AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF SINGAPORE
January-February 2019
Community newspaper since 1958
www.aasingapore.com
MCI (P) 197/03/2017
Congratulations, Sergeant William ‘Bill’ Hook! By Priscilla Koh and Raymond Corrigan
American Association.................... 1-8 Member Discounts............................ 3 CRCE & Business......................... 9-10 Community News...................... 11-17 Travel....................................... 14-15 Living in Singapore......................... 18 Singapore's Best........................ 20-23 Education....................................... 24 Arts & Culture................................ 25 President's Message....................... 26 What’s Happening......................... 27
Photo courtesy of US Marine Corps Full of fun and festive cheer at our annual Toys for Tots. p4
“A Marine is a Marine... There’s no such thing as a former Marine. You’re a Marine, just in a different uniform and you’re in a different phase of your life. But you’ll always be a Marine because you went to Parris Island, San Diego or the hills of Quantico.” General James Amos
T
he US Marine Corps Ball in Singapore celebrated the 243rd birthday of the Corps in November. This year, the celebration included the Honorary Promotion of a very special Marine, long-time resident of Singapore and US Marine Corps veteran of World War II, Sergeant William ‘Bill’ Hook.
Shangai Surprise: China's unlikely kidfriendly destination. p14
From coffee to culture: Singapore's top ten. p20
Bill is well known in the community for his endless contributions and support to the military community. His devotion to duty inspired three Marines at the Embassy, Lieutenant Colonel Howard Eyth, Gunnery Sergeant Leandros Rubio and Mr. Francisco Barrios to honor him for his outstanding representation of the Corps’ values of honor, courage, commitment and for his mentorship to the young, non-commissioned officers who work at the Embassy’s Marine Security Detachment (MSD). The path to promotion began with Gunny Rubio and Mr. Barrios’ plan to purchase a Marine Dress Blue uniform for Bill to wear at the Ball. Lt. Col Eyth, upon hearing of their desire to honor him proposed that they also request an honorary promotion. It was a daunting task that faced them,
to work their way through the US government bureaucracy to move Bill from the Corporal he had been when he left service in 1946, to Sergeant. Although unfamiliar with the process, they were going to tackle it like the Sands of Iwo Jima. Utilizing mission planning skills honed in the Corps, they conducted intelligence preparation of the battlefield, wrote the operational plan and created their operations order for their task force. As they began the execution of their plan, they built a coalition, reaching out to both old and new contacts, with guidance from high level visitors traveling through Singapore. No plan survives first contact with the enemy, but the team got a break from a Marine who worked in the Commandant’s Office. The Commandant had been briefed on Bill’s case and, in principle, approved of the honorary promotion. The biggest obstacle for this promotion was the initiation of the process. It required a US Senator or Congressman to write a letter to the Secretary of the Navy requesting consideration of an honorary promotion. The Marines were not swayed as they had been taught
Centennial Partners
A kick-start for art in Singapore, 2019. p23
American Association of Singapore – Since 1917
to be able to overcome any obstacle. They would “Improvise, Adapt and Overcome” by utilizing a connection to Senator Van Hollen from Maryland to achieve this task. With the clock ticking our three stalwart Marines did not think the promotion would meet their timing. They needed the Secretary of the Navy to endorse the promotion. This issue was solved by a key member of the coalition, the US Embassy’s Chargé d'affaires, Stephanie Syptak-Ramnath, who came forward to offer her help to move the process along. She inquired of the Secretary of the Navy about Bill’s promotion package. Three days after the Chargé’s inquiry and with only one week to the ball, the team was notified that the promotion would happen. These three Marines and their deep regard for history, traditions and honor exemplified the Corp’s "Esprit de Corps". Their dedication to Sergeant Bill Hook to honor his service reflected the motto of the Marine Corps, “Semper Fidelis" – “Always Faithful”. As one former Marine once said, "Marines pride themselves on their mission and steadfast dedication to accomplish it." Ooo Rah, Devil Dogs!
2 AMERICAN ASSOCIATION
Singapore American · January-February 2019
W hat ' s Thursday
10 January
Wednesday
16 January
Thursday
17 January
coming up
Metworks Happy Hour
Networking group for men. Come swap ideas with working professionals, stay-at-home men and others who share your hobbies or interests. 6 – 8pm Outback Steakhouse, orchardgateway, (S)238858 Free to join, but registration required. Attendees are required to purchase from the menu. AAS members-only event. Guests are welcome to attend one Metworks event as a non-member.
Coffee Connexions
Join us for morning coffee at Crossroads Cafe where you’ll have the opportunity to make new connexions and catch up with old ones, too. 10 – 11:30am Crossroads Cafe Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel (outside), (S)238865 Free to join, but registration required. Attendees are required to purchase from the menu. Attendees will receive a 20% discount on food and beverage purchases. AAS members-only event. Guests are welcome to attend one Coffee Connexions event as a non-member.
New for 2019 ~ Third Thursdays!
It’s a date! A new, standing AAS offering for 2019 is Third Thursday. Please mark your calendar for the Third Thursday of every month for an evening get together with the American Association. Gatherings, talks, quiz nights, networking, meet-ups, lectures, cultural offerings – you will be spoiled for choice.
Wednesday
30 January
Sunday
10 February
24 January
Tapas en Español
Have a conversation in your mother tongue or practice your Spanish conversational skills while enjoying tapas! 7 – 9pm Tapas Club, Orchard Central, (S)238896 Free to join, but registration required. Attendees are required to purchase from the menu. AAS members-only event. Guests are welcome to attend one Tapas en Español event as a non-member.
Looking for some help to demystify life on the Little Red Dot? Come along to this talk, based on our popular Living in Singapore book, for some practical advice and insider tips on how to navigate your way through life in the Lion City. Hosted by AAS and Singapore American School PTA. 7-9pm The American Club, 3rd floor, (S)229573 Free for AAS members, Singapore American School (SAS) parents and The American Club members, but registration required. $30 Non-Members
New Volunteer Opportunity! Join AAS @ ACRES
Our kick-off session to begin an ongoing commitment to Animal Concerns Research and Education Society (ACRES), our benefiting charity for the 86th George Washington Ball! It will be a rewarding day of activities, information, enrichment for animals, enclosure maintenance and repair, and general upkeep of the facility. See AAS website for more details!
Wednesday
13 February
6:30-8:30pm The Exchange, Asia Square Tower 1, (S)018960 See AAS website for more details!
Thursday
Living in Singapore Talk
Wednesday
13 February
Coffee Connexions
Join us for morning coffee at Crossroads Cafe where you’ll have the opportunity to make new connexions and catch up with old ones too. 10 – 11:30am Crossroads Cafe Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel (outside), (S)238865 Free to join, but registration required. Attendees are required to purchase from the menu. Attendees will receive a 20% discount on food and beverage purchases. AAS members-only event. Guests are welcome to attend one Coffee Connexions event as a non-member.
After the US Midterms: What Happened, Why and What's Next? Join Steve Okun, CNBC co-host and in-studio election analyst for Channel NewsAsia, for a presentation and interactive discussion on what happened in the US midterm elections and what could be coming in 2019. Hosted in conjunction with The American Club. 6:30 – 9pm The American Club, 3rd floor, (S)229573 $25 AAS and The American Club Members
We’re adding new events and activities all the time, so please keep an eye on our website and Facebook page for up-to-the-minute information. Register for events at: www.aasingapore.com
3 AMERICAN ASSOCIATION
Singapore American · January-February 2019
W hat ' s Thursday
14 February
Wednesday
20 February
Thursday
21 February
coming up
Metworks Lunch
Networking group for men. Come swap ideas with working professionals, stay-at-home men and others who share your hobbies or interests. 12 – 1:30pm Outback Steakhouse, orchardgateway, (S)238858 Free to join, but registration required. Attendees are required to purchase from the menu. AAS members-only event. Guests are welcome to attend one Metworks event as a non-member.
2
March
AAS members enjoy discounts at a range of local businesses. Present your AAS membership card at time of purchase. www.aasingapore.com/member-discounts
Indulge in modern American gourmet burgers and premium craft beer. Enjoy 15% off when you dine at Brewerkz through June 30, 2019. Limit to one redemption per bill/table. Not valid on public holidays and eve of public holidays. Valid for a la carte menu. The management reserve the right to amend the terms & conditions without prior notice.
Tapas en Español
Have a conversation in your mother tongue or practice your Spanish conversational skills while enjoying tapas! 7 – 9pm Tapas Club, Orchard Central, (S)238896 Free to join, but registration required. Attendees are required to purchase from the menu. AAS members-only event. Guests are welcome to attend one Tapas en Español event as a non-member.
Third Thursday
A new, standing AAS offering for 2019 is Third Thursday. Please mark your calendar for the Third Thursday of every month for an evening get together with the American Association. Gatherings, talks, quiz nights, networking, meet-ups, lectures, cultural offerings – you will be spoiled for choice. See AAS website for more details!
Saturday
AAS MEMBER DISCOUNTS
The 86th George Washington Ball – Tropicana!
We’re going to party, fiesta and dance all night long at the W Hotel, on lush and tropical Sentosa Island! Delight in a Tropicana-inspired paradise and enjoy delicious food and drink, live music and dancing, auctions and lucky draws for charity! Benefiting Animal Concerns Research and Education Society (ACRES). 7pm W Singapore – Sentosa Cove, (S)098374
W hat
we ' ve been up to
A mix of regulars and newcomers enjoyed a morning of coffee and conversation at our new venue Crossroads Café, Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel, Orchard. The guys met up for their Metworks lunch at Brewerkz, Riverside Point for the final meet-up of 2018. Another fantastically fun Quiz Night at Brewerkz, Riverside Point! It was a hotly fought contest right up until the end, but it was The Alchemists who prevailed, closely followed by The Mad Expats in second place and Lock, Stock & Four Smoking Barrels in third place. Special thanks goes out to our Quizmaster, Arun Arumugham, who kept everyone on their toes all evening!
Taste authentic Mexican food and blue agave tequila and receive 15% off when you dine at Café Iguana through June 30, 2019. Not valid on public holidays and eve of public holidays. Valid for a la carte menu. The management reserve the right to amend the terms & conditions without prior notice.
First opened in Beverly Hills in 1985, CPK offers hand-tossed pizzas, seasonally-inspired ingredients, hand-shaken cocktails and a slice of the California state of mind. 15% discount for à la carte menu for dine-in only. Through June 30, 2019. T & C applies.
Laid back, casual dining and wine bar in Holland Village. A great place to meet friends and enjoy a fantastic range of beer, wines and spirits, pizzas, signature platters, tapas and grill dishes. AAS members receive a 20% discount on all food items. The offer is valid only at Holand Village outlet, through June 30, 2019. Please call 9619 4568 for reservations as it can get busy especially on Tuesdays to Fridays.
Distinctive, hard-to-find but affordable bone inlay and mother of peral furniture and home wares. AAS members receive a 20% discount for their first purchase only. Through March 31, 2019. T & C applies.
L.A.M.C. Productions is your one stop source for the biggest names in music & comedy. AAS members receive a 15% discount on concert tickets. Through June 30, 2019. T & C applies.
Since 1938 in Los Angeles and since 1999 in Singapore, Lawry's is a benchmark of fine dining. AAS members enjoy a 15% discount for à la carte menu for dine-in only. Through June 30, 2019. T & C applies.
An Australian-inspired steakhouse restaurant beloved worldwide. AAS members receive a 20% discount for dine-in. Through June 30, 2019. T & C applies.
This gorgeous, tropical vacation destination is just a ferry ride away! With a minimum 3-night stay at Telunas Private Island, AAS members receive a complementary 90-minute body massage for one person. Through June 30, 2019. T & C applies.
A few newbies and a few of the regulars came along for tapas y conversación, catching up over authentic Spanish cuisine and a glass or two of sangria. Huge thanks to everyone who came to our Thanksgiving happy hour! We collected a sizable haul of food items, for which Willing Hearts soup kitchen is very grateful. We had a lovely evening kicking off the holiday season over turkey sliders, pumpkin treats and a glass of wine. Our community welcomed US service personnel from the USS John C. Stennis to Singapore as part of our Home Hospitality initiative. Three events were held at the host families’ homes, with BBQ dinners and house parties where the sailors had a great time. Thank you to all the families that showed their support!
AMBASSADOR’S CUP G OLF T OURNAMENT More information coming soon. www.aasingapore.com
SAVE THE DATE
APRIL 27
4 AMERICAN ASSOCIATION
O
n December 3, the newly opened T h e A meric an C lu b ballro o m , The Galbraith Ballroom, was transformed into a scene from the North Pole, as we gathered together to enjoy the wonderfully poignant annual event, Toys for Tots. Members and friends of the organization came out in droves to donate toys for less fortunate kids in Singapore and enjoy an evening of camaraderie, holiday crafts, carols and, of course, a visit from Santa himself! The Toys for Tots program began in California in 1947, when Major Bill Hendricks, US Marine Corps Reserve, oversaw a campaign that collected 5,000 toys for underprivileged children. The Marine Corps adopted Toys for Tots in 1948, expanding it into a nationwide campaign and it became an official mission of the US Marine Corps Reserve in 1995. This is the eighth time that the American Association of Singapore has hosted Toys for Tots on the island. AAS could not co-host this event with The American Club without the invaluable support of sponsors. We are grateful for the very generous and ongoing support of the events major sponsor, Master Real Estate, as well as a Super Elf and Community Partner. Other supporting sponsors include International Medical Clinic, Navy League and Riverbed Technology. The team at Riverbed also participated in their own toy drive program, earning them the festive Super Elf and Community Partner accolade, along with Super Elves AmCham, Alfatech, Banyan Tree, Caterpillar, Gold Coin, Master Real Estate, Regal Springs, US Cub Scouts Pack 3010 and Boy Scout Troop 10. On December 3, the Super Elf Sponsors then arranged a Santa-sleigh-worthy delivery of their amassed collections to add to the AAS community efforts. Many thanks to our amazing volunteers who led the craft tables and delighted children with an
Singapore American · January-February 2019
assortment of holiday activities. Our wildly popular, ongoing tradition of holiday cookie decorating was supported by the donation of homemade cookies by US Embassy families and of homemade icing by Hoe Brothers Catering. Delicious and fun, year after year. A short welcome was given by AAS President, Stephanie Nash, followed by heartwarming words from Stephanie Syptak-Ramnath, Chargé d’Affaires, a.i., US Embassy Singapore. The sound of Christmas songs filled the room with festive spirit, as we were entertained by the Singapore American School High School Choir, the SAS Singers, under the direction of Nanette Devens. With the final song, Santa made his arrival, accompanied by three of his trusty elves. The children (and adults!) enjoyed meeting Santa and having their picture taken with him. In addition to the big man himself, the galactic volunteers from the world of Star Wars were a big hit with the kids and provided an entertaining twist on the holiday theme. Sugar-cookie-charged children took away a holiday goody bag, including toys and treats donated by GEMS World Academy (Singapore), International Medical Clinic, Kids Treasures, Perfetti Van Melle Asia Pacific Pte Ltd, Smilefocus and Stamford American International School. By the end of the evening, the ballroom vestibule was overflowing with hundreds and hundreds of toys – an overwhelming bounty from an incredibly generous group of people. Sincere thanks to our logistics partner, Allied Pickfords, for collecting and delivering the toys to the US Embassy. We would like to thank everyone involved; members, volunteers, supporters and sponsors for making this a truly wonderful gathering and a fitting way to end a wonderful 2018 for the American Association.
Co-Host
Major Sponsor
Supporting Sponsors
Super Elf & Community Partners
Logistics Partner
Volunteers Nancy Alberto, Georgia Alden, Sinclair Alden, Karen Anderson, Megan Anderson, Sam Angove, Sarah Bartholomew Wilson, Anna Bryant, Alka Chandiramani, Mary Ferrante, Jennifer Mitchell, Anne Morgan, Melinda Murphy, Lorna Ow, Karen Shively, Cameron Spinks, Danielle Spinks
Photos courtesy of Katie Baines and MovingStills Photography
5 Singapore American · January-February 2019
AMERICAN ASSOCIATION
WELCOME TO NEW MEMBERS A thousand welcomes! As we start the New Year it is with great pleasure that we welcome all our new members to the American Association of Singapore. We hope that you and your families had a wonderful holiday season and are excited for adventures Singapore holds in the New Year. On behalf of the AAS Executive committee we would like to thank our new members and our returning members as we look forward to the opportunities and changes in our home away from home. As always, we at AAS hope to be of help and a community while your start your journey this year. Speaking of adventures, my family and I have started our own here as we recently moved to a new home in a different district of Singapore. While we miss some of the charm of our old home in Tiong Bahru, we have immensely enjoyed exploring and getting to know our new neighborhood here in Tanah Merah. As we get to know the specific history and stories associated with our new surroundings I am always so impressed with the individual character and flavor of neighborhoods here in Singapore. From the home cooked recipes at the local market, the shops that still remind me of small towns, to the community parks and gatherings, I sincerely appreciate the chance to understand Singapore in the sense of what is right next door. Here’s to a great new year and adventures of your own! Michael Borchert AAS Treasurer
Jeremy Berman
Assya Husain
Loren Masuoka
Bhan Sonja
Clint Beutelschies
Brette Hutman
Wes McCann
Gloria Trujillo
Charles Brown
Yuni Rohmann Keenen
Jamie McGrath
Kathryn A Tsibulsky
Sophie Davis
Denise Morris Kipnis
Scott Paintner
Ana Varandas
Wade Dawson
Reed Liriano
Tee Pangilinan
Natalie Vulakh
Jacob Foster
Michael Little
Ann Marie Regal
Kashmira Wadekar
Christopher J Fussner
Amelia Long
Kevin Sanker
Zheng Yong
Anjali Gupta
Mariani Maihadani
Elodie Sautter
Zhang Zhonghua
Christin Gustafson
Erika Masiero
Mac Schwerin
MEMBER BENEFIT Attention Members!
“Over my past two years in Singapore, AAS has felt like a home away from home. Though I usually try to push beyond my comfort zone when traveling and living overseas, learning local customs, I have found it’s critical to know that there are people that walk and talk like you not too far away. I have never failed to meet interesting people at AAS events and have repeatedly made fast friends, always felt included and a part of a proud community celebrating American roots.”
“For the past year I have worked very closely with AAS at various offsite events to promote awareness of both our vibrant communities. I was honoured to be asked to volunteer at their premier black-tie George Washington Ball earlier this year. What a fabulous affair! It was wonderful to mingle with so many members of the community and share in their fun and excitement. The American Club looks forward to another fun-filled year working alongside our sister organisation.”
Nikki Rudnik AAS member since 2016
Michell Sky The American Club, sister organization to AAS
As you know, coming up in January 30 is one of our very popular, biannual Living in Singapore talks. What you may not know, is that if you attend this talk, you’ll receive a complementary copy of the Living in Singapore reference book, our go-to paperback edition guide to Singapore. Join us on Level 3 at The American Club to meet other members, enjoy lively discussion and learn tips for getting the most out of your time on the Little Red Dot!
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Singapore American · January-February 2019
Up Close and Personal With… Kerr Sun, Master Real Estate
M
aster Real Estate has recently become a Centennial Partner at AAS. We talk to CEO, Kerr Sun, about why they’re joining the Association and why he’s so passionate about what he does.
Why partner with AAS?
It was important for us to think of how we could serve the western community better and more closely. So, we researched different expatriate organizations in Singapore. My team and myself spoke to a few different associations and we really liked the history of AAS and the enthusiasm of everyone in the AAS team. They are great to work with as they really encourage us to get involved. So, not only do we get to be better connected with the expat community we have the highly spirited AAS team behind us.
What made you work in real estate? My parents were in the manufacturing business and, at a young age, got me involved in price researching factories and offices when they were looking to expand. They allowed me to be part of the decision-making process – such as the pros and cons of location, future, property value – as long as my reasoning was in budget. Later in my 20s, I contacted friends to invest in property together as the market was steadily growing. I did most of the research and we all made more than our annual salary from each the investments made. This later led me to working as a property agent at CBRE with a friend, Max, who is now one of our company leaders at Master Real Estate. This was great experience as CBRE dealt in luxury property in Singapore. Further down the line, I joined Chinese property agency Centaline which allowed me to bring projects from Singapore to China, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan. After this, it was then time to break out and do my own thing so, with a few good friends – Jimmy, Serene, Felix and Robbie – I decided to form the partnership at Master Real Estate in 2016.
What does your day involve? My work involves a lot of multi-tasking and all-rounding. Although I manage the company, I still serve clients and prefer to have either breakfast, lunch or dinner meetings with them. So, we enjoy good food, discuss progress and upcoming events, then it’s back to work. I am on call almost 24/7 and I welcome almost any contact regarding work or issues our colleagues might face.
What keeps you motivated? The continual support and belief from the developers, the colleagues who choose to
work along with me, the clients’ satisfaction on their investment are all hugely motivating. With these people you can’t just give up, no matter how rough the environment is. The stakes are high as real estate is expensive!
What would you be doing if you weren’t in real estate? Perhaps I would have been a musician or a singer-song writer – I wrote a song to motivate the team for 2019! Or I would want to work in politics serving the people as a mayor or member of Parliament.
Why should US citizens be investing in Singapore real estate right now? Today the foreigner additional stamp duty tax to invest in Singapore property is at a hefty 24%. However, the US, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Switzerland and Norway have negotiated free trade agreements with Singapore and so only have to pay 4% duty. Most of those working here, particularly, have a monthly housing allowance of S$4000, which is a saving of S$48,000 per year. Currently, the Singapore interest rate is at about 2% and it’s possible to leverage up to 70% – all you need is to provide is salary slips as proof of income. In addition, Singapore does not have capital gains tax and inheritance tax, so any capital you make from the property will be yours. Plus, our limited land resource, yet very stable economy, means Singapore property has a high market value.
8 AMERICAN ASSOCIATION
Singapore American ¡ January-February 2019
Singapore American, A New Chapter By Katie Baines
T
his time of year is often synonymous with change. Change can be daunting, or it can be exciting. However, change can be sensitive when it comes to steering something with so much history and fondness attached to it. And so, it is with excited trepidation that AAS announces that this will be the last edition of the Singapore American newspaper as our much-loved publication makes the transition to magazine format. For 60 years, the Singapore American has brought community-based news to members of the American Association. In its infancy, the newspaper was staffed by volunteers and put together in the home of the Editor every month and was very much a labor of love. By 1967, however, the publication was rising as a credible publication and had a print run of 1,000 copies per month and had around 500 column inches of advertising. Community news formed the heart of the paper, with pages full of weddings, graduations, sports fixtures and charity events. Then, during the 1970s, the inclusion of new books available at The American Club library and listings of movies to be shown at The Club was introduced. The 1980s and 1990s saw an increase in travel features, as new air routes opened up; however, community features remained at the center of the paper. By the mid-2000s color pages became standard and became more magazine-like in tone and layout, which is the
style that the Singapore American adopts today. In a world of ever-changing media channels, our organization has been torn between respecting the tradition of our publication and recognizing that moving with the times is inevitable. While the core content of the Singapore American is still highly relevant, the way we present this to you must be able hold its own against the publication’s contemporaries. As of April 2019, our new bimonthly magazine will be delivered to your door and what we intend to bring to your homes is something that stays on your coffee table for a couple of months; something that you pick up and put down to leaf through; something easily transportable with a fresh, new feel and look. But also, something that has foundations in an Association that has meaning to its new and long-standing members. Change can be a challenge, but change can be a good thing, too. We want to celebrate the history of the Singapore American and recognize how dear our community have held it to its heart. And so we are taking the next step to continue the legacy of something that has been great.
9 CRCE & BUSINESS
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Your must-have tool to network like a pro
SI N
Crafting Your Elevator Pitch
19 17
Singapore American · January-February 2019
By Dee Allan
S
o, what exactly is an elevator pitch? At a basic level, it’s a succinct explanation introducing yourself and your purpose in a few clear statements.
Patriot Partner
The idea is that your pitch should be so precise that you can convey your message in the time it takes to ride an elevator from one floor to another. However, your elevator pitch is actually a lot more than an introduction. A well-designed pitch can actually wield powerful results, helping you land jobs, opportunities and increase your self-worth. So, sharpen up your pitch so you actually stand out and become memorable. You may not know it yet, but you are being invited to share your pitch anytime someone asks you “So what brings you to Singapore?”, or “Tell me about yourself?”, or “What do you do for a living?”, or a variation of these questions. In Singapore, where networking opportunities are abundant, it’s a smart idea to actually put thought into how you should answer such questions. This will create more value for yourself and the other person, by making your purpose clear and actually opening up a world of leads and opportunities for you. For example, if you are job hunting, or attending an interview, or wanting to volunteer, you should have a ‘pre-script’ for how to introduce yourself for each of these scenarios. Your pitch can be used for all your networking interactions including coffee meetups, phone appointments, interviews and networking events. A solid elevator pitch structure consists of the following four parts: • Story • Hook • Benefit • Bridge Let’s take a look at each in turn.
STORY A really strong way to open your elevator pitch is to draw the listener in with a story. Countless research tells us that we connect with stories, as they create an emotional stirring within us. So, a great way to use storytelling within our elevator pitch is to use a childhood memory or a turning point in your life; for example: “Growing up I recall…” or “I’ll never forget the time when…”. Using a childhood memory gives the listener a ‘peek’ into how you grew up and is very authentic. Equally, using a defining moment or turning point in your life helps to compel the listener. A turning point could be relocation, a loss, an experience, basically anything that had an impact on you. Example 1: Using a childhood memory “Growing up I recall writing poetry and letters, as well as writing my dad’s opening speech during his club presidency. So my love for writing has been nurtured within me from a young age.” Example 2: Using a turning point “My divorce was a major turning point for me. I realized that so many single moms were really struggling to provide for their families. So I started to put on workshops to help vulnerable women gain clarity around their careers and job hunting techniques.”
Eagle Partners
Example 2: Highlighting a talking point “I'm really appreciative of the opportunity I've been given to connect with over 100 companies across Asia since I set up my business.”
BENEFIT The benefit section of your elevator pitch is where you highlight one key skill or strength that you want the listener to know about. So, imagine all your skills and strengths are listed on a menu and you can only select one of these to offer your listener, which one would it be and why? The trick here is to select the skill or strength that has direct correlation to the job you are seeking, or opportunity you are trying to create. If you are worried about coming across as bragging, then one hack is to ‘gift-wrap’ your benefit using a third-party testimonial. For example, you can cite a compliment you have received from your boss, your colleagues or your clients. Example 1: Highlighting a benefit through your boss’s testimonial “My manager always said, I had a really good eye for detail.” Example 2: Highlighting a benefit through your colleague’s testimonial “My co workers always felt that I was able to connect with our client’s stories and build rapport.”
BRIDGE The final section of your elevator pitch is where you ‘build a bridge’ for your listener and simply state your purpose clearly without asking for any favors or help. The logic behind this is that you build a ‘bridge’ that hopefully the listener will cross and subsequently offer you a lead, connection, help or guidance. Example 1: Building a bridge “Currently I’m hoping to secure more speaking opportunities.” Example 2: Building a bridge
HOOK
“Currently I am in a career pivot from sales to business development.”
Following your story, you should present your ‘hook’. A hook can be used in two ways.
Example 3: Building a bridge
One use for a hook is if you have a gap in your resume or feel there is something that may concern the listener. You can preempt potential doubts by confronting them head-on by giving them a positive spin.
IN SUMMARY…
If there are no doubts to confront, then use your hook to momentarily shine a spotlight on yourself to reinforce the strength of your background. Example 1: Confronting a doubt “I left the workforce to focus on my children and I'm so glad that I did that, because it allowed me to gain clarity on exactly where I wanted to be once I brought my skills back to the workforce.”
“Currently I’m looking to connect with people to get further guidance on XYZ” It pays to put in time and effort in crafting your elevator pitch and make it compelling. Since so many people don’t actually know how to structure their pitch (or indeed what one is), it means that those who spend time crafting their introduction have a strong chance of being memorable and maximizing every interaction. Dee Allan is the Founder and Director of 3C Synergy recruitment consultancy. She is a qualified copywriter and career coach. You can email her at deeallan@protonmail.com.
Pantone 424c: C 57.4 M 47.29 Y 47.86 K 14.12
Community Partner PANTONE 424C
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CAREER RESOURCE CENTER FOR EXCELLENCE COMMUNITY NEWS
Singapore American · January-February 2019
PERSONAL & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
www.aasingapore.com
SPOTLIGHT ON JOBS The CRCE jobs and volunteering board features regularly updated volunteering opportunities and ads from employers looking to employ expat talent.
“Opportunities multiply as they are seized.” COLIN WILSON
For Women, By Women
F
CRCE Ambassador, Kimberly RaynorSmith, a Program Manager and Career Coach with Bain & Company, was excited to be on board: “It's an opportunity for women to come together and really learn from each other. There are many networking groups out there and what I think makes ours unique is that we’re a small, multicultural community and so we have a great opportunity to talk about different transitions and pivots in our life. So, we’re really excited to see where it takes us and see how it goes.” Kimberly opened the inaugural event and directed questions to our guest speakers Stephanie Nash, AAS President and HR Leader and Jenn Wood, former AAS General Manager and Regional Marketing Director for BCD Travel. She then moderated discussions among the group of attendees. There was a variety of topics covered
and experiences shared, but much of the discussion surrounded personal development and entrepreneurial spirit.
Freelancing in Singapore: What you need to know Speaker: Asha Dixit Tuesday, January 15 10am – 12pm
Jenn spoke about how being in Singapore gave her an opportunity to think about continued education. “As women, we have to make an investment in ourselves. What path do we want to pursue and what opportunities can we create to do this?”
Resume Writing Workshop Speaker: Suzanna Borst Wednesday, January 23 10am – 12pm
She went on to say that we also need to push ourselves in achieving our career goals. “I think as people we get very comfortable quickly. Sometimes we get into this pattern that we realize we haven’t changed in a while so it's about recognizing that time when we are just at a point of comfort, but not too comfortable is important. That’s the time we know change is a growth mindset because if we’re not changing, we’re not growing and that definitely is a challenge. Stephanie discussed another idea that we need to think about. How do we, as individuals, bring our entrepreneurial spirit into what we want to do at work? “Three and half years ago, I made a pretty significant change, which was leaving a long career with multinationals to join a start-up. That has been a fascinating part of my journey that I’m not sure I would have had I been in any another location. Being able to give your work 110% knowing that your family is being well looked after in a very safe, accessible and diverse part of the world.”
Join us on January 24 where our panel of leaders will share their aspirations on “What’s Next for your Career Now that You Are in Singapore?”
Visit the CRCE Jobs Board for the most up-to-date information.
CRCE WORKSHOPS
By Alka Chandiramani
or 20 years, the American Association of Singapore’s Careers Resource Centre for Excellence (CRCE) has proudly been assisting its members in engaging with the Singapore job market through its events and networking opportunities. This November, CRCE launched an exciting new series for women, by women. Introducing At the Table; an ongoing series of regular events that provides a platform where our guest can speakers share their insights from their area of career expertise.
It features jobs from a wide range of industries and professions including: human resources, marketing, public relations, teaching, administration, sales, business development, IT, accounting/ finance and more.
At the Table – A Networking & Career Group for Women Guest Speakers: Gaby Riddington and Suzanna Borst Thursday, January 24 6:30 – 8pm
CRCE Special Join CRCE or upgrade your AAS membership by January 22 and receive a complementary place at our Resume Building workshop on January 23.
NEED HELP WITH APPROACHING THE JOB MARKET? DOES YOUR RESUME NEED A FACELIFT? AAS OFFERS PERSONALIZED CAREER COUNSELING SERVICES. CONTACT US FOR A PRIVATE APPOINTMENT WITH A PROFESSIONAL CAREER ADVISOR: CRCE@AASINGAPORE.COM
Interviewing and Networking Skills Series – Part 1 Speaker: Suzanna Borst Wednesday, February 13 10am – 12pm Interviewing and Networking Skills Series – Part 2 Speaker: Suzanna Borst Wednesday, February 20 10am – 12pm Interviewing and Networking Skills Series – Part 3 Speaker: Suzanna Borst Wednesday, February 27 10am – 12pm
11 COMMUNITY NEWS
Singapore American · January-February 2019
Singapore Through the Eyes of a Third Culture Kid By Sunny Ham, eleventh grade
A
s a third culture kid, I have lived in the US, Korea and Malaysia. Currently, I am a junior at Singapore American School and celebrating my fourth year in the amazing Lion City. From a colorful blend of culture to unspoiled nature reserves, here I showcase my best Singapore experiences to date!
SAS Quest Program As part of Quest, a unique program at SAS, I have experienced the most amazing opportunities of my life. From traveling in wild Mongolia to attending the All That Matters conference, I’ve learned more than ever before!
Haji Lane Filled with the colors of the rainbow and aroma of justbrewed coffee, I stumbled upon Haji Lane this year. I found it to be one of the best places to take cute photos and enjoy a nice meal.
Sentosa Whether it’s simply enjoying a drink by the beach or ziplining over the glistening sea, it’s impossible to get tired of Sentosa and the beautiful sunset over the water horizon.
Singapore Botanic Gardens This year, the Botanic Gardens turned out to be one of my favorite places to walk my dog! With its beautiful scenery and grass fields, it’s the perfect place for letting your furry friends run and play.
Universal Studios Halloween Horror Nights This was the first year I went to Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios. Despite my fear of the dark and jump scares, I had an amazing time screaming with my friends.
The Lion King This year, the original Broadway cast flew all the way here to perform Disney’s The Lion King, the award-winning, third-longest-running Broadway show of all time.
Marina Bay Sands Marina Bay Sands is one of Singapore’s iconic landmarks. With its breathtaking views from their rooms and the popular infinity pool, visitors stare in awe over Singapore’s ever-expanding cityscape.
Hawker Centers Hawker centers are the most local you can get! No matter how many times I eat at one, I never cease to be astounded by the variety of local food and culture that make it so very Singaporean.
Bubble Tea My daily fix. The milk tea with pearls has become a firm favorite, but my adventurous friends love to try exotic fruit teas, cheese teas and even popcorn teas!
Activities Aplenty!
Sarimbun Camp
By Melindah Bush
By Johannes Wong, Troop 10
T
O
he Scouts and families of Cub Scout Pack 3010 kicked off another program of adventures in September by holding their annual Raingutter Regatta model boat race, followed by our annual Father-Scout Cake Bake competition in November. Both events were held at the Stamford American International School (SAIS) and gave our Scouts a chance to practice their construction and baking skills while learning about the spirit of competition. The Raingutter Regatta gave the Scouts an opportunity to build their own model wooden sailboats and race them against their fellow Scouts on an indoor water racetrack. The three fastest boats were awarded gold, silver and bronze medals during a post-race awards ceremony and every Scout earned race badges for building their model boats. In November, the theme of this year’s Father-Scout Cake Bake was Favorite Book and Scouts spent the weekend baking and decorating their cakes with characters and scenes from various books. Even our youngest Scouts from our new Lions Den joined in the competition with a cupcake decorating party. After an intensive round of judging, the Scouts received awards for their creations along with the awards they had earned from their hard work in their monthly Den meetings.
ur Scout friends in Troop 10 had a fun time in Sarimbun camp! The camp was the first one we had this year. We had interesting meals, fun activities and much more. We even built some structures when we were there. We all learned new, interesting and fun things.
To end the fall semester, Pack 3010 collected donations of new toys to be donated to Toys for Tots, a charity run by the US Marines and the American Association to distribute toys to underprivileged children, as part of our community service activities. As we prepare for the Winter Break, our Scouts are looking forward to the holidays and preparing for their campout in January. Pack 3010 is a US Cub Scout Pack sponsored by the Stamford American International School (SAIS) for boys and girls of all nationalities in Grades KG2-5. For more information, please contact us at: sgcubscoutspack3010@gmail.com. Photo by Marbel Ortega
We first pitched our tents, then we made our desserts using two Dutch ovens. Some of us ate ice cream s'mores which were variations on traditional s'mores, but put into an ice cream cone. They tasted great and the Dutch oven was the ideal tool for cooking yummy food – it could make any food taste good. Right after we ate dinner, we went straight to bed so that we could get up early the next morning. Many of us were wide awake early the next morning and we were served delightful meals made by our Grubmasters who were in charge of cooking. After we finished our meals, we soon started on building our pioneering structures. One patrol, The Puppies, successfully made a pioneering tower. However, the other two patrols, The Scavengers and The Aliens, attempted to make a monkey bridge each. They were supposed to be walked on by our fellow Scouts but neither managed to complete them.
did some activities. Some of us did some orienteering, where we had to use maps and compasses to find different places. Some of us learned parts of a canoe that we had to demonstrate to the Troop. Others were taught to use axes and saws. After we had completed our activities we had dinner. There were two dishes that stood out for us; The Puppies, had a tasty lasagne that was full of flavor and another patrol had apple cobbler for dessert. We all learned new things when we went to Sarimbun and it was the most memorable camp for us. We all had a great time, we built and learned new and interesting things and ate tasty food. Photo courtesy of Johannes Wong
Right after that, we split into patrols and
SCOUTING IN SINGAPORE Boy Scouts Troop 07: www.bsatroop07.org Boy Scouts Troop 10: www.facebook.com/BSATroopX Cub Scouts Pack 3010: www.sgpack3010.org Cub Scouts Pack 3017: SGPack3017@gmail.com Girl Scouts: www.singaporeusagirlscouts.org
12 COMMUNITY NEWS
Singapore American · January-February 2019
Meet Pae Wu
Office of Naval Research Global, US Navy
I
think I always knew I would become an engineer. As a child of Chinese immigrants, the idea was probably planted in my mind, Inception-like. The movie Apollo 13 helped. Sure, the astronauts are cool, but the engineers are the real heroes. In college, I was often the only female in my engineering classes and had no female professors, but even so, I had a positive and nurturing experience. My classmates and I were all in it together. Graduate school was eye-opening. It was the first time I had professors and professional role models that were women. That's when I realized how powerful it can be when it's simply unremarkable to see women walking around the engineering school. My PhD advisor and even the Dean of the Engineering School were women. It is important to have women in these positions for many reasons but even just to change the perception of what a scientist looks like and to dispel any residual prejudice about women as leaders and managers. It was only when I entered the workforce that I started facing challenges that many professional women will find familiar. People would talk over me in meetings or would direct technical questions to the less-knowledgeable men despite the fact that I was the key subject matter expert in the room. My conclusion? Be better prepared and have confidence in your expertise. Sometimes before a big meeting, I have to remind myself that I am there to contribute. My opinion matters. I am an expert. But the imposter syndrome is not unique to women. Almost everyone who keeps advancing in their careers suffers from it occasionally. I am an electrical engineer by training. I figured out early on that I didn’t love being in the lab. I prefer translating technical work into practical applications and identifying new areas of research where infusion of funding can make the impossible plausible. As Science Director for the Office of Naval Research Global, my job is to scout the research and development scene in Singapore to invest in work that is relevant to the long-term goals of the US Navy. It's also to foster friendship between our two countries through science. I've been impressed by the investment Singapore makes into science and technology and their commitment to strategic innovation.
"I've been impressed by the investment Singapore makes in science and technology and their commitment to strategic innovation" – Pae Wu, office of Naval Research Global
Wherever
you are from,
American with us.
come celebrate culture
Join AAS today!
www.aasingapore.com
14 TRAVEL
Singapore American · January-February 2019
Shanghai With Kids By Faith Chanda
U
pon arriving in Shanghai, you might think that you’ve actually landed in New York or London. This huge megapolis, the largest city in the country, is a stark contrast to China’s capital, Beijing, steeped in history. As a city full of steel, glass and glittery skyscrapers, you could be forgiven for thinking that China’s capital of business would not be a welcoming travel destination for kids. However, what we found was that with its many parks, markets and museums, there was plenty to entertain the younger set. Shanghai’s cityscape looms high with many tall buildings offering rooftop views, but we decided on the brand new Shanghai Tower, the second tallest building in the world after Dubai’s Burj Khalifa, to get a panorama of the city. The elevator ride to the top was surprisingly fun and fast! A monitor in the lift showed how fast the elevator was travelling, how many floors and how many meters the elevator was travelling up into the sky. Then, in what seemed like seconds, we were there; and what a view! Photographs could not do it justice and we felt like we were on the top of the world. Second on our agenda was the river boat tour. Shanghai at night really is something quite spectacular with so many skyscrapers and their sparkling lights and seeing the skyline from the water gave the city a different perspective. It was interesting to be on the boat with so many other tourists from all over the world and yet see every family doing the same thing; doing their best to keep their flock together long enough to take family photos with the beautiful skyline in the background. Eventually, we collaborated by offering to take a few photos of our respective families, all without exchanging a word in the same language. With many of Shanghai’s attractions covered, it was time to venture off the beaten path to visit the Shanghai Glass Museum, which caters well for kids and has enough to see to keep visitors occupied for an entire day. There were so many exquisite glass artworks, as well as educational displays and activities to keep the kids engaged as we looked around. The 'Kids Museum of Glass' features a scavenger hunt, kid-oriented educational activities and a glass maze. In addition, the museum offers glass-blowing demonstrations, which were absolutely fascinating to watch; the speed and style with which these artisans were able to perform their craft was truly astonishing. Another great experience for kids was Yuyuan Garden in the northeast of the Old City. Weaving through locals hawking various wares in the markets, then through a charming maze of shops and snack stalls lead us to the garden’s entrance. We spent hours exploring all five acres of the garden courtyards, dainty pagodas and enclosed huts, some with plaques explaining their significance. With the dragons and figures that decorated the rooftops, as well as the natural rock formation, sculptures, flora and fauna to be found in the grounds, this was a photographer’s paradise. A favorite feature was the Zigzag bridge surrounded by traditional-style buildings and water and, although teaming with visitors, provided a great vantage point for photos. Over all, though, Yuyuan was a great place for kids to burn off some energy and a picturesque spot full of Chinese history.
The final leg of our tour took us to the brand new Shanghai Disneyland. Although the theme park is located close to Shanghai, it’s advisable to opt for a hotel close to the attraction. All of the nearby hotels seemed to be very kid-oriented and most provide a free shuttle to and from the park, although they come and go on their schedule. The scale of Disneyland is vast and there is plenty of walking to do so one option, as far as more convenient accommodation is concerned, is to stay at one of the Disney Resorts on site. This would cut out the long walk to and from the parking lot where the shuttle buses drop and pick up. Although it was freezing cold and raining both days, the weather couldn’t take away the magic of Disney. As a family of two who love amusement park rides and two who really don’t, the park had more than enough to give the ride-takers the thrill of experiencing new and popular rides such as Tron until their hearts’ content, while the ride-haters could opt for a few rounds on some of the slower-paced attractions. The parade was quite short if compared to those at other Disney theme parks around the world, but it was still fun to get a wave from our favorite Disney characters. While the shows were primarily in Mandarin, the Disney story lines are familiar enough and the performances were visually compelling, so it was easy to figure out what was happening without following all of the dialogue. Hands down one of the most spectacular displays, though, was the fireworks and light show in the evening. Come dry or wet weather, the fireworks lit up the sky while the light show displayed on the famous castle covered many different characters and stories with an unexpected level of artistry. We got to sing along to snippets of lots of our favorite Disney theme songs, too! Disneyland was a fittingly magical way to end our time in Shanghai. However, we felt we had only scratched the surface in terms of what China had to offer and we’re already looking forward to our next family adventure there. Xiè xiè China – we’ll be back soon! Faith relocated to Singapore in January 2015 with her husband and two young children. She is a freelance writer and marketing consultant as the sole proprietor of F. Chanda Communications & Events. Faith enjoys exploring food, culture, nature and design through her travel adventures. Photos courtesy of Faith Chanda
15 TRAVEL
Singapore American · January-February 2019
Disney
Yuyuan Garden
Plummeting down Shanghai Tower
16 COMMUNITY NEWS
Singapore American · January-February 2019
Revisiting Okinawa By William Hook, Sergeant, USMC Marine (Rt.)
Japanese snipers and it attracts many visitors to the island. Just below this memorial is a huge cave where as many as 1,000 Okinawa citizens attempted to hide from the Japanese soldiers. The heartiest of our group, including Sally, ventured down to it, while I stood guard above ground. Lieutenant Baldridge then led us to many different locations on the island, including Mount Gusuku. The trip to Okinawa would not have been complete without visiting sights and places which were familiar to Leandros and Nicola, including a house that they lived in during their four-year assignment and where both Simon and Lucas were born. We visited many restaurants, which brought back memories for the family and served to satisfy the hunger of our group, but of all the fine restaurants we went to, I particularly enjoyed breakfast while Nicola was behind the wheel of our car.
S
eventy-three years after I last visited Okinawa (actually it was not a visit, it was a military operation) I received a message from Lt. Colonel Howard Eyth, USMC Marine Attaché at the US Embassy asking if I would be interested in making a return visit to Okinawa with him. I jumped at the idea and we began to set a plan. It did not take long, however, for family members to join in. Gunnery Sergeant Leandros Rubio, Commander of the Marine Security Detachment, his wife Nicola and two youngsters, Simon and Lucas (who were born in Okinawa), Frank and Paula Berrios and my wife, Sally, all hopped on board. The show was on the road and we had set the dates from October 11 to 17 when the call to duty suggested an alteration. General Mattis, US Secretary of Defense, planned a trip to Singapore during that period and Colonel Eyth felt duty-bound to be here while the General was in Singapore. Consequently, the guy who set our plan in motion was now out of the picture. Nicola and Paula busied themselves with all of the arrangements: travel, hotel, our eight-passenger rental car, the works. Leandros and Frank became my handlers, ensuring that Sally and I would not be alone. They arranged for us to fly up to Okinawa with Leandros, Nicola and the boys, then fly back with Frank and Paula. During the planning stage, I shared our plan with my 69-year-old baby daughter, Sharon, in the US who lives in Alburquerque. On our last visit there, Sharon’s husband, Curtis, and I visited the house where Ernie Pyle, a dedicated war correspondent lived. Ernie spent the entire European war with our troops there, but after the fall of Germany, he returned to his home in Alburquerque. However, he became restless and ventured to Asia to be with our troops as we progressed toward Japan. Ernie was with us in Okinawa during the campaign and was killed by Japanese snipers on the nearby island of Ie Shima where there is a memorial near where he died. Curtis knew I would be visiting there. To my surprise, his longtime tennis pal, who also lives in Alburquerque, said that his son, Major Brad Creedon, was stationed in Okinawa so I immediately contacted him. He became our official
Sergeant Natalie Dillion interviewing Bill.
guide and did an excellent job of making us comfortable. He assisted us in deciding where to visit and he and his wife actually accompanied us on part of our travels. Among the arrangements was an audience with Major General Thomas Weidley, commanding the USMC 1st Marine Aircraft Wing. This was a pleasant bonus as I had had the pleasure of dining with General Weidley when he was guest speaker at the Marine Corps Ball last year and found him to be an excellent example of Marine Corps competence. In our meeting, he was most gracious and the joy of being with him again was great. Brad also arranged for an interview with me conducted by a fine young Sergeant, Natalie Dillon, who spent a lot of time with us. Another highlight of the trip was a luncheon for 40 Marines with a question and answer session. These Marines were really sharp and asked excellent questions about my previous experience on Okinawa, as well as other aspects of my military and civilian life. Naturally, Major Creedon was there, as well as a few other officers. This was truly a high point, the memory of which I cherish. One attraction all visitors to Okinawa should see is the Okinawa Peace Memorial Park, Itoman. After the longest and most brutal battle of World War II, the Japanese found a wonderful way to teach the horror of war and its consequences. We visited all of the features of this magnificent memorial to view the effects of a difficult battle and the recovery made for an everlasting peace, including the Peace Hall, the Peace Memorial Museum and the Observatory Tower. I was particularly impressed by the rows of monuments with the names of those who died here; Japanese on one side and those of Allied forces on the other, all in engraved in beautiful marble. Of those lost here, I shared in the loss of one of the officers in our section; Lt. Charles Rush who was ambushed on a trip between 10th Army Headquarters and our location. Also high on our agenda was the island of Ie Shima which was marked by our visit to the memorial of Ernie Pyle. The memorial was built near the area where he and a US Army Colonel he was travelling with were killed by
Lunch with the Marines.
A special treat was that Colonel Eyth managed to slip away from his duties attending to General Mattis to join us for the last of our priorities, which was to visit Shuri Castle and Hacksaw Ridge. For this day, we engaged a walking encyclopedia as our tour guide. Chris Majewski, another Marine who was stationed in Okinawa, makes his home there with his Okinawan wife. His knowledge of Okinawa and a plethora of other history was amazing. He even corrected me on the beach I landed on in 1945! Returning to Shuri Castle was very special to me since I was there the day our troops entered victoriously. Of course, the castle today bears no resemblance to my memory of that day. Like many other remembrances of Okinawa, everything seems much bigger now. When I was there 73 years ago, Shuri Castle was a pile of rubble and, as we walked around, we realized that there were bodies under our feet. I remember being astounded to see long black hair protruding from the ruins, indicating that there were women among the dead. It was more than I could handle and I shed tears of sorrow. Chris, with his phenomenal knowledge of history, suggested that we make a trip up to Hacksaw Ridge which I never even new existed but not before taking the time to tour a museum he established with another chap. Frank satisfied his curiosity by suggesting that I actually handle an M-1 Rifle, which was the weapon of my day, although being a non-combat Marine, mine remained in the holder in my Jeep rather than constantly in my company. We drove up as high as our vehicle could negotiate, then did some walking. With Frank on one side and Leandros on the other, we managed to make it up almost to the top. There we had a commanding view of much of the southern part of the island while listening to our guide. We also met other folks up there including a young man who owns a film production company. Probably in jest, he suggested the possibility of making a film featuring my book. I’m not keeping my fingers crossed! The time flew and our adventure was at its end. One could not have wished for a finer group of friends who extended every opportunity to make the journey comfortable for a senior Marine. Photos courtesy of Leandros Rubio
Bill's Book Signing.
17 COMMUNITY NEWS
Singapore American · January-February 2019
Bill and the Rubio Family.
Bill & Sally Hook – Treasured AAS members By Glenn van Zutphen, Immediate Past President, AAS
Bill with Wife, Sally.
B
ill and Sally Hook first joined the American Association in the early 1980s, shortly after he retired from a regional IBM job. “Before [retiring] I had a lot of work experience and projects around Asia and I found that very enjoyable,” says 93 year-young Bill. “I always loved working here and in other countries; people seemed responsive to me and what I was trying to do. This led me to really enjoy living in Singapore and being part of the community,” he adds.
Those Who Fell in Battle, Okinawa Peace Memorial Park.
The Hooks have been stalwart AAS members ever since, attending many events every year and even hosting the very popular AAS Tennis Tournament several years in a row. During one of the years that Robert Orr was US Ambassador (1989-1992), Bill mentions that he and Sally were asked by the AAS Executive Committee to dress up as George and Martha Washington for AAS's annual George Washington Ball. “We really had fun that year,” he says with a big smile. In recent years, my wife Kat and I have had the privilege of getting to know Bill and Sally through AAS. Always a big smile, hug or a pat on the back, the Hooks warm up every room; he says that they’ve enjoyed the camaraderie that AAS has fostered in the community. “We really like the people and feel strongly about the professionally organized and very well-run AAS events. The Board does an excellent job,” Bill adds.
Ernie Pyle's Memorial.
Shuri Castle.
Bill’s book Liberating North China –1945, highlighted a number of years ago at our Holiday Book Fair, introduced our community to his World War II service as a Marine in the Pacific theater. Often giving away his book to those who showed interest, it set the stage for an interesting series of events this year: his return to Okinawa, his first set of dress blues and his promotion to Sergeant at the Marine Corps Ball last month after a number of friends at the US Embassy petitioned the Corps, Department of Defense and the US Senate. He admits that initially he was not very excited about the opportunity to be promoted, saying he really didn’t think that he earned it. But he’s quick to point out how honored he was at the ceremony. “Getting promoted at the Marine Corps Ball was the single most enjoyable, rewarding experience of my life. The whole thing was unbelievably great. Everyone involved was absolutely super and I couldn’t have been more pleased. I’m so honored, I’m beside myself.” One of Bill’s dearest friends for 44 years, Joan Stanbury, urged him to write his book and then edited it. She says his integrity is what stands out about him. “He’s just totally honest. He embraces everyone he meets and has a huge heart. That’s really the key to Bill. To see him recognized and treated as he was at the Marine Corps Ball, just made my heart burst. The winter of his life has been illuminated again by his association with the Marines; that’s a magical thing,” she exclaims. Bill feels passionately that people should be true to themselves and have respect for others. “One of the joys that I have experienced in Singapore is the friendship that people have extended to me in my neighborhood, on buses… it’s just unbelievable. I encourage young people to be considerate of others, to be honest and to work hard. That way of life for the Hooks has helped make them valued members of the American community in Singapore, of AAS and dear friends to the many who are lucky enough to know them. Photo courtesy of US Marine Corps
18 LIVING IN SINGAPORE
Singapore American · January-February 2019
Prepare to Ring in Chinese New Year! By Bill Poorman
L
iving in Singapore offers numerous ways to experience different cultures and events and one highlight is the opportunity to join in on one of the biggest holidays in the world: Chinese New Year. Also known as Spring Festival or Lunar New Year, since its exact dates are determined by the Chinese lunar calendar, the holiday is a time for gathering with family and friends, celebrating one’s good fortune and preparing for another prosperous year ahead. In 2019, February 5-6 are the official Chinese New Year holidays. That is, you get them off work. But the entire season lasts 15 days. It starts on Chinese New Year’s Eve, with a reunion dinner for families, where they share traditional dishes. At this meal and throughout the season, children, younger relatives and unmarried people are often given hong bao, or ‘red packets’, with money in them. People also exchange mandarin oranges which represent good fortune and prosperity. There are many customs associated with giving gifts during Chinese New Year, but one stands out: don’t offer four of anything or multiples of four. The word for ‘four’ in Mandarin sounds similar to the word for death and, therefore, promises ill fortune – no one wants that at the start of a new year. During the Chinese New Year season, you’re likely to see and hear special celebrations across the island. Red and gold are the colors of the season and each new year is associated with an animal from the Chinese Zodiac. 2019 is the year of the pig, so expect many places to decorate with these themes and colors. You’ll also likely hear the phrase, “Gong xi fa cai!” – pronounced, roughly, "gong see fah tsai". It’s the traditional Chinese New Year greeting and it means
“Wishing you good fortune!” or “Congratulations on your prosperity (in the new year)!” You’re also likely run across a loud and boisterous lion dance. Performance troupes dress in traditional Chinese lion costumes and play drums and cymbals in order to bring good fortune to businesses and residences. Much like Christmas carols, you might also hear traditional songs played on repeat in stores. A famous one is “Gong Xi, Gong Xi”. What you won’t hear everywhere are firecrackers, though. Traditionally these were set off with the idea being to scare away evil spirits, but firecrackers have been banned for safety and to keep the air clean. You’re encouraged to wear new red and gold clothes during Chinese New Year. You might want to consider doing a deep spring cleaning on your home, as well. You might even have the opportunity to join in a yu sheng ceremony. Yu sheng is a traditional fish salad and people stand in a circle around it, using chopsticks to toss it into the air, again, to ensure prosperity for the future. To bring all of this together, make a trip to Chinatown, where you’ll see the decorations and season in full. And to finish it all off, be sure to catch Singapore’s Chingay Parade – a celebration of its multicultural character – held at the end of the Chinese New Year season. If you’re interested in more of the many traditions and customs associated with Chinese New Year, have fun learning all about them by checking out the American Association’s Living in Singapore guidebook. Bill Poorman is a writer who has lived in Singapore for four and a half years and still finds out about new Chinese New Year traditions and their meanings.
19 Singapore American · January-February 2019
Photogenic Singapore By Katie Baines
A
s a garden city, Singapore really packs a punch when it comes to subject matter for a photographer. It offers a staggering amount of variety in terms of neighborhoods, parks and architectural wonders to keep anyone occupied from the avid amateur to the professional bolstering their portfolio. Here are some of the best places on the island to point and shoot.
CBD and Marina Bay The photographic appeal of Marina Bay is undeniable. Here, you will find the impressive skyscrapers that make up Singapore’s beautiful skyline. The scenery grows especially dramatic during the evening hours when the sun sets directly behind the CBD. Consider taking your camera and tripod to the Marina Bay Sands side of the bay at around 6:30pm for ‘golden hour’ (so called because the quality of light at this time produces particularly stunning images). Visit www.golden-hour.com to calculate exact timings anywhere in the world.
The Fullerton Heritage Precinct The Fullerton Heritage precinct preens with photogenic galleries, sculptures and historic buildings, showing off old meeting new in the best possible way. The Fullerton Building, the Exchange Room and the Singapore Club are all beautiful examples of historical conservation where photographers can indulge in shooting from an array of different angles.
Tiong Bahru The geometrics and leading lines in the Art Deco architecture of Tiong Bahru makes this district of Singapore a great place to exercise your creative composition. As well as setting up your shot with the buildings face-on, think about approaching your subjects from different angles. Given the monochrome external décor of each edifice and how tightly each sits to the next to the other, there is also lots to experiment with in terms of contrast and shadows. This means that the district also lends itself particularly well to black and white photography.
Everton Road and Spottiswoode Park Road A walk away from Everton Road is the peaceful Spottiswoode Park Road, which is lined with gorgeous shophouses. There is a whole host of subject matter to shoot here, whether it’s the intricate Peranakan tiles and the pretty pastel shophouse facades for symmetry purists, or the murals for a little Instagram fun.
Faber Park The Henderson Wave Bridge near the southern peaks, close to Vivo City, and the Reflections condo, Keppel Bay, are architecturally interesting subjects to photograph, particularly juxtaposed next their leafy backdrops. The bridge also doubles as a great place to shoot from, with views over Sentosa and the sea from one angle and the city from another.
Arab Street and Haji Lane Haji Lane is a narrow, colorful street that nestles in Singapore’s Muslim enclave, Kampong Glam. The street oozes character with colorful shophouses and is punctuated with street art along its walls. Haji Lane comes alive when it’s at its busiest, so if street photography is your medium, then grab your 50mm lens on a Saturday and get involved. On its quieter days, the murals serve as interesting backdrops for portraits. Just around the corner is Arab Street leading up to the Masjid Sultan. The palm trees that line this less frenetic street frame the exotic backdrop of the mosque well if shooting from a distance, but it’s up close where the building comes into its own with intricately detailed trim and golden dome which looks fabulous shot against a blue sky. Photos by Katie Baines and Francisco Marin
SINGAPORE'S THE BEST
20 SINGAPORE'S THE BEST
Singapore American · January-February 2019
Ten of the Best By Frances Strong
F
around the island, there’s really no excuse not to embrace fitness in Singapore, but if you prefer to get your fitness hit in one (temperature controlled) place, the Sports Hub is perfect for you. World-class facilities priced for a community center budget, you can book courts, workout in the gym or swim in the Olympic sized pool for a very reasonable fee. Alternatively, you can run around its circumference on the 100Plus track or make use of the outdoor fitness stations free of charge.
or a tiny island, some might find it surprising that Singapore has just about something for everyone. Whether you are a beach bum or a city slicker, a foodie or an adrenaline junkie, look hard enough and you’ll find a little piece of awesome right here in the Lion City. Here are ten of the best, whatever your pleasure:
For the History Buff Although Singapore might be considered young in its independent state, it is steeped in history. As the major British military base during World War II, Singapore was deemed to be impenetrable, however British seriously underestimated the Japanese forces and Singapore fell in February 1942. Winston Churchill called this the “worst disaster” in British military history. Fort Canning’s Battle Box was part of the Headquarters of the Malaya Command and it was here that the decision was taken to surrender to the Japanese. Take a tour of this fascinating museum and learn a little more about the importance of this underground command center.
For the Life and Soul of the Party
Battle Box, by WabbitWanderer
For the Beach Bum It’s not called the State of Fun for nothing! Pack up your buckets and spades and head on over to Sentosa to grab yourself a sandy spot. My favorite hangout is Coastes; taking a prominent position on Siloso Beach, the chilled out vibes, good food and waterfront loungers are the perfect place to while away a lazy Sunday. Get there early to take advantage of their delicious morning croissants or plan an early dinner with a couple of sundowners to finish off your day. Bliss!
Singapore boasts the highest alfresco bar in the world: 1-Altitude. Offering uninterrupted views of the iconic skyline, no visit to Singapore would be complete without a trip to the top of One Raffles Place. Drinks, DJs and dancing are the order of events, so dress to impress and soak up the atmosphere!
Instaworthy Snaps for the Photographer While we all love a great pic of the Singapore skyline, there’s a lot more to photography in this city. Charge up your batteries and head over to Joo Chiat for Peranakan shophouses at their most beautiful. Snap till your heart’s content (and your memory card’s full), then grab some well-earned refreshments inside one of these pictureperfect buildings.
For the Wildlife Lover At first glance, there might not seem a huge amount of wildlife in the urban jungle of Singapore. However, head out of the city center and you will find an abundance of nature ready to be discovered. A great spot for catching a glimpse is the 163-hectare Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, which boasts around 40% of Singapore’s native flora and fauna. Look out for the Malayan colugo (aka Sunda flying lemur), a funny little nocturnal fellow who spends most of the day clinging to tree trunks. Many species of birds can also be found and, of course, monkeys (just make sure you hide your snacks well, or you might just lose them to a hungry macaque).
For the Foodie There’s no shortage of fine dining on the Little Red Dot, but true foodies will want to cover all bases. Local hawker centers are the absolute best for hidden culinary gems. My go to is at Tiong Bahru wet market. Plenty of choice and the best interactive website to research your favorite dishes before you go. Don’t miss the spicy carrot cake – it’s not cake, there are no carrots in it, but it’s totally delicious!
For the Coffee Lover My local area of River Valley has an absolute abundance of coffee spots, but for me nothing beats Common Man Coffee Roasters (CMCR). Book a table (weekdays) or prepare to make an early start for your weekend brunch because this awesome café is River Valley’s worst kept secret! CMCR take their coffee very seriously, so whatever your pleasure, you’ll find the perfect brew right here.
For the Outdoorsy Type Pack your water bottle, sunscreen and bug spray and head to Macritchie Reservoir Park for a hike. Choose from a 3.2km or 4.8km trail and don’t miss the jewel in Macritchie’s crown: the 250m tree top walk. At 25m above ground level, it gives you a true bird’s eye view of the lush plants and native animals that can be found in this haven of greenery.
For the Sports Enthusiast With fitness corners and perfect running routes dotted all
For the Culture Vulture Get on down to Kampong Glam and lose yourself in the colorful tangle of streets that make up this quirky area. Dominated by the golden dome of the impressive Sultan Mosque, built in 1824 for the first sultan of Singapore, Sultan Hussein Shah, Kampong Glam is just waiting to be explored. Vibrant murals and an eclectic mix of shops and eateries combine to make the perfect visit, day or night. If you like live music, don’t miss Blujaz Café on Bali Lane. Originally from a tiny seaside town in the UK, Frances Strong has called Singapore home since 2011. Six years later, she's still exploring the Little Red Dot and loves to find new and quirky places to wow her visitors. When she's not playing taxi driver for her children, she likes to write about travel, motherhood, food, life... and anything in between.
22 SINGAPORE'S THE BEST
Singapore American · January-February 2019
Where the Trainers Train
The Best of the Toughest Boutique Fitness Classes in Singapore By Amanda Dale
M
y clients are always intrigued – and often shocked! – to find out that I and lots of my trainer friends are regulars at a variety of group exercise classes. I love the environment of group exercise and not just because I began my fitness career as an indoor cycling instructor. The music, energy, group motivation and coaching all appeal to me, especially after spending long hours in my own studio training one-onone with clients. Some serious exercise addicts still look down on group exercise; it’s a common misconception that group classes are easier, less effective, or less intense than other kinds of training. The idea of group classes, to some, conjures up visions of lurid spandex, sweat bands and en-masse, low-impact, choreographed dance sets to bad 80s music held in shopping malls. There is also the expectation that personal trainers and fitness instructors do something markedly different from what 'regular' people do to stay fit – that we don’t need group motivation or coaching anymore or that we’ve got this fitness secret all figured out. Truth is, I’ve run the gamut of high-intensity training options – from Insanity videos to CrossFit boxes to competitive triathlon and even running the Boston Marathon. I’ve tried a little bit of everything in my 12 years as a fitness industry professional, but at the end of a long day of training other people, the last thing I want to do is conjure up a creative workout for myself, which is where effective group exercise classes fit in. Even Olympic athletes have coaches – so why not trainers? I work out alongside some of the best in the business here in Singapore, everyone from other personal trainers to bootcamp instructors to powerlifting pros to competitive athletes come together in group exercise classes. We come to challenge our fitness levels, try new ways of conditioning and gather new ideas for our own workouts and clients, too. With this in mind, below are some of the boutique fitness spots at which trainers and fitness professionals train. This is by no means an exhaustive list – there are hundreds of fantastic facilities all over Singapore, but these spots are a great starting point for folks looking to seriously amp up their workouts and boost their athletic performance. The Garage is a no-frills, indoor-outdoor functional training spot off of Bukit Timah Road. Known best for their circuit classes (although they offer various strength and TRX classes, too), their experienced coaches combine barbell powerlifting, high-intensity interval training (HIIT) moves and functional outdoor fitness equipment (think sandbags, tyres, sledgehammers and more) to design ultra-challenging workouts that can bring even the fittest participants to their knees.
Fitness Bravo in Bugis is known for their SHIIT classes – yes, that stands for super high intensity interval training. Don't think for a second that the name is any sort of gimmick – these group classes are among the hardest you’ll experience on the island, combining elements of speed, strength, flexibility, power and endurance in 60-minute sessions that will leave you panting, exhausted and feeling fitter than ever. Bespoke Fitness near One North and the Mediacorp new campus offers its trademark “FitRX” workout, which combines strength and conditioning, mobility and a skills-based ‘workout of the day’ (WOD) into a comprehensive and progressive fitness curriculum. Their hashtag, #nowimpyworkouts, could not ring more true; each day of the week focuses on working a different muscle group to fatigue using a combination of weights, drills, functional training and calisthenics. Speed Sports & Fitness is tucked away in a corner of Horse City (Turf Club Road) and has a ton of usable indoor and outdoor space for its high-intensity circuit training. Trainers integrate elements of sports performance and agility drills (think hurdles, ladders and even a light-response wall) alongside weight-based circuits and functional skills training. Speed classes are fast-paced, heart-rate spikers that will challenge even experienced athletes. Ziva Yoga in Tiong Bahru is a zen haven for all things yoga, but their Hot Classic classes are anything but relaxing. Set in a room heated to 40 degrees Celsius, the series of 26 poses in Hot Classic yoga can challenge even long-time yoga practitioners with the duration of holds and intensity of heat throughout 75-to-90-minute classes. Hot yoga in an already tropical climate is definitely not for the faint of heart, but it is incredibly effective for overworked, sore athletes looking to prevent injury and enhance performance. Beatx is a newcomer to the CBD fitness scene, offering cycling, boxing, rebounding and their trademark Battleground classes, which combine elements of CrossFit, interval running and traditional weightlifting. The Battleground classes are fast-paced and cater well to advanced exercisers, offering top-notch functional equipment such as prowler sleds and multi-rig equipment alongside high-end treadmills and Assault Air Bikes for a truly killer workout. Extremer Gym near Upper Serangoon on Yio Chu Kang Road is a small and mighty space that packs out its nightly HIIT classes with intense, creative training concepts such as Tabata intervals, countdown sets and AMRAP series that can be scaled up or down for any level of athlete. Workouts repeat daily throughout a given week, changing weekly to keep regular attendees on their toes.
23 Singapore American · January-February 2019
Momentum Bootcamps, at various locations island-wide, does not offer your ordinary outdoor workout. The range of classes here, from the heavyweight Strong & Lean, to the fast-paced HIIT, to the cardio-blasting RunCamp, are designed to take recreational exercisers to the next level of strength and performance. Expect a lot of sweat, high-energy coaching and no-rest drills in a variety of outdoor settings, including the Botanic Gardens, the East Coast and the NUS Track. Orangetheory Fitness, in its two locations at Robertson Quay and Tanjong Pagar, is a popular chain out of the United States that combines treadmill, rowing and weight training into one of three thematic workouts: endurance, strength and/or power. The classes are rigidly structured, but organised to maximise performance for each individual; all attendees must wear a heart rate monitor that reads directly to a screen at the top of the gym so coaches and clients alike can monitor their exertion throughout the 45 to 90-minute classes. Power Fit Studio is humbly tucked into a strip of shops near Potong Pasir MRT, but boasts top-of-the-line TechnoGym equipment including the SkillMill, a manually-powered treadmill that doubles the intensity of typical treadmill training. The studio maintains small class sizes to ensure that each class feels like a personal training session. Their Build, Burn and Combat classes focus on strength, cardio and circuit training and provide full-body workouts that will leave you ‘good sore’ the next day. Whether you’re an experienced exerciser or a newbie, group classes are a great way to sharpen your skills, perfect your form, learn new ways to challenge your body and take your fitness to the next level. If you’ve never taken a group class before, grab a buddy and see if you can share a free trial or, in some cases, get a week or two-week introductory special. The new year is the best time to get great deals on boutique fitness, so make sure to take advantage and try something new this month! Amanda Dale is a certified trainer, nutritionist and director of Singapore-based fitness consulting firm Peak Health. With over a decade of experience in the health and wellness industries, Amanda has coached and transformed over 200 individual clients, consulted for companies such as Disney, Toyota, Dairy Farm, PayPal and 20th Century Fox. She has also contributed to fitness publications such as SELF magazine and SHAPE.com.
SINGAPORE'S THE BEST
24 EDUCATION
Singapore American · January-February 2019
Reveling in Writing
T
hey say there is a book in all of us. Over the course of the last month, members of our community explored this notion in a creative writing course, led by Liz Coward. Here, they share the fruits of their labor.
Written by
Natacha de Valle I started writing creatively about six months ago. I really like writing about people going about their daily lives and what happens to them when something out of the ordinary happens to them. I particularly like the way writing makes me feel. After I have a story the characters begin to unfold it’s a very exciting to create that world and see it take shape. I’ve always been interested in writing short stories and I thought a writers workshop would be a great motivation to finish the stories that I create in my head. It’s also important to receive valuable feedback on how to make writing a part of our lives. This is an extract from a story that I wrote for the writer’s workshop. It’s the story of a geometry teacher who runs into an old friend at a coffee shop.
Written by Omar Moonis
As a kid growing up, I used to write a lot and was especially drawn towards creating adventure and science fiction stories. Nowadays I usually write about experiences that are memorable or entertaining to me, or offer professional advice to guide others in their careers. I have also started to rediscover my fondness for fiction. I’m torn about what kind of writer I want to be, whether that’s a satirical commentator on life, or an inspiring guide for others, which is why workshops are so important, to learn and to meet other talented writers and realize how high the bar really is. My piece is an extract from a larger story about the consequences of using an AI assistant to provide comfort and care to a terminally ill cancer patient who is completely unaware that his caregiver is a piece of software. The story touches on the fine line between technology offering a benefit previously unavailable, but at what cost and when does it all go too far and we become slaves to the machine that is supposedly working for us?
Written by Jake Jacobs
I've been writing for about three decades. I was a professional backgammon player, and began writing about that. Then I co-wrote a screenplay, Ring of Fire, and worked on its production. Later, while still cranking out articles, I wrote two books on backgammon. Since then I have written a mystery novel, The Battered Butterfly, an extract of which is below, hundreds of articles and (far fewer) short stories. These days I still write a monthly column about backgammon. I have begun an autobiography and am also trying to write my first play. As play-writing is new for me, I thought a workshop would be helpful in stretching writing muscles that might not get as much of a workout as they should.
“Pete, I’ll have a coffee, two sugars, half and half and a Powerball. Today is my lucky day.” Samuel focused on tearing his Splenda; carefully folding it first, then perforating the edge to make a symmetrical line. “Statistically, you have a better chance of being struck by lightning” he told her. “Gotta play to win,” she said with a wide smile. Sam snickered, he hated this type of platitude. “Don’t be so uptight, a couple of us are having a little reunion at McGilligan’s tonight, you should come.” She patted his back and walked out of Pete’s. He suddenly remembered how the back of her hair would look from his seat when he was in geometry class. He returned his attention to his coffee and Pete, “Okay, one Powerball, just this time.” Maureen’s invitation lingered in his head, but he wouldn’t bother, she was just being nice. Instead, he found himself indulging in different scenarios of what he would do if he did win the Powerball. He drew up various scenarios of his future wealth and, feeling particularly bold, he even included Maureen
“But Adam’s dying, Simon!”, she said. That fact was irrefutable. Their argument looped as it had for the past hour, starting with that fact, diverging then converging on the same. “Then, doesn’t he deserve some happiness and companionship in his last few days?”, Simon said. She looked at his slithery face with intense dislike. His pretend concern barely masked his ambition, his repellant desire to turn her terminal patient into an experiment for his company, Applied Intelligence Solutions (AIS). She recalled when Adam was first wheeled into her care, a frail 70-year old without family or friends. By that time, cancer had jealously claimed most of him and he had only a few months left. He deserved to spend them with dignity. Instead, Simon wanted him, as a fragile, elderly, sick, human guinea pig! It was wrong. Poor Adam. “Look, Catherine. The AI assistant we’ve developed will revolutionize emotional care for the terminally ill. No one wants to die alone and no one will. We really want to help Adam, but you won’t let us.
with him in his fantasy. After work, he had dinner and made his way home to watch the news and the drawing of the winning lottery numbers. He reached into his pocket as the numbers were being announced. “23, 14, yes, 13, yes, 08, 27, holy cow, 4.” Samuel sat in a stupor, the numbers matched perfectly. With shaking hands, he put his ticket away inside of his mother’s old jewelry box. His heart was racing. Who could believe this? He had the impulse to message Maureen, but he didn’t have her number. Samuel drove to McGilligans and sat in his parked car. He sat fidgeting with the box, as the windows began to fog up from the outside frost. His plan seemed idiotic, what exactly was he going to tell her? “Maureen, I’m a millionaire, and I think you’re beautiful” She would think he was crazy. A hard tap on the window interrupted his thoughts. “Sam, what are you doing out here? Are you the Uber driver I just ordered?”
ELLA is incredible but it needs to interact with real subjects to learn and improve. How is this different from other advances in medicine? You try new drugs on people, right?” “Don’t give me that, Simon! It’s not the same. People volunteer for medical studies. But you won’t tell Adam that ELLA isn’t real. He wouldn’t even know he’s in an experiment.” “Sorry, we can’t do that, Doc. It only works if the patient believes the AI is a real person not a machine.” Her shoulders slumped. Adam’s health was deteriorating and she didn’t have enough staff on hand. If she was going to grudgingly accede, better to do so on her own terms than lose control altogether. “Fine, but I’m keeping a close eye on things. If I see Adam suffering, I’ll call the whole thing off and throw you out of this hospital. Understand?” Simon nodded and smiled. Finally! ELLA was ready for her first human trial, and Adam was the perfect subject, someone no human had any time or use for.
June, 1989 The rain came and should have washed down the streets. Falling, it should have captured the particles of dust, the fog of auto exhaust, the reek from stray fires smoldering in piles of garbage, tackled them all and dragged them to Earth. It should have washed the grime and peeling paint down the walls of the buildings. It should have swept all the discarded newspapers and crushed cigarette butts and rotting banana peels from the sidewalks, swept everything into the gutter, so the city was clean and fresh, renewed. Instead, the rain came too fast. The streets filled with water faster than the antiquated sewers could cope. They backed up like a plugged toilet, so that pedestrians could expect wet tissue paper and dog mess plastered to their calves. In Manila, even the rain didn’t work right. The cab, a twelve-year old Toyota, surfed slowly down M. H. Del Pilar. Waves from its wake rode up the sidewalk and splashed over the ankles of
the doorman at the Australian Club. “Oy! Watch it!” The wave continued, alerting the street people to the cab’s progress. Super Star, Love Connection, Bangkok - the front of each club was lapped by the wave. The greeter in front of Bubbles, lucky enough to have a stool on which to perch, pulled up her feet and waved: “Come in please!” Fifty yards farther on the cab took a snootful of water, backfired a cloud of angry black smoke and died just outside the Boomerang. One of the idlers out front, talking with his cousin, the club’s security man, spotted the cab stalling, spotted its passenger handing a fare up to the driver. “Where there’s a tourist, there is money,” he told himself. Sandaled feet splashing, he skipped over to the cab, one hand reaching for its door, the other already reaching for a tip. The door flew open, and caught him square in the crotch.
25 ARTS & CULTURE
Singapore American · January-February 2019
Art Events to Kickstart 2019 By Ahdini Issatika
S
ingapore’s buzzing art scene has boomed in recent years, with the city playing an important role regionally and internationally as a hub for art-lovers in Southeast Asia. Many artists, designers, curators and project managers across the island have been engaged in generating art projects in a variety of creative mediums that are accessible to the general public. With 2019 just around the corner, the Singapore arts scene has cooked up an agenda to kick off the season. These range in objectives and target audiences, but each program is committed to building a bridge between art and the public. The year begins with weekly art events and below is a list of flagship art programs in Singapore that feature annually.
Light to Night Festival 18-27 January 2019 Free admission
Art after dark 25 January 2019
The annual Light to Night Festival is returning to the Civic District of Singapore, staging a variety of creative and artistic expression in the form of projections, installations, music and poetry inspired by histories and stories in response to the theme of Traces and Echoes.
Free admission
The first weekend of the festival explores special public art commissions, outdoor installations and other commissions at the National Gallery, The Arts House, Victoria Theatre & Victoria Concert Hall and the Asian Civilisations Museum
As a part of Singapore’s Art Week, Art After Dark is an open house evening event at Gilman Barracks that combines visual art and live music performances. Also not to be missed is SEA Focus, showcasing 25 international and regional galleries from exciting new artists and modern masters alike. The Barracks opens its doors with free entry from 7pm where you can eat, drink and party into the night.
The second weekend festival gives a series of performances at The Victoria Concert Hall, including a clarinet quintet and a percussion ensemble. Free guided tours programs digging into the history of the venue will also be offered (see website inset for timing).
iLight 28 January – 24 February 2019
Revellers will also be invited to explore food and craft stalls dotted around The Empress Lawn and Connaught Drive before laying out their picnic mats to watch façade projections across on The National Gallery after dark.
If Singapore Arts Week whet your appetite for more, then be sure to check out iLight Singapore, an annual free art festival that showcases new media art projects incorporating energy-saving lighting or environmentally friendly materials. This year it returns with a special Bicentennial Edition and opening at four locations, namely Marina Bay, Civic District, Fort Canning and Singapore River. The festival welcomes back Industrial Design Graduate from NUS, Yun, who co-created her installation, The Rainbow Connection, with members of the community using upcycled cookie containers combined with solar lights to represent the social fabric that holds individuals together; each member contributing to something bigger.
Singapore Art Week 19-27 January 2019 Singapore Art Week puts the island firmly on the map as one of Asia’s leading arts destinations. This nine-day visual art celebration is first on the arts agenda and umbrellas programs offered by galleries and museums, art precincts and independent art spaces at venues across Singapore. With the myriad of art fairs, exhibitions, lifestyle events, public art walks and enlightening discussions on art and culture, varying from traditional, to modern, to contemporary methods, there will be something to suit the taste of all art fans. Full details of their program can be found on their website (inset).
Free admission
Singapore Arts Web Directory Art Stage 2019 25-27 January 2019 Entry ticket ranges from $22-$50. Located at Marina Bay Sands Expo & Convention Centre, Art Stage is an art fair with regional and international galleries presenting their best artist’s pieces in support of Singapore Art Week. This year’s direction is I AM ART, reflecting the notion that art reflects life and that life is a representation of all of us. The program includes an inaugural reveal of private collections, specially commissioned projects and large-scale installations by 20 top collectors in Singapore and Southeast Asia. Whether a collector or visual art enthusiast, visitors will be immersed in a wide range of collections to cultivate their taste in art.
Art After Dark www.gillmanbarracks.com
Light to Night Festival www.nationalgallery.sg
Art Stage www.artstage.com
Singapore Arts Week www.artweek.sg
iLight Singapore www.ilightsingapore.sg
26 AMERICAN ASSOCIATION
Singapore American · January-February 2019
SINGAPORE AMERICAN NEWSPAPER
A message from the President... With celebrations of the new calendar year and Chinese New Year in early February, for many, this time of year symbolizes new beginnings, new challenges and new explorations. At AAS, this is no less the case as we have an exciting development at the Association that encompass all three of these prospects. This month we say a fond farewell to the Singapore American newspaper in this final issue and welcome the new Association magazine. Our magazine will continue to bring you news from our community and quality articles from our writers, but it will have a fresh new look with added sections and features. We can’t wait to share the first issue, which will be delivered to your door in April! Our beloved publication, Singapore American newspaper, has been enjoyed for 60 years, keeping our readers abreast of news in our community. It is, therefore, fitting that our final cover story features one of our most treasured members, William Hook, who I recently had the pleasure of watching being promoted to Sergeant, post service with the US Marine Corps. We hope you enjoy reading about how this came to be and of his return trip to Okinawa. 2019 sees the welcome return of our event favorites, including Coffee Connexions and Metworks. Our ever-popular Living in Singapore Talk in partnership with SAS PTA will be held on January 30 at The American Club, which is free for AAS members and SAS parents. A new event on the calendar that we are looking forward to is Third Thursday. Be sure to mark your calendar for the Third Thursday of every month for an evening get together with us. There will be gatherings, talks, quiz nights, networking, meet-ups, lectures, cultural offerings – you will be spoiled for choice. The jewel in the crown of our program at the beginning of 2019, however, has to be our most coveted event, the 86th George Washington Ball, where we’ll be sponsoring animal welfare charity, ACRES. On March 2, we’ll be back at the W Hotel – Sentosa Cove to party the night away at our Tropicana themed fiesta. We look forward to seeing you there! Time has flown since I was drafted in as AAS President almost two years ago and in March I will be passing on the baton to another. It has been my great honor and privilege to serve as the Association’s President. When I took over, I was thinking that if I could sustain the same level of excellence, I would be very happy. Fortunately, during my term, with the strong support from all involved, AAS has grown from strength to strength and I feel I am leaving on a high.
EDITORIAL Editor-in-Chief: Katie Baines, communications@aasingapore.com Publishing Editor: Sarah Alden, generalmanager@aasingapore.com
DESIGN & LAYOUT Graphic Designer: Miia Koistinen, graphics@aasingapore.com
ADVERTISING Advertising Manager: Thila Chandra, san.ads@aasingapore.com
CONTRIBUTORS Dee Allan, Melindah Bush, Faith Chanda, Amanda Dale, Sunny Ham, William Hook, Ahdini Issatika, Bill Poorman, Frances Strong, Johannes Wong, Glenn van Zutphen For AAS: Katie Baines, Alka Chandiramani
AMERICAN ASSOCIATION BOARD MEMBERS President: Stephanie Nash • Vice President: Shawn Galey Treasurer: Michael Borchert • Secretary: Joseph Foggiato Directors: Sammie Cheston, Blair Hall, Bill Poorman, Brian Schwender, Jenn Wood Immediate Past President: Glenn van Zutphen • AmCham Chair: Ann Yom Steel The American Club President: Dana Hvid • AWA President: Mel Rice SACAC Chair: Greg Rutledge • SAS Chair: Dr. Chip Kimball Non-Voting Members: US Embassy: Tor Petersen US Military: Rear Admiral Joey Tynch AAS: Sarah Alden
PUBLISHER – AMERICAN 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. 15 Scotts Road, #03-02 Thong Teck Building, Singapore 228218 T: (+65) 6738 0371 • admin@aasingapore.com • www.aasingapore.com The Singapore American newspaper, circulated 10 times per year, with a 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.
We also bid a warm farewell to the Association’s General Manager, Sarah Alden, who will be stepping down in the new year. Sarah’s commitment to driving the modernization of the Association has been remarkable. We wish her all the best for the future.
SUBSCRIPTION
Have a great month ahead.
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.
Best wishes,
A subscription to the Singapore American is complementary with an AAS or CRCE membership. AAS annual family membership is $120. CRCE membership is $220. To join, visit www.aasingapore.com and have the Singapore American delivered to your home.
The Singapore American is printed by Procomp Printset Pte Ltd, 57 Loyang Drive, Level 3 Annex Building, Singapore 508968.
Stephanie Follow us on Facebook or Twitter: @AmAssocSG, #AmAssocSG
AAS Executive Committee .com
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Stephanie Nash President
Shawn Galey Vice President
Michael Borchert Treasurer
Joseph Foggiato Secretary
Sammie Cheston Director-at-Large
Blair Hall Director-at-Large
Bill Poorman Director-at-Large
Brian Schwender Director-at-Large
Jenn Wood Director-at-Large
Glenn van Zutphen Immediate Past President
27 WHAT'S HAPPENING
Singapore American · January-February 2019
HAPPENING IN SINGAPORE Any responder should make further enquiries with the organizer and verify information independently if necessary.
AAS EVENTS January 10 Metworks Happy Hour 6 – 8pm January 16 & February 13 Coffee Connexions 10 – 11:30am January 17 Third Thursdays 6:30 – 8:30pm January 24 & February 20 Tapas en Español 7 – 9pm January 30 Living in Singapore Talk 7 – 9pm February 10 New Volunteer Opportunity! Join AAS @ ACRES Time TBC February 13 After the US Midterms 6:30 – 9pm February 14 Metworks Lunch 12 – 1:30pm February 21 Third Thursday Time TBC
March 2 The 86th George Washington Ball – Tropicana! 7pm For more events: www.aasingapore.com
ENTERTAINMENT January 15 – 18 Pongal (Harvest Festival) Various Locations www.visitsingapore.com January 21 Thaipusam Various Locations www.visitsingapore.com February 3 – 10 River Hongbao NS Square www.riverhongbao.sg February 5 – 6 Chinese New Year www.chinatownfestivals.sg February 8 Slash Live in Singapore www.sistic.com.sg February 15 – 16 Chingay Parade www.chingay.org.sg
MUSEUMS January 1 – February 28 Minimalism: Space. Light. Object. National Gallery Singapore www.nationalgallery.sg January 1 – February 28 Wu Guanzhong: Expressions of Pen & Palette Singapore Art Museum www.singaporeartmuseum.sg January 19 – 27 Singapore Arts Week Various Locations www.artweek.sg January 28 – February 24 iLight Singapore www.ilightsingapore.sg
EDUCATION January 15, 26 & February 12 Open House GEMS World Academy www.gwa.edu.sg
SPORTS February 24 Safari Zoo Run www.safarizoo.run