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HIG H CO M M I S S I O N N E W S

BRITISH HIGH COMMISSION NEWS DEC 2011/JAN 2012 I

t’s a thrill for me to be contributing my first article for Orient. It’s of course also a thrill to be here in Singapore. I’ve tried to meet as many of Orient’s readers as possible, and look forward to meeting many more in the coming months.

Secretary, Dr Vince Cable MP, who was here from 29-31 October. In particular, I’d like to talk about the UK-Singapore Economic and Business Partnership Agreement which he signed with his counterpart, Singapore’s Trade Minister Lim Hng Kiang.

We want to partner with Singapore in some of these projects and to offer opportunities to UK companies to deliver on various parts of the solutions China is seeking. This is one example of potential third country collaboration. There are many more.

I come to Singapore hot-foot from four years in South Africa. The similarities between the two countries are not immediately obvious, but some do spring to mind. Both enjoy growth rates we in the UK can only dream of right now, but both are very vulnerable to volatility in the global economy; both have a banking sector which came through the last banking crisis relatively unscathed, but both have economies that will suffer the knock-on effects of the deleveraging of European banks now underway.

We bureaucrats are used to this sort of thing: Ministers signing agreements on their visits which can either be a bit impenetrable to outsiders, or seem to be little more than motherhood and apple pie. But we are determined to ensure a) that we explain what the Economic and Business Partnership can mean for you, the business community, and b) that we get your input to maximise the opportunities such a document gives us to deepen our partnership with Singapore. One of my top priorities for the next 4 years is to make sure this happens.

I’d like to hear your ideas for how we can make third country collaboration with Singapore work. I’d also like to hear your views on the areas in which you’d like us to try and make the EBP work for you. With this in mind, we are going to organise a working event with the British Chamber early in the New Year, at which we’d like you to come along and help us to map out how we can make the EBP the catalyst for some real progress on any issues you feel are either holding you back now or in areas where you perhaps see untapped potential.

More details of this event will come round soon.

Certainly neither Singapore or South Africa wears comfortably the “emerging market” label which it is modish for the developed world to try to hang on them: South Africa, because it is still really two economies in one country, though the developed and the undeveloped are intersecting more than ever before; Singapore, because it has long since emerged, but has the potential to grow so much more, thanks to its determination, its location and its chameleon-like ability to adjust to the prevailing demands. British politicians have long wheeled out the old boxing analogy when praising the UK’s performance, but I think it much more aptly describes Singapore: if ever a place “punched above its weight” this has to be it.

If countries were boxers, I reckon Singapore would be Manny Pacquiao (even if he is a Filipino!)

So what have we been up to in the UKTI team at the British High Commission since I arrived in Singapore two months ago?

Working in an Embassy can sometimes make you feel a bit like a travel agent, such is the flow of visitors. It’s been a bit like that since I arrived, with several trade missions and some VIPs too, including HRH The Duke of York and the new Defence Secretary, Phillip Hammond MP. But I’d like to highlight the visit by our Business

There are three main elements to the Economic and Business Partnership (or EBP): it is intended to help further R&D cooperation, policy exchange and business cooperation. The last of these is probably of most interest to the majority of Orient’s readers. We want to use the Agreement to work harder to foster links in the sectors that are priorities for both our countries.

So far we’ve jointly identified transport, infrastructure and energy; clear technology; ICT - in particular smart and green eco-cities, e-Health and telemedicine; education and creative industries such as digital media.

We also want to ensure we are making the most of the advantages our two countries both enjoy as gateways to Asia and Europe. Finally, we are really keen to build awareness and seek out opportunities for third country collaboration. Singapore is well-placed to make inroads into China, not least through its unique success story of creating a supremely effective city state. The Chinese are keen to learn how Singapore did this and to seek to replicate aspects of the Singapore model in some of their brand new model cities. Yet Singapore is too small to be able to offer home-grown companies to help with all aspects of this.

But for now, have a very happy Christmas and best wishes for 2012: the year of both the London Olympics and HM The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee!

Judith Slater Deputy High Commissioner Director of Trade and Investment

www.ukinsingapore.fco.gov.uk • www.uktradeinvest.gov.uk PAG E 2 8

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✯◆❒ ❁❉❍ ❉▲ ▼❏ ❐❒ ❏❖❉❄❅ ❁ ❐❅❒ ▲❏■❁● ❁■❄ ❅❆❆❉❃❉❅■▼ ▲❅❒ ❖❉❃❅ ❂❙ ◗❅●●✍▼❒ ❁❉■❅❄ ❐❒ ❏❆❅▲▲❉❏■❁ ● ▲▼❁❆❆ ◗❈❏❍ ❁❒ ❅ ❁❂●❅ ▼❏ ❄❒ ❁◗ ❏■ ❃❏■▲❉❄❅❒ ❁❂●❅ ❅❘ ❐❅❒ ▼❉▲❅ ❂❏▼❈ ❆❒ ❏❍ ◗❉▼❈❉■ ❏◆❒ ✳❉■❇❁❐ ❏❒ ❅ ❏❆❆❉❃❅ ❁■❄ ❆❒ ❏❍ ❏◆❒ ❁▲▲❏ ❃❉❁▼❅❄ ❏❆❆❉❃❅▲ ❉■ ▼❈❅ ✡▲❉❁ ✰❁❃❉❆❉❃ ❒ ❅❇❉❏■✎✎ ✯◆❒ ❃❏❍❍❉▼❍❅■▼ ❉▲ ▼❏ ❅❘ ❃❅●●❅■❃❅ ❉■ ▼❅ ❒ ❍▲ ❏❆ ▼❈❅ ❑◆❁●❉▼❙ ❏❆ ▼❈❅ ◗❏❒ ❋ ❁■❄ ▼❈❅ ▲❅❒ ❖❉❃❅ ▼❏ ❏◆❒ ❃●❉❅■▼▲ ❉■ ❁●● ❏◆❒ ❁❃▼❉❖❉▼❉ ❅▲ ❂❏▼❈ ❉■▼❅❒ ■❁● ❁■❄ ❅❘ ▼❅❒ ■❁●✎ ✷❅ ▲◆❂▲❃❒ ❉❂❅ ▼❏ ▼❈❅ ❆❏●●❏◗❉■❇ ❃❏❒ ❅ ❖❁●◆❅▲ ❉■ ❁●● ▼ ❈❁▼ ◗❅ ❄❏✚ ✣●❉❅■▼✍❆❏❃◆▲❅❄✚ ✷❅ ▼❈❒ ❉❖❅ ❏■ ❃●❏▲❅ ❉■❖❏●❖❅❍❅■▼ ◗❉▼❈ ❃●❉❅■▼▲ ❁■❄ ▲▼❒ ❉❖❅ ▼❏ ▲❈❁❒ ❐❅■ ❏◆❒ ❃●❉❅■▼▲ ❃❏❍❐❅▼❉▼❉❖❅ ❅❄❇❅ ▼❈❒ ❏◆❇❈ ❏◆❒ ❃❏❍❍❉▼❍❅■▼ ▼❏ ▼❈❅❍ ❉■ ❖❁❒ ❉❏◆▲ ◗❁❙ ▲ ▼❏ ❂❅▲▼ ❍❅❅▼ ◗❉▼❈ ▼❈❅ ❃◆❒ ❒ ❅■▼ ❃❏❍❍❅❒ ❃❉❁● ▲ ❉▼◆❁▼❉❏■▲✎✎✎✎✎

            

    

 

 

                                    Jones Lang LaSalle Half Page.pdf 3/12/2011 3:04:51 PM

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2012 BRITCHAM EVENTS ry Mark Your Dia

Breakfast Club Jan/Feb 2012 Managing Supply Chain Risk Tuesday 10th January 2012 Productivity – More with More, Not More with Less Tuesday 31st January 2012 Your investment is in La-La Land: why country risk still matters Thursday 16th February 2012

BritCham CSR Event CSR: Managing Your Business for the Long Term Thursday 2nd February 2012

Evening Presentation UK Economy, Blowing Away Nostalgia Tuesday 7th February 2012

Annual General Meeting British Chamber of Commerce, Singapore Thursday 10th May 2012

Annual Corporate Golf Tournament British Chamber of Commerce, Singapore Thursday 31st May 2012

F1 Networking British Chamber of Commerce, Singapore Thursday 27th September 2012

BritCham Business Awards 2012 British Chamber of Commerce, Singapore Thursday 4th October 2012

BritCham Ball 2012 British Chamber of Commerce, Singapore Saturday 1st December 2012

PAG E 3 6

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Regus 30% off Regus Businessworld card. Visit http://www. regus.com.sg/Products--Services/Businessworld/ or call 1800 622 1565

Citygolf Save S$500 off membership fee at Citygolf (U.P. S$1,500). First 50 BritCham members only. Call +65 6536 4846.

Rubicon Reserve Wines Buy 12 bottles of Durvillea Sauvignon Blanc 2008, Marlborough NZ and get 6 free (total 18 bottles for the price of 12). Free delivery included. Order online at http://www.rubiconreservewines.com/britcham or call +65 6837 8012 and Quote “Britcham Wine Club Special”

Courts 5% off electricals and 10% off furniture. Present membership card upon payment.

Singapore Cricket Club Special Term Membership (1 year term) at S$2,500 (U.P. S$3,500). Contact snow@scc.org.sg

Damai Spa - Grand Hyatt Singapore Grand Hyatt, Damai membership for $280 (plus GST) per month with no annual fee (one year contract. U.P. $2000).

15% discount off Shipping Business Fundamentals course. Email msantos@smu.edu.sg

Expat Insurance 10% off selected Medical Insurance for individuals and companies, free insurance review, executive consultation & travel kit offer from International Medical Clinic. Contact info@expatinsurance.com. sg or call +65 6401 9201.

Expat Living FREE THREE month subscription to Expat Living magazine (U.P. $60 for 12 monthly issues). Visit http://www.expatliving.sg/3monthsfree/britcham to subscribe now, or call +65 6259 0058 or email circulation@expatliving.sg to subscribe for a longer period or to sign up a friend.

Harry’s Bar 15% discount rate for Chamber members when you present your membership card.

Lightfoot Travel Complimentary return limousine airport transfers with Lightfoot Travel (U.P. $140). T&C apply. Contact info@lightfoottravel.com or call +65 6438 4091. Valid till 31 Dec 2011.

SMU

Vanda Boxing Club

Free trial session for Boxing training and Muay Thai.

Join for 6 months and receive 1 month free. Join for 1 year and receive a free pair of gloves and wraps worth $100 upon joining. Waiver of S$250 joining fee.

Contact Sarah Livingston at sarah@vandasportsgroup. com or call +65 63052288 Wallis @ Paragon

Enjoy 15% off regular priced items from now till 31 Jan 2012 for Chamber members when you present your membership card at Wallis Paragon 03-46. Established in 1923, Wallis is one of the largest premium fashion chains in Britain with over 420 stores nationwide in the UK and Republic of Ireland, plus stores in 12 countries worldwide.

For more information on member offers visit www.britcham.org.sg PAG E 3 8

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MEM B E R S - S T E R L I N G N E W S

ANZ moves to Ocean Financial Centre

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NZ Singapore has moved in as anchor tenant at the Ocean Financial Centre, right in the heart of Raffles Place.

Overlooking the spectacular waterfront views of Marina Bay area, ANZ’s new premises houses the majority of the bank’s staff across its full suite of banking services in institutional, commercial, private and retail banking & wealth management.

ANZ has also raised the bar for client service in dedicating the 30th level of the Ocean Financial Centre as an exclusive client floor

with space, food & beverage managed professionally by a concierge panel. ANZ Singapore is the first office outside of the ANZ global headquarters in Melbourne to have a professionally-managed exclusive client service space.

Vishnu Shahaney, ANZ Singapore CEO and Head of Institutional, is excited about what the new start represents for ANZ Singapore.

Incidentally, ANZ was once housed at the very same site in Ocean Building from 1980 to 2005, when the bank had largely an

offshore and wholesale bank presence.

He says, “We have grown since then – in terms of our business, our profile in Singapore, staff numbers, the importance of our business as a key network hub for the Group and the quality of customers we service. With our new move, we are now well positioned to deliver on the opportunities that the Singapore market presents to us.” www.anz.com

Global news as it affects Asian audiences on BBC World News

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BC World News brings you Impact with Mishal Husain, an insightful news programme that provides a mixture of breaking news, debate and analysis, using the full range of BBC correspondents from Asia Pacific and around the world.

Broadcasted Mondays to Thursdays at 2100hrs, the programme focuses on global issues and how they may affect Asia Pacific, and examines the stories already affecting the region, viewed from a global

perspective on a broad range of topics including business, sports, culture, film and music. For more information, audiences can go to bbc.com/news.

Global bank picks DHL to pioneer carbon neutral courier service

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tandard Chartered Bank is the first bank to adopt DHL GOGREEN Carbon Neutral service globally, signing a worldwide contract to make 95 per cent of the bank’s international courier services carbon neutral. DHL GOGREEN Carbon Neutral service will be implemented in stages by Standard Chartered, with services up and running in China, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, South Korea, Malaysia,

Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom and the United States of America. The implementation is also on track for adoption in Japan and the Philippines. Approximately 2,000 tonnes of carbon emissions are expected to be offset each year, when DHL GOGREEN Carbon Neutral service is implemented in the majority of the bank’s global network. www.dhl.com

Market Expansion to drive recruitment

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ingapore’s market expansion plans will drive recruitment growth says Hays chief executive Alistair Cox: “Our Asian business is a real success story and I had the opportunity to see it for myself last month with a trip to Singapore. One of our key priorities over the next 12 months is the continued growth and diversification of our business. “Our industry is still at an early stage of its development across Asia. To capitalise on that and build a PAG E 4 0

long-lasting and market leading position, we intend to invest further, building our scale and expertise in our existing businesses, including Singapore, as well as opening new markets, such as in Kuala Lumpur in January 2012.” www.hays.com.sg

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Your personal, spacious haven onboard We understand that true luxury means having the freedom to stretch out and unwind in privacy. So when you travel in First you can sink into a comfortable seat that’s 60% wider at the shoulder and converts into a fully flat bed for a great night’s sleep.

Discover more at ba.com/first

Our new First is progressively being rolled out and is available on selected international flights from Singapore to London and Sydney.

MEM B E R S - S T E R L I N G N E W S

Greatest attraction for Global Businesses in Asia revealed

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he greatest attraction for global business in Asia-Pacific continues to be its booming economic growth, according to a new survey carried out by Lloyd’s.

Asked at this year’s Singapore International Reinsurance Conference what the biggest draw was, 61% of global reinsurers named the continued economic growth, 17% the large population, and 9% its supportive

regulation. And 95% said that they were either ‘confident’ or ‘very confident’ doing business there.

Kent Chaplin of Lloyd’s Asia, said: “Given the strong growth forecast for Asia-Pacific, it is no surprise that the region’s buoyant economies are a magnet for global business.

Global reinsurers have given the region an

overwhelming vote of confidence, the reason for which is deeply rooted in those growth prospects.” www.lloyds.com

London School of Business & Finance offers students a world of opportunity

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n today’s fiercely competitive marketplace, achieving career success is increasingly linked to understanding business from an international perspective. London School of Business & Finance (LSBF) aims to be the destination of choice for an innovative and global education. LSBF has state-of-the-art city institutes, qualified tutors and a wealth of study resources in Singapore, Britain and Canada. This means whichever location students choose,

they will be working towards academic and professional excellence. LSBF in Singapore was officially opened in June 2011 and there are now 1,700 students. It has 2 sites in the Central Business District and offers a variety of programmes including corporate education. Visit us at www.lsbf.edu.sg for more information.

Nokia Siemens Networks’ new Facebook app connects customers to operators

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okia Siemens Networks has launched a new Facebook self-care app that operators can use to allow customers to personally manage their telecom services, share their experience across their social network and get rewards for recommending services to friends. The app offers an improved service by allowing operators to engage with customers where they spend their time online.

With Nokia Siemens Networks’ Facebook app, people who share their experiences with friends, and also recommend services, can benefit from special rates and incentives from operators. Friends benefit from recommendations that help them to evaluate which service package will best suit their needs. The app can also provide instant access to account information, recent call duration, cost and contact

details – all within Facebook. See the video at www.youtube.com/user/uniteChannel

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Announces Significant Expansion

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he Home of Rolls-Royce Motorcars in West Sussex, England is undergoing significant expansion. A S$20millon investment sees the Assembly Hall increase in size by more than 2500 sq.m. A further extension sees the Surface Finish Centre grow by more than 640 sq.m. An increasing number of customers are also commissioning the Bespoke department to design and craft individual features for their motor cars, leading to a doubling of team headcount for 2011. Individual flourishes such as bespoke humidors, picnic sets PAG E 4 2

and hand stitched family crests are just some of the requests fulfilled. These developments follow record sales in 2010 and consistent sales growth across all markets. The company has just announced that it will be developing a presence in South America. www.rollsroycemotorcars.com

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W W W. B R I T C H A M . O R G . S G

The Sentosa Website Makeover – thesentosa.com

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he Sentosa is proud to announce the revamp of its hotel website (http:// www.thesentosa.com). After a major makeover, the new hotel website is available in both English and Mandarin and promises to deliver a better browsing and booking experience for our visitors. It features a

more intuitive navigation and showcases the hotel’s rooms, restaurants, spa and wellness outlets, recreation facilities, media highlights and accolades. Reservations at the hotel and its various outlets can be easily made via the online booking forms.

About The Sentosa The Sentosa is owned by Beaufort Hotels, and managed by HKR Asia Pacific Pte Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of Hong Kong public listed company, HKR International Ltd (HKRI). HKRI also owns and manages The Sukhothai Bangkok.

New iOS App for Food Lovers

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ood lovers can partake in an interactive culinary adventure when they use StarHub’s FooD.I.Y to learn and share useful cooking information. Being the first application of its kind produced in Singapore, FooD.i.Y integrates a rich library of recipes from well-known international chefs and TV hosts, culled from programmes on StarHub’s popular food channels such as BBC Lifestyle, Food Network Asia and TLC,

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as well as Palate Sensations culinary studio, with added functionality for Singaporebased users on a single interface. With delectable features such as a wide selection of recipes, selected video tutorials, detailed ingredients and tools glossary, easy-tonavigate platform, handy shopping list, FooD.i.Y is available free from the App Store and is compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch. www.starhub.com

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BRI TC H A M E V E N TS the britcham ECONOMIC BRIEFING is proudly sponsored by

Economic Briefing with Roman Scott Roman Scott, MD Calamander Capital, BritCham Economic Spokesperson Thursday, November 10, 2011, The Arts House

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W W W. B R I T C H A M . O R G . S G

BritCham Entrepreneur and Small Business Group Working Lunch with HRH The Duke of York Photo Credit: British High Commission Friday, September 30, 2011, Eden Hall

the britcham BREAKFAST CLUB is proudly sponsored by

Breakfast Club: The Anti-Wind Tunnel Marketing Movement Presenter: Charles Wigley, Chairman - BBH Asia Thursday, October 13, 2011 - 7.45am, East India Rooms, Raffles Hotel

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building networks • connecting business • creating opportunities

BRI TC H A M E V E N TS the britcham BREAKFAST CLUB is proudly sponsored by

Breakfast Club: Lifecycle of a British Expat The Tax and Financial Consequences from Beginning to End Presenter: Shanker Iyer, CEO - The Iyer Practice & Martin Rimmer, Tax Manager, Asia Pacific - The Fry Group Thursday, October 20, 2011 - 7.45am, Pacific 1, Pan Pacific Singapore (Marina Square)

Breakfast Club: Working in a Multi-Cultural Team Presenter: Stephen Jenner, Director, Professional Development Centre - British Council Wednesday, November 09, 2011 - 7.45am, Ocean 3 - Pan Pacific Hotel (Marina Square)

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W W W. B R I T C H A M . O R G . S G

the britcham BREAKFAST CLUB is proudly sponsored by

Breakfast Club: The Outlook for Energy: A View to 2040 Presenter: David Reed, Senior Energy Advisor - ExxonMobil Corporation Friday, November 11, 2011 - 7.45am, Ocean 3-5, Pan Pacific Hotel (Marina Square)

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building networks • connecting business • creating opportunities

BRI TC H A M E V E N TS the britcham BREAKFAST CLUB is proudly sponsored by

Breakfast Club: The End of Progress: how modern economics has failed us Rethinking Growth As The Measure of Progress Presenter: Graeme Maxton, Economist, Speaker & Author - The Insight Bureau Tuesday, November 15, 2011 - 7.45am, Pacific 2, Pan Pacific Hotel (Marina Square)

Energy & Utilities Breakfast Club: Securing the Resource

Blending Local, Regional and Expatriate Sources of Talent for Major Energy Projects Presenter: Ian Langley, Executive Chairman - Air Energi Wednesday, October 19, 2011 - 7.45am, Pacific 1, Pan Pacific Singapore (Marina Square)

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W W W. B R I T C H A M . O R G . S G

BritCham New Members’ Night - November 2011 Wednesday, November 2, 2011 - 7.00pm, Host @ Clarke Quay

advert BCC 23 11 2011- IV.pdf 1 11/23/2011 4:17:55 PM

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BRI TC H A M E V E N TS

Business Lunch: Signing of UK-Singapore Economic & Business Partnership (EBP)

Presenter: Mr Lim Hng Kiang, Minister for Trade and Industry and Rt Hon Dr Vince Cable MP Monday, October 31, 2011 - 1.00pm, Ballroom, Raffles Hotel Singapore

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MEMBERS - CORPOR ATE NE WS W W W. B R I T C H A M . O R G . S G

Ambition appoints COO based in Asia

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and his location also enables him to better support our global footprint of the UK, Singapore, Hong Kong and Australia. For more information on Ambition, please visit www.ambition.com.sg

mbition, a leading global boutique recruitment business has announced the appointment of James Ash as COO. Ash, who has more than 12 years of experience in the recruitment sector, relocates from London and will be based in Hong Kong. Guy Day, Chief Executive Officer for Ambition commented: James’s move to Asia is further reinforcement of our commitment to this region

LONDON PROPERTY MARKET ATTRACTING SEA INVESTORS

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ith its reputation for capital growth and strong rental demand, the London property market is attracting many South East Asian investors. Around 55% of London property is bought by overseas buyers. Developers are flocking to Asia’s many property shows. Investors

are looking for high quality properties in central locations – new developments are popular. Known for its political stability, London is seen as a safe haven by investors and global economic problems are having little effect on the market. www.brlets.com

The Landmark, Canary Wharf, a firm favourite with corporate tenants

The Growth of Singapore in the Global Wealth Management Field

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culture and family, are of key importance”.

The development of BLP’s Private Client practice in Singapore demonstrates BLP’s commitment to its clients and their advisers in South East Asia. The firm has also recently announced plans to serve clients in the wider region from an office in Hong Kong. www.blplaw.com

imon Michaels, head of BLP’s Private Client practice in Singapore, touched on the growth of wealth in the Far East and the importance of the market. Simon’s key point was that: “Asia-Pacific has one of the fastest growing high net worth population.

In serving the sophisticated and diverse international needs of wealthy Asians; local

British Airways wins “Best Airline”

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ritish Airways has reclaimed its title “Best Airline” this year at the Business Traveller Awards. For more than 80 years, British Airways has been a pioneer in air travel to and from Asia – jet service, new

routes and the world’s fully flat business class seat. It continues to improve their air travel experience making it more enjoyable, with new aircraft, service improvements and technology. Their support in worldwide

charity work has also earned them a World Tourism Award at the World Travel Market ceremony. www.ba.com

CWW APPOINTS NEW COUNTRY MANAGER HK OPERATIONS

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hupinder Singh has been appointed as the Country Manager for Cable&Wireless Worldwide’s Hong Kong operations. Based out of Hong Kong, he will hold this new position in addition to his current role as the Vice President for Delivery, Asia-Pacific for the mission critical communications provider. Bhupinder has over 16 PAG E 5 1

years of experience in successfully delivering strategic programmes across private and public industry sectors including telecommunications, banking, utilities, manufacturing and oil & gas. www.cw.com

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MEM B E R S - CO R P O R AT E N E WS

CENTAURS WELCOMES NEW DIRECTOR OF RUGBY

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entaurs Group is delighted to welcome Harry Orgee on board as Director of Rugby. Harry has extensive experience and has held numerous coveted positions including Singapore Rugby Union Head of National Rugby Academy, Head Coach Singapore U16 and U14 as well as working in both community and academy departments for two Avia Premiership clubs; London Wasps and Worcester Warriors. An accredited RFU Level

2 ongoing Level 3 Coach, Harry has received a Sports Management Degree from Bucks University, London and is currently playing in the SRU Premiership with Bedok Kings. www. centaursgroup.com

COUTTS LAUNCHES SINGLE BRAND STRATEGY GLOBALLY

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urich/Singapore/Hong Kong – Effective 1st November 2011, the Swiss based international bank RBS Coutts Bank Ltd will operate under the new single brand of Coutts.

The move aligns the international private banking business and the UK business

of Coutts under a single brand. Coutts is the Wealth Division of the Royal Bank of Scotland Group. Coutts is at an important stage of ambitious growth and is planning to increase its international footprint from 40% to 60% of overall business over the next five years. The adoption of a single brand supports the strategy to focus on growth in

markets where the bank can achieve scale.

Coutts concentrates its business in the home markets of Switzerland, the UK and the Channel Islands, Middle East, Singapore and Hong Kong and on key growth markets in Western Europe, Eastern Europe and Asia. www.coutts.com

CREDIT SUISSE WINS “BEST GLOBAL WEALTH MANAGEMENT HOUSE” AWARD IN EUROMONEY SURVEY 2011

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s a leading global bank, Credit Suisse provides its clients with private banking, investment banking and asset management services worldwide. Beyond classic private banking services, Credit Suisse is able to offer integrated solutions

and product offerings to high-net-worth and ultra-high-net worth individuals and families, as well as extensive corporate advisory solutions to companies. Credit Suisse has had a growing presence in Singapore for 40 years and currently

employs around 5,500 staff. Contact the UK International desk on +65 6212 6015 / simon.lints@credit-suisse.com to discuss your financial requirements locally and globally. www.credit-suisse.com

SG OFFICE SPACE LEASE

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ur professionals lease office and industrial space across Singapore for multinational corporate tenants. Our team has also completed a number of

investment sales and valuations for developers and investors. Cushman & Wakefield is one of the largest commercial real estate services firms globally with 234 offices and more than 13,000 employees. (CEA Registration No: R040477F, Estate Agents Licence No: L3007333E). www.cushwake.com

460 new Deloitte partners in Singapore for Global New Partner Seminar

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n his address to 460 newly admitted Deloitte partners at the recent 2011 Global New Partner Seminar (GNPS) held at the Marina Bay Sands, Singapore’s Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean spoke about positioning Singapore to tap on future opportunities, and highlighted the significant role that professional services PAG E 5 2

firms like Deloitte play in knowledge generation, talent development and helping companies achieve success in Asia and around the world. The Deloitte New Partner Seminar is an annual event that is held in a different region in recognition of the organisation’s global reach. In recent years, it has been hosted in Amsterdam

(2010), New York (2008), Cape Town (2007) and Buenos Aires (2006). In 2009, the programme was held virtually in the form of live webcasts. www.deloitte.com

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W W W. B R I T C H A M . O R G . S G

DON THAKER GROUP – INTERNATIONAL FACILITIES SERVICES

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on Thaker was incorporated in 1992 specialising in the area of Facility Management and has been registered with The Building & Construction Authority (BCA) with MW02/Grade L5. Facilities services include Cleaning, Security, Catering, Mechanical & Electrical Maintenance

and other business support functions. We place an important emphasis on the quality of our staff with constant training and upgrading exercise.

Don Thaker is part of the OCS Group, UK www.donthaker.com

Success at International Adviser Awards

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riends Provident International (FPI) has won at the International Adviser Awards three years in a row which demonstrates a real achievement of FPI and reflects the high regard in which its business is held. The awards are for the international life industry covering cross-border sales into the UK plus the Middle East and Asia. They reward excellence in product design, distribution and servicing intermediaries.

FPI has won Asia Best Single Premium Investment Product - Reserve Best Protection Product - International Protector Best Overall Product Range Best for Adviser Support/Customer Service www.fpinternational.com

FULFORD TO SUPPORT HSBC WOMEN'S CHAMPIONS 2012

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ulford PR looks forward to a fruitful year ahead, with two pivotal new business wins. For the fifth year in a row, the agency’s sports practice will provide communications support for the upcoming HSBC Women’s Champions 2012, a highly anticipated event

featuring the world’s leading women golfers. In addition, its corporate practice has been appointed agency on record for the iLIght Marina Bay 2012 sustainable light festival, set to occur in March with works by world’s most notable light artists. www.fulfordpr.com

Hallin Commences New Indonesia Offshore IRM Project

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allin Marine, a Superior Energy Services company, announces the commencement of a new inspection, repair and maintenance project offshore North West Java, Indonesia. “This is a contract from one of the region’s largest energy companies,” comments Rik Zwinkels, Managing Director of Hallin’s Singaporebased East Division. “The contract includes

air and saturation diving, ROV activities for Inspection repair and maintenance of underwater oil and gas extraction infrastructure. It was awarded on the basis of our proven reputation as a full-service international offshore support company.”

Hallin’s subsea operations vessel Ullswater is being deployed as the centre of operations for an anticipated three-month project

for 2011. The contract scope allows for a second campaign to start in the second quarter of 2012. www.hallinmarine.com

Expansion of residential foot print across SEA with recent acquisition

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INGAPORE, 17 October, 2011 - Jones Lang LaSalle, the leading global real estate services firm has strengthened its residential footprint in South East Asia by acquiring DST International Property Services in Singapore. DST International is PAG E 5 3

a property services company established in 1998 to market new and refurbished residential properties around the world particularly in UK, USA and Asia Pacific. This merger follows on the back of a number of other recent acquisitions by Jones Lang

LaSalle – Property Edge in Singapore, Alpha Realty in Thailand, King Sturge in UK and Europe and Procon in Indonesia. www.joneslanglasalle.com.sg

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MEM B E R S - CO R P O R AT E N E WS

NEW WHITE PAPER ON TELEWORKING

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ogicalis, one of the world’s largest ICT solution providers, has commissioned the publication of its white paper on teleworking, which examines how people are working, communicating and collaborating amidst evolving IT trends. Logicalis’ recent partnership with leading technology

providers - Rackspace, Citrix and NetApp to offer customers a ‘total solution’ for hosted desktop virtualisation, will also support the teleworking cause, by empowering employees with flexible, simple-to-use and secure telework capabilities at a lower cost. www.logicalis.com

Successful Brokerage of ‘Windermere’

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3 Marine Group is committed to meeting the growing local and international demand for specialized marine expertise and being industry leaders in the delivery of offshore brokerage and marine consultancy services. Our recent successful brokerage of the charter of Hallin Marine’s Subsea Operations Vessel “Windermere” to

the Royal Australian Navy as a key element of its humanitarian relief operations, weathering the cyclone season to offer accommodation support and the versatility to provide saturation diving services, is illustrative and we are proud to have been involved. www.m3marine.com.sg

Mayer Brown JSM opens Singapore office

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ingapore, 31 October, 2011 – Mayer Brown JSM opened its new Singapore office in October. “We look forward to a long and successful future in this strategically important financial centre and legal marketplace,” said Kevin Owen, partner-in-charge of the Singapore

office. The office will focus on four primary areas of legal practice: asset finance, project finance, energy and international arbitration. Alastair MacAulay, a Banking & Finance partner in Mayer Brown JSM’s Hong Kong office, will also spend a significant percentage of his time in Singapore.

www.mayerbrown.com

Chris Fuggle Joins Mazars

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hris Fuggle, Former Vice Chairman of the British Chamber of Commerce Thailand, has joined Mazars in Singapore.

Chris spent 4 years with Mazars in Thailand growing the outsourcing practice and providing clients with accounting, payroll and tax compliance solutions. Chris’s

addition to Singapore further strengthens Mazars’ local and regional management team. The services of the Singapore practice include audit, accounting, payroll, tax and due diligence. Singapore also hosts the Mazars’ regional US GAAP, IFRS, Corporate Finance, Insurance and

People Development Consulting specialists. www.mazars.com.sg

10 years and still running strong

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n January 2012 Mercuri Urval will be celebrating the 10th anniversary of the opening of Mercuri Urval (Asia) Pte. Ltd in Singapore. We would like to thank our clients for continuing to support our growth and contributing to our success in PAG E 5 4

this region. For more than 40 years, in all the countries in which we operate, we help our clients build their capabilities through the delivery of a comprehensive range of high value human capital consultancy solutions. www.mercuriurval.com

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W W W. B R I T C H A M . O R G . S G

Singapore employers continue to invest in top talent

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ccording to the latest Michael Page Q4 Employment Index, 33% of the companies surveyed are planning to increase staff numbers over coming months. Half of the employers surveyed

are placing a major focus on staff retention in the fourth quarter, which is higher than comparative surveys in Hong Kong, China and Australia. The report also reveals that most companies (72%) are required

to pay higher salaries in order to secure professionals with international experience.

For the full report, visit www.michaelpage. com.sg

Upgrade complete

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ovotel Singapore Clarke Quay, one of Singapore’s prominent business hotels ideally located within the city’s business and entertainment district, is pleased to announce the completion of upgrading of its Premier Floor. The new-look Premier Floor features a stylish

modern look, designed to please the tastes of discerning business travelers. The renovation work included upgrade to all the Premier Rooms on the floor as well as the modernized Premier Lounge. Check out http://www.novotelclarkequay.com.sg for more news and promotions.

Awake with Spring Awakening

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angdemonium! brings you SPRING AWAKENING, the electrifying musical about teenagers experiencing a dramatic psychological/emotional/spiritual/sexual awakening. The winner of 8 Tony Awards, including Best Musical, SPRING AWAKENING

has been called “a kind of miracle…the best new musical I’ve seen in a generation.” - New York Observer. Now catch the Singapore premiere of this GROUND-BREAKING, MUST-SEE MUSICAL at the Drama Centre 3rd to 26th February 2012. Tickets available

from www.sistic. com.sg. For more information please visit www. pangdemonium. com

New fund launched

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chroder Investment Management (Singapore) Ltd has launched a new fund - Schroder Asian Income - which offers investors attractive potential payouts every month. The fund aims to provide income and capital growth over the medium to longer term, by investing primarily in high dividend yielding Asian

equities and high yield Asian bonds. The fund can also invest up to 40% in cash and other asset classes when markets are less favorable. www.schroders.com.sg/ AsianIncome

‘Dream 2012’ Award Winners Heading for Sea Games

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wimmer Tao Li and table tennis players Pang Xue Jie and Isabelle Li, recipients of the PAG E 5 5

British Chamber of Commerce, Singapore, “Dream 2012” Award, were among the 47 Singapore Sports School student-athletes and alumni heading to the 26th Southeast Asian Games in Indonesia, held from 11 to 22 November 2011. This is the largest

contingent the School has ever sent for a multisport competition. It held a sendingoff ceremony on 18 October 2011 to honour the athletes who would do their nation proud. www.sportsschool.edu.sg

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MEM B E R S - CO R P O R AT E N E WS

Stephenson Harwood continues to expand

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nternational law firm Stephenson Harwood has expanded its Corporate team in Singapore with the hire of associate Emma Nicholls. Emma has a broad corporate finance background, with particular experience in capital markets and public company work.

She has previously acted for both listed and unlisted companies and

corporate finance intermediaries. Emma has represented clients from various sectors, including technology, mining, oil and gas, healthcare and leisure and gaming. She has previously worked on a number of cross-border deals involving parties across the region including Malaysia, Indonesia and China. www.shlegal.com

Tanglin Trust School Reaching Great Heights

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group of students from Tanglin Trust School, United Word College and the Bangkok Pattana School recently visited Nepal to take on The Everest Base Camp trek. 25 students accompanied by teaching staff and specialist staff from VLM Adventure consultants

flew into the tiny mountain airport at Lukla.

Acclimatising en route, all students reached Labouche at 4900m, many pushed on to Everest Base Camp and some also climbed Kala Pattar peak at 5545m. The scenery was impressive and so were the students. www.tts.edu.sg

Taylor Vinters opens Singapore Office

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n increasing n u m b e r I N T E R N AT I O N A L of technology, outsourcing and related investment opportunities in SE Asia have led Cambridge and London based technology law specialists, Taylor Vinters to open a new Singapore office headed up by Tim Pullan.

Tim will be spearheading the new business

alongside Joanna Lam, Tom Fairley and Matt Meyer and building a Cambridge-Singapore technology investment network. Tim Pullan commented, “With their burgeoning technology sectors, and historical trading ties, we see Singapore and Cambridge as an increasingly important economic axis for the technology sector, complemented by the capital market expertise of London.”

Tim Pullan added, “We observe SingaporeCambridge synergies extend across digital, IT, electronics, biotech and clean tech sectors.

Singapore delivers growth capital, R&D and operational resources and a great regional trading hub. Cambridge delivers cutting edge technology innovation and know-how, and a highly active entrepreneurial sector.” www.taylorvinters.com

UniGroup and MultiTek join forces

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niGroup Worldwide recently launched a partnership with MultiTek, providing one-stop solutions for all your IT services related needs. MultiTek specializes in the assessment, design, planning,

management and execution of IT projects of any scope. MultiTek’s ability to manage IT projects at all levels is truly unique in today’s marketplace. Through Citypointe, we also provide destination services under

one roof such as Move management, Temporary Housing, Home Search, Settling In and Immigration services, all custom tailored to your requirements and needs. www.unigroupworldwide.com

Watson, Farley & Williams establishes joint law venture in Singapore

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atson, Farley & Williams (“WFW”) is pleased to announce that it has established a joint law venture in Singapore called Watson, Farley & Williams Asia Practice LLP. This JLV, created between WFW’s Singapore office and the Singapore firm Asia Practice LLP, has been licensed by the Attorney General to practise Singapore law alongside the international offshore practice of WFW. PAG E 5 6

Asia Practice LLP is a specialist firm led by banking partner Leon Low and litigation partner Mark Tan. Singapore’s head of office, Chris Lowe, said: “We will now be able to provide our clients with seamless, full service advice for both cross-border and Singapore law transactions and disputes, enabling us to compete effectively with offshore and local firms alike”. www.wfw.com

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EXPERTISE x EXPERIENCE x EMPATHY = BETTER DEALS According to a recent study by Said Business School, IT projects are 20 times more likely to fail than other projects. Our global clients hire us because of our pedigree in structuring and negotiating deals that protect them against these risks.

We’ve now extended our international reach by opening a new office in Singapore. Our Singapore, London and Cambridge axis reflects growing opportunities for clients in technology, outsourcing and related investment areas.

For more information visit www.taylorvinters.com or call Tim Pullan on +65 6622 5474 Singapore

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AR TS & C U LT U R E

BRITISH THEATRE PLAYHOUSE PRESENTS ‘’Out of Order” - A Farce by Ray Cooney LIVIER O E C N E R HE LAU T F O R EDY IN E N M O C WIN W E BEST N R O F D R A AW ST END E W ’S N O ll Theatre a LOND H e e l i b l, Ju ffles Hote 2012 a R : e r e h W April, 5 1 – 1 1 : n Whe

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f there is one form of theatre guaranteed to delight an audience of all ages, tastes and nationalities, then it must be the “Great British Farce”! If there is one contemporary playwright who simply excels in the art of writing the “Great British Farce”, then it must be Ray Cooney.

“Run for Your Wife”; “Funny Money”; “One for the Pot”; “Not Now Darling”; “Two Into One”; “Why Not Stay For Breakfast” and “Move Over Mrs Markham”, are just some of the seventeen scene-stealing, spine-tickling farces Ray has presented in London’s West End, with huge success.

If one had to choose only one of Ray Cooney’s farces to sum up his brilliance as a farceur, surely there is no finer example than “Out of Order”. All the ingredients of true farce are included. Unfaithful husbands caught with their trousers down; cuckolded husbands (and wives!) arriving at the wrong PAG E 5 8

moment while rushing in and ducking out of bedrooms. In these circumstances, they also miss out on catching mistresses in their underwear; an innocent sidekick; a bewildered hotel manager caught in the middle of the fiasco, an elderly waiter making money from it all and even a dead body that is not simply a dead body - but who’s to know!

“Out of Order” enjoyed a long run in London’s West End at the Shaftesbury Theatre and became one of Ray Cooney’s most successful plays, performed around the world in many languages. Proof of its class and pedigree came when the play was awarded the prestigious Laurence Olivier Award as ‘Best New Comedy’ in 1991.

medicine!

Original London reviews

The storyline is simple: can our hero and his beautiful mistress, Jane Worthington, an attractive young lady who works as a secretary to the Leader of the Opposition, get away with spending a naughty night at a smart London hotel with a dead body hanging out of their room window? Who will have them found out? Will it be Mrs Willey or Mr Worthington or the hotel’s manager?!

The action of this tale takes place in Suite 648 of the Westminster Hotel, London.

Tickets are on sale through SISTIC. Visit www.britishtheatreplayhouse.com

Synopsis: Indeed its a typical day in the life of our suave and successful hero; Richard Willey - a Junior Minister in the Lib-Con Government!

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W W W. B R I T C H A M . O R G . S G

Art sponsorships make corporations shine

by National Arts Council

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ncreasingly, more companies are hoping to get involved in the arts in Singapore. Corporations have embraced corporate social responsibility and see arts sponsorship as a good way to give back to and be part of the community.

trains to poetry competitions, SMRT aims to promote the arts to the community and support aspiring artists in Singapore.

“At SMRT, we understand that the arts are a salient part of our identity as a nation and through cash contributions, use of our premises and provision of media spaces,

The visible trend of sustained support for the arts can be seen in the amounts donated and the increasing number of corporations getting involved.

Some 214 corporations and 35 individuals were honoured for their contribution to the arts in 2010. The recipients were recognised at the Patron of the Arts awards in September.

The awards are organised by the National Arts Council (NAC). These sponsors and donors had contributed a total of S$26.6 million in 2010, a 20 percent jump from the previous year.

These corporate donations play a vital role in nurturing the arts here, according to NAC chief executive Benson Puah. “A diversity of funding sources – not just from the government – is crucial to meet the increasing needs of the mature, developing and emerging artists and arts groups,” he said. “We are grateful to all the giving individuals and companies whose generous contributions underscore that the arts belong to everyone and that are a shared responsibility.”

Companies who sponsor the arts usually see their efforts as being linked to promoting corporate citizenry. However arts sponsorships also have a spillover effect on corporate branding. By supporting arts groups and arts events, companies are able to generate goodwill and use those events to connect with their customers in a way that expands and supports their brand.

Take Singapore Mass Rapid Transit (SMRT) for instance. When people think SMRT, they think trains. Increasingly through partnerships and dialogue with the local arts scene, SMRT is also shifting their focus to the arts. From storytelling sessions on PAG E 5 9

SMRT: Children actively participating in the storytelling at this year’s Tales on SMRT Trains.

In September, SMRT launched the Art in Transit Walking Tour at the Circle Line together with Art Outreach, a non-profit organisation, and the Land Transport Authority. This tour introduces participants to the artworks displayed in the Circle Line stations. The artworks reflect the rich culture, heritage and lives of residential areas and communities living near the stations. The company also organises an annual school holiday programme called Tales on SMRT Trains. Children will be enthralled with tales from professional storytellers as they hop onboard a train chartered for them. In a different vein, SMRT this year was also involved in Moving Words, which saw local poetry submitted by both established and aspiring artists being featured in SMRT trains and stations, as part of the poetry competition.

“SMRT strongly believes our success has to be channeled towards the greater good of the community, and this has been the guiding principle in our corporate social responsibility (CSR) commitments since we were established in 1987,” explained Goh Chee Kong, Senior Vice President, Communications and Services of SMRT. “We seek to enrich the experience of our commuters and reach out to disadvantaged members of our community.”

we bring the literary, performing and visual arts to the people.”

Other than supporting the arts in cash donations and in-kind, SMRT also gets its staff involved in fundraising as well. “Our staff volunteers also bring beneficiaries from our adopted charities to arts events so that the beneficiaries can build a better appreciation of the arts,” he said.

Another generous contributor to the arts is OCBC Bank, which has a thriving appreciation and ties with the local arts scene that goes back 17 years. OCBC has sponsored local artistic performances and events by local groups such as ACT 3 International, Drama Box, I Theatre, The Necessary Stage and Singapore Lyric Opera.

OCBC has strategically identified the artsloving public as a viable and attractive market segment. They have chosen to focus on using the OCBC Arts Platinum MasterCard as a platform targeted at this segment. “For our customers, we offer exclusive privileges to theatre and concert performances, discounted admission to museums, arts exhibitions, and art appreciation classes through the OCBC Arts Platinum MasterCard,” said Alice Goh, Head of OCBC Cards, OCBC Bank.

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AR TS & C U LT U R E J.P. Morgan takes a slightly different approach to arts sponsorship. Through its A is for Art programme, J.P. Morgan aims at developing arts education in Singapore.

With J.P. Morgan’s support, the Asian Civilisations Museum was able to work with STAR (Singapore Teachers’ Academy for the Arts) in organising a school engagement programme this year (2011).

OCBC: Children from the Little Arts Academy enjoying a cosy moment with their favourite Sesame Street Live characters.

The bank has also gone beyond merely promoting performances. It now also encourages the local arts scene to grow strength to strength by encouraging aspiring artists and promoting their works.

In April together with ArtScience Museum at Marina Bay Sands and Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA), OCBC successfully launched Aspirations, unveiling a three-bytwo-metre Art Wall within the museum.

The art wall features artworks contributed by students and staff of NAFA, and all proceeds from the sale of the artworks will go towards the NAFA Student Relief Fund. The fund helps talented students who require assistance in fulfilling their aspirations of excelling at the arts.

Most recently underprivileged children from the Little Arts Academy and Singapore Children’s Society were given tickets to Sesame Street Live’s “When Elmo Grows Up” at the Singapore Kallang Theatre.

“Our OCBC Arts Platinum card members also do their bit in nurturing young artists

– an annual contribution is made to The Business Times Budding Artist Fund (BT BAF),” said Ms Goh. The funds are channeled to the Little Arts Academy, a BT BAF initiative that gives disadvantaged children the opportunity to fulfill their artistic potential.

Like SMRT, OCBC’s involvement in the arts is seen as a way of giving back to the community. The bonus is the reward for its efforts in OCBC’s business. “We have received a positive response from our customers who value entertainment and the arts and look to using OCBC credit cards to enjoy experiential benefits that money cannot buy, such as getting exclusive seat selections and priority access when purchasing tickets for highly popular shows,” noted Ms Goh of OCBC. Since January 2009, the OCBC Arts Platinum MasterCard membership has more than doubled. In addition, OCBC credit card expenditure on entertainment and the arts increased by 15 percent year-on-year from 2010 to 2011.

A is for Art involved 35 teachers from 24 schools who attended a professional development workshop covering objectbased teaching, holistic art pedagogy, artbased games and museum-based learning strategies. The skills these teachers picked up will provide a long-term, sustainable improvement to art education in Singapore.

In the first year, over 7,000 students were involved in the programme.

“We are proud to be supporting programmes like this, as they not only effectively benefit our community, but also resonate strongly with the government’s priorities,” said Philip Lee, Senior Country Officer of J.P. Morgan Singapore. The efforts of companies such as SMRT, OCBC and J.P. Morgan have helped develop a vibrant and diverse arts scene here and NAC’s Benson Puah hopes that more companies will join them.

“We hope to see more companies include the arts as part of their corporate social responsibility programmes,” said Mr Puah.

“As the power of the arts in transforming lives becomes more apparent, we look forward to more patrons investing in the arts and becoming a vital part of our arts ecosystem while contributing to society.”

To learn more about sponsoring the arts, contact Jenny Teo at jenny_teo@nac.gov.sg About the National Arts Council The National Arts Council (NAC) was set up to spearhead the development of the arts in Singapore while advancing the country’s aspiration to be a distinctive global city for the arts. NAC’s mission is to nurture the arts and make Singapore’s rich and diverse culture an integral part of people’s lives.

J.P. MORGAN: Students from Admiralty Primary School participate in A is for Art education programme.

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SPOR TS W W W. B R I T C H A M . O R G . S G

London 2012 in 2011: All venues completed on time and within budget

by Sarah Croft, Director, Trade, UK Trade & Investment

© London 2012

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his was the year in which the London Games took shape and started coming to life. All along, the project has been on schedule and on budget but it was in this past year that the dream started to become a reality as venues reached completion and tickets went on sale. Throughout the year buildings came to completion rapidly.

These included the Velodrome that was completed in February 2011, the Aquatics Centre in July 2011 and the main Olympic Stadium that has successfully held its first race. World record holder and Paralympic gold medallist Dan Greaves, British long jump record holder Chris Tomlinson and IAAF World Championships silver medallist Hannah England were the first athletes to take to the track.

Most recently, November saw the completion of a two-year planting programme. Some 250 acres of new parklands have been created from former industrial land. The Olympic Parklands contain 4,000 semi-mature trees, over 300,000 wetland plants and more than ten football fields worth of nectar-rich annual and perennial meadows all designed and sown to flower during the London 2012 Games. A riverside London 2012 Garden stretches for half a mile between the PAG E 6 1

Aquatics Centre and the Olympic Stadium, featuring 120,000 plants from 250 different species across the world, arranged by temperate regions. The parklands area has created new habitats for species including the otter, kingfisher, grey heron and water vole.

In other news, • Over 100 Pre-Game Training Camp agreements have been signed across every participating nation and region of the UK; with the Singapore team based at the University of Surrey in Guildford.

• The Olympic Torch relay route has been officially announced. Between May 18 and July 27, the Olympic Flame will travel to 1,000 cities, towns and villages, reaching almost 95 percent of the UK’s population.

• The London 2012 Festival programme has also been announced; a 12-week, nationwide celebration bringing together leading artists from across the world from June 21 to September 9.

• Production has started in the Royal Mint of the medals. Approximately 4,700 Olympic and Paralympic medals will be produced, ready to be awarded during the 805 victory ceremonies taking place at venues across the UK during the Games.

British Business Club September 2011 saw the launch of the British Business Club, an online one-stop-shop where UK and international businesses can access the latest information about business opportunities and networking events around the London 2012 Games. The website will host a partnering tool to allow members to connect and meet with prospective business contacts during Games time. Membership is free and businesses of all sizes are encouraged to register. http://www.ukti.gov.uk/ britishbusinessclub/home.html The British Business Club is a joint initiative between UKTI, BIS, London & Partners and the London Business Network.

About the Author: Sarah Croft Director, Trade UK Trade & Investment

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SPO R TS

British Dragon Boat Team 2011 - An incredible year for the British Dragons!

Party Hard, Paddle Harder As always the team spirit was amazing, and together the team left with two Bronzes, two Silvers and a Gold. Taking Gold in the 500m mixed was certainly a nail-bitingphoto-finish with the judges requiring video playback to determine that the Brits had beaten the Macao team over the line by just two one-hundredths of a second!

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he British Dragons started 2011 with a clear vision and a tangible goal – nailing medals -and they have not disappointed!

Sights set on Gold at the start of 2011 The team’s outstanding performance at the beginning of the year saw the Men’s team take home a Silver in the Grand Final of the “MR500 Inter-Club Crew”, missing out on first place by a mere four one-hundredths of a second. The MR500 races, held for the first time in the shadow of the Singapore Flyer at Marina Reservoir in March 2011, proved to be an exciting and action-packed weekend for the British Dragons with men’s, women’s and mixed teams participating in an amazing 18 races over the two-day event.

In April, the British Dragons met at Bedok Reservoir to take part in the People’s Association expatriate race. The race crew got off to a fantastic start and put in a strong performance across the 300m course, finishing in second place with a powerful charge and claiming another Silver medal in a closely-fought race with the Filipino expatriate teams. Keen to prove their worth and put their long hours of training to the test, the Women’s 10 crew entered the Divas Regatta in May, a unique event held PAG E 6 2

every year to celebrate the achievements of women paddlers and raise awareness of breast cancer. The competition was fierce, but after three heats, the British Dragons’ Divas emerged victorious narrowly beating strong Filipino and Gaelic teams to take the Gold medal.

Dynamic Busan plays host to the British Dragons Following these fantastic results at Singapore-hosted events, a large contingent of the British Dragons travelled to Busan to compete in the 2nd Korea Open International Dragon Boat Regatta.

This proved to be a truly memorable event with exhilarating race action that led to unprecedented team success on the water.

The British Dragons were made incredibly welcome by all teams taking part, and enjoyed the opportunity to socialise with paddlers from across Asia. Team coach, Jason Chen was able to accompany the team to Busan and offer his guidance and support throughout the event. “I very much hope we will have more dragon boating events in Korea. This was a wonderful event and a great place to paddle, offering our team the chance to compete against new teams and at an international standard”.

The organisers and sponsors of the 2nd Busan International Dragon Boat Regatta were certainly generous and gracious hosts, and the team had an incredible time exploring some of the many attractions of Busan while competing and making friends with other enthusiastic teams. It was also pleasing to see this dragon boat event, and the British Dragon’s participation in particular, receive extensive coverage on live telecasts. ‘Dynamic Busan’ certainly lived up to its name!

A strong performance on home water The team returned from Korea just in time for the Sava Sprints, held once again at Lower Seletar Reservoir in September. The event attracted a strong turnout of local and overseas teams, and saw two days of competitive paddling. For the British Dragons, their first success came in the Senior Open 12 crew, allowing the “veteran” members to show their mettle and a stab at winning a medal. Running over two rounds of younger competitors certainly appears not to have wearied the teams’ more experienced crew who secured a Silver medal in the event.

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W W W. B R I T C H A M . O R G . S G

The next win was in the Singapore Expatriate Community Mixed 20 crew category – an event which proved to be even more thrilling and action-packed for the British Dragons. Qualifying for the grand final, an unfortunate collision steered the Brits off course and into an adjacent lane. The offending team was subsequently disqualified and the Brits were offered a “time trial” to determine their final placing, leaving the team to re-race the 250m course alone, racing against the clock. The amazing team spirit and focus from training sessions kicked in. The crew clocked an impressive time of 1:08:23, shaving two seconds off their previous best and securing a hardearned Gold medal!

Day Two offered more excitement in the Premier Women 12 crew. Narrowly missing out on a place in the grand final, the British Ladies fought hard to take Silver in the minor final. A true testament to the sportsmanship of the British Dragons came as the ladies sought out the SMU Women’s team and offered them congratulations for taking Gold in such a closely fought race. It underlined the chemistry and camaraderie fostered between the competing teams and individual paddlers. Team Captain, Paul Robinson said: ‘I am incredibly proud of the team’s performance at these races. We fight hard on the water for medals, but are happy to step out of the boat and shake hands with our opponents and fellow members of the international dragon boat community’.

More than just medals Such events remind us that medals are not the only highlight of 2011 for the British Dragons. Our women’s team have gone from strength to strength and are now competing against the fastest teams in Singapore. An incredible two days of racing at the SDBA Singapore Dragon Boat Festival in July saw formidable results for the British Dragons over the 800m course. Increasingly known for their strength in the longer distance races, the British Ladies took the direct route to qualify for the grand finals.

They shaved a total of 10 seconds off their time from the initial heat, setting a personal best, and earning them the accolade of being the sixth fastest ladies team in Singapore over 800m. Nicky Marsh, the Ladies Captain, summed up the sense of achievement the team felt at the end of the weekend: “Whilst we may not be walking away with any medals we have shown PAG E 6 3

strength and determination this weekend and achieved some incredible results as a team. To be making the Grand Finals and competing against strong tertiary crews is fantastic and I could not be more proud of the British Ladies”.

In July, the British Dragons could also be found lending a hand at the 2011 North East Dragon Boat Championship. Held in conjunction with CSF@North East, and with team coach Jason Chen taking the role of chief official, the British Dragons volunteered as timekeepers, starters, boat marshals, emcee and DJ for the day. It proved an eventful day of racing, including the debut of the relay race, which certainly put the starters’ skills to the test! The team’s participation in the event proved a worthy opportunity to see the behind-the-scenes of a dragon boat event and for the team to spend time together on dry land!

Whilst competing hard throughout the year, the Brits can certainly never be accused of taking themselves too seriously. Our men’s team participated, and won first prize, in the outrageously amusing ‘Drags Parade’ at the Divas Regatta with their rendition of the “Black Swan” ballet - complete with tights, tiaras and tutus! When not on the water training, the British Dragons organise a number of social events, which this year ranged from barbeques to an ‘Amazing Race’ around Singapore, Pirates Day paddles to Halloween parties, and the annual Christmas carol paddle!

teamwork which is the fundamental goal of dragon boating. In most sports, it’s equally important for a united front to pull off a victory. As an individual paddler, you are completely dependent on the focus and determination of your team mates to succeed. Within the British Dragons, we train hard as a team, support one another and face each new challenge as determined team mates. Together we party hard and paddle harder and this has led to enormous success for the team in 2011, both on the water and onshore.

About the British Dragons: Established in 2000 with the support of the British Chamber of Commerce, the Singapore British Dragon Boat Team is one of the strongest expatriate teams in Singapore. Well known for their ability in juggling a busy social calendar with a comprehensive training schedule, the British Dragons welcome the challenge of both local and international race events.

Although we’re called the British Team you don’t have to be British to paddle with us.

We have over 17 nationalities in the team, including paddlers from Holland, India, Indonesia, Australia, Singapore, and even Russia! All you need is to look forward to meet new people, have fun while learning a new sport. We train three times a week and welcome new paddlers throughout the year.

The British Dragons stand by their motto: Party Hard, Paddle Harder. We look forward to seeing you all on the water for some competitive competition. You can look forward to the end of each paddle with a celebratory drink, so why not join the team today?

The British Dragons also had the opportunity this year to travel to Boracay, Philippines as members of the collective Singapore expatriate team, the Singapore Barbarians, and in October to Putrajaya, Malaysia to compete with the German Dragons as a combined expatriate team. While medals eluded them, such experiences have strengthened the paddling community in Singapore and individuals sharpened their paddling skills and at mastering

www.britishdragonboat.com

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DES T I N AT I O N

SOAKING IT ALL IN SLOVENIA

By Keith Wallace, Presenter of fast:track, BBC World News

Fairytale Bled

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ithout a doubt, the best way of testing a country’s mettle is to leave your coat on the inbound plane and then attempting to retrieve it the following day.

It took me an hour to get from the airport to the picturesque resort village of Piran. The following day, the same trip backwards costs me six hours and about 60 Euros. That’s why my week in Slovenia began with a temper tantrum in a deserted departure hall.

Slovenia’s not well known for her coastline.

It’s tiny, and besides - there are plenty of hidden coves, sandy beaches and rugged outcrops over the southern border.

Sandwiched between Croatia and, to the west - Italy, Slovenia has a tough battle on her hands in wrestling the tourists away from her noisy neighbours.

And that’s not the only publicity battle the tourist board has to wage. There’s the ongoing confusion with Slovakia, thousands of miles away with a very PAG E 6 4

different history, climate and people. The similar spelling will, I’m sure, mean sleepless nights and ongoing stress issues for sharpsuited branding experts in both countries.

In commissioning this article, my editor got his Slovenias and Slovakias all backwards, and even George W Bush made the same mistake during his presidential campaign in 2000.

So, let’s be clear. This is Slovenia. The most northernly part of the former Yugoslavia. In 1991, it became the first country to break away from the doomed former Socialist state. It is also a fully-paid-up member of Nato and the European Union since 2004 and one of the most heavily wooded countries in Europe. It’s quite possibly got the worst bus network in the developed world.

was not a happy tourist. However, if there was one place in the world likely to take the edge off, it was this little town.

I strolled along the narrow promenade and took it all in. No beach to speak of, but instead people sunbathed on the rocks and lounged amid man-made concrete jetties.

There’s no doubt about it, concrete and rocks always look grey. There’s something about the yellow of sand that works beautifully with a royal blue sea, and there’s

I finally arrived back in Piran, coat in hand, odyssey behind me. I was stinking hot and clammy, despite the frequent downpours. I

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Church of Assumption

W W W. B R I T C H A M . O R G . S G

clear, though tinged with glacial blue, and on their way to the Sum waterfall - the highest in the country - thrash spectacularly through the narrow confines of the gorge.

I ran through the gorge at a canter, pursued by a conscientious wasp. Slovenia’s a thoroughly waspy country. Not one beer, ice cream or sandwich was eaten undisturbed in some way. The locals don’t seem to mind their little yellow friends, and are quite happy to allow them to rest awhile on their face, or create nests in their hair.

The Julian Alps

a reason those two colours in combination attract so many of us, year after year. Here though, it’s different. I liked what they’d done with the place. The monochromatic décor felt retro and charismatic. Faded glamour hung heavy. It’s not a gigantic leap of faith to imagine Cary Grant in garish, high-waist swimming trunks leaping into the balmy Adriatic from one of these makeshift piers.

What really makes Piran stand out though, is what happens to its backstreets after dark.

Brooding, romantic, medieval passageways snake between the waterfronts, church and shiny-floored piazza. You can happily lose yourself in the streets for hours. None of this would be as easy in Slovenia’s more popular neighbours to the north and south - Italy and Austria. I was travelling at the peak of the European summer, when it’s all but impossible to find a coastline not under siege from coachloads of rampaging sunseekers.

You must come here then, for the peace and quiet. I only heard one bar polluting the seafront with lurid Europop at night, and in these parts in summer, that’s not bad. The remaining bars and restaurants ply their trade discreetly and with charm, hoping word-of-mouth brings people through their doors, which it invariably does. One bar in particular warrants a mention.

Difficult to find, but keep climbing up, and PAG E 6 5

you find a roof with a lawn on it. A bit odd.

Climb up again and you find another tiny roof terrace with space enough for two or three tables. A ramshackle, fairy-lit pagoda from which to watch the dozens of fishing boats bob in the water.

And so, to Bled. Anyone who knows anything about Slovenia probably knows about Lake Bled. Rapunzel would have lived in a place like this. Glassy waters, dramatic cliff face and at the top, a Gothic castle teetering on the edge. This is a place where only lovely things could happen I thought to myself, just as a hundred loudspeakers erupted into a melange of dance ‘anthems’, theme tunes, and execrable mid-80s pop music. I have arrived at the beginning of the annual Bled Festival. Great.

Nevertheless, I was able to take in my surroundings, and was very impressed.

The walkways continue for more than a kilometre, and hang precariously over the water, which occasionally boils and mists, and somewhat collects in calm pools before languidly making its way towards the long drop awaiting it across the ravine. During peak season I can imagine it becoming quite crowded here, a suspicion which the nearby ample car parking confirms. If you time it right, though, this place is wonderful.

Back at the lake, the blaring music of the Bled Festival had given way to slightly more genteel attractions, presumably for the mums and dads. I was promised a waterand-light show right in front of one of the fancier restaurants, so found a table outside with a good view, armed myself against the wasps, and waited. What followed was a pretty good effort at projecting pictures onto the spray from several jets of water.

I couldn’t quite make out exactly what it was supposed to be (reclining ballerina or creepy pensioner), but I appreciated the effort, and as I sipped my beer I started to feel a little bit excited about the laser show I’d been promised of shortly afterwards.

So for peace and quiet, a hike seemed to be in order. An hour into the Julian Alps that surround the lake, you’ll find the Vintgar Gorge, a popular day trip for activity-hungry Bledders. A natural crevice has been made tourist-friendly by a series of bridges and walkways suspended from its sheer face.

The waters are crystal

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Keith Wallace on a fast row across Lake Bled

DES T I N AT I O N

FROM

S$158*

FROM

S$380*

W W W. B R I T C H A M . O R G . S G

The laser show was terrible. Least said, soonest mended. So I won’t even start.

The major attractions of this place aren’t the shows anyway, you’ll only get those once a year. The chief attraction is the restorative effect all this outdoors is supposed to have on your health. In the days before cough medicine, people used to be despatched here by their doctors to take in the waters, and breathe the air. I didn’t take the waters - you can’t be too careful - but I did breathe lots of air. I rented a bicycle and cycled around the perimeter, which was nice. I did a bit of walking - that was lovely. And of course, I rented a rowing boat for an hour so I could haul myself out to Bled Island to take a look at the Church of the Assumption.

Freshly married couples come to Bled Island on their honeymoon, so the groom can carry the bride (or vice versa) up the 99 steps to the church. Tradition has it that, should they make it, their marriage will be blessed. Excellent news for the small of frame. A bad omen for the stouter woman, or frailer man. The other reason to come here is that it’s really the only landmark to head for, as you cast off into the waters.

Cast off, I did. I rented the boat for an hour, reasoning that a strapping lad like myself could get over to the island, have a quick look, and make it back with at least ten minutes to go. It took me about forty minutes to reach my destination, so I had to turn around and get straight back, very quickly. I arrived with still a few minutes to spare (suffering from a better headwind on the return leg, and the prospect of losing

The brooding backstreets

my deposit put extra heft into my strokes).

A minor victory, but I still didn’t get to see the church! My tip – hire the boat for two hours, or find a top-drawer oarsperson.

Though the air was clean, attractions wholesome and wildlife plentiful (the wasps), customer service was still distinctly Yugoslav. At no point did I see any of the staff crack open a smile, or a warm greeting.

Despite asking questions frequently, I still had no idea about the airport bus. All my inquiries were met with blank stares, shrugs and recommendations that I pay 55 Euros for the hotel transfer. I had better ideas. I knew there was a bus, and it cost only eight Euros. With ninety minutes to go before my

flight taking off, my driver spat me out at the end of the line, off a little town called Kranj. I looked around. There were no taxis, no other buses, no signs of life anywhere. I sat on my luggage and thought: Slovenia - beautiful country but shame about the buses.

www.bbcworldnews.com

Slovenia’s tiny coastline

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WIN E C LU B

What are the Jones’s Drinking?

By David Coleman, CEO Rubicon Reserve Wines

W

hy is your favourite tipple so appealing to you? Well as a matter of interest it might have a lot more to do with your personality than with what you eat or where you live.

Instead of being the typical wine magazine article about healthy benefits or investing for big returns, this article will argue what the wine you drink says about you.

I stumbled across this in one of the local rags while settling back in my hotel room sipping on a nice glass of locally produced ****** ( I am not telling you what it was as you will see why!) on a vineyard trip. This article attempts to diagnose your character by the type of wine you drink. This got the amateur Freud in me going and I thought this would be a laugh, especially when used in my line of work. My notes are a little scratchy as that glass of ****** (still not telling) turned into a bottle, but this is what I can tell you about commonly preferred wines and the corresponding personality that matches: Chardonnay – Bacchus is your blood brother as you’ll probably drink anything so long as it’s alcoholic. You like Chardonnay best because like you, it has stood the test of time - even if it’s not cool anymore. You’re dependable, modest and admired for your steadfast beliefs if a little feared for being a relentless control freak when pressured.

Likely hangout: Power lunches, in front of the telly watching even D-grade movies to see how they might end.

Sauvignon Blanc – You are sweet-natured, easy-going and prefer things to be the least bit complicated. You’re a hard worker but still consider yourself a bit of a ‘hipster’ you want to be young forever and tend to agonise over big life decisions longer than most. However, once the big decisions are made you sure can celebrate! Likely hangout: End of the bar lamenting how you suddenly became so old.

Pinot Gris – You are the sort of person others like to have around. You are easy-going and PAG E 6 8

undemanding and effortlessly fit in to most social situations, you big flirt. If you were to have a small weakness, it would be your enslavement to fashion and your love for a good bit of juicy gossip. Likely hangout: Any kind of official opening for something cool, bars where you can sit close enough to eavesdrop.

Riesling – You consider yourself to be a bit of an intellectual, but love to have a good time when you’re with company. Nothing ever gets past you either – you’re perceptive and know what makes the people around you tick and will use this to your advantage.

Likely hangout: Festival events, after work drinks, anywhere you can work the room.

Viognier – You ooze sophistication, style and mystery, but mostly you just like being able to drink a wine whose name most people struggle to pronounce. Likely hangout: Posh restaurants, ‘concept’ buildings.

Pinot Noir – Knowledgeable and fond of your luxuries, you enjoy the occasional bit of charming and seduction, but tend to be a tad moody at times. You are driven to achieve success but also are a bit of a romantic who craves the quiet life. Likely hangout: Dinner parties, the backyard watching the sunset.

Shiraz – You are honest and dependable and people like you for this – even if you do put your foot in your mouth occasionally with the bluntness of your observations.

You like a good yarn and are seldom happier than when catching up with an old friend.

Likely hangout: Gastro pubs, the kitchen, at a mate’s place.

Merlot – You are easy-going, go with the flow and don’t mind being organised so long as it results in having a good time. Most common words to come out of your mouth are likely to be along the lines of “Wherever you like” or “I’ll have what you’re having”.

Likely hangout: Wherever you’ve been told to go.

Cabernet blends – You have sophisticated taste, but recognize the value of things, so nothing’s wasted on you. Your strong opinions can rub some people up the wrong way, but you are sincere and openminded enough to be convinced by a good argument. Likely hangout: Steak houses.

Bubbly

–

Demanding

and

maintenance, you are all about grabbing life for the living and taking what’s yours.

More than likely to be a bit manic and prone to overcommitting on social engagements, but your energy and enthusiasm is infectious… if a little exhausting. Likely hangout: Anywhere big enough to fit all 20 friends you invited to join you for a ‘quiet drink’.

Rose – Did somebody say party? You’re spontaneous and funny, if a little flighty. You live for the summer and good times and grasp at anything that might keep you in that happy state of mind. Likely to agree to do things that may terrify the rest of us or could involve putting yourself in harm’s way for the rush of it. Likely hangout: Anywhere with outdoor seating, lots of people or foam.

So next time you meet someone interesting, forget all about the, cat or dog questions and cut to the chase asking “what sort of wine do you drink?” and make the bingo move in deciding whether the person fits the bill. If you are honest with yourself I bet you can match one of these wines to your character.

If you are having trouble being honest with yourself and really want to understand yourself better, just ask an ex-boyfriend/ girlfriend, which is why I insist on not telling you what I was drinking that night!

To enjoy a glass of wine that best matches your personality visit www. rubiconreservewines.com.sg.

Rubicon Reserve Wines is pleased to introduce Debbie Jones – our new Marketing Director.

Debbie comes from an extensive wine marketing background, having previously worked for Yealands Estate, a Marlborough winery for two years, and the prior eight years working in marketing roles for Pernod Ricard New Zealand. Debbie brings a wealth of experience to the business and will be responsible for driving our E-commerce business and continuing to build on the successful relationship with Britcham.

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