June/July 2022
Singapore's F&B Scene Hear from those in the industry on their favorites
Little India
A history of the colorful neighborhood
Winter Holiday Break Are you ready to start planning?
Seagulls? Chameleons? How to manage cross-cultural teams
One Planet Plate
Learn about this sustainable food initiative
Discover the Difference
DE T U
DO R P UN ONS M
DUCKS EARLY YEARS PROGRAMME
A dual-language environment where every class is taught by at least one native English-speaking teacher and one native Mandarinspeaking teacher.
The DUCKS specialist teacher programme allows children to excel and meet their own potential in specific areas of the curriculum like music, sport, drama and art.
singapore.dulwich.org admissions.singapore@dulwich.org (65) 6890 1003
Forest School provides real world learning and problem-solving opportunities to young children in a natural environment.
We focus on developing confident and happy children with a zest for life and a love of learning, to fully achieve their academic potential.
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Dulwich College (Singapore) CPE Registration Number: 201027137D. Period of Registration: 09 Janurary 2020 to 08 Janurary 2024. School Location: 71 Bukit Batok West Avenue 8, Singapore, 658966
who we are We made it. As the product of and with a child who attends American schools, June always feels like the end of the year, a time to triumph over another year completed. My daughter was recently wondering why our school year runs August to June and I explained to her that it was a holdover from a time when everything revolved around farming schedules. Kids were needed at home to help with planting or harvesting and went to school in the cooler months when not much was happening on the farm. Despite the fact that very few of us are still farmers, and even fewer rely on their kids instead of sophisticated machinery, the school year has stuck and it has shaped the American mindset. The end of the school year marks the beginning of summer, even if the solstice says otherwise. Many of us take off on vacations or go back to wherever we consider “home” to visit family. Even though we may be in the thick of traveling right now, many will begin to make plans for the winter break, and we’ve got some ideas for you in this issue. If you will be staying in Singapore this summer, there are plenty of things to explore that we talk about in this issue. Whether you’d like to try a few chefs’ favorite food and beverage spots, learn about a new sustainable food initiative, visit some museums, or learn about Little India, we have you covered. After two years of virtual events, we are really excited to hold an in-person Fourth of July! The old-fashioned celebration will feature games, food (real beef hot dogs anyone?!), a pie bake-off, a watermelon eating contest, a Dixieland band, and possibly even fireworks! We hope that if you are in Singapore, you’ll join us on July 2 for this evening of old-fashioned American fun. Editor-in-Chief
EDITORIAL Editor-in-Chief: Susan Williams communications@aasingapore.com Publishing Editor: Melinda Murphy generalmanager@aasingapore.com LAYOUT Graphic Designer: Susan Williams graphics@aasingapore.com ADVERTISING Advertising Manager: Thila Chandra advertising@aasingapore.com COLUMNIST Andrea McKenna Brankin CONTRIBUTORS Asif R. Chowdhury, Julian A. Chua, Charlotte Dawson, Dr. Clara Gibson, Blair Hall, Felix Hancock, Richard L. Hartung, Kyle D. Hegarty, Mia McDonald, Melinda Murphy, Ethan Ortega, Sabrina P.S., Sophia Ragland, Tara Ritter-Malke, Tess, Julie Woods AMERICAN ASSOCIATION BOARD MEMBERS President: Blair Hall Vice President: Michael Johnson Treasurer: Ashok Lalwani Secretary: Michael Murphy Directors-at-Large: Mkulima Britt, Dana Hvide, Naureen Rasul, Jennifer Yarbrough AmCham: Dr. Hsien-Hsien Lei AWA: Linda Schindler SACAC: Jeff Majestic SAS: Kyle Aldous The American Club: Neetu Mirchandani Non-Voting Members US Embassy: Brian Himmelsteib AAS: Melinda Murphy PUBLISHER – AMERICAN ASSOCIATION The American Association of Singapore (AAS) is a professional, notfor-profit organization established to enhance the well-being and living experience of Americans residing in Singapore and to promote relationships, both business and social, between Americans and those from different cultures and nationalities. 56A Boat Quay, Singapore 049845 • (+65) 8030 6183 admin@aasingapore.com • www.aasingapore.com Living In Singapore magazine will be released six times per year, with the purpose of enhancing the expatriate experience in Singapore.
SUBSCRIPTION
A subscription to Living in Singapore is complementary with an AAS or CareerSource membership. AAS annual family membership is $120. CareerSource membership is $220. To join, visit www.aasingapore.com and have Living in Singapore magazine delivered to your inbox. Reproduction in any manner, in English or any other language, is prohibited without written permission. Living in Singapore welcomes all contributions of volunteer time or written material.
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Susan Williams
what’s in... 10 Community News 20 Favorite F&B in Singapore
Favorite local foods and dining spots from those in the know.
34 Get to Know ACRES
An interview with the founder of the animal welfare organization.
20
36 Head Space A new column on mental health.
38 A History of Little India
Learn about this vibrant neighborhood.
44 Ready for Winter Break? Some ideas about where to go this winter.
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36 38
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message from the president By Blair Hall Isn’t it remarkable how quickly the year has flown by? We’ve already arrived at the halfway point of 2022. Now it’s my favorite time of year – summer! Of course, meteorologically, summer doesn’t have the same meaning in tropical Singapore as it does in my hometown. But it still has some of my favorite things: school is out, summer holidays are on, and the Fourth of July brings fireworks and celebration. What are your favorite things? There there are just so many to choose from here in Singapore – favorite restaurants, favorite neighborhoods, favorite outdoor activities, favorite ice creams. We’re happy to share some of our favorite things in this issue of Living in Singapore and we’d love to hear more about yours. AAS has been busy! From enriching family volunteering opportunities in support of ACRES, Singapore’s wildlife animal rescue center, to a fascinating Memorial Day tour of historical sites connected to the WWII invasion of Singapore, complete with lunch at the US Navy facility at Sembawang, this spring we’ve been getting out there around the island. Our Taste of Mystery dinner evening in May sent 50 excited diners in teams around Singapore on river boats and party buses to try exotic cocktails, discover exciting restaurants, and experience astonishing rooftop vistas. It was a hoot! Please take a look at our calendar for more fun offerings when we return from summer break. AAS will be on holiday most of July. No American summer is complete without an Old-Fashioned Fourth of July Celebration. After two years of virtual ceremony, AAS is excited to return to live, in-person Independence Day festivities. We look forward to welcoming you to our old-fashioned Fourth of July celebration on Sunday, July 2. Our picnic-style event on the picturesque lawn of Marina Barrage will feature kids’ contests, lawn games, a Dixieland band and more. Tickets are limited so sign up soon at the AAS website. Come in your red, white and blue to help us celebrate! Whatever you’re doing this summer, whether traveling abroad or staying here, we wish you a wonderful break doing your favorite things and enjoying quality family time. We’ll look forward to connecting again after the summer break. See you soon!
American Community Organizations Directory AAS aasingapore.com
AWA awasingapore.org
SAS sas.edu.sg
The American Club amclub.org.sg
AmCham amcham.com.sg
Navy League nlus-sgp.org
SAIS sais.edu.sg
US Embassy sg.usembassy.gov
American Dragons americandragons.sg
SACAC Sports safl.sacac.com
Scouts BSA Troop 07: www.bsatroop07.org BSA Troop 10: www.sgtroop10.org BSA Troop 1010: sgtroop1010@gmail.com
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Cub Scouts Pack 3010: www.sgpack3010.org Cub Scouts Pack 3017: cubscoutsusa.com.sg USA Girl Scouts: www.singaporeusagirlscouts.org
member benefits Banyan Tree Bintan 15% off best available rates. Valid through 12/31/22. College Ready 100% discount on membership. Valid through 7/31/22. Core Holistic Nutrition Get 10% off the initial consultation rate. WhatsApp: +65 8789 9064. contact@coreholisticnutrition.com. Valid through 8/31/2022. Estheclinic 10% discount for all their treatments. Valid through 12/30/22. Expat Living magazine Free six-month subscription. Valid through 12/30/22. Hard Rock Cafe 15% discount on food and beverage upon showing a screenshot of your membership. Valid through 12/30/22. Hedgers Carpet Free high-quality underlayment with every purchase at our store (while stocks last). Valid through 12/30/22. Jabra Enjoy USD$10 off per device on Jabra products. Valid through 6/30/22. Laguna Golf Bintan 25% off visitor rates. Valid through 12/31/22. Lawry’s The Prime Rib 15% discount for à la carte food bill for dine-in only. Blackout dates apply. Mr. Jeff Free pick up & delivery for Buona Vista/Pasir Panjang area; 20% discount using code AAS20. Valid through 12/30/22.
Marriott AAS members enjoy a 25% discount on F&B. Show a screenshot of your membership. Motorist 15% off car insurance quotes. Valid through 7/31/22. Pimalai Resort & Spa Stay 5 Pay 4 promotion; 20% discount for the general public which can be combined with this promotion. E-mail lauren@ travelprospect.com to inquire. Valid through 9/30/22. Poke Theory Get a free paid topping with every poke bowl purchased, exclusively at Katong Square #01-12. Valid through 6/30/22. Raffles Hotel 15% discount at Raffles Spa Mon-Fri; 15% off regular-priced items at Raffles Boutique & Floral Boutique; 15% off total bill at Raffles restaurants. Blackout dates apply. The Counselling Place AAS members enjoy 10% discount for their first session. Apply code "AAS" in the coupon section when making the booking to receive the discount. Valid through 12/31/22. The Shanti Residence AAS Members get 15% off room bookings directly. Solescape AAS members enjoy 15% discount on their purchase of a pair of shoes. Valid through 12/31/22. The American Club AAS members may order dinner from The American Club. Scan or click here for our full member benefits page and more details on each benefit.
LIVING IN SINGAPORE 7
American Association Sister Organizations Click Through to Find Out What’s Planned at AAS and at Our Sister Orgs
American Association of Singapore AmCham
American Women’s Association Navy League
SAFL The American Club US Embassy
upcoming events
An Old-Fashioned Fourth of July Celebration July 2, 4:00 – 9:00 PM
Metworks Happy Hour
Metworks Happy Hour
June 9, 6:00 – 8:00 PM
July 14, 6:00 – 8:00 PM
The AAS office will be closed for a summer break beginning July 1, 2022, reopening August 1, 2022. Keep an eye on our website for new events as they are added!
AAS Strategic Partners We would like to extend our thanks to our strategic partners at the Association for their continued support and contribution.
Patriot Partners
Stars & Stripes Partners
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105 Cecil Street, #11-00 The Octagon, Singapore 069534
The Counselling Place has an international team of Therapists Experienced in serving Expats in English, German, Spanish, Korean, Japanese, Bahasa Indonesia/ Melayu, Mandarin, & Cantonese.
Counselling for:
Children’s & teens’ issues Parenting concerns Relationship/marital conflicts Anger & stress management Anxiety & depression Grief, trauma & loss Relocation & adjustment
Psychological testing
Learning/ behavioural issues Career/ vocational guidance Emergenetics® profile for individual, couples, families & corporate team
www.thecounsellingplace.com
What We’ve Been Up To at AAS Memorial Day Tour We partnered with Jane's Tours for a World War II tour, marking the 80th anniversary of the Japanese invasion of Singapore. After visiting several sites that were landmarks during the war, led by our tour guide, Joe, a veteran of the Singapore Armed Forces, we enjoyed lunch at the US Navy Terror Club.
Block Walk in Potong Pasir AAS joined Stamford American International School for a Block Walk around the neighborhood of Potong Pasir to support Habitat for Humanity's mission to bring clean and safe living environments in the home and beyond.
Social Media Talk for Teens AAS partnered with SAS and Homeland Security Investigations to talk with teens about how social media activity may impact their daily lives, in college and in their careers as well as the impact of sharing intimate images. We had more than 60 families attend this important session. Special thanks to Renée Green, Dean of Student Life at Singapore American School, and George Kwai, Regional Attaché, Homeland Security Investigations. Due to the sensitive nature of the discussion, photos of the Zoom seminar were not taken.
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CINCO DE MAYO Cocktail Making Class and Dinner
AAS and Brown-Forman partnered to host a fun-filled night at Crane Club, featuring yummy Mexican food and instruction in how to make three cocktails with Tequila Herradura. ¡Olé!
LIVING IN SINGAPORE 11
A Taste of Mystery Dinner Tour We had so much fun solving clues to find each location on this mystery dinner tour. The first clue took us to Levant in Duxton Hill for a cocktail with a view. From there, we took a party bus to Southbridge on Boat Quay, with a fantastic view of Marina Bay Sands. After another drink and some snacks, we were treated to a boat ride down around the marina, and back to our dinner location at the National Gallery, Gemma. Following a terrific steak dinner and lovely dessert, we finished with a nightcap and yet another gorgeous landscape at Art, also at the National Gallery. We can't wait to do it again!
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s e c n e ri e p x E r u O h g u o r h T , g n i t u o c S n i o J d l u o h S Troop 10B u A S B , a g e rt O Why Yo n a and Eth By Felix Hancock
couts ow what S ey really kn th o d t u b ting, rican about Scou g, the Ame ave heard SA Scoutin h B f le o p o rt e a p p re a Most ting? We a the Eagle fits of Scou Scouting is e n A e S b B e in th t n ven veme do and uts and se hest achie m. The hig SA astrona A ra N g f ro o p % g 8 n at 5 ng Scouti to know th bout Scouti rprise you are more a su sh it ill ld w u o e W w w, Rank. couts? Belo ere Eagle S w ts n e d si US pre , efits. as Cooking and its ben Skills such fe Li to d dicate e skills you uting is de some of th of BSA Sco ll rt a a p re t a rs fi se The s. The alfway , and Ethic ich is the h g, First Aid h in w p , k m n a C ra , Fitness st Class ements achieve Fir nk advanc nstrate to o m e d to re seven ra a re need e h T . nture out Rank, outing adve through Sc sc o r g u st yo u m in , you point r, you have First Class ke it this fa g. To get to a n m ti u u o c yo S If A in BS Rank. cond Class nk, and Se a R t o skills. o rf e s are Tend luable life three rank in many va n o ti a d ills. The last n k u S fo ip h lid rs so e d a very leadership n Lea us will be o eed to hold c n fo ill r w u u yo f yo out, majority o The Eagle of Eagle Sc Class, the gle Project. in the rank a a E g n After First a To . te k n le a R omp y and Eagle communit you must c Life Rank, prove the outs – and im sc s r lp e e g Star Rank, h n t u a ct th helping yo ads a proje the Troop – lops and le ve e d positions in s, n la fe Scout p here the Li Project is w e skills all these lif ment. to n re ro vi su n o e p x e or th etting e ences and imagine, g new experi in a As you can g to s u great for uting is an hip skills is lwork. Sco o o h and leaders for sc d n sses a r to our cla ve o y rr a c even a good path at will set th e c of n e ri e exp y, it is a lot importantl re o m d n a , your future ay. along the w fun for us all very nd skills are a t n e m e c rt The advan day, the pa end of the e th t a t u b s important, with friend st is being o m e th t u o we care ab mp-outs e during ca m ti d o o g a and having hile to do this w gs. We get n ti e e m d an me d getting so r people an e th o g in lp he ay. long the w and skills a s e c n e ri e p ex u better is helps yo We hope th ope this is , and we h g n ti u o c S understand couts. ing us in S dering join si n o c re a u B. helpful if yo in Troop 10 lass Scouts C st ir F th o than are b Felix and E
My Favorite Thing: Being a Girl Scout Leader By Melinda Murphy, Troop Leader & Training Coordinator I admit. I was psyched when I went to Girl Scout registration with my daughter, Maisie, nine years ago and I was able to volunteer as her leader. I was a Girl Scout as a little girl and I wanted to share the experience with my daughter. But I had no idea what I was getting into. I had no idea how much I would come to love all the girls in my troop. Truth? They’ve taught me much, far more than I ever taught them. After nine years of leading in the expat world, I’ve seen lots of girls come and go, but our troop has actually had a lot of continuity overall. This year, I had 14 girls from 11 nationalities. Neat, right? I’ve watched as they’ve matured from little, five-year-old Daisies excited to learn the Girl Scout Promise to third-year Cadettes who completely planned and ran their own meetings. As Junior Girl Scouts, they organized a day camp for younger girls to earn their Bronze Award. This year? Four of my girls, including my own daughter, created and taught an eight-part course in American Cultural Literacy to earn a Silver Award, each putting in 50 hours of work for the project. Wow. The girls inspire me each and every day. I love them dearly, one and all. It’s been an honor to be a part of their lives. I had no idea the friendships I would make through Girl Scouting. Some of my best friends in Singapore are other Girl Scout leaders. There’s a certain kind of person who volunteers to lead Girl Scout troops. They are passionate, warm people who are willing to donate their time to something bigger than themselves. Some of us work full-time (like me!) and others don’t. We come from all backgrounds and nationalities. Any time I have a problem, I can count on another Girl Scout leader to pitch in and help. During the pandemic, we all met virtually once a month. (And boy, did Girl Scouts pivot to keep providing amazing programming during Covid-19!) I can’t tell you how wonderful it was to meet together in person again. And I’ve been blessed with amazing co-leaders. My first co-leader, Caroline, was British and the two of us together created the framework for our troop which was a field trip every other week on Saturdays. Gosh, the adventures we had with 12, five-year-olds! Caroline moved after 1.5 years and I still think of her as one of my best friends. We’ve even traveled together in the US when I was back for a visit. My second co-leader, Sau, stepped up only to move six months later. She is a lovely soul and we are still in touch. My current co-leader, Teresa, has been with me for seven years and she is one of my closest friends. How I admire her! She is Chinese and knew absolutely nothing about Girl Scouting when she stepped up. We’ve had so many adventures together with the girls and I’ve also learned so much about Chinese culture from her. I had no idea that being a Girl Scout leader would be my key to really knowing Singapore. Because of Girl Scouting, I’ve explored parts of the country I didn’t know existed before and I’ve done things that I never would have done at my age, like a high ropes course or splatter painting. Girl Scouting has kept me young and it’s made me love Singapore in a way I wouldn’t have otherwise. I had no idea the skills I would pick up as a Girl Scout leader. Girl Scouting is a leadership program for girls, including this girl right here. All the things I learned in my various positions within Girl Scouts prepared me for my current job. I learned to build a website, manage a team, plan events and more.
Building girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place.
Volunteer-to-Career has no bigger meaning than in the Girl Scout program. And I’ve now hired two other leaders to be a part of my team at AAS. I’m involved in many things in Singapore, but by far, being a Girl Scout leader is my favorite.
To join Girl Scouts for the 2022-23 school year, click here! Registration is open now!
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Coming out of COVID-19
By Sophia Ragland, BSA Troop 1010G
After more than two years of virtual Scouting under the onus of Covid-19 restrictions, the Scouts of Troop 1010G are excited to be meeting in groups and getting back to the great outdoors again. Instead of camping in our living rooms and hosting completely virtual camp-ins, we are now having monthly day camps at Sarimbun Scout Camp along with Scouts from Troop 10B. Scout Day Camps at Sarimbun As Lord Baden-Powell, the founder of Scouting, once said, “(Scouting) is not a club or a Sunday school class, but a school of the woods.” Day camps at Sarimbun offer a variety of outdoor activities, promoting the Scouting spirit and giving us the opportunity to develop our outdoor survival skills. Adult and Scout leaders teach First Aid, orienteering, fire safety, and a variety of other camping and general life skills, helping Scouts progress through the rank advancements on our paths to reaching Eagle Scout and living up to the Scout motto: “Be prepared.” Arrow of Light (AOL), Court of Honor (COH), Eagle COH ceremonies At our Sarimbun day camp in March, we had the honor of participating in an Eagle COH for two Scouts who had climbed through the ranks to achieve the pinnacle of Scouting, the Eagle rank, even in the midst of Covid-19 restrictions. Beside the giant bonfire, while the flames rose into the evening sky, we celebrated the achievements of these two new Eagle Scouts, reliving the experiences that brought them to this point and inspiring the rest of us to strive for the lofty goal of Eagle Scout. In April, we held a Court of Honor to recognize the achievements and hard work of the rest of the Scouts who earned merit badges or achieved the next rank in their progression. Being the first in-person COH since 2019, this ceremony was especially meaningful for us. Scouts received the awards for their achievements on stage and were able to celebrate together afterwards, toasting marshmallows on the bonfire with friends and families. Looking to the future The changes brought by Covid-19 challenged us, but our Troops rose to the occasion and demonstrated the Scout Spirit with our resourcefulness and resilience. We continued to learn and progress even with the restrictions in place. But now that places are opening up and restrictions are being relaxed, we are really looking forward to all of the possibilities that are back on the horizon. This summer, I am looking forward to spending a week at the Far East Council’s Camp Thailand in Chiang Mai. I will have the opportunity to connect with Scouts from other countries while trekking in the jungle and rock climbing in the mountains. We have already begun getting our tents and gear in order in anticipation of getting back to monthly overnight campouts starting again in the Fall. Hopefully, in the Fall, we will also be able to hold our weekly Troop meetings in person again. It will be nice to start practicing together again all the skills we’ve been learning through games and other fun activities. Sophia is a Life Scout and the Senior Patrol Leader for Troop 1010G.
2 2 0 2 g n ri p S – 7 1 0 3 k c a P s t u o c Cub S By Tara Ritter-Malke
rby ewood De annual Pin ir e th in en a ipated uts are giv 017 partic re the Sco of Pack 3 e h ts w u t o n c S ve the ls, cing e Recently, power too ood car ra hout using erby is a w it D w d , o n o e h w T e ht, axles. n. Pin eight, heig and metal competitio ust meet w ic wheels, m st t la a p , th d r o a o c ew om all block of pin make a cust he race is ot track. T months to o o -f 5 tw 4 n a e iv n dow are g e es, as som the Scouts n be raced er categori at will the th th o s n n o o ti d e la regu o judg and width ars are als , but the c st e st fa l design. e is th ore for coo m e d a about who m d others are hold this r speed an re able to e w e w are built fo s, p size ate. We ns on grou to particip 9 restrictio ts u -1 o d c vi S o d C e n give terest This year, allow all in ay up to s all the w n sessions to o te Li ra g a n p u se our yo ree, ch rank event in th nging from es that ea ri icipated, ra o rt g a te p a t c a e th uts rs. Th ative t voluntee had 82 Sco d Most Cre h 40 paren it w g n lo Design, an a st t, e h g B Li ), f rd o 3 was 2nd, Arrow First place peed (1st, as judged. on were S w d d te e a e lu sp va rrow of was e er, only d nn Malik (A Pack winn ya ll h S ra s ve a o uts receive w e g, r th nd place inning Sco o c w e se h Design. Fo ), to designin T e ). d e nd grad s/4th gra ey all put in /2 lo th lf e o b rk e o (W w (W n i o rd aulin Sutt e ha Andreas P as George ent from th ird place w complishm c th a d d n n a a ), e e d rad f pri Light/5th g uniform. lt a sense o ed opefully fe ge for their h d a ts b u o a c e recogniz d S e ll ut a r, where w also earn a y e ye h g T trophies, b n . ti rs u a o r Sc ing their c recognized ation of ou d embellish Coins, and the culmin e is g h n ic lle making, an h a w h C y, on ual ed out ann Gold Cerem the Blue & adges, pass b ld e k h n 7 ra 1 0 ir 3 e k ed th In May, Pac We award e ave made. h ts u o phics on th c S our gn the gra si e d the efforts to ts Scou nt ments. r creative our first eve ting achieve to allow ou ounced at n n o n ti a ti other Scou e e b p ill m ner w gn co nd the win t-shirt desi articipate a an activity p g n in a c ld o ts h u is b Sco Pack 3017 year. All Cu at ts for next ir sh ty tember! ntact us vi ti ir ac ting in Sep please co e e , k M c a ff back of the p -o k r ut ou e Pack Kic a.com.sg. ation abo ting year, th bscoutsus u ore inform .c m w e of the scou w lik w ut at If you’d check us o il.com and a m g @ 7 1 SGPack30
LIVING IN SINGAPORE 17
living in s
Curiosity, problem solving, and putting evidence together to uncover the truth are what drive me as a detective. I grew up in Connecticut, not too far from New York. My dad was a Navy veteran who worked for the State of Connecticut and my mom is a massage therapist. I can’t think of any one person that inspired me to go into law enforcement; however, I had a strong conviction of good versus bad. After high school, I moved to New York City to study criminology at Wagner College with the goal of pursuing a career in law enforcement. Unexpectedly, I broke my elbow and couldn’t go directly into the field due to physical limitations, so I tended bar for several years on the Spirit of New York dinner cruise boat. This is where I met my husband, Carlyle, 30 years ago. Originally from St. Maarten in the Caribbean, Carlyle was a musician in the boat’s house band. He is currently touring and hopes to collaborate with local musicians soon. Unlike Carlyle and my 14-year-old daughter, Annika, I do not have a creative bone in my body, but I enjoyed sports. As a hobby, my family had three horses when I was growing up, so I was an avid equestrian when I was younger. I enjoyed three-day eventing, which included dressage, cross country, and show jumping. Once I recovered from the elbow injury, I pursued my dream career in law enforcement. I started with the city of New York’s Office of Revenue and Investigation as a welfare fraud investigator for a few years before joining the Bronx District Attorney’s Office as a detective. Soon after, 9/11 happened and I was a first responder digging through rubble as part of what we called the “Bucket Brigade,” hence my terrible asthma. It was a day that all Americans, especially New Yorkers, will remember forever. In terms of career progression, I always wanted to be a federal agent, so I applied to the US Customs Service. While I was in the process of being hired, the US Customs Service merged into Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) – Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) as part of the formation of the US Department of Homeland Security. My new position was based in Los Angeles, and I thought, “Well, I’m married to a musician, so this could work!”
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singapore Humans of The Embassy Dawn Barriteau Regional Attaché, Homeland Security Investigations
Our West Coast adventure began, and since my background was in money laundering and trade, I became an undercover agent working for a financial group. After that, I moved to headquarters and took a promotion at the Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center doing outreach, training, and global capacity building. That role brought me to Southeast Asia, Africa, Latin America, and parts of Europe on projects and sparked the desire to serve overseas. I made many good contacts and was promoted several times after returning to Los Angeles. In HSI, we focus on preventing human and wildlife trafficking, as well as counter proliferation, narcotics, dark web cryptocurrency, money laundering, trade investigations, intellectual property rights, and more. Anyone in the general public could be a victim of a crime. For example, you could unknowingly buy a substandard power cord with a counterfeit label, or you could buy pharmaceuticals you believe are legitimate, but they could contain harmful ingredients. A big piece of what we do overseas is liaising with our counterparts here in Singapore, like our partners in the Singapore Police Force, NParks, Customs, ICA, the Health and Science Authority, and the private sector. We collectively share information so we can combat criminal organizations in both countries. Dawn (right) with her fellow police academy trainees Last year, we were thankfully able to rescue four victims in the region. One of the proudest cases I’ve ever worked on as a law enforcement officer was in the Bronx. I was assigned a homicide case and the only witness happened to be a homeless man named Gater. My job was to find him and, when I did, I would visit him and bring him coffee often for a year and a half. He agreed to testify, and we convicted the criminal, and even reunited Gater with his long-lost daughter in Texas. It’s been an adventure as a woman in this field and, as I rose up the ranks, I have grown alongside colleagues who encouraged me to take on new roles. Serving overseas in sunny Singapore will likely be my last assignment before retiring to LA. The best part is that I get to be the boss! I treat others the way I would like to be treated. While it hasn’t always been easy, I’ve embraced it, and done my best to make it a little better for everyone. We do what we do because we want to make our communities and our countries safer for all.
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Favorites in F&B Singapore By Julian A. Chua
Most people have a favorite in mind when it comes to food and beverage places or local dishes in Singapore. After all, Singapore is a vibrant cosmopolitan city with a wide variety of cuisines and modern eateries to match the food. What better ways to get good recommendations on local Singapore food and places to dine at, than from the professionals in the F&B industry right here? Meet four prominent individuals in Singapore, the movers and shakers of the F&B industry locally. Here's the scoop on their favorite local cuisines and dining hotspots among other favorite places of theirs in Singapore.
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Jean Madden Jean Madden is the Chief Marketing Officer at Next Gen, a Singapore-based food tech company combining unique and powerful plant proteins to provide the most incredible culinary and dining experiences in the world.
What are your top three favorite Singaporean picks. We recently discovered the yam dumplings and they taste great - hot, spicy, sweet - dipped dishes? Some of my favorite dishes include Ice Kacang as it reminds me of my hometown’s famous snow ice topped with mangoes.
in chopped chili and soya sauce.
For dinner: I’m a big fan of Cicheti, serving mouthwatering wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas. If I am in the mood for something more casual, I Everyone’s favorite Roti Prata is the perfect would choose The Goodburger or Three Buns comfort food. to get a bite of my favorite burger made with Popiah is sweet, salty, crunchy, and soft all TiNDLE, an alternative chicken protein made from plants. rolled into one. A party for the taste buds!
What are your favorite places in Singapore Where are your favorite places to have a to have breakfast, lunch, and dinner coffee or drink in Singapore? respectively? The best place for me to get a coffee would be For breakfast: I like Common Man Coffee Roasters. Their Veggie Wonderland is a consistent winner. The scrambled eggs on sourdough toast with baby spinach salad and broccolini for greens, charred tomatoes, grilled halloumi, portabella mushrooms, and avocado make for the perfect breakfast dish!
home. No one makes a better oat latte than my husband. For the best vibey drink, I would head to Super Loco Customs House for a margarita.
What are your favorite places to celebrate special occasions?
Spago at the top of Marina Bay Sands would be my pick to celebrate special occasions with my For lunch: It would be Din Tai Fung. My kids love family. It has great food, great people and epic it! Veggie dumplings, fried rice, noodles, and stir- views of the city I love. fried nai bai with garlic are some of our favorite
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Richard Hemming Richard Hemming, Head of Wine Asia at 67 Pall Mall, has worked in the wine trade for 20 years, and is one of fewer than 500 “Masters of Wine” in the world. His career started in UK retail with Majestic Wine before spending three years as a freelance wine writer and educator.
What are your top three favorite Singaporean Where are your favorite places to have a dishes? coffee or drink in Singapore? Carrot cake: My favorite is Lau Goh Teochew at For beer: In Bad Company at Joo Chiat has Zion Road, my local hawker. Looks terrible, tastes a superb range of imported and local brews awesome - and it's easy on the chili. and the most painfully addictive hot sauce in Singapore. Popiah: I love the freshness of the ingredients, especially when you get to see it being made. Lime juice from pretty much any hawker is super refreshing on a hot day - which is Kaya toast: The ultimate hangover cure. every day. Believe me. I don't drink coffee, but the best cup of What are your favorite places in Singapore tea in town is at my house, using any of the to have breakfast, lunch, dinner and supper blends from A.Muse Projects, a wonderful local respectively? tea blender. Breakfast: The rosti and sausage at Riders Café What are your favorite places to celebrate is pretty hard to beat.
special occasions?
Lunch: Spago at MBS is such a great venue Restaurants that deliver great food, brilliant for views over the bay with delicious food, wine and ambiance without charging crazy super-friendly service and a cocktail bar that is prices: Fool, Praelum and Le Bon Funk are some impossible to leave once you get stuck in. of my faves. But if you're paying, then Raffles Dinner: McDonalds. I'm serious. Double Hotel will do just fine, thank you. cheeseburger please. Supper: Can I say 67 Pall Mall? Unless you know somewhere else can you get delicious short-rib croquettes at 11pm.
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Anant Tyagi Anant Tyagi, Owner and Managing Director of Restaurant JAG, initially worked in some of the best hotels in Ireland before moving to Singapore in 2009 where he transitioned into restauranteering. After a solid two-decade long career working in both the hospitality and F&B industries, he decided to distill his wealth of industry experience to launch Restaurant JAG in March 2018, together with Chef Jeremy Gillon.
What are your top three favorite Singaporean a tarte flambée, a snail fricassée, a hanger or a ribeye along with a gratin dauphinoise and dishes?
finally an apple pie. I have rarely deviated from Chwee Kueh: This is just sublime. The silky this selection. texture of the hot rice cake coupled with the Supper: Ming Yen Seafood at Lau Pa Sat. The earthiness and depth of chai poh is just divine. Add to this the establishment’s chili, and you folks there are amazing. I have been going here since 2012 and it is exceptional. I usually go have a stellar dish. I just love it. there with either very close friends or my entire Thunder Tea Rice: This is a complex dish. I love team. We always over-order, but the food is so the combination of herbs utilized in making good that we always finish everything. Typically, the tea paste, which is so herbal and coriander we order a sambal sting-ray, sambal cockles, forward that it lingers on the palate. Truly an gong gong, lots and lots of vegetables, butter exceptional dish. chicken, seafood soup and a huge fried rice of Pork Dumplings in Chili Oil and Spicy Sauce: the day. This is simplicity at its best. Delicate pork Where are your favorite places to have a dumplings with a vinegar-based sharp chili. The coffee or drink in Singapore? acidity and spice cuts through the richness of Coffee: I love Nylon Coffee Roasters and the pork. I can never have enough of this. Populus Café.
What are your favorite places in Singapore Drink: I truly love Tippling Club and RPM. Jigger to have breakfast, lunch, dinner and supper and Pony for late ones as they are open late and respectively?
just so hospitable. Breakfast: Chwee Kueh at Jian Bo Shui Kueh at the Tiong Bahru Food Center What are your favorite places to celebrate
special occasions?
Lunch: Restaurant VUE is my favorite spot for Odette. Since the day they opened, it has lunch. The quinoa salad is wonderful, as is the always been Odette. I’d go three times a Barramundi en Papillote. The team there led by Derrick is on point and always looks after year (if not more) to mark special occasions. Nothing compares to Odette. They are precise, me well. warm, jovial and strike great and yet candid Dinner: Bar-Roque Grill. I have probably been conversations. This is what a restaurant should there more than 100 times since they opened. be. I love it. It is always exceptional and so very warm. This is an institution in Singapore. I typically order
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Chef Damian D’Silva Damian D’Silva is the Chef Partner of Rempapa, a showcases Singapore heritage food, serving the flavours of the Chinese, Peranakan, Eurasian, Indian and Malay kitchens, located at Paya Lebar, and an advocator of Singapore Heritage Cuisine. This successful restaurateur has a string of successful restaurants under his belt, namely Soul Kitchen, Immigrants, Folklore, and Kin. Known for his passion that focuses on Singapore food by elevating little known recipes to a wider audience, Chef Damian also starred as a judge on the reality TV series MasterChef Singapore -becoming affectionately known as “the grandfather of heritage cuisine.”
What are your top three favorite Singaporean dishes? Choosing three Singaporean dishes can be daunting as we share so many similarities on both food and culture with our neighbors. In this instance, the dishes that you can only find in Singapore and have become my favorites are as follows. Laksa Siglap: This is somewhat similar to the Peranakan version of laksa. However, its base rempah is lighter and more "curry-like." Also, it uses fish instead of prawns. The noodles are thicker, almost udon-like with a chewy texture. There's kerisik to give the dish an added flavor and texture. The dish has assam to accentuate acidity. Indian Rojak: Some people might say this dish is similar to pasembur in Malaysia, but it's not. It's totally a different dish. Indian rojak is what I like to call the Indian version of "tempura" and it's served with an addictive red gravy that's complex and moreish. The fried offerings that were dipped in batter are refried before serving to ensure a hot and crispy offering that is doused in gravy before being eaten. The mixture of crispy, sweet, and savory is sinful and it's difficult to stop once you start. Loh Kai Yik: This is a dish that's not for the faint hearted as it's a nose-to-tail dish. The dish consists of well-cooked pig innards, chicken wings, cuttlefish, and kangkong thrown in for good measure. The dish is stewed with a mixture of fermented soya bean and sweet prawn sauce till everything is well-amalgamated. This can take between three to four hours and ingredients are cooked at different timings to ensure the right texture is achieved. The end result is a mélange of flavors and textures that has an unforgettable depth of flavor. What are your favorite places in Singapore to have breakfast, lunch, and dinner respectively? Breakfast is usually eaten at a hawker center before work and depends on which market I'm at. It's mostly noodles or occasionally thosai. On my day off, it's similar, unless I've made plans to have breakfast with friends, then it can be anything.
Lunch is a staff meal when I'm working and it can be excellent. On my day off, I usually head to a hawker center in the West to sample other hawker dishes. Sometimes I eat zhi zhar, dim sum, or even Japanese food. I do not have specific places that I go to as I love variety and I eat anything and I do mean anything! Dinner is not my main meal when I work as I try to eat one meal a day or maximum two. However, sometimes on my day off I will have a meal at a restaurant. But it can be anything from local hawker food to zhi zhar to a restaurant specializing in ethnic cuisine. Where are your favorite places to have a coffee or drink in Singapore? Coffee is local kopi-O for me. I'm really not into coffee with milk. My morning routine is at the markets and hawker centers. I usually go to specific stalls in the different hawker centers. On my day off it's the same kopi-O, although very rarely, when I'm with a friend, I will have a latte! I'm a sucker for good local kopi and my taste buds crave for the right balance of bitter and sweet with the aroma that I grew up with. What are your favorite places to celebrate special occasions? On my last birthday, I was working and I have worked for most of them. However, with my mother, I usually bring her together with the family to a Chinese restaurant. Mum is really fussy, but loves her Teochew food. So, we try to visit all the Teochew restaurants in Singapore, and of course there are favorites, like Huat Kee, Chin Lee, Imperial Treasure Fine Teochew Cuisine, and Ah Orh. It's comforting when everyone in the family, especially Mum, enjoys the food and I treasure the occasions where we sit together as a family and have a meal. We are all just too busy with work and find it difficult to spend time together.
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HEAD SPACE Welcome to the Head Space column, where we’ll discuss all matters related to mental health and how it relates to our lives here in Singapore. By Andrea McKenna Brankin.
Resilience is Key How do you bounce back from mental health setbacks? Here are some tips from around the world! Some of my best coaches in sports told me long ago (and even recently) that’s it’s not how and why we make mistakes that is the problem. What matters most is how to adjust and change to recover from them. Tall order, but I know from personal experience that it can be done. I manage my Bipolar Disorder with many tools that all work towards resilience. Here are a few tips from friends and family around the world when asked the question, “How do you get yourself out of a funk?” My Aunt Barbara from Mystic, Connecticut, USA, says Spring weather might help. But also, this: “Stop thinking thoughts of all kinds, such as things to get done, things that happened, the long-gone past, everything. Turn up music, go for a stroll, I even go for lunch, or a movie. I’m totally alone so I can’t let a depressing funk settle in.” I do try to connect with my aunt as much as I can on this last point. Walks are high on the list, with myself as well, as I often walk down the East Coast Park for mental health management. I love to hear the birds especially! Larysa, who lives in Texas, USA, says this about walks:
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“Long walks with no pace and just the sound of my breath are helpful. It helps me work out the noise in my head. Sometimes, it only takes a few minutes; sometimes, I'm out a long time. Whatever it takes, walks gives me peace and a timeout.”
no shortage of positive quotes in the world today, from people like Brene Brown, to Eckhardt Tolle, Oprah, Deepok Chopra and the late Louise Hay. There are even apps you can put on your phone to give you daily dose of happy. Music can really touch your heart, so put on the candy pop, yoga chillax music or whatever style of jam boost your Erin, from Georgia, USA, says reconnecting with mood. For me, it's Metallica and Kirtan singer old and close friends helps her bounce back from Krishna Das…helluva mix! downers. “I spend time with people who truly Other random suggestions included looking at know, love, and appreciate me. My way-back girls, usually. It helps me remember who I am and or taking photos of nature, buying a plant (known what makes me happy.” I also am keen to reach to boost moods actually!), drinking water, taking out to the Golden Oldies from home to give me a a long drive (maybe a bus ride here in Singapore), listening to a funny podcast (because laughter boost because they “get” me. can cure the blues). Most especially, Marguerite in California, USA, says to recognize being in a depressive funk or otherwise bad mood is legit. “It’s not uncommon,” she says. Indeed, walking is a therapeutic method we’ve taken up with the American Women’s Association’s Listen Ladies, as we schedule a Walk-And-Talk every month. Local therapists here in Singapore, including Harmony Counselling, also offer this service instead of in-office therapy.
That last sentiment wraps up the theme: you are not alone in your funk feelings. We are not alone. So don’t feel guilty and don’t be afraid to reach out or give some of these tips a try. Fill that Headspace with positive action and you’ll likely be able to tolerate the blues and get past it soon.
Three respondents, Sue from Connecticut, USA; Dawn from Rhode Island, USA; and Tamar from Tel Aviv, Israel, lauded the choice of getting a dog. You might note that is exactly what my last Headspace column talked about! Sue says she just can’t be in a funk around her fur baby. “He always cheers me up.” Dawn, in fact, only sent a picture of her dog because words just weren’t enough to answer the question. Alicia, from Rhode Island, USA, says to focus on positive quotes and play positive music. There’s
Andrea has been a journalist for more than 30 years, writing about financial, lifestyle and mental health topics. Her book, Bipolar Phoenix: My F’ed Up Life and How I Fixed It (available on Amazon.com), was released on World Mental Health Day in 2020. She has lived in Singapore for 11 years with her husband, Chris and young daughter, Georgia.
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Coming in Fall 2023
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TRi Time: A Season of Inquiry, Discovery, and Creativity By: Singapore American School Eighth Grade Student Sabrina P.S.
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The season has come for students to partake in TRi Time, an independent inquiry program during which they may inquire into their talents, curiosities, and what may (or may not!) interest them. This program dedicates time for middle school students at Singapore American School to inquire, investigate, create, and reflect on any subject or activity of their choice.
When is TRi Time? TRi Time usually takes place twice a year, once in the Fall and once in the Spring. This year, students had one week in the fall for a TRi Time Taster, where they planned for the spring TRi Time session.
Coming back to school after Spring break, students were given 50 minutes every morning But what is TRi Time exactly? And what does it for three weeks to either continue the inquiry aim to do? To answer these questions and more, they started during the Taster or to investigate we interviewed TRi Time coordinators Dr. Betsy something new. In the coming years, as Singapore Hall and Mr. Robert Mijares. reopens and safety measures are eased, students will hopefully have more time and more options What Inspired TRi Time? It started with the middle school Research and to pursue their curiosities. Development process during the 201314 school year. Around two dozen middle school teachers traveled around the world to learn from exceptional schools on the East and West coasts of the United States, Australia, and New Zealand. One of the biggest takeaways from the R&D process was that middle schools were implementing independent inquiry programs, sometimes called Google 20% time or Genius Hour. All of these had one commonality: to facilitate a dedicated time in the school day for students to dive into their curiosities and interests. Thus, over the course of two years, SAS middle school developed its own independent inquiry program and named it TRi How is TRi Time Graded? Time. Simply: it isn’t.
What is the Purpose of TRi Time?
As Sir Ken Robinson said (and as the TRi Time Toolkit reminds us), “If you've never been sailing, or picked up an instrument, or tried to teach or to write fiction, how would you know if you had a talent for these things?” TRi Time is not just about giving students time to explore their curiosities, but to teach and guide them through the learning process which can be applied to all aspects of life, whether that be later in the educational journey or in their careers. No matter how big or complex the question, students are learning to overcome their unique challenges with these fundamental skills.
By incorporating grades, students often avoid taking risks or working outside the box. In focusing on the process of learning and not the end result, TRi Time ensures that students do not feel pressured to succeed or find perfection; instead, they may be driven by the intrinsic curiosity to pursue their interests. Part of TRi Time is dedicated to preparing students for student-led conferences where they will present their inquiry projects to their parents. They will take time to reflect on the questions, challenges, and successes that they experienced, holding themselves accountable for their investigation. LIVING IN SINGAPORE 31
What Can Parents Do To Help Their Students During This Time?
With a background working in environmental engineering and movies in Hollywood, Mr. Mijares Dr. Hall, TRi Time coordinator and middle school tells us the reason behind his becoming a TRi Time deputy principal, who helped develop the coordinator. “I want to inspire students and their program, says that parents can “encourage and imagination,” the former playwright said, “to help nurture curiosity, and ask questions.” students see what possibilities are out there.” Students will not be presented with everything they need. Rather they have to find materials and resources on their own or find someone to help them with the process. Parents can assist however their child may need it, including connecting them with a mentor on their topic or encouraging them to move past and learn from their mistakes.
How Might TRi Time Evolve? Dr. Hall, who will be stepping down from her position as a coordinator next school year, says that “the next step is for other people to lead and take it in directions I could have never imagined.”
With the SAS Reimagined project, the new building will unlock opportunities for all of SAS and subsequently give TRi Time a chance to Parents are also encouraged not to set a student’s expand and grow into something never before inquiry for them. If a student wants to use this seen. time to improve on their academic, athletic, or TRi Time was created to give students an artistic skills, it should be wholly by their choice. opportunity to learn about learning, make What Do Students Think? mistakes, and improve their skill sets, all while TRi Time is all about discovery. To quote Isa S., pursuing something that interests them, and to an eighth grade student who raised money for many, it is exactly that. Cause for Animals SG with henna art, TRi Time Please visit the TRi Time Toolkit page to know is about, “exploring what you really want to do, more about TRi Time. learning more, getting to know people better, communicating, and overall experiencing new things.” In the past, students have invented amazing creations, from making milkshakes using a bicycle-powered blender to building a full Mandalorian armor suit out of cardboard. Some students have created their own language or come up with recipes for a five-course meal that only uses a microwave. Students are also given the opportunity to sell and present their projects at the TRi Time Marketplace and donate their proceeds to a cause of their choice.
The TRi Time Coordinators TRi Time would not be the independent inquiry program it is now without the invaluable work of Dr. Hall, who has been with the program from its inception to its current form in promoting creative spirit in the studentry twice a year. This year, joining Dr. Hall as the latest TRi Time coordinator is the 7A math teacher, Mr. Mijares.
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Sabrina P.S. is currently an eighth grade student at Singapore American School and a middle school content creator for the Journeys magazine. Sabrina is also one of the Peer Council leaders, helping host assemblies, plan events, and build community.
Take the Lead Like a Girl Scout! When she's a Girl Scout, she’s also a G.I.R.L. (Go-getter, Innovator, Risk-taker, Leader)TM.
Registration is open on our website through August 31 for girls ages 5 to 18. Learn more at www.singaporeusagirlscouts.org. Like us on Facebook at Singapore USA Girl Scouts Girl Scouts is leadership training disguised as fun. LIVING IN SINGAPORE 33
Getting to Know ACRES By Tess, age 7
Louis Ng is better known among Singaporeans (especially those in the Nee Soon East ward of Nee Soon GRC) for his advocacy for the man on the street. A lesser population perhaps, knows or remembers that Member of Parliament Louis Ng is the founder of ACRES (Animal Concerns Research and Education Society), an animal protection charity. This interview is done by Tess, a 7-year-old Singaporean-American. Tess: How did ACRES come about? MP: It goes back to 1999, when I was a volunteer zookeeper and also helping out at chimpanzee photography sessions. That is where I met Ramba, a chimpanzee. She was a fun-loving little ape who was about a year old then. She loved being tickled and
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sometimes would grab my finger to tickle herself and then chuckle. One day, during one of these photography sessions, Ramba misbehaved and the keeper punched her in the face. Ramba came over to hug me and pulled her lip down to have me check whether it was bleeding. That was when it struck me: I needed to speak up for her and other such animals. The media ran the story of this unfortunate incident and what had happened to Ramba. Before long, she was reunited with her mother. The zoo invited me to witness the reunion of her and her mum. They had been kept apart in the zoo for about two years. It was a joy to watch them together, affectionately grooming each other and picking dirt out from each other’s fur.
Looking back at the many photography sessions Tess: Singapore is so urbanized. How can we with Ramba, I recall only one zoo patron inquired strike a balance between the welfare of humans about her mother. It was clear many people knew and that of animals? little about these animals behind the scenes. MP: It is important to build awareness and to Tess: You stepped down as CEO of ACRES to educate people on how to behave when they focus on your duties as MP, but looking back, encounter animals. what would you cite as some of the major For example, we tell people not to stare at achievements of ACRES? monkeys because they sometimes read it as a MP: You may have noticed the logo of ACRES. It challenge to fight. Also, when a monkey shows is that of a blue monkey. Let me tell you the story its teeth, it is not simply yawning. We need to of Blue, the monkey. understand animal behavior and especially, know how to de-escalate a confrontation. When I found Blue, he was being kept as a pet in a tiny cage. Blue was smuggled into Singapore from Africa by ship. Can you imagine being in a cage with no friends to play with? After I rescued Blue in 2003, there was no rescue center in Singapore to keep him or other such animals. The zoo did not want him and, had I turned him in to the government then, they would have just put him to sleep. So, I took him home. Can you imagine how shocked my mum was when I brought home a monkey? That was the genesis of the idea for the ACRES Wildlife Rescue Centre. With funds raised from the Singapore public, I was able to set up the center and also fly Blue back to his home in Zambia.
We also educate the public on not feeding wild animals as this will get them used to human food and make them turn aggressive when they do not We humans do wrong things sometimes. But get fed. It is difficult to convince humans that we often, we have a chance to right the wrong and are the ones at fault. that is what happened with Blue. We managed to give him back the second half of his life. Here in Singapore, animals like macaques don’t live deep in the forests, but instead on the fringe Tess: On my first visit to ACRES, I saw the of the forests. That is where we build our houses. live rescue of a python that was found on the In other words, we have moved into their homes. property! What happens to such animals? Many people suggest that we create buffer zones MP: Native wild animals will be released right so that we can co-exist with the animals. away into the wild after a health check. Animals We have learned that many animals are averse to that are injured are treated and released when crossing the roads. So, we have helped by building their condition has stabilized. bridges between the rainforests so that they feel
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comfortable crossing. This is important when Act which covers this. Drivers who hit animals are it comes to reproduction and the gene pool, in required to stop and help them as long as it is particular. We do not want any species to die out safe to do so. from lack of mating opportunities. Tess: Why do we have horse racing in Singapore Tess: I live near Orchard Road where there are if it is a form of animal abuse? many Javan Mynas at night. How do we manage MP: Indeed, this is quite sad, because when their population? these racing horses are injured, they sometimes MP: Again, it goes back to not feeding them. In end up being killed. There is a group called EQUAL the city of Basel, they discovered that the more who rescue horses and use them in therapy they tried to kill the birds, the more they would programs for children with special needs. EQUAL reproduce due to their survival instinct. From brings horse-assisted therapy to youths at risk, that, we learned that having a no-feeding policy families, and the elderly in the community. is more effective than killing them. Tess: What improvements in animal shows have Tess: I have seen those “do not feed the birds” you seen in Wildlife Reserves Singapore since the signs! establishment of ACRES? MP: Yes, I have proposed amendments to our laws to make the feeding of wild animals illegal throughout Singapore. When animals are fed processed human food that is high in sugar, they get addicted to it, just like we do.
MP: One big change is this that we have stopped photography sessions with orangutans where zoo patrons are allowed to touch them; however, they can have them in the background while they dine.
Tess: Many people are not clear what they We have also put a stop to circus-type animal should do when they see an injured animal. So, performances that involve the animals in what should they do? unnatural acts. For example, getting an orangutan to balance a ball is not natural, but having a lemur MP: They could call the 24-hr ACRES Hotline at balance using its tail is something it already 9783 7782. And if you have hit an animal, you knows how to do. should stop and provide aid. There is a Road Safety The zoo has also stopped elephant rides. Trainers used to control the huge mammals by using an ankus to poke sensitive parts of their body. This is no longer done here. Tess: Why have we not banned shark’s fin? MP: We seek to follow international conventions, so in Singapore, we do not allow the trading of parts of certain shark species. Most hotels have also ceased serving shark’s fins. Tess: At school in first grade, my teacher showed a program which explained why sharks are important in the ocean. If there
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are no sharks, the bigger fishes will end up eating all the small fishes because there are no sharks to control the population of the bigger fishes. This will create an imbalance in the eco-system. MP: That’s right. They are keystone species and without them, the ecosystem will collapse. Tess: When introduce volunteer children my age?
will ACRES programs for
MP: ACRES has an age limit for volunteers because the animals can be dangerous for young ones to handle. For example, a python is possibly longer than you. We also have dangerous animals like the snapping turtle, whose bite is more dangerous than that of a lion. Your finger will disappear if it gets bitten by a snapping turtle. However, there are educational outreach programs that you can assist with that will help in increasing public awareness about animal welfare and safety. As a matter of fact, we run an adoption drive once a month in our constituency. Tess: Can young people my age participate? MP: Of course!
Tess is a 2nd grader whose eclectic and voracious appetite for reading far outweighs the flavors of her Armenian-Peranakan ethnicity. A transplant from America, she lives in Singapore with her single mother in a TVfree home. An avid and blessed explorer who values experiences over possessions (with her footprints in more than 30 countries so far), Tess is also an animal lover who freely grants residential permits to spiders in her home.
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The Long History of Little India By Asif R. Chowdhury
During my many business trips to Singapore, before I started my expatriate life here, this beautifully manicured city-state always somehow reminded me of Disneyland. Every aspect of the city seemed to be immaculately designed; each tree, perfectly trimmed, planted at the right place; each flower bed exactly where it should be, everything neat, clean, and properly maintained; with people queuing up at their local favorite restaurants for lunch or dinner. The only thing that seemed to be missing were the rides. For some of us, who have moved to Singapore from countries with relatively higher degrees of law and order, Singapore feels like a perfect Southeast Asian sanctuary, perhaps even safer, surrounded by the other much-less-orderly, and 38 LIVING IN SINGAPORE
a little more chaotic, developing nations. For people who have moved from these surrounding countries, Singapore can simply seem like a paradise. But after a while, even this pristine paradise can get somewhat monotonous and may seem a little boring at times. However, there is one area in Singapore which can provide its residents and visitors a sometimes much-needed dosage of chaos in this otherwise orderly city: Little India. It is like no other place on the island. Compared to other parts of this city-state, general law and order seem to be somewhat suspended in this noisy, colorful and crowded district with its array of shops and sea of people everywhere, a few choosing to
walk in the middle of the street for no obvious reason, many crossing them at will and at odd locations, seemingly oblivious of on-going traffic even in the main throughfares. The prominent Singaporean pedestrian crossings and their orderly use seem to have all but disappeared in the relative chaos of the place. From early morning to late into the night, shopkeepers and street hawkers sell all kinds of desi products, from clothes to spices to food to fruits, in the small shops located in the colorful and the well-preserved shophouse architecture from Singapore’s yesteryears. The bright and colorful sights, insistent multi-decibel sounds, along with the aromatic and savory smell of all kinds of local delicacies of this vibrant district can certainly
provide an adrenaline rush for the senses. When visiting Little India, it is easy to forget that one is still in Singapore; one can even mistakenly think that one has been magically transported to some city in the Indian subcontinent. The history of Little India dates back a couple of centuries to the founding of the Straits Settlement by Sir Stamford Raffles. In the course of its development through its long history, the area had initially served as a lime pit, housed brick-building facilities which helped facilitate much new construction in the new settlement, followed by a place for raising and rearing cattle, a sanctuary for water buffaloes (which was once used as a workhorse for local transportation), before finally transforming into a center of trade and commerce. During most of its existence, Little India was known as Serangoon, named after the first major thoroughfare, Serangoon Road, built around the year 1828, to connect the seaport to the interior areas of the island. It used to be a simple dirt road back then. Originally, the place didn’t have a predominantly Indian settlement. In fact, there was a significant Chinese and Malay presence in the Serangoon area at the beginning. Interestingly, unlike Chinatown or Arab Street, it wasn’t even a part of the Jackson Plan, which was the very first urban planning of Singapore. The plan allocated different quarters of the city for the Chinese, Arab and Indian ethnic groups. In fact, today’s Chinatown and Kampong Glam, or the area of Arab Street, are offspring of the Jackson Plan. Originally, the plan for settlement for most of the Indian population was down by the Singapore River in the Chuliah Kampong area. Known at the time as the Indian Village, it is the location of the present day Chulia Street, off Raffles Place and Boat Quay. Decades later, the area would
eventually run out of capacity and the Indian community would slowly start moving towards the Serangoon area, one of the many reasons as to why the Indian population started to take a strong foothold there.
without understanding the history of the Indian diaspora, which dates back to the arrival of Sir Stamford Raffles in 1819 to establish the Straits Settlement. A Tamil civil servant named Naraina Pillai accompanied him here from India.
With the major road going through Serangoon, two major industries, lime pits and brick kilns, started to operate as early as the 1820s to help with early building construction. Over the next few years, the area began to transform as a major business district, primarily trading cattle, attracting local Malays, Chinese, and Indian migrants, as well migrants from neighboring countries. These communities were also drawn into the larger Serangoon area, most likely due to the presence of the waterways of the Kallang River and the Rochor Canal, which also helped to facilitate transportation of goods. As a result, many small villages, known as kampong in Malay, started to spring up in Serangoon. The Chinese, who were mainly farmers and worked in the local plantations, started to congregate around Balestier Road. When the Race Course was completed in the 1840s, it started to attract the local European community to the area, as well.
Impressed by Sir Raffles’ vision of Singapore, Pillai decided to settle down here and is considered one of the key Indian members and pioneering leaders of the local community. He served as the Chief Clerk of the Colonial Treasury and later became the first Indian brickbusiness owner and contractor. In the early part of the nineteenth century, the British began to bring Indians into the island to work as a sepoy or infantryman, clerks, and labors to help build the island. Around 1825, they also started to bring Indian convicts to help with the accelerated growth of the Straits Settlement. These Indian convicts played an important role in the early development of Singapore as they helped build key infrastructure, including roads, bridges and buildings. In fact, they are the ones who later helped transform Serangoon Road from a dirt road to a paved throughfare. Tamil traders from southern India and Sri Lanka also started to come to Singapore. During the following decades the Indian population started to grow as more immigrants from the subcontinent migrated to Singapore looking for a better future, which not
Any discussion regarding the history of how Little India became an enclave for the Indian community will be incomplete
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only included Tamils, but also Bengalis, Parsees, and Sindhis, among others. Having served their purpose of helping with the construction of infrastructure in Singapore, the lime pits and brick kilns were eventually shut down in the 1860s. The area became a perfect place to raise cattle with the abundance of grass and water. The Rocher Canal also served as a bathing area for the water buffaloes. The cattle industry attracted even more Indians, especially from the Northern Indian states of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, due to their higher skills in working as herdsman. It was common to find Bengali and Tamil migrants working as milkmen traveling the area with their goats and cows, providing fresh milk and fresh yogurt to the neighborhood. Over the next few decades, other business activities started to spring up in the area as well, such as rattan works, sesame oil presses, pineapple preserving factories and wheat grinding facilities. By the end of the nineteenth century, there were more than 16,000 Indians living in Singapore, which represented about 9% of the overall population, interestingly very similar to the current percentage. However, during most of the nineteenth century, Serangoon still wasn’t identified by any particular cultural group. But by the end of the century, some key factors increased the presence of the Indian people in the area. Towards the end of the nineteenth century, the Indian population had started to gain a stronger foothold in the country, and during the 1870s and the following decades, there was an increasing business ownership in the Serangoon area by the Indian diaspora. The increase in concentration of the population in the area created an increased need for ethnic goods and services. Restaurants, tailors, money lenders, goldsmiths, clothing stores, stores selling
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Indian spices and ingredients – all catering to the growing Indian population – started to flourish. Additionally, the municipality employed a significant number of Indian migrants during the early part of century. From the 1920s, the colonial government started constructing terrace houses, known as Municipal Quarters and Coolie Lanes, in the Serangoon area to accommodate them. Some
through Serangoon Road. During the initial months of the Japanese Occupation, New World Park in Serangoon was one of the 28 sites used as a mass-screening center for the Dai Kensho (Japanese for “great inspection”) operation to remove anti-Japanese elements within the local Chinese population, known as the Sook Ching (Mandarin for “cleansing through purging”) massacre.
of these quarters still exist today in their original form along Hindoo Road. By the turn of the twentieth century, in about a hundred years’ time since it was first established, Serangoon was culturally and ethnically identified with the Indian population of Singapore.
The war also transformed the socio-economic landscape of the Serangoon area. During war times, many Indian shop owners fled the island and went back to India. They either sold or gave away their businesses to their workers. As a result, some of the workers moved up the social ladder in the post-war period.
Like other parts of Singapore, the Serangoon area also faced its own share of casualties during the Second World War as it became one of the targets for Japanese bombers. Many of the local buildings and landmarks were damaged or destroyed. Even the local hospital (Kandang Kerbau Hospital) was bombed. The Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple, where hundreds of local folks took shelter, was one of the few landmarks that managed to survive. In 1942, the Japanese took control of Singapore from the British. It is widely believed that the conquering “Tiger of Malaya,” General Yamashita himself, passed
After Singapore gained its independence in 1965, there was a consolidated campaign and effort to clean up and renew the city. Many residents in the Serangoon area had been living in dark, cramped and unhygienic conditions. By the mid-1970s, the Housing & Development Board (HDB) had come with a plan to uplift the Serangoon area, which helped shape the area into what we see and experience today. The preserved shophouses in Little India represent the typical architecture built between 1840 and 1960, not only in Singapore,
but in many Southeast Asian cities during the nineteenth and mid-twentieth centuries. These are typically two to three stories buildings, the facades featuring local cultural décor and color with their famous “five-foot ways,” a covered walkway which is part of the building, providing pedestrians shelter from the elements. One of the key landmarks of Little India is the Tekka Market, very popular today among all ethnic groups and expats living in Singapore for its variety of shops selling a wide range of fish, meat, fruits and vegetables. It was originally built in 1915 to house the retailers and hawkers to avoid cluttering the main streets. In the early 1980s, the Tekka Market was relocated to a new and improved facility. The current Tekka Market was built across the road from the old facility in 1981. A former watchman of the Market named S. Rasoo remembers the place fondly saying that it was a “lively, bustling place with Indian women coming up in their colorful saris, their hair done up in buns or single plaits decorated with fragrant flowers, jostling against the pigtailed houseboys that served the Europeans and wealthy Asians. The noise was deafening, the atmosphere reverberating with the sound of raised voices bargaining over fresh fish, meats, vegetable and fruits.” The market is still as colorful, vibrant, and lively today as it was back then. Tekka Market’s famous wet market has been featured in international travel shows. Naming the area “Little India” is a relatively recent phenomenon. The Singapore Tourist Promotion Board first used the name in reference to the Serangoon area during 1979-1980. Today, Little India spans about 32 acres nestled inside the area marked by Sungei Road, Race Course Road and Jalan
Basar. The original Serangoon Road still remains as one of the main thoroughfares of the city. Today, Little India offers something for everyone, from local Indians to expatriates to tourists alike. It provides a glimpse of a truly local Singaporean culture and history, very different from the
well-advertised glitz of the modern buildings and architecture that the city-state is known for. It is a perfect place to buy local Indian goods for very reasonable prices, or try some authentic Indian food while soaking in the rich culture and long past of this historical precinct of Singapore.
Asif is part of the executive management team of a global semiconductor company and has written for various magazines and trade journals. Asif spent four years as an expatriate in Tokyo, Japan, and three years in Seoul, South Korea, which led him to travel extensively in those countries and across the region. He currently lives in Singapore with his wife and son, while his daughter is working in his home state of Texas.
LARGE SCHOOLS VS SMALL SCHOOLS: WHICH SUITS YOUR CHILD BEST? One size does not fit all when it comes to education. In Singapore, there are international schools of all sizes, ranging from the large mega schools with more than 4,000 students to schools that only accept a few hundred students, often by intention. The school-searching journey can be challenging and tedious. School size – small, medium or mega, is a key factor to your child’s learning experience, therefore, an important consideration in your decision-making process. Both large and small schools have their own advantages. Let’s check it out! Advantages of Small Schools 1. Strong personal relationships and deep social connections are at the heart of small schools 2. High levels of teacher and parent engagement 3. Community Spirit 4. School Management and Communication.
Advantages of Large Schools 1. A greater variety of academic programs and extra-curricular activities 2. Ability to invest in larger facilities with modern equipment and purpose-built learning environments 3. Increased breadth of expertise and skillsets among staff 4. Diverse experiences among students 5. Brand recognition and prestige. The Just Right School What if you could have the best of both worlds? A school which offers the advantages of both small and large schools. A school that is large enough to offer many opportunities and top-notch facilities, but small enough to know each student by name, where students can benefit from strong academics, personalized learning, world-class facilities and a warm, diverse, connected community. XCL World Academy (XWA) is a community-oriented international school in Singapore for students aged 2 to 18. Small class sizes with inspiring and highly qualified teachers trained in the International Baccalaureate (IB) pedagogy will enable your child to define their own pathway and reach their maximum potential. As an IB-through school, adhering strongly to the principles of the IB program, XWA equips children with essential academic and life skills which prepare them for the demands and rigors of further study and
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employment. They have capped their school capacity to ~1,600, which we believe above which a school could risk losing its community and small school feel. They have also placed internal nationality caps to ensure that the school remains truly diverse. Currently, no single nationality comprises more than 15% of the school’s population.
This school is on a mission to empower an inclusive international community of happy learners who aspire to positively impact others. Expect your child to make friends with children from all over the globe (over 60 countries represented in their student body!). Your child will experience an entire world of cultures, right here at XWA. At the end of the day, the most important litmus test is that your child feels comfortable, safe, and confident in school. Interested to find out more? Speak with XWA Admissions Team today: XCL World Academy W: https://www.xwa.edu.sg/ T: (65) 6871 8835 E: admissions@xwa.edu.sg
By Charlotte Dawson
“Stick with me, baby, I’ll take you places.” A truer prediction could not have been made: 23 years married, 16 years abroad, six countries. Each posting has brought joy, challenges, and new experiences, but in Singapore I feel I have flourished, in large part due to an organization called Friends of the Museums (FOM).
Monday Morning Lectures and the interesting places we visit through Explore Singapore. I, for one, cannot wait for the Study Tours to resume; perhaps I will be able to take that trip to India! Through all FOM’s offerings, the social aspect is immeasurable; I have made lifelong friends from all over the world.
One sunny April afternoon, I was invited to the Asian Civilisations Museum to follow a friend’s tour. It was, simply put, fantastic. Intrigued, I quickly found out it was through FOM that one could enroll in a “docent training program,” learning in-depth about Singapore’s history, culture, and art to be a volunteer guide at one of 12 institutions. The kids were older, I was restless … and now inspired!
As a volunteer society, FOM relies on its members, and it has been my pleasure to give back to the organization that has given me so much. I have held several leadership positions, and currently sit on the FOM Council. I have found fulfillment through the Friends of the Museums and invite you to join me as an FOM member to discover the treasures of this Little Red Dot we all call home.
In 2017, I participated in my first docent training program, with the URA Chinatown Heritage Trails. On the first day, I realized how special a group we were, coming from all walks of life, cultural backgrounds, and ages. We made quick friends through a shared interest, I also felt like I was part of something meaningful. Once you start guiding, your curiosity for learning becomes insatiable! I now guide two more places: the National Museum of Singapore and the Changi Chapel and Museum. That said, FOM offers many other activities, too many to list. My personal favorites are the fascinating LIVING IN SINGAPORE 43
Are you ready for the Winter Holiday Break? IT'S NEVER TOO SOON TO START PLANNING!
BY MIA MCDONALD
I know what you’re thinking: does Singapore even have a winter? No, not in the traditional sense where cold temperatures permeate, but most expats have holiday time off between American Thanksgiving and the New Year. So why in the world should you be thinking about a winter break in June? You’re in full summer vacation mode.
Although summer is thoroughly underway, the fact remains that you should plan your winter holiday vacations now if you plan to travel. As more countries open borders and people feel comfortable moving about the world, the best locations will see peak pricing and limited availability sooner.
According to The US Travel Association, airfares have increased more than 23% from March 2021, and accommodations have increased 29% within the same time frame. Last-minute "deals" will be rare! The earlier you plan, the more relaxed you can feel, knowing that you’ve secured your dream holiday at a reasonable rate.
FOUR FABULOUS FAN FAVORITE WINTER HOLIDAY IDEAS The Northern Lights Go see Earth’s most magnificent light show on full display. This bucket list trip is sure to be memorable. A guided trip to the Northern Lights is highly recommended for first-timers. Guides teach you the science behind these magical lights and know the best spots for potential viewing since tour operators have been scoping them out for years! And don’t just plan to sit around and
watch the sky, because the Northern Lights display can be unpredictable. Choose a destination where other winter activities and sports can be enjoyed simultaneously. For example, Finland, Sweden, and Norway offer activities such as reindeer-pulled sleigh rides, dog sledding, and snowmobiling that might be fun to add to your holiday itinerary. Do you have young kids? Add meeting Santa to the list. You’ll need at least four nights for an 80% chance to see the lights. Are you wondering where else you can go see the Northern Lights? Iceland, Canada, and Alaska are all great places as long as you’re above 65 degrees North latitude, along the Aura Belt. Accommodations to consider are Aurora Village in Canada; Deplar Farm in Iceland; or Scandic Ishavshotel in Norway.
Adventure Down Under Australia has so much to offer during your winter holiday break because it’s the start of their summer
season. Australia’s seasons are opposite ours in the Northern Hemisphere. The hottest months are December to February, where average daily temperatures range from about 20°C to 37°C (68°F to 99°F). Each coast of Australia offers new and exciting adventures. Experience wine country in Victoria, New South Wales, West or South Australia. Take a trip to see the Great Barrier Reef from Cairns or Hamilton Island. Engage with and learn from
the many Aboriginal people who provide educational tours. Of course, a trip Down Under isn't complete without nature and wildlife. The young and young-at-heart will enjoy the multitude of unique wildlife encounters from the Taronga Zoo in Sydney, the Australia Zoo in Brisbane, or any number of nature parks throughout the country, most notably the Uluru National Park near Alice Springs. There's a lot of ground to cover in Australia, so prioritize your must-see
and must-do lists wisely. You'll need at least five days per region, mainly depending on how long your wish list is. Keep in mind that you won't be able to do it all. Accommodations to consider are Wilpena Pound Resort in South Australia; The Oaks Darling Harbor in Sydney; O’Rielly’s Rainforest Retreat in Queensland; or Mantarays Ningaloo Beach Resort in Western Australia.
European Christmas Markets The Christmas markets throughout Europe are iconic. They date back centuries and make the holidays feel more magical than ever before. They’re a wonderment of lights, laughter, and games. Delicious foods and beverages like Glühwein are bountiful on cobblestone streets in old central European towns, where vendors sell unique handicrafts. If large crowds aren't going to make you
crazy, start planning this trip now. Most Christmas markets start the weekend after our American Thanksgiving holiday and run until Christmas Eve. You can catch the festivities in cities throughout Germany, Belgium, Austria, and Switzerland. A Danube River cruise allows you to unpack your bags once and enjoy the many port stops and their various Christmas market flair along the way. Tip: Pack light or bring an extra suitcase. There are so many beautiful things to buy at these markets. Accommodations to consider are those by The Romantik Hotels Group, with various unique properties in many Christmas Market towns.
Stay Semi-Local If the idea of long flights isn't what you have in mind for your winter holiday, consider a short flight and river cruise. Through the Mekong Delta, explore cities within Laos, Vietnam, and Cambodia, or Halong Bay to experience northern Vietnam. These river cruise options provide effortless sightseeing in multiple cities with an English-speaking tour guide and free time for your own unique excursions. You can have adventurous excursions or luxurious epicurean indulgences with various cruise lines. Riverboats are much smaller than an ocean cruise liner, some with as few as ten cabins onboard. Additionally, they generally have larger standard cabin room space. You can wake up with a new city to explore almost every day of your trip. The best river cruises offer allinclusive pricing, so your food, beverages, and entertainment are included. You'll need four
for more than seven years. As an international travel specialist, Mia will guide the travel planning and booking process with your input to Loved these ideas but ensure your accommodations, need help? river cruise, or tours are the Mia McDonald is an perfect fit for you. Contact American expat who’s been Expats Traveling Group to living and working abroad get started. to 14 days to enjoy a Mekong Delta cruise, or as little as three days to enjoy a Halong Bay cruise.
By Julie Woods
And we’re not talking scrambled tofu or vegetarian sausages! One Planet Plate has over 2,000 participating venues, including 31 of The World’s 50 Best Restaurants. And more are joining all the time!
Proudly presented by HSBC, One Planet Plate aims to serve five million sustainable meals in 2022. Its Singapore partners range from fastservice eateries such as Quick Greens’ vegan outlets (popping up soon in Cold Storage supermarkets around town) to Michelin-starred Did you know that the food industry contributes restaurants such as Les Amis. more than a quarter of global greenhouse Other great local restaurants on our island emissions? And that more than 75% of global backing this campaign include Salted & Hung, freshwater and ocean pollution is caused by Terra Madre, and Open Farm Community. You agriculture? If you eat food, you’re part of the can find all these restaurants on the campaign’s system and your actions have an impact. website and Instagram, and choose to match So, what can we as individuals do? Well, we your budget, favorite cuisine, and location. can all make our contribution. The food we You’ll also find sustainable recipes submitted by choose to eat – where it comes from, how it was One Planet Plate restaurants worldwide. These grown, and how it gets to our plate – all play a feature videos of top chefs demonstrating how huge role. Eating local and seasonal produce, switching to plant-based alternatives, and avoiding unsustainable fishing are among the are many ways we can make a positive impact through our food choices. I'm very excited about a new food sustainability initiative I helped launch recently in Singapore. I represent the “One Planet Plate” campaign here which was first unveiled in Singapore and soon to expand around the world.
One Planet Plate is driven by Food Made Good – part of the Sustainable Restaurant Association – which supports the F&B and food retail sector to anticipate and act on current and future challenges. Food Made Good raises awareness about the inherent problems in our food system and makes more sustainable (and delicious) alternatives popular.
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to prepare the dishes, enabling enthusiastic home cooks to prepare their own world-class meals from scratch! Highlights include chefs Dave Pynt of Burnt Ends with his Grilled Leek with Hazelnut and Brown Butter; Angela May of Quick Greens with a Laksa Lah Wrap; Oliver Truesdale-Jutras of Open Farm Community with a Grilled Eggplant Salad; and Gayatri Singh of Terra Madre with a Roasted Cauliflower Salad. How good do these dishes sound? Also, feel free to ask your fave local food joints to join the campaign and submit a dish via the One Planet Plate website. It’s free, they’ll get great media coverage, and they can help support this wonderful initiative. One Planet Plate helps support the Singapore Green Plan. This includes becoming a “Zero Waste Nation” with the “30 by 30” campaign that aims for 30% of our food to be produced locally and sustainably by 2030. Less than 1% of the land here is available for food production, so Singapore is now encouraging vertical and roof farming and developing a new high-tech agri-food zone. These initiatives increasingly allow Singapore chefs and home cooks to source ever more locally-grown fish, eggs, and vegetables. We can all do our bit to reduce the environmental damage caused by food production while discovering new and delicious dishes along the way! Julie Woods is an AAS member and her proud husband is the AAS accountant, Ivan!
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Bruxism: What a Pain in the Jaw! You may not even realize it, but you might be grinding your teeth at night which can lead to all sorts of health issues. Dr. Clara Gibson from Expat Dental ® explains what you can do about it.
Since the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic, dentists worldwide have reported higher incidences of broken and cracked teeth due to the stress and anxiety people have been experiencing. “Bruxism” or grinding and clenching of teeth, may happen when asleep or awake. It is a very common dental complaint, with up to 30% of patients reporting being affected. Symptoms can be varied and can be visible both inside and outside the mouth. The most common reason for patients to seek help is when they begin noticing chips and fractures of their teeth. Your dentist can spot other signs such as tooth wear and soft tissue trauma along your cheeks and tongue. Other symptoms such as headaches, tight muscles and a sore jaw
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joint or earache may also be clues. Your dentist will do an examination of some of your chewing muscles and may find knots and trigger points, which you might not have noticed before!
Besides stress, patients who have other sleep issues such as sleep apnea may be at more risk. Certain medications or drugs and alcohol may also contribute. The way your teeth bite together may not cause you to clench and grind, but having teeth that are crooked could make you more likely to chip off certain teeth. With bruxism, teeth may continue to chip, even after your dentist has repaired them and you may notice that the fillings keep breaking. Over time, grinding teeth can wear away the enamel, and even into deeper teeth structures, often causing the need for more invasive treatments such as crowns.
means we can get your treatment started even more quickly and provide relief from bruxism, just when you need it, without waiting weeks for a mouthguard or other appliances to be manufactured. It is important to look for an underlying cause for the clenching. Often, stress in our daily lives manifests as clenching and grinding at night. So, there may be merit to approaching the problem more holistically. Taking a long holiday may not be possible at this time, but bringing stress-reducing activities like yoga and meditation into your daily routine may help reduce stress levels.
Get in touch with us if you would like more Ideally, we would like to stop the clenching and grinding, but this is not always immediately information about the different treatments possible. Often dentists try to reduce the for bruxism. Phone 6497 6718 or email info@ strength of muscle contraction by using a bite expatdental.com. guard on your teeth. This is normally worn at night and can limit damage to your teeth by reducing chips and wear, but also helps to prevent the muscles from getting overworked and developing knots. The bite guard also aims to “de-program” the muscles and stop the clenching feedback cycle. Sometimes muscle relaxant injectables such as Botulinum toxin (aka Botox®) are also used on the jaw muscles. In a Singapore first, Expat Dental® has launched a new type of resin to be used with 3D printer technology which allow us to make splints or night mouthguards in-clinic. This
Dr. Clara Gibson joined the Expat Dental® team after practicing in both London and Ireland. She qualified as a dentist from Trinity College, Dublin, and worked as a consultant orthodontist at Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital, London, prior to relocating to Singapore. She has a wealth of experience in the provision of all types of orthodontic treatments, and has treated a range of patients from routine orthodontics to complex cleft palate and surgical cases.
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ARE YOU A SEAGULL OR A CHAMELEON? MANAGING CROSS-CULTURAL TEAMS
By Kyle D. Hegarty
Here is the first lesson for managing people company headquarters in London, he would across cultures: don’t be a seagull. frequently sneak out of the office early and head to the pub with colleagues. Now it may sound as Seagulls are those big, awkward birds that fly in if this guy didn’t work that much, but Axel was from out of nowhere that squawk a lot, and then one of the most effective managers of crossfly away leaving behind a giant mess. Anyone cultural teams I have ever met. who has worked for an international organization has likely encountered a seagull manager. He wasn’t a seagull. Nope. He was a chameleon, able to adapt to any working environment. These bosses operate all over the world and He knew when to speak up and when to have they are easy to spot because they often run patience. Whenever possible, I used to follow him unhappy, dysfunctional and underperforming around in the hope of understanding how he was teams. One of the most common reasons so successful at working with people across the seagull managers fail in cross-cultural teams planet. is because they don’t effectively adjust their working and communication style to align with Axel believed that managing cross-cultural their teammates. teams included two critical pieces: relationship building and communicating. It turns out there is a lot of variation when it comes to how people like to work across The lunch secret the planet. Why two lunches? Axel noticed that lunch was a main source of socializing and relationship With the growing talent crunch in Singapore and building in certain parts of the world, including elsewhere, cracking the code of cross-cultural Singapore. During his time in the United States, team management has become more important he observed the opposite behavior where than ever. workers would inhale a sandwich at their How to overcome these challenges? There desks while either catching up on the news or is no shortage of research on managing people doing work. across cultures. Books, lectures and trainings This was not the case in other parts of the abound. The tricky part is putting this knowledge world. In markets such as Singapore, Axel would into practice. I wanted to find real managers who go to lunch with one group, and go out again with have overcome these cross-cultural obstacles to another group who ate later. He understood that see how they got things done and that’s when I to grow a business globally, relationships had to found Axel. be built locally. A Dutch expat living in Singapore, Axel would Axel didn’t judge. He adjusted. go to lunch twice each day. When he visited his 52 LIVING IN SINGAPORE
For example, foreign managers frustrated with a lack of results would tell their Singapore team to shorten, or skip, lunch until a project got finished. While this might solve an immediate issue, relationships with teams suffer and trust and confidence dissolve. In other words, it’s not how things are done around here.
James had found the right mix of delivering enough information without overdoing it. Specifically, when updating his boss on the other side of the world, he would start with a small story, often something a bit salacious or novel, to catch his listener’s attention. Then he would add relevant data. Anecdotes were helpful, but adding evidence created the magic sauce that led to his In London, building relationships was more ability to persuade his audience. James would likely to happen in a pub. Imagine if a Singaporean then explain why his boss needed to know (such manager told a UK team they couldn’t meet for as he was either helping her either make or save drinks after work. There might be a riot. money), then he would wrap with another story that drove home his point including whatever next step he wanted. He made it sound natural, but – on closer inspection – he was working off a Great leaders have much to teach us about working across cultures. By storytelling formula. focusing on building strong relationships and strengthening communication, both Axel and James were able to bridge gaps that cause so many teams to stagnate.
Ultimate Communication
When it comes to managing across cultures, persuasion happens when strong data meets a good story. Here is James’ formula: a story that catches attention – provide data – back to a story – conclusion. This is not the only way to do it, but it was repeatable, and it was effective.
Great leaders have much to teach us about working across cultures. By focusing on building strong relationships and strengthening communication, both Axel and James were able to bridge gaps that cause so many teams to stagnate. Axel’s particular focus on reducing unproductive group meetings and replacing them with more important informal conversations and James’ techniques to win over overseas Ultimate active listening should be brief, colleagues are lessons to emulate. When it ideally summarizing what was said in only a few comes to the future of working across cultures, sentences. And then – this is critical – confirm seagulls need not apply. everyone understands key points and next steps correctly. Kyle D. Hegarty is a Calibrated Storytelling It wasn’t just Axel who had lessons to teach business consultant and about managing foreign teams. One Singaporean author based in Singapore. who I’ll call James Lee was a master at His book, The Accidental communicating ideas and persuading colleagues Business Nomad: A Survival from other regions. His secret was the much Guide For Working Across discussed, but frequently underutilized, power A Shrinking Planet, won the 2021 Axiom Business of storytelling. Book Award. The article James understood that his company’s includes excerpts from his headquarters based in the US did not know a book. lot about what was happening on the ground across his ASEAN region. Other managers got this messaging wrong, either giving their headquarters too much information or not enough. Either way, executives back at HQ would get suspicious and start micromanaging ineffectively from a distance. One tool called “ultimate active listening” is used at the end of conversations and involves the listener playing the entire conversation back to make sure everything has been understood correctly. This is especially helpful when there are language barriers or for remote managers who do not have the same ability to check in on how a project is progressing.
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Setting up Your Own Business By Richard Hartung
Setting up your own business can be very attractive for trailing spouses or people who want to escape life in a large corporation. Singapore is ranked second globally by the World Bank for ease of doing business, after New Zealand, and it is indeed easy to set up a business here. You’ll need to plan carefully, though, to make sure you design and structure your business well.
Planning to make the Business a Success The first steps in setting up a business are to figure out what you want to do and to develop a business plan. Individuals run small businesses ranging from consulting firms or training companies to bakeries or high-tech manufacturing firms, so there are plenty of options. Once you decide on the type of business, you’ll need to decide on the details of the product or service you will offer and who your customers will be. It can be helpful to look at competitors in your niche to identify what they do and how to differentiate your offerings. Marketing, promotion and sales are, of course, essential for success. Social media and traditional media can both work well. The best way to bring customers in is usually by using your network and contacts, though, so you’ll want to make sure you have plenty of connections and maintain them through networking or professional organizations. A website can add credibility as well as marketing reach, and you can engage a professional to set one up or do it yourself using platforms such as Wix or GoDaddy. While finances may seem mundane, they are critical. Developing a financial plan can be helpful. You will most likely need to set up
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a bank account, and using software such as Xero or Quickbooks can make handling the bookkeeping easy. If you need support, you can find services ranging from design and website development to marketing and administrative support from professionals worldwide at sites such as Upwork or Fiverr. Your network can also be a source of collaborators, partners or staff, or you can find staff at sites such as jobscentral. com.sg or LinkedIn.
Types of Businesses Once you figure out what to do, you should register your business with ACRA. Two structures are most common for individuals. The easiest is a sole proprietorship, which you own and control yourself. As ACRA describes it, the person and the business are the same legal entity and the owner has unlimited liability. The advantage is that it’s easy to set up and you can run it entirely on your own. One consideration for Americans is that revenue may be considered as personal income for tax purposes and you may need to pay social security and Medicare taxes.
The other is a “private limited” company with directors and shareholders. A company shields directors from liability and may be perceived as more established. Regulatory requirements include having a corporate secretary and making tax as well as company filings, however, and hiring support services can cost several thousand dollars annually. While company profits are taxed for Americans, only revenue paid as salary or fees may be personally taxable and the company may not have to pay social security or Medicare taxes for Americans. The government here provides a multitude of resources to help with starting a business, and you can find information at government websites including gobusiness and Startup SG.
Permissions and Permits While it is easy for Singapore citizens and permanent residents to set up a business, other residents need additional permission. It is essential to look for the latest details on the
Ministry of Manpower (MoM) website. Rules for a Letter of Consent, which enables Dependant Pass (DP) holders to operate a business, changed in May 2021. To be eligible now, MoM says you need to be a sole proprietor, partner or company director in an ACRA-registered business. You will also need to hire at least one Singaporean or permanent resident who meets MoM salary requirements and receives CPF contributions for at least 3 months. Another option is to apply for an Employment Pass (EP) or an S Pass, if you meet the salary criteria. Criteria for obtaining a Pass have been tightened considerably in recent years. You can use the MoM Self Assessment Tool to see whether you might qualify. MoM also says that you can apply for an Entrepreneur Pass (EntrePass), before incorporating a company with ACRA or within six months after incorporating it.
Next Steps It is indeed straightforward to set up a business in Singapore, and thousands of people have succeeded in achieving their purpose and living a fulfilling life by becoming an entrepreneur. While careful planning is needed, the potential is tremendous. This information should not be considered as tax or legal advice. You should consult Singapore and US government sources as well as professional advisors for full information.
Richard is the Managing Director of Transcarta and a freelance writer for Today, Challenge, The Asian Banker and other media, as well as corporate clients. He is also the author of Changing Lanes, Changing Lives. Richard is a consultant in retail banking, focusing on payments strategy and efficiency, with more than 20 years of experience in Asia. You can read more from Richard at www.richardhartung.com.
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