ScandAsia Singapore - April 2012

APR 2012

Singapore

Kannberg Plays Golf for Charity

Theme: International Schools ScandAsia.dk

ScandAsia.fi

ScandAsia.no

AprilScandAsia.se 2012 • ScandAsia.Singapore 1

e h T IB World School in Singapore!

Specializing ONLY in the IB curriculum

ISS INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL Established in 1981

Elementary & Middle School Campus 25 Paterson Road, Singapore 238510 Tel: (65) 6235 5844 Fax: (65) 6732 5701

High School Campus

21 Preston Road, Singapore 109355 Tel: (65) 6475 4188 Fax: (65) 6273 7065

Website

www.iss.edu.sg

Email

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Focusing on Personal & Social Development, Maximizing Academic Excellence An authorized IB World School specializing only in the IB Primary Years, Middle Years and Diploma programs for ages 3 to18. Extensive range of IB Diploma subject options.

1st International School in Singapore with a 1 to 1 Apple Macbook laptop program.

Outstanding student support services including university advising, counseling and guardianship programs.

Multicultural environment with students from more than 50 countries – no dominant group.

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Coming Events Norwegian National Day Celebration When: Thursday 17 May 2012 Time: 16:30 to 00:00 Venue: Fort Canning Park Fee: Member: $40 Non-member: $40 The Norwegian National Day on 17 May will be celebrated at Fort Canning Park with the traditional Parade followed by fun and games for all ages. Buffet lunch is served, of course with the special Hot-Dogs from the Norwegian Seamen’s Mission.

Invitations will be sent out closer to the event date.

Your FREE ScandAsia Magazine in Singapore ScandAsia is the only magazine that covers all the Danish, Finnish, Norwegian and Swedish residents in Singapore.

We also publish a ScandAsia magazine in China, Thailand, and the rest of South East Asia.

Please sign up for your own FREE copy: www.scandasia.com Publisher : Scandinavian Publishing Co., Ltd. 211 Soi Prasert Manukit 29 Prasert Manukit Road Chorakae Bua, Lad Prao Bangkok 10230, Thailand Tel. +66 2 943 7166-8, Fax: +66 2 943 7169 E-mail: news@scandasia.com Editor-in-Chief : Gregers A.W. Møller gregers@scandmedia.com Advertising : Frank Leong frank@scandmedia.com Finn Balslev finn@scandmedia.com Piyanan Kalikanon piyanan@scandmedia.com Nattapat Maesang nattapat@scandmedia.com Graphic Designer : Supphathada Numamnuay supphathada@scandmedia.com Distribution : Wanvisa Rattanaburi wanvisa@scandmedia.com Printing : Advanced Printing Services Co., Ltd.

Daily news and features here: www.scandasia.com

SiSu May Day Picnic

SWA Meditation and Self-Hypnosis When: Thursday 26 April 2012 Time: 10:30 to 12:00 Venue: 90B West Coast Road, #03-43 Clementi Woods Condo Price: 30 SGD/session/mem​ber and 35 SGD/session/non​ -member Visit to Karita Fischer, a hypnotherapist who will give these group lessons in her own home. Karita will teach both Meditation and Hypnosis. When you learn self-hypnosis you can use it as an effective tool to get rid of many different emotional or behavioural problems which disturb your everyday life.

Please wear loose clothes.

Contact: Henna Päivänne-Anders​son Email: henna_paivanne@​hotmail.com Mobile No.: 9007 8483

When: Tuesday 1 May 2012 - Time: 12:00 to 00:00 Where: Labrador Park SiSu invites all members to a May Day family picnic on Labour’s Day in Labrador Park. SiSu has reserved a grill on the Connaught Battery. Considered to be a hot grill after noon, particpants will need drinks, grill, or other types of food for a picnic and of course a happy May Day view. It is also possible to buy a Finnish cider at the picnic.

Meeting point is Labrador Park by the park’s entrance B from the Car Park. The closest MRT station to the park is Labrador Park MRT station from which it is a 30 minute walk away. If Harbourfront is convenient, bus 408 leaves from the Harbourfront Bus Interchange every half hour.

Advance registration required. Chairman: Terhi Wainio-Biese - Tel: +65 9223 3050 - Email: sisusi@sisusi.com

DABGO, Singapore: Stambord When: Wednesday 2 May 2012 | Time: 19:30 to 00:00 Venue: Incontro, 30 Robertson Quay #01-12/13 (off Mohammed Sultan Road) DABGO, Singapore: Stambord, takes place first Wednesday every month, at 19.30. That is 2 May and 6 June

The Nordic Golf Tournament 2012

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he Nordic Golf Tournament this year was organised by the Norwegian Seamen’s Church and was held at the Singapore Island Country Club on 28 February 2012.

The club is one of the best golf courses there are in Singapore with its beautiful area and environment.

At around 11.30am, before the tournament began, everyone was treated to a lunch buffet at the Country Club once they were done with registration.

Everybody had a chance to catch up with each other and chat for quite a while before heading off at around 1.30pm, two-by-two on the buggies for their first tee.

It was a fine weather for the tournament with the sun hot and bright.

Throughout the game, there was an ongoing supply of waffles travelling on one of the buggies to all players of they wanted one.

Those who participated in the tournament were not only Scandinavians but also local golf enthusiasts who have affiliation with Scandinavian businesses or companies.

After all the scores had been tabulated at the end of the tournament, the highest score for the male category went to Lee Heng Juan from Nova Ships, with 46 points and with 39 points, Maren Leknes won for the female category.

Apart from the main prizes given away, two other prizes went to Erlend Sandvik, from Wärtsilä Ship Design for Nearest to Pin award, Per Martin Tangaard, also from Wärtsilä Ship Design, won the longest drive award with 260m.

Everyone was invited to stay back at the golf course as there was a celebratory dinner buffet at the ballroom from 8pm for all the players and participants.

Everyone had a good time enjoying the delicious Asian dishes after a day out in the sun.

6 ScandAsia.Singapore • April 2012

Scandinavian experience on Phuket to select the right and best quality for you. poolvilla villaStarting Starting 8.3m THB A Stylish Compact pool 345.850 SGD Naiharn: These Stylish Compact Pool Villas including, living area, kitchen, built-in furniture, and air conditioning. Just 5 minutes drive to Naiharn beach. A traditional tropical living with contemporary comforts. These villas will come with 2 bedrooms, a master bedroom having an en-suite with bathtub and shower. Living and dining open plan onto the pool terrace.

4 Bedroom private Pool Villa

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Naiharn: This very nice, 4 bedrooms private pool villa is located in a very quiet area in Naiharn The villa consists of 2 buildings. The main building provides you with a big open living, dining and kitchen area. As well as a master bedroom and a second bedroom, both with en-suite facilities. 5 minutes driving to Naiharn Beach

Panoramic seaview Penthouse

2.291.660 SGD

Kata: This fabulous condominium has an incredible seaview, overlooking the Andaman Sea. This 2 storey penthouse suite presents 3 bedrooms on the lower floor and a fantastic open living area at the upper floor. Enjoy your private swimming pool and get the feeling that you are swimming towards the sea. The furniture is French designed from Paris by Philippe Starck and is all included in the price. All window covers, awnings and air conditions are all electric controlled.

Oriental Essence Pool Villas Starting 425.000 SGD Naiharn: This project belong to one of Phuket's most professional developers and provide their valued clients with elegant, affordable homes, all with private swimming pools in luxurious surroundings. Each individual home is specifically designed. You can choose between 2 - 4 bedrooms just 5 minutes drive from Naiharn beach.

Thai Style Luxury Private Poll Villa 687.500 SGD Naiharn: Located in the heart of Naiharn-very nearby the shopping & restaurant facilities. A 5 minutes from a pristine naiharn beach. The villa provided you a 3 bedrooms and 1 maid quarter included a big living area and separate kitchen.

Private swimming pool with big terrace, Big bathroom with a bath tub and Jacuzzi in a master bedroom.

Exclusive Pool Villa

3.708.330 SGD

Kata: This Exclusive villa with many Thai and Burmese carving and statues. From the hand-carved teak doors at the entrance to the contemplative Buddha overlooking the lily pond. There are 4 bedrooms in the property. 2 Master and 2 smaller bedrooms. All rooms feature many decorative items and hardwood floors and ceiling add to the Asian feel. All rooms are, fully air-conditioned and are furnished with topquality linens and mattresses. It is a few minutes walking to Kata Beach.

Beach Front Villa

Starting 1.358.350 SGD

Rawai: These fantastic villas are located right at the beach, with uninterrupted views of the beautiful south east coast.

Enjoy your Thai-Sala and get the feeling as you sit on the lovely beach. Provided you a direct access to the golden sands and the amazing blue sea. These villas give you the best opportunity to own your very own piece of paradise here on Phuket.

Lovely Private Pool Villa

604.160 SGD

Naiharn: This very nice 3 bedroom private pool villa is located in the quiet part of Naiharn . The villa is nestled high in the landscape, which gives you an excellent feeling. In the villa you have a big open living, dining and kitchen area. The master & second bedroom is connected to the living area and both are en-suite .The third bedroom have separate as well as en-suite.

Stunning Seaview Pool Villa

2.875.000 SGD

Naiharn: Perched on a hilltop close to the bustling village of Saiyuan, the villa is arrayed over two main levels. Upon entry, the upper level has an expansive living area with floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors which retract fully, seamlessly blending the indoors and outdoors and significantly increasing the living space. The upper level also provides you with a master bedroom, with stunning seaview and Mountain view and en-suite bathroom. As well as a well equipped western-kitchen. 5-6 Bedrooms!

Private Pool Villas for long term and holidays rentals are available on your enquiries. info@kb-realestate.com or www.kb-realestate.com

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Email: info@kb-realestate.com, Website: www.kb-realestate.com

Fun in the Sun

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t was yet again the weekend for the annual sports day on, better known as Idrettsdag, organised by the Norwegian Seamen’s Church and Swedish Church of Singapore.

Held at Jurong West Stadium on 10 April, the event saw around 400 Swedes and Norwegians gather to compete to be the champion of all the games.

As it should be, it was a good weather to have games and sports in the outdoors. There was no hint of a cloud or rain to spoil the mood of the day. It however seemed like the weather was waiting for the games to be over for as soon as it was, there was a downpour.

Everyone began then event with a vigorous warm up to upbeat music led by an aerobics instructor. This prepared and got the adrenaline pumping before the games began.

There were categories for children and adults as they all participated in their respective ones for athletics, soccer and long jump. All competitions and matches were calculated in points and the team with the highest points was to be announced the winner.

The categories for athletics were 10m for toddlers aged up to two years old, 40m for the bigger children and 60m for youth and grownups.

There was also a 300m category for both male and female grownups.

The soccer teams were divided into children and adults for the respective countries as it were for the long jump.

As it has always been, the sports day is not just a day of competing and winning but more a day to get together to have a good time. Those present supported each other through the games.

There was even a cosy little stall set up selling waffles, hotdogs and ice cream. These turned out to be refreshing snacks for the tired and sweaty athletes. It also put a smile on the children’s faces to see ice cream being sold on a scorching hot afternoon.

Lise, a representative from the church stressed that the goal of the sports day was to have fun with everyone and to let the children know that all of them are winners.

Every child was awarded with a gold medal.

This was done to boost their confidence and motivate them to believe they are winners and not give up.

After all points had been calculated, the winner for this year’s Idrettsdag was, Norway. Congratulations you guys!

8 ScandAsia.Singapore • April 2012

SWEA: Italian Evening

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he ladies of SWEA had their monthly dinner on 23 February, Thursday at an Italian restaurant, Pietrasanta on Portsdown Road.

Around 18 new and old members of SWEA gathered to enjoy the dinner. Some delicious dishes on the menu were grilled squid, homemade ravioli, dug legs, veal shanks, 1 kg T-bone steak, baked grouper, and risotto with lots of Italian wine.

After the satisfying meal, the ladies were served melting chocolate cake, tiramisu, and coconut cake for dessert together with Grappa and chocolate-covered almonds.

It was a fun event where everyone could enjoy the delicious food and drinks together.

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From left to right: Stina Jepson, Kerstin Ostlund, Anna Frolund, new SWEA member, Anna Andersson, Ann Hespe, Annelie Olsson, Carin Spangberg, Eva Andersson Ann Hespe, Anna Frolund, and to the right Anna Andersson Annelie Olsson, Carin Spangberg Kerstin Ostlund

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April 2012 • ScandAsia.Singapore 9

SWA: Walk N’ Talk

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he Walk N’ Talk held on Wednesday, 7 March, was a 9.5KM long one starting from Condo Maplewood Bukit Timah Road with the participation of 22 ladies instead of the regular 15 to 20.

The weather was pleasantly cloudy and good for the walk instead of the blazing hot sun that usually shone down during that time of day which is 9.30am.

The ladies take the opportunity every week during these walks to, as it is named walk and talk, to get to know one another while enjoying a good walk for exercise and to exploring new places in Singapore.

The ladies walked down the Bukit Timah Rd and headed back to the Condo where they had started for the finish. There they cooled themselves down with drinks by the pool.

The walk on 14 March was cancelled due to the bad weather.

SWA Annual General Meeting

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round 30 members of the Scandinavian Women’s Association’s attended its Annual General Meeting held at the Republic of Singapore Yacht Club on 29 February 2012.

The meeting which began at 7.15pm did not have any specific items on its agenda so the president could close the meeting by 7.50pm after thanking all resigning committee members.

The minutes from last year were approved as were the annual reports and the financial statement of the association.

The new committee of 10 members was elected with only two members of last year’s committee left, one of them being the president, Lis Heisselberg.

After the meeting, all the ladies enjoyed a buffet dinner at the club and participated in the Lucky Draw, where many attractive prizes sponsored by members and businesses in Singapore such as Lee’s Antique, Caspoll, Galanga Living, Style Nordic, FairPrice Antiques, Scandic Wonders, Change and The Tasty Table were given away.

10 ScandAsia.Singapore • April 2012

Another Successful Norwegian Seafood Dinner

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pproximately 985 Norwegian and Singaporean business executives graced the annual Norwegian Seafood Dinner of 2012 held at one of the largest column-free ballrooms in Singapore. The event took place on Friday 16 March and was co hosted by the Norwegian Business Association and the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Singapore.

Among the participants were H.E. Mr. Lui Tuck Yew, Minister of Transport and Second Minister of Foreign Affairs in Singapore. All 985 guests enjoyed the seafood specially flown in from Norway and skillfully prepared

by Singaporean and Norwegian master chefs.

According to Ms. Tone Kaasen Hoie, Coordinator at Norwegian Business Association, one chef in particular impressed the guests.

“Chef Daniel R. Madsen from Gastronomic Institute in Norway, served exquisite dishes, including salted cod flakes, jerusalem artichoke cream, crispy veal tongue, pickled beetroot and truffle. He also stunned the guests with a pine smoked salmon “nordic lights”,” says Ms. Tone Kaasen Hoie.

Ms. Tone Kaasen Hoie also added “Celebrity Chef Jimmy Chok from Singapore delighted with tartar of Norwegian scallop with a spicy miso dip to mention one. There were almost 100 different dishes on offer.”

During the Seafood Dinner the NBAS Award was presented. This was the third time ever. The award goes to an individual or company who has distinguished themselves and demonstrated a significant commitment to enhancing the business relations between Norway and Singapore. This year’s NBAS Award was presented to Mr. Frank Arne Naesheim from Snorre Food.

The Seafood Dinner, now in its 15th year, was sponsored by the Norwegian Seafood Council, Odfjell and Scandinavian Airlines.

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April 2012 • ScandAsia.Singapore 11

ScandAsia News Brief

New Swedish Vodka Launched in Singapore Finally! The Mynewsdesk team found time to throw a launch party about one year after they started operations in Singapore.

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he Absolut Company has launched its new Absolut Elyx superpremium vodka at Singapore Changi airport. The vodka was launched in DFS Galleria Singapore as the first part of its Asian duty-free/travel-retail launch. It will also be rolled out in Malaysia, Thailand, Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Vietnam later this spring.

Absolut Elyx, which is handcrafted in small volumes from singleestate winter wheat and spring water, will be executed worldwide by Pernod Ricard Travel Retail.

“There is huge market potential for super premium vodka in Asian duty-free. Travelers are looking for new and interesting offers but quality and authenticity are important,” said Claren Wong, Pernod Ricard Asia Duty Free brand manager.

The Absolut Company has its roots in Sweden, and according to the Absolut retail director the Swedish influence is to be tasted in the new product.

“It’s a product that builds on the essence of our Swedish heritage in a very contemporary and international fashion. We are thrilled to launch this unique product in DFS Galleria Singapore. We are confident that our discerning customers of global travelers in this region will fully appreciate the sophisticated qualities of Absolut Elyx,” says Anders Olsen, Retail director Absolut Vodka.

MyNewsDesk Launch in Singapore

T

he official launching of MyNewsDesk in Singapore was recently held at the Marina Bay Sands Singapore. The launch was attended by approximately 200 guests including customers, media and local celebrities. Mynewsdesk has been operating in Singapore about a year now. But the newsteam has just been too busy to find time for the launch party.

Swedish Ambassador, Ingemar Dolfe, participated and made a short speech highlighting the broad presence of Swedish companies, of around 250, in Singapore, and the fruitful bilateral relations Sweden and Singapore have with each other.

MyNewsDesk is a Swedish company and website for public relations and brand management. Its headquarters is in Stockholm and this launching that took place on 28 March marks its first office outside of Europe.

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12 ScandAsia.Singapore • April 2012

Danish Kindergarten in Singapore Gets New Owner

New Swedish Priest Gudmund Erling

G The former Danish Ambassador to Singapore, Jorgen Orstrom Moller cutting the red ribbon at the opening in 2003.

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he Danish kindergarten in Singapore, Mariehoenen has been sold and will be taken over by its new owner, Esben Poulsson 1 July 2012. The Previous owner, Jette Lund has sold the kindergarten as she is moving back to Denmark.

The Danish kindergarten was established in 2003, and the new owner has no plans of changing the concept.

“It would have been a huge loss if the fact that Jette Lund is moving back to Denmark would have meant the end of Mariehoenen. The effort that Jette has put into her work has been amazing, and the new board and management has to build on what Jette has already created,” says Esben Poulsson.

The kindergarten is now in the process of finding a now educator to take over from Jette Lund as responsible for the day to day activities in the kindergarten.

udmund Erling has taken over as the new priest at the Church of Sweden. He and his wife arrived in Singapore and started work on the first day of February. Together with them, they brought their two children, Noah and Thyra along.

The priest shared that, during the first days of their arrival, they had discovered and seen some amazing things. One of the most obvious difference Singapore has to Sweden is the weather.

“Coming from the south of Sweden, where it is cold and rains a lot, in the middle of winter to the warm breeze here, awakens our spirit,” Gudmund Erling wrote in an email.

The priest also did not miss mentioning how wonderful he thinks the staffs at the Norwegian Seamen’s mission are.

“They are wonderful people, easygoing and have lots of passion for what they are here to accomplish,” he wrote.

He predicts that he will be staying in Singapore for at least three years and hopes to contribute to the Swedish and Norwegian community in Singapore, as well as to all the students and travelers.

Gudmund Erling plans to take the first step of finding out what the Swedish community wants from the church in order to get ideas of what to carry out as he goes.

Gudmund Erling has already had the chance of meeting some of the Swedish and Norwegian people who visit the church at Pasir Panjang. He said that everyone had been very warm and welcoming and there was a welcoming service at the church on 19 February 2012.

April 2012 • ScandAsia.Singapore 13

ScandAsia News Brief

ScandAsia “Dragon Boy” Welcomed into the World

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candAsia is happy to announce that one of its writers, Andrea Chalupova Hessmo, has welcomed young baby Gustav Axel Hessmo into the world. The ‘Dragon Boy’, as he is nicknamed, was born on 21 February 2012 at 7.16AM at the National University Hospital (NUH) Singapore.

Though Andrea was recovering, she responded to the emails sent to her from ScandAsia whilst recommending services offered at NUH and relating her experience giving birth for the first time.

Andrea explained that she had initially chosen NUH because it was right around the corner but later discovered that it is a good place for natural and alternative child birth options.

“We heard about the midwifery at EmmaCare (enhanced midwifery care) and our doctor Prof Chong who is very pro breast feeding. All of this appealed to us and made us feel we had picked the right hospital,” she said in the email.

EmmaCare is an enhanced midwifery care at NUH which is very good, particularly for anyone who wants a natural birth (or as natural as possible). They offer a pool for water birth or relaxation, as well as other flexible birth options.

Andrea mentioned that wanting a natural birth, the pool was great for pain relief. It ended in a C-section but the decision was made at the right time for the right reasons.

“I can recommend EmmaCare and Prof Chong as well as ParentLink for hypnotherapy, hiring a doula and for general preparation for childbirth in Singapore,” she included in the email.

Gustav is Andrea’s first child and she is glad that there were no delays or complications during the entire process.

She ended the email stating “I’m feeling good. I still can’t believe I’m a parent!”

Striking and Functional Necklaces from Denmark

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anish designed fashion accessories with many functions and styles now available at Galanga Living.

Galanga Living offers new key chains and necklaces to which you can attach key and handphone. In addition you can get a wide selection of very unique and super functional accessories to carry credit cards, change, key card, ID card and more. An instant favorite choice of jewelry with its useful extra features.

Of course a woman’s bag is an important part of her look, but this is a much lighter alternative with a unique and versatile style that can substitute or complement a bag All of the accessories and chains are beautifully handcrafted 3d shapes in full-grain leather. Choose among hearts, cases, grenades and dog bones for shapes and black, dark brown, earthy red and undyed light brown for colour.

Go shop for it at Galanga Living both at the Central and East shop: Central: Galanga Living, 211 Henderson Road, #01-02 Henderson Industrial Park, Singapore 159552 Phone: +65 64 75 26 33 Opening hours: Monday - Sunday: 10.00 - 19.00

14 ScandAsia.Singapore • April 2012

The lanyard in braided natural leather has a sturdy click-on system which enables you to easily and quickly change between many different attachments and take off your keys and mobile phone. The big ring, the mobile strap and the key ring are delivered with the key chain. The lanyard is designed to be timeless in such a way that you can attach new objects as they become available.

The high quality material and classic colours means also guys can wear them to add a raw and edgy style to their look - and avoid a bulky pocket.

The lanyard is designed by the Danish designer MariaLouise ‘Malou’ Knipschildt as part of her Verivinci design label where “keep it simple” is the ruling philosophy The collection currently consists of hearts, hand grenades, a soft purse, a dog bone and much more which can be attached to the lanyard – depending on mood and style.

East: Galanga Living, 7 Joo Chiat Place, Singapore 427742 Phone: +65 64 40 75 67 Opening hours: Monday - Saturday: 9.00 - 17.00 & Sunday: 11.00 – 17.00

Rekorderlig Cider in Singapore R ekorderlig Cider (try “REE-CO-DER-LIC”) is a premium Swedish cider made from apple, pear wine and the pure spring water that runs beneathe the brewery in Vimmerby, Sweden. Year after year, it remains one of the strongest brands in the Swedish cider market, and constantly surprises with exciting new flavours.

For the first time, this flavourful and refreshing Swedish cider is available in Singapore.

Introduced to new countries all the time, Rekorderlig Cider is wildly popular from Scandinavian countries to the rest of the world including, Germany, United Kingdom, USA and Australia.

Rekorderlig Cider epitomises the beautiful and chic Scandinavian style that is characterically Sweden, best described with the tag line ‘Beautifully Swedish”, and also suitably represented by Caroline Blomst, Europe’s best fashion blogger. She is the brand ambassador of Rekorderlig Cider, her style echoing the edgy and chic scandinavian style that is Rekorderlig too. Related link: http://www.rekorderlig.com/au Currently available in Singapore are 3 unique flavours – the distinctively crisp Pear, juicy Wild Berries and zesty Strawberry-Lime.

Best way to enjoy a Rekorderlig Cider is ‘ciderito’ style, that is, pour Rekorderlig Cider over crushed ice and add a handful of berries, mint leaves or lime for an extra oomph.

Find your favourite Rekorderlig Cider in cafes and restaurants across Singapore.

Join our Fan Page at Facebook/RekorderligCiderSingapore.

Talk to us at Twitter/RekoderligCiderSG. Purchase for home and office parties through info@rekorderligcider.sg.

Check also at Scandinavian Shoppe.

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Biography on Danish Asia Veteran

By Dennis Krog

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f you like books about people starting with nothing and making it big, then the book about the now 81 year old Dane, Paul Wallevik is a book you have to read. Paul Wallevik made himself a rich man producing furniture around the world, including Asia.

The book is written in Danish and it is called “Med verden som hjem – en global iv?rks?tters liv” (With the worlds as his home – the life of a global entrepreneur.

The book is written by the Danish journalist Gretelise Holm and is in many ways the classic story of a person who starts with nothing and ends up with a lot, but there are differences that makes the story of Paul Wallevik very interesting.

With the world as his home In short Paul Wallevik left Denmark at a very young age and made the regions of Africa and Asia his place of doing business as well as his home. In 1975 – after having to flee Ghana - Paul Wallevik started his first furniture factory in Asia with Singapore the first place in the region for the Dane to produce furniture.

Twelve years after the furniture factory in Singapore opened the next Asian country to see Paul Wallevik open up was Indonesia, where he started a company called Kingfurn.

Other Furniture factories where opened around the world, but in 2012 most of the companies have been sold, making Paul Wallevik a very rich man. However, the factory in Indonesia is still in the hands of the Danish entrepreneur, employing around 1000 people.

The profit generated from the book will be donated to the Danish Seaman Church in Singapore. To buy the book, follow this link: http://www.lokalprodukter.dk/butik/ boeger/paul-wallevik-med-verden-som-hjem-%E2%80%93-en-global-ivaerksaetters-liv

April 2012 • ScandAsia.Singapore 15

Swede of the Year:

Mike Kannberg Helps Cambodian Orphans The Swedish Midsummer celebration in June is the most important day of the year for expat banker Mike Kannberg. He doesn’t celebrate it in Sweden, though, but outside of Bangkok in Thailand with a group of fellow Swedes.

By Andrea Chalupova Hessmo

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hey have all gathered there each year for the past eleven years and have dubbed themselves and their own golf tournament the ‘Bachelor Boys Midsummer Club’. But behind the somewhat frivolous name, there is a serious and caring intent.

The Bachelor Midsummer tradition has grown into a charity event.

It raises money for needy children in Cambodia and so far, it has distributed 28 000 USD in aid and helped about 28 children with cleft lip operations.

These activities recently earned Kannberg the first inaugural ‘Swede of the Year award’ at the SBAS annual Midwinter Ball in November 2011.

It is a recently established award by Swedish Business Association (SBAS) in Singapore for Swedes who have made a difference in the region.

“With his own initiative, dedication, drive and passion, he has made

numerous people aware of their privileged situation and convinced them to help an orphanage in Cambodia with direct financial support,” said SBAS president Jan Djerf.

Meet dynamic Mike Kannberg for a conversation on supporting Cambodian orphans, expat life and what it means to be Swedish.

Connecting people and long term life in Singapore He looks youthful in that typical outdoorsy Scandinavian way, he talks easily and seems to love socialising, which is confirmed by his friend and long term partner on the Cambodia project, Pontus Forssell.

“Mike is generous and great fun,” Forssell says. “He is an important connecting link among Swedes here. There are many networks for the wives. Mike organises clubs and meetings for us men. No doubt that Mike should be Swede of the Year, not only this year but every year!”

16 ScandAsia.Singapore • April 2012

It was Kannberg’s position as Vice President in charge of Global FX Marketing Team at CitiBank that brought him and his family to Singapore, but his international lifestyle and curiosity to explore the world began much earlier. He left Sweden at the age of 16 as an exchange student and, later, studied international finance and marketing at Trinity University in the US. After having lived in Chicago and Switzerland, he moved to Singapore in 1996 with his then wife Carina and sons who were one, three and five at the time. The whole family loved it in Asia.

“In Singapore, suddenly all free time became quality time,” says Kannberg, referring to the ease of hiring domestic helpers. “All the usual stuff you did back home, such as washing, cleaning and tidying, you didn’t have to do here.”

The years went by and the Kannberg family stayed on. Singapore

felt like the perfect place and ticked all the criteria the family had, such as safety, schools (the boys went on to study at Overseas Family School) and quality of life.

Kannberg’s wife Carina was very involved in the boys’ school but after they got older, there wasn’t as much to do. Kannberg says that the expat problem of the dependant partner not having a professional career or other meaningful activity eventually became one reason for the eventual breakup of his marriage. Carina has now made a new life for herself back in Sweden.

“It’s the downside of expat life,” he says. “When the kids are small, they keep you busy, but later this situation can get boring.”

Sons exploring Sweden In the middle of the conversation we are interrupted by one of his sons who calls from Sweden. Kannberg asks him to buy lots of bleak roe

caviar at Arlanda airport to bring to his dad when he comes to Singapore.

Maintaining the Swedish culture and language while abroad was natural and important for the family, although, as the years abroad went by, the gradual loss of a full mother tongue ability was inevitable.

“Of course, we spoke only Swedish at home,” Kannberg says. “For my boys, speaking and reading is no problem, but their spelling is funny sometime. They did go to Swedish classes here but in the long run, it became too difficult.”

Kannberg’s three sons now range in age from 16 to 20 and have all attended Overseas Family School in Singapore. Although they have friends all over the world, they feel Swedish and love the countryside, the boat-life and fishing in Sweden.

When they got older, there was a strong wish to explore and get to know the country on a more longterm basis.

“My oldest son said, ‘I’m Swedish but I have never lived in Sweden,’” Kannberg says.

This led to all of them studying at the international programme at the renowned boarding school Sigtuna outside of Stockholm. After schooling in Singapore, the boys’ reactions to Swedish education proved to be somewhat surprising even for their father. Sigtuna is one of the better private education establishments in the country. Still, the Kannberg boys noticed a difference compared to Singapore.

“We felt it was a good school,” Kannberg says. “What was surprising, though, and it was amusing that it actually came from the boys themselves, was that they thought the discipline wasn’t good. Here they are used to total silence in class when the teacher speaks. This was not the case in Sweden. There are issues like mobiles ringing in class for example which is unheard of in Singapore

Mike is generous and great fun.

He is an important connecting link among Swedes here. There are many networks for the wives. Mike organises clubs and meetings for us men. No doubt that Mike should be Swede of the Year, not only this year but every year!

Pontus Forssell

April 2012 • ScandAsia.Singapore 17

where they would take your mobile phone immediately.”

The boys also sensed a difference in the teachers’ attitude to their profession.

“Marcus, who is not even particularly interested in academic studies but more into sports, said he had a feeling that the teachers were not as highly educated and as interested in their jobs as in Singapore,” Kannberg adds. “Here the teachers are very involved and passionate about what they teach. The boys were surprised and also said there is not the same respect for the teachers as there is here. And respect for teachers is really the most important thing.”

Midsummer golf funds charity in Cambodia It was the annual Midsummer celebration in Thailand that became the starting point for Kannberg’s charity activities and fundraising in Cambodia four years ago.

“Midsummer is a holy event for me,” Kannberg says. “It’s bigger than Christmas because it is so very Swedish.”

Every year since 1997, an international group of Swedish males fly in to the Bangkok Golf Club from places like Dubai, Switzerland, Norway, France and Hong Kong. They fly in familiar home-country fare such as Swedish fresh potatoes and cheese.

Wasa knäckebröd is the sponsor of the event.

“In our golf tournament we practised betting and once at a dinner, Forssell’s wife Ika said ‘why don’t you do this for charity’”, Kannberg recalls.

“We thought it was a great idea.

If I can bet 200 dollars on who will win a golf tour, I might as well give that money to an orphanage where the money will last much longer.”

Kannberg and Forssell went to the orphanage Sangkheum Center in Siem Reap in Cambodia which was recommended to them by a friend.

They simply asked the people in charge of the orphanage what was needed.

“All of us travel a lot and we see so much suffering and poverty,” Forssell says. “I think we have all felt that it would be great to help out and do

18 ScandAsia.Singapore • April 2012

something substantial. Mike is a man of action. He takes these ideas and turns them into reality.”

They didn’t donate money directly as, given the poverty-stricken nature of much of the country, it tends to disappear in corruption.

Instead, they bought everything that was needed.

“There are also three local children who don’t live in the orphanage whom we support by paying their school material and uniforms,” says Kannberg. “The big money goes to the orphanage. We have bought English books, pens, paper, food, bicycles and many other things. These kids there can work in the tourism industry in the future.”

Every year, roughly 9000 USD is raised from the Midsummer golf tournament and various associated fundraising activities. Everyone donates money and activities have been going on for four years now. The financial support has also enabled 28 boys to receive an operation to correct cleft palates.

“All the guys are very generous,”

Kannberg says. “We want to raise enough money to sponsor scholarships for university studies. We let the people at the orphanage choose which ones, the best, who are going to get the chance to study. These candidates will do a three-year nursing education where we are going to pay for everything.”

Kannberg declares with passion: “I get so much out of seeing the results. I’m receiving pictures of the cleft palate operations before and after, and coming to see these kids is amazing.”

This devoted expat dad shares frankly: “Then you look at your own kids who have everything and are not satisfied. These kids in Cambodia have nothing and are happy.”

What it means to be Swedish After the charity work and gettogether with fellow caring Swedes, each year in July, Kannberg spends time in his summer-house on the island of Ingarö in the Stockholm archipelago. He feels proud to be

We want to raise enough money to sponsor scholarships for university studies. We let the people at the orphanage choose which ones, the best, who are going to get the chance to study. These candidates will do a three-year nursing education where we are going to pay for everything.

a Swede.

“I feel more Swedish than most Swedes back home,” he says.

On the oft-remarked comment that many Swedes abroad say that, Kannberg elaborates: “I’m from Stockholm and when I go there I think ‘wow, what a beautiful city, what beautiful scenery’. It’s actually hard to find that anywhere else. In the US, you don’t get that, in Singapore you don’t get that. Singapore is great but modern and a bit soul-less.”

Acknowledging that nevertheless, he has lived in Singapore for quite some time now, he explains: “I get my dose of soul from people I meet and socialise with and from my travels to Cambodia and Vietnam.”

Kannberg says he would never speak ill of his home country, although he is also critical of many things there, if only out of its best interests.

“I wouldn’t want to raise teenagers there,” he says. “We have friends who went out to cinema one night

and on the bus, they were violently robbed and threatened – completely unprovoked. Something like that happening here in Singapore is extremely rare.”

Being far away also gives him different perspectives on things such as clear cut opinions of his home-based countrymen.

“I think that as soon as people come out of Sweden, they judge others much less,” he says. “There is a lot of ignorance, although I think Americans are much worse. They know even less about the world.”

Although he loves his home country, he doesn’t think he will ever move back permanently.

“I can’t see myself full time on Ingarö,” he says. “I’m too restless for that, even though it’s fantastic there.

I think I want to finish working here in Asia. Then my plan is to spend the summer in Sweden, autumn in southern Europe and the winter in Thailand.”

Southeast Asia’s very

Legoland has come! This international theme park, well known for building competitiveness with its exciting, people-friendly rides and interactive attractions, is preparing for its grand opening end of this year.

By Kristene Silva Marie

20 ScandAsia.Singapore • April 2012

L

ego, as many Southeast Asian children know, are little coloured bricks used to build anything that comes to mind be it vehicles, monuments or even little people.

For parents, these bricks seem to tap into the imagination of their children motivating those who don’t already own a set to go out and get one.

Since there is already a preconceived image of what the brand is, it would come as news to many in this part of the world that the same brand had actually progressed into a full blown theme park and has been a hit amongst many European families for a very long time.

Siegfriend Boerst, the General Manager of Merlin International, which is a company that handles the Legoland theme park, shared his opinion on what Legoland is all about and how they hope to approach the Asian market.

“Parents want to educate their children. Lego gives a fun and enjoyable exploration of the mind,” he said.

Siegfried also said that these theme parks being targeted to families with children encourage the participation of everyone in the family with their rides and attractions.

“We even have areas where families can compete with other families just so it requires involvement in entirety trying to win,” he said.

Instead of rides that go to fast, spinning upside down and all around, the rides at Legoland are people friendly and are able to be enjoyed by everyone whether young or old, while being just as exciting.

Legoland will be something like a breath of fresh air with its different concept as compared to the other theme parks Southeast Asians are used to. Simply said, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

There are several interactive rides available at Legoland Malaysia which allows the audience to participate in the ride instead of just watching from their seats.

Legoland has fit more than 40 rides shows and attractions in the park. The creative team who put the park together has used approximately 50 million little Lego bricks for the creative construction.

Making it Happen Discussions about Legoland Malaysia began around the year 2005, and after getting the appropriate backings, the official ground breaking began in

own Legoland the end of 2009. The major part of the construction in the area started in February 2010.

As of April 2012, with October as the target completion date, things are pretty busy at the Lego land. This is not just because of the decorating process but also because they are focusing on the training of their 900 employees before the grand opening.

“It is called a theme park for a reason so now is the time when each area in the park is colour themed and decorated accordingly,” Siegfried said.

“And since it is our policy to ensure a positive guest experience, the 900 employees hired will undergo training for several weeks before they actually start their duties,” he added.

The area of land that makes up this theme park is very large, approximately 76 acres.

As part of the park’s landscape, 3500 trees have been planted for natural shade from the hot weather.

Also to ensure a hygienic atmosphere, waiting areas, even in the outdoors, are covered, to prevent any concerns of the play area contact with the rain.

Legoland Malaysia is the sixth

one of its kind to be built in the world and the very first in Asia. It offers a family experience of bonding, learning and pushing boundaries of their imaginations through Lego.

Legoland Journey Guests would most probably need more than a day to completely journey throught the variety of attraction, shows and rides at the park as they are just so mind-bogglingly many.

The center area of the park makes up the Mini Land which exhibits popular Asian landscapes and towns on a scale of 1:20 recreated from over 25 million Lego bricks.

Making it more realistic, people, animals, cars, ships, trains and aeroplanes can be moved at the touch of a button together with the appropriate background noises.

Then there is the Lego City, where the ultimate dream of most children can be fulfilled as they are able to obtain their very own driving license at the Driving School, Fire Academy and Boating School. What’s even sweeter is that they actually get to drive!

Others include the Land of Adventure, The Lego Kingdoms, Lego

Technic, and Imagination, which is wildly popular around the world and where imagination comes to life with the Lego bricks.

Apart from all the attractions and rides, Legoland will also feature live shows in its amphitheatre with its

audience capacity of 600 people.

It is certainly exciting looking forward to the opening of Legoland Malaysia this October. Look out for promotional ticket or package prices at the Legoland website, www.legoland.my.

Neste Oil Plant in Sin

There is a significant rise in production of renewable fuel around the world.

Neste Oil seeks to be known as the sole producer of NExBTL renewable diesel.

By Kristene Silva Marie

N

este Oil is a global pioneer in the field of premium-quality renewable fuels. The company produces and sells NExBTL renewable diesel and NExBTL renewable aviation fuel. Both fuels are produced using its proprietary technology.

Over the last few years, Neste Oil has invested a total of almost EUR 1.5 billion in expanding its NExBTL capacity and last year, Neste commissioned its fourth NExBTL plant which is located in Rotterdam in the Netherlands.

Singapore Facility The Singapore Neste Oil facility was one of the brand’s new ventures which started in 2005. It specialises in producing the renewable biodiesel 22 ScandAsia.Singapore • April 2012

NExBTL. Its Managing Director Petri Jokinen said that the product offered is significantly different from typical biodiesel.

“Unlike other biodiesel, our product, which we prefer to call NExBTL, has no blending limitations, which allow it to be blended with fossil fuels for usage. With any other biodiesel blending in more than 5% with any types of fossil fuels will deteriorate the oil,” he said.

Apart from that, Petri added that with NExBTL, there are significant reductions in greenhouse gas emission from about 40% to 80%.

As for value-added solutions, Neste Oil has developed a number of new products for its existing customers in 2011. These include blends of fossil fuel and renewable diesel for sale on European markets.

Unconventional solutions like these offer customers real benefits as they bring logistics savings and provide added flexibility, he explains.

Feedstock Sources Neste Oil has systematically increased its use of Russian crude oil as a refinery feedstock in recent years.

Russian crude is generally cheaper than Brent crude from the North Sea and can be shipped highly efficiently to Neste Oil’s refineries at Porvoo and Naantali, primarily from the Primorsk terminal on the Gulf of Finland.

The price difference between Russian and Brent crude narrowed to such an extent after spring 2011, however, that the proportion of Russian crude purchased by Neste Oil during the year as a whole was lower than in 2010, at 85% (92%). A total of

ngapore Our product NExBTL, has no blending limitations, which allow it to be blended with fossil fuels for usage.

Petri Jokinen Managing Director, Neste Oil Singapore 69% (80%) of all refinery feedstocks were sourced from Russia.

This reduction was largely the result of an increase in the procurement of renewable biofuels, mainly from suppliers in Southeast Asia.

“The pricing of this biodiesel fuel is noticeably higher than fossil fuels.

This is because of the characteristics of the fuel which is of premium quality compared to first generation biodiesel and with higher energy content,” Petri explained.

NExBTL Application In 2011, not only did Neste Oil open up new markets and pioneer new solutions, the company also successfully developed new applications for its Renewable Fuels business based on NExBTL technology.

Aiming to expand it renewable aviation fuel business, Neste Oil is working closely with airlines and aircraft manufacturers.

In addition to aviation fuel, Neste Oil launched a trial to test 100% NExBTL renewable diesel in marine usage for the first time. Carried out in cooperation with the Port of Rotterdam and the Rotterdam Climate Initiative, this will see a harbor patrol boat run on NExBTL for a total of 1,000 hours.

“Part of its flexibility is, that NExBTL is a fuel that requires no modification to engines or pump stations,” Petri said.

Targets for 2012 Some of the company’s main targets for this year are to first and foremost maintain its leading position in markets around the Baltic and strengthen the company margins by improving productivity.

This can be achieved by, for example, increasing plant capacity utilisation levels and the proportion of middle distillates in product output growth in the base oil market by increasing sales of VHVI (Very High Viscosity Index) base oil, developing new customer solutions, and expanding into new areas.

Neste also intends to offer customers flexible and efficient solutions for meeting their bio-mandate requirements.

Although the product seems to be quite pricey, Petri believes there is a market for it in the future as many people are starting to be aware of the environment and consider expenditure for good quality an investment for the future.

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Choosing The Right Sc

C

Marianne Prahl with her eldest daughter, Claire.

On opposite page: The whole family with all three children.

24 ScandAsia.Singapore • April 2012

hoosing the right school for your children can be a challenge. International or local; big or small; profit or non-profit; IB or other programme; mother tongue lessons within the curriculum or after school? These are just some of the choices expat families have to make whilst looking for a suitable school for their kids in Singapore. Marianne Prahl and her family went through all of it when relocating from Denmark to Singapore almost three years ago and she is happy to share her experience and advice with ScandAsia’s readers.

After stints in the UK, Kenya, Hong Kong, Holland, the US and Denmark, Marianne and her family relocated to Singapore in the summer of 2009. With so many schools to choose from, the Danish native and her Dutch husband found it quite a challenge to decide on the most suitable school for their three daughters, Claire (16), Sofie (14) and Emily (12).

German European School Singapore Marianne and her family decided to enroll their teenage daughters in the German European School Singapore (GESS). They felt that with their European background their daughters would fit in well at this school. Moreover, they found it important that the girls, who have been spending more time abroad than in their native country, would learn about European culture and values at school.

With 1400 students, the school is not as big as some other internationals schools, was also a key factor in the decision, Marianne explains.

“We preferred a smaller school, with smaller classes, where the girls would receive more attention and we, as parents, could also get to know the other children, parents, teachers and staff more easily. At GESS the teachers know all of the students and really take time and care for them,” says Marianne Prahl.

chool in Singapore IB Programme Marianne’s daughters were already attending an international school in Denmark before the family’s move to the Lion City.

“When we moved to Singapore, our main concern was that the girls would be able to continue the International Baccalaureate (IB) programme. Their school in Copenhagen was an IB School and we feel it’s a great programme that really suits their interests and capabilities,” explains Marianne.

Not-for-profit Marianne and her husband specifically looked for a not-for-profit school, which was part of the reason they chose GESS. “We feel this guarantees that school fees are used for the development of the school only and that parent involvement is more appreciated,” they say.

A member of the Board of Gov-

ernors at GESS herself, Marianne likes that parents can play an active part in school life at GESS. “As a parent you can join various committees and truly make a difference, whether it is by organising big school events like the annual Christmas Bazaar, making new parents and students feel welcome as a member of the Welcome Committee, or by supporting the school on a more strategic level as a board member.”

Focus on European languages GESS focuses on European languages and all students from Pre-School to Grade 12 learn both the school’s two core languages, English and German, which are offered at a variety of levels, from beginner to native speaker.

Besides these languages, a lot of students also follow mother tongue lessons that are usually integrated in the curriculum.

“GESS really encourages stu-

dents to study their mother tongue,” Marianne says.

“The school offers a lot of different languages, and in case there aren’t enough students of a certain nationality to have a regular class, students can follow a special mother tongue support programme to keep up with their mother tongue language.”

Marianne’s daughters are joining the Dutch programme with Dutch language and culture lessons as part of the curriculum.

“This ensures the girls don’t have to go to Dutch lessons in their precious spare time that they would much rather spend horse riding or dancing.”

April 2012 • ScandAsia.Singapore 25

Schooling and Football Markus and Amanda Poulsen had an interesting early education. Now, as part of the Singaporean expat kids community, they continue living with a balance of work and play.

By Kristene Silva Marie

M

arkus and Amanda Poulsen arrived in Singapore seven years ago together with their parents when they were still at tender ages of nine and seven. Their parents, Mikkjal and Ulla Poulsen, opted for the Canadian International School of Singapore as they considered it the best option they had.

Being new to this part of the world, the children did not just need to adapt to a new school, but also to new culture, weather, food and more. Mikkjal and Ulla were hoping to find a school that had a more personal and close knit community for their children.

“We heard of some really popular schools that had large Danish communities in them but it was not what we were looking for,” Ulla said.

She said that what they felt was most important was that the children feel comfortable and accepted and through that go through a learning experience in Singapore.

“Being in a Danish community at school was not our priority because the fact is they had an opportunity

to meet people their age from all over the world. Why waste that?” she continued.

School Fun Both Markus and Amanda have been very active in football which is undoubtedly where their passion lies.

“I have been playing ever since I was five,” Markus said while Amanda nodded in agreement.

They both enjoy playing for their school teams and have been to many countries representing Singapore in football leagues and tournaments.

Apart from that, an activity both of them look forward to every year is the United Nations (UN) day. It is a day to promote global awareness and sharing of culture among the citizens of CIS. “On UN day, when we get to dress up in our traditional costumes and bring our native dishes for everyone to try,” Markus and Amanda explained.

This year CIS had 68 nations participating in the UN day parading their countries to the cheering crowds present. They would usually walk in groups of the same nationality

26 ScandAsia.Singapore • April 2012

led by a teacher.

Adding to the plus points of being in a school like CIS, the children said that it’s like being in a big family to them. They enjoy classes because the teachers, although not too strict, are able to keep the class focused.

The fact that their principal can be seen with students, mingling around and having a good relationship with them is something that Ulla approves of very much.

“The principal know the students’ name. It shows that he is not the distant type of principal but instead is a friend to them,” she said.

Another activity both of them are involved in is the Wednesday Afternoon Extra Learning Periods (WAELP). Every Wednesdays, both Markus and Amanda will be involved in extracurricular activities.

These not only help them practice certain skills and gain knowledge, it also allows them to meet others who have similar interests as theirs.

Pre-School As part of growing up, Markus and Amanda had been enrolled in an outdoor kindergarten back in Denmark.

This literally means that students would spend every school day of the year out of doors unless the weather was really bad.

At the kindergarten, the children were encouraged to be as they should be, playing around and being curious about everything. They were exposed to more skills and hands-on activities rather than burying their noses in books all day.

“At the kindergarten they learnt how to ride bikes, climb trees, shave wood and other fun activities like that,” Ulla explained.

Looking back at their decision of having them attend pre-school classes there, Ulla said that she and her husband agrees that it was the right decision.

She also said that CIS has been the best decision they have made as parents for their children to grow and have the right balance in their lives.

Mikkjal has moved to Bangkok for job purpose and once everything is settled, the Poulsen family would be ready for a new adventure and experience as they move to Bangkok, after seven years of living in Singapore.

April 2012 • ScandAsia.Singapore 27

Linn and My Enjoy School Life at ISS Linn and My Wahlberg have been in the International School of Singapore for almost three years now. They have an amazing drive for studies and enjoy the opportunity of learning a local flavor, Mandarin.

The teachers welcomed us and gave us an introduction.

They were so polite and warm. The students at ISS greeted us although they did not know us.

By Kristene Silva Marie

T

he Wahlberg family moved to Singapore in June 2009. That was actually the second time they were here but the time before was when Linn and My, who are currently turning 12 and nine respectively, were too young to remember much.

Coming from an average sized school in Sweden, their parents preferred the girls to go to a school which wasn’t too crowded and where studies can be more personal.

That was when they decided to go with the International School of Singapore (ISS).

The mother, Helena Wahlberg, said they had all felt at ease when they visited the school for the first time.

“The teachers welcomed us and gave us an introduction. They were so polite and warm. The students at ISS greeted us although they did not know us,” Helena said.

Ever since then, there had been no looking back as the girls absorbed everything they possibly could. They didn’t just fully commit to their compulsory subjects but are also involved in extracurricular activities such as dancing and sewing, and the Mandarin language.

ing in flawless English she explained that she is excited being given an opportunity to learn something new.

“I really like learning Mandarin.

We learn to read, speak and write in Mandarin and it’s a lot of fun,” My said.

Her older sister also agreed as My excitedly spoke about learning the language teasing that she now isn’t able to say anything My does not understand anymore.

Linn explained that the school procedure is to offer those who do not speak English very well lessons in English through ESL (English as a Second Language) until they improve to a certain level. Once they have improved in English, they are to take up Mandarin.

For Linn, who was able to speak proper English, she didn’t have to

Language When My reached Singapore three years ago, she could say only the essential English words that would help her get around. Now, convers28 ScandAsia.Singapore • April 2012

attend the classes at school but to her delight could enroll for Mandarin classes immediately.

Typical school day A typical school day for the girls is to get up, get dressed and reach school by 7.35am. It takes them around 20 minutes by the school bus they go on.

When they reach, Linn has homeroom where she joins her classmates just talking with each other before their homeroom teacher enters the class. My on the other hand goes out to play with her friends once she reaches school. The girls find these as a time to bond with their friends.

“Some of my good friends are Indian, American and British. It is fun to meet people from other parts of the world,” Linn said, while My added,

“And I have friends from Japan, Korea, Sweden, China and America.”

As part of their school activities both Linn and My are required to take part in extracurricular activities (ECA) on certain days. Linn is a part of the yoga, Zumba and street dancing teams and My participates in jewelry making while being a part of the Brownies, which is a junior girls scouts team.

The girls find ECA an opportunity to meet and get to know students from the other grades.

Staying in Singapore Helena said that the family is not sure as to how long they will remain in Singapore however hope they will be able to stay for a longer time as it not only has been a good stay but also that Linn and My have adapted well to their school.

“I have seen that in these three years there has been a very big improvement in both of them. I am very satisfied with the level of education here compared to that back home,” she said.

My and Linn also expressed their regret of having to go home and missing out on learning Mandarin and having to go through the whole process of being “the new kid” all over again.

The girls have been enjoying themselves and look forward to experiencing and getting exposed to more new things through ISS.

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UWC Trek to Ladakh

By Simran Jiandani and Lizzie Thong

L

adakh means the “land of high passes” and this summer 60 UWCSEA students spent an unforgettable 20 days in the snowy mountain passes, freezing rivers and wide open spaces of that beautiful country.

We learned about the ancient culture of the Ladaki people, and spent time living with them. We trekked 4-8 hours a days in high altitude, lived in tiny tents, crossed fast moving rivers with freezing waters, ate

local food and made some incredible new friends.

Trek On the first few days all we could see were towering mountains and huge amounts of empty space. But as we climbed higher and the nights become colder, we started to see trees, grass, rivers, mountain goats, sheep and marmots. During the trek we all talked to new people, played games, and (with a lot of help from

30 ScandAsia.Singapore • April 2012

the guides) crossed fast flowing rivers.

The Trek was difficult, but everyone supported and helped each other, and after hours of trekking each day, the feeling when we finally reached the campsite and finished setting up our tents was amazing.

The last day of the trek was the most exciting, because we woke up to find that it was snowing outside.

Everyone was thrilled. After nine days of trekking for hours, playing I-spy, singing songs and freezing together at

night, we all had an amazing experience and made fifty nine new friends.

Lamdon Homestay After the trek, we stayed with students from Lamdon School for three days. They were extremely welcoming. The houses in Ladakh are very different from those in Singapore, being made of large concrete stones.

Once you enter, there is a main hallway, with rooms branching off to the sides. For any kind of social activity,

you sit on some mats in the main living room, with low tables nearby.

Over the next few days, we went to a few monasteries, a museum and a palace, as well as to the Tibetan Refugee Market for shopping. Ladakh is a Buddhist region, and in the monasteries, they all bow down in reverence every time they enter and exit. They also rotate the prayer wheels located all over the monasteries clockwise, as a prayer.

Lamdon Schoool One thing we noticed was that at the altitude of 3000m and above, not much wildlife was to be seen. However, at Lamdon School, all we could see was a sea of green. UWCSEA has planted over 8,000 poplar trees since 2008, allowing Lamdon School to earn extra income, as the timber can be used for making furniture.

Another 2000 trees will be planted every year until 2023 to create a forest of self-sustaining poplars.

In the late afternoon of the second day, we watched a music and talent show put on by the students of Lamdon School, with the aid of UWCSEA music teachers Mrs and Mr Hill. UWCSEA has opened up a new music centre, as well as donated a complete set of brass instruments to Lamdon School, helping to promote the development of both traditional and western music.

It was with great regret that we bid goodbye to our friends from

Lamdon School on the third day.

Everyone had had a memorable time, and wished it could have lasted longer.

Unforgettable It was a truly unforgettable experience. We got a great insight into a different lifestyle and culture, and made many new friends. The trek left us all fitter, and proud that we had completed such a challenge. We are left with no regrets that we chose Ladakh as our Grade 9 Expedition.

Sometimes it is all about you.

Applying for a place at UWC South East Asia is one of those times.

We are looking for families who are as committed to our mission and values as we are. For students who will embrace the opportunities provided by our learning programme.

No never-ending wait list. No concerns about date of application.

Simply apply and let us get to know you. Please contact admissions on +65 6775 5344. www.uwcsea.edu.sg UWCSEA Dover is registered by the CPE CPE Registration No. 197000825H Registration Period 18 July 2011–17 July 2017 UWCSEA East is registered by the CPE CPE Registration No. 200801795N Registration Period 10 March 2010–9 March 2017 039ADV-1112

April 2012 • ScandAsia.Singapore 31

James Cook University (JCU) Grows in Singapore James Cook University (JCU) is Queensland second oldest university and Australia’s leading tropical research university, with campuses in Townsville and Cairns and - since 2003 - in Singapore.

T

he Singapore campus of James Cook University (JCU) started in 2003 with just 50 students but has grown rapidly to exceed 2500 students in 2011 and plans to grow to 5000 students by 2015. Students are able to take programs in business, information technology, psychology and education at both the undergraduate and postgraduate level.

“JCU Singapore represents our only presence outside Australia,” said Professor Sandra Harding, Vice Chancellor of the University.

“We chose Singapore because of its tropical location and its appetite for education. We wanted a location which was appropriate to our tropical focus and which provided easy access to the students of Asia. And because of its proximity to Australia, we can guarantee the programs offered are of the same exacting standards as those provided at our Australian campuses,” Professor Harding added.

Professor Harding also noted that universities should be about more than just study.

“We seek to provide a whole of university experience which exposes students to a range of clubs and activities designed to build skills and confidences and to prepare students for life in the real world.”

Additionally the campus has a strong focus in research.

“We are committed to research.

We attract high-quality academic staff to conduct innovative research projects.

32 ScandAsia.Singapore • April 2012

We attract high-quality academic staff to conduct innovative research projects.” said Dr. Dale Anderson, Deputy Vice Chancellor of James Cook University Australia and Head of the Singapore Campus.

“Our research has the dual outcome of informing the teaching programs and adding to the body of world knowledge, especially about the tropics. Moreover the university shares its research outcomes through its Public Lecture Series, held on a regular basis, often in association with local research groups like the Institute of Southeast Asian Studies,” he adds.

The campus has a strong community focus making its facilities available for community use and organizing a range of community events in association with local civic groups.

“Our continued support to our local community foster stronger bonds and at the same time builds awareness and understanding of who we are as a university. Our students are actively involved in these events as volunteers and as performers,” said Dr. Anderson.

JCU Singapore has two campuses located at 600 Upper Thomson Road and 10 Ang Mo Kio St.54. The campuses provide students with access to a full range of facilities and services to support their learning. Facilities include lecture and seminar rooms, a fully equipped library, computer laboratories, an onsite bistro and access to a variety of sporting facilities.

Global School for Norwegians The Global School or Globalskolen provides Norwegian education services online for Norwegian students abroad. so that these families would not have to worry about the day when they have to head home.

Last year, Arne Heimestøl, one of the teachers/supervisors at Global School, visited some of the Norwegian students that he had been coaching and supervising online on a trip to Singapore.

T

he Global School started in 1998 with just a handful of students, but today the school has over 1000 Norwegian students abroad.

The programme is directed to Norwegian students between ages six to 16 who live and study in primary, secondary or international schools abroad. There are around 25 teachers at Global School who interact with students from all over the world. They respond to the home works of the students and suggests ways to make their work better in the future. Each teacher is assigned a group of students, of random locations, and would keep in touch and check on these students’ works.

The teaching and counseling takes place online on a weekly basis where those who have enrolled would be given general themes and assignments to work on.

These may be in the form of reading or writing and will be based on the Norwegian national curriculum, considering both content and methodology.

The students and their teacher or supervisor, do not have to be online at the same time, making the programme very flexible and fitting the lifestyle of different families, while still being able to have a fixed structure throughout the school year.

Each student is expected to study, or work on these projects for a minimum of 90 minutes per week in each semester, which consists of 15 weeks each. The program has been approved by the Education Directorate and is a part of “Complementary Education for Children Abroad”.

Globalskolen - free online education for Norwegian children age 6 to 15 living abroad!

The schooling complements whatever local school the children go to. Globalskolen teaches Norwegian, Social Studies and Religion&Ethics for children who have Norwegian social security number and live abroad for more than six months.

Globalskolen is an official Norwegian school.

It follows the Norwegian curriculum and guidelines set by the Education Department.

For more information and net based application visit our website: www.globalskolen.no

34 ScandAsia.Singapore • April 2012

KIS International School

K

IS International School is a full IB World School. The school was founded in 1998 and offers an international curriculum of high academic standards which challenges students to become responsible and effective world citizens.

The campus is green and spacious, and it’s located inside a gated housing estate near near AsokeRatchadapisek and not far from Ekamai Road. Despite being close to the city center, the area is so peaceful that the school was visited several times this year by an owl!

The school has all that kids need to learn: laboratories, libraries, an arts centre, an auditorium, tennis courts, games pitches and a rooftop swimming pool.

International Schools in Bangkok offer several different types of curricula. KIS offers the well-respected International Baccalaureate programmes starting with the Primary Years Programme for ages 3-11, the Middle Years Programme for ages 11-16 and the pre-university IB Diploma Programme for ages 16-18. These programmes are well-balanced and instil students with a positive attitude to learning, while engaging them with a world perspective in the humanities, languages, mathematics, the arts, technology and the sciences. After school the students partake in a wide range of extra-curricular activities. A recent survey at KIS highlighted that parents, teachers and students respect each other and that the programme is suitably challenging. Parents

and students rated teachers as being knowledgeable and good teachers.

The atmosphere at KIS is one of the school’s great strengths. Students and parents quickly feel at home and develop a sense of pride in their school. KIS’s smaller size means there is individual attention for each student and openness to creative and progressive ideas.

Tony and Sue lived in Bangkok and their son attended KIS. Unfortunately due to work, they had to relocate back to Europe. Their son missed KIS so much that the family decided to move back to Bangkok.

“KIS is the only school that our son has attended where he genuinely looks forward to going to school each day. This is partly because of the friends he has there but mainly it is because he thoroughly enjoys the whole school experience at KIS. The teachers have that great skill that makes learning fun and couple that with the superb facilities, impressive buildings and the caring and fun nature of the staff it is easy to see why we moved halfway around the world just so our son could be educated at KIS.”

April 2012 • ScandAsia.Singapore 35

“Ni hao!” at Stenhus Kostskole

T

he Chinese Dragon has come to stay at Stenhus Kostskole in Denmark. The Chinese classes at Stenhus Kostskole work closely with the two sister schools in Tianjin and in Shijiazhuang in the province of Hebei in North China.

Stenhus Kostskole aims to strengthen the understanding of crosscultural communication, so the students can understand the world around them, not least understand China today.

“The Chinese Dragon is awake and alive, and we have to follow its pace,” the school says.

In August 2010 on a study tour to Beijing and Tianjin, students from Stenhus met their Chinese counter parts . In 2012 the first Chinese students will visit Stenhus Kostskole in Denmark. For Danish children to learn and experience the Chinese culture, it gives them respect and a drive for the future.

Stenhus Kostskole DK-4300 Holbæk Phone: +45 59 43 02 69 E-mail: admin@stenhus.dk Website: www.stenhus.dk

B a g s væ r d k o s t s k o l e gymnasium tid til talent

Bagsværd kostskole & gymnasium (Bk) er en udviklingsorienteret og traditionsrig skole grundlagt i 1908. elever, der vælger en uddannelse hos os, siger ja til fællesskab, faglighed, seriøsitet og individuel talentudvikling. det vi på Bagsværd kostskole & gymnasium kalder for: tid til talent. vi tilbyder: • • • • • • •

dansk uddannelse med et internationalt præg grundskole, 10. kl., studentereksamen (stX) danmarks første femårig Biotek-uddannelse 8.kl.-3.g sport- og talentklasse fra 7. kl. mulighed for morgentræning tirsdage og torsdage aktiv brug af it og internet i undervisningen enkeltværelser til kostelever, lektiehjælp hver dag

scan Qr koden og besøg vores hjemmeside www.bagkost.dk aldershvilevej 138 • dk-2880 • Bagsværd • telefon: +45 44980065 • e-mail: bk@bagkost.dk

36 ScandAsia.Singapore • April 2012

Bagsværd Kostskole og Gymnasium

B

agsværd Kostskole and Gymnasium is a Danish school steeped in traditions and yet in constant development. The school was founded in 1908 on the brink of Bagsvaerd Lake 14 km north of Copenhagen.

Education starts in the Danish kindergarten school and ends with the Danish Gymnasium.

Boarding school students are taken in from the Danish 7th grade, but the greater part of the students joins during the last years of Grade school or in the gymnasium. The boarding house, Haraldsgave, offers 60 fully furnished single rooms where the students are helped daily on a daily basis with their homework by well educated staff who listen to the students.

Bagsvaerd has recently started Denmark’s first five year A-level for students who want to specialize in biotechnology on a higher level.

Bagsværd Kostskole og Gynmasium Aldershvilevej 138, 2880 Bagsværd +45 44 98 00 65 Email: bk@bagkost.dk Website: www.bagkost.dk

Boarding in Sweden

Sigtunaskolan Humanistiska Laroverket is located on a hill part of Sigtuna, closed to Stockholm, Arlanda and Uppsala.

S

igtunaskolan Humanistiska Laroverket is one of the most modern boarding schools in Europe. Approximately 500 pupils attend the school, of whom 260 are boarders. SSHL offers both the national curriculum natural sciences(NV), and the social sciences programmes (SP). In addition, the International Baccalaureate Diploma, administered by IBO in Geneva,

has been offered at the school for many years. Good results from these three programmes provide access to most colleges and universities around the world.

SSHL also offers the Middle Years Programme (MYP), a programme which is based on evaluation of the entire educational process, not just the results.

This provides a natural link between the middle and the high school years.

Sigtunaskolan Humonistiska Laroverket, SSHL PO.Box 328, 5E-193 28 Phone: +46 (0) 8 592 571 00 Fax: +46 (0) 8 592 572 50 E-mail: info@sshl.se Website: www.sshl.se

SWEDEN’S LEADING BOARDING SCHOOL High school and Middle school programmes in Swedish or English. The IB Diploma has been established at SSHL for over 30 years with a proven record of success. Numerous free time activities and close contacts with universities and industry. Our school is located in idyllic Sigtuna on the shores of Lake Mälar, close to Stockholm cultural life and Arlanda airport.

Come and visit SSHL, an international version of Sweden. We are happy to show you the school and our activities at any time. We also offer a trial period, giving you the opportunity to experience school and boarding life.

During the summer we offer summer courses in Swedish and Mathematics and a confirmation camp.

SIGTUNASKOLAN HUMANISTISKA LÄROVERKET Telephone: +46 8 592 571 00 www.sshl.se

April 2012 • ScandAsia.Singapore 37

A Finnish Twist on IB Schooling How does Finland’s renowned education system mix with the worldwide International Baccalaureate programme when the same school utilises both?

By Carina Chela Photos by Markku Ulander/Lehtikuva

S

ince 2007, the education at Ressu Comprehensive School has been based on a combination of Finland’s national core curriculum and the PYP curriculum (Primary Years Programme) and MYP curriculum (Middle Years Programme) of the International Baccalaureate Organization, IBO. With 430 pupils, 44 full time teachers, 38 different nationalities and two full-time special-needs teachers, Ressu takes pride in 120 years of heritage and in its mission and strategy as an IB school in Helsinki.

“It is good that our curriculum, written by our own teachers, has both programmes, because the Finnish national curriculum is an excellent one anyway,” explains principal Erja Hovén. “Now we have one curriculum that fulfils both programmes. It couldn’t be better!”

Finland has a total of 17 IB schools, including comprehensive and upper secondary, of which two

Ressu students don headphones for comprehension exercises in the language lab.

38 ScandAsia.Singapore • April 2012

Students at Ressu Comprehensive School chat outside a classroom during a lesson break.

are private and the rest are statefunded schools. Ressu and five others are situated in the Helsinki metropolitan area.

receive. Sometimes knowing how to process information is more important than the information itself.”

The learning process

As in many IB schools, instruction is offered in two languages, the country’s official language and English.

Ressu has both Finnish and English language streams. Often the students attending the English stream are temporarily living in Finland, or they are Finnish but have lived abroad.

The stellar results that Finland’s educational system has received in international evaluations in recent years have given the Finns cause to celebrate more than once. In the newest test results from the OECD Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA), released in December 2010, Finland dropped from first place in literacy to second place among OECD participants and third place among all participants, placing it just behind South Korea. And even if Finns are now feeling a certain sense of dissatisfaction about missing their beloved first place, it’s still an excellent result considering that the 2009 survey covered the OECD’s 33 member states and 32 non-members. Finland placed secondout of all participants in the science category and sixth in mathematics.

“Of course we like to get high scores,” says Hovén. “It also motivates us. The results are important but they are never do-or-die!”

Stimulating problem-solving skills and interaction are elements for which the Finnish school system has often received praise. “Problem-solving is an element that was already incorporated in the Finnish national curriculum. We just emphasise it more in our IB programme.”

“Certain points have had to be stressed [since the IB programme was introduced at Ressu]. For instance, there are more hands-on projects and enquiries. Our students now work with larger projects or personal projects that can take a whole winter.” Hovén pinpoints their “holistic approach” to education, especially in the PYP. Emphasising strong self-esteem and an active and responsible role in society is what Ressu aims for, which is also in accordance with the original aim of the IB programme to “challenge schools to encourage the students in become inquiring young people, active and knowledgeable lifelong learners through intercultural understanding.”

In addition, Ressu focuses on learning skills and teamwork, which are “just as important as the result,” says Hovén. “We want our students to be critical, to be able to analyse and evaluate the information they

About language

Nyborg Gymnasium

N

yborg Gymnasium is an unusual Danish college, offering both STX (a standard Danish A-level), HF (2 year exam that gives access to university studies) and IB (International Baccalaureate) - and further takes in boarders.

As a consequence, young people from the local town of Nyborg meet young people from other regions of Denmark and from abroad at Nyborg Gymnasium. It gives a special educational atmosphere, being local, national, and international at the same time.

All three educational lines are characterized by • a high educational standard and personal attention to each student • development of the student in terms of competence in the subjects, excellence in cooperation and an appetite for further learning • participation in the IT education and it-based communication between students and their teachers related to their everyday working environment • tolerance, involvement and responsibility for creating a safe and pleasant living atmosphere for all • positive and fun experiences, school parties, sports days, etc.

Bergen International School

T

he educational programme of the International School of Bergen (ISB) has been developed to help prepare its students for a successful future, whether that future is in the Hordaland region or outside the borders of Norway. Parents also choose ISB for the English language learning environment, the small class sizes and the challenge of the International Baccalaureate programmes. Our mission is to provide an internationally accredited education which serves the Bergen and business communities.

An education at ISB is recognized as quality far and wide. The school is accredited by the Council of International Schools and the New England Association of Schools and Colleges and is authorized by the International Baccalaureate Organization to offer their Primary Years, Middle Years and Diploma Programmes.

ISB is committed to the ethos of continual school improvement and strategic planning which are essential features of accredited schools.

Our students and staff ISB provides educational programmes in English to children between the ages of 3 and 18. The students represent more than thirty different nationalities. The teachers all hold university degrees and appropriate teaching qualifications. Class sizes are small with normally 16 – 18 students.

Bergen International School Wilhelm Bjerknesvei 15, 5081 Bergen Phone +47 55 30 63 30 Fax +47 55 30 63 31 Website: www.isob.no E-mail: post@isob.no

IB International Baccalaureate

- an alternative to the Danish ‘Studentereksamen’ • internationally recognized • gives admission to universities all over the world • taught in English You can stay at Nyborg Gymnasium’s boarding school.

Contact us for more information about the programme and the boarding school.

Deadline for applications: 15th of March.

Read more on our website: www.nyborg-gym.dk and our school magazine: http://issuu.com/nyborg-gym/docs/ magasin2012

Nyborg Gymnasium & Kostskole Skolebakken 13, DK-5800 Nyborg Tlf +45 65 31 02 17, fax +45 63 25 52 19 post@nyborg-gym.dk, www.nyborg-gym.dk

EngElskspråklig privatskolE for barn og ungdom mEllom 3 og 18 • • • • • • •

Få elever i hver klasse Trygt læringsmiljø med god individuell oppfølging God kontakt med foreldre Internasjonalt godkjente og utfordrende læreplaner Utmerkede resultater i internasjonale og norske nasjonalprøver Sentral beliggenhet med bybanestopp rett utenfor døren Nyhet– Internasjonal Videregående med godkjenning fra Lånekassen Contact us for more information: Tel 55 30 63 30 eller post@isob.no

April 2012 • ScandAsia.Singapore 39

Fun Ride Around Singapore Visiting a different country is always an exciting experience especially if you know you are going to be staying there for quite some time, because now you want get to know it better and enjoy all the perks it has to offer while you are there.

By Kristene Silva Marie

H

ave you only recently arrived in Singapore?

Or, have you been too busy and are only just starting to get to know the major hotspots here?

A great way of getting to know the city is by travelling to the different parts of it and gaining knowledge of what it has to offer. It would be a little tricky to travel around without knowing what Singapore has to show for itself.

Fortunately, there is the Duck & Hippo Tours Singapore. Going on the Duck was an experience even though I had already visited Singapore quite a number of times. I decided to take a ride around Singapore and see if I had missed anything.

Guess what? I actually had.

The Duck Tour, which is part of the Duck & Hippo Tours, brings anybody interested in getting to know Singapore better around the major areas and announces information about the places they see along the way.

The vehicle used to bring passengers around takes an amphibious form allowing it to ride on land before splashing into the water for the river cruise.

The tours with the duck are available hourly from 10am until 6pm daily except for major public holidays such as the Chinese New Year holidays.

Whacky Duck To get on the Duck Tour, you must make your way to Suntec City, Tower Five and there you will find a 40 ScandAsia.Singapore • April 2012

Singapore DuckTours counter where tickets can be purchased for $33 for adults, $23 for children aged three to 12 and $2 for toddlers.

After purchasing the ticket, you have to return to the counter area 10 minutes before your tour for briefing and safety guidelines.

Right after the briefing, the guide will lead everyone as they proceed to the vehicle, which is shaped like a boat except that its one on wheels.

As we got on to the Duck and the safety gates shut, it is safe to say that all on board were excited to see what was coming up. The guide introduced himself and the driver and later tried identifying the nationalities that we were.

One sign that caught my eye on the Duck was that which said “No eating, smoking & yawning allowed”, which the guide later mentioned as part of the rules when travelling.

Later I realised nobody on board were given a chance to yawn as there was so much to see.

The tour Popular landmarks, such as the Singapore Flyer, Marina Bay Sands and the Merlion, which are regularly mentioned in conversations about places to visit in Singapore, are some of the many places we passed on the tour.

Although the tour did not actually bringing us to these places, guests were given an idea of what they might enjoy and could list these places down as a “must visit” during their stay.

One of the strongest attributes

of the Duck tour is that the guides don’t just describe and explain the places the Duck passes but also shares some brief, if not funny history about it with everybody on board.

Some of the places you will pass on the Duck are the Singapore Flyer, Marina Bay Sands, Esplanade, the National Art Museum and the popular Merlion. While on water, these places looked especially spectacular and we all snapped away with our cameras.

I went on the 2pm tour on a Sunday, which is a little closer to noon. There were more people on the tour than a weekday and it was a pleasant weather, cloudy and cool before it started raining just as our tour ended.

However, I would suggest the evening tours, especially around dusk, maybe 7pm or 8pm. Not only is it cooling around this time, also, the lights of the city and Marina Bay Sands would literally blow you away.

Each Duck can comfortably fit in 31 people with one driver and a guide.

The vehicle is clean, well maintained and spacious with sufficient leg space, even for those on the last row.

The tour generally takes around 60 minutes with the first 30 minutes on water and 30 minutes on land.

The journey on the water is a little slower than on land but the view is wholesome.

There are other packages and promotions offered by the Duck & Hippo Tours Singapore. You could get a better picture of these at their official website www.ducktours.com.sg.

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Practical Wine Tips • Best wines for spicy foods Living in Sourth East Asia, a frequently asked questions is what are the best wines to go with spicy food. In general, spicy, salty and smoky foods and ingredients cry out for wines that don’t add more heat or lots of other flavors.

So don’t serve high alcohol wines that translate to heat in your mouth, like California Chardonnay and Cabernet. These wines are also a no-no because they also have lots of competing oaky, caramel flavors. Great food wines for spicy, salty, smoky dishes have refreshing acidity that acts like a firefighter to cool your mouth. They should have gobs of fruit flavor, which translates to a touch of sweetness in your mouth, which softens those spicy, salty, smoky flavors. Ideal white wines include Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc and Chablis; red wines include Pinot Noir, Shiraz, Beaujolais Villages and Chinon.

Evil

• Three steps to make a cheap bottle of red wine taste three times as good Play “TAG” which stands for Temperature, Aeration and Glassware.

1. FEEL THE BOTTLE. If the red is slightly cool to the touch, serve it. If it’s warm, meaning ambient room temperature (70-75 degrees), ask for an ice bucket and give the wine a dip for five to 10 minutes so it gets slightly cool like the temperature of a wine cellar.

2. HAVE THE WINE AERATED IN A DECANTER (or glass pitcher at a more casual restaurant) before serving it.

3. ASK FOR BIG RED WINE GLASSES The big bowl lets you swirl and limber up the wine so it tastes better. Wine glasses are the gift that keeps on giving. So gift yourself first!

• The fastest way to chill your wine Add a third of a cup of salt to an ice bucket to make salt water which cools your wine 50% faster than tap water. Great for the holidays and parties when you have thirstier guests than anticipated.

• Best wines for Sunday brunch The refreshing prickle of bubbles and mouthwatering acidity of Champagne and sparkling wines cut right through egg dishes and cream sauces (like the Hollandaise on your Eggs Benedict). Next best choices are high acid whites like Sauvignon Blanc or Chablis whose good acidity can also scour your tongue and cleanse it of the egg yolks and Hollandaise sauce. Why? So you can really taste the next bite of food!

Are you done?

W

hen you have completed the above puzzles, please send your solution by fax to +66 2 943 7169 or scan and email to puzzles@ scandasia.com. We will make a lucky draw among the correct answers. Five lucky winners will receive a ScandAsia polo shirt.

Name:

___________________________________________________

Age: ________________________

Mobile:

___________________

Address:

__________________________________________________

__________________________________________________

__________________________________________________

Email:

__________________________________________________

Deadline for submitting your solution is 15 May 2012 42 ScandAsia.Singapore • April 2012

• How to avoid red wine headaches 1. Histamines are naturally present on grape skins and are present in higher concentration on red grapes than white grapes. So take an anti-histamine 30 minutes beforehand.

2. If histamines don’t bother you and you still get a headache it could be the tannins (preservatives) in red wine. So give up Cabernet and Merlot and drink wines with less tannin like Pinot Noir, Rioja, Chianti, Beaujolais-Village, Barbera, St Nicholas and Dolcetto.

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