ScandAsia Singapore - January 2015

JAN 2015

‘Brand Sweden’

resonates with Singapore’s pulsating electronic music scene ScandAsia.dk

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Coming Events

Scandinavian Women’s Association welcomes new members

The Scandinavian Women’s Association (SWA) is a social and charitable organisation. Its goal is to establish a good network among women from all nationalities.

At the same time it is essential to support the Singaporean society through charitable activities towards some of the less fortunate people here in Singapore.

Join SWA and get a head start on the settling process.The association offers a network of women, some of whom have lived in Singapore for a very

long time. The association presents both fun and interesting activities and a way to give back to the country you are now living in.

When: Thursday, January 29, 2015, 12am and Fri, January 30, 2015, 12am Where: To be announced For inquiries: swamembership@hotmail.com

Singapura: 700 Years an independent nation-state as it is today. This immersive exhibition brings you through a riveting exploration of Singapore’s history as you will find yourself placed right in the midst of the nation’s defining moments. The exhibition consists of six sections, Archaeology in Singapore, Ancient Singapore (1300–1818), Colonial Singapore (1819–1942), Syonan-To (1942–1945), Road to Merdeka (1946–1965) and Independent Singapore (1965–1975).

SINGAPURA: 700 Years takes you on a journey through 700 years of Singapore’s history beginning from the 14th centur y. Experience Singapore’s transformation through the ages as it went from a humble fishing village to the pride of an empire, before finally achieving the status of being

Guided Tours English: 11am and 2pm, Mon to Fri; 11.30am, 1pm, 2pm and 3.30pm, Sat & Sun When: Now until August, 10.00-18.00 Where: The National Museum of Singapore, 93 Stamford Road Singapore, Singapore 178897 Admission: Standard: S$5

Chinese Year of the Sheep or Goat or Ram Chinese New Year is the first day of the New Year in the Chinese calendar, which predates the Gregorian calendar.

The Chinese New Year is celebrated to mark the first day of the New Year in the Chinese calendar, which differs from the Gregorian calendar. It is also known as the Spring Festival or the Lunar New Year.

Chinese New Year is a public holiday in China, which lasts for a few days. It is also a public holiday in countries such as Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, North Korea, Singapore, South Korea, and Vietnam.

This year, the date is Thursday 19 February 2015 and marks the beginning opf the year of the goat.

When: 19-20 February 2015 are public holidays in Singapore Where: celebrated throughout Singapore

Cover photo: Zouk Management Pte Ltd.

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

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

Get your own FREE copy: scandasia.com Publisher : ScandAsia Publishing Co., Ltd. 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 Editor-in-Chief : Gregers A.W. Møller gregers@scandmedia.com Assistant Editor: Thana Poopat thana@scandmedia.com Advertising : Frank Leong frank@scandmedia.com Finn Balslev finn@scandmedia.com Graphic Designer : Peerapol Meesuwan Peerapol@scandmedia.com Distribution : Wanvisa Rattanaburi wanvisa@scandmedia.com Printing : Advanced Printing Services Co., Ltd.

News Brief

Norway intensifies efforts to promote human rights

Denmark officially recognizes dual citizenship

T

he Danish parliament voted on December 18 to allow dual citizenship.

The Danish par liament passed a law that will allow expats living in Denmark to become naturalised Danish citizens while retaining their original citizenship. Similarly, the law will allow Danes living abroad to become naturalised citizens of their country of residence while remaining a Dane.

The law goes into effect on September 1st, 2015.

The bill passed 89 for and 19 against, with the nay votes coming from the anti-immigrant Danish People’s Par ty and the right-of-centre Conservatives.

‘H

uman rights are under pressure internationally. Norway will therefore step up its effor ts to promote and protect human rights,’ said Minister of Foreign Affairs Børge Brende. A white paper on human rights in Norway’s foreign and development policy, the first on the subject for 15 years, was presented earlier in December.

The white paper, which is entitled “Opportunities for All: Human Rights in Norway’s Foreign Policy and Development Cooperation”, makes it clear that a commitment to human rights must lie at the heart of Norway’s foreign and development policy.

‘There is a gap between the commitments states have made and the respect shown for human rights in practice. I am concerned about the situation. Human rights are increasingly under threat in many par ts of the world, especially civil and political rights such as freedom of expression and freedom of assembly. Failure to respect human rights is an infringement of the rights of the individual. This impedes social

development and has negative consequences at local, national and international levels,’ said Mr Brende.

Individual freedom and public participation, the rule of law and legal protection, and equality and equal oppor tunities are fundamental principles for all societies. It is the responsibility of each and every state to protect human rights and prevent all forms of discrimination and violence, including against women, children, religious minorities, indigenous peoples, people with disabilities and sexual minorities.

‘In order to counteract deliberate attempts to undermine respect for human rights, we need to strengthen the multilateral mechanisms for protecting human rights. Reprisals against people and organisations who cooperate with the UN and other international organisations constitute serious violations of their rights and are unacceptable attacks on the institutions that the international community has built up and must defend,’ Mr Brende said.

Former OW Bunker manager arrested

A

former manager at bankrupt bunker supplier OW Bunker has been arrested in Denmark, the Danish public prosecutor said. Danish authorities will extradite the man to Italy, where is he is wanted for fraud.

OW Bunker filed for bankr uptcy in November after a $125m fraud was committed by senior employees within its Singapore-based subsidiary Dynamic Oil Trading (DOT).

The arrested man and five others are alleged to have cheated the Italian navy out of €7m ($8.6m) for fictitious bunker fuel delivered from a non-existent vessel, Danish daily Berlingske reported earlier in December.

The Danish prosecutor’s office is still investigating the collapse of OW Bunker. A group of large Danish institutional investors has also launched its own probe.

4 ScandAsia.Singapore • January 2015

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News Brief

Denmark to take on Singapore in ship management

Norwegian salmon exports remain strong despite trade sanctions

N

orwegian salmon is selling like never before, all over the world. Both prices and production have jumped, despite the loss of major markets in Russia and China, and profits are expected to rise even higher next year.

Norwegian salmon r aised in farms like this Cermaq facility is selling briskly despite Russian sanctions and blocked markets in China.

Norwegian salmon r aised in farms like this Cermaq facility is selling briskly, despite Russian sanctions and blocked markets in China. PHOTO: Cermaq “No one saw this coming,” Christian Chramer, a director of the seafood marketing association

Norges Sjømatutvalg, told newspaper Dagens Næringsliv (DN). “When Russia closed its borders to Norwegian salmon in August, and relations with China got wor se, many thought that expor ts of salmon would be hit hard. Instead, we sold much more to the EU and the US.” Norwegian salmon producers also star ted selling more to Asia, even though China blocked imports as par t of its ongoing diplomatic freeze with Norway. “The industry has the ability to adapt quickly and work towards new markets,” Chramer said. “We have increased sales to Asia, to strong markets like Indonesia, Thailand, Taiwan and Singapore.”

D

enmark has great potential in ship management, and eventually Copenhagen can easily compete with Singapore in the area. This is assessed by V. Ships which have recently settled in Copenhagen.

“Denmark has a huge potential in ship management. Denmark has always had the know-how and manpower in ship management, and there have always been many ship management companies, that have offered shipping companies to place their ships in Denmark,” says Peter Abildgaard, who is in charge of V . Ships office in Denmark, in an inter view with the magazine Maritime Denmark.

“Singapore has like Copenhagen been a place where ship management has been established.

But it has become more expensive to set up in Singapore, the cost of living has increased. It’s actually been quite expensive to set up in Singapore, so it has become just as expensive in Singapore as in Copenhagen. Therefore, you may as well place yourself in Copenhagen, as it is not more expensive, and you get closer to the Danish customers,” said Peter Abildgaard.

Sweden supports LGBT rights in E, SE Asia

T

he Development Cooperation Section at the Swedish Embassy in Thailand has today agreed with UNDP to support the programme; “Being LGBT in Asia phase 2: Supporting LGBT inclusive development in Southeast and East Asia”. The Swedish support has a regional focus where the project will engage directly with all key stakeholders who can contribute to the protection and promotion of lesbians, gay men, bisexuals, transgender people and intersex (LGBTI) person’s rights in the region.

LGBTI persons is one of the region’s vulnerable groups.The intervention targets promotion of human rights of LGBTI persons and also as part of that to combat inequality and gender-based violence in the region. Sweden will within the program also focus on gender equality within the LGBT group by especially raising the situation for lesbian women and transgender persons.

The program will be implemented by UNDP and it is a joint program financed by Sweden, Usaid and UNDP. USaid will mainly fund the national components within the program in China, Indonesia, Philippines, Mongolia and Thailand.

The Embassy is looking forward to this collaboration and to support the strengthening of the respect for human rights for LGBTI persons.

6 ScandAsia.Singapore • January 2015

News Brief

Grundfos Awarded S$1.4 Million Government Grant for Wastewater

G

rundfos has been awarded a S$1.4 million grant by the Singapore Environment and Water Industry Programme Office (EWI) to develop a novel wastewater filtration technology that can significantly reduce capital investment and operational costs for wastewater treatment.

The grant comes under the National Research Foundation’s Incentive for Research and Innovation Scheme (IRIS). Administered

by EWI, which is led by PUB, Singapore’s national water agency, and various partner agencies, the scheme provides funding support on a competitive basis research.

Call +352 43for88 77 77 Besides funding the R&D, the grant

will include a pilot demonstration of the technology upon successful proof of concept.

Using unconventional technologies to accelerate results Grundfos’ R&D project will focus on the industrial treatment of wastewater using a unique cake filter made from activated sludge.

Activated sludge is the ‘active ingredient’ of a biological wastewater treatment plant, which contains a suspension of bacteria that feed on wastewater impurities, thereby cleaning it.

The Grundfos cake filtration technology utilises the unique physico-chemical proper ties of this material to construct superior filters on simple suppor ts. Unlike conventional technologies, such as ultrafiltration, which require a lot of energy and maintenance during operation, the cake filtration technology requires very little energy as ittocan operate low water find out under morethe about our pressure generated by gravity.

NAVTOR expands into Asia to meet e-navigation demand

E

-navigation specialist NAVTOR has set course for Asia, with the news that the Egersund, N o r w ay - b a s e d bu s i n e s s h a s opened an office in Singapore.

The move comes in response to growing regional demand for simple, efficient and cost effective ENC distribution solutions, as the IMO’s ECDIS Mandate continues its gradual roll out, the company said in its press release.

In Europe, NAVTOR is already a recognised leader in ENC distribution and an e-navigation pioneer, holding a preferred supplier service position with companies such as

Hurtigruten, Teekay, DOF and RCL Cruises. Its ENC service, which is used by owners controlling more than 70% of the entire Norwegian offshore fleet, launched in 2012, paving the way for a portfolio of products that includes NavTracker fleet management and the recently launched NavStation, the world’s first digital chart table.

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14/08/2014 12:047 January 2015 • ScandAsia.Singapore

‘Brand Sweden’ res

with Singapore electronic mus

On 13 December 2014 Swedish producer and disc jockey Steve Angello performed at the ZoukOut Festival on Sentosa island, Singapore, an event attended by 40 000 dance music revelers from all over Asia and beyond. He is a former member of the superstar trio Swedish House Mafia, which, perhaps unintentionally but nevertheless very effectively, put Sweden on the world map by creating ‘Swedish House’ under Electronic Dance Music (EDM) genres.

By Joakim Persson Photo: Zouk Management Pte Ltd.

8 ScandAsia.Singapore • January 2015

T

he sound of Sweden is very much connected to the EDM categor y of ar tists as a dominant par t of Sweden’s music export these days (which was previously dominated by pop music from Roxette, The Cardigans etc.)

Though, the style for this fast-growing music genre cannot be distinguised as a Swedish sound (and where purists will debate if the description ‘House’ should be used as the common denominator), but rather as an international formula that works successfully among the mainstream crowds.

These Swedish EDM successes have also been recognized by the Swedish government.

Artist, DJ and producer Tim “Avicii” Bergling, as well as Swedish House Mafia, were awarded the Music Export Prize in 2013 and 2011 respectively for their achievements in the music industry and putting Sweden in the international spotlight during the preceding years, and thus contributing to Swedish exports.

Regarding the rise to stardom of Swedish EDM musicians, the Swedis government attributed this to “ease with which talents enter the market and access to technology and an environment conducive to growth of musical talents.”

Thanks to EDM’s global popularity and the artists’ international successes, a wave of Swedish dance music artists have followed, and quickly gained international recognition, enabling them to embark on gigs around the world. Otto Knows, a recent visit to Singapore, was for instance recently brought to the attention of the dance music scene by Sebastian Ingrosso (Swedish House Mafia member.) Some could in fact surf on the success of EDM’s growing popularity into the mainstream and pretty much turn into overnight successes.

Today, the disc jockey performance is the equivalent of a live concert drawing big crowds, and is even capable of filling entire festivals, not to mention sellout gigs at huge stadiums on par

sonates e’s pulsating sic scene

with global superstars, like Madonna or U2! Zouk Out Festival speaks volumes in this sense, as it has grown into a large festival event, despite its focus on EDM artists only.

Swedish producers/disc jockeys who have already made it on the world stage, or those who are beginning to make their presence felt through touring, have frequently been visiting Singapore for years now. And the Swedish Embassy in Singapore has in recent years capitalized on the visits by dance music artists from Sweden.

The Embassy has mapped out a scheme highlighting Swedish creative industries in Singapore, including arranging events and collaborating with Singaporean partners in film, literature, gaming, fashion and design and well as music. This is in line with directives and a special initiative by Minister for Trade Ewa Björling in 2012 to increase the focus on these industries, which offer great potential to promote “Brand Sweden” and Sweden as a creative, open country and increase exports in these areas.

So this is an integral part of the Embassy’s overall work in trade and Sweden promotion.

“Regarding music we have worked on a number of projects in the last 3-4 years. Singapore has always been a hub for musicians and a number of Swedish artists have come to Singapore. In the last few years, a number of top and up-andcoming Swedish musicians, including DJs, have come to perform. Among them were Roxette, Swedish House Mafia, Robyn, Opeth, The Real Group, Grave, Gazette, Acid House Kings, Alesso, Fiona & Apple, Avicii, Eric Prydz, John Dahlback etc.,” said the Embassy.

“Sweden is one of the biggest exporters of music, and Swedish DJ’s and their dance music have come to represent a new wave of Swedish music. The Embassy, together with a local partner, Zouk, decided to collaborate to promote them in the Singaporean music scene.“ “In short, in recognition of the importance of this music genre in Singapore and with the intent

of reaching a wider audience we partnered up with Zouk, one of Singapore’s most established clubs with good in-house capability to handle practical arrangements for such an event.”

On 15 November the Embassy of Sweden and Zouk (ranked eight times among the top 20 clubs in the world by DJ Magazine) presented the Swedish DJ Otto Knows.

“The evening had a great turnout, with 3200 guests attending the event that lasted until 5 am the next morning. Sweden branding was successful, Otto Knows attracted an enthusiastic crowd,” reported the Embassy. This partnership enable the Embassy to reach out far beyond what it can normally reach with other types of events.

“By partnering with Zouk, the Embassy was able to reach out to those with a par ticular interest in music, allowing us to create brand awareness for ‘Sweden’ and introduce Sweden as a music exporter.”

Zouk welcomes this kind of collaboration: “We have always worked with some of the other embassies, including the German and the French for many years now. For us, involving the embassies means that we bring a little of the cultural elements of each of these countries into our club. And we like the fact that it also means exposing our crowd to something extra. Aside from on-site presence via visuals and logos, invited media and guests were personally invited with a nice touch of a Swedish accessory.”

As for Swedish EDM artists, Zouk does not select ar tists based on, for instance, ‘Swedish House’ genre.

“Our booking policy is that we book from the DJ Mag’s Top 100 DJs in the world listing. We also pride ourselves in spotting upand-coming DJ’s before they end up bursting into the dance music scene. Thus, it is not countryspecific.”

The lineup of other Swedish artists that have performed at Zouk are impressive: Alesso, AN21.

Steve Angello, Axwell, Avicii, Eric Prydz, Adrian Lux, Mike Snow and The Shapeshifters.

The club, having been instrumental in the development and building up of the music scene in Singapore, offered an interesting perspective.

On the question whether the Electronic Dance Music has become par t of mainstream and consequently influencing the kind of artists the club book to perform these days, Zouk replied: “The rise of EDM essentially happened when pop and commercial crossed over boundaries into dance music, and collaborations between artists took place. As a brand, we continue to balance that very fine line within our various outlets and different music genres.”

“Music taste and preferences have definitely evolved with time, and with the rise of EDM as the mainstream music. However, we still bring in House and Techno names and legends, for instance, Sven Vath will be helming our decks in January 2015. For smaller House and Techno names, they would then be playing at our smaller room - Velvet Underground-Dance.”

As money-making venture, the dance music industry is getting bigger, with rising artist’s fees, and that has changed the way business is done in certain aspects.

“These days, it isn’t just about a DJ playing a set. It often comes with the hullabaloo of confetti, fireworks, live visuals, massive set ups, etc., and more often than not a lot of the big EDM artists request for outdoor shows and no longer club gigs. Due to our club capacity, even with the most popular acts, the artist fees continue to increase propor tionally to a point that is appalling. We have in recent years given up on big names as it does not make any business sense for us at all.”

January 2015 • ScandAsia.Singapore 9

Rafting, rock climbing etc. is a bit ‘old skool’ in comparison with what is introduced here, and that takes excitement for families to a new level! Themed waterparks is the next big thing in 2014/2015!

The New Waterparks W ater activity and hydrotherapy lovers of any age will also share the joy and relaxation.

Thailand’s water and theme parks are now competing to excel and outdo each other with two new mega venues opening during 2014. These are unprecedented, water-splashing attractions worth your attention!

Splash Jungle, Phuket, paved the way a few years ago in targeting the tourist scene, “providing gallons of excitement”. This waterpark promises to offer fun for all the family, whether you are

10 ScandAsia.Singapore • January 2015

after a relaxing day in the water or an adrenaline rush. Splash Jungle combines the perfect holiday elements of cooling down, easy exercise, and wholesome outdoor entertainment. Big enough to contain a variety of aquatic options, yet small enough to remain manageable for ever-watchful parents, the park boasts thrilling rides such as the Boomerango and Superbowl as well as well as a six level wave pool and an aqua play pool for the children. There are also a “river” and a hot springs pool.

Next trendsetting waterpark is the Cartoon Network Amazone in Bang Saray (south of

Jomtien/Pattaya.) This one-of-a-kind themed waterpark is home to exclusive, thrilling water rides, featuring many slides, rivers and lagoons as well as one of the world’s largest water play attractions with over 150 interactive features for kids.

As a nod to the lush Amazon rainforest, this world-class water park offers exciting entertainment, including ground breaking social and interactive features, bringing the popular series and toon stars from its Cartoon Network to life like never before. It is the only place in the world where you can swim and vacation with your favorite Cartoon Network characters such as Ben 10, The Power Puff Girls, Gumball, Johnny Bravo and many more! It also features Asia’s first Cartoon Network-themed retail store.

Themed zones feature a variety of rides and attractions catering for the young and the young at heart.The park features also a gigantic family wave pool, a winding adventure river, speed racing slides, family raft rides, and one of the world’s largest interactive water-play for tresses for kids and many more.

On 9 December 2014,Thai Smile Airways and Cartoon Network Amazone announced a unique cooperation that will see the cartoon characters from the waterpark featured prominently on the outside of several Thai Smile aircraft.

The first Car toon Network Amazonebranded aircraft is expected to take flight in April 2015, just in time for the wet Thai holidays of Songkran.

THAI Smile is a subsidiary airline of THAI Airways. The airline flies to Chiang Mai, Phuket and Khon Kaen from Don Mueang Airport and Chiang Rai, Krabi, Hat Yai, Ubon Ratchathani and Udon Thani from Suvarnabhumi Airport. New

international routes will be added in 2015.

Next, Vana Nava Hua Hin Water Jungle is set to open towards end of 2014 with the promise of an enormous ‘Water Jungle’ including incredible rides and amazing attractions, situated near soi 112 in the southern part of the town.

Slides and more exciting adventures are grouped around two massive vertical towers that feature “some of the most thrilling waterpark experiences in Thailand, and on the planet.” Ride the Waves of the Double Flow Rider, a worldclass surf simulator featuring fast-moving waters on a double-wide width.

Or the combination of The Abyss and the Boomerango as one very tall tower! Experience a shot of weightlessness as you shoot up and down the wall at 13 meters per second, or up to 45 km per hour, before splashing down into a pool over 20 meters below!

The Lazy River that incorporates wave technology snakes through the tropical jungle landscape, through caves, under bridges, around islands, and past the private salas - offering an amazing ride for all.

Relaxing options include Private Salas and the Coconut Beach’s Massage Pavilion, offering a full range of Thai massages and treatments.

For the ultimate hospitality experience rent a private sala on Coconut Beach, complete with a personal butler to take care of your food, beverage and amenity requests and orders! Or opt for the swim-up bar in the Fishing Village’s infinity pool. In conclusion: and oasis for thrilling fun and relaxation.

What are you waiting for!?

January 2015 • ScandAsia.Singapore 11

European travel agen

urged to rethink boycott of Elep

By Thana Poopat Photo: Elephant Nature Park

A

growing number of European travel agencies have decided to exclude elephant rides from their package tour itineraries based on repor ts of widespread animal abuse. But one of Thailand’s leading campaigners for elephant welfare argued that such move could do more harm than good to thousands of domesticated elephants already in the tourism industry.

Ms. Sangduen Chailer t, an internationally-recognized elephant welfare activist, said instead of a blanket ban on elephant rides in Thailand, travel agencies from western countries that want to promote ethical tourism should engage existing Thai elephant ride operators to persuade them to treat animals under their care humanely.

“Depriving domesticated elephants and their owner s of work in the tourism industry all of a sudden could possibly condemn them to even worse predicaments,” said Sangduen in an interview with

ScandAsia.

“It is better to keep working elephants and issues related to their welfare visible, in the eye of animalloving tourists and general public. It

is important to keep up pressure on elephant ride operators to clean up their act.”

Sangduen heads a foundation that operates the spacious

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12 ScandAsia.Singapore • January 2015

Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai that provides lifelong care for rescued and abused elephants while relying on those in good health to serve local tourism in an ethical and conservationist manner.

No elephants are used to carr y visitors or perform tricks like most tourist businesses at the 200-rai park, where more than 30 tuskers, including baby elephants, are cared for.

She stressed that although she personally objects to cruelty to and inhumane treatment of elephants, campaigning for a sudden end to the use of elephants in tourism would be unrealistic.

“Thai and international animal welfare activists, elephant owners and elephant r ide oper ator s should put their heads together and come up with a more realistic and sustainable solution that would allow domesticated elephants and the tourism-related businesses to coexist at least in the foreseeable future.”

There are approximately 3,500 domesticated elephants in Thailand.

Of this, about 3,000 are engaged in tourism-related businesses while the rest are used in logging, street begging or in circuses.

The Ford Foundation in association with National Geographic named her a Hero of the Planet in 2001. The National Geographic documentary Vanishing Giants, highlighting Sangduen’s wor k with the Asian elephant, was recognized by the Humane Society of the United States with the Genesis Award in 2003. In 2005, Time Magazine named Sangduen a Hero of Asia for her work in conservation.

Sangduen said elephants at her Elephant Nature Park are not required to perform any tricks to amuse tourists or to offer them rides.

Instead they are simply trained to trust and feel comfortable around visitors who are allowed to feed or walk with them in the jungle or to bathe with them in the stream.

At Elephant Nature Par k,

ncies

Q&A

phant rides

Lena Engstrom

Reader profile of the month

L

ena Engstrom is a 51 year old Swedish housewife who moved to Malaysia in 2009. A mother of 2 sons who are in Denmark, she lives in Selangor with her husband who is currently working as a Chief Technical Operator in Bangkok. The couple moved to Malaysia after the company her husband worked for in Dubai went bankrupt. They did not want to return to Sweden and in Malaysia the couple could get a visa even though none of them had a job when they moved there. animal-loving tourists are enter tained simply by the opportunity to observe elephants going about their daily life in family-like herds among natural settings in the sanctuar y. Visitors are advised to observe rules, including not to touch or disturb the animals or to take photos with flash on.

“We have already demonstrated that there are alternative methods in training elephants through positive reinforcement that do not require causing physical pain or mental stress to elephants. It is our belief that intelligent animals like elephants should never be forced to perform “unnatural or extreme tricks”, such as walking tightrope, or performing somersaults, or standing on a stool on hind legs or draw pictures.

“It is cruel to compel elephants to do tricks out of fear. We want to train elephants without resor ting to cruel treatment the way horses are now humanely trained in some western countries,” she said. “We have already started working with some Karen (a hilltribe ethnic group in northern Thailand) mahouts in humane training and handling of elephants.”

Sangduen said Thailand has the potential to become a global centre for Asian elephant welfare and set the standard in international best practice for humane treatment of this majestic animal.

“We have centur ies-old knowhow in elephant training that needs to be adjusted. As a major international tourist destination, we have the personnel and resources required to begin to work on improving elephant welfare. But it will take public pressure at the national and international levels backed by well-thought-out awareness campaigns, to make it happen.”

I moved to Malaysia because...

My husband and I were looking for a place to move to and Malaysia got the highest “points” when we looked for plusses and minuses, we have also visited the country twice before and just like the people.

look at the weather they have back in Sweden, especially in the wintertime.

Living in Malaysia as a housewife has taught me... that it’s too hot to clean a big house by myself.

In Malaysia I picked up the habit of... always having a handkerchief with me, so I can use it to wipe off sweat.

It never ceases to amaze me when.. someone actually shows up at the appointed time in Malaysia.

The biggest day-to-day struggle in Malaysia is... to avoid the rain

My best advice to a newcomer in Malaysia is... when you go by taxi, always have taximeter and never take the blue taxis because the price is twice as much. Be prepared for a lot of heavy rain and be aware of pickpockets.

I go home to Scandinavia every... summer

Living outside of Scandinavia has made me realize... that it is so much cheaper here and, I love that the weather is always warm. Everything is easy here; if I need a doctor I go to a clinic or a hospital. I can see a doctor and get a good medical treatment right away, not like in Sweden where you have to wait and wait to get someone to look at you.

To satisfy my social needs I... do activities with SWEA (Swedish Women’s Educational Association)

Living in a country with a Muslim majority has been... no problem, we have lived in Dubai before Malaysia and here in Malaysia it is more liberal when it comes to religion, especially here in Selangor.

When I get homesick I... chat with someone over the internet or just

January 2015 • ScandAsia.Singapore 13

Whale Steak

Whale meat is red like beef but has a milder taste, not like fish, but definitely from the sea. Some say it tastes a bit like liver and if not treated right and frozen right after the slaughter, it can have an unpleasant taste of fish oil.

I

f you are able to get hold of 4 slices of whale meat @ 150 - 180 g you should try this interesting recipe where the whale meat is fried in some red wine that is used as sauce afterwards with various herbs and spices.

4 steaks of whale meat 3 dl red wine 1 dl cream

Preheat the frying pan and melt some butter in it. Brown the butter before adding the meat. Fry the steaks on both sides. Whale meat should be fried for about 4-5 minutes on each side.

The steaks taste best when they are medium rare, but they should be warmed right through and not eaten raw. While the steaks simmer, drip a little soy sauce and some of the red wine over on both sides. Lift the steaks onto a plate and place a piece of aluminum foil over. Boil the pan with the rest of the red wine and stir it into a sauce with the salt, pepper and herbs, cream and some thickening.

Serve the steaks on a plate, place an onion ring on each of them or soft fried onions on the side. Young boiled potatoes are good with whale steaks, but so are baked potatoes, home fried potatoes even rice. Serve with a bowl of good, crisp lettuce and mixed salad.

14 ScandAsia.Singapore • January 2015

A home for your creativity!

German European School Singapore CPE Registration Number: S72SS0010G Registration Period: 22.06.2011 – 21.06. 2017

Reg ist for o er ur Ope n Ho use!

Because an education is all about imagination At GESS, we understand that creativity is a critical part of your child’s education.

That’s why we foster the imagination of our students, encouraging them to create their own unique products in our award-winning Design Technology Studio. Whether they prefer to learn traditional techniques or use state-of-the-art technology, our Studio is one of the best-equipped school design departments in the region today.

GESS is a not-for-profit, international school founded on European traditions, educating children from 18 months to 18 years. We are an accredited IB World School, as well as an Excellent German School Abroad.

We give our students roots and wings.

GESS_Advertisement_ScandAsia_January2015_192x135.indd 1

www.gess.sg 18/11/2014 5:38:20 PM

January 2015 • ScandAsia.Singapore 15

WHAT IF...

T AUGU5S 201 NS

ATIO APPLIC EN OP

UWCSEA High School Principal Nick Alchin teaching a Theory of Knowledge class

… YOUR TEACHER WROTE THE BOOK ON KNOWLEDGE? At UWCSEA, we believe that the single biggest influence on student learning and achievement is teachers. Nick Alchin, High School Principal on East Campus and author of Theory of Knowledge, is just one of 11 UWCSEA teachers who have written leading textbooks in their subject. Many more are recognised among their peers as leaders in their field. With nearly 2,900 applications for 62 teaching jobs in 2013/2014, we are lucky to be able to recruit the best.

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

But we don’t just choose our teachers for their qualifications (50% with Masters or PhD) and experience (average 16 years). We choose them because we know that, like Nick, they will inspire their own passion for intellectual pursuit in our students.

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

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