SAN April 2015

Since 1958 Singapore American • April 2015

AM ERICAN AS S O CIATION O F S INGAP O RE April 2015

www.aasingapore.com American Association.....1-5 Member Discounts..............3 CRCE & Business.............6-7 Community News..........9-10 Districts.........................11-22 Health & Wellness.......23-24 Arts & Culture...................25 Sports................................26 What's Happening............27

American Association 2-5

Be sure to check out the party pix from GWB!

Geylang 11

Arts & Culture 25

Districts 11-22

There’s more to Singapore’s notorious Geylang than brothels

Take a walk through Singapore’s cultural hotspots

The scoop on some of Singapore’s lesser known neighborhoods MCI (P) 178/01/2015

The Glamour of the Orient Express

By Anne Morgan

T

he Orient Express pulled into the W Singapore - Sentosa Cove to celebrate the 82nd George Washington Ball in grand style. Guests dressed in ravishing finery were treated to cava, canapés and wine sponsored

by Fuji Trading, beer sponsored by Smokey’s BBQ and an open bar.

Lucky Draw and Silent Auction prizes such as trips, cruises, home décor, jewelry and more helped us hit our goal of raising $50,000 for the Singapore Children’s Society! The monies will go towards renovating Sunbeam Place, a residential home and place of safety for Singapore’s children in need. AAS would like to sincerely thank our Lucky Draw and Silent Auction prize donors and corporate sponsors without whom the event would not have been possible.

Master of Ceremonies Annalisa Burgos called on the US Color Guard to open the evening, followed by a beautiful performance of the American and Singaporean national anthems sung

by Singapore American School 8th grade student, Rohini Prabhakar. Guests enjoyed welcome remarks from AAS President Glenn van Zutphen and US Ambassador to Singapore Kirk Wagar, followed by a sumptuous, four-course dinner. Winners of the Lucky Draw and Silent Auction were then anounced by Crystal Wagar. Throughout the evening, Johnny James aka Dr J and his band got the dance floor jumping.

Guests departed the evening with a photograph frame donated by a GWB committee member and keepsake magnet photos sponsored by Allied Pickfords.

American Association of Singapore Strategic Partners

2 AMERICAN ASSOCIATION

Singapore American • April 2015

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

DESIGN & L AYOUT

Graphic Designer: Joanne Johnson, graphics@aasingapore.com

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

CONTRIBUTORS Faith Chanda, Nithia Devan, Melissa Diagana, Kristina Doss, Ho Shee Wai, Sharmila Khandkar, Lee Seow Ser, Janet Maurillo, Thomas McNutt, Lauren S. Power, Laura Schwartz, Mel Syers, Jim Tietjen, Tana Vine, Thomas Woodbery

A Message from the President...

T

he Glamour of the Orient Express was a night the guests will not soon forget! The 82nd George Washington Ball in early March lived up to its growing reputation as the best ball in Singapore. Make sure to look at all of the lovely GWB pictures at www.aasingapore.com. In addition to enjoying great friends, food and (free flow) drinks, we raised $50,000 for the Singapore Children’s Society (SCS) in support of its important work to help vulnerable Singaporean kids and families. We were honored to have the SCS Chairman Koh Choon Hui, Executive Director Alfred Tan and Chia Boon Khiang, Senior Director of Fundraising.

A special thanks to our amazing GWB Committee and the American Association of Singapore (AAS) staff who arrived early and stayed late and worked very hard to make the evening so enjoyable. I’d also like to acknowledge Kirk and Crystal Wagar for being so gracious and generous with their time that evening; I’m personally grateful that they are such good friends of AAS (see photo above of me, my wife Kat, Crystal and Kirk).

With our new Executive Committee in place (see this page for the names), we’re moving to further our relationship with the SCS, to organize our SG50 programs, to implement a new AAS Marketing Committee and, of course, to run our full calendar of fun, interesting and useful events. We want AAS to be stronger and attract more members in 2015; to increase the value that you get for your $70 membership fee.

We’re in for a great year! You can help AAS by attending events and getting your friends or coworkers to join and support us. Spread the word!

The AAS Ambassador’s Cup Golf Tournament sponsored by Shell will tee-off on April 18 at the Palm Resort Golf & Country Club in Johor Bahru, Malaysia. Played since 1935, this mainstay to our calendar is a favorite with golfers and their families who can have a great weekend across the border. Get your foursome together ASAP. We value your ideas. Contact me or General Manager Toni Dudsak: generalmanager@ aasingapore.com.

Also, please visit our website and Facebook page or tweet us: @AmAssocSG, (hashtag #AmAssocSG on Facebook, Twitter).

Best,

American Association : Mary Ferrante, Anne Morgan

A MERICAN ASSOCIATION BOARD MEMBERS President: Glenn van Zutphen • Vice President: Steven Tucker Treasurer: Joseph Foggiato, • Secretary: Stephanie Nash Directors: Shawn Galey, Christopher Keen, Mary Beth McCrory and Ana Mims Immediate Past President: David Boden • AmCham Chair: James Andrade American Club President: Scott Weber • AWA President: Annette Foster SACAC Chair: Stu Wilson • SAS Chair: Catherine Poyen US Embassy: Chahrazed Sioud Non-Voting Member: 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.

AAS was established in 1917 by a small group of Americans living in Singapore to provide a safety net of community support for American residents. AAS continues to provide community welfare as well as programs and community events.

10 Claymore Hill, Singapore 229573 T: (+65) 6738 0371 • F: (+65) 6738 3648 E: aas@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 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 • April 2015

AAS wednesday

01 april

wednesday

15 april

thursday

23 april

Upcoming Events

Past Events

Newbie Night New to AAS? Like to meet some friendly people over a glass of wine? Come join us for an evening of friendship and laughter! If you are not a member of AAS you are still welcome to come find out more about us.

6:30-8:30pm The American Club, The AAS Conference Room, 10 Claymore Hill Free for members, $25 non-members

Mingle, Taste and Shop!

Sample Clessidra’s Italian delicacies and sip a range of Italian wines all while browsing Valerie Brandt’s exceptional yet affordable precious and semi-precious gemstone jewelry designed with an Asian, European and Indian flare.

7-9pm The American Club, The Colonial Room (3rd Floor), 10 Claymore Hill AAS Member: $35, Non Member: $55

Quiz Night at Smokey's

Ballots and Bingo!

AAS members gathered in record numbers for the AAS Annual General Meeting (AGM). President Glenn van Zutphen led the proceedings and the new slate of officers was unanimously approved. Once the business was concluded, the evening rounded out with plenty of laughs as all tried their skill at a couple of rousing games of bingo!

Test your knowledge and join us for a smokin’ April quiz! Price includes two pints of beer per person and a snack of nachos or Smokey’s famous buffalo chicken wings per table of six.

7-9pm Smokey’s Blk 106 Clementi Street 12 #01-54/56, Singapore 120106 (navigate to Sunset Lane) AAS member: $35, Team of 6: $180

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

MEMBER DISCOUNTS 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.

Mecari Wine Tasting

A fantastic group gathered in the newly remodeled AAS conference room to enjoy Mercari’s delicious Californian wine. The night’s host, Jens Wessel, taught everybody lots of fascinating facts about his wines. Plenty of toasts were raised to both old and new friends during the fun evening!

Two hours free handy-man service worth over $200 when you book your move with Allied Pickfords.

Call 6862 4700.

Receive complimentary insurance consultations with an experienced insurance advisor. Visitors can choose to receive free, no-obligation quotes on Home, Medical, Life, Travel, Motor and Business Insurance.

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

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

Repatriation Seminar First drink is FREE! Every day, every visit for AAS members! Show your AAS membership card to claim your drink. Valid til April 30, 2015

A record crowd gathered for the fifth annual AAS Repatriation seminar. Guests learned many valuable insights from SACAC and Allied Pickfords. Suzanne Anderson from SACAC spoke movingly about the emotional side of relocating and how to achieve a proper goodbye. Allied Pickfords unleashed their secret weapon: Kummar. He has patented many packaging solutions and shared all the secrets of moving your precious items. Allied’s Hau Ying also gave lots of practical tips for moving.

Singapore American • April 2015

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Singapore American • April 2015

THE 82ND GEORGE WASHINGTON BALL Photos by Erick Lo and Natalia Wakula

Be sure to log onto www.aasingapore.com to see all the photos from the night!

SPECIAL THANKS TO...

Azamara Club Cruises Banyan Tree Ungasan Berry Bros. & Rudd Clessidra Cocoon Como Hotels & Resorts Cutis Medical Laser Clinics DeRocks Destination Elite Edrington Singapore Elite Training Emirates Expat Dental

Fong Qi Wei Four Seasons Resorts Framing Angie Golay Pearls Grand Vin Heartland Golf Schools Hedger's Carpet Gallery Ishka Kaori Zage Le Fournisseur Lelya Louis Vuitton LS Philosophy

Oceania Cruises OralB Proctor & Gamble PengWine Ploh Port & Porters Prakalyam Gallery Rosio Flynn Russel Wong Sara Taseer Siam-Style Swisse Taylor B

Telunas Resorts The Alaska Guys The American Club The Datai Langkawi The Hour Glass Tucker Medical Uber US Embassy Valerie G. Brandt Interiors Vinpearl Resort W Singapore - Sentosa Cove Women’s Tennis Association

SPECIAL THANKS TO THE GWB COMMITTEE CO-CHAIRS TERE ALOMA & VALERIE BRANDT PAULINA BOHM DANA CHEONG ROSIO FLYNN GARIMA LALWANI JANET MAURILLO

CHRIS MILLIKEN JANET STRIDE KAORI ZAGE BETSY ZINK

6 CRCE & BUSINESS

Singapore American • April 2015

CRCE: Career Resource Center for Expats

CRCE

Accountant This organization is looking for an Accountant to produce monthly management accounts/financial statements for all the companies within the whole Group and ensure timely and accurate preparation, analysis and production of monthly accounts/reports. Minimum seven years of finance/accounting experience required, with at least two years in a leadership position. (job #3025)

Working in Singapore Letter of Consent Did you know?

T

he Letter of Consent (LOC) allows eligible Long Term Visit Pass (LTVP) and Dependant's Pass (DP) holders to work in Singapore if they find a job here.

To be eligible for a Letter of Consent, you need to be one of the following: • An LTVP or LTVP+ holder who is married to a Singaporean or permanent resident.

• A Dependant's Pass holder who is a dependant of an Employment Pass holder.

The LTVP/LTVP+ or Dependant’s Pass has to be valid for at least 3 months, and you must have a job offer with an employer in Singapore.

The employer will need to apply for the Letter of Consent. You can only begin working after the employer has received the LOC. The duration granted for the pass is based on the earlier of these: • What the employer indicated in the LOC application.

• The expiry date of the LTVP/LTVP+ or Dependant's Pass.

The LOC stops being valid when: • The LTVP/LTVP+ or Dependant's Pass is cancelled or expires.

• You are no longer employed by the company (the employer still needs to cancel the Letter of Consent).

There have been some recent work pass

changes for foreigners who are married to Singapore Citizens (SCs) or Singapore Permanent Residents (PRs).

Ministry of Manpower (MOM) will be streamlining the types of work passes for foreigners who are married to Singapore Citizens or Permanent Residents.

From February 1, 2015, foreign spouses of SCs or PRs on LTVPs will be issued a Letter of Consent if they wish to work in Singapore. This arrangement is similar to that currently in place for LTVP+ holders.

How this may affect the different groups of foreign spouses: Foreign spouses who are already holding a work permit: 1. The foreign spouses may continue their employment on their existing work permit until the expiry.

2. At least three months before their work permit expires, the foreign spouses should apply to Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) for their LTVP. 3. After the foreign spouses have obtained their LTVP, the employer should apply to MOM for an LOC to continue with the employment (instead of renewing the work permit).

4. If the foreign spouse’s work permit is expiring between January 1 and April 30, 2015, MOM will renew their passes for six

Receptionist/ Student Services Assistant Primary and Middle Years The position is responsible for providing a professional, personable, and welcoming tone to all visitors and parents visiting the School and assisting with student services duties. This role reports directly to the Administration Manager. Key tasks include: answering all incoming telephone and counter enquiries; ensuring that calls and enquiries are resolved at the first point of contact and only escalated in due course; recording student absences and changes to routine in student database; notifying class teachers by email where appropriate. (job #3024)

months. This is to allow sufficient time to apply to ICA for their LTVP. Foreign spouses who are holding a LTVP (not on a work permit): 1. If the foreign spouses wish to work, the prospective employer may apply to MOM for an LOC from February 1, 2015.

Foreign spouses who are holding a Short Term Visit Pass (STVP): 1. The LOC is only meant for holders of LTVP. Employers of foreign spouses on STVP who wish to work would need to apply for a regular work permit for them. This is subject to the prevailing quota, levy and source country restrictions.

More information on work passes can be found on: www.mom.gov.sg

Did you know that employers can post jobs for FREE? Visit www.aasingapore.com/for-employers

One-on-One Coaching: Career Solutions © AAS is now offering personalized career-counseling services. Sign up now for a private 45-minute appointment with a professional Career Advisor.

Please contact crce.info@aasingapore.com

CRCE April Workshops register at: www.aasingapore.com

Strengthening Your Conversations for Success

Speaker: Carolyn Chan and Suman Balani Friday, April 17, 2015 9am-12:30pm

Spotlight on Jobs

Ace Your Interview Speaker: Alka Chandiramani Wednesday, April 22, 2015 10am-12:30pm

For more information about CRCE: www.aasingapore.com - click on the CRCE link

Administrative Assistant This is a great opportunity if you like a fast moving, fun environment where you will have a variety of business experiences.

You must demonstrate a great work ethic, outstanding organizational skills, strong communication skills and be fun to be around! Skills and experience needed include PowerPoint, Excel, general correspondence, scheduling appointments, bookkeeping, etc. Approximately five to ten hours a week. (job #3023) School Finance Executive This international school is looking for the right candidate to be responsible for the end-to-end finance process of the school.

The candidate will be a member of a small team and as part of the team has the bandwidth to propose and implement changes to enhance the existing process. (job #3022) Inside Sales/Business Development Executive A niche professional agency business is looking for someone who is keen and experienced in talking to corporate clients and to provide additional capacity to the process of identifying new corporate prospects and asking for renewal business, working closely with the CEO who is the central deal-maker. The organization is open to the possibility of this being a part-time or full-time role so this may suit someone who needs to work flexible hours. (job #3021) Recruitment Consultant/Senior Candidate Researcher The Recruitment Consultant is accountable for the day-to-day core business functions such as candidate sourcing, screening CVs, interviewing candidates via phone or faceto-face, lead generation, gathering referrals and liaising with clients. As an employee within a start-up company, successful applicants for this role will demonstrate a tenacious attitude and be ambitious, proactive and motivated by success. You should be able to work independently and have a mature outlook, be professional and well presented, as some customer facing work is involved. Experience working in a target driven environment would be hugely beneficial. Applicants who can demonstrate the above will also be considered. (job #3019)

7 CRCE & BUSINESS

Singapore American • April 2015

Home and Contents Insurance: Do You Need It? • A recently engaged couple • Bicycle riding aficionados • Liability conscious individuals • Proud new owners of condo apartment

I

f you match any of the above profiles, you may want to consider a Home and Contents insurance policy. In Singapore, the protection for valuable items, general contents, residential properties and personal liability all falls under the Home Insurance threshold.

The coverage of Home Insurance available to you will depend on your situation as a renter or owner.

The majority of expats in Singapore rent. Be it apartments or landed houses, many employers cover the cost of rent. What they don’t cover is insurance for the rented properties. As a tenant you can rest assured that the landlord and Management Corporation Strategy Title (MCST) cover fire damage to the property.

Available to you are Home Insurance policies to protect valuables, general contents and renovations made to the property. This means if you install a pool or change the kitchen, make sure to get this covered by insurance.

Regardless of your situation as an owner or renter, the Home Insurance you take out will also have a Personal Liability element. Personal Liability protects you and your family against

situations where you may be legally responsible.

Accidentally opening the driveway gate onto the gardener’s equipment; a child who scratches the neighbor’s car while riding a bike; a pet dog that bites: these are all unexpected incidents that could lead to a third party seeking damage costs from you. You can choose the amount of Personal Liability coverage, but as with insuring valuables, you can only select Personal Liability as an element of Home Insurance coverage.

As an owner of a non-landed property (HDB, Condo, Apartment), you can purchase Home Insurance that will cover general contents and valuables. Regarding the property itself, any destruction such as fire damage will be covered by the MCST, which receives quarterly payments from owners. As such, your Home Insurance policy won’t provide for this. If you have an eye for renovation and remodel any part of the apartment, you should consider adding the renovations to your policy since renovations are not covered by the MCST. If you own a landed property, your Home Insurance covers the property and general contents. Take note in the event of damage, the compensation that will be for the original construction, but not for any remodelling.

To protect this additional investment to the property, make sure that you include a separate add-on to the policy to cover renovations as well.

If you experience a life change such as getting married or make financially lucrative decisions such as selling your private art collection, Home Insurance policies are flexible and can be changed to add valuable items or remove them, which in the first case may add to the premium and in the latter may lower the premium.

The value of covered items, claim history and coverage denial will all impact your premium.

Speak with a qualified Home Insurance advisor today to have your valuables and contents assessed.

For personalized assistance and complimentary advisory services, contact Expat Insurance at 6401 9201 or info@expatinsurance.com.sg and get started with protecting your belongings in Singapore from today onwards.

Singapore American • April 2015

9 COMMUNITY NEWS

Singapore American • April 2015

AmCham Singapore Celebrates Workforce Diversity

Telunas Lunar Camporee Troop 07

By Thomas McNutt

By Thomas Woodbery, Troop 07

T

oday’s workforce is more diverse than ever due to racial harmony, gender equality and technological progress in telecommunications and logistics that has globalized today’s business environment.

Racial harmony has resulted in fair employment practices. Similarly, gender equality in most parts of the world has led to more women entering the workforce.

As communities invest in higher education for women, increases in per capita income and more opportunities for women in the public and private sectors have risen.

Lastly, technological progress has allowed globalization to take place, erasing the geographical boundaries in communication and travel. Consequently, business expansion throughout the world has benefitted from employing different nationalities and genders to achieve a better understanding of today’s globalized world.

The American Chamber of Commerce in Singapore (AmCham Singapore) strongly encourages its member companies to embrace diversity in their workforces because different perspectives and ideas can bring about innovation, and this innovation will lead to competitive advantages. That’s why it organizes events related to this issue to help its members gain greater insights and perspectives to benefit from the advantages of a diverse workforce.

African American History Month February was African American History Month in the United States. African American History Month owes its origins to Dr. Carter G. Woodson who wanted to commemorate the contributions of African Americans.

AmCham Singapore celebrated this special month by partnering with the US Embassy here. US Ambassador Kirk Wagar led a panel discussion with four successful African American professionals working in Singapore.

They shared their perspectives on workforce diversity in the United States and Singapore

and the applicable lessons for managers in both countries.

International Women’s Day Every year on March 8, International Women’s Day recognizes the achievements and progress of women all over the world.

AmCham Singapore celebrated this year’s International Women’s Day with the theme “Women in Innovation.” The event was presented by Hewlett-Packard and female leaders from Google, Twitter, Procter and Gamble, and Technology Quotient shared their experiences in innovation. These female business leaders have defied the stereotype of what gender a leader in technology should be and delivered innovative ideas to their companies and clients.

Changing Board Dynamics While workplace diversity has its advantages, differing ideas and perspectives may affect workplace dynamics and decrease productivity. Therefore, management teams need to learn how to better manage workplace diversity. AmCham Singapore’s Human Capital Committee has been organizing meetings to enable its members to gain a better understanding of cross-cultural leadership.

For instance, more Asian executives are being appointed to the governance boards of multinational corporations and more Westerners are joining the boards of Asian companies. Recently, the Human Capital Committee hosted a discussion that touched on changing trends across Western and Asian boards and how employees can prepare for these board appointments.

In today’s context, a diverse workforce is becoming more and more common. A diverse workplace is inevitable and, when properly leveraged, can create tremendous value for a company. AmCham is committed to helping its member companies understand how to maximize the potential of an increasingly diverse workforce.

O

n Thursday, February 19th, thirteen scouts and six adults from Boy Scout Troop 07 set out from HarbourFront ferry terminal on the long, three-hour boat journey to Telunas, Indonesia. There we lived, slept, learned, and ate for three action-packed days. We took on a low ropes course the first day and practiced knots and lashings the second. Using the knots and lashings skills we knew and learned, along with teamwork and ingenuity, we created a massive A-frame out of bamboo, we then, unbelievably, carried the length of a soccer pitch.

On the second day, we hiked 5km through the thick rainforest where we swam in a beautiful waterfall before making camp (luckily in hammocks instead of tents). After a good night’s rest, we quickly raced back, trying to get to the beach at high tide so we could jump off the 12 meter high dock.

With perfect timing, we spent the next three hours fishing, jumping from the high jump, and relaxing in the sun before our return to Singapore. Finally, after a long three days

of work and fun, we boarded our boat back to Singapore, eager not only for a nice cold shower. but the next amazing adventure we will have.

Photos by Jim Low

10 COMMUNITY NEWS

Singapore American • April 2015

Archivist Brings SAS History to Light

By Kristina Doss

S

ingapore American School is older than the Republic of Singapore itself, first opening its doors in 1956 thanks to parents who preferred to educate their children nearby instead of relying on the colonial practice of sending them to boarding school.

You wouldn’t know the school’s age by looking at its latest incarnation, a sprawling 36-acre campus in Woodlands, but there are clues to the school’s history tucked away in an obscure library office: clues that Archivist Beth Bayley wants to bring to light.

“It's important to create an archive for SAS because the school has been changing lives and making history for almost 60 years,” said Bayley, who SAS recently hired. “All the items that tell the story of the school - from the original charter, to recordings of musical performances, to the hard hats worn during Woodlands construction - will be preserved and made accessible to anyone who wants them.”

In order to create an archives for SAS, Bayley has spent several weeks sifting through boxes and shelves crammed with memorabilia, including tattered photographs, dusty books, moldy maps, antique tennis rackets, and years’ worth of yearbooks, programs, posters, videos and artwork. They had been collected over the years by Ronald Starker, a middle school library media specialist, and Sarala Nair, a high school library assistant, both of whom had a hunch the momentos would be needed one day.

The job of sifting through the collection of items isn’t for the faint of heart. An archivist can’t be overwhelmed by clutter and must have a high tolerance for things that are not normally associated with academia, namely dust, mold and bugs. “It can be gross,” Bayley said. “You have to be okay with that.”

More importantly, she has the education and background to help her carefully select and preserve items that will help tell SAS’ story. Bayley has an undergraduate degree in writing and a

dual masters in history and archives management. She has also worked at Harvard’s Dumbarton Oaks Research Library and Arnold Arboretum, as well as the US Department of Health and Human Services, handling everything from Byzantine collections to US governmental documents.

Her experience is evident as she describes why metal shelving in archives are preferred but something as innocuous as a paper clip is not, as well as her willingness to investigate the significance of items that any other person would toss out.

One day a binder filled with clip art of plants and animals caught her attention. A yellow Post-it note stuck to the clip art provided Bayley a clue to their significance. Ultimately, she discovered the clip art were proposed mascots for each division of the school, mascots that to this day evoke strong memories and a sense of belonging from SAS students and alumni.

A book about synchronized swimming also puzzled Bayley because the SAS connection wasn’t immediately apparent.

Eventually, she discovered that a former SAS teacher had created a water show that made enough of a splash in the 1980s to get a review in The Straits Times, as well as a two-page spread in the book.

“Boxes of old things have very little value if nobody knows what’s in them,” said Bayley. “An archivist is part crime detective, part Indiana Jones and part file clerk.”

With other items, the significance is readily apparent. She’s already discovered a letter from December 31, 1955 requesting donations for the school, which opened a few days later.

Bayley also found a copy of the June 15, 1956 edition of The Reporter, the first newsletter of SAS. “It's pretty adorable: just two sides of a sheet, but it contains news, essays, a profile of a teacher and a chapter of a goofy serial story called ‘Adventures in Outer Space’,” she said.

Ultimately, her goal is to make sure that items that showcase SAS’ history, mission, and story are organized, preserved, made

accessible to the community, and celebrated.

“It's important to share these stories with the community because I believe that in order to best move forward, you've got to know where you've been,” said Bayley.

11 DISTRICTS

Singapore American • April 2015

The Many Faces of Geylang

By Laura Schwartz

GEYLANG

A

map is not to scale

s a new expat, the first neighborhood in Singapore you learned about was likely Orchard. The second was probably Geylang. Although its reputation as the country’s red light district isn't undeserved, there's a lot more to it than simply being a city's sordid underbelly. With its historic shophouses and delicious hawker food, it is also a call back to pre-1970s Singapore.

The name “Geylang” is theorized to be a corrupted spelling of the Malay word “gelang,” which is a type of edible creeper that grew throughout the area. Like its namesake, the neighborhood isn’t a single trunk. All throughout its length, Geylang Road has offshoots of lanes called lorongs extending perpendicularly towards Sims Avenue or Guillemard Road. Both the main stretch and the lorongs are home to micro-businesses offering everything from bicycle repairs to bathroom fixtures to, of course, food. If you’re looking for piles of fresh durian or mangosteen, authentic dim sum, the best chili crab in the country or the trademark frog porridge, this is the neighborhood to explore.

But the bustling day trade probably wasn’t the reason you heard about Geylang so early into your tenure here. The district is home to dozens, if not hundreds, of brothels. Some are regulated by the Singapore government, while others pose as KTV (karaoke) lounges or operate behind the scenes illegally. In order to gain an insider’s view on one of Singapore’s more infamous neighborhoods, I interviewed my friend Dafydd Green, who has lived in Geylang for just over a year.

SAN: Why did you choose to live in Geylang?

Did you know the reputation of the area before you moved there?

DG: Geylang is going through a big development push now with many buildings being knocked down and condos going up.

Having lived in places like Beijing before, I like seeing the development taking place so I thought it would be more exciting to live there.

I knew about the area’s reputation beforehand, but it didn’t really phase me.

SAN: What do you like about living in that area?

DG: I like the diversity you see if you walk around. On most lorongs, there is a Buddhist building and there is a vast array of Buddhist schools. You get a very interesting perspective on the island’s history because much of the area is made up of Peranakan buildings with old trade shop names, historical “clan” or

area association buildings (e.g. the Tang Lim Association and Xu Clan Association building, which would have been used in the past to bring immigrants from a certain area and surname together).

I am a big fan of the people who hang out here. You need only say a couple words in Chinese and sometimes you can be invited to join a table and be fed or hydrated well. The 24-hour nature of Geylang is also something I have come to really appreciate because it works with any lifestyle. For example, there are many places open for breakfast at 7am, the whole street is open for lunch, and you can be guaranteed a great prata or char siew between 2am and 6am. There are also a lot of legitimate massage places that are open late and there’s nothing better than KTV followed by a foot massage.

SAN: What do you dislike?

DG: Sometimes it gets under my skin when busloads of people turn up and don’t walk

in straight lines. I think the sheer number of people passing through makes the street a bit dirtier than most places in Singapore. The more liberal approach to spitting and urination adopted by some is displeasing to say the least. I also don’t appreciate being thought of as a potential customer by the many “male enhancement” pill sellers on the street!

SAN: What has your experience been like with the seedier sides of the neighborhood?

DG: I don’t think it’s possible to avoid some of the seedy elements of Geylang, but unless you visit certain areas then these are very scant.

Vice and gambling are contained to a few lorongs. I don’t oppose legal prostitution, and “negotiation” is very discreet so it’s not that Geylang is a vice-ridden cesspit that makes residents uncomfortable. You only come across the seedier aspects in certain places and at certain times (e.g. the occasional police raid), but in many ways Geylang is far less sketchy than Orchard Towers.

Prostitutes are in different places, such as the odd lorong, in brothels or in high concentrations on certain strips. As a lone male walking through some places, you will be approached and touched, but it’s not a big deal to shrug off.

Actual brothels aren’t obvious, and you only see prostitutes if you go inside. Depending on your disposition, you may find negotiations between

prostitutes and customers a bit disturbing, but the legality of prostitution is very matter of fact.

You will sometimes see policemen checking ID cards, and there isn’t any aggressive or pushy behavior towards prostitutes.

The seedier elements for me are the illegal sides of prostitution. It’s obvious I think who is there illegally because some are very nervous and clearly not Singaporean. A surprising aspect was how some of them come across. There are prostitutes who dress in a revealing way, but others wear something like a Sunday dress and carry a handbag. It’s kind of similar to visiting the red light district in Amsterdam, where people sitting in windows don’t wear as little as possible, but are just waiting for customers to come.

SAN: What are your favorite places to eat in Geylang?

DG: There are some great places for food.

Beyond the many frog porridge and Jiangsu places, there’s the very famous L32 on Lorong 32 that sells “handmade noodles” accompanied

by dried fish, a meat of choice and fiery chilies.

There’s a Penang seafood restaurant close to the Aljunied MRT station that serves up a great Penang Laksa. Both Ho Kee Pau (43 Geylang Lorong 27) and Wen Dao Shi (aka 126 Dim Sum) at 126 Sims Avenue dish up great dim sum. My personal favorites are a “knife cut noodle” stall on Lorong 27 and a Malay stall run by a charming couple that serves up some of the best Malay food in Singapore.

When Laura Schwartz is not traveling around the region or devouring a new book, she juggles her 9-to-5 as an Admissions & Career Consultant with freelance writing. You can read her articles, travel anecdotes and series of tips on how to be a better tourist at: www.thecircuition.com.

12 DISTRICTS

Singapore American • April 2015

Jalan Besar: A New Hipster Hangout with a Long History

By Tana Vine

to be known), along with Malay bangsawan groups. There was a fairground with a ferris wheel, merry-go-rounds and film screenings.

During the Japanese occupation in the Second World War, the Japanese turned it into a gambling den.

JALAN BESAR

I

map is not to scale

t’s hard to believe when you visit this bustling part of town that Jalan Besar (which means “big road” in Malay) used to be a swamp. It was part of the floodplain that existed on the north bank of the Rochor River and the tidal faults of Kallang Basin. The swampland of betel nut, nipah palm and fruit trees was replaced by factories, shop houses and places of worship.

So fast forward to the present: Jalan Besar is now a conservation area, lined with eclectic mix of old and new buildings. Some of the shop houses have beautiful Peranakan (Straits Chinese) tiles. Hardware shops rub shoulders with upmarket cafés, the shabby with the chic.

It’s a truly interesting mix.

Jalan Besar was also once a place of entertainment. Where City Square Residences and Mall now stand was The New World Amusement Park. It was a nightly crowdpuller where there was something for everyone: boxing and wrestling matches, variety shows, a dance hall-cum-cabaret, Teochew and Hokkien street opera troupes (or “wayangs” as they used

Across the road from City Square Mall on Serangoon is the Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple, one of the oldest Hindu temples in Singapore. The temple is famous for its fivetier, elaborately carved “gopuram.” The temple is the starting point for Hindu devotees during the Thaipusam Festival who walk 4.5km walk to the end point at Sri Thandayuthapani

Temple on Tank Road. The walk is a test of faith for the “kavadi” carriers, who carry up to seven-foot high wooden or metal structures with skin piercings to show their devotion to the Hindu god Muruga.

The more tranquil residential areas are found around Owen Road. There is Pek Kio, with its mixture of HDB, low-rise apartments and Pek Kio Market and Food Centre and Community Centre. At the end of Owen Road is the Connexion, an integrated healthcare and hospitality complex, which recently opened. Its futuristic façade is at odds with the older, lowrise buildings that surround it.

In Singapore, the street names are often a clue to an area’s history.

Pek Kio is Hokkien for “white bridge,” and the name is derived from a white bridge that once spanned Kampong Java Canal where the KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital stands today. It was also known as “Little England” as the roads that lead off it are named after

English towns and counties such as Kent, Bristol, Cambridge, Carlisle, Dorset, Durham, Gloucester, Hampshire and Oxford.

The area witnessed one of the worst civil disasters on March 15, 1986 when the Lian Yak Building, a six-story building that housed the Hotel New World, situated at the junction of Serangoon Road and Owen Road, collapsed like a house of cards. The collapse was so rapid that 50 people were trapped under the rubble: 17 were eventually rescued while 33 were killed.

It was a stressful period for the community

13 DISTRICTS

Singapore American • April 2015

From Traditional to Hipster: The Café Culture Invasion

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over the next few days during the rescue effort. The surrounding shop houses and coffee shops functioned as command centers for the rescue operation and waiting areas for relatives of the trapped victims. Helicopters were also stationed at Farrer Park to transport the rescued survivors to hospitals.

The Hotel New World collapse led to several policy changes. The government empowered the Ministry of National Development to conduct structural checks on buildings. The Fire Service was also integrated into the Singapore Civil Defence Force to improve the latter’s response to future disaster situations.

Farrer Park, another part of the suburb, was named after R.F. Farrer who was the Municipal President in Singapore from 1921 until his retirement. During his term of office, he saw the completion of major municipal projects including the Gunong Pulai waterworks, St. James Power Station and Elgin Bridge.

The park has a sporting history that stretches back to the colonial period. Some of its milestones include being the first racecourse in Singapore. Horse races were mostly held on weekends and attracted a largely European crowd.

It was renamed the Singapore Turf Club and remained at Farrer Park until 1933 before it moved to Bukit Timah Race Course. Farrer Park was then opened to the public and playing fields were made available.

An interesting nugget of information: the first aircraft landed in Singapore at the racecourse in 1919 in a VickerVimy airplane flown by Captain Ross Smith.

The Farrer Park Athletic Centre (opened in 1956) became the training ground for many of Singapore’s track and field stars and national footballers. In 1957, the Swimming Complex was added. This is where Singapore’s swimming champion Ang Peng Siong (who recorded the world’s fastest 50m freestyle in 1982) used to train.

For those who want to explore the neighborhood, the National Heritage Board (www.nhb.gov.sg) has a heritage trail of Jalan Besar. It’s well worth taking the time to visit the area.

Tana Vine is a British freelance journalist, editor and editorial consultant. She has written weekly and monthly columns for the some of the regional publications such as the Singapore Business Review and the South China Morning Post. She enjoys traveling and writing about her journeys around Asia. She is currently based in Singapore.

ccording to the Urban Dictionary, “Hipsters are a subculture of men and women typically in their 20s and 30s that value independent thinking, counter-culture, progressive politics, an appreciation of art and indie-rock, creativity, intelligence, and witty banter.”

And if you’re a hipster in Singapore, the place to be is Jalan Besar.

In the past two years more than a dozen cafés and restaurants have sprung up in this area and the trend seems set to continue. Some of that can be attributed to uniqueness of Jalan Besar. It’s very close to the city center, but there’s still a shabby-chic feel to many parts of the neighborhood. Plus, the rents are much cheaper here than in the city center, so “anti-establishment” hipsters who are looking to start up their café businesses are not hit by high rentals and start-up costs.

Here are some of the cafés that have popped up in Jalan Besar over the last two to three years. It’s almost safe to say that if you were to close your eyes and throw a stone, there would be a high chance of you hitting one of these new hipster joints!

Is Singapore's favorite breakfast of kopi (coffee) and kaya toast in danger of disappearing from “hipster neighborhoods?”

Tyrwhitt Road: Chye Seng Huat Hardware Coffee (yes, a café in an old hardware shop), The Tiramisu Hero Café, Anythingz Café Horne Road: Windowsill pies and The Bravery Somme Road: The Little Prince Café and The Sweet Movement Jalan Besar: Butter Studio and Suprette (part of Kam Leng Hotel) Lavender Street: The Coffee Shot Owen Road: L’Etoile Café and Cakes Literally Rangoon Road: Jewel Café & Bar and Woodshed 204.

You can also find traditional favorites like the Founder Bak Ku Teh (Pork Rib Soup) Restaurant at 154 Rangoon Road and a famous Nasi Lemak stall at the Horne Road Food Court (100 Tyrwhitt Road). There is even a place that sells “scissor cut curry rice” (229 Jalan Besar). For those who crave dim sum in the small hours, you can visit Swee Choon (183-191 Jalan Besar), a wildly popular dim sum outlet that opens its doors to customers from 6pm to 6am daily (except Tuesday) and has a following so big that they have occupied most of the adjoining stalls and open areas from where they first started. As the restaurant is located just a stone’s throw away from the infamous Desker Road red light district must ensure that there’s no shortage of customers!

But with advent of new cafés, are some of these older establishments in danger of being squeezed out? Will Singapore’s favorite breakfast of kopi (coffee) and kaya toast give way to croissants and cappuccinos? There is no doubt that the rentals in the area will begin to go up as the area becomes more “hip” and some of the older “traditional style” kopitiams and eateries (which have been part of the local fabric adding to a neighborhood’s character) may be displaced.

Only time will tell if too much of a good (new) thing will eventually backfire.

14 DISTRICTS

Singapore American • April 2015

The Never Ending Search

By Jim Tietjen

W

hat is a neighborhood to you and your family?

How do we choose our neighborhoods, or do we? In Singapore, how and why did you end up where you are: by choice, by fiat, or circumstances beyond your control? This story may be similar to yours, or could become yours.

When I arrived (still single) I was put up at the Regent Hotel for two months. It was nice at first, but even in a junior suite, it’s still a hotel. Astrid Meadows was my first (condo) “home,” located in District 10, an upscale area, leafy green, off the beaten path, a Singapore version of the burbs: four years in an expat Eden, I could not complain. Thank you Uncle Sam, but not my cup of kopi.

Then I got married (yes, right here!) and also left my employer of many years (the US Air Force). Now on our own, we get to choose the hood! (Don’t forget, no more car!) First stop, The Bencoolen (Street)…cool man.

A very old Chinese haunt with great street vibes and the temples on Waterloo Street behind, Albert Court, festivals, and a fantastic hawker center, this was a REAL neighborhood! Lots of hustle-bustle, but our place was comfortable and relatively quiet. It wasn’t long before the rent went up and the hotel construction next door started. These became significant factors, along with availability of public transport and pending sales, in choosing our next several hoods and homes.

A house, a real house (okay, just the second floor of a three-story) on Winstedt Road was our next pad.

With a great location between Bukit Timah, Scotts, and Orchard, we could easily walk to Newton Circus, Emerald Hill and Novena. We had huge green lawns front and back, not our yard, but state land. We got used to the road noise of Bukit Timah and the service station/ car repair shop next door. We loved the Cannonball

tree across the road with flowers so very fragrant. Then came the inevitable rent rise, MRT construction, and the refurbishment of the school next door. Time to go! We’re glad we left the Bukit Timah stretch for a while, but it will be great once the MRT is complete!

Fortuitously, we moved around the corner to Cavenagh House, not on Cavenagh Road of course, but on Clemenceau Avenue North. Go figure. An old condo, our apartment was run down, but we could almost reach out and touch the Istana. Green views, a regular breeze, and the outstanding locale made life there easy. We had nice local neighbors. But again, condo construction started across the street and the rent, well you know. If it wasn’t for the two minor bathroom fires (we found out later, the landlord was saving money by not installing the required circuit breakers), we might have stayed. We miss the neighbors, but still see them occasionally.

Move #5 was to Braddell View, near MacRitchie, out of town and a good 30+ minute bus ride to work. We were really in the burbs, which were more local and more Continued on page 21

15 DISTRICTS

Singapore American • April 2015

Finding Faith

By Faith Chanda

I

recently moved here from the States and apartment hunting in Singapore was an epic struggle for me. It only took looking at about 40 apartments for me to realize why: hunting for an apartment was more than looking for a home. I was hunting for an identity.

Back in the US, it was easy to imagine ourselves in any of the houses at which we looked. Our lives there were predictable, even when moving to different regions and neighborhoods. But this isn’t New York. This is my first time living abroad as an adult and my first home in a true city environment. And Singapore is really unlike any other city in the world.

So if we were looking for an identity in a new life, what were we looking for, really? Were we trying to recreate our old life or create a new one? And if we were creating a new life, a new identity, who were we going to be?

Moving here was such a unique opportunity to reinvent ourselves, but also a daunting challenge. It’s not so easy to give up who you thought you were to truly embrace an opportunity you never thought you’d have.

I found myself wishing that I could fast forward six months and ask my future self what I wish I had in an apartment. What will be more important: Square footage?

Public transportation? Separate bedrooms for the kids? A quiet retreat or plenty of people around with whom to play and socialize? A large spare room for our helper? Do we need all the amenities or will we join a club and use them there? And what about the finishes? Will

we care in six months about marble floors and granite countertops? And speaking of granite countertops, will I be spending any time in the kitchen or will it be only our helper? We don’t think we want a car, but what if we decide we have to have one later?

To answer those questions, I started to imagine my new identity in some of the apartments we saw: In the Holland Village area, we found a beautiful condo with a distinctly European flair, down to the marble statues by the pool.

I pictured myself resurrecting my high school French (and thankfully more recent Spanish) and blending in seamlessly with the cultured, cool, and late-night-loving Europeans.

In the wilds of the East Coast, we saw places with gorgeous views that overlooked the Esplanade so closely that we were told you could hear the concerts from the balcony.

There, I imagined hosting lush bohemian gatherings of writers and artists (okay, and their

families), sipping fine wine, discussing fine arts and listening to music floating through the air on concert nights, with the balcony doors wide open and cool breezes blowing in off the ocean.

Sort of like the Algonquin Round Table, but with kids - and chicken rice.

A place in the suburbs near my kids’ school had me thinking of becoming the perfect PTA Mom: always involved, in charge, and nearby whenever I could be of help – dutiful and doting and determined.

One of the older condos was nearly as large as our last house in the US with plenty of room

for a proper living room and a family room/ playroom as well. Hey, we could re-create our old life right here in Singapore! Oh wait… the whole point was that we want to experience something different than the US. Of course, there was the practical stuff, too.

At several apartments there were open balconies or large windows that we weren’t sure would be safe for our kids. When I mentioned my concerns to one agent, he said "Oh, just tell your kids not to climb there.” Um, I don’t know about other kids, but “Don’t climb there!” isn’t exactly a fool-proof safety measure of mine.

Continued on page 21

16 DISTRICTS

Singapore American • April 2015

Wake Up and Smell the Melting Pot

By Lauren S. Power

I recommend stopping by to try the gammon ham sandwich, a lunch menu staple and one of my favorites. Don’t be surprised to find yourself persuaded to enjoy a freshly crafted dessert as well.

Katong’s broad range of mouthwatering offerings also extends to other ethnic cuisines.

Sandwich Saigon serves all the traditional Vietnamese classics, but as the name implies, it is most famous for its Banh Mi. I’m a regular.

My favorite dish is the garlic chicken sandwich with pate and extra Vietnamese pickles served on a freshly baked baguette, and I drink straight fresh tomato juice: no sugar, no nonsense.

Perfect every time.

For Indian cuisine, it is hard to beat Zaffron Kitchen. Go there with someone you love and try my favorite meal. Start with the papdi chaat appetizer, which packs explosive flavor into five beautifully arranged bites. Follow with briyani rice smothered in raita with hot chicken from the tandoor. It is definitely enough food to split between two people and the incredible flavor

1. Carver’s & Co 43 East Coast Road Tel: +65 6348 0448 Mon to Fri (Closed on Tue): 11am – 10pm Sat & Sun: 8.30am – 10pm 2. Chin Mee Chin Confectionary 204 East Coast Road Tel: +65 6345 0419 Tue to Sun: 8:30am – 4pm (Closed on Mon) 3. Group Therapy Coffee 30 East Coast Road Katong V #01-11 Daily: 9am – 9pm 4. Oh Deli 421 East Coast Road Tel: +65 6440 4409 Mon: 9am – 5pm Tue to Sun: 8am – 9pm

KATONG

5. Penny University 402 East Coast Road Tel: +65 6345 9055 Tue to Thu: 8.30am – 6pm Fri & Sat: 8.30am – 12 midnight Sun: 8.30am – 9pm

map is not to scale

T

he Katong neighborhood’s history of wealth and prestige is still evident in the grand old manors and estates lining its wide boulevards. Before East Coast Park was created from reclaimed land, the Katong area was right at the waterfront and prospered as a playground for the elite. Later, the Eurasian community, that precious melting pot of European and Asian cultures, created a Peranakan cultural enclave there.

Today, Katong is quickly becoming one of Singapore’s most exciting pedestrian areas.

Quaint boutiques, cozy cafés, and eclectic

eateries line the main drag on East Coast Road, which is a welcome shift from the mega malls of Orchard Road. There is a sense of nostalgia embedded in the antique tile walkways punctuated by florescent shop houses. Many small eateries have also cropped up all over the area. I decided to take a trip down memory lane and get a taste of one of the most diverse and historical neighborhoods in Singapore, literally bite by bite.

Young entrepreneurial Singaporeans are crafting their own brand of hip in Katong with trendy cafés like Penny University and Group Therapy Coffee. The cult following of these hipster joints seems reasonable when you try the flat white and eggs benedict at Group Therapy. I have honestly never seen a free seat at Penny University, which has both impressed

cuisines. From traditional Peranakan and Nonya dishes, which are rooted in a unique blending of cultures, to Indian, Vietnamese, and Australian classic recipes, there is something for everyone along East Coast Road. Eating your way through the Singapore identity can be tiring, so be sure to stop for coffee at a one of Katong’s cool cafés along the way. Happy Eating!

6. Peranakan Inn & Lounge 210 East Coast Road Tel: +65 6440 6195 Daily: 11am – 3pm, 6pm – 10pm

and alarmed me as I have yet to actually enjoy a meal there. I can, however, attest to the genius of its coffee, which managed to transport me to a world of bliss even as I stood pressed into a corner.

“Once you live on East Coast, you don’t want to live anywhere else,” said a regular at the Chin Mee Chin Confectionary. This tiny pastry shop has been in business for more than 80 years serving affordable, “no frills” Singaporean breakfast foods. Famous for its kaya buns and kopi, it will give you a sense of Singapore from a bygone time.

The Peranakan Inn & Lounge is in a traditional turquoise shop house with tinted glass doors and a jungle of potted palms exploding onto the street. Inside, round marble top tables are packed with Nonya cuisine enthusiasts enjoying unpretentious traditional dishes at an affordable price. The only music playing here is the sighs of contentment and grunts of pleasure made by devoted patrons.

Personally, I am addicted to the Ngoh Hiang pork roll and Assam prawns.

If you are looking to splurge a bit, I highly recommend the newly renovated Carver’s & Co, an intimate and sophisticated restaurant specializing in roasted meats. The charming married couple that owns the place, Sarah Lin and Wen Soh, always pops out of the kitchen to have a chat with their patrons.

While the featured roast changes every week,

profiles you will encounter together will create memories to treasure for a lifetime.

My last stop in my Katong eating quest is restaurant cum grocery store, Oh Deli, which caters to food snobs with a penchant for Australian delicacies. Resplendent with top tier wines, fresh produce, a full-service fine butchery, and a selection of other elite deli items, the staff at Oh Deli offer their gastronomical wonders at table, for take away, or lovingly bundled into handsome hampers.

I love popping in for a coffee and fresh fruit scone served with fine preserves and cream, but everything on the menu is divine.

The Katong neighborhood is a microcosm of all that is Singapore and I think we can all be grateful that it celebrates this melting pot of cultures through its selection of amazing

7. Sandwich Saigon 93 East Coast Road Tel: +65 6345 3849 Mon to Fri: 11:30am – 2:30pm, 5:30pm – 10pm Sat & Sun: 11:30am – 10pm 8. Zaffron Kitchen 137 East Coast Road Tel: +65 6440 6786 Mon to Thu: 11:30am – 3pm, 5pm – 10pm Fri: 11:30am – 3pm, 5pm – 11pm Sat: 11:30am – 11pm Sun: 11:30am – 10:30pm

Lauren S. Power is a freelance writer and researcher.

She lived in the USA, UK, and Japan before moving to Singapore. Lauren enjoys writing about foreign policy issues, travel, culture, and expat lifestyle. See her blog at www.laurenspower.com

17 DISTRICTS

Singapore American • April 2015

Moving Checklist

By Mel Syers

A

re you planning on moving back home or to another country in the near future? At Allied Pickfords, we try to lessen the impact of the physical move, and here we have put together a useful checklist to help you during this sometimes challenging period.

8 – 12 Weeks before you move • Contact Allied Pickfords for a pre-move survey.

• If renting, advise your current landlord or agent, in writing, of your intention to move.

• Advise your children’s school. Some schools, especially international schools, require a full term’s notice if a student is withdrawing.

• Create a file for paperwork, receipts and important documents pertaining to your move.

• Determine tax requirements.

• Consider what household goods to take.

Be careful to check regulations before shipping a vehicle.

• Inventory/photograph home contents for protection coverage.

• Contact insurance, bank, financial, medical, dental contacts re: changes, transfers of document or records.

• Pre-advise clubs, and organizations about anticipated departure.

• Decide what appliances and electronics will be taken back (consider voltage, obsolescence).

• Use the internet to obtain relevant information about destination or ask Allied Pickfords.

• Consider which purchases you need to make.

• Start to use up things you can’t move, such as frozen food and cleaning supplies.

6 Weeks before you move • Establish (re-establish) contact with healthcare professionals at destination.

• Consider movement of pets and their veterinary needs.

• Complete change-of-address notifications for friends, family, vendors, and service providers.

• Take steps to sell car(s), club memberships.

4 Weeks before you move • Hold a moving sale to dispose of items you do not wish to ship.

• Clean closets, storage areas.

• Notify utility services of your intention to move so that they can arrange final readings.

3 Weeks to go • Have airfreight segregated to include “survival kit” of essentials for destinations.

• Sort through toys and assemble small parts.

• Arrange for professional handling or servicing of specialty items such as wall units, piano, valuable clocks, audio/visual equipment, and sports equipment. For special handling, contact your Allied Pickfords Move coordinator.

• Settle club dues, fees. Consider “inactive” membership if it is available and there is a possibility you will return.

2 Weeks to go • Collect children’s school records, immunization certificates, et al for the new school.

• Arrange to disconnect your essential services: gas, water, phone and electricity and settle charges.

• Inform your doctor, dentist and other medical

specialists of your move. Collect your records or request transfer to your new practitioners.

• Record the contact numbers and email addresses of friends, service providers, vendors with whom you may wish to keep in touch.

• Photocopy duplicates of necessary papers such as passports and tax records.

• Arrange mail redirection service to redirect your mail to your new address.

• Reserve a baby-sitter and pet-sitter for moving day, if necessary.

1 Week to go • Dispose of flammables, BBQ gas, cleaning solvents and other dangerous items.

• Clean BBQ thoroughly if you are shipping to new destination.

• Have a final clean-out and dispose out-ofdate materials from under the kitchen sink, garage, laundry, etc.

• Commence home repairs essential to getting the home deposit returned: wall touch-up, floor polishing.

• Bring home office records, files and equipment which need to be packed.

• Keep a few things out for the kids on move day.

• Pick up all items from vendor or repair firms.

• Empty and clean sports bag contents.

A few days before you move • Empty, clean, dry, add baking soda/sachet to refrigerator, freezer.

• Mark the cords of appliances to designate 110 volts vs. 220 volts.

• Finalize personal documents/papers into suitable carrier. Do same for personal valuables.

• Close or transfer accounts.

• Assemble pharmaceutical needs. Clean out medicine cabinet.

• Allied Pickfords recommends that you avoid taking consumables to your destination.

• Be sure that the final cleaning of home is scheduled as a “walk through” with landlord for prompt return of security/damage deposit.

Moving day!

• Place all suitcases and essential items you need in one specified place such as the bathroom or car, so they are not loaded in the removal van or container; separate items for air/sea freight.

• Review home with the crew supervisor; point out special care items and special packing procedures.

• Set aside and carry all valuables and important papers and passports with you.

• Ensure children and pets are safe and out of harm’s way.

• Keep copies of passport, paperwork, inventory, and insurance with you.

• Be sure that Allied Pickfords has an update of your needs, instructions, contacts and timetable.

• Before the movers leave, make a final inspection to check for left-behind items.

• Lock all doors and windows as you leave.

Contact us on +65 6862 4700 or visit us at www.alliedpickfords.com.sg. Like Allied Pickfords Singapore on Facebook.

18 DISTRICTS

Singapore American • April 2015

The Neighborhood Beneath

By Melissa Diagana another dimension, down, is now seen as having phenomenal potential.

The immense Jurong Rock Caverns will be a repository for petrochemicals. The Deep Tunnel Sewerage System ferries sewage from across the island to two water reclamation plants. Army ammunition is stored beneath a quarry in Mandai. And the 9 km (5.6 mi) long tunnel of the KPE makes it the longest underground road in Southeast Asia.

A Rocky Start This land was first created when magma burbled up from the depths to form “Bukit Timah granite” around 250 million years ago.

Some 75 million years later, the western third of the island was still below sea level, so the granite became covered by marine sediments, which compacted into the rocks of the “Jurong formation.” Later, the granite base of the eastern third of Singapore was covered with sediments that were washed down in rivers over the past five million years, forming the “Old Alluvium.”

Today, only the central third of the island sits directly atop the original Bukit Timah granite formation.

Jurong and its rocky underworld are regularly in the news, due to some spectacular engineering happening out of sight. While Singapore has been expanding its surface area by land reclamation since colonial times,

The Dirt on…Dirt In the beginning, there was rock. That is, until the rock was assaulted by the weather and broke down into soil. The United Nations declared 2015 to be the “International Year of Soils” to help us to “connect soil with our food, water, climate, biodiversity and life.”

Why bother? Because soil is more central than you might ever imagine. Soil is immensely important for food, fuel and fiber production, important for sustainable development, and important for poverty reduction. Soil supports a high diversity of microorganisms, which have so far provided us with many of our antibiotics. In fact, soils are still being screened in the search for new antibiotics. (It’s a bugeat-bug world down there so the bacteria and fungi produce these compounds to fight off their competitors). And soil stores a great deal of carbon and also provides resilience to floods, which means that it can help mitigate climate change issues if managed intelligently.

The History Beneath Our Feet For a long time, the only bit of archaeology I knew about in Singapore came from the dig at Fort Canning Park. How ignorant I was!

Subsequent to that first dig in the 1980s, archaeologists have continued to dig up the country.

The trenches dug at Fort Canning were instrumental in showing how vibrant the trade was, primarily with China, back in the 14th century. A great deal of porcelain (figurines, cups and bowls, a pillow, a rare compass) and other pottery, brass coins, and glass were found.

The left bank of the mouth of the Singapore River has historically been the island’s “central business district.” Excavations (some still ongoing) around the Victoria Theatre, the Padang, and the future National Art Gallery have uncovered ample artifacts left by 14th century traders to “Temasek” (olden Singapore’s name), highlighting the neighborhood’s importance.

These include Chinese pottery (porcelain cups, chess pieces, a Bodhisattva statue, celadon bowls, stoneware) and coins, Indian carnelian beads, and a rare lead statue of a horseman in the east Javanese style. Locally made objects have also been brought to light, such as smelted copper products (fishhooks, wire).

Farther west, the Adam Park project has excavated the gardens of a colonial black-andwhite estate. During the Battle of Singapore, a British regiment fended off a Japanese regiment there for three horrid days in February 1942.

After Allied forces surrendered, the buildings at Adam Park became one of the work camps for British and Australian POWs. Archaeologists have unearthed poignant reminders of this period including cartridges, anti-gas cream,

boots, a water canteen, and grave markers.

And that’s probably not all, folks! There’s yet much to be uncovered. Who knows what lies beneath your very own neighborhood?

The logo for the “2015 International Year of Soils”. FAO (Food and Agricultural Organization).

A molecular biologist by training, Melissa Diagana enjoys studying the broader picture of natural history as much as its reductionist details. She regularly writes about nature and environmental topics.

JOIN AAS NOW! Join the AAS community in Singapore and receive member pricing to social events for the entire family.

Plus, you’ll get discounts and special offers at businesses in Singapore and the Singapore American Newspaper delivered to your home each month. All that for just $70 a month! If you’re looking for career and personal development, you can also join CRCE. Check out our website for more information. www.aasingapore.com

19 DISTRICTS

Singapore American • April 2015

Bras Basah & Bugis

By Nithia Devan Niven Road, just off Mount Sophia, is lined with restored and conserved shop houses, which are mainly residential homes, with a few artisanal shops, offices and studios, done up in different ways while retaining distinct features such as the Peranakan-style pintu pagar (halfdoors for ventilation and privacy) in front of the usual front doors, and decorative vents above windows on either side of the main doors. There’s also the new Wilkie Edge office

BRAS BASAH BUGIS

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he art heritage area of that spans Dhoby Ghaut, Selegie Road, Middle Road to North Bridge Road is jam packed with arts venues, heritage buildings, residential buildings and history. No two roads are alike.

Let’s take a walk: Selegie Road connects the two high-traffic areas of the Orchard Road and Little India.

It begins at Dhoby Ghaut and ends at Bukit Timah. There are several landmark buildings along this stretch of road. At the junction of Selegie Road and Bukit Timah Road stands the Ellison Building. It may look shabby, but it has an interesting past. This two-story building with its distinctive twin cupolas and balconies is believed to have been built by Isaac Ellison for his wife Flora Ellison in 1924. The central pediment carries the word Ellison Building, the year 1924 and the Star of David sign. The Colonial Bar is part of the same building. In its heyday, the colonial governors who would sit at the roof to catch races held at Race Course Road every Sunday.

Further down is Selegie House, a public housing estate. When Selegie House was constructed in the early sixties, it was one of the tallest buildings in Singapore. Singapore’s former Prime Minister, Mr. Lee Kuan Yew, officially opened the housing estate in 1963.

The estate consists of three blocks, two are ten stories tall and the other 20 stories, small by today’s standards, but in the 60s it was so

impressive it drew bystander crowds during its opening. Besides it is the futuristic LASALLE College of Art, a place for tertiary arts education.

At the tip of a U-shaped corner formed by two roads, Selegie Road and Prinsep Street, is a curved, yellow pastel building, the Selegie Arts Centre at 30 Selegie Road. Its curved walls lined with wooden shutters house the Photographic Society of Singapore on the second and third levels. On the ground floor is Mr. Bean’s Café, a 24-hour bistro known for offering live sports screening.

Prinsep Street is the former Jewish quarter.

The Prinseps were Englishmen of Jewish origin, and long-time financiers of the British East India Company. Charles Robert Prinsep owned a nutmeg plantation, which covered Selegie Road, the Istana and its grounds, Mount Sophia and Mount Emily. The David Elias building at the junction of Selegie Road, Short Street and Middle Road, built in 1928 in the neo-colonial style, bears the Jewish Star of David on its front and sides. It is known these days for housing the famous Rochor beancurd and Hainanese chicken rice stalls.

building and the Khalsa Dharmak Sabha, a Sikh temple and the Intercultural Theatre Institute, an independent theater school, which offers a Professional Diploma in Intercultural Theatre (acting).

Traveling down Middle Road to North Bridge Road, we pass Saint Anthony’s Convent. A priest from the Portuguese Mission started the school as the Saint Anna’s Mission School in August 1879. The National Design Centre, officially opened at 111 Middle Road in March 2014, now occupies the former Saint Anthony’s Convent compound.

Across the road from SOTA (School of the Arts) and the Singapore Management University (SMU) is the Rendezvous Grand Hotel with its art deco façade. Built in 1939, the 17-story building was once the tallest buildings in entire Southeast Asia. It was a place one could go for a rendezvous or a piping hot plate of nasi padang (steamed rice served with pre-cooked dishes, thought to originate from Padang in Sumatra). The owner began serving nasi padang in the 1950s to attract more local patrons. (The restaurant’s signature nasi padang is still served today at the Central at Eu Tong Sen Street.)

On Bencoolen Street, you will find the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts. Established in 1938, it is the pioneer arts education institution in Singapore.

Singapore American • April 2015

21 DISTRICTS

Singapore American • April 2015

The Unending Search

Finding Faith

friendly. We had a great apartment, wonderful view, delightful breeze, very nice neighbors, and a five-minute walk to the jungle. This was the best yet! Then the MRT and hospital construction started, but the rent did not go up! The landlord decided to sell the place and asked us to leave… wah!

Lucky us, we managed to snag another apartment, a mirror-image, in a nearby block, looking north, and still breezy! We’ve gotten used to the Braddell Flyover traffic. We visit our former neighbors. Sunsets over MacRitchie Reservoir surpass our previous view of MBS, et al. We’re standing by for the construction now, and the rent. Well, maybe it’s stable for a while.

But what if they sell? Maybe time to buy? Can or not?

For you old-timers, sound familiar? For you newcomers like Faith (see page 15), food for thought. Singapore is a great place to live, learn, work, and play, but you’ve got to be flexible. Construction will come and go, rent will go up, mostly, your place may be sold, and you will likely move, whether you want to or not. This is the cycle of life in our paradise.

Many places had gorgeous views but needed lots of updates. In the past, we might have snapped up a deal like that. But while the "wow factor" made us swoon, we realized that if we are only here in Singapore for a few years (I know, I know. You were only planning to be here for a few years and NOW look how long you’ve been here!), we didn't want to spend time dealing with the unknown evil of renovations.

In the end, we figured out on what we were willing to compromise – and what we weren’t.

We found a place that is smaller than we thought we would want, but with beautiful finishes, near to public transportation (only a few minutes bus ride from my husband’s office in the CBD) and with a big updated, air-conditioned kitchen. We sacrificed with a smaller pool and no kids play area, a tiny gym and no sports courts.

continued from page 14

Jim Tietjen is an avid sportsman and amateur adventurer. He enjoys tennis, golf, diving, trekking and all travel, and also has a passion for watercolor paintings, carpets and wine. Most of all, he likes to help people achieve their goals.

continued from page 15

We have beautiful open space perfect for all those dinner parties we’ll be hosting. And there’s a long hallway separating the living and dining area from the bedrooms so the kids can still get a good night’s sleep. The gorgeous

marble floors make me feel like I’m living in a European palace. Because our building only has ten apartments, it still feels intimate and homey despite being cosmopolitan. The kids have only a short bus ride to school (nothing is very far away in Singapore!). And we got our view: a sweeping wall of windows that look out on both trees and cityscape.

Only time will tell if we made the right decision. In six months, the future-me will let the present-me know how my new identity fits. For now, I’ve realized that our new apartment feels like a melting pot of the things we liked mirroring the reason we moved to this melting pot city. As newly-minted world travelers, we wouldn’t have it any other way.

Faith Chanda relocated to Singapore with her family in January from the idyllic small town of Cornwall, NY. She has nearly 20 years of experience in Marketing, Promotions and Event Planning in a wide variety of industries. Lately, she has been spending her time navigating the unique culture of Singapore with a mixture of fascination and bewilderment.

22 DISTRICTS

Singapore American • April 2015

Bras Basah & Bugis

continued from page 19 Waterloo Street is an arts and cultural center.

Theater and dance companies are housed along the street, in restored terrace houses and bungalows as well as a Jewish synagogue. The Stamford Arts Centre at 155 Waterloo Street is home to several arts groups. Among them is the Theatre Practice, whose founder, the late Kuo Pao Kun, was one of the pioneers in Singapore theater. He contributed greatly to the local arts scene as a playwright, director, and art activist and founder of The Substation in 1990.

Visual arts venue Sculpture Square, which

boasts Middle Eastern-inspired restaurant Artichoke in its compound, sits at the junction of Waterloo Street and Middle Road. Across the road are the popular Sri Krishnan Hindu Temple and Kwan Im Thong Hood Cho Temples. Fortune Centre at the junction of Waterloo Street and Middle Road, has several outlets selling Buddhist artifacts and is a paradise for vegetarians due to the numerous vegetarian / vegan establishments within.

The National Library Building now dominates the area bounded by Middle Road,

Victoria Street, North Bridge Road and Bain Street. Its glass and steel exterior houses floors of reading space. It’s also home to the Drama Centre and Drama Centre Black Box theaters.

Further down North Bridge Road is the Bras Basah Complex, which has been has been the go-to place for textbooks, educational resources and art materials since the 1980s, earning it the title “City of Books.” Built in 1980, the complex is named after Bras Basah Road, which originated as a colonial misspelling of Beras Basah. “Beras” refers to harvested rice with the husk removed and “Basah” means wet in Malay. In early days of the Bras Basah area, wet rice was laid out to dry on the channels of the (now mostly covered up) Stamford Canal.

This little stroll through the area has provided you with a cursory glimpse at a an important part of Singapore’s historic and cultural heart.

Take the time to explore further next time you are here.

Nithia Devan is a freelance marketing communications professional, copywriter and editor. She is a keen supporter of the arts in Singapore, especially theater.

Her other passions are cookery, cinema, travel, art and crafts. Nithia also writes for City Nomads, a guide to what's happening in Singapore, www.citynomads.com.

23 HEALTH & WELLNESS

Singapore American • April 2015

Community Wellbeing through Sports!

By Sharmila Khandkar

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ports, with their impact and influence, have always had a place in society. Its magnificent ability to unite people makes sport a powerful communication tool. Sports also help to strengthen connections and trust in our wider communities. The sports dynamic essentially transcends all social, political and ethnic barriers.

Humans are by nature villagers; that’s how we lived for many centuries. Today our lives are often so busy we don’t get to connect with the people who live close to us. This is especially true in big cities, where everyone comes and goes at different times and new neighbors move in and out. This disconnect with the community often impacts our mental well-being. Sport is a human institution, a universal phenomenon which brings people together and instills a sense of belonging or meaning to many individual lives.

There is a widespread belief that sport (broadly defined) has the power to make “society” more equal, socially cohesive and peaceful. The potential of sport as a tool for development and peace is being harnessed by an ever-expanding range of organizations at local, national and international levels. Look at the city of New Orleans, which was devastated

by Hurricane Katrina. People had lost hope, lost family members, pets, and morale. The city bonded around its pro football franchise, the New Orleans Saints, rebuilt an entire community and went on to win the Super Bowl. Sports bring competition; teach morality, integrity and ambition. They are exciting, amusing and challenging. But most of all, they bring us hope.

Corporate Partners Sports give us faith to live another day. We see our favorite athletes. We are amazed by them and given a sense of hope that no matter what challenges or hurdles we have in our daily lives, we can conquer them all.

It's amazing how wonderful sports can be and how much can be accomplished through the foundations of sports. The most effective way to improve health is for communities to find ways to increase physical activity. The World Health Organization estimates physical inactivity is responsible for close to two million deaths each year globally. It further estimates that less than one-third of young people in countries around the world are adequately active to benefit their present and future health and well-being.

Acquiring better fitness levels also helps control feelings of anxiety and depression. It encourages

other healthy behaviors, such as avoiding alcohol and drug use. Sports can be a powerful tool and have proved to bridge gaps in communities and give people hope.

Sports, with their impact and influence, have always had a place in society. There can be many instrumental development objectives and lessons realized through sports. Their value is sometimes underestimated, but as anyone knows who has ever been to any sporting event, it can literally reshape the foundation of a community.

SACAC Counselling offers psycho-educational assessment, sports counseling and career testing and guidance. For more information or appointments please contact SACAC administration on 6733-9249.

24 HEALTH & WELLNESS

Singapore American • April 2015

How to Get Along with Neighbors of Different Cultures

By Ho Shee Wai

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iving in a foreign country and enjoying a cross-cultural relationship can be one of the most rewarding and challenging experiences one could ever imagine. Culture isn’t just about the things we can see. It’s not just about the national dish, the fashions people wear, the gods they worship or even the places they live. Culture is, for the most part, invisible; we hardly even notice it until we’re forced to step outside and see it from a new perspective. A large amount of what we do, say, think, believe and, to some extent, feel is shaped by the culture from where we come.

Cultural influence our ideas about behavior, thoughts, what’s right and wrong, values and more.

In managing cross cultural relationships, the steps are recognizing cultural differences, understanding the knowledge of the culture including its norms and regulations and then developing appropriate behaviors for crosscultural interaction.

1. Name. Our name is strongly linked to our identity. Not in all cultures do people prefer to be addressed by their first name. For many cultures, the first name is reserved for people in close relationship with them. Some people like to be asked how they prefer to be addressed (Mrs., Miss, Ms., Dr., et al), and for them to give you permission to use their name. Find out about the naming system for the culture. Ask how your neighbors would like to be addressed

and do not shorten their name just because you can’t manage it. Ask them to spell it or repeat it.

Practice makes perfect.

2. Accent. Listen carefully to someone that you think has an accent. Don’t assume he or she doesn’t speak English just because the accent is different from yours. If you listen carefully, you can get accustomed to any accent. Remember, you have an accent, too!

3. Language. Try learning another language or at least a few words in the language of a friend, neighbor or coworker. They will be impressed by your effort and interest. Even the simple act of trying to pronounce a person’s name correctly is appreciated. Be careful and aware of misunderstanding humor due to differences in language usage. Sometimes things can get lost in translation so exercise some sensitivity.

4. Body Language. Body language can communicate a lot about your interest in what another person is saying. Pay attention and learn about cultural and gender differences in body language. Don’t make assumptions about others’ body language based on your own. This includes casual touching, hugging and cheek/ air kissing. Many who come from Asian culture do not appreciate and are not comfortable with physical touch except in close and intimate relationship.

5. Celebration. Learn more about the celebration of different holidays (Chinese New Year, Hannukah, Divali, HariRaya, etc.)

Attend public events or festivities not just as “fun” events. Try to find out about teachings and beliefs that these celebrations recognize.

6. Be Neighborly. Meet your neighbors.

Introduce yourself and have a conversation. Invite them to join you for coffee or a meal. If they are going away, offer to pick up their newspapers or mail or to keep an eye on their place.

7. Stereotype. Don’t make assumptions about people. Give people a chance to demonstrate what they are really like. Stereotypes are assumptions that classify people in a narrow way, based on very little information.

8. Conflict Management. Due to cultural differences, certain aspects of life as neighbors might be challenging: alcohol consumption, diets, clothing, views on gender roles, religious

habits or rituals and more. Having a different perspective on life is a valuable thing. You have so much to learn from one another. See your differences as a good thing that enhances your relationship, rather than a stumbling block.

Remember that your views are simply one “take” or perspective on a subject. Realize that other people have different perspectives. Try to find common ground.

Ho Shee Wai is the Director and Registered Psychologist of The Counselling Place. She specializes in Relationship and Marriage Counselling, especially for couples in cross-cultural relationships and where one partner in the couple is struggling with a diagnosis such as ADHD, ASD, OCD, depression, anxiety and the like. www.thecounsellingplace.com

25 ARTS & CULTURE

Singapore American • April 2015

Arts Clusters

By Nithia Devan

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map is not to scale

he arts belts and heritage areas provide housing for the arts and act as a showcase for the vibrant arts scene in Singapore. These areas also provide space for artists and performers to create and test their works.

The Bras Basah & Bugis (BBB) District (see article page 19 and 22) is alive with creative buzz and youthful energy, but also has a long history.

The area is bounded by Rochor Road, Beach Road, Selegie Road and Fort Canning Hill and is a treasure trove of cultural and architectural references and compelling blend of old and new buildings. It’s also home to the National Museum and the Singapore Art Museum. Located at the

Fort Canning Centre within Fort Canning Park will be the Pinacothèque de Paris, the largest branch of a private art museum in Paris. Singapore is its first venue outside of Europe and is due to open sometime in May 2015.

The Goodman Arts Centre (GAC) is located in the culturally rich Mountbatten district. This center opened in 2011 and serves as an artistic enclave, bringing together communities to experience and engage in the arts.

In a row of shop houses along Kerbau Road in Little India, you can find Bhaskar's Arts Academy and Sri Warisan Som Said, two of Singapore’s foremost Indian and Malay ethnic arts groups.

Contemporary theater group W!ld Rice is also located here.

The privately run Chinatown Heritage Centre, which is spread across three restored shop houses along Pagoda Street, is well worth a visit. The center has recreated the original interiors of its 1950s shop house tenants, offering visitors an honest, revealing glimpse into the lives of Chinatown’s early residents.

Located close to Chinatown in Havelock Road at Central Square is the Indian Temple of Fine Arts (TFA), a cultural and service oriented, nonprofit organization.

The Malay Heritage Centre (MHC) situated in Kampong Glam provides wonderful cultural exposure and learning opportunities for visitors of all ages and interests. Also located here is the Aliwal Arts Centre, a multi-disciplinary arts center with a strong focus on performing arts.

A visit to Katong and Joo Chiat neighborhoods will provide a better understanding of Peranakan

art, will open sometime in November 2015.

The recently renovated Victoria Theatre and Concert Hall are located here. Just behind the Concert Hall and Theatre is the Arts House, which used to be Singapore’s old Parliament building. Just adjacent to these buildings is the Asian Civilisations Museum, on the banks of the Singapore River. Further down is the Esplanade, Theatres on the Bay, Singapore’s premiere performing arts venue. Across the Marina Barrage is the stunning Arts Science Museum. The Marina Bay Sands shopping area houses the MasterCard Theatres. culture. There are still small shops in the area selling authentic Nonya desserts along with Kebaya (traditional attire) and beaded slippers. There is an artists’ village, the Telok Kurau Studios on Lorong J. The Black Earth Art Museum, a private space in a stunningly renovated shop house on Joo Chiat Road, specializes in oriental art such as calligraphy and traditional Chinese ink and wash.

Located on Lock Road, off Alexandra Road, is Gillman Barracks, a contemporary arts cluster in Singapore that is home to 17 international art galleries, three restaurants and the Centre for Contemporary Art (CCA), which are all housed in conserved colonial barracks.

Armenian Street is home to the Substation, a power station that has now been renovated and converted into an arts center. Along the same street is the Peranakan Museum, which houses Straits Chinese artifacts.

The Civic District and Marina Bay covers the areas from the City Hall and all the way to the Marina Bay Sands. Overlooking the Padang are the old Supreme Court and City Hall, which are being transformed into the National Gallery Singapore. The gallery, which will house 19th- and 20thcentury Singapore and South east Asian

The Financial District is home not only to banks and financial institutions, but also to some interesting pieces of sculpture. Here are a few examples: “Tall Tree In The Eye”

by British sculptor Sir Anish Kapoor at the Ocean Financial Centre on Collyer Quay, “Homage to Newton” by Spanish Artist Salvador Dali at the Atrium outside UOB Plaza 1 and 2 and “The Bird” by Colombian artist Fernando Botero. These are but a few examples. Keep your eyes peeled as you walk around this area!

Photos by: jofo2005, jpowers65, Indra Promana, Erwin Soo, Max Tan. Nithia Devan is a freelance marketing communications professional, copywriter and editor. She is a keen supporter of the arts in Singapore, especially theater.

Her other passions are cookery, cinema, travel, art and crafts. Nithia also writes for City Nomads, a guide to what's happening in Singapore, www.citynomads.com.

26 SPORTS

Singapore American • April 2015

The Living Tree Gallery Atop Yishun Hill

By Lee Seow Ser

YISHUN PARK

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fidget as I rest my back on a big, flat, rough slab of stone. Body sweaty, limbs sticky, I feel my heart beating to a slower, regular rhythm.

Not too far away from the Singapore American School in Woodlands where I live, and perched atop a small hill in the northern part of Singapore, bounded by Yishun Street 22 and Yishun Avenues 2 and 7, Yishun Neighbourhood Park, humble as it may be, is my verdant, leafy sanctity to which I retreat every Saturday morning, after I send my children to school for sports.

Truly a “L-for-Living Gallery” where the phenomena of life unfolds, it enshrines a privately cherished neighborhood public space, showcasing diverse, ordinary (but interesting) elements comprising Leaves, Leg-Lung-work, Labor, Love, Laughter, Learning, Longing and, well, Living, that we sometimes take for granted.

At half past nine, I am a latecomer.

Many elderly Yishun or Nee Soon residents have, by 7:00 o’clock, finished their Taiji

or brisk-walking. They then dart off, with wet hankies and trolley baskets, to crowded heartland markets to buy long beans, kang kong and bak choi, bundled together for an affordable S$2.00.

Rising atypically from within the grounds are twenty or so stately-looking conifer trees.

They intrigue me with dreams from far-flung places, beckoning at Christmas to lure one away from the artificial firs of Orchard Road revelry.

During the Mid-Autumn Festival, parents bring young children up the hill for night promenades with animal-shaped, candle-lit lanterns.

As I circle the park, thighs aching, heart pumping, my ears enjoy acoustic therapy from the high-pitched, intoxicating shrills of cicadas. Experts in transposing music, they sometimes lift their orchestral curtains to welcome the deep, powerful soprano repertoire of an unassuming Chinese man in his 60s.

His devotion to vocal practice injects me with gumption. I persevere in my leg-lung-work, completing my sixth and last lap for the day, clocking 2.4 kilometers.

Plodding along in dripping beads of perspiration, I flash a smile at another lone, silver-haired man, also a regular at the park.

Goodwill trickles in the exchange of greetings; ties form.

I run, pant and paint, in the openness of my mind, with words, and sometimes a baby story sprouts.

Occasionally, as I cast my eyes upwards at the towering firs, my spirits soar, and I dance to the mesmerizing movements of cotton swirls above, moved and inspired by Kahlil Gibran’s words, “Trees are poems that the earth writes upon the sky.”

Philips’ LUMILEDS signage, visible beyond the green canopy, reminds of the industrial park’s close proximity. The compact of fir needle clusters are a welcoming respite, shielding urban dweller-visitors from the rumbling noise of vehicular traffic and MRT trains.

Conversations abound, if one leans in and listens.

“Ffsssh, whisssh, ffsssh…; chiak, chiak, chiak…”

Green leaves rustle, caressed by a light morning breeze, conveying sympathies to their browned, withered counterparts, before a wrinkly man rakes them into heaps, his weathered straw hat deflecting the sun’s kisses as he labors loyally.

Fluffy clouds speak in low huffs with raw silk-cotton balls strewn onto the ground in explosive trajectories from kapok trees. Trees, dressed in green-brown overalls, frolic with their fern friends, offering them pockets for snug nestling.

Love and laughter permeate the air: young couples stroll with babies, kids shriek lovably, engaged in deep play as their joyful work.

A handful of retirees donning Good Morning singlets play chess on a foam box, on which permanent markers are used to draw game grids on the sides, and inscribe showcasing a fraternity bound by chess skills and friendship.

Branches quiver, whispering secrets fit to be shared between flora, fauna and forlorn fellows who, like me, seek uplift from the Frangipanis’ palette-riot of butter-yellow, cherry-scarlet and bandung-drink-pink. Here, I reinforce a weekly personal connection with nature’s bountiful offerings, right in the heart of a humble hill in the Yishun neighbourhood.

The skies, too, indulge me in her generosity, opening her celestial gates to vacuum away dust balls of blues.

A natural filter, this petite hill sieves sludge accumulated from days of tough toil, buoys up stunted spirits.

So each time I walk through this Living Gallery in Yishun, I learn more about, and continually renew, myself.

Lee Seow Ser is a Singaporean lawyer and writer. Her family dialects are Teochew and Cantonese. As an advocate of bilingualism, she makes it a point to speak primarily Mandarin at home with her two children. She is the Editor of Malay Weddings Don’t Cost $50 and Other Facts about Malay Culture. Seow Ser’s works have also been published in Quarterly Literary Review Singapore, TODAY newspaper and parenting columns.

Singapore American • April 2015

calendar

of

e v ents

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

MUSEUMS

MUSEUMS From 1 April Chinese Ink Works from Lee Kong Chian Collection of Chinese Art Lee Kong Chian Library, NUS 50 Kent Ridge Crescent Tuesday-Friday 10am-7pm; Weekends 10am-6pm www.nus.edu.sg/museum 1 April – 1 July RETURN TO SENDER – An Exhibition Celebrating Elvis’s 80th Birthday Singapore Philatelic Museum 23-B Coleman Street Monday, 1-7pm; Tuesday – Sunday, 9:30am-7pm www.spm.org.sg

24 April SSO Pops Concert : John Williams Extravaganza Esplanade Concert Hall www.sistic.com.sg 26 April Singapore through the Glass Esplanade Concert Hall www.sistic.com.sg 28 April New Zurich Orchestra Victoria Concert Hall www.sistic.com.sg 29 April – 24 May Shakespeare in the Park – The Tempest Fort Canning Park www.sistic.com.sg

1 April – 19 July Imaginarium : A Voyage of Big Ideas SAM at 8Q 8 Queen Street www.singaporeartmuseum.sg

22 & 23 May Young Children’s Concert The Little Adventurer of SCO : Fascinating Sound Waves SCO Concert Hall www.savour.sg

1 April – 10 August SINGAPURA: 700 years National Museum of Singapore 93 Stamford Road 10am-6pm www.nationalmuseum.sg

28 May An Evening with Michael Bolton Grand Theatre MasterCard Theatres at Marina Bay Sands www.sistic.com.sg

1 April – 31 December Ancient Religions Asian Civilisations Museum 1 Empress Place Daily 10am-7pm; Friday 10am-9pm www.acm.org.sg 10 April – 3 May Southeast Asian Film Festival 2015 Moving Image Gallery SAM at 8Q www.singaporeartmuseum.sg 12 April Straits Family Sunday Peranakan Museum 39 Armenian Street 1-5pm www.peranakanmuseum.sg 25 April – 3 May Medium at Large Shapeshifting Material & Methods in Contemporary Art Singapore Art Museum 71 Bras Basah Road Monday-Sunday 10am-7pm; Friday 10am-9pm www.singaporeartmuseum.sg From 23 May Great Peranakans – Fifty Remarkable Lives Peranakan Museum 39 Armenian Street Daily 10am-7pm; Friday 10am-9pm www.peranakanmuseum.sg ENTERTAINMENT

ENTERTAINMENT

1 – 12 April Disney’s Beauty & The Beast Grand Theatre MasterCard Theatres at Marina Bay Sands www.sistic.com.sg 11 April Mosaic Music Series Rodrigo y Gabriela Esplanade Concert Hall www.sistic.com.sg 19 April Don Quixote by Paris Opera Ballet Esplanade Theatre Studio www.sistic.com.sg 21 April The Script Singapore Indoor Stadium www.sportshub.com.sg/sportshubtix

LIFESTYLE

LIFESTYLE

SUMMER CAMPS 8 – 19 June & 22 June – 3 July Summer Semester Preschool through Grade 12 Singapore American School 40 Woodlands Street 41 www.sas.edu.sg/summersemester 15 June – 25 July (6 weeks) Camp Magic For ages 3-12 Nexus International School 201 Ulu Pandan Road www.ilovecampmagic.com 22 June – 31 July Summer Camp For ages 4-17 Canadian International School Lakeside Campus 7 Jurong West Street 41 www.cis.edu.sg/summercamp 29 June – 24 July Village Day Camp For ages 4-13 UWCSEA East Campus 1 Tampines Street 73 www.villagecamps.com

15 May Carpet Auction by Hedger’s Carpet Gallery The American Club, Colonial Room Viewing: 5:30-7:30pm Auction: 7:30pm www.amclub.org.sg EDUCATION E

DUCATION

From 1 April UWCSEA Applications for Admission to UWCSEA in 2015/2016 open now Dover or East Campus www.uwcsea.edu.sg admissions@uwcsea.edu.sg 14 April Open House Canadian International School Lakeside Campus 7 Jurong West Street 41 9am www.cis.edu.sg 24 April Open House Stamford American International School 279 Upper Serangoon Road 9am www.sais.edu.sg SUMMER CAMPSSPORTS SPO

RTS

11 April The Music Run Sentosa www.themusicrun.com 2 May Energizer Singapore Night Trail Mandai www.singaporenighttrail.com.sg 17 May Cold Storage Kids Run www.kidsrun.com.sg 17 May Home TeamNS Real Run Sentosa Gateway www.realrun.sg

Photos courtesy of Camp Magic & Village Camps.

Singapore American • April 2015