Since 1958 Singapore American • April 2016
AM ERICAN AS S O CIATION O F S INGAP O RE www.aasingapore.com
American Association.....1-5 Member Discounts..............3 CRCE & Business............. 6-7 Community News...........7-10 Living in Singapore...........12 Travel........................14-15 Transport...................17-23 Education.......................24 Health & Wellness............25 Arts ................................26 Sports..............................27 What's Happening...........27
April 2016
American Association 1-5
Travel 14-15
Health & Wellness 25
Transport 17-23
Check out all the photos of this year's GWB!
Take a foodie trip to St. Croix.
How dangerous is the Zika virus in Singapore?
All you need to know about getting around in Singapore. MCI (P) 185/03/2015
Photo by Natalia Wakula
Fabulous Las Vegas! By Anne Morgan
T
he 83rd George Washington Ball was truly a fabulous evening! The jaw-dropping glamour began as the glittering guests swept into the W Hotel – Sentosa Cove to be photographed in front of a sleek Lamborghini. The razzmatazz continued in the ballroom where guests were treated to fine wine sponsored by Fuji Trading, beer sponsored by Brewerkz and an open bar. Lucky Draw and Silent Auction prizes such as trips, fine art, home décor, jewelry and more helped us hit our goal of raising $30,000 for the Singapore Children’s Society! The proceeds will go towards helping two of the 11 service centers, Student Care Centre and Youth Services. The American Association of Singapore (AAS)
would like to sincerely thank our Lucky Draw and Silent Auction prize donors, corporate sponsors and AAS partners (see logos below) without whom the event would not be possible. Master of Ceremonies and President of the American Association Glenn van Zutphen gave the welcoming remarks and called on the US Color Guard to open the ceremony, followed by a magnificent performance of the Singaporean and American national anthems sung by Singapore American School Senior, Frances van Vuuren. Guests enjoyed a rousing speech from the charismatic US Ambassador to Singapore Kirk Wagar, followed by a sumptuous, four-course dinner. Throughout the evening, Johnny James (aka “Dr. J”) and his
band had the dance floor rocking and guests were mesmerized by mentalist Tom DeVoe. The event’s success is largely due to the work of this year’s GWB committee co-chairs, Tere Aloma and Valerie Brandt, as well as the event committee: Paulina Bohm, Willow Brest, Dana Cheong, Dawn De Pintor, Sabine In de Braekt, Garima Lalwani, Janet Maurillo, Chris Milliken and Kaori Zage. We send an extra thanks to them for their hard work and dedication, which made this event so special and a treasured memory for all. Guests departed the evening with AAS playing cards and keepsake magnet photos sponsored by Allied Pickfords. For photos of the event, turn to pages 4 and 5.
American Association of Singapore's Annual Strategic Partners
2 AMERICAN ASSOCIATION
Singapore American • April 2016
A Message from the President...
SINGAPORE AMERICAN NEWSPAPER EDITORIAL Editor-in-Chief: Melinda Murphy, communications@aasingapore.com Publishing Editor: Toni Dudsak, generalmanager@aasingapore.com
DESIGN & L AYOUT Graphic Designer: Joannah Moon (volunteer), graphics@aasingapore.com
ADVERTISING Advertising Manager: Valerie Tietjen, san.ads@aasingapore.com
CONTRIBUTORS
S
(Dean Martin trying to distract my wife, Kat!)
o, I don’t know what Dino was trying to say to my wife, Kat, in the picture above at the George Washington Ball, but as you can tell, I was none too pleased. Crooners! Seriously, I think everyone had a great time at the GWB in February (see pages 4 and 5 or look at all of the pics on our website). The best part of it all is that thanks to the generosity of all of our ball-goers, we gave a check for $30,000 to the Singapore Children’s Society. Thanks to all of you who made the night a smashing, Fabulous Las Vegas–style success. Of course, we don’t sit around for very long at AAS. Following the GWB, we got right back into a slew of programs: our private Singapore Art Museum tour with docent, Valerie Brandt, the American Association's Annual General Meeting (bowling at The American Club!), a walking tour around old (and new) Singapore with Deputy Chief of Mission, Blair Hall, and a musical Sunday afternoon at The American Club with The Yale Alley Cats, Yale University’s traveling, all-male, a capella group (in conjunction with SACAC and The American Club). And coming up…if you’re one of the individuals or families who will move home this year, we strongly recommend that you attend our AAS repatriation seminar on April 13. You’ll be amazed at how much this event will help you prepare for the move. If you enjoy hitting the links, make sure to sign up for our Ambassador’s Cup Golf Tournament,
sponsored by Shell. We tee-off on Saturday, May 7 at the Palm Resort Golf & Country Club in Senai, Johor, Malaysia at our annual Texas Scramble-format tournament. Played since 1947, this AAS major event is a favorite with golfers and their families who can have a great Saturday (or weekend) across the border. By the way, family-friendly places such as Premium Outlets shopping, LEGOLAND and Hello Kitty Land are nearby for non-golfers. Get your foursome together ASAP. Don’t know anybody? No worries! We’ll help you find a group. Our AAS 100th Anniversary committee is still looking for your ideas on how AAS should celebrate our centenary in 2017. Please send to: AAS100@aasingapore.com. Remember you can read SAN online, if you’re on the go. Also, watch for our weekly AAS email reminder on Sunday in your inbox (If you’re not getting it, contact Holly at the AAS office and she’ll make sure that you do. Her email is admin@aasingapore.com). And please visit us on Facebook or Tweet us: @AmAssocSG, (hashtag #AmAssocSG for all social media). Best,
James Arpin, Andrew J. Aylward, Tom Benner, Faith Chanda, Kevin Cox, Melissa Diagana, Rob Faraone, Andrew Greene, David Gutshall, Andrew Hallam, Richard Hartung, Le Hong Trang, Philip Meehan, Chris Milliken, James Nesbitt, Bill Poorman, Lauren Power, LS Power, Charlotte Reimer, Joe Sergi, Marc Servos, Quinn Tucker, Tannis Walker, Dr. Paul Zakowich American Association: Mary Ferrante, Anne Morgan, Melinda Murphy
A MERICAN ASSOCIATION BOARD MEMBERS President: Glenn van Zutphen • Vice President: Steven Tucker Treasurer: Patrick Jones • Secretary: Stephanie Nash Directors: James Arpin, Joseph Foggiato, Shawn Galey, Mary Beth McCrory and Ana Mims Immediate Past President: David Boden • AmCham Chair: James Andrade American Club President: Scott Weber • AWA President: Tara Eastep SACAC Chair: Stu Wilson • SAS Chair: Catherine Poyen Non-Voting Member: US Embassy: Chahrazed Sioud US Military: Rear Admiral Charles F. Williams
PUBLISHER - A MERICAN ASSOCIATION The American Association of Singapore (AAS) is a professional, not-for-profit organization established to enhance the well-being and living experience of Americans residing in Singapore and to promote relationships, both business and social, between Americans and those from different cultures and nationalities. 10 Claymore Hill, Singapore 229573 T: (+65) 6738 0371 • F: (+65) 6738 3648 E: aas@aasingapore.com • www.aasingapore.com The Singapore American newspaper, a monthly publication with readership of 10,000+, has been published by the American Association of Singapore since 1958, with the purpose of enhancing the expatriate experience in Singapore.
SUBSCRIPTION A subscription to the Singapore American is complimentary with an AAS or CRCE membership. AAS annual family membership is just $70. CRCE membership is $160. To join, visit www.aasingapore.com and have the Singapore American delivered to your home. Reproduction in any manner, in English or any other language, is prohibited without written permission. The Singapore American welcomes all contributions of volunteer time or written material. The Singapore American is printed by Procomp Printset Pte Ltd, 57 Loyang Drive, Level 3 Annex Building, Singapore 508968.
Glenn van Zutphen president@aasingapore.com twitter: @glennvanzutphen
The American Association of Singapore & The American Club Present
2016 Ambassador’s Cup Golf Tournament brought to you by Shell
Texas Scramble Format, All Levels Welcome www.aasingapore.com
May 7, Palm Resort Golf & Country Club Senai, Johor, Malaysia
TEE UP NOW!
Packages include: Continental Breakfast • Lunch • Refreshments and Free-Flow Beer All-Day • Post-Round Cocktails & Snacks • Gala Dinner with Free-Flow Beer & Wine • Goodie Bags and amazing Lucky Draw Prizes
AAS & TAC Members: $295 • Non-Members: $365
To register or for more information visit: www.aasingapore.com
3 AMERICAN ASSOCIATION
Singapore American • April 2016
AAS wednesday
13 april
tuesday
19 april
Upcoming Events
Past Events Museum Tour
Repatriation Talk
A big thank you to museum docent Valerie Brandt for the private VIP tour of the new Singapore Art Museum! It was very interesting learning all about two different exhibitions after enjoying a glass of wine. This was a great opportunity to view Singapore's premier museum of Contemporary Art and contemplate the complex ideas that underlie life in Singapore today and in the future.
Join us for an informative talk aimed at helping you understand the emotional and logistical impacts of moving back which is often said to be harder than moving here. 7-9pm The Residents’ Lounge - 8 on Claymore Serviced Residences 8 Claymore Hill, Level 4 Singapore 228572 Free for AAS Members, $25 Non members
Newbie Night
Want to make some new friends? Get the scoop on life in Singapore? Enjoy a glass of wine? Then please join us for a fun evening of friendship and laughter and bring a friend. 6:30-8:30pm AAS Conference Room 10 Claymore Hill, Singapore 229573 Free for New Members (less than a year); $15 for guests
Annual General Meeting
What a fun Annual General Meeting we had! We talked about business, ate, drank – and bowled! Who knew so many of you are such good bowlers? As always, we are grateful for our members’ continued support.
For more info and to register for an event: www.aasingapore.com
Walking Tour
This special historical tour led by Deputy Chief of Mission Blair Hall gave amazing insight to both Singapore’s contemporary sites and historical districts! Thank you, Blair, for taking us for a walk from Marina Bay along the Singapore River and Telok Ayer to Smith Street's hawker stalls in Chinatown. We learned so much and had fun, to boot!
Repatriation Talk Join us for an informative talk aimed to help you to understand the emotional and logistical impacts of moving back.
Wednesday, April 13, 7 - 9pm
Brunch with The Yale Alley Cats
The absolutely amazing, all-male a cappella show wowed our members at The American Club Poolside! With roots in jazz, their repertoire included some Motown, pop, classical and more. The Yale Alley Cats have performed for presidents, royalty and celebrities and now for us! Such a wonderful and unique experience!
8 on Claymore Serviced Residences 8 Claymore Hill, Level 4, Singapore 228572 AAS Members: Free • Non-Members: $25 Includes a glass of wine and finger food.
For more information: www.aasingapore.com
AAS MEMBER DISCOUNTS
AAS members enjoy discounts at a range of local businesses. Present your AAS membership card at time of purchase. Please see a full list of discounts at www.aasingapore.com/member-discounts.
Two hours free handy-man service worth more than $200 when you book your move with Allied Pickfords. Call 6862 4700.
Present AAS membership card to receive 15% off total bill. Valid for dine in on a la carte menu at all Brewerkz and Cafe Iguana restaurants from January 4-December 30, 2016. Limit to one (1) redemption per bill, per table. Not valid on concert days, eve of and on public holidays. Not valid with lunch menu, other set menus, discounts, vouchers, promotions or privileges. The management reserves the right to amend the terms & conditions without prior notice.
Get a six-month free membership to Expat Living magazine. Redeem: www.expatliving.sg/aas
FIRST DRINK FREE – every day, every visit for AAS members. Valid on house pours until December 31, 2016. Show your membership card at the bar to claim. Check out their new location at: 32 South Buona Vista
Receive a 10% discount on a one-year membership.
Present your AAS membership card and receive $10 in vouchers when you sign up for a Warehouse Club membership. Valid till November 30, 2016.
Singapore American • April 2016
CORPORATE TABLE SPONSORS
BEVERAGE SPONSORS
ANNUAL STRATEGIC
COMPANIES AND
PARTNERS
LOGISTICS PARTNER PengWine UNIQUE, BOUTIQUE VINOS DE CHILE
Singapore American • April 2016
Photos by Erick Lo, Natalia Wakula
INDIVIDUALS FOR THEIR GENEROUS CONTRIBUTIONS!
SPECIAL THANKS TO THE GWB COMMITTEE
Bottega S.p.A.
Ishka
Stranded Villas Bali
Casey Inc. Hair & Beauty
KOP Hospitality Pte Ltd
Taylor B. Fine Design Group
Clessidra
Mars Singapore
Club 21 Pte Ltd
The American Club
Curtis and Annie Pangle
Covetella
Ploh
Cutis Medical Laser Clinics
Procomp Printset Pte Ltd
Tom DeVoe
Royal Selangor
Expat Dental
Sara Taseer Fine Jewellery
Gifts 'N' Design Grand Vin
SkinCeuticals from L'Oreal Singapore Pte Ltd
Heartland Golf Schools
Silverworks
CO- CHAIRS TERE ALOMA & VALERIE BRANDT COMMITTEE
To Be Calm Tucker Medical US Embassy Valerie G. Brandt Interiors Vintage Wine Warehouse Rishik S. Vishwanathan W Singapore - Sentosa Cove
PAULINA BOHM
GARIMA LALWANI
WILLOW BREST
JANET MAURILLO
DANA CHEONG
CHRIS MILLIKEN
DAWN DE PINTOR
KAORI ZAGE
SABINE IN DE BRAEKT
CAREER RESOURCE CENTER FOR EXCELLENCE
Singapore American • April 2016
PERSONAL & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
"LIFE IS LIKE RIDING A BICYCLE. TO KEEP YOUR BALANCE, YOU MUST KEEP MOVING " ALBERT EINSTEIN
IN CONVERSATION WITH TANNIS WALKER
Tell us about yourself. My husband and I relocated to Singapore from Toronto, Canada in August 2014. He had a wonderful career opportunity and we were both up for the adventure of a lifetime! Although I am an avid traveler, this is my first experience living overseas. While in Canada, I worked as a professional fundraiser for more than 15 years. My work has always been a tremendous driver in my life. I’ve always felt so lucky to give back to the communities in which I live. How long did it take to find your job? My job search lasted close to one year. My success was based on creating a network that introduced me to the philanthropic community in Singapore. This process alone took close to six months. What is your current role and basic responsibilities? I am the Assistant Director, Campaigns at the National Cancer Centre Singapore (NCCS). My role is focused on developing the strategy for an upcoming fundraising campaign. Stay tuned for our big announcement in 2016! I’m also responsible for developing our Major Gifts and Corporate Partnerships programs, alongside to mentoring the junior fundraisers.
How did you hear about CRCE? Upon my arrival to Singapore, I researched a number of professional organizations, consulates and expat associations. I'm Canadian and the American Association's multicultural CRCE was the right choice for me. AAS has members from all nationalities. The CRCE program offered a number of seminars that appealed to my need to understand my new home and helped me adapt my approach to finding equivalent employment in Singapore. Share with us your experiences as a member of AAS & CRCE? Alongside to attending many CRCE seminars, my husband and I have also enjoyed attending the social events at AAS. My added bonus was meeting a dear friend through CRCE! It was terrific to find likeminded career women through the program. From your job search experience, what do you think would be useful to share with others? In my experience, persistence was key and learning not to take anything too personally! There were many ups and downs, but my persistence paid off. I eventually had three offers before I accepted my current role. Any other experiences you would like to share with the readers? My job search was a lesson in resilience, but it also gave me a head start in understanding cultural differences and approaches to business relationships. I am grateful for the time spent to find the right role and all lessons learned.
Photo by Francis Leong, NCCS CORRECTION In the March issue of Singapore American Newspaper, Francis Vaillant was inadvertently identified as Frank. Our apologies.
CRCE APRIL WORKSHOPS Career Assessment and SelfReinvention during Expatriation Speaker: Aude Beneton & Severine Charzat Friday, April 15 10am – 12pm Tell Your Career Story! Speaker: Roger Grant Wednesday, April 20 10am – 12pm Ace Your Interview Speaker: Alka Chandiramani Friday, April 22 10am – 12:30pm Don't Send Your Resume! Speaker: Dan Gedal Friday, April 29 10am – 12pm
Are you an employer with an opening to fill? Did you know employers can list jobs for free on the CRCE job board? Log onto www.aasingapore.com to find out more.
LOOKING TO REINVENT YOURSELF? AAS OFFERS PERSONALIZED CAREER COUNSELING SERVICES. SIGN UP NOW FOR A PRIVATE APPOINTMENT WITH A PROFESSIONAL CAREER ADVISOR. PLEASE CONTACT CRCE.INFO@AASINGAPORE.COM
SPOTLIGHT ON JOBS Private Client – Insurance Consultant Outgoing, friendly, confident and salesminded individuals will succeed in this role. Job Responsibilities include: provide front-end sales and ongoing client relationship management; disseminate product information to clients in a clear, informative and helpful manner; conduct analysis to match client needs with products. (job #3250) Accounting Manager You will be working in a family-friendly environment with a very diverse set of colleagues, providing quality customer service to clients from a variety of industries and nationalities. You will coordinate and coach a team of accountants and work with CEO on client support & continuous improvement. Knowledge of Singapore Tax, GST, CPF and filing requirements is required. The successful candidate will be a meticulous and organized individual who is able to work independently and as part of a team. (job #3249) Curriculum Developer A leader in communication skills and leadership development is seeking an individual for the role of Curriculum Developer. Candidates are preferably degree holders with at least 3-5 years of business experience. The applicant should have: knowledge and experience in instructional design and curriculum development; understanding of industry standards and models for curriculum development; experience in Outcome Based Curriculum design (OBC). OBC includes defining, organizing, focusing and directing all aspects of a curriculum that we want learners to successfully demonstrate. (job #3248) Administrator/Scheduler The role covers support for planning, scheduling and management of classes, trainers, kitchen events, web site updates and some administration work. Required skills include: excellent Word, Excel and PowerPoint skills; ability to work under pressure and multi-task when necessary; attention to detail and exceptional organizational abilities. (job #3247) Admissions and Family Liaison Officer This school is looking to recruit an Admissions and Family Liaison Officer to join its team. The successful candidate will be reporting to the Director of Admissions and Marketing and will be responsible for delivering a professional Admissions experience for families enquiring and applying to DCIS. The Admissions Officer and Family Liaison Officer will also work with current families to develop word of mouth marketing for the school with the ultimate aim of increasing visits and applications from prospective students and their families. (job #3245) International Admissions Counselor An international education counseling company is seeking talented individuals to serve as Counselors on our Undergraduate Admissions and Graduate & Career Services teams. Counselors work directly with students, providing mentorship to develop their intellectual curiosity, extra-curricular impact, and readiness for college or graduate school. Competitive candidates will be able to thrive in a dynamic business environment and share our commitment to providing clients with high quality professional, ethical and motivational advice as they navigate the American college or graduate school application process. Full-time positions are based in Beijing, China. (job #3244)
7 COMMUNITY NEWS
Singapore American • April 2016
Brokerages Slam the Door
Tax Payer Beware
By Andrew Hallam
By Andrew J. Aylward
A
couple of months ago, an American woman living in Singapore sent me an email. “I have investments with Morgan Stanley in the US,” she wrote. “My broker says he can no longer do business with US citizens who live in Singapore.” Many US brokerages and mutual fund companies are starting to do the same. The Wall Street Journal published an article in 2014 titled, “Fidelity Bans US Investors Overseas from Buying Mutual Funds.” Before 2007, American expats could open accounts with Vanguard. Today, they can’t. Singapore-based Americans now have fewer options. Many foreign countries, including Singapore, charge low (or no) capital gains taxes. Inviting US expats to foreign trading accounts could upset the IRS, especially if the money isn’t declared. That’s why many foreign brokerages won’t allow Americans. Closing US-based brokerage doors to expats, however, forces some people to climb into basement windows. Many build offshore portfolios through firms like Friends Provident International, Zurich International Life, Generali and Royal London 360. Such firms still welcome everyone. Many are located on the Isle of Man. It's a low-tax haven. These companies are like three-pronged hooks. When adding up platform fees and fund costs, investors pay four percent or more in annual fees. That’s 17 times more than Vanguard charges for its balanced index fund. Investors who catch on to the high-cost burden find themselves stuck. In many cases, they can’t sell (penalty free) before a predetermined date. That could be 25 years away. The IRS also whacks these investors. Tony Noto is a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) who started
his business in Shanghai, China. Now based in Hawaii, he’s a specialist with US expatriates. He says, “Americans are usually best served avoiding offshore investments such as offshore pensions and foreign domiciled investment funds, due to disadvantages like PFIC (Passive Foreign Investment Companies) tax treatment and increased reporting requirements.” In Madison, Wisconsin, David Kuenzi is a CFP with Thun Financial Advisors. He says that the IRS taxes all PFIC gains (capital gains and dividends) at 39.6 percent. That’s the highest ordinary income tax rate. “In some cases, the total tax on a PFIC investment may rise to well above 50 percent.” So what’s the solution? I called US brokerages such as Scottrade, eTrade, Capital One and Schwab. The first three said that they don’t want expats. Last year, Americans in Singapore could open accounts with Schwab. That’s not true today. One firm, however, seems to keep flashing green: Interactive Brokers, an American discount brokerage. They accept US expat clients from just about anywhere. They won’t hold your hand or give financial planning advice. They will, however, let you build a low cost portfolio of stocks or exchangetraded funds. Trading commissions are also low. TDAmeritrade Asia is another option. They now have an office in Singapore, also offering American expats access to stocks and ETFs that trade on US markets. Some doors shut, as others open. Andrew Hallam is the author of The Global Expatriate's Guide to Investing and Millionaire Teacher. He writes personal finance columns for The Globe and Mail and for AssetBuilder, a US-based investment firm.
T
ax Season is upon us! At what is surely a stressful time of year, many of you likely have tax-related questions. If you need a tax preparer, please consult the Embassy website http://singapore.usembassy.gov/tax_preparer_ in_singapore for a list of local professionals who can help you file your taxes. Unfortunately, the regional IRS tax assistance office in Beijing recently closed, which means the “Tax Road Shows” some of you may remember have also ended as have the tax events AAS once held. As a substitute, you can find a wealth of tax-related advice and information at www.irs.gov or at http://singapore.usembassy.gov/us_income_taxes.html. One recent development, of which you should be aware, is the increased number of tax-related internet scams. There has been a dramatic uptick in emails designed to trick taxpayers into thinking they have received official communications from the IRS or others tax-related entities. These phishing schemes solicit a wide range of information related to refunds, filing status or personal information such as your PIN or password. Watch out for links that take you to officiallooking websites that ask for Social Security numbers and other personal information. These sites may spread malware, which can infect your computer, allow criminals to access your files or track your keystrokes to gain information. According to the IRS, there has been a 400 percent increase in reported phishing and malware schemes this tax season! If you receive suspicious or unsolicited email that appears to be from either the IRS
e-services portal or an organization closely linked to the IRS, send it to phishing@irs.gov. Please note the IRS generally does not initiate contact with taxpayers by email to request personal or financial information. Recent email examples of phishing emails include subject lines or references to : • Numerous variations about people's tax refund. • Update your filing details, which can include references to W-2. • Confirm your personal information. • Get my IP pin or my e-file pin. • Order a transcript. • Complete your tax return information. So, remain vigilant when it comes to your online presence this tax season. Please consult the following IRS resources for more information: • www.irs.gov/identitytheft • Fact Sheet 2016-3, "IRS Identity Theft Victim Assistance: How It Works" • Fact Sheet 2016-4, "How New Identity Security Changes May Affect Taxpayers for 2016"
8 COMMUNITY NEWS
Singapore American • April 2016
The First Campout By James Nesbitt We started the next morning with pancakes and juice boxes and then cleaned up the campsite (one of the Scout teachings is “Leave no trace”) before loading up the cars. As I luxuriated in the air-conditioning of the car on the way home, I couldn’t help but think how important it is to create these kinds of memories. And before we had even pulled onto the highway, my son asked me when we were going to go camping again. Mission accomplished! Photos by Seok Lau
C
amping is one of the many great Cub Scout traditions. It teaches planning, organizing and, most of all, fun in the great outdoors. Camping in Singapore is no exception, although here you find yourself wishing that portable air-conditioners were more readily available! In January, Cub Scouts Pack 3017 camped at the Sarimbun Scout Camp grounds. More than 100 tents were set up and more than 200 Cubs and parents participated. After setting up base camp and organizing provisions, we kicked-off our activities and the boys divided their time between orienteering, knot tying, kick ball, tug-of-war and learning about First Aid. In
the late afternoon, a crack of thunder drove us under cover. This was the perfect cue to for everyone to head back to their camp sites to prepare dinner. With bellies filled, everyone moved to the camp fire area where the Boy Scouts of Troops 07 and 10 (who actively support our campout each year) prepared a fire and taught fire safety. They even stoked the fire while the Cubs presented skits and songs. As Cub Master, I may have had a bucket of water thrown at me at one point (or perhaps I was just drenched in my own sweat; I can’t be certain). We finished the night with S'mores, before turning in for the night.
Preserving the Past By Andrew Greene
O
ver Chinese New Year, 15 members of Troop 07 went on an extremely rewarding campout to Corregidor Island in the Philippines. Corregidor is a small island located at the mouth of the Manila Bay, about 50 miles from Manila. This island played an important role in WWII history. It was strategically controlled by the US which was key to the protection of Australia and New Zealand, as well. Sadly, this island fell to the Japanese. Afterwards, Corregidor was
the beginning of the Bataan Death March in which the Japanese made the surrendered American soldiers, wounded and not, walk 65 miles to Mariveles, on the southern end of the Bataan Peninsula. This killed a total of 10,000 men. While there, we met two other Troops from the Philippines for a fun-filled weekend that included a History Walk, Scavenger Hunt Tour, Beach Clean-Up and a Restoration Project. Most of the Scouts had fun working on the Beach Clean-Up. It was a lot of hard work, but rewarding as we spent three hours making the island a cleaner and healthier place to live by removing trash and other debris from the beach. The Scouts filled at least 20 large trash bags of all kinds of debris, including objects that you would expect, but also many that you would not. The surprising objects were: shoes, sea sponges, medical debris and styrofoam. While the majority of the group was cleaning the beach, another group was repainting the guns from the original Army fort. What an amazing opportunity for these Scouts to be able to participate in the upkeep of an important piece of history! This group was comprised of the Scouts who are current members of, or who have been newly elected to, the Order of the Arrow. Order of the Arrow is an Honor Society of Boy Scouts.
Both groups of Scouts felt a sense of accomplishment after completing the projects. We all felt proud and tired after cleaning one mile of the beach stretch. We also felt honored because we helped preserve the historical significance of this island. We also lived up to the Scout Outdoor Code and helped to preserve the beauty of this island.
SCOUTING IN SINGAPORE Boy Scouts Troop 07: www.bsatroop07.org Boy Scouts Troop 10: www.facebook.com/BSATroopX Cub Scouts Pack 3010: sgcubscoutpack3010@gmail.com Cub Scouts: www.scouts3017.com Girl Scouts: www.singaporeusagirlscouts.org
9 COMMUNITY NEWS
Singapore American • April 2016
A Man on a Mission By LS Power
T
he Navy League partnered with local sponsors to bring Andy Stumpf, a true American hero, to Singapore. Andy, a former US Navy SEAL, continues to risk his life to serve those willing to die for their country. Andy’s military career with the elite Navy Seal Team 6 ended with a bullet in Afghanistan. Now a retired Navy Lieutenant after 17 years of service, he raises money for the Navy SEAL Foundation, an organization dedicated to providing support to the families of deceased service men and women. “The US military is great at supporting families for the first year after the death of the service man, but it doesn’t do much after that,” says Andy. The Navy SEAL Foundation helps to fill the gaps by providing services like education on money management and childcare. It is enduring care that will remain steadfast. “I knew most of the [Navy SEALs] that died between 9/11 and today. I knew all of the guys on the helicopter that went down,” Andy says, reflecting on the tragic incident in which Extortion 17 was shot down on a mission in Afghanistan in 2011. Injury forced Andy to leave Navy SEAL Team 6 shortly before that mission, which claimed the lives of all Andy’s previous teammates. “Tactics before 9/11 were theoretical,” Andy explains. “We had to transition from a force that was diving once a week to a force that would be in the desert 80% of the time. We discovered we were woefully unprepared for the battle space.” Fortunately for the US Navy SEALs, they
are trained to adapt. “You don’t learn anything in SEAL training. They are looking for a personality type they can hone,” says Andy. “They sharpen certain qualities like a knife. We are problem solvers.” Andy continues to adapt and fight, risking his life by breaking world records in wingsuit jumps. Andy garnered much respect and support during his visit to Singapore and looks forward to returning later in 2016. The Singapore Chapter of the US Navy League would like to extend a special thank you to everyone who came out to support Andy, especially Simon Moore and Andy’s family, who helped make this event possible. To learn more about Andy, donate to his cause and watch his video, “Man on a Mission,” please visit Andy’s webpage at: www.gofundme.com/NSFmanonamission
Premium Sponsor
Corporate Partners
Photo courtesy of Leo Simon and SkullCandy
Beverage Sponsors
10 COMMUNITY NEWS
Singapore American • April 2016
Purple Flowers in Tanzania
Diversity and Inclusion
By Charlotte Reimer
By Le Hong Trang
M
ixing and pouring cement. Carrying buckets of water. Mortaring and passing cement blocks up and down an assembly line for three days. Our Interim Semester trip to Tanzania would typically send most teenagers screaming in the other direction. I flew 20 hours from Singapore to Tanzania with 19 other Singapore American School students and our teachers. We stayed in a village called Njoro near the city of Arusha, worked at a local primary school on a dining hall construction site and taught English to the students. We lived with two of the kindest people you could ever meet: Mamma Anna who hugged us without fail every time we saw her and Baba Reuben who, even in his retirement, was trying to improve any aspect of life he could for his village. At the end of each day as we all trudged back to Mama and Baba’s house, bruised and tired, we chatted eagerly about the progress we made and the effort it took. As our foundation slowly took shape, head mason Manyada explained to us that not only were we helping to build a sanitary place for their children to eat lunch, but also a much-needed space for the tight-knit community to gather and celebrate important moments in their lives such as weddings, christenings and funerals. The air rang with the constant exchange of Swahili and English. It was always a good measure of how badly you were butchering something in Swahili by how much the ten-year-olds giggled at you. The universal languages of laughter and soccer bonded us and, at any moment, at least three children
were hanging off an SAS student, learning how to use their camera, playing hairdresser or teaching us a new clapping game or song. On our last day, the school principal and village officials surprised us with a ceremony and thanked us for our contribution to the school and community. Each SAS student and teacher was wreathed with a garland of purple flowers by students who had all picked and sewn them together for us. I waved to Vivienne, one of the girls with whom I’d spent a lot of time teaching and playing, and thought about how much Njoro was giving us in return for the short time we were lucky enough to work there. Photos by Siobhan Kelly, Catherine Danielson
D
iversity has gained more prominence in recent years in the business domain. Companies witness a growing degree of diversity in many dimensions, from race and nationality to gender and background. Business leaders are learning the opportunities and challenges brought about by diversity prove critical to business success. In celebration of African American History Month, AmCham’s event, “Prospering through Diversity,” offered insights from Junie Foo, Head of Corporate Banking of Bank of Tokyo Mitsubishi UFJ; John Mims, Managing Director of the Hunting Ridge Group; Bianca Stringuini, Head for Diversity and Inclusion of JP Morgan Chase Asia Pacific and Pamela Wigglesworth, Managing Director of Experiential. Throughout the session, the speakers discussed multiple forms of diversity in the business context and how it will translate to business success. For example, women in management roles benefit business, which
explains current efforts to increase the percentage of women in board positions. Likewise, embracing diversity also contributes to better products for various market segments. It is open to question whether the need for diverse people in management positions may come at the expense of the most capable person for the job, therefore compromising companies’ performance. However, meritocracy and business profit is still at the core of business management. Ultimately, each and every individual is bound by his or her responsibility to bring economic value to the company. With the major goal for companies to shift away from diversity toward inclusion, it is important to know how to incorporate inclusion in strategic business development. Inclusion is not only a cultural end itself, but also serves as a means to an economic endpoint. Companies should implement inclusion strategies on both an organizational and personal level, as well as through both a bottom-up and top-down approach to achieve effective inclusion and generate desired economic value.
Photo courtesy of US Embassy Singapore
Singapore American • April 2016
12 LIVING IN SINGAPORE
Singapore American • April 2016
Down Memory Lane By Marc Servos
T
he rickshaw is an East Asian icon of a bygone era, as seen in many old photographs. Trishaws, derived from the rickshaw, are part of Singapore’s cultural heritage. Today, however, they are mostly tourist attractions. Several theories exist on the origins of the rickshaw dating from the mid-1800’s which include the likelihood of Japanese and even a few American inventors. Some say they evolved from the Chinese, two-seat sedan chair. Others believe an American missionary in Japan named Jonathan Gable (sources vary on the surname as also Goble or Scobie) built one to transport his invalid wife. The more accepted theory is that it was invented in Japan around 1869, after the ban on wheeled vehicles was lifted there in 1868. The word “rickshaw” originates from the Japanese word jinrikisha, which literally means “human-powered vehicle.” The rickshaw made its appearance in Singapore in 1880, in an era when ox-driven, two-wheeled bullock carts and horse-drawn gharries dominated Singapore’s roads. Soon, rickshaws offered many unskilled Chinese immigrants employment. However, the rickshaw puller worked long, hard hours. He made 60 cents a day (which didn’t increase until the 1920s). But the use of the rickshaw prevailed, driving the use of gharries into demise. The number of rickshaws increased in the early 20th century,
even when the automobile became more prevalent. In 1920, there were approximately 50,000 rickshaws in Singapore and that number doubled by 1930. During that period, the Rickshaw Association union was formed to protect the welfare of the rickshaw pullers. Tail lights were required by the early 1900s and rear reflectors mandatory in 1939. Trishaws first appeared in Singapore in 1914 and gradually took over the role or rickshaws. The initial batch, 15 “pedal rickshaws” (crudely-made chairs bolted to tricycle frames), didn’t last long on Singapore’s streets. An American company’s attempt to export 500 units to Singapore later that year was rejected by the British authorities, due to road safety considerations. Exactly when trishaws were reintroduced in Singapore remains unclear, but the use of them existed during the Japanese Occupation, as seen in war-time photographs. They prevailed after World War II, particularly after rickshaws were banned in 1947, and were built locally during this period. Dimensions of trishaws were regulated by the Municipal Commission in 1946 and again in 1948. Like the rickshaw pullers, the early trishaw peddlers were Chinese male immigrants, many being former rickshaw pullers. A number of regulations were imposed on the trishaw industry, including the licensing of peddlers. These contributed to the decline of the use of trishaws during the 1950’s, hastened after independence in 1965. Today, you can enjoy this icon of Singapore’s heritage by taking a trishaw ride. They are mainly found in the quaint, touristy areas such as Chinatown, Little India, Bugis and the Singapore River.
The Royal Air Force in the far east 1945–1946
A Chinese rickshaw puller posing with his rickshaw in Medan, 1936
Photos courtesy of: Blog to Express, Collectie Stichting Nationaal Museum van Wereldculturen and Imperial War Museum.
Entrance of the Raffles Hotel on Beach Road, Singapore, 1932
Marc Servos is married to a Singaporean and has been living here for a number of years. The Indiana native is a real estate agent and a US Army veteran.
Jinrickshaw pullers with passengers , 1930
Singapore American • April 2016
Singapore American • April 2016
By Kevin Cox
S
t. Croix, US Virgin Islands. The name alone evokes idyllic images of pristine beaches, swaying palms and cold cocktails with fancy umbrellas. But there is so much more to this triplet sister in the family of paradise islands that form the US Virgins. It’s not just the turquoise blue of the Caribbean in front of stunning hotels; it’s the people, Crucians, who hold their society dear and work hard to both preserve and advance their uniqueness. And a proud part of what makes this place special? The food. Not long after checking into the beautiful, iconic Buccaneer Resort to explore the island’s inaugural Dine VI Restaurant Week, I headed into St. Croix’s main event: Christiansted. Here, the Caribbean laps against a quay at water’s edge beside the yellow glow of the town’s namesake fort. Old cobblestone streets lead to many small eateries beneath colored archways of stone and coral dating back to 19th century Danish colonialists. Wafting aromas of spice and curry pulled at me as I searched for pastel paintings of NBA star Tim Duncan on an outside wall. “Just ask anyone about the place with the basketball player,” I was told. And it’s true; everyone knows Harvey’s. At Harvey’s Restaurant, the mismatched tablecloths and potpourri of pictures are unapologetically authentic. Equally local is the outstanding food, such as Stew Goat in coconut-curry broth, Pot Fish swimming in an earthy sour gravy or the favored Old Wife, a fish stew replete with bones, sandpaper skin and remarkable flavor. Sides of “provisions” including fungi (a cornmeal and okra mash) complete every plate. And for the fruity burn of scotch bonnet sauce, Miss Harvey will guide you to its ethereal meaning. It doesn’t take long before you sense an energy, electric in the air, that is spinning around the food of St. Croix. It’s a culinary renaissance that’s all about local cuisine. And Dine VI Restaurant Week is leading it, encompassing more than 30 dining options highlighting the best of street food, forever-old local cuisine and high-end “New Crucian” cooking. This gustatory explosion has already attracted the attention of the James Beard Foundation and chefs throughout the Americas. Now everybody wants to be part of what’s cooking in St. Croix. Even the food trucks are pulling in and at the first-ever Frederiksted Food Truck Festival, more than a dozen lined the main drag of St. Croix’s second city between the colonial architecture and a grassy park slipping into the sea. From homemade mace and nutmeg ice cream to local fried fish, jerk chicken, goat roti and latino specialties, the food at this first-time festival surpassed all expectations. Local island musicians like “Pressure” raised the street party of more than a thousand people to a fever pitch as a common, excited whisper swept through the crowd: “Just wait until next year when this will be REALLY big. The thing about St. Croix that makes it stand apart from many Caribbean destinations is that the
people here welcome the tourist dollar, but do not live for it, so the exploding world of food is designed more for Crucians than for tourists which explains why the new Cast Iron Pot Restaurant is in a repurposed building, along an inland artery of local businesses. One taste of Chef Burton Peterson’s curried goat, slow-roasted pork or marinated whole fish and I began to understand how talented chefs are doing new things with old recipes in order to carry them forward into the future without leaving their Crucians past behind. Part of that past has Hispanic origins, and Villa Morales embraces those flavors. Open to the island’s deep interior, the food focuses on local ingredients and technique with a splash of robust Latino rhythm. Like the Conch Cooked 2 Ways, a battle of sublime Crucian and Latin tastes, held at bay by the most tender of rice and yucca. Crazy. To miss St. Croix’s local food in its local settings is to miss St. Croix’s soul. Still, tourists hungry for elegance are not ignored and at Zion Modern Kitchen where the food is distinctly upscale and continental, with local ingredients adorning every gorgeous plate without any need for special effects of stacked towers and flavored foam. But it’s the bar here that really excites, where twenty-something master mixologist, Frank Robinson, defies his youth by the drinks he concocts. The corners of his eyes narrow as he asks about your palate and you realize it’s time to get serious. You might answer with a conflicting, “Savory, spicy heat and warming Asian essence with cooling fruitiness that’s a little sweet, kind’a sour, but not bitter or cloying.” “Cool,” he’ll say, glancing at his homemade fermented infusions. He’ll mix, taste, mix some more and then slide a tallboy across the thick wooden bar, “Give this a try.” And in one sip you’ll taste his magic: fire and ice, love and war, frivolity with a hint of longing nostalgia. And just as you name your drink “My life in a glass,” Frank might grin and ask, “So what’s next?” and you’ll realize it’s gonn’a be a long night. Dine VI Restaurant Week was an amazing odyssey of St. Croix’s flavor profiles, from Blue Water Terrace’s remarkable fried chicken and elevated view of Buck Island off the coast, to healing gospel-singing seafood brunches by the beach; from johnny cakes and salt fish for breakfast to sunset wine parties and sticking my fingers in a gush of
unfiltered Cruzan Rum straight from the distillery’s oak barrels. But more than just showcasing some of St. Croix’s great restaurants with astonishingly inexpensive prix-fix menus, Dine VI revealed the magic of Crucian food and the people who cook it. The tastes offered at this inaugural event, sure to more than triple in size next year, reminded me that the excitement of today’s good-food explosion is not within the purview of just the world’s iconic cities, but also of smaller places like St. Croix, where culture rather than glitz is the guiding principle and the food is made by the people, for the people. And it will knock your socks off.
Photos by Kevin Cox Kevin Cox is a culinary explorer and writer in the US and Asia. For five years, Kevin roamed Singapore’s heartlands, making them his home and their food his obsession. Now, he’s back in America, discovering the many tasty neighborhoods there. He loves to get low to the ground and experience how people live and what they eat, yearning for authenticity in the food and passion by those who make it.
Singapore American • April 2016
Sa lt k ee
Cr on .C St ix ro -a pi e ec p of ad
ar . ise
Cl g
in
n ea e
th ca h
tc d
oo
-f is ca
lo la nd al
sm ca
l-s le on .
ix
ro
.C
St ew
St at go ith
w s.
on isi ov pr sh ni Da e ur ct ix. ite ro ch . C ar St al in ni ls lo ai co rev p
The US Virgin Islands are an international destination and offer more than the usual antiseptic hotels and predictable food found elsewhere. So plan your next visit during Dine VI Restaurant Week 2016, when it expands into a month-long event on all three of the US Virgin Islands: St. Croix, St. John and St. Thomas. Don’t miss this special place and its outstanding cuisine. For information click over to: www.dine.vi. St. Croix’s north coast untouched beauty.
Singapore American • April 2016
17 TRANSPORT
Singapore American • April 2016
Convenience at a Cost By Bill Poorman
E
ven though Singapore has a wide variety of public transport, having a car remains a real convenience. Sometimes, it’s a time saver, useful for quick trips to the store or cutting out some of the downtime of public transit. Other times, it’s just easier to drive when you have to pick up people or packages. And, honestly, if you’re in a lazy mood and don’t feel like walking, sitting in your own personal space (complete with air con) is pretty attractive, especially during the rainy and haze seasons. But in Singapore, all of those perks are going to cost you big time and that’s on purpose. As part of a national environmental plan called Sustainable Singapore Blueprint 2015, Singapore wants to preserve its limited land area by keeping the number of cars and the kilometers of roadway as low as possible. Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong affirmed this commitment to
creating a “car-lite” city during the launch of the blueprint in November of 2014. "We have to rely less on cars on the roads because we cannot keep on building roads, more roads for more cars. So we will provide more options for Singaporeans that are better than cars." Those options include expansions of the commuter rail and bus networks, promoting bicycling and car-sharing services and even trying to create new business districts that are closer to where people live. But along with those carrots, come the sticks. A variety of policies are designed to squash the attractiveness of owning a car in Singapore, mostly by making it really expensive. Probably the most well-known disincentive is the Certificate of Entitlement (COE) system. You cannot own or drive a car in Singapore unless you have a COE. You’re free to
buy one, but the government limits the number of certificates, then prices them through an open bidding process. They don’t come cheap and the cost of the car comes on top of that. Singapore uses other disincentives, too, like road taxes, duties on petrol and the Electronic Road Pricing (ERP) system. The ERP system tries to discourage driving into congested areas during peak times by charging for the right to enter that part of town. Starting in 2020, ERP will even launch into space. Singapore’s Land Transport Authority recently announced that companies had been picked to create a satellite-based system that would cover the entire island. If you drive, they will find you, and they will charge you accordingly. All of these efforts will add up to making the cost of other transport options (in terms of both money and time) way more attractive in comparison to owning a car. And while you might have a car now, just know that Singapore is committed to eventually getting you to put it in the car park for good. Photo by William Notowidagdo Bill Poorman is a part-time writer and a car-owner (but only thanks to a supportive expat package).
For more about COEs in Singapore, be sure to pick up the 14th edition of Living in Singapore, due out next month.
18 TRANSPORT
Singapore American • April 2016
The Ten-Year Dilemma
Vehicular Euthanasia
By Richard Hartung
By Rob Faraone
T
his year we face a dilemma. Our car is almost 10 years old, so we have to decide whether to renew our Certificate of Entitlement (COE). Even though the car is in good shape, COEs expire after 10 years. We’re now stuck with a choice of buying a new car, renewing the COE or giving up on owning a car altogether. Buying a new car is the more common decision. However, buying the same model would now cost more than $100,000. Renewing the COE is more affordable, even though the cost is far above the price we paid originally. When we bought our car in 2006, a COE cost about $7,000. In COE bidding exercises in February, the price was $46,651 earlier in the month and $43,000 mid-month. Even so, the financials incline us toward renewing the COE. Moreover, cars are built better now than in the past so they can last for more than 200,000 kilometers of driving or more. Our car has less than 100,000 kilometers on it. On the other hand, cars do require more repairs as they get older. The government also requires more frequent inspections, charges are higher for annual registration fees and insurance costs are higher. Buying a new car reduces those costs and there are likely to be fewer repairs. If we do renew the COE, the process is straightforward and all the details are on the Land Transport Authority (LTA) website. We would pay the Prevailing Quota Premium (PQP) to renew the COE for another ten years or 50 percent of the PQP to renew the COE for five years. The PQP, LTA helpfully
explains, is the moving average of the COE prices in the last three months. While we would not be allowed to renew the COE again if we only renew for five years, we could even renew it again in 2026 if we renew the COE for the full ten years now. If the COE is not renewed by its expiry date, on the other hand, the vehicle will be de-registered. The Straits Times Senior Transport Correspondent Christopher Tan recently went through a similar decision when his car reached the ten-year mark and looked at the options quite carefully. Over 20 years, he wrote, the annual depreciation of his dependable MPV works out to just a little more than $6,000. Even with the road tax surcharges, potentially higher insurance premiums, more frequent inspections and the wear-and-tear items, the costs would not exceed $7,500. Depreciation alone for a new car is more than $10,000 per year. Interestingly, he also found that the average age of cars is 11.5 years in the US, compared to six years in Singapore, a level here which is actually up from 2.7 years in 2007. While there’s a bit of a risk, we’re more likely to follow Christopher and renew the COE. We still have about three more months to go until it expires in early July, though, so we’re watching prices carefully and still weighing our options. Richard Hartung is a consultant on payments strategy with more than 20 years of experience in financial services, primarily in Asia, and he is a freelance writer. He volunteers with the Metropolitan YMCA, the Jane Goodall Institute and other organizations.
T
hankfully I’ve never had to” put down” the family pet, but I did recently have to put down the family car, a healthy Hyundai Tucson. Our companion for more than 50,000 miles was clean and well cared for and lived only ten years, too young to be banished from the roads so abruptly. I swear that in the few weeks before, my car ran better and looked better than it ever had, as if anticipating its demise. The Singapore system requires a Certificate of Entitlement (COE) be extended after ten years or else it must be de-registered and sold or “scrapped.” I had a decision to make. Should I spend S$46,000 for permission to keep and drive my Hyundai, a car which costs US$20,000 in States and for which scrap value is a few hundred dollars? To me, it wasn’t a compelling economic argument. A vehicle owner is responsible for the de-registration and proper disposal of the vehicle. It must either be scrapped at an Land Transport Authority (LTA) Appointed Scrapyard, temporarily stored at an LTA Appointed Export Processing Zone pending export or exported out of Singapore. Proof of disposal of the de-registered vehicle must be submitted to the LTA. Owners can engage the services of a car dealer to handle the de-registration and/or disposal, but it is wise to seek a dealer which is Case Trust Singapore Vehicles Traders Association (SVTA) accredited for greater assurance. The term “scrapped” really has two meanings. The car is de-registered, then sold and shipped abroad or it is “euthanized” at one of a handful of licensed yards which tear it down for scrap. Sale prices tend to be far lower than you’d expect. A friend was offered just S$1,500 for his ten-year-old BMW 3 series convertible with only 60,000 km. The dealer was planning to export to an overseas buyer. Scrap price offers for my Hyundai ranged from S$100-S$200.
Illustrations by Freepik
Steps to De-Register • Check around to gauge scrap value. • De-register car online. You will receive
a TPIN mailed to your home address. Download and complete Form D01 to submit to scrap dealer.
Depending on de-registration date, there may be a rebate of COE or Preferred Additional Registration Fee (PARF). I got S$9,200 back on my ten-year-old Hyundai, which was directly deposited into my bank account. This Singapore system generates abundant new car sales and fees, which ensures a managed and young car population. If your car is getting older, learn the process. If you are curious about the value of your car at any point in time go to www.onemotoring.com.sg or check the newspaper ads. Car owners can start the scrapping process online by going to the same website mentioned before: www.onemotoring.com.sg. Click “De-register.” There are hyperlinks and downloads to view and you can print out information and required forms. Owners can also check newspaper ads or search “car scrapping” to find agents, often used car dealers, who will do most of the process for you. Be prepared to send them photos of the car. They will offer a scrap value price for the car, sight unseen, and include the services they offer to perform for you. Beware of those firms which try to insert themselves into the PARF reimbursement. Once you sign over your title to them, they receive rebates directly. Oh yes, be prepared for some vehicular grieving. Many of my friends never had cars and were happy enough. The good side of “carlessness” is no more road tax, insurance, parking, fuel or repairs. On the other hand, expect more walking to the bus or MRT and waiting in taxi queues. I miss spontaneously making travel plans across the island or across the causeway. I also miss my “mobile closet,” which held my laptop, sports gear and clothes as with it the flexibility to go anywhere, do anything and be suitable attired. My Hyundai and our family spent ten years together. We will miss it. Rob Faraone has lived in six countries in the region over 30 years, including three stints in Singapore. After a career in the moving/relocation industry, he’s now engaged by the International Associatiwon of Movers and regularly writes for its global publication. Rob has been a SAN contributor for three years and is active in AmCham and The American Club.
What in the world is a COE anyway?
• Select a scrap yard and set a date to
deliver your car. Authorized scrap yards are listed at www.onemotoring.com.sg. Select one based on their scrap value offer or their convenience to you.
• Prior to return, clear all personal items
from your car. Consider selling or giving away auto accessories or equipment.
• Advise your insurer to terminate coverage
effective scrap date.
• Drive car to scrap yard. Bring the
TPIN, Form D101, passport and car registration papers. Remove the ERP card for reimbursement, but leave ignition key in the car. • Take public transport back home.
Be sure to pick up the Living in Singapore th 14 Edition Reference Guide due out next month to learn all you need to know about buying a car and decoding the COE!
19 TRANSPORT
Singapore American • April 2016
Tour de Singapore? By Melissa Diagana
S
ingapore is a flat nation, so you will not be able to prepare for the Tour de France here, even if you go up and down and up and down and up and down Mount Faber Road. But Singapore is also a small island, so you can literally bike all the way around the entire nation in just a few hours. What an accomplishment! If you are trying to avoid roads as much as possible, the Park Connector Network is wonderful for biking, even though there may be short sections on a road. For example, you can now cycle from the Marina Bay area over the Marina Barrage, along East Coast Park, to Changi, to Loyang and on to Pasir Ris, all without leaving a Park Connector! The bike paths at East Coast Park, Pasir Ris Park and My Waterway@Punggol all have easy stretches for young children. And don’t forget that from Singapore it is but a short boat or plane ride to some cycling events, such as the Tour de Bintan (Indonesia) or the Tour de Langkawi (Malaysia). Where to buy If you are not looking to make a major investment, check out the small bike shops that can occasionally be found in HDBs. For higher end bikes and repair services, you can start with: • Bike Haus (Bukit Timah; www.bikehaus.com.sg) • Fab’s Cycle (Chinatown; http://fabscycle.com) • Rodalink (multiple locations; http://store.rodalink.com.sg) • Tay Junction (Bukit Timah; www.tayjunction.com.sg) • Treknology3 (multiple locations; www.treknology3.com) Groups If you would like to join a team and find cycling buddies, you might consider the Australia-New Zealand Association’s (ANZA) cycling club. Ride with your family or friends (of any skill level) during the annual OCBC Cycle Singapore race. Mountain Bike Kakis (kaki = buddy) provide guided mountain bike rides around Singapore. The Singapore Cycling Federation is a good place to find information about events and coaches. Mountain biking Park connectors are nice, but if you prefer mountain biking, well, that’s when you realize that you are living on a small island! Ketam Mountain Bike Trail has six miles of trails. Just a short boat-ride away on Pulau Ubin, it lies among the undulating granite (ubin) hills that gave the island (pulau) its name. While parts of the Green Corridor are slated to be temporarily chewed up, other parts will remain cyclable. Head there for a flat, loooong ride across the island. The mountain bike trails of the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve made a roughly 4-mile (6.4 km) loop. As the reserve has been
undergoing major renovation work (scheduled to be finished by this fall), the trails have been inaccessible. Look out for updates in September. The new Chestnut Nature Park will have mountain bike trails. The southern section should be opening this month, while the northern section is slated to open at the end of the year. The mountain bike trail of Kent Ridge Park had landslide trouble and will be closed for maintenance until July 2017. (And since the 2014 closure of the Tampines Bike Park, there is no longer a BMX track in Singapore.)
ANZA Cycling www.anza.org.sg Green Corridor www.thegreencorridor.org Mountain Bike Kakis Facebook > mountainbikekakis NParks www.nparks.gov.sg OCBC Cycle Singapore race http://ocbccycle.com Singapore Cycling Federation http://cycling.org.sg
Photo by Melissa Diagana Melissa Diagana is a molecular biologist by training. She enjoys studying the broader picture of natural history as much as its reductionist details. She regularly writes about environmental and biomedical topics. With family roots and shoots in the US, France, Serbia, Senegal and Ethiopia, she has found it easy to thrive in this multi-ethnic little red dot over the past eight years.
Tour de Bintan http://tourdebintan.com Tour de Langkawi www.ltdl.com.my
Singapore American • April 2016
21 TRANSPORT
Singapore American • April 2016
Five Reasons You Should Be Riding the SMRT By Lauren Power
O
pened in 1987, Singapore’s Mass Rapid Transit System (SMRT) has developed into the backbone of Singapore’s public transportation system and is consistently ranked as one of the best in the world. Location, Location, Location No Parking? No Problem! Leave your car at home. With Singapore’s MRT system and supplemental bus and Light Rail Transit (LRT) network, you can get exactly where you want to go without the hassle of traffic or finding a place to park. It can make life so much easier! Singapore has five MRT train lines and 121 stations in use. Expansion projects are building more than 50 new stations across existing lines and the new Thomson-East Coast Line, which is scheduled to open in 2019. By the end of 2030, the SMRT system is scheduled to complete the Jurong Region and the Cross Island Lines, essentially doubling the capacity of the current network. Safety First According to a 2014 report released by Singapore’s Land Transport Authority, there were 160 fatalities and 8,054 injuries due to automobile accidents that year. In the same year, there were no deaths or injuries on the MRT. In fact, in the entire history of the MRT system there have been only a handful of deaths, mostly due to passengers falling in front of
MRT System Map Speculation Beyond 2030
oncoming trains. Since early 2012, however, every MRT station has been retrofitted with automatic platform barricades that eliminate this danger. MRT stations are clean and have security cameras and frequent service announcements to manage passenger safety. Incidents of theft and vandalism are quite rare. The Public Transport Security Command deploys security officers to patrol the SMRT system. You and your belongings are far safer traveling by MRT than you are in your own car. Incredible Prices Spend your money on your next vacation, not on your daily commute. Traveling from VivoCity/Sentosa MRT station at the southern tip of the island to Sembawang MRT Station in the far north only costs SGD$2.03 and takes 49 minutes if you take the train. The same trip costs approximately S$35 and takes 35 minutes by cab. In this example, taking the MRT instead of a taxi for two weeks would save you enough for a return ticket to Bali. Local Flavor Each MRT station has its own look and layout and many stations exhibit wonderful art displays or historical scenes from Singapore’s past. Most people hurry past these installations on their way to their
destinations, but if you take a moment to look, you’ll notice the care put into the design. Typically, the area around the exits of MRT stations contains clusters of shops, event spaces and small eateries that are representative of the neighborhood. One of the best ways to investigate a new locale is to check out what’s around the local MRT station. You’re in Control SMRT manages the trains so you can better manage your time. With mobile Apps, you can time your journey across Singapore down to the minute. You cannot say the same of traveling by car or bus, where traffic causes unpredictable delays. While commuting by train, you can use your time to access your email, catch up on the latest news or check Facebook. If you are driving, you have to keep your eyes on the road. There may be occasional delays, but the SMRT system is the most reliable form of transportation in Singapore, allowing you to be in control of your time. Lauren S. Power is a Texas native who has lived in the United States, the United Kingdom, Japan and Singapore. As an independent writer and researcher, Lauren uses her involvement with Southeast Asian institutes and think tanks as inspiration for the social and political themes in her writing.
22 TRANSPORT
Singapore American • April 2016
Getting a Singaporean License
Vespa Ventures in Singapore
By David Gutshall
By James Arpin
F
or most Americans, the Singapore license conversion may seem like something to dread. After all, US DMVs have always been bastions of bureaucratic inefficiency and incompetence, conditioning us to expect the worst. While Singapore’s system can be time-consuming, it is refreshingly straight-forward. First ? Register for the Basic Theory Test (BTT). Registration requires an actual visit to one of the three test centers. That’s right. You can’t register online. So you’ll need to go in person with your passport, valid driver’s license and Employment/ Dependant/Work Pass. It'll cost you $11.50 for the BTT enrolment, payable only by CashCard or NETS. You’ll either pick a test date at the counter or register for an online account. A word of warning: the BTT is always in high demand and the first available test date will likely be three to six weeks from registration. Currently, there is a 12-month grace period for license conversions beginning from your arrival in Singapore. After that, you must take the entire driving program, including the driving exam. Leave yourself some wiggle room in case you fail the first BTT and have to repeat the whole process. The key is doing a home study course a week or two before your test date. The test is 50 multiple-choice questions, requiring 45 correct answers to pass. Local bookstores and websites provide sample test questions that can familiarize you with key points and themes on the BTT. Do them. The questions are unique to Singaporean traffic law. After you pass the BTT, you may be required
to provide printed confirmation of BTT results to the Traffic Police Counter, so be sure to ask your instructor before leaving the test facility. Note: if you complete the BTT after 5pm, the Traffic Police Counter will be closed so you’ll have to take yet another trip to the driving center when the counter is open. The Traffic Police Counter requires you to have both the original and a photocopy of each of the following: passport photo page and Singapore entry stamp page, Employment/Dependant/Work pass and valid driver’s license (front and back). You must also provide a passport-sized photograph and pay S$50 by CashCard or NETS. Then you’ll leave your paperwork and Singapore ID at the Traffic Police Counter while you watch a graphic 15-minute video on safe driving. After the video, head back to the Traffic Police Counter to receive a temporary paper license. The actual license will be mailed to your home address and may take up to three weeks to arrive. Good luck, buckle up and drive safe. David Gutshall spent seven years as a commercial airline pilot before resigning to pursue his true passion of writing when his wife’s career led them to Asia. He spent the past two years in Tokyo writing short stories and working on his first novel before recently washing up on Singapore’s shore.
I
’m the proud owner of a Vespa here in Singapore, which has provided many exciting, challenging and rewarding experiences (and a few good laughs, too). But before you head off on the sunny, tree-lined island roads on your own stylish Vespa, you need to remember two important things: the Singapore driver license requirements and your safety. The Singapore Traffic Police requires a prospective motorcycle rider to first have a Motorcar Class 3/3A driving license. (see David Gutshall’s article on this same page). Once you obtain your Class 3 license, you are eligible for a Class 2B motorcycle license. This allows you to ride a motorcycle with an engine size up to 200cc. If you have previous motorcycle training and a valid motorcycle license more than one year old from a government authority outside Singapore, you may be able to convert your current motorcycle license to a Singaporean Class 2B license. You will, however, have to wait one year to enroll in a refresher motorcycle training course and pass the practical exam to be eligible for a Class 2A license and ride a motor bike with an engine size up to 400cc. Yup. A whole year.
If you do not qualify for immediate conversion of a motorcycle license, a challenging and rewarding theory and practical course experiences awaits you at the Singapore Motorcycle Driving School. Don’t be surprised by the price tag. Expect to spend as much as S$1,000 in fees for a course that will take about eight months to complete, depending on your ability to demonstrate safe riding habits in your practical lessons in front of hard-grading, no-nonsense school instructors and, ultimately, your final exam in front of four Singapore Traffic Police officials. It’s not all that easy. I should know. I failed the first time and had to take it again! The silver lining? I met a real character by the name of Auntie at the Singapore Motorcycle Driving School. If you go to sign up, tell her Mr. Jimbo sent you.
As a Dependant Pass holder, James Arpin has learned to navigate Singapore including roads on his Vespa and work permits with the MOM, establishing his consulting practice. Jim and his wife Lori have been enjoying Singapore for two years.
23 TRANSPORT
Singapore American • April 2016
Sleeping With The Car Of Your Dreams By Faith Chanda
S
o, you’ve already got the car of your dreams…what’s next? Why the apartment of your car’s dreams, of course! At Reignwood Hamilton Scotts, your car can sleep right next to you. If you pass by 37 Scotts Road, you may notice that cars seem to be parked in strange places. That’s because it’s the only building in Singapore where besotted car owners can park their cherished car in its own personal “sky garage,” right next to the living area of their apartment. There are 56 units in this car aficionado’s paradise. The apartments are roughly 2,750 square feet with purchase prices from S$7-12 million, that puts the cost at S$3,000-S$4,500 per square foot! The cars arrive at their en suite garage via a transparent glass elevator, which is controlled biometrically by a scan of its owner’s thumb, lifting the car to its designated floor and depositing it in
the specially-built, glass-walled garage in the sky. The idea came about only because the designers were having trouble figuring out where to put the building’s garage. If dwellers at Hamilton Scotts are worried they’ll have to be separated from their treasured vehicles when they repatriate, they’ll be happy to know there are two other sky garage buildings currently: one in the Chelsea area of Manhattan and a Porsche-branded building in Miami, Florida.
Faith Anna Chanda moved to Singapore from New York with her husband and two children last year. As a trailing spouse, Faith has reinvented herself as a writer, after spending most of her career in Marketing Communications and Event Planning, spanning multiple industries and roles.
Sneaky Ways to "Own" a Car By Tom Benner
N
ot everybody can afford to own a car in Singapore, but luckily there are a few other options to make you feel like you are king of the road.
Leasing With inflated car prices primarily due to the high Certificate of Entitlement (COE) prices, leasing options are increasingly attractive. The big rental companies and many of the official agents offer leasing packages and there are dedicated leasing operators, too. Leasing is a particularly attractive option for expatriates on a fixed-term contract as a lease arrangement can be set up to match the contract duration. According to Classic Auto Rental (www.classicauto.com.sg), leases for new cars are normally offered from two to three years. Leases for new vehicles start from S$1,800 per month. Leases for preowned vehicles can be from S$1,300 per month. Charges are further reduced for pre-owned vehicles on longer term leases. Remember that with two COE tenders a month, prices change regularly. Get a quote while you’re negotiating your package with your employer. Not sure how a COE works? Check the new edition of Living in Singapore due out in May for a full explanation. Renting If you’re based in Singapore and travel three weeks in a month, paying to leave a vehicle in the car park may seem like throwing money away. Many of the world’s big rental agencies have representation here and day rentals are available. As elsewhere,
longer rental periods attract discounts. Be aware that this option doesn’t equal true freedom. If the confines of Singapore are too claustrophobic for you, a weekend drive into peninsular Malaysia is a temptation, but the local rental companies will charge a surplus for usage in Malaysia and forbid use of the vehicle in Thailand at all. Classic Auto Rental is a local company that offers some great deals. (www.classicauto.com.sg) Sharing If you only intend to use a car occasionally, there are a number of car sharing schemes where vehicles are garaged across the island and you can just show up, collect a car and use it for as little as an hour. With these schemes you pay for the time you have the car, kilometers you drive, as well membership fees. Car Club Singapore, www.carclub.com.sg is a car rental scheme where you can rent a car by the hour.
Tom Benner is a freelance journalist who covers public policy, culture and business. Before relocating to Singapore, he served as bureau chief in the Massachusetts State House and as a long-time editorial writer for daily newspapers in the US. Recently, Tom has contributed op-eds to The Straits Times and Today.
Sticker shock takes on a whole new meaning in Singapore. The cost of new cars is truly astronomical. New arrivals who have done their homework and are armed with suitably large car allowances have it made; everyone else needs to consider the alternatives.
For all you need to know about motoring and transportation, be sure to pick up the 14th Edition of Living in Singapore, due out next month.
24 EDUCATION
Singapore American • April 2016
STEAMing Into the Future By Joe Sergi
W
hat is a STEAM teaching approach? STEAM stands for Science, Technology, Entrepreneurship (or Engineering), Arts and Mathematics. The approach, which is taking the academic world by storm, demonstrates how each of these five key disciplines are connected and closely aligned with what students will experience when they enter the workforce. Today, nearly all jobs, no matter what the profession, rely in some way or another on people’s expert capabilities in each of these disciplines. There’s a popular misconception that schools which integrate STEAM into their curriculum simply use iPads and interactive whiteboards and only teach science and robotics. STEAM is so much more than that! It’s not a subject, rather it’s an engaging, hands-on, inquiry-based teaching framework that can be customized for all types of students and programs. Why is STEAM so important? STEAM provides a very effective teaching framework for developing young learners with essential skills such as collaboration, research, problem solving, critical thinking and creativity that they need to be successful in the 21st century. We can’t be teaching our children there is a “bubble sheet answer” for everything. Life isn’t like that. STEAM provides students with the opportunities to think critically and approach problems from multiple perspectives. Jobs in specific STEAM related fields are also being created at an unprecedented rate across the world. An article in Science Foundation Ireland said the amount of jobs Apple generates in connection to its App store was more than three million in countries across the globe! What does a STEAM teaching approach look like at CIS? The approach is integrated across the school’s curriculum from Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 12, as well as in co-curricular programs such as robotics, coding and Lego leagues. From Grade 1 onwards, students are exposed to STEAM experiences in our stimulating makerspace rooms. These are
special areas filled with state-of-the art equipment such as 3D printers and laser cutters, all designed to motivate students to experiment, build and invent! What STEAM experiences are Canadian International School (CIS) students engaged in at the moment? Lots of exciting and innovative projects are happening across the school. One example is the Grade 9 students are creating authentic musical instruments from discarded materials. The project, jointly managed by the Design and Music departments, involves the integration of various subjects such as physics (understanding sound waves and resonance) to music (discovering unusual instruments and sounds). Observing and guiding students through their STEAM experiences is extremely rewarding. It’s great watching them apply their knowledge and convert an idea into a reality. No matter what a student’s passions or interests are, a STEAM education has something to offer everyone! To find out more information about CIS and its STEAM program, visit www.cis.edu.sg/steam or sign up for a fun family day out at their STEAM fair on April 23 at www.cis.edu.sg/steamfair.
Photos courtesy of Canadian International School CIS Design teacher and STEAM ambassador Joe Sergi loves all things to do with technology, especially working with students and educators. Joe is just as comfortable creating websites, apps or mulitmedia productions as he is modelling with a 3D printer, programming a robot or simply sharpening a drill bit. He also holds a Commercial Pilot license and Multi-Engine Command Instrument Rating.
25 HEALTH & WELLNESS
Singapore American • April 2016
Zika: What You Need to Know By Dr Paul E Zakowich
T
here have been numerous media reports concerning Zika virus disease. What is Zika and how concerned should we be? Zika is a virus that is transmitted primarily by the bite of the Aedes mosquito. This is not a new disease. In fact, the Zika virus was first discovered in 1947 in Uganda in the Zika forest, hence its name. Before 2007, 14 cases were documented, though many more may have gone unrecognized. In May 2015, the Pan American Health Organization issued an alert regarding the first confirmed Zika virus infection in Brazil and, on February 1 of this year, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared Zika virus a public health emergency of international concern. Since then, local transmission and endemics has been reported in many other countries and territories. Zika virus likely will continue to spread to new areas. The symptoms of Zika are very similar to Dengue, although usually milder. Symptoms include fever, rash, joint and muscle pains, headache and conjunctivitis and may last for four to seven days. However, most infected
people may display mild or no symptoms at all. There has been increasing concern that the disease may be linked to malformation of the brain during pregnancy. To date, there have been no reported cases of Zika infection in Singapore. However, like many tropical countries, Singapore has the vector Aedes mosquito and the city is a hub for international travelers. Precautions Pregnant women should reconsider trips to areas where Zika virus infections have been reported. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (www.cdc.gov) and the Ministry of Health Singapore (www.moh.gov.sg) both maintain websites that provide current information of endemics in progress. If travel is unavoidable to endemic areas, then it’s advisable to take standard precautions against mosquito bites, including wearing long sleeves and long pants, using mosquito repellents and sleeping under nets. Anyone returning from an endemic area should monitor their health the following 14 days and consult with a doctor should they develop any of the symptoms mentioned above.
Dr Paul E Zakowich, MD (USA) FACP (USA) is an Americantrained specialist, Board Certified in Internal Medicine in private practice at the American International Clinic. He is author of two books: Culture Shock! A Traveler's Medical Guide and Culture Shock! Travel Safe. The American International Clinic is located at the Novena Medical Centre, 10 Sinaran Drive, unit #1010. For more information, please visit their website www.aiclinic.com.sg or email: enquiries@aiclinic.com.sg or call (65) 6397-7129.
Take A Walk! By Philip Meehan
I
n 2013, Pulitzer Prize winning journalist Paul Salopek began a seven-year walk that will take him from the birthplace of humanity in the Rift Valley of Ethiopia, across Asia, up through Russia, across to Alaska (by boat) and down the length of the Americas. It’s dubbed the “Out of Eden Walk.” In introducing this epic walk in the January 2013 edition of National Geographic, Salopek said: “We’ve been wired by natural selection to absorb meaning from our days at the loose-limbed gait of three miles an hour.” At the time of this writing, he’s in Azerbaijan and moving East, slowly. To absorb meaning is an interesting way of thinking about the day. It has a very different agenda than how we usually consider our past twenty-four hours. We’re likely to consume (media), complete (projects) or accomplish (tasks), but rarely will we consider or simply experience a moment. Our task-oriented focus permeates how we communicate with those we love, too. Whether it’s with our kids or our partner, much of our communication is about meeting goals. That’s not a bad thing, quite the opposite. It’s how homework gets done, trips are planned and appointments kept. However, open discussions and heart-to-heart conversations need a different form of communication. You already have a good idea of how your family members communicate. Think about your best, recent conversations with each one. Was it while driving in the car on your way to a soccer game? Sitting together at a café on a Saturday morning? Right before bedtime? While going for a walk in the park? I’m going to guess that for a
whole host of reasons (heat, humidity, rain, haze), a walk in a Singapore park isn’t at the top of many people’s lists. But I’d like you to consider adding it to your repertoire as a way to change how you communicate. By taking a conversation outside and changing our regular environment, we break normal mental patterns, leaving us more receptive and attentive. If we both agree to leave our devices behind, distractions are eliminated as we stroll and the act of walking comes into its own. A 2014 study in the Journal of Experimental Psychology shared that “simple and robust” act of walking “opens up the free flow of ideas” and increases creativity. For many of us, talking in parallel is less threatening than communication that involves face-to-face eye contact, too, so having a discussion while walking can allow us to share more freely. This isn’t to say that every conversation you have while walking will lead new connections and an increased closeness with your loved ones, but it can help. So the next time you’re faced with a difficult decision or need to have an awkward conversation, take it outside. See how a three-mile an hour gait allows you to absorb meaning from the moment. Photo by Matthias Ripp Philip Meehan is a counsellor at SACAC Counselling and Walk and Talk Singapore. For support on this or other topics, Phil and the team at SACAC Counselling can be reached at www.sacac.sg or 6733-9249.
26
By Quinn Tucker
A Master in the Making
ARTS
Singapore American • April 2016
R
ishik S. Vishwanathan was only four when he moved from England to Singapore. He always loved to draw, so he joined an art class. Now at the age of ten, his artwork is helping raise awareness for wildlife conservation and his work has been featured at three exhibitions. In 2014, two of his paintings were auctioned by ACRES, an animal welfare organization in Singapore. Later that year, he was invited by Wildlife SOS to an exhibition in India. In 2015, Rishik was a huge success at the ACRES Anniversary Gala where he drew live as people watched. Similarly, he also drew live at the “Keep Wildlife Wild” exhibition organized by Bridgeable, a Singapore Organization, and Wildlife SOS. Rishik also donated one of his works to the 83rd George Washington Ball to help raise money for the Singapore Children’s Society. Rishik draws everything from people to cars, but his favorite topic is animals, especially giraffes. Rishik says that when he feels he is lacking inspiration for his paintings, he will
often go to the Singapore Zoo. He looks at the animals, picks one, comes home and immediately starts to paint. Other times, he thinks of things he’s seen in the past and uses his memories for the work. The boy artist uses oil-based pens for the canvas and acrylics for the background of his works. He hopes to continue painting and drawing and work as an artist in the years to come. For more information about Rishik and his work, check out his website: www.rishiksv.wix.com/rishik.
Quinn Tucker is from Los Angeles, California, but has grown up in Singapore for the last nine years. She is 16 and currently a sophomore at Singapore American School. Quinn loves graphic design, sports and socializing. She has been interning at AAS since February 2015 and loves working with the team on events and advertising.
27 SPORTS
Singapore American • April 2016
Golf At Its Best! By Chris Milliken
H
ello Golfers! The AAS has been having fun on the Fairways since 1947, making the Ambassador’s Cup golf tournament the must-attend golf event of the year. Join us and grab the chance to create some of the best memories of your life, on this side of the globe. As the honorary Chairperson, it is my pleasure to invite you, your friends and colleagues to this special weekend. Mark your calendars for Saturday, May 7 at the Palm Resort Golf & Country Club in Senai Johor, Malaysia. Golf a bit rusty? Don’t have a handicap? Don’t have a foursome? You can still join! The Texas Scramble format makes it fair and fun and we can easily pair you with new friends.
For only $295 for AAS members ($365 for non-members) you will receive: • Continental breakfast welcome • 18 holes at a great golf course • Lunch • Free flow of beer and soft drinks on the course • Lucky Draw - more than $50,000 in prizes! • Snacks • Goody Bag loaded with treats • Prizes for 1st, 2nd 3rd place, “Beat the Pro” awards and many more • A grand dinner • Great hotel rates And that’s not all! You can also take the opportunity to visit Premium Outlets in Johor, making this a great outing for the whole family: guys and gals, husbands and wives, golfers and non-golfers and kids, too! Bring the family and book a room at the Palm Resort for an additional night or two and take advantage of the facilities. If you are new, ask around and I’m sure you’ll hear that this is a fabulous event. Not an AAS member? No worries! This is a great opportunity to become one. So for the best fun on the fairway, grab your friends and some clubs and sign up today! Fore!!!!
calendar
of
events
Any responder should make any further enquiries with the organizer or should verify the information independently if necessary.
M U SE U M S
L I FEST Y LE
ED U CAT I ON
1 April – 26 May Chua Ek Kay: After The Rain & Wu Guanzhong: Beauty Beyond Form National Gallery of Singapore 1 St. Andrew’s Road, Singapore 178957 www.nationalgallery.sg
1 – 30 April April Spring Sale Hedger’s Carpet Gallery 15 Dempsey #01-09 10:30am – 7pm hedgerscarpets@singnet.com.sg
From 1 April UWCSEA Applications for Admission to UWCSEA in 2016/2017 open Dover or East Campus www.uwcsea.edu.sg; admissions@uwcsea.edu.sg
1 April – 29 May Treasures from the World from The British Museum National Museum of Singapore 93 Stamford Road, Singapore 178897 nationalmuseum.sg
20 & 21 April April Fair @ Raffles Town Club 1 Plymouth Avenue 10am – 6pm www.theexpatfairs.com
14 April Canadian International School Open House Lakeside Campus 7 Jurong West Street 41 9am www.cis.edu.sg
1 April – 31 May South Asia and the Islamic World: Highlights from the Collection Asian Civilisations Museum 1 Empress Place, Singapore 179555 www.acm.org.sg
22 April AWA’s “Straits Chic” Fashion Show Park Royal Hotel on Beach Road 7500 Beach Road 11:30am – 3pm www.awasingapore.org
21 April Canadian International School Open House Tanjong Katong Campus 371 Tanjong Katong Road 9am www.cis.edu.sg
S U M M ER CA M P S 6 – 17 June 20 June – 1 July Summer Semester for Preschool to Grade 12 Singapore American School 40 Woodlands Street 41 www.sas.edu.sg/summersemester
ENTERTA I N M ENT 9 April 20th SCO Anniversary Gala Concert: Joshua Bell with SCO Esplanade Concert Hall www.sistic.com.sg
22 April Stamford American International School Open House 279 Upper Serangoon Road 9am www.sais.edu.sg
13 June – 22 July 6 weekly programs Camp Magic – The Coyote of Fun Ages 3 -12 www.ilovecampmagic.com
27 April – 22 May Shakespeare in the Park – Romeo & Juliet Fort Canning www.sistic.com.sg
23 April CIS STEAM Fair Canadian International School Lakeside Campus 7 Jurong West Street 41 11am – 3pm www.cis.edu.sg/STEAMFAIR
4 – 22 July Village Day Camp UWCSEA East Campus Ages 4 -14 www.villagedaycamps.com/sg
26 May – 4 June JACQUES BREL IS ALIVE AND WELL & LIVING IN PARIS SOTA Drama Theatre Early Bird up to 26 April ($12 Voucher from La Cure Gourmande) 28 May – Use ASSOC2805 code for 15% discount on Association Night www.sistic.com.sg, www.cis.edu.sg
30 April Start of Testtakers ACT Prep program for the June ACT test date Chatsworth International School 37 Emerald Hill 12:30pm www.testtakers-sg.com
Singapore American • April 2016