AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF SINGAPORE
October 2018
Community newspaper since 1958
www.aasingapore.com
MCI (P) 197/03/2017
Island of Innovation............... 1, 16-23 American Association.................... 2-4 Member Discounts............................ 3 CRCE & Business........................... 5-7 Community News.......................... 8-9 Living in Singapore.................... 10-13 Travel....................................... 14-15 Food & Dining................................ 24 Health & Wellness.......................... 25 President's Message....................... 26 What’s Happening......................... 27
Photo by Katie Baines
Educate to Innovate Everything you never knew you needed under one roof. p10
The majesty and magnificence of Morocco. p14
Changi: the aiport of ingenuity. p18
By Richard Baines
“W
hen I grow up, I want to be a YouTuber!” This is an increasingly common answer given by children when asked what they want to do when they grow up. The rapid growth in technology in the 21st century has changed our lives forever. iPads, Apple TVs and an increasing range of tech appliances are appearing in our schools as teachers attempt to prepare today’s children for tomorrow’s world. Educators the world over are revisiting their curriculum and asking questions such as: do elementary school children still need to learn handwriting? What does a 21st century curriculum look like? What will adequately prepare children for the future? A report last year from Dell Technologies states that 85% of the jobs available in 2030 have not even been conceived of yet. Global management consulting firm, McKinsey, has also predicted that future careers in medicine, space, social networks, robotics, computing, energy and the environment will dominate. We are living in enlightening and changeable times where the opportunity for a child to become a 3D printer clothing designer or to work in the space tourism industry reflect the exciting opportunities that many children may have in the future. As
such, schools must adapt and develop a curriculum that gives children the knowledge and skills needed in this shifting future jobscape.
in many walks of life. In particular, maths makes children better at solving problems and boosts their analytical and reasoning skills.
Many educationalists have pointed to the need for schools to invest and develop science, technology, engineering and maths – or STEM. Earth needs more scientists – whether that be to help solve the plastic disaster that is engulfing our planet or to help lessen the tragedy of child mortality from malaria in Africa, there are countless positive opportunities for scientists to help contribute to human life and development.
A debate over whether it should be STEAM, where art and design are added to the teaching approach, or STEM has emerged most recently among educationalists. The idea was championed by Rhode Island School of Design about a decade ago: “The goal is to foster the true innovation that comes with combining the mind of a scientist or technologist with that of an artist or designer.”
The rise of technology in recent years has been staggering and with Artificial Intelligence (AI) starting to emerge in everyday life, the need to generate young adults who are keen to work in the technology sector, is obvious. Without science and technology, engineering would not be possible and it is an industry which we will always need in order to advance. The advancement in engineering is particularly evident in Singapore, with such incredible structures as Marina Bay Sands and the Supertree Grove of Gardens by the Bay. The skills that children develop when learning math are extremely valuable
Centennial Partners
We need to talk about mental health. p25
American Association of Singapore – Since 1917
STEAM, however, is not about taking these subjects in isolation, it is about an interdisciplinary approach to learning and building children’s Creativity, Curiosity and Problem Solving Skills (CCP). Ken Robinson’s work Do Schools Kill Creativity, with over 15.5 million views on YouTube to date, is the most watched TED talk of all time and raises many interesting points about how embedding STEAM into a school curriculum can help combat exactly that. Many schools in Singapore now have a ‘Maker’ or ‘Creative Space’ where children can complete STEAM projects and challenges. Continues on page 20
2 AMERICAN ASSOCIATION
Singapore American · October 2018
W hat ' s Wednesday
3
October
Saturday
6
October
coming up
Coffee Connexions
Join us for morning coffee at Privé Orchard where you’ll have the opportunity to make new connexions and catch up with old ones too. 10 – 11:30am Privé Orchard, Wheelock Place (outside), (S)238880 Free to join, but registration required. Attendees are required to purchase from the menu. AAS members-only event. Guests are welcome to attend one Coffee Connexions event as a non-member.
11 October
Sunday
14 October
17 October
Ambassador’s Cup Golf Tournament
Assemble a foursome or enter as an individual and we’ll assign you a team. The Texas Scramble format means a great day for everyone, no matter your handicap. After you've played your round, kick back on the ‘19th-hole’ with post-round refreshments before the (always entertaining!) poolside awards dinner. Non-golfing adults can join the Saturday dinner (fee applies). Make it a family affair with visits to LEGOLAND Malaysia Resort or the Johor Premium Outlets. Palm Resort Golf & Country Club, Senai, Johor, Malaysia $375 AAS & TAC Members $1350 AAS & TAC Member Teams of 4 $450 Non-Members (includes a one-year AAS membership)
Thursday
Wednesday
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 Brewerkz, Riverside Point, (S)058282 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.
AAS at Willing Hearts
Bring the whole family and spend the morning preparing, packing and distributing meals to those in need at this volunteering opportunity organized by AAS. 9 – 11am Willing Hearts Soup Kitchen, (S)409074 AAS members-only event.
Prepare to Launch! Ready Your Child for University
Where did the time go? Wasn’t it just yesterday that they started primary school? Join us to learn the ins and outs of preparing your student for university. There will be plenty of valuable advice for parents of IB, AP and A Levels students. Whether graduation is just around the corner or you are getting a head-start on the process, our panel of educators from Stamford American International School will help with the countdown to launch! 7 – 9pm AmCham Office, Stamford American Auditorium Shaw Centre, (S)228208 Free for AAS members, SAIS community and AmCham members, but registration required. $30 Non-Members
Wednesday
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AAS at Willing Hearts
Thursday
Tapas en Español
October
25 October
Sunday
28 October
Spend the morning preparing, packing and distributing meals to those in need at this volunteering opportunity organized by AAS. 9:30 – 11:30am Willing Hearts Soup Kitchen, (S)409074 AAS members-only event.
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.
Paddle with the American Dragons!
We’re teaming up with the American Dragons for a fun-filled session of introductory-level dragon boat paddling on the Kallang Reservoir. Have a blast and learn the basics of paddling with a scenic view of Marina Bay Sands, Gardens by the Bay and the Singapore Flyer! For ages 16 years and up. No experience needed. 10am – 12:30pm Kallang Riverside Park on Stadium Road, (S)397732 Free for AAS Members, but registration required. $10 Non-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 · October 2018
A Thursday
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November
Thursday
8
November
AAS MEMBER DISCOUNTS
look ahead
Trump and the US Midterm Elections with Steve Okun
On November 6, Americans will go to the polls and control of the US House of Representatives and Senate is up for grabs. What's at stake in these elections? How likely is it that the Democrats will gain control of the House and/or Senate? How might these changes impact Asia, particularly in regard to trade? Is impeachment on the horizon? Steve Okun will discuss the potential political and economic impacts of what could be one of the most consequential midterm elections in US history. Hosted in conjunction with The American Club. Exclusive to AAS and The American Club Members. 6:30 – 9pm The American Club, 3rd floor, (S)229573 $25 AAS and TAC Members
Quiz Night
Tons of useless factoids in your head? Mind like a steel trap for random details? Rally your team (or come on your own) and test your talents at AAS's Quiz Night. Prizes (and bragging rights) awarded to the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place teams! This is your night to knock the champions off their throne! Includes a beer or glass of wine per person and a snack per table. 7 – 9pm Brewerkz, Riverside Point, (S)058282 $25 AAS Members or $120 AAS Member Team of 6 $35 Non-Members or $180 Non-Member Team of 6
AAS members enjoy discounts at a range of local businesses. Present your AAS membership card at time of purchase. www.aasingapore.com/member-discounts
Allied Pickfords Singapore is offering AAS Members a special insurance premium of 3%, inclusive of complimentary cover for mould & mildew, pairs & sets, and mechanical derangement. To qualify, you must book an international move with Allied Pickfords Singapore, and provide your AAS membership details. Call +65 6862 4700 to arrange a free quote today. www.alliedpickfords.com
Indulge in modern American gourmet burgers and premium craft beer. Enjoy 15% off when you dine at Brewerkz through December 31, 2018. 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.
Taste authentic Mexican Food and blue agave tequila and receive 15% off when you dine at Café Iguana through December 31, 2018. 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.
SAVE THE DATE! The 86 George Washington Ball th
W hat
02
MAR 2019
W Singapore - Sentosa Cove
we ' ve been up to
The guys were back at Brewerkz, Riverside Point, for another of their well-attended Metworks meetups. They ate, drank and were merry, having a fun time discussing all things Singapore and beyond. This month’s volunteering opportunity saw a record turnout. A fortystrong team of AAS members descended on the Willing Hearts soup kitchen where everyone enjoyed a morning of prepping and packing food to deliver to those in need. The feel-good factor was so high that this October there are two more opportunities to get involved. See the AAS website for details.
Later in the week, the AAS team and members had a fantastic evening with the American Dragons and learning about what each of us has to offer. A big ‘thank you’ to the Dragons who have also invited AAS members to a taster session of paddling on the Kallang Reservoir this month. Registration info can be found on our website. Stroke! We spent a nice and relaxed morning over a cup of joe at last month’s Coffee Connexions, so much so we didn’t want to leave! Event regulars met with AAS newbies and good time was had by all. A great night was had at Brewerkz, Orchard Parade Hotel, where everyone really enjoyed each other’s company at the Thirsty Thursday beer tasting. We learned a little about what went into our brews, too!
Exclusive for AAS members! Enjoy 20% off annual and single trip travel insurance and $100 discount per couple when you book a holiday package* with FCM Executive Leisure (formerly Flight Centre). *Package comprises of at least flight and accommodation. Contact your dedicated travel team at 6692 9656 or email executiveleisure@sg.fcm.travel for more info.
MEMBER CORNER Who doesn’t like to check out their hometown paper for the latest happenings, to see who attended what party, to dream about and plan for their next vacation and to be in-theknow about community events around town? The Singapore American is your hometown paper on the Little Red Dot! Where in the world is the Singapore American? Heading out of town? Get a pic of your friends and family displaying a copy of the Singapore American newspaper and send it our way. Include a little info about where in the world you were and then look for your photo in the paper!
WELCOME TO NEW MEMBERS Welcome to our new members at American Association of Singapore (AAS). We are delighted that you have joined our ever-expanding community and hope that we can enrich your time here in Singapore. When I arrived here in 2014, it was my very first time ever stepping foot on Singapore's soil. Back then, I really did not know much about the island. However, after landing and traveling from the airport to my new home I was amazed at its impressive structures and the futuristic feel it had. It amazed me how Marina Bay Sands and Gardens by the Bay, now universally regarded as Singapore’s downtown, were entirely developed on reclaimed land. That’s part of the appeal with Singapore: it’s a forever evolving city. Although I adapted to life on this island quickly, I found myself missing many aspects of home until my wife suggested that I should join AAS. I also joined careers service, CRCE, which was tremendously helpful on my journey to meeting professionals and experts in which inspired me to go into cryptocurrency investment. I’m also now part of AAS’s Executive Committee as a Director-at-Large. Through the Association and the many opportunities I’ve had to network in Singapore, I’ve acquired a circle of wonderful friends, extended family and community. I truly wish the same for you. Sammie Cheston Director-at-Large
Travis Allen
Jonathan Fischer
Marion Kratofil
Ananthan Rajagopalan
Aarthi Subramanian
Tomas Bown
Joseph Fleming
Henry Lee
Kimberly Raynor-Smith
Shlomit Surek
Kate Breslin
Valerie Gan
Grant McGough
Sven Ritter
Shaan Teo
Nisha Chakrararty
Ashish Gautam
April McTeer
Mangla Sachdev
Binu Thomas
Pamela Chandler
Sarah Hadley
Mayumi Momen
Sarah Schaar
Mari Tokagi
Meredith Conway
Rumana Haque-Ahmed
Ali Moscoffian
Janet Schimek
Richard Ullman
Tiffany Cook
Debra Hennessy
Jason Muncy
David Schneer
Quoc Viet
Josh Daitch
Hilde Hjertenes
Krista Murphy
Carrie Schulze
Puneet Walia
Andrew Dale
Manny Hurtado
Lynda Nanetz
Raegan Sedlarcik
Zi Yuli
Charles Dwy
Holly Johnson
Razieh Negarandeh
Selin Song
Hua Zhong
Manul Elshimy
Michael Kerry
Paige Oliver
Michael Spaur
Sharon Fernandes
Jaeson Kim
Jee Paik
Steve Stearns
Elisabeth Ferraton
Jean Kim
Norah Rahamim
Tracy Stroh
“When my family and I arrived in Singapore, we put the phone number of the American Association of Singapore on speed dial. This valuable community organization is a vital resource for those who are new to Singapore and is a friendship network for established expatriates. With so many great events and services, it gives assistance when you need it and continues to be as relevant to the old timers as it is to the newcomers in their expat journey in Singapore”. Dr. Shaun Thompson Founder and Director at Expat Dental AAS Centennial Partner
“Our membership has delivered more than we hoped for. We value the opportunity to meet new and interesting people, always have a lot of fun and sometimes we get to exercise the 'grey matter'. My advice to anyone, especially if you are new to Singapore is to join in and get involved; the diversity of activities means that there will be something for almost everyone and you can take from it what you will. We are certainly glad we did!” Sarah Bartholomew Wilson AAS member since 2017
“One of the highlight events for me this year was AAS’s 4th of July Celebration. It was such a fantastic afternoon for the whole family with music, great food, entertainment, carnival rides and a spectacular fireworks display to conclude the evening.” Michell Sky The American Club, sister organization to AAS
“I had just joined AAS in the last couple of months, so was very uncertain as to what to expect on our first family volunteer event. The Willing Hearts soup kitchen volunteering opportunity could not have been more planned out, organized and fun! They had tasks for all ages and skill sets and we felt we had truly helped out. My family left there with our hearts full and, to top it off, we left with new friends and the ability to make homemade samosas!” Gina Vono AAS member since July 2018
5 CRCE & BUSINESS
Singapore American · October 2018
Because You’re Worth It By Dee Allan
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’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve interviewed job seekers who quote overinflated salary expectations without factual reasons based on achievement. I’m a firm believer in meritocracy: pay-raises should go to those who deserve it. So here are my top tips on how to successfully and, more importantly, credibly get a raise.
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Soul Search
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If your boss understands the language of money, profit, bottom line, growth, renewals and repeat business, then adjust your vocabulary to hit them squarely with factual information in a language they understand. For example: “I exceeded my sales target by 10% which positively impacted the company’s bottom line for the year.” Boom! Enjoy opening your next pay check!
Start by asking yourself what you’ve accomplished: why do you think you are worthy of a salary increment? Have you contributed something specific? Achieved a certain milestone? Gone over and above the call of duty? More importantly, can you demonstrate all of this? If you don’t have much data to lean on, then prepare yourself first. Take on extra work, volunteer for tasks outside of your remit, ask your boss how you can add further value, make yourself noticeable or conduct extra research. The key is to stand out.
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Give the human resource department and hiring managers a reason to increase your salary based on evidence, facts, figures or reviews and not just sentiment. Just because you have worked somewhere for five years doesn’t make you a contender for a raise over the rate of inflation. However, if you saved your company a quantifiable amount of dollars or time on a particular project, or brought in new business with a figure attached to it, then you have a better chance of convincing the decision makers.
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Also note, however, that money may not be the only commodity to negotiate. In fact, you may be more content with extra vacation allowance, flexible working times or increased medical coverage. Think about what you really want as money may not provide the best solution. So be prepared to offer creative alternatives if your company simply doesn’t have money in the pot to offer you.
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Time it In many cases, being successful in asking for a raise has a lot to do with timing. If your company is shedding staff, downsizing, has issued a profits warning, or going through major restructuring, it may not be a smart time to ask for more money. However, if your company has announced increased profits or has achieved something spectacular, you can pick an appropriate moment and present your evidence.
Closure Don’t despair if you don’t get what you want. Since you have your boss’s attention now, you can start to ask them about what you have to do to achieve a pay raise. Likewise, you can request to have your salary reviewed in three to six months. Set out clear steps and a timescale, then set about working on those new goals. When the time is right, request a meeting again and, perhaps, this time around you will have enough ammunition for success.
Prepare a Case Using emotive issues to negotiate your pay raise, such as your family situation or your personal state of affairs, won’t have the same impact as the cold hard facts about how your actions made a direct and positive contribution. You may even lose credibility and so this approach should be avoided at all costs. Instead, build a structured case based on your data. It is also worth researching market rates for your position, especially if you feel you are being grossly underpaid.
Negotiate So, you have your boss’s attention and they can’t deny the facts you are throwing at them. Now’s the time to negotiate. The key part of negotiating is trying to achieve a win/win situation. You should know what your ideal solution is and also what you are prepared to accept as a minimum raise amount.
Evidence-Based Reasoning
The bottom line is to speak their language, talk about money made or saved, time efficiencies, improved customer ratings, or client engagements and referrals. In providing reasons that your manager simply can’t dispute and aligning your evidence with your company’s goals, this will apply the right pressure in the right place, justifying the extra level of income you deserve.
Tweak Your Language
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Seal the Deal After your meeting, summarize the contents of your discussion in an email to your manager and follow up on any agreed action points.
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Pop Open the Champagne You’ve just learned the art of credibly raising your value and increasing your self-worth. Now enjoy and repeat the process when your remuneration package is due a review. Dee Allan is the Director of 3C Synergy recruitment consultancy and a qualified freelance copywriter. You can follow her blogs on www. bossbabelady.com
CAREER RESOURCE CENTER FOR EXCELLENCE PERSONAL & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
www.aasingapore.com
SPOTLIGHT ON JOBS
Multinationals vs. Startups – What's Best for You By Andrei Kurtuy
T
wenty years ago, the employment landscape of Singapore for expats was wildly different. Opportunities were largely for CEOs at multinational companies who would be sent from their headquarters in the West to oversee operations in Southeast Asia. Today, however, we see expats at a variety of career stages and the type of hiring organization has changed, too. Large multinationals no longer dominate as employers, with entrepreneurs and their startup companies springing up all over the island. As far as job hunting is concerned, though, one question to consider is which type of company is right for you.
Are you a startup staffer? While more flexible in nature, startup environments are high-energy and sometimes chaotic, but offer a crash course in learning a wide variety of skills. Most employees aren’t given a specified set of job responsibilities, but are expected to act as generalists with the ability to step in and help no matter what needs to be done. The same person may be responsible for marketing and hiring, while also answering phones and performing product demos, so it requires entrepreneurial spirit and the will to take on many different challenges. As a result, however, you will likely have more influence over crucial decisions. Since the number of stakeholders is small, each person has a unique voice that is heard by leadership as the company continues to grow. One drawback of having such a lean team is that there is no clear path to promotion. You may be working as one symbiotic team below the CEO and the structure won’t allow you to move up the ladder. Sometimes this reporting structure gets convoluted, but you do have the opportunity to collaborate as one cohesive team while building a meaningful company. Another thing to keep in mind is that the startup pay packet is sometimes lower. Depending on the stage of the
company, your remuneration may be in owning part or possessing equity in the company. This can pay off later in your career, but will leave you with a lower income in the beginning.
Are you a multinational member? A multinational corporation is more structured, delivers more stability regarding job security, particularly if they’re offering an Employment Pass (EP) and, unlike a startup, are at less risk of shutting down. Plus, if you specialize in just one area of expertise you can make yourself invaluable to the company. Corporate office environments also have a specific reporting structure, so you have a more linear path to a management position and you will likely receive consistent raises due to the stability and success of the company. However, working at a multinational corporation can leave you feeling like another cog in the wheel. In companies of a significant magnitude, you’re unlikely to be included in critical decisions and your opinion may not always be valued as it’s difficult for executives to consider the opinions of each of their many employees. Although it takes time, as you move up the ladder you may have influence over your individual team so that may appease your desire to be heard. For either type of organization, your choice of employer may vary based on your individual preferences. An advantage for one person might be a disadvantage for another. A multinational corporation could be a great name to add to your resume, while the diverse skillset you learned with a startup company could set you up for future success. The challenge is to decide what is most important to your career and what you envision for your future. Andrei is one of the three co-founders and CMO of Novorésumé, a career website and web application that helps job-seekers worldwide with free resume templates and professional career advice. Visit their site at www.novoresume.com.
CRCE WORKSHOPS Interviewing and Networking Skills Series: Make the Best Impression – Session 3 Speaker: Suzanna Borst Tuesday, October 2 10am – 12pm Resume Building Workshop Speaker: Suzanna Borst Thursday, October 11 10am – 12pm
Patient Care Coordinator / Customer Services We are a very busy, modern and highly professional dental practice, where the client base is mainly expatriates. We need a new, part time member for our friendly and efficient patient care team. (job #3725) Events and Member Relations Executive Our organisation is looking for an Event and Member Relations Executive who can source venues, manage venue and supplier relations and build, develop and convert an ongoing pipeline of new member acquisitions. (job #3726) Technical Assistant – Educational Technology and Art A global school is looking for a Technical Assistant to support the teachers in facilitating the best teaching and learning for our students by preparing, organizing and clearing educational materials. (job #3730) School Receptionist Our School is an independent UK accredited establishment for Early Years, Junior and Senior level students. We are looking for a friendly and cheerful people person to be our School Receptionist. (job #3731)
Senior Students Resume Building and Interviewing Series Speaker: Suzanna Borst Part 1: Friday, October 12 Part 2: Friday, October 19 4:30 – 6:30pm
Business Development Associate Our organization is looking for a Business Development Associate to assist the company by acquisition of new customers, selling additional products or services to existing ones and administering client followups, mails and meetings. (job #3732)
Lunch and Learn: ‘The Journey of a Serial Entrepreneur’ Speaker: Dee Allan Thursday, October 18 12 – 1:30pm
Advisor, Private Client Services We have an opportunity on our Private Client renewal team for an enthusiastic professional who is passionate about providing top-notch customer service and sales support. We are proud of our sky-high customer retention rate and we would love someone to join us who can help us keep it that way. (job #3733)
Writers Workshop – It’s Time to Write Speaker: Liz Coward Wednesday, October 24 9:30am – 12:30pm Four Steps to Upgrade Your Professional Mind-set, Achieve Clarity and Figure Out Your WHY! Speaker: Dee Allan Tuesday, October 30 10am – 12pm Interviewing and Networking Skills Series: Be Prepared – Session 1 Speaker: Suzanna Borst Wednesday, October 31 10am – 12pm
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
Are you an employer with an opening to fill? Did you know employers can list jobs for free on the CRCE job board? Log onto www.aasingapore.com to find out more.
7 CRCE & BUSINESS
CE SI N
Get Yourself Interview-Ready
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Singapore American · October 2018
By Alka Chandiramani
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hen starting the job-hunting process, it is a good idea to start collecting data on the organization as soon as you apply for an attractive job. If you obtain a lot of information, you will require some time to sort through the key facts. However, sometimes information may not readily be available; you will then need time to carry out the research. Either way, it pays to start early.
The National Library, Community Development centers and various Chambers of Commerce will also have information on various companies.
Having a folder for all the applications is very useful because, as you do more research, the file will help you keep all the facts organized. When the time comes, it will make your interview preparation easier and quicker. The file may include cuttings from periodicals or newspapers, or tips and comments from the financial and business publications. Before the interview, you can organize the information so that you have answers ready on all aspects of the company’s performance and plans. The more information and preparation you have done, the better prepared you will be for the interview.
• What do you know about our company?
It’s a mistake to assume you will know enough about the organization without doing any research. There are a variety of accessible resources. The primary source should be annual reports and advertisements about expansion plans, new product launches and collaborations. All public limited companies are required to send annual reports to the shareholders. Many business magazines regularly publish comments on company performances.
Patriot Partners
In some instances, you can contact the organization directly. Thereby, you will also impress the company’s personnel department with your thoroughness and initiative. To test if you are sufficiently prepared, try to answer the following questions yourself: • Why do you want to work for us? Interviewers are almost certain to ask similar open-ended questions. At the very least, you should be able to tell what a company’s products and services are, why they interest you and how you can contribute to these products and services. A well thought out answer to a question will make you stand out. Alka Chandiramani is a multi-lingual human resources (HR) practitioner with over 20+ years of HR and legal experience. Her expertise includes training and development, employee communication and engagement, executive coaching, global mobility and expatriate management and relocation policies.
Eagle Partners
Interview and Networking Skills Series begins on October 31. To register, visit www.aasingapore.com
Community Partner
AAS nominating committee volunteers needed The American Association of Singapore (AAS) would like to invite members to volunteer to serve on the Nominating Committee being formed to produce the AAS slate of officers for 2019. Responsibilities include attending committee meetings, interviewing candidates and speaking with community member to formulate the slate of officers that will be submitted to the AAS Board of Directors at its monthly meeting in December 2018. Interested parties must be AAS members.
Stars & Stripes
To volunteer, please contact the board at: generalmanager@aasingapore.com
Flight Centre Singapore is now FCM Executive Leisure As of 1 July 2018, Flight Centre has merged with its corporate brand, FCM Travel Solutions, to deliver a specialist offering, FCM Executive Leisure, that is dedicated to looking after your holidays while bringing a corporate level of service for your business needs. Thanks to your loyal patronage, the FCM business has seen amazing growth over the past few years and will continue to deliver the amazing travel experiences you’ve come to love and expect. Visit www.sg.fcm.travel/fcm-executive-leisure
8 COMMUNITY NEWS
Midterm Elections: Your Vote Counts
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he midterm elections are coming up, but it’s not too late to exercise your right to vote! Voting is one of the most fundamental rights of US citizens and the US Embassy is committed to ensuring Americans overseas understand their right to vote and have the tools and resources to successfully do so from anywhere in the world.
Singapore American · October 2018
VOTE 2018
Elections are managed individually by 50 states, US territories (American Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands) and the District of Columbia. This means there are 55 different sets of rules for absentee voting by service members, their eligible family members and overseas citizens, but the basic steps are simple: 1. You register to vote and request an absentee ballot by filling out the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA) and sending it to your election office in your state of legal residence. The election office approves the FPCA, disapproves the FPCA or requests additional information. 2. Once the FPCA is approved, the election office sends an absentee ballot to you. 3. You then complete and return your voted absentee ballot to your election office by your State's deadline. 4. You can also go directly to your own county’s elections website to register to vote and request an absentee ballot.
To successfully vote absentee, Americans should: • Allow plenty of time to request, receive and return your ballot. • Notify your election office each time your mailing address changes. • Become familiar with your state's absentee voting deadlines and procedures to make sure your ballot is properly executed and will be counted. • Complete and return your ballot early if unsure of your state’s deadline.
Did you know that all US Embassies and Consulates accept ballots from American citizens abroad? Simply drop your absentee ballot in the ballot box in the American Citizen Services unit at the US Embassy at 27 Napier Road. Please make sure it is properly addressed and postmarked to your local election official. To ensure that your ballot is counted, please mail it in prior to the date of the election.
Check your state or county website for voting deadlines. Please note that you cannot actually vote at the Embassy. For more information, please feel free to contact the US Embassy Voting Assistance Officer at VoteSingapore@state.gov
9 COMMUNITY NEWS
Singapore American · October 2018
Present Tense Future: Creative Writing at SAS
What is ‘dystopian fiction’ and why is it important to our generation? By Faisal Halabeya, Class of 2018
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oday’s world is not lacking in hardship. And when it comes to social issues and activism on behalf of what we care about, our generation is more than adept. Ours is a protest often rife in satire and deadpan and these attributes are precisely reflected in ‘dystopia’. But it is first important to define the concept both in its broad sense and as far as it applies to the writing we all did in Present Tense Future – an anthology of 24 dystopian short stories. Firstly, a 'dystopia' is defined as, “an imagined place or state in which everything is unpleasant or bad, typically a totalitarian or environmentally degraded one.” However, this definition is only the beginning of our exploration of dystopian fiction. As writers, we had to dive well beyond this surface-level notion. As we read mentor texts, it became apparent that an unpleasant world is only the most basic requirement. Whether it was Brave New World and its commentary on genetic modification and decadence, or The Handmaid’s Tale’s criticism of the cult of domesticity, these great works offered something more than just a nightmarish hell. As we found out, especially while exploring some of the more subtle works of dystopia, such as Black Mirror, the worlds in these stories were somewhat like our own. Here we discovered both the nature of dystopia and why it is so poignant. When it comes to stories, there
are certainly extremes. There is fantasy, which is a world so unimaginable that it is a vehicle for escape. There is nonfiction, which aims to inform us. But somewhere in between, there is dystopia. As we read these works, we began to see in the characters’ lives our own. It was almost creepy at times. Professor Masahiro Mori first introduced the concept of the 'uncanny valley' in his studies of robotics. He found that when robots closely resembled humans, their appearance caused mirror neurons to fire and people to feel unnerved. Perhaps dystopia does the same for us, dangling our imagination on the frontier of the bizarre – a place we feel is foreign and yet, at the same time, seems familiar. It’s this interplay that makes dystopian fiction so powerful. Dystopia is a reflection of our generation as well. Studying it was a chance to latch onto a social issue that we truly cared about and take our activism onto the page. The pen may be mightier than the sword, but that is only true when it is wielded with as much force as one would a sword. As we set out on this journey to document, expose, criticize, satirize and comment, we had to bear this immense responsibility in mind.
as you read it, it unsettles you. I hope it does. The Advanced Topic English: Writing Workshop and Publication course at SAS offers an intensive, year-long inquiry into the creative writing and publication process resulting in a published book. Students work with industry professionals and academic experts-in-residence to learn the craft of writing and publication. Photo courtesy of Singapore American School
Our efforts have culminated in Present Tense Future, an anthology of 24 stories from the uncanny valley. Perhaps
Cub Scout Pack 3010 is Back!
Adventures in Mongolia
By Melindah Bush
By Benny Ortega, Boy Scout Troop 10
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T
ub Scout Pack 3010 kicked off the new school year with a recruitment fair to register new and returning Scouts. This year’s registration day featured two new Cub Scouts programs: the new Lions’ program for kindergarteners (KG2 – ages five to six) and the inclusion of girls into Cub Scouts as part of the Family Scouting initiative. The fair gave parents and their Scouts an opportunity to meet everyone in the Pack and gave the kids a chance to play games together and enjoy eating s’mores to get them excited about the year ahead. Pack 3010 is a US Cub Scout Pack sponsored by the Stamford American International School for boys and girls of all nationalities in Grades KG2 to Grade 5. Scouts are organized into smaller dens based on their grade level to ensure their experience is age appropriate which allows them to share their adventures with Scouts of the same age and make new friends. Our larger pack-wide meetings are held once a month and include opportunities for Scouts to enjoy hiking, camping and other outdoor adventures around Singapore. Annual events include the Raingutter Regatta model boat race, the Pinewood Derby model car race, a cake bake, hiking, fishing, camping and tours of local historical sights and law enforcement stations. Pack 3010 is run by volunteer parents who provide our Scouts with the opportunity to learn and practice new skills while
his year, we Boy Scouts got to attend the Asian Jamboree in Mongolia. When we arrived, we saw many troops from many different countries and the first ones we met were from Japan and Bangladesh. Our troop got to learn about the culture, religion and Scouting life of the other troops. I learned that many Scouts love trading patches and neckerchiefs just like me. On this trip, there was another troop from Singapore who we bonded with a lot. Not only did I meet new people in Mongolia, but I got to try new things too. One of the many things we did was go horseback riding. The view from our horses was beautiful and we could see other mountains, the sun and a lovely river along the way. It was the view of a life time!
making new friends in a supportive and exciting environment. Scouts also have an opportunity to earn various awards and badges throughout the year which encourages them to acquire new skills and to, as the Cub Scout Motto says, “Do your Best” as they face new adventures each month. For more information about our programs or to enroll your child in the Cub Scouts, please contact us at: sgcubscoutspack3010@gmail.com Photo courtesy of Melindah Bush
Archery was also something new I got to try out. Lots of us signed up for this and it was my favorite activity to earn a merit badge from. Even though many of us had never done archery before, it was fun and exciting because whenever anyone hit the bullseye our archery teacher would give us candy. Another fun experience we had was going to see a local Mongolian family to learn about their culture and food. We learned that they lived in houses called gers and that most of their food had either milk or wheat. While we were there, we learned to assemble a ger and got to taste a dessert, which all of the other boys loved, made of bread with some cheese and two spoons of sugar.
Something else we did a lot of on this trip was hiking. In one particular hike, we got to see an eagle being released into the wild. There was another nice view from the top of our climb, although reaching it was tiring. One of the last things we did on the trip was go to a festival where they had a wrestling tournament. In Mongolian wrestling, the rules are that the moment your knees touch the ground you lose. In that same festival, one of the most fantastic performances I have ever seen was the gymnastics display. These people where amazing and they were so flexible they seemed to be made out of rubber. Although I returned to Singapore extremely tired, I had a very fun trip where I got to make many new friends and experience lots of new things I will never forget. This was my Mongolian trip experience! Benny, aged 11, was born in Miami, Florida. He has lived in the US, Mexico, Italy and Singapore. Benny started Scouting as a Tiger in the Cub Scouts in Singapore Pack 3017, later joining Pack 3010. His favorite part of being a Boy Scout is camping.
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
10 LIVING IN SINGAPORE
Singapore American · October 2018
Navigating the Mustafa Centre By Annette Lang
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f you were thinking a visit to Mustafa Centre was all about a huge store full of Indian products and spices, think again. The Mustafa Centre is a mega discount department and grocery store. A cult favorite in the Singaporean shopping scene and rarely seen without a bustling crowd. It’s the best place to go if you’re after a bargain or enjoy shopping into the twilight hours. Mustafa is not fancy in the same way as other Singaporean malls, but it sure packs a punch and is proud of its ‘no haggle, just best prices’ policy. The question you need to ask yourself is not what can you buy at Mustafa, but rather what you can’t buy. You can wander from clothes to perfume to toiletries to souvenirs. Top up on medical supplies, groceries and household goods and more across the store’s six levels of enticing things you never thought you needed.
A Little History Mustafa has seen impressive growth since it started out in 1971 as a tiny shop front on Campbell Street, selling ready-made garments. Two years later in 1973, Mr. Mustaq Ahmad moved to a larger 900sq.ft. shop space along Serangoon Road where electronics were added to their growing list of offerings, products and services. A second shop next door to the first was rented to accommodate growing customer demand, along with introducing more product variety. In 1985, the Singapore government acquired both of these shops for conservation purposes. Ahmad considered several areas to move his thriving business and decided on Serangoon Plaza. Many thought this was a courageous decision due to the size of the location – he rented 40,000sq.ft. on the ground floor of the plaza and opened for business soon after. This bold move became an instant success and more space was rented within the Plaza. Ahmad quickly took over old shophouses along Syed Alwi Road which were reasonably priced and not far from his store. Eventually he had purchased all the available shophouses near the Plaza and two years later decided to go ahead to build his own building. In April 1995, Mustafa Centre became a reality and immediately became a shopping paradise to many people. On any given weekend, the store packs in over 15,000 customers of all nationalities and countries.
Getting There Best visited by public transport due to limited parking options, the Mustafa Centre is situated within walking distance from Farrer MRT. Once in the store, customers are provided with over 300,000 items displayed on six levels covering an area of 400,000sq.ft, 24 hours a day. The business concept of offering other services such as foreign exchange, travel, a restaurant and even a hotel has helped in contributing to the growth of the business. All these customer-related services under one roof have made Mustafa a regular shopping site for locals and a must-visit destination for tourists who appreciate the store as a diversion from their jet lag, especially at night. Shopping at Mustafa is a fantastically unique experience, but be prepared to get bumped and jostled to get
through the crowds as you investigate this wonderland of merchandise. Getting lost can feel a little unnerving as you wind through corridors and sections connected to each other by escalators and lifts that don’t seem to take you where you think, but that’s all part of it. The moment you surrender to the seeming chaos you’ll relax into just going with the flow and drinking in the activity around you.
incredibly large display of rows and rows of gold jewelry as far as the eye can see. The rates are reasonably priced and pieces are highly prized. The Money Exchange center has also been refurbished and it's one of the busiest changers in Singapore. Rates are said to be some of the most competitive on the island and is open around the clock to accommodate early risers and late departers.
Getting Around
If you are feeling hungry, snacks can be found on the outer side of the building café serving local tea and coffee. If you need something a little more upmarket, take the elevator to the top floor and visit the restaurant to enjoy some good South Asian food.
The local produce and supermarket on level two is always a treat and the prices are very reasonable. The health and bathing products on level one are also well worth taking a look at as trolleys over-flowing with your favorite sandalwood soap or deodorant are wheeled around by shop assisants. On the same floor, you can marvel at the pharmacy where a huge range of medicines – some identifiable, some not – can be sold across the counter in small strips for all sorts ailments. Two items that the Mustafa Centre that have high levels of trade in are gold and money. The ground floor, recently refurbished at the Serangoon Road side, is home to an
No matter what your plans cover in Singapore, make sure you don’t leave town without a trip to Mustafa. It is well worth the effort. Annette Lang arrived in Singapore in 2002. She fell in love with the culture, food and the easy and safe lifestyle that is essentially Singapore. A freelance writer, sports enthusiast and food marketing consultant, who is a passionate supporter of cooking, teaching and of course tasting, it was no wonder that she opened a culinary cooking school – Expat Kitchen, now in operation for 10 years.
GETTING THERE:
STORE DIRECTORY:
Taxi: 145 Syed Alwi Road Mustafa Centre, Singapore 207704 Little India
Basement 1 & 2: Menswear, Women’s wear, Office wear, Sportswear, Shoes, Bags and Accessories. Sports Equipment, Luggage and Home Appliances.
Buses: 21, 125 and 130 (Walk 4 mins from bus stop B07231). Nearest MRT station: Farrer Park MRT (NE8) (Walk 3 mins from Exit G)
BEST TIME TO VISIT: If you don’t like the crowds, try anytime before 10:30am. The peak times are around afternoon and evenings so be prepared. If you have young children be aware as its easy for them to wander off in the large store and many aisles.
Level 1: Gold, Silver, Jewelry, Watches, Mobile phones, Cameras, Electrical Gadgets, Music & Film CDs, VCDs, DVDs, Sunglasses, Medical Equipment, Medicinal items, Perfumes, Cosmetics and Toiletries Level 2: Supermarket level, Chocolates, Sweets, Souveniers, Silks, Baby items, Storage, Household Goods Level 3: Kitchenware, BedSheets, Blankets, Curtains and Home Decorations (Link between buildings) Level 4: Furniture, DIY Section, Books and Stationary Level 5: Restaurant
Singapore American · October 2018
One Day Is Not Enough – October is the month of multi-day festivals By Bill Poorman
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ost of us are accustomed to holidays and special events focused on one or a couple of days. Think New Year’s Day, Chinese New Year, Christmas, Thanksgiving, Hari Raya and, of course, coming soon, Halloween. But this October, prepare yourself for festivals that stretch for more than a week!
Nine Emperor Gods Festival, October 8 – 17 Formally celebrated from the first to the ninth day of the ninth month of the Chinese lunar calendar, this Taoist festival welcomes the Nine Emperor Gods to Singapore. Believers hold processions and services to secure the gods’ blessings for prosperity and long life. One account holds that the Nine Emperor Gods are the sons of the goddess Dou Mu and associates them with the stars of the Big Dipper. The festival actually starts on the last day of the eighth lunar month, which falls on October 8 this year, when celebrants light a lantern with nine wicks. The following day processions are held featuring elaborate dress, sedan chairs to carry the gods and lion and dragon dances. Another procession is held at the end of the festival to see the gods off. The celebrations start and end near waterways because it’s believed the gods arrive and depart by way of the sea. This festival appears to be relatively new, with the first official celebrations, by some accounts, dating to only about a century ago. It’s also a bit different in that it’s primarily celebrated by the Chinese community in Southeast Asia and not the mainland. In Singapore, the main temple associated with the Nine Emperor Gods Festival is Hougang Dou Mu temple on Upper Serangoon Road.
Navaratri, October 10 – 19 Navaratri, Sanskrit for 'nine nights', is a Hindu festival dedicated to the feminine divine and the triumph of good over evil. There are multiple Navaratri festivals throughout the year, but the one in early fall, Sharada Navaratri, is the most popular. The exact dates of the celebration can vary from year to year since it is based on the Hindu calendar. There are many different traditions associated with this ancient festival and how the holiday is celebrated can vary significantly among Indian communities across India and the world. Even the spelling varies. Nevertheless, the two most common elements are celebrating Hindu goddesses, such as Shakti, Lakshmi and Saraswati, and, on the last day, recreating the victory of the goddess Durga over the buffalo demon, Mahishasura. Celebrations often feature dancing, including the Dandiya Raas, or 'stick dance', and celebrants wear different color clothing to mark each day. The festival is also a preparation for the holiday of Deepavali – also known as Diwali or the Festival of Lights – which comes in November this year. Temples throughout Singapore hold events to celebrate Navaratri, including the Sri Mariamman Temple in Chinatown.
Women’s Tennis Association Finals, October 21 – 28 Finally, late in October, you can experience a festival of a more secular nature. The Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) Finals tennis tournament features the top eight singles players and doubles teams from the women’s professional tour who play in a round-robin format all week long. Players only qualify for the tournament if they have a successful record throughout the rest of the year. One thing to note is that the WTA Finals are moving to China next year, so unlike the other two festivals, this will be the last time you’ll get to experience this one in Singapore! Bill Poorman is a writer and media producer in Singapore, who continues to marvel at the diversity of experiences available in Singapore.
12 LIVING IN SINGAPORE
Singapore American · October 2018
Halloween Away from Home By Bonnie Taylor
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ctober brings with it one of the most fun festivals on the calendar: Halloween. Nowhere celebrates All Hallows Eve quite like it’s done in the US, but that’s not to say there aren’t any opportunities to don your vampire cape here in Singapore.
Halloween, Woodgrove Estate Halloween would not be Halloween without ‘trick or treating’, so if traditional fun and festivities is what you’re looking for then head to Woodgrove estate, Woodlands, close to Singapore American School. Year on year, families of all ages and nationalities come out in the thousands dressed up in spooky attire, wandering from elaborately decorated home to home, with costumed residents ready to give out candy to those who come knocking. Enter their haunted houses if you dare!
museum is hosting on October 27, is inspired by the supernatural beliefs and ancient traditions behind the elements; earth, wind, water and fire. There’s a packed agenda from 7-11pm featuring live performances, a movie screening, paranormal talks and activities, including ghost stories by the river, Halloween crafting and a themed mystery trail. Special prizes will be given to the three best-dressed ghouls! www.acm.org.sg/whats-on/
Halloween by the Bay
The event is privately funded by the generous families of the Woodgrove estate. However, donation signs appear at houses to support the event’s security requirements and the annual event charity, so dig deep into your pockets. Revelry begins on October 31 at around 6pm and goes on until around 9pm.
Run, the zombies are coming! Halloween by the Bay is organizing a fun run and fun walk on October 27 at Gardens by the Bay. Participants can come dressed as their favorite beastie and amble around the 2.5km or 3km course, then at the end receive a pumpkin, the weight of which is determined by the distance covered. If you can make the extra 500 meters, you’ll go home with a 3kg pumpkin to carve! Families and individuals wanting to take it a little more leisurely, or have a costume so elaborate that they can barely move, have the option to join the fun walk Treasure Hunt.
www.facebook.com/halloween.sg/
www.facebook.com/HalloweenbytheBay/
Halloween Horror Nights 8, Universal Studios
Pulau Sibu Johor, Malaysia
If scaring yourself silly on what is tantamount to a horror movie set is more your scene then Halloween Horror Nights 8 at Universal Studios, Sentosa island, is for you. This one is not for the feinthearted, but due to its popularity is into its eighth year and promises to fill you with abject terror in its various haunted houses and scare zones. From roaming a post-apocalyptic planet earth to zapping zombies with laser guns, there’s a whole lot of fearful fun going on here between October 27 and 31.
Not so much running for your life as getting away from it all, Sea Gypsy Resort on Pulau Sibu, Malaysia, is putting on a day of beach fun with a Halloween twist on October 27. During the day the kids will be kept busy by carving out watermelon jack-o-lanterns, apple bobbing and face painting, then getting into costume for the treasure hunt. Once the sun goes down, it’s time for the grown-ups to come out dressed to kill and party into the night.
www.halloweenhorrornights.com.sg
ACM After Dark Asian Civilisations Museum (ACM) After Dark Halloween night is back for another year! This time around the free family event, which the
www.siburesort.com/events/ Bonnie Taylor, originally from London, moved to Singapore in 2014. She graduated with a BA in English Literature, an MA in Photography and, after ten years in the business sector, picked up her camera and started exploring. When she’s not wining and dining in exotic locations, she freelances as a photographer and writer.
A Newcomer’s Guide to Singapore: Home Hunting By Angel Corrigan
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ouse hunting anywhere in the world can be a daunting experience but doing this in a country unfamiliar to you makes it all the more so. Throw into the equation the wide range of property types that Singapore has on offer and you could be left completely perplexed. In the final part of A Newcomer’s Guide to Singapore, I delve into the world of home hunting. The type of home that you wish to rent may have a large bearing on the region of the island in which you end up residing and vice versa. It is, therefore, a good idea to make a list of the priorities you have, whether they are proximity to schools, open spaces, city living or character property and decide their order of importance. Here is an overview of what you might want to consider, where your needs can be met and the real estate on offer.
Going Underground If you have a car in Singapore then being close to an MRT station may not be an issue, but some areas of Singapore are less well covered by the network than others. East Coast, for example, is great for the outdoorsy type who wants access to parks and value for money from their accommodation, which can be anything from a modern condo to an 19th century shophouse, but getting from one end of the island to the other on public transport may be more challenging.
City Slickers If city living is your thing, then it’s likely that noise levels and proximity to your neighbors are not so much of an issue and the silence of the suburbs might actually be deafening. Orchard and Tanglin have long provided for expat city-dwellers who enjoy finding their community around the swimming pool and barbeque pits in their condo. Also great for singles and families alike is Robertson Quay with its many bars and brunch venues. More recently, Tanjong Pagar has rapidly become attractive to those drawn to high-rise living but wanting to be close to the charm of the Peranakan shophouses, also for rent, in Chinatown.
The Charm Offensive Not everyone’s idea of domestic heaven is ‘shiny’ and ‘new’ and the idea of residing in a glass tower couldn’t be further from your ideal living arrangement. Tiong Bahru is an
achingly cool area close to Chinatown full of quirky coffee shops, French boulangeries and independent bookstores. It’s known mostly, however, for its Art Deco architecture and is full of artistic appeal while offering more square footage for your money and the authentic experience of living side by side with the locals. Another charming neighborhood with a close-knit feel is Holland Village providing a mix of condos and ‘black and white’ bungalows which, again, offer greater space than accommodation in the CBD.
Family and Other Animals Singapore may be a small island but it’s not without its open spaces and if you are moving with kids and pets, a plot of land outside with schools in the vicinity may come as a priority. Consider the suburbs of Woodlands where Singapore American School is located, Sembawang, which is dotted with gorgeous colonial ‘black and white’ houses ranging from quaint bungalows to expansive estates, or Seletar which also offers large colonial houses and a real sense of community. Once you’ve narrowed down what you actually want, it’s time to check out what’s available. There are several property websites that list homes for rent, such as Property Guru, iProperty Singapore or SRX Property where you can contact the agent and arrange a viewing. The listings also give fairly explicit details as to what’s included as far as amenities and facilities are concerned. It’s worth mentioning here that air conditioning is a must, but if the property also has ceiling fans installed they will circulate the air, which can lessen the need to use air conditioning, thereby keeping your costs down. Most contracts for rental properties require a two-year deal, so even renting is a reasonable commitment. Take your time and don’t panic yourself into taking just anything. Gook luck! Angel Corrigan arrived in Singapore in 1999 with her family. She has lived around the world as a military spouse. In Singapore, she has worked at the US Embassy and in the fundraising and development field as Managing Director of her own company.
13 LIVING IN SINGAPORE
Singapore American · October 2018
Changi: A Present-Day Perspective and its History By Marc Servos
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hangi, located at the eastern tip of Singapore, initially strikes minds as being the location of the Changi Airport. However, the significance of the area is greater than you would think. For instance, in addition to this main gateway to Singapore, there are several additional ports of entry that offer ferry service in and out of the Lion City. Changi is also the home to several bases and facilities of the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF). For recreation, whether for a staycation or a leisurely outing, one can go to Changi Village which consists of many hotels and resorts along with Changi Beach Park, Changi Boardwalk and Changi Village Hawker Centre. Clubs and other amenities, such as those for sports, are also located in Changi Village.
Colonial Changi During the late 1800s, when the district was a vast malaria mosquito-infested swampland consisting of several kampongs (traditional houses on stilts), British colonials redeveloped Changi as a summer house and getaway location. Changi Village, located in the northern tip, originated as one of these kampongs which was later redeveloped. Although redevelopment saw the introduction of far more modern structures, the kampong spirit remains in the area’s tranquillity and remoteness.
The Armed Forces The military facilities in the Changi district can trace their roots to the 1920s when the British started to build their military presence, beginning with the construction of the barracks. This later led to the establishment of Royal Air Force (RAF) Hospital Chang, completed as a military hospital in 1935. It was renamed several times, including a handover to the SAF and later in, 1976, to the Ministry of Health when it was renamed Changi Hospital. It merged with the now-defunct Toa Payoh Hospital in 1997 to form the present Changi General Hospital. The
former Changi Hospital, which still stands but is closed to the public, has a notoriety as being haunted. Other British military facilities included Johore Battery, a coastal artillery installation with three 15-inch guns designed to defend an enemy approach to the Sembawang naval facility during World War II. Changi Air Base originated as a British artillery camp when it was completed in 1940 and held many Allied prisoners of war (POWs) during the Japanese occupation when two airfield strips were constructed. This led to its reestablishment of RAF Changi after the war. Then, in 1971, it was handed over to the Singapore Air Defence Command (SADC), the forerunner of the Republic of Singapore Air Force, before the Singapore government acquired about two-thirds of it for the construction of Changi Airport, completed in 1981.
Changi and World War II And there is Changi Prison. Not an attraction that one would care to visit, but this correctional facility has a history that serves as a reminder of the Japanese occupation. The former Changi Prison complex, built in 1936 for convicts, detained allied civilians whereas the military POWs were held at the British Army’s Selarang Barracks. A prison chapel was built by Australian POWs in 1944 but was dismantled and relocated to the Canberra suburb of Duntroon, where it was unveiled in 1988 as part of the Prisoner of War National Memorial. A replica was erected in Singapore that same year and was relocated in 2001, being officially reestablished as the Changi Chapel and Museum. The old prison was demolished in 2000 and replaced by a new complex, but the Changi Prison entrance gates of the old structure, complete with the towers and turrets, were moved to the present structure and serve as another memorial to the war.
Recreational Changi Changi has lots to offer as a place of recreation and a departure point to other places of interest, too. A 10- minute
ferry ride across the water is Pulau Ubin, an island to the east of Singapore which is often considered the last kampong in Singapore. A trip to Ubin takes you back to 1960s Singapore where you can walk or cycle through dirt roads lined with coconut trees, explore shady trails in overgrown rubber plantations or relax on secluded beaches. Back across to Changi, reflecting on its waterfront are a few of Singapore’s remaining kalongs, offshore structures used primarily for fishing. Also dotted along the shoreline are water sport opportunities through the People’s Association Water Venture and the Changi Sailing Club, founded in 1936, which is great for evening drinks. Or if golf is more your thing you can play a round at the Changi Golf Course. There are many other districts in Singapore that provide sites with a deep history, as well as resorts, beach parks and various amenities, but the combination of these and the quaintness of Changi Village give this area a unique character. Marc Servos is a Hoosier in terms of his home state and Alma Mater. From Fort Wayne, Indiana, Marc is married to a Singaporean, Sherley, and has been living here for years. He has two children, ages 16 and 8. Photo courtesy of Singapore Tourism Board
14 TRAVEL
Singapore American · October 2018
Morocco Where Tradition and Progression Embrace By John S. Hamalian
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i, my name is Moulay!” said the mysterious man as he walked into my hotel lobby, the brilliant morning sun reflecting off his ivory teeth. With a broad grin, he continued “I will be your guide today!” As my gaze went from head to toe, I took in the full extent of his interesting mix of attire: Yankees baseball cap, designer sunglasses, traditional loose-fitting robe and desert sandals. Touching his heart with one hand and holding a mobile phone with the other, it was then that I knew my trip would be anything but predictable, singular or stereotypical. I had arrived in a land that blended modern and ancient, reformist and conservative, far western and near eastern so thoroughly that it created its own unique identity in the world. Welcome to the majesty and magnificence of the Kingdom of Morocco.
Old and New Combine My gateway to Morocco was the legendary city of Marrakech, so historically important that it gave its name to the country. At several times the capital of Moroccan dynasties, Marrakech remains today one of the nation’s principal centerpieces of cultural richness and architectural wonder. While chatting on our way to the city center, Moulay and I discussed culture, tradition and religion – three subjects interwoven so tightly in the fabric of society here that they cannot easily be distinguished by visitors yet have completely separate features. This country that somehow embraces modernity yet clings to tradition is exemplified by scenes in crowded markets, where women sporting t-shirts and designer jeans mingle freely with those wearing full facial veils and body-length robes.
Magical Medina By far the most endearing and recognizable symbol of Marrakech is the Koutoubia Mosque whose spectacularly designed minaret soars 70 meters (230 feet) above the staring city below. Dating back to 1162, the mosque is considered a masterpiece of Islamic architecture with its simple yet intricate decorative features carved out of shimmering pink stone. The Koutoubia minaret rises from Marrakech’s famous medina (‘enclosed town’ in Arabic), the old walled town where towering ramparts watch over the city. The medina is a fascinating place where one can easily spend a day just exploring all its infamous souks (specialty craft markets) and narrow cobblestone streets, timelessly winding with a new spectacle awaiting at every turn. Back in my hotel, exhausted and sticky from the day’s activities in sauna-like weather, I am fumbling with the room’s air conditioning unit trying to get it to work, horrible visions of a long night of mosquito attacks in a sweltering room playing in my head. When I call the front desk for help the attendant casually says: “Oh, sir, we control all the A/C from down here”. Ah, so this is the alternative meaning of ‘central’ air conditioning!
Sacré Bleu! “Merci!” said the cheerful desk clerk as I checked out of my Marrakech hotel. One of the things I had to get used to was the rather odd phenomenon of Moroccans constantly speaking to me in perfect (as I far as I knew) French and I, the categorical ‘westerner’, not understanding any of it. But this is Morocco, where stereotypes do not apply!
Not knowing either Arabic or French made be feel double helpless but at least people sympathized with me. The dominance of French as a pervasive mainstream language in major urban areas is due to the legacy of the Protectorate era (1912 – 1956) when Morocco was effectively controlled by France. France is still Morocco’s number one trading partner and French is still a mandatory language in school. Although the French aggression – and also that by the Portuguese and Spanish – typified European colonial ambitions in North Africa, in the case of Morocco cross-continent meddling swung both ways. For nearly eight centuries, Moroccan empires partly controlled the Iberian Peninsula, at one time conquering much of present-day Spain. This Moorish occupation and the centuries-old ‘Reconquest’ would prove to be a major flashpoint in Christian-Muslim battle for dominance in the Mediterranean that can still be felt today. However, the marvelous cultural legacy of this Andalusian (derived from Al-Andalus, the Land of the Vandals) period has been perpetually carved into the rich foundations of the Spanish cities of Cordoba, Seville and Granada. Conversely, as if to send a message never to set foot on its lands again, an enduring Spanish presence near Morocco surprisingly still exists in the form of Madrid’s control over the coastal enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla, annoyingly embedded a mere stone’s throw from Moroccan soil. The two countries seem inexorably linked for eternity.
Gateway to the Sahara Straddling the edges of the mighty Sahara Desert itself, the arid countryside is dotted with mud-clay buildings so intermixed with the very soil they are born from that sometimes it is difficult to see where the earth ends and villages begin. This is the land between mountains and desert known as the southern oases, and we are making our way to the provincial city of Ouarzazate. Imposing kasbahs (fortified houses) rise from palm groves and sand dunes like earthen castles from a fairytale dream. Such is the magic and allure of these medieval-like edifices and their exotic surrounding landscape that the area has become a sort of Hollywood of stereotypical North African and Middle Eastern scenes, with hundreds of films being produced here including Lawrence of Arabia, Jewel of the Nile, Gladiator and Kingdom of Heaven. As I am huffing and puffing my way up the sandstone hill that cradles the ancient fortified village of Ait Benhaddou, I am shocked as a 70-something Berber woman passes me almost effortlessly. The Berbers are still somewhat of an ethnic enigma – they are thought to be a complex mixture of origins, including Asian, Saharan and European. Although overshadowed by the Arabs since the seventh century, the proud and feisty Berbers had at times staged fierce uprisings and even ruled some long dynasties. These days, Morocco is one of the few countries where they still have a significant presence, actually making up a large portion of the population, and have retained their unique cultural identity and language. Meanwhile, I contemplate taking a photo of the elderly yet thoroughly energetic lady, with her charming traditional cape and hat, who has by now completely left me in her dust. But then I remember hearing that many Berbers are highly superstitious, including believing that getting
their picture taken means their soul has been stolen. Not wanting to be responsible for the grand theft of one’s personal essence, I instead chose to engage the woman at the top of the hill and discover some more about her and her people. Alas, after not really getting anywhere with my usual animated salutations, I decide to change tactics and apply that international, time-tested motivational method: flattery. Using my guide as an interpreter, I playfully tell her that judging by her high physical ability she must be around 35. After receiving a rather indifferent reaction, I ask Moulay what happened. He said: “Actually that wasn’t much of a compliment…her superstition takes that remark as a death warrant!” Gee, sometimes you just can’t win.
Nostalgia Diminished For those of you wishing to take in the nostalgia and intrigue of 1930s Casablanca, as in the infamous movie of the same name, you may be disappointed. While As Time Goes By still plays on in our hearts and minds, modern Casablanca is Morocco’s economic and commercial capital and the only Rick’s American Café you are apt to find is perhaps a second bit hotel bar rip-off. Though the large and bustling city offers quite worthy sites of its own, for the first-time traveler wishing to experience the legendary culture of Morocco, historical Fez or Marrakech are your best bets. However, what you will find anywhere you go in this awe-inspiring land are friendly and accommodating people. The colorful, spirited and passionate Moroccans are known for their warmth and hospitality and seem to have an uncanny sense of themselves in the context of history. Aside from the breathtaking landscape and wondrous architecture, in the end it is the people who define the character of this fascinating country.
A Perfect Blend Endures From brazen snake charmers in the squares of medieval medinas to posh stucco villas near the deep blue sea of the Mediterranean, from trudging camel caravans in the weary dunes of the Sahara to stout Berber tribesmen in the snow-capped mountains of the High Atlas, Morocco is a swirling cauldron of geography, culture and ethnicity that defies pointed summarization. A proud and persevering tree whose roots lie in Africa, trunk stems from Arabia and branches venture out to Europe and the Americas. A nation that combines so many elements of so many worlds so seamlessly, it is if they had never been separate. More of a tale than a country; changing yet static; fanciful yet purposeful; a place where legends persist and reality resist; whose people point east at prayer and face west at rumination. As the challenges of an ever-changing world continue to gnaw at its foundations – evidenced by challenging economics, ideological debates, and an unresolved dispute over the Western Sahara – Morocco will continue its tradition of cultural absorption and selfresolution to refine the unique national identity it has worked so tirelessly to carve out of the fine woods of the world itself. An avid explorer, John has visited over 60 countries, including the entire Far East of Asia, and speaks conversational Mandarin Chinese. Specializing in travel writing, he has been published over 20 times, including for the Straits Times, Shanghai Daily and Bhutan's national airline magazine. Photos courtesy of John S. Hamalian
15 Singapore American · October 2018
TRAVEL
16 ISLAND OF INNOVATION
Singapore American · October 2018
The Island in the Sky By Katie Baines
I
f you’ve read Jonathan Swift’s Gulliver’s Travels you’ll be familiar with the island of Laputa. If not, Laputa is an island about 4.5 miles across on which its inhabitants, who are obsessed with all things geometric and mathematical, levitate through a magnetic force in order to maneuver in any direction. At the center of their island are water basins to where rain gravitates and which are regulated by the sun to stop them from overflowing. Unlike other islands, though, Laputa floats high off the ground while Laputans peer down at the land below. That's what it feels like to stand at the top of Marina Bay Sands. You feel like you, the gardens and the 1.5 million liters of water in the infinity pool in front of you are somehow defying gravity. It’s difficult to argue that Marina Bay Sands’ jewel in the crown isn't the jaw-dropping rooftop pool. It sits 55 stories up and commands staggering views over the city, so there is little wonder that it generates the amount of traffic it does on social media as a photo opportunity. Paradoxically, though – and this is the sad thing – on trawling through reviews of the hotel it is almost written off as a ‘tourist trap’ or, worse, a ‘cliché’. You can almost feel the many reviewers cringe as they sheepishly post that they had been there at all, as if facing the mighty judgment of more discerning travelers. But why? The figures in themselves, let alone when put into context, are impressive. The entire Sky Park, all 1,100 meters of it – that’s as long as three football fields or one aircraft carrier – is cradled by over 7,000 tons of steel – heavier than the main stand of the Brooklyn Bridge – aloft three 650ft skyscrapers – or more than two Statues of Liberty stacked on top of each other. Although the table top appears to be one long structure it’s actually broken down into 14 segments, six of which (weighing in at 350 tons a piece) make up the two bridges joining the three towers and the remaining eight forming the platform that juts out over nothing like a diving board. The challenge with installing the 218-meter viewing platform – the length of a 747 airplane – was that it works in the same way as a cantilever bridge and so it moves depending on wind, the number of people on it and how they move. This section is designed to withstand typhoons and earthquakes, but the most dangerous threat: DJs. Two hundred people bouncing in unison on an overhang without the two 700 ton back spans (imagine two fully-laden freight trains) holding it in place would be cataclysmic. In fact, engineers were, and still are, employed to measure the frequency of certain dance tracks so that they are removed from DJ playlists due to their high risk factor. One question remains, though: how did they get it all up there? Meticulous testing, re-testing and testing again on the ground was a given when faced with the prospect of hoisting 14 parts that weigh more than a Boeing 747 up something taller than the Seattle Space Needle. However, calculating the 30,000ft of half inch-thick cable (that’s enough to stretch the width of Manhattan)
and the mechanics behind the never-before-used hydraulic strand lifts was not the greatest challenge; it was climate. In a region of the world where typhoons are prevalent, careful weather planning was paramount; anything above a 5mph windspeed would not only mean the project would be delayed but, in the case of a sudden surge in weather, could have transformed the steel structures hanging by cables into giant wrecking balls. Once up there, it was a race against the clock to slot the joists in place, with accuracy to within a tenth of an inch, before any unpredictable gusts of wind could throw them off kilter. Inclement weather was also a caveat for movement of the towers once the structure was complete. Testing on a prototype in a wind tunnel in Colorado showed how the whole edifice could experience a shift of up to 200mm in strong winds. This was accommodated by use of multidirectional joints and steel bearings connecting the towers and the top structure, giving a tolerance of a 250mm. However, this wasn’t the end of the issue; even if the buildings could withstand high wind power it wouldn’t be able to move without fracturing the rigid swimming pool stretching the length of the park. The solution: breaking the pool into three individual pools joined by moveable joints on a track system covered by undetectable caps below the water meaning that not only could each section can move independently of each other, the illusion of one languid rooftop swimming pool could also be maintained. This had never been done before, let alone at 650ft. Thinking back to the analogy of Laputa, the island and its inhabitants are, of course, fictional and it is Swift’s satirical slur on London’s early 18th century upper classes and their distain for the ‘unlearned’. At that time, there was an almost faddish fascination with Newtonian philosophy and it was fashionable to be discussing mathematics, geometry and physics in the higher echelons of society. However, at surface level, it also mildly nodded towards the phenomena of ‘the extraordinary’ and how new discoveries in physics and engineering were making the impossible, possible; discoveries that we now take for granted. Years ago, the role of a swimming pool was to cool off after basking in the sunshine while on vacation. Now, it’s become something that expands into infinity on top of a 55-story hotel with a view of the financial district of one of Asia’s giant economic tigers. This is an extraordinary thing. Photos courtesy of Marina Bay Sands
18 ISLAND OF INNOVATION
Singapore American · October 2018
The Art of Design Down to a Science By Faith Chanda
R
eturning to Changi Airport is nearly my favorite part of any trip away from Singapore. There’s something about the crisp efficiency and meticulous cleanliness that never fails to soothe my travel-weary soul. What makes Singapore’s airport such a pleasant place to be? The marvel that is Changi Airport is the result of carefully considered design, inspired engineering and purpose-driven innovation. As Skytrax's World's Best Airport award winner for the last six consecutive years, it’s clear that the devil is in the details. From ergonomically designed counters and chairs to a free wireless facility and hundreds of charging stations, it seems that every single moment of a visitor or staff member’s time at Changi has been painstakingly thought through. Much of the credit for the most recent innovations at Changi can be attributed to their Living Lab Programme, where a multitude of challenges meet with creative and practical solutions. The lab’s purpose is to facilitate the development of technologydriven solutions in a live airport environment, focusing on automation and robotics, data analytics and the Internet of Things (IoT), non-intrusive security and smart infrastructure management. A key goal at Changi is to simplify and streamline the departure and arrival experience.
Departures In the new Terminal 4 (T4), opened in late 2017, Changi’s Fast And Seamless Travel (FAST) technology was introduced. This has had an enormous impact on getting through to departures as the whole process is automated through facial recognition from end to end. Travelers can now scan passports at the check-in kiosk, print tags and drop their bags, then pass through security, immigration and boarding within minutes. That’s not to say there is no human contact as there are plenty of staff on hand to help visitors navigate each part of the process and to ensure the systems are working the way they should. The opening of T4 also saw the introduction of tomography-based x-ray screening machines – full body scanners – at the security checkpoint. This technology eliminates much of the waiting time for passengers as it is no longer necessary to take out electronic and computer devices from carry-on luggage and the 3D images they produce have greater accuracy. When the screener is alerted, the bag in question is routed separately from those that are safely cleared, allowing other passengers to continue on their way without delay. The automatic tray-return system frees workers from ferrying used trays back to the front, which means they can spend their time attending to passengers. Efficiency on this level is not only reserved for travelers departing from T4, however. Check in kiosks and passport scanning at the airport’s other terminals have also been installed so that waiting times are reduced and bottlenecks at the security checkpoints have been eliminated by the decentralizing of scanning machines to the gate areas.
The Changi Experience Efficiency in getting through immigration is one thing, but given the amount of time spent waiting to board a flight is quite another and, in wandering around Changi’s transit area, consideration towards this in the airport’s design process is more than evident. Art installations and entertainment options adorn the avenues lined with plant life and water features leading to departure gates, helping to create a peaceful and happy travel experience. In fact, as an airport of the Garden City, the idea of ‘greenery’ and ‘serenity’ are pivotal to the Changi experience. Terminal 3’s rooftop Butterfly Garden, together with over 900 skylights, help to bring in natural light and reflect away Singapore’s heat. The skylights’ reflector panels are self-adjusting to maximize light reflected into the terminal, saving electricity. In Terminal 4, the 160-strong Boulevard of Trees and Green Wall – a vertical garden of 113,000 plants and four waterfalls – along with at least 10 other gardens throughout the airport, serve to improve air quality and regulate temperature. To top it all, these feats of engineering are maintained by an automated watering and fertilizing system which reduces waste and improves manpower efficiency. A society of immediacy and the need to stay connected have also been considered as travelers have access to free WiFi, nearly 3,400 charging points for devices and more
than 550 internet kiosks. There’s also an iChangi app with features such as GPS-enabled navigation to help folks find shops, restaurants and services, as well as directions to gates and baggage claim areas. Onsite, the app also links to a library of publications to be downloaded for onboard reading. Other technology touchpoints include the interactive digital walls and the Social Tree where visitors can share videos and photos of their Singapore experiences from their devices, creating a digital time capsule.
Arrivals From the moment an arriving passenger’s plane is spotted by air traffic control, innovation runs the show. For an airport that handled over 62 million passengers and more than 370,000 takeoffs and landings last year, timing is everything. Sensors help aircraft and vehicles move safely around the airport tarmac while Artificial Intelligence (AI) helps to predict flights’ arrival and departure times, which improves the efficiency of boarding and disembarking processes as well as timely transport of luggage to and from planes. As a result, a significant saving has been realized in terms of both time and the environment by reducing fuel consumption by planes taxiing longer than necessary. In Terminal 1, upgrading to an automated baggage handling system has meant that the airport can process a staggering 800 bags per hour with inter-terminal transport speed can reach seven meters per second. It takes an average of 12 minutes for luggage to reaching the belts of baggage claim after offloading. Once travelers have claimed their luggage, a taxi dispatch system directs taxis in a fair and organized manner to the terminals’ taxi stands where and when they are needed, meaning you’re on your way within minutes.
Behind the Scenes Behind any well-oiled machine is the people who operate it. Staff at Changi are well equipped to ensure everything runs smoothly. The Service Workforce Empowerment and Experience Transformation (SWEET) app provides airport staff with flight arrival and departure times and operational data to assist passengers, delivers internal information on safety notices and work procedures and facilitates real-time communication and feedback. Even what seems like a minor detail can have a significant influence on the overall experience for visitors and increase productivity for staff. Many ideas that improve efficiency are deceptively simple. Some toilets have a central liquid soap container in each toilet area which automatically fills all dispensers while a system of sensors indicates when toilet paper is about to run out, reducing the need for frequent checks and time-consuming refills by the toilet attendants. A pneumatic system feeds trash to a central disposing area from 12 points across Terminal 4, so cleaning staff no longer have to roll full trash carts long distances. FollowMe technology, which helps direct smart vehicles, is used to improve efficiency and reduce manual labor for everything from food trolleys to luggage carts. New motorized dumbwaiter-style lifts eliminate the need for baggage handlers and gate attendants to manually carry heavy items like wheelchairs and strollers up and down the aerobridge stairs, reducing injuries and improving safety. This level of attention to detail combined with innovative efficiency-enabling technology have resulted in a nearly legendary status for Changi Airport, the world’s sixth busiest airport for international traffic. It didn’t surprise me one bit to read that Fong Kok Wai, Executive Vice President of CAG’s Engineering and Development Group (EDG), declared that 70 plans had been drawn up for Terminal 4 before it was finalized. And with plans for Terminal 5 in the works and the addition of JEWEL – Changi’s shopping, dining, recreation and accommodation hub, expected to open in 2019 – it looks like Changi will be flying high for years to come. 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.
Singapore American ¡ October 2018
Photo courtesy of Changi Airport
20 ISLAND OF INNOVATION
Continued from page 1
So important do some institutions see the role of STEAM education that universities, such as The Massachusetts Institute for Technology (MIT), Boston, are currently supporting schools all over the world with STEAM development, offering training to teachers on best practice and meaningful, practical classes. Selected pupils from across the globe are also given the opportunity to attend an annual STEAM week where they carry out a range of STEAM based activities, such as studying autonomous vehicles (AVs) and the impact they are likely to have on our planet, as well as their functionality and ethics of what a self-driving vehicle should do in the event of an accident. Nayang Technological University (NTU), Singapore, which has the biggest AV test track in the world and is currently testing a self-driving bus, also understands the importance of introducing technological development to young learners. Recently there has been an initiative to allow pupils to ride and learn about the bus before it is rolled out in Sentosa in the next 12 months. Recognition of such initiatives among students in education is, however, in its infancy. According to the Department of Education’s National Center for Education Statistics, about a third of US college students change majors at least once and many who do this began their college education studying science, technology and mathematics – in other words, STEM fields. Furthermore, they found that students in STEM fields are about six percent more likely to change majors than non-STEM students. So, there is still a way to go when it comes to raising awareness in preparing young people for the jobs of the future. That said, the rise of STEAM or STEM is likely to continue and gather more significance organically as technology continues to enrich and engulf our world. Whether this happens immediately it is crucial that schools and teachers help to embed a creative, curious mindset in children so that they are ready for the challenges that they will face when they graduate from university or leave school. Richard Baines is a teacher at Dover Court International School, Singapore, where he is the current STEAM leader. Richard is originally from London but his teaching career has taken also him to other UK cities and Asia. When he’s not in the classroom you’ll find him on the tennis court or running around MacRitchie Reservoir. Photos by Katie Baines
Singapore American · October 2018
21 ISLAND OF INNOVATION
Singapore American · October 2018
Innovation in Finance: Back to Basics By Richard Hartung
B
anking has long been about helping people thrive, whether it’s lending money for education, starting up a new business or buying a home. While some banks may seem focused more on profits than helping consumers these days, financial technology (fintech) innovators in Singapore are powering ahead and delivering solutions that make financial services easier, faster and cheaper. The key financial services, as Singapore-based MatchMove founder Shailesh Naik puts it, are “Spend, Send, Lend”. While it offers all three services through its corporate clients, MatchMove is especially strong on 'spend,' where it offers consumers a virtual debit card on their phone so that they can spend digitally anytime and anywhere. On the 'send' side, fintechs have made sending money cheaper and faster. SingX, for instance, enables workers to send money at a fixed 0.5% fee, with no foreign exchange mark-up and no minimum amount. That’s far less expensive than fees of eight percent or more that workers have traditionally paid. On the corporate side, companies can use services from homegrown fintechs such as TransferTo to send funds around the world more easily, too. For lending, CredoLab developed a credit scoring app that tracks the digital footprints of consumers and uses predictive analytics to generate their credit scorecards. Lenders can then use the scores to assess the creditworthiness of unbanked or underbanked customers that are left out of the financial system. More directly, consumers can save money on loans and other services by using comparison websites built by fintechs to compare the cost of financial services and save money. Consumers can go online
to GoBear or SingSaver, for example, and find cheaper loans, cards or insurance. Consumers aren’t the only ones who need loans, of course. Companies need them too. MoolahSense has targeted small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and facilitates peer-to-peer loans, giving them financing that they often can’t get from banks. Investors can earn more than 10% by providing the financing for the loans. Going beyond “Spend, Send, Lend”, consumers can also take advantage of leading services from a slew of other fintech innovators too. Robo-advisors such as Smartly and Stashaway offer easier and cheaper investment advice, while apps such as Seedly help with budgeting and PolicyPal or DIYInsurance offer cheaper insurance policies, to name just a few. With more than 300 other fintechs here in Singapore innovating in everything from insurance and wealth management to payments and remittances and more, looking for innovative alternatives to traditional banks can improve your finances tremendously. Richard Hartung, the Managing Director of Transcarta, is a freelance writer for Today, gtnews, Challenge, OOSSKAnews, The Asian Banker and other media as well as the author of Changing Lanes, Changing Lives. He is also a consultant in retail banking, focusing on payments strategy and efficiency, with more than 20 years of experience in Asia.
22 ISLAND OF INNOVATION
Singapore American · October 2018
Oh So Switched-On Singapore By Dee Allan
S
ingapore just keeps on getting smarter. Our tiny little dot has been keeping up its promise of becoming a smart nation by making our lives oh so simple to run.
As Singapore makes its shift to an innovation-led economy, residents get to savour the innovations coming out of the various government and privately backed accelerators and incubators.
Grocery and Food Shopping Honestbee An on-demand delivery service application. These guys put in the legwork for you, collecting your groceries, restaurant orders and have a ‘mall to home’ service, delivering your purchases right to your porch. They even have a 1-hour delivery service for those needing speedy turnarounds. How nifty is that? www.honestbee.sg Redmart, Amazon Prime, Fairprice and Opentaste are also well-established applications and websites to whizz our avocados to us while we are still in our sweatpants.
Transport My Transport SG No more waiting for buses or losing precious time taking the long route. This must-have app will plan your commute, saving you time and sweat. www.mytransport.sg
Grab Taxi One of Singapore’s go-to transport firms, Grab is constantly innovating its offering. The rewards system is highly attractive, giving more value to its riders, and means we can pick up discounts for clothes, food, books and travel just for riding in their taxis. It’s a win/win transaction. www.grab.com.sg
The thriving start-up scene means we as individuals are now living in an era where we can manage our lives, careers and households with the touch of a button. We can literally recoup lost hours of waiting in line, researching and traveling from A to B, through the host of innovations which have been bursting onto the SG scene.
As a busy working mom of two, I appreciate all the help I can get in managing my affairs. Here’s my pick of my favorite apps, websites and services, which were either born in Singapore, or have a significant footprint here:
Dining
Shopping
Chope
Carousell
Chope’s online booking system claims to be the most widely used restaurant-booking system in Asia and is often integrated within restaurants’ own online reservation systems. They are constantly updating their value-added features such as special offers, seasonal menus and the ability to accumulate ‘Chope Dollars’ which can be redeemed for discounts at restaurants.
This app for selling unwanted items works by simply snapping a pic and uploading it to their listings. You can register an item for sale within minutes and you can pick up a bargain within seconds, too. This app is ever-evolving and has added job search, car search and property search functions to its portfolio.
www.chope.co
Deliveroo Worldwide food ordering giant, Deliveroo, has one of its operations in Singapore. Their web and app service, which is constantly adding new restaurants across the island, allows you to order a variety of cuisines and drink from their restaurant partners and regularly features special offers. www.deliveroo.com.sg
www.sg.carousell.com
Lazada Another well-designed app, which recently sold to the Alibaba group. Lazada's list of items for sale is seemingly limitless. Putting together party bags? Need an inflatable? Looking for some bedding? Lazada has it all. www.lazada.sg
Reebonz
Based in Asia but equally as mighty as competitor, Deliveroo, is Foodpanda. Orders can be made in the same way, online or via their app, from restaurants across the island to be delivered straight to your door.
This website and app sells used high-end luxury items. You could be wearing your Prada for a fraction of the cost and then re-list it. Fancy a change of Rolex? No problem, Reebonz stocks an extensive range of luxury timepieces. Want to sell that diamond ring? You can use Reebonz’s white glove service to have them collect, clean and value your jewels.
www.foodpanda.sg
www.reebonz.com
Delivery
Miscellaneous
Quorier
Osome
This app has to be a favorite for business and personal use. Tap in your request and it will be picked up by a marketplace of couriers who can choose to accept your job. Letters and parcels can be delivered locally and internationally for reasonable rates.
In such a thriving city full of innovative startups, it’s not surprising that there should be an app which takes away the headaches in accounting formalities. They take care of company formation, secretary services and financial accounts. You can also chat with their accountants via the in-app messenger. How Osome is that?
Foodpanda
www.qourier.com
Go Go Van Go Go Van offers same day delivery and can ferry around anything from a letter to a bulkier furniture item. Quotes can be obtained either online or via their app. Prices are competitive, too. www.gogovan.sg
La La Move Similar service to Go Go Van, this app-based service touts itself as an on-demand logistics company. Choose your delivery vehicle based on your item weight, then whether you want immediate delivery or to schedule up to 30 days in advance. Always worth comparing the costs with Go Go Van. www.lalamove.com
Payments Contact-less payment apps, such as DBS PayLah! save you trips to ATMs or fiddling around in your bag to locate your wallet, only to find you don’t have enough cash on you. Just tap and go. www.dbs.com.sg
www.osome.com
Sing Life These guys have created an app and website that offer hassle-free and paperless life insurance. You can get an online quote or speak to one of their advisors via their live chat service. www.singlife.com
Waft Craft and design your dream scent on the gorgeous Waft website, founded and run from Singapore. This site has great user experience as you become a mixologist and assemble your desired scent according to your personality. It also has a gift options, so you can present the experience to a loved one. www.waft.com Dee Allan is the Director of 3C Synergy recruitment consultancy and a qualified freelance copywriter. You can follow her blogs on www.bossbabelady.com
23 ISLAND OF INNOVATION
Singapore American · October 2018
Singaporean Roots By Hannah Wilson
S
ingapore has rapidly developed as a beacon of ingenuity. Whether it’s the Supertrees at Gardens by the Bay, the seamless efficiency of Changi airport or being at the forefront of automated vehicle testing, Singapore has a technological leading edge. It comes as little surprise, then, that many of the inventions that we take for granted today actually have strong connections to this island.
Sound Blaster Three decades ago, playing music through your computer was not a possibility. Then along came the Sound Blaster sound card by Singapore’s Creative Technologies. During the era of IBM PCs and Windows 95, the Sound Blaster was the standard for consumer audio. Since its inception, there have been many incarnations of the product but Sound Blaster remains a legacy name and over 400 million of them have been sold.
The USB Stick The humble thumb drive. One of the most modest-looking, ordinary devices that we take for granted on a daily basis was made right here in Singapore by Trek Technology. IBM initially partnered with the Singapore tech company to produce the first USB flash drives with a capacity of 8MB. However, it wasn’t long before their patent rights were violated by manufacturers copying the design. Fortunately, they eventually started to receive royalties for their work, but not before having to file several lawsuits.
Infrared Fever Screening System In 2003, the world was gripped by news of the outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, or SARS. One of the only ways to combat the epidemic was to contain it and that meant controlling people’s movements. The practicality behind this in countries with large populations seemed insurmountable; how is it possible to measure large groups of people for symptoms of fever? Enter the Infrared Fever Screening System (IFss). Conceptualized in Singapore by Defence Science & Technology Agency and Singapore Technologies Electronics, the system uses thermal imagers where there are large groups of people in transit, such as airports, to detect people emitting high body temperatures. After which, they can be tested with conventional thermometers as secondary confirmation.
Match.com With more than 20 million members and websites serving 37 countries in more than 12 languages, Match.com made nearly US$1.3 billion in revenue in 2017. Other sites currently dominate the dating scene in Singapore but, while it wasn’t designed here, it is little know that Singaporean technology entrepreneur Peng Tsin Ong was very much instrumental in its development. Peng, who co-founded Electric Classifieds, a proof-of-concept project with Gary Kremen, helped him architect the initial system for Match.com. The two built up the internet portal until it went live in 1995. Peng now splits his time between Asia and the US nurturing tech startups and fostering collaborative business opportunities between the two regions.
English teacher Hannah, when not in the classroom, is a nighthawk who loves to explore what Singapore has to offer after dark. Between school semesters she is an avid traveler and enjoys hopping over to neighboring countries in Asia.
RAZER gaming mouse The gaming industry is huge worldwide and those in the gaming community are savvy when it comes to their kit. The RAZER gaming mouse, recognizable by its neon logo on black, is no exception and is often staple equipment among those in the know. Although it started out under Czech technology subsidiary kärna LLC in 1998, the brand was eventually procured and developed in 2005 by Singaporean Min-Liang Tan and Robert Krakoff based in San Francisco.
24 FOOD & DINING
Singapore American · October 2018
Dining with the Wow Factor
Supertree by Indochine
Nestled at the top of a Supertree in Gardens by the Bay is the eponymous Supertree by Indochine restaurant and bar. Diners can opt to sit in the airconditioned lower lounge or on the restaurant rooftop for the stunning 360-degree viewing experience. The menu features a mix of western and Asian dishes from lunch and is open until midnight for late night bites or drinks.
By Bonnie Taylor
T
here’s a whole myriad of places to eat out in Singapore, whether you’re looking for a favorite hawker stall serving up guilty pleasures or somewhere for a lazy weekend brunch. On occasion, though, what we need is a restaurant that offers something just a little more special and Singapore isn’t short of these establishments either. From dining beneath the stars to beneath the waves, foodies are spoiled for choice in this part of the world.
POLLEN Set over two stories in the glass Flower Dome at Gardens by the Bay, POLLEN provides the experience of dining in a light and airy greenhouse while surrounded by exotic flora. Although the two levels have a different feel – the upper level terrace providing a breezy atmosphere from 9:30am while the ground floor offers more elegant dining from lunchtime onwards – both display spectacular views over Marina Bay. The menu is eclectic and dishes are primarily French-Mediterranean but, overall, the kitchen’s main endeavor is to bring fresh, natural flavors to your table with herbs and vegetables being plucked straight from the in-house garden. www.pollen.com.sg
Salt grill and Sky bar
Take the elevator to the 55th floor of the ION Orchard building and you’ll find Salt grill & Sky bar whose towering glass atrium commands unbeatable views over Singapore. During the day the light floods the restaurant and, by night, guests can peer down on the twinkling lights scattered over the urban landscape. Fronted by Australian born Head Chef, Jake Kowalewski, the restaurant has been priding itself on its service of simply and beautifully presented Australian produce since it opened in 2010 and has a selection of over 500 varietal wines to choose from. www.lukemangan.com/restaurants/salt-grill-sky-bar-singapore/
www.indochine-group.com/supertree/
T he Lighthouse Restaurant
The Lighthouse Restaurant & Rooftop Bar atop of The Fullerton Hotel, Singapore, is so called as it’s situated where, years ago, a beacon guided ships to safety on their way to the port. The viewpoint from the same location has now changed almost beyond recognition, but is arguably better for it. The restaurant’s intimate setting has a magnificent vista overlooking the bay and, if you’re able to book a table a little before 8pm, you’ll be treated to Marina Bay Sand’s light show as you dine on Italian cuisine sourced from Campania, Sardinia and Sicily. www.fullertonhotels.com/the-fullerton-hotel/the-lighthouse/
Ocean by Cat Cora
From up in the sky to below the waves is Ocean Restaurant by Cat Cora, located in the S.E.A. aquarium, Sentosa. Guests are treated to an almost hypnotic live show of 100,000 fish, rays and sharks, swimming behind floor-to-ceiling glass panels while they dine on MediterraneanCalifornian cuisine from TV celebrity chef, Cat Cora. Cat is known for her strong beliefs in conservation and the ethos behind the restaurant’s menu is ‘sustainability’, echoing the aquarium’s beliefs, and so the produce brought to your table is sourced ethically. www.rwsentosa.com/en/restaurants/ocean-restaurant-by-cat-cora
Bonnie Taylor, originally from London, moved to Singapore in 2014. She graduated with a BA in English Literature, an MA in Photography and, after ten years in the business sector, picked up her camera and started exploring. When she’s not wining and dining in exotic locations, she freelances as a photographer and writer.
Photos courtesy of Fullerton Hotels, Indochine Group, Luke Mangan and Company, POLLEN, and Resorts World Sentosa.
25 HEALTH & WELLNESS
Singapore American · October 2018
World Mental Health Day: We Need to Talk By Vicky Fagan and Dr. Méli Noël
W
e’re getting better at talking about mental health. Public figures have, in recent years, come forward to open up about their own experiences which, to some degree, has encouraged the rest of us to speak more freely about mental health issues. We’re still not quite there, though. Many find discussing mental health taboo, too complex, too difficult to define and so the danger that it gets swept back under the carpet is still very real. With over a quarter of the world’s population being affected by mental health problems, it’s vital that dialogue continues and campaigns, such as World Mental Health Day on October 10, keep discussions alive. In light of this year’s theme – depression – we asked Dr. Méli Noël at IMC, Jelita, to explain its complexities and talk about the types of mental health issues she sees in the clinic.
Dr. Méli, what do we mean by ‘mental health’? What does the term cover? Mental health is a broad term that includes someone’s emotional, psychological and social well-being. The state of our mental health affects how we think, feel and act. It influences how we handle daily stressors or major life events, how we relate to others, how we make decisions for ourselves or our loved ones. When we experience mental health issues our mood, way of thinking and behavior can be affected. Mental health is influenced by many factors including lifestyle, including exercise, sleep, diet, alcohol, smoking and drug consumption; biochemical factors such as genes, brain chemistry, anemia or under functioning thyroid; and life stressors, which could be work, relationships, major trauma or bereavement.
How often do you see patients with mental health challenges in your clinic? I find that as a general rule, people don’t like to talk to each other about mental health. Despite all the awareness efforts that have been focused on mental health in the past years, it is still very taboo. It shouldn’t be! Suffering from mental health issues is no more shameful or a sign of weakness than being diagnosed with diabetes or high blood pressure. Also, if everyone could be in the shoes of a family doctor for a day, they would see how common mental health issues are. They can affect everyone from children to the elderly and I would say that I see at least two to three patients per day who are currently struggling with or have had mental health issues in the past.
What are the most common mental health issues you see? I would say that, in Singapore, the most common mental health issues that people come and see me for are depression and anxiety. The stress of relocating to a new country, often with being away from family and friends, changing job or having to stop working to follow our spouse, having to settle the kids in a new routine, can all take a toll on someone’s mental health. I also see a lot of teenagers with anxiety or depression triggered by intense pressure to perform in international schools, best friends leaving the country or bullying.
This year theme for World Mental Health Day is ‘depression’. What are the main symptoms of depression? Everyone can experience days of feeling blue, whether it is because it’s been cloudy for a while, or because of missing loved ones who live halfway around the world, or without any identifiable cause. This is normal. Mood swings do happen and they can act as a useful little voice in our heads saying “it’s time to take care of myself a little better, to take some time to do things that I enjoy and be with the people that I love.” However, for some people, the mood just doesn’t swing back up. The days turn into weeks or months and this is when we start thinking about major depressive disorder, or clinical depression. Depression is a disease. It is caused by changes in chemicals in the brain called ‘neurotransmitters’; it is not a choice and it does not mean you are weak, bad or going crazy. Depression is characterized by different symptoms that are present for at least two weeks and represent a change from how someone normally functions. Symptoms can include depressed mood for most of the day every day (feeling sad, empty or being tearful) and loss of interest in activities that you normally enjoy. There could be changes in appetite or sleep pattern (either insomnia or sleeping more than usual), or loss of energy and fatigue. There may be inappropriate feelings of guilt or worthlessness, difficulty thinking or concentrating and, in some cases, recurrent thoughts about death and suicide.
After diagnosis, what support is available for someone suffering from depression? If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with depression, it is really important to maintain close contact and attend frequent follow ups with your family doctor. Family doctors are well equipped to support you and help you navigate the health care system while you are recovering. Sometimes just having an open chat with your family doctor can go a long way and we can give you useful lifestyle advice. We can also carry out basic blood work to confirm or discard any physical cause behind the depression and even prescribe medication if it becomes apparent that it’s needed. In Singapore, we are very fortunate to have amazing psychologists and counselors that can help you and support you on your road to recovery. Again, your family doctor can help connect you with the right person. There are also psychiatrists that can help us navigate the more complex and severe cases or when we might not be sure of the correct diagnosis.
Is there a certain demographic that is more susceptible to depression? First of all, we see twice as many women suffering from depression than men. However, this might be because more women actually seek help for their symptoms. People who have a close relative who suffers from depression
are also more at risk of experiencing it themselves. Other risk factors or potential triggers include having recently experienced a major life event, such as changing or losing a job, divorce, moving, death of a loved one or major medical diagnosis. Lack of social support, using drugs or alcohol in excess and having had depression in the past can also be contributing factors.
What is your advice to someone reading this article who thinks they, or a loved one, may be suffering from depression? If you are experiencing some of the symptoms of depression and are wondering if that diagnosis could fit you, you should talk to your family doctor. We are a great first step on the road to recovery. If making an appointment with your doctor feels like a huge task, reach out to a loved one for help and ask them to bring you to the appointment. Depression feels like it is untreatable and like it will never end, but it’s neither and there are many effective treatments. By seeking help, you are making the first step towards recovery and, eventually, happiness and contentment. Vicky Fagan is Awareness Manager at IMC. Originally from the UK, Vicky has worked in marketing roles in London and Sydney before settling in Singapore. Dr. Méli Noël is based at IMC, Jelita. For more information about IMC, visit: www.imc-healthcare.com
26 AMERICAN ASSOCIATION
Singapore American · October 2018
SINGAPORE AMERICAN NEWSPAPER
A message from the President... When my family and I moved to Singapore over 10 years ago, the island was a very different place. However, one of the many aspects that made it so attractive to us was its forward-thinking and rapid rate of development, whether in science and technology, education or infrastructure. Fast forward a decade and we’re seeing the fruits of its labor. Recently, for example, we saw testing for what will be the world’s first driverless taxis; in June, Changi was awarded the coveted status of the world's best airport for the sixth consecutive year; and you only need to wander through the Supertree Grove in Gardens by The Bay to get a sense of Singapore's futuristic appeal. In October’s Singapore American newspaper, we celebrate the many facets to Singapore’s ingenuity through its theme, ‘Island of Innovation’. Whether it’s discovering inventions that have come from the Little Red Dot that piques your interest, getting the lowdown on the multitude of apps that make living here easy, or marveling at how the Sky Park sitting on top of Marina Bay Sands came to fruition, there is plenty to read about our island’s creativity. Leafing through your copy of SAN you’ll notice that we have a month full of fun and interesting events ahead. Due to the fantastic response at the Willing Hearts volunteering opportunity in September, AAS has scheduled a further two for October. It’s so heartwarming to see our members roll up their sleeves and get involved with the local community, so if you can spare the time on either morning please do register via the AAS website – you’ll be glad you did.
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, Richard Baines, Richard Hartung, Angel Corrigan, Faith Chanda, Alka Chandiramani, Laura Coulter, Vicky Fagan, John Hamalian, Andrei Kurtuy, Dr. Méli Noël, Bill Poorman, Marc Servos, Bonnie Taylor, Hannah Wilson For AAS: Katie Baines
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: Kristen Graff • AWA President: Mel Rice SACAC Chair: Greg Rutledge • SAS Chair: Dr. Chip Kimball
Parents would also be interested to know that a panel of educators from Stamford American International School (SAIS) will be leading discussions on preparing IB, AP and A level students for university, which will be free for AAS members, the SAIS community and AmCham members.
Non-Voting Members:
If paddling out on the water is your scene, our sister organization, the American Dragons dragon boat team, is putting on a taster session for AAS members. We spent a wonderful evening with the Dragons at their club meeting house last month and they have invited us to get on the water with them at the Kallang Reservoir. This is a great bunch of people and it promises to be a fun morning.
PUBLISHER – AMERICAN ASSOCIATION
We are excited to collaborate with The American Club in welcoming back Steve Okun who will be delivering an insightful talk on the upcoming US midterm elections, what’s at stake and the potential political and economic impacts of the election’s outcome. Steve’s presentations are always very well received, so be sure to reserve your seat as spaces fill up quickly.
15 Scotts Road, #03-02 Thong Teck Building, Singapore 228218 T: (+65) 6738 0371 • admin@aasingapore.com • www.aasingapore.com
The highlight of October, though, is closer to the beginning of the month as we take a road trip to Palm Resort Golf & Country Club for this year’s Ambassador’s Cup Golf Tournament. The AAS team has put the finishing touches on the event and the agenda looks incredible. With so many friends and members signed up it’s going to be a fantastic day and we can’t wait to see you there!
SUBSCRIPTION
Have a great month ahead.
US Embassy: Tor Petersen US Military: Rear Admiral Joey Tynch
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.
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.
A subscription to the Singapore American is complimentary 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. Reproduction in any manner, in English or any other language, is prohibited without written permission. The Singapore American welcomes all contributions of volunteer time or written material. The Singapore American is printed by Procomp Printset Pte Ltd, 57 Loyang Drive, Level 3 Annex Building, Singapore 508968.
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 AMERICAN ASSOCIATION
Singapore American · October 2018
HAPPENING IN SINGAPORE Any responder should make further enquiries with the organizer and verify information independently if necessary.
AAS EVENTS
MUSEUMS
ENTERTAINMENT
October 3 Coffee Connexions 10am
October 4 – 31 Presidents Young Talent 2018 Singapore Art Museum www.singaporeartmuseum.sg
October 2 & 3 Sam Smith Singapore Indoor Stadium www.sportshub.com.sg/samsmith2018
October 5 – 28 Think! Contemporary Exhibition 2018 National Library www.singaporeartmuseum.sg
October 13 Il Divo The Star Theatre www.sistic.com.sg
October 6 Kid’s Day Out Singapore Philatelic Museum www.spm.org.sg
October 24 – 28 The Edwards Twins Show Resorts World Theatre www.asiaboxoffice.com
October 6 – 28 Drop-in Activity: Dab and Drag National Gallery Singapore www.nationalgallery.sg
October 27 Jason Mraz National Stadium www.sportshub.com.sg/JasonMraz2018
October 27 ACM After Dark 2018 Asian Civilisations Museum www.acm.org.sg/whats-on/
SPORTS
October 6 Ambassador’s Cup Golf Tournament 10:30am check-in 1:30pm shotgun start October 11 Metworks Happy Hour 6pm October 14 AAS at Willing Hearts 9am October 17 Prepare to Launch! Ready Your Child for University 7pm October 24 AAS at Willing Hearts 9:30am October 25 Tapas en Español 7pm October 28 Paddle with the American Dragons! 10am For more events: www.aasingapore.com
EDUCATION
October 6 Great Eastern Women’s Run 2018 Singapore Sports Hub www.greateasternwomensrun.com
October 2 & 27 Open House GEMS World Academy www.gwa.edu.sg
October 14 Pink Ribbon Walk Singapore Sports Hub www.bcf.org.sg
October 23 - 26 Open House UWCSEA www.uwcsea.edu.sg/open-days-2018
October 21 – 28 WTA Finals Singapore Sports Hub www.wtafinals.com