Singapore American Newspaper by American Association of Singapore

Since 1958 Singapore American • May 2016

AM ERICAN AS S O CIATION O F S INGAP O RE www.aasingapore.com

American Association.....1-3 Member Discounts..............3 CRCE & Business................ 4 Community News.............5-8 Living in Singapore.............9 Arts.............................10-13 Travel........................14-15 Hacks........................16-23 Food.........................24-25 Health & Wellness............26 What's Happening...........27

May 2016

Living in Singapore 9

Travel 14-15

Heatlh & Wellness 26

Hacks16-23

Greener Living in Singapore

Hiking in Bhutan with young children

Spring Cleaning for Your Body

Little Tricks to Make Life Easier MCI (P) 116/04/2016

Digital Time Thieves By Alka Chandiramani

his issue is filled with all sorts of time savers, short cuts designed to make life easier. And it really does seem like we need these little tricks more than ever, right? Where does the time go? A lot of it is being eaten up by time spent on our devices. With around 2.5 billion internet users, fifteen million texts being sent every minute and many people now spending more time online gaming than sleeping, you can see the effects of the digital age everywhere. People walk down busy streets reading their phones and drivers sit at traffic signals skimming through their messages. Research shows that on average we check our smartphones every six and half minutes! Sometimes, it seems we are slaves (and not masters) to our digital devices. There’s no question: the digital screen has changed the world in which we live, but defining it as good or bad depends on your own perspective. There is a fundamental human need to be socially connected in one way or another and the ability to stay connected 24/7 is a source of instant gratification. Even when you feel physically alone, you still feel connected through another platform. Mother Teresa once said the greatest suffering is being lonely, feeling unloved and having no one. For many, the digital age has helped alleviate that very suffering.

But how does constant connection affect our brains? Are these connections real? Has too much digital screen time and connectedness led to irrational behaviors, especially in many teenagers? Maybe. Studies show if there's too much arousal emotionally, the medial temporal in the brain gets activated and the hippocampus shuts down. When that happens, dopamine levels are lower and the feel good factor of being connected creates a missing link. This might explain why cyber bullying is affecting many young students emotionally and psychologically. As a parent myself, learning more about the social brain has given me some food for thought. It's like the iceberg principle: what we see on the surface (what we show people through digital media) is just the tip of what lies deep beneath the consciousness. And the best way to do that is one-on-one communication, real communication. Human connectedness in this digital world is very important, enabling us to ask better questions and to seek better answers. But if it’s so important, what does the future hold as we seem to eliminate more and more face-to-face interaction? In my experience as a human resources professional, in order to move forward, we need a 360-degree approach

where we combine technological advancements with added elements of human interconnectedness. Digital connections are important and part of the world in which we live. But it’s equally important to see facial expressions and body language and to hear voices. Face-to-face interaction takes communication to a more realistic level where we are able to understand verbal and non-verbal language. Studies show that 55% of communication is body language, 38% is the tone of voice and 7% is the actual words spoken. In his book Nonverbal Communication, Albert Mehrabian states, "When there are inconsistencies between attitudes communicated verbally and posturally, the postural component should dominate in determining the total attitude that is inferred." Basically? Reading between the lines is key. And no computer or smart phone can replace looking into somebody’s eyes and listening, really listening. As Margaret J. Wheatley once said, "Listening is such a simple act. It requires us to be present and that takes practice, but we don't have to do anything else. We don't have to advise, to coach or sound wise. We just have to be willing to sit there and listen."

American Association of Singapore's Annual Strategic Partners

2 AMERICAN ASSOCIATION

A Message from the President...

Singapore American • May 2016

SINGAPORE AMERICAN NEWSPAPER EDITORIAL Editor-in-Chief: Melinda Murphy, communications@aasingapore.com Publishing Editor: Toni Dudsak, generalmanager@aasingapore.com

DESIGN & L AYOUT Graphic Designer: Sanna Massala, graphics@aasingapore.com

ADVERTISING Advertising Manager: Valerie Tietjen, san.ads@aasingapore.com

CONTRIBUTORS

ll of our AAS members are special. You faithfully come to events, volunteer to help out on our various charity projects and represent the best and highest ideals of being a global citizen. So when any of you leave our Singapore-American community (whether to go to a new country assignment or to move back home), it hurts to say goodbye. One such couple that leaves us this month is Betsy and Michael Zink. Even if you don’t know them personally, you’ve likely seen them at many AAS events, as well as AmCham, Singapore American School (SAS), The American Club and countless charity events, including Betsy’s tireless work with the Dayspring New Life Center. As Head of ASEAN for Citi, Michael has had a profound impact on the American business community here and regionally with his intelligence, wit and genuine concern for giving a voice and access to those who have neither. Now, after 28 years, 10,000 days and ten countries with Citi, he’s retiring to start a new chapter in the US, closer to their four kids and extended family. We are grateful for their stalwart support of the American Association and for being wonderful, personal friends to my wife Kat and me. Thanks Betsy and Michael and safe travels! The George Washington Ball (GWB) Committee joined me last month in donating $30,000 raised at the GWB to the Singapore Children's Society to help Singapore children in need. We are so proud of the generosity of our members. In April, we hope you enjoyed our Newbie Night. It’s a relatively new event that we started in 2015 to get to know our newest members and bring them together. We also held our annual Repatriation Talk for those of you (like the Zinks) who are returning home. Looking ahead, I hope your foursome is ready to go for the Ambassador’s Cup Golf Tournament on Saturday, May 7 at the Palm Resort Golf & Country Club in Senai, Johor, Malaysia. Played since 1935, we’re expecting this AAS major event to be a favorite with our golfers and their families yet again. If you’re one of our Quiz Night regulars, I’ll personally be taunting you on May 12 as your Quiz Master (and I’ll be taking a fair amount of harassment from the teams, per usual). We welcome all newcomers to AAS Quiz Night, guaranteed fun, laughs and a chance to bend your brain. Finally, Happy Mother’s Day to our moms, wives, sisters and friends. We appreciate all that you do! Best,

Andrew J. Aylward, Tom Benner, Melindah Bush, Faith Chanda, Kevin Cox, Jeremy Craig, Laura Coulter, Nithia Devan, Mahima Gupta Didwania, James Duckworth, Rob Faraone, Seamus Germain, Germaine Goh, Koh Xin Tian, Lauren S. Power, Laura Schwartz, Marc Servos For A AS: Alka Chandiramani, Melinda Murphy

A MERICAN ASSOCIATION BOARD MEMBERS President: Glenn van Zutphen • Vice President: Steven Tucker Treasurer: Patrick Jones • Secretary: Shawn Galey Directors: James Arpin, Joseph Foggiato, Shawn Galey, Mary Beth McCrory, Ana Mims and Stephanie Nash Immediate Past President: David Boden • AmCham Chair: James Andrade American Club President: Scott Weber • AWA President: Tara Eastep SACAC Chair: Stu Wilson • SAS Chair: Catherine Poyen Non-Voting Member: US Embassy: Chahrazed Sioud US Military: Rear Admiral Charles F. Williams

PUBLISHER - A MERICAN ASSOCIATION The American Association of Singapore (AAS) is a professional, not-for-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. 10 Claymore Hill, Singapore 229573 T: (+65) 6738 0371 • F: (+65) 6738 3648 E: admin@aasingapore.com • www.aasingapore.com The Singapore American newspaper, a monthly publication with readership of 10,000+, has been published by the American Association of Singapore since 1958, with the purpose of enhancing the expatriate experience in Singapore.

SUBSCRIPTION A subscription to the Singapore American is complimentary with an AAS or CRCE membership. AAS annual family membership is just $70. CRCE membership is $160. To join, visit www.aasingapore.com and have the Singapore American delivered to your home. Reproduction in any manner, in English or any other language, is prohibited without written permission. The Singapore American welcomes all contributions of volunteer time or written material. The Singapore American is printed by Procomp Printset Pte Ltd, 57 Loyang Drive, Level 3 Annex Building, Singapore 508968.

Glenn van Zutphen president@aasingapore.com twitter: @glennvanzutphen

3 AMERICAN ASSOCIATION

Singapore American • May 2016

AAS Saturday

May

Upcoming Events

Past Events

Ambassador's Cup Golf Tournament

Get your foursome together or enter as an individual and we will assign you a team. Begin your day with a pre-round lunch, then find your cart and tee off and enjoy drinks and snacks throughout the day. The Texas scramble format tournament means a relaxed and enjoyable day for everyone, no matter your handicap. After your round, enjoy refreshments served on the patio before the awards dinner later that evening. Shotgun start at 12:45pm Palm Resort Golf & Country Club, Senai, Johor, Malaysia $295 for AAS Members, $365 for Non Members

Repatriation Talk Thursday

12 May

Quiz Night

There is nothing better than BBQ, beer and bragging rights! Come match wits against your friends and walk away a champ! 7-9pm Smokey's BBQ , 32 South Buona Vista Road, Singapore 118161 AAS Members: $35, Team of six: $180 (includes a jug of beer and snacks per table)

People moving back home gained all sorts of useful information at our Repatriation Talk. We’re proud we offer this important talk to our members as it’s often harder to move back home than to move here. A special thank you to Santa Fe Relocation Services and Suzanne Anderson for sharing such useful information and a shout out to 8 on Claymore Serviced Residences for hosting.

Newbie Night

Our new members were excited to meet new people and get all sorts of insider tips about life in Singapore. It was a fun event, perhaps a beginning of a new friendship for some and definitely a good evening for everyone!

For more info and to register for an event: www.aasingapore.com

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!

Book

Release ! The brand new

Living in Singapore will be available for sale June 1. The updated “Bible” for life in Singapore includes: • All revised chapters • Hottest Apps • Insider Tips on everything from Education to Business to Regional Travel

AAS is Turning 100 in 2017!

And much, much more!

But to make it all happen, we need you! If you’re interested in volunteering for our Centennial Committee, please contact: AAS100@aasingapore.com

For more information: www.aasingapore.com

We have lots of special things planned to celebrate our 100th birthday!

AAS MEMBER DISCOUNTS

AAS members enjoy discounts at a range of local businesses. Present your AAS membership card at time of purchase. Please see a full list of discounts at www.aasingapore.com/member-discounts.

Two hours free handy-man service worth more than $200 when you book your move with Allied Pickfords. Call 6862 4700.

Present AAS membership card to receive 15% off total bill. Valid for dine in on a la carte menu at all Brewerkz and Cafe Iguana restaurants from January 4-December 30, 2016. Limit to one (1) redemption per bill, per table. Not valid on concert days, eve of and on public holidays. Not valid with lunch menu, other set menus, discounts, vouchers, promotions or privileges. The management reserves the right to amend the terms & conditions without prior notice.

Get a six-month free membership to Expat Living magazine. Redeem: www.expatliving.sg/aas

FIRST DRINK FREE – every day, every visit for AAS members. Valid on house pours until December 31, 2016. Show your membership card at the bar to claim. Check out their new location at: 32 South Buona Vista

Receive a 10% discount on a one-year membership.

Present your AAS membership card and receive $10 in vouchers when you sign up for a Warehouse Club membership. Valid till November 30, 2016.

CAREER RESOURCE CENTER FOR EXCELLENCE

Singapore American • May 2016

PERSONAL & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

"It is always the small pieces that make the big picture." UNKNOWN

IN CONVERSATION WITH LENCA YEW

Tell us about yourself. I have more than a decade of experience in the communications spectrum, including marketing, graphic design and language translation. Passionate about Corporate Social Responsibility, I also enjoy a good banter and interacting with diverse nationalities, having worked in the educational, hospitality and creative fields. I am a closet writer and day dreamer and have lived in Australia, Hawaii and New York. For fun, I teach swimming and am never far from water and nature. How did you hear about CRCE? I came across it online. Share with us your experiences with AAS and CRCE so far. I’ve had very prompt service from the everfriendly and helpful staff. I find the seminars useful and suited to the needs of job hunters and members. Was the information provided in the seminars useful for you as a Singapore citizen, having lived in a variety of cultural backgrounds? Informative and interesting seminars ease the job hunting process regardless of nationalities. The sessions are encouraging, especially the one about setting up online business and as well as the 1:1 personalized career coaching. The seminars are also good opportunities to

widen my professional network while sharing knowledge with other attendees. What would be your top five tips for newbies to Singapore? 1. Explore this island. There is always something to do. From museum hopping and various types of walking trails to grocery shopping at a neighborhood wet market and beer guzzling at the world's highest urban craft brewery. 2. Expand your network. Attend networking events, join a club or take a course in something you’ve always wanted to do such as language or dance. Volunteering for a cause about which you’re passionate brings fulfillment, too. 3. Eat where the locals eat. Yes, your home food is never far away with Singapore’s wide array of international cuisine. However, the diverse local delights may excite your taste buds so much that you may even want to attempt making some of them, a breeze with ready-made ingredients at the supermarkets. 4. Explore the region. With Singapore's strategic location and plentiful budget airlines, you're spoiled for getaway choices from the historic sites of Cambodia and the beautiful Sakura blooms of Japan to a caravan trip along Margaret River's wineries and the majestic Milford Sound in New Zealand. 5. Experience shopping off the beaten path. Big malls aside, there are quaint and hip areas to shop for interesting and one-of-a-kind finds. These include Haji Lane, Chinatown complex, Mustafa Centre and various arts markets in different locations.

CRCE MAY WORKSHOPS Starting Your Own Network Marketing Business Speaker: Winnie Fannon Friday, May 13 10am – 12pm Leveraging Your Networks – Art and Science Speaker: Ruchira Chaudhary Wednesday, May 18 10am – 12pm

Are you an employer with an opening to fill? Did you know employers can list jobs for free on the CRCE job board? Log onto www.aasingapore.com to find out more.

Photo courtesy of Lenca Yew

LOOKING TO REINVENT YOURSELF? AAS OFFERS PERSONALIZED CAREER COUNSELING SERVICES. SIGN UP NOW FOR A PRIVATE APPOINTMENT WITH A PROFESSIONAL CAREER ADVISOR. PLEASE CONTACT CRCE.INFO@AASINGAPORE.COM

SPOTLIGHT ON JOBS Sales and Admin Assistant A large American wine company based in California has a decentralized team of seven people posted around Asia and only one in Singapore, the Senior Sales Director responsible for Asia Pacific Region. They are looking for a Sales and Admin Assistant to work part-time, 15 hours per week, plus occasional events. Duties include: manage calendar and contacts database; travel bookings, conference organization for Asia meetings, manage appointment and dinner bookings. (job #3269) Human Resources Manager The role will provide Human Resources support across the business and hands-on partnership to all managers and employees on all matters regarding HR and will provide day-to-day counseling and coaching on employee relations issues, performance management, talent development and compliance. You will collaborate with a group of analytically-minded and creative coworkers and clients whom are all passionate about digital media. (job #3267) Project management & innovation – FMCG/Pharma/OTC This organization is seeking those experienced in the innovation or activity management context, including existing consultants looking to expand their businesses. Can you orchestrate critical projects while making the complex seem simple and build others’ capability to do the same? Do you have experience in the FMCG, pharma or consumer healthcare sectors? Do you understand how to combine the efforts of the supply chain, R&D and marketing to deliver a growth pipeline? (job #3266) Inside Sales Representative (ANZ) A leading sales agency is looking for a candidate for the Inside Sales Representative role. Your responsibilities will include: responsible for selling warranty and maintenance renewal contracts via phone and email; deliver on sales targets for the assigned region; up-sell and cross-sell contracts over the phone; generate sales quotations for customers. (job #3265) School Office Manager An international school is looking for a Business Development/Office Manager, who enjoys multi-tasking and variety. This position requires you to maintain daily operations, work closely with directors, add to the expansion and growth of the school and consistently look for marketing opportunities. You need to be sensitive to client’s needs and able to communicate with them warmly. Great customer service is a well-established requirement of all staff working at the school. (job #3264) Marketing Communication Specialist (part-time) The successful candidate will perform the following tasks: build brand relationships with bloggers and influencers; develop media and corporate partnerships; write press releases; develop and pitch content to journalists; come up with great article topics for audiences; smart share content on social networks; monitor community activities. (job #3263) Consultant Therapist/Psychologist The Therapist will handle assessment and counseling of children, teens, individual adults, couples and/or families, in addition to conducting related workshop. A Master’s degree and above in Counseling or Psychology is required as is two to three years of postgraduate clinical experience. (job #3262)

5 COMMUNITY NEWS

Singapore American • May 2016

Hacking Your Way to a Smarter Business By Germaine Goh

o you hack things? Before you answer “no,” think again. The term "hack" does not necessarily mean gaining unauthorized access into computers to conduct cyberattacks and security breaches. Hack can also mean developing novel ways to increase productivity and efficiency. Whether you have business ideas and want to turn them into reality or you are passionate about solving complex challenges in society, participating in a hackathon may be a novel way of achieving your goals! Hackathons are events that involve creative problem solving over a period of time, ranging from hours to days, where people come together to solve problems in various fields. These events

have become increasingly widespread as many companies and start-ups often use these events as a platform to bring together developers, designers and entrepreneurs to develop new technologies. These hackathons are organized regularly by many major technology-intensive companies such as Google, Facebook, Accenture and Microsoft with attractive prizes awarded to the top teams. However, hackathons are not just for technology companies. In recent years, many organizations, including governments, have been using such platforms to seek public collaboration to tackle business and societal challenges. Singapore, for instance, has been actively collaborating with schools and industry

partners to tackle real-world challenges as part of the national vision to create a SMART Nation. Contrary to popular belief, hackathons are appropriate for newbies and experts alike. They are open to anyone with an interest in exploring and learning more about the relevant field. The close-knit environment means that one is able to socialize and collaborate with like-minded individuals while coming up with innovative and creative ideas. Who knows? You might be able to hack your way to a smarter business after participating in one! You will also be strongly supported by the growing startup eco-system in Singapore. The combination of a supportive business and financial structure, coupled with government funding, makes Singapore a prime location to launch innovative ideas. Hackathons have been an important tool for innovation and generation of ideas. For instance, a local organization called Padang & Co has been partnering with members of the public, private and social sectors to discover new opportunities to create disruptive technologies in Singapore. These include working with government agencies, social enterprises and many others on key issues over a short period of time. Some examples of their recent hackathons include “Social Innovators Hack!” designed to promote greater collaboration among social innovators and “Changi Airport Hackathon” focused on redesigning travelers’ experiences at Changi Airport. So are you up for it? If you are and enjoy the challenge of intensive brainstorming, minimal sleep and food, (lasting from hours to many days), then take part in one and work together with a group of hackers to co-create solutions for the future.

Photo courtesy of Padang &Co.

6 COMMUNITY NEWS

Singapore American • May 2016

Choosing the Right College! By Koh Xin Tian

ummer is a prime time for high schoolers and their parents to visit college campuses. Often, parents are stressed when students go through the subjective process of finding a best-fit college. Over the past five years, Singapore American School (SAS) has had students matriculate to approximately 475 post-secondary institutions in 19 countries. The universities to which we have matriculated the most students include New York University (41), University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (41), Northeastern University (25), University of British Columbia (25), University of California, Los Angeles (24) and Northwestern University (22), among many other schools. Here are three ways to help your child find the college that would be the best fit! 1. Write down your concerns. What are your own hopes, ambitions and fears regarding your child’s college selection and applications? Is there something about the application process that scares you now? Ask yourself these questions early and write your answers down. 2. Plan ahead of time. Remind your children to give themselves a generous amount of time and well-spaced milestones by which to complete tasks, such as college visits and collecting recommendations. Visit www.sas.edu.sg/page.cfm?p=2099 for a suggested timeline for the applications process. Look into institutions that may not be popular as a whole, but have award-winning departments in your child’s areas of interest. Visiting in early summer or even when classes are in session and students are on campus is ideal to get a better feel of the town and school. 3. Look into liberal arts colleges. Many international students and parents tend to overlook liberal arts colleges (LACs). Parents are often skeptical of even top-

ranking LACs, but did you know that according to Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System statistics, the median top 15 LAC has a greater endowment per student than the median university in the top 15 in the US? (www.nces.ed.gov/ipeds). Such LACs give your student more resources and less competition with graduate students for time with faculty as well as for lab and research opportunities.

Schools often have college counselors who are experts in the process to guide families and students in the process of selecting a best-fit school. If you’re still early in the process, it doesn’t hurt to research ahead of time and partner with your child’s assigned college counselor. Photo courtesy of Singapore American School

7 COMMUNITY NEWS

Singapore American • May 2016

Want a US Passport Card? By Andrew J. Aylward

erhaps you’ve heard about the US passport card, but weren’t sure how to use this travel document. At the Embassy, we get frequent questions about the passport card and whether or not citizens should apply for one when they renew their passports. Here are some details that may help you determine if a passport card is right for you. The passport Card can be used to enter the United States from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda at land border crossings or sea ports-of-entry. In these circumstances, the card is more convenient and less expensive than a passport book. For citizens who have frequent travel that take them into Mexico or Canada, the passport card can offer a quick, convenient and inexpensive way to facilitate travel. Benefits of the passport card include increased speed and security at US land and sea border crossings through the use of a radio frequency identification

Your role remains indispensable. Lee Hsien Loong, Prime Minister, Singapore from the Wall Street Journal

(RFID) chip. With RFID technology, Customs and Border Protection inspectors can access photographs and other biographical information stored in secure government databases as the traveler approaches an inspection station. The passport card uses state-of-the-art security features to prevent against the possibility of counterfeiting and forgery. An adult (age 16 and older) passport card is valid for ten years and costs US$30. Minor passport cards are valid for five years and cost US$15. Passport cards can be issued to any US citizen. If you are interested in applying for a US passport card, apply at the Embassy here in Singapore. More information on the application process can be found at https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/passports/information/card.html One of the most frequent misunderstandings about the passport card is the ability to use it as a replacement for your US passport book or as a replacement ID. Unfortunately, the passport card cannot be used for international air travel and is not a replacement for a primary identification when you are overseas so it may not be right for everyone. However, if you frequently cross North American land borders or plan on spending time sailing the oceans nearer to the US, the passport card may be right for you. Photo courtesy of US Embassy

Did you happen to catch what Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said about the US leadership role on trade and security in Southeast Asia? He specifically spoke about the Obama administration’s unratified Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) trade deal, which neither the leading Democratic nor Republican candidate for US president supports. The TPP is a trade deal with 11 other Pacific nations that would cut tariffs on American goods and services, improve intellectual property rights and help write the trade and investment rules for an area that is home to about 40% of global economic output. The agreement notably does not include China. Be sure to check out the Prime Minister’s insightful comments under the “What’s New” section of www.aasingapore.com.

8 COMMUNITY NEWS

Singapore American • May 2016

The Great Outdoors By Melindah Bush

his has been a big year of exploring the great outdoors for Cub Scout Pack 3010! We started the year with by joining Cub Scout Pack 3017 and Boy Scout Troops 10 and 07 for the annual overnight campout in Kranji, which included opportunities for Scouts to practice their orienteering skills, knots, first aid, weather forecasting and general camping skills. The Scouts also enjoyed an evening of camaraderie and fun under the stars with a massive campfire, during which the Scouts held skits and played games before retiring to their tents. We had great dry weather conditions, perfect for a weekend spent camping.

Then in February, the Cub Scouts went on another outdoor adventure by exploring the undeveloped beauty of Pulau Ubin, just off the coast of Singapore. The Scouts woke up early to catch bum boats from the Changi ferry terminal to the island. Once there, the Scouts began the day by hiking through the marshes and along the shoreline to explore the island’s wildlife and flora. After the hike, the Scouts spent the early afternoon fishing for local species, all of which were caught and released. Among the species hooked by the Scouts were catfish, ciclids and a type of stonefish, along with a small octopus. Scouts practiced their casting skills and learned how to bait a hook and safely remove

hooks from their catches so the fish could be released back safely into the wild. After two, fun outdoor adventures, the Cub Scouts of Pack 3010 are now preparing for our annual Pinewood Derby races and will spend the next few weeks designing, building and testing their wooden race cars to prepare.

Photo by David Kowal

Being a Boy Scout Rocks! By Seamus Germain

n my honor, I’ll do my best, To do my duty, To God and my country And to obey the Scout law, To help other people at all times, To keep myself physically strong, Mentally awake, And morally straight. This is the Boy Scout oath; it is not only a promise to yourself, but to the people all around you in your community, in your country and your world to be the best possible version of yourself. What makes Troop 10 different is its unique diversity of religion, race and culture among Scouts. It is also a Scout lead troop, which makes it sometimes chaotic, but never dull! Every year, Troop 10 embarks on many camp outs that are fun, but also focus on learning and service. Just last month, I was sleeping in a hammock at Stamford American International School (SAIS) on our MECO (Mostly Electronic Camp Out) fun camp out. In my past two years, I have been on trips across the world from horse riding and archery in Mongolia; to sailing and rock climbing in Indonesia; to climbing mountains in Malaysia and camping around Singapore. Everything this troop does is making something better, whether we are serving the less

fortunate, supporting our community or even taking part in a troop activity. The trail to Eagle Scout is something in which every Scout takes part, but not everyone will complete. Along the path, regardless of whether you make Eagle or not, you will become a better leader, friend and citizen. Our troop is dedicated to developing tomorrow’s leaders. I have learned so much about the social needs of my local surroundings in my two years of Scouting. I have learned life skills that will help me both in and out of school. Joining Troop 10 was something that I was skeptical to do at first, but looking back, it is one of the best decisions that I have made. I believe that joining this troop would provide an opportunity for all young boys to learn many life skills through fun and service through the Boy Scouts of America.

Photos by Chuck Ball

SCOUTING IN SINGAPORE Boy Scouts Troop 07: www.bsatroop07.org Boy Scouts Troop 10: www.facebook.com/BSATroopX Cub Scouts Pack 3010: sites.google.com/site/cubscoutspack3010 Cub Scouts Pack 3017: SGPack3017@gmail.com Girl Scouts: www.singaporeusagirlscouts.org

9 LIVING IN SINGAPORE

Singapore American • May 2016

Low-Impact Living:

Singapore Style

By Laura Schwartz

lobal warming has been in the headlines for the past few years, along with concerns over the pollution and waste management issues that have followed the mass migration to cities. While solutions to the major problems ultimately lie with government policy and corporate action, there are ways that individuals can contribute through the choices they make every day. Here are a few hacks to help you leave a gentler impact on the environment:

Watch Your Water and Air

Make Your Wants Known

The recycling of waste water is taken very seriously by the Singapore government, as seen in the Water Conservation Tax. This is aimed at households with heavy water usage, which are billed at a higher rate as a reminder to be mindful. Shorter showers not only mean you’ll save the environment, but a bit of cash as well. Going without air conditioning in the tropics is likely too much to ask, but many air conditioners feature a “Dehumidify” setting that reduces the humidity in a room, cooling it without the energy output of more traditional air conditioning settings.

Manage Food Waste According to government statistics, Singapore generated 788,600 tons of food waste in 2014. Convert some of that waste by composting, even if you don’t have a backyard or garden. Compost is perfect for keeping potted plants healthy and even a small compost bin can reduce waste. Head to ZeroWasteSG.com for advice on how to compost, recycle and reuse tips and much, much more.

One major action you can take is to limit your use of plastic bags and opt for a reusable bag instead. Cashiers at supermarkets and bakeries often default to using more plastic bags than strictly necessary, so don’t be afraid to ask them to use less when bagging your groceries or wrapping up your croissant. Many restaurants and hawker stalls use non-reusable Styrofoam or plastic containers to pack food for take-away. If you’re planning to sit down and eat, be sure to let the stall you’re ordering from know so that they can provide you with washable cutlery instead. Otherwise, you may receive an excessive bundle of packaging, such as the placing of a drink in a plastic cup inside a plastic bag.

Pay It Forward Instead of throwing away old clothes or knickknacks, give them a chance at a second life and donate. Charities like the Salvation Army, Movement for the Intellectually Disabled of Singapore and Touch Ubi Hostel run collection centers for used items to stock their thrift stores. Additionally, international clothing store H&M offers discount coupons in exchange for bags of used garments. Keep an eye out for the white and green bins in their stores. Meanwhile, initiatives like Singapore Freecycle Network and Pass-It-On aim to make giving away unwanted items easier than ever.

Laura Schwartz was born in Ireland and grew up in Japan, Singapore and New Jersey, finally becoming an American citizen at age 18. She graduated Bard College in 2010 with a BA in Japanese Language & Culture. When she's not traveling or devouring a new book, she juggles her 9-to-5 as an Admissions & Career Consultant with freelance writing. Illustrations and photos by Freepik

CHEATING on the SAT By Jeremy Craig

euters recent expose about SAT cheating in China has rocked the test-taking world. College Board, the company that administers the SAT, has for years reused bits of pieces of tests in an effort to keep costs down. For years, test prep companies in China have taken advantage of that, getting copies of the SAT tests administered in the United States and passing them on to their clients. These companies also realized that tests administered in New Zealand were often the same version of the test given in Hong Kong five hours later. So test cheaters took the test in Auckland and then reported back to the home office in China. A full answer key was generated and sent to students prior to the test in Hong Kong. In fact, Chinese students were found with full answer keys in their smart phones in 2015. Students found cheating are ejected from the test, but are free to take it again at a later date and universities are not informed of such specific cheating instances. The Reuters report revealed that College Board knew full well what was happening years ago, but probably wasn’t aware of the scope of the problem. As with many American companies, College Board is first and foremost focused on the domestic market and doesn’t even have any offices in Asia, relying instead on local agents. Rather than fix the problem by not recycling questions, College Board instead applied advanced data analysis

to the tens of thousands of tests coming in from Asia and to identify individual cheaters and void those scores. In some cases, entire testing cohorts from China and South Korea had their tests cancelled and, in many cases, there were long delays in score reporting. With the advent of the new format SAT this year, we expect College Board to more actively address the problem. The newformat SAT will be seen in Asia for the first time on May 7, after having been rolled out in America in March. Test prep cheaters in China already have copies of the March test, doubtlessly hoping that the May test will have many of the same questions. It will not. The new-format SAT tests broadly the same core mathematics, reading and writing skills as the previous test. Vocabulary is less of a focus and rhetoric is more of a concern. There are some data analysis questions, one of the math sections does not allow a calculator and the essay is much longer and challenging. Beyond that, the test attempts to predict how students will fare in university so strong students will do well, particularly those who read recreationally and know what a gerund is. College Board was established to serve its members who make up the more than 6,000 education entities worldwide. If it is to provide a viable test, then it must stop recycling questions and we think they will, despite the additional expenses. Students

in Singapore looking towards American universities should be confident that their SAT results will be viable and able to be used in the application process. Grades are always more important than SAT scores, but both must be outstanding for students to be considered by elite American universities. The ACT is a viable alternative to the SAT and is also universally accepted by American universities without prejudice. In reality, the tests are very similar in format and content, doubly so with the new SAT format. The problem with the ACT is that seats are highly limited and getting a place in a test center in Singapore is a bit of a lottery whereas there are no problems in getting a place for the SAT. As this situation will not change soon, we recommend students take the SAT and not the ACT. Taking both the SAT and ACT will not help a student’s chances at any school and universities will likely question why a student is taking so many tests unnecessarily and not playing sports or participating in other activities. Jeremy Craig is the founder and managing director of Testtakers Singapore. He has been teaching SAT preparation since 1993 and has taught nearly 10,000 students over that time. Testtakers is the leading SAT preparation provider in Singapore and works with most of the leading international schools in Singapore and several more in the ASEAN region.

10 ARTS

Singapore American • May 2016

Singapore Arts Hacks By Nithia Devan

“Some people are born to make great art and others are born to appreciate it. … It is a kind of talent in itself, to be an audience, whether you are the spectator in the gallery or you are listening to the voice of the world's greatest soprano. Not everyone can be the artist. There have to be those who witness the art, who love and appreciate what they have been privileged to see.” Ann Patchett, Bel Canto

11 ARTS

Singapore American • May 2016

here’s a busy arts scene in Singapore, but a lot of it goes under the radar, unless you are in the know.

Get in the Loop Get yourself onto the right mailing lists and check the listings on arts websites regularly.

Be an Early Bird Early birds don’t just get the worms. They also save money off the price of tickets. When you look at the advertisements for concerts or theater productions, always check if there are early bird discounts. If you plan ahead, you can save up to 15-20% off the price of tickets.

Have the Right Cards Paying by credit card is a no-brainer. It’s easy, plus it’s secure. But did you know that certain credit cards and loyalty cards can get you discounts? The OCBC Arts Card (issued by OCBC bank) and MasterCard are two examples. The Kinokuniya Privilege Card (issued by the Kinokuniya bookshop) and the PASSION Card (available from community centers) do the same. The Esplanade issues “Esplanade and Me” black and white cards, which entitle you to discounts at events there. So do your homework and always check under “Discounts” when booking tickets to see if you have access to discounts.

Get a Group It’s fun going to events with your family or a group of friends – and cheaper, too. Families can take advantage of family-packages, which are usually applicable to two adults and two children. If you can get a group of twenty or more together for an event, you can contact the event organizer and ask for a group discount.

Join Arts and Culture Meet-up Groups Don’t know many people in Singapore, but would like to meet some who are as passionate about arts events as you are? Then look out for Meet-Up Groups that focus on the arts. There’s bound to be one that matches your needs.

Look Out for Free Events The common complaint about Singapore is that everything is too expensive, including tickets for the arts. But don’t fret: there are a lot of free events out there. For example, the Singapore Symphony Orchestra (SSO) and the Singapore Lyric Opera (SLO) have the occasional free concert at the Botanic Gardens or Gardens By The Bay. You can enjoy public sculptures or go for a guided tour of art in MRT stations. Hotels have artworks on display. You can view Dale Chihuly’s hand blown glass pieces at the Ritz Carlton or sculptures by world-famous Fernando Botero at the St. Regis. Some hotels even offer guided tours. Institutions such as LaSalle, the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA) and the Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music at the NUS have regular performances that are free for the public.

Enjoy the Privileges Although many of the local arts groups get grants from the government, they do rely on support from the public. If you like classical music, you could become a Friend of the SSO. Or, if theater is your passion, many of the local theater groups such as the Singapore Repertory Theatre or W!ld Rice welcome supporters. Likewise, theater group Pangdemonium has an annual season ticket, which gives holders priority booking and discounts off the tickets prices. In return, supporters get complimentary tickets, discounts off ticket prices and priority booking. They get invited to special events or backstage tours. Plus, they know they are doing their bit to support the arts in Singapore!

Photo courtesy of Singapore Dance Theatre Tan Ngiap Heng, Bernie Ng, Nicolethen Studio, Friends of the Museum, Art Stage Singapore and Pangdemonium. Nithia Devan is a freelance marketing communications professional, copywriter and editor. She is passionate about supporting Singapore theater and getting more people fired up about local productions and the arts scene. Her other passions are cookery, cinema, travel, arts and crafts. She is also an active member of PrimeTime, an international networking organization.

Useful websites: Great Arts Sources www.sistic.com.sg www.a-list.sg www.esplanade.co m www.theartshouse .sg www.peatix.com http://sg.asia-city.co m www.honeycombers .com/singapore www.citynomads.c om www.insing.com www.yoursingapo re.com www.timeout.com /singapore

Singapore American â&#x20AC;˘ May 2016

13 ARTS

Singapore American • May 2016

Pangdemonium By Melinda Murphy

ollow your heart. That’s just what the founders of the Singaporean theater company Pangdemonium did - and what a brilliant move it was! Six years later, the little company that could is now churning out some of the most critically-acclaimed productions in Singapore. The company’s motto is, “Ass-kicking adventures in theater” and that’s just what they deliver. Bringing shows to life such as “Next to Normal”

and “Rabbit Hole” and racking up reviews such as “Undeniably, this has to be one of the freshest and most daring plays we’ve seen to date,” Pangdemonium has filled a much-needed hole in the Singaporean theater scene. The company was founded by a husband and wife team, Adrian and Tracie Pang, who wanted something different out of their professional lives. So each left big jobs to start the company with the aim of developing local Singaporean talent by choosing edgier and more relevant shows in a league with the very best theater internationally. But there have been challenges. “The connotations of the word "local" are slightly dubious,” says Adrian. “They think it’s not as good as something you’d find outside of our backyard. We are trying to subvert that amateurish mindset.” In fact, nothing about Pangdemonium is amateurish, including its founders. Adrian is a Singaporean who made quite a name for himself in theater, television and film in the UK before heading back to Singapore, where he’s earned three “Best Actor” awards for his stage roles. These days, it’s hard to miss him: his stint in a commercial for StarHub is in constant rotation and his new film, “The Faith of Anna Waters,” opens May 12. Tracie has quite a resume herself. She’s racked up more than 20 years working in theater throughout Asia and the UK, including helping establish The Little Company, the favorite theater of any youngster here. Her work hasn’t gone unnoticed. In 2015, the American Women’s Association presented Tracie with the award for Woman of the Year for Arts. Currently, she directs Pangdemonium’s productions. “She bosses me around at work and at home,” jokes Adrian. “The major difference between a company like us and a company in London is the money we can afford to put into it,” says Tracie.

“What London and New York have going for them is a large theater-going community. Knowing you can run the play longer means you can put more money into it.” Which is why choosing the right script is all the more key. “We are about finding stories which deal with themes and subjects which are multicultural. universal and global,” says Adrian. “They’re not simply stories that would only work in Singapore.” Tracie adds, “It’s a modern way of telling these stories: new, ground-breaking stories that are being told in the West. We’re not doing Rodgers and Hammerstein. If it’s a love story, it’s a different kind of story. If it’s a dark story, it can cut you up and make you feel horrible, but you love it for it.” The shows are particularly resonating with a younger audience, people in their 20s, 30s and 40s. “What’s encouraging,” says Adrian, “is that the stories we tell that are very human stories that young people are not afraid to be provoked to think and feel. It’s really great to know that even living in the bubble of Singapore, young people these days are not afraid to feel that.” Their next production, “Falling,” is about living with an older child with autism and takes on the global question, “How do you love someone who is difficult to love?” The show runs May 13June 5. The critically-acclaimed “Rent” rounds out the company’s 2016 Season of Love in October. For tickets and more info visit: www.pangdemonium.com

Photo courtesy of Pangdemomium

14 TRAVEL

Singapore American • May 2016

CHINA

Gasa

Para

Thimphu Punakha

Thimphu

BHUTAN

Wangdue Phodrang

Samtes

Bumthan

Chhukha

Trongsa

Dagana Tsirang Sarpang

INDIA

“L

e t ’s go trekking in Bhutan,” she said. “What?” I said in that confused way wives find so endearing. “I said … let’s go trekking in Bhutan.” And so began our family adventure to the Himalayan Hermit Kingdom. As a couple, we live by the mantra that travel is as much about the journey as the destination. So we tend to book holidays that are on the more strenuous and adventurous side. And so far, we haven’t lost or (seriously) injured either of our children in a foreign land. We reached out to an outdoor guide, a friend, who recommended a tour organizer he had worked with before, Ibex Expeditions (www.ibexexpeditions.com). After a couple Skype calls with owners Mandeep and Anita Singh Soin to discuss our desired itinerary and our girls’ abilities, we were booked and ready to go for our October adventure that would require long days of trekking: the shortest day on the move would be five hours and the longest up to eight. Days 1-2: Paro The flight into Paro (the only major international airport in Bhutan) is exciting; dropping altitude fast enough to feel it in your stomach while the pilot skillfully winds through a steepsided valley to a perfect landing. We quickly found our local guide, Dawa, and were whisked away to our rooms at the quaint and simple Janka Resort (www.jankaresort.bt). Paro feels somewhat stuck in time; golden rice fields and traditional farmhouses abound throughout the valley surrounding the few square blocks of streets and buildings in the city center. Dried chilies used in local dishes hang everywhere (indeed “chili-cheese” is served with almost every meal) while chortens with prayer wheels and sleeping stray dogs are everpresent. But the few souvenir shops and western food places we saw are signs that tourism is coming. No visit to Paro (or Bhutan) is complete without a visit to the Taktsang Monastery, aka the Tiger’s Nest. Many have seen photographs of this astonishing iconic structure without even knowing where it is. The hike is not long (half a day round trip), but can seem steep and strenuous due to the altitude, especially after arriving from sea-level Singapore only 24 hours earlier. Even though our girls were only 10 and 11 years old at the time, they were pretty experienced hikers. Still, the first day of any trip is usually a challenge to keep them moving, but the flapping lines of prayer flags, chortens with prayer wheels to spin and scenic vistas along the way kept it interesting enough until they reached the payoff: the first view of Taktsang. This is the point where everyone says to themselves, “How in the world did they build

that?” And the promise of a short stop at a tea house to enjoy the view over a hot cup and a bite to eat didn’t hurt their motivation either. Days 3-7: The Trek We met our crew at the trailhead in the chilly early morning and it appeared our trek would be more of a small army march than a backpacking trip. In addition to Dawa, there was a horseman, a cook, two assistants, six pack horses and too many bags of food and piles of gear to count. We dropped our personal gear onto the pile and off we went with Dawa while the crew packed the horses. The hike through the hills above Paro became more breathtaking with each step upwards (both in terms of the view and the lack of air). Despite the sheer amazing amount of stuff to pack and the steepness of the roads and trails, within a few hours our horse train and crew passed us while we sat for an amazing hot lunch with tea which was cooked at the trailhead in the morning just for us. They headed off to set up camp before our arrival; something they would do every day for the rest of the trip. Each day our girls would listen for the bells on the lead horse and look for his tell-tale feathered headdress coming up behind us. Pulling into camp the first afternoon below a ridge topped by the scenic Jele Dzong monastery (2,995m or 9,826ft), a strong hail storm broke out and we dove into the waiting tents. When the weather cleared, the crew lit a puja fire to ask for better weather and we were treated to an amazing multi-course dinner and the ever-present hot tea. The gods must have been listening for the weather was outstanding the rest of the trip. As we climbed even higher the second day, the scenery became more amazing and our bodies felt the effects. The hiking along the ridges with the views of the Tibetan Himalaya kept everyone moving to see what was around the next corner. Yet as we arrived in camp at Tshokam (3960m or 12,992ft) on the second day, we were all knocked down by varying degrees of altitude sickness. But after a deep sleep with hot water bottles prepared by the crew and a hearty outdoor breakfast served watching the sunrise melt the frost, we were all fit and ready to go again.

Zhemg

15 TRAVEL

Singapore American • May 2016

By James Duckworth

Lhuentse

gang

Trashi Yangtse

On trekking day three, we climbed higher still and the ridgelines became more pronounced. Unfortunately, Trashigang Mongar my beloved boots that had seen so many miles finally Pemagatshel failed me with the sole falling Samdrup Jongkhar off, requiring field repair with a pocket knife, string and some trusty duct tape. This was quite hysterical to our daughters and we joked and laughed about it all the way on the descent to one of the most incredible campsites we had ever seen at the sacred lake of Jimilang Tsho (3,880m or 12,729ft). You can see the lake and the camp at the far end surrounded by yak herds from top of the ridge hours before you get there, so the motivation is strong to keep moving. That night our girls taught the two crew helpers, Jimmy and Tashi, to play Uno and they quickly learned how to use the cutthroat cards to win. After multiple long hands and many mugs of hot tea, we eventually went to sleep with frost forming on the tents and yak bells tinkling in the distance. The next morning we were up early to get going on what was to be a long day, but we were delayed a bit by traffic: there was a yak-jam on the trail as the local herder whistled and yelped to get them moving uphill to graze for the day. We finally headed out for another day of hiking over and along high ridges, but with new scenery as we turned away from Tibet and headed towards the capital city of Thumpu. We stopped at the campsite at Simkota Tsho (4,090m or 13,418ft), a picturesque shallow lake perched on a small plateau with numerous tall stacked-stone cairns jutting above the surface and trout swimming just below. It was here we noticed the impact of tourism most acutely. While the government of Bhutan puts a large emphasis on “being green,” the scattered trash, fire rings and “potty pits” left behind at this camp acutely showed that the increasing number of visitors on the established trekking routes is potentially

straining citizens’ abilities to balance being green with making a living. Our final trekking day broke clear and cold and, once again, we were out early. We quickly reached our high point of the trip at over 4,200m (13,780ft) and then descended steeply along ridges into the valley towards Thimpu. Passing the Phajoding Goemba monastery (3,870m or 12,697ft), we lingered to watch a monk constructing incredibly intricate sculptures out of colored butter for an upcoming festival and marveled to think how they could play soccer in robes on the makeshift field on its grounds. The final descent to Thimpu through the dense valley forest was steep and required focus, but we stopped a short while to watch a few Satyr Tragopans (a beautiful red and brown ground bird) forage in the underbrush. Then, all of a sudden, it was over, we hit the paved road and strolled up to our waiting van at the trailhead. Day 8-9: Thimpu We woke in our room at Tashi Yodeling hotel to the sounds of prayers and crowds of elderly Bhutanese circumambulating the National Memorial Chorten just below. Today was a “touring” day and Dawa had the pleasure of showing many of his proud country’s sites and traditions. We visited the Buddha Dordenma (one of the largest Bhudda statues in the world), tried on the traditional dress (a goh for men and a kira for women), watched part of an archery match (the national sport and teams square off on targets placed 145 meters or 476 feet apart) and visited the seat of government. Buddhism is so central to everything in Bhutanese society that the national temple shares the same grounds as the parliament house. But if you ask our girls, their favorite part was Dawa taking them to a pizza place after a full week of Bhutanese food. On our final day, we drove back to Paro for our flight home. While the drive was scenic and the stops along the way were beautiful, I think we all would have rather trekked back again.

Photos by James Duckworth James Duckworth is an avid outdoors enthusiast who loves skiing, hiking, running, ice and rock climbing, mountain biking and just about anything else adventurous. He left his career of more than 25 years in the customer experience and technology sector to follow his wife's career to Singapore. He now volunteers his time with USA Girl Scouts in Singapore and torments his tween daughters as a stay-at-home dad.

16 HACKS

Singapore American • May 2016

Family

Hacks

Compiled by Living in Singapore Writers

Scouts Need to Know The Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts offer year-round registration, but the USA Girl Scouts only open registration in the Fall and Spring. The earlier you get your daughter on the list, the more likely she is to find a troop as it’s first come, first serve. So if you’re interested, register her online as soon as registration opens on June 1. www.singaporeusagirlscouts.org Coupons Galore Find yourself wishing you knew the coupon code when you checkout online? Then try www.flipit.com/sg, Singapore’s largest coupon code portal.

irthday Freebie

Did you know that if you can prove it’s your birthday, you can enter the Singapore Zoo, River Safari or Night Safari for free? Cheapie Treats Although most bakeries don’t advertise it, they offer a deep discount right around closing time on any leftover pastries. Museum Discounts Check websites as many of the city’s museums offer free or reduced admission charges at certain time periods. You can also get a joint ticket for the Asian Civilisations Museum and the Peranakan Museum, which is far cheaper than buying them separately. Or, join the The Friends of the Museum and get into nearly a dozen museums for free!

Get Annual Passes An annual pass to Universal Studios Singapore costs $188/adult and $158/Junior or Senior. It takes just three trips to pay for this ticket. And the same sort of deal goes for the other RW Sentosa attractions. You can even combine two parks to get a yet better deal. Event Tickets Looking to score some tickets at a reduced price? Try www.gumtree.com or www.craigslist.com. The closer you get to the date of the event, the more likely somebody who has a ticket and can’t go is willing to sell it for less. Try It Out Many outlets offer a trial class at a reduced rate which is great for trying out something before you commit. During the various holiday breaks, some outlets even offer group lessons at a ridiculously low rate to introduce children, hoping they’ll fall in love and want to take more.

GET CODE

san

Reserve a Park Camping is allowed in four of Singapore’s parks: Changi Beach Park, East Coast Park, Pasir Ris Park and West Coast Park. But to pitch a tent, you first need a permit. Visit www.nparks.gov.sg to find out more. Holiday Camps Holidays Camps happen all over Singapore. One of the best camps going is at The American Club. Not a member? Find a friend who is a member who is also sending their kid to camp and you can enroll as a friend for 20% more (which is still a bargain compared to many other camps!).

Singapore American â&#x20AC;˘ May 2016

Inspirational Blog You can get some handy ideas for outings in Singapore (none of which cost much) from this blog, written by an active family with four kids. http://sengkangbabies.com Eat in Peace . . . while the kids have fun. Enjoy a meal and let your children create art works (EatPrayLove), hang out at an adjacent indoor playground (Food for Thought at Singapore Botanic Gardens or 313 Somerset Food Republic) or play in the sand (Sentosa's Trapizza and Coastes). History Riches If you're a history buff, you might be surprised at how much local history is on display in the museums. Check these out: Asian Civilisations Museum, the Battle Box, Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum, Maritime Experiential Museum, National Museum of Singapore's History Gallery and the Urban Redevelopment Authorityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s City Gallery. Cheap Water Playgrounds Cool off in a water playground within a municipal swimming complex. They're much cheaper than the better known commercial water playgrounds. Check out those at Choa Chu Kang, Jurong East, Pasir Ris, and Sengkang. Work Up a Sweat Embrace the equatorial climate and take a hike. They're free, can be as long or as short as you want and will be filled with cool plants and animals. Go the the National Parks Board to get ideas on where to go. www.nparks.gov.sg For all you need to know about Family, Sports & Leisure in Singapore, pick up the Living in Singapore 14th Edition Reference Guide. Photo courtesy of Pelican

18 HACKS

Moving

By Rob Faraone

Singapore American • May 2016

Made Easy

hen someone in the family gets the word “It’s time to leave Singapore,” one of the first thoughts is, “Oh no. The packing!” Don’t worry. Here are some tips to make the move easier. Place Post-it notes on the big items of which you plan to dispose. While at it, label the smaller items you intend to sell. Photograph them all using your phone camera and a low resolution. The photos can be useful for future insurance needs or for ads you may wish to post. Get smart about the destination, even if it is “back home.” Import regulations may have changed and might affect what you ship. Consider the likely home at your destination and the tax consequences, if any. Call three reliable movers and request an in-home survey of the premises. Be ready to inform the salesperson about your shipping allowance or budget, timing needs, the likely destination city and especially your list of things which will NOT be shipped. While waiting for the quotations, officially advise various Singapore companies and organizations with which you have interacted about the upcoming exit. Evaluate the movers’ quotations in view of the capabilities and experience. Big variances in volume or price/cubic meter should be

clarified. Use the quotations to refine what you decide to donate, sell or dispose. Incidentally, smaller items which are normally packed into cartoons are what often “swell“ and affect the end volume. Good resources for disposing items include Craigslist or Carousell (mobile-based selling portal). Do not count on charity organizations to pick up and transport “junk.” Ask them first and then send photos and dimensions. Set up the packing date and make sure the residence (including the lift) is accessible to the mover. Labels should clarify what items are not to be packed. Otherwise, expect the team to pack it all. Assemble and label the items which will go airfreight or be handcarried such as documents, jewelery, collections and records. Plan to bring things you’ll need within the first month with you. Good luck and bon voyage!

5 Great Moving Hacks 1. Take pictures of wires and connections on electronics before you unplug them. 2. Get furniture dents out of the carpet by letting ice cubes melt on top of the dents, then lift the fibers up with a coin or spoon. 3. Use a staple remover to swap keys off a keyring to save your fingernails. 4. Mark boxes with different colored tape indicating which ones stay, which ones go and which ones head to storage. 5. Break some glass? Use a piece of bread to pick up the small pieces of glass.

Photos courtesy of Santa Fe Relocation and Melinda Murphy Rob Faraone has lived in six countries in the region over 30 years, including three stints in Singapore. After a career in the moving/relocation industry, he's now engaged by the International Association of Movers and regularly writes for its global publication. Rob has been a SAN contributor for three years and is active in AmCham and The American Club.

Rob Faraone has lived in six countries in the region over 30 years, including three stints in Singapore. After a career in the moving/relocation industry, he’s now engaged by the International Associatiwon of Movers and regularly writes for its global publication. Rob has been a SAN contributor for three years and is active in AmCham and The American Club.

19 HACKS

Singapore American • May 2016

Hacks to By Marc Servos

Better Living

real estate transaction can be a tedious and delicate process. Everybody knows that finding the right agent is key. An exclusive agent will likely put in more effort whereas working with a non-exclusive agent means you have more people working for you. The decision is yours. Whatever you choose, negotiate the terms before you agree to work with an agent, such as commission. Looking for a special place? Some smaller agencies cover certain niche markets such as shophouses. To move the process along and make sure things go smoothly, here are a few simple hacks. SELLERS/LANDLORDS

BUYERS/TENANTS

To make your property more attractive, do a little home staging:

1. 2. 3. 4.

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.

Discuss pets early. Take photos, to protect yourself when the lease is over. Check the mobile signal in every room. Test the showers to avoid disappointment of having water pressure that is too low. 5. Understand from which vantage points the sun rises and sets. 6. Don’t skip the final walk-thru. 7. Know your rights. Under what circumstances can you be released from your contract? 8. In Singapore, you generally get 30 days to find things that aren’t working properly. Investigate everything. 9. Take photos of the meters when you move in. 10. To change your mailing address, fill out a form and take it to the local post office along with your FIN card.

Make the entrance look nice. Clear the kitchen and bathroom counters, giving a wideopen space appearance. Leave furniture in place as it makes the home appear bigger. Make the home smell nice by baking cookies before a showing. Return your walls to a neutral color. Put away personal items. Potential renters/buyers want to imagine themselves living in your apartment, not you. Straighten up your closets. Neutralize the gender. Don’t make your apartment too girlie or boyish. Open up the curtains and let light in for the showing. Less is more. Get rid of clutter.

For more tips about real estate in Singapore, be sure to pick up the new Living in Singapore.

Marc Servos is married to a Singaporean and has been living here for a number of years. The Indiana native is a real estate agent and a US Army veteran.

Productivity Hacks

Compiled by Living in Singapore writers

e all like to think that we are productive souls who whip out a pile of work every day, but in truth, many of us aren’t as fruitful as we’d like to be. We get into the office raring to go and then slink home, disappointed at the paltry dent we made in our to-do list. Here are a few tips to help pack punch into your work day, whether you’ve been a desk jockey for many years or are a young whippersnapper just starting out. Make Some Noise According to the folks at www.coffivity.com, people have a tough time being creative if their office is too quiet or too loud. So how do you find the right medium? Use their app to play backgrounds sounds with clever names like “Morning Murmur” to make you feel like you’re in a coffee shop. Or maybe you want to be transported somewhere else? Why not try “Brazil Bistro” or “Texas Teahouse?” Put Off Procrastination Are you the kind of person who gets sidetracked easily? “Oh, I’ll get to that after I answer a couple of emails or check my Facebook.” And then hours later, you still haven’t done what you need to do? Never fear, Rescue Time is here! This clever program keeps track of what you do during the day and then makes recommendations about how to work more productively. (It’ll probably tell you to stop reading Facebook during the work day!) www.rescuetime.com Still Determined? So you won’t give up Facebook? Then at least use it more productively. Make all your friends acquaintances so you’ll only see their most important posts, rather than every little thing that happens in their lives during the day. Learn how here: www.facebook.com/friends/organize Start with the Hard Stuff Do the least desirable thing first thing in the morning. There. Don’t you feel better without it hanging over your head all day?

No Meetings Days Set aside one day a week when you have no meetings. Use that day to power through projects and get in touch with your own creative juices. No Self Control? Get Some! If you can’t stop looking at your favorite shopping website or Facebook (yes, there it is again!), download Self Control. This app lets Mac users block access to websites you deem “distracting.” You can’t access these websites until the timer you set expires – even if you restart your computer. Take a Break Not being productive anymore? Take a break. Sitting there trying to force yourself to be brilliant only frustrates you. For all you need to know about doing business in Singapore, be sure to pick up the new edition of Living in Singapore. Photo by Paul Inkles

Singapore American â&#x20AC;˘ May 2016

21 HACKS

Singapore American • May 2016

Hacks to a Bigger By Faith Chanda

Brain

nfortunately, one thing modern humanity still hasn’t come up with is a shortcut to true learning. It’s not for lack of trying, of course. Remember the old joke about sleeping with a textbook on our heads hoping to learn its contents through osmosis? But there are many ways to help kids become better students:

Make a study kit. Gather all the tools needed to complete homework appropriate to the child’s age, such as pencils and pens, ruler, eraser, sticky notes, highlighters and maybe even a fun snack or two so they’ve got everything they need in one place and don’t waste time every day gathering the same supplies.

i ol b j

m p r

Figure out how to make a topic interesting in a personal way. For example: watch a documentary, read an age-appropriate book on the topic or attend a relevant fine arts venue or performance. You can visit a museum or cultural center or incorporate math and vocabulary into everyday life. Did you know that you can change the settings on some TV channels to broadcast in different languages? Disney Jr. in Mandarin might be a fun way to reinforce your child’s language lessons at school.

Use mnemonic devices. Increase retention of sequences and key concepts by revamping them into a story or acronym to which the student can relate. A very simple example is using ROY G BIV to remember the colors of the rainbow (Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Indigo, Violet). Acronyms and other mnemonic devices can easily be found online for just about any topic.

Teach someone else. The best way to test if children really know something is whether or not they can teach it correctly and confidently to someone else. It can be fun, too!

When Confucius said “I hear and I forget. I see and I remember. I do and I understand,” he was actually only partially right. These days, scientists have discovered that different students learn best using different methods: Visual, Aural, Read/Write and Kinesthetic. Vark-learn.com is one website that provides a quiz geared toward youngsters to help parents identify the degree to which the child learns in each of the four styles. Then, you can help students tailor their study habits for maximum effectiveness. For example, to understand a specific piece of key information: Visual Learners might do best using flashcards whereas Aural Learners would prefer to listen to a prerecorded lecture or lesson. Read/Write Learners would need to take detailed notes and Kinesthetic Learners would be most comfortable creating their own examples to help them remember.

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Want the scoop on on educational resources in Singapore to help your child achieve their best? Be sure to pick up a copy of the new edition of Living in Singapore. Illustrations by Freepik Faith Chanda has written for SAN since moving to Singapore from New York with her husband and two children in January. As a trailing spouse, Faith has reinvented herself as a writer, after spending most of her career in Marketing Communications and Event Planning, spanning multiple industries and roles. She enjoys exploring food, culture, nature and design through her travel adventures and looks forward to many new discoveries throughout Southeast Asia.

22 HACKS

Singapore American • May 2016

Cheaper

Get There By Tom Benner

Cheaper Parking on Orchard Road Shaw Centre / Shaw House has a cheaper hourly rate than other shopping centers on Orchard Road. If you’re in the Somerset area, try Orchard Central or 313@Somerset. Minimize Tolls Try this clever GPS route planner which shows the cheapest route to your destination while minimizing ERP tolls. www.gothere.sg/maps Easy MRT Rendezvous Every door on the MRT is numbered, which makes it easy to meet up with pals. Just tell them to enter the train at a certain door. Make Money for Taking the MRT Sign up for Travel Smart Rewards which gives you cash rewards for taking the train at off-times. www.travelsmartrewards.sg

Free Motorcycle Parking There are a ton of places for motorcycles to park for free. Visit this website for a complete list. www.sgwiki.com/wiki/Motorcycle_Parking

Use Your Bank Card as Your MRT Card Bank cards with a NETS FlashPay logo on the back can be used to pay for all public transportation.

Try Park & Ride Singapore has more than 40 parking lots where you can park your car on the way to work and ride public transportation for the rest of the trip. This saves the hassle of walking to the train or bus station and keeps you from getting stuck in traffic, too. www.lta.gov.sg

Transport Bulky Items Use lalamove by Easy Van, an app a little like Uber, but for lorries. You put in your particulars and drivers instantly bid for your job at very competitive rates.

Free Entry to Sentosa Take a taxi to Resorts World Sentosa and avoid the entry fee. Or go later in the day if you want to drive directly there. The entry fee is only $3 (instead of $6) if you enter after 5pm on weekends and Public Holidays or $2 (instead of $5) after 5pm on weekdays. Don’t Wait for the Bus Use the SG Next Bus app which shows you exactly how many minutes before your bus arrives.

For everything else you need to know about transportation in Singapore, pick up Living in Singapore 14th Edition Reference Guide. Photo by Alan Tan Keng Hoe. Illustration by Freepik Tom Benner is a freelance journalist who covers public policy, culture and business. Before relocating to Singapore, he served as bureau chief in the Massachusetts State House and as a long-time editorial writer for daily newspapers in the US. Recently, Tom has contributed opeds to The Straits Times and Today and is the editor of Living in Singapore, 14th Edition Reference Guide.

23 HACKS

Singapore American • May 2016

Travel

Hacks

Compiled by Living in Singapore Writers

1. Save space by rolling your clothes instead of folding them. 2. Store chargers and cables in eye glasses cases. 3. Enable private browsing when booking flights and hotels online. Travel sites often track your visits and will raise the price simply because you’ve visited before. 4. Add a free destination. Some airlines allow a free stopover for any connection that’s more than four hours domestically or 24 hours internationally. 5. Get elite status faster by collecting miles on smaller partner airlines. Many give elite status for fewer miles flown, such as Aegean Airlines, a Star Alliance Member. 6. To use Google Maps offline, type “ok maps” and the current area on your phone will save for later. 7. Fold your blazer inside out to prevent wrinkles. 8. Dirty clothes stinking up your suitcase? Pack a bar of soap from the hotel in with the offending togs. 9. Wrap your shoes in a shower cap. 10. If you forget your wall plug, you can charge devices through the USB slot on a TV. Now you want to take a trip? Then be sure to check out the Regional Travel chapter in the new Living in Singapore 14th Edition Reference Guide and for all sorts of great travel ideas. Photo by Freepik

24 HACKS

Singapore American • May 2016

Food HACKS By: Kevin F. Cox

s an ardent Foodwalker, I’m willing to go to great effort to get a bite of something good. But even I appreciate a handy shortcut when it comes to buying, cooking or eating food. So here are a few useful hacks to make your culinary life in Singapore a little easier or at least to make you look cooler in front of your friends. Outsmarting the Avocado Picking perfect avocados in the market is like a bad round of speed dating: most of the time you suffer the heartbreak of hard and callous or just plain rotten. So don’t judge your butter fruit by its peel; look at the stem instead. Simply pluck the little nub from the business end of the avocado and have a look in the little crater. If it’s dark, dry and brown in there, toss that loser back. But if it’s bright, tender and smiling like the morning sun, slip it in your bag and take it home to mother. Guarding the Grape With the princely price of wine in the Lion City, you often want to guzzle that last glass-worth rather than leave it in the bottle until you pour it down the drain. But get that monkey off your back guilt free by freezing the leftovers in an ice cube tray and then tossing a cube in your next soup or stew to add a blast of grapey goodness. And with individual cubes, you can mix the tray with a variety of vintages. Monkey Madness Brown bananas don’t have to darken your day. Just wrap the stem of the banana bunch tightly with plastic wrap to add 4-5 days more of life to your fruit and smiles on your own monkeys’ faces. Re-wrap tightly each time you pull one off. Straw-ed Berries. Flat-topped strawberries in your fruit salad look lazy and amateurish. So prevent your guests’ furtive glances away from you with the simple use of a straw. Just push the straw from the pointy bottom of the berry straight through to the top and, voilà, the hull and center core come out together. Blow the residue from the straw right into the trash – or at those guests. Splitting a Pint Avoid fistfights over your fair share of that pint-sized treat known as ice cream. Just run a sharp knife from the paper lid of your precious pint straight down through the middle of the container and lay each half on its side. Everyone is happy and you don’t even dirty a bowl. Egg-cellence Unsure if your eggs are still fresh? Before risking your recipe, slip those shelled ovum into a bowl of cool water. If they sink to the bottom, they’re good to go; if they float to the top, they’re long in the beak. And if you need to separate egg whites from yolks in a hurry, just crack them into a bowl, squeeze an empty water bottle and hold the opening up to a yolk. Then release your grip. The bottle will suck the yellow yolk up into it and leave the egg white behind. And to know whether that egg in the fridge is raw or hard, try spinning it on its end. If it spins like a top, it’s hard cooked, but if it sluggishly rolls to its side, it’s raw. For everything else you need to know about food and dining in Singapore, pick up the new, Living in Singapore 14th Edition Reference Guide.– fresh from the oven – and eat like a pro.

Kevin Cox is a culinary explorer and writer in the US and Asia. For five years, Kevin roamed Singapore’s heartlands, making them his home and their food his obsession. Now, he’s back in America, discovering the many tasty neighborhoods there. He loves to get low to the ground and experience how people live and what they eat, yearning for authenticity in the food and passion by those who make it.

25 HACKS

Singapore American • May 2016

Cocktail

Hacks!

By Laura Coulter

on’t let an opportunity to celebrate with friends pass you by. From spur of the moment parties to sudden celebrations for good news, these dates often make the best memories. Here are a few hacks to help you make the most of it, without a bartender on hand. Shaken not stirred. Use your water bottle to make a martini shaker. Fill your water bottle with ice and add whatever juice you have on hand. Add the vodka or gin and give it a good shake. Use the lid to filter out the ice while pouring. James Bond would be proud. Opening wine without a corkscrew. Remove one shoe, place the bottle in the shoe, then pound the shoe against a stone wall. Voila! The cork will start to come out.

Undrinkable wine? Here’s a trick from college students in Spain: add some Coke to your red wine. It makes the “rougher” wine sweeter and more like Sangria. This concoction even has its own name: “Calimochos.” Surviving rounds of martinis without falling flat on your face. If you’re forced to keep up with rounds of martinis and need to keep your cool, make sure you suggest Morton’s for the drinks, so you can eat the free steak sandwiches they offer during their daily happy hour between 5-7pm. Don’t serve watery and warm drinks. Make an ice block for punch. It melts slower on a hot day and waters down the punch less. To make an ice block, just fill any container with water and freeze it overnight . To release the ice, turn it upside down over the sink and run hot water over the container until the ice block pops out. Remove red wine stains from carpet. Use salt and white wine on the area. Chill your individual glass of wine. Wine in the glass can go warm very quickly here and ice waters it down. Freeze grapes and use them as ice. Chilling champagne in ten minutes flat. Add a few tablespoons of salt to a mixture of water and ice. Salt reduces the freezing point of water and allows it to become colder without turning into ice, which in turn chills your wine more quickly.

For more information about nightlife in Singapore, be sure to pick up the Living in Singapore 14th Edition Reference Guide.

Photos By Olli Massala and Freepik Laura Coulter is a globe-trotting journalist, event planner, teacher and fundraiser. She enjoys hosting fabulous events that give back to her community and the causes in which she believes. Coulter created the long-running "Your Clothes Friend Swap," held four times a year. She also volunteers her time to build homes with Habitat for Humanity. As contributor to the Living in Singapore nightlife section, Laura continues to search for the perfect martini.

26 HEALTH & WELLNESS

Spring Cleaning For Your Body By Lauren S. Power

Singapore American • May 2016

weeks. After three days, one of my friends called me in tears to confess that she had eaten a banana. Out of everyone, I was the only person to finish. The following year, I completed another round and made it to 20 days. I launched into a healthier, more balanced diet and lifestyle immediately. I loved it, but my personal experience doesn’t mean cleanses are for everyone. “There’s no solid science backing any of these cleansing or detox approaches for weight loss or health,” says Dr. Joy Dubost, a dietitian, food scientist and spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics in an interview with Time magazine.

t is always bikini season in Singapore. Our hot and humid island nation has no shortage of beach clubs, pool parties and sunny getaways. Still, after the Easter holiday and the start of April, many of us feel that extra push to get in shape for summer. How about trying a detoxifying cleanse? Cleanses promise weight loss, an increase of energy and a brighter outlook on life. Some assert that they can rid the body of toxins built up through bad diet and lack of exercise. While cleanses have been around forever, they have had a surge in popularity due in large part to celebrity endorsements and social media hype. From popping pills five times a day after low-calorie meals to subsisting for weeks on nothing but spiced lemonade, there has never before been so many kinds of cleanses and detox programs on the market. But do they actually work? I tried my first cleanse in the late-2000s, after completing a yearlong course of monthly IV treatments meant to supplement my immune deficiency. I was eager to get back in shape, but I wasn’t able to launch into a full-blown workout routine. After reading about Beyonce’s results with the Master Cleanse, I decided that that was the program for me. Miraculously, I persuaded some of my university classmates to join me. We downloaded the app on our phones, bought our ingredients and got excited. The Master Cleanse is an intense fasting diet. You survive off a mixture of lemon juice, maple syrup, cayenne pepper and water – for as long as you can. The minimum recommended is two

TOP CLEANSES in Singapore HIC Juice Local foodies created this California-style raw, organic juice detox $318 for a 3-day Reboot Cleanse Level-1 www.hicjuice.com.sg JOOB An all-organic juice cleanse diet designed for maximum nutrition -- with a twist! $297 for a 3-day Immunity Detox Program www.joob.sg Liver & Gallbladder Cleanse Detox program using natural foods and minerals targeted at liver and gallbladder $120 www.thearkites.wix.com/gallbladderdetox

Dubost claims that benefits of weight loss, the main goal for most people, are short-term. Intensive fasting detox diets like the Master Cleanse and even milder juice cleanses are unsustainable and can be unhealthy. Many medical professionals agree that any positive feelings of increased energy are likely caused by the placebo effect. So, will a detox work for you? The one benefit of cleanses on which doctors can agree is that they make a good kick start to a new diet and exercise program. Cleanses can function as a “reset” button for people who want to make a positive change in their lifestyle, like I did. They are not, however, a substitute for a balanced nutritional diet and proper exercise. Photo by L. A. Foodie Lauren S. Power is a Texas native who has lived in the US, the UK, Japan and Singapore. As an independent writer and researcher, Lauren uses her involvement with Southeast Asian institutes and think tanks as inspiration for the social and political themes in her writing.

Hacks to

Neera Detox Replace meals with a detox diet of Madal Bal Syrup, water, lemon juice, and Cayenne pepper $120 for a liter of Madal Bal Syrup www.neera-detox-diet.com Punch Detox This 3-6 day juice cleanse diet delivers only the freshest pressed juices $330 for a 3-day Punch Juice Cleanse Special Promo for AAS members through June 30: $30 off on a 3-day-cleanse (code:readytopunch) $10 off our 6 packs (code: iwant6pack) www.punchdetox.com.sg SkinnyMint Try this tasty 2-step herbal Teatox alongside your normal healthy meals SGD $69.90 for a 28-day Ultimate Teatox Program www.skinnymint.com

Happiness

By: Mahima Gupta Didwania (M.A., MSPS, CRT, C.Ht)

or many of us, life has become an obstacle course of survival challenges rather than a garden of possibilities in which we thrive. Our ability to find order among chaos is what defines the quality of our life and allows us to get back in the driver’s seat, rather than just being hauled around in an overcrowded passenger train. But how? Find your magic hour. We all have a certain time in the day (or night) when we feel naturally and effortlessly most alert, active, energized and focused. Address the most challenging tasks of your day during that time, harnessing and optimizing your body and mind’s natural upswing. Define pockets of mindfulness. Kung Fu Panda’s Master Shifu once said to Po, “Remember, Dragon Warrior, anything is possible when you have inner peace.” Finding this coveted inner peace does not need a compulsorily hour of meditation every day. Rather, take regular time-outs in your day to devote 10-15 minutes to activities such as focused deep breathing, progressive relaxation, listening to a guided mediation or simply engaging with your physical senses rather than your thoughts. Notice and focus on what you can see, hear, smell, taste and feel. Getting out of your mind and connecting with your body can help you be more centered and calm. Listen to your body. Learn to recognize and mediate your triggers. Emotions are experienced by the body. Learning to listen to our bodies and recognizing our emotions, provides a window to pause and manage our feelings before they take over and wreak havoc with our judgment, rationality and behavior.

Lighten up. “Rule #6: Don’t take yourself sooo seriously,” said Benjamin Zander in his book The Art of Possibility. This is the way to lightness and ease. Simple. Find your mantra. Discover the affirmation, quote or word which really hits home for you and helps you shift your mental and emotional state to a healthier one. Every time you catch yourself replaying the same critical and negative self-talk, switch to your positive affirmation instead, gradually training your mind to think differently. Some which work really well for me are: “This too shall pass,” “I’m safe now. It’s okay,” “The best is yet to come,” and “All is well.” Practice gratitude. The Law of Attraction shows that what you focus on grows. So finding moments of bliss in the midst of seemingly it's-not-so-rosy-let’sget-real lives can be made possible by training yourself to look for what’s good rather than what’s wrong. Keep a blessings journal, start dinner conversations with “What was good today?” and challenge yourself to find the gift in every problem. Soon enough, you’ll find life giving you so much more for which to be grateful.

Illustration by Freepik. Mahima Gupta Didwania is a registered Clinical Psychologist, Regression & Hypnotherapist, Advanced EFT & NLP Practitioner and Specialist in Inner Child WorkTherapist at SACAC Counselling.

Singapore American • May 2016

calendar

events

Any responder should make any further enquiries with the organizer or should verify the information independently if necessary.

M U SE U M S 1 – 29 May Treasures from the World from The British Museum National Museum of Singapore 93 Stamford Road, Singapore 178897 nationalmuseum.sg 1 May – 30 June South Asia and the Islamic World: Highlights from the Collection Asian Civilisations Museum 1 Empress Place, Singapore 179555 acm.org.sg 1 May – 17 July Reframing Modernism: Painting from Southeast Asia, Europe and Beyond National Gallery of Singapore 1 St. Andrew’s Road, Singapore 178957 www.nationalgallery.sg

ENTERTA I N M ENT 1 – 22 May Shakespeare in the Park – Romeo & Juliet Fort Canning Park www.sistic.com.sg 13 May – 5 June Falling by Deanna Jent KC Arts Centre – Home of SRT www.sistic.com.sg 26 May – 4 June Jacques Brel Is Alive And Well & Living In Paris SOTA Drama Theatre Early Bird up to 26 April ($12 Voucher from La Cure Gourmande) 28 May – Use ASSOC2805 code for 15% discount on Association Night www.sistic.com.sg

28 May – 5 June Flipside Festival Esplanade Theatre www.sistic.com.sg

L I FEST Y LE 14 May Hedger’s Carpet Auction, Hedger’s Carpet Gallery 15 Dempsey #01-09 Viewing: 5:30 – 7:30pm, Auction starts at 7:30pm hedgerscarpets@singnet.com.sg

S U M M ER CA M P S 24 May – 5 June ACT 3i Festival for Children ACT 3 International 126C Cairnhill Road Ages 2 -12 www.act3international.com.sg 6 – 17 June 20 June – 1 July Summer Semester for Preschool to Grade 12 Singapore American School, 40 Woodlands Street 41 www.sas.edu.sg/summersemester 13 June – 22 July 6 weekly programs Camp Magic – The Coyote of Fun Ages 3 -12 www.ilovecampmagic.com 4 – 22 July Village Day Camp UWCSEA East Campus Ages 4 -14 www.villagedaycamps.com/sg

ED U CAT I ON From 1 May UWCSEA Applications for Admission to UWCSEA in 2016/2017 open Dover or East Campus www.uwcsea.edu.sg admissions@uwcsea.edu.sg 13 May Stamford American International School Open House 279 Upper Serangoon Road 9am www.sais.edu.sg 19 May Canadian International School Open House Lakeside Campus, 7 Jurong West Street 41 9am www.cis.edu.sg 26 May Canadian International School Open House Tanjong Katong Campus 371 Tanjong Katong Road 9am www.cis.edu.sg

S P ORT 14 May HITO-Communications Sunwolves vs. DHL Stormers – 2016 Super Rugby National Stadium www.sportshub.com.sg May 28 ISCA Run 2016 OCBC Square www.isca.org.sg

Singapore American â&#x20AC;˘ May 2016