You may have strolled through Singapore’s beautiful Botanic Gardens many times before, but have you ever done a guided tour? Join us on this guided heritage tour of the gardens to discover the important role and historical background of this beautiful UNESCO protected landmark. You’ll learn about different garden styles and various garden designs implemented over the years, as well as its various heritage features. Some interesting living collections planted over decades of history will also be covered on the tour. Afterwards, we’ll head to a restaurant close by for a drink and chat (at your own expense).
That sound of tiles sweeping across a table during CNY and across Singapore’s heartland estates is all down to mahjong. This traditional game originated in China during the Qing Dynasty of the mid-19th century and is believed to have evolved from earlier Chinese card and domino games. Not wanting to miss out on local culture, ANZA Mahjong launched over 20 years ago, and today it’s one of our most popular groups. Considering the many benefits below, we understand why!
1 Mental stimulation
Mahjong requires concentration, memory, and strategic thinking. Regular play can help improve cognitive functions, such as problem-solving skills and mental agility, making it an excellent workout for the brain.
2 Social interaction
The gameis typically played with four players, making it a social activity that encourages interaction and camaraderie. It’s a great way to spend time with the ANZA community and meet new and like-minded people with a common interest.
3 Cultural experience
Playing mahjong in Singapore allows you to engage with a rich local tradition. Understanding the history and variations of the game can provide insights into Chinese culture and the cultural practices of other regions where mahjong is popular.
4 Stress relief
Many players find mahjong relaxing. The concentration required can help distract from daily stressors and provide a mental break.
5 Improved patience & focus
Patience and careful planning is key for mahjong. Learning to wait for the right tile and the ability to make thoughtful decisions can enhance your ability to focus and maintain composure in other areas of life.
ANZA Mahjong meets up on various days and locations each week. There is also a Monday evening session at the ANZA Office on Beach Road. All levels of players are welcome.
Bord Bia, the Irish Food Board, has joined forces with renowned Chef Andrew Walsh of famed Cure to bring a touch of Ireland to Singapore’s culinary scene. From now until the end of August, guests can indulge in a meticulously crafted menu featuring premium Irish seafood, duck, and cheese. Complementing these dishes is a selection of Irish cocktails, including Dingle Vodka and Gin, Bushmills Black Bush Whiskey, Black 1847 with Jameson Irish Whiskey, and the innovative Black Velvet, combining Guinness Stout with Champagne. This is a fantastic opportunity to experience the authentic and sophisticated flavours of Ireland – so don’t miss out!
How does Bord Bia’s collab with Chef Walsh highlight Irish ingredients?
Bord Bia intends to present the finest Irish produce emphasising on the quality and sustainability of Irish food through innovative and sophisticated menus featuring Irish cuisine and spirits. Singapore, known for its discerning palate and Chef Walsh’s roots and acclaimed reputation present a great venue where Irish food can be celebrated.
How does Chef Walsh’s menu reflect traditional Irish cuisine with high-end culinary techniques?
His menu is masterful. Start with appetisers like Soda, Stout & Treacle Bread and Brown Crab, Seaweed & Caviar, which offer a contemporary twist on classic flavours. The main courses elevate Irish classics with dishes such as Irish Gallagher Oyster with Almonds & Dill, King Scallop with Cider & Sea Asparagus, and the Tales of the Silver Hill Duck.
A standout is Chef Walsh’s take on Colcannon, a true Celtic original, transformed with Cashel Blue Cheese and Caviar. Desserts include Café Gaelach & Truffle Sandwich, Lucky Gold in Chocolate Pot, and Almond Brown Butter Cake with Burnt Honey Cream.
Why should diners consider giving this menu a go?
While this menu is a premium offering, it promises a truly distinctive dining experience. The blend of traditional Irish flavours with contemporary culinary artistry creates a memorable feast and the opportunity to savour a unique taste of Ireland right here in Singapore.
About Chef Andrew Walsh
Starting his career as a dishwasher at the age of 15, Walsh’s rise through the ranks over 25 years is marked by a relentless commitment to excellence. His career took off in London under the mentorship of renowned chef Jason Atherton, setting the stage for his subsequent success in Singapore.
In 2015, Walsh introduced his reimagining of Irish cuisine with Cure, which quickly gained a following for its inventive approach and dishes such as Childhood Memories of Peat. His passion for creating exceptional dining experiences and his vision for a respected and collaborative culinary industry drive his impressive career.
Left: The Martin family escaped for the hills in a hire car. Right: Al Bustan Inn
As the father of three young daughters, Maddie, Evie and Bella (aged, 4, 6, and 8), my wife Millie and I usually opt for a beach getaway involving a substantial kids’ club and a bit of surf.
However, as our kids have grown older, and after 16 years of living in Singapore and exploring much of the surrounding region, we have discussed venturing further afield to experience new travel destinations. When friends moved to the Middle East last year, the region and Oman came onto our radar. A bit of research uncovered many attractions, from ancient forts, bustling souks, and ornate mosques, to dramatic sand dunes, tropical islands, outdoorsy activities (and even some swells!). Several websites showcased adventure and escape via family road trips which planted a few seeds and simultaneously put our minds at ease regarding how to go about it.
We’d never undertaken a family road trip before, so the opportunity to explore Oman – ‘Choose Your Own Adventure’ style – had a certain mystique and appeal. We also discovered that the region has an excellent road system! Thanks to our trusty travel spreadsheet, we mapped out our eight-day journey in advance including travel times, places of interest, and accommodation. We also downloaded Google Maps so we could access it in the middle of nowhere with no reception. (As ANZA Scouts would say, “always be prepared!”).
DAY 1
After flying from Changi to Dubai, we picked up our hire car from Avis at Dubai Airport as they allowed border crossings into Oman, plus we could drop the car back there when we came to leave. We spent one night in the city before setting off on a six-hour drive (it would take less without little people) from Dubai to Nizwa, one of the oldest and most beautiful cities in Oman. We wanted to stay in the old town, home to the most famous fort in Oman, Nizwa Fort, built in the 1600s, plus several other attractions including the souq (market), selling everything from farm animals to trinkets. Our girls were enthralled by seeing camels, goats, and cows up close in a somewhat chaotic market environment! We also purchased some lovely pottery and trinkets to take home – yes, the shopping started early!
After a fantastic dinner at Tamrah Restaurant (tamrahrestaurant), which has an awesome rooftop venue overlooking the fort, mosque, and mountains, we spent the night at Al Bustan Inn (topomanhotels.com), a cute little place perfectly located by an entrance to the old town with a nice garden and a small pool. We highly recommend staying around this area when visiting.
Alila Jabel Villa
DAY 2
We got up early to embark on a two-hour drive up the Jabel Akhdar mountains which has to be one of the world’s epic drives, rising to over 2000m with incredible vistas mesmerising you. As we didn’t have the required 4WD for access, we parked our car at the mountain’s security checkpoint and hitched a ride with a friendly local in their Land Cruiser (who also charged several hundred dollars less than the hotel quote!). Given the majestic setting, we wanted to stay somewhere memorable so opted for Alila Jabel Akhdar (hyatt.com) which is set on a clifftop on what feels like the edge of the world. An infinity pool takes in the glorious view whilst the resort is camouflaged into the setting which brings a sense of connection to nature. The architecture draws on the ancient forts in the region for a truly unique setting.
In such a remote and elevated landscape, on top of the must-do hiking we also joined the star gazing experience led by a passionate astronomer – our kids loved the high-powered telescope! The barren mountains provided an incredible location and whilst we loved the Alila hotel, it would be hard to go wrong elsewhere.
DAY 3
A four-hour drive from Jabel Akhdar took us up to One Thousand Nights Camp (thousandnightsoman.com) in the heart of Eastern Omani Sands, a camp consisting of around 50 luxurious (by desert standards!) and traditional black wool Bedouin tents, and our home for the next two nights. Everyone was super-excited on the journey, not only for the desert glamping experience that awaited us but also because we were meeting some family friends, some from Singapore and others who have moved on.
We parked our SUV in the nearest town of Bidiyah and met our driver for the 45-minute ride into the desert which we pre-arranged with the camp at an additional charge. This was definitely the right call given our inexperience with dune bashing and unknown terrain.
Upon arrival, it was pure joy mixed with pandemonium as seven children were reunited and headed straight for the pool. Towards dusk, we all climbed the sizeable sand dunes. Reaching the peak as the sun began to set was our first real experience of being amongst gigantic desert dunes and it was just breathtaking. The kids rolled wildly down the dunes having the time of their lives; the adults couldn’t stop smiling. It was a beautiful moment, finally closed out with us back at camp post dinner lounging around a large fire and cooking marshmallows.
DAY 4
This was a proper day of Omani adventure! The camp has lots of excursions on offer, so the dads thoroughly enjoyed an ATV excursion blasting around the surrounding dunes while the mums hung out by the camp pool. We rejoined forces in the evening to head on a sunset camel ride into the dunes with our 11 camels! While the ride was a little scary at first for the young kids who went solo on fairly sizeable camels, this proved short-lived as squeals of delight and much laughter took over – especially at the bodily workings of these large beasts.
In the evening our party was collected by a squadron of Land Cruisers and driven further into the desert for a buffet BBQ feast of succulent meat, Arabic salads and thick Lebanese bread on top of the dunes. The night was completed again with a fire, marshmallows, and memories of being reunited with friends against landscapes so completely new and foreign that we will all cherish forever.
DAY 5
It was time for our group to leave our Bedouin bolthole together and head back into civilisation. After being transferred back to our hire car in Bidiyah, we got ourselves comfy in the car again for the five-hour drive to Oman’s capital, Muscat. About three hours into the journey, we stopped to check out the coastal city of Sur, known as one of the oldest coastal ports and maritime cities in the world. With the kids faltering a little, we settled for a quick swim at the beach and a race around Al Ayjah lighthouse which faces out over the Gulf of Oman.
We would’ve loved to explore along the coastline to the south a bit further, however we didn’t want to risk overdoing it with the kids in the car so we settled on three final nights at the Grand Hyatt Muscat (hyatt.com) with our friends. Set in the heart of Muscat, it was an excellent location on the beach with spectacular views of the Hajar mountains. The lazy river here was a winner with all the kids!
Grand Hyatt Muscat
DAY 6
Amongst all the driving, we had to include a day at sea into our trip: cue the hotel helping us to charter a boat from Muscat to make the 18km excursion to the Ad Dimaniyat Islands in the Arabian Sea. These nine tropical islands are a protected nature reserve and blessed with pristine turquoise water begging you to snorkel (or dive) amongst rich turtle and fish populations. We got a little unlucky with an algae bloom which is growing more common in the gulf – it didn’t stop us snorkelling but it did restrict visibility. As the Ad Dimaniyat islands were not opened to the public until 2013 (they were previously reserved for marine researchers and conservationists), they felt like a well-kept secret and reinforced the sheer variety of things to see and do across Oman.
No surf? No problem!
DAY 8
After we bid farewell to our friends at the hotel, we set out for the five hour drive back to Dubai. This time we drove via a different border, crossing at Hatta – Al Wajajah in a bid to visit Hatta Rock Pools, a series of natural pools where you can swim between the rock crevices, bathe in a small waterfall, or just relax on the rock ledges. This was a welcome break and the swim was amazing. Wadis, which are spring or creek settings are a real highlight across Oman and in hindsight, I wish we’d visited more of them. Just as we were getting set to pack up, a local family sitting near to us insisted we join them in eating their homemade biryani, further reinforcing the very welcoming Omani culture.
CONCLUSION
Oman is simply incredible with so much to offer. Our fears about how our younger children would cope with the consistent road time were overplayed and our road trip ended up being a real bonding experience. Only two iPad movies were watched throughout the entire journey – a shockingly positive result and testament to the wonder of Oman. The Middle East has not seen the last of the Martin family!
Singapore boasts one of the world’s most efficient healthcare systems, with a strong emphasis on high-quality medical care. Understanding the local approach to child health and immunisations is crucial for expat families relocating to this vibrant city-state.
Our friends from Pacific Prime CXA is here to talk about the importance of vaccinations, and how you can ensure immunisation coverage by insurance.
Recommended + Required Vaccines For Children
Vaccinations are vital in ensuring your children receive optimal protection against preventable yet dangerous and contagious diseases.
Singapore maintains a comprehensive National Childhood Immunisation Schedule that closely aligns with World Health Organisation (WHO) recommendations. It should be administered to every person from birth. Here’s the schedule:
From birth
Tuberculosis
Hepatitis B (HepB) – First dose (D1)
At 1 month of age
HepB – Second dose (D2)
At 3 months of age
Diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (DTaP) – D1
Poliovirus (IPV) – D1
Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) – D1
Pneumococcal disease (PCV) – D1
At 4 months of age
DTaP – D2
IPV – D2
Hib – D2
At 5 months of age
DTap – D3
IPV – D3
HepB – D3
Hib – D3
PCV – D2
At 1 year of age
Measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) – D1
PCV – Booster 1 (B1)
At 15 months of age
MMR – D2
At 18 months of age
DTap – B1
IPV – B1
Hib – B1
At 9 years of age
Human papillomavirus (HPV)
At 10-11 years of age
Tetanus booster
Oral polio vaccine
Additional Considerations for Expat Families
Expat parents may need to reconcile differences between their home country’s immunization schedule and Singapore’s requirements. Newly arrived children might require catch-up vaccinations to align with local standards.
Singapore’s Immunisation Policies in Schools
Most schools require proof of vaccination for enrollment. Regular health screenings and immunization checks are conducted in schools. Parents of children who cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons should be prepared to provide appropriate documentation and work closely with school health officials.
Ensuring Immunisation Coverage By Insurance
Most expats are excluded from the vaccination subsidies at public facilities, so many opt for private medical facilities for their immunizations. A single jab could cost you hundreds of dollars, and the best way to address these costs is to secure comprehensive private health insurance that includes immunization coverage.
And here’s why you should consider working with Pacific Prime CXA. They have a team of expert advisors who excels at comparing and finding health insurance plans across reputed insurers for you and your family’s healthcare needs and budget. Contact them today!
At its core, ANZA Nippers is about learning to save lives. This may sound easy, but the process of training future lifesavers is not simple.
The myriad of skills required to safely navigate and understand the water and beach, as well as to perform rescue and first aid operations, necessitates a complex set of abilities. Teaching those skills begins at nippers.
What looks like fun and games at Sentosa every Sunday morning is often serious stuff that trains critical foundational skills needed for future rescue missions: confidence, sportsmanship, strength, speed, problem-solving, teamwork, safety, and respect for the environment.
Flags is one common game in which ANZA Nippers run around collecting hose off-cuts. It seems like chaos, but this and games like Four-Sided Murder-Ball train the nippers’ dexterity on soft sand, teach them how to maneuver quickly and change direction, and provide awareness of obstacles (including each other).
Left: Tug of War encourages team interaction
Agility & balance
Various other activities teach the kids how to maximise speed and dexterity in and around shallow water through resistance and balance. You’ll see them doing high knees along the beach, and using hoola hoops to take high and big steps, while dolphin diving creates confidence in shallow waters.
The efficient transition from sand to water (and back again) is a key skill that nippers need to learn. Relays and bucket relays, which involve fetching water and sand in buckets and bringing them up onto the beach, teach both agility and coordination as children transition from one environment to another.
Signalling is critical for communication given the distances and noise levels found on surf beaches. Games that involve signalling for help and teamwork like relays and Tug of War, are a core way to encourage team interaction and communication.
There are also plenty of skills to be learned on and in the water. Head Down – in which kids keep their heads in the water for long periods – educates them on how to be comfortable with air control, and also helps them to understand the types of animals we share the beach with.
Bucket relays and navigating beach obstacles boost key lifesaving skills
Plenty of the exercises involve other forms of equipment. A definite favourite is the boards, which are great for balance and coordination when taking rescue equipment to and from the water safely and quickly.
So what to most of us might look like just fun on beach (which let’s face it, it is!), is actually carefully curated activities that teach critical skills for surf life savers of the future.
Each time you receive a letter or notification from the bank informing you on a revised interest rate, you start to question whether you should reduce your loan amount or pay it off completely. After all, many like to retire and live on rental income from properties.
Tax deductible debt
When you take a loan to finance the purchase of a rental property, the interest on the loan is tax deductible. Once you pay off the loan, any future loan taken will only be tax deductible if it was used for a taxable asset. When you are a non-resident for tax purposes, you are only taxed on taxable Australian property.
Actual cost of interest charge
As a non-resident for tax purposes, you are not entitled to any tax-free threshold and taxed at progressive rates from 30% to 45% (from 1st July 2024).
Therefore, any tax-deductible interest cost will offset a starting tax rate of 30%.
For example, if your net rental is $30,000 and your interest cost is $30,000, you will not incur any tax payable. Should you pay off the loan, you will not have any interest and your taxable income is $30,000. At 30% tax rate, you have an income tax payable of $9,000.
Thus paying $30,000 of interest effectively saves you $9,000 of income tax payable. This means your actual cost of interest is $21,000.
At the time of this article (July 2024) the variable interest on loan 6.34%. With a $30,000 interest rate and at the above rate, your outstanding loan balance will be $473,186. Therefore, your effective interest rate taking into account the tax deductibility of interest is $21,000/$473,186 = 4.438%
Is the property you pay off your future family home?
If it isn’t, this means you have less for your future family home. The last thing you want is to have a debt free investment property and a loan on your main residence.
Getting that dream home : Set up an offset account
Always take a loan on your dream home first instead of paying cash. Set up an offset account which is linked to your loan. Should you change your mind and decide to rent out the property and live somewhere else, you can always withdraw from your offset savings account and utilized the cash. The benefit of that is the loan remains tax deductible as there is no change.
For example, if you have a home loan of $800,000 and $700,000 in your offset account, you will only be charged interest on $100,000. If you have $800,000 in your offset account, there will be no interest payable.
Conclusion
Interest rates fluctuate. Once you pay off a debt on an investment property, the interest will not be tax deductible if you used it for personal or private purposes. This is also subjected to bank lending regulation and policy at that time. Having an unencumbered property does not guarantee you a bank loan as Australia looks at serviceability. Thus, many are forced to explore sale of property even though they do not require the full sale price. Should you need the funds urgently, the turnaround time from marketing a property, contract and settlement will be a minimum 1 month.
Referencing back to the example in the article, the net return you would need to beat is 4.438% per annum. As interest rate fluctuate, it effectively translates to a net return equivalent to 70% of your current loan interest rate.
Therefore if you are able to outperform this amount, it makes sense to continue your tax deductible debt and use the cash to invest in alternative assets and build a diversified portfolio.
If you would like more information or guidance on your personal situation, please contact me on diana.chua@sjpp.asia or +65 8807 2552 for complimentary initial consultation.
The levels and bases of taxation and reliefs from taxation can change at any time. The value of any tax relief depends on individual circumstances. You are advised to seek independent tax advice from suitably qualified professionals before making any decision as to the tax implications of any investment.
The ‘St. James’s Place Partnership’ and the titles ‘Partner’ and ‘Partner Practice’ are marketing terms used to describe St. James’s Place representatives. Members of the St. James’s Place Partnership in Singapore represent St. James’s Place (Singapore) Private Limited, which is part of the St. James’s Place Wealth Management Group, and it is regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore and is a member of the Investment Management Association of Singapore and Association of Financial Advisers (Singapore). Company Registration No. 200406398R. Capital Markets Services Licence No. CMS100851. St. James’s Place Wealth Management Group Ltd Registered Office: St. James’s Place House, 1 Tetbury Road, Cirencester, Gloucestershire, GL7 1FP, United Kingdom.Registered in England Number 02627518.
Hot off the press! The ANZA community in Singapore is set to embark on a new chapter with the appointment of Christopher Brown, known as ‘Toph’, as the new President. Toph takes the reins from Megan Kinder, whose dedication and extensive history with ANZA have left an indelible mark on the community.
Megan’s involvement with ANZA began in 2003, when she first discovered the community through ANZA magazine while visiting a friend in Singapore. Impressed by the range of activities and vibrant groups (“I thought it t looked like a pretty nifty thing to be a part of!”), she joined ANZA upon moving to Singapore later that year. Megan immersed herself in ANZA Mahjong, book clubs, toddler playgroups, and walking the catwalk at ANZA’s Fashions on the Field at the ANZA Melbourne Cup before diving into ANZA Cycling in 2006.
From 2014 to 2022, Megan became our ANZA Cycling President and organised notable events like the “PM Blast” with then-Australian PM Tony Abbott. She also served as ANZA VP in 2020 and then as ANZA President from March 2022.
ANZA President Christopher Brown
Build it and they will come
Reflecting on her journey, Megan shares, “I believe the phrase, ‘Build it and they will come’ applies to absolutely every section of ANZA. It is purely due to the dedication of our members who volunteer so much time and energy across all of our activities that we have become (and will remain) that brilliant community that I first had a glimpse of back in 2003. I will miss you all but look forward to seeing you on the other side of ANZA-Land!”
Toph joined ANZA in 2006, quickly integrating into the community. By 2013, his youngest daughter joined ANZA Scouts, and he became a leader the following year. This year, Toph joined our Executive Committee as Community Services Coordinator, bringing his dynamic leadership and passion for community engagement to the forefront.
“It is an honour to take on the ANZA President role and to continue Megan’s great work,” Toph says. “Both Megan and I were deeply involved in weekly activities before becoming President. During my term, I hope to embrace the welcoming community and strengthen the connections between the individual activity and sports sub-groups.”
As Toph steps into his new role, the ANZA community warmly welcomes him and looks forward to continued growth under his leadership. While Megan’s contributions, soothing voice and incredible hair will be much missed, we’re all excited for the future with Toph at the helm, steering ANZA towards new horizons.
We know you should never ask a lady her age, but is Chatterbox as old as Singapore herself?
Not quite. Chatterbox has been a local fave since 1971, so while it’s not celebrating its 59th birthday along with the red dot, it’s definitely got some serious culinary cred. For over fifty years, this gem has been taking classic hawker dishes and giving them a ritzy twist. History buffs will be intrigued to know that the menu was developed by German executive chef Peter Gehrmann and initially offered three local dishes, including char kway teow, laksa, and Hainanese chicken rice. By doing so, Chatterbox became one of the earliest hotel restaurants here to serve Singaporean cuisine.
Um … has the menu expanded since?
Absolutely! Today there’s an entire lunch and dinner menu with all your Singapore favourites: Seafood Hokkien Mee, Beef Hor Fun, “Hokkien Style” Bak Kut Teh, Chendol – the lot! Chatterbox’s Mandarin Chicken Rice is legendary and considered by many to be the best on the red dot; perfectly roasted, boneless chicken paired with fragrant rice cooked in chicken fat and stock.
With such a big history, how does Chatterbox stay on trend?
Don’t think Chatterbox is stuck in the past! While it sticks to its roots with beloved local classics, it’s been elevating street food to new heights for decades and is constantly adding updated touches. Think wine pairings that complement your chicken rice, king prawns in your fried Hokkien noodles, or cute pop-ups such as pan-fried Pomfret with homemade sambal to keep diners on their toes.
What classics took your fancy?
Their signature Lobster Laksa loaded with Boston lobster, quail eggs, fish cake, thick vermicelli noodles and dried beancurd, served in a flavoursome coconut broth of spices and fresh coconut milk was our favourite (very filling) dish. The rojak came a close second with its mash-up of fruit and vegetables in a sweet prawn paste, finished with ground peanuts and deepfried cucur dang (prawn fritters).
What’s the vibe like?
Vibrant, botanical murals, a lively atmosphere, and a modern twist on classic charm. While Chatterbox has remained located in exactly the same location (inside Hilton Singapore Orchard, and The Mandarin Singapore before it), a more recent makeover has turned it into a fresh, serene and seriously good looking spot. During ANZA’s visit on a rando Wednesday lunchtime, the place with buzzing with a mix of locals and visitors.
Looking for lobster laksa? Find one of the best at Chatterbox
How does it justify its hawker food menu at restaurant prices?
Good question! Chatterbox takes those awesome hawker faves and provides them a gourmet upgrade. So while you’re still getting that comforting chicken rice and spicy chilli crab you love, you’re also enjoying high-quality ingredients and expert cooking from master chef Liew Tian Heong who has been protecting Chatterbox’s legacy for 30+ years. Oh, and the portion sizes are M-A-S-S-I-V-E.
Go on, impress us some more …
In August 2006, to commemorate its thirty-fifth anniversary, Chatterbox held a chicken rice eating competition; the winner finished his portion in one minute and eleven seconds. Note: please don’t attempt this while visiting.
Any deals for National Day?
Of course. There’s a special National Day Set Menu from now until 9 August. For just $75++, you’ll get a fabulous five-course feast: a mini-trio of Lemon Butter Prawn, Kueh Pie Tee to start, Chicken Satay, then Mini Bak Kut Teh, Chilli Crab with Mantou. The Mandarin Chicken Rice is your don’t-miss main dish followed by the Signature Coconut Ice-Cream.
And if you’re a fan of crabs, you’re in for a treat. The Chatterbox Crab Fiesta kicks off this month through to October, featuring live crabs cooked three ways for $168 per portion. Choose from the iconic Chilli Crab (August), Curry Crab (Sept), and Black Pepper Crab (October). Each portion comes with eight mini mantous, which makes it great for sharing if you’re feeling kind.
When and why should I visit?
Now is the perfect time, especially with National Day this week. It’s the ultimate spot to celebrate Singapore’s big day, offering a delicious trip through the island’s culinary heritage. Indeed, Chatterbox is not just a restaurant, it’s a piece of Singaporean history not to be missed.
August looks set to be a scorcher as some super-cool exhibitions and events hit Singapore’s shores and hot new tickets go on sale for the happenings in the future. From immersive family activities to international pop stars to even more ANZA offerings available to our wonderful community, your feet won’t touch the ground! Here’s what’s on in Singapore over the coming weeks.
Get to grips with bricks this August! Image: The Art of the Brick
The Art of the Brick
Know a LEGO® lover? The Art of the Brick experience arrives at Singapore’s EXPO Hall in late August. The 150 Lego sculptures are the creations of Nathan Sawaya, a former lawyer turned renowned artist, including a giant T-Rex sculpture and recreations of classical artworks rendered in LEGO® including Van Gogh’s Starry Night, Edvard Munch’s The Scream, and Gustav Klimt’s The Kiss. Tickets go on sale at 4pm on 8 August, so get ready!
Singapore Expo, Hall 8B, 1 Expo Drive, #02-01, 486150. Find out more
Singapore Grand Prix
For those who’ve been avoiding all news for the past few weeks, tickets for the Singapore Grand Prix from 20 – 22 September are available now! This mega event takes place Alongside the excitement of very fast cars, entertainment includes Lenny Kravitz (will his leather trousers withstand Singapore’s heat?), OneRepublic, Kool & The Gang (screeeeam!), and Australia’s very own Kylie Minogue. Tickets are on sale now. Whether Kylie pops in to ANZA’s famous Ladies Night while she’s in town remains to be seen ….
ANZA Ladies Night August welcomes the boys – because we’re nice like that
ANZA Ladies Night – Gents Welcome!
Join us for a special ANZA Ladies night on 21 August, where the gents are also invited!
Happening from 6.30pm – 9.30pm, at Cuba Libre, Clarke Quay, you’ll find discounted drinks and snacks, and a DJ playing Latin, Top40, Reggaeton, and R&B classics. Arriving alone, with friends, or a token bloke, the ANZA team will be there to greet you on the night.
21 August. 3E River Valley Rd 01-03/04 @, Clarke Quay, The Circuit, 179024. Come join us at this link
Festive Sentosa Fair
The biannual must-do Festive Sentosa Fair is back on Saturday 31 August and looks set to be bigger and better than ever. Expect a fabulous selection of Singapore’s best brands and vendors, and new and upcoming local brands selling their wares. Additionally, gift bags, goodies, high tea packages and even hotel perks can be won on the day itself. It’s the ideal place to start doing some Christmas shopping (yes, we have just mentioned the “C” word), and to scout out original finds for family and friends.
W Hotel, Sentosa Cove, 21 Ocean Way, 098374. Check out their Instagram page here for more info
Go out of this world. Image: Bubble Planet
Bubble Planet: An Immersive Experience
Following its time in Milan, the USA, Brussels and London, Bubble Planet: An Immersive Experience is making its Asia-Pacific debut in Singapore from 31 August. From the same folks who brought us Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience, this surreal and colourful interactive experience invites guests to escape into a world of bubbles across 11 uniquely themed areas – think a Bubble Bath Pit, an underwater LED Room, and an ocean of living balloons at Bubble Ocean.
ANZA Soccer is a parent-run, parent-coached, non-profit kids’ soccer club catering to all skill levels, from beginner to competitive. Our 2024-25 season starts on 31 August and welcomes players aged 3-18 to learn new skills, have fun on the pitch, and make new friends.
Our main programme is an internal league played over approximately 30 Saturdays, in which all players participate. Players in each age group are organised into balanced-ability teams of mixed-gender, plus girls-only teams (4-10 teams per age group) who then play in the internal league and also participate in external tournaments.
ANZA Soccer also offers a competition league for competitive players. Both leagues offer mid-week skills training run by our professional coaches.
Log on here for details about ANZA’s Soccer’s new season starting 31 August
Image: @the_artfool_soul
Seeds & Flowers
Date night for August is sorted with Seeds & Flowers at Esplanade Recital Studio. This rare and captivating concert brings guitarist Andrew Lim, drummer Aaron James Lee and bassist Kenji Nakano together for this special set after playing and growing in parallel over the years. The trio create a unique musical sound stemming from their roots as jazz musicians, however their music is not reserved for jazz aficionados only; it’s ideal for anyone who appreciates quietly communicative compositions and a bit of peaceful comtemplation.
ANZA’s Singing Group kicks off sessions again post-holidays on 12 August. This new community group sing a wide range of songs – pop, rock, musicals, folk, old favourites, classical, some karaoke. Let singer and educator Bernadette Nagy pass on her extensive knowledge and experience of singing alonsgide a few vocal and breathing exercises. As always, sessions will be at Sampan Place, starting at 10am, with coffee at 11.15am.
To celebrate Singapore’s 59th birthday on 9 August,, various heritage landmarks in the Bras Basah Bugis precinct will be illuminated in the National Flag colours of red and white. Spend an evening trying to take in the Armenian Church, Central Fire Station, St Joseph’s Church and Stamford Walkway – each are landmarks that symbolise SG’s shared heritage (and they’ll also make Insta Gold!).
On until 7 September
Come ghost hunting with ANZA!
Hungry Ghost Tour with ANZA Tours
Head on a trip around town to witness the various celebrations of the Hungry Ghost Festival, taking place in Singapore from 4 August – 2 September. The Chinese believe that during the seventh month of the Chinese lunar calendar, the gates of hell are flung open, and they close 30 days later after the last ghoul is carried home. Join us to discover the myths, customs, and symbolic meanings associated with this vibrant celebration. Our tour starts with dinner in Chinatown, then we’ll travel by private coach to join the locals as they celebrate this colourful festival in the heartlands.
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Bord Bia, the Irish Food Board, has joined forces with renowned Chef Andrew Walsh of famed 
About Chef Andrew Walsh
Singapore boasts one of the world’s most efficient healthcare systems, with a strong emphasis on high-quality medical care. Understanding the local approach to child health and immunisations is crucial for expat families relocating to this vibrant city-state.
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Each time you receive a letter or notification from the bank informing you on a revised interest rate, you start to question whether you should reduce your loan amount or pay it off completely. After all, many like to retire and live on rental income from properties.
The ‘St. James’s Place Partnership’ and the titles ‘Partner’ and ‘Partner Practice’ are marketing terms used to describe St. James’s Place representatives. Members of the St. James’s Place Partnership in Singapore represent St. James’s Place (Singapore) Private Limited, which is part of the St. James’s Place Wealth Management Group, and it is regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore and is a member of the Investment Management Association of Singapore and Association of Financial Advisers (Singapore). Company Registration No. 200406398R. Capital Markets Services Licence No. CMS100851. St. James’s Place Wealth Management Group Ltd Registered Office: St. James’s Place House, 1 Tetbury Road, Cirencester, Gloucestershire, GL7 1FP, United Kingdom.Registered in England Number 02627518.
Megan’s involvement with ANZA began in 2003, when she first discovered the community through ANZA magazine while visiting a friend in Singapore. Impressed by the range of activities and vibrant groups (“I thought it t looked like a pretty nifty thing to be a part of!”), she joined ANZA upon moving to Singapore later that year. Megan immersed herself in 
We know you should never ask a lady her age, but is Chatterbox as old as Singapore herself?
