ScandAsia Singapore - April 2015 by Scandinavian Publishing Co., Ltd.

APR 2015

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Future Market Analysts Required Ages 2-18

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Coming Events

Swedish - Norwegian Sportsday

Your FREE ScandAsia Magazine in Singapore

The Sportsday of the Norwegian / Swedish Church has moved home to the Church on the hill - and a “hill run” has been included among the sports disciplines of the day. As visitors to the Church will know, the road leading up to the Church is steep and winding so this could be a real challenge. The rest of the day will be fuin activities for the whole family. When: Saturday 11 April 10.00 -14.00 Church Hill Race: 13:00 Where: 300 Pasir Panjang Road MRT: MRT Circleline to Haw Par Villa and five minutes walk.

Rumble in the Jungle

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

Members of DABS, SBAS, NBAS, FBC will have the opportunity to be introduced to the CEO of Nordea Bank since 2007 Mr. Christian Clausen with a “Rumble in the Jungle” - an early morning 11 km run in MacRitchie Park. The run will be followed by breakfast in the Mushroom Café and meet & greet with Christian Clausen.

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

When: 7am – 10am, April 20, 2015 Where: MacRitchie Nature Trail & Reservoir Park

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

Steinar Dale Wessman practicing running up the Church hill. (Copyright: sjomannskirken.no/singapore/)

Teenage afternoon @ Sentosa

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

Photo: Ken Eckert Members of SWEA invite all 13 to 20 year old Swedes in Singapore to an informal afternoon on Palawan beach on Sentosa island on Friday 17 April at 17.00. It will be an afternoon of games,

sun and swimming.Your parents will obvisously be welcome, too. Sign up with: maria@redaktionen.nu

WHAT IF...

T AUGU5S 201 NS

ATIO C I L P P A OPEN

Xander returns to the start of his trip to the Himalayas

…SOME JOURNEYS WERE TEN YEARS IN THE MAKING? Would a sleepover in their classroom in Grade 1 prepare students for trekking in the Himalayas in Grade 11? At UWCSEA we believe it does. That’s why our Outdoor Education programme begins with a night in the classroom when students are just six years old, and challenges them further each year. Take Xander, Class of 2014, whose five-day trip to Taman Negara in Grade 5 helped to give him the determination, adaptability and resilience he needed to trek for two weeks and homestay in Ladakh, North India in Grade 10. In Grade 11, he planned and completed an independent trip to Laos, where he helped rebuild an animal sanctuary. For Xander,

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

the adventure began when he joined UWCSEA and spent a night away from his family for the first time. At UWCSEA students learn that they can stretch themselves further than they thought possible. Through our Outdoor Education programme, they discover, in the words of the UWC movement founder, Kurt Hahn, “there is more in you than you think.” What if your child joins UWCSEA? Visit www.uwcsea.edu.sg to find out more.

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News Brief

Ambassadors on road show to Sweden

uring the first week of March 2015 Sweden’s Ambassadors to Southeast Asia went on a road show together with Business Sweden to make their cause for increased Swedish trade and investment with the ASEAN region, each ambassador also representing their particular country as a business destination. Their road show visited Lund/Malmö in southern Sweden, Gothenburg on the Swedish west coast and finally the capital, Stockholm. “Plenty of interest from Swedish companies to do business in Cambodia and in ASEAN,” reported the Ambassador in Cambodia, Anna Maj Hultgård on social media! The kick-off for road show took place at Ideon Science Park in Lund to talk about investment opportunities in Asia. Ideon is Scandinavia’s and one of Europe’s most successful meeting places for visionaries, entrepreneurs and for venture capital. The aim with the road show was to attract more Swedish companies to invest in “the world’s most dynamic region.”

In an open letter in the daily newspaper Göteborgs-Posten, the ambassadors jointly also wrote: “The basis of our Swedish society builds upon Swedish export. Sweden has for a very long time been a successful exporting country and the ambition of the political decision-makers remains high. However, we live in a changing world where the wheels roll faster. For Sweden to be able to maintain its position, it requires that we speed up and are ready to meet new needs on the market.” And highlighted Southeast Asia as the market for the future: “With almost 660 million inhabitants and an expected growth of around five percent every year, the region is looking into a very exciting future. Despite this, Swedish export to Southeast Asia only counts for around two percent. This trend has to stop.” “We need more companies who dare to make investments in this region. It is not enough that most of our major established global companies are investing. We also need to attract small and medium-sized companies to take the

Career day in Singapore a great success

ons of students in Singapore showed up at SMU School of Accountancy in Singapore to participate in the annual event: the Career Day, organized by ANSA, the association of Norwegian Students Abroad in Singapore on 25 March.Besides a full house of Norwegian students,there were speakers from major companies such as Statoil. The Embassy also participated with a speech about successfully conducting business in Singapore. “The day was a great success with more than 300 participants,” says Kristen Lorraine Eilertsen, President of ANSA, about the event this year.

6 ScandAsia.Singapore • April 2015

leap over to Southeast Asia. The potential is huge but of course it is not without challenges. To be successful in this region, it requires perseverance and patience. A company that believes it is possible to recoup an investment in one year are often too optimistic,” the ambassadors adviced “On the other hand, companies who have patience and ability to build up relations will be able to succeed. In many countries there are challenges with corruption, and that weakens the CSR transcendently, but exactly therefore it is impor tant that Sweden shows business presence. Many of the large multinational Swedish companies have successfully been established in Southeast Asia for decades and it has also improved the business environment, transparency and working conditions. Through Swedish entrepreneurship, we can contribute to a positive development.” In the end of 2015, the ASEAN inner market AEC (ASEAN Economic Community) will be in force, creating improved conditions for ASEAN countries to generate growth. “In Southeast Asia, there is significant capital with a ver y well-functioning financial market in Singapore. The big economies of Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, the Philippines and Malaysia have a growing middle class and all the ASEAN countries are making huge investments in infrastructure. Where is the Swedish construction industry?” ASEAN countries have a combined GDP that is 25 percent larger than that of India, has more than 600 million consumers and is the world’s fourth largest exporter. Asia is not just China and India, but so much more. “Let us together meet the challenge of increasing Swedish expor t. We will together with Business Sweden, Swedish Export Credit Corporation and the Export Credits Guarantee Board do our best to welcome and support the brave Swedish companies. We are wanted in Southeast Asia, let us not miss the chance!” Sweden’s current ambassadors are as follows: Johanna Brismar Skoog, Indonesia; Bengt G. Carlsson, Malaysia; Anna Maj Hultgård, Cambodia; Håkan Jevrell, Singapore; Klas Molin, Thailand, Myanmar, Laos and the Philippines; Camilla Mellander, Vietnam.

Condolences on the passing of PM Lee Kuan Yew

ll the Nordic countries issued statements of condolences to Singapore for the passing of Mr Lee Kuan Yew, the founding Prime Minister of Singapore. Mr Lee passed away peacefully on 23 March 2015, 91 years old. HE Håkan Jevrell, the Swedish Ambassador, extended his deepest condolences to Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and to the people of Singapore on the passing of former Prime Minister, Mr Lee Kuan Yew. “He was a visionar y statesman who led his country to independence, with remarkable leadership and determination. He laid the foundation for the Singapore of today, one of the most prosperous countries in the world. Our thoughts are with Mr. Lee’s family and the people of Singapore during this difficult time,” the Swedish statement said. The Norwegian Ambassador, HE Tormod C. Endresen stated: “On behalf of the Norwegian Embassy I wish to convey my sincerest condolences to the Singaporean people and government for the great loss your nation have sustained in the passing of former Prime Minister, Mr Lee Kuan Yew. He will be remembered for his visionary leadership, his extraordinar y contribution to Singapore’s economic and social progress, and as

a remarkable international statesman.” HE Berit Basse issued a statement, saying: “On behalf of the Royal Danish Embassy, I extend my sincerest condolences to the Singaporean people and government for the great loss your nation has sustained in the passing of former Prime Minister, Mr Lee Kuan Yew. He will be remembered for his visionary leadership, his extraordinar y contribution to Singapore’s economic and social progress, and as a remarkable international statesman. Our thoughts are with Lee Kuan Yew’s family and our many Singaporean friends during this time of sorrow.” Condolence boards were established in front of the Istana by the Main Gate from 23 March to 29 March for those who wished to write their tributes to Mr Lee Kuan Yew. Similar condolence boards were also set up in front of Parliament House. Many Singaporeans also laid down flowers at these two locations. Condolence books were opened at all Overseas Missions for overseas Singaporeans and friends. Online, the Singaporean public expressed their condolences and shared their memories of the late Mr Lee at the official website, h t t p : / / w w w. r e m e m b e r i n g l e e k u a nye w. s g .

For anyone with queries, a hotline was also set up where people could call 24-hour hotline at 6336 1166 or visit http://www. rememberingleekuanyew.sg and http://www. facebook.com/rememberingleekuanyew for more details.

Call +352 43 88 77 77 to find out more about our service

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Making it possible 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).

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14/08/2014 12:037 April 2015 • ScandAsia.Singapore

News Brief

KONE wins order for Sengkang General and Community Hospitals in Singapore

ONE, an innovative leader in elevators and escalators, has won an order to supply elevators and escalators to Sengkang General and Community Hospitals. Upon its completion, the 1,400-bed integrated hospital development will bring holistic, multidisciplinary and patient-centric care to meet the healthcare needs of the residents in northeast Singapore. Sengkang General and Community Hospitals will be situated closely to light rail transit stations and have easy access to amenities such as retail complexes. KONE will be installing energy-efficient KO N E M i n i S p a c e ™ e l e v a t o r s , KO N E S MonoSpace®machine room-less elevators, KONE TranSys™ elevator, KONE TravelMaster™ 110 escalators and dumbwaiter elevators from an external source. All elevators and escalators will be linked up by KONE E-Link™ monitoring solution with remote management capabilities. KONE E-Link™ provides real-time status updates of the equipment performance and facilitates rapid resolution deployment to ensure operational

quality. In addition, some elevators will be equipped to interface with Automated Guided Vehicles (AGV), ensuring smooth and on-time delivery for meals, documents etc. “We are delighted to be awarded the contract for this new development. As an insightful organization, we were able to understand the end user requirements in a medical segment and provide the right kind of solutions,” said Neeraj Sharma, Executive Vice President for KONE Asia Pacific and Middle East. “KONE’s people flow planning expertise will enable patients, hospital staff, and visitors to move smoothly and safely within the hospital”. The order was booked in the last quarter of 2014.

Music festival with Swedish dance star Avicii cancelled

he MFA - Future Music Festival Asia - should this year have taken place in Singapore on 13 - 14 March featuring among others Sweden’ electronic dance music super artists Avicii. But in the eleventh hour, the organizers of the event in Singapore were forced to cancel the festival, because the Singaporean authorities did not approve their application for a license to perform. According to local media reports in Singapore the organizers, who had sold about 15,000 of the 8 ScandAsia.Singapore • April 2015

20,000 tickets available for the two-day festival, previously submitted applications for a public entertainment license to the police in January and February Both were rejected, with the Police citing “serious concerns” over potential drug abuse at the event. They organizers then appealed to Minister for Home Affairs but this was also rejected. The festival, which had a three-year run in Kuala Lumpur, had been marred by drug problems. Concert organisers had to cancel the event on

its third day last year after six Malaysians died of drug overdose and another 16 people were hospitalized for drug-related conditions. The cancellation is likely to be expensive for FMFA. A total of 49 musicians were set to perform, bringing international and regional electronic, dance and indie rock talents together into the festival. In a statement from FMFA it says: “Full ticket refunds will now be made to all FMFA ticket buyers, details of which will be made available by Monday evening. We are also aware of the many fans overseas that have made travel arrangements into Singapore for the festival. We are extremely sorry for the inconvenience you’ve been put through.” “At the moment, we have also set up a care team to help answer your concerns directly. Our care team can be reached at suppor t@ futuremusicfestival.asia. FMFA wishes to thank all artistes and event suppliers for their incredibly hard work and support during the last few days. To the fans, we thank you for your patience and support. Refund details will be made known at a later date.” For fans of the Swedish sensation Avicii this is yet another blow as it was to be the only show this time around in Asia after another concert in Jakarta had also been cancelled. Future Music Festival was first held in 2006 in Sydney, Australia, and was branching out to Brisbane, Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth in 2007. And since 2012, the festival has also regularly visited Malaysia before coming to Singapore this year.

News Brief

Norway MFA State Secretary visited Singapore

n 13 March 2015 the Ministr y of Foreign Affairs in Singapore hosted a visit by State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of The Kingdom of Norway, Mr Morten Høglund. The Norwegian State Secretary called on Second Minister for Foreign Affairs Grace Fu. Mr Høglund congratulated Singapore on its Golden Jubilee (celebrating 50 years as an independent state in 2015.) Mr Høglund and Minister Fu expressed satisfaction with the close cooperation between Singapore and Norway and exchanged views on regional developments. Later, Mr Høglund and his delegation of officials from the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs were hosted to lunch by Second Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs Mr Albert Chua.

Magnus Böcker to end tenure as CEO of SGX Singapore

agnus Böcker, who was appointed to the prominent position of CEO of SGX Singapore in December 2009, is not seeking extension of his contract ending in June this year. “It has been an honour to lead the extraordinary people at SGX for more than half a decade,” says Magnus-Bocker in a statement. “I am proud of our accomplishments in expanding SGX both in Singapore and internationally, especially for Asian equity index derivatives. But there is a time and season for everything, and it is now time for me to take on new challenges. I am confident that what we have built at SGX will endure and continue to serve the market well,” said Mr Böcker. SGX Chairman Mr Chew Choon Seng says, the Board is moving forward with its CEO succession plan and is assessing internal and external candidates on a short list. “We will work towards a smooth leadership transition.” Mr Böcker has nearly three decades of leadership experience in the exchange industry, including being president of NASDAQ OMX, spearheading the creation of OMX (the Nordic Exchanges Company), and subsequently playing a key role in the merger of OMX and Nasdaq in 2008. Mr Böcker is a member of the Shanghai International Financial Advisory Council. He sits on the council of the Institute of Banking and Finance in Singapore, and is Chairman of its Investment Committee. He is also on the council of the Singapore Business Federation, and serves on the Advisory Board of the Sim Kee Boon Institute for Financial Economics at Singapore Management University. In addition, Mr Böcker is the Chairman of Singapore’s Diversity Action Committee, which champions board diversity.

www.visage.com.sg

April 2015 • ScandAsia.Singapore 9

Meatless Cusine

the Joie way

very refreshing restaurant located at Orchard Central’s rooftop garden, Joie (pronounced ‘joy’) specializes in modern meatless cuisine which is influenced by the new wave dining trend in Europe and Taiwan that focuses on innovative natural fare made with the freshest vegetables, fruits and herbs. The restaurant offers an elaborate set lunch and dinner menus from which diners can choose a six-course lunch ($38.80++) or seven-course dinner ($68.80++) comprising of contemporary dishes with Japanese-European sensibilities and flavours. Helmed by Executive Chef Sherwin Sim, formerly of Coriander Leaf Restaurant, meat-lovers will be challenged to put aside their misconceptions about meatless cuisine with his refined and original creations. Savour the Mushroom Gratin - button mushrooms sautéed in herb gar lic butter enveloped by crisp and creamy mozzarella cheekily ser ved in an escargot plate with Tennessee heir loom potato puree and caramelised Belgian endive on the side. The Rubik’s Cube Salad is a popular dish for its familiar flavours yet creative presentation of compressed red and yellow watermelon, cubed mint gelée and feta cheese which are intricately stacked to resemble its namesake.The Snow Pear and Napa Cabbage Consommé, elegantly presented on a Chinese tea tray with a clay teapot brimming with a robust-flavoured double-boiled vegetable stock which is poured over a tender poached baby pear and Chinese almonds, is soup for the soul for everyone. Diners are spoilt for choice as they encounter Jois’s impressive guéridon trolley stacked high with an assortment of desserts from macarons, mini tarts and candy for them to pick their choice of five sweet picks and tea, coffee or even a mocktail. Joie is a sanctuary above the bustle of the busy Orchard shopping district, affording sweeping views of nearby Somerset and Orchard Road. Diners can choose a seat along the plush leatherquilted banquette, luxurious velvet armchairs or at no additional cost, one of the six private rooms which seats four to sixteen people.

Address 181 Orchard Road #12-01 Orchard Central Phone: 6838 6966 10 ScandAsia.Singapore • April 2015

Alkaff Mansion

Ristorante

lkaff Mansion is a two-storey Tudor-style mansion perched on top of Telok Blangah Hill and was not only a family home of the Yememi Alkaff family of spice traders but also very well-known for being the location of many high society parties in 1930s Singapore. In 2010 the charming bungalow underwent a major restoration and was transformed into a beautiful and memorable bar and dining destination known as Alkaff Mansion Ristorante. The restaurant’s Executive Chef, Simone Depalmas, proudly showcases a comprehensive menu that introduces a varied reper toire of hearty Italian fare that promises to do justice to the iconic heritage mansion. Chef Depalmas hails from Sardinia, Italy and is a veteran with 20 years of culinary experience who believes in making all his sauces from scratch and creating dishes that are inventive but do not forgo the natural flavours of authentic Italian cuisine. Chef Depalmas’ Sardinian touch to his dishes which uses specially imported produce from his home province give diners a refined, gourmet experience reminiscent of Italy. The Italian-inspired culinary journey starts with Fresh Octopus Carpaccio and Pan Seared Hokkaido Scallops, two of the ten antipasti available for diners to choose from. The pasta selection features the signature Homemade Squid Ink Tagliatelle, made daily with fresh squid ink and loaded with clams, prawns, squid and scallops in a robust tomato sauce. A dish that involves Chef Depalmas himself to serve diners directly is the Oven Baked Sea Bass in Salt. Encased in salt, the fish is rolled out guéridon style, flambéed tableside before the salt is cracked open and the fish skilfully deboned. Diners will have to make sure they leave some room for the desserts at Alkaff Mansion Ristorante. Look out for the Fresh Mint Vanilla Panna Cotta, a modern twist on the famous Italian desser t or the Alkaff Mansion Tiramisu that will please the traditionalists.

Address 10 Telok Blangah Green, Singapore 109178 Phone: 6510 3068 April 2015 • ScandAsia.Singapore 11

CHINESE

CLOUDS Due to China’s internet explosion there is a growing demand for efficient online services. Swedish company eBuilder, focusing on cloud based service platforms, established its Beijing office in 2011. A new contract with a domestic company will add 20 million users to eBuilder’s services this year. By Jojje Olsson

12 ScandAsia.Singapore • April 2015

pon my first visit last winter to eBuilder’s office in the midst of Beijing’s commercial district, Ulf Persson, Senior Vice President for Asia-Pacific, was talking with excitement about the prospects on the Chinese market. The company established an office in the Chinese capital already 2011, and soon companies like Nokia, (now Microsoft Mobile) and Sony Mobile started using eBuilder’s cloud based platform to handle logistics like customer returns and guarantee issues. At the time though, Ulf Persson was still waiting for a breakthrough in the shape of a large deal with a big domestic customer. When I visit the same office again in March this year, such a contract had just been signed. On Christmas eve, eBuilder came to terms with Qingdao Haier, one of the world’s largest producer of electric appliances, with about 200 million customers. Haier will from this year on use eBuilder’s platform to streamline their customer care process. Haier’s sales executives will also be provided with a broad picture of customer behavior, and the company can also take advantage of the application for marketing and sales of its different products. “Our service will help Haier and its customers to communicate more efficiently. All data will be integrated so that customer experience is the same when using the platform on the web, as well as on any mobile device,” says Ulf Persson, adding that the negotiations went smoother then expected. Haier is expanding very fast indeed, and needs a flexible solution to handle its more than 100,000 daily customer errands. Ultimately, Haier is aiming to strengthen its own brand by improving the customer service and create a close relation to customers in general. ”Brand loyalty is an important upcoming trend in China. Customers are getting increasingly aware of brands, and the companies themselves are responding by building a good brand and customer loyalty, rather than just focusing on low price as before,” says Ulf Persson.

Online revolution This customer loyalty and branding trend is particularly important online, as the number of internet users in China has been growing from 100 million to 700 million during the last decade. Even more stunning is the growth for mobile internet; with a tenfold growth since 2007, to 557 million users in the beginning of this year. China’s e-commerce is now the largest in the world, after a 20 percent growth last year. Online payments also grew with 17 percent. This rapid development creates a strong specific demand for open, scalable and flexible online services. A service fit for today could be outgrown by the market tomorrow. eBuilder is

still an unconventional company on the Chinese IT market, as it sells not a physical product but a service, be it that it helps companies to save both time and money. ”For many potential customers we are sometimes seen as a threat rather than an asset to the IT department we try to help with our services,” says Ulf Persson. Many Chinese IT depar tments wants to develop everything by themselves, and can be reluctant to use external services as to not lose job opportunities. That is why eBuilder began to work primary with already existing Western customers like Nokia (now Microsoft Mobile) and Sony Mobile. Ulf Persson says that the younger generation is more positive and open to new solutions, than the older generation. They are slowly being replaced, and you can notice how the market here is maturing as a result: “Chinese companies are realizing that they don’t have to do everything by themselves. They are now open for external solutions and have other thoughts about service and customer care than before. The customers are also starting to appreciate personal items and are ready to move forward on their own.” Domestic companies can see how foreign brands like Apple is enjoying customer loyalty in China, thanks to its generous guarantee policy and its ambition to even educate users in its stores on how to use the products. “The next for many Chinese companies is now to go global, and to achieve that they have to improve after sales services, rather than just launch new products as fast and cheap as possible,” says Ulf Persson.

Tech challenges eBuilder has grasped this newly developing trend and ambitions, and last year approached several domestic companies with a new and customized service, based on the earlier “after sales process” but extended to include the entire sell and product life cycle. Ulf Persson describes the deal with Haier as “the first huge contract in China,” which will multiply the users of eBuilder’s platform several times, by adding 5 million users already this summer, and at least 20 million before year’s end. The Beijing office will hence be recruiting during the spring. A big challenge, obviously, is China’s slow, censored and monitored internet. “This prolongs the process of establishing an office in China, particularly in our field of business. But that’s not just for us, but for all companies in our sector, and we have to accept the situation,” says Ulf Persson. Another aspect is that there are no smooth solutions for server hosting in China - many IT companies have to build and use their own hosting centers locally - but eBuilder has so far been able to avoid a lot of problems by having

April 2015 • ScandAsia.Singapore 13

the lion share of its technical infrastructure at the head office in Sweden. One of the first actions when establishing the Beijing office was to install an own corporate virtual private network (VPN) due to the lack of security and privacy on the Chinese Internet. Ulf Persson was based in China 1996-98 with Frontec AMT - an early forerunner to eBuilder - and hence was prepared for the odd challenges, that often comes with the Chinese market: “The most common mistakes done in China, we already did in the mid-90’s,” he laughs. On the contrary, with an old set of contacts eBuilder has been able to establish in China quicker than many other Western companies.

FACTS // eBuilder • eBuilder was founded 2003 and its headquarters is located in Kista, Stockholm, where about 50 of the 220 employees are based. The Beijing and Sydney office got about 10 employees each, and the remaining staff are based in Sri Lanka. • eBuilder offers a cloud based, open and scalable platfor m for companies to streamline customer process. The platform integrates processes, back end solutions and service eco systems to simplify the customer experience. 14 ScandAsia.Singapore • April 2015

• eBuilder got hundreds of customers in over 70 countries and altogether more than a half million users to its platforms. Among the customers are the Swedish government, Volvo, Saab, DHL, Nokia and Sony Mobile.

FACTS // Ulf Persson • 48 years old, eBuilder’s Senior Vice President for Asia-Pacific. His wife Sara is also living in Beijing, as well as their 10 year old daughter and 12 year old son. • Educational background of systems science and programming. • Working experience from China 1996-98 with Frontec AMT, later based in Singapore, Tokyo and Hong Kong 1998-2004, before moving West to France (2004-07) and USA (2007-11). Now based in China since 2011. • Like with Beijing: The rapid, exciting development in all aspects of society. At the same time he also finds the old culture fascinating, as it results in many interesting cultural clashes. • Dislike with Beijing: The often too slow and inefficient way to handle the air pollution, especially since he is also into running and skiing.

Handelsbanken opens Representative Office in Jakarta

he Swedish bank Handelsbanken’s new Representative Office in Jakarta was inaugurated on Mach 12 by Sweden’s Ambassador to Indonesia, Johanna Brismar Skoog. Handelsbanken is the first Scandinavian Bank to open in Indonesia, taking its worldwide network of offices to 25, more than any other Nordic bank. “We are obliged to follow our customers to different markets in order to always meet their requirements for financial ser vices, and we are very excited to now establish presence in the largest economy in Southeast Asia,” said Mr. Jan B. Djerf, Head of South Asia Pacific at Handelsbanken. Mr. Erik Milfors, former Trade Commissioner for Sweden to Indonesia, is the new Chief Representative giving Handelsbanken a broad knowledge and insight of Indonesian business and economy. “Foreign investments in Indonesia continue to AD_SCANDASIA_APRIL2015.pdf

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Mr. Erik Milfors, Chief Representative, Handelsbanken Jakarta

grow from our home markets. Handelsbanken’s new office in Jakarta confirms the importance of Indonesia for Nordic companies as well as businesses in UK and the Netherlands.” said Mr Milfors. Handelsbanken is a full-service bank with a nationwide branch network in Sweden, UK, Denmark, Finland, Norway and the Netherlands. The Bank regards these six countries as its home markets. Since the early 1970s, Handelsbanken’s organisation has been strongly decentralised and operations are always based on the customer’s requirements. This means that all business decisions regarding individual customers’ relationships with the bank are taken close to the customer. Handelsbanken is one of the most costeffective listed full-service banks in Europe and every year during the past 42 years has had higher return on equity than the average of peer banks.

1:38 pm

CMY

April 2015 • ScandAsia.Singapore 15

First Thai

sex worker on Danish stage

May 1st, Thai sex worker Thanta Laovilawanyakul enters the Danish stage in Copenhagen to add a new perspective to the question; why do Westerners travel around the globe to get something as ordinary as sex. By Louise Bihl Frandsen

ne by one, people from the audience will be lead onto the stage to play different experiences with sex worker Thanta Laovilawanyakul at Betty Nansens Theatre in Copenhagen in May. The controversial play ‘Love-Theatre’ has been developed by two Danish instructors: Tue Biering and Jeppe Kristensen. “The sex industry is a very unique ‘place’ to see how we behave and who we are as citizens in a modern time with capitalism and globalization,” Jeppe Kristensen says. In several years, the two instructors have been curious about the phenomenon with Westerners travelling around the globe to get something as banal as sex. And they want to investigate the different feelings, which they believe exist in this specific industry – such as respect, self-esteem, fantasy and the need of engaging in deeper relations. “Our curiousity, and not our opinions, will control the play to make us try and understand what happens in this industry – and through this; try and understand modern identity as well,” Jeppe says.

them do not want sex but just someone to talk to and someone that listens. Some of them are even looking for a friend,” Thanta says. According to Thanta, her job as a sex worker has many different aspects. She sees herself as a professional giver of love. “My job is about love in the sense of giving care and support to customers. I allow them to let go and be themselves, and it makes me feel that my job is very important,” she says. She explains and shows with her eyes and bodylanguage, how she will connect with the person, she brings to the stage. But laughs, when I

A complex job Thanta Laovilawanyakul plays one of the mainroles in the play ‘Love-Theatre’ – the audience plays the other. Thanta will choose who is going with her on the stage. Through acting she wants to show the Danish audience what men in the industry are looking for. “Clients want to feel comfortable. Some of 16 ScandAsia.Singapore • April 2015

Thanta is helping her mother with her clothing store in the city Korat.

ask her to act with me. “Go see the play, and you will see,” Thanta laughs while slightly blushing.

A real person When the Betty Nansen Theatre in Copenhagen recreated the movie Pretty Woman on stage, they hired sex workers from the street to play the different characters. The play ‘Love-Theatre’ is different, because it is not a recreation of a movie, but a recreation of a lived life: The life of Thanta Laovilawanyakul. “We want to know, what happens in that moment, when a sex worker and a client meet. What is love and what is theatre?” Jeppe Kristensen explains and continues: “It is quite essential for us that the actors in the play are ‘normal’ people – not famous Hollywood actors, but people who lived a life with experiences, which they can transfer to the Theatre,” Jeppe says.

Prejudice on prejudice When Thanta Laovilawanyakul started as a sex worker, she started feeling sad about what she was doing, because she felt that society was looking down on her profession. “I remember people walking by the bar, where I was working at that time, and they were looking at us in a certain way,” she says. Although she had many different jobs and possibilities to do other things at that time, she did not want to stop working as a sex worker. “I found out that I was providing useful ser-

vices. I have helped people and they have been able to move on with their lives, and that really makes me proud of, what I am doing,” she says. Thanta started working as a sex worker, when she was 22. Today she is 43.

The right job Although Thanta is happy with being a sex worker today, she believes there is a long way to improve the working conditions for sex workers and the industry in general. The big challenge is to change the society’s opinion about the profession. “We are working in legal bars and nightclubs, but still we are considered as outlaws,” she says with a certain look in her eyes. In her opinion, it is a process, like in any other job, to become good at what you are doing. To help improve the working conditions in the industry, she teaches other sex workers – both men and women, how to be safe and how to become professional. She hopes that by passing on her own experiences, she will be able to help others, who choose to become a sex worker. “We have the right over our own body - it does not belong to any society. The society and the culture should no longer dictate what women or men should do,” she says. Thanta has also been writing a book about the life of a sex worker called: “The Right Job”.

Thanta thinks that when society judges the sex industry, it not only hurts the sex workers’ feelings but it also make their profession unsafe.

April 2015 • ScandAsia.Singapore 17

18 ScandAsia.Singapore â&#x20AC;˘ April 2015

How to pick a school By Louise Bihl Frandsen

ow do you pick the perfect school for your children, when you move to another country? It might not be as easy as it sounds. During the years, more and more schools are established, and each institution offers different courses and has different ways of teaching. Many parents use social platforms like Facebook to get advices from other parents. But there will probably be no way around making your own inquiry into each avaible option.

Local vs international Are you looking for a local or an international school? In most countries in Asia, it is possible to sign your child into a local school – but it can be a challenge, if your child does not have Asian roots. Local schools provide your child with a local environment and another benefit is that most of the local schools are more affordable than the international schools. One thing to be aware of though, is that psysical punishment has not been abolished in many Asian school systems. If you go for an international school, consider that international students grow up in an environment that is much different to that of your own. Known as Third Culture Kids (TCKs), they often develop a different attitude. They will develop other ways of thinking that might be very different from their schoolmates at home. Once this is said, many expat families decide to go for the international school – at least through primary school up to grade 9.

A few suggestions As said before, many parents seek advices from other parents. But in the end, it is your choice and only you know what needs your child has. First: Observe Visit the schools you are interested in during a regular school day. Ask to observe teachers in class so you can get a feel for how the adults treat the children, parents and one another. You don’t have to be an expert to get a good sense of what is - or is not - happening in a classroom when you visit. Second: Distance Make sure the school is not too far away from your home. Have in mind that in most big cities, it is travelling time between your house and the school that matters. Will you be driving your

child to school yourself or how will your child be going there? Especially in cities like Bangkok, the traffic is hectic and you can easily use hours stuck between cars, taxies and tuk-tuks. Third: Reputation Use your network in the city. Ask as many as possible, what their experience with this school is. Do not listen to people, who have no children at the school themselves. And remember that 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 oneyear-old school. Fourth: Courses The school’s courses and programs will most likely be listed in the school’s informations packages or on their website. They will talk about British Curriculum and American Curriculum and what most Scandinavians go for these days is the IB Curriculum. The IB Curriculum is an educational programme managed by the International Baccalaureate for students aged 3 to 12. Students are required to learn a second language during the programme. Fifth: Supplementary courses More and more parents find it important that their children are receiving lessons in their mother tongue language. On some of the international schools, the different Scandinavian communities have organized mother tounge language lessons as a supplementary course. It all depends on the needs of your child. Many children already have a long day in school with lessons in Thai, English and other courses, so if the lessons are not included on the schedule, a normal day in school can all the sudden become very long and exhausting.

Stay involved As a parent you might wish there were some secret education-analyst methodology. No matter how hard you do your homework, stay involved with your child’s everyday life. Is your child happy and motivated or tired and introver ted? Talk with your child about how school is and spend more time together in the beginning. First period will probably be as exhausting for your child as for you – starting up your lives in a completely different country.

April 2015 • ScandAsia.Singapore 19

Danmark rækker ud over klasseværelset

amtalen starter med en let latter i klasselokalet. Dagens ord er simpelthen for mærkværdigt til, at eleverne kan gætte det. “Så ‘snade’ er altså en pibe?”, bliver der spurgt. Og efter et par minutters forklaring af ordets oprindelse ender emnet med at være, hvordan det danske sprog har udviklet sig over tid. Modersmålsprogrammet hos German European School Singapore er mere end et ‘normalt’ fag – det handler nemlig også om identitet skabt gennem idéer, diskussion og kultur. Elevernes danske baggrund er undervisningens udgangspunkt. Vi skriver essays om at være ung og dansk i Singapore, reflekterer over den danske kultur ved at gennemgå sange og digte med historisk værdi, laver videopræsentationer af danske forfattere, lytter til populær dansk musik og sammenligner vores internationale liv med livet i Danmark. Undervisningen er tilrettelagt et modersmålniveau – ikke et fremmedsprog. Derfor er niveauet højt, men dog ikke uoverkommeligt. Vi vil gerne bringe Danmark ind i klasseværelset, men vi vil samtidig også tage eleverne med til Danmark. Derfor har skolen arrangeret to udvekslingsforløb i det kommende skoleår, 2015/2016. Første ophold er allerede planlagt og vil give elever med interesse i musik muligheden for at komme med på lejrskolen MusikStarter. Her vil både professionelle og berømte danske musikere undervise. Det andet udvekslingsophold er mere traditionelt og vil foregå i samarbejde med en normal dansk skoleklasse. Som optakt til udvekslingen vil begge klasser blive undervist i samme pensum samt udveksle breve og blogs om deres daglige liv og kulturelle forskelle.

Integreret dansk fra forskole til afgangsklasserne Fra august 2015 vil undervisning i dansk som modersmål blive et integreret element i skoledagen – fra forskolen og frem til overbygningen. For de tretil femårige vil det betyde to lektioner af 90 minutters varighed hver uge i tidsrummet efter frokost. For de seks- til 11-årige i grundskolen vil dansk blive tilbudt som daglige lektioner, som alternativ til tysk, og læreren vil være en dansk folkeskolelærer. Undervisningen vil ligesom vores modersmålsundervisning i tysk være inddelt i PYP-enheder, men fokus i dette forløb vil være kendskab til dansk sprog og kultur for på den måde at give børnene de bedste forudsætninger for at forstå og være stolte af deres danske rødder. Vores mål rækker udover blot at hjælpe børnene med at passe ind i det danske samfund, når de en dag vender ‘hjem’.Vi vil også sikre, at de kan tænke, lære og udtrykke sig selv fuldt ud på deres modersmål og føle sig danske samtidig med, at de lærer at være verdensborgere i et andet land. 20 ScandAsia.Singapore • April 2015

German European School Singapore CPE Registration Number: S72SS0010G Registration Period: 22.06.2011 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 21.06. 2017

A home for your mother tongue!

Book a Tour now Learn at GESS. One of our core strengths is supporting home languages as we know that students are more successful when their mother tongue is provided for. Our European Section, where English is the language of instruction, offers mother tongue classes in Dutch, German and Danish, either in class or after school. Further language We give our students roots and wings.

classes in Mandarin, Spanish and French are offered as well. GESS is an international, not-for-profit School founded on European traditions, educating students from 18 month to 18 years of age. We are an accredited IB World School (PYP, MYP, DP) as well as an Excellent German School Abroad.

www.gess.sg

Why iPads Work In The Classroom Sharing Our Stories in a Digital Age by Michael Black, Canadian International School Grade 4 Classroom Teacher

t the Canadian International School (CIS) we place a key focus on the use of modern educational technology to support teaching, learning and communications.We aim to integrate technology to optimise and enhance studentlearning experiences and deliver lessons in a very hands-on, minds-on manner. With this in mind, in 2013 the school launched the internationally renowned One To World Programme where each student in Grades 4 to 6 has their own iPad in the classroom. I am now in my second year of teaching in a 1:1 iPad classroom and there is no doubt in my mind that allowing technology to become an active tool within the classroom provides students with a greater opportunity to create, communicate and reflect on their own stories.Thanks to this, students have begun to unlock potential that was previously inconceivable with traditional education materials. I’ve also noticed a deeper, more comprehensive understanding of content amongst students as well as a greater desire for them to share their work due to what I believe is a more personal connection to the learning process. An important tool I turn to whenever I am looking to design and infuse a digital learning experience into the curriculum, is the SAMR model developed by Dr. Ruben Puentedura. At CIS, all 1:1 iPad classroom teachers regularly use the model to reflect upon how we are integrating technology into our classrooms. Is it an act of Substitution? Augmentation? Modification? Or Redefinition? Our ultimate goal is to climb the ladder to the Redefinition level where through technology our students have access to more powerful learning experiences. 22 ScandAsia.Singapore • April 2015

In pursuit of reaching the Redefinition level, one app in particular has emerged as my favourite for helping students further develop their creative and expressive skills. The Explain Everything app is an easy-to-use screencasting and interactive whiteboard tool that allows students to annotate, animate, narrate, impor t and expor t almost anything to and from almost anywhere. The advantage of this app over classical educational materials such as pencil and paper, is that students can present information using multiple forms of expression (images, text, video and audio) all at once. Work can then be shared through a multitude of platforms and reach a wider audience. I still shake my head in awe when I read a comment on one of my student’s blogs from a relative in a foreign country who has been able to track and enjoy the student’s learning journey throughout the school year. Storytelling has been one of the most powerful forms of education throughout the history of the world. Whether you look back to the Middle Ages when wandering bards shared their stories orally from place to place or to the thirst for knowledge following the rise of printing in the 1400’s, storytelling has been front and centre. As storytelling platforms continue to evolve so will the magnitude to which we can share our stories. I see great value in students having an increased sense of purpose when expressing their ideas and when I consider the potential the digital medium has for allowing students to create more personal and captivating work, I can’t help but get excited where their stories will take us. To find out more about CIS’s One World Programme and use of technology within the school visit www.cis.edu.sg

Calling all actors, linguists, scientists and sports stars!

22 JUNE - 31 JULY 2015

For students aged 4 to 17. Give your child a summer to remember. Register at www.cis.edu.sg/summercamp today.

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 24 ScandAsia.Singapore • April 2015

We believe in your child’s potential as much as you do.

Choosing a school is no easy task. You’re searching for the very best and a large part of your child’s future is resting on your decision.

We’d love the opportunity to welcome you to our school and discuss how to make your children soar.

You know your child better than anyone, you see the sparks of brilliance where others can’t, you see the scholar, and the artist and what might be.

Contacts: Elementary & Middle Schools: +65 6235 5844 High School: +65 6475 4188 Email admissions@iss.edu.sg

We believe in your children as much as you do, and we know what it takes for them to realise their full potential because that’s what we do best.

ISS is registered by the CPE | Registration no: 20136975E | Registration period: 16 June 2011 to 15 June 2015 | www.iss.edu.sg

April 2015 • ScandAsia.Singapore 25

Avondale The best Australian education in an international environment

xpatriate Nordic families in Singapore are typically well educated, middle class professionals with young families. We all want to make the best choices for our children and identifying a school in which our children feel happy whilst receiving the best international education is central to any parental decision-making. There are many schools to choose from in Singapore and sometimes the choice can be overwhelming. If you are looking for a school that recognises their students as individuals whilst offering a world-class education you may want to consider Avondale Grammar School. Offering the Australian curriculum, Avondale delivers a personalised education to children from all over the world from Preschool to Middle School (3 -14 years of age). Established in 2007, the School is a coeducational, independent, international grammar school based in central Singapore. It has developed a reputation for delivering a highquality education through a combination of small class sizes, passionate teaching staff and a personal approach to learning.

The Australian curriculum in an international world The academic programme is based on the highly researched and internationally acclaimed Australian curriculum. This challenging and highquality curriculum promotes excellence and equity in education. The rigorous, relevant and engaging learning programmes drawn from this curriculum, addresses each child’s individual learning needs designed to support 21st Century learning. One of the great benefits of this highly researched curriculum is that it is flexible and suits children from a wide range of international, educational backgrounds and, if required, enables a smooth transition into other curriculums.

Internationalism As an Australian curriculum school based in Singapore with students from across the 26 ScandAsia.Singapore • April 2015

globe, the School is committed to celebrating ‘internationalism’. Avondale staff hail from over 15 countries – from Sweden to Singapore and bring with them a global perspective. The Principal, Ms Helena Soboulis is an expert in Third Culture Kids (children whose parents are different nationalities and raise their family in yet another culture) and as such the School is as likely to celebrate Sveriges nationaldag as St Patricks Day.

Personalised education Avondale is committed to high quality teaching and learning through under standing each student’s educational needs. The School has developed Personal Achievement Targets (PATs) in which each student is assessed and learning goals are identified and tracked.The PATs process brings student, parents and teachers together as a team to consider the student’s current level of performance and goal setting. This individual goal setting in addition to the small class sizes ensure all students receive a high level of teacher-student class time.

Mentor Programme Each student in Middle School has an appointed Teacher-Mentor. Students meet their Mentor on a weekly basis where the student is invited to discuss anything in a safe and constructive environment. Avondale is unique in Singapore for providing this amount of individual attention for students. Research shows that this kind of 1:1 mentor time positively effects the development of self-respect and identity.

Positive Education Programme Avondale is an affiliated member of PESA (the Positive Education Schools Association), which endorses the professional training of staff and the quality and relevance of the learning programmes. Positive Education is exactly as its name suggests: a pastoral learning programme that teaches children the skills and attitudes they need to enjoy a happy, healthy journey through life. It guides them along the pathway to wellbeing. ‘Pos Ed’ lessons and activities emphasise the benefits of a growing and optimistic mind and a grateful heart. The programme also prepares children for life’s challenges by strengthening their problem-solving skills and resilience, or ‘grit’. The advantages are lifelong.

Welcoming environment Avondale is notable for its warm and welcoming environment. From the Receptionists to the Head of campus – students (and their siblings!) are known by name. Students feel recognised and respected at the School. Parents are similarly warmly invited to join the Avondale community. Before star ting at the School all new parents receive a personal phone call from the Parents’ Association and are invited to settling-in events to ensure transition into a new school is smooth and positive for the whole family. Preschool & Junior School Address: 318 Tanglin Rd, Phoenix Park Singapore 247979

Leadership Programme The Avondale Leadership Programme reflects the School’s belief in harnessing the talents of individual children. Leadership opportunities exist for all students from Year 2 upwards. All children in Middle School have a Leadership position from House Captains to Subject Leaders. These positions are integral in developing students’ sense of responsibility, management skills and socialisation skills across the School.

Primary & Middle School Address: 304 Tanglin Rd, Phoenix Park Singapore 247972 T: +65 6258 8544 E: enrolments@avondale.edu.sg W: avondale.edu.sg

Avondale Grammar School is a co-educational, international school for expatriate children from 3 – 14 years of age. We value each child as an individual. Discover how your son or daughter can benefit from our small class sizes, personal attention, outstanding teaching, welcoming community and seamless transition from Preschool to Middle School. If you would like to attend our Open Day to discover what makes us different, please RSVP: Avondale_communications@avondale.edu.sg or t: +(65) 6258 8544

Preschool and Junior School, Phoenix Park 318 Tanglin Road Singapore 247979 Primary and Middle School, Phoenix Park 304 Tanglin Road Singapore 247972 Tel: +(65) 6258 8544 E: enrolments@avondale.edu.sg

www.avondale.edu.sg Registered by the Council of Private Education. Registration number 200514242C. Registration valid : 14 March 2015 – 13 March 2019

April 2015 • ScandAsia.Singapore 27

Education in the Field

“

We see our students as future international leaders and policy makers and we are happy to see Stamford’s Field Studies Program inﬂuence students as they look toward the future. Dr. Scott Schumann, Secondary School Assistant Director

Stamford’s Field Studies Program aims to “Develop leaders who are ecologically literate, compassionate, and engaged global citizens”. Each year, students travel to destinations across South East Asia to learn about environmental, social, and economic issues in the region, in addition to discovering who they are as individuals and what it means to be an effective communicator, leader, and problem solver. Stamford’s unique program takes students through a progression of field-based experiences, starting as young as Grade 6 and ending in experiences where students are able to lead themselves. Integrated field studies trips are far from simply travel experiences but rather, immersion in genuine settings where students are required to step outside themselves and work with their peers to solve problems and contribute to other lives through service. Research shows that well designed, field-based experiences can produce learning which transfers from the field to home and school environments. Students return with developed self-efficacy beliefs, leadership traits, and communication skills which are salient to success in today’s 21st century society. Elin Apell, Grade 9 Student at Stamford American International School recently visited Northern Thailand for a climbing and service trip, she comments: “Rock climbing is something I wouldn’t have tried normally and it was an exciting activity that showed people in my group overcoming challenges in a really hard situation. It was nice to see people to develop themselves outside school work. This trip made me realize how important it is to experience other cultures and I found

it very educational, especially when I went to the art school in Chang Mai and had to practice communicating with someone across language barriers. Overall I found the trip really fascinating and rewarding.” One parent remarked about their daughter who had returned from this trip, “My husband and I looked at each other and said, ‘Wow what a change! She has come back a stronger, more outspoken version of the girl that left a week ago”.

+65 6653 7907

www.sais.edu.sg

The Camp operators with over 40 years of experience!

ooking for something special for the summer? Come join Village Camps for a summer of fun, friendships, and unforgettable memories. Village Day Camps offers all this in an exciting and engaging all day multi activity summer program where children can build self confidence, improve their abilities, and develop better interpersonal skills all while having the time of their lives. The camp includes a range of sports and creative activities such as basketball, swimming, ar ts and crafts, and dance. These are rotated daily to keep the children engaged and continuously exposed to new experiences. With over 40 years of experience running camps for more than 200,000 campers, Village Camps delivers on its philosophy of Education through Recreation and is the trusted name in Summer Camp Programs for parents all over the world. Contact Info Website: www.villagecamps.sg Contact Person: Zoe Hancock Phone: +65 9029 9518 2083VC Day Camp Singapore ads.qxp_170 x 240 stage 3 09/03/2015 13:32 Page 1

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Inspiring students to inquire

he Australian International School’s ( A I S ) E a r ly Ye a r s p h i l o s o p hy aims to develop cognitive, social and emotional skills in children, in preparation for a lifetime of education. Our curriculum framework, the Swiss IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) underpinned by the philosophy of Reggio Emilia, guides children from 2 years old, in developing confidence and independence by facilitating learning through activities based on the child’s interests. This framework echoes the philosophy of Finnish early childhood education, with the focus on students “learning how to learn”. Reading and mathematics are introduced through purposeful play to encourage engagement through inquiry into real-life contexts. This approach equips students for success in their continuing journey through the Elementary and Secondar y School. Finland’s success in international literacy, mathematics and science assessments is well documented and the IB PYP curriculum, offered through Elementary at AIS, aligns to this ethos of developing students that are critical thinkers and inquirers. At AIS, 30 ScandAsia.Singapore • April 2015

creative thinking is not seen as the preserve of an artistic few, rather as a universal ability that can be cultivated and developed to achieve academic success. This approach allowed our 2014 cohort to achieve ATAR scores 10.8% higher than the worldwide average*. Importantly, the notion of a holistic, rounded education, cherishing the arts and sports as well as academics, is integral to life at AIS. This approach produces well rounded students such as Carissa Sim, an AIS student for 14 years. Carissa achieved 44 out of 45 in the IB Diploma and represented AIS in basketball and soccer alongside being an accomplished pianist and violinist. A globally focused pedagogical approach ensures students from over 50 countries reach their potential and thrive in an increasingly globalised world. AIS is registered as a Private Education Institute by the Council for Private Education. CPE Registration Number 199204405H, registration period 6 July 2011 to 5 July 2015. *Excluding non-university bound students

s .sg ou m H il co n pr .ais. pe A w O 15 t ww ra te gis Re

Your child’s Future, Ignited Amelia Woodward • First in grade – academic achiever 2012, 2013 & 2014

•

Service Excellence Award winner 2013, 2014

•

Active member of the Model United Nations and Debating Society

• •

Elected student council representative Accomplished violinist, pianist and vocalist

10 minutes from Orchard

Outstanding children deserve an outstanding school. From the outset, the Australian International School offers your child the very best environment in which to learn, achieve and excel, not only in the classroom, but in everything they do.

Book your personal visit today!

www.ais.com.sg

or call +65 6653 7906

Our perfectly balanced learning program results in independent, well-rounded global citizens and life-long learners. Equally, it develops students that are inquirers, using critical thinking, reﬂection and goal setting to drive improvement. We deliver the worldwide perspective of the International Baccalaureate Curriculum (IB), strengthened by the rigorous standards of the Australian Curriculum and the structure of the IGCSE. The choice of graduating with either an IB Diploma or the New South Wales Higher School Certiﬁcate (HSC) gives your child an even wider choice of international university destinations.

Globally focused, distinctly Australian AIS is part of the Cognita Group of Schools www.cognitaschools.com

Australian International School Pte Ltd is registered by the Council for Private Education. CPE Registration Number 199204405H. Period of Registration 6 July 2011 to 5 July 2015

Powerful personal

and social education

rom the ascetics of the ancient East to the athletes of the first Olympic Games in Greece we can trace a fascinating history of the complex relationship between mind and body. In order to achieve the perfect balance some ancients starved themselves, others ran huge distances or built mighty muscles, and another group - most famously manifest in the Buddha sought a middle way. But the pressures on our young people today are multifold and evolving at unimaginable speed. Parents are often busy; conversation at home is sometimes confined to the mechanics, not the possibilities, of life; extended families no longer live near one another. And so the screen, whether it is on a computer, a telephone or a gaming device can too easily become teacher, friend and advisor for good or ill. Young people are told, via their screens, to conform, be different, be beautiful, lose weight, succeed, buy a hair product, follow a tribe. You don’t need a classroom – you don’t even need to move. A chair or even a floor is enough. The back hunches, the fingers and thumbs start pressing and swiping, and a brave new world is available. At the United World College of South East Asia (UWCSEA), we believe a passive response to this situation is unacceptable. It is not enough simply to play sport and “run off ” your frustration. Of course sport is an essential part of a UWCSEA education and, unlike some schools, we encourage competition as well as par ticipation. However letting off steam is not the same as channeling energy positively, and that is why we have a Personal and Social Education (PSE) programme that seeks to promote safe, healthy and positive living. 32 ScandAsia.Singapore • April 2015

We want our students to be secure, valued and encouraged in their learning, growth and social development, and we do not leave that to chance. Our programme allows students to explore how they are connecting to their learning, friends, family, technology and the outside world. Broadly speaking, there are three components to the programme: individual, interpersonal and global wellbeing. Age appropriate units of study explore these areas and, crucially, we have devised a detailed and modern PSE curriculum that contains standards and benchmarks (learning goals) that proceed logically from kindergarten years through to Grade 12. Of course PSE can never be assessed in exactly the same way as, say, Maths, but our approach is no less rigorous for we believe the programme to be just as important as any core academic subject. The benchmarks include digital citizenship: technology can all too easily promote the trivial and demeaning when it should help deliver our values. Our parents are of course vital in this process, and we ask that as well as maintaining as close a relationship as possible with their child, they help build resilience and promote learning from experience.This last point is significant because at UWCSEA we know our many small failures offer as valuable a learning experience as our mightiest successes. In every young person’s life, assailed as it is with demands from so many sources beyond the need for academic success, failure has to be a tool for progress and not a shameful defect to be hidden away. We ask that our teachers and parents soothe, reassure, empathise and listen to our young people, but we also ask that they do not engage in platitudes. Saying

“everything will be all right” or “it will work out” is often counterproductive if one is to encourage a growth mindset. A much better position is to ask “what have you learned from this experience?” or “how would you do that differently next time?” We offer no soft options: but we do present opportunities to learn, to develop self-awareness and become resilient in the future. We must be vigilant. Many twenty-first century children can be easily pacified with video games, junk food and a promise not to keep going into their bedroom. That is an abandonment of responsibility.There is a short story written nearly one hundred years ago by the English writer E. M. Forster, called The Machine Stops. I won’t spoil the ending, but the tale is set in the future where men and women have little direct contact with one another and instead they learn all they think they need to know from screens.They have no need of family or friends. And then, one day, the machine stops. The results make for interesting reading. So, the twenty-first centur y illuminates a worr ying disconnect. Young people’s phones and computers are living up the dreams of earlier science fiction writers, but our children’s emotions, neurology and physical requirements are no different from those of the ancient Indians and Greeks. There is no easy answer to this problem, but at UWCSEA, a sympathetic, modern and clearly ar ticulated Personal and Social Education Programme offers an imaginative and collaborative way forward in the development of the mind as well as the body. Chris Edwards, Head of College, outlines the holistic approach to student well-being taken by UWCSEA.

In 2015 Tanglin Trust School celebrates 90 years’ experience of providing a British-based education to the international community in Singapore.

Community and Inspiration This year Tanglin Trust School celebrates its 90th Anniversary (T90) in Singapore. The school was founded by Anne GriffithJones OBE in 1925, in the grounds of The Tanglin Club, with just five students. Today, on its campus at Portsdown Road, Tanglin is at the forefront of British-based education, providing a unique learning environment to over 2,770 students from Nursery right through to Sixth Form, representing over 50 nationalities. Whilst the school’s academic traditions and approach to learning are firmly grounded in an enhanced and rigorous English National Curriculum, there are many aspects of school life that have a global focus which is contextualised to our location in Asia. The result is that our students not only achieve excellent results but are open-minded and develop a natural ability to reflect on the international environment around them.

Tanglin is a place where children can thrive, inspired by passionate teachers and supported by excellent pastoral care. Our students are confident, articulate and engaged and we are immensely proud of all of their achievements and their positive approach to all aspects of school life. We are also proud of our high standards. Tanglin is inspected within the British Schools Overseas (BSO) inspection framework, recognised by Ofsted. In our last three inspections (2013, 2014 and 2015), our Infant, Junior and Senior Schools were all awarded Outstanding, the highest possible rating.

“Tanglin has been my home since 2001. In attending the school I have not only developed an academic curiosity, but also a social and personal awareness. I’ve connected with incredible people of all walks of life and been able to develop all of my interests thanks to the vast opportunities that are made available to me. The balance Tanglin has given me has helped to open many doors for my future and has given me the desire to keep achieving and making a difference in the communities I become a part of.” Head Girl

T90 is a wonderful opportunity to reflect on our heritage, celebrate our achievements, give back to the community and also to inspire our students to make a difference. To follow our exciting calendar of T90 events or to find out more about our very special learning environment, visit www.tts.edu.sg

t: +65 6778 0771 e: admissions@tts.edu.sg w: www.tts.edu.sg a: 95 Portsdown Road, Singapore 139299 Tanglin is a not-for-profit organisation and is registered as an educational charity.

British-based learning with an international perspective.

Nyborg Gymnasium has stx, hf, IB and boarding school

International School of Bergen

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 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

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.

NYBORG GYMNASIUM - an alternative to the Danish ‘Studentereksamen’

International School of Bergen Vilhelm Bjerknesvei 15, 5081 Bergen, Norway Phone: +4755306330 Fax: +4755306331 Website: www.isob.no E-mail: post@isob.no

• 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 theprogramme and the boarding school.

www.nyborg-gym.dk Tlf +45 65 31 02 17

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 34 ScandAsia.Singapore • April 2015

Our students and staff All teacher s hold univer sity degrees and appropriate teaching qualifications. Classes are small, and with students and staff representing more than thir ty 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 Baccalaureate

• • • • • •

Saniya More

7 Reasons to ‘IB’ it Up

By Saniya More, Grade 12 at KIS International School in Bangkok, Thailand, Class of 2015

KIS Students at a glance: • KIS students score on average 34-35 points on their IB Diploma, compared to the global average score of 29.8. • On average 91% percent of KIS students taking the IB Diploma pass, compared to 78-79% worldwide. • KIS students are accepted at excellent universities around the world, often with substantial scholarships.

s I come closer and closer to the end of senior year and graduation, I can’t help but look back on the last (almost) 8 years of my life- into the education system that I’ve been a part of since the fourth grade: the IB program.Two years ago, I began the IB Diploma Program- one of the most respected, most difficult programs in the world. We can all, as IB students, agree that the IB is no joke, because pulling all-nighters and finishing essays the day before they were due are just some of the skills we have. But honestly what are the benefits of this hellish program? Well, it’s me so here’s another list (once again). It’s a challenge- making it through the IB program is no easy task because it is a very well rounded curriculum. To do well in the IB doesn’t mean just memorising a textbook of content or being able to list all the facts- you have to be able to apply what you know to new situations. It helps you to develop excellent critical thinking skills- from the beginning of the IB program, we are pushed to have our own opinion on what is happening in the world, as well as attempt to understand the perspectives of the people around us. IB pushes us to question the world around us, and try to make sense of why everything is the way it is. It transforms you into an independent learner- by carrying out independent research, writing many investigative essays, completing a personal project and writing an Extended Essay, IB helps you develop the skills you need to understand the world around you without

depending on anyone else. It gives you your first taste of the real worldthree words: Creativity, Action, Service- for me, some of the best, more memorable parts of the DP program have come from my CAS activities. Whether it be volunteering at a local shelter, or helping to host a yoga workshop for street children in Phnom Penh, Cambodia (best spring break EVER!), CAS shows you that the world isn’t a perfect place, and there is a lot that we as individuals can do to help society move forward. It impels you to be a well-rounded person with a wide variety of interests- throughout the program, we are encouraged to develop our talents, be able to express ourselves, but also write good essays and learn theories. We are exposed to a variety of subjects, and thus can discover our own individual interests. It helps you to develop a holistic, accepting state of mind- most IB communities are international, and being open and appreciating about other cultures besides your own is definitely an IB value. It makes you a part of a global elite (and very small) group of highly intelligent, talented individuals- Globally, there are only about 1 million IB students- it’s one of the smallest educational minorities. IB is tough, and it’s definitely not a program for the faint-hearted. But I’ve been a part of it for 8 years, and yes although at times it has been a real challenge, I definitely do not regret being an IB student. For more information please contact: admissions@kis.ac.th, www.kis.ac.th April 2015 • ScandAsia.Singapore 35

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

36 ScandAsia.Singapore • April 2015

Persistent parents

Danish Children

without home language teacher In Thailand, the Danish children have not the same home language education as children from the other Nordic countries. The parents need to organize themselves like in Singapore. By Louise Bihl Frandsen

hile Finns and Swedes are or ganizing mother tongue language lessons for their children at the international schools in Thailand, and Norwegians have pr ivate teachers, many Danish parents are educating their children themselves. It is not as effective, secretary from Danish Supplementary School in Singapore says. Mai Ellegaard is Danish and her husband is from Thailand. The older of their two sons, Eivind, is seven years old. Like many children with different cultural backgrounds, he is registered at an international school - in this case NIST, in Bangkok. In school Eivind learns to speak Thai and English. However, it is important for Mai that he learns to speak Danish as well. But Danish is not offered as a supplementary course at the school, so she is teaching him at home with educational materials from Danes Worldwide. “The material is so well prepared that you

as a parent easily can adapt it. But if there was a Danish teacher who could teach the children with materials from Danes Worldwide, I would definitely consider using that oppor tunity,” she says. According to Line Klitgaard, secretar y at Danish Supplementar y School in Singapore, there is a huge difference between educating children at home and having them in classes with other Danish children. “I do not believe that home schooling with your parents is as motivating and effective as the interaction with other children in a classroom,” the secretary says. Line Klitgaard has two children herself and is a former schoolteacher. Her daughter is registered at one of the international schools in Singapore and is taught Danish as a supplement.

Mai Ellegaard is a volunteer for Danes Worldwide. She meets a lot of Danish parents, who want their children to maintain or learn mother tongue language. “I have been asking everyone; ‘Do you know a Danish teacher?’, but it is difficult to find a well educated one. Secondly there is a long distance between the schools in Thailand - it makes it even more difficult to arrange,” she says. In Singapore mother tongue language has become very popular. This summer, two of the international schools in Singapore, German European School (GESS) and Overseas Family School (OFS), will start a brand new scheme - mother tongue language will now be a part of the schedule and not just a supplementary course. “It is a mixture of very persistent parents and new scientific knowledge. The international schools now see how important it is for a third culture child to be taught in their mother tongue language,” the secretary from Danish Supplementary School says. Line Klitgaard emphasizes that Bangkok is much different than the city of Singapore regarding traffic and distance, and that it makes it difficult to organize a school network. But she believes that if the parents really want it, it is possible.

Not just a language For more than 16 years, Holger Jensen was a Danish schoolteacher in Thailand. He offered both private lessons and had classes at the international school NIST, who provides free classrooms for foreign languages. During Holger Jensen’s time as a teacher, he had almost 700 students. In his opinion the mother tongue language is very important for the children. “Danish has an unique status for many of the children. The children were highly motivated although many of them received Danish lessons after the schedule at the international schools and therefore were exhausted,” he says. But in June 2013, Holger retired. Since then no one took over, and Danish children have been educated at home by their parents - some have

Mai Ellegaard is using the material for distance learning provided by “Danes Worldwide”. Photo at top from www.danses.dk April 2015 • ScandAsia.Singapore 37

Q&A

Reader profile of the month

Torsten Edens

orsten Edens, 49, moved to Vietnam with his wife Mona and 16 year old daughter Sophia in January 2014 to work as Managing Director for Diethelm Travel. Working in tghen travel industry, Torsten has overv the years lived in “around 20 countries”. His daughter Sophia star ted at UNIS in Hanoi and is going for the IB program. I decided to move to Vietnam... because it was a great opportunity and I instantly felt a great affection for the country and its people. Runnning a travel agency in Vietnam has taught me... not to judge the book by it’s cover, the Vietnamese might not be smiling as much as the Thais but they are fantastic, have a great sense of humor and are hardworking and qualified.

When I moved to Vietnam I wish I had known... how cold it gets in the winter here in Hanoi, actually it is usually colder inside the houses than outside. Living outside of Scandinavia has made me realize... how narrow minded and fixated with 1st world problems we have become in Scandinavia. Live and let live and don’t worry too much about a bus that is 5 min delayed or if your internet connection is a bit slow. Your rights come with obligations and we become too much focused on our rights and do not want to contribute. It is a great shame and shows how petty we have become. Since I became an expat... traditions like Christmas have become more about quality and less about quantity. I love that everything looks normal until 7 days before Xmas and it is all removed the day after Xmas. We don’t over eat in sweets and Danish food and Xmas lunches with hangovers are - almost - a thing of the past.

In my spare time... I try to see as much of Vietnam as I can, I do trail running wherever I can and that is a great way to get close to the nature.

Finding a school for my daughter... was relatively easy. In her age there was only two options and UNIS was by far the better choice, apart from that they have a great reputation worldwide and doors to further education will be open in all continents for her.

It never ceases to amaze me... when I drive to work every morning in the traffic here in Hanoi and I don’t see accidents all over the place.The traffic is almost organic and every little piece of pavement is used.

In Vietnam I have picked up the habit of.... smoking too much. But it kind of filters the dust in the air.

I will never get tired of ... the old Quarter in Hanoi with its constant life and mixture of new and old. The worst thing about doing business in Vietnam... is the constant change of rules and regulations which means that you are never completely certain of what the law says. Sometimes the laws that are passed makes absolutely no sense what so ever. 38 ScandAsia.Singapore • April 2015

The Scandinavian community in Hanoi is... relatively small. Actually, we have not been seeking out Scandinavians so far. To satisfy my social needs... I go out for a Bia Hoi with my staff or run in the Hanoi Hash House Harriers I will return to Denmark when... not really. I am enjoying it too much here!

been attending a three weeks summer school - and some Danish children are not learning or speaking their mother tongue language at all. That is a shame, Holger thinks. “A language is not just a lot of words, grammar and some phrases. A language is a culture courier.” Mai Ellegaard agrees, and she believes that Holger’s retirement has been a big loss for many of the children in Thailand. Approximate two years ago, she decided to stop working to have more time with her children. But she meets families that do not have the same possibility to educate their children. And that is a problem, she thinks. “The children miss the opportunity to go to Denmark and receive education, if they want to do so one day - and they loose the connection to their roots,” she says. Exactly this is one of the main reasons, why Holger Jensen thinks his students were so motivated for learning Danish. “They could see the meaning in learning the language. The children cannot only use it at home, but also in Denmark, when the family goes home on vacation,” he says. Holger also experienced that many parents were very aware of returning to Denmark one day, and that the children would have to go back to a Danish school. “The parents wanted to help their children as much as possible,” Holger says.

Swedish success  Agneta de Bekassy has been working with the Swedish school organization in Thailand for a couple of years now. The organization was established by a group of parents in 1970, and it works closely together with Swedish Women Educational Association (SWEA) and the Swedish church. Agneta is teaching children in four different international schools in Thailand: Patana, ISB, KIS and NIST. “I cannot see any reason why Danes should not be able to start an organization like ours. If there are enough families who want their children to brush up, start or just learn Danish as beginners, I think they should do so,” she says. All together the organization has around 25 children and five teachers.

A Danish teacher  It is impor tant for Mai Ellegaard that the educational material is approved by the Danish Ministry of Education, because this makes it possible for the Danish children to enter the Danish educational system later on in their lives. She is now in contact with a potential Danish teacher in Thailand, and she has been talking with Danes Worldwide and the international schools in Thailand about starting something up together. It is still not as simple, as she thought to begin with. “And furthermore, I do not know, how many parents would be interested, and I need other people to help me organize it. I cannot do this by myself,” she says.

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