ANZA Magazine May – June 2024

Good Life! Live the

Calming activities, peaceful sanctuaries, chill out cafes - it's time to unwind in the city

Welcome to ANZA’s May - June edition, an issue committed to informing, entertaining, and reducing your pulse rate!

Living in bustling Singapore, it’s not always easy to stop and unwind. With stress at an all-time high, this month’s magazine is dedicated to helping you to decompress, whether that be through being good to yourself, or by doing something positive for the world around you.

Of course, there are many different ways to boost spirits. Some of us turn to a high-energy sport like ANZA Pickleball or ANZA Cycling to let off steam. Others seek more mellow pastimes, such as our mahjong or reading groups.

As an introvert at heart, I love scouting out simple spots in which to feel calm, so it was a joy to research all the top places in Singapore to balance out busyness. From chill cafes to soothing therapies, gentle family activities to more tranquil areas of the island for a slice of solitude, I hope you find something to soothe your mind, body and soul in Serenity In The City on p40. For those wanting more immediate feel-good sensations, Glimmer Warning on p52 explains the undeniable wellbeing benefits of appreciating the little things in life, plus how and where to spot them. Alongside tending to our own needs, it’s clear that the environment needs TLC too. On p34 we meet some pioneering local entrepreneurs who are striving to make a difference through sustainable food-based initiatives. We also learn how we can contribute to the better health of ourselves and the planet through our workout gear. Seriously! Head to p46.

Lastly, one thing that never fails to induce good feelings is introducing ANZA’s new Executive Committee! On p26 you can meet the panel of members leading our organisation through 2024 with modern thinking, innovation and passion. Because if there’s one thing guaranteed to make you feel great, it’s ANZA!

Jo Upcraft, Editor editor@anza.org.sg

THE ANZA TEAM

AUSTRALIAN AND NEW ZEALAND ASSOCIATION

261A Beach Road, Singapore 199541

Hours: Mon–Fri, 9am–5pm +65 6291 6301

www.anza.org.sg

facebook .com/anzasingapore @anzasingapore linkedin.com/groups/ANZA-Singapore

GENERAL MANAGER AND SPONSORSHIP

Kerry Low gm@anza.org.sg

SALES AND MARKETING

Jolene Cornford marketing@anza.org.sg

DESIGN

Christina Lim design@anza.org.sg

ACCOUNTS AND OPERATIONS

Ellie Mills accounts@anza.org.sg

EVENTS

Melinda Kaur events@anza.org.sg

MEMBERSHIP SERVICES

Sarah Myers info@anza.org.sg

Above: Jo finding serenity in Sri Lanka on p64

FEEL GOOD, DO GOOD

FEATURES

26 MEET THE ANZA EXEC COMMITTEE 2024

Introducing our new panel of members leading ANZA through the coming year

34 FOOD FOR THOUGHT

The generation of entrepreneurs protecting the planet through sustainable produce

40 SERENITY IN THE CITY

Stop and de-stress with these ideas for finding peace and feeling your best in Singapore

46 HOW HEALTHY IS YOUR SPORTSWEAR?

What you workout in could affect your wellbeing. Here’s what to know and what to look out for

50 TOP

PICK!

Play pickleball like a pro with these insider tips from a local national champion

52 GLIMMER WARNING

Life is full of little uplifters, you just need to be mindful of them. Happiness ahead!

64

TIME FOR TEA

We explore the beauty of Sri Lanka’s tea country

A Pioneering Forest School Experience at Dulwich College (Singapore)

At Dulwich College Kindergarten Singapore – affectionately known as DUCKS – students are empowered to immerse themselves in nature through our experiential Forest School programme; the first and only school in Singapore to be accredited by the UK's Forest School Learning Initiative (FSLI).

Rooted in the Nordic concept of “Friluftsliv”, or “Open-Air Living”, the Forest School approach supports students to foster a deep connection with the natural environment through hands-on experiences. As they observe and interact with Singapore's diverse flora and fauna, students develop both real-world skills and a toolkit for safely navigating risks.

The personalised, child-led experiences gained through our DUCKS Forest School create well-rounded individuals, equipped to thrive academically, socially and emotionally.

To learn more about Forest School at Dulwich College (Singapore) visit Singapore.dulwich.org or call admissions at 6890 1003

Kia ora & G’day!

Avery warm welcome especially to all our new ANZA members, whether you’ve joined primarily for kids’ sport, your own sport, or if you’re simply looking to become immersed in the friendliest and most welcoming community in Singapore. I hope you’ll be able to really dig in and explore all the activities and opportunities that are available.

Since the last magazine, the community has come together on several occasions. Turn to p22 to discover what happened at our ‘Chill, Chat, Connect’ and ‘Thriving in Singapore’ events, both wonderful opportunities to forge new friendships and deepen our understanding of everything across the little red dot.

Our AGM in March also brought us up to speed on what’s happening across our sporting and sub-groups. I never cease to be amazed by the incredible dedication of the armies of volunteers driving each of our programmes, especially across ANZA Soccer (160 parent volunteers), ANZA Netball (70 parent volunteers), and ANZA Nippers, Scouts and Cycling. A huge shout out too, to those who’ve stepped up to lead some of our newer groups, such as Singing, Watersports, Pickleball and Padel.

Gratitude goes out to NZ High Commissioner, H.E Gabby Rush, who hosted us for the AGM. We’re delighted to mark the return of both Gabby and H.E Allaster Cox, Australian High Commissioner to Singapore, as our ANZA Co-Patrons. With the election of our new Executive Committee, we welcome Joseph Keats, Nicola Mifsud-Houghton, Kasia Noske, Christopher Brown, and former President Adam Martin. We bid a fond farewell and heartfelt thanks to outgoing members Christo Alexander, Philip Simmonds, Debra de Reeper, James Lindsay and Mark Neo.

This magazine’s theme of ‘Living The Good Life’ sparks inspiration for lots of postive vibes. Make sure you check out all the great places to relax and unwind in the city on p40. One ANZA member set to take on a massive challenge and do good as she lives her best life is ANZA member and ultra-runner, Natalie Dau. Nat will be running 1,000km from Thailand to Singapore by taking on two marathons per day for twelve days back-to-back from 24 May. Sounds crazy? Possibly, but it’s all for a good cause. Nat’s goal is to promote sports and body positivity for women and girls across SE Asia. Our community will be out cheering Nat on as she runs the final stage in Singapore, finishing her extraordinary mission at Marina Bay.

We’d love to have you join us at the finish line or maybe even earlier for a little run alongside her. Give us a shout at info@anza.org.sg if you’re interested!

ANZA EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Megan Kinder

Clockwise: Greeting new and veteran members at Chill, Chat, Connect; the throngs at our Thriving in Singapore event; and nestled between two former ANZA presidents, PJ Roberts (left) and Adam Martin

Drive

Preparing

THANKS MUM!

Australia and New Zealand celebrate Mother’s Day on Sunday 12 May. This is a chance to say a big thank you to all mums near and far. ANZA would like to give a big shout-out to all of our mum members who run our sports and activities groups, volunteer at ANZA Action, and help out with events such as our ANZA Ball. We could not do it without youyou’re the best!

Meet A Featured Partner

PROFESSOR STEPHEN BOYLE,

Deputy Vice Chancellor and

Head of Campus at James Cook University (JCU), Singapore jcu.edu.sg

Who are JCU?

James Cook University (JCU) is an Australian university based in North Queensland. We have campuses in Townsville, Cairns, Brisbane, Queensland, and one in Singapore.

How aligned are you with JCU in Australia?

The Singapore campus is fully owned by James Cook University Australia, and was established in 2003 as part of JCU’s expressed intent of internationalising its activities.

How do you stand out from the competition?

Our school boasts the highest level of quality assurance in Singapore for Private Education Institutions, known as an EduTrust Star. By obtaining this award for the third time in 2023, we’ve displayed our commitment and focus as a student-centric educational institution.

What’s your partnership with ANZA?

We’ve had a long-standing relationship for more than 10 years. We’re a Platinum Partner and have

GOT SOMETHING

TO SAY?

Email us at info@anza.org.sg or comment on our Facebook page facebook.com/anzasingapore

DID YOU KNOW?

Labour Day, or International Workers’ Day, is said to have started in the late 1800s in the USA, seeking fairer and safer conditions for workers in general. It’s now recognised in many countries as a day dedicated to workers’ contributions, with family-style activities arranged by organisations and companies. It has been a public holiday in Singapore on 1 May annually since 1960.

– Raelene Tan

collaborated on the ANZA Ball, ANZA Soccer, and the Melbourne Cup. Our students have also been involved in volunteering activities with ANZA.

What’s it like working with us?

We have a great time working with the energetic ANZA team. We’ll continue to support the wonderful work that ANZA does and to further engage with the Australian and New Zealand communities in Singapore.

What are you up to when not at work?

Music is my passion so I try to engage in performing, conducting or just listening whenever I can.

Share one piece of ed advice for expats ... In this rapidly changing environment, we all need to commit to lifelong learning to stay up to date, learn new skills, and contribute to the everevolving economy and society. Take advantage of what is available both physically and virtually to build your skills and learn new things.

STAY CONNECTED WITH ANZA facebook.com/anzasingapore @anzasingapore linkedin.com/groups/ANZA-Singapore

THANK YOU TO THE FOLLOWING ANZA PARTNERS, VALUED GREATLY FOR THEIR CONTINUED SUPPORT OF THE ASSOCIATION.

PREMIER PARTNERS

PLATINUM PARTNERS

GOLD PARTNERS

PARTNERS

SILVER

A diplomatic match

Sport brings people together, which is why the inaugural mixed netball tournament of the diplomatic community was such a success.

New Zealand High Commission Singapore

One George Street, Level 21-04 Singapore 049145

Tel 6235 9966 Fax 6536 8180 nzhc.sin@mfat.govt.nz

Here at the New Zealand High Commission, we work hard, but we also know how to play hard!

One example of this is the inaugural Diplomatic Community Mixed Netball Tournament which took place in March at Tanglin Trust Sports Hall. Our friends at the British High Commission organised a fantastic Sunday morning of sport comprising six teams made up from the UK High Commission, Australian High Commission, NZ High Commission, and a mix of players from Singapore's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Trade and Industry.

Beset by injuries, international travel, family commitments (and perhaps an ingrained fear of the three second rule), our mighty team comprised representatives across the High Commission, Defence Force, Education NZ and the Asia NZ Foundation, along with Kiwi friends and whānau - truly a NZ Inc effort.

STAY CONNECTED

Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/ NewZealandinSingapore

Register when travelling: safetravel.govt.nz

Find out more: mfat.govt.nz/singapore

While everyone on our team had played before, for some senior members this meant pulling out high school moves we thought were many years behind us. Thankfully, there were a few young'uns from the community helping us out, too.

We loved getting on the court, building closer relationships and connections with everyone involved. While NZ were not victorious this time, everyone gave it their all. A big shout out goes to Frankie Burrowes, 11, daughter of Ben Burrowes from Education NZ, who took a knock to her hand but continued to bravely soldier on after a spot of First Aid.

The pizza afterwards rounded off a thoroughly enjoyable morning with lots of laughs and camaraderie. We already look forward to next year’s event - watch out Australia, we’re coming for you and the cup!

INTER NATIONA L SCHOOL OF PERFORMING ARTS

FEEDING TIME!

No matter what your age, it’s impossible not to love Singapore’s foodie offerings. From Chilli Crab to Char Kuay Teow, Carrot Cake to Kaya toast, there’s something for everyone. This May, Children’s Museum Singapore (CMSG) launches a new exhibition for kids based on the island’s food heritage. Into the Hawkerverse has been curated in consultation with children and aims to deepen their understanding and appreciation of hawker culture through play, activity and learning. Warning: it’ll make you hungry.

From 25 May. 23B Coleman Street, 179807 nhb.gov.sg/childrensmuseum

LET’S HEAR IT FOR THE GIRLS!

Curated by ACMI (Australia’s national museum of screen culture), Goddess: Brave. Bold. Beautiful takes place at ArtScience Museum and is part of their Year of Extraordinary Women exhibition. Celebrating 120 years of moving image history, it features the females who have challenged narratives, defied expectations and transcended boundaries via stories, screenings, costumes, sketches and interactive experiences such as a stunt masterclass. Not only does it showcase Aussie, American and European films, but shines a spotlight on Asian stars from Hong Kong, Japan, India, and of course, Singapore. Maggie Cheung, Michelle Yeoh and Fann Wong, we salute you! Until 11 August marinabaysands.com

MODEL BEHAVIOUR

Listen up history buffs! In 1915, a set of 84 hand-carved model pagodas made in Shanghai travelled thousands of miles to San Francisco. Exquisitely detailed, they were based on real structures and for many, they offered a first glimpse of China’s rich architectural heritage. The models have been hidden away for over a century, but this month sees them being returned to Asia and the Asian Civilisations Museum (ACM). Don’t miss them in Pagoda Odyssey 1915: From Shanghai to San Francisco.

31 May - 15 September. 1 Empress Place, 179555

The annual Dragon Boat Festival happens on 10 June 2024 (the fifth day of the fifth month of the lunar calendar).

Check out activities along Kallang River and Bedok Reservoir Park.

HERE COMES HERITAGE

Singapore Heritage Fest (SHF) 2024 is back, marking the 21st edition of this yearly festival that celebrates the island’s buildings and landmarks. As a double whammy, it’s also the 40th anniversary of Total Defence Singapore. Featuring tours, trails, exhibitions, and other exciting activities, SHF 2024 promises to be an immersive exploration of the place we’re proud to call our adopted home. Our top tips? The Homeground exhibition and the Hop-On Hop-Off bus experiences are not to be missed. 1 - 26 May, various locations sgheritagefest.gov.sg

FRIDA COMES TO TOWN

Frida Kahlo: The Life Of An Icon makes its debut in Southeast Asia in May. Demand is high for this immersive biography which promises nine spaces filled with interactive installations, 360-degree projections, photographs, films, and a virtual reality experience. Secure your tickets sooner rather than later to understand the life of one of the most influential female artists of the 20th century. ArtScience Museum, 6 Bayfront Avenue, Basement 2, 018974 feverup.com

Courtesy of Katong Culture

ANZA TOURS MAY/JUN

The coming months are for going behind the scenes of a hotel, cycling next to dinosaurs, enjoying a blind massage, and more.

Discover Singapore’s Local Designers

Join tour guide Charlotte Chu to meet three of Singapore’s most popular designers for lifestyle products, textiles and homewares. Hear about their design journey and do some shopping at the same time. Young, passionate, and with lots of enthusiasm for Singapore’s heritage, places and cultures, these designers are mostly self-taught and have no business background. Thanks to their talent and determination, they each overcame obstacles to become successful in their own right. Their beautiful and original offerings represent Singapore’s multiracial society in gorgeous and evocative ways.

DATE: Tuesday 7 May

TIME: 1pm - 4pm

MEET: Outram Park MRT

Station

COST: Members, $55, nonmembers, $65

TOUR GUIDE: Charlotte Chu

ADDITIONAL NOTES: This tour will begin and end at a different location

Exploring Singapore’s Vintage & Second-Hand Retail Charm

Would you like to be transported back in time to Singapore’s past? On this tour we explore three vintage stores, our goal being to discover some of the hidden treasures keeping the red dot’s homewares and furnishing history alive. You’ll be introduced to some interesting pieces from yesteryear, and have the chance to browse a selection of quirky knick-knacks, new and second-hand furniture, art, and various household items including crockery, glassware and linen, collected from local households and hotels. The tour includes lunch at a popular restaurant, as well as all transportation costs.

DATE: Wednesday 15 May

TIME: 11.30am - 2.30pm

MEET: 11.15am, Tai Seng MRT

COST: Members, $40, non-members, $45

ADDITIONAL NOTES: The tour will begin and end at a different location. Note that there will not be a professional guide for this tour

Introduction To Singlish

Lah, leh, lor, liao, or la? What in the world do all these words mean? It’s Singlish, the beloved vernacular of our little red dot. Once maligned by the government no less, Singaporeans refuse to let it go! On this rescheduled tour, regular guide Charlotte Chu and her sidekick Victor will have a series of short conversations using Singlish in different contexts. After the lesson, we’ll take a short walk where you’ll get the chance to practise your Singlish by ordering your own kopi or teh (included in cost). Come lah!

DATE: Tuesday 21 May

TIME: 10am - 12pm

MEET: 9.50am at the ANZA office

COST: Members, $40, non-members, $45

TOUR GUIDE: Charlotte Chu

Behind The Scenes Of The Novotel Singapore

On Stevens & Mercure Singapore On Stevens

Come with us for a peek behind the scenes at the Novotel Singapore on Stevens and Mercure Singapore on Stevens. We’ll be getting an overview of operations at the front of the house such as the Front Desk, Concierge and F&B Establishments at both hotels, explore what goes on at the back of the house at the Uniform & Laundry Area, infiltrate the Kitchen & Food Service Areas, steal a look at housekeeping procedures, and more! After all that snooping, we’ll end with high tea and a non-alcoholic drink at L’Aperitif, Novotel Singapore on Stevens concept bar.

DATE: Thursday 23 May

TIME: 2pm - 4pm, followed by optional Happy Hour

MEET: 1.45pm, L’Aperitif Tapa Bar, Novotel on Stevens, 26 Stevens Road, 258891

COST: Members, $45, nonmembers, $55

Tanjong Pagar Hawker Explorer With Blind Massage

Our new series of food-based tours in Singapore explore different hawker centres and areas around the island. This month we’ll begin with a massage by the visually impaired therapists at Blind Massage Services. Then we’ll head to Tanjong Pagar for lunch with the mission of sampling dishes such as braised duck, curry puffs and coconut tarts. The cost of this tour will cover your massage, food and one (non-alcoholic) drink. Excess funds will be donated to ANZA’s charities.

DATE: Tuesday 28 May

TIME: 11am - 1.30pm

MEET: 10.50am, Tanjong Pagar MRT

COST: Members and non-members, $35

ADDITIONAL NOTES: There will not be a professional guide for this tour

Private Tour Of Singapore Sports Hub

Step into the world-class sporting and lifestyle facilities of the Singapore Sports Hub. This state-of-the-art, fully integrated sports, entertainment and lifestyle hub allows everyone on the island to watch, play and support sports and entertainment. Afterwards, we’ll head to the Singapore Sports Museum which seeks to preserve the legacy and heritage of sports here. We’ll be guided through a unique collection of rare artefacts and memorabilia that feature the lives and stories of the greatest legends in Singapore sport.

DATE: Wednesday 19 June

TIME: 10.30am - 12.30pm

COST: Members, $40, non-members, $45

MEET: 10.15am, Visitors Centre, 6 Stadium Walk, 397698

Introduction To Sketching

Calling all budding artists! Artist Milly Sin will guide us through sketching a beautiful botanical still life. We’ll work with pencil and fine liner, and do some quick sketching warm-ups together before working on finishing a still-life sketch of our own. Milly will also bring ink and colour options to try out. This workshop is suitable for complete beginners and those with more experience, so feel confident to come and have an enjoyable, artistic morning with ANZA while you try your hand at sketching!

DATE: Monday 3 June

TIME: 10am - 12pm

MEET: 9.50am at the ANZA office

COST: Members, $55, non-members, $65

TOUR GUIDE: Milly Sin

Explore The Jurassic Mile & East Coast Park By Bike

Jurassic Mile is Singapore’s largest permanent outdoor display of life-sized dinosaurs and it’s not just for kids! More than 20 different pre-historic creatures stretch over one kilometre of the cycling path. We’ll hire bikes and ride along the Jurassic Mile, stopping to take photos of carnivorous and herbivorous species, defensive dinosaurs, and more. Depending on our pace, we’ll ride to East Coast Park and enjoy the views and sea breeze before cycling back to our starting point. This will cover approximately 20km. We’ll finish with a drink or lunch at the Hub and Spoke cafe (at own cost) because we’ll deserve it!

DATE: Tuesday 25 June

TIME: 10am - 12.30pm, followed by refreshments

MEET: Hub and Spoke Cafe, 60 Airport Boulevard #01T2S-02, Singapore Changi Airport, 819643

COST: Members, $12, non-members, $15

LADIES NIGHT

We had a riot at ANZA’s Ladies Night last month at Cooling Tower Rooftop Bar at Carlton City Hotel. Located 29 floors up, we can’t tell what went to our heads the most - the discounted drinks and nibbles, or the fabulous views of the Singapore skyline. Either way, it was an awesome night of fun, friendship and high spirits!

TOURS

Our intrepid ANZA Tours group has been all over the island in recent weeks, checking out and learning about local hawker culture and heading over to nearby St. John’s island. They also visited Changi Chapel and soaked up the vibrant Kampong Gelam area during Ramadan. Find out more at anza_tours_sg

SOCCER CAMP

Soccer season has been in full swing and included some fabulous April holiday camps to keep everyone occupied over the Easter period. Players of various ages all came together at SkyPark Arena to develop their skills on the pitch, learn from professional coaches and make lots of new friends. In short, they stayed out of trouble and had a blast!

GOLF

Our ANZA Golfers continue to up their game, bag some Birdies, and practice their posing techniques!

David Lau #dlauphoto.sg

SCOUTS

ANZA’s Cub Scouts and Joey Scouts celebrated the end of term with a badge presentation and the swearing in of new Patrol Leaders at Dairy Farm Nature Park. We’re already looking forward to this term’s happenings!

PADEL

Our newly established ANZA Padel group provides an ideal setting for players of varying skill levels to get together, have fun, and enhance their gameplay. Scheduled sessions take place on late afternoons every Friday and Sunday. padel-group-anza

PICKLEBALL

Pickleball fever is still going strong within the ANZA Social Pickleball group! Our dedicated beginner sessions and 4-week clinics are providing a continuous influx of new players during our Friday dropin sessions. Any members keen to organise a weekend game? We’d love to hear from you!

MAHJONG

ANZA Mahjong continues to grow with members coming together to play the game at various sessions throughout the week. Remember to book your spot as places fill up fast!

KILL-O-METRES

From the CBD to the PCNs, heartlands to iconic hostpots, we’re in awe of our walking group who kick start Mondays with a stroll around the city - no better way to welcome the week!

In the vibrant heart of Singapore lies a safe and nurturing school for all children - Integrated International School (IIS). Renowned for its dedication to redefining success, IIS has recently relocated to their new campus in the heart of the CBD, marking a significant milestone in their commitment to providing comprehensive educational support. Among the school’s array of features, such as high teacher-tostudent ratios, smaller class sizes, and personalised in-house support, one standout initiative speaks volumes about their dedication to student health and wellbeing - Petopia. Petopia isn’t just a room; it’s a sanctuary where furry companions become partners in education and emotional support. Situated within the new campus, this unique space is dedicated to Pet Assisted Therapy, a scientifically proven method of enhancing mental health and learning outcomes. Under the guidance of trained facilitators, students at IIS interact with animals, fostering a sense of comfort, companionship, and emotional resilience in the heart of the bustling city.

Why pet therapy matters

In today’s fast-paced world, students face challenges ranging from academic stress to social pressures. Recognising the need for holistic support, IIS has embraced Pet Assisted Therapy as an integral part of its approach to education. Studies have shown that interactions with animals can significantly reduce stress, anxiety, and feelings of isolation. Moreover, the presence of therapy animals has been

linked to improved school attendance, concentration, motivation, and overall feelings of wellbeing.

Benefits for students

Students eagerly anticipate their visits with the pets, whether it’s cuddling a therapy dog or observing the graceful movements of our in-house cockatiels and fish, and funny antics of our hamster! These interactions offer a welcome respite from the rigours of academic life, allowing students to recharge and refocus. However, the benefits extend far beyond

Integrated International School Capital Square Two, 21 Church Street, #01-01, Singapore, 049480 admissions@iis.edu.sg | iis.edu.sg

momentary relaxation. Through Pet Assisted Therapy, students learn valuable life skills, such as empathy, responsibility, and communication, shaping them into empathetic and socially conscious individuals.

Catalyst for success

Contrary to conventional wisdom, prioritising wellbeing doesn’t come at the expense of academic achievement - it enhances it. As Dr. Vanessa von Auer, the school’s founder and clinical psychologist explains, such interactions result in increased levels of serotonin and oxytocin, creating a surge of positive emotions and boosting students’ moods. Research has shown that emotional wellbeing is closely linked to academic performance. When students feel safe, supported, valued and emotionally secure, they are better able to engage in learning and achieve their full potential.

Integrated International School’s Petopia stands as a testament to their commitment to providing a holistic education that nurtures both mind and heart. With student wellbeing at the forefront, teachers are empowered to exercise flexibility in lesson planning to adapt to individual learning styles. In turn, they become proactive participants in each student’s day-to-day school life and learning journey.

CHILL, CHAT, CONNECT

Singapore Cricket Club welcomed us for our first Chill, Chat, Connect event in March. It was a delight to see both new and seasoned members forging connections over drinks and nibbles. One ANZA member won a Magnum of Champagne, courtesy of our Premier event partner, Select Investors, who also sponsored the Martini Bar. Guests were treated to an enchanting performance by the ANZA Singing Group. Join our next Chill, Chat, Connect event on 4 June.

THRIVING IN SINGAPORE

Our Thriving in Singapore event brought both new and familiar faces together for a morning to learn, connect, and enjoy the vibrant ANZA community. Our expert presenters and event partners, Select Investors, Odin Mortgage, International Medical Clinic and Expat Dental shared invaluable advice about life on the island as the crowds enjoyed drinks and snacks at Boomarang Bistro on Robertson Quay. As we’d say back home, it was a cracker!

THE ANZA AGM 2024

ANZA members had a glorious evening at the Annual General Meeting 2024. The event is held every March to bring the community together to highlight the amazing work of ANZA’s sub-groups and volunteers, share exciting plans for the future, and to announce the votes for ANZA’s Executive Committee for the coming year.

The night began as the sun went down at the New Zealand High Commissioner’s Residence. Kaumatua Tony Keepa opened the event with a traditional blessing and a karakia. Then there was a warm welcome from New Zealand High Commissioner, Her Excellency Gabrielle Rush, who hosted the event, inviting new and established ANZA members and staff into the Residence.

With guests seated on the open veranda with a glass of wine in hand, ANZA President Megan Kinder led proceedings, beginning with an update on our inclusive community. This was followed by group leaders delivering insightful presentations, highlighting contributions over the past twelve months and sharing hopes for the future. There was even a rousing performance by our very own ANZA Singing Group.

A huge thank you goes to H.E Gabby Rush for allowing our association to continue the long-term tradition of hosting the ANZA AGM at her residence. Thank you also to Jane Bartlett, Acting Deputy High Commissioner, Australian High Commission for joining us.

Turn to p26 to meet our new ANZA Executive Committee for 2024. We look forward to what’s in store in ‘ANZA-Land’ in the coming year!

NEW BEGINNINGS

PRESIDENT Megan Kinder

Real Estate Agent & Relocation Consultant, VO Artist & MC

“There are endless possibilities within ANZA to meet new people. New people bring new ideas, which in turn brings opportunities - build it and they will come!”

SIGNED UP BECAUSE: I’ve been involved in many ANZA groups and activities since 2003. I was on the ANZA Cycling Committee from 2010 to 2022, holding the position of Membership Secretary for four years, then ANZA Cycling President for eight years. With handson experience leading one of our association’s largest and most prolific sports groups, I was well-placed as a conduit between the micro and macro levels of the association and felt that I could contribute to building, driving, and advancing the community.

SKILLSET: As a relocation consultant, long-term SG resident, long-term ANZA member, and experienced committee member, I bring a deep understanding of our community - who it comprises, how to build and grow it, and how to provide for our members.

E X

VICE PRESIDENT

Melanie Speet Head of Marketing & Communications at Branded

“No matter what interests you and your family have, ANZA has something for you”

SIGNED UP BECAUSE: I’ve already been on the EC for a year as Joint Sports Coordinator. I’m also Vice President of ANZA Cycling. ANZA has given me a lot as a community and has become my “family away from home”. I’m keen to help others find their Singapore family through ANZA.

SKILLSET: As a marketer in the events world, bringing communities together is my bread and butter. Beyond that, I’m always looking for new and better ways of working that will benefit the communities I serve.

BEGINNINGS

Voted for by our members, ANZA’s new Executive Committee for 2024 strive to guide us towards success with wisdom, strategic foresight, and a passion for a bit of good fun.

TREASURER

Tristan Perry

Associate Partner at Perpetual

“What most excites me about ANZA? The staff, executives and members!”

SIGNED UP BECAUSE: I enjoy being a part of the expatriate community and I want to give back to it. I’ve always been grateful to ANZA for such a wonderful network, and the members and staff who are continually ready to help and befriend you.

SKILLSET: Accounting skills and knowledge about how ANZA runs. I’m a proud Australian Chartered Accountant and assist ANZA with its accounting which is important for day-to-day operations and future planning.

E C U

SECRETARY

MaryScot Thom

Registered nurse and mum to three children

“It’s amazing how passionate our ANZA volunteers are and the effort each one brings to the table”

SIGNED UP BECAUSE: Despite having lived overseas for such a long period, New Zealand is very much home for our family. I joined ANZA to continue to give back and be a part of such a welcoming and fun community. In my third year on the Executive Committee, I hope to continue to positively contribute to ANZA and support a great community for my family.

SKILLSET: I’m incredibly passionate about giving back to different communities, highly organised and motivated, and I love being a part of a bigger team.

WELCOME BACK!

SPORTS COORDINATOR

Adam Martin

Private Banker

“Bringing some of the things we all miss from home to our lives here is part of what makes ANZA thrive”

SIGNED UP BECAUSE: I love the community spirit and engagement that ANZA fosters in Singapore. Over the years, the association has made thousands of member’s lives in Singapore so much more enjoyable and I value being part of that and continuing the ANZA legacy.

SKILLSET: Having spent 12 years previously on the EC including past stints as President and VP, I have a good understanding of the core ethos of ANZA and how the far-reaching tentacles of our community come together.

SPORTS COORDINATOR

Christopher “Toph” Brown

SPORTS COORDINATOR

Kasia

Noske

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COMMITTEE MEMBER

Don Northey

Business Owner, Plonk on Maju & HPM Hobbies

“ANZA is its people. The members, volunteers, staff, and the EC are the beating heart of this vibrant organisation. The ANZA spirit shines through”

SIGNED UP BECAUSE: As a long-term member, I’ve seen how much the Executive Committee contributes to ANZA and I want to be an active part of that effort. ANZA is a true “community” bringing together not just Australians and New Zealanders, but Singaporeans and other nationalities from across the globe.

SKILLSET: I’ve had the joy of being involved with the ANZA Scout group for well over a decade. Along with community engagement, my professional life has revolved around implementing strategy, with all the challenges of taking a dream and bringing it to life in the real world.

Executive Director, Conduct Financial Crime Compliance, Standard Chartered Bank; and CoFounder of Expat Handovers

“A sense of community keeps my family committed to ANZA. We’re forming friendships for life”

SIGNED UP BECAUSE: I’m currently Treasurer of the ANZA Soccer Committee and have two boys aged seven and nine who play for ANZA and are soccer-mad! Given that it’s one of the bigger sports groups, I aim to bring greater visibility to how ANZA Soccer operates and find ways to bring synergies between the sports groups and the wider ANZA community.

SKILLSET: My background is risk and compliance in the financial industry, in addition to starting up my own business, Expat Handovers, a year ago. Having such a diverse background, with kids in tow, my vast experience will benefit the wider ANZA community, providing insights to help shape ANZA now and in the future.

Sole Practitioner Chartered Accountant

“ANZA events bring me into contact with diverse members”

SIGNED UP BECAUSE: I’ve been an ANZA member since 2006. I joined the Executive Committee as Treasurer in 2008, and then, after eight years in the role, I took a back seat as a general committee member. I’ve been a member of ANZA’s Secret Men’s Business for 17 years, but that’s all I can tell you.

SKILLSET: ANZA has been a big part of my life for 18 years with 15 of those being on the Exec Committee. I’m delighted to be able to continue providing my services as a contributing event photographer, and a payments authoriser, allowing ANZA to benefit from my knowledge of Singapore’s financial and statutory requirements.

WELCOME!

COMMITTEE MEMBER

Joseph Keats

National Sales Manager at Petersons Wines Singapore

“The diversity, inclusiveness, and character within the Aussie and Kiwi community is something we should celebrate and highlight”

SIGNED UP BECAUSE: I opened a small business just over a year ago and realised I was getting caught in the classic trap of putting too much time into work. I’m at the stage of my life where focusing on the wellbeing of my family is a priority, and also helping the greater community.

SKILLSET: I offer a point of difference through my diverse work experience, and ability to communicate effectively with an extensive range of people. I bring a pragmatic and creative approach to problem-solving, and can often offer and appreciate alternative perspectives.

COMMITTEE MEMBER

Kylie Barry

Talent Acquisition Manager at NatWest Markets

“I love ANZA’s Chill, Chat Connect events which are great for meeting new members and reconnecting with exsisting ones”

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COMMITTEE MEMBER

Megan Scott Talent Manager for an engineering MNC

“The value of the members and the endless volunteer contributions makes ANZA a great organisation to be a part of”

SIGNED UP BECAUSE: This is my second time on the EC. Having been actively involved in ANZA for 19 years, it’s great to be a part of a group of likeminded people who love volunteering and helping the ANZA community to thrive. I felt it was time to get back onto the EC last year to welcome newbies and to help with volunteering and annual events.

SKILLSET: My HR knowledge and expertise, interpersonal skills, teamwork and collaboration, and extensive experience in event organising.

SIGNED UP BECAUSE: When I arrived in Singapore without a partner or children, I was especially appreciative of the social safety net provided by ANZA. I appreciate ANZA for the opportunity to continue to help others benefit from the connection that being a member brings, no matter where your sporting, social, or community interests lie.

SKILLSET: My day job and background in the hospitality industry has equipped me to make several contributions during my previous years serving on the committee, including facilitation of strategic planning days and assisting with policy documentation.

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COMMITTEE MEMBER

Nicola

Mifsud-Houghton

Commercial Operations Director at GSK

“I’m excited about getting involved in community events and meeting more inspiring people in ANZA”

SIGNED UP BECAUSE: I’ve worked in diverse environments and I’m keen to give back. I hope that my experience can benefit the community and represent new members well. Having recently moved to Singapore I can also provide the perspective of someone fairly new to this vibrant and diverse country.

SKILLSET: I have over 10 years’ experience in change management and driving strategic projects and business transformations. My skills in navigating complex change and managing stakeholder engagement can support ANZA’s growth and initiatives, helping to ensure it remains a vibrant hub for members.

COMMITTEE MEMBER

Shaun McEwan Company Director

“The rich tapestry of life experiences within our diverse membership brings unique insights and fresh perspectives”

SIGNED UP BECAUSE: Having benefited greatly from ANZA personally, the expat community, and Singapore as a whole, I wish to give back in equal measure.

SKILLSET: My extensive experience lies within the events industry, specialising in auctioneering, event emceeing, and fundraising. Currently, I’m the director of several companies in both Singapore and Malaysia, bringing a unique blend of business expertise and a strong understanding of the region.

COMMITTEE MEMBER

Julia Erakovic Member, SC Ventures (Head of Intrapreneurship)

“ANZA is more than connecting with others from similar backgrounds. It’s about new interests, giving back and creating memories”

SIGNED UP BECAUSE: When I moved to Singapore from New Zealand with my family, ANZA’s cycling community of women immediately embraced me. I didn’t know many people here at the time and I was trying to get my footing both personally and professionally. It was incredibly encouraging to be able to ride my bike and create life-long friends within ANZA. It is therefore a pleasure to be able to join the Executive Committee and make a positive impact within the association. A way of giving back!

SKILLSET: I have a strong digital transformation, design thinking, product and legal background, and offer a unique perspective to problem solving and the ability to contribute to long-term planing and goal-setting.

The Counselling Place has an international team of Therapists experienced In serving Expats in English, French, German, Spanish, Japanese, Korean, Thai, Indonesian, Malay, Mandarin, Teochew, Hokkien & Cantonese. www.thecounsellingplace.com

Counselling for:

Children’s & teens’ issues

Parenting concerns

Relationship/marital conflicts

Sex, sexuality, identity issues

Anger & stress management

Anxiety & depression

Grief, trauma & loss

Relocation & adjustment

Psychological testing for:

New! TCP welcomes a new therapist to our team. Check out the bio!

Learning challenges , e.g., Dyslexia

Behavioural issues, e.g., ADHD, Autism

Career guidance

105 Cecil Street, #11-00 The Octagon, Singapore 069534

Live a life of meaning

How do you lead a meaningful life in an uncertain world? Grade 10 students at UWC South East Asia address this and more in a new two-part course.

What truly matters? What makes us happy? Where do we find meaning? In a new two-part course titled, ‘The Imperfect Art of Living’ and ‘The Imperfect Art of Leading’, students explore concepts such as belonging, purpose, storytelling, and transcendence as part of the UWCSEA High School Learning Programme. They consider the research that has been done in the fields of psychology, sociology and cognitive science that build theories related to leading a meaningful life. They apply what they already know about living with meaning to the role of leadership, exploring a variety of leadership styles and concepts such as ego, the nature of truth, culture, and rational compassion.

Students explore various philosophies, connect theory to personal experiences, and collaborate on problem-solving challenges aimed at creating positive change and a fulfilling life. This course is holistically assessed twice a year based on a ‘Mastery Rubric’, and the students report grade is reflected on their High School transcript.

Creating Cultures

In this course, UWCSEA students connect with other students from international schools through online meetings. Their discussions include

“The course has taught me about what brings fulfillment and meaning to life. Personally, it’s helped me to decide what things are important to me and my bigger purpose, which has led to me choosing subjects that suit my IBDP package”

IVY, GRADE 10, UWCSEA

diverse perspectives, personal stories, and ideas from individuals worldwide, fostering a personal connection while also developing essential life skills such as presenting and effective communication. Grade 10 students, Elsa and Vincent, were both drawn to the course’s global exposure.

Vincent shares, “Throughout the course, I’ve engaged with students from around the world, bridging cultural gaps and sharing life experiences, which is part of UWCSEA’s Mission to foster connections across diverse backgrounds. Through these interactions, I’ve realised the universal nature of our challenges and the importance of empathy and connection in our journey through life.”

Similarly, Elsa, who has been at UWCSEA since Infant School, had this to say about the course; “‘The Imperfect Art of Living’ is a course that has pushed me to further my understanding of myself and others. Life offers an infinite number of opportunities, but you must be willing to open yourself up to them even if that is uncomfortable.”

She adds, “Throughout my journey at UWCSEA, some of the values that have stood out to me are empathy, reflection, creativity and a sense of community. UWCSEA consistently reinforces these values and ideals, countering societal pressures that may discourage diverse perspectives. In this course, I’ve found a safe space of diverse backgrounds and viewpoints, free from self-doubt. Our unity amidst diversity reflects the mission to make education a unifying force across cultures and nations.”

Creating Purpose

Both Elsa and Vincent have practically applied their learning in the second part of the course ‘The Imperfect Art of Leading’, which encourages students to initiate leadership projects aligned with their interests, fostering a sense of belonging and purpose.

For example, Elsa and classmate Ray have kickstarted a UWCSEA Service peer-to-peer coaching Service, for students needing support in specific areas. This peer coaching Service has helped to remove learning barriers for some students, encouraging ‘connection’ over ‘competition’. With over 25 student coaches actively participating, the initiative emphasises the significance of community-building and student agency.

Vincent, a residential boarder and recent transfer to UWCSEA’s Foundation IB programme understands the challenges of adapting to a new environment and sustaining relationships despite geographical distance. He actively engages in the Magical Murals Service group collaborating with other students to design and paint murals on campus and in external locations in Singapore. Students in the Service group have contributed to a community public art project at Marina Bay, in collaboration with Artbeatz, and designed and painted a mural at the Institute of Mental Health to brighten up the children’s meeting area. Through community projects, members like Vincent find purpose and connection with others, highlighting the importance of personal contribution in building communities.

Creating an Impactful Future

Together, ‘The Imperfect Art of Living’ and ‘The Imperfect Art of Leading’ as a course offers a match for anyone to light their flame, especially for students transitioning into adulthood. Young adults can grapple with feelings of anxiety and uncertainty about their future; for some students, this course has been invaluable in helping them to facilitate a deeper understanding of themselves and their aspirations.

Like all of the UWCSEA Grade 9 and 10 courses in the High School Learning Programme, this course lays the perfect foundation for students as they prepare to make big decisions about their IB choices and future beyond school. With UWCSEA’s innovative new International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) pilot course, ‘Systems Transformation: Leadership for Change’, the first of its kind in South East Asia, UWCSEA High School students have the unique opportunity to engage in transdisciplinary learning, navigate complex systemic issues and devise innovative and empathetic solutions.

“The two-part course helped me develop skills such as independence, collaboration and the ability to ‘think outside of the box’. The capability to reflect on real-world challenges will be an extremely helpful skill for when I begin the IBDP in August, specifically the new Systems Transformation course pathway”, says Elsa, a Grade 10 student at UWCSEA.

Students at UWCSEA will emerge from their four-year High School journey equipped to tackle issues with innovation, empathy, and purpose, and ready to lead impactful change in an ever-changing world.

UWC SOUTH EAST ASIA

Dover Campus: 1207 Dover Road, Singapore, 139654 | East Campus: 1 Tampines Street 73, Singapore, 528704 www.uwcsea.edu.sg | admissions@uwcsea.edu.sg

Food for

Thought

Our planet may be in trouble, but there are several trailblazers in Singapore working hard to do good for our environment with pioneering sustainable initiatives.

NATURE PROTECTORS

Clarence Chua is the founder of The Sundowner, a three-storey conserved shophouse in Siglap, featuring a backyard pizza place, bar, bee-keeping facilities and a rooftop farm. The green-loving team run around 20 naturebased and F&B experiences.

“I’ve always loved animals and nature. Growing up in Singapore, my family frequently embarked on outdoor adventures; we trekked and cycled in parks and forests here and overseas. I was the one catching spiders and scorpions. My work is a natural extension of my childhood passion!

The Sundowner is a place like no other. We started in 2019 with the Rooftop Farm Experience. It caught on quickly, so we kept ideating and creating new spaces and workshops. Today we host small groups in our garden setting comprising Farm Tours, Craft Workshops and Chillout Sessions, but make them

Above: A bee-keeping workshop at The Sundowner

fun, experiential, and Instagrammable. Our offerings come with an X-factor, for example, the restaurants next to us serve pizza, but we teach our guests how to make one from scratch, harvesting garnish from our garden. We don’t actually grow a large quantity of crops for commercial use. Unlike other farms, our focus is not output, but education. We hope to inspire others to understand and care for the world around them.

FEED THE BEES

Our other star attraction is our bees. Participants can don a suit, feed and inspect bee hives, and even harvest honey with the safety of a trained beekeeper. This began when we were moving an old shed to The Sundowner’s rooftop and found a nest of bees inside it. I already knew bees shouldn’t be killed, but as we ran out of time to call professionals to help us, we decided to try to shift the bees ourselves. (Don’t do this at home, kids!). We didn’t have the correct equipment but it turned out to be an exciting adventure, and we became hooked on trying to raise bees.

Early on, the bee-keeping was self-taught and trial and error. I was devastated during my first few attempts when we made mistakes and the bees kept flying away. It was difficult to find mentors in Singapore. We discovered there were only two other beekeepers on the island so we became the third, and youngest! I learned from online videos and in time I did training courses with an experienced beekeeper in Malaysia. I’ve also discovered that the best way to soothe a bee sting is to suck out the venom asap, or to use “Bug Bite Thing” (bugbitething.com). It works for mosquito bites too.

FOOD WASTE

People bandy ‘sustainability’ around, not really knowing what it means. To us at The Sundowner, sustainability should be about growing your business in line with mitigating the effects on the environment. This means that everything you do should consider whether it harms nature and if it does, then slow it down. But this is just the talk, and growth continues unabated in the face of, and causing, a dying world. The future doesn’t look good. 2023 was the hottest year on record and we’re all aware of the intensifying heat in 2024and this is just global warming. I like to think that as a business we’re going one step further: the existence of

our rooftop garden itself does good for nature. It was previously blank concrete but is now fully covered in greenery and houses 50,000 bees at any one time. The green cover reduces the urban island heat effect, while the bees help to pollinate plants. We also have a strong composting programme where none of our food waste gets thrown away. Our home kitchen supplies all the greens to make healthy heaps of compost which fertilises our plants, while roasted cacao nibs for example, are used as mulch for planting beds. Besides the bees, we also

rear ants and worms in enclosures, which we harvest to enrich the soil. These form the backbone of our Bees Ants Worms experiences, which is a hit with children. Our passion is showing people the provenance of things, like where does stuff come from. If people understand that crops come from the soil, and soil health and pollination by bees is important for a good harvest, they will likely start to take care of the environment around them.”

thesundownersg.com

@thesundownersg

Below: Clarence on the rooftop garden

OCEAN LOVERS

Husband-and-wife team

Singaporean Victoria Yoong and Kane Mcguinn from Sunshine Coast, Australia are the founders of Atlas Aquaculture, Singapore and the world’s first land-based sustainable fish farm.

“Kane and I met in 2011 when we were both working on the building of the SEA Aquarium on Sentosa. I was part of the project management team and Kane was one of the aquarium designers.

We started discussing food security and sustainable fish farming in 2019. While fish farms can provide an alternative to wild-caught fish, the model itself presents challenges. For example, there are more than one hundred sea-based fish farms in Singapore, but less than 10 are landbased. For sea-based farms, oil spills, algae bloom, and low oxygen levels in the water means that any trucked-in seawater to kelongs or cages can be polluted. Kane

and I wanted to build a self-sufficient system that didn’t require sea water to be carted in on a regular basis. We wanted to utilise sustainable materials and technology to reduce chemicals in the fish farming process.

It wasn’t until 2020 that we put our ideas into practice - and then Covid hit! Due to lockdown restrictions, Kane literally spent the pandemic building the farm in the Sungei Tengah countryside from scratch. Looking back, this was the least challenging part of our sustainable business journey! There was a lot of bureaucratic red tape to get through, and it took a very long time to get our various licenses. The fish farming industry in Singapore is traditional, with practices being passed down through generations, so fresh ideas are not readily welcomed. It took almost two years for Atlas Aquaculture to get up and running. Unfortunately, there needs to be a bigger understanding of new concepts.

RECYCLE & REUSE

Today, our site covers 2.1 hectares, we have 16 staff, and we farm various Grouper, Threadfin, Snapper, Tiger Prawns, Barramundi, and more.

We stick to a ‘harvesting methodology’ so no part of the fish goes to waste - in

Singapore the heads and tails are popular in collagen soups. We make our limited resources work through a closed-loop water recycling system we designed ourselves. The system allows us to recycle and reuse over 95% of our water (5% evaporates due to our crazy weather), while keeping our fish healthy. We also use solar panels throughout the farm, and every morning we carry out specific transfer planning to reduce mileage on our deliveries around the island.

We try to work out how to do better for the planet every day. It’s not easy - our packaging is still plastic. As for inspiration for new ideas, Kane listens to lots of podcasts (Australian broadcaster Dr Karl is a favourite!) and goes on a lot of walks!

We started with 50+ tonnes of fish and by the end of 2024 we’re hoping to scale up to 450 tonnes, supplying to the likes of Jumbo Seafood, Resorts World Sentosa, and Les Amis group. As a Singaporean, I look at Kane’s upbringing in Australia, living a true farm-to-table lifestyle, and hope Singapore can take note. We’re currently working with projects in Lombok and Sarawak, and hope to have a footprint in Australia soon.”

atlasaquaculture.com

atlasaquaculturesg

Kane and Victoria at their base in Sungei Tengah

COFFEE CONNOISSEURS

Jake Berber (CEO) and DJ Tan (CTO) launched Prefer, a bean-free coffee brand (yes, really!) combining bread, soy and barley in Singapore earlier this year.

JAKE: “DJ and I were connected through Entrepreneur First in Singapore, which is a platform that identifies and matches budding

entrepreneurs with co-founders who would complement each other’s skills.

We knew we wanted to work on food tech and figured that fermentation is the key to creating sustainable foods that could be scaled. We also knew that to create climate impact at scale, it was going to take more than just changing our habits. We picked coffee as it’s a commodity that’s both threatened by and contributing to climate change - there will likely be a 50% decrease in farmlands by 2050. Coffee is getting expensive and this will continue over the coming decades. We wanted to offer consumers a sustainable alternative that’s delicious, affordable, and can be easily adapted into current business operations.

The biggest challenge was - and is - that nobody has done this with coffee before. We started in 2022, working from DJ’s kitchen, but after securing funds we moved into a lab-space in Biopolis. We had to screen hundreds of potential feedstocks and microbes to identify ones that could replicate coffee flavours - we must have tried at least one hundred formulations and iterations. Our logbooks are packed with batch codes and recipes!” DJ: “Eventually we got our breakthrough which is our coffee formula today. We ferment bread, soy and barley to create coffee flavours, then we roast and grind the mixture to be used in your everyday lattes, americanos, or espresso martinis. For the barista and consumer, it’s the same experience of making and drinking coffee. There may be a platonic ideal of coffee, but to me, good coffee is one that should generally have an enticing aroma, a balanced harmony of tastes, bitterness, acidity, sweetness, and a smooth mouthfeel. Through Prefer, we just have a more sustainable and reliable way of making it.

Eventually, Jake and I hope to create a range of flavours and beverages that are also threatened by climate change such as cacao, vanilla, hazelnut and so on. Since we just secured US$2 million in funding, the plan is to use this to grow our production capabilities and work on expanding our products in the wider Southeast Asia region, starting with the Philippines.”

Prefer is stocked at various locations across Singapore including Lau Pa Sat and select SaladStop! branches.

prefer.coffee prefercoffeesg

From left: Jake and DJ, owners of new sustainable coffee company, Prefer

Vaping is an increasingly relevant and heavily debated topic around the world. Although most of the health focus related to vaping has been connected to links between vaping and damage to the heart and lungs, there is current evidence that it also affects your oral health. While many of the long-term health effects of vaping are still relatively unknown, it’s important for you and your family to understand the potential negative side effects it can have on the oral cavity.

Worldwide, the use of E-cigarettes has increased over the last decade, largely due to the misconception that it’s a harmless habit. Australia may have banned the importation of disposable vapes on 1 January 2024, but according to new research, more than 3.5 million people aged 14 and above in Australia smoke or vape, with rates increasing among younger people. In Singapore, vaping is strictly prohibited and considered illegal. The use of electronic cigarettes and similar devices is also not allowed under Singaporean law.

What is vaping?

Vaping is a term given to the act of inhaling vapour from E-cigarettes which may contain nicotine or other chemicals.

E-cigarette or vape liquid is heated, vapourised and inhaled. The liquid is generally in the form of a thick base substance which is commonly glycerol or propylene glycol. The vaping liquid is often flavoured with sweet or fruity flavours or dessert flavours, and has an abundance of potentially harmful chemicals. The flavours are often marketed to young adults, and can have a very addictive nature. Due to the absence of the nicotine smell, the habit is gaining popularity amongst youth.

In Australia, more than 3.5 million people aged 14 + smoke or vape

Vaping & your teeth

When the oral cavity is exposed to the flavoured aerosols produced during vaping, a two-fold increase of biofilm or plaque formation can occur. The thick vapourised vaping liquid can often adhere to tooth surfaces and get into all the grooves and fissures of a tooth. Vaping aerosol also enhances microbial adhesion to enamel. Some compounds can become acidic when vapourised which can harm tooth enamel. All these characteristics increase the risk of forming dental caries or decay.

Vaping may also influence the amount of saliva we produce. Saliva is the oral cavity’s natural cleansing and balancing mechanism. Vaping can cause a decreased production in saliva, and therefore an increased risk of decay as well as bad breath and mouth sores.

Risk of gum disease

Nicotine in any form causes constriction of blood vessels. A reduced blood supply to the gum tissue results in a decreased supply of oxygen and nutrients. Nicotine also affects the mouth’s ability to fight infection and replenish connective tissues. These factors can increase your risk of gum disease or periodontal disease. Periodontal disease can lead to inflammation, gum recession and associated sensitivity, loss of periodontal support and ultimately loss of teeth.

The chemicals in E-cigarettes can also stain your teeth a yellowish or brown colour. While this is primarily a cosmetic concern, poor looking teeth can affect your confidence and self-esteem. And although it appears that vaping may have a reduced link to oral cancer when compared to traditional cigarettes, the risk is still significantly higher when compared to the non-vapers/ smokers.

If you’re concerned about vaping and the impact it may be having on you or your family’s oral health, our team of experienced Dentists at Smilefocus can assist in educating and guiding you. Once again, we highlight that vaping is strictly prohibited and considered illegal in Singapore.

To learn more about children’s dental issues or to book an appointment with one of our friendly dentists, contact us at 6733 9882 or www.smilefocus.com.sg

InFeeling at peace in fast-paced Singapore isn’t always easy, but calm is out there! Here’s where to get your Zen on.

The City

Stress is on the rise, especially in Singapore. The crazy cost of living, strain on workers (and non-workers wanting to work), rising mercury and general chaos can take a toll. According to a study at the end of last year, stress levels in the Lion City have increased steadily since 2021, with close to nine in 10 people - a whopping 87 percent - reporting that they felt under pressure. What’s more, the findings catapulted our tiny island into a category above the global average for stress levels.

Finding respite is paramount for our health, wellbeing and state of our anxiety-chewed fingernails. From quiet cafes to blissful therapies, outdoor escapes to relaxing activities, here’s tips on how and where to feel good on the red dot.

PLACES FOR Support & Soothing

YUNOMORI ONSEN

Say kon’nichiwa to Kallang Wave Mall where you’ll find a Japanese spa with 11 relaxing onsen baths. You might think you’re in Sapporo rather than a shopping centre thanks to the colourful yukatas (robes), basket of obi (belts), and very-small-and-slightly-embarrassing shower stools which are all the rage in actual Japan. Males and females are separated into different bathing areas that include mineral bubble baths, jet baths, and the Yunomori Signature Bath infused with Epsom salt, tea, and essential oils.

1 Stadium Place, #02-17/18 Kallang Wave Mall, 397628 yunomorionsen.com yunomori_sg

RELEASE, A BODYTALK CLINIC

If your body or mind is feeling out of wack, this holistic clinic might be what you need. “Your physical body represents who you are as a person and conflicts in life show up in the body as poor health,” says founder Sufen Paphassarang. Sufen’s interests lie in how memories and beliefs are formed in fetal life, which are unconscious. Using the science of western medicine as well as ancient philosophies of Chinese and Indian medicine, Sufen balances and improves health by understanding the power that the mind has over the human body.

1 Commonwealth Lane #09-08,149544 release.com.sg

SOMA HAUS

This small but perfectly formed escape on the East Coast invites you to embark on a journey of recovery and regulation. Soma House is a shophouse-shaped soul saver, summoning clients to reconnect with themselves, learn empowerment through body awareness, and to discover new and alternative treatments to get mind and soul back on track. Try their saunas, ice baths, lymphatic compression and flotation therapy, or just go for a simple yoga, somatic breathwork, or sound bath session.

108 Joo Chiat Road, #01-01, 427401 somahaus.co

SPACE 2B

THE ARK STUDIO

Away from the famous and fancy wellbeing studios, The Ark is a breath of fresh air. Located in an HDB estate, you feel your shoulders drop as you step inside the home of Noel and Fiona, two wellness experts who’ve converted their considerably large living room into a sweeping studio space. Come here for events, yoga classes, private healing sessions, or to indulge in a bit of Taiji bodywork, tai chi, or nurturing of your inner child.

8 Kim Tian Place, #15-55,163008 healingarkstudio.com

XIU NATURE CONNECTIONS

If you spend your days in the CBD, you’ll likely feel more stressed than most (especially if lunchtimes include trying to locate a quality sandwich). However, there is a place to escape to amongst the bars and bistros of Stanley Street. Space 2B is a sacred spot where, upon arrival, peace envelopes you. Classes here include mindfulness, relaxation, breathwork, visualisation, movement, sound, and creativity. Being so centrally located, it’s an ideal go-to for meditation before work, a yogic lunch break, or just a nice lie down after a day in the office.

2B Stanley Street, 068721 space2b.sg

PALM AVE FLOAT CLUB

Do you dream of drifting away? You can do just that at Palm Ave Float Club. Here you’ll find enclosed fibreglass pods filled with 11 inches of soothing, warm salty water, that enable you to float effortlessly. Once inside the pod, you’re devoid of any stimulation such as light (optional) and sound except for some soothing music at the beginning and end of your hour-long experience. In this womb-like environment, it’s believed your body can recover from aches and pains, and your mind can reach a meditative state that’s near impossible to achieve when you live in a bustling city-scape.

66 Kampong Bugis, #05-01, 338987 palmavefloat.club

PABLO BLAU

Certified Nature and Forest Therapy Guide

Youmin Yap and her team provide guided forest bathing sessions in Singapore. Unlike a standard stroll, they encourage you to connect with nature through sensorial experiences such as taking in the scents around you, observing wildlife and - okay - hugging a tree. “I invite you to rest, rise, and thrive - physically, mentally and emotionally,” Youmin says. xiunatureconnections.com

If you’ve ever wondered what being in the salt mines and caves of Europe feels like, look no further. Coated with pharmaceutical-grade dry salt crystals, treatment rooms here boast a unique salt generator which grinds and emits negative ions and salt particles to create a super-healing space. A bit of time spent immersed in these magical microscopic salt particles is said to improve respiratory conditions like asthma, skin-related issues like eczema, plus a whole bunch of other benefits.

Raffles City Shopping Centre, 252 North Bridge Road, #02-26A, 179103 pabloblau.com

QUIET CAFES FOR Sitting In Stillness

THE BOOK CAFE

An oldie but a goodie, The Book Cafe has been sitting peacefully in River Valley since 2000. This delightfully understated hidey hole is a proper peaceful haven for bibliophiles looking to escape real life and dive into a world of words. Offering a second-living room space where folks can chill, browse, and drink and eat from their cosy sofas, we recommend the Eggs Benedict, a deep dive into their shelves of magazines, and a self-imposed phone ban.

SUZUKI GOURMET COFFEE

A Japanese-style teahouse in an industrial building in Jurong is always going to grab attention, but the noise about this place stops at the entrance. This tranquil hideout (opened by Suzuki Gourmet Coffee, one of SG’s oldest roasteries dating back to 1979), comes in the shape of a woodclad space reminiscent of a traditional tearoom. Prepare for excellent quality coffee - filter, flat, with extra froth - place your order and sip in silence.

8 Chin Bee Avenue, 619934 suzukicoffee.com.sg

SILK TEA BAR

We all know that the ritual of making and enjoying a good cuppa can calm your nerves, and Silk Tea Bar is an all-out serene place to have one. Melody Teo and partner Xian Tan created Silk Tea Bar as an enclave where people can get acquainted with – and appreciate – the flavours of loose leaf teas from China. Minimally decorated in a Chinatown shophouse, the focus is on the almost meditative affair of tea drinking where the subtleties of tea can be savoured. (Take your own Tim Tams for dunking).

26A Sago Street, 059021 silk.teabar

THE RITUAL

Part of what makes this cafe such a mellow gem is that it’s located within a condo, Alocassia Apartments, along Stevens Road. You don’t need to be a resident to hang out here, but it’s a super spot for serenity with a sense of community. For the ultimate in seclusion, prop up at one of the counter seats. Nutrition and health are the name of the game so prepare for wholesome snacks, cold pressed juices and kombucha made from scratch.

383 Bukit Timah Road, #01-09B, 259727 theritual.co

20 Martin Road, Seng Kee Building, #01-02, 239070 thebookcafesg.com

CERES HAUS

Located on the second floor of a shophouse on Circular Road, Ceres Haus soothes frazzled nerves by day when it serves as a cafe. Look out for an empty wine bottle hanging by the unassuming entrance and make your way up to an oasis of calm. The minimal and moody (but in a cool way!) vibe creates a safe space for coffee and madeleines, but make sure you’re gone by nightfall when it turns into a buzzy wine bar.

18A Circular Road, 049374 ceres.haus

HEALING ACTIVITIES FOR Escape & Unwinding

SEMBAWANG HOT SPRING

Sembawang Hot Spring Park is a must visit for tired feet with humans attached. First discovered in 1909, this natural spring features a cascading pool of hot water which gently cools down as it flows to the bottom tier. Grab a pail, fill it up, and treat your tootsies! This restful location is surrounded by fruit trees, flowers and edible plants, and there’s a DIY egg station and glasshouse cafe to hang out at post-soak. Gambas Avenue, 756952 nparks.gov.sg

PRAWNING

MEOMI CAT CAFE

Everyone knows that the simple act of petting a cat has calming effects, so if you’ve had a tough week, this is just the ticket. Right now, this cafe is home to nine furry felines, a cat jungle gym so you can watch them prowling around, drinks, snacks and cat merch. Kids aged 7 - 13 years old are welcome when accompanied by an adult.

668 North Bridge Road, 188801 meomicatcafe

SANG NILA UTAMA GARDEN

How can prawning not be a Zen experience – you just sit back, relax and reel in your catch? Escape the heat and prawn sweatfree at Fish@Bugis+, the only air-conditioned prawning place in Singapore. Great for families or solo anglers, simply wait for your catch over a cold pint of beer, then feast on your findings. For those really looking for solitude, the centre is open until 6am. Bugis+ Shopping Centre, 201 Victoria Street, #07-05, 188067

funatfish.com fishatbugis

If you can’t get to Bali, here’s a small slice of Indonesian paradise in Fort Canning Park. This lovely area is one of nine gardens created to draw you into Singapore’s history. Wander through Sang Nila Utama Garden, named after the first king of Singapore, and you get a taste of what Fort Canning may have been like in the 14th century. Besides the highly Instagrammable Japanese split gates, there’s reflective pools and statues, all of which were believed to be in Prince Sang Nila Utama’s garden back in the day.

1 Canning Rise, 179868. Enter via the Clarke Quay entrance

KONG MENG SAN PHOR KARK SEE MONASTERY

It doesn’t get more Zen than this Buddhist temple and monastery in Bishan. Built in 1920, the building provides lodging for monks and comprises prayer halls, crematoriums and columbariums, a library, intricate carvings, vibrant colours, ornate decorations, some very impressive tiling, and the Pagoda of 10,000 Buddhas. Truly a spiritual spectacle, make your way to one of the water fountains where you can contemplate life, love, the universe, and what to have for dinner.

88 Bright Hill Road, 574117

ANZA STITCHES

While every one of ANZA’s sports and activity groups offer a welcome respite from the daily grind, there are some more peaceful than others. An office poll (okay, a seven-person debate) concluded that while ANZA Watersports can offer serene time on the water, and ANZA’s Easy Riders provides unhurried cycling, it’s ANZA Stitches that is perhaps the most gentle group available. Discover more about our high energy, low key, and wholly unstressful offerings at anza.org.sg

Harvesting Happiness

Pupils at Marlborough College

Malaysia grow fruits and vegetables year round at their organic farm and are reaping the benefits of an outdoor education.

Another Friday afternoon brings with it the chance for pupils at MCM to grab their gardening gloves and head to Barton Farm. There’s usually plenty to harvest, and pupils waste no time in picking the juicy dark red mulberries from the trees, popping a few into their mouths to savour the sweet flavour as they work. Meanwhile, under the shaded outdoor classroom, younger pupils plant seeds into pots, noticing the insects and marvelling at the stingless bee hive.

It’s an idyllic scene and key part of the outdoor education programme at MCM. But what exactly are these children learning during their afternoon in the sunshine?

For the youngest pupils, the farm offers a living resource making learning come alive. Watching the life cycle of plants and insects play out sparks curiosity and inspires pupils to find out more. It also paves the way for understanding how food is grown and produced. Since no pesticides are used on Barton Farm pupils learn about the differences between traditional and organic farming.

Once pupils move into the Prep and Senior Schools they are given the chance to get more involved in activities such as planting new crops in the raised beds, improving the soil with the school’s own compost, or harvesting ripe fruit and vegetables. This hands-on approach is not only a fantastic way to teach pupils about sustainability, but also educates them on where the food they eat comes from.

The farm offers a living resource making learning come alive

MARLBOROUGH COLLEGE MALAYSIA

Jalan Marlborough, Iskandar Puteri, Johor 79200 Malaysia

+60 7 560 2200 www.marlboroughcollegemalaysia.org

Marlborough College Malaysia

mcmalaysia

@MarlboroughMCM

Marlborough College Malaysia

Enhancing wellbeing

From small beginnings in 2018, Barton Farm has grown and developed to include a wide variety of crops including bananas, torch ginger, turmeric, chillies and aloe vera. In between the longer growing plants, there are also rapid growth plants including long beans, radish, wing beans and mint which are regularly used in the lunchtime dishes served in the school dining halls. There are even chickens to care for and a stingless bee hive that produces honey.

All these aspects of the farm give pupils a way of discovering more about the natural world around them, but that’s not all. Research has shown that getting out into nature is a key component in boosting mood and enhancing mental wellbeing. As pupils plant and dig they are getting both physical exercise and taking care of their mental health.

Mr Lynden Astill, Director of Co-Curriculum at MCM said, “Activities on the farm are great for all age groups. These sessions are really therapeutic and enable a few moments in nature to slow the pace of life down. The pupils develop knowledge and skills about growing various crops, which are harvested by the pupils and used in our kitchens. This also enables us to focus on sustainable and organic farming practices and is a key facet of our wider Outdoor Learning Programme - fresh bananas, anyone?”

Find out more about Barton Farm and the outdoor education programme at Marlborough College Malaysia at www.marlboroughcollegemalaysia.org or email admissions@marlboroughcollege.my

Pre-prep pupils are introduced to Barton Farm

How healthy is your activewear?

Love your sportswear as much as the sport? Read on to learn about potential downsides to your workout kit and what you can do about it.

Being a sport-loving community, having the right kit helps us to keep moving and maximising our efforts. Thankfully, sportswear options have come on a lot over the past decade. Long gone are full-length “wet look” leotards and trauma-inducing tight towelling shorts; today we’re faced with all manner of super-slick and high-tech apparel in which to leap, lunge, sweat and squat.

However, the more choice there is available, the more scope there is for controversy. The past few years have seen

reports alleging to dangers in our beloved sports gear due to certain chemicals being used in the fabric.

While previously, researchers have focused on our exposure to plastic through diet, recent studies, including one by researchers at the University of Birmingham, UK, discovered that humans could be exposed to plastic chemicals from fabrics that may be absorbed through our skin, too.

Chances are, your favourite cycling jersey or go-to yoga bra is made from synthetic material such as Spandex,

nylon or polyester, all of which are essentially plastics. The problem is that these types of material are made from petrochemicals which are often formulated with harmful and toxic chemical additives, which could potentially cause health problems.

The researchers at Birmingham discovered that because sweat contains oil, and oil has a chemical nature that leads chemicals in plastic to diffuse, the oil in your body can suck up chemicals from the plastics you touch. “Oily substances in our sweat

encourage bad chemicals to come out of the microplastic fibres”, says Dr Mohamed Abdallah, an associate professor and the principal investigator of the study.

So what to do? When it comes to personal wellbeing and much of environmentalism, there’s not one ideal solution. Switching up your sportswear for better health is not wholly realistic and can be pricey.

However, while research on fashion and sustainability continues globally, there are some moves you can make.

The place to start, says Anna Michau, Managing Director of Vive Singapore (viveactive. com.au/studios/tanglin/), is to check the labels of your current activewear. “The most common material in sportswear is cotton, but look for organic cotton which is favoured for its comfort and breathability,” she says. “There’s an absence of harmful chemicals that are used in conventional cotton farming, aligning with sustainability principles which helps reduce environmental impact.” If there’s nothing on the label, visit the brand’s website to see if the product is GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard). Notice if they make an effort to list their suppliers. As for future purchases and protecting the wardrobe you already have from chemical impact, read on for Anna’s savvy tips.

TO AIR OR NOT?

“Definitely air your sportswear after use, especially in Singapore’s steamy weather. This can help to prevent mould, mildew, and any odours. It’s also a simple way to extend your sportswear’s lifespan by preserving fabric integrity.”

BEST WAY TO WASH

“Cold water washing reduces energy consumption compared to hot water washing, and using a mild, eco-friendly detergent minimises the release of harmful chemicals into the environment. Hand washing and turning sportswear inside out are also effective methods for protecting the clothing,

especially for items with printed logos or reflective details. These practices contribute to both the planet and the longevity of the garments.”

SKIP SOFTENER

“Fabric softeners contain chemicals that will coat the fibres of the fabric. In time, this will reduce elasticity and fabric breathability. Some softeners might even leave a residue on your fabric which could lead to odours being trapped. As much as possible, fabric softener is a step you can skimp on for your exercise gear - just opt for a mild ecofriendly detergent instead.”

GRAB YOUR GUPPY

“A guppy bag is not only believed to be more

environmentally friendly, but it’s also helpful in protecting clothes from abrasive wear and tear in the washer. Using one can reduce the chances of your clothes trapping microplastic fibres that escape during the washing process which could, in turn, pollute wastewater.”

AVOID THE DRYER

“We are so lucky to have Singapore’s heat! After washing, hang your clothes to dry naturally in the sun. Of course, this also reduces energy consumption that comes with machine and tumble drying.”

TRAINER TALK

“Humans can be exposed to plastic chemicals through our skin”

“The longevity of your kit is dependant on how often you use it, what activities you use it for, and how you care for it. Whenever my trainers are soiled, I brush them clean as soon as possible after use to remove any dirt. Additionally, I regularly air dry my trainers in the heat after every wear which helps to keep them fresh at all times.”

INVESTIGATE THE MARKET

“It’s important to support brands that adopt ethical production methods and have fair labour practices in place - workers who are paid fair wages and are in a safe working environment. Fabrics labelled as eco-friendly can still have been made in dangerous, exploitative, and suspicious supply chains. By conducting thorough research on specific brands, you can make more educated decisions and choose products that align with your personal values.

With activewear, the most impactful thing people can do to protect themselves and the planet is to simply reduce the number of new items they buy, and to avoid impulsive purchases. To me, maintenance goes a long way.”

SOMETIMES YOU JUST NEED A STRONG CUPPA AND A FRIENDLY WELCOME.

Whether you’re new to Singapore, new to ANZA or have been here a while, Casual Coffee mornings are a fantastic way to meet new people and pick up tips for living in Singapore. ANZA Casual Coffee meets at various locations around the island.

Register at anza.org.sg/groups/ casual-coffee

Play Mahjong with ANZA

MONDAY EVENING SESSIONS!

ANZA Mahjong meet up on various days and locations around the island. It’s a great way to learn this brain boosting Chinese tile game. From beginners and beyond, all levels are welcome! anza.org.sg/groups/mahjong

DON’T START WITH SURGERY!

Bunions can be super painful but the first stop doesn’t need to be a daunting operation. Here’s what causes them, prevents them, and how you can live with them.

Bunions (hallux valgus) are common and range from a mild, purely cosmetic issue to quite a debilitating, painful deformity. The word ‘bunion’ comes from the Greek, meaning turnip, and refers to the bump on the inside aspect of the big toe joint.

Who gets bunions?

Women are affected roughly fifteen times more than men and there is a hereditary element (you are more likely to be affected if your grandmother had bunions). The major factor however is poor footwear; pointy, high heeled shoes being the main culprit. This was demonstrated beautifully in a study from the 1950s: at that time roughly half of the population of Hong Kong wore shoes and half didn’t. Hallux valgus was seventy times more prevalent in the shoe-wearing population.

What non-surgical things can I do?

Most importantly, wear shoes that are wide enough for your feet. If you are unsure, you can trace the outline of your foot on a piece of paper (whilst standing) and then put your shoe over it. If the shoe is narrower than your foot, it is not good for daily use. High-heeled shoes cause you to load the front of your foot (which makes bunions worse) and tend to be very narrow in the ‘toe box’ so should only be for special occasions ideally.

Having a tight calf also causes forefoot overload so stretching can help. Splints, spacers

and taping unfortunately cannot correct an existing deformity but may help to slow its progression. Custom-made orthotics from a reputable podiatrist can be useful.

When should I consider surgery?

You never have to have surgery as long as you can manage the symptoms with simple measures. Hallux valgus does tend to get worse over time, but it never gets so bad that it can’t be fixed (despite what some surgeons may tell you), so there is no hurry. The time to consider it is when your life/lifestyle is affected enough to undergo the associated hassles and minor risks.

Dr Chris Pearce is an Orthopaedic Surgeon at Altius Clinic specialising in foot and ankle conditions. He is the author of several scientific studies, articles and book chapters on surgery of the foot and ankle.

altiusclinic.sg

Altius Clinic Sports and Orthopaedic Surgeons

290 Orchard Road, #09-11/12 Paragon, 238859

contact@altiusclinic.sg

+65 8500 3961

+65 6970 1518

What does surgery involve?

There are over 100 operations described but maybe six or seven, including some minimally invasive techniques, are in common usage today. Which procedure is recommended depends on several technical factors and is tailored to the individual. In general, surgery involves cutting and shifting the bone or fusing the joint (or both) to straighten the toe and improve the foot biomechanics. The success rate of modern procedures is high.

What’s the recovery?

Your grandma may have told you that her bunion surgery was excruciatingly painful but thankfully, with modern techniques, this is no longer true! With most procedures, patients can walk straight away in a post op shoe (worn for six weeks). Swelling in the foot takes longer to settle than other parts of the body and may take a few months to fully resolve. Running is usually possible between three to six months depending on the procedure required and how keen you are to get back.

Before and six weeks after hallux valgus (and lesser toe) surgery. The foot is always still a bit swollen at this stage but note the alignment correction.

TOP PICK!

Got the Pickleball bug? Entrepreneur and national Pickleball champion Darren Ho shares how he got hooked on the game and how it enhances his life.

When did you first get into Pickleball?

I started dabbling in August 2022. Back then I was competing in national tennis tournaments, but after just two weeks of playing Pickleball I decided to enter the Pesta Sukan (Singapore’s annual “Festival of Sports”). Remarkably, I won the men’s intermediate singles event! I wasn’t serious about the sport at the time and only played once or twice a week, with tennis being my main focus.

Wow! You must be a natural!

My tennis background helped because both are considered racquet sports. I only began paying closer attention to Pickleball in March 2023 when I participated in my first-ever overseas tournament in Phuket, Thailand. I didn’t do well and almost gave up afterwards but – spurred on by the challenge – I decided to take the sport more seriously. I began transitioning out of tennis and

focusing on Pickleball. By August 2023 I’d shifted completely.

Was it love at first play?

To be honest, it really wasn’t! I struggled to adapt my game from tennis, had to unlearn and relearn new things along the way, and tried so many styles of play that it became quite frustrating.

What most appealed to you about the sport?

It’s very inclusive and easy to learn. Most players can play a match amongst themselves after just a few sessions when they become familiar with the rules. This has allowed for Pickleball to be played between all age groups, with families and friends, unlike many sports which usually cater to similar ages and fitness levels. I’ve seen 70 year-old ladies play with 19 yearold players and have a wonderful time!

You’ve played tennis since you were

four years old. How does Pickleball compare?

People think Pickleball is similar to tennis, but it’s a sport of its own and plays itself like a chess game. Unlike modern tennis, it isn’t always about hitting the ball hard or overpowering your opponent. It’s rather how you continuously create opportunities to win points because the physics of the court works against those

Above: Darren with keen young Pickeball student Momoko Sakakura Below: Winning gold at the Pickleball Championship 2023

who only concentrate on hitting hard. Pickleball requires strategic thinking, power, finesse, and appropriate shot selection.

How did you improve your skills?

To get better at Pickleball, you have to keep an open mind and be willing to learn something new. Players should also be unafraid to lose. I see many reaching a point where they become scared of challenging themselves or think that losing isn’t acceptable. In a racquet sport, there will always only be one winner and as long as you’re giving it your all, playing how you practice, there’s nothing to be ashamed of if you lose. The faster players can adapt this growth mindset, the faster we can develop and prevent staying stagnant in Pickleball.

What can players do to best develop their skills?

I recommend treating every match like a practice match. Many players play brilliantly during their practice matches but crumble during tournaments. Removing a sense of expectation helps a great deal and allows every player to unlock their true potential. Also, try to play with different people as much as possible. Players stick to their own groups and get used to a certain kind of technique, but exposure to others allows you to develop different shots and skill sets. Drill more than you play matches; aimless match play reinforces bad habits and this will always show up at the worst time during important matches. Lastly, always aim higher than what you think you can achieve.

Tell us about the Singapore National Pickleball Team …

The team came about last August when the top 10 seeds of each category from the national rankings (19+, 35+ and 50+ singles and doubles) were invited by the Singapore Pickleball Association for trials to decide members of the firstever national team. We proceeded to play in the Republic of China and Taipei where the 35+ team emerged third – an amazing achievement given that most players are not full-time athletes and consist of a mix of 35+ and 50+ players. (singaporepickleball.com.sg)

What’s training like?

The team trains once a week for selected tournaments coming up throughout 2024 where we’ll be travelling together to represent the country. We’re also free

Play

like a pro

Darren’s top tips for acing the game. Focus on finesse rather than power

Focus on drilling more than playing matches

When playing recreational and social matches, don’t be afraid to lose. Put into practice what you wish to perfect in your repertoire of shots

The non-volley zone or “kitchen” is your friend. Do not fear it but learn how to use it to your advantage

Winning and losing is part of the game, be cordial and build relationships

Pickleball is meant to be inclusive so keep it that way. Unless you’re in a tournament, be friendly and stay friendly

Always pay it forward and hope others can become better than you

Physics will always work against you so play it smart, not hard

“Always aim higher than what you think you can achieve”

to represent ourselves in tournaments around the region or the world. An example of this is my recent adventure in Phoenix, Arizona, where I played the PPA Desert Ridge Tournament and earned a gold medal in the 35+ 5.0 men’s singles event. I also participated in the men’s singles and doubles pro category.

What do you enjoy most about playing?

I love the physicality of the singles game and the strategic thinking required for doubles. As someone who was officially diagnosed with high functioning Autism, Attention Deficit Disorder (ADHD) and Tourette’s Syndrome aged 34, playing Pickleball allows me to expend any additional energy and stay focused outside of the game. It has also provided me with a healthy outlet to express myself, especially on not-so-good days due to my invisible disabilities.

How do you find the social side?

It’s something that greatly interests me because I get to mingle and make new friends outside of my age group. I’ve always struggled with interacting with people, but the socialisation in Pickleball’s small groups has helped me to get over the anxiety of crowds and feel more comfortable with others.

In what other ways does playing Pickleball support your wellbeing?

understand how a plastic ball and a carbon fibre paddle has assisted with this, but when you’re required to make splitsecond decisions for every shot you hit, you learn how to make the best decision at that point in time. In all, while Pickleball keeps me active, the advantages extend greatly from this. It’s also helped me to broaden my social circle, learn new lessons in life, and understand the world better. The benefits are endless!

The ANZA Pickleball social drop in group play on Fridays at centrally located courts for a fun and friendly hit. We also run regular beginner’s sessions for newbies to the game. anza.org.sg/sports/pickleball/

onwardwithdarrenho.com gritmettle

darrenho1982@gmail.com

Other than allowing me to remain physically fit, it’s helped me to sharpen my decision-making skills. It’s hard to Join ANZA Pickleball

GLIMMER WARNING

For free, instant access to feelings of health, happiness and safety, it pays to start noticing the little things in life.

Trends come and go. From fashion to music, dating to interior design, change is everywhere.

Language is one area that constantly evolves, although we may not even realise it. Today, “spilling tea” is no longer knocking over a hot beverage (rather, sharing gossip) and “sick” means “good” (keep up!). And have you noticed how everyone is “triggered” these days?

Back in the 1930s, triggers and “being triggered” referred to “suffering from shell shock”, but in recent years a trigger describes something that causes emotional distress. In 2024, triggers are everywhere: on TV, in books, at restaurants that have run out of Chardonnay.

For basic survival, it’s natural as humans to be scanning the world for potential causes of distress, but it’s as if we’ve become perpetually finely tuned to anguish. This is why the latest trend of “glimmers” is welcome relief.

“Glimmers are the opposite of triggers whereby they encapsulate unexpected positive emotional reactions - think joy, peace, happiness and contentment from a small daily event,” explains Ho Shee Wai, Director and Registered Psychologist at The Councelling Place (thecounsellingplace.com). “Glimmers have become popular because they’re simple, easy to implement in everyday life and provide immediate effects,” she says.

Calmness & contentment

The idea of tiny, modest happenings causing comfort first came to the fore thanks to Marie Kondo whose

“When you experience glimmers, you’re unable to be triggered”

organisational tips sparked joy globallyglimmers create the same feeling.

The first sip of coffee in the morning, hugging loved ones, savouring a spoonful of your favourite ice cream, the smell of a tropical rainstorm - these are all examples

“Sweet morning cuddles with my boys”

MELINDA

of glimmers. The good news is that glimmers have a similar positive effect on our mental health as big, blow-out moments, yet they’re more achievable because we can actively choose to put them into our daily schedule.

My Daily Sparks

Where do you find yours?

“Getting out in the waka with my whānau and catching the orange glow from the setting sun bouncing off the high-rise buildings of MBFC. Pure magic every time!

“My morning coffee – two minutes to relax over a good flat white” SARAH

KERRY

“Listening to kiddos laughing at the nearby playground. Their joy is so addictive I break out into a smile too” CHRISSY

“Facetime with my family” JOLENE

“Glimmers create a sense of hope which helps us to overcome challenges”

“Glimmers boost our mental health by allowing us to counter our natural tendency to focus on negativities,” explains Shee Wai. “They provide stress relieving effects not only mentally, but physically as they activate our parasympathetic nervous system which produces feelings of calm. Contrary to triggers, glimmers create a sense of hope which improves resilience, helps us to overcome challenges and gives meaning to difficult times in our life.”

Conversely, experiencing triggers causes our sympathetic nervous systems to generate sensations of anger, anxiety and depression. What’s more, research by Dr Stephen Porges, founder of the Polyvagal Theory (polyvagalinstitute.org), found that both the parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous system cannot be activated concurrently - this means that when you experience glimmers, you cannot be exposed to triggers at the same time. (Sounds like a result to us!).

Through his findings, Dr Porges introduced the term “neuroception” which is the name for when our subconscious mind scans our surroundings for signs of security.

When our neuroceptive system tunes into peace and calm, it essentially activates a safety circuit in our nervous system which sets off a cascade of permanent, positive changes within our biology. Continues Shee Wai, “While some people report an actual physical spark upon encountering glimmers, others enjoy more gentle feelings of harmony and serenity. Studies show that glimmers escalate the sensations of being able to breathe easier and perpetuate a productive and positive energy within us.”

With so much joy and physical and mental support within us, it makes sense to start accessing our glimmers immediately. But how? Read the panel on the right for how to gain access. Enjoy!

Tune Into Your Glimmers

To find joy in a stressful world, Shee Wai suggests trying the following, either in steps or as standalone exercises.

1

Create a safe space

Glimmers are related to feelings of safety. Create internal safety first by removing all judgment of yourself, and acknowledging and accepting all your feelings as facts in that moment. Take four deep breaths in, and slowly release the breath with a count of four. Repeat five times. Doing so will shift your brain away from fear towards a more centered state.

2

Use word association

Write down when you’ve experienced feelings of happiness, awe, joy, peace and calmness before. Reflect on where the feelings show up in your body and what was happening when you felt them. Alternatively, write down a list of what makes your heart smile. You’re accessing past experiences to give you an indication of what your glimmers might be.

3

Look around you

Look for your glimmers all around you: your cat purring, shiny bubbles, a new bud sprouting on your balcony, etc. Use your five senses. It may not be a new thing you’re focusing on - this exercise is for you to look at familiar things with new eyes/senses.

4

Schedule a glimmer hunt

Set aside time in your day, or at least once a week, to go on a glimmer hunt. Incorporating this in your routine will help to train your brain to consciously notice the moments and things that bring small shots of happiness.

5

Do something new

Our brain dislikes familiarity and boredom, so try to find something new to do regularly, whether that be walking home a different way, starting Wordle, or chatting to a stranger in your condo. This will allow you to experience the excitement of something new and possibly bring you glimmers.

6

Think about love

Glimmers can be people and places too. Thinking of loved ones, a favourite holiday destination, or looking at photos or videos can also provide that fuzzy feeling. The best thing to do however, is to reach out and connect with those you treasure directly.

What’s the deal with weight loss drugs?

Oprah Winfrey and Sharon Osbourne have both spoken openly about the use of weight loss drugs. As more become available in Singapore, we look at the pros and cons.

There has been increasing excitement over the past couple of years about weight loss medications. This is because a family of drugs called GLP-1 mimetics have been licensed for weight loss in many countries, including Singapore.

This class of medication has been used for almost twenty years to treat diabetes, but as more potent versions have been developed, they have been found to cause significant weight loss. The arrival of versions that only need to be taken once per week has further fueled their popularity. Here, I’ll try to give you some of the basic facts, as well as dispelling some of the myths around these medicines.

Do they work?

They certainly do. They mimic a hormone that is found naturally in the body (GLP-1), causing reduced appetite, increased fullness and lowering blood sugar. They are available as pills or as injections which you can do yourself at home, and you can expect to lose around 15% of your body weight with the versions currently available in Singapore. Newer versions already licensed in the UK and USA can result in higher levels of weight loss.

How long does weight loss take?

In my experience, weight loss continues for 10-12 months, but is most rapid in the first 3-6 months, where we see people losing around 0.5-1kg per

Weight loss is not sustained after the medication is stopped

week. The dose is gradually increased in the first couple of months to minimise side effects.

What’s the catch?

The first consideration is cost, these medications do not come for free. The oral version can be slightly cheaper than the injections. Secondly, side effects. Most of these are gut-related –nausea, reflux and sometimes vomiting. More serious but very rare side effects can include gallstones and pancreatitis. Muscle loss can happen, but this can be minimised by maintaining adequate protein intake and doing resistance training. There have been cases in the media where celebrities complained of facial muscle wasting, but these people almost certainly didn’t need to be on

weight loss medication in the first place. A common complaint is that the weight loss is not sustained after the medication is stopped and this is true if there is no other change in lifestyle or behaviour. I help my patients to develop their own personalised tactics for maintaining weight loss long-term.

What should I consider beforehand?

When someone comes to discuss weight loss medication with me, I’ll discuss the things they’ve already tried and why these may have not been successful.

I then look at ways to optimise lifestyle (sleep, stress, diet and exercise), correct hormone imbalance, and treat any deficiencies. This will give you the best chance of losing weight in a sustainable, healthy way, and keeping it off for good.

Dr Neil Forrest is a British GP based at Osler Health Star Vista (off Holland Road).

Chill, Chat, Connect

Tuesday 4 June, 7pm

Padang Room, Singapore Cricket Club

Join us at the Singapore Cricket Club for an evening of mixing and mingling. Whether you’re new to the ANZA community looking to make new friends, or have been on the dot for a while, this event is the perfect opportunity to forge new connections. Unwind with drinks and light bites in the Padang Room, offering views of the iconic city skyline. We can’t wait to see you there!

Do you need the treadmill test?

The treadmill test is a useful assessment for screening heart conditions, measuring heart health, and getting clearance for extreme sports.

Also known as the cardiac treadmill test, stress test or exercise electrocardiogram (ECG), the treadmill test is a diagnostic procedure used to evaluate how well the heart responds to stress or exercise. Sometimes it may be paired with a stress echocardiogram (heart ultrasound scan). It can be used to assess a patient with known or suspected heart disease as it can uncover the presence of coronary artery disease, abnormal heart rhythms, or other heart conditions. In the athletic population, it is also used as a screening test for clearance to participate in extreme sports and activities. If you suspect that you have a heart problem, the first step should be a discussion with your doctor to discuss which test is most appropriate for you. This test does not fully exclude the presence of coronary artery disease, abnormal heart rhythms, and structural heart problems such as valve dysfunction.

What happens during the test?

Before the test, we need to obtain a baseline resting ECG from the patient, and check for abnormal electrical activity which may increase the risk of undertaking a stress test. Next, the patient walks on a treadmill while their heart rate, blood pressure, and ECG are monitored. The speed and incline of the treadmill are gradually increased to see how the heart responds to exertional stress. The test aims to assess the electrical activity of the heart at 85% of its maximum capacity. It may be terminated early due to patient fatigue or concerning symptoms. After 85% heart rate is achieved, there is a period of cooling-down and rest prior to the end of the test. Patients will be monitored after the stress test to ensure that

their heart rate and blood pressure return to regular readings before we can discharge the patient. We have a shower facility if patients would like to shower before leaving the clinic.

Once the report is received, the doctor will inform the patient of the test outcome; if the results are abnormal, the doctor will discuss a treatment plan with you and may refer you to a cardiologist for further management. A negative (normal) treadmill test in a patient without sinister risk factors or symptoms generally indicates that the patient is not at increased risk for cardiac events during intensive exercise. Possible risks from this test include falls,injuries, heart issues associated with intensive activity (abnormal heart rhythm, chest pain, heart attack and cardiac arrest), as well as dizziness or fainting.

What are the alternatives to running?

There are other tests available for patients who are unable to run on a treadmill, their physician may recommend other modalities of testing including bicycle exercise stress testing, or chemical stress testing (where a medication is injected to stress the heart). Other modalities to assess the heart include echocardiography, CT scanning (calcium score, coronary angiograms), nuclear imaging (MIBI scan), cardiac MRI and coronary catheterisation. Each of these have their own advantages and considerations depending on the patient’s specific circumstances.

The treadmill stress test is available at IMC Camden, 1 Orchard Blvd, #14-05/06/07 Camden Medical Centre, Singapore, 248649.

Contact us at 6733 4440 or connect with our socials: international_medical_clinic International Medical Clinic www.imc-healthcare.com/patient-resources/treadmill-stress-test/

LADIES NIGHT

ANZA organises monthly girls only get-togethers with great deals on drinks and food at different hotspots around Singapore.

MAY JUN

Thursday 23 May, 6.30 - 9.30pm

Vatos Urban Tacos 36 Beach Road, 189766

Wednesday 19 June, 6.30 - 9.30pm

Raffles Courtyard Raffles Hotel, 1 Beach Road, 189673

Register at anza.org.sg/groups/ladies-night

THRIVING IN SINGAPORE

Tips to living in the Lion City

Whether you’re new to Singapore or a long-term resident, join us at the Australian High Commission to learn more about life on the island. Hear about a plethora of activities happening in the ANZA community, get advice from our guest speakers, and meet new friends over a relaxed morning tea. All are welcome!

6 JUNE 9.30am-11.30am

AUSTRALIAN HIGH COMMISSION ANZA

DANIELLE

TEBOUL, Private Wealth

Manager

of Select Investors, Senior Partner Practice of St. James’s Place (Singapore) Private Limited.

Can we ever shrink the gender wealth gap?

When it comes to money, the gender wealth gap remains very much an issue. Despite the ongoing quest for parity, recent statistics reveal that even in 2024, not one single country out of 195 countries in the world has achieved financial gender equality. It’s shocking stuff, but knowledge is power. By becoming educated on just a few personal finance matters, women can maintain their power, and move forward financially with confidence.

The Gender Wealth Gap

This describes the disparity between the wealth of men and women and exists due to various factors. The gender wealth gap has far-reaching consequences for women’s economic security and wellbeing; it affects their ability to retire comfortably, own a home, and provide for their families.

One way to address the gender wealth gap is through education. Women need access to financial education and resources to help them make informed decisions. Unfortunately, this is not always taught in schools, leaving many women feeling confused and overwhelmed when it comes to money matters. They often face unique financial challenges such as childcare and living longer than men (meaning their money must last longer). By becoming financially literate, women can empower themselves to overcome these challenges and achieve their financial goals.

What To Consider

You don’t have to understand everything about the financial market, macroeconomics or even stocks and shares to excel in personal finances. All you need is to understand your goals and timeline, your risk tolerance and how much cash you need to set aside. The next step is implementing this knowledge, because this information is rendered useless if you do nothing with it. After you’ve figured out your own clear personal goals, you need to get started, because the longer you leave gaining control of your financial situation, the less time you have to make matters happen.

Develop A Money Mindset

Financial literacy is an important skill for everyone to possess, but it’s especially crucial for women. The good news is that getting started with financial planning doesn’t have to be overwhelming. There are plenty of options available to help you grow your wealth over time. By educating yourself about them, you’ll be better equipped to make informed financial decisions that will benefit you in the long run.

Overall, it’s important to overcome the

Just 10% of Fortune 500 CEOs are women. That’s 51 women, only three of which are black Women globally earn around 37% less than men in similar roles 265 men have more wealth than all women in Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean combined

discomfort of talking about finances and start having open conversations about money. Doing so can help to improve financial literacy, strengthen relationships, and lead to better financial outcomes.

Ultimately, the key to successful financial planning is to start early and stay committed. Small steps every day can improve your financial situation, and build a strong foundation for a secure and prosperous future.

We can all work towards closing the gender wealth gap by imparting knowledge, educating ourselves, and creating safe spaces for women to share and discuss. Whilst there’s still a long way to go in terms of global policies, taking action individually can help close the gender wealth gap.

Find out more and join here anza.org.sg/groups/scouts

Unlock financial confidence with the ANZA Investor Interest Group - your essential guide to mastering expat personal finance in Singapore. Join us monthly to unravel complexities and empower your financial journey!

AUSTRALIAN TAX PREPARATION

At this session you’ll learn how to minimise your tax in Australia, what your tax obligations are, what you should be including, whether you’re required to lodge a return, and even how you can prepare for your repatriation to Australia.

WHEN: 12pm – 1pm Wednesday 15 May

VENUE: 10-01 Far East Finance Building, 14 Robinson Road, 048545

REGISTER AT anza.org.sg/groups/investorgroup

Perhaps some of our ANZA community have eaten more rice whilst residing in Singapore, than when in their home countries. Reputed to be the most eaten food globally, this ancient small grain makes a large impact, being the dietary staple for more than half the world’s population, particularly in many Asian countries.

Culture-shock was real upon my arrival in Singapore in 1970 with my Singaporean husband, living in the extended-family home, discovering that rice was served daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner, with afternoon snacks invariably including kueh (cakes) made using glutinous rice. (I have since happily compromised!).

RICE HARVESTS

Throughout May, into early June, annual harvest festivals occur in several neighbouring countries. Well-known is Bangkok’s Royal Ploughing Ceremony, with participation by His Majesty the King and religious leaders. Malaysia’s Sabah and Sarawak honour the revered grain with various ethnic communities celebrating; a good time to visit, to appreciate diverse cultural traditions.

The world’s largest rice producers are listed as China, India and Indonesia. The largest exporters are reputedly India, Thailand, Vietnam and Pakistan. In Singapore, Thai rice is probably the most popular. On several occasions, the World Rice Conference declared Thai hom mali (‘fragrant jasmine’) rice to be the world’s best, in colour, aroma, texture and taste.

Rice Rules!

For such a small grain, it has a big impact on dining in Singapore!

RAELENE TAN investigates the staple ingredient we couldn’t be without.

TYPES OF RICE

Globally, there are many thousands of rice varieties. Low-fat, fibrous, gluten-free, rice provides energy via carbohydrates. Longgrain rice is said to be the most widely consumed.

Some types to chew on: Arborio, from Arborio, a town in the north-west of Italy, used in risotto dishes, is a shortto-medium-grain aromatic white rice. Basmati (Sanskrit for ‘fragrant’), cultivated at the Himalayan foothills in India and Pakistan, is long-grain, subtly aromatic, marrying well with Indianstyle curries and Middle Eastern fare. Chewy brown rice, stronger tasting than white rice, is lauded for its healthgiving qualities. Glutinous ‘sticky’ rice is mainly used for sweet items like Chinese dumplings, some dim-sum creations and Nonya kueh (cakes), though is a daily staple in traditional Lao cuisine. Jasmine long-grain rice, white or brown, popular in South-East Asia for its

enticing plant-based scent, accompanies meals in general and makes good fried rice. All-rounder long-grain rice, firm yet fluffy, is used in many dishes, Asian and Western. Moistly tender medium-grain appears in Italian risotto, Spanish paella and Japanese sushi. Creamy textured Short-grain makes tasty sweet dishes like European-style rice-pudding, plus some savoury recipes.

POPULAR DISHES

Singapore provides numerous rice dishes, including national favourite Hainanese chicken rice. Also, Malay nasi lemak (with rice cooked in coconut-milk), Indian briyani (saffron rice) and Eurasian kueh koci (glutinous-rice cake). Other acclaimed dishes include Korean bibimbap (mixed rice with meat and vegetables), Thai mango sticky-rice, Middle Eastern kabsa (rice with spices and chicken) and Portuguese tomato rice.

“Have you eaten (rice)?”

Born in Adelaide, Raelene Tan is an etiquette consultant and a food and travel writer. She has authored five books and has been a regular guest on radio and television.

Photographs:

Thai mango

sticky-rice, courtesy

Siam kitchen; Spanish paella, Raelene Tan

Have you ever stopped to think about the impact your investments might be having on the world? It's a question that hit me personally, and the more I delved into it,

the more I realized the power we hold as investors. It is my duty as a Expat Financial Adviser Representative in Singapore to hold an ethical and moral standard when it comes to recommending an investment portfolio for my clients.

Being a responsible investor goes beyond just chasing profits. It's about making choices that reflect our values and contribute positively to the world. Take military arms companies and tobacco giants, for instance. Investing in them not only feels morally questionable but comes with its share of risks, both ethically and financially. These industries face increasing scrutiny, and the tide is turning against them.

Then there's the environmental aspect. I can't help but consider the companies contributing to pollution and global warming. It's not just about safeguarding our conscience; it's about securing our financial future too. With the world's focus shifting towards sustainability, companies stuck in the past may find themselves struggling.

It’s Not Always About Making Money!

I understand that your investment choices should reflect who you are and what you believe in. That's why I have put my heart into developing investment portfolios that align with your ethical compass.

Personally, I've been on this journey, navigating through industries, understanding their impact, and curating portfolios that stand up to scrutiny. It's a commitment to ethical investing that I carry into every consultation. I want to get to know you your values, your concerns, your vision for a better world. Together, we can build a portfolio that not only makes financial sense but also resonates with your principles.

So, here's an invitation for a free consultation. Let's chat, not just about numbers and charts, but about what matters to you. Your investments should be an extension of yourself, and I'm here to help you make that connection.

Warm regards,

Sean Abreu

new Jypsy Parkland Green.

920 ECP

#01-25/26/27, 449875

pscafe.com/jypsy-parkland-green

Nestled within picturesque Parkland Green at East Coast Park, the newest addition to the PSGourmet Group family, Jypsy Parkland Green, beckons guests with its alluring blend of traditional Japanese flavours and modern culinary twists. Embarking on its second outpost after the success of its flagship location at One Fullerton, we found ourselves on a Friday evening ensconced in the al fresco seating area as the sun began to descend, a gentle sea breeze weaving through the air, creating an idyllic location for an end-ofwork-week treat.

Signature cocktails

To ‘clink’ in the weekend, we ordered Jypsy’s signature cocktails, each sip a harmonious blend of flavours, shaken not stirred. The Green Geisha ($21), with its refreshing medley of gin, shiso, Mediterranean tonic, and a hint of wasabi salt, provided the prelude to the evening. Meanwhile, the Yuzu Gin Fizz ($20) offered a citrusy burst of gin and yuzu, perfectly complementing the seaside setting.

Fusion of flavours

We started with classic favourites from the original Jypsy menu, each dish meticulously crafted to elevate familiar flavours to new heights. The Jypsy Salmon Tacos ($18) presented a creative twist on traditional

tacos, boasting crispy seafood shells filled with succulent salmon, creamy avocado, zesty tomato salsa, and a tantalising drizzle of wasabi mayo, topped with decadent ikura. Equally enticing were the Soft Shell Chilli Crab Rolls ($28), featuring deep-fried soft-shell crab and crab meat, generously smothered in a luscious chilli mayo.

The main event

As the evening unfolded, the main course offerings grew increasingly impressive.

The King Prawn & Unagi Aglio Olio ($29) was an absolute winner with its delicate spaghettini, adorned with succulent king prawns, smoky unagi, toasted sesame breadcrumbs, and a hint of yuzu juice and chunky chilli oil. Equally noteworthy was the Wagyu Beef Dripping Fried Rice ($32), featuring tender grilled wagyu nestled atop fragrant kombu butter fried rice, accompanied by a medley of pickles for added depth of flavour.

Irresistible temptations

Despite our satiated appetites, we couldn’t resist indulging in a few more treats. The

allure of Jypsy’s famous Nest of Fries ($16), featuring crispy shredded potato drizzled with white truffle oil, wasabi mayo, and teriyaki sauce, proved irresistible. Our neighbouring guests raved about the Jypsy Fish & Chips ($24) and the Ika Pizza ($26), moreish and memorable creations that left us eagerly anticipating our next visit.

Sweet endings

No memorable meal leaves out a sweet denouement, and Jypsy delivered with its humble but delectable dessert offerings. We savoured every spoonful of the Tiramisu Soft Serve ($14), adorned with cookie crisps, and relished the delicate flavours of the Yuzu Tofu Cheesecake ($12), nestled atop a buttery biscuit crumb.

A toast to excellence

Jypsy’s comprehensive wine list offers a selection that caters to every palate and budget. Our choice, the Catena Zapata Malbec from Argentina ($115), was the perfect accompaniment, its bold flavours complementing the diverse array of dishes available.

THE VERDICT: Jypsy Parkland Green offers not just a dining experience, but a joyous coming together of traditional Japanese flavours, artfully combined with contemporary twists. Whether you’re seeking a relaxed al fresco vibe, quality cuisine that caters to the whole family (including furry friends), or just a taste of laid-back coastal living, this is an unmissable destination.

Tea Time in Paradise

Put the kettle on, says JO UPCRAFT. It’s time for brews, views, surf, wildlife and wonder in stunning Sri Lanka.

When Australian actress and Barbie star Margot Robbie revealed her favourite cup of tea in an online video with British Vogue, she not only gave Dilmah a global shout out, but also highlighted its beautiful country of origin, Sri Lanka, too.

“I like a very particular brand of tea - Dilmah,” she said in the show while producing a perfectly packaged collection of teabags from her handbag for all to see. The video went viral on TikTok last year, everyone put the kettle on, and our travel daydreams went in the direction of the ‘Pearl of the Indian Ocean’. Well, if it’s good enough for Barbie …

It’s likely that Sri Lanka is already on your radar. Being less than a four-hour flight from Singapore, it makes for a relatively easy getaway from the Lion City’s urban sprawl to a place steeped with astonishing natural beauty, rustic charm, sweeping beaches, intriguing wildlife, a thriving surf scene, booming creativity, hands-down some of the best smiles you will find in the world and - of course - tea.

Mesmerising landscape

Sri Lanka’s tea industry was established during the 19th century by the British during colonial rule. Today it’s the secondlargest exporter of tea in the world after China, and the industry indirectly employs close to a million people. Arrive in Colombo and head for Sri Lanka’s Hill Country, a three-and-a-half hour drive away, and you’ll not only see the tea industry in action, but you’ll become immersed in a mesmerising landscape evoking the English countryside, the cleanest of air, luxury accommodation, and the omnipresent feeling of times gone by.

Travelling to Hatton, a town in Sri Lanka’s Central Highlands, is an eye-opening journey in itself. Grip onto your car seat as the winding roads can feel treacherous, but it’s all worth it when faced with rolling carpets of lush green tea as far as the eye can see, the vast swathes of landscape punctuated by pops of bright clothing belonging to the tea-pickers who are methodically filling their bags with leaves.

Freshly picked leaves

Hatton is home to Margot’s beloved Dilmah Tea Company which was founded in 1985 by Merrill J Fernando, a visionary and much revered local who passed away in 2023. We arrive with our adrenalin pumping and craving a cuppa. It’s ideal then, that we stop at Dilmah’s Dunkeld Tea Factory, just one of the many tea factories

“A place of pure peace, entirely removed from the modern world”

dotted amid the 2000 hectares landscape, to learn about its inner workings. Our charismatic tour guide and naturalist, Keith, blows us away with his knowledge as we’re introduced to enormous churning machines, freshly picked tea waiting for grinding and sifting, and huge sackfuls of preened leaves that make up the 350,000 kgs produced here annually, ready to be sold at market.

Throughout the factory tour, female tea pickers appear, bags stuffed to the brim with leaves balanced precariously on their heads, at the factory doors. It’s backbreaking work, but the Fernando family are part of a robust union safeguarding entitlements for tea pickers including fixed daily wages, basic necessities, twiceweekly rations, housing and electricity, primary school education for children and an on-site doctor.

A visit to Dilmah’s tea factory is just one of the activities available when you stay at Ceylon Tea Trails, a collection of five restored historic tea planters’ bungalows on what was once the stomping ground of the British planters. Filled with a fresh understanding of the tea-making process and several cups later, we head to one of the properties, Castlereagh Bungalow. We’ve never had a step-back-in-time like it.

History & mystery

Less of a ‘hotel’ and more of a ‘home’, Castlereagh dates back to 1870 and feels filled with history and mystery from the moment you go inside. Stylings include old desks and cabinets stuffed full of secrets, tapestry rugs, plush sofas, colourful soft furnishings, and furniture standing majestically in the shadows of soft, inviting lighting. A lounge and sitting

room ooze comfort with fireplaces, grand mirrors, decadent lighting, and a bar stacked with alcohol, graciously poised for soothing sunset drinks.

Luxurious trimmings

Off the communal areas is just one corridor with five bedrooms dotted on either side. Huge four-poster beds await with equally luxurious trimmings including chairs and a coffee table placed before French doors that open out to a bucolic country garden. This is where we sit, at an altitude of 1250 metres, sipping Dilmah tea while gazing out at the pretty flowers and frondy palms. Beyond the burgeoning bougainvillea Castlereagh Reservoir almost hides away, surrounded by an abundance of tall green peaks that make the water look magical.

Swimming in the property’s infinity pool, games of croquet, naps-on-tap, leisurely afternoon teas of quintessential English classics such as Battenburg, cream sponge and scones, afternoon strolls and soaking in the private jacuzzi hidden in the shrubbery are all part of the schedule here. Come evening, simply tell your attentive personal butler what you fancy to eat and the chef will whip it up for you to enjoy on the verandah, soft jazz in the background, fireflies performing a dance around you as you dine. A place of pure peace and tranquility, entirely removed from the modern world, and not a Ken in sight. Barbie would approve.

respendentceylon.com

Margot Robbie with her Dilmah teabags

Hit the surf

The sweeping south coast of Sri Lanka has always been a hotspot, but postpandemic there’s been a shift in scene. Edge further down past Weligama and you’ll hit an emerging section of coast quietly bubbling under. Hiriketiya may just be a tiny village but it has big dreams. Not content with being home to a perfectly formed crescent of sand, a smattering of sunbeds and superpopular surf spot, it’s also producing some very sophisticated hangouts including spas ( tonicspahiriketiya), yoga retreats ( salthouse_srilanka) and restaurants. Hilltop escape Mond ( mond.hiriketiya) serves fabulous healthy dishes and hosts inventive workshops like ‘Theatre For Kids ‘ and ‘Sound Healing’. Verse Collective (versecollective.com) is your go-to for co-working in front of Dikwella beach and Dots Bay House ( dotsbayhouse) is excellent for teens who want local live DJs and nightlife. Meanwhile, hip restaurant and cocktail bar Smoke & Bitters ( smoke.bitters) features in Asia’s 50 Best Bars and Sri Lankan Rishi Naleedra, chef-owner of Singapore’s Kotuwa and Cloudstreet restaurants, has been known to pop by to collaborate. Stay: Ideal for getaways for larger groups, Aussie owned Sudu Villa Hiriketiya is a 4-bed, 4-bathroom villa with enough space to sleep thirteen people in total. There are two kitchens (upstairs and downstairs), a private swimming pool, stellar views and a secluded vibe. Pitch up on the rooftop terrace for ocean vistas, G&T in hand. suduvilla.com sudu_villa_hiriketiya

Go wild!

Head to the east of the island to Yala, one of the oldest of Sri Lanka’s 15 National Parks. Rise early to explore the thick forest, savannah, grasslands, and endemic plant and animal species unique to the island. Get a front seat in the jeep to spot 44 species of recorded mammals including the Sri Lankan Leopard, Sri Lankan Sloth Bear and Sri Lankan Elephant, plus fascinating birds, reptiles and amphibians. Paul Hogan, eat your heart out!

Stay: Wild Coast Tented Lodge features cream-coloured tents which seem to simultaneously merge with and rise out of the landscape like giant boulders. Inside, king-sized beds, a handmade copper bathtub, and your own private plunge pool await. Cocoon Suites boast a viewing deck to observe an abundance of wildlife at the nearby waterhole. relaischateaux.com

THOME

UPGRADE

Add a comforting touch and a sense of calm to your home with natural Nordic-inspired pieces.

he combination of nature-inspired elements, minimalism, and practicality extends a warm embrace to those searching for cosiness within their home. If you want to add a touch of Scandinavian style, here are five essential tips inspired by Nordic living.

1 Keep It Simple: Less is more

Clear out unnecessary items and let your space breathe. Choose functional furniture, clean lines, and tidy spaces to bring a sense of calm and serenity to your surroundings.

2 Let Nature In: Feel relaxed & refreshed

Use solid wood for furniture and flooring, add indoor plants for a breath of fresh air, and showcase natural textures. Scandinavian design values the beauty of nature, creating an environment of relaxation.

3Neutral Colours: For a bright and airy space

Soft and calm colours make your space feel welcoming. Using certain shades not only makes natural light stronger, but also gives you a versatile base for other design changes, letting your space easily adapt.

4 Cosy Textures: Warm & inviting atmosphere

From plush rugs to knitted throws, these cosy textiles add layers of comfort to your home. The goal is to create an atmosphere that feels like a warm hug, inviting you to relax and unwind after a long day.

5 Natural Light: Bring your room to life

Use natural light to make your home feel alive. Keep window coverings light and breezy, letting sunlight through. Put mirrors in smart spots to bounce around the natural light. Daylight not only brightens your space but also boosts your mood, making your home a cheerful spot all year round.

In conclusion: Trying out these five easy tips inspired by Scandinavian living will transform your home into a peaceful sanctuary where simplicity meets comfort.

Originals, 1 Bukit Batok Street 22, Level 5, Singapore, 659592

Open weekdays 10am - 7pm, weekends and Public Holidays 10am - 6pm

Mixed Social Tennis

The ANZA Mixed Social Tennis groups get together on Friday mornings 9am - 11am. Players of all abilities are welcome.

ANZA Discover Tennis Clinics

The ANZA Discover Tennis Clinics are a six-week programme designed for newcomers wanting to learn the basic skills of tennis, or for players wanting to refresh their technique.

Register at anza.org.sg/sports/tennis

Pickleball is taking the world by storm! It’s fast moving, heaps of fun and will get your fitness levels up.

The ANZA Pickleball group is a fun and friendly weekly hit at centrally located courts. We also offer beginner’s sessions and 4-week clinics for those new to the game.

Register at anza.org.sg/sports/pickleball

Are you passionate about padel tennis and eager to connect with fellow enthusiasts? Our brand new ANZA Padel group is the perfect place for players of all levels to come together, have fun, and improve their game.

9 Hole Golf

Looking to kickstart your golf game? This relaxed group of golfers meet on Tuesday mornings. Other activities include group lessons and social events. Suitable for beginners and those seeking a handicap.

VENUE

Mandai Executive Golf Course

Upper Seletar Reservoir, Mandai Rd Track 7, 779384

anza.org.sg/sports/golf-9-hole

IPests & Mould be gone

Rentokil Pest Control

and Mouldgone’s powerful duo protects families in Singapore.

n Singapore’s humid climate, households deal with pests and mould growth, which can harm homes and the health of residents. Unlike cooler climates, the Lion City’s warmth and moisture create ideal conditions for mould and pests. Rentokil Pest Control and Mouldgone help protect homes and residents.

Try the Rentokil and Mouldgone service today!

Rentokil and Mouldgone have joined forces to protect expats and Singaporeans from pests and mould, offering expertise, dedication, and a strong commitment to family safety, ensuring families’ wellbeing across the island nation.

Mouldgone, Singapore’s #1 Mould Expert

The harmless signs of mould –fuzzy white spots on furniture or unexplained wall freckles – conceal a hidden threat: airborne mould spores, particularly hazardous to children’s health.

Professional expertise and specialised equipment are essential for effective mould remediation. We conduct inspections using advanced tools such as moisture metres and thermal imaging cameras, providing homeowners with thorough knowledge of the existence of mould.

Our treatments, utilising FDA and CDC approved chemicals, are safe for children and pets, offering highly effective solutions and 180 days of guaranteed mould-free protection. There is a two-step removal process for a mould-free environment:

VISIBLE MOULD REMOVAL To remove visible mould from surfaces like ceilings, walls, cupboards, and doors

ADVANCED ANTIMICROBIAL MISTING

Applied with an electrostatic sprayer, neutralises 99.99% of airborne mould spores and odours, offering lasting protection

Rentokil: The Guardian Against Pest Invasions

Singapore’s tropical climate attracts a variety of pests, such as termites, mosquitoes, rodents, cockroaches, and ants. Even the tiniest gaps serve as entry points for these unwelcome intruders into your home.

Rentokil, the leading pest control provider in Asia, provides thorough services surpassing DIY approaches. Professional intervention is vital for lasting solutions.

Rentokil places utmost importance on family safety and wellbeing, offering swift 2x24-hour response-times and tailored services targeting specific pests within the household. Our approach includes pest extermination as well as prevention through pest-proofing solutions and expert advice.

With 300+ NEA-certified Technicians, Rentokil boasts a dedicated team continuously improving through regular training. We gain expertise in pest management, innovations, health and safety protocols, and essential soft skills, ensuring top-notch service and your satisfaction.

Why it’s ripper to be a Nipper!

CASPAR SCHLICKUM reveals why it’s great to be part of our inclusive group of life savers and strong swimmers, while having a flash of nostalgia over childhood slogans.

As someone who grew up in Melbourne and lived in Sydney, when I arrived in Singapore and heard from a friend that ANZA Nippers, the kids programme of the Australian Surf Life Saving Clubs was a thing here, I immediately jumped on it for our five year old daughter, Kaia. Amongst a packed weekly schedule of other activities, my British/French wife Tamara was a bit perplexed. Why ruin our peaceful Sunday mornings with another dash-against-theclock activity?

As my initial reaction of “Um, because it’s ripper to be a nipper” - a slogan stuck in my memory since childhood - was met with even more confusion, here’s the list of reasons I gave Tamara as to why there’s only one place to be at the weekends.

It’s undeniably fun. This was Kaia's immediate reaction when I asked her why she loves Nippers. “I get to see my friends and we jump off the big mat into the water”. (She’s in the under 6’s so that mat is a big deal).

There’s camaraderie and teamwork across the ANZA Nippers programme. Surf lifesaving involves a huge number of

different tools, skills and drills, and each one provides the kids with a chance to work together in a different way.

It’s not all fun and games, it's about passion too. David Howard, Chairman of ANZA Nippers Singapore, says the programme is also borne out of sheer determination and dedication. “All of the life-saving disciplines and events within Nippers

come from the need to train children to be able to assess and affect potential future rescue operations," he says.

Confidence is taught on the beach and in the water. In Singapore, we’re lucky that kids generally learn to swim early and with confidence. Nipper parent Jonathan Walbridge describes this as ANZA Nippers “fairly uniquely playing to the advantages of Singapore’s climate and geography.” At Nippers, kids get to extend this into a real understanding of possible marine dangers, and how to use the conditions to their advantage for a rescue.

ANZA Nippers learn water-based skills but also gain friends and memories for life

Nippers understand what to do in an emergency. This includes keeping calm and understanding basic first aid. For Heidi Monro, an Age Manager at Nippers, this is a major focus.

“As someone who grew up in North Curl Curl Surf Life Saving Club, I’ve always loved learning and teaching water safety,” she says. “Surf education, personal safety, and becoming educated about the ocean is key."

Nippers learn communication and signals. This means they have a clear understanding of one

another when under pressure which is critical in an emergency. Says Heidi, “Nippers encourages listening skills and a strong attention span in a fun and interactive way.”

There’s an appreciation of, and care for, the environment. Cleaning up the beach before each session, teaching kids the importance of the marine environment and helping them understand the ocean raises environmentally aware people.

Nippers are the future of surf lifesaving! ANZA Nippers can obviously go on to become actual surf life savers. This is a huge benefit, especially for the many families who return to places where the kids can pick up where they left off in adult clubs. And if the Nippers never go on to become surf lifesavers? “They gain knowledge and skills that will be with them for the rest of their lives, and you never know what’s around the corner,” says David.

So, did I convince my wife? We’re on the beach every Sunday, so at least one of the above resonated with her!

There's only one place Casper's daughter Kaia (right) is on a Sunday morning

Rising Stars

...of all ages! Whether playing for a while or new to the game, ANZA’s netball teams are continually growing in skills and success.

Tournaments have been centre stage once again for ANZA Netball with two of our teams taking part in the annual Daisy Tan Tournament for U14’s in Singapore. Organised by Netball Singapore, the tournament is open to the best of local secondary schools and clubs throughout the island. With twenty teams entered into the U14 age group, the heat was on!

The 2010 ANZA Galaxy and 2011 ANZA Cyclones competed in this fun and friendly extravaganza at the Kallang Netball Centre with the weather behaving itself all morning. Both teams were placed in separate pools for the first stage, the round-robin part of the tournament.

Victory all round

ANZA Galaxy played some great netball against worthy opponents, winning five games and drawing against the favourites, TNA Elite A in their pool. In the second pool, ANZA Cyclones won a marvellous four matches, experienced one loss and one draw. After a round of playoffs, ANZA Cyclones and ANZA Galaxy had to face each other in the semifinals – the stress! Both teams played really well with all the ANZA parents cheering together from the sidelines, and Cyclones only just missed out on a win against the Galaxy team.

Despite the loss, ANZA Cyclones stormed to victory in the bronze medal match against Singapore Netball Academy (SGNA) Singha, while ANZA Galaxy went through to the gold medal final against SGNA Lions, winning in a nail-biting match on the final whistle! A big thanks goes to Li Ling and Grace for their coaching on Saturday which led to a fantastic outcome for ANZA Netball placing first and third in the U14 category.

Above: ANZA Galaxy in action Below: ANZA Cyclones

Little wonders

The youngest cohort at ANZA Netball are our 5 - 6 year-olds or those born in 2018. This age group joins the 6 -7 year-olds and play on the field at Tanglin Trust School every Saturday morning at 8am.

It’s fabulous to see so many volunteer coaches donning their ANZA coaching shirts and participating in the session, and the girls clearly love having their parents involved. Some are lucky enough to be able to chill from the sidelines.

For our youngest players, the girls start off practicing with soft balls to gain confidence, work on hand-eye coordination, and learn how to reduce the risk of injury. They use bean bags to practice goal-shooting technique drills, and there are many games and relays to keep the sessions fun! What a lot of smiles (and cuteness)!

Left: Drills for the 2018 team Above: The 2017 cohort

One of best cheering squads in town!

Taking on Thailand

ANZA Cycling shone at the recent Tour of Phuket with some incredible results and individual performances. Read on for the race report.

The Tour of Phuket, a cycling event known for its challenging stages and competitive spirit, saw a magnificent showcase from the members of ANZA Cycling across various categories.

Throughout the tour, our cyclists demonstrated exceptional prowess, resilience, and team spirit, culminating in noteworthy performances in the General Classification results and special categories. Female Open Rachel Longstaff, an embodiment of determination and strength, finished 4th in the General Classification with a total time of 07:02:11, only +4:39 behind the leader. Her consistent performance across stages, including a 3rd place finish in Stage 2, highlighted her competitive edge and strategic acumen. Notably, Rachel secured 3rd place in both King of the Mountain (KOM) segments, showcasing her impressive climbing strength and tenacity.

Male Elite Elliot Dixon represented ANZA with formidable skill, concluding the tour 21st in the General Classification, timing 06:03:53, +8:31 from the front. His dedication was evident as he navigated through a very experienced and competitive field of racing teams. Male Masters Gonzalo Rico led the charge in the Male Masters, securing an 8th place

finish with a total time of 06:04:13, just +4:35 off the pace. His top performance, including a 6th place in Stage 3, showcased his racing expertise and endurance. Other notable performances came from Florent Dicharry, Marco Mejia, and Mouad Bounailat, who all demonstrated great perseverance throughout the race.

Competitive edge

In the Male SuperMasters, Marco

Scognamiglio finished 19th in the General Classification with a total time of 06:37:57, +30:13 behind the leader. Jesus Tosca Vargas, enduring the gruelling stages, completed the tour with determination, finishing 31st. Male Veterans Martin Herbrich showcased his veteran prowess by clinching 3rd place with a time of 06:55:25, just +1:00 from the leader. His exceptional performance extended beyond the general standings as he took 1st place in all King of the Mountain

Above: Tour of Phuket, 2024

(KOM) segments and secured the Sprinter’s jersey in Stage 2, underlining his versatility and competitive edge.

The Tour of Phuket was not just a test of physical endurance but also of mental fortitude and team spirit. Each member of ANZA Cycling who participated has contributed to the club’s legacy of pursuing excellence in cycling, echoing the camaraderie and competitive spirit that ANZA stands for. Their achievements are a source of inspiration for all club members, underscoring the value of dedication, strategy, and resilience in the face of challenge. We look forward to future races, where ANZA Cycling will continue to make its mark.

ANZA SPECIAL OFFER!

If you’re looking to improve your aerobic fitness, you might want to consider a metabolic test to measure how much energy you expend at different exercise intensities, and to learn how your body converts food into energy. ANZA Cycling members get a special 20% discount from our sponsors at Strength Clinic Academy for metabolic VO₂ testing, so book your slot today! strengthclinicacademy.com

Winning in Aussie spirit!

It’s a case of bowled over but never beaten for our ANZA Cricket team. GRAEME GARDINER reports on the latest happenings while remaining victorious in resolution.

One used and worn ANZA Cricket Team up for grabs! Having lost both the Australia versus India Social T30 & T20 at the beginning of the year, the results may not have been brilliant, but at least we now have 364 days to rebuild and perhaps rethink our game plan! Playing on 26 January which marks Australia Day and India Independence Day, we hoped the auspicious timing would bring us some extra good luck, but no. Our thinking is now “change the date”, get your company to sponsor us (yippee!) or – dear readers –please come and join us and show us how it’s done! Everyone is welcome to join ANZA Cricket and we'll gladly take new recruits to NETs and let them loose on the playground. Contact info@anza.org.sg for more details.

Below left: Recruits from AIS battled alongside the oldies in the premier game on Australia Day

SCC Youth Development

Cricket Superstar Hits the Padang

ANZA Cricket had the unique opportunity to play alongside Australian cricket legend, Nathan Hauritz. The former player, who has represented Australia in Tests, Twenty20 Internationals, and 58 ODI’s for Australia, came to Singapore to experience one of most picturesque grounds in the world, the Padang. Singapore Cricket Club brought out the ring-ins, whilst ANZA accompanied Nathan with some of our best talkers. The end result: SCC 289 in 30 overs. ANZA not as many, but a great day out!

NETs stuff to know

NETs kick off each Wednesday at The Cage Sports Park, Kallang from 7pm. We assemble 5 - 10 people through our WhatsApp chat to roll the arm over. It's not a problem if you don’t want to play games, don't have equipment, and/or just want to do NETs. They are social NETs and everyone is welcome.

As yet, ANZA doesn’t run a junior team, but Singapore Cricket Club offers a youth development programme for kids aged 5 -10. With a variety of sessions running weekends and mid-week, the Cubs Cricket environment is “all about fun and enjoyment through our brilliant game.” To find out more contact David Bennett at JuniorCricket@scccricket.com

Below centre: Nathan Hauritz with the boys

Sponsors of Success

Much of ANZA Soccer’s highly respected parent volunteer-led programme is down to the support and kindness of our valued sponsors. But what leads them to advocate for us?

While much of the camaraderie is provided by our players and parent volunteers, it’s ANZA Soccer’s generous corporate sponsors that help make our commitment to providing “Fun, Friends, and Football” to families a reality. Our Saturday league and Sunday competition teams rely on our sponsors to help defray our costs and keep our programmes affordable for expat and local families alike.

In the current economic environment, we understand that companies must carefully consider whether to make monetary commitments to nonprofit organisations like ANZA, and we are beyond grateful that these companies support our Fair Play philosophy and understand our mission. We could not do it without you, so thank you to our new and returning sponsors for being a huge part of what makes ANZA Soccer so special.

COMPETITION SPONSORS

SPONSORING GREEN AND GOLD COMPETITION TEAMS Interactive Brokers

WHO THEY ARE: Interactive Brokers is an automated global electronic broker that serves clients from over 200 countries and territories in over 150 market destinations worldwide. IBKR provides direct access (“on line”) trade execution and clearing services to institutional and active traders for electronically traded products including stocks, options, futures, currencies, bonds, gold and funds worldwide. WHY ANZA? “Interactive Brokers recognise the positive impact that competitive sports can have on shaping a child’s life and supports ANZA’s objective of offering affordable youth soccer programmes to the community. Many of our clients are involved with ANZA Soccer, which brings our organisation together with clients and members of the association. We enjoy the camaraderie and competitive spirit of the games and hope to see more this year! In the meantime, we cheer on our ANZA Soccer teams and support the organisation as a whole.” Yujun Lin CEO Interactive Brokers, Singapore interactivebrokers.com

MIXED TEAM SPONSORS

SPONSORING OUR LITTLE LIONS MIXED 2 TO MIXED 6 TEAMS AND ALSO TIGERS MIXED 7 TO MIXED 17 TEAMS IN GREY MUFG

WHO THEY ARE: MUFG provide outsourcing, administration and financing to asset managers and sovereign wealth funds. We build longterm strategic partnerships with clients, often building bespoke solutions to cater for their specific needs. MUFG values community and believes large institutions like ours have an obligation to support organisations like ANZA that are focused on bringing people together, child welfare, and family.

WHY ANZA? “I’ve seen first-hand the

effort put in by ANZA parents, coaches and club reps every week. It’s grassroots and community-focused, a true NGO. We want to give back to the community that supports us by giving organisations like ANZA the peace of mind that cashflow challenges won’t affect their ability to positively impact kids’ lives. Perhaps the next Messi or Marta is playing on a Saturday morning and our sponsorship has helped them a little bit!” Paddy Kirwan, Managing Director mufg-investorservices.com

SPONSORING OUR COACHES IN RED AND BLUE Carey Olsen

WHO THEY ARE: Carey Olsen prioritises giving back to the communities in which we are based, so we are delighted to offer steady support to ANZA Soccer over the years. ANZA has established a fantastic social community and coaching programme that has become hugely popular with both youth players and their parents in Singapore. We look forward to seeing ANZA Soccer go from strength to strength.

WHY ANZA? “The first thing we did upon arrival in Singapore in 2016 was enrol our kids in the ANZA Soccer Saturday Club League. We liked that it was fun, social, and run by volunteer parents. We also appreciated the opportunities for children to develop competitive skills. The kids have thoroughly enjoyed playing in both ANZA Soccer leagues and we’ve made some long-lasting friendships with the coaches, team managers, and AGCs, who work hard to make the ANZA Soccer programme so successful.” Anthony McKenzie, Managing Partner careyolsen.com

MATILDAS SPONSOR COACHES SPONSOR

SPONSORING THE FLYERS IN BLUE

James Cook University

WHAT THEY DO: The Singapore campus of James Cook University is owned by James Cook University Australia. We offer programmes in Business, Information Technology, Psychology, Science, Commerce, Accounting, Aquaculture, Environmental Science, Games Design, and Tourism and Hospitality. The university also offers Higher Degree by Research programs such as Doctor of Philosophy, Master of Philosophy and pathways to a higher degree. The Tropical Futures Institute was launched in 2018 to enhance the university’s research capability in Singapore. Furthermore, a range of short courses and training programs are offered by James Cook Institute which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of James Cook University in Singapore.

WHY ANZA? “By sponsoring ANZA Soccer, we continue to strengthen our long-standing relationship with ANZA. ANZA Soccer provides an opportunity to promote teamwork, excellence, respect, and community spirit among youth – values that align with James Cook University in Singapore.” Ms Pinky Sibal, Director Brand and Marketing Services jcu.edu.sg

SPONSORING THE GORDONS IN RED

WHAT THEY DO: Canadian International School (CIS) is one of the leading IB schools in the Asia Pacific region. We offer an academically rigorous programme implemented by a broad range of languages, fine arts, athletic and service-learning opportunities designed to develop balance, deepen connections and to uncover the true learning potential of our students. Our teaching approach focuses on developing critical thinking, creativity, communication and collaboration, all skills our students need to be successful in our ever-changing world.

WHY ANZA? “We choose to sponsor ANZA as the partnership allows us to unite our communities with a common focus on prioritising children’s development. We recognise the value of extra-curricular activities and ANZA’s ability to do this well.”

Cory Dickson, Director of Marketing and Admissions cis.edu.sg

SPONSORING THE SAILORS IN WHITE Osler Health

WHAT THEY DO: Osler Health International offers trusted family healthcare to the international community of Singapore, including many ANZA members. Known for their patient-centric approach (check their 5-star Google Business reviews), Osler Health is the go-to for compassionate family physicians for babies, children, teens, mums and dads. With a holistic health approach and a focus on Lifestyle Medicine, we collaborate with patients for healthy longevity. WHY ANZA? “The Osler approach to healthcare is based upon Lifestyle Medicine. This is an evidence-based approach that informs us that the lifestyle choices we make each day affect our future health. Two of the key pillars of Lifestyle Medicine include the importance of physical activity and of having social connections. ANZA soccer delivers both these pillars. Not only do the children experience the benefits of sport but they (and their parents) also develop great friends. ANZA Soccer is Lifestyle Medicine in action!” Victoria Fagan, Marketing Manager, Osler Health International osler-health.com

SPONSORING THE MATILDAS IN TURQUOISE Dulwich College Singapore

WHAT THEY DO: Dulwich College (Singapore) is a leading international school with a British independent school ethos, drawing upon the proud 400-year heritage, excellence, innovation and values of the founding school in London. Part of an international family of schools, Dulwich College (Singapore) has a global outlook and contemporary approach, reflecting the diversity of the students from 2 to 18 years. The state-of-the-art green campus and rich academic, sports, arts and music curriculum are designed to help each child reach their potential and make a positive difference in the world.

WHY ANZA? “We value the Australian and New Zealand communities in Singapore, and it is our pleasure to support the Matildas and the broader ANZA community. Dulwich College (Singapore) is known for its sporting prowess and has achieved much success in local and regional inter-school competitions. Equally important, we believe that all students should have access to sport, regardless of ability – the chance to experience being part of a team, and the great camaraderie and development opportunities that it affords is priceless. Good luck to the Matildas!” Piers Matthews, Director of Admissions & Marketing singapore.dulwich.org

SPONSORING THE WARRIORS IN GREEN Smilefocus

WHAT THEY DO: Smilefocus has been a part of the Singapore community for over 25 years. With a diverse team of internationally experienced dentists, we offer comprehensive services, including preventive care, orthodontics, cosmetic dentistry, and surgical treatments. Committed to delivering exceptional dental care, we pride ourselves on our core values of patient satisfaction, experience, and investment in technology and patient education, aiming to provide a positive dental experience for children and adults.

SPONSORING THE VIKINGS IN YELLOW

Odin Mortgage

WHO THEY ARE: Odin Mortgage is the expert in helping Aussie expats and overseas investors buy properties in Australia and review mortgages for a better offer in the market. Odin Mortgage operate globally serving expats and investors around the world where we have recently expanded our operation opening an office in Raffles Place, Singapore headed by Steven Lee. Access 20+ Australian lenders and international banks with Odin Mortgage for the best available borrowing options for your next home-buying journey. WHY ANZA? “One of our goals is to contribute to the communities where we belong and serve our clients. We recognise the positive impact of sports communities when it comes to growing children and connecting families, and ANZA Soccer is one of the most vibrant sport communities in Singapore where many of our clients are already engaged. Odin Mortgage is proud to sponsor the organisation which brings opportunities to connect our clients and members of the community. We love to see great games and activities throughout the year.” Steven Lee, Director, Odin Mortgage odinmortgage.com

WHY ANZA? “We are deeply committed to the holistic health of our community, understanding that wellbeing extends beyond dental care. Soccer, with its emphasis on teamwork, discipline, and physical effort, perfectly embodies the values we uphold. It encourages not only physical fitness but also mental wellness, cooperation, and resilience among young players. This commitment reflects our broader vision of promoting a healthy, active lifestyle alongside oral health, recognising the vital connection

between physical activity and overall wellbeing.” Dr Bernard Siew smilefocus.com.sg

MATILDAS SPONSOR COACHES SPONSOR

ANZA Kill-O-Metres

Whether you’re walking to boost fitness, explore new areas on foot, or to make new friends, our group makes gadding about fun.

Just decided you like walking, have you?

Oh no. Our walking group has been meeting for around five years. We initially launched for a small group of us to explore Singapore’s lesser-known nooks while meeting like-minded people, but over time we’ve not only expanded in size, but also in adventure!

How often do you meet?

Our walks take place across Singapore, run all year round, and accommodate a range of abilities. Although be warned,

we can sometimes walk pretty fast! The group tends to meet up on Monday mornings, starting the week on the right foot, and averaging between 6 - 13km.

Where do you walk?

Where don’t we go! Kill-O-Metres have hiked all over Singapore, but we do like exploring MacRitchie Reservoir, Bukit Timah and the Southern Ridges. The many PCN routes take us deep into nature, through parkland, and by the ocean on the East Coast. We also head out on lesser-known routes through Singapore’s heartlands, or into areas that are a more off the-beaten-track and can show us a different side to the island. We’ve also been known to undertake jungle treks (although whether we planned to do them is another story!). The past few months have taken us ‘off-grid’ to places such as nearby Lazarus Island.

Any favourite routes?

Our volunteer leaders provide a safe, sociable and fun environment. We share photos and experiences on our WhatsApp group, Strava or Map My Walk. We have lots of social functions and group spinoffs as well such as the occasional ‘night walk’. No matter what, we like to have a coffee afterwards, which is a nice way to catch up.

How can I get involved?

To join ANZA Kill-O-Metres, you need to be a current ANZA member. After that, it’s free, and there’s no commitment required. Walking with us has helped many people settle into Singapore and discover more about this beautiful island. We change our walks constantly so we’re always kept on our toes –literally!

Find out more about upcoming walks and how to join ANZA Kill-O-Metres at anza.org.sg/groups/ walking

INTEREST GROUPS

ANZA SCOUTS

Open to everyone aged 5-17, ANZA Scouts is about meeting new friends, developing leadership skills and being outdoors. They meet every Saturday at various locations from 2 - 4pm.

ART AND CRAFT GROUP

Join up and learn new craft skills, such as silk painting, bookbinding, candle making, sewing, card creation, beading, batik, and more.

ANZA ACTION

The community affairs arm for ANZA supports charities in Singapore through fundraising and volunteering activities. For info visit the ANZA website.

BOOK CLUBS

We have a number of social book clubs that meet monthly in the morning or evening. Contact us to be connected with a group.

INVESTORS INTEREST GROUP

This money-minded group meets monthly to connect and discuss investments and important financial matters for expats.

CASUAL COFFEE

Sometimes you just need a good cuppa and a friendly welcome. Casual Coffee catch ups are being held on various days and locations around the island.

MAHJONG

Join our group mahjong sessions on Monday evenings and various days in different locations. It’s fast paced, social and great fun.

Join the Community!

ANZA members are an active bunch, which is why we offer a plethora of interest groups. Find out more and register at

SECRET MEN’S BUSINESS

Secret Men’s Business (SMB) is an exclusive ANZA group made up of men of all ages looking to catch up with like-minded, friendly blokes. The group’s main activity is golf twice a week. There’s also squash, cycling, tennis, lunches and drinks.

STITCHES

Interested in any type of needlecraft? All levels are welcome to join this relaxed group who sew, chat, and share creative tips.

SET LUNCH

We seek out great value set lunch deals around Singapore to enjoy together in group outings. Discover new restaurants and cafes, meet new friends, and enjoy Singapore’s delicious food scene.

CLICK PHOTOGRAPHY

The group meets regularly to share knowledge and advice as well as embark on photowalks across the island. Everyone is welcome.

KILL-O-METRES

Join ANZA’s walking group to get moving around some of Singapore’s great nature reserves and interesting neighbourhoods.

EASY RIDERS

This cycling group explores Singapore’s Park Connector Network (PCNs) and off-road bike paths. Participants will need their own bike and a helmet.

LADIES NIGHT

ANZA organises monthly girls-only get togethers at various hotspots in Singapore. They’re a great way to widen your social circle, and always a good night out.

WRITERS’ GROUP

This group of writing enthusiasts, word-lovers and published authors meet monthly to read and discuss their creative work.

SINGING

Join our host opera singer Bernadette Nagy to sing a wide range of songs from pop to choir to musicals. Don’t be shy - all singing abilities are welcome.

SPORTS GROUPS

ANZA CRICKET

Three cricket teams. Two leagues and one social side. 1-2 teams play every week. NETs are on Wednesday evenings.

ANZA CYCLING

Join our keen cycling group and you can get out on two wheels every morning of the week. Suits most skill levels and includes road, racing, MTB and also triathlon disciplines.

ANZA GOLF / 9 HOLE

ANZA Golf is a great way to get outdoors, meet new people and learn how to play the game. The 9-hole golf group is aimed at beginners and is very friendly.

ANZA NETBALL

ANZA Netball offers a fun, inclusive and competitive netball programme for players aged 5-16. Teams play Saturday mornings at Tanglin Trust School, with a mix of parent and professional coaches.

ANZA NIPPERS

Children aged 5-14 learn ocean awareness through fun surf lifesaving activities, including paddling, running and swimming. Sunday mornings at Palawan Beach, Sentosa.

ANZA SINGAPORE WOMBATS AND WOMBETTES (AFL)

This welcoming Aussie Rules Football programme is open to men and women aged 18+. Training is on Thursday evenings and Saturdays, with regular social catch-ups.

RUNNING

Looking for some running buddies in Singapore for regular casual runs? The ANZA Running Group meets on Monday evenings in the Botanic Gardens.

SOCCER

Get your kids kicking with ANZA Soccer! Our programme is open to children aged 2-18, focusing on fair play and community. Saturday games and mid-week training.

CASUAL TENNIS

Join our social tennis group. Sessions run Friday mornings, 9am - 11am and Sunday evenings, 7pm - 9pm. Six-week clinics that focus on the fundamentals of tennis run throughout the year.

ANZA PADEL

New ANZA Padel provides an ideal setting for players of all levels to get together and enhance their gameplay. Sessions take place on late afternoons every Friday and Sunday.

ANZA PICKLEBALL

The ANZA Pickleball social drop in group play on Fridays at centrally located courts for a fun and friendly hit. We also run regular beginner’s sessions for newbies to the game.

ANZA WATERSPORTS

Get out on the water with this group that includes SUP, kayaking and sailing. SUP and kayaking take place on various days at Sentosa and East Coast. Sailing is at various Marina clubs quarterly.

NEW MEMBERS

WE ARE DELIGHTED TO WELCOME NEW MEMBERS EVERY MONTH TO THE ANZA COMMUNITY.

Jean Elliot Murdoch

Cassandra Burge

Brendan Hill

Raj Govindan

Shwetha Govindan

Stacey Colella

David Colella

Jacqueline Hinge

Janet Goodchild

Yoonhee Lee

Jae Woo Shin

Joe Coady

Sophie Montenot

Murugan Vanthiya Dhevan

Vanthiya Dhevan

Buvneswari

Fiona Mooney

Grant Mooney

Siriluck Hamilton

Alison Cannon

Andreas Klein

Sanja Klein

Alicja Pawlowska

Piotr Pawlowski

Ranjan Sharma

Nidhi Navare

Tow Wee Yeh

Morina Hsueh

Nancy Songtaweesin

Hyunhee Baek

Kim Hyobae

Michaela Rachfahl

Marc Rachfahl

Nageena Jabeen

Syed Peeran

Douglas Hagey

Sing-En Tam

Geoffrey Pollard

Lisa Thompson

Scott Bilton

Henriette Heijer-Konings

Marc Den Heijer

Iain Henderson

Lucy Barton

Joice Fu

Ivan Setiawan

Kane Thomas Stavens

Shameer Ahmed Ansari Ali

Sonja Mickoski

Matt Cave

Bianca Dharmasena

Jerko Grom

Ross Bethell

Selena Bethell

Lucas Paul Linden Klausen

Catherina Cynthia Salim

Nathan Earl

Elsie Murugaiyan

Malini Sailin

Maaran Nadarajah

Daniel Martens

Feng Xue

Marcus Schlosser

Lina Wang

Kimberley Booth

Michael Booth

Fatima Aine

Saad Hamid

Sudeep Lahiri

Vidya Murthy

Chew Heleston

Mian Tze Kng

Nur Farlyanna Mohammad Nor

Caitlin Plesek

Simon Ward

Emma Ward

Sanko Gu

Raymond Zhao

Ada Yang

Josh Liu

Miwon Lim

Jon Lee

Wennei Lee

Aaron Wong Jia Yeu

Tamara Hollandmartin

Caspar Schlickum

Matthew Hazledine

Catherine Williams

Peter Williams

Kadja Lorenz

Martin Lorenz

Alla Demutska

Scott Elliott

Emma Elliott

Nicola Elliott

Matt Elliott

Kathy Burns

Tim Burns

Michellene Bombard

Todd Bombard

Michelle Torman

Marko Torman

Hayden Hughes

Kathlyn Hughes

Elizabeth Maister

Ryan Johnston

Natalie Dau

Matthew France

Weihan Huo

Nirajit Syamal

Tessa Van Breugel

Jelle Folmer

Susan McDougall

Robert McDougall

Sarah Anderson

Drummond Anderson

Lucy Rooney

Declan Rooney

Andrew Clark

Natalie Clark

Dorothy Lancaster

John Lancaster

Subhadra Mehta

Yash Mehta

Preston Ross

Stella Thomas

Luke Krishnan

Darren Stetzel

Kym Rouhan

Michael Rouhan

Peer Gjoew Rasmussen

Diana Saini

Carlos Collado Molina

Rotem Hadas

Joanne Huynh

Dorjee Sun

Karthikayini

Senthilkumaran

Harold Ong

Sharon Elizabeth Chua

Charu Kapoor

Pooja Kapoor

Lavina Goenka

Ashish Goenka

John Fering

Cassie Fering

Conor Mescall

Marzena Rembowski

Jacqueline Diamond

Richard Murray

Lisa Moore

Jamie Moore

Matthew Ball

Chantelle Ball

Ian Ireland

Aurore Sarikechichian

Matt Bushby

Fiona Bushby

Jarrod Baker

Kasia Baker

Aki Baroki

Radhiah Abdullah Sani

Roslan Mohamed Noor

Christopher Day

Charlotte Larcombe

Asma Faraz

Faraz Ahmad

Ruby Pui Kay Siu

Imran Johari

Elodie Yam

Jessica T

Simone Patton

Justin Sevi

Rupert Dyer

Gong Xue

Sue Sarelius

Murray Sarelius

Caroline Warren

Antony Warren

ANZA NEW MEMBER GIVEAWAY

Congratulations to SANKO GU

Winner of a $150 Dine-in voucher at MOGA, Pullman Singapore Hill Street

NEW MEMBERS PREMIER PARTNER

Singing Group

We cover pop, rock, musicals, old favourites, classical, karaoke –you name it! Don’t be shy, all abilities are welcome.

Group host, Bernadette Nagy, is an opera singer and a passionate music educator.

Find out more at anza.org.sg/ groups/singing-group

Secret Men’s Business

For men who want a bit of male bonding Secret Men’s Business (SMB) is an exclusive ANZA group for men of all ages looking to catch up with like-minded, friendly blokes. The group’s main activity is golf. They also play squash and tennis, and enjoy cycling together. Sport not your thing and you just fancy some man-chat over a few beers? Drinks and lunch events are also on the agenda.

ANZA Stitches

Join ANZA Stitches and work on your own needlecraft project while you make new friends. Plus, discover the best spots in Singapore to purchase crafting materials.

Watersports Stand Up Paddle Boarding, Kayaking & Sailing

Whether you’re new to watersports or experienced, come along and join the various Stand Up Paddle Boarding, Kayaking and Sailing sessions we have on offer.

Find out more at anza.org.sg/groups/watersports

Petersons Wines

Exclusive ANZA Member Offer

CASA DEL RIO, MELAKA bit.ly/CasadelRio-ANZA

18% off Bed & Breakfast offer. Minimum two consecutive night stay at the link above

CASA DEL MAR, LANGKAWI bit.ly/CasadelMar-ANZA

15% off when you book a three consecutive night stay at the link above

HERO’S heros.sg

10% discount on all nonpromotional beverages

MOGAMBO BAR & RESTAURANT mogambo.sg 10% discount on all nonpromotional beverages

BQ BAR bqbar.com

15% off the total bill and 20% off during your birthday month

MOLLY MALONE’S molly-malone.com

15% off the total bill and 20% off during your birthday month

CAFE MELBA cafemelba.com.sg

15% off the total bill and 20% off during your birthday month

THE EXCHANGE theexchange.com.sg

15% off the total bill and 20% off during your birthday month

AMÒ amorestaurant.sg 10% off the total bill

LOCABA locaba.sg 15% off online purchase

YIN BAR yinyang.sg/yin

Complimentary classic cocktail when dining in

THE MEAT CLUB themeatclub.com.sg

$12 off total order with no minimum spend

SANTI’S santis.pizza

10% off in-store and online

SARNIES sarnies.com 10% off in-store and online

HARRY’S harrys.com.sg

15% off total food and beverage bill and 10% off spirit bottles when registered using the Harry’s mobile app e-card

SOUTHBRIDGE southbridge.sg 10% off the total bill

LUCE BY DAVIDE GIACOMELLI singapore.intercontinental.com/ dine/lobby-lounge 20% off Food & Beverage A La Carte Menu, Semi-Buffet Lunch and Sunday Brunch FIRE firerestaurant.sg 10% off total bill

THE LOBBY LOUNGE singapore.intercontinental.com/ dine/lobby-lounge

20% off Food & Beverage A La Carte Menu and Weekdays Afternoon Tea

CLUBHOUSE SG clubhousesg.com

20% off the total bill (food and beverage and simulator rental, if applicable)

GOODMATES goodmates.sg 20% discount using the code ‘GMANZA20’ with a minimum spend of $120

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ALBERT LOUIS

Musician Albert Louis uses the power of percussion to bring happiness and support to those in need within the Singapore community.

Have you always played music?

I started to play the bongo drums at nine years old. Over the years I became an instructor at the Yamaha School of Music and played 18 major percussion instruments including the didgeridoo.

You’ve spent many years in the music industry here …

From 1967 to 2002 I was in a crosscultural band called Culture Vulture. Our forte was the use of ethnic instruments melded with contemporary equipment. I’m also an ambassador for an instrument called Slaperoo, of which there are just seven in the world.

When did you get involved in serving the community?

Back in the late 90s, I started volunteering at Pertapis Senior Citizens and Children’s Homes, the Institute of Mental Health, and the School for the Deaf. I encouraged the use of drums and percussion together as a group and this is where I learned that music can help an individual with mind, body and soul.

How so?

At the time I was working with a person with mental illness. Every time I gave him a sweet, he couldn’t hold it - both of his hands were shaking violently. Today he plays percussion instruments perfectly alongside me. I noticed how drumming can assist with Parkinson’s, autism, impaired hearing, dementia, and more.

Your volunteer work has led to a lot of scientific understanding … When you hit a drum it triggers alpha brain waves, the waves associated with wellbeing and euphoria. Drumming and percussion encourages listening to one another to get the timing right. It also enhances focus and attention, and improves communication. Music can bring individuals out of their world and into ours.

Where do you share your musical knowledge today?

At many places in Singapore including Alexandra Hospital, the Institute of Mental Health, St. Andrew’s Autism Centre, MINDS, Singapore Association for Mental Health, National Arts Council, and various schools. Over time I’ve introduced lights, water and gadgets into my drum sessions which has proved positive and is great fun.

Your work has been noticed around the world …

In 2018 I was invited as a speaker to the World Mental Health Congress in Russia. Here I was told that the volume of the drums is detrimental to some people as noise annoyance is associated with anxiety and depression. I had the chance to prove the theory wrong and show that drumming helps to build confidence, motor skills and self-esteem.

Music brings individuals out of their world and into ours

Last year you received an award from Tan Tock Seng Hospital ... Yes, for my contribution to the health industry. I’m not a trained health professional so what I do is based on creativity. I say I’m a drum facilitator who introduces alternative ideas. Unlike grades, creativity is an ongoing process and it’s not one size fits all. To receive an award is an endorsement of my efforts and for all creative people.

What’s next for you?

Alongside volunteering, I also host events and lifestyle programmes. For example, I just worked with the Grand Hyatt Hotel on a two-day event focusing on de-stressing through music. I also offer family percussion sessions at people’s homes which are very enjoyable. It’s satisfying to see families come together and to put a smile on their faces.

facebook.com/albert.louis.18

Albert at one of his sessions with senior citizens

Bringing families together through the power of music

Seeds of ideas and attitudes, once taken root, can last a lifetime.

Starting from Nursery, Tanglin creates an environment where children’s natural curiosity can grow and flourish into a lifelong love of learning.

Children thrive in our exciting learning landscape – one that has been cultivated through years of careful planning and the dedication of Tanglin’s exceptional Nursery team. Classrooms, outdoor areas and the inspirational curriculum are designed to capture children’s imagination, nurture their inquisitive minds and create a magical hive of activity.

High levels of engagement lead to high levels of attainment as our children embark on their extraordinary journey through one of Singapore’s most established international schools.

Tanglin is the first school in Asia to achieve the Curiosity Approach™ Accreditation.

Find out more at www.tts.edu.sg