ScandAsia Singapore February 2013 by Scandinavian Publishing Co., Ltd.

FEB 2013

Singapore

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FebruaryScandAsia.se 2013 • 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

DO • WOR

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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.

Esteemed faculty members with a significant number of IB workshop leaders, examiners, moderators and authors.

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ISS is registered by the CPE • Registration no: 198104012C • Registration period: 16 June 2011 to 15 June 2015

Opinion

Global Economy in 2013 The global economy does not look good. Sorry but that is the truth.

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

or many years the industrialized countries (US, Europe, and Japan) ran completely irresponsible economic policies. With high growth common sense tells to save for rainy days, but they borrowed to spend even more. It was fantastic as long as it lasted, but in 2007/2008 the bubble burst. A financial crisis plunged well known global financial institutions into bankruptcy forcing governments to step in and print money; they had no choice. If financial institutions were left to fall the economy would have crashed. Neither governments nor banks had savings so print money they did overheating the printing machine! None the less it spilled over into a government debt crisis for ultimately to produce a recession. Remember Stan and Olly from the 1930s ‘another fine mess you got us into!’ For those reading the global financial press it may come as a surprise that the Euro Zone is doing better than the U.S. Euro Zone Government debt is stabilizing close to 90 per cent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and government deficits are brought down from close to 7 per cent of GDP to around 3 per cent forecasts to fall further in 2013 and 2014. The Euro Zone is taking the pain now bringing their house in order through austerity – it hurt, but it works. The U.S. has chosen to ignore the debt and deficit speeding down the road full throttle despite bends and roadblocks ahead. The debt ratio to GDP is about 100 per cent and rising. The deficit stubbornly stays around 7 per cent of GDP. The US hopes that something will show up to solve the debt crisis. Nothing of that sort will happen with the gloomy prospect of a U.S. default on its public debt a likely scenario before 2020 when net interest payments will account for almost 20 per cent of the federal budget– an impossible situation.

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

This takes place at the same time as the world moves from 200 year with easy access to resources available at low prices to an era steered by increasing scarcities. We read about rare earth and similar raw materials, but it is the tip of the iceberg. The global food situation is dominated by rising prices and under-nourishment in 40 countries, commodity prices are up even if during a recession they should fall, energy is scarce and expensive despite shale gas, water scarcity cast a shadow over half of the global population, and clean environment is starting to be a luxury only the well-off can afford.

Editor-in-Chief : Gregers A.W. Møller gregers@scandmedia.com

To sort these problems out we need leadership – global leadership. Look around to see where we find it?

Assistant Editor: Wachiraporn Janrut wachiraporn@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 : Advance Printing Services Co., Ltd.

Daily news and features here: www.scandasia.com Front cover image courtesy of Maxima Lenik

Joergen Oerstroem Moeller Visiting Senior Research Fellow, Institute of Southeast Asian Studies, Singapore. Adjunct Professor Singapore Management University & Copenhagen Business School. Author of: • HOW ASIA CAN SHAPE THE WORLD, from the era of plenty to the era of scarcities, 2011 • Political Economy in a Globalized World, 2009.

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Coming Events

Fastelavn at Danish Seamen’s Church Date: 24 February 2013 Location: The Danish Seamen’s Church

Lace up your shoes and join the annual Safari Zoo Run that transforms the award-winning Night Safari and Singapore Zoo into a race course through scenic paths and fascinating animal exhibits. By participating in the Safari Zoo Run, you will contribute to wildlife conservation as part of the proceeds will go towards the care of endangered animals in the Night Safari and Singapore Zoo.

The Danish Seamen’s Church invites all the Danish children and their parents for a traditional Danish Fastelavn on February 24th. Registration must be no later than by February 18th here: dkchurch@singnet.com.sg Fastelavn is like a Nordic Halloween since children dress up in costumes. It’s a time for fun and family games, one of which is the traditional slå katten af tønden (“hit the cat out of the barrel”). Children take turns hitting the barrel with a wooden club. The one who hits the bottom of the barrel hard enough so that all the candy spills out becomes kattedronning (“queen of cats”) and the child wo knocks down the last piece of the barrel becomes kattekonge (“king of cats”. Another popular activity is going from door to door in the neighborhood singing and collecting candy or money, similar to the American tradition of “trick or treating” on Halloween. Many towns in Denmark have Fastelavn festivities and parades.

For more information, visit www.safarizoorun.com.sg

Safari Zoo Run 2013

Date: 17 February 2013, 7.00a.m. – 12.00p.m. Location: Singapore Zoo and Night Safari

Sign up! Norgesskolen 2013 July 7 – 26 For information and registration visit www.norgesskolen.no or send an e-mail to lisbeth@nww.no

6 ScandAsia.Singapore • February 2013

Coming Events

11th European Networking Night Date: 26 February 2013, 6.30p.m. - 8.30p.m. Location: KazBar, Capital Square Price: SGD 45/member, SGD 65/non-member The first European Networking Night of 2013 will be hosted at KazBar, one of the best Middle Eastern Bars in Singapore. Designed with earthy tones and rustic artifacts to a palm fringed alfresco area, the bar offers a warm ambience. Please register at www.eurocham.or.sg For any registrations at the door, it’s SGD 65.

Danish Pavilion at Water Philippines 2013

Date: 20-22 March 2013 Location: Manila, Philippines In cooperation with the Trade Council of Denmark in Kuala Lumpur, Danish Water Technology Group (Danish Export Association) is inviting your company to take part in the Danish Pavilion at Water Philippines 2013 Expo. At the event, participants can get in touch with distributors and co-operation partners as well as gaining more knowledge of the market. For more information, visit http://malaysia.um.dk

Scandinavian Open Golf Tournament 2013 Date: 26 February 2013 Location: Singapore Island Country Club

The Norwegian Seamen’s Mission and Church of Sweden are inviting you to the annual fundraising event. There are great prizes in addition to lunch, dinner and exclusive surroundings. Mark your calendar and invite your colleagues and friends to the tournament. The tournament is open to 144 participants. The course is exclusive as it is normally not open to visitors. For more information, visit www.sjomannskirken.no

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.

Deadline for applications: 15th of March

Nyborg Gymnasium & Kostskole Skolebakken 13, DK-5800 Nyborg, tlf +45 65 31 02 17 post@nyborg-gym.dk, www.nyborg-gym.dk

February 2013 • ScandAsia.Singapore 7

Past Events

Nordic Luncheon Seminar

he Nordic Chambers in Singapore invited Christian Clausen, President of the European Banking Federation and CEO of Nordea Bank, to a Luncheon seminar at the Cricket Club on 7 January 2013. The event was well attended by many members. Based in Brussels, the European Banking Federation is with 4500 members from 31 countries, one of the predominant bodies involve addressing the current European financial crisis. Christian Clausen has been President and Group CEO of Nordea since 2007. He was reelected in October 2012 for a second term as President of the European Banking Federation.

SBAS’s extravagant 30th Anniversary

he Swedish Business Association in Singapore (SBAS) celebrated its 30th anniversary in grand style at the Hilton Hotel on 3 November 2012. Jan B. Djerf, President of SBAS, gave a short summary highlighting the activities and development of SBAS since its inauguration. Among the 200 guests attending were some former presidents and committee members who had flown in for the occasion. The President announced that Mrs. Gunilla Daintry was voted the Swede of the Year for her dedicated 18 years of service to the Swedish business community. The guests were treated to sumptuous 4-course dinner and were entertained by the popular Swedish artist, Måns Zelmerlöw and his band.

Mrs Daintry thanking the Committee on receiving the award.

8 ScandAsia.Singapore • February 2013

Jungle run by Nordea

Past Events

he CEO of Nordea, Christian Clausen, visited Singapore in the beginning of January. The Scandinavian ambassadors challenged him in the Jungle run held on 7 January 2013. The event was organised by Nordea.

February 2013 â&#x20AC;˘ ScandAsia.Singapore 9

News Brief

Åge Aleksandersen performing in Singapore Tickets can be purchased at SGD 125. If you are interested, please contact Norwegian Business Association (Singapore) Tel: +65 6622 9100 Fax: +65 6224 7079 E-mail: admin@nbas.org.sg Contact persons: Kjersti Thorvildsen and Mona M.Brisbane

Thoresen Shipping opens office in Denmark

10 ScandAsia.Singapore • February 2013

ongwriter and performer, Åge Aleksandersen and his lead-guitarist over 30 years, Gunnar Pedersen, the man behind the guitar solo on “Lys og Varme”, will perform at The Tanglin Club on 15 March 2013. Åge is one of the main initiators and creators of the so called “Trønderrock” movement, a rock-’n’-roll style emerged out of Trøndelag, a region in the central part of Norway, anchored in Anglo-American folk-rock traditions, but with strong elements of local culture and traditions. He is the most celebrated and profiled rock-musician in Norway with a significant Scandinavian fan-base. With his band “Sambandet” he has toured Scandinavia for more than 40 years. This year he has parked “Sambandet” and is holding a concert series together with Pedersen performing and explaining how his songs have originated and developed. The inspiration and history of the songs are told through a dialogue between Åge, Pedersen, and the audience, delivered in a sordined musical landscape. The concerts have received fantastic reviews in Norwegian newspapers and all concert dates since the start of the tour have been sold out. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to experience Åge and Pedersen in this one-off live performance in Singapore.

horesen Shipping, a Singapore-based leading owner and operator of dry bulk vessels, on 3 January 2013, announced the opening of its first commercial office in Denmark. The move represents Thoresen Shipping’s first commercial office in Europe and will serve the Company’s growing group of existing and potential clients with dry bulk cargo requirements in Atlantic and Mediterranean routes. Spearheading Thoresen Shipping’s European operations will be Mr. Henrik Jeremiassen. Before joining Thoresen Shipping, Mr. Jeremiassen was a Senior Chartering Manager at a leading European dry bulk operator. He has over 20 years’ experience and will be based in Copenhagen. Thoresen Shipping has increasingly positioned its fleet in higher yielding transatlantic routes, with a focus on premium service and core premium cargos targeting a diverse set of clients including a growing group of industrial majors. While the bulk of Thoresen Shipping’s chartering work has been led by its commercial hub in Singapore, the opening of the Copenhagen office is expected to give Thoresen Shipping an opportunity to further expand its European client base whilst still reporting to the Singapore office. During fiscal 2012, approximately 50% of Thoresen Shipping’s fleet was positioned in Atlantic routes. Thoresen Shipping moved its commercial base from Bangkok to Singapore as of January 2012, reflagging all but one of its vessels to the city state. As of November 2012, Thoresen Shipping’s owned fleet consisted of 16 vessels with an average age of just over 11.5 years.

February 2013 â&#x20AC;˘ ScandAsia.Singapore 11

News Brief

Danish TV2 on Asia tour

Danish rock Band TV2

V2 is, according to themselves, the most stubborn rock band in Denmark. Singer and songwriter Steffen Brandt, guitarist Hans Erik Lerchenfeld, drummer Sven Gaul and bassist Georg Olesen have keep together since their debut in 1981, longer than any other bands in Denmark. To celebrate their stubbornness, they have gone on a tour which will bring them to Singapore, Hong Kong and Shanghai in April. The concept of the “100 songs on 180 days tour” is a “time journey without destination” where they work their way trough their 17 studio albums. In Asia they will perform songs from the albums “Amerika” (2001) and “På kanten af småt brændbart” (2002). When TV2 made their debut in 1981, the critics were harsh. Both their music and their performance in white overalls, neon lights and TV-monitors, made them look like a cheap copy of a popular concurrent post-punk band named Kliché, which Steffen Brandt for a short time had been part of, the critics said. It was first with their third album in 1983 where they became everyone’s darlings. A rewrite of “When I was a lad” from the comic opera H.M.S. Pinafore became that year’s greatest Danish hit now known as “The pop-musician’s song”. On the same album as the rewrite was also the song which has given name to a box-set “Bag duggede ruder 1981-2012” (Behind misted glazing) with 21 CDs and 1 DVD. It was in 2002 voted “The world’s best Danish song ever” by the national radio’s listeners. The “100 songs on 180 days tour” started in TV2’s home town Aarhus where 15,000 people showed up for the first concert. TV2 will perform in Singapore on 6 April, Hong Kong on 10 April and Shanghai on 12 April.

EU and Singapore ink landmark trade deal

E RSS Swordsman at Changi Naval Base (Photo: Mindef)

Submarine RSS Swordsman returns to Singapore from Sweden

he Republic of Singapore Navy’s second Archer-class submarine “RSS Swordsman” arrived at Changi Naval Base from Sweden on 31 December 2012. Chief of Navy, Rear-Admiral Ng Chee Peng, and other senior naval officers were present at the naval base to witness its return. Launched in Karlskrona, Sweden, on 20 October 2010, RSS Swordsman is one of two ex-Royal Swedish Navy Västergötland-class submarines that Singapore acquired in 2005. Similar to RSS Archer, the RSN’s first Archer-class submarine, RSS Swordsman has been comprehensively upgraded, refurbished and tropicalised to ensure its suitability for local operations. 12 ScandAsia.Singapore • February 2013

U Trade Commissioner Karel De Gucht and Singapore’s Minister of Trade and Industry Lim Hng Kiang, have completed final negotiations on a free trade agreement (FTA) between the European Union and Singapore. The agreement reached is one of the most comprehensive the EU has ever negotiated and will create new opportunities for companies from Europe and Singapore to do business together. The growing Singaporean market offers export potential for EU, industrial, agricultural and services businesses. An EU-Singapore FTA will be the EU’s second ambitious agreement with a key Asian trading partner, after the EU-Korea FTA, which is in operation since July 2011. Last year EU-Singapore trade was worth about 74bn euros (£60bn; $97bn), the BBC reported. The EU Commission says the deal - not yet signed by politicians - will help EU exports of cars and financial services, the report said. The EU is also conducting FTA negotiations with Malaysia and Vietnam - like Singapore, members of the 10-nation Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean).

Young chefs win Otto Weibel & Norwegian Seafood Scholarship

News Brief

hef Chua Guo Sen and his assistant Lee Fu Seng from ‘Sky on 57’ emerged as champions in the 4th Otto Weibel & Norwegian Seafood Scholarship Competition held on 12 January 2013. The competition aims to promote Norwegian seafood among young, aspiring and upcoming chefs in Singapore and to support these talents to expand their knowledge and culinary experience. Young chefs, aged 19 to 25, competed with 13 teams of two in the preparation of a four-course Norwegian seafood menu of hot and cold appetizer; a main course and dessert. Norwegian Atlantic Salmon, Live Diver Scallops and Fresh Atlantic Cod were obligatory ingredients. Chua Guo Sen and Lee Fu Seng won the judges’ hearts with their winning showcase of the culinary versatility and simplicity of fresh Norwegian seafood. Their prize is a twoweek trip to Norway to learn about Norwegian seafood and produce, food culture, history and trends, which includes a week-long working internship in one of the Norway’s leading culinary establishments. “My deepest congratulations to the champions who displayed a profound understanding of presenting fresh Norwegian products in their cooking skills and winning creations. I am convinced that their time in Norway will enrich their learning experience as young chefs,” said Christian Chramer of the Norwegian Seafood Council. Also on the judging panel were Honorary Mentor President Chef Otto Weibel, honorary judge the Ambassador of Norway, Tormod C Endresen, media judge Wong Ah Yoke, Chef Edmund Toh, President of Singapore Chefs Association, and Frank Arne Næsheim, CEO of Snorre Food Pte Ltd.

Chef Chua Guo Sen and his assistant Lee Fu Seng from Sky on 57 together with (from left) Christian Chramer, Regional, Norwegian Seafood Council, Ambassador of Norway, Tormod C Endresen and Honorary Mentor President Chef Otto Weibel. (Photo: Norwegian Embassy in Singapore)

February 2013 • ScandAsia.Singapore 13

Sanne ‘Sunny’ Gottlieb releases second album www.sannegottlieb.com/photo-gallery

Danish artist and singer-songwriter Sanne Gottlieb “Sunny” releases her second album “Who are the bells ringing for?” in 2013 whilst continuing fundraising for Emancipasia to fight Human Trafficking. By Maria Rita Skog

14 ScandAsia.Singapore • February 2013

In 2012 Sunny released her first album “Cassette from your Ex” where $1 dollar of each album sold was donated to Emancipasia and to fight human trafficking in Singapore.

he Singapore-based artist known as Sunny broke through with her career when her song “Kissing” was used as the movie soundtrack for the movie Sex & the City. Sunny, the artist, song-writer, actress, model, and former figure skating champion, is now succeeding internationally with her songs. Reviewed by several journalists and music experts, her lyrics are said to be an implementation of her own life experiences from the past. “I used to be a figure skater when I was a child. Expressing myself through music as a figure skater triggered something in me. But I always sang. Since when I was 14, I wrote my own songs and sang them to my friends,” says Sunny. Sunny was a championship figure skater when she was five and became a national number one at the age of 15, when her tendon snapped. This made Sunny start to perform her own poetry at local libraries and fronting the band Candy Club in Copenhagen punkrock clubs. Sunny worked as an Elite model for fashion magazines and at runway shows in Paris/Tokyo making money on the side. In 2012 Sunny released her first album “Cassette from your Ex” where $1 dollar of each album sold was donated to Emancipasia and to fight human trafficking in Singapore. She is succeeding worldwide, in 2013 alone as a solo artist, next to having DJ’ XEUM of Paris and a Ministry of Sound DJ from Los Angeles remixing her songs to club music. Sanne Sunny Gottlieb is today an artist with Warner Music and also a singer-songwriter. Since her younger days, she has always wanted to become an artist.

Melody Grand Prix As the singer in the band The Poets, Sunny and the rock band played twice at Roskilde Music Festival with

an audience of 20,000 people and went touring the United Kingdom. Sunny then performed in the Danish Melody Grand Prix in both 2000 and 2001, and in 2002, she was a member of the jury. “After Melody Grand Prix, people recognized me. But it has just been difficult for me to get out of that somehow. They forget that I am also the one doing the soundtrack for the film Sex & the City. I have been doing a lot of things which I am happy that I did,” she says. 13 years later, Sunny reminds ScandAsia that she is more than just the singer at the Danish version of the European Song Contest.

Warner Music record deal Sunny has many good memories through her career. She remembers the time she was in a band with well-known artists as for sticking together 24/7. “They become your friends for a life time. And of course I remember it was so big for me when I had the song in the Sex & the City Movie because I didn’t know that I had the song in the film until a journalist called me and asked what I felt about “Kissing” being the soundtrack,” says Sunny. It was then that Sunny was determined to land a deal with Warner Music. “I always said to myself I wanted a deal with Warner Music and I got it. I was alone at the time, me in Denmark and my husband in Singapore, and I had this contract in front of me and I signed it and then I said to myself; I am drinking a glass of champagne,” says Sunny. Sunny made a toast to herself and updated her Facebook status: Sunny has now two contracts with Warner Music Group – one with Warner Music Europe and one with Warner Music Singapore.

Emancipasia & Human Trafficking In October 2012, the Singapore

launch of Sanne Gottlieb’s CD “Cassette from your Ex” was held at the HMV store, Marina Square, where every CD sold on the day, $1 SGD was donated to Emancipasia to fight human trafficking. “I have always been extremely interested in politics in many different aspects and in Denmark I have always been super aggressive every time I heard about human trafficking or violence against women and children. You can see that these girls, a lot of them are not here by their own free will,” she says. Sunny is angry about how the Danish police are not doing much about the prostitution in her homeland, especially with the EasternEuropean Girls. “They are from Russia, Estonia, and Lithuania, so when I saw that in my country and I was told that it is also happening in Singapore I was super surprised as I didn’t know it was also happening here, in a country where everything is pretty much controlled,” she says. Sunny will continue to implement the donations from her music sale from her next album to Emancipasia. She also wishes to make the donations a global plan. Early January 2013 she participated in a talk show for women, which is released on her Facebook page in February.

New Club Mix Featuring world’s leading DJs, Sunny’s next hits are halfway done. She tells us that these songs will be quite electronic. She believes the success she has had so far is attributed to the strong team behind her. “They are in different areas in this world as LA, Paris, Stockholm, and Turkey. I know that they will play my music. I know that a strong name behind you can open a lot of doors. It feels right and it is because the previous album goes in two directions. One is an electronic and one is a singer-song writer direction,” she says. The move to Singapore has of-

fered Sunny the opportunity to explore her inner potential which has been quite challenging. “Music wise, I want to continue to write and at one point I might just only write for others again. At the moment it is just progressing, it is not that I am dreaming of being the new Madonna or whatever they try to call me. I am actually using my own stories. It is a struggle because it is difficult for me to put my life and my feelings down in words, so that it can be a personal project but at the same time it can be something that other people would find interesting and maybe they can relate themselves to it,” says Sunny.

Life philosophy and being an author “No Dreams are too big to dream because along the way they will only get smaller. If you start somewhere totally unrealistic, you will probably end somewhere realistic. If someone tells me they want to do music I’d ask them why. Then I’d say take the things that you are good at and refine them,” Sunny says. Sunny is writing a book and will write more books, as there is not so much pressure and stress on author writing as it is with music. She is now more than halfway in the book where she shares a thought to the readers. “One thing I found out is that you cannot do this on your own. You can do it to a certain limit but then you have to be involved with others, you need to have a super network; otherwise it is not going to happen. There will always be people who are better and smarter than yourself and you just have to hook up with them, so we get the best out of each other, which then refers to do what you are good at,” says Sunny. Sunny’s songs can be found on iTunes, iTunes Denmark and Amazon UK. To follow Sunny, subscribe to the artist’s homepage on Facebook, Twitter and blog: http://www. sannegottlieb.com

February 2013 • ScandAsia.Singapore 15

Finnair marks th 90 anniversary W This year Finnair celebrates 90 years of operation. Mr. Nick Naung Naung, Finnair’s Country Sales Manager based in Singapore, shares the airline’s vision and its success story. By Wachiraporn Janrut

ith a long history of nine decades, Finnair is one of the world’s oldest operating airlines. The company started its operation on 1 November 1923 under the name of Aero O/Y with a Junkers F 13 servicing the Helsinki route. Today, Finnair has over 60 aircrafts servicing over 60 destinations in Europe, 13 cities in Asia with a total of more than 70 flights between Asia and Europe. Mr. Nick Naung Naung joined Finnair as Country Sales Manager – Singapore, Malaysia Indonesia, in February 2011. He has over ten years’ experience in the travel tourism industry, and prior to joining Finnair he was the Trade Account Manager for Air France KLM. Specialising in flights between Asia and Europe, Finnair is one of the most innovative and safest airlines in the world, he says.

The Group’s core business areas are Airline Business, Aviation Services and Travel Services. The company has approximately 7,000 employees worldwide. The Finnish government is a major shareholder with a 55.8 per cent holding. Other shareholders include public bodies, financial institutions, private companies and households.

16 ScandAsia.Singapore • February 2013

“I have this wonderful opportunity to work for a company like Finnair which has a clear vision of what it wants to be, the direction it is taking, goals and more,” says Nick.

ongoing journey towards achieving its vision and being the best in its class and more,” he says.

Finnair’s vision

Nick tells us that in 1923 Finnair started its operation with a Junkers F 13, a single engine monoplane, equipped with a closed cabin and seats for four passengers. The crew consisted of a pilot and a mechanic. And it served only the Helsinki route. Long-haul expansion to the United States began in 1969 with flights from Helsinki via Copenhagen and Amsterdam to New York. In 1975 Finnair received its first widebodied aircraft, the DC-10s, which could carry nearly 300 passengers. Finnair’s Far Eastern expansion began with the start of the company’s direct flights to Bangkok in November 1976. On 22 April 1983, Finnair opened non-stop flights

Finnair’s vision is to be the number one airline in the Nordic countries, the most desired or preferred option among passengers in Asia, and to be among the top three in terms of transit traffic between Asia and Europe. “I am proud that every day we try to bring to life our customer promise of being an airline that is ‘Designed For You’, through offering quality and being fresh and creative in everything we do,” says Nick. He believes that these are some of the company’s core success factors that help distinguish Finnair from the other airlines in the field. “I want to be a part of Finnair’s

Finnair’s history and growth

Finnair’s Marimekko Unikko plane

from Helsinki to Tokyo, the only European airline to offer such a service at that time. Direct flights to Beijing began on 2 June 1988, making Finnair the first Western European airline to have a non-stop route between Europe and China. The airline currently has more than 60 aircrafts. The long-haul fleet comprises of 15 wide-bodied aircrafts. The present operating scheduled flights to 12 long-haul destinations include Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, Beijing, Chongqing, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Bangkok, Delhi, Seoul, Singapore and New York. “We are moving toward an Asia-focused strategy, the biggest markets will be Japan and Greater China, and of course our own market in Finland,” says Nick. For Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines, Finnair has special arrangement with its partner airlines so passengers flying to Europe can connect to direct flights from cities like Singapore, Bangkok and Hong Kong. In the summer of 2013, Nick says that the company will introduce non-stop flights to Xian and Hanoi. According to him, part of Finnair’s 2020 vision is to double its revenues from Asia by adding markets and increasing frequencies between Asia and Europe.

Finnair’s competitiveness Nick reveals that the foundation of Finnair’s growth strategy includes the growing Asian markets, fast flight connections and its competitiveness in the industry. “We offer a ‘shortcut’ between Asia and Europe. Finnair flies the short, northern route with optimal business travel timetables and smooth transfers via a highly efficient Helsinki Airport where transfer times are relatively short compared to other major European airports,” says Nick. “This helps save time for our passengers, both business and leisure travellers,” he adds.

Finnair’s achievements in Singapore Nick says there have been several achievements since the launch of the daily direct flight from Helsinki to Singapore on 31 May 2011. In September that year, Finnair partnered with Rovio Entertainment to organise the first Angry Birds Asian Challenge event where participating fans played the game at an altitude of 10,000 metres – in Finnair’s plane which was painted with Angry Birds’ characters. Moreover, Finnair has recently won the inaugural Best Marketing award given by the Changi Airport Group. In November 2012, the company held a celebration at Changi Airport to welcome its 100,000th passenger on the HelsinkiSingapore route. “We surprised Finnair’s passengers by having ‘Santa’ and his elves giving out Marimekko tote bags while they were waiting at the carousel to pick up their bags,” says Nick.

In terms of load factor and revenue on the Singapore route, Nick says that the company is pleased with its performance as they have both exceeded expectations. “We are getting more corporate clients, leisure travellers and support from other Southeast Asian countries. I am confident that we will continue to fulfill and even exceed our expected traffic and revenue goals,” says Nick. At the moment, Finnair offers a daily flight on the Helsinki to Singapore route, except during the winter period where a schedule of four flights a week takes place.

Innovative airline Nick shared with us some of Finnair’s innovative marketing programs responding to customer demands and the growing market. As of 28 November 2012 Finnair has introduced Fare branding - five new ticket types that will simplify the purchasing of flight tickets. He

Mr. Nick Naung Naung, Finnair’s Country Sales Manager

says that Finnair’s frequent flyer program, Finnair Plus, has also been renewed to make it more rewarding than ever before. The new ticket types are BUSINESS, BUSINESS SAVER in Business Class and PRO, VALUE and BASIC in Economy Class. The goal is to improve clarity in ticket pricing and offer fares to all segments of customers in the fastgrowing air travel market, he says. Finnair and renowned Finnish design house Marimekko have also teamed up to enhance the air travel experience with a new design partnership. From spring 2013, all Finnair aircraft will feature a Marimekko for Finnair collection of textiles and tableware, featuring Marimekko’s classic patterns. Nick says that the Marimekko for Finnair collection is specially designed to add a light and fresh visual and tactile dimension to the onboard experience, while lightening the airline’s carbon footprint. Skytrax, the world’s leading airline and airport reviews site, has renewed Finnair’s four-star rating status as a seal of quality approval for the airline’s good quality performance. In fact, Finnair was named the best airline in Northern Europe at the 2012 Skytrax World Airline Awards. This is the third time that Finnair has come out top in this category.

Celebrating 90 years To celebrate its 90th Anniversary this year, Finnair plans several marketing activities. For Singapore, the 90th Anniversary fares to Europe promotion has been launched, with prices from as low as SGD 1,029 in economy class and SGD 4,845 in business class. Travellers are suggested to check Finnair’s latest promotional fares on www.finnair.sg “I am proud to be working for one of the world’s oldest operating airlines. Its long history is a strong reflection of the company’s ability to be innovative, flexible and nimble to respond to changing passenger demands and business environment,” says Nick.

February 2013 • ScandAsia.Singapore 17

Scarcity as a path to a better world He believes that ethics and Asian philosophical values will be part of a new world economy and blames those responsible for the financial crises for being greedy and reckless. But don’t get him wrong, Joergen Oerstoem Moeller is far from being an old hippie. By Kim Birkkjaer Lund

or years Joergen Oerstoem Moeller was a highly respected Permanent Secretary of the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He was the architect behind the three exceptions which saved both Denmark and EU after the Danes had rejected the Maastricht Treaty in a referendum in 1992. When he decided to leave as head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 1997 to become Ambassador in Singapore, he ended up as Ambassador for not just Singapore and Brunei but also Australian and New Zealand. He is a work addict who by the age of 68 still publishes a breathtaking stream of books and articles and when he launched his last book “How Asia can shape the world” Singapore’s Minister of Foreign Affairs showed up to get a copy. When you choose to leave as Permanent Secretary you were free to choose whatever position you liked. You chose to be ambassador to Singapore – Why? I have always taken great interest in

18 ScandAsia.Singapore • February 2013

Asia. Back in the 1980’s it was obvious for me that the world economy was moving to Asia. My interest for Asian culture was a second reason. Being married to a Vietnamese woman of course strengthen my interest in Asia. The last reason can maybe be difficult to understand if you haven’t been head of a large organization, but as Permanent Secretary I had had huge influence on the instructions to our embassies worldwide and some influence on Danish foreign policies in general. Being used to such influence I found it would be difficult to be an ambassador at one of the big Embassies and receive instructions from my successor which I might disagree. So when leaving the top post I thought it’d be wiser to get far away. I didn’t want to be left with a lot of ideas on what to do, without power to actually do it. But why Singapore, there were other embassies in Asia? In my opinion Singapore has got the largest assembly of intellectual capacity in the world. All major mul-

tinational companies are represented in Singapore. The Singaporean diplomatic service has always been known for its high standards and Singapore has think tanks on China, Japan, India, Middle-east and Europe, so there is access to enormous amounts of information, which only is comparable to what you find in Washington and London. In your latest book “How Asia can shape the world” you commit high treason against your profession economy. Why? I believe economic science has killed itself. All economists use very complicated models based on math and thus they have broadly stopped thinking. When you use that kind of models you need some preconditions on how people and companies normally react. To obtain those precondition you look backwards to see how they previously behaved. That works in stable economic times, where things don’t change much. But we don’t live in stable economic times. The world is changing.

Singapore has got the largest assembly of intellectual capacity in the world.

The last 20 years we have seen a shift in economy from USA and Europe towards Asia. We have seen soaring commodity prices and we have seen a financial crisis followed by a debt crisis. In such times people don’t react as they used to and economic models based on previous behavior produce false answers. If you look at IMF’s prognoses or official prognoses from USA on economic growth, you will see that they have been wrong and not been able to forecast the development, because they are based on a behavioral pattern which no longer exists. It becomes increasingly clear that the precondition for the economic theory: “that people are largely guided solely by economic incentives” are wrong. It becomes obvious that psychology, anthropology, and sociology, our relationships with other people have great influence on our economic behavior and dispositions. And this influence is not part of the economic theory. So today economy is a science which has killed itself. When you look at what has

happened trough the financial crisis the last 5-6 years then it is trigged by greed, reckless conduct, a totally irresponsible attitude of some of those who are supposed to be pillars of society. Under such conditions you cannot use economic theory. Have you lost faith in market economy? Yes greatly. Pricing is what matters but market economy pricing is based on short sighted factors instead of long term. To simplify, it means that a commodity which is cheap to extract but which we know will be used up in 20 years will be priced according to the expenses to extract it. The long-term impact of the raw material utilization is not incorporated in the market economy pricing. I consider it a system failure in the market. Another failure in market economy pricing is the lack of pricing of side effects. Economic sciences operate with concepts like external diseconomies which try to price side effects, but they are not part of the market pricing. The only reason, that some side effects are priced, is that

governments intervene and with taxes and duties set a price on the side effects. But without intervening it would, as an example, be extremely cheap to smoke despite smoking has a catastrophic impact on society health expenditure. Market economy pricing does not incorporate these two very important factors and by not doing so, market pricing of course does not function. You believe a new economy will emerge from Asia. Why from Asia? I believe the British historian Arnold Joseph Toynbee (a controversial historian who explains civilizations fall with their moral decay. 14 April 1889 – 22 October 1975) was right when he said: “Civilization is a response to challenges.” In Asia you got the largest population mass, the largest increase in population, the largest economic growth and it is Asia that have had the strongest increase in consumption. The urgency for changes will be stronger in Asia than anywhere else.

And if you believe Toynbee the answer will come from where it is most needed. The western world offspring is the Abrahamic religions where nature was given man by god. Therefore we are free to do whatever we want with nature. If you want an apple you are free to trap the tree to get it. In Asian religion and philosophy humans are not superior to nature, but parts of nature, so if you want an apple you will have to climb the tree. If Asians don’t believe they are superior to nature, why do we then see environmental scandals and catastrophes in Asia? To get where Asia is today, Asia has played a catch-up game with the western world, adopting western values. Now when it becomes obvious that the western model doesn’t have the answers needed for today’s problems, Asia will have to look somewhere else for solutions and my guess is that Asia will turn to its own fundamental philosophical values.

February 2013 • ScandAsia.Singapore 19

Together for Charity

English class at the English School of Mui Ne in Vietnam

A group of seven professional Swedish women in Singapore initiated the charity organization “Together for Charity” to make a difference for the needy children in the region. By Ika Forssell

hile realizing that their situation in affluent Singapore is extremely privileged compared to that of most people in the neighboring countries, the ladies – whom most refer to as ‘expat wives’ - have decided to make good use of their professional knowledge in different areas to make a difference where they can. ScandAsia talks to two of the organization’s founders; Stina Hotine and Elisabeth Lewenhaupt who share the stories with passion and energy. “This is quite a bubbly place,” says Stina as she refers to the impression of sitting inside a protected bubble in a sea of poverty, but fittingly enough also describing the constant flow of champagne that is commonplace in certain circles. Everything about the organization is beautifully and respectfully thought through and executed. The group is inviting people to think twice before spending money on the usual things, and offer easy opportunities to do and feel good while at the same time presenting thoughtful gifts to a dinner host or a jubilee. “People want to know what their donations do and how effective they

are,” says Elisabeth while showing the ‘printed gift card’ where the donor can specify what the amount they donate will achieve for the needy children. At the moment, the organization focuses on the two projects: ‘Deak Kum Pa’ Orphanage in Luang Prabang, Laos, and ‘The English School of Mui Ne’ in Vietnam.

The two main projects Deak Kum Pa Orphanage is run by the Laos government, and to a great extent managed by Australian Andrew Brown. Andrew relies on donations and makes sure that every penny donated to the children is put to the best use. He keeps an

20 ScandAsia.Singapore • February 2013

eye on the premises to see what needs to be done or purchased for the orphanage to function smoothly. Children are rescued from the streets and a life in severe poverty. They are given a chance to go to school and live their lives in a safe and relatively comfortable way. The English School of Mui Ne in Vietnam is a step further in the development. They are inviting children among the poorest in the village to learn English in order to be able to make a living in the future in the growing tourism industry. As they expect these children to be able to support their poor families in the future, they carefully choose the

The Swedish ladies and the children at Deak Kum Pa Orphanage in Laung Prabang, Laos

neediest candidates to admit – and always just one sibling from each family. At the school, which is in addition to the regular school during the weeks, the kids are not only taught English, but also valuable lessons of friendship and sharing as well as computer skills. Through internet, many students have discovered possibilities for themselves for the future and have dreams that they never imagined before. Five former students of the school have recently posted a video on Youtube speaking in English about the opportunities that have opened up for them. Interested readers can see the video on: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DztbebGzqus&f eature=youtu.be The school is also on Facebook sharing events, activities and giving updates to its donors and interested people. Elisabeth and Stina emphasize that Together for Charity is a lifelong project that they have taken on. They keep it very simple and personal, focusing on only two projects at the moment. They keep close contact with the two entities and aim to offer them 100% of the funds they collect. For more information, visit www. togetherforcharity.com

Nordic Club Jakarta – Nordic Club Jakarta provides the perfect platform for Scandinavian expats to meet, socialize, and even make a positive impact on Jakarta’s community. By Melissa Holck

ordic Club is both a social club for nationals of the Nordic countries and a non-profit social welfare organization with a focus on offering financial and volunteer support to Jakarta’s less fortunate. As a non-profit organization, it is run by a group of enthusiastic volunteers looking to make a difference in both the Nordic community and the local community while fostering friendship and unity between its

members and host city. The Nordic Club’s primary objectives are: • To assist newly arrived Nordic expatriates with settling into their new life in Jakarta • To unite the Nordic community in Jakarta through social gatherings • To carry out local charity work through both financial assistance and volunteer support. The current Nordic Club board was elected at the Annual General Meeting which is held every April.

22 ScandAsia.Singapore • February 2013

The 2012-2013 board positions are held by Melissa Holck, President, Isabelle Ulvenholm, Vice President, Torill Olufsen, Secretary, Irene Knardal, Treasurer, Carmela Lindell, Charity Representative, Gitte Winberg, Danish country representative, Anne May Rostoen, Norwegian country representative and Monika Engstrom, Swedish country representative.

Membership Membership to The Nordic Club

is as simple as contacting the President or country representative. Membership is open to nationals of any of the Scandinavian countries of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden. Membership is also open to spouses of Nordic nationals and individuals who work for a Nordic company regardless of nationality. As a member of Nordic Club you are invited to participate in our monthly coffee mornings. Members and their families can join in

Uniting Scandinavians The biggest event of the year was by far the Crayfish Party, which was the organization’s biggest fundraiser hosting nearly 300 guests in 2012.

the many other activities offered such as family events, sports clubs, pub nights and the annual charity fundraiser. In addition to these events there are country specific events arranged related to each countries traditions like Midsummer party, Crayfish party, Lucia celebration, Fastelavnsfest, Juletraesfast and Christmas lunch. Most importantly, as a member you become part of the Nordic community fostering friendship among your fellow countrymen and expanding cultural

growth in our colorful host city.

Events Monthly coffee mornings are held the first Tuesday of every month at a new location each month with each country alternating and ensuring that there is always delicious traditional foods to be enjoyed amongst friends. The coffee mornings offer members an opportunity to catch up with old friends, meet new friends and share their Jakarta experiences and expertise.

The majority of the members join Nordic Club for the opportunity to participate in the various family events planned throughout the year. These events offer a great opportunity for Nordic families to come together and give their children the sense of tradition that can easily be missed as an expatriate. It is also a chance for Nordic children to interact with their Nordic peers. The past year has been full of exciting events for the club’s members. Events have included a mini

bazaar where vendors were on hand selling many lovely handi-crafts ranging from housewares to jewelry. Pub nights are another well-attended event, which offers working spouses a chance to get together with fellow members over a nice cold beer. The club’s charity group planned two events last year allowing members to get more hands on experience with the charity aspects of the organization. The first was a meet and greet event which offered members the opportunity to get acquainted with one of their newest charity efforts of supporting, Mama Sayang Orphanage. The second was a Christmas event for Nordic families at Mama Sayang (MS). During this event, the club provided each of the 130 orphans at MS Christmas gifts, which included a new school uniform. Everyone enjoyed a day of outdoor games and spreading some Christmas cheer. The biggest event of the year was by far the Crayfish Party, which was the organization’s biggest fundraiser hosting nearly 300 guests in 2012. The club is continually adding new events to suit the every changing need of its members and community with 2013 is sure to be another exciting year. For details about upcoming events, membership or for all other inquires please contact Nordic Club Jakarta on the web at www.nordicclubjakarta.org or via e-mail at president@nordicclubjakarta.org or visit their Facebook page at www.facebook/nordicclubjakarta

February 2013 • ScandAsia.Singapore 23

A touch of Denmark of the Chinese art s The center piece of the current exhibition in Beijing, Crouching Spider, by Louise Bourgeois.

In the midst of Art Zone 798, one of the most happening art venues in Beijing, lays a stylish Scandinavian exhibition venue. It is owned by Danes Jens and Luise Faurschou, who decided to start up the Faurschou Foundation in Beijing because of the fast developing international art scene in the city. By Anya Palm Photos by The Faurschou Foundation

24 ScandAsia.Singapore • February 2013

big, ugly metal-baby sits with his legs on each side of an oversized gun. His face is grimaced in an evil scream and the inscription on the gun barrel says: “Made in China”. Near the provocative statue hangs a silhouette of a man-spider from a massive steel constellation. Beneath him, passers-by walk along the clean, carless streets past gallery after gallery and open-air art pieces like the hanging homo arachnid. Colors, statements, beauty, dreams, sorrow and future oozes out of every piece,

every building, every shop in Art Zone 798 in Beijing. This is where art lovers go when they go to China. Near the heart of the quarter is a square building with glass façade, elegant use of heavy material and clear, long lines in the architecture. It has an air of Scandinavian design and as it happens, the inside is pretty Scandinavian as well: This is the Faurschou Foundation, a Danish exhibition venue based on a private collection owned by Jens and Luise Faurschou. The two Danish art connoisseurs opened up their place in Beijing in 2007.

k in the heart scene We aim to display art that has quality - both esthetically and in content. We do exhibit art with a political edge.

Jens and Luise Faurschou with curator Jerry Govoroy, here seen at the opening of the current exhibition in Beijing “Alone and Together”

“A lot of the most interesting Chinese artists are concentrated around Beijing,” says Luise Faurschou. Since the opening, the couple has featured a range of internationally acclaimed artists on their premises including hot Scandinavian names. Michael Kvium, Christian Lemmerz, and Erik A. Frandsen, the three Danish artists who have done quite well in China, were all first introduced by Faurschou in Beijing. “We want to bring Western art to China,” Luise Faurschou says. But she and fellow owner Jens Faurschou are not only looking to

introduce foreign art to the Chinese – it goes the other way as well. The hottest artist in Beijing right now, is provocateur, blogger, artist and system critic Ai Weiwei, says Luise Faurschou, and of course, the Faurschou Foundation has already had an exhibition featuring art from the controversial Chinese artist. “We aim to display art that has quality - both esthetically and in content. We do exhibit art with a political edge,” says Luise Faurschou about the choice and elaborates: “We run exhibition venues, because we strongly believe that art

has the ability to touch and move, please and challenge the beholder. We believe art can contribute to a bigger intercultural and compassionate understanding between human beings,” she says. Both Luise Faurschou and her husband live in Copenhagen, wherefrom they also run a gallery, Galleri Faurschou. The Ai Weiwei-exhibition ended in February 2012, and was replaced by another artist that has broken barriers: The current exhibition “Alone and Together” is featuring pieces from the French sculptor Louise

Bourgeois, born in 1911, and one of the most influential artists in her field. She is a personal favorite of the two Danish art lovers: “This is the first retro perspective exhibition with Louise Bourgeois. We want to spread the knowledge of this unique artist – our opinion is that she is one of the greatest artists of the past 100 years,” says Luise Faurschou. “Alone and Together” runs until 24 March 2013. To see details of the mentioned artists displayed at the Faurschou Foundation, visit www. faurschou.com.

February 2013 • ScandAsia.Singapore 25

Medium

Fish sandwich (Stjerneskud) By Anders Holm Nielsen

ith “Stjerneskud” the Danes combine their love for the traditional open sandwich also known as “Smoerrebrøed” and the easy access fresh fish via the large Danish coastline. There are many different variations of the dish but the most common is toast with fried plaice, shrimp, boiled cod, salad, asparagus and the essential red dressing. Translated, “Stjerneskud” means shooting star because how the dish resembles a star when it is put together in the old fashioned manner. The fresh seafood is key to creating the classic meal, and ordering the dish in a dodgy place can be a risky move, but if made right, the fish sandwich makes for both a fine lunch and dinner.

Evil

Ingredients: (Serves one)

Are you done?

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:

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Deadline for submitting your solution is 15 March 2013 26 ScandAsia.Singapore • February 2013

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2 pieces of fried plaice in a breadcrumb coating (or other sorts of flatfish) 100 ml flour 100 ml egg whites 100 ml crumbled bread 1 piece of boiled cod 75 g. shrimp 75 g. asparagus 1 slice of toast Butter – salt – pepper 200 ml white wine. 1 lemon Sliced cucumber 2 tbsp. crème fraîche 2 tbsp. ketchup Lettuce of various sorts Dill 1 half, sliced tomato

Directions Take the fresh fillets of plaice and turn them in flour, then egg whites and finally the crumbled bread. Fry them on a pan with oil at a steady heat. Put the cod in a pot, ad white wine, lemon juice, a dash of salt and pepper and steam it slowly on the stove. Mix crème fraîche and ketchup and try your way by adding dill, paprika, salt, pepper and lemon juice a bit at the time. Scrape you toast with the red dressing and put the lettuce on. Place the fried and steamed fish on top. Add the rest of the red dressing and the asparagus and shrimp on top of the fish and finally top it off with sliced lemon, cucumber, tomato and dill. Enjoy!

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