ScandAsia Singapore - August 2012

AUG 2012

Singapore

SEB Appoints New General Manager ScandAsia.dk

ScandAsia.fi

ScandAsia.no

AugustScandAsia.se 2012 • ScandAsia.Singapore 1

Opinion

For Scandinavians, God is in Nature Recently, my husband, baby-son and I went on a weekend-trip to the Malaysian island of Tioman. Only 45 minutes by air from Changi airport, it’s an easy getaway from Singapore. So far, the island has been relatively spared of large resorts, the water there is emerald green and the nature is wild.

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 : 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 Assistant Editor: Wachiraporn Janrut wachiraporn@scandmedia.com Advertising : Finn Balslev finn@scandmedia.com Piyanan Kalikanon piyanan@scandmedia.com

We arrived at the small hotel and settled in our bungalow. Behind us were massive rocks, lush greenery and in front of us, there was the clear wide emerald sea.

During the day, my husband was snorkelling in the water in the cove, while I watched the turtles with my baby. Evenings, we watched the staff feed the fish from the pier. At night, we could hear the sounds of the jungle and monkeys scratching our balcony door.

One day, I was sitting on the sundeck watching some kids playing in the water.

There was a girl who caught my attention. She swam like a fish, she was as gutsy as the boys and seemed very free. The girl wasn’t afraid of anything.

It turned out that the girl was local, the daughter of the British owner of the hotel who had lived on the island for nearly twenty years. He told us he practically threw his daughter in the water when she was a baby, much to the locals’ initial shock and fear.

What a childhood, I thought. What freedom. To grow up on a tropical island, surrounded by monkeys, rainforest and the sea.

Then I realised that this need and emphasis on nature, the recognition of it as something sacred, is a very Northern idea.

Perhaps the most important thing for a Scandinavian parent is for their children to be able to roam freely in the countryside. Nature is the first and the most fundamental teacher for life.

Whether it’s the dramatic Norwegian fjords, the sandy dunes of Denmark, the Finnish lakes and forests or the islands of the Swedish archipelago, for the Northerner, God is in nature.

It’s what we carry in our souls from home and it’s what we miss the most when we live abroad, particularly in Asian cities.

Being a people of nature, this is also the reason why Scandinavians want to save the earth. We might not be as entrepreneurial as the Asians yet, in this regard. But if we work towards fusing the Asian drive with the Nordic passion for the environment, the green solutions for a sustainable future could indeed come from Singapore.

Nattapat Maesang nattapat@scandmedia.com Graphic Designer : Supphathada Numamnuay supphathada@scandmedia.com Distribution : Wanvisa Rattanaburi wanvisa@scandmedia.com Printing : Advance Printing Services Co., Ltd.

Daily news and features here: www.scandasia.com

Andrea Hessmo is a Swedish freelance journalist and writer, currently based in Singapore. She has been a regular journalist for ScandAsia Singapore since September 2011. She holds a Master’s degree in English.

Coming Events Meet the New Ambassador to Singapore Berit Basse

Danish Ambassador Talked About Myanmar in Singapore

Date: Friday 17 August 2012, 6.30pm Location: Singapore Cricket Club, Connaught Drive,

Singapore 179681 Danish Business Association of Singapore (DABS) is organising a welcoming event for the new Danish Ambassador to Singapore BeritBasse, where she will share with participants the latest development in Denmark as well as her experience as an Ambassador for the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Fee: Members SGD 95, Non-members SGD 125. Register at dabs@dabs-singapore.com

Annual Boat Trip with Cheng Ho V Date: Friday 14 September 2012 Location: Marina South Pier,

31 Marina Coastel Drive,

Singapore 018988 The Norwegian Business Association is organising their annual boat trip again. The event aims to gather residing Norwegians and newcomers to Singapore to enjoy mingling and sightseeing around the city.

The three-hour trip begins at the Marina Pier and sets out to Sentosa and back again. The vessel used is the Imperial Cheng Ho which sits around 200 people. Fee: Member: $80 / Non-member: $80. Please contact the NBAS for further information - admin@nbas.org.sg

Nordic Golf Tournament Date: Thursday 20 September Location: Masters Course at Laguna National Golf & Country Club It’s time to grab those clubs, tees, balls, and get ready for The Golf Tournament of 2012!

Get ready for another fun filled day in the company of Scandinavian business community and friends in Singapore. The course is booked, the menu is being set, and the format tweaked to ensure a day not to be forgotten. To register, please contact dabs@dabssingapore.com 4 ScandAsia.Singapore • August 2012

T

he Danish Ambassador to Thailand, Mikael HemnitiWinther, visited DABS - the Danish Business Association of Singapore on Monday June 4.

The Ambassador made a briefing about the current situation and positive developments in Myanmar.

The Ambassador also mentioned to about 35 guests at the event about the upcoming event that the Embassy in Thailand is organizing, which will take place in August this year.

Swedish National Day Celebrated in Singapore

O

ver 200 people gathered at the Polo Club in Singapore to celebrate the Swedish National Day and the Swedish Flag Day on June 6.

Ambassador IngemarDolfe welcomed the Swedish community in his opening address and GudmundErling, the Swedish priest, also gave a speech. After the talks, guests were entertained by PippiLongstocking who sang with the children at the event.

A light summer buffet with a Swedish touch and various fun activities were available for guests to enjoy.

The National Day celebration was collaborated between the Embassy of Sweden, SBAS (Swedish Business Association of Singapore), SWEA, the Church of Sweden in Singapore and the Swedish Supplementary Educational School.

Norwegian Students Mingling with Singaporean Entrepreneurs

I

n regards to this year’s launch of the Norwegian Entrepreneurship program (Gründerskolen) in Singapore, a large number of Norwegian students and Singaporean entrepreneurs gathered at the Ambassador’s residence on 7 June 2012.

The Norwegian Ambassador to Singapore H.E. JanneJulsrud held a welcoming speech for the guests. In her speech she emphasized the importance of innovation, and small to medium-sized businesses to ensure economic growth in a developed economy. Among the listeners were students, entrepreneurs and faculty members from different universities in Singapore.

Many of the participating students are currently pursuing their degrees, whereas others have already finished. In the following three months, they will sharpen their entrepreneurial skills at a highly innovative and dynamic Singaporean startup. These companies are involved in a range of industries such as IT, pharmaceuticals, textiles, and renewable energy.

Thus, the event offered good opportunities both for interns and employers.

The Norwegian Entrepreneurship program (Gründerskolen) is a co-operative project between several higher educational institutions in Norway. The program was launched in 1999, and is coordinated by Center for Entrepreneurship at the University of Oslo. An important goal of the program is to give students additional knowledge about business development and start-ups. Currently, about 150 students are spread across locations such as Boston, Houston, San Francisco and Singapore.

August 2012 • ScandAsia.Singapore 5

ScandAsia News Brief

Singaporean and Norwegian Company in Huge Vessel Deal N

orwegian Farstad Shipping has ordered the design and construction of two Platform Supply Vessels from Singapore listed STX OSV Holdings Limited, shipbuilders of offshore and specialized vessels.

The total value of the contracts amounts to approximately 93 million euro.

The first vessel, of STX OSV’s own PSV 07 design, is scheduled for delivery in 2014 from STX OSV Langsten in Norway. The second vessel will also be delivered in 2014 from STX OSV Vung Tau in Vietnam.

The vessels are 94.5 meters long and 21 meters wide, with deadweight of 5,600 tons.

They will be built to comply with the strictest “Clean Design” class notation requirements to reduce environmental impact, and are designed for effective and safe operations in harsh conditions.

Photo: Lars Grunwald

New Danish Ambassador to Singapore H

.E. Mrs. Berit Basse took on 1. August 2012 over as Danish Ambassador to Singapore. Mrs. Basse’s previous posting was in Munich in Germany, where she held the position as Consul General.

Mrs. Basse succeeds Ambassador Ole Lisborg who is retiring.

The Ambassador is not entirely new to South East Asia.

Early in her carreer she worked with Environmental Assistance to Thailand, Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia while based back in Copenhagen at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Shortly after her arrival to Singapore, the Danish Business Association of Singapore will host a dinner for both members and non-members where the Danish community in Singapore will get a chance to meet the new Danish ambassador.

6 ScandAsia.Singapore • August 2012

Swedish Café Fika Millennia Launch

S

wedish Café Fika launched its second branch on Millennia Walk in the heart of Singapore’s luxury hotel area on 30 May 2012. The new branch features all the Swedish signature dishes the café has become known for, as well as several new additions.

The opening of the café’s first branch on Arab Street was three years ago. Its business has since expanded and led them to a diverse group of customers.

Co-owner of Fika Joakim Smidhagen stated in a press release that both the cafés were designed to give customers a full Swedish experience. The first one has a feel like a country home, while the second, as a chic city home.

“Instead of replicating the country-style interiors of our first branch in Arab Street, we decided to go with a nostalgic Swedish mid-century feel,” he said.

On Fika’s menu are items that you would typically find in many cafés in Swedish cities.

The opening hours of the café are 11:00 to 22:00 Sunday through Wednesday and 11:00 to 23:00 Thursday through Saturday. For reservations at the Fika Millennia, call +65 6336 7234.

August 2012 • ScandAsia.Singapore 7

ScandAsia News Brief

Swedish S Ambassador in Business Seminar

wedish Ambassador Ingemar Dolfe participated in a full day seminar titled ‘Doing business in Europe’, organized by the Singapore Polytechnic. Among the speakers were also the young Swedish entrepreneur Ms. Claudia Olsson and Ambassador Marc Ungeheur, Head of the EU Delegation to Singapore.

The Seminar started with the welcome address Mr Lee Chong Hwa, Deputy Director Business School. His address was followed by the first speaker for the morning His Excellency Ingemar Dolfe Swedish Ambassador to Singapore who gave a general Introduction to Europe and Sweden & Singapore Relations. After that, His Excellency, Marc Ungehuer Ambassador and the Head of the Delegation of the European Union to Singapore gave an overview of the European market and its business challenges.

Ambassador Dolfe provided an overview of Sweden’s business climate, and noted Sweden’s emphasis on innovation and creativity as integral parts of the Swedish business success.

The students noted with interested that close to 400 Singaporean exchange students study in Sweden every year.

The presentations provided the students with a nuanced overview of the business opportunities and challenges in Europe and the cultural differences between Europe and Asia.

Photo: Carin Thomsen

Legoland Warming up to Opening

L

egoland launched an innovative Lego building competition on 17 July 2012 challenging school children in Singapore to build national icons out of Lego bricks in celebration of Singapore’s 47th National Day on 9th August 2012.

The contest was widely supported by teachers and parents alike amidst the growing recognition that children primarily think and learn through experiences rather than through abstract calculations and generalisations.

On 19 August, once the selection process is complete, ten finalists will be announced and in the second round, they will be asked to promote their designs online.

Public voting to decide the winners will close on 31 August.

On 3 September, the teams with the highest number of votes per contest category will be announced and every member of each winning team will receive five-day passes to Legoland Malaysia which is set to open its doors officially on 15 September 2012. The theme park has seven unique areas developed especially for children promoting fun in learning and combining the experience with interactive features.

8 ScandAsia.Singapore • August 2012

Liv Ullman at IIFA Singapore

N

orwegian actress Liv Ullmann was in Singapore on 7 -9 June 2012 to attend the Indian Film IIFA Awards which was held in Singapore this year.

Liv Ullmann on 8 June also showed the film, ‘Liv and Ingmar’, that is based on her life story, to an exclusive audience.

The film is an affectionate yet truthful account of the 42 years and 12 films long association between Ullman and master filmmaker Ingmar Bergman, conceived, written and directed by London-based Indian filmmaker Dheeraj Akolkar.

Ullmann, 73, has contributed in the form of two interviews and readings from her book ‘Changing’. “’Liv and Ingmar’ is not made by me but by the young and very creative filmmaker from India, Dheeraj Akolkar. He allowed even me to see many of the most important times of my life in a new and thought evoking way,” the actress said.

“It somehow changed some of my own memories,” Liv Ullman said.

ScandAsia and S Thai Property Guide in Cooperation

candAsia and Thai Property Guide (TPG) - a book published

by Thai-Swedish Chamber of Commerce - will join forces to approach Scandinavians in Singapore and China to promote second home and residential property investment in Thailand. The Thai Property Guide is the only project of its kind with official support and operated by a Chamber of Commerce in Thailand.

Scandinavians, in particular the ever-increasing number of Scandinavians living and working in China and Singapore, are very potential investors in the Thai real estate market where a large number of Swedes, Norwegians and Danes have already bought a home.

Executive Director Peter Björk of the Thai-Swedish Chamber of Commerce sees a clear trend of Scandinavians settling down permanently in Asia because of their current businesses, the many opportunities and the strong growth here.

“Many Scandinavian corporate employees have been in Asia a long time and prefer to invest here rather than back in Scandinavia.

Also, they prefer the warm and friendly people in a country such as Thailand with its world-renowned hospitality. Here they can enjoy higher quality of life than back home and at a reasonable cost,” he added.

Gregers Moller, publisher of ScandAsia, sees teaming up with the initiative of the Thai-Swedish Chamber as an obvious partnership.

“Our ScandAsia Singapore and ScandAsia China editions combined with our weekly newsletter reaches the large majority of Scandinavians in these countries,” he says.

By the end of this year a promotional events will be held in Singapore as well as in Shanghai and Beijing to present the new edition of the Thai Property Guide, which is expected launched by then.

August 2012 • ScandAsia.Singapore 9

SEB Appoints New The new General Manager of Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken’s Singapore branch for Private Banking is one of the bank’s foremost experts in ‘Wealth Structuring’, which is a wider term than wealth management - taking into account taxation factors for the clients when advising on how to manage their private funds.

By Miklos Bolza Cover photo by Terrence Lim

I

n an exciting move, the Swedish Private Banking executive Fredrik Lager has been appointed General Manager of Private Banking & Wealth Management at the Singaporean branch of Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken S.A. (SEB).

Mr. Lager brings to his new position especially his expertise in wealth structuring.

“Wealth structuring is a technical term for private and corporate tax structuring, emigration and repatriation, cross-border issues, succession planning, etc.,” Mr. Lager said.

“Basically, it encompasses everything that has to do with tax planning.”

Since 2006, Mr. Lager has helped SEB offer this service within Europe, and he is now keen to provide the same high level of service to clients in the Asia Pacific Region.

“If you want to compete in the higher segments of international private banking today, it’s not just about portfolio management. It’s also about being positioned correctly when it comes to holding companies, strategic exits and cross-border planning.”

In a recent interview, Mr. Lager shared with ScandAsia his career path so far and his goals for the new position.

Global Beginnings Mr. Lager is certainly no stranger to the international scene. Born in Gothenburg, Sweden, he and his family followed his father, a shipmaster, to Saudi Arabia and to the US when he was young. He returned to Sweden to further his studies, eventually graduating from the University of Stockholm with a Masters degree in shipping law. After this, he moved to London where he completed another Masters, this time in International Trade and Transportation after which he took a job as a lawyer for a City law firm.

In 1999, he was approached by the senior partner of what is now McGuireWoods LLP, Mr. Anders Grundberg, who was interested in hiring a new lawyer to cater for the growing number of Nordic clients moving or setting up businesses in the UK. As a Swedish lawyer work-

10 ScandAsia.Singapore • August 2012

If you want to compete in the higher segments of international private banking today, it’s not just about portfolio management.

It’s also about being positioned correctly when it comes to holding companies, strategic exits and cross-border planning.

ing in London, Mr. Lager was ideally suited for the role.

From 1999 to 2006, he helped grow the law firm from six to fifty staff, was made Partner in 2003 and ended up as Head of the Nordic Desk. In this role and in addition to helping individuals and businesses relocate to the UK, he advised clients on various international tax related issues, such as the setting up of holding companies, trusts, insurance solutions and generation planning.

New Ground at SEB As a Swedish advokat in London, Mr. Lager was frequently instructed and retained by Nordic banks, including Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken. During this time, SEB was interested in expanding its private banking offering to also encompass wealth structuring.

Mr. Lager joined SEB in Luxembourg in 2006, enticed by a new challenge in his career and eager to start a family with his wife in a more childfriendly city.

At SEB Mr. Lager began to offer the same international wealth structuring services to the bank’s private banking clients as he had previously done at the law firm in London. At the time this type of service was quite unusual in the banking industry, but ultimately made the bank more attractive publicly.

From 2006 to 2012, Mr. Lager worked as Head of Wealth Structuring at SEB in Luxembourg where he had direct contact with clients, many of which were in Singapore and other

parts of the Asia Pacific Region. He provided tailored and effective advice to clients of SEB’s private bankers.

“Clients tend to open up a bit more to a lawyer rather than to a private banker. This is because, in order for me to properly advise them, I need to know the bigger picture,” he said.

He also worked hard to raise the level of competence of SEB’s private bankers so that they could confidently discuss topics such as generation planning and tax structuring with clients.

From Europe to Asia On May 1 2012, Mr. Lager moved to Singapore to take up the position of General Manager of Private Banking & Wealth Management.

His predecessor, Mr. Ole Hamre, was asked to become Head of the Wealth Division in Norway, leaving this SE Asian position wide open. As Mr. Lager had done so much for the Luxembourg office, it was time to try something different. Furthermore, his legal expertise was seen as an asset which could complement SEB’s already strong banking reputation in the region.

His family has moved over as well, finding that Singapore was a relatively easy country to settle down in. Locating an apartment, schools for their two children and Swedish supplementary tuition were all simple to accomplish.

Even the family dog came along, although this proved to be the most difficult part of the transfer.

General Manager

Fredrik Lager in a busy city setting during a recent visit to Baangkok.

Building the Singapore Office Mr. Lager’s primary aim in his role as General Manager is to target the larger Nordic families in the region.

Although SE Asia is seen as a low tax region, tax and corporate structuring is still highly important, especially since most clients are so mobile.

Long-term planning, especially with regards to moving countries, is emphasised so as to protect and enhance client assets.

Additionally, Mr. Lager has to combine his past legal experience with the new managerial role, raising awareness among the staff and consulting with clients. Wealth structuring in combination with the more traditional private banking services to build relationships is hoped to boost SEB’s Asian reputation even more.

There are currently ten staff members, including four bankers, within the private banking division at SEB’s Singaporean office. This will grow to twelve over the summer, with the addition of a new client assistant and a Senior Private Banker, Mr. Lars Arleback, joining from SEB Private Banking in Geneva. There are also hopes for further expansion in the future.

From Sydney to Tokyo Covering an area from Sydney to Tokyo, SEB’s bankers have to deal with clients in a range of jurisdictions.

Given that the law differs from country to country, Mr. Lager believes in a general wealth structuring approach. If a more detailed strategy is required, however, the bank has several specialists on hand to deal with these issues.

SEB is already one of the most successful Scandinavian banks in Asia thanks in part to its highly competent Singapore office which was established in 1979. It also has offices in Hong Kong, Shanghai and Beijing; some of the largest business hubs in the region. As a bank, SEB has been around for more than 150 years and is well-known for its stability, honesty and dependability.

Brand Planning As for reaching out to new clients, the main attraction is the competence of the SEB staff. With Mr. Lager onboard, this level of skill and expertise increases even further.

The fact that the bank can legally hold assets in Singapore provides a psychological benefit.

“Although much of today’s

world is digital, there’s still that feeling that you want to keep your money close to you, which is why SEB, as the first Nordic private bank in Asia, started to offer fully fledged private banking services locally from Singapore in 2005,” Mr. Lager pointed out.

As for plans for expansion, opening up additional branches can be time-consuming and legally difficult, due in part to the complex nature of international banking. Mr. Lager stated that taxation, regulatory and political stability are important from a private banking point of view, which is why SEB chose Singapore as their base. Thus for the time being, there are no plans to open up any new private banking offices in the region.

August 2012 • ScandAsia.Singapore 11

Combining Marriage Entrepreneurship in Maybe we are creative in Sweden but we don’t have the guts to actually do something with that creativity, as opposed to here.

Celebrating wedding anniversary at Raffles Hotel.

Outgoing, sociable and full of initiative, Anna, 30, and Mikael Wanland, 33, are well known in the expat community in Singapore. Since 2007, they have successfully combined marriage with entrepreneurship in the Swedish company Unfors Raysafe.

Mikael is also one of the organizers of the Swedish Business Association’s (SBAS) Midwinter ball as well as other communitybuilding gatherings in Singapore.

By Andrea Hessmo

In order to function in a globalised world you have to know your roots and where you come from.

12 ScandAsia.Singapore • August 2012

W

hen Anna and Mikael met through friends in Johannesburg, South Africa in 2002, it marked the beginning of a relationship with an international focus.

Anna, having previously studied the Developing world (U-landskunskap) at the University of Lund, Sweden, wanted to see the world and do something different.

“I got in touch with a SwedishSouth African family via the internet and then left for Johannesburg to work for them as an au-pair,” Anna said.

Mikael was working at the Swedish Trade Council in Johannesburg at the time. He had spent his late teens and early twenties in Johannesburg where his father now lives and where he also did a BBA in business administration at Thames Valley University.

Having spent his childhood years aged 2-8 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, where his father worked for the Swedish company ABB, then named ASEA, Mikael is used to life as an expat.

“I don’t know of any other life

really,” Mikael said. “And I don’t think I want another life either, although I’m grateful for my school-years in Västerås, Sweden when I was 8 to 18 years old. They were crucial for my sense of being Swedish. I am a bit of a “third culture kid” but I do have a Swedish identity,” he said.

A brief interlude in Gothenburg, Sweden In 2004, the couple found themselves back in Sweden. Anna studied at Europa-programmet at Gothenburg University and Mikael found the job at Unfors Raysafe through an ad in the local newspaper. They spent 2,5 years in Gothenburg but found it hard to re-adjust and to meet people.

“Socializing felt difficult and we said to each other that if we got the chance to go abroad again, we would take it,” Anna said. “Luckily, that’s exactly what happened. Not long after we talked about this, Unfors Raysafe offered Mikael the job-opportunity in Singapore.”

They said yes to the opportunity and yes to each other, getting married in 2006 before leaving for Asia.

Being married also made the arrival to Singapore easier.

and Asia

The Wanland duo relaxing in the Swedish archipelago.

Expanding Unfors Raysafe Unfors Raysafe manufactures products that help people in the medical sector to avoid unnecessary radiation. Mikael manages the whole Asia Pacific region while Anna heads the marketing and communications, internal sales, finance and everything operational at the office in International Business Park in Jurong East.

The couple is enthusiastic about the opportunity to develop and expand the business in Singapore and China, India and Japan. Sharing both work and private life with your spouse can be a challenge, but with five years of experience they have learnt to strike a good balance.

“Sometimes family has to come first”, Anna said.

With headquarters in Sweden, the company also has branches in UK, Germany, China, Japan, India and US. Unfors Raysafe employs 150 people in total and has three employees in Singapore.

“Here in Asia, I’m a cultural interpreter,” Mikael said. “I interpret Asia to Sweden and vice versa. When I say something, the Swedes get it.”

The couple also had to adapt their management style to Asia

where codes are different and communication is not so direct.

“The atmosphere at work is more formal and interestingly, people don’t get irony here,” Anna said. “It’s not as personal as back home and I think people change jobs more often here.”

They are both excited about participating in Singapore’s growth and think the island is a great springboard to explore a happening and vibrant Asia.

“Maybe we are creative in Sweden but we don’t have the guts to actually do something with that creativity, as opposed to here,” Mikael said.

“It’s not so much what Singapore is but what it offers that is unique,” he said. “There is a multicultural environment here which is dynamic compared to the West that seems finished and fully developed.”

Sweden – past and future The Wanlands go back to Sweden twice a year for work and to see their families. Preserving the Swedish heritage is important, as seen in the celebration of Christmas and Easter in Singapore, where they stun international friends with their traditional and innovative Swedish cooking and

baking.

“In order to function in a globalised world you have to know your roots and where you come from,” Mikael said.

Both miss the Swedish nature, something they think is deeply rooted in all Swedes.

“I also miss silence,” Mikael muses. “Silence and space. Not just the physical silence but for example in Scandinavian music, there can be a lot of silence in the sense that there is an absence of noise, a certain simplicity, a purity.”

They say, however, that after so many years abroad, they would find the Nordic introvert mentality difficult.

“Yes, I do want my future kids to have the freedom to roam in the countryside,” Mikael said. “But at the same time, I want them to have a larger mental freedom than is available in Sweden.”

And of course neither of them miss the infamous “jantelagen.”

“People’s envious comments in Dagens Industri of articles on successful Swedish entrepreneurs is the best cure against homesickness,” Mikael said.

Anna and Mikael’s top tips for a career in Asia • Just being Swedish is not enough. Start working for a company at home first and learn the global way of working, then go to China. There’s a mentality that we are so developed and ready just because we’re from Sweden or Europe. But a 30-year-old in Beijing has been through much more change than a 30-year-old in Sweden.

• Make sure to create your own opinions and experiences.

• Keep your identity but be tolerant and respectful at the same time.

• Set professional and personal goals, be prepared to work hard but also know what you work for.

August 2012 • ScandAsia.Singapore 13

Swedish Export Credi Promoting Swedish Exp

By Andrea Hessmo

We provide export and project financing solutions to support the Swedish export industry. We are owned by the Swedish government, even though we are a commercial enterprise.

Carl Engelberth in SEK’s office at TripleOne Somerset in Singapore.

T

he SEK-office in Singapore, managed by Executive Director Carl Engelberth, is the firstSEK office outside of Scandinavia. Founded in 1962, SEK offers financial solutions for the Swedish export industry. Engelberth, recruited from SEK in Stockholm for his extensive international experience withSEK, ABB and SEB bank,is looking forward to a strong future for Swedish companies in Southeast Asia.

What exactly does SEK do?

We provide export and project financing solutionsto support the Swedish export industry. We are owned by the Swedish government, even though we are a commercial enterprise, and we have been operating in Singapore for three years now.

This is a representative office; we find the businesshere, butthe actual business deals are bookedin Swe-

den. Being in the same time zone,I can meetmany Swedish companies, their customers, banks and more partners directly,and I can travel on short notice. It all helps to bring in more business.Being a government owned financial company, we also work closely with the Swedish embassies here.

Why Singapore?

Asia is a booming market and Singapore is a financial hub for the whole Southeast Asian region. Also, the former Swedish ambassador Pär Ahlberger was very active in encouraging the establishment of SEK here.It was an experiment, but it has turned out very well. We cooperate with banks and financial institutions. I’m a member of the SBAS board here in Singapore, but SEK is also a member of the Thai-Swedish Chamber of Commerce in Bangkok, MBAS in Kuala Lumpur and SBA in Jakarta.

14 ScandAsia.Singapore • August 2012

These business associations provide good networking opportunities with Swedish companies.

What is the difference between SEK and a bank?

We borrow all our money on the capital markets, we do not have any deposits from the public. However, in most of the transactions we cooperate with international banks.We only have corporate customers and we are the only financial institution in Sweden authorized to grant credits in the state-supported export credit system.

Your advantage is also that you can lend in certain local currencies.

Yes, for example we are allowed to issue our bonds in Thailand and we can offer loans in Thai Baht. Quite recently, we also borrowed funds in Chinese currency, Renminbifor the first time, which we usedfor long-

term lending for Volvo’s operations in China.

So SEK complements the banks.

Yes, our strength is that we can offer long term financing at attractive rates.

Especially if we have a recession or a financial crisis, there is a reluctance to take in long term assets in the books of the banks. New regulations also make it more difficult to lend long term for banks, which makes it even more important for us to team up with them.

You spend a lot of time in Indonesia.

Yes, it is a promising country. The image of Indonesia is not very nuanced in Swedish media. Indonesia has a growing middle class, it’s the world’s 4thmost populous country with 250 million people, there is a strong growth since many years, it’s

it Corporation (SEK) port in Southeast Asia

Carl Engelberth and his family

relatively stable politically andthere’s plenty to do. We havea strong presence with Ericsson and ABB there.

Scania and Volvo are growing too and many other Swedish companies are expanding.

Who are your clients?

Our clients are large Swedish companies and we support them with financings for their exportprojects. We are actively working on strengthening our relations with the 100 largest export companies. In the years to come we will continue to expand the number of companies we work with, but also find solutions for smaller and medium-sized ones.

How has the Euro crisis affected Asia?

Europe is an important market, although Asia is strong on its own.Of course the crisis in Europe affects us here. One consequence of the crisis

can be that Asians will be more careful in buying European bonds and investing in Europe.

Have you experienced any cultural shocks yet?

Sometimes everything is not said openly. People might say that they agree with you even though the negotiation is not over yet. Or there are situations such as being in a cab in India; the driver says he knows the way and it turns out he doesn’t, and then he stops here and there to ask local people about the way. I guess it has to do with not losing face, which is an important thing here.

As for cultural fusion, I experienced a good example recently with a fantastic combined Midsummer and National Day celebration indoors arranged by the Swedish embassy in Indonesia. There were Muslim women with veils wearing midsummer wreaths. People enjoyed it very

much.Our ambassador Ewa Polano is very active there in approaching our countries to one another, and the event was sponsored by a number of important Swedish companies.

Another cultural fusion we can observe here every day is IKEA, where Singaporeans eat Swedish meatballs.

How is family life here in Singapore and how long do you plan to stay?

I have just prolonged my threeyear-contract. My wife Ingrid works as Client Executive at SEB here in Singapore. We have three children; our oldest daughter Caroline, 25 is studying medicine in Hungary, Axel, 23, is a photographer in Sweden and our youngest Christina, 21, is studying at Stockholm School of Economics.

What do you enjoy most about living in Singapore?

Life is easy here. Things work well and we like the climate.

Is there anything you miss from home?

I miss some Swedish dishes like fresh Swedish prawns, they taste differently and better than prawns in Asia. And we miss our kids of course. It is amazing, though, how well it works to be in touch these days with Skype, and Viber.We go back home twice a year, which is a nicechange too.

Nowadays, though, the kids prefer to spend Christmas here in Singapore.

And plans for the future?

Right now, I’m a one-man-showhere but we are expecting an additional employeein autumn. SEK is becoming more and more international and gradually, it wouldn’t surprise me if we establish ourselves in a couple of other places in the world.

August 2012 • ScandAsia.Singapore 15

Finns Racing in to Formula 1 Night Ra With the return of Kimi Räikkonen to the Formula1, Scandinavia is represented by two Finnish drivers this season; Heikki Kovalainen racing for Caterham being the second Finn.

By Joakim Persson

16 ScandAsia.Singapore • August 2012

ace S

ingapore is gearing up for its fifth edition of the Formula 1 Singtel Singapore Grand Prix on 21 – 23 September.

The 2012 Formula 1 season is proving to be the most competitive - now with seven different drives having won a race out of the eight so far - which makes the interest in attending and watching the races grow.

With the return of Kimi Räikkonen to the Formula 1, Scandinavia is represented by two Finnish drivers this season; Heikki Kovalainen racing for Caterham being the second Finn.

Also, with Sebastian Vettel added as the most recent new champion, F1 now has six world champions on the grid – more than any other season in F1 history. Statistics also show that Formula 1 is much more competitive now than it was ten years ago.

Healthy competition is what the audience wants, with surprising and action-filled races that makes the result much less predictable and not only with the same driver as winner every time.

The closer races have shown that on a good day any team can claim a victory. Of the two Finns the former world champion Räikkonen has already come close to winning a race with a second place in Valencia and a fifth at Silverstone. So of the two Finns he certainly stands the best chance to win a race and might already have achieved that by the time you are reading this and with less than

a month to the Singapore race.

Meanwhile, the many talented drivers in the formula one teams in 2012, a couple of tenths either way on any race day can make a profound and enormous difference.

Great entertainment The 2012 Formula 1 Singtel Singapore Grand Prix also offers a lifestyle and entertainment event of sorts, with caters also to people with less interest in the cars and the drivers.

Pop sensation Katy Perry is confirmed as Sunday’s ‘Main Stage’ headliner.

And once again Singapore Grand Prix invites artists from the ‘80s based on previous successes.

Three of the era’s celebrated performers, namely Bananarama, Pretenders and The Proclaimers, will make in-circuit concerts.

“At our previous events, ‘80s artistes were phenomenal crowd favourites,” says Michael Roche, Executive Director of race promoter Singapore GP Pte Ltd. “The ‘80s is an era with some of the greatest hits that inspired countless musicals and cover interpretations, and since it appeals to a large portion of our audience demographic, Bananarama, the Pretenders and The Proclaimers are the perfect complement to this year’s entertainment programme,” Michael Roche ads.

Previously, Ace of Base of Sweden also visited Singapore connecting to the F1 race.

Are you looking for a new place in SINGAPORE? I know the perfect HOUSE or APARTMENT in strategic locations for you and your family to live.

Let me help you find your dream property!

PURCHASE, RENT OR SELL, MY TOP PRIORITY IS TO SATISFY ALL MY CUSTOMERS’ RELOCATION NEEDS HSR International Realtors Pte Ltd 3 Lorong 6 Toa Payoh #01-01 HSR Building, Singapore 319378 Tel: 6559 8888 Fax: 6559 8889

Keenan Bode BA (Hons) Marketing Associate Director CEA Reg No.: R028500I

Call me NOW for a NON-binding discussion!!! (+65) 9735 0107 keenanbode@hsr.com.sg keenan.bode@yahoo.co.uk

August 2012 • ScandAsia.Singapore 17

DISCOVER THAILAND

Thailand is a magical place where you can just as easily get off the beaten trail and find special places where you will be welcomed with a smile. Just ignore when people say that Thailand has become “too touristy” - these same people probably never left the banana pancake trail.

By Gregers Moller

18 ScandAsia.Singapore • August 2012

L

iving in Singapore, no vacation destination has so much to offer like Thailand, only two hours away by plane. The warm climate, the beautiful scenery with fantastic beaches and spectacular rain forests, friendly people and not least the affordable prices makes it an ideal destination when you are looking for a break from daily life in Singapore.

Besides being inexpensive, Thailand is also easy to move about in from one place to another. If at all possible you should not limit your holiday to a single place. That way you will get a much richer experience than if you limit yourself to one destination.

ScandAsia will on the following pages share with you a few of the more unusual experiences that Thailand has to offer.

Discover Thailand

by Apps Tourism Authority of Thailand has developed 19 apps that can help you plan your trip and find exciting experiences once in Thailand. These English-language apps are all compatible with iPad, and most also with iPhone. The most popular apps are also available for Android, BlackBerry and Nokia Ovi. They can be downloaded free here: http://mobile.tourismthailand.org/ The most popular app is Speak Thai, which serves as your personal translator on your trip. Select an English term or phrase from a category in your mobile phone to find out the corresponding word or phrase in Thai, e.g. ‘How much is it?’: ‘Raakhaa thaorai?’

The Lifestyle Thailand app provides selected tips for unique experiences to make your trip extra special. Regardless of whether you want thrilling outdoor adventures, advice on child-friendly accommodation by the beach or trendy shopping in the city, Lifestyle Thailand can provide a wealth of information.

Green Thailand is an app developed to showcase the many environmentallyfriendly and sustainable options available to tourists in Thailand. The app lists ecofriendly destinations and accommodation options both in the country side and close to cities and beaches. You also have the option of sharing your favourite ecotourism tips with others.

Green Thailand is what Scandinavia experts believe will have the greatest appeal to Scandinavian travellers in the years to come.

Flying in from Singapore Flying in from Singapore is easy. Singapore is extremely well connected to all parts of Thailand. There are direct flights from Singapore to the following cities by the following airlines: Bangkok

Thai Airways Intl., Singapore Airlines, Air Asia, Cathay Pacific

Phuket

Thai Airways Intl, Jetstar, Air Asia

Chiang Mai SilkAir Koh Samui

SilkAir, Bangkok Airways

If you don’t mind one stop, you can fly to all these cities: Hat Yai

Tiger Airways, Air Asia

Krabi

Tiger Airways, Air Asia, Thai Airways

Chiang Rai

Thai Airways, Air Asia

Surat Thani

Thai Airways, Air Asia

Udon Thani

Thai Airways, Air Asia

Khon Kaen

Thai Airways

Ubon Ratchathani

Thai Airways, Air Asia

Trat

Bangkok Airways

Nakhon Si Thammarat Air Asia Trang

Air Asia

August 2012 • ScandAsia.Singapore 19

THE VIJITT RESORT PHUKET

Some of the best things in the world cannot be seen or even touched; they must be felt with the heart.

20 ScandAsia.Singapore • August 2012

M

ost Scandinavian come to Phuket looking for an accommodation where they can really pamper themselves, rather than go crazy in the seedy nightlife of Patong. That may be the destination for a one night trip, but when you wake up you want to stay in style.

This is one of the reasons the Vijitt Resort Phuket is so popular among Scandinavians and other visitors with a healthy appetite for luxury and yet enjoy simple pleasures like a boat trip out to coral islands for scuba diving among myriads of fish cut right out of Disney’s The Little Mermaid. Or how about trying out kite surfing? The beach off the Vijitt Resort is ideal for this!

Not fancy enough? Well, then how about some aqua aerobic or a yoga lesson?

The Spa is also really a must – go experimental and try out various treatments focusing on different parts of your body and different benefits. Actually, if you ask for it at the reception, they can even arrange for a massage lesson for you!

Fun as this all is, we all know that the core satisfaction is a great in-room experience and tasty restaurants serving everything from a well assorted breakfast buffet to a romantic dinner set in the tropical night under the stars

– maybe even on the balcony outside your own room.

Your accommodation The choice of accommodation at Vijitt Resort fits all tastes and budgets. The resort features 92 spacious stand alone villas, strategically placed among the gently, sloping, forested land. Guests will enjoy stunning sea views and at the same time privacy.

They all come with spacious bathroom with twin wash basins, large balconies and/or terraces, sun loungers on a private sun deck, mini bar, flat screen TV, DVD players, highspeed internet, air-conditioning and ceiling fan, tea and coffee making facilities, in villa safe, hairdryer, bathrobes, umbrella, slippers The website lists the prices for the five categories: • Deluxe Villas 70 sqm • Deluxe Pool Villas 90-100 sqm • Prime Pool Villas 178 sqm • Two-Bedroom Pool Villas 182 sqm The most extravagant of them all are the Vijitt Pool Villas, 4 luxurious single story villas (162sqm) located on the beachfront comprising a large bedroom, one bathroom with

bath and out door shower, terrace, an 11 metre infinity edged pool with state of the art fibre optic lighting, and an integral Jacuzzi.

These villas also have a separate living room leading to an expansive private garden that runs down to the beach.

Family friendly All this luxury may sound like the resort is more suitable for honeymooners but reality is that the Vijitt Resort is great for kids as well as their parents. There is a spacious Kids Club complete with indoor playground, a large outdoor playground, activities programme, Playstation games room, 3 depth level swimming pool and experienced staff on hand if you are going out.

The resort has also paid attention to the little details like offering plastic crockery and cutlery in the restaurant, special kids menus, kids under 4 eat free on buffets and the older ones from 4-12 eat at 50%.

The beach is perfect for kids too. There is a very shallow shelve that runs almost flat, meaning that at low tide the sea goes out a long way and makes a fun place to watch crabs and other tidal sea life. This also means that even at high tide the water is quite shallow. That makes sea in this area very safe, no under-currents or

Vijitt resort spreads over 73,000 square meter of prime beach front land in Rawai on the South Eastern tip of Phuket. The resort includes a 250 metre stretch of the secluded Friendship Beach with stunning views across Chalong Bay to Cape Panwa, Lon and Coral Islands. The site retains much of it original charm by incorporating the mature palms, fruit and other indigenous flora into the overall design. Travelling time from the Airport is 50 minutes, Phuket town is 25 minutes, and Patong Beach is 30 minutes.

The Vijitt Resort Phuket

Friendship Beach 16 Moo 2, Viset Road, Rawai, Muang, Phuket 83130, Thailand Tel: +66 (0)76 363600 l Fax: +66 (0)76 363699 E-mail: reservation@vijittresort.com

beaches dropping away very quickly.

Above the tidal zone, he beach is short and best suited for gentle walks or horse riding. It is a public beach, so the resort does not put sun chairs on the beach itself but they are available in the gardens that run alongside the beach. If the beach chair experience on the sand is a must, Nai Harn beach about 10 minutes from the resort is the place to go.

The resort also offers free transportation to Coral Island as a day trip and free shuttle bus to Phuket Town and Patong Beach.

What else can you do?

Within the resort, sampling the various restaurant outlets is a pleasure in itself.

The Spa is also a must – trying out various treatments focusing on different parts of your body and different benefits.

Regularly, the resort also offers Thai boxing class, aqua aerobic, yoga class, massage lesson, Thai cooking class, kayaking and more Outside the resort, the uncountable offers of Phuket are available. Starting from nearby is the Chalong Bay only 8 minutes away where most of the dive shops are located.

Here you will also find the Seashell museum, horse riding and the Big Buddha.

Further away, my personal favorite is the Phuket Marine Biological Centre with its huge aquariums and many interesting species including the big sea turtles. The centre has a strong relation to Denmark as it was initially founded as a research station funded by Danida.

If you are one of the quizzical people who want to learn something about Thailand beyond the touristic surface, then you should ask the reception if they can arrange for a rubber tapping demonstration. It can take place on the resort ground itself.

Rubber plantations are an important part of the local economy of southern Thailand.

Every morning around 3 AM, an army of local farmhands wake up and go out to walk from tree to tree in these plantations, cutting a new wound in the stem, collecting the rubber that has dripped down in the cup since yesterday and then take their buckets back to be processed into door-mat like rubber plates.

Your breakfast after this experiences just tastes better!

August 2012 • ScandAsia.Singapore 21

Pearl in the South:

Sea, Sand - Phuket!

W

hat comes to mind when Scandinavians talk about sea, sun and sand? Phuket will most definitely be among the top answers!

Phuket has a lot to offer its visitors in terms of a rich natural heritage of sea, sand, jungle, culture, nightlife and many world renowned diving sites.

There are only two seasons in a year the green season ( May to October) and the hot season (November to April). The beaches of the south coast are typically crowded, while the north is far more tranquil.

All the major beaches - such as Patong beach, Kata beach, Karon beach, Nai Han beach, Mai Khao beach , Nai Yang beach - offer instruction and equipment for diving, snorkling, wind surfing and sailing.

Phuket also offers an abundance of accommodations ranging from renting a pool villa up in the hills over luxurious resorts, to humble backpacker bungalows. In addition, a number of vacation activities can also be found on this island.

Sino-Portuguese architecture casts its spell delighting travellers to the city, while Phuket style of hospitality has never failed to impress visitors from all walk of life.

Don’t!

A few warnings are in place: A strong undercurrent costs the lives of tourists every year! If you plan to go swimming in the sea, check if the red flag is up! If it is, don’t.

And if you think of renting a water scooter, then change your mind. Scams take place all the time where tourists are forced to pay heavily for scratches they didn’t cause.

Steeped in history In the early Christian Era, the cape of Phuket was referred to as Jung Ceylon. Locals called it Thalang, which evolved to the name of the main town to the north of the island.

As the perfect stopover sheltering traders from monsoons, Jung Ceylon welcomed merchants from India, Persia, Arabia, Burma, China and aslo Scandinavia.

During the 16th century, the island was also a popular trading port for tin. Chinese and foreign businessmen migrated to Phuket and soon enjoy thriving wealth based on the mining industry.

Natural Kuiburi:

Khao Sam Roi Yot

T

How To Get There Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park Amphur Kui Buri, Prachuap Khiri Khan 77150 Thailand

22 ScandAsia.Singapore • August 2012

he coast of Prachuabkhirikan only gets more beautiful the further south, you go. It is clean and unspoilt simply because it takes a few hours longer to drive there from Bangkok. But coming from Singapore? Hey! that’s no problem!

Kuiburi is a small town smack in the middle of this stretch. One of the most awazing natural wonders in this area is the unique Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park. The whole area located 40 km north of Kuiburi is of prime ecological importance for Thailand. Limestone mountains rise up to 605 meters from the coastal marshes making it a topographical wonder.

You can make your way up to caves of spectacular sizes through forest trails, rest on fine white sandy beaches, take boat excusions to outlying islands, enjoy the food that is on offer throughout the park and maybe, just maybe you might be lucky enough to see the pods of dolphins that inhabit the bay.

In 2010, 300 tourists visiting Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park were interviewed to find out their satisfaction. The result showed that tourists were highly satisfied toward Eco-tourism services at Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park. Most of tourists in the study were female, aged between 26-35 years, bachelor’s degree, professional employees/private.

It is recommended that you wear good walking shoes as the terrain is hilly and it can be very dry or wet underfoot depending on the time of year. Try to ascend the 430 meter hill to the main cave.

You’ll be rewarded with a spectacular display of stalagmites around the pavilion built by King Rama V.

August 2012 • ScandAsia.Singapore 23

Sangkhlaburi in the West:

A bridge between cultures Sangkhlaburi maintains a uniquely pleasant simplicity and tranquility

How To Get There There are buses leavingfrom Bangkok’s Mo Chit BusTerminal to Sangkhlaburi daily.You can also take a van from the Victory Monument to Kanchanaburi and then catch another van to Sangkhlaburi. The ride takes about 6-7 hours.

Ko Chang in the East:

Tree Top Adventure

How To Get There The park is located south east on Koh Chang after lonely Beach on your way to Bang bao. You cant miss the sign on the side of the road.

This recreational activity itself makes you feel like being kids again.

24 ScandAsia.Singapore • August 2012

S

angkhlaburi is a little town in the far western corner of Thailand that has much to offer in terms of culture, landscape, and activity. It is located less than 20 km away from the Thai-Burmese border in a straight North West direction from Bangkok beyond Kanchanaburi and its ‘Death Railway’.

Many of its local attractions today are a result from the Vajiralongkorn Dam’s construction in 1979. This reservoir submerged the whole Mon village and, ironically, created the famous “sunken temple” that has become a renowned attraction. Most of the accommodations stand by the reservoir. There are a couple of hip, bohemian cafes, which makes it comparable to Pai but in a more measured manner.

The Thai and Mon sides of the village are joined by the celebrated “Uttamanusorn” Bridge.

This is the longest wooden bridge of Thailand, an assemblage of unpolished wooden boards and planks spanning over 800 metres. The rickety feel and rawness of the material somehow makes it beautiful and picture perfect. At 6:30 a.m. every morning, monks make their daily procession. You can participate in this rite at the entrance of the bridge on the Mon side. It is a good way to get a glimpse of the local culture.

K

o Chang remains a green traveller’s paradise. Beyond the forest of billboards advertising resorts and fast-food chains that you will see upon your arrival, you will soon find that the island indeed has preserved its lush mountainous landscape.

A great way to immerse yourself in all this natural luxury is a visit to the “Tree Top Adventure Park”. In this patch of the forest, 30 tree-top platforms make it possible for you to be airborne among the trees in a variety of ways.

Hidden from the main road, the Park blends so well with the forests you can barely see it from afar. When you arrive, you’ll climb some stairs as an overture to your adventure. The reception lounge is an elevated wooden platform with a thatched roof. There you will sign a disclaimer, which asks you to be mindful with the trees and offers insurance. The staff will then get you geared up and take you on a short trial run to familiarize you with the equipment.

The games awaiting you include rope bridges, zip lines, Tarzanswings, the ‘flying skateboard’ and many more, which can be quite physically demanding at some stages - at one station, you need to climb up a narrow ladder that is almost perpendicular to the tree.

Very often, local and international companies based in Bangkok bring their employees here for team building activities. An idea to have in mind if you area human resources manager or a community leader.

Remember to wear shoes and it is a good idea to visit the park early in the day because of the heat. The entrance fee is 950 Bath and 1.100 Bath if you call and buy a round trip transfer to Tree Top from your accommodation.

Use sun screen lotion

S

un screen lotions are a must in Thailand, even if you come from Singapore and believe you have a natural strong tan to protect you. Especially on the beaches, the sun can really give you a burn.

SPF factor 30 is reasonable on the body, but maybe your forehead and shoulders need stronger protection. You will have to reapply several times during the day as the factor wears off and you also sweat a lot. Buy a brand you know in a professionally looking drug store. There are some no-name products that don’t help - even may aggrevate your burns.

The lotions are a bit more expensive than in Europe, but so is a hospital treatment.

August 2012 • ScandAsia.Singapore 25

Medium

Swedish Pancakes S

wedish pancakes or “plättar” served with whipped cream and raspberry jam is one of those simple pleasures everyone should enjoy at least once...a week.

To make them the right size, the best is definitely to use a castiron or cast-aluminum pan with shallow, round indentations. If you don’t have one, you can “cheat” by using the round shapes used for frying eggs that prevent the eggs from flattening out on the frying pan.

The main difference that make the Swede prefer plättar from American pancakes is the texture of crepes - thin, flexible and eggy - rather than thick, fluffy and bready.

Evil

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 September 2012 26 ScandAsia.Singapore • August 2012

• 2 eggs • 2.5 cups whole milk • 1 cup wheat flour • 1 teaspoon salt • 1 tablespoon sugar • 1 teaspoon baking powder • 2 tablespoons butter, melted • whipped or sour cream • raspberry jam In a large bowl, mix together the eggs and half the milk. Add the flour and mix until a smooth batter is formed. Add the rest of the milk, the salt, sugar, baking powder and the melted butter.

Grease the hot pan cups with butter. Spoon 2 rounded tablespoons batter into each greased cup.

Remember... thin! Cook about 1 minute on each side or until golden brown. Serve immediately with jam or jelly and whipped cream or sour cream.

Serves 2 hungry kids or 1 Swedish husband.

“If I had to eat one kind of food every day for the rest of my life, it’d be pancakes.”

When it’s time to do business, we’re exceptionally open.

Every business has a different story and a different goal. We understand that.

Over many years in this market of unique opportunities, we’ve developed the local knowledge, resources and connections needed to turn ambitions into reality. That’s why we’re one of the most well-established northern European banks in the region. For corporates, financial institutions and private banking clients, we’re ready to listen and cater to your needs – in Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Singapore and New Delhi.

Welcome to contact us at Tel: +65 63 57 08 95 singapore@sebprivatebanking.com.sg www.sebgroup.com/privatebanking