ScandAsia Singapore - April 2014

APR 2014

Singapore

Theme:

International Schools ScandAsia.dk

ScandAsia.fi

ScandAsia.no

ScandAsia.se

Just like Einstein, I like Physics best of all.

Stamford’s campus has a really cool Science Center designed to align with the scientific method – it has break-out space for hypothesizing, lab space for experimentation and presentation space for sharing findings!

Stamford is a world-class school with students from 2 years old through High School and a state-of-the-art campus offering state-of-the-art academic and athletic resources, daily Mandarin and Spanish and the rigorous IB Program enhanced by American standards.

Open House on Friday, May 9th Register at www.sais.edu.sg

+65 6602 7247

www.sais.edu.sg

Stamford American International School CPE Registration Number: 200823594D Period of Registration: August 10, 2010 to August 9, 2014

WHAT IF...

EXPLORE WHAT IF

Polar explorer and UWCSEA alumnus Tim Jarvis having lunch with Grade 11 students, UWCSEA Dover

…THE POLAR EXPLORER CAME HOME? UWCSEA alumni stay in touch long after they leave. Take famous Antarctic explorer and environmentalist Tim Jarvis.

After recreating Sir Ernest Shackleton’s 1916 epic expedition and walking solo to the South Pole faster than any man in history, Tim walked right back into UWCSEA where his journey had begun. He generously shared his experiences with students, answering their questions and inspiring their

imaginations. Like so many successful UWCSEA alumni, Tim returned to the school not just out of nostalgia for the past, but from a conviction that at UWCSEA he can help shape the future.

What if your child joins UWCSEA? Visit www.uwcsea.edu.sg to find out more.

UWCSEA Dover is registered by the CPE CPE Registration No. 197000825H Registration Period 18 July 2011–17 July 2017 UWCSEA East is registered by the CPE CPE Registration No. 200801795N Registration Period 10 March 2011–9 March 2017

136ADV-1314

Coming Events

Norwegian Church Easter Trip to Rawa

Your FREE ScandAsia Magazine in Singapore

On April 12 -15, the Norwegian Seamens Church and the Swedish Church arranges for a trip to sunny island Rawa in Malaysia. The trip is for you, who wants to meet new people, play football and celebrate the Easter traditions, while enjoying the scenic and peaceful surroundings at the Island.

The bus takes 3 hours followed by a 30 minute boat ride from Mersing to Rawa.

There are only limited seats available on, so registration as soon as possible is required.

Further questions and registration can be addressed at Singapore@sjomannskirken. no or by telephone 67757835

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 Manukitch 29 Prasert Manukitch 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 Managing Editor: Thana Poopat thana@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

Norway Asia Business Summit in Bangkok on April 24-26 The 2014 summit is organised by the Thai-Norwegian Chamber of Commerce and will cover macroeconomic trends in Asia, food and energy security, as well as business opportunities in ASEAN and other Asian countries. It will include topics such as the development of free trade agreements, CSR, and the prospects of a Northern Sea Route between Asia and Europe.

A number of high-profile speakers have already been confirmed, such as Minister of Foreign Affairs Børge Brende, Egil Hogna (Yara), Dr. Surin Pitsuwan (former ASEAN Secretary General), Jon Fredrik Baksaas (Telenor Group), Bjørn Kjos (Norwegian) and Kristin Skogen Lund (NHO). The summit will be held at Bangkok’s famous riverside Shangri-La Hotel. The Myanmar Extension will be held at the Traders Hotel in Yangon.

The website is constantly updated with new information about the summit http://norway-asia.com

Viking Cup Shanghai This year, the Annual pan-Asia Nordic Football tournament Viking Cup is set to take place in Shanghai from Thursday 17th to Sunday 20th April 2014.

The tournament which is fought with great enthusiasm from all teams is also a friendly get-together with not least the beer drinking contest one of the highlights.

The hosting team, Shanghai Vikings, are tough guys on the turf. Last year, the team won the SIFL Championship - a tournament for foreign football clubs in Shanghai. This year, bad luck for the team is, that they are set to play the match Shanghai Lions vs Shanghai Marlins FC on Sunday 20 April, if hangovers permits.

Last year, KL Vikings were the hosts for Viking Cup 2013. According to legend, the teams managed to drink 5,070 Carlsberg beers, 120 bottles of hard liquor and 150 bottles of wine.

“This is an absolut(e) record. Well done everybody! And please seek help...,” the Bangkok Vikings’ facebook entry adds.

The Bangkok Vikings have had a special outfit made for the event. The words “Happy Ending” decorates the butt of the shorts.

Past Events

Greenland holds tourism promotion in Singapore

F

or the first time, Air Greenland exhibited at NATAS, Singapore’s key business-to-consumer travel fair, from 28 February to 2 March 2014. NATAS brings together travel specialists, tour operators and national tourism organisations all under one roof, twice a year.

Each NATAS sees an average of 62,000 visitors, spending SGD 96 million on travel packages. A recent MasterCard survey has found Singaporeans amongst the most well-travelled in Asia Pacific.

Air Greenland found NATAS to be a good platform to create awareness of Greenland and its scenic winter and summer period. Greenland, which is part of the North American continent, belongs to Denmark but have autonomous self-

rule. Greenland is the world’s largest island, and its northernmost point, Cape Morris Jesup, is just 740 kilometers from the North Pole.

Greenland made its presence felt with a friendly Greenlander, greeting visitors in her unique national costume. Greenland’s national costume consisted of furs, trousers and boots, decorated with hand-strung beads and intricately hand-sewn floral details. She certainly drew much attention.

Air Greenland flies all year around from Copenhagen to key cities in Greenland.

The Danish Ambassador to Singapore, Her Excellency Berit Basse, attended the NATAS opening ceremony, and graced the stand of Air Greenland.

Olympic Games night at Swedish Church

T

he Swedish Church in Singapore had the big screen up for the patriotic event when the Swedish Winter Olympic Game contenders in Sochi competed to add more gold medals to the home country. Unfortunately Sweden lost the Ice Hockey Finals against Canada, but they did bring home a silver medal.

Sweden won 15 medals at the Sochi Winter Olympic Games. Two gold medals in cross country skiing and five silver and two bronze. A silver and a bronze medal in Curling, and a bronze in freestyle along with last nights silver medals in Ice Hockey.

Delightful atmosphere at Scandinavian Sports Day in Singapore

T

he annual Scandinavian Sports Day in Singapore, held on Saturday, March 1, took place at Jurong West Stadium and turned out to be a great success with 263 participants.

The ongoing traditional event is arranged by the Norwegian Seamen´s Church, and had participants from Sweden, Denmark and Norway, both grown ups and children.

There were prices in several athletics disciplines up for grabs, such as sprint, long jump, relay and shot putting. Last but not least, the big international football game completed the Sports

day, with Sweden as winners, plus the honor of being given the more important right to ridicule for the next twelve months.

The Swede´s dominated most of the disciplines, while the Danes did not scrape that many points home. In all fairness, there were more Swede – and Norwegians, participating than Dane´s.

The work of the many volunteers from all of the Scandinavian families and expats, was the core and foundation, which made the sunny and delightful Sports day possible.

Swedish companies visit Port of Singapore

B

usiness Sweden recently led a business delegation compromising of Swedish companies focusing on material handling equipment, power equipment and transport solutions for ports.

The delegation was part of a two-country visit (Singapore and Malaysia) and the program in Singapore was coordinated by Business Sweden together with the Embassy.

The aim of the visit was to learn more about the expansion plans for the port of Singapore and to explore opportunities for collaborations with the participating Swedish companies. The delegation had fruitful discussion with PSA and Jurong Port, discussing a number of topics including the upcoming plans to develop the ports.

Ambassador Jevrell also took part in a lunch hosted by Business Sweden.

April 2014 • ScandAsia.Singapore 5

News Brief

Change of guard at DABS

A

t the Danish Business Association Singapore Annual General Meeting, Henrik Ziegler stepped down as President and handed the mantle over to Nordea CEO Lars Kyvsgaard. Henrik Ziegler is staying put at the board as new First Vice President, ready to support the new chairman.

Danish Business Association Singapore would like to thank the Danish ambassador to Thailand Mikael Hemniti Winther who gave a very interesting talk on the current situation in Myanmar at the DABS event on 26 March.

The evening at Hollandse Club was well attended by some 40 participants.

Danish skincare brand now available in Singapore

Candidate for NABA Award announced

B

eauté Pacifique, a Danish skincare company, held an event at the Residence of the Danish Ambassador. The guests, many of whom are familiar with Beauté Pacifique, were delighted to know that their favourite Danish skincare brand is now available in Singapore.

Guests were treated to a one-to-one consultation by Beauté Pacifique’s Senior Product Advisor from Denmark, Ms Tilde Ørum Sauer.

Beauté Pacifique was founded in 1997 by former Novo engineers – Flemming K. Christensen and Gunnar Svendsen. The founders also own another corporation called Cortex Technology which develops and produces advanced medical electronic equipment for skin diagnostics. It is with this knowledge and experience that led to the birth of Beauté Pacifique skincare and the advanced ultrasound Dermascan machine which Tilde used to analyse skin structure.

In Singapore, Beauté Pacifique is sold exclusively in Isetan departmental store at Westgate, Jurong.

N

BAS (Norwegian Business Association, Singapore) in cooperation with its sister organizations in Asia have established a Norway – Asia Business Award (NABA Award). The Award will be presented at Norway – Asia Business Summit in Bangkok 24 – 26 April 2014. Each country in the Asian region with a Norwegian Business Association has been asked to nominate a candidate from their respective country.

The nomination period in Singapore has come to an end and it has just been announced, on March 4, Kongsberg Maritime Pte Ltd has been elected as the candidate from NBAS in Singapore.

Kongsberg Maritime Pte Ltd, is a company that provides innovative and reliable solutions for merchant marine, offshore, subsea, navy, coastal marine, fisheries, simulation & training, port & harbour surveillance.

The criteria for the Award are: • The Norway – Asia Business Award (NABA) is a business award from and presented by the Norwegian Business Associations in Asia.

• The NABA shall be awarded to a Norwegian owned company in Asia that has distinguished itself through growth, innovation or otherwise in the Asian country it specifically operates or in Asia in general.

The Jury of the NABA will now consider nominations from the other countries in the region and the winner will be announced during the Summit in Bangkok 24 – 26 April 2014.

Sweden’s FundedByMe expands to crowd-lending

F

undedByMe confirms today that its expansion into Asia through Singapore proves successful as investments from Asia into European companies are already happening on a regular basis. Others have claimed it prematurely before, but this creates the world’s first true widely cross-border equity crowdfunding website.

Description The website provides a platform for people to invest in companies earlystage and growth in return for equity. Seeing the success and growth of crowd financing, FundedByMe also confirms plans to add crowd lending to its main markets. Starting with profit-participating loans in Germany and soon adding peer-to-company lending and convertible lending to Sweden followed by its other markets.

6 ScandAsia.Singapore • April 2014

Home search

News Brief

DNV GL triples size of marine, offshore lab in Singapore

D

NV GL has opened a new laboratory in Singapore to deliver innovative and integrated solutions for the marine and offshore industries.

The laboratory located at Gul Circle demonstrates DNV GL’s continued commitment to be an integral part of Singapore’s marine and offshore cluster. The laboratory was officially opened on 1 March 2014 by Norway’s Foreign Minister H.E. Borge Brende and DNV GL Group Executive Vice President Remi Eriksen.

Driven by recent deepwater-technology developments, the laboratory has been increasingly involved in challenging projects aimed at providing integrated solutions through testing, qualification and assessment for oil fields in harsher environments.

Structured into four service areas, each possessing specific disciplinary capabilities and complementary competencies, the new laboratory will be able to undertake a broad range of services – from microstructure to mega structure and from laboratory testing to field services.

“Today marked yet another milestone for DNV GL. Our Singapore laboratory has been building trust and confidence for three decades, delivering worldwide projects for customers across the maritime, oil & gas and even infrastructure industries,” said Remi Eriksen and added, “The new laboratory will operate in premises three times bigger than before and is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and higher performance machinery, greatly enhancing our ability to deliver high-end services so that our customers can meet increasing challenges.”

“DNV GL, and this new laboratory, are prime examples of the interconnected value chains between Norway and this region – where innovation, technology, integration and infrastructure mutually enforces each other. Norway’s close relationship with Singapore can be seen in this perspective. It is our ability to innovate and think anew that makes us stay ahead,” said Mr Brende.

Kick-starting breast cancer awareness campaign

F

ollow, Philip and Mikael, on The Long Ride as they journey 23,000km across 17 countries on their trusty motorcycles from Singapore to Sweden to: • Raise awareness about breast cancer to the people they meet • Find out what problems they face in treating and reducing deaths from breast cancer • Raise funds for Asian Breast Cancer Research FundGood luck! http://longridess.com/

Singapore is the most expensive city in the world

S

ingapore has topped 131 cities globally to become the world’s most expensive city to live in 2014, according to the Economist Intelligence Unit .

The city’s strong currency combined with the high cost of running a car and soaring utility bills contributed to Singapore topping the list.

It is also the most expensive place in the world to buy clothes.

Singapore replaces Tokyo, which topped the list in 2013.

Other cities making up the top five most expensive cities to live in are Paris, Oslo, Zurich and Sydney, with Tokyo falling to sixth place.

Copenhagen is number ten, while Bangkok is way down at 61th place.

8 ScandAsia.Singapore • April 2014

News Brief

DHI regional aquaculture hub moves to Singapore

T

he Danish counselling and science group for environmental and water solutions, DHI, Aquaculture Business Partnership (ABP) has transferred its regional hub from Malaysia to Singapore, where it recently developed regional Research Centre and Environmental Laboratories in the Clean Technology Park. APB supports socioeconomic and environmentally sustainable aquaculture production worldwide.

Jørgen Erik Larsen will continue to manage the activities globally with a strong focus on the Americas, while Mads Birkeland will stay on as the Europe/Middle East Manager.

Guillaume Drillet has been appointed as the new Aquaculture Business Area Manager for Asia Pacific. He’ll be responsible for coordinating our core Aquaculture activities in the region. These include: • Environmental Impact Assessments on fisheries and aquaculture facilities • site-selection studies for new aquaculture facilities (if this does not fall under the feasibility/EIA phase) • water quality monitoring and optimization of aquaculture farms • laboratory services • water treatment and closed loop systems for aquaculture facilities • environmental studies – including ecological modelling and regulatory testing (ecotoxicology and third party verification) As a scientist trained in Denmark, Florida (USA), Scotland, France and Singapore, Guillaume has accumulated vast experience in plankton ecology, aquaculture, ballast water invasions and fisheries, both in the private and public sectors and has worked with Akvagroup and FishLab in Denmark. Prior to this new responsibility, he was responsible for building the capacity of our Ballast Water Centre in Singapore.

Find one Private Banking advisor, then make sure he knows many specialists

Wealth management today involves much more than selecting the best stocks and bonds. At Nordea Private Banking, we offer you an experienced personal advisor and a comprehensive overview of your wealth based on thorough research and rigorous analysis. One private banker, many specialists – making it possible.

Contact Nordea in Singapore on +65 6597 1084, or e-mail kim.nielsen@nordea.sg

Kim Osborg Nielsen, Private Banker

Nordea Bank S.A, Singapore Branch is part of Nordea Group, the leading financial services group in the Nordic and Baltic Sea regions. Some products and services may, due to local regulations, not be available to individuals resident in certain countries and their availability may depend, among other things, on the investment risk profile of persons in receipt of this publication or on any legislation to which they are subject. Nothing in this publication should be construed as an offer, or the solicitation of an offer, to purchase, subscribe to or sell any investment or product, or to engage in any other transaction or provide any kind of financial or banking service in any jurisdiction where Nordea Bank S.A., Singapore Branch or any of its affiliates do not have the necessary licence. Published by Nordea Bank S.A., R.C.S. Luxembourg No. B 14.157 on behalf of Nordea Bank S.A., Singapore Branch, 3 Anson Rd #20-01, Springleaf Tower, Singapore 079909. www.nordeaprivatebanking.com subject to the supervision of the Monetary Authority of Singapore (www.mas.gov.sg).

AD_ScandAsiaThailand_Kim_192x135_eng NEW.indd 1

27/02/2014 14:24

April 2014 • ScandAsia.Singapore 9

Mr Private Banking in Luxembourg retires J Jhon Mortensen (62) will end of April 2014 retire from his positions as CEO of Nordea Bank S.A. His interesting career also brought him to Singapore, where he was the head of the branch for several years.

10 ScandAsia.Singapore • April 2014

hon Mortensen (62) will end of April 2014 retire from his positions as CEO of Nordea Bank S.A. Before joining the Luxembourg subsidiary in 1991 Mr. Mortensen worked for the London subsidiary of Nordea and later headed the banks’ branch in Singapore. Founded in 1976, Nordea Bank S.A. is the largest Nordic bank in Luxembourg and Switzerland, serving an international clientele in 120 countries throughout the world.

“To accomplish growth and stability for the bank we have focused on our clients. We would like the clients we have now to still be our clients in 20 years’ time – and we would like to welcome their children as clients of Nordea, too,” says Mortensen.

An increasing number of individuals are becoming more globalized, working and doing business abroad, sometimes in several countries. These individuals have more complex needs with regards to banking and international wealth management.

In Luxembourg, Switzerland and Singapore Nordea has assembled a broad team of experts in wealth management and wealth planning specialised to provide the services requested by these globalised individuals.

“The days when Private Banking clients simply required investment advice are long gone. Now, an increasingly complex legal and regulatory environment has obliged providers of financial products

and services to take a comprehensive advisory approach that also includes taxation, inheritanceand succession-planning, as well as insurance and real estate,” says Mortensen.

“As a good example of this Nordea is one of the few banks who can provide tax reports for all relevant countries to assist clients in the preparation of their periodic tax declarations to the authorities. Nordea’s tax report facilitates the completion of tax returns, even for complex account structures, and provides a clear tax overview for clients and their advisors”, says Mortensen.

The Nordea Group has a very strong capital base and benefits from an excellent credit rating (AA-), and is the leading financial services provider in the Nordic area. For six consecutive years, Nordea was named the best provider of private banking services in the Nordic & Baltic region by the international financial magazine Euromoney.

Nordea is among the ten largest universal banks in Europe in terms of total market capitalisation.

Thorben Sander (40) will from 1 May 2014 succeed Mortensen to safeguard and continue the business development of the 23 years under Mortensen’s management, developing best-in-class clients’ services and offerings. Thorben Sander has since 2010 been head of Investment Advice & Brokerage in Nordea.

Relocation calls

for professionalism and integrity BluFox Relocation recently opened its doors for business, with offices in Bangkok and Singapore.

A growing business in the Southeast Asian region, and one that calls for experience and expertise.

By Kristian Kruger Lauritzen

W

hen a couple or a family plans to move from Bangkok to Beijing, for example, there are several factors that need to be taken into account. But perhaps the biggest challenge is how to safely move the sofa, the bed and chandelier from one place to another. That’s where BluFox Relocation comes in - ready to help clients smooth out the move with a modern approach.

The Thai-Singaporean based company may be the ambitious new kid on the block in the moving industry, as a newly-established company, but members of the company’s staff have had many years of experience, said Erik Dahlstrom, the Swedish Managing Director of BluFox Relocation.

“The 16 employees that we have working in Bangkok and in Singapore are some of the best in the industry. Collectively, they have 130 years of experience. When people see our company’s name, they might think that we are new, but we consider ourselves an industry veteran.”

Erik Dahlstrom has been working in the moving industry in Thailand for major players for twenty years, until he recently decided it was time open his own business. However, operating a relocation business in Thailand only was not an option.

“We envisioned something bigger, and since there are so many Nordic expats and businesses in Singapore, we decided to open up in Singapore as well“ he said.

BluFox Relocation took over an existing moving operation in Singapore and thereby was up and running from day 1 with some of the market’s most experienced staff.

The Southeast Asian moving industry is growing continuously and a lot of nationalities are moving around the region thanks to business opportunities and the large number of expat jobs available.

Tailor to the client’s needs When a person or a family moves from one country to another, there are a lot of things that has to be taken care of. Home search, school search, orientation, visa, immigration and language training, to name but a few. BluFox Relocation can arrange for all of these things, to meet the client’s specific needs, but the main focus of the company

requests are accounted for. If a client wants their items handled with confidentiality, that’s what they’ll get. We want to differentiate ourselves by giving our operation a personal touch. Integrity, integrity, integrity, I say. That’s part of the reliability we provide when you put your trust in someone“ Erik Dahlstrom said.

A small relocation job from a client now can lead to bigger jobs in the future, and from a foundation of trust, people will call in. Or, they may have heard words of praise from one of our satisfied clients, explained the 47-year-old Swede.

BluFox Relocation deals with a lot of Nordic clients, where the personal preferences tend to play a role, and there are obvious advantages in terms of language and culture. However, the company feels perfectly at home doing business with all nationalities and have the knowledge to handle it through the international network available.

“If a client wants to move from, say, Singapore to Iraq, we can do that too.”

A modern approach

is moving, while all the other elements can be arranged for within their own network.

First, the company schedules a visit to the client’s residence and then, based on the volume and estimated expenses for the move, BluFox Relocation will provide for an appropriate proposal.

“In relocation it is important to personalize every relocation as every customer is different and not all comes with a big budget. Perhaps the client has a grand piano that requires special handling, and you have to crate it and make sure all

The moving business has existed for centuries and traces all the way back to the days of horse-drawn carriages. There remains a lot of conservative principles in the industry as Erik Dahlstrom sees it.

“Relocation is traditionally a family business with patriarchal structure. Nevertheless, we want to incorporate a modern, procedural way of doing things. It is not a given that today’s entrepreneur can expect to stay in business in months or years from now. We want to look at different angles in order to stay competitive and we want our staff to think outside the box”.

Erik Dahlstrom and BluFox Relocation has big ambitions for the future and where he wants to take the company to in five years’ time.

“At the risk of sounding cocky, we strive to be one of the key regional players in the industry.

And we will do that by having the right partners overseas, building relationships with our clients and show them that we are here for the long run“ he pointed out.

The big season for relocation starts in April, when people usually start to plan their move, to be followed by the start of the school year around August.

“At BluFox Recolation, we are always ready to fulfill clients’ every needs.”

April 2014 • ScandAsia.Singapore 11

Danish thinking helps millions of Asian urban poor Top: Somsook is ACHR secretary-general, whose work benefits millions of urban poor in Asia.

Bottom: Failure by governments to provide adequate housing for urban poor is commonplace.

The result is squatters and slums. Šwww.t-pageant.com

12 ScandAsia.Singapore • April 2014

Asian Coalition for Housing Rights (ACHR) helps poor people in over 100 cities in Thailand and 18 other countries around Asia achievie better housing. Secretary General Somsook Boonyabancha credits the inspiration she got during one year in Denmark.

By Thana Poopat

Building communities is supposed to be the foundation of any wellfunctioning, livable city.

Studying in Denmark gave me a deeper and broader understanding of housing development beyond the designing, construction and financial aspects.

A

one-year professional training course on housing and urbanisation at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts’ School of Architecture in Copenhagen in 1979 offered Somsook Boonyabancha a much-needed break from her hectic work at the National Housing Authority in Bangkok.

It also opened up a whole world of new ideas. Among other things, Danish social housing, cooperative housing movement and egalitarianism stood out as the kind of concepts that resonated with her youthful idealism. Thirty-five years on, these Danish ways of thinking continue to influence her immensely important job as head of an international advocacy group for urban poor’s housing rights.

“The Danish social and cooperative housing, a people-driven movement supported by local governments, was the spark that got me interested in what possible solutions were available to deal with housing problems in a wealthy, egalitarian and pragmatic society like Denmark,” Somsook said.

As a conscientious foreign scholarship student, Somsook’s first reaction when encountering any good idea afforded by the opportunity to study abroad was how she might adapt them to address the complex socio-economic problems associated with housing issues in Thailand.

The stark contrast between beautiful, wellplanned cities and towns of Denmark and urban

©Danida Fellowship Centre

sprawls in developing countries, like Thailand, was not lost on Somsook.

What government planners forget “The problem with Thai government planners in social housing back then was they kept constructing buildings without giving much thought to human factors, socio-economic elements. Little has changed,” she said.

“Building communities is supposed to be the foundation of any well-functioning, livable city. Studying in Denmark gave me a deeper and broader understanding of housing development beyond the designing, construction and financial aspects.”

“In Thailand, we make it all about pricing.

People buy whatever is on offer at the price they can afford. And then the urban poor are left out.”

ACHR a platform of professionals Today, Somsook’s organization, Asian Coalition for Housing Rights (ACHR), is helping poor people in over 100 cities in Thailand and 18 other countries around Asia to achieve decent housing not only as physical structures for shelter. Human elements, such as access to employment and government services, must also be taken into consideration, she said.

ACHR is a platform of professionals, communities and regional organisations working together on housing issues in Asia.

“Urban poor are at the lowest rung of the socio-economic ladder in most societies,” Somsook said. “There are a lot of urban poor in Asia. Utter failure by governments to provide adequate housing for urban poor is commonplace. Then you have squatters and slums.”

Somsook said most Asian countries continue to offer no systematic approach to provide social housing that enable people to live with dignity and a certain measure of equality.

Activistic route to social justice But building a just and egalitarian society takes time. In the mean time, Somsook has taken more or less activistic route to improve social justice.

“These urban poor are part of essential labour force but their income is not enough to buy their own place to live in. Not many Asian countries do well like Singapore, Japan. Taiwan, Hong Kong.”

Faced with apparently insurmountable housing problems and budgetary constraints, Somsook said she continued to draw inspirations from her time in Denmark. “We try to help urban poor to solve their own problems through participatory process. People-driven approach.

What is remarkable about Somsook’s many achievements is cost effectiveness of Asian Coalition for Housing Rights. One of her major achievements was the Baan Munkong [Secure Home] Project 2003-2005 with at a budget of only US$10 million to upgrade communities in 300 towns and cities around Thailand.

“Our emphasis is not so much on physical structures but more about strengthening of communities by giving security (rights to live where they do), livelihood (being close to their jobs), access to childcare. It’s about self-help, self-determination and a self-managed solution.”

We take proactive approach – not just protesting. We are open to option either to stay put or move elsewhere, depending on people’s decision and circumstances.

The egalitarian society of Denmark made a lasting impression.

“Denmark is one of the wealthiest countries in the world but the Danes are not extravagant.

Homes and apartments are not big. People are politically active who believe in social justice and look out for one another.”

Pay more attention to community Somsook said thanks to scholarship from the government of Denmark that enabled her to acquire knowledge that she could use to advance her career working for the betterment of people in Thailand and other Asian countries.

“It was an extraordinary experience. Denmark and other Scandinavian countries could do a lot more in this regard, providing training courses to students and professionals from Third World countries.

“What I learned and what policymakers and architects from developing countries in Asia should have the opportunity to learn from Denmark and Scandinavian countries is we should pay more attention to community aspects of housing.”

“That housing policies and housing projects should bring people together, and then we should also build a system that people share. Denmark offers this vision.”

“Denmark should not be too humble in spreading good designs, good thinkings in housing and urbanization,” Somsook said. “Denmark and its international development agency, Danida, should play a more active role in creating intellectual learning space.”

“People from countries around the world can learn from the Danish society. I changed significantly. My world view changed, I began to look at my profession as an architect differently and I realized that I can change the society for the better. That I learned in Denmark.”

Somsook (left), three former fellows studying architecture who met in Denmark 1978-80 recently reunite with one of their teachers in Copenhagen.

April 2014 • ScandAsia.Singapore 13

The first kilometer is the hardest hl and Joakim Ekenda recently Wej Supaporn lfilling completed a fu weden to journey from S ycle.

Thailand on bic tops, Over mountain s and snow, rt e s e d h g u ro th en thousand more than fifte e saddle. th in rs te e m o il k uritzen

By Kristian Kruger La

T

he idea of cycling through numerous countries, while experiencing distinct and different cultures as bicycle globetrotters, would perhaps be thrilling to many. But also scary and overwhelming. Joakim Ekendahl and his girlfriend Wej Supaporn, decided to actually do it, instead of letting the idea remain a fantasy.

“When you go from Sweden to Thailand by plane, you have a drink, watch a movie, perhaps sleep some hours, and suddenly your plane is landing, and you have just missed half of the world,” Joakim says. He and Wej decided back in 2012 it was time to experience that half.

Joakim Ekendahl and Wej Supaporn are in the mid forties, and was living in Gothenburg, Sweden, up until their bicycle journey. They became a couple almost twenty years ago, when Joakim worked a few years in Bangkok. They moved to Sweden, where Wej worked as a librarian and Joakim worked for different companies commuting week in and week out, through most of Sweden. But not anymore. Enough was enough. Time to see the world. Joakim quit his job, while Wej took a longtime leave from the library.

“We both like bicycling and traveling long distances, so why not do this,” Joakim says.

The overwhelming hospitality The couple has biked through all types of weather and natural scenery in countries such as Poland, Georgia, Romania, Turkey, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and China, spending nine months on and off the saddle. That may seem physically gruelling, but the challenge was much more a mental one.

“It becomes a meditative state of mind. Everything else but you and your legs moving the 14 ScandAsia.Singapore • April 2014

bike is excluded, while you are in a deserted part of Kazakhstan and there is no real civilization the next 500 km,” Joakim explains. Of course it was not in anyway a downside that both him and Wej are experienced bikers with long distances under their belt, before this one.

The potential fighting and couple-arguing, that to some might seem inevitable during a trip like this, was never a real issue.

“When you are on your bike, you do not have time to do that much talking anyway,” Wej says. Although they both agree, that Joakims spirit were a bit more up and down.

“Perhaps, I am a little bit more stable,” she says. “Joakim is the one with the Visa Run and the route on his mind.”

Every country they passed on the way had a unique culture to offer in terms of food and customs, but most of them had an essential element in common.

“It was really an overwhelming hospitality we meet. Especially the Islamic countries. In Turkey, for instance, it was sometimes even hard in a polite way to say no to whatever people were offering,” Joakim recalls with a smile.

Snowstorm in Hungary The couple slept in every kind of accommodation possible from welcoming sleepovers, hotels and a tent put up by the Caspian Sea or in a cave in the deserts of Uzbekistan. Quite a hot experience cycling through the deserts, Joakim recalls.

“Sort of hell on earth. 47 degrees in the shade. No trees anywhere.”

Luckily they had a trick for keeping the ever important water cold, or cool at least for some time. They soaked a sock with water and covered

it around the bottle, so the water kept cold until the sock had dried up. Apparently a trick that is used på cyclists everywhere.

Even though the desert was like cycling in a big heated oven, the most extreme weather they experienced was in Central Europe, in March during the winter.

“In Hungary, they brought the army tanks out to clear the snow, but luckily for us, we had the big wind in our over backs, just cruising besides each other, “ Joakim says. So most of the road from Hungary to Slovakia was a nice rest for hard working legs on the pedals.

A human skull in China The list of funny, bizarre or baffling moments during the couples nine months long adventure is long.

In Uzbekistan, there is not a single ATM machine, and people usually trade money on the black market. The currency has minimal value, so carrying a standard wallet is out of the question.

“We exchanged 300 dollars, and the stack of money was this high,” Joakim recollects, while demonstrating the length of his forearm. Every little coffee shop had a money counting machine, the ones you normally only see in banks.

But the most surreal moment happened, while they were in the northern part of China.

Having just spend a comfortable night on a three star hotel, a rare occasion, they hopped on the bikes in morning to continue the journey. It was a dust storm, and Joakims pedal was cranked, so they had to stop and put up their tent, before planned. Unfortunately the ground was a hard as a rock, so the spikes for the tent could not go in.

Joakim decided to walk a few hundred meters in search of some softer ground, and found a nice

spot on top of a hill.

“Then I looked a few meters to the right, and there was a human skeleton! Just below a pile of gravel. A skull and a leg that was coming up from the ground, “ Joakim recalls. A Lucky Luke type of scenery, not exactly the thing you get to see along the pavements of Gothenburg.

Just let go, and do it Even though the couple experienced moments of absurdity during the bicycle road trip, it is the warmth and kindness of all the different people, they met along the way, that comes to mind.

“People are nice! The only danger we met was the road, “ Joakim says. When they tell their story, they are often asked about the potential aspect of luring danger. Especially from Thai people.

They seem to be afraid of the unknown.

“I would like to encourage the Thai people to travel abroad more, independently. And perhaps inspire the employers to let their workers get some time off to restore energy, “ Wej says. The allowed annual leave from work is usually only up to ten days in a row.

“The decision to go is so significant, “ Wej underlines. Joakim easily agrees with his girlfriend and cyclist companion.

“Just let GO, it will work out,.leave the comfort zone. Once you have done it, it works out from then. The hardest kilometer is the first one.

There is no headwind or uphill as hard as the obstacle of getting it done, making the decision to actually do it.

Hopefully Joakim Ekendahl and Wej Supaporn´s story can work as inspiration for adventurous people flirting with the idea of cycling out and across parts of the globe.

April 2014 • ScandAsia.Singapore 15

Your School T

o decide on something as important as your child’s education and well-being might be the toughest part about moving to another country.

Choosing a new school when moving has become increasingly difficult for parents.

There are more and more schools established all the time, and each institution has its own unique philosophy and attributes. Comparing what they offer with the needs of your child is no simple task.

Most parents probably start out by asking other parents of their own nationality which school they have chosen and why. Then you find out they have chosen different schools and for different reasons and you are back to square one.

There is probably no way around making your own inquiry into each available option.

Local vs International First choice is if you are looking for a local school or an international school? In most countries in Asia, a local school is an option - although certainly a more challenging option for your child. If you child is mixed Scandinavian - Asian this may, however, not be so frightening a prospect. And mostly it will have an economic silver lining as local private schools are less costly compared to international schools.

However, physical punishment has not been abolished in many Asian school systems, so take this into consideration. Talk to the school how they administer physical punishment and ask if they can make an exception for your child if you are not comfortable with this.

If you go for the International school, consider that international students grow up and evolve in a cultural environment that is vastly different to that of your own. Known as Third Culture Kids (TCKs), they often develop a very different attitude to many issues compared to their former friends back home. If you are uncomfortable with this prospect you may prefer to look into the option of choosing a local school or a boarding school back home.

Once this is said, most expat families decide to go for the international school, at least through primary school up to grade 9, where other options may come into play. At this point, not only boarding schools in Scandinavia but also boarding school in Asia may be considered.

A few suggestions So now you have the table filled with brochures of different schools and wonder what to look for.

Here are a few suggestions to help you make up your mind: First: How far away is the school from your home?

Before spending time looking through school courses, you need to make sure the school is not too far away. Bear in mind that in most big cities, it is the traveling time between your home and the school that matters. How long will it take for your child to get to school and home afterwards?

How will your child be going there?

Especially in cities like Bangkok, you will be challenged by some of the heaviest rush hour traffic in the world.

Fifth: Does the school have qualified personnel?

This is not as obvious as you may think. The school is most likely private and qualifications for employment are not as strict as for schools back home. What educational degree do they hold?

How long have they been teaching at the school?

What kind of teaching methods do they prefer?

Are they involved in planning and evaluating the curriculum? Will they be giving special attention to each child’s problems or personal needs?

Second: What reputation does the school have?

Talk to people as much as possible. This is where your first intuition comes handy. Don’t listen to opinions expressed by people who have no children at the school themselves - parents are quick to seek confirmation of their own choice by adopting opinions about the competing schools.

The age of the school is no sure indication either. Nothing guarantees that the reputation of a hundred year old school is better than a one year old school.

Sixth: What do the current students think of the school?

If it’s possible, talk to some of the existing students. Are they happy there? Do they look motivated to learn? How will the school help your child get started? Do they assign so-called “buddies” (another student from the same country) for new students? Most schools have established student organizations to provide service to students at a personal level. Here, students can get help about studying, working, individual needs and so on.

Third: How are the courses at the school?

The school’s courses and programs will most likely be listed in the school’s information packages. They will talk about British Curriculum and American Curriculum and - what most Scandinavians these days go for - the IB curriculum.

This is important as you will most likely have to relocate again in a few years.

Find out if the native language and culture of your child is taught as optional learning. It is important for your child to keep his or her ties to your cultural background. It is also important for you.

Ask questions about the tests and exams which are offered and used as evaluation method.

If your child is already a secondary school student, ask how well the graduating students do in getting accepted into major universities both in your current country, back home and elsewhere overseas.

Fourth: What other activities can the school offer your child?

Besides the fundamental course works, what kind of arts, sports, community service does the school offer? Are there proper facilities to support those activities?

It seems that schools almost compete with each other when it comes to sports, thus many schools will have gymnasiums and sport complexes, which are either new or remodeled. But maybe your child is more into other activities computer programming, performing arts?

Most schools offer after-school/weekend programs as well as field trips and community services. You should be able to freely pick the activities that best suit your child.

Seventh: How is the relationship between the school and the parents?

You will obviously not be able to monitor your child in school. The teacher will have to be your eyes and ears. You must be notified of your child’s functionality regardless of grade, and regardless of whether it includes bad behavior or progress your child has made. Make sure that you can get informed as often as possible. You may join a parents’ volunteer program if available.

Some schools may offer activities for the whole family as well.

Watch your child!

Never mind how diligent you do your homework - and maybe the above list is a bit excessive you will never be able to foresee if your child will thrive at the school.

It is therefore important that you make a habit of spending more time than you used to at home talking to your child about how school was today. What they did in class, and what they did outside. Let her or him tell about their new friends. Listen.

All may initially sound fine and uncomplicated, but that may just be a honeymoon period. This is the most important step of them all. If your child develops in any way you find disturbing or even develops signs of discomfort with going to school, you should think twice before you tell your child that “this is life - it is not always pleasant!”.

A change of school at the right time might be the single most important decision to make to put the future of your child on the right track!

Preserving the mother tongue At the Norwegian Supplementary School in Singapore, children get a sense of their home country a few hours a week.

They polish up on their mother tongue language, in a culture where the English language dominates.

18 ScandAsia.Singapore • April 2014

“S

o where did you look up all the info, Alexander?” Silje Merli, the teacher asks. “On nrk.no (Norwegian public broadcasting channels website)” Alexander answers. He has just finished a presentation in Norwegian on the sinking of the Titanic in front of the class, with a little support from the teacher.

Vårin is next up. She proudly presents her prepared text out loud.

“I got the information from Wikipedia, some from my father, and the rest from myself, “she says with a smile.

This class consists of 10 Norwegian students, five boys and five girls They are all Norwegian 5th graders in Singapore. They are some of the 75 Norwegian students that are enlisted at The Norwegian Supplementary School. The school is a Non-profit Organisation, mainly funded by the parents of the children and has existed since 1983. There are 9 teachers who take turns teaching classes. They teach Norwegian children, of different age groups, two hours of mother tongue language every Thursday.

The supplementary classes typically take place every Thursday afternoon, following regular classes in the morning at the Overseas Family School, located right next door. At OFS, an international school in Singapore with kids from all over the world, English is the leading language for communication and instruction.

A sense of back home The main purpose of the weekly Norwegian language instruction is to support children maintain and develop competence of their mother tongue, Silje Merli, the schools supervisor and 5th grade teacher, points out.

“Most of the children go to the International Schools, and some of them have been in Singapore for many years. When living abroad and far away from Norway, our ambition is to help them with the Norwegian language as well as give them a touch of the Norwegian culture and traditions”.

At the Norwegian Supplementary School, classes also cover subjects as social science and religion & ethics. At the same time, these classes are designed to familiarize the children with the uniqueness of the Norwegian curriculum.

The social aspects of the weekly classes cannot be emphasized enough.

“When a child moves away from their home culture, everything is new, unfamiliar and can be challenging. It is important to let them know that there are other children in the same situation,“ Silje Merli says.

Something to look forward to For the two girls, Vårin and Sunniva, the weekly Norwegian class is something they look forward to.

“I am always eager to be here, and it is nice to speak Norwegian with other friends and classmates,” Sunniva says. She has only been living in Singapore for three months, since her father started working for Norwegian company, Veritas,.

Vårin has been living here for six months, while her father works at an offshore oil platform. They both agree, that the Siljes way of teaching is a little different from what they are used to at OFS, where things are a bit more strict and disciplined.

The little difference is not a coincidence, Silje Merli points out.

“We strive to achieve a good balance: enjoyable social interactions and fun activities, while at the same time trying to encourage learning and polishing up on Norwegian. We want the learning experience to complement the international curriculum.”

Silje Merli believe the students are influenced by the local and the international school system, whereas at the Norwegian Supplementary School the teaching style has its roots in the Norwegian system.

“Friminutt” Except for the two big air-conditioning units and posters on the walls with English texts from Korean, Japanese and American children, the class-

room this Thursday afternoon could have been mistaken for any standard classroom in Norway.

The five boys, all typical Norwegian-looking with bright long hair sat at one table, while the girls are split into groups of two. It is time for vocabulary session. “What is a flea market?” Silje asks. “A noun“, 10-year-old Sunniva responded, raising her hand in the air.

A fifteen minute break was up, or “friminutt” as one says in Norwegian. Once a week they all go down to the big schoolyard to play basketball, football, look at their smartphones or just chat with some of the many other students from all over the world, switching to English before coming back to the mother language in a few minutes.

Split culture In the 5th grade class, students’ length of stay in Singapore range from just a couple of months to eight years. When eight out of ten years of one’s life have been abroad, questions about one’s identity tend to pop up every once in a while. That is something they try to address in class as well.

“Who am I? Where is my home? Is it Singapore or Norway? Some of the students are young children when they come here, but some are almost adolescents. Either way it is difficult to reestablish oneself in a new society and culture, so we try to cover that part as well,“ Silje Merli said.

“We want the children to familiarize and have a strong connection to the Norwegian culture as well as the Singaporean”.

It’s time for a test of awareness and memorization, before the students are picked up by the parents, typically the mothers, some of them already waiting outside the glass window.

All the students gather in front of the blackboard to look at five different-looking pictures.

They were given two minutes to try to take in as many details as possible. A fun, little quiz for the students, and it’s obvious to see, that the children enjoys playing the game.

Then Silje Merli told the students that she is not teaching the class next week, so they would have to deal with a substitute teacher. Some of the children visibly let out a small sigh, but a smiling Silje told them not to worry. “The temp is also Norwegian and I have already told her how things work in this class”.

April 2014 • ScandAsia.Singapore 19

Students W with a Cause

ith a goal of instilling enthusiasm for lifelong learning and a sense of global awareness, Stamford American International School provides a world-class school experience. Integral to that experience is an understanding of and appreciation for the diversity of the world we live in and our role in it. In keeping with our vision of providing a holistic learning experience, Stamford promotes opportunities for students to engage with the local and international community on a variety of service efforts.

Some great examples of this service commitment in action include the Community Mural project in Singapore and the Grade 10 project in Cambodia.

Stamford’s Community Mural project has been driven by our motivated Art Teachers and ten eager Community Arts Co-Curricular Activity students collaborating with the Kallang Community Club to create a mural for HDB block 6 on Boon Keng Road. The project began as an effort to enhance the school’s local community by adding some beauty and Singapore pride to a nearby HDB. Co-sponsored by Passion Arts and Stamford American International School, the mural spans both the exercise area and children’s playground between two apartment blocks. Using Singapore as the theme of the mural, both the residents and Stamford’s Grade 8 students came up with the initial design. Two successful Community Days helped to engage the residents and the rest of the school community, exciting participants into picking up a brush and lending a hand. Stamford’s second graders will also be taking a field trip to the mural site where they will design and paint their very own section as part of their community action. Though not yet complete, the project has been a great success in giving Stamford students the opportunity to engage in a service project and have a positive impact on the local community. There will be a celebration to mark the completion of the mural at the end of May. Stamford has also created an international school camp program for our Grade 10 students in Cambodia. The Grade 10 camp in Cambodia is part of a joint plan established through the Stamford students, Stamford Parent Teacher Association (PTA) and the World Assistance for Cambodia (WAFC) organization to build a five-room schoolhouse complete with a library and a nursing station for Melom Village in Kampong Chhnang Province. Over the next five years, Stamford students will have the opportunity to visit the school to see the impact that building and staffing a school can have on a village. Stamford will also provide professional development for the teachers of the school. This project reflects a long-term commitment to enhancing the community of this village and giving students the opportunity to experience first-hand the power that education can have in shaping people’s futures!

True learning is a never-ending process that occurs throughout one’s lifespan. By giving students the opportunity to share in these service experiences and demonstrate change, they will be able to develop lifelong skills and habits that will serve them well as influential members of our global community.

For more information, visit www.sais.edu.sg 279 Upper Serangoon Road (1 Woodleigh Lane) Singapore 347691 Tel: +65 6602 7247 I Email: admissions@sais.edu.sg

20 ScandAsia.Singapore • April 2014

Stamford American International School provides a world class experience for students from Nursery through High School featuring the International Baccalaureate (IB) program integrated with the rigorous American Education Reaches Out (AERO) standards. Stamford’s daily Mandarin and Spanish Foreign Language Program starts from age 2 and the 1-to-1 iPad and MacBook Programs integrate technology throughout the curriculum. Stamford’s community reflects a highly qualified and dedicated teaching staff and an international mix of students, with over 60 nationalities represented. Stamford’s $300 million state-of-the-art campus is centrally located, easily accessible and just steps from the Woodleigh MRT.

Expat Living April Ad (Rev 2, 6 Mar) highres.pdf

1

6/3/14

2:22 pm

Are you choosing the best international school for your child?

A Multi-cultural environment?

Internationally recognised curriculum?

Teachers who: Are internationally experienced?

Have a commitment to individual excellence?

Support differentiated learning?

Prepare students for superior university placement?

Choose GEMS World Academy (Singapore) for your child.

Visit www.gemsworldacademy-singapore.com Call +65 6557 2702

Celebrating more than 50 years of Educational Excellence.

Chicago

Dubai

Etoy

Singapore

Tianjin

g Enrollin o Pre-K t r 8 fo Grade 14 Sept 20

Strengthening European roots through integrated mother tongue programmes About GESS GESS (German European School Singapore) is a multi-lingual, international school in Singapore with a distinct European flavour.

With two green campus locations, GESS provides international education to 1,500 students of more than 50 nationalities from pre-school to grade 12. Since its foundation in 1971, the school has evolved into a school with two sections: as an authorised IB World School, our European Section offers education for students from 3 years old to high school across all three IB programmes, the PYP, the MYP and the IB Diploma.

As an accredited ‘Excellent German School Abroad’, the German Section of GESS offers all major German school leaving certificates. Unlike the many proprietary schools in Singapore, GESS is a not-for-profit organisation which is governed by elected parents. It is accredited by the Council of International Schools (www.cois.org).

I

t is natural for expat parents to worry about the language development of their kids. While growing up in an English speaking environment helps children to easily acquire the skills necessary to communicate all over the world and make themselves understood, it poses a challenge in regards to maintaining their respective mother tongue. Usually, our “third culture kids” only hear their native language at the dinner table, whereas all conversations with friends and teachers throughout the day are in English.

The ability to speak multiple languages is considered a gift, and kids growing up in an international environment like Singapore are often envied for their very privileged language situation. International schools can play an important role in supporting children to keep up with their mother tongue. Multilingual children perform better in school when the school effectively teaches the mother tongue and, where appropriate, develops literacy in that language. Researchers agree that children’s knowledge and skills transfer across languages and their abilities in their different languages are very much related and interdependent. When the educational environment stimulates children to use native and other languages, they

will nurture each other. Thus, a school promoting a child’s mother tongue supports not only the development of the mother tongue, but also strengthens the child’s abilities in the core school language.

Mother tongue programmes at GESS GESS believes that children should be given roots and wings. On the one hand, social learning projects, science competitions and a wide range of extra-curricular activities enable children to discover their personalities and give them the wings to find their place in today’s fast paced environment.

Learning about their mother tongue language as well as their native culture, on the other hand, is an integral part of teaching students about their roots.

To this end, GESS offers different mother tongue programmes that are fully integrated in the curriculum of the European IB Section. There is a Danish mother tongue programme which starts in kindergarten with a Midday Programme, continues in primary school with after school classes, then becomes a fully integrated programme offered in middle and high school The same applies for the Dutch programme in secondary school. The lessons do not only focus on improving the students’

Since 2010 the Danish Supplementary School (DSS) has provided Danish speaking children at GESS the possibility of developing and improving their Danish skills through the Mother Tongue Programme. The close collaboration between DSS and GESS means that currently 35 children benefit from the programme. Watching how the children improve their Danish language skills makes us very pleased with the outcome and excited about the future perspectives at GESS. Kirsten Newbigging, Chairman at DSS www.dss-singapore.dk 22 ScandAsia.Singapore • April 2014

language skills, but also include cultural elements and convey important historic contexts. Thus, for example, in December Saint Lucy’s Day is celebrated in pre-school, with children proudly singing the traditional Danish songs they have rehearsed in class.

Such events engage the youngest members of the school community and are also instrumental in shaping their cultural identities.

GESS Pre-School Students celebrating St. Lucy’s Day For other languages, such as Finnish, GESS offers a mother tongue support programme that is directed by the school’s World Languages department in conjunction with external tutors. This programme allows students in secondary school to follow almost any additional language at mother tongue level.

German European School 72 Bukit Tinggi Road, Singapore 289760 Tel: +65 6469 1131 E-Mail: info@gess.sg l www.gess.sg

UWCSEA’s

Gap Year programme

By Kevin Morely, Gap Year Coordinator, UWCSEA

T

UWC South East Asia 1207 Dover Road, Singapore 139654 1 Tampines Street 73, Singapore 528704 Tel: +65 6775 5344 Email: admissionsdover@uwcsea.edu.sg www.uwcsea.edu.sg

24 ScandAsia.Singapore • April 2014

en years ago only a handful of UWCSEA’s graduating class postponed going to university in order to take a Gap Year; in the Class of 2013, 36 students elected to take a full or partial Gap Year before pursuing further education.

The Gap Year programme at UWCSEA enables students to put the UWC values into practice in South East Asia before going to university.

It builds on three of the key principles of a UWC education - undertaking service to others, development of self-reliance and life skills, and gaining greater awareness of self and others.

Since the first students traveled to Kenya in 2004, UWCSEA’s Gap Year programme has evolved to offer a range of short and longer-term placements in a range of countries in South East Asia and beyond, with a range of experiences in various fields of endeavour. The flexible nature of the programme means that participants can elect to undertake one or more placements of varying lengths, and in different destinations, allowing them to enjoy a variety of experiences.

These include teaching English in schools in Ladakh and Nepal; community development in the Philippines, Cambodia and India; legal education and human rights support in Thailand and Vietnam; sports and youth work in Malaysia and Australia; environmental protection in Lombok and Tioman; and opportunities in the arts including music, dance, visual arts and drama working with Tiny Toones, the international award-winning breakdance project in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

One student in the Class of 2013 also trialed a new placement opportunity being developed in East Timor at the Pite Bairo medical clinic.

All of UWCSEA’s Gap Year placements have been developed with grass-root organisations with which UWCSEA has been actively working for many years, usually through the College’s

Service programme. Each project is carefully assessed to ensure that there is an opportunity for a meaningful contribution to be made by the Gap Year student. Only when the College is satisfied that the placement will be of benefit to everyone do we offer the opportunity to our Grade 12 students.

Before a Gap Year commences, the students, their parents, UWCSEA and the host sign a fourway Memorandum Of Understanding (MOU).

This MOU sets out specific expectations for each signatory, as part of a ‘service agreement’ and is designed to ensure the arrangement delivers true mutual benefit. In this way, the student (and their parents!) know exactly what they are signing up for, and the NGO knows that the students we send to them are equipped with the knowledge and desire to make the most of the placement for the benefit of everyone. The agreement outlines the placements work expectations, provides for supervision, safe accommodation and insurance for the participants, as well as making communication and educational commitments.

UWCSEA’s criteria in implementing a Gap Year placement involves being able to truly fulfill a need and provide mutual benefit to both the host and the Gap Year student. Thinking through the skills of the UWCSEA graduates undertaking the Gap Year placements, UWCSEA has also developed an English Language training course to better equip our students to make a meaningful contribution. Offered in collaboration with the British Council our Gap Year students can undertake an accredited English Language Teaching course while they are still at school or as a recent graduate before they head off on the placement.

As universities and employers are increasingly keen to take students with more rounded life experiences, a Gap Year spent working in a specific field can be a real enhancement to a student’s CV.

Joy through inquiry based learning at

Pegasus International Preschool

W

ant to enroll your children in a preschool that differs from the typical Scandinavian kindergarten, combining learning with activities and fun?

Pegasus International Preschool is a bilingual preschool in Singapore for children aged 18 months to 6 years old.

The preschools distincts ambitions is for the children to have a joyous day through learning with a holistic approach, which means encouraging wholesome development with learning both at the playground and at home.

The idea is to encourage parents to participate with this approach, so the children can learn a lot, while having a memorable childhood.

“Majority of the preschools in Singapore are mostly academic based and the focus mainly on developing or ascertaining that certain skills are developed in children. At Pegasus, we believe that each child is unique and competent.

The teachers will build on those competencies, thus developing each individual child’s strengths rather than focusing on their weaknesses, “Ms Shyan Campos, Pegasus principal said.

Pegasus International Preschool have chosen an inquiry-based curriculum instead of traditional Rote Learning methods. The process of inquiry is to understand the many questions children ask and allowing them to explore cognitively by the use of their senses.

This concept is followed by daily hands on projects and different class activities. The big spaced classrooms and extensive outdoor natural play areas provide the children independence to learn and have fun in a stimulating atmosphere.

Pegasus Curriculum offers different courses that delivers knowledge and skills in subjects such as Language and Literacy, Mathematical Concepts, Knowledge and Understanding of the World, Music & Movement, Outdoor Explorations, Creative Art, Science Exposure, Character Building & Mandarin.

April 2014 • ScandAsia.Singapore 25

CIS Bilingual Programme

Preparing Students for an Increasingly Globalised World

By Andrea Naylor, Primary Years Programme Coordinator, Lakeside Campus

T

he Canadian International School (CIS) in Singapore has been an authorised International Baccalaureate (IB) World School since 2002. Over 65 different nationalities are represented within our school community, making us a wonderfully diverse and multicultural international school. Our focus is to provide a truly international curriculum, drawing from the best

(IBO, 2011). We have moved away from the view of acquiring separate additional languages to the new terms of “languaging” or “translanguaging”. This is the idea that learners develop and integrate new language practice into a very complex dynamic multilingual repertoire. As a result of this, we now know that children who are fluent in more than one language enjoy many more benefits than simply being better

paying attention and task switching. Students who study additional languages tend to score better on standardised tests than their monolingual peers, particularly in the categories of maths, reading and vocabulary.

The new Mandarin-English bilingual programme at the Canadian International School will be launched with classes for students aged 4 – 6, in Junior Kindergarten (JK), Senior Kindergarten

learning standards and research from around the world. With this in mind, we are excited to announce that CIS will be launching a new bilingual Mandarin-English programme in August, 2014.

Additional languages provide students with an opportunity for developing internationalmindedness, intercultural awareness and critical thinking skills. The world is now anticipating the emergence of Mandarin as a key language. It is quickly becoming apparent that children who are bilingual in English and Mandarin will have a competitive edge in tomorrow’s job market.

In the IB programme, the acquisition of language is valued as “central to critical thinking, which is essential for the cultivation of international-mindedness and global citizenship”

communicators. Speaking more than one language can actually make you a more successful learner.

Advantages to being bilingual include being able to learn new words easily, being more adept at solving mental puzzles, a heightened ability to monitor the environment and increased creativity in solving mathematical problems. Language researchers have found that a child learning two languages whose structures and rules are significantly different from each other (such as English and Mandarin), are required to think in more complicated ways. Needing to constantly switch between two languages leads to improved executive functioning of the brain and cognitive processes such as problem solving, mental flexibility,

(SK) and Grade 1 in August 2014. It will include two fully qualified teachers in each classroom.

One teacher will be a native English speaker, the other will be a native Mandarin speaker. The Class size will be capped at 20 students in JK (1:10 studentteacher ratio), 22 students in SK (1:11 studentteacher ratio) and 24 in Grade (1:12 studentteacher ratio). Learners will receive balanced exposure to both languages in a programme that is fully aligned to the IB Primary Years Programme, promoting intercultural understanding, inquiry based learning and key features based on current “best practice” in teaching and learning.

To find out more information on this pioneering bilingual educational opportunity for your child please visit us at www.cis.edu.sg/bilingual.

Canadian International School Lakeside Campus: 7 Jurong West Street 41, Singapore 649414 Tanjong Katong Campus: 371 Tanjong Katong Road, Singapore 437128 E-mail: admissions@cis.edu.sg l www.cis.edu.sg 26 ScandAsia.Singapore • April 2014

Tel: +65 6467 1732 Tel: +65 6345 1573

Pioneering Bilingual Programme in Mandarin and English Preparing students for an increasingly globalised world!

Key programme features: A bilingual curriculum that is fully aligned to the IB Primary Years Programme, promoting intercultural understanding and inquiry based learning.

Two fully qualified teachers in each classroom - one native English speaker, one native Mandarin speaker.

Equal exposure to both languages.

Classes for students aged 4 to 6 commence in August 2014. Spaces are limited.

Register for our Open House at www.cis.edu.sg/bilingual.

CIS. BE EXTRAORDINARY. Visit www.cis.edu.sg to find out more.

As an IB World School, CIS offers the PYP, MYP and IB DP.

Canadian International School Pte. Ltd. | CPE Registration Number: 199002243H | Period of Registration: 8 June 2011 to 7 June 2015

ISS International School was founded in 1981 to serve the expatriate community in Singapore

ISS

is an authorised International Baccalaureate (IB) World School with a multicultural environment for students from almost 60 countries with no dominant group. It is the ONLY IB World School in Singapore specialising solely in the IB, incorporating IB Primary Years, IB Middle Years and the IB Diploma Program.

It is also the first to offer a one-to-one Apple Macbook program. ISS has a high percentage of IBO workshop leaders, moderators and examiners among its staff, one of the highest in Asia.

ISS International School is:

Academic Program

Student Information

• An established PYP, MYP and DP authorized IB World School, with years of experience offering each program.

• A truly international school with a multicultural environment, comprising of students from almost 60 countries with no dominant culture.

• A school with outstanding student support, including ESL, counselling and university advising.

• The first international school in Singapore with an Apple MacBook program.

• Known for student activities, including an established CAS (Creativity, Action, Service) program with an extensive list of activities, field trips and the adventurous activity week held each year.

• ISS is an authorized IB World School offering PYP (Kindergarten 1 – Grade 5), MYP (Grade 6 – 10) and DP (Grade 11– 12). The Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) accreditation enables ISS to offer a High School Diploma to their IB Diploma and IB Diploma course graduates.

• ISS offers pre-IB Diploma skills and IB Diploma subject preparation courses during the summer.

• Academic Year – August to June (Semester 1: August to December, Semester 2: January to June).

• Students from almost 60 countries.

• Class sizes – elementary school: 15-20 students, middle school: 20-24 students, high school: 15-20 students.

Faculty • Teachers from 19 countries.

• Predominantly trained in United States, Britain, Canada, New Zealand, and Australia.

Many faculty members are IBO moderators, examiners and workshop leaders.

Admissions • Admissions staff are available year round to meet with potential families regarding admission for all three schools.

• Applications are accepted year round, subject to places being available.

• Please refer to the following link for the admission procedures: http://www.iss.edu.sg/ admission_procedures.php • Students must pass the English language proficiency test to be eligible for admission.

ISS International School Elementary and Middle School campus 25, Paterson Road, Singapore 238510 Tel: (65) 6235 5844 High School campus 21, Preston Road, Singapore 109355 Tel: (65) 6475 4188 www.iss.edu.sg Email: admissions@iss.edu.sg 28 ScandAsia.Singapore • April 2014

e h T IB World School in Singapore!

Specializing ONLY in the IB curriculum

Focusing on Personal & Social Development, Maximizing Academic Excellence ISS INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

An authorized IB World School specializing only in the

Established in 1981

IB Primary Years, Middle Years and Diploma programs

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

for ages 4 to 18. Extensive range of IB Diploma subject

High School Campus 21 Preston Road, Singapore 109355 Tel: (65) 6475 4188 Fax: (65) 6273 7065 Website www.iss.edu.sg

SINGAPORE

PROVISIONAL

M

UN

DO • W OR

L

D

S CH

LE O

•

ÉC

CO

OO L •

L EG I O DE L

Email admissions@iss.edu.sg

Accrediting Commission for Schools

options.

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

Multicultural environment with students from almost 60 countries – no dominant group.

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

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

SINGAPORE

PROVISIONAL

D U M O ND E

Cert No.: EDU-3-3095 Validity: 12/07/2013 - 11/07/2014

ISS is registered by the CPE • Registration no: 201316975E • Registration period: 16 June 2011 to 15 June 2015

GEMS World Academy

G

EMS World Academy (Singapore) is an international school operated

by GEMS Education, a leading provider of K-12 private education.

Opening its doors in September 2014, the school will be GEMS first foray into South-East Asia. GWA (Singapore) will also be the newest addition to GEMS global network, adding to its existing 132 schools located in 15 countries.

Currently there are more than 140,000 students from 151 countries enrolled in GEMS schools.

GEMS World Academy (Singapore) will provide students with an internationally recognized curriculum, a programme that is recognised as a premier external examination by leading universities all around the world. GEMS IB Diploma students have been recruited and accepted by more than 350 universities worldwide.

The campus, located over five-hectares in Yishun, provides an outstanding state-of-the-art education infrastructure that includes a worldclass 750-seat auditorium, well-equipped sports facilities, an eight lane 50-metre pool, as well as its very own 3-D multi-sensory planetarium. School learning and operations will be supported by the use of high-end technology such as radio-frequency identification (RFID) cards that students will use to travel on the school bus, in the library, and purchasing lunch.

Passionate and Committed Educators

GEMS World Academy (Singapore) Information and Enrolment Centre 583 Orchard Road, #15-02 Forum, Singapore 238884 Tel: +65 6557 2702 www.gemsworldacademy-singapore.com

30 ScandAsia.Singapore • April 2014

The team of GWA educators are devoted and highly passionate about continuing to make a positive difference in education. One third of the current hires are not new to Singapore, having taught in other IB international schools. Selected to be more than just teachers, they are child advocates and mentors who seek to understand every student and to guide their development and learning. Through experience and training, GWA teachers understand that students are unique individuals with multiple ways of learning and have varied interests. They are experienced in techniques to provide students with a holistic, well-rounded education, harnessing a child’s strengths and curiosity in a supportive and collaborative classroom.

GWA educators make a priority commitment to a child’s learning, but they are also strong advocates of parental engagement. Parents are encouraged to get involved in their child’s developmental school journey, in tandem with the school. A strong and successful partnership with school life has been proven to support and foster engagement in learning.

The Singapore GWA staff collaborates with the guidance of a strong and experienced senior leadership team, who collectively have more than 75 years of experience in education.

The Founding Head of School/CEO, Dan E. Young, is an internationally recognized education leader known for strategic vision in school change and improvement. He brings to Singapore more than 35 years of experience in both U.S. and

international schools. Dan has been a key figure assisting with other successful GEMS World Academies around the world. Most recently, as Head of School/CEO, GWA-Dubai, he and his team completed the rigorous IBO self-study application and qualifications, and the Council for International Schools accreditation review, resulting in the Pre K-12 school being fully authorized and accredited. He draws on an in-depth expertise to achieve the same success and high standard for GWA-Singapore, leading the development of its programme and curriculum. Mr. Young completed his doctoral studies at Arizona State University, U.S.A. while being the school Principal in five different schools there.

The Founding Education Principal, David Edwards, has been a resident in Singapore for 9 years and has served on multiple Singapore school boards, including Director at the Centre for Educational Leadership (Singapore). He was also an executive officer of a public-listed education company in Singapore. Before joining GWA-Singapore David held a variety of teaching positions.

This included key responsibilities at the world’s largest three-programme IB school, including the one of Principal. David’s educational background includes a Masters in Education (Leadership and Management) and a Post-Graduate Certificate in Secondary Education. He is currently a doctoral candidate with research focus on change management in the international school market.

Jacqueline McNalty, Head of Early Childhood/PYP Coordinator, has been an Assistant Principal and PYP Coordinator at a major international school in Singapore before joining GWA. She has travelled around the world as an early childhood educator, as well as leading curriculum workshops for IB PYP educators. Jacqueline has led play-based learning workshops held in the region. She has had various articles published in early childhood journals, including an article entitled “Reflecting on Readiness for School”. She continues to be a key influencer in early childhood network groups as she pursues her doctoral studies in education. Jacqueline’s expertise in early childhood was recently featured on Channel News Asia’s morning programme, AM Live!

Learning Opportunities GEMS World Academy (Singapore), provides students with a wide variety of unique learning opportunities, including specialized support for its teachers and students through collaborations and partnerships. Collaborations include the renowned Confucius Institute, known globally for its successful Chinese language program. Other partnerships with major talents in music and the arts are being cemented.

Not only does the school provide learning for its students, but it provides parent enrichment talks about child development from global experts. Topics vary from parental engagement, to harnessing technology in education, and bringing the best out in gifted and talented children.

Through these learning seminars and talks, par-

(Singapore) ents discover more effective ways to support their child’s education journey.

The GEMS Network GEMS World Academy (Singapore) is a member of GEMS global network of international schools. This provides students with the opportunity to interact with classroom peers at other GEMS schools around the world through the use of technology. The advantage of this integrated global network is to support many internationally mobile families with convenient school transfers to other GEMS school in the network to ensure seamless transition and minimal disruption to their children’s learning.

Varkey-GEMS Foundation, is GEMS philanthropic arm, involved in ongoing initiatives to provide educational access to needy students around the world, as well as delivering quality education to teachers in under privileged situations, supporting them to obtain education qualifications of a global standard. This affiliation allows students at the school to be exposed to philanthropy and the act of charity, with various opportunities to participate in giving back to community. This is an important part of the school’s core themes contributing to holistic learning. The Honorary Chair of the Foundation is former U.S. President Bill Clinton.

Truly International The school is dedicated to providing students with a truly international environment for learning, through an internationally recognised curriculum, as well as its various language programmes.

Students are able to learn a second language other than English, and for others there is an English as Additional Language (EAL) programme to cater to children from a non-English speaking background.

The school is committed to meeting the various needs of its families and recognise the importance of maintaining the national identity of each student. Supporting the multicultural background of the children studying at GEMS World Academy, the school hosts various social and intercultural events that promote and encourage

With Danish-Speaking Staff

ARTS KIDZ international

diversity and tolerance among students.

Beginning in Grade 1, students will be provided own string instrument during music lessons.

The success of the school’s students around the world is renowned. Over the last four years alone, graduating students from the GEMS Education network have been accepted into 590 universities in over 41 countries. These graduates have been accepted by 12 out of the top 15 most prestigious universities and colleges around the world.

The leadership team will be happy to answer any questions about the school and are available at the GEMS World Academy (Singapore) Information and Enrolment Centre, located at The Forum from 9am- 5pm, Monday to Friday. Appointments can be made for after-hours, Saturday and Sunday consultations, upon request.

Nestled amongst the lush greenery of Upper Bukit Timah, Arts Kidz International takes a unique approach to learning in the early years. Not only do we focus on traditional learning areas, but we also include the arts within the everyday, Monday to Friday programme in order to offer children a well-rounded and enriching educational experience.

The children’s adventure into the Arts includes violin; visual arts; speech and drama; a mind and body programme integrating yoga, music and movement; and second language choices of Mandarin, Japanese or Korean.

We are also excited to offer Danish language activities at Arts Kidz, designed to promote Danish communication and language skills.

Arts Kidz Education Center 262 Upper Bukit Timah Rd #01-03/04 Old Fire Station, Singapore 588207 (65) 6469 1739, enquiry_bt@artskidz.com.sg www.artskidz.com.sg

Arts Kidz Pre-School - 67A Eu Chin St (Level 2), Tiong Bahru Community Centre, Singapore 169715, (65) 6456 8003, enquiry@artskidz.com.sg April 2014 • ScandAsia.Singapore 31

International School of Bergen

I

nternational School of Bergen (ISB) is situated on the west coast of Norway and offers an English language learning environment to students between the ages of 3 and 16. Our mission is to provide an internationally accredited education serving the business and Bergen communities.

The educational programme of the International School of Bergen (ISB) has been developed to help prepare its students for a successful future. ISB is accredited by the Council of International Schools and the New England Association of Schools and Colleges in addition to being authorized by the International Baccalaureate Organization to offer their Primary Years and Middle Years programmes.

Our students and staff All teachers hold university degrees and appropriate teaching qualifications. Classes are small, and with students and staff representing more than thirty different nationalities, we pride ourselves in having a welcoming and including community.

ISB was founded in 1975, giving us nearly 40 years of experience as an educational institution.

International School of Bergen Vilhelm Bjerknesvei 15, 5081 Bergen, Norway Tel: +4755306330 l E-mail: post@isob.no l www.isob.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.

Contact us for more information about the programme and the 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

ENGELSKSPRÅKLIG PRIVATSKOLE FOR BARN OG UNGDOM MELLOM 3 OG 16 • • • • • •

Få elever i hver klasse Trygt læringsmiljø med god individuell oppfølging God kontakt med foreldre Internasjonalt godkjente og utfordrende læreplaner Utmerkede resultater i internasjonale og norske nasjonalprøver Sentral beliggenhet med bybanestopp rett utenfor døren Contact us for more information: www.isob.no eller post@isob.no

32 ScandAsia.Singapore • April 2014

Nyborg Gymnasium has stx, hf, IB and boarding school

A

Danish upper-secondary school environment with an international agenda.

Nyborg Gymnasium addresses the growing internationalisation with programmes, study streams and a boarding school, which makes the ‘international’ the order of the day.

The students at Nyborg Gymnasium have an eye open onto the world, and they are fully capable of exploring this in school. This happens, for example, if they are students in the study stream Going Global, stay at the boarding school with other young people from all over the world, or if they are students in the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, where all subjects are taught in English.

Over recent years Nyborg Gymnasium has expanded and rebuilt school facilities to ensure that the framework for the tuition is updated and inspiring. The latest addition to the school is a new building for the sciences, and a special ‘language’ zone. At the boarding school the students have their own rooms, a strong community, and a kitchen, with focus on organic cooking, providing the meals of the day.

Nyborg Gymnasium ….en route to the world

A

The Boarding School experience

part from the fact that you and your child will miss each other, there are several benefits that your child would gain from boarding.

Boarding school provides a boost in self confidence for students and helps develop their independence and self management skills while the school still providing a safety net of school-organised routines and schedules.

Studies also suggest that boarding provides an added edge in academic performance, since the routines in a boarding house provide for a structured study roster and tend to result in greater time spent on homework, revision and study during these vital final years.

The ‘traditional’ boarding experience is a residential boarding school, where students live together in a school-run boarding facility with shared or single bedrooms and shared living spaces. There are house parents to provide supervision, assist students, help resolve issues and answer queries – be they academic or personal. Meals, housekeeping and study support are usually included and the boarding houses are usually located either within the school grounds, or very close to the day school.

Previously, parents preferred to ‘send the kids home’ so that they could finish their schooling in the country where they would likely attend university. However, given the long-term nature of some relocations these days, the child’s ‘home’ country may actually be as foreign to them as staying in Asia, where there are also several excellent boarding schools that provide the effect of ‘traditional’ residential boarding experience. Especially for the younger students one obvious benefit is that they can visit their parents and siblings at home more often.

In both cases, the unique qualities of attending a boarding school lies in the complete integration between the life of the student in class and the life of he student after class. This seamless transition in the everyday life of the boarding school student from one sphere to the other gives a maximum cohesion that ordinary day schools will never be able to match no matter how extensive an extra curricular programme they might establish.

This is one of the reasons why boarding schools are often better prepared for further education and a life on their own in the surrounding society than day school students.

Stenhus Kostskole Sports College Stenhus Kostskole Boarding School and Gymnasium is the right place if interested in sports, the Sports College is based on both ambitious training and education and all students are receiving customized training programs.

Different options of college Football College Coaches at the Football College are the former major league players Morten Hamm and Morten Rutkjær.They both have UEFA A coach license and coaches at Northwest FC Sports College (elementary education). Both have worked with various Danish football elite teams.

• Football College from 8th to 10th class (boys) Students live at Stenhus Boarding School where education and training are combined in a professional and ambitious environment.

• Football College at Stenhus High School (boys and girls) Students live at Stenhus Boarding School and study at the high school.

Basketball College Coaches are Trine Tims and Jesper Sørensen who are both former national team players and now coaches at Stenhus Basketball College. Trine Tims was between Nov 2007 and Dec 2009 the coach of the women's national team in basketball.

• Basketball College (boys and girls and high school students only) Students live at Stenhus Boarding School and study at the high school.

Badminton College Christian Møller Madsen, former elite player, is one of the coaches at the Badminton College.

• Badminton College (boys and girls and high school students only) Students live at Stenhus Boarding School and study at the high school.

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

April 2014 • ScandAsia.Singapore 33

Design Challenge at

KIS Land

By Darryl Anderson, MYP Humanities Teacher, MYP Coordinator KIS International School Bangkok, Thailand

I

For more information contact Linda Belonje Director of Marketing and Development KIS International School, Bangkok, Thailand Email: linda@kis.ac.th l Tel: +66 (0)22743444 l www.kis.ac.th 34 ScandAsia.Singapore • April 2014

magine a Middle School where the curriculum involved designing airplanes, catapults, remotecontrol cars, Rube Goldberg Machines and water rockets. Sounds like a budding engineer’s dream! However it’s not just the engineering skills that are needed to be successful, but also marketing, creativity and collaboration.

Every year at KIS International School, MYP students take part in an interdisciplinary, cross-grade level event known as Design Cycle Challenge Week.

For five days each year, students put away their schoolbooks, group themselves into teams of 4-6 students and are given a challenging task.

It started back in 2006 when students utilized their knowledge from different subjects to design and create battery-operated racing cars. In 2008, students not only investigated the math and science of catapults, but also the historical context behind the different uses and types of catapults. Then they pitched the design of their catapults to a panel of Medieval Lords (roleplaying teachers) seeking protection for their castles.

The next year, KISLAND was born, a mythical independent empire that unfortunately had a coastline littered with rubbish. Environmental engineering experts (our KIS students) were called in to design boats made from recycled materials. The next year, with KISLAND’s rising economy and population, bridges were soon needed, so the Ministry of Transportation put out a call for engineering-minded students to create sturdy bridges made from popsicle sticks. Following KISLAND’s increasing development, the next year cars were required, and finally planes made from light-weight balsa wood.

KIS Students are known for thinking outside of the box. After all, the name of our school stands for Knowledge, Inspiration, and Spirit. KIS students are smart, but they’re also motivated and truly inventive.

Following the Design Cycle, they investigate the context of the challenge, create different designs, test out their plans, evaluate their success, and every day, start the whole cycle again. In addition, they use their critical thinking skills to create persuasive explanations that “sell their product” in the form of short video or written advertisements.

The Design Cycle Challenge week is truly a challenge. Students need to collaborate with other students they may have never worked with before, and also come up with a product that’s successful, creative and unique. This year the challenge was even greater as students had to create a Rube Goldberg machine that connected to others. You can check out the different teams’ products, video journals and final design reports at http://kisdcc2013.weebly. com/ A video of the final machine can be found on KIS’s Youtube channel (KISBangkok) or http://y2u.be/ Hjxi5waA08Q

Ole’s Orphanages Young 27-year-old Norwegian has built three village-based children’s homes on the Thai-Burmese border for war orphans and victims of neglect and abuse.

By Thana Poopat

I

t must have been a culture shock for 12-yearold Ole-Jørgen Edna. His Norwegian upbringing did not quite prepare him for the kind of Third World human misery that he witnessed on a family trip to refugee camps along the Thai-Burmese border back in 1998. Or perhaps it did. After all, not many families would travel a great distance to this part of the world and then chose to spend part of their precious vacation time visiting victims of ethnic conflicts from Burma.

Ole-Jørgen’s father, a noted gastrointestinal surgeon and associate professor in Norway, and his mother, a cancer nurse, have always been staunch supporters of church charities providing among others desperately-needed humanitarian aid to civilians fleeing Burma’s decades-long war of attrition. The tour of refugee camps may have done little to Ole-Jørgen’s grasp of the scope of human sufferings but the experience somehow made a lasting impression on his young mind.

“I never thought that simple gifts, such as

small toys, candies, toothbrushes, could bring big smiles and so much joy to hilltribe orphans in the camps,” recalled Ole-Jørgen.

Another thing that seared into his memory was the sight of the sprawling Mae La refugee camp in Thailand’s northern province of Tak, home to over 40,000 Karen refugees. Located on slopey hillsides, the refugee camp appeared to be a surreal idyll against a dramatic backdrop of steeply rising limestone cliffs.

“Rightly or wrongly, it looked to me like an ideal place in the wilderness, a perfect sanctuary to protect its inhabitants from attacks by the Burmese army.”

“I remember saying that I would come back one day.”

Ole-Jørgen thought he would be back, but it never occurred to him that he would be back to start the first orphanage seven years ago, in 2007, when he just turned 20. And then go on to found two more orphanages in Tak and eventually manage to put together the dedicated and

Ole-Jørgen with one of the children in Noh Bo

Children helping to make mud bricks/ adobe brick for our music house in Noh Bo 36 ScandAsia.Singapore • April 2014

©Ole-Jørgen Edna

©Ole-Jørgen Edna

©Ole-Jørgen Edna

Noh Bo orphanage in 2009

well-trained staff of 20 people who today provide loving care to some 100 victimized children.

Refugees in local schools

©Ole-Jørgen Edna

The Blessed Homes, as they are known, offer a family-like environment for children to grow up in to realise their full potentials and to become responsible members of their communities. All of the children’s homes at Noh Bo, Klee Tho Kloo and Mae Oo Ho in Tak province along the ThaiBurmese border are well integrated into the respective villages where they are located. Children go to local schools and mingle with other village and local Thai kids. Each child shares a room with 2-5 other children and is supervised by a dedicated staff member who serves as a surrogate parent.

Thar Oo, 15, a Karen ethnic, was one of the first children taken in by Ole-Jørgen and local church members even before the children’s home at Mae Oo Ho was built. Like other children in the village, Thar Oo goes to local Thai school. At

Grade 6, he speaks Thai, Karen, Burmese fluently and is now dabbling in English, which will prepare him for future either in Burma, if and when peace is fully restored in his home country, or the option of being integrated into the Thai society.

“My mother killed herself, drinking herbicide after my father ignored her pleading not to fight the Burmese army. Then he got killed in fighting.

Then my two sisters and I were taken care of by the local pastor and his wife before Ole took us in to Mae Oo Ho,” Thar Oo said.

After spending several months living under the care of Ole-Jørgen and local church members, Thar Oo, then 8 years old, and a few other children moved into Mae Oo Ho children’s home after Ole-Jørgen secured the seed fund from a generous American couple.

“We are so grateful. Without Ole and Mae Oo Ho children’s home, my sisters and I wouldn’t know what to do, who to turn to for help. We would not have the opportunity to go to school or to think about our future,” said Thar Oo, say-

ing he wants to continue his education in Thai school and come back to help other disadvantaged young Karen children to have a head start in their lives.

How it all started After Ole-Jørgen’s visit in 1998 to the refugee camps with family, he went back to Norway and, like most teenagers, got busy with studying and making future plans. After having finished highschool, he took one year out to study theology in London and to see the world. Towards the end of his London stay, the picture of the Mae La refugee camp kept popping up in his mind and he felt he had to come back to look at the refugee situation up close.

He started looking for volunteer works at the Thai-Burmese border.

“My idea was to spend one year, doing some field works, closer to the actions.” Ole-Jørgen was first offered to man an office of a charitable organisation in Chiang Mai, but soon was introduced to and got a job teaching English at the bible school in Noh Bo in Mae Sot. Then Thar Oo and the other helpless children showed up. Ole-Jørgen’s first reaction was to help support these children until they grow up and be able to support themselves.

Several of the first groups of children have already left the orphanages, got married and had kids of their own. This is part of life. You deal with that as best as you can.”

“We don’t want to see any of our children grow up, leave orphanage and end up like parents that some of them ran away from. It would be painful to watch children grow up to become parents who abuse alcohol, who abandon kids or who create a dysfunctional family,” he said.

These young adults need secure jobs, but

Children in their school uniforms getting ready for school April 2014 • ScandAsia.Singapore 37

©Per Arne Kvamsø

Noh Bo Academy School there aren’t many decent jobs in the villages.

“Many young fathers move to Bangkok or other big cities, get separated from wives or abandon them. The young mothers then find a new husband and perhaps the new husband doesn’t want the kids who are then thrown out.”

Next plan: a youth centre Being familiar with the big picture of the village life gives Ole-Jørgen ideas how to try to help break this vicious circle. The idea is to start a Youth Centre for children after they leave the compulsory primary school or middle school to lead semi-autonomous existence as young adults pursuing vocational or university education in secure environment.

The planned youth centre in Mae Sot will help kids who finish grade 10 to get them further education and job skill if that is what they op for.

“Most people in the village had 3-4 years of schooling before going to work in the fields be-

cause they didn’t see opportunities. At least for my kids they should know that at least they have the opportunity. If they choose to they can continue with education and go as far as they could.”

“At least we can give them job training. Vocational training. So they won’t be pushed around too easily in the Thai job market.

The youth centre is more of a transition place from orphanage to adulthood and independence to being in charge of one’s own life.

Why do you do it?

Starting an orphanage is not something that most people would think of when they are in their early twenties.

“I’m aware that many people would find what I do a little bit strange,” said Ole-Jørgen, a committed Christian.

The orphanages were shaped by his Christian belief. “When you see something wrong in this world, like children suffering or mistreated. It’s not

©Per Arne Kvamsø Dancing in Noh Bo 38 ScandAsia.Singapore • April 2014

because they have done something wrong. What it means is the world we live in is broken,” OleJørgen said.

“That gives me the responsibility to do what I can to make it right. I don’t do this because I need to be better but because of the love God has for the children.”

“My core belief says every child is unique and every child has a purpose and that they are loved.”

The contrast between Norway, one of the wealthiest countries on earth, and Burma, at the bottom rungs of the world’s poorest, gives Ole-Jørgen a rare glimpse into the gap between the have and the have-not. “But I never stay because of guilt. But because I met and got to know children I do care about. Whom I couldn’t just leave and not know what was going to happen to them.”

The orphanages are fully funded by donations from Norway, including from members of church in the small Norwegian town of Levanger, 600 kilometres north of Oslo where Ole-Jørgen came from. Many sponsors of the orphanages are nonbelievers. But some corporations or organizations that want to be apolitical baulk at providing support for Christian organizations like Blessed Homes.

Ole-Jørgen doesn’t find that reasonable.

“You bring your value system, worldviews, ideals of life to what you do, religious or secular.”

A meaningful life Many of Ole-Jørgen’s friends from back home have come out to visit him.

“Some of them left with an understanding that their lives too could be much more meaningful than the current life they live back in Norway,” he said. Then he quickly corrects himself.

“Of course I’m not saying it’s not meaningful to have a good job and to lead that kind of a normal Norwegian life. But for me I can just say that I would certainly not exchange this life for anything else.”

“Sometimes people ask me how long I am going to stay. Some even ask if I am going to stay here for the rest of your life. That’s a long time.”

He said he didn’t feel the needed to give an answer.

“But if children ask me that I will stay, if I’m going to move. I would say I’m not leaving. I’m staying. For children I’m dedicated as long as they need me and as long as I’m useful being a symbol, a father figure. I don’t see myself going anywhere.”

“But how I’m to be involved [with children’s home] may change. Even now, the children don’t need me at an orphanage all the time. Now I’m moving between orphanages. I go back to Norway 6-7 weeks a year.”

Ole-Jørgen attributes the well-run children’s homes to well-trained staff who care about the kids.

“I’m not the only one that kids rely on. Like in this place [Mae Oo Ho], Mary is the big mother to them all. Way more important to the kids than I am. Of course I have a role to play here too but it’s good to see that. Not everything depends on you. It’s a humbling thought. It’s also liberating in some way.”

+65 6557 0028

apac@mynewsdesk.com

@mynewsdeskasia

No rumble in the Out in the jungle approximately 50 kilometers from Vientiane lies Ban Lao Pako. Far from any semblance of civilization, the resort offers unique experiences and wildlife adventures. Most modern distractions are removed, except for taste sensations at the restaurant.

By Morten Krogsholm

F

ed up with bullshit. That’s how Swedish Chris Kridakorn-Odbratt describes his move from Thailand to the jungle of Laos. He had actually been looking for a place in Thailand to set up a resort, but then he got a tip that he should consider Laos as land prices were much more affordable. And so he did as he took a long boat ride one day and stumbled upon the Ban Lao Pako. He fell in love with the place and saw its great potential. A potential that he has yet to fully realize.

Back to the roots It was a cultural center for nearly 2000 years ago. The place was unspoiled. Nature in its purest form overlooking the Nam Ngum River.

Through time it has to some degree been destroyed, then rebuilt, then destroyed and rebuilt again.

Mostly built from local materials, using farmed wood, utilizing local traditional building techniques, the Ban Lao Pako was the first eco-lodge to ever open in Laos. You might think that the “Lao” in Ban Lao Pako has something to do with Laos - well, you’d be wrong. It actually means forest, and this is what Chris is trying to bring back. Recreating the forest and the original jungle, and also offering traditional jungle activities, such as the the steam sauna, where the staff will collect differ-

ent herbs from around the jungle, among others, eucalyptus, tamarind, lime leaves, basil. If it gets too hot for you, there is a small dipping pool with natural cold spring water.

Chris Kridakorn-Odbratt hopes that he would be able to recreate an idyllic Ban Lao Pako of millennia ago.

At Ban Lao Pako, everything must be as green as possible and any harm to the environment must be minimized. This seems to be the mantra behind Chris Kridakorn-Odbratt’s jungle resort. Being a resort with bungalows where guests can stay means that some services need to be provided. Among amenities is hot shower.

“I researched every possible solution for getting electricity to

the resort without relying on the national grid. Unfortunately money is tight and, at the moment, prices of solar energy are sky high, not to mention the short life batteries for power storage. All these brought me to my knees,” said Chris, adding how he then decided to pay workers to lay electric wires all the way to his resort. Wind energy was not a viable option either, as there is nearly never enough wind around the area, or in Laos in general.

Respect nature and the locals “Look at that building,” Chris asked me and points at a building made of wood, which looks quite ramshackled, “It is fairly new. A couple

of years old. Termites did that to it,” he said and explained how he could have got rid of all of the termites if he had resorted to pesticides.

“Sure if I used pesticides the life of a bungalow and every one of the wooden structures would be extended, but it would also kill all of the nature in the surroundings, so pesticides is a no-go,” said Chris, emphasizing his respect for the environment.

As Chris’ ambition is to restore the forest to its former glory, he has to make it a point not to tamper with the ecological balance.

Chris is determined to plant trees around Ban Lao Pako, many of them were there long before the resort was even built.

For many of the wildfire excursions on offer, small fees will be charged. In almost every case, such fees go to the locals who have committed to nurture and take good care of the jungle.

“Ban Lao Pako runs its own development program for the surrounding villages. We are helping them to raise their living standard, without harming the natural forest, with activities, such as vegetable farming, improving local schools etc.

As a guest, you can be part of this by Besides a riverside view the resort also offers jungle bungalows

Our kitchen will, without a doubt, be the most modern in Laos. I’ve brought in equipment that people here have never heard of.

Food and nature is Chris’ passions.

At Ban Lao Pako he combines both.

taking one of our tours,” said Chris.

Located so far out in the jungle, there is always something which needs fixing or improving. Instead of hiring Chinese or Thais, Chris always works with local workers.

“Many advised me against hiring local workers. And I really do not know why. I have been quite satisfied with the work they have done for me, and I also feel a great deal of responsibility,” said Chris Kridakorn-Odbratt, adding how he wants to give back to the people and to help Laos.

“I have moved here, I run a resort here, so why not use the local workforce too?” Chris asked but admitted that there are some things, which he needs to import from other countries.

Modern kitchen Food is really Chris KridakornOdbratt’s passion. The past couple of decades of his life had revolved around food. Having runned a professionally-accredited Thai cooking school on the beaches of Bang Saen in Thailand, Chris’ passion for food obviously extends to teaching others how to cook as well.

“Our kitchen will, without a doubt, be the most modern in Laos. I’ve brought in equipment that Taking care of the nature is a big part of the maintenance at the resort.

people here have never heard of,” said Chris and told me how he had had an Michelin chef stay at the resort who told him to call as soon as the kitchen was done, because he wanted to be the first Michelin chef ever to cook in Laos.

Having run a cooking school in Thailand for Thai cuisine, Chris now dreams of doing the same at the Ban Lao Pako, but this time for Lao cuisine. Meanwhile, you are still able to get excellent food at Ban Lao Pako while you stay there. Their menu consists of both traditional Lao food and European cuisine - and unlike many other places in Asia - they actually know how to do justice to European cooking. I myself had the pleasure of sampling traditional Ital-

ian meatballs in tomato sauce and the classic German wiener schnitzel, and I must admit that it was some of the best food I have had in a long time. I might add that it was not in the least bit expensive.

Unplugged and unwind There is only Wi-Fi around in the bar area. The bungalows are stripped of TVs, radios and other distractions.

“Though people come here to disconnect, I know that a lot of them still have an urge to be able to check their e-mails, Facebook, news from their home country and other stuff, so I have set up a little Wi-Fi hotspot,” said Chris. There is plenty of fun activities to do when you stay at the resort. Among them

is trekking where you can encounter some really exotic animals. You can go tubing in the river, which is located right next to the resort, Or, do as Chris said: Do nothing or just lean back, relax and read a book.

Prices vary from 220.000 to 390.000 KIP (US$28-50) per night, and you get a 50 % discount after the first three nights.

If you are in need of escaping the workaday existence or expanding your horizon or maybe seeing exotic wildlife, while being fed excellent food and nice cocktails, Ban Lao Pako ticks all the boxes.

Ban Lao Pako creates the perfect settings for a unique get-away

Leverpostej Pork Liver Pâté

Leverpostej - pork liver pâté - is a delicious spread for open sandwiches and a ‘must’ in any Easter Lunch Buffet.

A

lthough usually eaten with Danish rye bread, leverpostej or pork liver pâté can also be spread on any cracker of you choice.

Tweaking the recipe to fit personal taste can make it better and especially more personal when served.

This amazing dish is great at any lunch - and an Easter Lunch or Christmas lunch wiothout it is unthinkable. It is also great as topping on cocktail cannapes.

Ingredients •1 lb pork liver •10 ounces pork fat •1 medium onion •1/4 cup flour •1/4 cup light cream •2 eggs, lightly beaten •2 teaspoons salt •1 teaspoon pepper •1/4 teaspoon allspice

Directions • Put the liver, fat and onion through a meat chopper at least 3 times or use a food processor.

• The mixture should be quite fine in the texture. Mix in the flour, cream, eggs, salt, pepper and all spice.

• Spoon the mixture into a buttered loaf pan.

• Put it in a pan of water and bake for an hour. Set the temperature at medium, around 350 F. equivalent 180 C. • If the pate is browning too quickly place a piece of foil loosely over it.

Serve it with fried mushrooms, bacon bits, and red beets or cucumber pickles on Danish rye bread or french bread.

42 ScandAsia.Singapore • April 2014

Taxfree billeje i Danmark Tlf. +45 62 21 81 44 eh@taxfreecars.dk

! o k i s i r v GEN sel

IN Billigere billeje i Danmark

- men samme gode service som “alle de store”!

Hent din bil i alle danske lufthavne og større byer.

Book online på taxfreecars.dk ScanAsia192*135_april.indd 1

26/03/14 15.17

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