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An Education That Delivers Results

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The 2018 graduating cohort at the Australian International School (AIS) has achieved outstanding results across the School’s 3 academic pathways – the New South Wales Higher School Certificate (HSC), International Baccalaureate Diploma Program (IBDP) and Vocational Education and Training (VET). Highlights include a 100% pass rate on the IBDP for a third year running, and an average point score of 35.2, which is almost 6 points higher than the global average. One of our highest achievers is Alicia Wong, an IBDP graduate who achieved the top IB score of 45 points. She shares her experience on how she achieved this.

How did you feel when you achieved an IB top score of 45/45?

When I received the phone call about my results, I was shocked and couldn’t believe it. I had put in a great amount of effort throughout the course of two years to prepare for the exams and to hear that I have achieved the top mark was a great testament to the fact that hard work does pay off!

The IB pathway has certainly prepared me for University, so I am excited for my next academic endeavour, knowing that with this score, the possibilities are endless.

How did you prepare for your examinations?

The preparation for the final IB examinations required a lot of prioritisation and effective time management to ensure I had left enough time to rest as well.

In terms of revising, I set-up a study timetable so that I was able to cover all of the content, leaving enough time to ask my teachers questions on anything I was unsure of. I completed a substantial number of past papers to ensure I was both comfortable and familiar with the exam format and style of questions, where for some subjects I even attempted all the past papers from 1999 until 2018!

However, with that being said, I tried not to over-work and stress myself out in the final weeks leading up to the exam, because at the end of the day, I had to trust in myself with the preparation I had consistently done throughout the two years.

What are your future plans?

I am currently waiting to hear back from some universities which I had chosen but my ambition is to study Medicine in Australia either doing a combined double degree or a postgraduate degree.

After completing that, I hope to have the opportunity to travel around the world to gain new experiences and potentially get involved in medically-based service for the less fortunate communities who lack access to healthcare.

I also plan to also continue growing my YouTube channel “studycollab: alicia” and website “study-collab.com” which provides students worldwide with useful tips and resources about organisation and effective revision!

How has AIS helped you to achieve your goals? 

A great deal of my success in achieving my goals was contributed by the wonderful teachers I had throughout my time in AIS, especially within the last two years. My teachers were not only thorough in their approach, but were also extremely supportive. Their undeniable passion for teaching in their respective subjects was very inspiring and motivated me to work harder to pursue my goals and passions.

AIS has also supported a number of my interests in community service and leadership by giving me a myriad of unique opportunities. For example, having the chance to organise fundraising events throughout the year for different charities and partake in life changing trips to underprivileged communities in India and Cambodia. All these experiences and the people I have met through them at AIS has truly shaped me into the person I am today.

New Polo School in Turf City

Where are you from originally?
I’m originally from Australia and Patrick is from Argentina. We met in the UK in 2001 where we were both working and traveling; we got married and lived there for 10 years. Our first two children, Lucas (12) and Matias (10) were born there. Patrick was transferred to Hong Kong in 2009 and we moved there before even knowing the place! We lived in Hong Kong for five years, where our third child Amelie (6) was born, before moving to Singapore in 2015.

What’s your ANZA connection?
We joined ANZA when we first arrived in Singapore and within a couple of months I took on a volunteer role with ANZA Soccer as an Age Group Coordinator (AGC). Along with my friend Michelle Wheeler I’m AGC for the U14’s. Patrick has been an ANZA coach for both Lucas and Matias’s soccer teams every year and we attend various ANZA events.

Why did you want to set up Colts?
Patrick has been involved with horses and polo all his life. He was the driver of the children’s polo program at the Singapore Polo club, which grew from a handful of kids to a large group of over 20 children in a short period of time. We thought there was a great opportunity to introduce new riders to polo. Singapore has a large equestrian community and a number of kids that were taking riding lessons wanted to try polo. They loved it! Riding and polo are great sports to learn from a young age. Our riding school provides not only a sports experience, but also an educational one – kids have to take responsibility for the care, welfare and performance of the horses. There is a lot more to riding than just riding!

Who is the riding and polo school for?
We are targeting children from age five and onwards, but we also invite adults of every experience who would like to try polo. We aim to make Colts a more inclusive riding school, and grow a community of riders in a fun, safe and family-friendly environment.

Does anyone else in your family play polo?
Lucas and Matias have been learning to play polo for about two years now, taking lessons at the Singapore Polo Club. Amelie will start riding now as well. I need to get over my fear of horses (after being thrown off when younger), before I’ll attempt to ride again!

Is this a change of direction for your family?
Patrick was a corporate banker with more than 20 years of experience. He left banking earlier last year to set up other sports-related ventures. It was a natural transition as he’s always loved sports and is passionate about development of youth sport in particular. After being a stay-at-home mum for the past 12 years, I’ve gone back to the workforce as a teaching assistant. I’ll be involved in the riding school out of school hours, and leave the riding to the experts!

What were the challenges of setting up a riding school in Singapore?
Setting up a company is actually really easy in Singapore, but the equestrian side is a bit more tricky. Most of the horses at Colts will be from overseas (Argentina and UK), so we had to go through the process of sourcing and buying the horses, quarantine in the country of origin, then shipment and quarantine again in Singapore.Overall, the experience has been great.

What is fantastic about being around these beautiful animals?
Horses are indeed beautiful, noble animals. Understanding their personalities, behaviours and how to make them perform is something that’s learned over time. But when it happens, it’s an incredible experience. We encourage everyone to give it a try!

Fast facts!
Location:
Turf City (104 Turf City Road)
Classes available:
• Mini Riding lessons for 5-8 year olds,
• Children’s Lessons for 9-14 year olds and
• Adult Lessons for 15+
• Group and individual lessons
• Regular practice ‘chukkas’ for kids and adults (Chukkas are the time periods a polo match is divided into)
• School holiday polo & riding camps

Great Australia Day BBQ 2019

4200+ people flocked to the Australian International School on 27 January for a hugely successful Great Australia Day BBQ 2019, Proudly presented by HSBC. It was another day of family fun and Aussie spirit as a happy crowd enjoyed delicious sausage sangers and pies, jumping castles, dunk tanks, slip ’n slides, fantastic food and drinks, live music, face painting and craft workshops.

ANZA’s sports and interest groups were out in force – demonstrating what our organisation offers its members and there were 40 lively market stalls and craft workshops.

Special thanks to our event partner AIS, all the volunteers and sponsors HSBC, Eastern Carpets, Expat Dental, The Entertainer and The Butcher. See you next year!

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4 Must-Dos After Moving to Singapore

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  1. Create Your Dream Place

Whether you’re looking for a condominium in Holland Village or a quaint shophouse in Katong, rest assured that you’ll receive exclusive offers with our real estate partners from Propnex, ERA and Mutual Benefits. Found the perfect place, but need help sprucing it up with your own style? Our furnishing partners Esco Leasing and Romanez might be of help.

  1. Get the Lowdown on Singapore’s Education, Legal, & Tax System

You know what they say, the best advice is always free. Enjoy complimentary consultations across the legal and tax sector with our trusted partners. Get familiarised with Singapore law with Summit Law Corporation, and understand how the Singapore tax system works with Costline. Still deciding between an international school and a national curriculum school for your child? Our partners like Purry Consultant Services can point you in the right direction.

  1. Get Local With Your Lifestyle

Unlock a range of exciting offers with your HSBC card. Get offers on your mobile plans, fitness subscriptions, and even yacht charters! That’s not all — look forward to exclusive 1-for-1 ENTERTAINER with HSBC deals that let you savour Singapore’s exciting foodscape. Think Jamie’s Italian, Tenkaichi Japanese BBQ Restaurant and more!

  1. Find A Community To Call Home

Being away from home is much easier when you have a community you can rely on. That’s why HSBC is proud to be the Platinum Sponsor of ANZA’s Great Australian Day BBQ 2019! Join us on 27 Jan to participate in fun activities and stand to win exclusive gifts. Our Relationship Managers will also be present to answer any queries you might have.

If you would like us to contact you with more details, please click here to register your interest.

You can also join HSBC by simply crediting your monthly salary to an HSBC Premier or Advance account. Look forward to a suite of international banking services and partner privileges. Head over to www.hsbc.com.sg/expat for more details.

 

Cooking & Feasting with MasterChef’s Audra Morrice

When did you first want to be a chef?
From the age of 11, I used to bake during Chinese New Year or Christmas for friends and family. I’ve always dreamt of having my own little shop where I’d serve up freshly baked goods, run baking classes and sell branded goodies in beautiful little boxes. Delicious cookies, brownies, orange cakes…essentially everything I like to eat! It solidified when I joined MasterChef Australia in 2012 as a contestant. That was the pivotal moment that defined what I was going to do for the rest of my life: be a chef.

What is your new cookbook about?
Cook & Feast is a collection of delicious recipes with cross-cultural influences from my heritage, as well as my travels. I wanted to create recipes that would give people a reason to literally cook and feast with their friends and family.

Best part of being a judge on Singapore’s MasterChef?
Being part of a food revolution in Singapore. Viewers of the show become more knowledgeable about produce and ingredients and how to cook and that brings them back into the kitchen. On a different level, people sometimes need a little nudge to realise their dreams, and as a judge I can do that. I’m very thankful that as a former contestant I was pushed outside my comfort zone, because only then do you learn and truly realise what you’re capable of.

What did you think of the contestants?
We had an amazing diversity of individuals and I don’t just mean culturally. Everyone had different stories and most importantly they managed to weave that into the food they cooked. The best performers created food that they related to and represented. The winner, Zander Ng, was very clear in his vision, his cuisine, and who he was as a cook.

Where is home to you – Singapore or Australia?
I literally have the best of both worlds. Singapore is where I was born and raised, and it’s had the most amazing cultural influence on my love and passion for food. Australia has allowed me to explore and experiment with some of the greatest produce in the world, not to mention giving me the opportunity to kick start my cooking career. I am so blessed and proud to call both my home.

What do you love the most about both countries?
Singapore – My family, the richness of cultural diversity, which is the crux of my cooking, and the nation’s obsession with food.
Australia – The beautiful seasonal produce grown by hardworking, committed farmers, and the amazing landscape which has taught me that we need to eat, shop and manage our food cycle, to aim towards a healthy, sustainable future.

Have your two sons shown any flair for cooking?
They have been making their own cooked breakfasts since they were very young, around the age of six. Omelettes with sautéed kale and crispy chorizo were popular. My older son, who’s now 15, has recently taken a real interest in being able to cook a decent meal, which I’m thrilled about. He often comes into the kitchen while I’m cooking and asks to help. Between the two of them, he is definitely the more adventurous one, loves his food and will give just about anything a try! As for the little one, we are slowly making progress!

Where will we see you next?
I’m in the process of creating more pop-up dining events in Singapore, with the aim to establish one big event… watch this space! On a more personal level, this year saw me spend time back at my old school CHIJ, talking to the girls on being passionate about what they want to do and creating their own paths in life. I hope to spend more time with kids in 2019, mentoring them to be strong, resilient individuals, embracing experiences with an open mind and heart. And to remember that there are no mistakes or failures, each experience comes with great learning and clarity and will ultimately lead us where we want to go.

What are your resolutions for 2019?
I’ll keep it simple and totally achievable – to cook and feed more people my glorious food

Audra’s books can be purchased at all leading bookstores including Kinokuniya. Follow Audra on audramorrice.com.au/tv @audramorrice

Australia Day Tastes

The Corner Store
If you simply can’t celebrate Australia Day without Clinkers, Caramello Koalas, Smith’s Salt & Vinegar chips or Helga’s bread, just pop down to The Corner Store. This online grocery delivers Aussie groceries right to your front door in Singapore, including dips, snacks, dairy foods, cereals and breads.
thecornerstore.myfoodworks.com.au

Limwood Gourmet
Get a taste of the NSW Hunter Valley wine and food region right here in Singapore. Gourmet food distributor Limwood Gourmet distributes Pukara Estate’s extra virgin olive oils and vinegars, salts, dukkahs and savoury jams.
limwoodgourmet.com

Oporto
Beloved Portuguese chicken chain, Oporto started selling its flame-grilled chicken burgers on Bondi Beach in 1986. Now they’ve set up shop in Holland Village (No. 3 Lorong Liput, #01-01 Holland Piazza) slinging delicious burgers, wraps, salads, sides and their original, legendary Hot Chilli sauce. oporto.sg

The Butcher
The Butcher offers a large range of Australian lamb, veal, free-range pork and grass-fed beef, turkey, duck and antibiotic-free chicken with no added hormones, as well as a selection of seafood. Get your Australia Day lamb or snags in time for the big day!
thebutcher.com.sg

Café Melba & Boomerang
Looking for a little Aussie café and pub atmosphere? Café Melba (cafemelba.com.sg) at Goodman Arts Centre offers a lawn area and alfresco dining, weekend jumping castle and Mod Oz menu, including Chicken Parma, Fish and Chips, pizzas and good steak.
Boomerang Bistro and Bar at
Robertson Quay serves Aussie cuisine, with a side of live sports. Try classic avo and feta smash on toast, sharing platters of Moreton Bay seafood, or even a kangaroo loin! boomarang.com.sg

Celebrate Australia Day with ANZA!
For the sixth fun-filled year, ANZA and the Australian International School (AIS) have teamed up to host the Great Australia Day BBQ, held at the AIS campus. Join us in celebrating Down Under’s big day, as we fire up the grill, chill the eski and invite all our mates round for a party. Expect delicious eats including the all-time BBQ favourites and meat pies from The Butcher, ice-cream and ice kachang to keep things cool, great coffee, and plenty of cold bevvies. Vegetarians – we have you covered with plenty of yummy vego options on offer. When: Sunday 27 January, 2pm-6pm at the Australian International School.

Chinese New Year Festivities

Street Light Up
South Bridge Road
From 19 January, vibrant piglet-themed street lights designed by the Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD) will adorn South Bridge Road. Lighting at 7pm each night, they form a giant Chinese character “Spring” and the auspicious carp. Get an aerial view from one of the overpasses that span over the street.

Chinatown Nightly Stage Shows
Kreta Ayer Square
Head to this popular gathering point for local Chinese communities and take in loads of music and other entertainment each night from 8pm-10.30pm. Don’t miss the exciting Lion Dance Competition on 26 January, where the most skilful troupes from around Singapore and Asia will vie for the title of the ‘King of the Lions’. Bring ear plugs for kids who don’t love loud drums and clashing cymbals!

Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum
288 South Bridge Road, 058840
As its name suggests, this temple houses the sacred Buddha tooth relic, which is displayed on the 4th floor. It’s easy to spend an hour or two at this peaceful Buddhist temple. Artworks and statues sprawl over five floors, and a museum showcases other revered Buddhist artefacts. A small tea house is located on the second floor – relax there with a cuppa and taste simple vegetarian cuisine.

Festival Street Bazaar (From 18 Jan-4 Feb)
Located directly outside Chinatown MRT Station (Pagoda Street, Smith Street, Sago Street, Temple Street and Trengganu Street)
Browse a huge range of CNY goodies at these colourful, bustling street stalls. Pick up sweets and other items, including seaweed crackers, pineapple tarts, love letters, prawn rolls, preserved fruits, potted plants, flowers, festive clothing, decorations, paper art, red packets and even pig plushies!

Chinatown Complex
335 Smith Street, 050335
Peckish? Head to this longstanding food centre, home to over 200 hawker stalls. Fill your table with local eats, from Hainanese chicken rice to popiah, laksa, ice kachang and char kway teow. Try Michelin-starred grub from the famous Hong Kong Soya Sauce Chicken stall (#02-127). A decent wet market and other sundry stalls fill up the rest of the complex for groceries or supplies.

Noodleman
19 Smith St, 058933
Looking to rest your feet and feast on authentic Chinese food? Pop into this fabulous Cantonese shophouse eatery. Slurp on bowls of hand-pulled noodles (la mian) made the old-fashioned way, handmade pork soup dumplings (xiao long bao), pot stickers, sweet and sour pickles and cups of steaming tea.

Chinatown Walking Trail
Information Booth at Kreta Ayer Square
This free street expedition winds through Kreta Ayer Road, Sago Street, Pagoda Street and New Bridge Road, taking in the fascinating history of the area. The walks take place on select days and are capped at 10 participants. Pre-registration at chinatownfestivals.sg

Chinese New Year Countdown Party
New Bridge Road and Eu Tong Sen Street
Welcome in the Year of the Pig with a countdown, live performances by local celebs, games, and an explosive fireworks display. The party starts at 9.30pm and usually kicks on well past midnight.

Official Light Up and Opening Ceremony
New Bridge Road and Eu Tong Sen Street
Join the official street light up and opening ceremony on 19 January from 6pm-10pm. View spectacular live performances from local and visiting performers, featuring skits, song and dance, acrobatic and martial arts performances.

4 Common Expat Questions Answered

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Moving to a new country is no small feat. Looking for the right neighbourhood, learning about the culture and setting up your finances can be much easier if you have someone on the ground. Plus, the journey doesn’t end there — it takes time to understand a country’s nuances.

Whether you’ve been here a long time or are new to Singapore, there are always more ways to get local. And with HSBC’s new partnership with ANZA, it’s never been easier. Read on to find out about the four most commonly asked questions about moving to The Red Dot.

  1. What should I do before making the move?

One of the most important things you should have is a local bank account, so you can get your finances in order before you arrive. At HSBC, we pride ourselves on being a global bank, with a local presence. That’s why we’re the only bank in Singapore that helps you seamlessly set up your account before you even arrive. As ANZA members, you can look forward to a smooth transition into this beautiful city.

  1. I’m new to Singapore. How do I start building a life for my family here?

Take the time to celebrate your big move and we’ll settle the rest. Once here, you’ll gain access to our full suite of services to settle you into everyday life. Think 800 touchpoints, contactless payments and paying for MRT rides with just your HSBC debit card. Thinking long-term? Whether it’s building your dream home or securing your child’s dreams, you’ll enjoy attractive interest rates on personal loans and deposits that let you fund what matters most to you.

  1. How can I easily manage my finances across different countries?

As a global citizen, we understand your need to stay connected to the world. Look forward to worldwide access with just one account: Enjoy free international fund transfers between your HSBC accounts, FX rates on-the-go and free cash withdrawals at all HSBC ATMs worldwide. For life’s unexpected moments, we also provide international medical coverage for you and your loved ones.

  1. Which school should I place my child in. Which area should I move to?

No matter where you’re from, we all love and need the same things. That’s why we go beyond banking to provide you with guides on how to get local in Singapore – from tips on the best neighbourhoods, international schools, eating spots and more.

Wherever life moves you, we are here to help you bridge both your local and international needs.

Enjoy exclusive HSBC welcome offers

  • Be rewarded with up to S$1980 cash credit* when you join HSBC Premier
  • Be rewarded with up to S$350 cash credit* when you join HSBC Advance

You can also join HSBC simply by crediting your monthly salary to an HSBC Premier or Advance account, and enjoy a suite of international banking services and partner privileges. Click here to register your interest.

*Terms and conditions apply.

Head over to www.hsbc.com.sg/expat for more details or pop down to the HSBC booth at the Great Australian Day BBQ on 27 January 2019 to have a chat with us and enjoy additional perks!

 

 

ANZA Cricket 2019

With cricket season upon us again, ANZA’s Cricket Club is back on the pitch and looking forward to the social Masters League and other social games throughout 2019, as well as entering three teams in the more competitive Singapore Cricket Association League.

Need a reason to sign up? Cricket is fantastic for fitness, balance and hand-eye coordination, along with increased endurance and stamina. And of course there are the social benefits, which can be a lifesaver when you’re an expat. “Joining a club like ANZA Cricket is a great way to develop team skills and make friends,” says Clive Tilbrook. “We’re always looking for new players and we’re a very social club, so it’s lots of fun.”

Fancy having a go? “ANZA Cricket in an inclusive club with regular training sessions at the Singapore Cricket Club nets every Monday evening, and league and social games from January right through until October – there is a lot of cricket to go around,” says Clive. “Throw in an end of season trip and you have close to all year-round cricket, playing at locations from our home ground at Dempsey Hill to the Padang and Ceylon Sports Club to name just a few. All cricketers are welcome, from seasoned professionals to young guns. Unfortunately, ANZA currently does not run a program for junior cricketers.”

Where? Turn up for training at Singapore Cricket Club Nets 7-9pm Mondays ($10 fee) on the southern corner of the Padang or sign up here

When? ANZA Cricket play fixtures throughout the year, with league games from January to October on Saturdays and Sundays.

Did you know? Cricket has been played in Singapore since the first clubs were created in the mid 1800’s!

Separating overseas — do you have a right to spousal maintenance? 

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Relationship separations that occur overseas can place a large amount of pressure on expatriate couples, especially if one person has relocated internationally to support their spouse. It is not uncommon for one party to find themselves without access to funds required for day-to-day living expenses, as well as struggling to cover legal costs.

In Singapore, only married couples can make a claim for maintenance. In Australia, you do not need to be married to seek spousal maintenance — if you and your partner are not married, you will need to demonstrate that you were in a de facto relationship.

What is spousal maintenance?

Spousal maintenance is a type of financial support. Countries such as Australia, Singapore, the UK, and Hong Kong all recognise that, in some circumstances, it may be necessary for a person to pay maintenance (also known as alimony) to their former partner.

It is common for courts in Singapore and Australia to order that maintenance be paid in monthly installments or by way of a single lump sum.

How do courts decide on an appropriate amount of spousal maintenance?

When making an order for maintenance, Singaporean courts will have regard to the financial needs of the parties, any physical or mental disabilities, the age of the parties, the length of the marriage, the parties’ contributions, and the standard of living enjoyed during the marriage.

Australian courts consider a similar range of factors, as well as each person’s ability to work.

A significant difference between the two jurisdictions is that both men and women can claim spousal maintenance in Australia. However, in Singapore men can only claim spousal maintenance if they have been incapacitated by illness or a physical/intellectual disability.

How long can a spousal maintenance order last for?

In Australia, spousal maintenance orders are generally a short-term solution for a person with little or no access to funds. A spousal maintenance order will typically last for a few years.

Courts in other jurisdictions (including Singapore) are more likely to make ongoing spousal maintenance orders that do not have a certain expiry date.

A recent case in the UK made headlines when a wife returned to court, 15 years after final orders were made, seeking an increase in her annual maintenance sum. The wife had received sufficient funds to purchase a property, but had subsequently entered into what the court deemed “a series of unwise transactions” resulting in a need to pay rent.

The Court of Appeal agreed to increase her husband’s annual spousal maintenance payments by more than £4,000 before the Supreme Court overturned the decision.  Nonetheless, the original maintenance order will remain until the wife remarries or a further court order is made.

Can I apply for maintenance overseas and register the order or agreement in Australia?

The Australian Government allows the registration of spousal maintenance agreements in reciprocating jurisdictions, which include Singapore, Hong Kong, the USA, the UK, and Malaysia.

Which forum is best for me?

The most appropriate jurisdiction for any matter will depend on a number of factors. As outlined above, different countries have significantly different approaches to the payment of spousal maintenance. It is important to seek legal advice as soon as you separate because limitation periods apply in some jurisdictions.

About Lander & Rogers

The Lander & Rogers Family & Relationship Law group is Australia’s largest team of Family Law Accredited Specialists. We offer discreet and practical advice to suit your specific relationship needs and circumstances.

If this scenario resonates with you, please contact us on +61 3 9269 9000. With Lander & Rogers, you gain access to a leading provider of family law services in Australasia and internationally. We provide expertise in international relationship and family law matters, including international property, alimony, child support, and relocation regulations. Our lawyers are Accredited Specialists and qualified mediators, and we have strong alliances with international firms throughout Singapore, Hong Kong and the rest of Asia, the USA, and Europe.

By Rachell Davey, Special Counsel, and Nicola Cooper, Lawyer, at Lander & Rogers

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