Singapore on the 19th August 2023, during the WOMENS PRO Race at the PTO Asian Open at Marina Bay, Singapore, (Photo: That Cameraman/PTO)
One of the most scenic sports events of the year is here. After a successful rebrand, the Singapore T100 (formerly known as the PTO Asian Open) has unveiled its stunning and unique course set to take place on April 13 and 14 in the heart of Marina Bay. Whether it’s the T100 triathlon (2km swim/80km bike/18km run) or the shorter duathlon races
(Standard – 5km run/32km cycle/5km run; Long – 9.5km run/64km cycle/9.5km run), professional and amateur athletes alike will find themselves surrounded by amazing views and landmarks of Singapore as they take on their respective races.
The triathlon route includes:
● A 2km freshwater swim in Marina Bay – Competitors will set off in a rolling start format
from the pontoon and large marker buoys will guide them around the Bay on a point-to-
point swim. With a usual water temperature of 28°C, it is a non-wetsuit swim.
● A challenging 80km cycle on closed roads – The multi-lap 16km circuit will start and finish
at the Bayfront Event Space and take athletes up the famous Benjamin Sheares Bridge to
give panoramic views of the city.
● A flat 18km run on the waterfront promenade – set against the world famous sights of
Marina Bay Sands, and the Marina Barrage, the fast run provides a scenic backdrop to
complete the 100km journey.
Participants will also be able to catch a glimpse of iconic landmarks such as the Singapore Flyer, Fullerton Hotel and the ArtScience Museum. Roads along the route will be closed, allowing athletes to participate safely.
Singapore on the 19th August 2023, during the WOMENS PRO Race at the PTO Asian Open at Marina Bay, Singapore, (Photo: That Cameraman/PTO)
Sign-ups for the triathlon and duathlon are open. Returning for its second edition, the Singapore T100 will again feature mass participation triathlon and duathlon races as well as a competitive 100km triathlon featuring some of the world’s top professional triathletes.
With a multi-lap course for each leg of the race, the Singapore T100 is the place to be for a front-row seat to world-class triathlon action. Spectators can witness their favourite athletes in action live or cheer their loved ones on up-close at spectator zones along the course.
Eventgoers can also find an array of activities at the event village. An array of stalls will be available giving participants and fans plenty of food and beverage options. Over 30 sports and lifestyle vendors will also have booths selling merchandise and quality sports gear. Kids also get to enjoy exciting activities such as basketball, mini golf and air hockey.
With something for everyone, the Singapore T100 is the place to be.
One of the highly anticipated events of the school year, Book Week, is given its well-deserved recognition and celebration at Chatsworth International School every year. The significance of Book Week resonates down the whole school. Themed ‘Reading Unites Us’ this school year of 2023-24, the gamut of activities specially curated to appeal to the various age groups is aimed to inspire love of reading, bringing students closer to the world of books and strengthening the bonds among our community.
Highlights of Book Week Include:
Continuous Reading Chair
A new activity introduced this year, Chatsworth encouraged members of our community including parents to participate in a 15-minute silent reading on the Continuous Reading Chair. Non-stop reading of books of all kinds including newspapers and magazines, took place on two cosy chairs for the whole school day. It was heartening to see students joining the readers on the chairs for their daily dose of reading.
Author Visits
Best-selling authors were invited to provide talks to our students of the various year levels where such sessions enthuse students about reading and create opportunities for them to interact with the author. Students enjoyed meeting the authors in person and online, hearing first-hand from them about the books and topics written.
Mystery Readers
In our mystery reader sessions, Chatsworth parents and secondary students volunteered their time to read a story to the younger primary students, usually in the comfort of their homeroom. Mystery reading sessions are a great way to expose students to readers with different styles other than their homeroom teacher and build excitement for reading.
Book Drive & Book Exchange
At Chatsworth, school events like Book Week are also opportunities for service learning and good causes. A Book Drive to collect new, used or preloved books in good condition was held throughout the week. The books will be donated to Books Beyond Borders after they have been sorted out. The primary student council organised a Book Exchange, where students brought a book from home along with a small donation, in order to bring home another book they like. Funds raised go toward Room to Read, a non-profit organisation that aims to improve literacy and gender inequality in education.
Book Character Parade
Book Week culminated in a book character parade where students and teachers transformed themselves into all sorts of characters from the literary world. They paraded in fascinating costumes (many were spotted holding a book they have referenced to in their hands) to the cheers of the audience. Other exciting activities included door decorating competitions, stuffed toys sleepover for the early years, a book buffet, book reading challenge and more. With the whole school participating in a range of activities throughout the week it is easy to see how Chatsworth makes books and reading seriously fun and exciting!
Want to know more about how Chatsworth International School, which has won the Best IB School in Singapore and The Curriculum Awards (IB), inspires students to become their best selves, contact Admissions for a tour now.
Whilst ‘heading to the Bush’ is not uncommon in Australia, Singaporean schools have not yet embraced the benefits that an extended residential wilderness programme in Australia offers. By providing learning and experiential opportunities in a safe environment, young people develop the levels of emotional resilience to be effective agents of their own path. Tanglin’s Highlands Programme based at its new Gippsland campus, will be a very different experiential learning experience to the co-curricular trips and expeditions that students at international schools in Singapore typically go on.
A rich history of holistic learning
The importance of experiential learning can be found in Tanglin’s rich history. In 1934, Tanglin’s founder, Miss Griffiths Jones, opened a boarding school in the Malaysian Highlands which offered a healthy, safe, and refreshing new learning environment for her pupils.
Today, sitting in the bush on the traditional territory of the Gunakurnai people, Tanglin students will gain a new perspective from their learning environment, as they spend time finding out more about the history and geography of the area from both Indigenous and non-Indigenous perspectives.
The outdoor programme fosters teamwork, confidence, resilience and grit
A brand new Experiential Learning Programme for Year 9s
Tanglin understands that at this age, it’s important to not just develop academic knowledge but also essential life skills, confidence in learning, and a sense of belonging to a larger community.
The new five week Highlands Programme has been designed to encompass these aims and students will experience a healthy mix of learning both in and outside the classroom. Studies will be tailored to maximise experiences in the natural environment and broaden perspectives. So, students will be able to learn more about Gippsland’s rich mining and maritime history and the region’s abundant flora and fauna. The rural nature of the programme will also offer plenty of fieldwork opportunities in the studies of Biology and Geography. Disconnected from devices, students’ timetables will feature daily fitness,
outdoor expeditions, and of course free time to simply enjoy their natural surroundings. The culmination of The Highlands Programme will be a Rite of Passage experience, where students will be tested to apply all the skills they have acquired during their transformative 5 weeks of independent living. Camaraderie, resilience, and initiative will have been established amongst the group of Year 9’s, and hopefully, they will leave from their time at Tanglin Gippsland with a lasting sense of adventure too.
Returning to Singapore students can draw on their experiences, with memories of starry nights, long hikes and exploring in the bush with their friends, as they continue their adolescent journey and prepare for the next stages of their education.
Preparing students for the future
In creating the Highlands Programme, Tanglin has reflected on its past and used it to create a contemporary new learning experience for current and future students. This ambitious endeavour demonstrates Tanglin’s ongoing commitment to providing a holistic education that values experiences outside of the classroom to help better prepare students for the wider world.
Learn more about Tanglin’s new Highlands Programme at www.tts.edu.sg
ANZA Cycling said goodbye to another great year of cycling, tours and friendship with a fabulous end of year bash at The Dempsey Project. The evening kicked off with a buzz as Abraham Metta took the stage, charming the crowds with his unique way of making everyone feel right at home. He didn’t waste a minute before diving into the warm welcomes and special thanks. There were some fresh new faces on the cycling committee to highlight – Ashrin Amir, who’s jazzing up the club’s events, and new Road Director Scott Mitchell, who’s steering us into exciting rides for 2024.
During the sponsor’s shout-out the crowd went wild for TVH Group who we’re thrilled to announce as our main sponsor – Daniel Brownlie was there soaking up the gratitude. A huge shout-out also went to Odin Mortgage and Tax who’ve joined the gang along with the folks from Strength Clinic Academy. We’re so happy to have you on board!
Of course, it wasn’t all speeches, handshakes and applause. We had our own ANZA Cycling heroes to highlight such as Martin Herbrich and Gillian Li who did us proud at the Tour de Batam. Martin absolutely smashed it with a stage win, and Gillian showed everyone how it’s done by finishing first in her category.
Then there were prizes, prizes and more prizes – the generosity of our sponsors was something else. Trouble Brewing provided some swag and TVH some very cool Bluetooth speakers. A special thank you also goes to member Martin Tresca from DCK Board Shorts as well as Wouter Duyck from Zenko Superfoods. It was the always-smiling Sarah Zhang who won the big prize, a shiny new Chapter 2 frameset from BB Bike Studio. We can’t wait to see her hit the road on that beauty.
The night also included some very touching moments, with Megan Kinder and Andrew Cherriman receiving Lifetime Memberships. Megan, our former club president and current ANZA President, has done wonders for ANZA Cycling, setting the bar high for how we roll today. Andrew, with his captain hat on for the Saturday rides and his knack for organising the annual KL trip, has been the heartbeat of our community.
Everyone mingled and shared stories of their two-wheeled escapades while enjoying nibbles and sipping drinks. It was a night that reminded us all why we love the club so much. ANZA Cycling is not just about the biking; it’s about the people, the friendships, and the good times we have when we’re not pounding the pedals. Here’s to another year of great rides and company!
ANZA Cycling Social Drinks Night!
If you think the above sounded fun, join us for our next club-sponsored social night! Relax after work and mingle with fellow ANZA Cycling members. Enjoy free-flowing wine, beer, and soft drinks, complimentary nibbles, and great company!
You must be a current ANZA Cycling member to attend this event.
Date: Wednesday, 20th March 2024 Time: 6.45-9PM Location: Tapas24 (directions here) Cycling Members RSVP on BUNJI here Find out more about ANZA Cyclinghere.
Whether you’re new to town or have been here for a while, there is one event you should mark in your calendar: Boutique Fairs Singapore, a three-day shopping event that champions more than 300 design-forward, boutique brands on the island. Be spoiled for choice as you discover products across women’s and men’s fashion and accessories, home decor and lifestyle products, children’s toys, and food and beverages. Find the perfect fit for your style, be it bold colours, prints and patterns, or understated, minimalist pieces. If shopping sustainably is important to you, Boutiques has you covered too.
Each edition, Boutiques presents a rare opportunity to personally connect with brand owners and designers, and to learn the story, creative vision, and craft behind every piece. Among our community of brands are labels with global design sensibilities, both expat and local-owned, and international brands making their Singapore debut at Boutique.
Many participants do not retail at physical stores, so this is a great chance to get a first-hand look at their products, feel their fabrics and material, and experience them in person. Concerned about height and sizing for apparel? You will always get the right one at Boutiques – no need to bother with returns. As always, many labels offer new collections exclusively, so prepare to be the first to shop lots of new and exciting pieces from beloved brands while getting acquainted with new ones!
This edition, Boutiques will be unveiling more dedicated cafe seating and savoury meals catering to different dietary preferences to make your experience even more comfortable. They will also continue to offer a free shuttle bus service from Millenia Walk, so you can skip the extra steps and get to the venue without breaking a sweat.
With plenty of brands and designers to discover, bites and beverages to savour, and activities, talks and workshops to enjoy, you will want to take your time to get the full Boutiques experience. Come and go any time throughout all three days on a single $5 ticket. For those bringing the whole family, children under 12 enter for free.
Event Details The Spring Summer 2024 Edition of Boutique Fairs Singapore
Fri, Apr 26, 10am-8pm
Sat, Apr 27, 10am-8pm
Sun, Apr 28, 10am-6pm
F1 Pit Building
1 Republic Boulevard, 038975
Enjoy three-day unlimited entry for just $5. Tickets are available online
from 5 March 2024
Singapore is famous for its iconic tourist attractions, awe-inspiring buildings, and glitzy veneer, but what happens when you scratch beneath the shiny surface to discover a more lesser-known side of our adopted home? You find a secret world of hidden havens and enigmatic happenings – many of them hiding in plain sight. Let’s go!
INCOGNITO EATERIES
Smith Marine Floating Restaurant What started out in 2006 as a wooden fish farm off Changi and Pulau Ubin, has been revamped to become a modern kelong with the first Floating Seafood Restaurant in Singapore. As one of the most unique dining options around, today Smith Marine offers mouthwatering set menus alongside a one-of-a-kind dining experience where guests can fish for their meals before the chefs get busy in the kitchen. smithmarine.com.sg
Lou Shang Taking secrets to a whole new level, last year the owners of Mama Diam (above) opened Lou Shang , a hidden gem located directly upstairs. Scale the HDB letterboxes, dustbin, noticeboard, and excessive pamphlets to access the lobby lift button and voila! The cafe-to-cocktail bar concept has a different vibe and menu to its sister-restaurant including Rainbow Roti, Murgh Makhani, and very creative locally-inspired drinks. @loushang.prinsep
Mama Diam Mama Diam is the name for a convenience store in Singapore often found under a HDB block. This quirky eaterie resembles just that from the outside, but push the shelf of magazines and you’ll find a speakeasy bar complete with old-school HDB stools, vintage knick-knacks and traditional snacks. Crowd faves include Mama Diam’s signature Crab Kueh Pie Tee as well as their unique cocktails using local ingredients such as Pandan, Sour Plum and Halia. 38 Prinsep Street, 188665 mamadiamsg.com
Synthesis This hush-hush restaurant is fooling everyone with its TCM-inspired storefront in Suntec City. Behind the apothecary medicine chests is something of an ‘uber entrance’ which first leads into a sleek neon-lit passageway (great for Insta), then into a sultry speakeasy offering private booths and dining tables. The menu is Mod-Sin and as for the TCM that lured you inside, you can choose from TCM-inspired or local-inspired cocktails. 3 Temasek Boulevard #01-643 Suntec City Tower 4, 038983synthesis.sg
The Dragon Chamber This is something of a Singapore stalwart, but if you’re new to the island you won’t want to miss it – except for you probably will because it’s super-hidden. Head for the corner kopitiam on Keong Saik Road where patrons are sipping beer and slurping noodles. Maintain the right level of “confused face” and a secret panel in the kopitiam wall will be opened for you to enter inside. Once seated, the menu reveals a plethora of delicious age-old Chinese dishes that never caught on in mainstream restaurants. 2 Circular Road, 049358 thedragonchamber.com
SECRET SIPS
Starbucks @ Bird Paradise Beautiful is not a word that you tend to associate with Starbucks (sorry Bucksies!), but it seems appropriate for the outlet at Bird Paradise. Grab your drink from this eco-friendly sanctuary at Mandai Wildlife West, and you might forget to visit the park altogether. Made from sustainable materials, boasting rustic furniture, quirky artwork and outdoor and indoor seating, coffee in the jungle does not get better. 20 Mandai Lake Road, #02 05, 729825
Set of Six Set of Six is a novel written by Joseph Conrad, and it’s the inspo for this not-so-well-known bolthole in Tanjong Pagar. Customers can expect fabulously decadent design, delectable food, and an innovative cocktail experience – you’ve just got to find it concealed behind a mysterious entrance on Craig Road. 20 Craig Road, #01-01, 089692 setofsix.sg
Taylor Adam It looks like a tailor’s shop front from the outside, but move past the fitting room, velvet curtains and sliding mirror door, and you’ve made it into a classy speakeasy. The setting and menu are inspired by Singapore’s history with Britain and the theme of travel and trade is relevant through crafted cocktails. 1 Raffles Place, #01-03, 048616 tayloradamsg.com
Parliament Bar There are strong retro-American dive bar vibes at this new cosy hideout. The 80s rule thanks to walls decked out in car plates, guitars, and pics of legendary musicians like David Bowie. Slip into a red-lit leather retro booth for stylish cocktails and bar bites such as Dirty Dog Chips and Crispy Spicy Winglets. 18 Teck Lim Road, #02-01, 088390 @parliamentbar.sg
Ume San 100 For a clandestine Izakaya head to the colourful row of Japanese-inspired vending machines at Fortune Centre. In true wacky style, you have to push the blue machine selling condoms (seriously!) for access, but that’s where all potential seediness ends! Inside there’s nibbles such as ramen, chicken karage, and Wagyu steak all waiting to be washed down by the biggest collection of umeshu on the red dot. 190 Middle Road, #02-07 Fortune Centre,188979 pebble.by/umesan100
KOOKY ACTIVITIES
Queen of Hearts Clutch at your pearls ladies, Queen Of Hearts is a Singaporean male exotic dance crew catering to female audiences (screeaam!). The dancers, made up of 13 members aged 27 to 42, pride themselves on being the island’s version of Magic Mike – the 2012 film about male strippers in Las Vegas. Before you get all hot under the collar, they tend to do private soirees (a 45-minute appearance starts at about $750), but they also shake their thang at events and nightlife venues. If you’re wondering how exotic it gets, Queen Of Hearts say they only go shirtless … @instagram.com/queenofhearts_sg
BookXcess Books and banking come together at BookXcess, a bookstore hidden inside various Singapore banks, giving you the chance to enjoy a relaxed browse before facing your finances. The main sleek and chic store is at OCBC Wisma Atria, but there are also outlets in OCBC Ang Mo Kio, United Square and Tampines. Here you’ll find everything from children’s novels to hobbyist genres. Just don’t splash all your cash …
The Magic Attic Nestled within the facade of a landed house, this little-known gem is the (literal) home of amazing live magic shows filled with mystery and illusion. Hosted in the private residence of award-winning magician Ming Da, The Charming Conjurer, scale what appears to be regular stairs in his pad until you hit the attic. There are special family shows, a Wednesday Jam Night, and magic workshops. 3 Lorong Salleh, 416747 @themagicattic.sg
SECLUDED SPACES
Image: NPark
Rower’s Bay Park Rower’s Bay is part of the 60km first phase of the Round Island Route (RIR) and a brilliant natural bolthole in the Northeast. The boardwalk offers excellent waterside views of the surrounding wetlands which are packed with plant species. As a habitat for native wildlife, look out for the grey heron, copper-cheeked frog, and maybe some friendly ANZA members. Seletar Club Road, 793273
OUE Downtown 2 Shenton Way is full of office buildings, which is why OUE Downtown 2 is one of the best secret escapes in the CBD. Sitting pretty on the fourth floor is an outdoor garden with a soothing fountain, lush plants, shady trees, and plenty of breathing space. Head here for a proper green gem. 6 Shenton Way, 068809
Yunnan Garden Yunnan Garden is full of features that pay homage to literature, culture and architecture. There are 19 designated trails to choose from where you can discover various plants, herbs and flowers. This serene park also packs in stone sculptures, ponds, gazebos, and lovely boardwalks at Nanyang Lake. The showstopper is the 5.6-metre-tall waterfall at the heart of it all. 12 Nanyang Drive, 637721
Hampstead Wetlands Park Birdwatchers will love this undercover spot of former marshland which has been jazzed up to resemble a lush English garden with a pond and lily pads. Despite being in an industrial estate, it’s charming, rustic, and includes a short trail loop with observatory decks. 1 Baker Street, 799977
Keppel Hill Reservoir Getting to Keppel Hill Reservoir requires determination and sturdy walking boots, but it’s worth it. This was a former private reservoir in 1905, a swimming hole in the 1940s, and left out of official maps of Singapore from 1954. Be warned: rumour has it it’s haunted … Keppel Hill. Start on Keppel Hill Road and join the man-made path
HIDDEN GEMS
Image: @the_curious_accountant
Seletar Fishing Village This spot may resemble an abandoned village, but the wooden jetty (called Jenal Jetty) and kampong huts were only discovered by hikers a few years back and are still being used by fishermen making a living today. Known as the last fishing village in Singapore, Seletar Fishing Village is out of bounds to the public, but there are private tours available. The best secret of all? The small beach area next to it is reputed as the best place on the island to catch the sunset. Seletar North Link. Take bus 103 or 117 and alight at the Before Shell Aviation bus stop
Thow Kwang Pottery Jungle This is such a gem that ANZA Tours visited it last year. Formed by a group of Singaporean clay artists, this rural hideaway gives serious kampong vibes and is said to be the city’s last dragon kiln. Not only will you find more ceramics than you can shake a stick at, but there’s also classes, workshops, firing events, and more. Go now before rumoured urban redevelopment projects reclaim it. 85 Lor Tawas, 639823
Boh Geh Uncle Canteen Boh Geh Uncle Canteen opened in 1969, and not much has changed since then. Prepare to perch on mismatched stools and benches at rickety tables under a DIY canopy. There are three stalls to choose from: a cai png shop, a Muslim food stall, and a drinks stall run by Boh Geh Uncle himself. Perhaps not one for Date Night, but ideal for a true taste of a bygone era. 398 Piccadilly, 798368
Raffles Marina Lighthouse You might have seen pictures of Raffles Marina Lighthouse but not realised it’s on this very island. Situated at the tip of Raffles Marina’s breakwater, it was built in 1994 and stands at 29 metres, making it the perfect height to overlook the Tuas Second Link bridge. Today it lights the way for yachts navigating in and out of the marina and makes a winning spot for an Insta shot. 10 Tuas West Drive, 638404
WACKY VENDORS
Fresh Salmon Norwegian Salmon vending machines have been serving Singaporean customers since 2019. Yep, metal boxes (which remain at a constant temperature of -4 degrees Fahrenheit) dispense several options, from a 200-gram salmon fillet, a serving of smoked salmon or even salmon sashimi (which includes five pieces, a fork, and must-have soy sauce). @norwegian.salmon.atm
A Bunch Of Blooms Need a natty bouquet in a hurry? White Dew Flower sells blooms at a 24-hour vending machine near Upper Thomson MRT. It holds up to 10 bouquets at a timein various designs, such as a graduation bouquet complete with a card and teddy bear. The machine is restocked twice a week and the floral designs change weekly. (Men – tell your mates! @whitedewflower
Cake In A Can Chances are you’ve sampled a ubiquitous cocktail-in-a-can from M&S (if not, how can we be friends?!). Now it’s time for cake-in-a-can! Japanese restaurant chain Gaku has a selection of vending machines in locations such as Plaza Singapore and Suntec City where you can get a canned cake in seven flavours – think tiramisu, matcha and mango chocolate. @okashigaku.sg
Medical Assistance Last year, SmartRx launched machines that took the old-fashioned vending machine up a notch. Separated into two parts, the first section is a vending machine selling over-the-counter medicines; the second is an attached pod where patients can consult with a virtual doctor for prescription-only medicines. Check out Charazoi Telemedicine Kiosk at Jalan Besar Stadium for starters. Keep your eyes peeled for similar machines cropping up this year.
Gold Bars It’s annoying when you run out of pure gold, but a couple of handy machines in Singapore are primed to distribute medallions and bars should you come unstuck. Puregold.sg is an e-commerce store selling swag via eight vending machines located in the likes of VivoCity and Marina Square. One to remember if you forget your wallet on the way to Fairprice. puregold.sg
New Porsche Autobahn Motors made international headlines in 2017 after launching Singapore’s first car vending machine. The 15-storey building holds about 60 luxurious cars over four floors, each displayed through massive glass windows, making it look very much the part. Ten Square, a 20-storey building in a similar style opened in 2022. Mr Gary Hong, general manager of Autobahn Motors told the Straits Times that he sells up to 12 cars a month. “Hopefully, buying a car will be like buying a can of Coke,” he said. abm.sg
Beauty Products Picture the scene: ION is closed and your visage needs a swift pick-me-up. Grab a purifying sheet mask or enzyme cleanser from homegrown beauty brand Ice’s Secret’s skincare vending machine. Simply head to the second floor of Thomson Plaza for some ion water essence face mist, oligopeptide milk cleanser, lip masks and sunscreen. Apparently, the machine receives several hundred transactions every month. icesecret.co
ANZA Soccer Holiday Camps are back!
Each camp runs for three days, and participants have the option to attend either one or both camps.
2 – 4 April
8, 9 and 11 April
Our camps welcome all ANZA members, including children who do not currently play soccer with ANZA, and non-members. The camps will be conducted by our professional coaches, and offer a blend of skills training, fitness activities, and enjoyable games.
Encourage your friends to join so they can also enjoy our fantastic program. It’s an excellent opportunity for them to discover what makes ANZA Soccer unique.
Regardless of the weather conditions, the camps will proceed as scheduled – in case of inclement weather, please remember to bring a towel and a change of clothes.
Date: Tue 2 April to Thu 4 April / Mon 8 Apr to Tue 9 Apr and Thu 11 Apr
Time: 9:00am to 12.00pm
Venue: SkyPark Arena @ Holland
Ages: 5 to 14 years old
Cost: $300 per camp
Kevin with wife Fannie, and children Caleb, Hannah, and Timothy
What’s the Centre for Fathering? CFF is a non-profit organisation founded in 2000 to promote active and involved fathering in Singapore. In 2009, DADs for Life was launched to inspire and mobilise fathers to become more involved and to be a good influence on their children. In the last 24 years, we’ve equipped over 65,000 fathers through programmes in schools, prisons, religious organisations and companies.
What kind of programmes? We engage more than 700 incarcerated fathers and their families with over 100 workshops and father-child bonding activities each year. We also run nationwide campaigns such as Celebrating Fathers, Eat With Your Family Day, Mum’s Day Out and Back to School with Dad. Our programmes and activities have reached a wider group of fathers such as fathers of marginalised families, fathers of children with special needs, and single fathers.
What challenges are fathers facing in Singapore today? Due to traditional beliefs, fathers may view their primary role as breadwinners, and leave much of the household chores and child minding to mothers. The assumption is that the mother is the primary caregiver and the father is the helper or assistant. Societal attitudes towards a father’s role need to change to encourage fathers to become more involved. As a dad of three, I’m the first to admit that I’m not the perfect father. There are times when I don’t know what I’m doing and feel like I’m alone trying to figure things out.
Where do you start with updating these traditional beliefs? Workplaces tend to be more accommodating and understanding towards mothers than fathers. Despite holding full-time positions in organisations, mothers are often perceived as the primary caregivers. As a result, fathers who wish to be more involved with their families may be viewed negatively by employers who hold onto traditional views of men as breadwinners. We need to encourage fathers to utilise the likes of paternity leave, as a cultural shift in the workplace is crucial.
And away from the workplace? Childcare and housework should be a shared responsibility, jointly decided based on personal circumstances instead of what society thinks fathers and mothers should do. To move towards greater equality, we need to recognise the important role of a father as caregiver in partnership with the mother.
International Women’s Day is on 8 March. Are gender roles changing here? Statistics certainly reflect a shift in perceived roles of men and women as well as fathers and mothers. For example, the 2021 Marriage and Parenthood (M&P) Survey showed that almost all (99%) married respondents agreed that fathers and mothers were equally important as caregivers for children. In addition, 95% agreed that both parents should share equal responsibilities at home.
Father and child bonding is a key pillar of CFF
How does CFF encourage this? Our Back to School with Dad initiative is a good example. It’s an opportunity for dads to become more involved in their children’s education – a long-term commitment that tends to be taken on by mothers.
How else is CFF striving forwards? Right now we’re working with maternity hospitals in Singapore to reach more fathers with newborns and providing them with skills to become confident caregivers.
There is also MUMs for Life… In 2019, DADs for Life partnered with a group of mother volunteers to launch MUMs for Life. When mums are confident in their unique identity and multiple roles, they can better nurture our children and support dads in building a stronger family in an increasingly complex world.
Please share one piece of advice for fathers … Dads, your wife and children need you. I encourage you to become the best version of a father and husband to them that you can. Just as you’d take time to upgrade your skills as a working professional, invest in upgrading your skills as a father through books, articles, videos, workshops or even being a part of a dad community like CFF. Your role as a dad is for life!
At Dulwich College (Singapore), we focus on developing confident, compassionate, and outward-looking young individuals with a passion for lifelong learning. In Senior School (Year 7 – 13), our curricula is aligned to progressively prepare students for success in life beyond school:
Lower Senior School (Years 7 – 8)
Emotional Intelligence, Critical Thinking and Problem Solving: During this critical time in a student’s education, we focus on developing effective learning strategies and self-awareness of individual strengths and areas for improvement. Students work with subject specialists to explore topics in-depth, building skills and foundational knowledge in multiple subjects. This stage aims to build critical thinking skills and encourage personal reflection on their strengths and weaknesses.
Middle Senior School (Years 9 – 11)
Collaboration, Communication, Creativity and Innovation: Putting their self-reflection and critical thinking to the test, students are given a unique opportunity to have more choice and ownership over their education by creating a tailored curriculum that suits their personal interests and goals. Unlike other schools, we offer a three-year IGCSE programme, giving students extra time to develop important skills across different subjects. This approach allows students to learn at their own pace, enabling them to go through the College with enhanced research, self-management, communication, and social interaction skills.
“The IB programme motivates students to develop using the Dulwich values of Determination, Courageousness, Skilfulness and Graciousness. The programme urges time management and organisation skills which allow me to face future life with a well-developed toolkit.”
– Amelie Dura, Year 13, Head Student
Upper Senior School (Years 12 – 13)
Lifelong Learning, Resilience and Career Preparation: To channel passion into execution, our students study the globally recognised International Baccalaureate (IB), selecting the IB Diploma Programme (IBDP) or the IB Career-related Programme (IBCP). The IBCP was developed for students who wish to engage in career-related learning while gaining transferable and lifelong skills. Both emphasise life skills like open-mindedness, care, principled moral behaviour, and curiosity through inquiry.
The College’s IBDP programme fosters individuals who excel intellectually, emotionally, ethically, and academically. Offering a broad range of subjects often not found at other schools in Singapore (e.g. Health Sciences), we can tailor each student’s education. This allows students to delve deeper into their interests and combine theoretical knowledge with practical skills. In turn, this develops essential personal and professional skills for an ever-changing job market, providing authentic experiences in their desired career path.
Our IB students are supported along by our professional University Counselling and Career Programme. In 2023, our 118 IBDP students received an average score of 36.8. Notably, 33% scored 40 or higher, and three achieved a perfect 45 points. Also last year, 96% of our students went to the university of their choice.
The New Zealand High Commission in Singapore is a proudly diverse community of individuals and strongly supports the role of women in the workplace. Meet High Commissioner Gabby Rush, Trade Commissioner Maggie Christie, and Defence Adviser Shauna Graham to discover more about their work and home lives.
From left: Maggie Christie, Shauna Graham and Gabby Rush
How long have you been in Singapore?
Maggie: Just over three years. We arrived in Singapore in February 2021 – me, my husband and two slightly reluctant teenage boys.
Shauna: Twelve months, but I was previously posted to Singapore in 2012 – 2015 and I’m living right next door to my old house in Sembawang!
Gabby:I arrived in Singapore over Lunar New Year 2023 with my partner and two well-travelled Hong Kong cats!
What is the main focus of your role?
MAGGIE: New Zealand Trade & Enterprise (NZTE) is New Zealand’s trade promotional agency so our role here in Singapore is supporting and guiding companies to grow into Singapore and South East Asia. For me, it’s working with our Business Development Managers and our customers to validate, enter and grow in Singapore. This includes everything from market insights, introductions to local connections, and buyers to partner. We also provide strategic services and support to inform market entry and growth plans – both from New Zealand and here in Singapore. The other part of my role is building relationships in Singapore to help raise awareness and understanding of what New Zealand can offer, and provide a warmer landing for companies.
Shauna: As Defence Adviser to Singapore, Vietnam and Cambodia I’m the New Zealand Chief of Defence Force’s representative in those countries. I engage with local senior Defence officials to share New Zealand’s position on Defence and Security issues and learn from Singapore, Vietnam and Cambodia about regional issues. I look for new opportunities for our nations to work together from niche information sharing events like the NZ/SG Defence Women’s Forum last year, to large scale annual military exercises that New Zealand has been supporting for over 50 years.
Gabby:As High Commissioner, I’m the official representative of the Government of New Zealand in Singapore. I help deliver New Zealand’s foreign and trade policy goals and coordinate New Zealand’s diplomatic links with the government here. A key focus for me is advancing work under the Singapore New Zealand Enhanced Partnership which was established between the two governments in 2019. Outside of core foreign and trade policy goals, I try to represent what is best about our country and highlight our cultural links with Singapore including through music and the arts.
What’s your favourite thing about Singapore?
Maggie: Firstly, the diversity of the culture – the people, the food, the language – you can visit three ‘countries in one day’ – Chinatown,Little India and Arab street! Also, the centrality of Singapore for travel and adventures.
Shauna: The academic, sporting and cultural opportunities for my son and the amazing life experiences and family memories we’re creating.
Gabby:It is leafy and green and full of interesting, friendly people from many different cultures. I respect the work ethic here and intellectual rigour, but I love that Singaporeans also have a good sense of humour and enjoy having fun.
What’s been your biggest accomplishment since you’ve been here?
Maggie: Along with NZ Inc., delivering our first Prime Minister Mission post Covid. I was so green, and then got Covid on the day of their arrival! The success was seeing every member of the remarkable team pull it off with passion, grace and utter commitment.
Shauna: Supporting two Royal New Zealand Navy Ships in Singapore and Vietnam last year; the ships and crews completed large scale training, maintenance and diplomatic engagement activities during their deployment to the region. It is great to see New Zealand operating with our partners in support of regional security.
Gabby:Acclimatising to the heat!
What do you miss most about NZ?
Maggie: Of course my family! But aside from that, walking along the beach early in the morning, feeling the sand between my toes, the fresh breeze on my face and Rangitoto in the background.
Shauna: The accent. (*Editor’s note – this was her actual answer, we didn’t make this up!)
Gabby:My good friends and family, but also the temperate weather, home grown veggies from my garden, the view from Mt Kaukau in Wellington and the joy I get from ocean swimming year-round.
What key life lesson would you like to pass on to girls this International Women’s Day?
Maggie: Don’t second guess yourself. The amount of times I have held myself back thinking I’ll do it when I know a little more or when I’m more confident … that time never comes so you need to grab opportunities with both hands and make the most of them. You learn the most when you fail!
Shauna: Be adventurous. Set goals and run at them with all the energy enthusiasm and determination you can muster.
Gabby:You don’t have to be perfect to succeed. No matter how accomplished we are, everyone has strengths and weaknesses, and up and down times. Learn what your strengths are, work hard to succeed, but when things don’t work out know it’s just part of your journey.
Author Visits
Book Character Parade
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Many participants do not retail at physical stores, so this is a great chance to get a first-hand look at their products, feel their fabrics and material, and experience them in person. Concerned about height and sizing for apparel? You will always get the right one at Boutiques – no need to bother with returns. As always, many labels offer new collections exclusively, so prepare to be the first to shop lots of new and exciting pieces from beloved brands while getting acquainted with new ones!
Event Details
F1 Pit Building
Smith Marine Floating Restaurant
Mama Diam
Starbucks @ Bird Paradise
Taylor Adam
Queen of Hearts
Yunnan Garden
Raffles Marina Lighthouse
Fresh Salmon
Cake In A Can
New Porsche
