AM ERICAN AS S O C I ATION O F S INGAP ORE
Since 1958
www.aasingapore.com
March 2018
American Association..... 1-5 Member Discounts............. 3 CRCE & Business............... 6 Community News......... 8-11 Travel........................ 12-14
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Health & Wellness...... 15-16 Education........................ 16 Sports & Fitness.......... 17-22
Community News 8-11
Travel 12-14
Education 16
Sports & Fitness 17-22
What’s Happening.......... 23
Don't Miss the Deadline, Make Your Vote Count
Christmas in Cambodia: the Wonders of Angkor
Educational Robotics in Early Childhood
Combining Fun and Fitness in the Lion City MCI (P) 197/03/2017
Cirque Spectacular: The 85th George Washington Ball By Cath Forte
T
he George Washington Ball (GWB) returned to the elegant W Singapore – Sentosa Cove on Saturday, February 10. The playful theme, Cirque Spectacular, was evident from the incredible outfits of the guests through to the creative styling of the ballroom. Decadence was in abundance, as guests were treated to fine wine, craft beer and themed cocktails, courtesy of PengWine, The Vintage Club, Brewerkz and House of Rum, along with a delicious four-course meal. Face painters added a little extra glitz and glamor, while Chan Wai from Art of Awakening wowed guests with his live art. Before the formal ceremonies got underway, we had a special cirque-inspired performance from two incredible gymnasts, Edlyn Ho Zen Yee and Tong Kah Mun, SEA Games 2017 medalists from Singapore Gymnastics National Training Centre, which set the tone for the night. The US Navy Color Guard opened the formal ceremonies, followed by a breathtaking performance of the Singapore and US national anthems, sung by Rohini Prabhakar, an 11th
grade student from Singapore American School. Master of Ceremonies, Glenn van Zutphen, then introduced our speakers to the stage. American Association of Singapore (AAS) President Stephanie Nash welcomed guests and thanked all those who had worked so hard to make the event possible. She also introduced members of Singapore Children’s Society, the charity chosen to benefit from the evening. Stephanie Syptak-Ramnath, Chargé d’Affaires, a.i., US Embassy Singapore, gave the evening a personal perspective as she eloquently described the American community in Singapore and the key role played by AAS in bringing this community together, both in times of joy and times of need. Jive Talkin’ and DJ Rico took the evening’s entertainment to another level, keeping the dance floor packed with happy vibes and pumping party tunes. Lucky winners took home an array of prizes from the lucky draw and silent auctions, including wonderful trips, jewelry, fine art and home décor pieces, digging deep to support a very worthy
Centennial Partners
American Association of Singapore – Since 1917
cause. We are incredibly grateful to our very generous prize donors, corporate sponsors and AAS partners for their support. This year’s program featured not only a lucky draw and silent auction, but also a very special live auction, expertly facilitated by auctioneer Shaun McEwan. With a golf club membership, sports tickets, a wine dinner and a jaw-dropping diamond necklace among the prizes, the room was abuzz with excitement as bidders went head-to-head. Events of this magnitude can only be successful with a huge amount of work behind the scenes and this year’s GWB was no exception. Valerie Brandt’s tireless work as the chair of the GWB committee, along with Blair Hall, AAS Executive Committee representative, and the dedicated committee members, brought Cirque Spectacular alive with magic and sparkle. And, AAS Events Manager Sarah Walston’s attention to even the tiniest of details ensured a spectacular evening for everyone. Photo courtesy of Mobile Art Studio and Suppliers