Living in Singapore Magazine - November/December 2025 by American Association of Singapore

NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2025

90 ACTS OF CHARITY

AAS's Newest Initiative to Give Back

BLENDING TRADITIONS AND HOLIDAYS

Bringing old traditions with you while creating new ones

WHERE YOUR HEART IS Navigating homesickness as an expat

HOLDING SPACE FOR THIRD CULTURE KIDS

NURTURING IDENTITY ACROSS BORDERS

As the year draws to a close, we begin to celebrate many holidays that hold familiar traditions. For many of us living in Singapore, the holiday season can evoke a mix of excitement, nostalgia, and the occasional bout of homesickness. Whether you’ve been here for two months or twenty years, navigating celebrations across cultures is an experience we share. In this issue, we explore how families are honoring their roots while embracing new customs, from dumplings alongside Thanksgiving turkey to learning how to do a yusheng at Chinese New Year. You’ll also find guides on where to shop locally for thoughtful gifts to take a little bit of Singapore back to family and friends.

We’re also taking a closer look at the vibrant community of third culture kids who call Singapore home. Their stories highlight the richness and complexity of growing up between worlds, and how identity can stretch across continents while still feeling grounded.

Speaking of community, we’re thrilled to introduce 90 Acts of Charity, our new initiative designed to spark generosity and connection. Over the coming months, we’ll spotlight ways to volunteer, donate, and support causes right here in Singapore. There are loads of charitable organizations and social enterprises that offer beautiful, purposeful gifts and meaningful volunteer opportunities in Singapore. Small acts add up, and together, we can make a meaningful impact.

Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Winter Solstice, or simply the joy of spending time with loved ones, we hope the stories in this issue inspire you to celebrate boldly, blend traditions creatively, and share kindness generously. After all, community is built not only from where we come from, but from

EDITORIAL

WHO WE ARE

Editor-in-Chief: Susan Williams communications@aasingapore.com

Publishing Editor: Melinda Murphy generalmanager@aasingapore.com

LAYOUT

Graphic Designer: Susan Williams graphics@aasingapore.com

ADVERTISING

Advertising Manager: Thila Chandra thila@aasingapore.com

COLUMNIST

Andrea McKenna Brankin

CONTRIBUTORS

Aimee, Ben A., Aprajita Anil, Faith Chanda, Tiara Giles, Richard Hartung, Christina Liew, Josh Liu, Melinda Murphy, Rori W., Susan Williams, Kay Yin

AMERICAN ASSOCIATION BOARD MEMBERS

President: Michelle Reeb

Vice President: Christopher Ellis

Treasurer: Brian Rogove

Secretary: Daniel Moss

Directors-at-Large: Heidi Hughes, Olive Ngah, Tianna Nguyen, Colton Payne, Carlos Ruano, Carmen Schwender

AmCham: Dr. Hsien-Hsien Lei

AWA: Paige Jenkinson

SAFL: Stacy Ohrt-Billingslea

SAS: Jennifer Sparrow

The American Club: Dan Gewirtz

Non-Voting Members

US Embassy: Lisa Liao

US Navy COMLOG WESTPAC: RDML Todd "Chimi" Cimicata

AAS: Melinda Murphy

PUBLISHER – AMERICAN ASSOCIATION

American Association of Singapore (AAS) is a professional, not-forprofit organization established to enhance the well-being and living experience of Americans residing in Singapore and to promote relationships, both business and social, between Americans and those from different cultures and nationalities.

Wishing you a warm, festive season — wherever

56A Boat Quay, Singapore 049845 admin@aasingapore.com • www.aasingapore.com

Living In Singapore magazine will be released six times per year, with the purpose of enhancing the expatriate experience in Singapore.

SUBSCRIPTION

A subscription to Living in Singapore is complementary with an AAS membership. AAS annual family membership is $150.

To join, visit aasingapore.com and have Living in Singapore magazine delivered to your inbox. Reproduction in any manner, in English or any other language, is prohibited without written permission. Living in Singapore welcomes all contributions of volunteer time or written material.

06. COMMUNITY NEWS

Check out what we've been up to and what's coming up.

14. 90 ACTS OF CHARITY

Read about our new initiative at AAS.

16. SEASON OF GIVING

Shop for a good cause, giving back while giving gifts.

22. NAVIGATING HEALTHCARE

Learn about the healthcare options in Singapore.

24. SINGAPORE-THEMED GIFTS

Where to shop for gifts for friends and family back home.

26. THIRD CULTURE KIDS

Nurturing identity across borders.

29. WHERE YOUR HEART IS

Navigating homesickness when relocating.

32. CREATING HOME

How to make anywhere feel like home.

37. CHRISTMAS IN SINGAPORE

What to do if you're sticking around.

40. BLENDING TRADITIONS

Celebrating holidays and traditions from home, while learning about those more local.

42. CELEBRATE YOUR CULTURE

Celebrate wherever you are.

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

BY MICHELLE REEB

Fall is truly the best time of the year at the American Association of Singapore (AAS). It’s when our community spirit shines brightest — through meaningful causes, heartfelt celebrations, and our ongoing 90 Acts of Charity initiative, created to mark the 90th George Washington Ball and Singapore’s 60th year of independence. From supporting local charities to uplifting small projects and sharing acts of kindness, these efforts celebrate the heart of America as seen through service to our Singapore community.

Members can take part in these acts of service by volunteering at ACRES (Animal Concerns Research & Education Society). Helping care for rescued wildlife and maintaining their habitats offers a hands-on way to support sustainability and animal welfare, and a reminder that community extends to all who share our island home.

Before Thanksgiving, we turn our attention to another cherished effort, Shoeboxes for Sailors. This long-standing tradition collects care packages filled with snacks, small gifts, and handwritten notes for international sailors who spend the holidays at sea. Each shoebox is a small gesture of thanks that carries the warmth of home across the ocean. It’s one of the most heartfelt ways we express gratitude during this season of giving.

In November, we gather for one of our most beloved traditions — AAS Thanksgiving Dinner. Over turkey, stuffing, and pie, members, families, and friends come together to reflect on gratitude, friendship, and the many ways we’ve supported one another throughout the year. Whether you’ve lived in Singapore for years or just arrived, Thanksgiving with AAS feels like home.

As the year draws to a close, we also look ahead to something truly spectacular — the 90th George Washington Ball, taking place in February 2026. Since 1933, the Ball has been the crown jewel of AAS — an evening of elegance, philanthropy, and community celebration. This milestone event will honor 90 years of the Ball and 60 years of Singapore’s independence, uniting our shared history in one unforgettable night of Singapore Splendor

Founded in 1917, AAS has stood at the heart of the American community in Singapore for over a century. This fall, I hope you’ll take part in an act of charity, join a volunteer effort, or simply gather with us in gratitude. Together, we make AAS more than an organization. We make it a community, a family, and a legacy.

Warm regards,

Michelle González Reeb President, American Association of Singapore

AAS STRATEGIC PARTNERS

PATRIOT PARTNERS

STARS & STRIPES PARTNERS

COMMUNITY PARTNERS

AMERICAN COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS DIRECTORY

MEMBER BENEFITS

AAS paid members enjoy discounts at a range of local businesses. Check out our website for more details.

AAS members, be sure to log in to receive discount codes on the “Your AAS Membership Card” page.

Crypto & the Future of Money

Nov 6, 7:00 – 8:30 PM

Volunteering at ACRES

Nov 8, 9:30 AM – 1:00 PM

AAS Running Club

Nov 9, 9:30 – 11:00 AM

Veterans Day Celebration

Nov 11, 7:00 – 9:00 PM

UPCOMING EVENTS

Freelancers, Entrepreneurs & Small Business Owners Coffee

Nov 13, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Defining Moments Documentary Screening

Nov 15, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Shoeboxes for Sailors

Nov 15, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

The American Expat Playbook

Nov 17, 7:00 – 8:30 PM

2026 Market Outlook: Portfolio Resilience

Nov 18, 7:00 PM

Thanksgiving Parade & Feast

Nov 23, 2:30 – 4:30 PM

Toys for Tots

Dec 2, 5:00 – 7:00 PM

90th George Washington Ball

Feb 28, 6:30 PM

American Association of Singpore's

Fall

Fest

National Youth Leadership Training

By Benjamin A., Troop 10B

This summer, I got to experience a Scouting America program called NYLT, the National Youth Leadership Training course. It takes place over a week, during which you are placed in a small Scout-led group called a patrol and bond through team-building activities, all while learning to be a better leader. The week finishes with the patrols using their new skills to navigate to an overnight Outpost Camp.

I wanted to attend NYLT because other Scouts in my troop had enjoyed the course and recommended it to me. I also wanted to improve my leadership skills so I could give back to my troop and help other Scouts learn to be better leaders, too. I also knew this experience would make me more independent and would give me skills to carry into adulthood. So I took the opportunity and signed up to attend, which was right before the Scouts BSA Camp Thailand, also hosted at the same venue. As I had been selected as one of the Youth Staff for that camp, I knew my leadership skills would be put to use straight away.

During NYLT, we focused on bonding as a team and acting as a patrol within our learning group. Our patrol color during this time was Carolina Blue, and we named ourselves “South Carolina” patrol because it fit the color nicely. The camp was really fun and had three main types of learning: Lectures, Activities, and Preparation. The leadership skills lectures covered topics such as communication, goal setting, and effective leadership. All of the lectures were really fun, since the people running them were the NYLT Youth Staff, and it was engaging to learn from my peers. The activities were fun, and during this time, we also learned a lot about leadership and how to tackle problems. My favorite activity was the marshmallow tower, where you used tape and pasta to build a free-standing tower that supports the marshmallow. This emphasizes leadership and collaboration as the whole team needs to work as one to make the project function. Finally, preparing for the Outpost Camp made our patrol focus even more on what we learned during the time at the camp, as we went out on an overnight expedition with set goals to work towards. All the patrols did a great job, and the Outpost Camp was a success for us all. As the camp ended, we said goodbye to some of the group, but many of the other Scouts and I stayed on to help staff Camp Thailand, extending the fun for another week.

All Scouts should consider attending a NYLT camp, as I made a group of new friends, learned a lot about how to be a better leader for my troop, and gained skills that will help me in all aspects of my life.

My Two Weeks in the Wilderness: A Girl Scout's Adventure in the Boundary Waters

By Rori W., Troop 21

This summer, I went on an incredible adventure, a Girl Scout Destinations trip to the Northern Lakes Canoe Base (NLCB). Open to Girl Scouts from around the world, this program takes girls age 12 and up deep into the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. The BWCAW has pristine waters and ancient forests, and is the largest contiguous wilderness region in the eastern US and southern Canada.

For ten days, I traveled in the wilderness. No phones. No mirrors. No showers (unless you count lake dips). Just miles of sparkling lakes, towering pine trees, and skies full of stars. I paddled and portaged about 70 miles. Our group consisted of six Cadette Girl Scouts and two amazing college Guides. We carried everything we needed for the entire trip in our packs, loaded into just three canoes. We all learned how to paddle correctly, focusing on core strength. We learned how to steer in sync with a partner, and how to do a proper J-stroke so the canoe tracks straight. Portaging meant hauling our canoes overhead and walking the canoes and our gear along hiking trails to the next lake.

Every day brought a new memory. We saw a pair of swans and their fuzzy little cygnets gliding through the mist, beaver dams, waterfalls crashing beside our campsites, and even a dead moose floating in the water (gross, but kind of fascinating). We only saw a few leeches, and while the mosquitoes and horseflies were rough, we came prepared with long sleeves, bug spray, and head nets.

Girls came from across the US, and I came from overseas as part of USA Girl Scouts Overseas (USAGSO). When we landed in the tiny airport in Duluth, Minnesota, we didn't know each other, but by the time we left, we were like family. We laughed in the rain, sang while paddling, figured out how to hang food bags, and got our fires started.

I loved my trip, and I'd like to go back as a Guide-inTraining (GIT) when I turn 16. GITs are part of the team that helps lead these trips. They learn how to pack gear, maintain the base, and support campers.

The Boundary Waters Destinations trip gave me bug bites and sore muscles, but it also gave me strength, friendships, and deepened my love for wild places. If you're a Girl Scout looking for adventure, trust me: this trip will change your life.

HEAD SPACE

By Andrea McKenna Brankin

SPACE ACE HEADS BACK TO THE HEAVENS

The death of a rock star always hits home with me, especially when it’s a childhood hero. Recently, Ace Frehley, the original guitarist for KISS, died unexpectedly. It was either a fall or an illness that caused the fall, and then he died at home in New Jersey. Either way, Space Ace is gone from the world.

As an American growing up in the 1970s, KISS was my very first rock band heroes. I was almost five years old when KISS Alive, the groundbreaking (and shaking) live album, hit my record player. I had the coolest mom in the world, who believed in the spirit of rock and roll and was undeterred by KISS’s makeup and stage show, which one of my Sunday School teachers said proved KISS worshipped the devil. Absolute nonsense.

I was moved by drummer Peter Chris’s drum solo in “100,000 Years,” so much so that I took up the drums at age seven. But it was guitarist Ace Frehley, with his Space Man face makeup and lighting emblems, that I fell in love with. Like, literally, I wanted to marry him (age five??? yep). I once got a ring out of the candy machine that had an “F” on it, which I was certain meant I would marry Ace Frehley someday. Ok, that didn’t happen, but it did not dull my admiration for Ace throughout my life.

In addition, KISS released a Halloween horror movie in 1978 called Kiss Meets the Phantom of the Park, about a haunted amusement park, and the story was about how KISS saved the day. I was so young — age seven —that my parents wouldn’t let me watch the end of the movie because it was late.

Back to the KISS Alive album, it included the old-school liner notes in the book-like double album holder. There was a note from each member of KISS to fans. Ace’s note said that the “air on Earth isn’t like my planet.” This image of him, really from outer space, was forever branded in my memory. Add the song, “2000 Man” (from the Dynasty album in 1979) about computers and the future, and, well, he really played the part well.

For those who didn’t grow up with KISS, there was a HUGE demand for the KISS lunchbox. My childhood friend Chris Henry was the only one I knew who had acquired one. Mine was Scooby Doo. But oh, the jealousy!

To this day, I’ve still never seen the ending. But I heard it was Ace Frehley’s alien space powers that levitated the magic box containing the emblems that would help KISS defeat the phantom. Also, in that film, Ace apparently (in real life) wasn’t keen on the acting part, so he spoke what sounded like a space language (“ack” or some sound) instead of his line while the band was hanging out at the hotel pool in one scene. I was little, so I believed he was speaking a space language, and it was playful to me, so again, I loved the Space Ace even more.

I am explaining all this because it is our youthful memories that often keep our identities and our sense of where we came from alive. (Alive, see how I did that?) KISS is the ultimate American rock and roll band and one of the biggest stage shows of all time. I believe KISS was a formative force in my lifelong enjoyment of rock and roll, and I’ve brought that passion to Singapore. I’m still rocking it out, proud of my musical heritage, as I blasted Ace’s solo album from the garden in honor of his passing. Check out “New York Groover” if you ever get the chance. It’s a banger!

Now, as I reflect on my early rockstar crush, I realize how great it was to believe in something like a guitar player being from outer space. What we believe in, even as a five-year-old, is what makes our hearts strong and our souls anchored.

So, farewell to Ace, the Space Man from KISS. I hope to see you out there in the stars. And I still hope that I get the KISS lunchbox someday.

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The AAS Board and staff would like to thank our members for a terrific year. We couldn’t do it without the support of all of you. The entire team looks forward to another great year ahead!

AAS Office Holiday Closure

Please note that the AAS office will be closed beginning Monday, December 22, 2025, and will reopen on Monday, January 5, 2026.

90 ACTS OF CHARITY AN AAS INITIATIVE

By Melinda Murphy, General Manager, AAS

So what the heck is 90 Acts of Charity? And why 90?

Simply, 90 Acts of Charity is an initiative by the American Association of Singapore to encourage people to do good deeds across Singapore. Why 90? Because we are doing this in celebration of our 90th George Washington Ball and as a nod to SG60.

Truth is, Americans – and those associated with American organizations here – already do an amazing amount of charity work and good deeds. For decades, AAS has spearheaded initiatives like Toys for Tots, Shoeboxes for Sailors, and more. Some events, like the George Washington Ball and the Ambassador’s Cup Golf Tournament, have seen AAS giving tens of thousands of dollars to charities for decades.

Our sister orgs do a lot, too. AWA has been packing bags every month for Food from the Heart for many years. The Singapore government just recognized AmCham for all the good work they do. The US Embassy organizes a Day of Service in honor of Martin Luther King Day. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg. We all already do great, kind things because giving back is part of the American ethos. Doing good is in our DNA.

But we often don’t talk about the small acts people do, like a teenage boy helping a blind woman to the MRT station. Or our member who volunteers every week at the Red Cross Store. Or another woman who is on a mission to rescue cats here in Singapore. And those acts are important, too.

So we want to talk about all the Acts of Charity we do here – big and small – and amplify them in a big way. Let’s brag a little! So please, if you are doing something, share it on our website. Need an idea about something to do? We have lots of ideas on our site! Or join one of the many events we’ll be organizing this year. All are welcome! You don’t have to be American to participate. We’re happy to welcome you to anything we do, always!

All of these acts are also being shared with the Singapore government, and they are extremely excited to amplify what we’re doing. We want Singaporeans to know that Americans are giving back to their nation in meaningful ways.

Our hope is that we raise substantial funds at the George Washington Ball to do even more good things – bigger things. In total transparency, most of the money raised will be kept

by AAS. It’s our biggest fundraiser, and the money raised at the GWB keeps AAS going throughout the year. Without the support of the ball, the 108-year-old organization would fold, plain and simple. And we want to be able to continue bringing all the amazing events and programs to our members.

But we feel it’s also incredibly important that we use the funds we raise to keep giving back. This year, rather than writing one giant check for one charity, we plan to do lots of Acts of Charity to spread the love.

So what do we have planned? Well, so far, we’re working with Dover Park Hospice. We’ll have children paint tote bags for Hari Raya while adults put together food parcels and other appropriate items. A couple of weeks later, we’ll all head to Dover Park Hospice, where day patients will get to choose a bag and then “shop” in the store we set up, to give patients a feeling of normalcy. The day will end with a lovely meal we’ll all share together.

We’re working with Project Homeworks to help care for some homes of elderly shut-ins. These homes are often in need of a good clean, a paint job, and organizing. The before and after for these homes is usually quite shocking.

We’ve asked ACRES, our long-time partner, to come up with a bigger project we can do with them. That project is in the works.

And there’s much more on the horizon.

But here’s the catch: we absolutely cannot do this without YOU, our members! We need your help! There will be lots of opportunities throughout the year to participate. Please join in! And please share what you are doing on your own. You can also go to our website and ask for a 90 Acts of Charity button to wear while you’re helping out. You’ve earned it!

Truth? We’ll likely do way more than 90 Acts of Charity because that’s who we are. Wouldn’t it be cool if we did 250 Acts in honor of the United States of America’s 250th birthday?

So let’s get busy and show Singapore that American spirit of giving back.

AAS member Kelly Dea travels to Lombok, Indonesia, to assist with TNRs (trap, neuter, return) for LUNI Lombok and Vets Beyond Borders, helping to control the cat population alongside regular medical check-ups, necessary surgeries, deworming, and vaccinations for the cats on the Gili Islands.

A group of friends got together for a clothes swap and decided to do a bra donation drive while they were at it. They collected lots of bras to be donated Perk by Kate Bra Donation.

USA Girl Scouts Overseas Singapore made the world a better place by weeding invasive species and picking up litter on the East and West coasts of Pulau Ubin. A total of 39 girls participated, ranging in age from the youngest Daisies to the older Cadettes. They were joined by 20 parents as well.

The AAS Freelancers, Entrepreneurs, and Small Business Owners Group's monthly meeting, members brought clothes to be donated to Share at Door Step (SADS). This organization picks up your items, then finds the appropriate charity in need.

AWA members participated in the Pink Ribbon Walk ‘25 for a show of solidarity, strength, and support in the fight against breast cancer.

HIGHLIGHTING RECENT ACTS BY OUR COMMUNITY

and 90

Fifteen-year-old Hudson was stopped by a blind woman on ths street asking for help to find the entrance to the MRT. He offered his arm and guided her several blocks. Not only did he take her to the station entrance, but he also took her down the escalator and set her in the right direction for her train.

AAS member

Acts of Charity Volunteer Coordinator Amy Gallagher regularly volunteers at the Red Cross Shop on Penang Lane.

Season of Giving (and Giving Back)

By Faith Chanda Updated 2025

One holiday tradition for many people is giving back. Most of the charities and social enterprises below are open to volunteers, but they also have online and/or brick-andmortar shops where at least part of the proceeds financially support their cause. Shopping on these sites means a winwin-win – the organization receives much-needed funding, you feel good about supporting them, and the recipient knows they’ve gotten more than just a tangible gift. We’ve chosen some lesser-known businesses to illustrate the depth and breadth of organizations doing good work in Singapore. Our resources don’t lend themselves to thoroughly vetting these organizations. While we are unaware of any issues or complaints, as always, please proceed with caution.

Before you head out to the usual stores for your holiday shopping, check out some of these shops for great gifts for friends and family.

If you’ve been keeping up with AAS activities, you know we regularly organize groups to volunteer at the Animal Concerns Research and Education Society, better known as ACRES. But did you know they also have an online shop? You can purchase items like t-shirts and shawls or purchase a one-year sponsorship that funds the care of a group of animals housed at ACRES.

Action for Singapore Dogs’ 2026 calendar is on sale for $10, and they also sell practical gifts like T-shirts, cushion covers, and paw-drying mats.

Animal Lovers League doesn’t have a store, but partners with several organizations that help raise funds or support animal causes in Singapore by selling food and other pet-related items.

Artisan Collab by SPD started as a bookbindery and is best known for hand-bound journals, which can also be personalized. This year they also have a colorful collection celebrating SG60.

Books Beyond Borders has a shop on Erskine Road and a shop online where you can find, among other things, ethicallymade gifts from Nepal. Sales benefit education for girls in Nepal.

Cloop reduces textile waste by reselling, donating, reusing, or recycling donated clothing. They host periodic pop-up events where you can swap or purchase second-hand clothing and accessories.

Club Rainbow benefits children with chronic illnesses and their families. They have an online shop featuring artwork, tote bags, enamel pins, and more.

Eden + Elie's handwoven jewelry is crafted by artisans with autism. Through their work, Eden + Elie “highlight[s] the need not just for economic inclusion but also for meaningful employment for such underserved communities.”

Movement for the Intellectually Disabled (MINDS) believes “that every individual with special needs has innate talents and strengths to be nurtured” and offers handmade crafts and packaged baked goods from MINDS Kitchen.

Project Dignity aims to provide the “disabled and disadvantaged” with dignity through vocational training and employment opportunities. In addition to hawker stalls called Dignity Kitchen, they also sell books under the name Dignity Mama

Save Our Street Dogs (SOSD) offers primarily dog accessories, which fund their efforts on behalf of Singapore’s many strays.

The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) shop features items for pets, including grooming products and accessories, and for humans, such as T-shirts and tote bags.

Handmade mobile at Books Beyond Borders

Enamel pins by Club Rainbow

Jewelry by Eden + Elie

The Art Faculty features unique designs by differently-abled artists, allowing them to earn money for their work. There’s a wide variety of items, price points, and even the ability to create your own gift basket.

The Cat Welfare Society’s Cat Mama Shop offers a range of locally-themed items for cats and humans.

The Breast Cancer Foundation offers a collection of pink and colorful items that support their work.

The Orangutan Foundation International isn’t local to Singapore, but it does benefit the beloved orangutans of Indonesia and fight for ecological causes like palm oil production.

The Seed Basket’s Riau Candle Co. is a “fair trade social enterprise that sees 100% of the profits from each candle purchased going to charity.”

TOUCH Community Services’ brand Journey markets the work of more than 70 artists with various disabilities, offering a large catalog of products from tableware to luggage tags.

LOOKING FOR OTHER WAYS TO SUPPORT GOOD CAUSES?

Grab a bite at one of several locations of Professor Brawn Café, a unique social enterprise whose goal is to develop a scalable employment model for inclusive workplaces.

Give the gift of education to your helper with a gift card for financial management courses at AIDHA

These organizations offer unique adoption and sponsorship opportunities:

• Habitat for Humanity Singapore: Several ways to get involved, including Cover With Love, a project to take artwork submitted by participants to turn into tablecloths for beneficiaries.

• Oasis Second Chance Animal Shelter (OSCAS): Sponsor-adog scheme

• SDI Academy: Upskill courses for migrants and refugees

• Seastainable: Carbon offset, or Bali reef restoration

• The Barkery: For the Shelters project

• World Wildlife Federation: Wildlife Protector sponsorship

PREFER TO VOLUNTEER YOUR TIME?

While most organizations are unlikely to turn down volunteers during the holidays, they also need help throughout the year. Here are some organizations with meaningful causes to get involved with:

• Action for AIDS

• Babes Pregnancy Crisis Support

• Beyond Social Services

• Children’s Society

• Disabled People’s Association

• Highpoint Community Services Association (HCSA)

• Hope Centre

• It’s Raining Raincoats

• National Library Board

• Riding for the Disabled Association

• Ronald McDonald House Charities

• Society for the Aged Sick

• Transient Workers Count Too (TWC2)

• Workforce Singapore

You can also check out AAS's 90 Acts of Charity initiative for more ideas. Tell us what you do!

Set of bowls by The Art Faculty

Keychains by Artisan Collab by SPD

Candles by Riau Candle Co.

Restaurants & Bar

Fitness

Leisure

AAS MEMBERSHIP DRIVE WINNER'S EXPERIENCE!

By Josh Liu

I was at the AAS Newbie Night in September 2024, waiting to find out who won the two round-trip tickets on United Airlines to anywhere in the US. Melinda Murphy, the General Manager, said the winner was in the room. She’d already drawn the ticket using Wheel of Names and recorded the selection. So she already knew who the winner was.

Just like everyone else, I thought that was awesome and looked around, wondering who the lucky winner would be. She clicked her laptop, the wheel spun, and the name landed on me. Utter disbelief. Did I really just win two round-trip tickets to anywhere I wanted in the US!? Yes, I did, and I couldn’t believe it!

The tickets were part of AAS's new membership drive. My family and I came to Singapore in the summer of 2023, and I played my first Ambassador’s Cup Golf Tournament at Laguna National Golf Resort that following March. After that tournament, I had so much fun and sensed that AAS was a great community. When I got an email about some goodies and a lucky draw for new members, it was a no-brainer —I signed us up.

After I won, the next big question was, "Where do we go?" There were some rules with the ticket, but it seemed we could fly to almost anywhere United flies. We went back and forth, deciding between the East Coast, Hawaii, and back home to California. My wife spent most of her years on the East Coast, but we also have a timeshare in Maui, so it was a really tough choice. Because we have two little boys, we ultimately decided to keep it simple: fly round-trip to San Francisco and take a road trip down to Orange County.

I had to call to book the tickets because, while we had won two tickets, we also wanted to take our children with us. I had to book my kids on a separate ticket, but it was a lot easier than I anticipated, and the agent was extremely helpful. We were able to get the dates we wanted with no issues, which was nice. As an expat dentist, July is kind of the “go to” month to travel, as most others are doing the same, so we set off July 3, timing it so we could land right before the Fourth of July and celebrate it with friends and family. That turned out to be a great decision, as my kids got to enjoy a good ol’ BBQ and fireworks with friends and family, and talked about it long after returning to Singapore.

Even though the flight was long, my kids did exceptionally well, and we had a great experience. Check-in was a breeze, the flight attendants were excellent, and the plane ride was smooth. We’ve flown both SQ and United back home, and for some reason, I always feel United planes tend to have

less turbulence and get to SFO faster. Another tip for those with little ones: We find the nighttime flights much better than the daytime flights. The kids sleep the majority of the plane ride, and the jet lag doesn’t seem to be as bad. We once took the morning flight, and it was a disaster. We were about to land, and the kids finally fell asleep, and then once we landed, the day was just starting.

I want to thank both United and AAS for organizing this membership drive and allowing me to spend a few weeks back home this summer. Joining AAS has been an excellent decision for our family. We have met some fantastic people through the community. From joining the bowling team (we came in second!) and the fantasy football league (which I won!), to Thirsty Eagles and talks at The American Club, to bigger events like the George Washington Ball and the golf tournament, AAS has something for everyone.

We look forward to continuing to be active members of the organization.

CONGRATULATIONS TO THIS YEAR'S MEMBERSHIP DRIVE WINNERS!

Andrew Bertucci won two round-trip tickets to the US, courtesy of United Airlines.

Edward Jingyi Li received a pair of tickets to the newly re-opened Singpore Oceanarium, courtesy of Resorts World Sentosa

Belonging.

NAVIGATING HEALTHCARE IN SINGAPORE

By Richard Hartung

Changes are currently underway in U.S. healthcare, largely driven by recent legislative actions that both expand and restrict access and affordability. The repeal of parts of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and the expiration of Affordable Care Act (ACA) tax credits are two key factors causing shifts for consumers, particularly for those on Medicare and those purchasing insurance on the ACA marketplace. It all makes for a dizzying experience when navigating healthcare. Here in Singapore, our options can be similarly extensive.

Singapore ranked first among 104 countries in “health,” according to the US International Trade Administration, using a measurement that assesses the overall health of people and their access to necessary healthcare services. The United States ranked 69th. Residents in Singapore are fortunate to have access to one of the world's best health systems.

These health services are available through private medical clinics and hospitals as well as public polyclinics and hospitals, all of which are accessible to citizens, permanent residents (PRs), and expats. All offer excellent care.

While expats on international insurance plans paid for by their companies have ready-made healthcare programs, individuals without that level of support will need to look at the options more carefully so that they use healthcare services that are affordable and meet their needs. What you access and how much you pay varies depending on your situation.

PRIVATE CLINICS

One of the best options for everyday healthcare is private clinics. There are more than 1,800 of them scattered all across Singapore, so it’s easy to locate one that’s convenient. They’re often the first place people go to for their healthcare needs, as they offer care for everything from common illnesses to longer-term support. The GPs at these clinics can develop a relationship with you, so they understand your health history and can offer appropriate care.

To find one, you can ask family and friends, or go to the SingHealth website and use Find a GP. While many are located in HDB estates, there are clinics in the Central Business District or Orchard Road, as well as other places around the island. Hospital groups such as Raffles Medical have clinics as well.

While higher-end clinics accept appointments, you’ll often need to queue at ones in HDB estates. Costs are usually relatively low at clinics in HDB areas, with a typical appointment often costing $25-$35.

I’ve had excellent experiences with these private clinics and most often choose one close to me, especially since they’re open on Saturday mornings and sometimes even on Sundays.

POLYCLINICS

Polyclinics, run by the Ministry of Health as a key part of its management of public sector healthcare, are the first level of care for many people in the public system. They are very good at offering basic healthcare services, and you can find support for common illnesses, vaccinations, health screening, long-term illness management, and even small surgeries.

Polyclinics make it easy to get medical help because they’re all over the place. Expats pay higher prices than citizens or PRs. Patients are more often assigned to a doctor who is available rather than being able to choose their doctor.

PUBLIC HOSPITALS

Public hospitals offer a comprehensive range of services, including emergency care, specialized treatments, and surgery. There are also specialist facilities, such as the National Heart Centre and the National Cancer Centre, that focus on specific conditions. You’ll often need a referral from a GP or polyclinic to access care from specialists in public hospitals. While citizens are subsidized and PRs subsidized to a lesser extent, expats pay full fees. The doctors who have provided care for me in public hospitals have been caring, knowledgeable, and skilled.

PRIVATE HOSPITALS

Along with public hospitals, private hospitals such as Mount Elizabeth Hospitals and Gleneagles provide similar services. The key differences with the public sector are that services are often faster, care can be more personalized, and prices are generally higher. You’ll often need to find a specialist who can treat your specific condition at the hospital, so checking with friends or colleagues can be helpful.

PAYING FOR HEALTHCARE

For expats and citizens or PRs alike, basic healthcare costs are usually relatively low. An appointment with a local GP at a private clinic or polyclinic can cost between $25 and $35, and medicines for minor illnesses, such as colds, may add

another $15 to $20. Citizens and PRs receive subsidies in the public health system. Doctors in higher-end private clinics as well as in private hospitals may charge substantially more.

While in-patient or outpatient hospitalization can cost less in Singapore than in countries such as the US, costs still accumulate rapidly. The government has fee benchmarks for more than 2,000 situations here, which can help you estimate the cost.

HEALTHCARE INSURANCE

Given the high costs of hospitalization, having insurance is preferable. Citizens, PRs, and expats can all apply for insurance through companies in Singapore. Along with

large and long-standing providers such as NTUC Income and Prudential, several newer insurance companies have emerged in recent years. Local health insurance typically only covers hospital and surgical expenses within Singapore.

If you travel abroad, you can supplement your local policy with travel insurance, which may cover certain healthcare expenses in other countries.

You can also buy international policies from insurance companies in other countries, though they are often quite expensive.

WORLD-CLASS HEALTHCARE

We’re fortunate to have access to a full gamut of options from the world-class healthcare system in Singapore. While not everything goes right every single time, the outcomes are ahead of many countries, and healthcare staff offer care that is top-level.

This article is not a recommendation for any type of healthcare or insurance. AAS and the author do not assess or endorse the healthcare system or the companies mentioned. Individuals should research and analyze their options, making their own informed decisions.

Heading Home for the Holidays?

Singapore-themed gifts for family and friends

Many of us will be heading home for the holidays, visiting family and friends. If you’re looking for gifts that say Singapore to take with you, we’ve got you covered.

Find all sorts of Singapore-themed gifts at Independent Market, with locations at Holland Road Shopping Center and Commonwealth Studio. You can also find fun and quirky gifts at Cat Socrates, located in Tiong Bahru and Joo Chiat. Supermama, the retail partner of the Asian Civilizations Museum, and with a flagship store in Bukit Merah, is a great place to find dishes to take the spirit of the Lion City into friends’ and family members’ homes. Binary Style in Duxton Hill offers beautiful silk scarves and other clothing and accessories, all with prints inspired by Singapore's landscape and cityscape.

Stop by Design Orchard, on Orchard Road, for one stop shopping amongst more than 100 local brands. They’ll have you covered for everything from clothing to jewelry to beauty products.

Kids will love books that are set in and feature Singapore as a backdrop. Woods in the Books and Closetful of Books are both great, small business options.

Tea drinkers will love a gift of TWG Tea, or Asian-inspired blends from Gryphon Tea Company. For the coffee lovers, locally-roasted beans from Common Man Coffee Roasters, Perk Coffee, or Five Oars Coffee Roasters will hit the spot.

Singapore is known for it's food, so why not take something locally made to someone special? Janice Wong Singapore, Fossa Chocolate, Mr. Bucket Chocolaterie, RÓA, and The Cookie Museum will all satisfy the most discerning sweet tooth.

Brass Lion Distillery, Rachelle The Rabbit Distillery, RedDot BrewHouse, The 1925 Brewing Co., and Brewlander all offer spirits or craft beer to take to the drinkers in your life who might like to explore different and unique flavors.

Looking for something quirky and small? Check out Wacky Wears, Give This Crap, or When I Was Four for fun and unique gifts.

No matter who you’re shopping for, the options to take a little bit of Singapore with you, back to wherever you call home, are endless.

HOLDING SPACE FOR THIRD CULTURE KIDS: NURTURING IDENTITY ACROSS BORDERS

By Aprajita Anil

In his seminal book, Third Culture Kids: Growing Up Among Worlds, David C. Pollock shares a powerful realization by Erika, a third culture kid: “When someone asks Erika where her home is, she simply says, ‘Everywhere and nowhere.’”

I read that line and paused. Because I’ve met an Erika a dozen times, in a dozen different children. In a Singapore schoolyard, at airport gates, in the quiet of their bedrooms as they pack for yet another move.

Home, for these kids, isn’t a house or a country. It’s a collage of moments: sunset bike rides in Dubai, mango sticky rice in Bangkok, a birthday party in Sentosa that had half the guests flying home the next month. Their roots are not deep, but wide.

And yet, there’s beauty in that in-betweenness. Because when you belong everywhere and nowhere, you learn to carry home inside you.

“I can’t quite say that my birthplace is home,” says Sanskriti Thakur. “Living abroad as an only child with just my parents around for most of my life, I’ve always felt a deeper connection to my friends and the communities I’ve grown up in rather than to those who share my blood, apart from my parents, of course. So ‘home,’ for me, is wherever my people are.”

Sanskriti left her country of passport just a few months after birth and has since lived in four different countries before moving to the UK for her undergraduate studies.

Michael’s story, too, echoes the classic Third Culture Kid paradox. While his roots span continents—Korean by ethnicity, born to Uzbek parents in the US, and now living in Singapore—home remains a complex idea. “Whenever I visit my passport country, where all my extended family lives, I end up feeling homesick for Singapore.” He adds, “My passport country feels like a foreign land. I don’t identify with anyone or anything there.”

For many Third Culture Kids (TCKs), identity isn’t fixed. It’s a mosaic. They grow up straddling cultures, often speaking multiple languages, celebrating different festivals, and learning early that “normal” can mean different things in different places.

“Undoubtedly, it’s given me the ability to get along with people from a range of different backgrounds and start conversations easily,” says Rayan Torres, who has moved countries every three to four years because of his father’s work. “I’m able to ‘get’ more people and appreciate different cultures, and that’s such a beautiful thing, because not everyone has the privilege or openness to experience that.”

While these young voices celebrate their ability to adapt as their second nature, it isn’t always easy to embrace such a shifting sense of self.

“Themes of anxiety, perfectionism, and identity confusion are common, especially as TCKs reconcile multiple cultural influences,” says Krisna Malani, Owner and Counsellor at Self Care Club, and a TCK herself.

These are big feelings for young people to navigate, and they often need a little extra attention and nurturing.

Reflecting on her work with a TCK student, Krisna recalled, “A teenage client of mine had lived in four different countries before starting 10th grade and often felt like she didn’t truly belong anywhere or have a best friend. She described feeling ‘invisible’ at school, and she struggled with loneliness, identity confusion, and a persistent sense of not being good enough, constantly trying to adapt to each new environment. In our work together, we identified and challenged unhelpful thoughts and limiting beliefs, explored what made her feel truly seen, and recognized strengths that remained consistent despite her moves. She also practiced grounding strategies, which helped her navigate transitions without feeling overwhelmed. Over time, she developed greater confidence in who she is, embraced her multicultural experiences, and discovered that she can belong and thrive without needing to fit perfectly into any one place.”

However, counsellors agree that the journey toward selfacceptance doesn’t unfold in therapy alone. Parents play a crucial role in helping their children build a sense of belonging amid constant change.

“I remember when my son was in elementary school, he wanted to attend a friend’s birthday party. I asked him, ‘Where is this boy from?’ and he didn’t seem to understand the question. ‘Mmmm… from Singapore,’ he said. I tried

again: ‘I mean, is he American, Asian, Indian…?’ He looked at me, puzzled, and replied, ‘Mmmm… just a boy with brown hair.’ I laughed, realizing that, for him, it wasn’t important, or perhaps he didn’t even understand the difference. To him, his friend was simply a boy who lived in Singapore, that’s it,” says Lili, a mom of three Third Culture Kids, each born in a different country and with unique experiences.

“If a parent does not have a TCK background, they will not be able to understand the struggles of their TCK children. Parents often invalidate their children’s struggles. This makes the child even more lonely,” says Prionka Ray, an internationally accredited psychotherapist. She highlights some common symptoms that kids exhibit when they are struggling. “Younger kids show somatic symptoms like stomach ache, etc. Many avoid school or get reticent and quiet. Some people-please a lot, and that impacts their well-being.”

She further adds that they need “a strong support system in the family, rituals connecting with their roots, and a sense of awe/ curiosity about the newness in their lives. They also need a space where they can vent, feel safe, and stay grounded. That can be a parent, a friend on a call, a grandparent, etc.”

These words resonate deeply with me because I’ve lived in the in-between myself, and I know how transformative it can be when a child’s unique experiences and identity are truly acknowledged and nurtured. I was born in India, but my childhood bloomed in the US suburbs, where my parents’ work had taken us. I rode yellow school buses, pledged allegiance in assembly, collected Halloween candy, and watched Fourth of July fireworks as if they were mine. For more than six years, it was all I knew.

When we returned to India, I thought I was coming home. But I hadn’t learned the music, the movies, or the inside jokes my peers grew up with. I didn’t know the shorthand of culture. What others inherited, I had to learn.

And yet, I couldn’t go back to the US either. I had outgrown it, and it had moved on. So I floated in between. It wasn’t until I landed in Singapore, another cultural crossroads, that I found a strange comfort. Here, being from “everywhere and nowhere” wasn’t unusual. Here, my story, like many other stories, didn’t need footnotes.

This is what every TCK needs—a space where their identity is seen, celebrated, and nurtured. Children like Sanskriti, Michael, and Rayan thrive when they are recognized for who they are and not just where they were born or what their passport says. Parents, teachers, and communities play a crucial role in helping them carry their mosaic of cultures with pride, confidence, and joy.

Because belonging, I’ve realized, isn’t about a single place on a map. It’s about feeling seen, understood, and at homewherever that may be!

Note: Certain names have been changed to protect their privacy.

WHERE YOUR HEART IS: NAVIGATING HOMESICKNESS

By Christina Liew

A week after I landed in Singapore with all my earthly possessions packed in suitcases and cardboard boxes, my best friend gave birth to her first baby. I was starting an exciting new chapter in my life, and so was she. Except we were separated by 10,000 miles and twelve time zones, and she was still surrounded by the close community I had been a part of in Boston. As our friends gathered to celebrate baby Luca’s 100-Day milestone with cupcakes and a zoo-themed party, I ordered gifts for him from Amazon. com. I flipped through Facebook photo albums with both joy and grief, counting down the months until I could return for a visit.

A tough reality in the life of any expat is the distance and absence that our lives take on when we choose opportunities to move abroad. Homesickness is a painful rite of passage that many of us are familiar with. Even as we explore and discover

new adventures, we grapple with the pain of missing the life we left behind. For some of us, it could even lead to distressing levels of loneliness or a decline in mental health.

So how do we do this? Is there a way to navigate the expat experience without heartache? After spending twenty years overseas, I’ve realized that the answer is (maddeningly) yes AND no. Homesickness is an absolutely normal emotional response to these significant changes in our lives. But there are many ways to help ourselves cope better.

PROXIMITY

Seek out new friendships in person. Keeping in touch with family and old friends is essential, and where would we be without Zoom and social media? But no amount of virtual connections can replace the benefit of time in faceto-face relationships. Our experiences from COVID-related isolation proved that people thrive best in community, and our social skills can decline from a lack of human interaction. The depth of support we feel from being present with others cannot be substituted.

I made a group of friends years ago who were recreational cyclists and runners of all levels. We formed our own weekly training group that welcomed newcomers whom members introduced. Eventually, we numbered

in the dozens and signed up for races together, even travelling regionally to compete. It wasn’t all just hard work; we ate hearty meals of roti prata and curry noodles after each training session! I am still in touch with many of those friends, even after we moved on to other cities. No matter how you come together, the act of gathering and sharing your life with others is what helps to make new memories. There are a number of social clubs, professional groups, women’s associations, and faith-based organizations in Singapore that can help you put down new roots.

PHYSICAL HEALTH

Adjusting to new climates, routines, food options, or healthcare providers can take a toll on your body. You might need help finding prescription medications or locating a new dentist. Unfamiliar lunch options or grocery offerings can throw our eating habits out of whack. A new exercise routine can also be hard to settle into. Our mental and emotional health cannot be sustained unless we nurture our bodies, so take the time to look after your physical well-being.

I personally found moving to a tropical country to be wonderful for my health. I can swim outdoors year-round. My skin felt more hydrated, and I struggled less with asthma. But that was not the experience for my friend, whose eczema and autoimmune conditions flared up dramatically in Singapore. She ignored it at first, which proved to be a mistake as her poor health isolated her more and more. Moving away felt like the wrong choice, and she longed to return home. Taking care of her body was what she needed to regain a sense of stability in her life.

EXPAND YOUR HORIZONS

A new country is often the best setting to try something new. Foreign environments can be uncomfortable, but they can also push us to grow. Along with learning the languages or cultural traditions of your host country, challenge yourself to explore new skills or areas of interest that might stretch you. Always wanted to try archery? Fascinated by pottery wheels? Wondering if latte art is your thing? There are abundant offerings of classes to try. Better yet, grab a friend or colleague to join you.

There is a counter-intuitive joy in trying something new–and failing. An acquaintance asked me along to a parkour class during my early years in Singapore, and I agreed. In stumbling along the (mostly concrete) outdoor course, I discovered that I have very little upper-body strength and that I bruise easily. It was to be my first and last parkour class, which I left behind along with fencing and Krav Maga. You might not find your perfect hobby right away, but I guarantee you will come away with some good stories!

Getting a pet can also be a great way to combat loneliness and find comfort! Pets give lots of love, and if you have a dog, you can also meet many people while out walking.

TALK IT OUT

Don't be afraid to ask for help if you’re struggling. You’re not alone in feeling this way. There are a number of resources available in Singapore if you need someone to talk to, including:

• National Mindline 1771: Offers 24/7 support for mental health concerns through phone, WhatsApp (+65-6669-1771), and online chat

• HealthHub MindSG: A platform with tools, resources, and a directory to help you find suitable mental health services and support.

• Singapore Association for Mental Health (SAMH): Provides a helpline at 1800283-7019 for mental health support and information from Monday to Friday.

Remember: Be kind to yourself. Give yourself time to settle into Singapore at your own pace with your own goals. Whether you’re here for a year or indefinitely, every new chapter in life comes with its own bumps and turns.

You might always miss the life you left behind, but there will come a day when you realize with delight that you have made a new home.

Charity Spotlight

As part of our 90 Acts of Charity, the AAS team is volunteering with OSCAS to walk and give love to shelter dogs. OSCAS has been rescuing stray dogs in Singapore for the past 20 years. In addition to adopting one of their sweet dogs, you can sponsor a dog or simply donate money or time. Check out their adoption gallery and be prepared to drop some awwws.

Meet Fish! He's one of the cuties in need of a forever home. Fish is estimated to be around six years old and is described as confident, curious, and friendly.

Fish used to live as a stray at Penjuru container yard with a pack of dogs until it closed down, he then settled himself in a factory.

He was moved around three different locations as he started to be wary of people he didn’t know and became a bit reactive. He shows respect to people he knows well and who are clear with him.

He has been back at

the shelter since January 2024, and has shown to be friendly and takes treats nicely. He can be easily harnessed and walked on leash, which he enjoys as he loves to sniff and explore.

He is a confident boy who would do well in a home with pawrents who are confident with him and can guide him in learning the ropes of living in a home and urban environment.

CREATING HOME WHEREVER YOU ARE

By Kay Yin (@thisiskaykhy)

“Where are you from?” is a question people often ask when they see us. The short answer is: we’re from both the US and Taiwan, but we now live in Singapore. The longer answer is that we’re an Asian American family with roots in both places, and our story stretches across time zones. Our kids spent their early childhoods in Beijing and Shanghai, growing up as American citizens in China. As expats, we learned to blend two worlds – celebrating Thanksgiving with dumplings and mapo tofu alongside a well-roasted homemade turkey, served with gravy and cranberry sauce. Pumpkin and pecan pies were nonnegotiable. Friends affectionately called it XieXie-giving, a playful nod to the Chinese word for “thank you.” Summers were spent shuttling between California, New York City, and Taiwan, keeping both sides of our roots and love alive. It was a comfortable rhythm, supported by a large circle of expat friends in Shanghai who made our multicultural life feel not just normal, but joyful.

Then came 2022 – two years into Covid – and Shanghai’s lockdowns changed everything. What began as a temporary inconvenience quickly turned into an unbearable reality. One morning, after weeks of food deliveries gone wrong, endless nasal swabs, and restrictions that seemed to mark the days, we decided it was time to leave. Singapore wasn’t a

calculated choice; it was an accidental lifeboat. Friends we’d known for years had already landed there, sharing stories of open schools and a sense of relative freedom. So we packed up our life of more than ten years and said goodbye to a city we had loved deeply, without really knowing what awaited us next.

Looking back, I can admit we were a little naïve. We thought: Singapore is global, English-speaking, modern – how hard could it be to call it home, just like the other big cities we had lived in? The answer turned out to be harder than we expected. The weather hit us first –perpetual humidity and heat that turned even short walks into sauna sessions. Then came Singlish, charming but confusing, a cheerful blend of English, Mandarin, Hokkien, Malay, and Tamil, spoken at a rapid-fire pace with its own efficient, unconventional grammar. We thought we understood both English and Chinese perfectly well, but we hadn’t accounted for this lively hybrid

that seemed to rewrite the rules of both languages. Even ordering coffee became a linguistic adventure – I’m still making sure I pronounce my usual "Kopi-C siew dai, peng" correctly without making a fool of myself. It’s Singapore’s equivalent of Starbucks customization – except with far more variations and an entirely new ordering system to master.

We missed the vibrancy of Shanghai’s street life, its abundance, and the constant buzz of art and culture – the late-night walks, the chaotic energy, the feeling that something was always happening around the corner. On a personal front, my partner struggled

with the smaller market size of his industry and the slower, more cautious pace of business. I, on the other hand, chose to anchor myself – to focus on my professional identity, our two pre-teen kids, their schools, and building new routines, immersing myself in the local rhythm of life. Still, both of us wrestled with a quiet identity crisis. Were we still the same people, or had we somehow lost our edge along the way? Add in Singapore’s famously high rent and living costs, and that first year felt less like a new beginning and more like emotional triage.

Yet, as with most transitions, time began to soften the edges. We’re now in our third year here. The early days of clinging to our Shanghai expat friends have given way to new connections – friends introducing friends with similar backgrounds, colleagues, and a wonderfully diverse circle from my school network who celebrate any excuse for a holiday, whether it’s Chinese New Year, Mid-Autumn Festival, or just yet another housewarming. Our kids have grown quickly, adapting and learning to love Singapore, comfortably juggling American, Chinese, and local traditions – like celebrating Diwali by showing us how to light a candle. As for me, I’ve learned to appreciate the quiet orderliness of life here. What once felt foreign – or even a little too predictable – has become something grounding and reflective, a rhythm I’ve grown to value.

That perfect afternoon thunderstorm, for instance, has become a welcome break from the scorching sun. Granted, the smallness of this “little red dot” limits the seasons and outdoor adventures we once took for granted. The heat and humidity curb your enthusiasm for outdoor sports or long walks, and camping on Pulau Ubin with our Boy Scout families can feel like a symphony of sauna and hot bath. Yet even those sticky nights carry their own kind of charm – the kind you remember later with laughter, mosquito bites, and the desperate circling of a ceiling fan doing its best.

We’ve traded Yellowstone Park for encounters with wild roosters, otters, monkeys, and serpent eagles living their lives alongside ours in this urban jungle – their habitats stretching from the lush Botanic Gardens to someone else’s window frame. All of it reminds us of Singapore’s extraordinary commitment to conserving its natural habitats and wildlife, and how lucky we are to witness them coexisting with us in daily life.

Singapore, as an international city, somehow manages to offer a little bit of everything for everyone. If you want to keep your traditions, you can find every ingredient you need – from Granny Smith apples for a homemade pie to the right kind of soy sauce for a family recipe. Yes, there are things Singapore lacks and simply cannot replicate. Yet it also gives you the space to experiment, to add new variations that make each celebration your own. Over time, I’ve come to see that holding on and adapting aren’t opposites – they’re two sides of belonging. If you’re not open-minded about what the unknown and uncomfortable might bring, you risk missing out on what could surprise and transform you.

Every so often, I still find myself more confused than ever on a perpetually humid evening, standing in a place where the weather and the polished skyline feel like a scene from The Truman Show – unchanging, self-contained, almost too perfect. I think about how our lives have unfolded here, and how time has quietly reshaped us. Yet there is a certain magic in being both rooted and transient – knowing that while nothing is truly permanent, each experience leaves a mark that lasts. I’ve learned, sometimes the hard way, that reinvention often begins with discomfort, but out of that unease grows resilience, discovery, and a renewed sense of what truly matters.

I’ve come to believe that home is no longer about geography. A permanent address or a single culture doesn’t define it. Home is where my heart and my children are—where friendships grow over shared laughter, late-night chats over a glass of wine, and, above all, shared values. It’s where people see and appreciate each other for who they are, regardless of background or accent. It’s where you can be the best part of yourself, be understood, and belong – even if only for a while.

That, to me, is what home means.

Decorating With Carpets

By Hedger's Carpet Gallery

A high-quality hand-knotted carpet can elevate the ambiance of any room, infusing it with luxury and vibrant color. The style and type of carpet, however, play a significant role in achieving this aesthetic. Often, interior design magazines feature elegant homes adorned with neutral tones for their furnishings, which fosters a minimalist or ‘Zen’ appearance. Unfortunately, when it comes to carpets, many homeowners settle for plain, inexpensive options, relegating decorative color to wall art instead. A wonderful way to bring harmony to this setting is by integrating traditional carpet designs with rich colors into a modern decor scheme, essentially allowing you to ‘walk on your art.’

Contemporary carpets frequently lack a sense of history or tradition and typically hold little to no resale value. In contrast, traditional carpets are often infused with cultural significance and identity, making them collectible pieces. It’s essential to remember that interior trends ebb and flow; what is trendy today might soon feel outdated as designers shift to new color palettes in the coming seasons.

Handmade carpets, particularly those crafted with meticulous care, are esteemed for their artistry. Each knot is individually tied by hand onto a vertically tensioned base yarn. For instance, a hand-knotted carpet measuring 1.50m x 2.50m might require anywhere from 8 to 24 months to complete, depending on the complexity and fineness of the weave, with artisans often working 8 hours a day, six days a week. Only natural materials, such as wool, silk, and cotton, are used in this intricate process. The clarity of detail and overall design improve with smaller knots, and many of these carpets originate from remote regions in Iran, Afghanistan, India, and Central Asia. However, this traditional craftsmanship is slowly fading, as younger generations tend to pursue modern employment options rather than learning this time-honored skill.

When selecting a carpet, it’s wise to have a flexible size range in mind, such as from 1.50 x 2.50m to 1.80 x 2.90m, rather than adhering to a single measurement. A common pitfall is opting for a carpet that is too small, which can get visually ‘lost’ under furniture like coffee tables. To create a cohesive look, it’s better to choose a slightly larger carpet that accommodates the front legs of the sofa, thus minimizing the harsh outline of the carpet and enhancing both luxury and comfort in the space.

Lastly, while plain carpets may initially look appealing, their maintenance can be challenging. Stains on plain carpets can leave noticeable patches, whereas patterned carpets cleverly disguise

imperfections within their designs. Regular maintenance, such as vacuuming weekly and promptly treating spills, will contribute to your carpet’s longevity. Consider professional cleaning every year or two to ensure it remains in excellent condition. Such services also provide minor repairs, such as reattaching fringes or rebinding edges, typically at a low cost. Ultimately, investing in a high-quality, hand-knotted carpet can beautifully transform your living space while adding a touch of elegance and artistry.

Hedger's Carpet Gallery

315 Outram Road

#12-08 Tan Boon Liat Building

Singpaore 169074

Tel: 6462 0028

www.hedgerscarpetgallery.com

 Good size and design

 Too small and plain

 Good size and design

 Too small and plain

Moving During Peak Season or School Holidays?

Navigating the busy season takes more than just booking a truck, it takes strategy. To secure your ideal moving date, plan ahead and book at least 6 to 8 weeks in advance. Early booking gives you flexibility and peace of mind when demand is high. At Allied, we can help you navigate the busy season like a pro.

We understand that no two moves are the same, so we help you build a moving checklist tailored to you or your family’s unique needs. Whether you’re coordinating school transitions, managing pets, or moving a full wardrobe, our personalised approach ensures your move runs smoothly from start to finish.

When it’s time to settle in, we offer destination support services like home finding, school search, and visa assistance through our parent company Sirva. We understand that moving is not just about packing up boxes but starting a new life, career, family or education routine.

Christmas on the Little Red Dot

Whether you’ll be in Singapore for Christmas or want to get into the holiday spirit before heading out, there’s plenty of festive fun to be had in the Lion City. If you’re heading out of town for the holidays, leave yourself some extra time and check out the Christmas displays at Jewel Changi Airport.

In the mood for a dose of winter? Check out the snow slide, snow playground, and other cool attractions at Snow City. For something that doesn’t require donning snow gear, check out the malls around Orchard, where there are often regularly timed “snow” showers (bubbles) to frolic in. Tanglin Mall’s avalanche is always a hit with kids.

If it’s a visit with the big guy you’re looking for, check out area malls, including Tanglin Mall, Cluny Court, and Paragon. You can even get sight of the man in red at Universal Studios or IKEA! Or opt for a virtual visit with Portable North Pole. Be sure to join AAS for our annual Toys for Tots celebration, where Santa will surely make an appearance! On Christmas Eve, keep up with his whereabouts using Google's Santa Tracker, so the kids know when they need to be in bed!

There are also plenty of festive displays all around town. You could go mall-hopping and check out the decorations. Christmas on a Great Street, the annual lights and decorations along Orchard Road, are always worth the trip. They'll be twinkling from November 16 until January 1.

The World Christmas Market returns to the Bayfront Event Space near The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands on December 11, with nine festive zones. Keep an eye out for other festive Christmas markets that will start popping up around town. Last year saw markets at New Bahru, Cluny Court, Chijmes, Holland Village, and more.

The Flower Dome at Gardens by the Bay never fails to wow with its beautiful displays to celebrate the holidays. This year, the Christmas Train Show returns to delight young and old alike. Christmas Wonderland also returns to Gardens by the Bay, with light displays, carnival games, carols, bubble “snow” and more.

However you like to celebrate Christmas, there’s surely something for you to do here in Singapore! Happy Holidays!

Blending Traditions and Holidays

By Aimee @littleluxurylist

“Where are you from?”

It’s a question people in Singapore would frequently ask my kids. When my daughter was younger, she would proudly exclaim that she was Singaporean and American.

She saw herself as a Singaporean because she had grown up here. But she also knew that she was American because of her passport and our annual visits to see family. Ethnicity, nationality, and culture were interchangeable concepts to her.

Now that we’ve lived in Singapore for a few years, we have also blended national and cultural traditions from the US and Singapore. This is most apparent in how we choose to celebrate both Singaporean and American holidays.

TAKING PART IN LOCAL TRADITIONS

Singapore proudly celebrates Chinese, Malay, and Indian (specifically Tamil) cultures. The major holidays from each culture make up Singapore’s public holidays.

How do you begin participating in Singaporean traditions and holidays?

Start with the Ministry of Manpower's public holidays as an example. Then start by getting to know the foods associated with the holidays - a common entry point to getting to know another culture.

We have now started celebrating Chinese New Year at the start of every year. I’ll buy some yusheng from Don Don Donki and invite friends over for traditional dishes and dumpling wrapping.

As the year continues, my kids have classmates who fast during Ramadan and then celebrate Hari Raya Haji. We take this time to explore the numerous food stalls in Geylang in the evening.

Begedil, or potato patties, are one of my favorite treats! Finally, towards the end of the year, we try to get out to the Indian Heritage Centre in Little India. They host open houses every year in the month leading up to Diwali, also known as Deepavali. The galleries are free to enter, and there are usually performances and arts and crafts on the ground floor too. But of course, make time to get a nice masala dosa too.

CELEBRATING AMERICAN HOLIDAYS

Singapore celebrates a few holidays that the US celebrates, but there’s not a lot of overlap. There are certain holidays that are just proudly and unequivocally American. We’ve celebrated them over the years and have even found a few sites to celebrate them with fellow Americans.

Independence Day, also known as the Fourth of July, can be a fun time to get together with fellow Americans. We have casually gotten together with friends and headed to the American Association of Singapore festivities, too. It is fun to take part in games, watermelon eating contests, and witness marching band performances.

Another big American holiday that isn’t as big in Singapore, but is gaining in popularity, is Halloween. Most of our Singaporean friends may have heard of the holiday, but don’t

bother dressing up much for it. Now, you can find Halloween celebrations through various restaurants or clubs; the biggest ones are Universal Studios Halloween Horror Nights and the HomeTeamNS SpoOktober 2025 carnival. I’ve organized trick-or-treating for the past few years, cementing a new tradition in our neighborhood. Other nationalities may not be as familiar with Halloween, but they are all for the costumes and candy! Popular neighborhoods to visit during Halloween are Woodlands, Serangoon North, and Opera Estate.

Thanksgiving is a favorite holiday for many, and it proudly celebrates bringing loved ones together over a smorgasbord of delicious foods. I’ve attended Thanksgiving dinners at The American Club, as well as ones held at friends’ homes. And of course, the American Association of Singapore holds an annual Thanksgiving dinner! It is wonderful to gather over an obscenely large turkey and way too many desserts. We have given ourselves grace and will celebrate it on Friday now because it is hard to roll into work on a Friday after a decadent meal the night before.

BLENDING TRADITIONS

Most expats in Singapore have come for an opportunity, with fuzzy expectations on the future. But we build our families and our homes in Singapore. We may not have much family here, but we choose our circle of support. Our American traditions and adopted Singaporean traditions blend together in our homes. Home may have started thousands of miles away, but it lives on in the blended traditions we celebrate in Singapore.

Make the most of Singapore's public holidays in 2026 with SIX long weekends!

New Year's Day Jan 1

Thursday

Chinese New Year Feb 17, 18

Tuesday, Wednesday

Hari Raya Puasa Mar 21*

Saturday

Good Friday April 3

Friday Labour Day May 1

Friday

Hari Raya Haji May 27*

Wednesday

Vesak Day May 31**

Sunday

National Day Aug 9**

Sunday

Deepavali Nov 8**

Sunday

Christmas Day Dec 25

Sunday

Bold denotes long weekends

*Subject to confirmation

**Following Monday will be a public holiday

Festivals and Holidays in Singapore

Thaipusam

The Hindu community celebrates the triumph of good over evil. Witness devotees on a spiritual journey, carrying intricately decorated kavadis — ceremonial devices used for religious self mortification — as acts of penance and gratitude.

Chingay Parade

Towards the end of the Chinese New Year celebrations, the colorful Chingay procession of floats, marching bands and cultural dances is held. Chingay means “the art of masquerading.” It's a spectacular celebration.

Qing Ming (All Souls' Day)

This spring festival occurs on the first day of the third month of the lunar calendar. To commemorate Qing Ming, meaning “clear and bright,” the Chinese visit and tend to ancestors’ graves, with some offering food, tea, and wine.

Vesak Day

Occurring on the full moon of the lunar month of Vesakha (April to June), Vesak Day is the most important celebration in the Buddhist calendar as it’s the day devotees honor the birth, enlightenment and nirvana (release from earthly passions and desires) of Lord Buddha.

Dragon Boat Festival

This Chinese festival commemorates a hero of ancient China, the poet and statesman Qu Yuan who drowned himself in protest of injustice and corruption. Check out the exhilarating dragon boat races in Marina Bay.

Hungry Ghost Festival

With roots in Buddhist and Taoist beliefs, this Chinese festival honors the memories of the dearly departed. Burnt offerings and live street performances a common sight across the island.

Deepavali (Diwali)

JAN JAN/ Feb JAN/ Feb JAN/ Feb APR Apr/ May MAY June May/ Jun Aug Aug/ Sept Sept Oct/ Nov DEC

Also known as the Festival of Lights, this is a time of great rejoicing for Hindus, symbolizing the victory of light over darkness, and good over evil. Be sure to check out the lights in Little India.

Chinese New Year

Depending on the lunar calendar, Chinese New Year falls sometime between January 21 and February 19. Singapore’s biggest holiday is a joyous occasion, marked with family reunions and wishes for abundance and prosperity.

River Hong Bao Festival

The River Hong Bao Festival is a fair that is celebrated along the Singapore River and subscribes to the zodiac, teeming each year with relevant floats, food stalls, games, and fireworks.

Hari Raya Puasa (Eid ul-Fitr)

This important Muslim religious observance (Eid ul-Fitr in Arabic) marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic month of fasting, abstinence and almsgiving. Ramadan begins when the moon appears on the first day of the ninth month of the Islamic calendar.

Hari Raya Haji (Eid ul-Adha)

This Muslim holiday commemorates Prophet Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God. Apart from traditions like fasting and prayers, Hari Raya Haji also marks the end of 'hajj', the annual Muslim pilgrimage to Mecca.

National Day

On August 9, Singapore celebrates the anniversary of its independence from Malaysia and its emergence as the Republic of Singapore in 1965. It’s marked with a big parade, fireworks, and lots of parties.

Mid-Autumn, Mooncake, or Lantern Festival

The Mid-Autumn Festival began more than 2,000 years ago to celebrate the autumn harvest. There are lots of family gatherings, lanterns and mooncakes, food that celebrates the moon being at its largest, and brightest for the year.

Christmas

For Christians, Christmas marks the birth of Jesus Christ. Colorful lights and Christmas decorations can be seen throughout Singapore, particularly on Orchard Road. There is also a large light display and festival at Gardens by the Bay.

CELEBRATE YOUR CULTURE ANYWHERE

By Tiara Giles

One thing Americans love is a huge gathering with lots of food and barbecues. As a black woman (some folks prefer to say African American, but that’s an entirely separate article on its own), the cookout is a staple in my community. What better time to have a cookout than with a good ‘ol American holiday? Are you a veteran? No? Don’t worry; we still have a barbecue prepared for Memorial Day with way too much food. Are you like me and prefer Juneteenth over Fourth of July? That’s fine, too. You’re still invited to both cookouts. And please bring some Tupperware. Grandma is ‘sick uh them leftovers.’ Ya hear me?

In any case, it’s nice to enjoy where you live, experience the culture, and spend time with loved ones. But what about when you can’t? You live abroad, so the holidays are different. You don’t have family in the country that you live in. And depending on your job, flying home isn’t an option. The level of FOMO you could feel is insane. You might really miss your family, your friends, your community, and the food. So how do we fix that?

Personally, I made friends with other expats who celebrate similar holidays. Many American-owned restaurants in Korea host themed courses or events.

My expat friends and I would reserve a time slot to conduct the festivities together. We’d also invite locals who were interested in American culture and teach them everything we could. These gatherings would sometimes take place in someone’s house if they had an apartment big enough or a spot to grill meat. I haven’t found this style of doing things at a restaurant in Singapore yet. However, some expats hold holiday dinners in their homes, as well.

I would also join in on local holidays, if possible. Now, doing this would require you to branch out and make friends with locals. And no, I don’t mean survival friendships or asking random people to include you in their traditions. Make genuine connections, and if they decide to include you, thank them and give them a gift when you attend. Of course, there are outside events for cultural holidays. Language exchange groups or your company might host them as well. You can participate in festivals or outdoor activities such as the countdown for Chinese New Year, bazaars for Ramadan, or markets for Diwali. If you’re a teacher like me, your school will teach you about traditional local holidays. At this point, I'm an expert at filling and rolling songpyeon (nut-free

for me, of course) in Korean schools. Okay, being an expert is a stretch, but I’ve had to help many students make it.

You could also invite your local friends over to teach them while they also teach you about their culture. Maybe you’re southern and miss making red beans and rice on a rainy Sunday night. Perhaps you’re from New Orleans and haven't had a King Cake for Mardi Gras, a good pot of gumbo, or a delicious po’ boy in a long time. If your friends are interested, you could arrange a night for everyone to cook a cultural dish. For me, Black History Month is important to celebrate. It’s how I stay connected with my community and gain more knowledge about my roots. I like to share facts, music, stories, and artwork throughout the month, and if I could, I’d also cook something nice.

Holidays are significant to one's self, identity, friends, and family. So, missing special occasions can really make you feel left out or lonely. It’s important to participate in local cultures and share yours with others, too.

You can always count on the American Association to throw a good bash for many American-related holidays, so be sure to join in and bring some friends, too. Check out aasingapore.com for more info, and be sure to sign up for our Thanksgiving Parade and Feast!

Living in Singapore Magazine - November/December 2025

90 ACTS OF CHARITY

HOLDING SPACE FOR THIRD CULTURE KIDS

WHO WE ARE

CONTENTS

06. COMMUNITY NEWS

14. 90 ACTS OF CHARITY

16. SEASON OF GIVING

22. NAVIGATING HEALTHCARE

24. SINGAPORE-THEMED GIFTS

26. THIRD CULTURE KIDS

29. WHERE YOUR HEART IS

32. CREATING HOME

37. CHRISTMAS IN SINGAPORE

40. BLENDING TRADITIONS

42. CELEBRATE YOUR CULTURE

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

AAS STRATEGIC PARTNERS

PATRIOT PARTNERS

STARS & STRIPES PARTNERS

COMMUNITY PARTNERS

MEMBER BENEFITS

UPCOMING EVENTS

Fall

Fest

National Youth Leadership Training

My Two Weeks in the Wilderness: A Girl Scout's Adventure in the Boundary Waters

HEAD SPACE

SPACE ACE HEADS BACK TO THE HEAVENS

90 ACTS OF CHARITY AN AAS INITIATIVE

HIGHLIGHTING RECENT ACTS BY OUR COMMUNITY

Season of Giving (and Giving Back)

LOOKING FOR OTHER WAYS TO SUPPORT GOOD CAUSES?

PREFER TO VOLUNTEER YOUR TIME?

AAS MEMBERSHIP DRIVE WINNER'S EXPERIENCE!

Belonging.

NAVIGATING HEALTHCARE IN SINGAPORE

PRIVATE CLINICS

POLYCLINICS

PUBLIC HOSPITALS

PRIVATE HOSPITALS

PAYING FOR HEALTHCARE

HEALTHCARE INSURANCE

WORLD-CLASS HEALTHCARE

Heading Home for the Holidays?

Singapore-themed gifts for family and friends

HOLDING SPACE FOR THIRD CULTURE KIDS: NURTURING IDENTITY ACROSS BORDERS

WHERE YOUR HEART IS: NAVIGATING HOMESICKNESS

PROXIMITY

PHYSICAL HEALTH

EXPAND YOUR HORIZONS

TALK IT OUT

Charity Spotlight

CREATING HOME WHEREVER YOU ARE

Decorating With Carpets

Moving During Peak Season or School Holidays?

Christmas on the Little Red Dot

Blending Traditions and Holidays

TAKING PART IN LOCAL TRADITIONS

CELEBRATING AMERICAN HOLIDAYS

BLENDING TRADITIONS

Festivals and Holidays in Singapore

Hungry Ghost Festival

Deepavali (Diwali)

Chinese New Year

River Hong Bao Festival

National Day

Mid-Autumn, Mooncake, or Lantern Festival

Christmas

CELEBRATE YOUR CULTURE ANYWHERE