Singapore American Newspaper by American Association of Singapore

Since 1958 Singapore American • February 2016

AM ERICAN AS S O CIATION O F S INGAP O RE February 2016

www.aasingapore.com American Association.....2-3 Member Discounts..............3 CRCE & Business............. 4-5 Community News.............6-7 Living in Singapore.............8 Travel..........................10-11 Things We Love.........13-18 Health & Wellness.......19-21 Food & Dining.............22-25

Business 5

Living in Singapore 8

Health & Wellness 19

Things We Love 13-18

Arts..................................26

The Ease of Doing Business in Singapore

The All-Important College Tour

Cool Wellness Treatments You May Not Know About

What Makes Singapore Special to Us?

What's Happening..........27

MCI (P) 185/03/2015

Love That Singapore Food By Shailesh Paul “So, when is the rainy season in Singapore?” I asked my Singaporean friends. “Well, that’s pretty straight forward. It’s 2pm!” came the prompt response. Moving on to Singapore cuisine, I asked “Tell me about Singapore’s cuisine. What is real Singaporean food?” Nine delightful years later, the journey of discovery to answer that question is still in scrumptious progress. You see, Singapore doesn’t really have one unique identifiable cuisine. Much as Singapore’s culture is an amazing amalgam of its languages, origins and ethnicities, its cuisine is a robust rojak of Chinese, Malay, Indian, Indonesian and Western influences. Sometimes co-existing and often colluding to create flavors that are uniquely Singaporean. And as Singapore continues to build on its identity and become more international and diverse, thankfully, so does its cuisine.

If you’re haven’t completely immersed yourself in Singapore’s cuisine as yet but feel like you’re done with the chicken rice, crab curry and the laksa, here are a few glimpses into Singapore’s various culinary treasures and some tips on where to enjoy them! Let’s start with Chinese cuisine, perhaps the one cuisine that’s had the most influence on Singapore food. There’s a wide palette of Chinese restaurants from which to choose: some more authentic in their menus and some that have completely localized their cuisine, adding more spices and herbs and even the occasional Malay or Indonesian ingredient (such as sambal). A good place to start your Chinese restaurant discovery is Crystal Jade Xiao Long Bao. At their outlets (Great World City, Ngee Ann City or Holland Avenue), you’ll find a delicious spread of primarily Southern Chinese cuisine with a smattering of specialties from other areas, such as

Shanghai. Do try their eponymous xiao long bao, pork and soup stuffed steamed dumplings served with ginger juliennes in vinegar. There’s a technique to eating these delicately crafted pouches of flavor: place a dumpling on your spoon, gingerly (pardon the pun) dipping in vinegar, puncturing the skin just enough to slurp out the soup, then gobbling up the rest in one steamy mouthful. Enjoy! While the Taiwanese Din Tai Fung is probably the more celebrated restaurant for this type of cuisine (and absolutely worth the visit), this one might provide you an equally enjoyable experience without the crowds. Don’t stop at noodles and dim sum. Go and experience the wide range of Chinese you can get in Singapore, ranging from easy coffee shop fare to elaborate banquet style cuisine. The local coffee shops such as Coffee & Toast are excellent places to Continued on Page 24

American Association of Singapore's Annual Strategic Partners

2 AMERICAN ASSOCIATION

Singapore American • February 2016

A Message from the President...

EDITORIAL

Gong Xi Fa Cai! Gong Hey Fat Choi! Happy Chinese New Year!

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

he Singapore government has declared February 8 and 9 official holidays in recognition of Chinese New Year (CNY), the Year of the Monkey. Coming off of the December and January holidays with CNY relatively early this year, you may feel like life is a never-ending festive season. To top it off, The 83rd George Washington Ball (GWB) on February 27 will extend the party, even further. With a theme of Fabulous Las Vegas, I’m looking forward to seeing the creative (and hopefully outrageous) Vegas costumes that will fill the W Hotel – Sentosa Cove Ballroom. If you’re going for the first time this year, get ready to party. There’s nothing stodgy about our beloved GWB; it’s a blast! Because we like to do good while having fun, AAS will again be donating GWB proceeds to the Singapore Children’s Society. This fantastic organization supports tens of thousands of at-risk Singaporean kids and families. In January, despite having just come back from the holidays, we cut loose with our quarterly AAS Quiz Night held at The American Club. As Quiz Master, I’m no stranger to being heckled by the many teams of six who come to prove their smarts (they do!). I will say that it’s fun to have the answer sheet in hand; from my perspective the questions are so easy! We also hosted our regular Living in Singapore (LIS) talk with some of the experts who write our Living in Singapore reference guide. I’m always amazed, even after 11 years here, that I still learn something at the LIS talks. Thanks to all who participated. I hope you signed-up for our foray to the Warehouse Club shopping trip on February 2. It’s the closest thing you’ll find in Singapore to a big box, shopping club experience. Stock up! It’s ridiculous how many great events we have planned for you this year, so please read this SAN closely or go to the AAS website calendar of events. We also send AAS email reminders each Sunday afternoon, highlighting what’s in the works. We will never spam you, but we do want you to know what’s happening. If you don’t get that email, contact Holly (6738 0371) at the AAS office and she’ll make sure that you do. I know you have great ideas for events so please contact me or General Manager Toni Dudsak: generalmanager@aasingapore.com and visit our Facebook page or Tweet us: @AmAssocSG, (h#AmAssocSG on Facebook, Twitter). Best,

Glenn van Zutphen president@aasingapore.com twitter: @glennvanzutphen

SINGAPORE AMERICAN NEWSPAPER

DESIGN & L AYOUT Graphic Designer: Mandee M. Astuti graphics@aasingapore.com

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

CONTRIBUTORS Melindah Bush, Faith Chanda, Ruchira Chaudhary, Laura Coulter, Nithia Devan, Cameron Dymock, Fang Jing Zhi, Andrew Hallam, Lance Har, Richard Hartung, Koh Xin Tian, Scott Morris, Shailesh Paul, Nellie Ross, Conn Schrader, Laura Schwartz, Trevor Sturgeon, Gregory T. Taylor, Laura Timms, Clarissa Wong American Association: Mandee M. Astuti, Anne Morgan, Melinda Murphy

A MERICAN ASSOCIATION BOARD MEMBERS President: Glenn van Zutphen • Vice President: Steven Tucker Secretary: Stephanie Nash Directors: James Arpin, Joseph Foggiato, Shawn Galey, Patrick Jones, 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. AAS was established in 1917 by a small group of Americans living in Singapore to provide a safety net of community support for American residents. AAS continues to provide community welfare as well as programs and community events. 10 Claymore Hill, Singapore 229573 T: (+65) 6738 0371 • F: (+65) 6738 3648 E: aas@aasingapore.com • www.aasingapore.com The Singapore American newspaper, a monthly publication with readership of 10,000+, has been published by the American Association of Singapore since 1958, with the purpose of enhancing the expatriate experience in Singapore.

SUBSCRIPTION A subscription to the Singapore American is complimentary with an AAS 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.

The American Association of Singapore & The American Club present the

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

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 • February 2016

AAS

Upcoming Events

tuesday

Warehouse Club Visit

february

Board the roundtrip coach and join the AAS and AWA for a special day of shopping at Warehouse Club. Take advantage of the free entry and fill your cart with your favorite products from back home that you can’t find anywhere else in Singapore. 10am - 1:30pm The American Club, 10 Claymore Hill, 229573. Bus departure 10am sharp! $15 for AAS Member and AWA members; $35 for Non-Members

Past Event

Annual General Meeting

tuesday

Calling all AAS members! Come join us as we combine business and fun. First, hear what we’ve been doing and vote on financials all while you enjoy a drink and some snacks. Then find your inner kid and try your hand at bowling, foosball and air hockey. It’s a guaranteed good time! Note: Only US Citizens can vote, but all AAS members are welcome. 6:45pm registration The American Club, 10 Claymore Hill, The Zone Free for AAS members only

march

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

Quiz Night The first event of the year was the exciting and challenging Quiz Night at The American Club Poolside! Well done everyone for taking the challenge and testing your wits! Congrats to The Expendables on their team victory! The Force Awakens took home second place with The A Birds capturing third.

LIS Talk Members of both AAS and SAS alike learned all sorts of great tips from our panel of experts about Singapore’s culture, medical landscape and business environment. This informative event was the perfect opportunity to meet some new friends and hear all sorts of insights about The Lion City. A big thank you to the speakers Jyoti Angresh, Alka Chandiramani and Dr. Steven Tucker, for sharing their knowledge and experience!

AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF SINGAPORE

PRESENTS

THE 83RD GEORGE WASHINGTON BALL SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 27 7PM COCKTAIL HOUR W SINGAPORE-SENTOSA COVE PROCEEDS BENEFIT SINGAPORE CHILDREN'S SOCIETY 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.

JAL is offering a special promotional discounted air fare to AAS members at about 7-9% off the published market air fare. Please take note that this is applicable only for travelers who book through Country Holidays. www.countryholidays.com.sg/en/

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

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.

CAREER RESOURCE CENTER FOR EXCELLENCE

Singapore American • February 2016

PERSONAL & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

"IT IS NOT ENOUGH TO BE BUSY; SO ARE THE ANTS. THE QUESTION IS: WHAT ARE WE BUSY ABOUT?" HENRY DAVID THOREAU

A JOURNEY OF REINVENTION By Scott Morris

CRCE FEBRUARY WORKSHOPS Making Effective Decisions A Daily Model for Success Speaker: Raymond Thomas Wednesday, February 3 12:30pm – 2pm

I moved to Singapore from Wilmette, Illinois in June 2015 with my wife, Sarah, and our two children, Libby (age 7) and Reed (age 5). This is our first international move. We relocated for Sarah’s new role as an administrator at the Singapore American School (SAS) and I left a position at Bank of Montreal in Chicago when we moved. While I evaluate full-time career opportunities, I am doing some contract financial advisory and consulting work through my firm, SWM Advisors. We were immediately connected to the American Association of Singapore (AAS) through SAS, which is one of the AAS’s strategic partners. Linking with the CRCE was an obvious move. There are numerous events at AAS/CRCE that members of the community can attend and not just limited to Americans. AAS and CRCE have benefitted both me, personally, and our family, in general. I have participated in several of the job and networking events through CRCE and we also attended the Fourth of July celebration and a few other family events. However, the biggest benefit has been all of the great people we have met. Many people come from all walks of life and different nationalities. My advice is to start networking through colleagues, friends and others you might know as soon as possible. The American community is very welcoming and people

are quite willing to set up a call or meet for coffee. Also, keep active and make sure to get out in Singapore, whether that is trying new places to eat, volunteering at your kids’ school or joining one of the many groups that are around. I actually find it easier to network here than in the US and I have made many contacts along the way. You can start your own company (a sole proprietorship or partnership) in Singapore, even if you are only in the country on a Dependant Pass, making it much easier to do contract or consulting work. The process is a little tricky, but actually not that difficult to do. (Someone I met through AAS helped me immensely!) And if you are not sure how to get something done or where to access information, ask for help. There is wealth of knowledge within the membership at AAS and CRCE and people are extremely happy to share their experiences and help you solve problems. Many resources can be found within the community at AAS/CRCE and on their website. As a male trailing spouse, it has been an interesting journey of selfdevelopment and reinvention in my career direction ahead. There are many trailing spouses (both men and women, of every nationality and background), so you’re not on your own!

Leveraging your Networks – Art and Science Speaker: Ruchira Chaudhary Thursday, February 18 6:30pm – 8:30pm Micromanage Yourself Out of Mediocrity into Awesomeness Speaker: Fulvio Felletti Wednesday, February 24 12:30pm – 2pm Create an Effective Resume and Get Noticed Speaker: Alka Chandiramani Friday, February 26 10am – 12:30pm 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.

ONE-ON-ONE COACHING CAREER SOLUTIONS © AAS OFFERING 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 Business Development Executive The Business Development team works with both the practice and sector teams on market research, business development planning, marketing, client acquisition, client retention, performance analysis and reputation building activities. In this role, your priority would be to work with partners on specific business development opportunities, including (but not limited to) competitive pitches. (job #3217) Digital Solutions Manager This role will be central to helping the organization reach ambitious new targets for its work in digital in 2016 and beyond. Work is performed remotely most of the time, so you’ll need to be the kind of person who can work independently, take initiative and communicate well. A high sense of accountability and flexibility will be how you succeed in this post. The role will start out mainly technical. (job #3215) Donor Liaison Executive This organization is looking for a dynamic and high energy individual to join the team to provide counseling and support to the volunteer donors as they go through the Bone Marrow or Stem Cell Harvest. The successful candidate must be able to play a caregiver role and work with young adults to assure them through the donation process. (job #3214) Business Development Associate The associate will assist team of senior leadership consultants and coaches in developing new business opportunities. Job responsibilities: contact corporate leadership and development heads to determine who would be interested in discussing engagement opportunities; do market research to expand the list of potential corporate clients. (job #3213) Outplacement Consultants Consultants will specialize in Outplacement. You must be dedicated to help others in their career transition and to guide them to consider what they would like to pursue in their next phase of life. You will need to use your senior management experience to assist candidates in their job search using our proven outplacement processes and techniques. You must have the passion to support candidates in their difficult transition. (job #3212) Patient Care Coordinator A dental practice in Singapore since 1997 needs a new member for its patient care team who has: excellent customer focus; good computer skills; a flexible, “nothing is too much trouble” approach and very good communication skills. Experience in a health care environment helpful, but not essential. (job #3211) Senior Marketing Specialist The Senior Marketing Specialist develops and manages high-quality clientfocused engagements that showcase the organization’s expertise and experience to the desired target audience. Using the organization’s marketing playbook, the specialist will develop relevant themes, content and messages; create and ensure timelines are met; work with local leadership and their executive assistants to ensure that the right individuals are invited and appropriately communicated with both before and after the event. (job #3210)

5 CRCE & BUSINESS

Singapore American • February 2016 January 2016

The New Wild West By Lance Har

tock markets in China closed after just 14 minutes of trading on January 7. Along with locking in losses after a flash crash that day, that unprecedentedly quick closure and one other closure earlier in the week demonstrate the regulatory challenge the market faces and may presage an even more volatile year ahead. The immediate cause of two market crashes in a row during the first week of the year was a slew of bad news: a manufacturing index showed business slowing for the tenth month in a row, the Chinese currency hit a five-month low and large shareholders who had been banned last year from selling stock for six months would be able to start selling shares at the end of the week. Markets plunged on the year’s first day of trading, January 4, and triggered controls that shut down trading in the early afternoon. In the wake of market plunges last year, Chinese regulators put controls in place that stop trading for 15 minutes when the CSI 300 market index drops or rises by five percent. If the index moves seven percent, the market closes for the day. These controls went into effect January 1. After two subsequent days of meandering, markets dropped more than seven percent after less than 30 minutes of trading on January 7. The markets then closed, resulting in the shortest trading day in China’s stock market history. “This is insane,” Shanghai Heqi Tongyi Asset Management Company chief investment officer Chen Gang told Bloomberg. “We liquidated all our holdings.” While regulators had hoped the automatic trading halt would reduce market volatility, it may have actually exacerbated the problem. “Circuit breakers aren’t allowing for people to seek a rational vantage point,” co-chief executive officer of Reorient Group Brett McGonegal told Bloomberg. “Once the

five percent halt is lifted, the selling frenzy is already queued up.” So by the end of that same week, regulators changed the policy once again and removed the market-closing controls. The volatility and policy changes in early January have multiple implications for investors. For one, they demonstrate how regulators may act without fully researching the consequences of a policy. While the imposition and potential removal of controls demonstrate how quickly regulators can take action, without worrying what an opposition party or seasoned investors may recommend, it also shows the potential negative results of such quick action. Further, they may have reduced investor confidence in regulators even more. As Aberdeen Asset Management Managing Director Hugh Young described it to Bloomberg, “Often, the more measures the government takes, the more it encourages people to go against it. They should regulate the market to make sure rules are clear and people abide by the rules. They shouldn’t worry as stock prices go up or down.” And finally, this may all be a harbinger of even more volatility to come. With China’s economy in the doldrums and regulators seemingly ready to try new solutions at the drop of a hat and investors increasingly edgy, big market swings could well continue. Investors who want to speculate on the Wild West could well want to look at China. More conservative investors, on the other hand, may want to look elsewhere. Photo by Images Money Lance Har is a financial services professional with more than two decades of experience in multiple markets in Asia. He lives in Singapore.

To Hedgefund or Not?

Easy Street

By Andrew Hallam

By Richard Hartung

t some point, many expats look to juice their investments. It makes sense. By living abroad, most of us don’t pay into US Social Security or other home country equivalents. That means, once we retire, we won’t reap full benefits. Our personal investments need to take up the slack. Should you consider hedge funds? Data says no. According to the HFRX hedge fund index, the typical hedge fund has averaged a compound annual return of less than one percent over the past 13 years. How about the most popular hedge funds? According to Barron’s, the 20 biggest hedge funds averaged a compound annual return of 6.5 percent during the three years ending October 31, 2015. That would have turned a $10,000 investment into $12,079. In contrast, the average, large US stock (as measured by Vanguard’s S&P 500 index) averaged a compound return of 16.4 percent over the same time period. The same $10,000 would have grown to $15,770. Only one of the 20 biggest hedge funds managed to beat the index. Over the past five years, the dollar difference widened. The 20 biggest hedge funds averaged a compound return of just 6.8 percent. That would have turned $10,000 into $13,894. The S&P 500, by comparison, roared on every cylinder. It averaged an annual compound return of 14.2 percent. The same $10,000 would have grown to $19,423. In 2008, just before the market crash, Warren Buffett bet a firm $1 million that its hedge funds couldn't beat the S&P 500 over a ten year period. The markets

fell, shortly after the bet was made. Hedge funds promise to make money during good times and bad. But the funds fell almost as far as the market itself. Eight years later, Buffett is winning, with the S&P 500 beating the hedge funds by 45 percent. But perhaps it’s not fair to compare hedge funds to a stock market index. Let’s add bonds. Vanguard’s balanced index fund is made up of 60 percent stocks, 40 percent bonds. Bonds, as we know, have horribly low yields. But only three of the biggest 20 hedge funds managed to keep pace with Vanguard’s balanced index over the past five years. Hedge funds usually perform poorly for a couple of reasons. Most charge a two percent management fee. They then take 20 percent of the profits that the fund actually makes. Warren Buffett says it’s a great way for hedge fund managers to get rich fast, but investors pay the price. In hopes of generating higher returns, many managers borrow to invest. When their bets go sideways, their passengers suffer. John Lanchester, writing for The New Yorker, reported that most hedge funds disappear after just five years. Hedge funds, it seems, are hardly worth the risk. If you want to learn more about the return on the world’s 20 biggest hedge funds, check out the “What’s New” section of www.aasingapore.com. 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.

SUCCESS

evision of your tax assessment,” the letter from Inland Revenue (IRAS) said. Believe it or not, the mistake was in our company’s favor. We got a refund, without us even asking for it! Unexpected tax refunds are just a very small part of the many benefits that make Singapore so attractive for doing business. Starting up a company? Along with being able to set up a company very easily here, the government offers a multitude of grants to fund start-ups. From ACE start-up grants and i.JAM funding (you’ve got to love the acronyms in Singapore) to capability grants once the business gets going, there’s a plentitude of money available. Need a new PC? The government provides a Productivity and Innovation Credit to support investments in productivity-enhancing equipment that can range from laptops and training to trademarks and intellectual property. And SPRING offers a variety of interactive toolkits to help grow a business, covering everything from marketing and HR to productivity, while IE Singapore helps businesses expand overseas.

Things such as knowing the electricity will work, you won’t be asked to pay something extra for a license or contract, no natural disasters, the skilled English-speaking workforce and a multitude of other advantages make Singapore a preferred place to do business in Asia. On a global basis, the World Bank ranked Singapore number one in the world in its annual ease of doing business measurement for the 10th consecutive year in 2015. Within the region, AmCham’s 2016 Business Outlook Survey ranked Singapore tops in Southeast Asia for personal security, a lack of corruption, infrastructure, tax structure and other factors, as well. And after being almost a start-up desert for many years, Singapore has gone from being ranked by Fortune magazine behind Waterloo in Canada and Moscow in Russia in 2012 as a good city for launching a start-up to being ranked in the Top 10 globally for start-ups by CNN in 2015. All these advantages don’t mean that there are no flaws. Businesses still complain, for example, about how talent is in short supply, governmentlinked companies have an advantage in getting contracts, censorship is still in place, visas are harder to obtain and office lease costs are high. While not everything is perfect, the advantages far outweigh the challenges for many businesses in Singapore and make it easy to like being here. If you want to learn more, attend CRCE’s “Start Your Own Business” seminar or register for CRCE’s one-on-one Small Business Advisory services. Illustration by Freepik Richard Hartung is a consultant on cards and payments strategy with more than 20 years of experience in financial services, primarily in Asia.

6 COMMUNITY NEWS

Singapore American • February 2016

Take the Challenge

Go On a Quest

By Clarissa Wong

he American Chamber of Commerce in Singapore (AmCham) has more than 5,000 members representing more than 750 companies. Its mission is to promote the interests of AmCham members in Singapore and the region by providing insights, advocacy and connections through programming and publications. Although AmCham has been hard at work for more than 40 years, Americans new to Singapore, as well as Singaporeans, are unfamiliar with what the organization does. Find out how well you know AmCham by completing the quiz below. 1. All AmCham members must be American. False. While American and Singaporean members represent the largest constituent group, AmCham’s community is extremely diverse; it is what makes AmCham one-of-a-kind. Current members include individuals and corporations from the US, Europe and Asia, as well as other regions across the globe. 2. AmCham can help you find a job in Singapore. False. AmCham’s primary objectives are to provide members with insight, advocacy

By Koh Xin Tian

and connections. If an individual would like to find a job in Singapore, there are various outlets to assist, including Singapore Jobs Bank (www.jobsbank.gov.sg). 3. AmCham’s employees represent numerous nationalities. True. AmCham’s employees are motivated and energetic individuals who thrive in a dynamic environment that calls for a proactive spirit, sound judgment and enthusiasm. They come from diverse cultures and backgrounds and work together as a cohesive team to advance AmCham’s mission and member benefits. 4. AmCham is part of the US Embassy in Singapore. False. While AmCham does partner with the US Embassy in Singapore on projects and events throughout the year, it is not an entity under the Embassy. AmCham is an independent, bipartisan organization that does not receive funding from the US government. 5. You can approach AmCham if you want to start a business in Singapore. False. Companies that are interested in starting a business in Singapore may approach the US Commercial Service for assistance. More information can be found at http://export.gov/singapore/ index.asp. CRCE is also now offering one-on-one guidance for people interested in launching a small business.

Photo by The Ministry of Communications and Information

“Describe a problem you’ve solved or a problem you’d like to solve. It can be an intellectual challenge, a research query, an ethical dilemma - anything of personal importance, no matter the scale. Explain its significance to you and what steps you took to identify a solution.” - a 2015-16 Common Application question

howing your dream US universities your creativity, risk-taking and critical thinking skills can be tricky. But what if your school’s curriculum encouraged you to stand out from the crowd by addressing a problem of personal importance, while completing university prerequisites? SAS is planning just that by launching Quest, a personalized full-day, year-long high school program to develop lifelong learning skills with personalized experiences. Our Quest student community will take projectbased interdisciplinary units about self, school, community, the global network, the future, design-thinking, self-awareness and global impact. They will also visit startups and meet inspiring speakers and entrepreneurs. History and English teacher Katie Walthall, science teacher Simon Bright and math teacher Darlene Poluan are developing the Quest program, with its rubrics synthesized from

We Can Do That! By Conn J. Schrader

notarize, the documents your provide are ultimately your responsibility, including an understanding of what they are for, what needs to be signed by you and what needs to be signed by us. It would be nice if this was simple, but with so many jurisdictions in the United States, this isn’t always the case. Some of the most common pitfalls we see: Financial and Property-related Instruments These can be particularly complicated, so please take the time with your institution/attorney/advisor to determine exactly what needs to signed, by whom and where. Selling a house in the United States is complicated enough when you aren’t half-way around the world. Documents Issued By US States or Localities In general, such copies must be obtained from the custodian of the document (i.e., the State Vital Records agency) and then authenticated in the United States for use overseas. These include driver’s licenses, educational credentials and vital records such as birth, death and marriage certificates issued in the United States. Witnesses If your document requires a witness to your signature, it

Photo by Alex Manton

is incumbent upon you to provide the witness (or to rely upon the kindness of a stranger in our waiting area.) Embassy staff will not act as a witness for you. Please visit our webpage before coming in to see us so that you don’t waste a trip: singapore.usembassy.gov/notaries.html. You will find more complete information and some helpful links on how to get done what you need if it doesn’t fall under our authorities. Photo courtesy US Embassy

elling your house back home? Need a power of attorney for affairs in the United States? Is your US lending institution asking you for notarized forms in triplicate? Odds are that we can help you get this done at the US Embassy. Certain US citizen employees at diplomatic missions, including Consular Officers and Associates, are authorized by US statutes and multilateral or bilateral conventions to perform notarial and authentication services overseas. This is one of the oldest consular functions and continues to involve some rather antiquated-looking table top impression seals and grometting machines (though mercifully less wax and fancy ribbons than in years gone by!). While we are not permitted to perform every kind of notarial service, we can generally notarize acknowledgements, take affidavits, certify true copies of US passports and authenticate some signatures and seals of Singaporean documents that will be used in the United States. You need to make an appointment online and there is a fee (currently USD$50 or SGD equivalent) for each notarial service (i.e. each seal) required. While our office can clarify what we can or cannot

leading global standards. Why Quest? Stanford University Dean of Admission and Financial Aid Richard H. Shaw described the university admissions process in 2013: “Academic credentials are important, but we’re also looking for evidence that this young person has a passion, that he or she will bring something to our community that is unique.” (Stanford Magazine) A Quest student’s transcript will show academic and non-academic qualities universities seek such as proficiency in cultural awareness, collaboration, critical thinking, reasoning, creativity and innovation. Each will complete a 4,000-5,000 word thesis combining multiple subjects and using research or statistical analysis. Also, the student will have studied research and composition, data analytics and design-thinking for Advanced Placement (AP) and Advanced Topics. Each may also gain experience working with corporate partners or earn one independent learning credit through Global Online Academy. Says Poluan, “SAS has great programs. Students can take multiple AP classes, participate in community service and extracurricular activities and take as many rigorous classes as possible. What we find is that students sometimes end up doing what they are passionate about outside of school. We want to provide time for them during school hours and give them credit for what they’re really interested in doing.” Email quest@sas.edu.sg to learn more about this new program starting August 2016!

7 COMMUNITY NEWS

Singapore American • February 2016

Big Fun for Little Guys

A Full Fall

By Melindah Bush

By Cameron Dymock

his Fall, the Cub Scouts of Pack 3010, based at the Stamford American International School (SAIS), practiced the spirit of competition and good sportsmanship with two Pack-wide events: the Raingutter Regatta model sailboat race and the Father-Son Cake Bake. In both competitions, the Scouts were encouraged to “Do Their Best” and have fun, while learning new skills with their friends and family. In October, each Scout built and decorated a seven-inch model sailboat for the annual Raingutter Regatta, where Scouts raced their boats in head-to-head heats along a ten-foot long raingutter filled with water. During the race, Scouts were allowed to propel their boats forward by blowing on the sails, but were not allowed to otherwise touch their boats at any time. Winners were announced for the fastest boats and each Scout who participated was cheered on by their fellow Scouts and their families.

The Cub Scouts then shifted from racing to baking by working alongside their fathers in the annual Father-Son Cake Bake competition in November. The rules of the competition were simple: Scouts and their fathers had to bake and decorate a cake using this year’s theme of “science fiction.” And just as Scouts are taught to “Leave No Trace” when hiking outdoors, Scouts and their dads were reminded to “Leave No Mess” in their kitchens when their cakes were done. The Scouts had a great time designing cakes to look like spaceships and aliens, with many cakes showcasing Star Wars characters to celebrate the release of Star Wars: The Force Awakens. Volunteer judges, made up of moms and siblings, distributed awards to each cake for their creative designs. Afterwards, the Scouts and their families celebrated by eating their delicious creations! Photos by Valeria Vieytes and Elisabeth Krause

he Fall was an exciting semester for the Scouts of Troop 10. We’ve been on a great journey where many Scouts learned new survival skills and how to appreciate the sheer beauty of the environment, while on the many high adventure campouts and hikes we experienced. One of our trips was a daylong hike led by our Scoutmaster Charles Ball to Mount Panti, a 430-meter (1,410 feet) mountain in Malaysia. We went very quickly through customs across the border as a group of 20 in a minibus at 7am, although we couldn’t see anything due to the haze. All the Scouts and adults had a great time on the hike, but some struggled a lot in the rugged, steep terrain. Sadly, the view and smell were not the greatest due to the haze, which was very severe at that time (the PSI was more than 300 in Singapore when we got back!).

Our next major activity was a campout/ hike to Mount Ophir in Malaysia, which is more than 1000 meters (3,280 feet) tall. This was an extremely hard campout, three days and two nights long. We had to carry literally everything we needed. All of the boys did really well and all made it back alive. The next campout was an Order of the Arrow (OA) camporee, a combined campout with Scouts from Singapore Troop 07 as well as other countries in Southeast Asia. The OA is a brotherhood of Scouts, elected by the troop to attend special Scouting events. Many new OA members had to go through an initiation (which is 100% secret) and this was the main focus of the campout. This was a great quarter that all the Scouts and parents enjoyed. Photos by Brian Dymock and Chuck Ball

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

8 LIVING IN SINGAPORE

Singapore American • February 2016

Setting Foot on a College Campus By Trevor Sturgeon

ach summer, students are faced with a multitude of options for summer experiences whether they choose spending time with extended families, working a summer job, learning a new skill or embracing a new adventure. These are all great ways for students to grow and experience the world. Another valuable and enriching summer option for students is visiting colleges. This allows students to get a feel for which schools might be the “the right fit.” There is simply no better way to determine a good match than to see the college first hand. While the inevitable “College Road Trip” has been a tradition for many in the United States, those living abroad have now begun to embrace these visits, as well. With admission to selective schools becoming increasingly more competitive each year, international students are more determined than ever to make the best match possible. The benefits of a personal visit are unmatched. Exploring the campus, talking directly with admissions representatives, sitting in classes, eating in the cafeteria, visiting dormitories in person and interacting with the college’s students are the best way to know if a college is a good fit. As the College Board says, “A college catalog, viewbook or website can only show you so much.” The college information sessions and the campus tours will give you a much better idea of what the college is like and if you would be happy there. You’ll get a sense of the college’s vibrancy, character and facilities. College tours allow students to ask questions, meet other prospective students and understand the college on a deeper level. Colleges love students who are sincerely interested and visiting colleges is one way to show this. How you feel about schools once you visit in person may affect the direction your college search and application process takes. College visits help you

to refine your search. In fact, research shows that college tours are the single most influential factor in determining where students apply. According to the EDUinReview.com, college visits are “one of the essentials when deciding on a college.” Pulitzer Prize-winning American author and Miami Herald columnist Dave Barry wrote in CollegeConfidential.com, “As your child heads toward college, take the time to plan college visits. A small investment in time now can save significant time, money and hassles during the college application period that’s coming sooner than you think.” Whether you visit as a family or have your child join an organized tour with experienced counselors who have direct connections with the college administrations, the college tour is vital. What matters most is that your child finds the college best suited to the individual’s needs. A personal visit provides insights and feedback not available in print or pictures. As one international student said, “College brochures only include a fraction of the information. The college tours and information sessions will give you a much better idea of what a school is like and whether you would be happy there.”

Photos by Tulane Public Relations, Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism Trevor Sturgeon is a high school counselor at Singapore American School. He has organized and presented numerous counseling and college programs for students, parents and teachers on a wide variety of topics related to the college admissions process and has visited more than 100 college campuses in the US and Canada. TS College Tours conducts visits to colleges in the US and the UK for international students. For more information, visit www.tscollegetours.com.

Start planning early: Logistics can be a lot of work. Plan the best route, book hotels, organize meals, contact colleges to arrange tours and information sessions.

Research the college prior to visiting: It’s important to know about the college before you arrive, especially if you have serious interest in the school.

Pack a camera and notebook: You may think you’ll remember everything, but you’ll be surprised at how colleges start to look alike after you’ve seen a few.

Know what is important: Make a list of what characteristics are most important to you. Small, medium or large campus? Urban or suburban? Majors? Extracurricular activities?

Explore on your own: The tours provided by the colleges are good, but they show you the nicest classrooms, dorms and most impressive architecture. Be aware of this.

Read the bulletin boards: This gives you a sense of the type of events and activities available. Pick up a school newspaper to get a feel for the school.

Eat in the dining hall: Not only will you fill your tummy and get a sense of the food quality, but you will also get a sense of the type of people and their interactions at that school.

Talk to students: Be brave and approach that student sitting on the lawn or bench. Ask them questions about their experience at the school.

If possible, sit in on a class: Spending some time in a classroom will give you an idea of what attending that college is like.

Ask LOTS of (intelligent) questions: Don’t be shy! This is an opportunity to find out more about the school from people who know it best.

10 TRAVEL

Singapore American • February 2016 クリアスペース

マーク半径

Fall in Love with Japan

マーク直径

By Fang Jing Zhi

マーク半径

マーク左右中央

マーク半径

t’s February, the month of love! So have you planned your romantic retreat with your loved ones yet? If not, Japan makes the perfect romantic getaway with the sakura season (also known as the cherry blossom season) approaching next month. There’s nothing more wonderful and lovely than a walk with your loved ones under rows of blooming sakura trees in the chilly spring weather, all while delighting your taste buds at the different food stalls. Traditionally, the cherry trees start blooming from the southern island of Japan, Okinawa, in January or February. The blooming then moves north to the main island, Honshu, in March to April. The blooms will then end in Hokkaido during the month of May. In addition to the lovely scenery and weather, another reason to visit during the sakura season will be the food as many F&B outlets offer sakura-related food or drinks (sakura Kit Kat, latte, ice cream, beer, etc.). These treats are only offered during this particular season and are solely available in Japan. Two recommended places to hanami (view the cherry blossoms) are Ueno Park in Tokyo and Maruyama Park in Kyoto. Both parks offer night viewing of sakura, an amazing experience you’re guaranteed to love. Ueno Park in Tokyo is an all-time favorite hanami spot for both the locals and tourists. Making it even more special for the past years, lanterns have been used to illuminate

the park during the evening time, between 5:30 and 8pm. Maruyama Park in Kyoto is another recommended hanami spot because they light the famous centerpiece in the park, a magnificent old weeping tree. The illumination of the weeping tree at night truly accentuates the beauty of its species. And there’s no better way to start your trip to Japan than to fly with Japan Airlines (JAL)! JAL really is a cut-above the rest. Skytrax awarded JAL first place in the Best Economy Class Seat 2015 and second place under the Best Business Class Seats. Passengers of all classes will have a really comfortable flight, not only to Japan, but to the many other destinations to which JAL flies. For those who would like to stay connected while onboard, you may subscribe to JAL's inflight Wi-Fi service at a fee. An additional perk to passengers flying with JAL is that you are entitled to obtain a premium free Wi-Fi code which connects you to the extensive network of hotspots in Japan itself. That means you can stay connected to the internet wherever you go with this premium Wi-Fi code. So what are you waiting for? Visit JAL's website (www.sg.jal.com) to book your flights and get any other additional information you would like to know. Photo by Raneko

11 TRAVEL

Singapore American • January 2016

The Best Airport in the World By Ruchira Chaudhary

ike all travelers to Singapore, I always thought Changi was one of the best and most organized airports in the world. However, it was not until we moved to Singapore that I really learned to appreciate the joys of flying in and out of a world-class airport like Changi. How many airports in the world can boast of a 12-minute “first bag on the belt” standard? That’s all the time it takes for your checked-in bag to travel from the plane to the luggage belt. By the time you’ve trudged out of the plane, walked to arrivals, cleared immigration and reached the luggage belt, the precious cargo emerges. Amazing! On a good day, you are home within 45 minutes of touch down and, yes, on a bad day it could take an hour and a half. Can you imagine this in any other large city in the world? Having lived in Singapore for nearly a decade and traveled in and out of Changi countless times for work or pleasure, I was astonished by how little I actually knew about Changi’s many offerings. Here are five unique and lesser-known facts about Changi that I discovered only while researching this article. Go for a Stroll Changi has many gardens. Terminal 1 (T1) has a cactus garden. Terminal 2 (T2) boasts a fern garden, an orchid garden and the sunflower and light garden. Terminal 3 (T3) has perhaps the most unique garden of them all: a butterfly garden (the first of its kind to be featured in an airport) with 47 species and more than 1000 butterflies roaming around the garden. Cool Off at the Pool When the heat gets too much, escape to the rooftop of the Ambassador Hotel at T1. Its Balinese-themed swimming poolside area charges non-residents a fee of S$13.91 for

use of its shower facilities, a towel, basic toiletries and a complimentary non-alcoholic drink from the bar. Get Non-stop Digital Action If nature is not your thing, then why not head to the Entertainment Deck at T3 for a one-stop integrated, multimedia and gaming fun? Movie buffs can catch the latest flicks for free (at any time of day or night) and sports fans can watch all the action on giant screens in plush comfort. Slip and Slide Standing at 12 meters high (approximately four stories), the slide at T3’s arrival hall is the world’s tallest slide located in an airport. Spend S$10 on a single receipt at one of the airport’s many fabulous stores and you can redeem a free ride. Be forewarned: it’s not for the faint-hearted! Create Memories The Social Tree, a memory capsule, is one of the one of the newest additions to T1. There are eight photo booths designed to take pictures/videos, have them archived permanently and retrieve them on subsequent visits to the airport. Innovation at its best! Changi is clearly much more than an efficient transport hub. As the airport’s website proudly proclaims, “It’s a destination in itself!” Changi has it all: fabulous food, retail and wellness therapy and myriad of attractions for both the young and adult alike. It’s truly a haven for the business, leisure or transit traveler. So don’t fret the next time your flight is delayed. You might even enjoy the experience! Photos courtesy of Changi Airport Ruchira Chaudhary is an independent management consultant and an avid traveler.

13 THINGS WE LOVE

Singapore American • February 2016

The Trail to Happiness By Faith Chanda

s a trailing spouse in Singapore, I have discovered and rediscovered many advantages for which I just didn’t have time in the past. Study after study has found that one of the things women want more than anything else is time. And even when given extra time, we rarely spend this precious commodity on ourselves. But in Singapore, more than anywhere else I’ve ever been, those of us lucky enough to be trailing spouses have little else but time on our hands. With two kids in school all day for the first time and also now living with a helper, I find myself with many hours in the day to fill and an endless number of ways to fill them. Freedom. It occurred to me when we arrived in Singapore that this is a unique opportunity to start with a clean slate. A new home, a new set of roles and expectations meant that I could make some real choices about who I choose to be, the friends with whom I choose to build relationships and the experiences I choose to fill my time. And I’ve enjoyed being able to reinvent myself a bit. Here, I wear dresses! Out of necessity thanks to this voracious heat, but also simply because I never felt comfortable doing so at home. And I’ve become “a writer,” a pursuit I have always dreamed of doing, but never had the courage to attempt.

Friendship. Being so far away from my group of close friends, I have had to really think of my own role as a friend to others. At home, most of my friends I have known for years and our families are so wrapped up together as mutual friends that I very rarely get to spend time with my girlfriends on our own without the distraction of kids and husbands and careers. As a trailing spouse, it took some getting used to the idea that I could just go out for a leisurely lunch with a friend and even more time remembering the fine art of conversation that isn’t about my kids.

Me Time. I have also made the conscious decision to change another paradigm: I’m now someone who makes spending time by myself a priority - not as a mom or wife or career woman or even as a friend, but just to get to know myself once again.

Family Time. Having a helper to do most of the tasks I used to spend my time on as a stay-at-home mom means that I have real quality time available to spend with my family. Instead of constantly having to push off my kids requests, I can say, “Yes, I do have time to play that game with you right now!” and even enjoy doing it instead of worrying about when I will get done whatever I was supposed to be accomplishing in that time period.

Curiosity. When you live and work in the same place for years, there is rarely anything about which to be truly curious; not many new adventures to explore. But in Singapore, I have been able to re-discover what I love about travel: the chance to experience new cultures. In the first weeks and months, once my kids were on the school bus, I would head out to Chinatown or Little India or one of the many malls or shopping areas and just explore. My family has had the wonderful opportunity to meet other families from all over the world, taking the time to share each other’s cultures has been such an eye-opener for all of us.

Perhaps the greatest gift of all is simply the opportunity to be present to enjoy each moment as it comes: as we discover Southeast Asia and its many cultures with our renewed wanderlust; as I reinvent my career aspirations and reconnect with myself; as I learn to build and treasure new friendships and as our family grows ever more deeply connected through this great expat adventure. And my love affair with Singapore has only just begun. Illustration by Freepik

Faith Chanda has written for SAN since moving to Singapore from New York with her husband and two children a year ago. 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. She enjoys exploring food, culture, nature and design through her travel adventures.

Corporate Partners

Beverage Sponsors

The Peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Park Complex by DP Architects with Tay Kheng

Gateway by IM Pei

Marina Bay Sands Hotel Complex by Moshe Safdie

Super Tree Grove by Wilkinson Eyre Architects

The Esplanade by DP Architects of Singapore and the London-based Michael Wilford & Partners

Singapore's Architecture By Anne Morgan

L The Star at One North by Aedas

Henderson Waves Bridge by IJP Corporation and RSP Architects Planners

ook around you. Look up. Look at the skyline. Architecture tells you everything you need to know about the character and history of a country and its people: their aspirations, quirks and ambitions made manifest in the fabric and design of the buildings. And many have a love affair with Singapore’s architecture. Once a sparsely populated tropical island, the rise in population fueled by Singapore’s strategically important location led to a great urban renewal from the 1950s to 1970s. This coincided with the arrival of reinforced concrete as a commercial building material, so one of the most common styles of architecture in Singapore is the modern international and brutalist style. The People’s Park Complex and Golden Mile Complex are good illustrations as are the HDB blocks. Space is limited and Singaporeans are relentless in their pursuit of progress, so there is little room for sentimentality when it comes to tearing down the old for the new. Fewer and fewer colonial Black & Whites and shophouses stand in the shadows of gleaming modern buildings. To counter this, there is an active heritage movement and older buildings are adapted and flourish in a modern setting. CHIJMES is a perfect example of this: once a convent, school and orphanage, it’s now a bustling restaurant hub. The National Museum was once the colonial Old Parliament House. From the late 1990s, authentically local architecture started to thrive and “modern tropical” architecture heralded a move away from walls of heat-trapping glass and towards a return of clean and simple lines, coupled with lush landscaping and sun-shading in the form of metal or wood louvres. One of my favorites is The Gateway, situated in Bugis next to the (frankly weird) art deco style Gotham City Parkview Square. The Gateway’s distinctive, sharply-cut angles jut out into a startling twodimensional plane. Locals were aghast at the appalling feng shui generated by these sharp edges. For many years, a large parcel of land

between the two buildings was left empty. But now the DUO Residences are bravely springing up in the shadow of the angles and Feng Shui Grand Master Tan has lent his expertise to maximize the qi (positive energy). Into the 21st century, Singapore’s architecture, unfettered by the past, is soaring in confidence. The Esplanade’s spiky domes (known locally as “the big Durians”) are certainly eye-catching. Perhaps the best-known building, the iconic Marina Bay Sands hotel complex, is a majestic sci-fi construction like no other and the lotus flower ArtScience Museum floating serenely in the water provides an interesting contrast. The addition of Gardens by the Bay's surreal Super Tree Grove and flower domes make this area instantly recognizable on the world map. Another building of note is the awardwinning The Star at One North. In a uniquely Singaporean way, the building mixes a 5,000 seater auditorium with a working retail center. Undaunted by these seemingly competing needs, the designers made this happen in a monumental and astonishing way. Singapore has also maximized the dramatic potential of the tropical environment by building a number of sinuous bridges such as The Alkaff Bridge and the Double Helix Bridge. The most jaw dropping is Henderson Waves Bridge, Singapore’s highest pedestrian bridge, connecting Mount Faber Park to Telok Blangah Hill Park. This stunning, wave-like structure is made up of seven, undulating, curved steel ribs that alternately weave above and below its deck. Illuminated at night from 7pm to 2am, it also provides an alternative view of the city. As more iconic buildings and structures energetically emerge, Singapore’s modern architecture is certainly making a dramatic statement. It’ll be interesting to see what the city’s future skyline holds. Photos by Nicolas Lannuzel, Erwin Soo, Joan Campderrós-i-Canas, Schristia, _paVan_, Leonid Yaitskiy, Courtesy of Aedas

17 THINGS WE LOVE

Easy Peasy, Lemon Squeezy By Laura Schwartz

hough it might not pack the wild personality of cities like New York or London, Singapore is hard to beat when it comes to sheer convenience. Here is a list of what I think makes living in this city state a uniquely easy experience: Public Transportation. The most obvious of Singapore’s modern conveniences, the buses and trains are clean, cheap and punctual. One of the benefits of this city state’s youth is that the train network was built less than 30 years ago (unlike the NYC subway and the Tube, which are each more than a century old), so its infrastructure is up-to-date and even allows for cell service. And if there aren’t any buses or MRT stations near you, the taxis are equally convenient, inexpensive and accessible. Overhangs. Though it often goes unnoticed in the day-to-day, the majority of the city’s buildings have been carefully planned to feature an overhang in some form. While these are crucial for those sudden rainstorms, they’re equally vital for weathering the tropical sunshine. During a visit to nearby Malacca, I was surprised at how much more intense the day’s heat felt and realized that the

difference was the abundance of shade that Singapore’s overhangs and plentiful trees provide. AXS Stations. Like shrines to convenience, the more than 900 AXS machines tucked into corners all over the island are most impressive for allowing you to pay all your bills in one fell swoop, from utilities to medical to the credit card. Not only that, bills that arrive in the mail have a barcode at the bottom that you can scan into an AXS Station, so you don’t even need to type in the details before dipping in your debit card. These stations also enable you to pay fines, top-up your EZ-Link card, buy and collect movie tickets, book an NParks BBQ pit and apply for a camping permit. Mobile Phones. For anyone who has wrangled with AT&T or Verizon contracts and despaired over their rules on which phones you could use, Singapore’s system is a refreshing change. As long as you have a local SIM card, you can buy a new phone at any time without having to navigate a tangle of regulations. Plus, phone numbers are portable, meaning you don’t need to change your number if you switch to a new service provider.

Everything is Online. Singapore was ranked highest globally for smartphone penetration, according to a 2015 survey by Deloitte’s Global Technology, Media and Telecommunications. Following suit, local retailers have also increased their online presence. RedMart and Cold Storage allow you to order groceries online or through mobile phone apps. A slew of restaurants, such as Simply Wrapps and Smiths Authentic Fish and Chips, have unique apps and rewards programs. Even government services make accessing information and submitting feedback through websites. Photo by Mac Qin Laura Schwartz was born in Ireland and grew up in Japan, Singapore and New Jersey, finally becoming an American citizen at age 18. She graduated Bard College in 2010 with a BA in Japanese Language & Culture. When she’s not traveling or devouring a new book, she juggles her 9-to-5 as an Admissions & Career Consultant with freelance writing.

18 THINGS WE LOVE

Singapore American • February 2016

Why Singapore Rocks By Melinda Murphy

hen I told people I was moving to Singapore, they thought I was nuts. Why would I want to live all the way on the other side of the world? To be honest, I wasn’t so sure myself. I’d never even been to Singapore, but I love adventure and trying new things, so why not, I thought? And boy, am I glad we took the plunge. This issue is all about what we love about Singapore. I could write about so many different aspects of life here in The Little Red Dot, but the thing I truly love best is the multiculturalism here. How lucky are my five- and seven-yearold kids that they celebrate so many holidays, holidays I’d never heard of until I was an adult? Take Chinese New Year this month. Not only do they celebrate at school by wearing red, silk clothes, playing games and trying new foods, but they also get to go to a real Chinatown and be immersed in the culture. The best part? They actually speak to the local Chinese in Mandarin! And they don’t just know a little about the holiday. They are virtual walking encyclopedias on the topic! Chinese New Year is just one of so many holidays about which they’ve learned. Just last semester, they performed in a Deepavali show complete with homemade diyas; cooked a massive meal for American Thanksgiving and sang their hearts out in Christmas plays performing British Christmas songs I didn’t know. Singapore celebrates two holidays for the primary religions here. Wow. And even holidays that aren’t observed in schools are still celebrated

here. Have you been to the St. Patrick’s Day parade on the river yet? It’s such fun (albeit you’ll sweat more watching the procession than you do at the Chicago St. Patrick’s Day affair!). I love to hear my kids talking about their school buddies from different countries or where everybody went to spend the Christmas break. What kid in my Texas hometown can fully discuss the virtues of India versus Thailand for a holiday? How fabulous! And it’s not just my kids whose eyes are being opened, but mine, too. I chair Girl Scouts here in Singapore and we have more than 25 nationalities within our ranks which brings such a different feel to our experiences. My own Brownie troop of 12 girls has seven nationalities and we’ve worked with a local Singaporean Girl Guide troop, too. I work at the American Association which I expected to be staffed by only Americans, but almost half our staff is from another country. I’ve snapped photos at Thaipusam, gaped at Singapore's spectacular Chingay, danced at an Indian wedding, celebrated a Ukranian Christmas and so much more: things that I simply didn’t do back home. So to you I say, “Gong Xi Fa Cai!” Hand out hong bao. Head to Chinatown. Make a lantern. Soak it all up and count your blessings that your life in Singapore is one of cultural richness. May The Year of the Monkey be your best yet!

19 Singapore American • February 2016

Getting Back to Myself By Mandee M. Astuti

ersonally, I love stepping away from the norm and learning ways to connect to my innermost self. It’s amazing all the resources available right here in Singapore to do just that, methods that aren’t necessarily available back home.

CHAKRADANCE™ is a powerful and authentic healing practice first developed by an Australian while living in London. The practice uses dance, guided imagery and music is to promote well-being by resonating each of the seven major chakras. www.chakradance.com.

Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) is a course designed to teach people how to better take care of themselves. People learn to handle the various stressors keeping them from the life that they would like to live. Available at Nirvana Mind which is a meditation community, a support system and a safe space in which to explore the inner self. www.nirvanamind.net.

Primordial Sound Meditation. This meditation technique by Amaranth Meadow uses sound in the form of a personalized mantra to connect with the vibrational note of your soul. Their methods help remove blocks to connecting spiritually to our inner selves because of things like conditionings, past traumas and limiting beliefs. www.facebook.com/amaranthmeadowsingapore.

Sound Therapy with Tibetan Bowls. Sound massage with the Tibetan bowls is a deeply meditative and relaxing experience offered by Audrey’s Wellness Holistic Centre. The bowls are placed on the body and then their vibrations help you melt away tensions and pain, leaving your body feeling blissfully light and freely vibrating. www.audrey-wellness.com.

Reiki. For those who are interested in physical healing, the Reiki TUMMO™ Association offers an energy system that combines all the elements of Usui Reiki, plus the powerful addition of the Kundalini energy to help heal your chakras and energy bodies. rtas.org.sg.

Photos by Nirvana Mind, Amaranth Meadow

HEALTH & WELLNESS

21 HEALTH & WELLNESS

Singapore American • February 2016

Going to the Dentist Could Save Your Life By Dr. Gregory T. Taytlor

W "Sure, we all know smoking can cause lung cancer and alcohol is bad for your liver, but the two are also the primary causes of oral cancer."

e all know the importance and benefits of brushing, flossing and regular dental check-ups. But did you know that dentists are also trained to examine and diagnose pathologic conditions of the oral cavity? Women are taught the importance of self-examination and palpating for lumps in their breasts to screen for breast cancer. But when was the last time you took a good look in your mouth in the mirror after brushing? It is human nature to say in hindsight, “It never bothered me, so I did not think that the white and red spot under my tongue was anything bad.” As part of a routine dental check-up, a dentist should examine all areas of the mouth including the tongue, floor of the mouth, hard and soft palate, cheeks, lips and oropharynx. The neck should also be palpated for possible enlarged lymph nodes or salivary glands. The mucosa should be checked for any discoloration, as well. Also, a panoramic radiograph should be taken to evaluate the jaw bones, teeth and temporomandibular joints (TMJs) for any possible abnormalities. The American Dental Association recommends a panorex (an x–ray that provides a full view of the upper and lower jaws, teeth and TMJs) be taken every five years in adults as a screen for pathology. There are many conditions that are asymptomatic that can be picked up by this simple radiograph. So what can you do as a patient to be aware of potential “bad things” in your mouth? Many patients ask me, “What can I do differently to maximize my oral health?” Avoid known carcinogens such as tobacco use and excessive alcohol intake, for starters. Sure, we all know smoking can cause lung cancer and alcohol is bad for your liver, but the two are also the primary causes of oral cancer. Smokeless tobacco is also carcinogenic to the oral mucosa. A mouth ulcer or canker sore that doesn’t resolve after two weeks should be biopsied. If you notice a white

patch on your tongue or cheek that doesn’t wipe off, the area needs to be evaluated by a dentist. Slow-growing bumps that do not go away after one week as well as any purple or dark blue discoloration in absence of recent trauma should be examined. If something looks “different” to you, don’t get scared and go on Google and try and diagnose yourself. Instead, see your dentist to find out what it is. And finally, maintain regular dental checkups every six months. Dental hygienists have a lot of training. If they spot anything that may be problematic, they can alert your dentist to what they notice. Photo courtesy Expat Dental

Dr. Gregory T. Taylor is originally from North Carolina and has been practicing dentistry for 28 years, the past 8 of which have been in Asia. Dr. Taylor currently practices at Expat Dental ®, Novena Medical Center, 10 Sinaran Drive, #08-15/16, 307506. Tel. 6397-6718.

Living in Singapore Got You Down? By Laura Timms

his edition of the Singapore American Newspaper is focused on all that’s wonderful about life in The Lion City. But whether you’re a newcomer or have lived for decades in The Little Red Dot, many people face times when it’s easier to list the things that they don’t like about life in Singapore. You’ll find some fresh ideas for things to do and places to visit from the tips in this edition of the SAN, but if you’re currently struggling to appreciate living here, looking beyond the specifics of life in Singapore may also help. Researchers from the field of self-determination theory identify three fundamental needs which must be met for human wellbeing and flourishing: competence, relatedness and autonomy. It can be illuminating to consider whether one or more of these needs is being frustrated in some way, if you find yourself having a hard time. For example, for someone newly arrived in Singapore, their feeling of competence may be undermined through the practical challenges of navigating a new city; operating in an unfamiliar culture; perhaps communicating in a non-native language or grappling with Singlish. For longer-established expats, their sense of relatedness to others

can be damaged by the high turnover of people arriving and departing, which can make it challenging to establish close and lasting friendships, while at the same time feeling distant and disconnected from friends and family “back home.” Trailing spouses who may have left behind careers and a greater degree of financial independence or who find themselves facing obstacles to pursuing their career ambitions in Singapore because of visa issues, find their sense of autonomy can be placed under severe pressure. Understanding the essential role of these three needs in human wellbeing isn’t just a handy way to identify what might be going on if you’re having a hard time. It can help you to put in place an effective strategy for improving your quality of life when times get tough. Think about each of the three needs in turn: where in your life do you currently feel competent? When do you feel a rewarding sense of connection to others (relatedness)? And in which domains of your life do you feel the greatest sense of personal control (autonomy)? What can you do to maximize these areas and add others to them? If you find it tricky to identify any positives under these three headings, your challenge will be to identify the most achievable, high

impact actions you can take to increase your sense of competence, connection and personal control. Keep it simple: for example, to nourish your sense of competence, make time each week to work on a task or hobby which really plays to your strengths and savour the experience of using your skills. Maximize your feeling of connection to others by having a coffee with a friend you haven’t seen for a while or a neighbour you’d like to know better or send a short and sweet “How are you?” email to someone back home. Increase your sense of personal control by planning your time to meet personal goals as well as family or professional commitments and brush up on your assertiveness skills if making time for yourself is a challenge for you. Experiment with different ideas to see which ones have the biggest positive impact and do more of whatever works best. If it feels too much to turn things around on your own, confidential, expert help is available from the team at SACAC Counselling www.sacac.sg. Photos by Ryan Melaugh, Shattered.art66 Laura Timms is a psychotherapist and coach, originally from the UK, practicing at SACAC Counselling.

22 FOOD & DINING

Singapore American • January 2016

Libations I Love By Laura Coulter

othing beats a classic drink. Sure, you can try the new, “hip” drink of the day or indulge in a craze that sweeps across bars like Bonfire Bangers, Zima Coolers or flaming shots, but at the end of the night (and the next morning when you lay groaning on the sofa), you’ll wish you had stuck to the classics. Make it a resolution to try all of the classics this year and find your favorite. Martini, Shaken Not Stirred. The drink made famous by James Bond is the most varied and popular of the classics, with modern twists such as apple, lychee and chocolate flavors available. The original classic is gin and vermouth, garnished with an olive or twist of lemon. Manhattan. Dating back to New York’s Manhattan Club in the 1870s, this drink is made with whiskey, sweet vermouth and bitters, topped with a maraschino cherry. Rusty Nail. This favorite of The Rat Pack is made by mixing Drambuie (a Scotch-based liqueur) and Scotch whiskey. It’s commonly served over ice and in an old-fashioned glass or “up” in a stemmed glass. Gimlet. This is a nice and simple drink: gin and lime juice. Vodka can be a variant on this drink. Legend has it that British Royal Navy Surgeon Rear-Admiral Sir Thomas Gimlette introduced the drink as a way to get his troops to take lime juice as anti-scurvy medication. Champagne Cocktail. Like champagne, but want something different? Try this concoction made with sugar, bitters, Champagne, brandy and a maraschino cherry. Served in a flute, it was featured in the film Casablanca. It doesn’t get more classic than that! Want to try one of these classics? Then head to one of my favorite Singapore hot spots. Cook & Brew. The comfy-plus sofas, drink pairings with delicious food items and happy hour promotions are all good

reasons to love going to Cook & Brew. Located on the 32 floor of the Westin Singapore. the view is one more excuse to check it out. 12 Marina View, Asia Square Tower 2 (www.cookandbrewsingapore.com) House of Dandy. A cocktail bar with vintage charm, you can try a new twist on the classics. Adding to the fun? Interesting stemwear is used; your drink might be served in a vase, an old-fashioned coup or a milk bottle. 74 Tras Street. (www.house-of-dandy.com) Morton’s. Words that make you melt such as steak, vodka, half-price and free: that’s Morton’s. Buttery, warm, free steak sandwiches and half-priced martinis from 5-7pm will continue to make this hotel bar, a favorite with the hungry and thirsty crowd. Mandarin Oriental, 6 Raffles Blvd, Marina Square· (www.mortons.com/singapore) Manhattan at the Regent. This is a perfect spot to try the classic drink of the same name. Go for the Violet Hour every day from 5-7pm. 1 Cuscaden Road. (www.regenthotels.com/en/Singapore/Cuisine/Manhattan) The Library. A hidden, secret bar in Chinatown, this spot serves up strong cocktails, with a twist. Check their Facebook page for the password (which changes weekly) to have the hidden door open for you. You might walk past the shop a few times, trying to find your way. It might be a florist, a tailor, a candy shop…keep your eyes peeled. To get to The Library, start at www.facebook.com/thestudy49. When you have the password, take a taxi to 47 Keong Saik Road.

Photo by Gave Launder Laura Coulter is a globe-trotting journalist, event planner, teacher and fundraiser. Coulter created and hosts of the long-running “Your Clothes Friend Swap,” held four times a year. She also volunteers her time to build homes with Habitat for Humanity. As contributor to the Living in Singapore nightlife section, Laura continues to search for the perfect martini.

Food Shopping Singapore-style By Nellie Ross

ooking is my passion and, after living in Singapore for 13 years, I’ve finally figured out where to get the best food supplies. Here is a list of the places I love to shop for ingredients that make my dishes shine. Meidi-Ya Supermarket, 177 River Valley Road, Liang Court Shopping Centre. Step into this basement supermarket and feel as though you’ve taken a trip to Japan as you peruse the remarkable range of Japanese products, fresh fruits, vegetables and seafood.

Foodie Market Place, 225 Outram Road. This shop has an array of chilled and frozen meats, seafood and other food products at competitive prices. German Market Place, 609 Bukit Timah Road. For great German food products (and European, too), this is the place to go. You can also pick up detergents, soaps, cleaning products, shampoos and gels. Huber’s Butchery, 22 Dempsey Road. Even though it’s a bit pricey, Huber’s is a popular spot for a fantastic assortment of meats, deli items and cheeses. The shop also carries Swiss, German and European confections and groceries.

Phoon Huat & Co, multiple locations. If you’re looking for baking supplies, this is your place. These stores carry everything from sprinkles to fancy pans. RedMart, www.redmart.com. This online store has changed my life. I can find everything I need and don't have to lug it up the stairs. Photo by Nicolas Lannuzel Nellie Ross enjoys cooking as a hobby. Her friends and family are always happy to sample one of her latest creations.

Continued from Page 1 get your fill of their comforting kaya (coconut jam) and toast, surprisingly complex soon kueh (vegetable and prawn stuffed “cake”) and sweet and savory chee cheong fan (rice noodles that apparently remind one of pig’s intestines, but taste nothing like them). And if rice and gluten aren’t your best friends, check out the clear pork rib soup, bak kut teh, available everywhere and immensely popular at establishments such as Song Fa (New Bridge Road) or Ya Hua (Havelock Road). Or the seafood specialty restaurants such as Red House (Robertson Quay) and Jumbo (Dempsey Hill) that have so much more to offer than just chili or pepper crab. Try the oat-coated and fried cereal prawn, garnished with Indian style curry leaves at Jumbo or the home made spinach tofu with Japanese-style shimeji mushrooms. The more formal Chinese restaurants in Singapore often serve Cantonese cuisine, typically including steamed or stir-fried

seafood, meats and vegetables delicately flavored and delivered steaming fresh at your table. Try Lei Garden at Chijmes or Wah Lok at Carlton Hotel. Traditional dishes such as Peking duck are also popular. For this, try Hai Tien Lo at Pan Pacific Hotel or Imperial Treasure at Paragon Mall. These meals will cost you a bit, but are a grand experience. Chinese meals are best enjoyed with family or in a group with a bunch of dishes lined up to share. Moving geographic influences a bit, let’s shine the spotlight on Indian food. Indian cuisine is probably the second most widely available cuisine here, yet can be quite different from the food you get in India. Historically, Singapore’s Indian community had the most affinity to Southern India, the coastal state of Tamil Nadu, in particular. Hence, the most widely available Indian cuisine is from the South of the subcontinent, including both the primarily vegetarian Tamil Hindu cuisine as well as Tamil and Muslim cuisine, which incorporates chicken and

mutton. Try Murugan Idli Shop (near Mustafa in Little India) for their delicate idli (steamed rice cakes), crisp dosa (rice and lentil crepes) and savory vadai (fried lentil and spiced dumplings that look light donuts). Although Chettinad restaurants such as Banana Leaf and Apollo are on the tourist maps for fish-head curry, why not venture a bit further on Race Course Road and try Chicken “65” or dry mutton sukka at Anjappar followed by dum biryani (rice cooked with meat). On a different day (as you’ll be pretty full from the other places!), walk down to Jaggi for some authentic Punjabi food. Ask them to give you an assortment of tandoori items to start. On yet another occasion, make your way to North Bridge Road where establishments such as Zam Zam serve a Singaporespecial mix of Indian and Malay food. Expect dishes such as nasi bryani (a local take on the original with fried instead of slowcooked chicken), murtabak (flat breads stuffed with meats) and hot ginger tea, teh halia. While not far from the heart of town,

Family, Paediatric & Travel Medicine

I N T E R N A T I O N A L

MEDICAL CLINIC

Our people make the difference • Caring for the expatriate community since 1999 • A diverse international team of medical professionals • A caring, friendly and familiar environment Camden Clinic | 1 Orchard Boulevard, Camden Medical Centre #14-06 | 6733 4440 Jelita Clinic | 293 Holland Road, Jelita Cold Storage #02-04 | 6465 4440 Paediatric Clinic | 1 Orchard Boulevard, Camden Medical Centre #11-06 | 6887 4440

www.imc–healthcare.com

these places don’t offer the typical air-conditioned comfort that we so associate with Singapore, so visit on a cooler (cloudier) day or when you’re in the mood for a more rustic experience. The fun part, of course, is that while you’re there, you have the opportunity to walk around the historical Kampung Glam neighborhood as well as the Arab Street area, home to some of Singapore’s Malay heritage. And, if you end up staying for the next meal or snack, why not get your hands on some Malay or Indonesian fare, which leads me to our next section. Placed between the Malaysian peninsula and the Indonesian archipelago, it is only fitting that Singapore has much to reveal about the riches of the Malay and Indonesian unique cuisines. A couple of interesting restaurants where you can start include IndoChili, opposite Great World City on Zion Road and The Rice Table in the International Building at Orchard Road. Try the soto ayam (chicken soup) and gado gado (vegetables in peanut sauce) before you move on to heavier stuff. And when

at The Rice Table, try everything you can by ordering an Indonesian rijstaffel (Dutch for “rice table”) where, for a fixed and reasonable price, you get served about twenty dishes with an endless supply of rice as a staple. For easy and tasty Malay dishes, walk down to your nearest Toast Box or Kopitiyam and ask for one of my favorites, mee rebus, a soupy dish of plump yellow noodles in a potatobased gravy served with boiled egg, spring onion and calamansi lime. It’s good for a light lunch or a snack. Mee siam is a slightly different take on noodles in soup with bee hoon rice noodles in a more tart, tamarind flavored soup, potentially inspired by Thai influences, as indicated by its name. And if you’re looking to have a night out on the town somewhere near the business district, why not spend time at Lau Pa Sat’s Satay Street where a number of stalls spring up in the evening, tantalizingly grilling satay (morsels of meat on tiny bamboo skewers) over open-charcoal barbeque pits. If the night meanders into the wee-hours, make

your way to Spize at River Valley Road for a calorie-laden, but deeply satisfying, spread of after-party favorites such as mee goreng, a great example of how Indian flavors spice up a Malay and Indonesian dish using inherently Chinese ingredients. As you have probably already seen, what makes Singapore such a food haven is it’s truly, uniquely diverse food heritage. Singaporeans will endlessly debate the ratings of one restaurant or hawker stall over another, the recipes and often the origins of these dishes. Yet, amazingly, this national obsession and subculture of food doesn’t divide this multicultural society. Rather, our love for food unites us. Photos by Charles Haynes, Alpha, MarPa87, Harsha KR Shailesh Paul is a regional payments executive with Visa. He is a self-taught culinary crafts enthusiast (as in, he can and will cook) with deep interest in cuisine. Shailesh and family have been based in Singapore since 2006.

26 ARTS

Singapore American • February 2016

Lovin' the Arts By Nithia Devan

hen it comes to the arts in Singapore, there are many events and venues, a real feast for the senses! As a passionate arts lover, I enjoy the wide variety offered in The Little Red Dot. Here are my favorites. Shakespeare in the Park Every year, the Singapore Repertory Theatre presents one of the Bard’s works at Fort Canning Park. There’s nothing better than bringing a mat, a picnic and wine to watch a magical performance by a talented group of actors. This April and May, the SRT is presenting the not-to-be-missed Romeo and Juliet. (www.srt.com.sg) Art Fairs Art Stage Singapore was a week of gallery presentations and public works at Marina Bay Sands which ran at the same time as The Singapore Contemporary Art Show, featuring works priced from S$10K to S$100K. A more fun and accessible fair is the Affordable Art Fair which will take place in April at the F1 Pit Building. The artworks are by local and international artists and priced between S$100 and S$10K. www.artstagesingapore.com www.asiacontemporaryart.com affordableartfair.com/singapore

Festivals Singapore has an arts festival for everyone, from dance in all its forms (da:ns) to the Singapore International Festival of Arts (SIFA) to the Night Festival and the Singapore International Film Festival (SIFF), Tickets go on sale in advance and the ones for the most poplar shows get snapped up quickly. Check the press and online events websites for up to date information. The Esplanade My favorite of Singapore’s world-class venues is the Esplanade - Theatres on the Bay. The spiky, twin domes (affectionately known as “The Durians”) house a main theater and concert hall as well as smaller performance venues where you can catch performances by major international stars, home-grown arts companies and the Singapore Symphony Orchestra. I love its vibrant atmosphere and the many free events that take place in the Concourse or the Outdoor Stage. There are always exhibitions of visual art at the Jendela Gallery, in the main Concourse and also in the tunnel as you approach the building from City Hall MRT Station. (www.esplanade.com)

Free Art on display – everywhere! Take a walk along Boat Quay and you will come across interesting pieces of sculpture such as “Bird” by Colombian artist Fernando Botero and “First Generation” by local artist Chong Fah Cheong. At Millennia Walk, you can view Roy Lichtenstein’s “Six Brushstrokes.” These are just a few examples. Many hotels house works by artists, several even offer guided tours. There’s also the Art in Transit Programme, which aims to bring art into the MRT system.

Photos by William Cho, Jnzl's Public Domain, Courtesy of Singapore Repertory Theatre Nithia Devan is a freelance marketing communications professional, copywriter and editor. She is passionate about supporting Singapore theater and getting more people fired up about local productions and the arts scene. Nithia also writes on theater events for City Nomads, a guide to what’s happening in Singapore.

calendar

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 1 February – 26 May Chua Ek Kay: After The Rain Wu Guanzhong: Beauty Beyond Form National Gallery of Singapore www.nationalgallery.sg 1 February – 29 May Treasures from the World from The British Museum National Museum of Singapore nationalmuseum.sg 1 February – 31 May South Asia and the Islamic World: Highlights from the Collection Asian Civilisations Museum acm.org.sg

ENTERTA I N M ENT 15 February Russell Peters: Almost Famous World Tour Suntec Convention & Exhibition Centre www.sistic.com.sg 19-20 February Chingay 2016 F1 Pit Building and Promenade www.sistic.com.sg 25 February – 13 March The Effect Victoria Theatre www.sistic.com.sg 26 February SSO: Leningrad Symphony Esplanade Concert Hall www.sistic.com.sg

26 February – 6 March Cirque Eloize Sands Theatre, MasterCard Theatres at Marina Bay Sands www.sistic.com.sg 28 February Madonna: Rebel Heart Tour Singapore National Stadium www.sportshub.com.sg

L I FEST Y LE 19 February Year of the Monkey Carpet Auction by Hedger’s Carpet Gallery The American Club, Colonial Room Viewing: 5:30-7:30pm Auction: 7:30-11pm www.amclub.org.sg 29 February – 12 March Singapore Writers Festival Various Locations www.singaporewritersfestival.com

ED U CAT I ON From 1 February UWCSEA Applications for Admission to UWCSEA in 2016/2017 open Dover or East Campus www.uwcsea.edu.sg admissions@uwcsea.edu.sg From 1 February United Educare Pre-school Pte Ltd Applications for 2016 Admission open 35 Lotus Avenue, Singapore 277618 www.unitededucare.com.sg unitededu35@gmail.com

19 February Stamford American International School Open House 279 Upper Serangoon Road 9am www.sais.edu.sg 20 February Start of Testtakers ACT prep program for the April 9 ACT Chatsworth International School 37 Emerald Hill 12:30pm www.testtakers-sg.com 25 February Canadian International School Open House Tanjong Katong Campus 371 Tanjong Katong Road 9am www.cis.edu.sg 5 March Start of Testtakers SAT prep program for the May 7 SAT Chatsworth International School 37 Emerald Hill 12:30pm www.testtakers-sg.com 19 March Start of Testtakers SAT and ACT prep programs for the April ACT and May SAT International School of Singapore (Orchard) 25 Paterson Road 12pm www.testtakers-sg.com 23 April CIS STEAM FAIR Canadian International School Lakeside Campus 7 Jurong West Street 41 11am – 3pm www.cis.edu.sg/STEAMFAIR