Member Spotlight

Getting To Know Our Members Beyond The Usual Chitchat

by Helena A. Cochrane

Suzanne Murphy

Suzanne Murphy has been in Singapore since August 2019, arriving from Korea with her children Molly and Matthew and her husband Kevin. She exudes an energetic enthusiasm for all the opportunities and benefits she sees around her.

Suzanne Biking on National Day

What have you enjoyed more about Singapore than you thought you would? What has been the most pleasant surprise?

First, every single day, I feel that the greenery, every single plant, is absolutely beautiful. And, I never expected to always feel so absolutely safe/comfortable. I am thankful for the opportunity to raise my children in this environment. Still, in my first few months it seemed like I’d spend my whole day going to markets and grocery stores and at the end of the day not have all the ingredients to make a proper meal. I have since figured it out.

What hobby or activity have you finally been able to pursue in Singapore that you had wanted to previously? How has it influenced your time here?

In tennis, I went from being a complete novice to joining a WITS team that won our league my first season! I am now on the AWA Tennis Committee, which has tennis events for every level. This all started just before Circuit Breaker and has connected me with so many people. I also play with a group from the US Embassy, a group of condo friends and so many socials, which mixes all these people.

In October 2019, I joined an introductory AWA aqua cycling class. I loved it so much I contacted the company and today I work for them. I now teach weekly for The Ripple Club, an aquatic-based exercise program located at hotels around SG.

Suzanne Biking With Her Kids

Do you volunteer and how has that enhanced your living here?

I have volunteered at Willing Hearts and also with Its Raining Raincoats, to aid migrant construction workers. My family, including the kids, has delivered gifts directly to worksites. Most importantly, my children have always played a role. We continually prepare care packages in our home to be ready to distribute. It’s so important to pass a thank you on to these gentlemen who are working to make Singapore a beautiful country. Migrant and helper communities here have me in absolute awe.

How do you treat yourself in Singapore? What is your luxury?

My husband and I like to visit speak-easys and beautiful bars. Thanks to our wonderful helper, once our children are in bed we often sneak out for a walk to get an evening drink. Living in Singapore has 100% allowed me to date my husband again.

Suzanne, Kevin, Molly and Matthew

Have you unpacked all the boxes from your move?

As a military spouse, I have a lot of moves under my belt. I always unpack everything instantly, to make every place a home, for my children's mental health and my own. I’m used to moving, so now I also naturally try to make someone else's experience easier, and make an effort to include everyone. I love to ask questions…which has helped me greatly. I think back to when I first started moving and I don’t want anyone to feel as lonely as l did once.

What is your favorite Singapore holiday to celebrate?

We moved to Singapore right before National Day in 2019 and my son went to a local pre-school. By his second week, he was singing the national anthem and the National Day song. We’d go to Satay By the Bay to eat dinner and watch the National Day rehearsals/ flyovers. While it’s been toned down the past two years, we love running between our front and back balconies watching the flag get flown over our condo. This year we watched the flyover during dinner at Alkaff Mansion. To see a country be so proud is a beautiful, powerful thing.

Since moving from Philadelphia in 2018, Helena has been active with AWA's Walking with Women, Writers' Group and International Choir as well as with Urban Sketchers of Singapore.