Meet an ANZA member: Philip Forrest

What first brought you to expat life in Singapore?
After working in New York, Manila, Jakarta, and Bangkok with Citibank, I joined Westpac, who then appointed me as their Country Head in Singapore. I thought it would just be a three to four-year posting – but I quickly realised life doesn’t get much better than in Singapore! I’ve been here ever since.

Where did you live on the island back in 1991?
As the country head of an international bank (back when banks were more generous!), I was moved into a landed property in Cluny Hill. Lots of room, lovely swimming pool, and a stroll to Botanic Gardens. So much better than I deserved!

Were there culture shocks?
As I’d moved within Asia, the biggest shock was how advanced Singapore was in comparison to other countries. One recollection: we bought a beaten-up second-hand Honda Civic for my wife, but she also needed a driver (a retiree). Each day he arrived in his brand new BMW, then drove my wife around in the Civic!

With the previous Australian High Commissioner to Singapore, Will Hodgman

Where did people hang out in the 90’s?
Like today, Holland Village was popular. Boat Quay was just opening up – there were only two bars there when I arrived! Colbar (9A Whitchurch Road, 138839), which was a British army barracks site in the 1900’s, was also a great place, and is still going strong after almost 75 years.

What were weekends like?
Getting a boat to Pulau Ubin for a casual seafood dinner was on everyone’s list.

What do you recall of ANZA back then?
While I didn’t join many of the groups, I did go to some televised Bledisloe Cup events, which of course became rather soul-destroying after a while! I’ve always had huge respect for the way ANZA brings the community together – not just Aussies and Kiwis – but everyone.

With former Australian PM Tony Abbott

What advice would you give to expats new to SG today? 
Learn the history and culture of your host country – ANZA can help a lot with this! And get to know the Singaporeans. I’ve become heavily involved with Australian Alumni Singapore, which caters to the 250,000 (yes, a quarter of a million!) Singaporeans who’ve been to an Australian university. In addition, I’ve held board positions with the Singapore Institute of Directors, the Singapore Business Federation and the Association of Banks in Singapore. These experiences have given me a whole new network and a much greater appreciation of the Lion City and why it works so well.

How has ANZA contributed to your life here in SG?
I’ve always enjoyed networking, and I love how ANZA brings together both new arrivals and long-timers. I might not be the most active member, but I can’t imagine ever letting go of my membership.