APR 2017
International Schools theme BUSINESS
PEOPLE
COMMUNITY
EDUCATION
Celemi - Business simulations and experiential learning
Danish Business Man of the Year 2017
Norwegian Seafood Dinner 2017
Nordic Supplementary Schools
GRADUATION CHOICE
UNPARALLELED
OPPORTUNITY Stamford American is the only International Baccalaureate (IB) World School in Singapore to offer all programmes of the IBO (Primary Years Programme, Middle Years Programme, and Diploma Programme) plus College Board’s Advanced Placement (AP) courses. This is considered the best of both worlds as a robust education pathway for children age 18 months to 18 years. Providing leading education at Stamford American, our aim is for your child to achieve more than they believe they can, and there’s no better way to accomplish this than to offer students unparalleled choice, academic rigour, and opportunities beyond the classroom to sensitively challenge them outside of their comfort zone. We know you want your child to be equipped with the tools they need to choose their learning pathway after school, and excel in their selected career after that. And so do we.
International Baccalaureate Diploma
US
American Standards As one of the leading US-centric schools, Stamford American integrates the rigorous American Education Reaches Out (AERO) standards with the IB Programme, and Advanced Placement (AP) credits. From 18 months, Stamford students begin their learning journey through the use of Teaching Strategies Gold Tracking, which is aligned to the USA Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework. Combined with NWEA’s Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) testing from age 5 to 16, this provides essential developmentally appropriate standards for guiding the learning of children in our care. Graduation Choice At Stamford American, students can enjoy the flexibility of obtaining Advanced Placement (AP) credits from Grade 10 (age 15), which provides them with the option to graduate in Grade 12 with the High School Preparatory Diploma with 3 different pathways – the full IB Diploma, or AP International Diploma or a blended program, putting students on the right path, to prepare them for life beyond School and leading universities worldwide. With over 40 IB courses and 20 AP courses to select from, students are set up for university placement and global ambitions. Stamford American recognizes the need to support students’ choices beyond school and hence, carry out pre-university testing from Grade 10 onwards. This comprehensive testing program ensures that students are prepared for their future entrance requirements. As one of the only SAT and ACT test centers in Singapore, students know that they will always be given the best advice and support to optimize their chances for success.
AERO Standards
College Board
AP COURSES
University Preparation At Stamford American, our dedicated Academic/College Counselling Team ensures that students are prepared for universities anywhere in the world - whether that be the U.S., Canada, U.K., Australia, Spain, Japan, Netherlands or more. Stamford American students also have the privilege of easy access to the very best information and advice about university education in the U.S with EducationUSA on campus. Stamford American is the only school in Singapore that EducationUSA has chosen to partner with, so every student is able to effortlessly access the most authoritative resources, find relevant up-to-date information, and receive counselling on any of the 4,500 accredited universities and colleges in the U.S.
Keen to find out more about the unique dual curriculum that Stamford American offers, or how the supportive academic team prepares students for life beyond school? Book your personal tour now or sign up for Open House. Enrollments are now open. Secondary spaces are limited.
+65 6653 7907 | sais.edu.sg 21/2/2016 – 20/2/2020
17 APR 20
Events
Children’s movies at Danish Seamen’s Church Where: 10 Pender Road, Singapore 099171Danish Seamen’s Church When: 22 April, 14:00 - 16:30 On Saturday 22 April 2017 the Danish Seamen’s Church in Singapore welcomes children to come and watch movies at their Børnebio event. It all starts at 2pm and will go on until 4:30pm.
tional Internatheme ls Schoo UNITY COMM
ESS BUSIN
- Business Celemi ns and simulatio tial learning experien
PEOPLEness
Busi Danish the Year Man of 2017
ian Norweg Dinner Seafood 2017
ION EDUCAT Nordic ntar y Suppleme Schools
Your FREE ScandAsia Magazine in Singapore
Contact the Church for more information.
Ageing Asia and Finland Suomi 100 in Singapore Where: Marina Bay Sands Convention Centre, Singapore When: 24-27 April
ScandAsia is the only magazine that covers all the Danish, Finnish, Norwegian and Swedish residents in Singapore. We also publish a ScandAsia magazine in China, Thailand, and the rest of South East Asia.
Get your own FREE copy: scandasia.com Publisher : ScandAsia Publishing Co., Ltd. 211 Soi Prasert Manukitch 29 Prasert Manukitch Road Chorakae Bua, Lad Prao Bangkok 10230, Thailand Tel. +66 2 943 7166-8, Fax: +66 2 943 7169 Editor-in-Chief : Gregers A.W. Møller gregers@scandmedia.com Managing Editor: Joakim Persson Joakim@scandmedia.com Advertising : Frank Leong frank@scandasia.com Finn Balslev finn@scandmedia.com Graphic Designer : Peerapol Meesuwan Peerapol@scandmedia.com Distribution : Wanvisa Rattanaburi wanvisa@scandmedia.com Printing : Inthanon Interprint Co., Ltd.
Finpro is inviting you to join the Team Finland Fact Finding trip, Ageing Asia Innovation Forum and Finland 100 for a seminar in Singapore on 24-27 April 2017. The focus will be elder ly healthcare, rehabilitation and more as Ms. Pirkko Mattila, Minister of Social Affairs and Health of Finland, visits Singapore.
The program will take place both at the Ageing Asia Innovation Forum and the Finnish Embassy in Singapore and will include different showcases and seminars. Finnish senior care expertise and innovations are showcased in the event organized at Marina Bay Sands Conference Centre.
BBQ night with the Norwegian Church Where: Sjømannskirken, 300 Pasir Panjang Road Singapore When: 30 April, 18:00 - 00:00 On Sunday 30 April 2017 the Norwegian Seamen’s Church in Singapore will fire up the grill and invites you to a grill buffet with lots of delicious foods. The barbecue star ts after the church services, approximately at 18:00. Feel free to bring a swimsuit too! Prices are as follows: Adults SGD 30,Students SGD 20,Children SGD 15,-
GLOBAL SCANDINAVIAN LEADERSHIP PROGRAM
Learn to lead across borders, time zones and cultural differences by using new collaborative technologies Global Scandinavian Leadership (GSL) is a course which will increase your ability to lead, work and network online. In particular, GSL will give you stronger skills to lead teams of people coming together online from all over the world. Because the world of business is becoming more global organisations and managers must increasingly rely on online tools to lead and get people together in teams. This is why GSL is happening exclusively online. By using new online tools we not only train you in GSL, but also in getting familiar with state-of-the art IT-solutions. We call it ‘Scandinavian’ because we will dig into the Scandinavian leadership culture to explore whether this can be inspirational to Asian and global leadership cultures. We at IME belive that the Scandinavian approach to leadership might have the answer to this new management challenge. Scandinavian leadership is very much anchored in traits like ‘trust’, ‘inclusion’ and ‘equality. Traits which seem to fit well with this new leadership scenario. It is exactly these characteristics (and more) which we will discuss in GSL – if and how they can be implemented in other business and management cultures for better performance and business results. During a 7-week period you will learn and discuss online with other leaders from around the globe. During the online sessions you will also meet guest experts and speakers who will share their learnings and thoughts on GSL. All sessions will be led and moderated by Lars Hoffmann, Online Learning Expert from IME.
In GSL you will be using new online tools and get familiar with state-of-the art IT-solutions.
INTERNATIONAL MANAGEMENT EDUCATION
FACTS WHEN May 23rd to July 4th Each Tuesday at 7-9 pm SIN time /11-13 pm GMT PRICE 2,000 USD ex. any local tax SIGN UP HERE www.globalscandinavianleadership.dk
WHO ARE YOU You are a manager working in Asia or in Europe. You have staff reporting to you. You work across borders. And most importantly: You are looking for new leadership tools and will take an active role in the GSL discussions online. You can allocate 1,5 hours every Tuesday evening 7-9 pm (Singapore time) from May 23 – July 4, 2017. And spend approx. 2 hours in between sessions doing some homework.
Lars Hoffmann, learning designer, senior management consultant and facilitator of GSL at IME.
IME Singapore Pte. Ltd | #24-01, CapitaGreen 138 Market Street Singapore 048946 | info@ime.com.sg
April 2017
ScandAsia Community
7 Norwegian Seafood Dinner 2017 8 DABS Gala Dinner 2017 34 Nordic Supplementary Schools
9
Mr. Lars K. Nielsen
Awarded ‘Business Man of the Year’ 2017 by DABS
20
International Schools theme
7
ScandAsia Business
10 Lifestyle Asia joins Burda International
The Swedish-owned online luxury and lifestyle magazine acquired
14
Mr. Lars Malmbratt,
GM of Stena Bulk Singapore, one of the world’s leading tanker shipping companies
8
12 Avenir – third party expert
Tommy Bartshukoff and Eithne Kennedy advise clients regarding organizational structure, effective change management and the people issues.
34
18 Saab Group,Vestergaard air traffic providers
The Nordic companies attending the Inter Airport South East Asia trade show
16
Ms. Barbro Andersson
Spearheads Celemi’s business simulations and experiential learning in Southeast Asia One-Stop Shop for all your editing, design, printing and digital printing needs
What we provide... Publication
Brochures, Leaflets, Annual Reports, Calendars & Cards, Planners, etc...
Marketing Materials Roll-ups, Banners, CDs, Flags, etc...
Please contact
211 Soi Prasert - Manukitch 29,, Cho Chorakaebua, rakae Ladprao, Bangkok 10230, Thailand Tel:: +66 2943 7166-8 Fax T Tel Fax:: +66 2943 7169 website: www.scandmedia.com E-mail: patcharee.scandmedia@gmail.com, suchaya.scandmedia@gmail.com
6 ScandAsia.Singapore • April 2017
Community
Norwegian Seafood Dinner 2017 Singapore
O
n 3 March 2017 1000 guests of the Norwegian business community were gathered at Raffles City Convention Centre, The Fairmont Ballroom, to enjoy the seafood buffet and dishes specially created by Norwegian and Singaporean celebrity chefs. Norwegian Business Association (Singapore)’s members and their guests enjoyed an exquisite banquet featuring seafood especially flown in fresh from Norway for the occasion and prepared in different cuisine styles. Source: Norwegian Business Association (Singapore) Photos: Ahmad Iskandar Photography
April 2017 • ScandAsia.Singapore 7
Community
DABS Gala Dinner 2017
T
he Danish Business Association Singapore held its annual Gala Dinner on Saturday 4 March 207, at Shangri-La hotel. “It was really well attended with 250 people at Shangri-la for the black and white theme,” reported Stine Martinussen. “Lars K Nielsen was awarded Business Man of the Year 2017 for successfully building his business Den Jet Marine to what it is today.” Michael Caroe og Guldholdet got them all on the dancefloor. For years the Danish enter tainer Michael Carøe has established a solid collaboration with several different bands. Michael uses his impressive network to pick the perfect band to collaborate with for each performance. The Gold Team is Michael Carøe’s personal “house band”. The Gold Team is a small group that has played together for year s. Their repertoire includes a long list of events, concerts, TV programs and last but certainly not least… parties, parties, parties. “And the hot dog stand at 1 am was very popular,” added the President. Source: DABS
8 ScandAsia.Singapore • April 2017
Business
A very surprised and glad Lars K. Nielsen on his way to receive the ‘Business Man of the Year’ award
Lars K. Nielsen (centre) voted ‘Business Man of the Year’ by DABS
DABS Business Man of the Year 2017: Lars K Nielsen By Joakim Persson
T
he Danish Business Association Singapore (DABS) awarded Lar s K. Nielsen of Denjet Marine ‘Business Man of the Year’ 2017 coinciding with the annual Gala Dinner. ”This is the first year DABS has this award and of course I am happy/proud to have won it. There are many other Danes in Singapore that have done well for many years so it is a “nice feeling” to be recognised for your achievements. Den-Jet has won several awards but personally this will be my first,” Lars K. Nielsen tells ScandAsia What made even more exciting was that fact that he had no idea he had been selected as the winner. ”I had absolutely no idea that I was going to be selected so that it took me by surprise is a bit of an understatement – it took a while to sink in,” he miles. ”In fact, during the speech from the presenter I mentioned to a friend: ‘Oh, this sounds like if so-and-so could be winning the award’, which I felt was a very good choice – but it turned out to be me he was talking about! The nomination/selection was done by other DABS members.” “The week after the DABS party I received a “proper“ certificate as a replacement for the initial “home-made” one I received during the award. I celebrated the night I received it and that’s about it – life goes on but it’s a great memory to have.” ScandAsia asked Lars to give the background to Den-Jet Marine and the business journey so far. He begins by telling the background to
why he came to Singapore in the first place: “I star ted my Asian adventure back in June 1993, when I had the opportunity to work for a local company with 50% Danish ownership within the same industry as we are in today. The original two-year adventure became a 24-year permanent stay.” “Den-Jet Marine Pte Ltd was incorporated late 2004 in Singapore and is part of the DenJet Group of companies. We manufacture water jetting equipment used for removing damaged coating and rust on steel surfaces. Our main customers are ship owners and management companies.“ Lars explains that Den-Jet Marine Pte Ltd is handling the Marine market worldwide from Singapore, using their Denmark office as the logistic hub for European deliveries.The majority of their customers are Europeans and in Asia the bigger markets are Hong Kong and Singapore. “The first five years was really hard work until the foundation for the business was achieved. Working 14 hours per day was the norm but it was fun at the same time to see that each year we achieved high growth rates. Today we have established ourselves in the market and become the market leader in many of areas we operate in – life has become a little easier in some ways. Today we have 20 people working in Singapore and another 30 in Denmark,” he reflects. ”There are several milestones when you think back over the last ten years. Sur viving the first 3 years I guess is one of the biggest as many new companies face cash flow problems
etc. when you experience relative high growth rates. Being able to purchase our own building in Singapore was for sure a very satisfying step as well as being able to conclude that we had become a market leader in various geographic areas. “Adaptation and problem solving are the keywords when we approach our potential customers. We are very focused on adapting our products to the actual needs of the end user,” Lars explains when it comes to their differentiation and that may have contributed to their success. “We do not sell machines but solutions to the problems the owners are facing maintaining their vessels. Anyone can be a catalogue salesman, but actually understanding the situation our end users are facing makes the difference when you approach new customers.” Then there is the small matter of the market conditions in the shipping industry… ”There is no doubt that the market we operate in has been in bad shape for the last few years, but fortunately the vessels still rust so our market as such has not become so affected. We do feel that the customers are more pricesensitive and we have to be more focused on collecting payment but overall we have still been able to achieve growth even during the so called bad years.”
April 2017 • ScandAsia.Singapore 9
Business
Lifestyle Asia joins Burda International By Joakim Persson
W
hen telling the story to ScandAsia about Lifestyle Asia co-founder Richard Nilsson indicated that they would not be independent forever. After celebrating 10 years in business in 2016 the announcement came in January 2017 that Burda International had acquired LifestyleAsia. com - Asia’s premier online luxury and lifestyle magazine, started by three Swedes in Hong Kong. Burda International that bought Lifestyle Asia (LSA) via Burda International Asia, is owned 100% by non-listed Hubert Burda Media, one of Germany’s and the world’s largest media conglomerate. Burda owns 540 magazine worldwide with over 10,000 employees. Lifestyle Asia (LSA) has thereby become part of a new strategic group of brands, including Prestige, Augustman and Pin Prestige that form the “leading digital and print luxur y content platform in Southeast Asia and Hong Kong”. “The acquisition of LifestyleAsia.com is a major step forward in our plan to become the undisputed leader within innovative luxury content marketing and publishing in Asia. I am very happy that we could conclude this deal. I have never seen so many synergies combining two businesses. This will dramatically enhance our capabilities to provide best-in-class solutions to our clients. It is only the first step – there will be more announcements over the next six months,” said Friedrich von Scanzoni, CEO of Burda International Asia. The three founders of Lifestyle Asia – Christopher Lindvall, Richard Nilsson and Sebastian Svensson – will become part of Burda International Asia’s regional management team and will jointly run the digital initiatives with Burda´s Melvin Ang, Managing Director South East Asia. “It is going to be fantastic to work together with Melvin Ang and the experienced Burda teams in the region to enhance the existing portfolio, create new products and expand into new markets,” said Richard Nilsson, co-founder and Managing Director of LSA. “We, the founders of LifestyleAsia.com, will drive their digital investments and new projects 10 ScandAsia.Singapore • April 2017
onwards. Our own staff will continue running LifestyleAsia.com and take it to new heights through Burda’s infrastructure,” Richard Nilsson tells ScandAsia. It has been a long journey since the Swedes in 2007 landed their first 1 million Hong Kong dollars in investment for their online platform for luxurious lifestyle. “It took ten years to build a good company – that’s what it takes, they say.” He says that Burda came with the best offer on the table. “We have celebrated a bit in the quiet. The deal took a long time and was worked out over a few years. In 2016 it took the whole year to work out the deal and on 7 December 2016 the agreements were signed in Hong Kong after much delay. The deal had not been done unless we hade felt it was the right moment and an offer we could accept. Everyone is happy, including our investors, who are, among others, the business man Anders Lönnquist and Frank Bonn via Servisen Investment Management and Nuevago Capital. Alexandre Dreyfus, a French online poker entrepreneur, who founded the Chili Gaming etc. is also among our previous investors.” LSA primarily has a customer base among mobile savvy individuals whom seek out the latest trends and information with a particular interest in luxury – watches, jewellery, cars, fashion, wine & dine, travel, beauty and events across Asia’s lifestyle destinations. Only in the last three years the market has really turned ripe for LSA and since then they began rebranding themselves to be more luxury and less lifestyle in 2013 In 2016 the Swedes also launched their new state-of-the ar t website, featuring completely new banner formats to excite their advertisers. “We have a completely new fashion spread, a ‘look book’, where we believe that a lot of the shopping will happen onwards. We will partner with e-commerce companies where we function as a shop window and a drop-shipping model for e-commerce where they manage the delivery of product and we only take commission. We will do the same with restaurant bookings etc. So
the plan is really that LifestyleAsia.com will be a one-stop shop with the vision that everything you can read about on LSA should be able to be purchased via a click.” The new website differentiates from what is on online in Asia within our segment concerning among other things: - Infinite-scroll, that the site loades new articles when you “scroll down”, like on Vogue - A new, simpler menu, where you can easily find what you need - An “internal instant search” feature where you can search and get direct hits on all content that exists in the archives - A responsive solution where the design is applied to mobile first and foremost, but also on tables and ordinary computers - We work with Parsley, being first with this Recommendation service that helps readers find more related material to what they’re reading now - Brand new ad formats that are up to 8 times larger - Whole new image format with a focus on larger, faster video player and better presentation of galleries and articles - Brand new City Guide through our Hot10 section “We are working to get the integration with Burda. We have moved into their offices in Singapore, Bangkok, Hong Kong and Kuala Lumpur,” Richard comments on the work agenda for 2017. “The next step will be to further develop all digital titles to ‘must-advertise’ titles to advertisers and ‘must-read’ titles to readers. As always, we work daily to format the reader experience and all that have to do with it.” “When we feel that we are satisfied with existing products, said the plan is to expand the LSA to Indonesia, Vietnam and the Philippines. Perhaps even Taiwan and China. There are a variety of ideas for new titles that we want to create, and e-commerce as we now have a much larger readership.”
Business
Healthier workplaces with new HÅG task chair
S
oFi Mesh is the name of the HÅG (the pioneer of dynamic ergonomics) chair that is now being introduced to the Asia-Pacific region by Scandinavian Business Seating. This Nordic producer of innovative chairs now comes up with a ‘task chair’ that is just as beautiful as it is user-friendly. Known for their long-lasting high quality chairs, the SoFi Mesh is the latest addition to the HÅG SoFi Collection. SoFi Mesh is a ‘mesh-back’ model that fuses ultimate function with a harmonious design. Its embracing curves and hidden mechanisms provide a direct counterpoint to today’s need for high-performing task chairs to take on the appearance of complex tools. The challenge lies in having created a beautiful object based on what is in fact described as highly advance machine. Sondre Frost Urstadt of Frost Produkt, who collaborated with HÅG on the design says,“We wanted to make a truly user-friendly and uncomplicated chair that inspires new ways of working and collaborating – a chair that suits most people and fits in anywhere.” HÅG’s ergonomic philosophy is based on an understanding of the human body and its need to be in motion – a necessity we often forget. The made-in-Scandinavia brand’s unique seating mechanism keeps the person sitting on the chair actively balanced which happens sub-consciously.
In a HÅG chair, the seat tilts when you lean both forward and backward. By stimulating ankle movement, this in turn activates the circulation mechanisms of the lower legs and enhances circulation throughout the entire body. The outcome is greater energy and therefore improved efficiency at work. Ultimately, the ability to move the body freely throughout the day without needing to invest mental energy to do so creates a healthier way of working. HÅG sees this as an important element in today’s rapidly evolving workplaces, where people’s needs are constantly changing. SoFi Mesh offers a clean curved back with distinct form, with a generous and friendly silhouette – one that will provide a sense of protection to those who feel exposed in open office landscapes. “We also developed a set of embracing armrests that provide better support and more flexibility than traditional armrests, supporting the way people actually work on a daily basis. And the best thing is, you can just slide them back and out of the way when you don’t need them,” explains says Aleksander Borgenhov of their second collaborator, Norwegian studio Powerdesign. SoFi Mesh is offered with a wide range of customisation options, including colour and fabric.
Avenir makes your intangibles visible and manageable. Let us tell you how! info@avenirholdings.com
20 % Business sample balance sheet:
Avenir is a globally experienced 3rd party, giving a company’s leadership a structured assessment of the organisation’s intangible balance sheet, as well as the cohesion and alignment – in a fast, focused and cost-effective way.
80 %
Avenir is a Swedish co-founded advisory company. The partners are senior executives with global experience. Modern Singapore living
Each manager states his/her perception
Intangible Assets
Intangible Liabilities
Strenghts / Opportunities
Weaknesses / Threats
Main areas
Rating +
Rating -
Ownership relations
4.0
(1.8)
Management
3.0
(4.2)
Product
4.5
(2.5)
Marketing
5.3
(1.3)
Production/ logistics
2.3
(3.4)
Support systems
1.8
(2.6)
Environment
3.8
(2.4)
Total average
3.5
(2.6)
Intangible net worth
0.9
April 2017 • ScandAsia.Singapore 11
Business
Avenir helps build effective organizations in a volatile world
I
Singapore-based management consultancy Avenir Holdings, led by Eithne Kennedy and Tommy Bartshukoff, start presenting their business solutions via ScandAsia.
n the coming period, Singapore-based management consultancy, Avenir Holdings Pte Ltd will present their business solutions via ScandAsia’s platform. Owned and r un by Swede , Tommy Bartshukoff and Irishwoman, Eithne Kennedy – both with a strong track record in international business – Avenir is a highly experienced 3rd party expert, working mainly on advising clients regarding organizational structure, effective change management and the people issues associated with these. Avenir is usually engaged by the company owners, Chairman of the Board or the CEO at a point where they recognize that to reach a specific strategic goal, the organization will need to undergo some form of radical change. Aside from the obvious change imperative related to the digitization of business, the rapid development of new technologies, and the subsequent need to form dynamic, new strategic relationships, both internally and externally, Avenir’s clients move towards change for a variety of reasons, such as: new owners having a new vision, astute management grasping the need for change to create competitive advantage, or even more urgently, the industry or the organization itself is facing a crisis.
Says Avenir: ‘A typical question asked by our clients is: Can my organization make the required change at the level of our desired ambition and speed, and if not, what can we do about it?’ ‘Strategy relies on effective implementation,’ says Avenir. ‘Your people are your implementers. If they are not aligned around your strategy, it will go nowhere…’ Avenir provides exper t guidance to ensure that the corporate strategy is clearly communicated to all relevant parties and that the implementation process is handled smoothly and successfully to create a newly invigorated and highly engaged organization. ‘We use highly validated tools and processes in our projects.’ says Avenir.’ As our business grows, we intend to form additional strategic partnerships with top-flight entities who share our values, so that we can provide services our clients require which may go beyond what we can offer today.’ ‘This is a perfect example of a consultancy that can expertly guide our target readers – who include many Nordic companies present in Asia – who need this kind of assistance to come out on top!’ comments ScandAsia Managing Editor, Joakim Persson.
An era comes to an end at SBAS Singapore
T
he Swedish Business Association of Singapore’s (SBAS) completed Annual General Meeting 2017 brought forward quite dramatic changes. Three big news are hereby announced via ScandAsia. When SBAS on 22 March SBAS held its 35th Annual General Meeting, which was well attended by its corporate members, one of the main items on the agenda was a proposal to transfer the association into a chamber, Swedish Chamber of Commerce Singapore (SwedCham). The members accepted the proposed change of name as well as the proposed draft Rules. The Treasurer, Mr Jan Stjernström, presented that the rationale for changing SBAS into a Chamber of Commerce is to allow a formal link with the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), Paris, which is a global organization dedicated to facilitate global trade. ICC furthermore works together with the World Trade Organization (WTO). Given the current challenges to global trade it will be important for the Chamber to engage and assist it´s members as required. This will also be in line with the Association´s previously stated and unchanged objectives. Before the closure of the Meeting, the Treasurer proposed that the outgoing President should be made an Honorary Member. Mr Jan B Djerf has acted as President of the Association for 10 years. The members unanimously agreed to this and extended their best wishes to Mr Djerf in his new endeavours. The members also thanked Mr Djerf 12 ScandAsia.Singapore • April 2017
for all his hard work steering the SBAS. The Treasurer also proposed a vote of thanks to Mrs Gunilla Daintry, who will retire at the end of June after 22 years of running the SBAS secretariat.
The members thanked Mrs Daintry for her hard work and dedication to SBAS and the Swedish community over the last two decades. Source: SBAS
Business
EU’s Commissioner for Trade, Cecilia Malmström and Singapore’s Minister for Trade and Industry (Trade) Lim Hng Kiang.
The EU and Singapore reiterate their free trade agreement
O
n 8 March the Swedish EU Commissioner for Trade, Cecilia Malmström visited Singapore and met with several of the country’s ministers. In her blog the EU Commissioner wrote that she had discussed the free trade agreement that had been concluded between the EU and Singapore. “Once in place, it will remove near ly all customs duties and get rid of overlapping bureaucr acy, improving tr ade conditions for goods like electronics, food products and pharmaceuticals. It’s also designed to stimulate green growth, removing obstacles to trade in green technology and creating new opportunities in the field of environmental services.” “At meetings with Ministers here today, we reiterated our commitment from both sides to having the agreement in place soon. We intend to engage with stakeholders to make sure that the agreement can be ratified and enter into force as early as possible, so that we can start reaping the
benefits. On the EU side, we are awaiting a verdict in the European Court of Justice about what the ratification process for this trade deal will look like. Hopefully, the Court will have their say in the first half of this year.” The Agreement was concluded in October 2014. Subsequently, the ratification of the EUSingapore Free Trade Agreement was put on hold pending legal advice from this cour t on the European Commission’s and EU Member States’ areas of competence in the agreement. In the meantime, the European Commission and Singapore are discussing ways to facilitate the approval process ofthe Agreement. Singapore’s Minister for Trade and Industry (Trade) Lim Hng Kiang and EU’s Cecilia Malmström reiterated their commitment to a swift entry into force of the free trade agreement between the EU and Singapore. “In a time of rising protectionism in many quar ter s of the wor ld, we look forward to the entry into force of the EU-Singapore trade agreement. It will open doors and create opportunities for companies big and small, help to boost economic growth and investment, and create jobs. Our trade agreement is a key element in the EU’s pursuit to further strengthen our trade relations with Southeast Asia. Together with our agreement concluded with Vietnam and those under negotiation with other Southeast Asian countries, we are building new bridges to our most important trade partners,” stated the EU representative. “Singapore and the EU are longstanding par tners who share a firm belief in free and open trade on a rules-based global trading system. The EUSFTA will reinforce our efforts to remain open and connected, and strengthen our robust economic relations with the EU. The early ratification of the EUSFTA will demonstrate
the EU’s resolve as a key player in the global trading system and send a clear signal about the EU’s commitment to step up its engagement of the region. It will also allow both Singapore and EU companies to tap on numerous growth and collaboration opportunities in Asia and Europe,” said Minister Lim. “The EU and Singapore share a strong commitment to free and fair trade. We have many common interests, and among other things we had the chance today to discuss ongoing international efforts to reform investment rules,” said Commissioner Malmström. The EU-Singapore Free Trade Agreement (EUSFTA) is the first deal between the EU and a Southeast Asian country. It is a landmark deal that paves the way for greater engagement between the EU and the whole of the Southeast Asia region. Singapore and the EU enjoy longstanding and robust relations. In 2016, the EU was Singapore’s second largest trading partner, accounting for 11% of global trade. Conversely, Singapore remains the EU’s largest trading partner in ASEAN region. During the Singapore visit Cecilia Malmström also visited port of Singapore. “Every year, here at the port of Singapore, enough cargo containers are handled to reach halfway to the moon. Coming from a port city myself - Gothenburg, on the West coast of Sweden - I’ve seen my fair share of shipping, but this was truly in a league of its own. Impressive.” she writes in the blog. “Singapore is a tiny island nation without natural resources. Yet, it’s one of the world’s richest countries, largely thanks to its deep and unflinching commitment to free and open trade. Its port - indeed, in terms of transshipments, the busiest in the world - takes in 140.000 vessels yearly.” April 2017 • ScandAsia.Singapore 13
Business
Stena Bulk Singapore:
Asia very significant going
S
By Joakim Persson
tena from Gothenburg, Sweden is a wellknown international shipping business, in particular in Northern Europe for its Stena Line - one of the largest ferry operators in the world. Stena Bulk (one of the world’s leading tanker shipping companies), which is less known in comparison, has offices overseas, including in Singapore, and views Asia as significant to be present in as here is where the strong growth will be going forward. Stena Bulk is also embracing digitalisation to be at the forefront as the world is entering a new era – albeit at a slower pace in the very conservative sector that is shipping. Our pilot to learn more about Stena and the development within this shipping sector is Mr Lars Malmbratt, General Manager of Stena Bulk Singapore. It feels appropriate that from their Suntech Tower top floor, near the waterfront in Singapore, Stena Bulk’s team members have an excellent view of the surrounding waters and shipping activities. There, Lars Malmbratt, who arrived from Swedish headquarters about a year ago, is the 14 ScandAsia.Singapore • April 2017
office manager and GM for the oil sector, while his Danish colleague David Simonsen is responsible for product tankers. Stena Bulk (founded in 1982) controls a combined fleet of around 100 tankers, and the company recently took full ownership of Stena Weco from its Danish partner Weco Shipping. Stena Weco operates Medium Range (MR) tankers. The other two companies under Stena Bulk are: Stena Sonangol Suezmax Pool with the Suezmax super tankers and Golden StenaWeco with its Intermediate tankers (10- 20.000 dead weight). MR vessels transport refined products of various kinds, while Suezmax tankers transport crude oil. The bulk of their customers are major oil and chemical companies. Aside in China new Stena tankers have recently been named in the region. In February 2015 the IMOIIMAX MR chemical tanker ‘Stena Impression’ was celebrated in Singapore, as the first of ten vessels delivered. The IMOIIMAX tankers have been designed to transport both vegetable oils, chemicals as well as clean and dirty petroleum products. In a joint venture this vessel
is owned 50/50 by Stena Bulk and Indonesian Golden Agri Resources (GAR). And in January 2016 another MR tanker, ‘Stena Imperative’, was named at China Merchants Wharf in Hong Kong. “We tr y to have a footprint out here in Asia and it was really a joy to name the ship in Singapore! Our customers are out here, so we try to hold such festivities where we can invite collaborators and give them an opportunity to visit the ship and have a nice dinner where it is presented,” says Lars. “It is one part of the Asian profile to have close partnerships with Asian customers. We look very actively at it; to do something together; not only selling and buying,” he explains this kind of joint venture like with GAR. A few tanker models at the office have French names: “They were built from the beginning to go on a time charter for Total that leased the ship over a longer period. And then they can name the ship.” Aside joint ventures the financing of tankers is usually a mix pot, both own financing via equity from Stena and bank loans.
Management and representatives from i. a. Stena, GAR and Dannebrog together with the captain, photo: Kristofer Hultén
The naming ceremony in Singapore of Stena Impression. Photo: Kristofer Hultén
forward “You can also have a larger involvement of an equity partner, who usually knows nothing about shipping but find us as operators within shipping and the sector to be interesting. So they then enter with a certain per cent of the cost for a number of boats. It’s a growing concept on the market in recent years. We are seeing a lot of interest from Chinese and Korean investment banks, though Stena Bulk is currently not doing these kinds of deals,” explains the GM. With too much investment into new tanker repeating itself in cycles one wonders if these aforementioned investment banks contributes to a situation like now in 2017 with record high crude oil tanker delivery throwing the market’s supply-demand out of balance! On the Suezmax front (the largest size of tankers) one per week is being finalised and will continue to do so for another year, according to Lars. “Historically it’s a question of what is lowering the oil price. If it’s a downturn in the world economy or lowering demand, then of course also transports of oil decrease, or at least the
increase decreases. Usually it is increasing all the time!” he explains. “The consumption of oil has gone up so we have not seen any decrease for the need for oil transports. What more has an impact on us is the number of ships on the water. When you have had a few good years many start placing orders for new ships to meet the demand. ‘Here we can make a lot of money,’ the think. And then when the market finally dips a lot of tonnage is coming out on the market.” Overall shipping is having a hard time and the sector is now heading into a, in Lars’ words’, “pretty challenging market”, mainly due to the many new ships. “You have many investors from non-shipping companies, and when they see a cur ve only pointing up they jump on the bandwagon and invest.” Stena Bulk is currently taking delivery of many new tankers. “But those are in system freight that are special and not really part of the rest. So we believe a lot in this kind of diversified and broad shipload capacity.” Stena Impression is such a vessel with the configuration of several small tanks providing for considerable flexibility in regards of cargo combination – something that fits very well within Stena Bulk’s existing global logistical systems. These IMOIIMAX tankers come with a large number of innovative technical solutions, which together, when sailing at service speed, result in 10-20% lower fuel consumption compared with other vessels of the same size. Within technology-development and innovation Lar s says that Stena’s biggest achievement is this significant reduction in fuel consumption. “Better engines and other propels and hulls that have given big results. And this is in itself a major reason for building new ships, since the fuel cost is such a large part of the operative costs.” “Stena also now has an Information and Transformation department with the intention to utilize all the information that is available out there – a ver y interesting development that we have put a lot of focus on. You have great opportunities to make the work more effective
today, when the development is moving forward fast. Shipping has been dominated by dinosaurs, it’s a very traditional business sector, so I think we actually have a large opportunity to do something differently,” states Lars. “In a sector that is so standardised, and ever yone does the same, you must find the places where you can make a difference. Stena has always been very quality-conscious and have invested a lot – which has been the right thing to do. Now we are entering a new era, both regarding what the energy consumption will look like going forward and where things will be produced… the world is changing fast. So one must keep one’s ears and eyes open!” And he does not want to take credit for being unique with this statement. What the Swede has noticed so far is that things take time in Asia – with a slightly longer process than back in Scandinavia. “You have many meetings not resulting in anything right then. But long term it gives results. And it is our task to identify business opportunities and needs from our clients etc. One should not underestimate such meetings even if they can seem somewhat strange sometimes. That kind of patience and trust-building is very much needed.” “No doubt, a company like Stena must have a significantly increasing business over in Asia. It is clear that a lot of the business will move here where you have the increase on the market, so it is very significant for us to be present here and build these relations.” “It is continuously a relationship-driven sector, where you do business with people you know and have a history together with. And it will continue to be like this, but I think we will use technology in different ways onwards.” We have many different companies within Stena and now we are trying to collaborate across the companies to help each other to connect with already established contacts that one can use for one’s sister businesses.We believe a lot in that: assisting each other both with regards to contacts and knowledge/idea-sharing and be a mentor for one’s colleagues. So that is an interesting work we have started.” April 2017 • ScandAsia.Singapore 15
Business Business acumen
Based on an innovation from back in 1985 by three Swedish consultants, Celemi has evolved into a global operation with a wide portfolio of clients and a network of consultants and partners around the world. The ‘Power of Learning’ (the natural and spontaneous learning process that occurs when people learn without noticing) lies at the heart of every business simulation or custom solution Celemi creates, based on the purpose to provide business clients with faster, quicker and more compelling methods of bringing about change and increasing business knowledge. One such skill is Business acumen (the ability to make good judgments and quick decisions): when everyone has developed it the organisation can more easily succeed. It increases the bottom line to build employees’ knowledge of how the company makes money and creates value. For Celemi it is a central belief that we, as human beings, want to understand the context that we’re in, the big picture – of the organization we work for and the strategy. Celemi’s simulations and learning solutions help this cause and how everyone in a business can make a difference.
Connect to challenges
Learning journeys for businesses:
Celemi T
By Joakim Persson
here are different approaches for companies to drive change and improve their performance. Business simulations and experiential learning (the process of learning through experience) is one established method, with objectives that include: strategic thinking, decisionmaking, problem solving, financial analysis, teamwork and leadership etc. Scandasia highlights one of the international providers from Sweden, with presence in China 16 ScandAsia.Singapore • April 2017
(Shanghai) and Southeast Asia (Singapore). And no one from Celemi can be better to talk to than the Swede Barbro Andersson, who has built up their presence, first in China and now continuing with Southeast Asia and beyond. The reason to enter China she says was to be close to ther direct clients but also to be there on site for their partners, Celemi Solution Providers. And there it was important to show that she would stay on for the long term to build the trust.
It’s a learning journey for any company to embark on, explains Barbro Andersson. “We want clients to have an open dialogue about their needs to enable us to offer the right products and packaging. We package around a business simulation but we not only have one such – this is our strength – as we have developed many different ones.” ‘In the simulation you usually run a company, though there are others with focus on projects. I think it is clearly beneficial when the participants can leave their own company behind to enter with open eyes and allow failure, because then they get the learning aspect as well.” Hence, the participants develop a deeper understanding of business decisions and their consequences, relating to their businesses. “As a mentor I connect to the challenges the company is facing and how we can get a link into their organisation. Small parts can be applied onto their company during the simulation, for them to start thinking in the right direction. I guide them onto that path. Then they approach their own company without noticing,” she describes.
Functional teams
A seminar and simulation can be for the executives themselves of the particular business. “And they may expand to include many more people and ask for a shorter version suitable for all levels to get a clear message through the organization. To suppor t implementing taken decisions.” Barbro has also run seminars for people on the factory floor together with the management. For instance a company had cash flow problems, tying up too much working capital and not being aware of it. “Then one must find the right level not to frighten the workers off. And they discover, in the simulation, that they actually play a role, and at the end of the day I try to collect suggestions for improvement what they could do differently
when returning to work. And I collect all this and write a report.” “When running the business as a team you get the communication. And you can also notice any dysfunctional team. It may be a person being too strong that makes the others too hesitant to object. Therefore I am very concerned when putting together the teams in order to get them to function properly. And I ask the client in advance if there is anything in particular they want to look into, where I can assist to assess based on certain aspects.” One simulation calledTango is about managing people and attracting the right type of clients. “One is not really aware of and what makes a company attractive. One can also discover when putting together a team if one lacks the right competence and also concerning the experience on the precise business one is doing, as well as concerning the personal chemistry. When problems turn up during the journey that needs to be solved it is crucial to have the right people on the team.” In a simulation the company has four different levels of clogs (problems) that come up during the project. “And they do not know in advance, and not the mentor either, but we can control to a certain extent. And it should be solved. And if one does that well the customer starts talking about how clever Celemi is: ‘We had these problems and they solved it!’ There are usually many eyeopeners that they must look at.” ‘It is amazing that you can discover this in the simulation,’ was the comment of one Tango simulation participant. ‘And if we do not have the right competence and must decline a customer request, what does then happen?’
Custom-made solutions
Celemi are also heading strongly towards becoming increasingly digital in what they offer: “The digital par t is to strengthen the whole experience and create added value. We can prepare the participants by digital tools so they can be more effective during the seminar.Then of course the follow-up after a seminar is also very important.” “I want it to be continuous learning – which is what we are driving a lot to generate a large added value around what we are doing.” “It’s also about that we work close to our customers. If doing everything via the partner network we cannot be sure to get the direct feedback on custom-made solutions. We work with many global companies on our own with completely tailor-made solutions; which is very important.” Since some business needs are unique Celemi also offer custom solutions where they work with clients to create highly effective, tailor-made learning experiences. “We can be ver y flexible depending on the customer and their needs; how much they need to partake in the development, because all content we must get from them. We can see different needs that a client may have and meet those. It can be about solutions based on cultural adaptions. We get that via our partner network. In certain countries one cannot run it in English and then translation is required. “
“Our clients are often geared towards highend as our products are not cheap. But they quickly realise how much value there is in using them and how much one can save through the measures one can take after having gone through a seminar, how one gets return on investment. And that is very important for me to see that the client gets a ROI on what I have done for them,” states Barbro.
Turn theory into practice
Along the way to achieve business improvement reluctance to change can be a hindrance. “One is comfortable in what one is doing. In Southeast Asia that’s important, and it differs from country to country. In Thailand one may be happy if one has an O.K salary, and is not really looking for more.” In Singapore the challenge is of different nature: It’s more about that they have attended all these prestigious schools and then think they ought to know things. But the need is here! To bring all theory into practice is very important and many newly graduated from highly ranked schools are poor at that part,” she thinks. “Scandinavian companies are not specific targets but we have many such companies that
we work with, as we have followed them out in the world.” “And having Swedish presence is important for Celemi. It’s a big advantage concerning the cultural aspect. To be Swedish is an asset; with many clients things get easier then. One feels safe with us, knowing that we treat proprietary information discretely. “ Barbro gives suppor t to their par tner networ k all over Southeast Asia, as well as countries like India. Indonesia has been challenging for their par tners to be paid by their clients but she thinks that the market is there and has developed well. “I see good potential. Our partner network should be able to do much more, and The Philippines is a very exciting market now - I am searching for a partner there to learn our simulations. We have exciting clients in the Philippines and I have done seminars there myself for large local companies.” ”In China we are heading more towards assisting large customers directly with support from our partner network. We aim for global roll outs. Our first signed partner in China is still facilitating a lot of seminars, actually the most busy partner we have in Celemi worldwide.” April 2017 • ScandAsia.Singapore 17
Business
Saab Group, Vestergaard target Asian air traffic expansion Text and photos: Joakim Persson
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aab Group and Vestergaard, where also among the Nordic companies attending the Inter Airport South East Asia trade show, held in Singapore on 15 – 17 February 2017. Technology and automation are increasingly becoming important also in Asia as airports seek to become more efficient to face larger labour costs, very strong increase in traffic volumes and shortage of manpower. And the rising demand for air travel across the region created the need to continuously develop airports across the whole region. Inter Airport SEA is an important platform for new ideas and technology to be showcased to the airports, ground service providers as well as the airlines. The Swedish defence and security company Saab, which serves the market with world-leading products, services and solutions within military defence and civil security, attended for this very reason: “For us it is important to market Saab’s brand and our products for the airport industry in the Asia Pacific market. We already provide many of our products to many of the major airports in the region but also need to become well known for more airport and organizations in the region. This show is a good platform to do that,” Fredrik Lindblom, Sales Director Saab Asia Pacific, told ScandAsia. 18 ScandAsia.Singapore • April 2017
Prior to 2017 Saab was awarded the Advanced Surface Movement Guidance and Control System (A-SMGCS) for Changi Airport and Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS). “This is an important milestone for Saab and we are delighted to have been chosen for this prestigious project. We are also delivering the A-CDM solution to Hong Kong International Airport that will go live in Q3 of this year.” “For Saab Air Traffic Management the Asia Pacific Region is one of the most important due to its rapid growth in traffic creating the need for more capacity and more airports. Our products will help Air Navigation Service Providers, Airport Operators and Airlines to run safe and efficient operations, which is key for any sustainable growth within this industry,” Fredrik Lindblom continued. Saab Air Traffic Management exper tise spans sur veillance sensors, ATC automation, collaborative decision-making, and digital towers. Saab’s solutions are trusted by air navigation service providers, airports and airlines across six continents and in more than 100 locations across 45 countries. At Inter Airpor ts Saab mainly focused on showcasing their Airport Collaborative Decision Making product suite as well as their Digital Tower suite. “The first enables all stakeholders to share operational information with each other so that
they have the same understanding of what is going on with all flights at any time, hence enabling collaboration to minimize disturbances in the system and making sure operations run on time. Our Digital Tower solutions enable Air Traffic Control from a remote location as well as costefficient solutions for contingency operations at larger airport.” Also for Vestergaard Company, a provider of hi-tech airport equipment, it is very important to participate in exhibitions such as the inter airport South East Asia, Thomas Toft Roepstorff, Country Manager Thailand told ScandAsia. “The inter airpor t is an exhibition for Ground Suppor t Equipment. The exhibition takes place every other year and currently have three locations: Beijing, Singapore and Munich. Vestergaard Company normally participates in all of these, in bigger or smaller scale. The biggest inter airport is the one is Munich, Germany, where we always show the newest features and updates on all of our products.“ “Exhibitions present a chance to meet both old and new customers and contacts as well as colleagues and other influencers in the everchanging market. Meeting our customers face to face at exhibitions gives us the possibility to stay updated on customers’ needs and desires when it comes to our products; thus giving us the chance to keep up our innovative approach
to product development. Exhibitions also give us the opportunity to present and demonstrate the advantages of new products and developments and get real time feedback from our visitors – as with the new summer range ZVTS and ZWS (portable water service unit), which we presented at the inter airport South East Asia.” The ZVTS is a vacuum toilet service unit that offers the same features and benefits as
the company’s VTS unit. Developed for warm weather operations, the unit is receiving overwhelming acceptance in the Asian market. The unit offers the same high quality and reliability as the VTS line, and the same unique continuous vacuum technology, without the added cost of winterization protection and optional features. “The exhibitions in Asia has gained more importance for us the last couple of years as
we have introduced “summer” toilet and water units, taking the well know Vestergaard benefits and quality into a non insulated “winterized” unit like our ZVTS and ZWS,” continued Thomas Toft Roepstorff. “Often we also participate in Airport Show Dubai as well as in various conferences and smaller exhibitions all over the world – also in the Asia region.” “As impor tant as trade shows are it is important to point out that they must of course never completely replace personal meeting with customers where we can see their operations and experience their needs first hand as well as invite customers to visit us at our own locations.” Given the huge expansion of airports in Asia for decades to come, Vestergaard sees the future growth potential for their products in the region as massive. “The countries in the region are all having the biggest increase in personal income in the world, which means: more people can afford to fly, increased cargo, potential for more airports being created and expansion plans for airports all over the world. Vestergaard Company has inquiries from and units operating all over the world and many of the handlers and airlines are tr ying to streamline their operations as more cargo and flights are coming in ever y day. Streamlining operations makes it necessary to have more efficient and reliable equipment, faster turnaround time, easy operating and less maintenance/downtime etc. For this Vestergaard Company’s product line is the perfect match.”
Vikingcubator invites daring Singapore entrepreneurs
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aring entrepreneurs in Singapore were in March invited to join a new incubator programme, focusing on media-related start-ups, called Vikingcubator. Vikingcubator, a new initiative from NHST, a global media owner group from Norway, is raiding Singapore in the hunt for the most promising and dynamic media start-up out there. “We are looking to discover the next big star of the media scene,” said Mr Leonard Opitz Stornes, Managing Director of NHST Media Group Asia. “NHST has been operating in Singapore since 1995 and we felt that there was a real window of opportunity in funding media related start-ups here since there are only a few other incubators focusing on this sector.” “We are talking of not only traditional and new media focus but anything media related – content providers, media technology, or any new idea that might shake up the media industry.” In a 120-day-program a winner gets financial investment offers, access to A-list media mentors, networking opportunities and working space.The first pitching competition resulted in ‘Emmfer’ as the winner, an “ambitious start-up with clear ideas and focus”, according to Vikingcubator. 17 startups and also established companies participated in the first competition, including also Pre:Mind, Visual Strategy Storytelling, Listicle, LifeStak, WGL Books, Anymap, ArcLab, Burmese
Hear ts, Sell.ai, Eric Chua, AI Chat, Boat Quay, HatchMe, The Headline Stories, Memolife and Identitynation. Commenting on the start-ups Mr Stornes said that they were overall impressive and many good pitches/ideas were presented. “We will now work with Emmfer during a 120 day program and make this successful, before we decide on the next step(s) with Vikingcubator. They will work with us to develop a solution tailored for our needs and at the same time be scalable and applicable for a wider audience.” The program is focused on efficient project proposals and inspired by the fighting spirit of the North where NHST has its roots. “It is important for us to recruit entrepreneurs with passion. We want them to believe in their
project and fight for it, it’s in our genes I guess, the last treads of the Viking spirit” said Mr Stornes. The winner was selected by the management from NHST Media Group and their par tner Cocoon Capital. “Ideas are bursting everywhere.The Singapore star t-up scene is extremely vibrant with very limited offers on hand for start-ups specialised in the media sector, so we have very high hopes for the program offered by Vikingcubator” said Mr William Klippgen, co-founder of Cocoon Capital and advisor on the project. Cocoon Capital is a new Singapore-based seed fund investing in early-stage tech companies across Southeast Asia and India.The company has done over 60 early-stage deals since the early 2000s and seen multiple, successful exits. April 2017 • ScandAsia.Singapore 19
International Schools
7 Steps to choosing the Deciding something as important as your child’s new school might be the toughest part about moving to another country.
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By Gregers Moller hoosing a new school when moving has become increasingly difficult for parents.There are more and more schools established all the time, and each institution has its own unique philosophy and attributes. Comparing what they offer with the needs of your child is no simple task. Most parents probably start out by asking other parents of their own nationality which school they have chosen and why. Then you find out they have chosen different schools and for different reasons and you are back to square one. There is probably no way around making your own inquiry into each available option.
Local vs International
First choice is if you are looking for a local school or an international school? In most countries in Asia, a local school is an option although cer tainly a more challenging option for your child. If you child is mixed Scandinavian - Asian this may, however, not be so frightening a prospect. And mostly it will have an economic silver lining as local private schools are less costly compared to international schools. However, physical punishment has not been abolished in many Asian school systems, so take this into consideration. Talk to the school how 20 ScandAsia.Singapore • April 2017
If it’s possible, talk to some of the existing students. Are they happy there? Do they look motivated to learn? How will the school help your child get started? Do they assign so-called “buddies” (another student from the same country) for new students?
right school they administer physical punishment and ask if they can make an exception for your child if you are not comfortable with this. If you go for the International school, consider that international students grow up and evolve in a cultural environment that is vastly different to that of your own. Known as Third Culture Kids (TCKs), they often develop a very different attitude to many issues compared to their former friends back home. If you are uncomfor table with this prospect you may prefer to look into the option of choosing a local school or a boarding school back home. Once this is said, most expat families decide to go for the international school, at least through primary school up to grade 9, where other options may come into play. At this point, not only boarding schools in Scandinavia but also boarding school in Asia may be considered.
A few suggestions
So now you have the table filled with brochures of different schools and wonder what to look for. Here are a few suggestions to help you make up your mind: First: How far away is the school from your home? Before spending time looking through school
courses, you need to make sure the school is not too far away. Bear in mind that in most big cities, it is the traveling time between your home and the school that matters. How long will it take for your child to get to school and home afterwards? How will your child be going there? Especially in cities like Bangkok, you will be challenged by some of the heaviest rush hour traffic in the world. Second:What reputation does the school have? Talk to people as much as possible. This is where your first intuition comes handy. Don’t listen to opinions expressed by people who have no children at the school themselves - parents are quick to seek confirmation of their own choice by adopting opinions about the competing schools. The age of the school is no sure indication either. Nothing guarantees that the reputation of a hundred year old school is better than a one year old school. Third: How are the courses at the school? The school’s courses and programs will most likely be listed in the school’s information packages. They will talk about British Curriculum and American Curriculum and - what most Scandinavians these day go for - the IB curriculum.
This is important as you will most likely have to relocate again in a few years. Find out if the native language and culture of your child is taught as optional learning. It is important for your child to keep his or her ties to your cultural background. It is also important for you. Ask questions about the tests and exams which are offered and used as evaluation method. If your child is already a secondar y school student, ask how well the graduating students do in getting accepted into major universities both in your current country, back home and elsewhere overseas. Fourth: What other activities can the school offer your child? Besides the fundamental course works, what kind of ar ts, spor ts, community service does the school offer? Are there proper facilities to support those activities? It seems that schools almost competes with each other when it comes to spor ts, thus many schools will have gymnasiums and spor t complexes, which are either new or remodeled. But maybe your child is more into other activities - computer programming, performing ar ts? Most schools offer after-school/weekend April 2017 • ScandAsia.Singapore 21
International Schools
programs as well as field trips and community services. You should be able to freely pick the activities that best suit your child. Fifth: Does the school have qualified personnel? This is not as obvious as you may think. The school is most likely private and qualifications for employment are not as strict as for schools back home. What educational degree do they hold? How long have they been teaching at the school? What kind of teaching methods do they prefer? Are they involved in planning and evaluating the curriculum? Will they be giving special attention to each child’s problems or personal needs? Sixth: What do the current students think of the school? If it’s possible, talk to some of the existing students. Are they happy there? Do they look motivated to learn? How will the school help your child get started? Do they assign so-called “buddies” (another student from the same country) for new students? Most schools have 22 ScandAsia.Singapore • April 2017
established student organizations to provide service to students at a personal level. Here, students can get help about studying, working, individual needs and so on. Seventh: How is the relationship between the school and the parents? You will obviously not be able to monitor your child in school. The teacher will have to be your eyes and ears. You must be notified of your child’s functionality regardless of grade, and regardless of whether it includes bad behavior or progress your child has made. Make sure that you can get informed as often as possible. You may join a parents’ volunteer program if available. Some schools may offer activities for the whole family as well.
Watch your child!
Never mind how diligent you do your homework - and maybe the above list is a bit excessive - you will never be able to foresee if your child will thrive at the school. It is therefore important that you make a
habit of spending more time than you used to be back home talking to your child about how school was today. What they did in class, and what they did outside. Let her or him tell about their new friends. Listen. All may initially sound fine and uncomplicated, but that may just be a honeymoon period. This is the most important step of them all. If your child develops in any way you find disturbing or even develops signs of discomfort with going to school, you should think twice before you tell your child that “this is life - it is not always pleasant!”. A change of school at the right time might be the single most impor tant decision to make to put the future of your child on the right track!
The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme: What is Theory of Knowledge? If you are familiar with the IB Diploma programme, you will have heard the phrase “Theory of Knowledge”. What exactly is it?
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heor y of Knowledge, or ToK, is one of the core elements of the IB Diploma and it is a class all IB Diploma students follow. Here they explore the questions “What is knowledge?”, “How do we know?” and “What does this mean in different cultures or contexts?”. There’s really nothing mysterious about ToK. ToK is about how we make knowledge, it underpins all other subjects in the DP, and there’s ToK everywhere: • A painting by Rothko sells for US$40m at Christie’s in New York, whilst a student in a KIS art class produces a very similar piece. • A DP student chooses a particular university over another because it ‘feels right’ to them. In each case a way of knowing about the world is being used to produce specific knowledge. In most DP subjects students learn knowledge that has already been produced, in ToK students learn how that knowledge is produced. A few examples:
• In Maths students learn to calculate statistics and probability, In ToK they learn why we often misinterpret probability. • In Environmental Systems and Societies students lear n the advantages and disadvantages of mitigating climate change. In ToK they learn why climate change scientists may disagree on those advantages and disadvantages. If we under stand how knowledge is constructed then we can better understand how and why knowledge changes. This understanding is essential for positive progress in personal, social and academic spheres. The elections in the USA and Brexit are heated debates that represent differences in beliefs and values, illustrating the differences in what we all (think that we) know about our world. ToK can shine light on how people decide which way to vote, or how to raise their children or whether to care for those in need. It helps us
understand personal biases, and enables us to resolve personal and social conflicts.
Daniel Trump, Diploma Programme Coordinator and Theory of Knowledge Teacher KIS International School, Bangkok
April 2017 • ScandAsia.Singapore 23
Tanglin Trust School Generations of Excellence Tanglin Trust School has a long tradition of providing excellence in all areas of education. Tanglin is a place where children can thrive, inspired by passionate teachers and supported by excellent pastoral care. Responsibility, enthusiasm and participation are actively encouraged and integrity is prized. Working together in a safe, caring yet stimulating environment, Tanglin sets high expectations whilst offering strong support, resulting in a community of lifelong learners who can contribute with confidence to the world. Tanglin’s academic traditions and approach to teaching are firmly grounded in an enhanced and rigorous English National Curriculum, however, there are many aspects of school life that have a global focus and are contextualised to the school’s location in South East Asia.
Established in 1925 Not-for-profit Non selective 3-18 age range English National Curriculum and IB Diploma Awarded ‘Outstanding’ in BSO Inspection reports 2016, 2015, 2014 Member of the Independent Association of Prep Schools (IAPS)
Dual Pathway
Tanglin is unique amongst international schools in Singapore in offering both A Levels and the IB Diploma in Sixth Form. This dual pathway approach gives parents peace of mind in knowing that when the time comes, their children will be guided by an experienced team to choose the pathway that is best suited to their needs and future career path. Offering both pathways means we can cater for students who wish to intensively study 3-4 specialist subjects by taking A Levels, and those who would prefer to cover a broad and balanced programme of study across six subjects, as offered by the IB Diploma. Both pathways allow students to make international applications and both are recognised and highly regarded by all universities across the globe.
“This outstanding school successfully meets its aim to make every individual feel valued, happy and successful. The excellent teaching, underpinned by an imaginative, engaging and challenging curriculum, enables students to make excellent progress….. Students’ exemplary behaviour, positive attitudes and thirst for learning are also pivotal factors in the school’s continuing success.” BSO Inspection 2014 (Senior School) University Summary for 2016
Tanglin strives to create a culture where curiosity is nurtured and where student success is driven by a sense of genuine engagement with learning. Students have a sense of humility through exposure to a diversity of human experience leading them to want to make a difference, to act creatively and to think critically. A robust Outdoor Education programme exposes students to increasing amounts of independence and challenge as they move through the school. With a focus on developing the whole person, these trips give students a sense of independence, resilience and responsibility. From sleeping in a tribal longhouse in Borneo to delivering much needed supplies to remote villages in Ladakh, students are exposed to challenging and thought-provoking situations that give them an increased awareness of themselves and their place in the world.
Life after Tanglin
Tanglin students go on to study at some of the best universities in the United Kingdom, North America, Canada, Australia and Europe as well as top institutions in South East Asia. Students are well prepared through a focus on academic excellence delivered by outstanding faculty staff and supported by our caring and inclusive pastoral system.
Commitment to Excellence
Along with high standards and achievement, the strong pastoral care provided at Tanglin has been consistently recognised in recent school inspections. Tanglin is inspected within the British Schools Overseas (BSO) framework, recognised by Ofsted and in recent years, all three schools, Infant, Junior and Senior have been awarded ‘Outstanding’, the highest possible grade. For further information on Tanglin Trust School, visit us at our Open Morning on Thursday, 18 May 2017. www.tts.edu.sg/admissions
students were successful in gaining offers to Universities of Oxford and Cambridge
7
students were successful in gaining offers to Ivy League
4
scholarships received
82%
of students received their first choice university
A Level Summary for 2016
100%
pass rate of A Level students
42%
of grades were at A* to A
92%
were in the A* to C range
IB Diploma Summary for 2016
100% 38.1
pass rate for all students who completed a regulation IB Diploma Tanglin average (highest grade point average in Singapore amongst international schools). The global average was 30.1
8
students scored 42 points or more
2
students achieved the maximum 45 points (joining an exclusive club of just 146 students from more than 149,000 global entries)
Tanglin Trust School Ltd 196100114C Reg. period : 7/6/2011 – 6/6/2017
An all round education
6
MATHSFIRST WE MEMORABLE MAKE IT FUN.
TO MAKE
When it comes to maths, children need to understand not just know. Which is why the Australian International School (AIS) places such an emphasis on maths through play. Maths is everywhere and opportunities to learn can be found in unexpected places. Whether it’s block play, water play, the number of portions or spoonfuls at meal time, walking up stairs, counting buttons on a shirt, there are many everyday moments when children can and do learn valuable life lessons that help them to grasp the basics of maths.
Our brand new Early Learning Village has been built with exactly this environmental learning in mind. The purpose-built campus is designed to create learning moments at every turn. With the support and direction of our Reggio Emilia trained staff, the beautifully designed learning spaces will guide each child’s exploration of the world around them.
At AIS we believe an environment that provides children with more opportunities to learn like this will inevitably deliver better learning outcomes. And that’s good for everyone.
The inquiry-based approach of the IB Primary Years Programme is introduced from 3 years old, further igniting curiosity and providing a solid foundation for success in Elementary School.
Australian International School Pte Ltd is registered by the Committee for Private Education (CPE), part of SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG). CPE Registration Number 199204405H. Period of registration 6 July 2011 to 5 July 2019.
26 ScandAsia.Singapore • April 2017
It’s maths but not by the book At AIS we already incorporate the principle of environmental maths in our day-to-day teaching. Learning through invention In the Wombat class, for 3-4 year olds, the children have created a STEM corner where they plan, design and create machines. Their teacher systematically adds more materials to the area so the children can develop and enhance their 3D models. The opportunity to work with different materials allows the children to explore shapes and different dimensions. By leveraging an existing interest (inventing and building) the teacher creates maths-learning opportunities in relation to space, dimensions and geometry. Water and sand play The Platypus class, for 2 year olds, finds and hides objects in the sand. They soon learn that even though they can’t see an object, it’s still there. Similarly, when the children play with water and fill different shaped objects they discover the concept of volume. And when they add too much water, their feet get wet!
Building blocks of learning The Echidna class, for 4 year olds, regularly plays with Outlast blocks, a system of interlocking wooden blocks and planks. They build towers and ramps. Roads and bridges. They learn about problem solving, force, momentum, estimation, collaboration and simple structural principles. Of course, during all this play the children think they are just having fun. But you know they’re learning all the time. To find out more about how play enhances learning in Early Years at AIS and to arrange a private tour, please contact our admissions team on +65 6653 7906 or visit www.ais.com.sg
www.ais.com.sg
+65 6653 7906
EDU-2-2037 19/2/2016 – 18/2/2020
April 2017 • ScandAsia.Singapore 27
A Child-Centred Setting for Early Years Education
“W
hat we want is to see the child in pursuit of knowledge, and not knowledge in pursuit of the child,” wrote British author George Bernard Shaw. For our children, learning should be filled with many moments of discovery and joy. A child’s first years in school should lay the foundations that make them lifelong learners, forever curious and open to the ideas around them. Imagination is a powerful tool for future life and learning, and it is vital that we provide students with ample opportunities to develop their imaginations whilst learning with others. Through its 60 year histor y of British international education in Thailand, Bangkok Patana School has always sought to continuously improve their students’ learning experience at all stages of development. In August 2017, a newly renovated environment for the youngest students will provide even more opportunities for outdoor learning, creative role play and physical development. Some of the highlights of the new spaces are listed below.
Outdoor Learning and Physicality:
Children need an outdoor environment that can provide them with space, both upwards and outwards, and places to explore, experiment, 28 ScandAsia.Singapore • April 2017
discover, be active and healthy and to develop their physical capabilities. The outdoor environment at Bangkok Patana School offers plenty of space and is par ticularly beneficial to those children who learn best through active movement. Ver y young children learn predominately through their sensory and physical experiences, which support brain development and the creation of neural networks. They revel in freedom of movement that is inventive, adventurous and stimulating, while developing their fine and gross motor skills. Outdoor play suppor ts children’s problem-solving skills and nurtures their creativity, as well as providing rich opportunities for their developing imagination, inventiveness and resourcefulness
Connection with Nature:
In the busy, bustling, vibrant and hot city, life can sometimes become very indoor focussed. Bangkok Patana values the importance of learning without walls and we recognise that young children love the freedom of being outdoors. Our new early years environment will give children the freedom to connect with nature: mud kitchens, sandpits, water play, climbing frames and bike tracks. Playing and learning outside also helps children to understand and respect nature, the environment and the interdependence of humans, animals, plants, and lifecycles.
A Sensory Experience:
Young children benefit incredibly from a multisensory approach to learning - appealing to all of the senses: taste, smell, touch, sight, hearing and movement. A multi-sensory approach to learning encourages talk as students respond to what they see, hear, smell, touch and taste making learning more memorable, enjoyable and effective. Through textured displays, walkways and different surfaces, children learn and make sense of the world in many different ways – not restricted to only books, paper and pencils and technology.
Quiet Reflection Spaces:
Incorporated into the new learning environment are spaces that offer time out from busy play to sit and wonder. Just like adults, children appreciate quiet, calm time to think and be mindful. Mindfulness practices are beneficial for children for the same reasons they help adults, contributing to reduced stress, improved sleep quality and heightened focus when necessary.
Outdoor and indoor amphitheatres for role-play and expressive arts:
For children, role play is essentially learning through play. Role play is an active, social activity and children use it to reflect on and develop their knowledge of a topic. Through our role play areas, children are able to act out and make sense of real-life situations whilst developing social, language and communication skills. By taking on the role of different story characters, our children are given opportunities to empathise and develop an understanding of different perspectives. Overall, the new early years learning spaces at Bangkok Patana reflect a very child-centred, natural aesthetic. Students are not over-stimulated through the overuse of colour and clutter. A focus on the natural environment and soothing colours enable children to more easily see the links between each area of learning. Achieving a balance in colour enables children to relax and truly feel at home.
Our guiding statements and values lead us to continuously improve our students’ learning experience at all stages of development. From August 2017 our new early years learning spaces will further enhance the experience of our youngest students through: More time to inquire through play-based, experiential learning with an extended school day More opportunities for outdoor learning, creative role play and physical development in our inspiring new facilities More early years experts inspiring each child’s learning Scan the QR code or visit www.patana.ac.th/childcentred to find out more about giving your child a strong foundation for the future through our key values and new child-inspired facilities.
Celebrating 60 Years of British International Education
www.patana.ac.th admissions@patana.ac.th Tel: +66 (0) 2785 2200
Bangkok Patana is a not-for-profit, IB World School, accredited by CIS and NEASC
STEAM education:
empowering students to find success in the 21st century
S
TEAM at Canadian International School (CIS) stands for science, technology, entrepreneurship, arts and maths. This interdisciplinar y teaching approach, which is taking the academic world by storm, encourages students to think about the connections between these five key disciplines through creative thinking, problem-solving, iteration and inquiry. STEAM plays an integral part of our school curriculum and is integrated across the entire school from pre-Kindergar ten right the way through to Grade 12. Our approach is studentled and hands-on. We focus on activities where students have the oppor tunity to 30 ScandAsia.Singapore • April 2017
make connections and solve real-life, authentic problems. This not only helps them to think critically and approach problems from multiple perspectives, but also keeps them motivated and excited to learn more. At our Tanjong Katong campus for example, some of our students recently played a central role in transforming our dedicated STEAM makerspace into an area conducive to the sorts of projects they want to do. Together, they have helped build workbenches for carr ying out woodworking activities, and constructed different types of work tables with storage for keeping their projects. At each stage of the project, our students
were required to collaborate with their classmates, research, problem solve and think creatively and critically. To design the furniture and simulate how it would look like in the room when it was finished, they used a 3D modelling software. To draw up the plans, basic technical drawing was applied and to complete the projects, they used a range of different tools (hand and power generated). One of the most rewarding elements of the project for our teachers was observing the students apply their knowledge and conver t their ideas into a reality. They especially enjoyed watching the students’ excitement when they saw their efforts lead to an actual product that had genuine value to real people. Witnessing the students then actively share their discoveries, designs and techniques with their fellow peers was also great. The strong interest and enthusiasm for our STEAM programme is spreading. Currently, we have students across the campus engaged in several different types of STEAM activities. For example, our youngest learners are developing early math skills through water measurement activities in our new Outdoor Discovery Centre’s mud kitchen, while older learners are applying science, technology, ar t and math knowledge in their creation of a special bench for our Kindergarten students to sit on when they take off their shoes. A STEAM education at CIS has something to offer every student. We focus on engaging students in hands-on, minds-on activities where they have ownership to solve authentic problems and develop key 21st century skills that they can use throughout their life regardless of where their passions or interests lie. To learn more about our STEAM programme and have a fun family day at our STEAM Fair on April 22, please sign up at www.cis.edu.sg/ STEAMFAIR
April 2017 • ScandAsia.Singapore 31
Louise, Grade 1
“It is the whole class that is fun. Sometimes the Danish words are a bit hard but we can learn to write them.”
Sebastian, 1.klasse
“Det er godt at have dansk. For så lærer jeg endnu mere dansk.”
Peter, 6.klasse
“GESSs danske program giver mig flere muligheder for at lære end jeg ville få hjemme i Danmark. Klasserne er mindre og derfor er der mere hjælp fra min lærer. Vi lærer meget mere effektivt.”
Kaya, Grade 8
“GESS’ Danish programme enables me to maintain my Danish language skills so that when I return home to Denmark, I can easily have conversations.”
Yakob, Grade 6
“You don’t feel like you’re in a typical class, it’s as much a friendship group and community that you feel you belong to. Any new student is welcomed!”
Marcus, Grade 8
“I have never lived in Denmark however, Danish is my family language so it’s important to me that I maintain my Danish language skills. It also gives me the ability to move to Denmark to study.”
Mille, 6.klasse
Emil, Grade 8
“I like GESS’ Danish programme because it focusses on many aspects of Denmark. We are taught a diverse range of topics from language lessons to literature, society and history.”
Jacob, 6.klasse
“Når jeg vedligeholder mit danske er jeg i stand til at kommunikere med mine danske venner hjemme i Danmark og få nye danske venner i Singapore.”
“Vi lærer hele tiden noget nyt i det danske program. Jeg kan godt lidt vores ”daglige ord” på tavlen, hvor vi lærer mere om forskellige ord.”
GESS’ fully integrated Danish Mother Tongue Programme continues to strengthen
T
he essay assignment is at fir st challenging, “Do we only have 500 words? It is so hard to write about being a teenager in such a shor t setting,” says one student. The rest of the class look up from their laptops and agree with their fellow classmate. “Let´s look at the subjective arguments, narrow them down and work out how you could use them,” responds the teacher. Several times during the class discussion, the word Denmark comes up and how Danish life is both different and similar to the life students now have at GESS and in Singapore. They discuss how friends in Denmark are different than them yet in many ways, the same. The differences in school days and of course, the amount of homework given also comes up. Students then turn their attention back to their screens or continue quietly discussing these similarities and differences with their peers. GESS’ Danish Mother Tongue Programme is more than reading books or analysing poems – it is as much about creating a foundation; 32 ScandAsia.Singapore • April 2017
a foundation that uses their unique heritage, language and culture to cultivate discussions, ideas and reflective inquiry. The programme uses the students’ own background as Danes to bring Denmark into the classroom. Since GESS’ Danish Mother Tongue Programme started in 2014 with the IB-MYP, it has expanded and is now taught in the IB-PYP; providing fully integrated Danish from Grade 1 to Grade 10. The class is taught at mother tongue level and is delivered by trained Danish teachers with experience from Denmark. This means the
academic level is challenging, but not impossible. The classes use the IB programme’s language and literature framework however, the content is based on the Danish national curriculum, Fælles Mål. Students coming from Denmark will recognise many of the same materials and delivery of content as in the Danish school system which can help to ease the transition. The IB programme provides a broader perspective in students’ role as active, responsible and worldly citizens. This, combined with a reflective and academically strong Danish curriculum, creates a solid foundation for the students’ future.
Lasse Jepsen Janum, Danish teacher (European Section)
Lasse Jepsen Janum is GESS’ Danish mother tongue teacher for Grades 6-10 (European Section). He believes that students should know their background and be able to call on it to grow and strengthen themselves as people.This is why he likes that the programme supports a vital component of each student’s cultural development while further facilitating their Danish language skills and thus integration into national school or university systems should the student move or return to Denmark.
April 2017 • ScandAsia.Singapore 33
International Schools
Learning your native Nordic language
in Singapore What are the opportunities to maintain or develop the children’s mother tongue? ScandAsia gives you an overview of opportunities to get teaching based on the curriculum of your respective Nordic home country, and where to learn the Nordic languages Danish, Finnish, Norwegian and Swedish.
34 ScandAsia.Singapore • April 2017
Danish Supplementary School (DSS)
Danish Supplementary School (DSS) is a nonprofit organization, run by a group of volunteers interested in offering Danish language tuition to children and adults in Singapore. “DSS teach children from the age of 5 and up. We aim to offers Danish language on the same level as Danish taught in public schools in Denmark. Our classes focus on Danish language, culture and history.” DSS offers both tuition in group classes or private tuition. “Class tuition is taught ever y Tuesday afternoon at Canadian International School (CIS), who open their doors for Danish speaking children coming from different international schools. We arrange two yearly terms according to the CIS school calendar, with first term from August to December, and second term from January to May. Enrolment and up-front payment of term fees is before the beginning of each term.” Furthermore, DSS also offer private tuition for children, who require more specialized tuition and for those, who are unable to make the Tuesday lessons at CIS. DSS also offer Danish tuition to adults of all levels, which are mostly run as private tuition. DSS has a partnership with German European School (GESS), where DSS provides tuition for GESS Kindergarten children. DSS started as an organization 8 years ago, set up by a group of parents and at that time run at Overseas Family School near Orchard Road. Since then DSS has moved to CIS, but kept the weekly offer for Danish lessons to children every Tuesday afternoon.
The economic pressures put on a lot of Danish businesses in Singapore caused by economic downturn, has no doubt resulted in fewer families with young children momentarily being posted to Singapore. And this is, off course, felt in a small organization like ours. Nevertheless, DSS intends to keep up the offer for Danish tuition, and we still feel a strong support from the Danish community in Singapore.
“The economic pressures put on a lot of Danish businesses in Singapore caused by economic downturn, has no doubt resulted in fewer families with young children momentarily being posted to Singapore. And this is, off course, felt in a small organization like ours. Nevertheless, DSS intends to keep up the offer for Danish tuition, and we still feel a strong support from the Danish community in Singapore.” Danish Supplementary School in Singapore Work c/o Canadian International School Lakeside Campus 7 Jurong West Street 41 Singapore 649414 Singapore dsssingapore@gmail.com
Finnish Supplementary School
The Finnish Supplementar y School is located at Stamford American International School’s centrally-located campus, along with the Swedish Supplementary School - exclusively offering supplementary language classes to the Finish community in Singapore. Operating in Singapore for over 20 years, the school aims to maintain Finnish language skills in preparation for children returning to a Finnishlanguage primary school and to strengthen affiliation to native Finnish culture. Students of the Finish Supplementary School have the opportunity to take advantage of Stamford’s recreational areas during school hours, including 2 sports arenas and tennis courts. Stamford offers accessibility for students island-wide, located centrally, just 10 minutes from Orchard, and on the doorstep of Woodleigh MRT station. “We provide weekly 2-hour classes in Finnish language for children starting from the age of 4. Our classes take place on Tuesdays between 4:30 and 6:15 PM at the Stamford American International School. Currently, our oldest students are 12 years old, but we can also teach high school students. We also provide supervision of exams if needed. “During school hours, we organise a volunteer parent-led music group for babies and toddlers under the age of four. If one of the parents in taking part in the music group the other can spend time at the Finnish Library, which is also available at the Finnish Supplementary School. Therefore, we provide something for all ages! “Typically, our school year starts in September and ends in May. New
students can enrol anytime during the school year (upon availability). School fees vary between 150 and 220 SGD/term. Currently, we teach circa 65 students in eight classes every week. “The Finnish Supplementary School is happy to hold classes at the wonderful, state-of-the-art premises of Stamford American International School.The cooperation started in 2016, and it has proven to be an excellent win-win for the both parties. The classrooms, recreation areas, library and café provide a spacious and inspiring base for learning in a professional and relaxed atmosphere. “In 2017 we are also celebrating the centennial of independence of FINLAND.The Finnish Supplementary School is actively involved in the yearlong-celebrations taking part in Singapore! Come join us in Funky Finnish First of May!” Finnish Supplementary School Stamford American International School +65 6653 7907 www.suomikoulusg.com fss.singapore@gmail.com
Norwegian Supplementary School Singapore
The offer applies to tuition in Norwegian, social studies and KRLE. Norwegian children residing in Singapore has offered to participate in the Norwegian School (Norwegian Supplementary School Singapore). The age range of the pupils is 6-15 year (1.-10. Class). The school is registered and approved as a Supplementary School in Singapore and teachers are approved by the Ministry of Education. Teaching: On Thursday afternoon, at. 16:30-18:30. About 30 teaching days a year. Student fee: S $ 450 - pr.år. Practical information: Students must bring their own stationery. Students can bring a packed lunch, as there is the opportunity to eat during the break. It is also possible to buy drinks and snacks in the canteen of the school. Library: We have a well-equipped library. Students are encouraged to borrow books to bring home.Volunteer parents take care of the registration of loans and submission, and is willing to find suitable books for children. April 2017 • ScandAsia.Singapore 35
International Schools
The Swedish Supplementary Education School in Singapore provides Supplementary Swedish education for Swedish speaking children aged 6 until 15. We follow Skolverkets (the Swedish ministry of educations) specially made curriculum created for Swedish students abroad.
Norwegian School of Singapore was established in 1983. Since then, thousands of children have been taught and kept up their Norwegian at school. The traditional Christmas ending with Christmas games, celebration of 17 May, and pleasant summer graduation are some of the events throughout the year. Coordinator: Silje Merli Phone: +65 9645 2363 e-mail: silje@norwegiansupplementaryschoolsingapore.com or info@norwegiansupplementaryschoolsingapore.com facebook.com/norwegiansupplementaryschoolsingapore School address: Nexus International School, 201 Ulu Pandan Road, 596468 Singapore.
Swedish Supplementary Education School
Operated by Svenska Skolforeningen Singapore (SSFS) the Swedish school has been in Singapore since 1974 and offers education from 36 ScandAsia.Singapore • April 2017
kindergarten to grade nine. “The Swedish Supplementary Education School in Singapore provides Supplementary Swedish education for Swedish speaking children aged 6 until 15.We follow Skolverkets (the Swedish ministry of educations) specially made curriculum created for Swedish students abroad.” The school’s purpose is to provide Swedish children supplementary Swedish education in Singapore and further more to promote stimulating Swedish cultural exchange and experiences for its students. “Every Thursday children from all over Singapore gather at our host school and enjoy 2 hours of Swedish lessons and a session in the Swedish library where we have Swedish books and DVDs that the children can borrow and enjoy for the rest of the week.” The school at the Stamford American International School campus at Woodleigh. “We aim to provide children with a rich cultural experience and an opportunity to make lots of new friends.” SSFS follows the Swedish academic year which goes from August until June. The school normally begins to accept applications in May for the
following academic year. The school also accepts children throughout the year if they are new to Singapore. SSFS currently charges S$500 for a full year or $350 for one term. “We have time off when most other international schools are off but always offer a minimum of 30 lessons per year. “We currently have 128 children on roll and our numbers seem to be going up which is fantastic. “We take great pride in our end of year celebrations and our Lucia and Christmas celebration. The children rehearse a large performance together to learn the customs and routines of a traditional Swedish celebration as well as all the songs that accompany the performance. The parents in the
school come together and make lussebullar (saffron buns) at Christmas or kanelbullar (cinnamon rolls) for the end of year celebration.The celebrations are a special time for the families at the Swedish School and build the children’s understanding of cultural celebrations in Swedish, with a slight tropical twist.” “If you are interested in enrolling or would like to know more about the Swedish School you can visit our website.” Svenska Skolforeningen, Stamford American School, 1 Woodleigh Lane, Singapore 357684 hwww.svenskaskolansingapore.se/ info@svenskaskolansingapore.se
International School of Bergen
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 ser ving the business and Bergen communities.
I
The educational programme of ISB has been developed to help prepare its students for a successful future. The school is accredited by the Council of International Schools and the New England Association of Schools and Colleges in addition to being authorized by the International Baccalaureate Organization to offer their Primary Years and Middle Years programmes.
Our students and staff
ENGELSKSPRÅKLIG PRIVATSKOLE FOR BARN OG UNGDOM MELLOM 3 OG 16 ÅR • • • • • •
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 For mer informasjon: www.isob.no eller post@isob.no
All teacher s hold univer sity degrees and appropriate teaching qualifications. Classes are small.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 40 years of experience as an educational institution. International School of Bergen Vilhelm Bjerknesvei 15, 5081 Bergen, Norway Phone: +4755306330 Website: www.isob.no E-mail: post@isob.no
April 2017 • ScandAsia.Singapore 37
Food&Beverage
Acqua e Farina
T
he snug, warm and inviting Acqua e Farina restaurant is a passion project of chefs Rober to Galbiati and Antonio Manetto, two highly exper ienced Italian chefs who became lifelong friends after working together 12 years ago. Hailing from different par ts of Italy with chef Roberto being a native Milanese and chef Antonio a true-blue Southerner from the Naples region, the flavour profiles they are most familiar and competent with are somewhat dissimilar. However, having undergone the same type of old-school training in Italy, both chefs have very similar food philosophies: fresh top-quality ingredients, simply but also perfectly prepared in generous portions. Because of this background, the menu is a beautiful showcase of the distinctive flavours from both the North and South of Italy. As its name suggests, Acqua e Farina or Water and Flour wants to present a return to
10%
good solid traditional basics of Italian cuisine. As most fans of Italian cuisine would know, the food of different parts of Italy are highly influenced by many factors such as the climate and available produce.Together, the chefs have chosen the best of their regional favourites to be in the menu. In fact, even the wine and produce have been specially selected – as far as possible, everything used is imported from and made in Italy. Even the flour used to make the pizzas is Italian! Neapolitan-style pizzas dominate that part of the menu, with a small section for Sicilian-style boat-style barca pizzas. They feature the classic thin chewy crust, handmade with dough created with a very old traditional Neapolitan method where it has to be left to rise for at least 30 hours. Red pizzas with a tomato base, white pizzas with a purely cheese base and calzones are all available. Pastas in Acqua e Farina explore the different expressions of the same flavours by the North
off the bill for ScandAsia readers if magazine is shown (print or digital). This 10% off is limited to the issue that Acqua e Farina appears in, will be valid until 15 May.and does not include government taxes and service charge
38 ScandAsia.Singapore • April 2017
and the South Italians. For example, the Linguine ai Frutti di Mare is a very typical Southern-style seafood pasta: the tomato sauce simmered with seafood is bright and zingy, lively with spices and rich with seafood. The Fettucine Nere alla Polpa di Granchio is a typical Northern-style seafood pasta, and has a different approach: the seafood flavours are presented on a rich and hearty base that feels almost earthy. All the food in Acqua e Farina is handled personally and checked personally ever yday by Rober to and Antonio. In fact, to ensure that everything in is as truly Italian as possible, everything in the restaurant from food to the service is taken care of personally by one of them: one chef is always in the kitchen while the other is always looking after the guests. For a truly Italian experience, there might be no better spot than the hidden gem Acqua e Farina.
Address: 400 Upper Bukit Timah Road Rail Mall Singapore 678050 Website: acquaefarina.com.sg Telephone: 6462 0926
April 2017 • ScandAsia.Singapore 39
Planning your future for you and your loved ones. Together. At Private Banking within SEB, we acknowledge that everyone has a unique set of challenges. We concentrate on developing meaningful, long-lasting financial relationships and make the effort to really understand you and your requirements. Your own private banker, client assistant and experts are dedicated to help you achieve your goals. Together we take a holistic approach, aiming at a well-planned future for you and your loved ones. To find out what we can do for your personal wealth, contact us in Singapore on +65 63 57 08 95 or via singapore@sebprivatebanking.com.sg sebgroup.lu/privatebanking