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Templation Angkor, Siem Reap

Two-night stay in a One Bedroom Pool Villa for two people, including daily breakfast

VALUE SGD $890

Templation Angkor, Siem Reap is the closest resort to Angkor Wat. This green modernist estate is composed of 50 hidden suites and villas, most with private pools, scattered amid a vast expanse of tropical flora, inviting inviting guests to rest, relax and recharge. There’s a gorgeous lounging and dining area, spa, swimming pool, and a secret lake, perfect for solitude.

T&Cs:

  • Black-out date is applied
  • Reservation is mandatory and subject to availability
  • Valid until 10 May 2025

Hotel Tugu Lombok, Indonesia

Two-night stay in a Garden Villa for two people, including daily breakfast and sunset high tea, private antique collection tour and beach activities

VALUE SGD $850

Hotel Tugu Lombok is located on miles of pristine virgin white sand beach of Sire, on the northwest coast of the island, a 15-minute boat ride across the Gili islands and framed by the majestic sunrise over Mount Rinjani. Spacious bungalows nestle around shaded walkways and tropical gardens with hand-hewn furniture and copper tubs in the outdoor bathrooms – the only other modern note is an adjacent 18-hole golf course.

T&Cs:

  • Voucher is valid until 31 Jan 2025
  • Blackout dates: 15 July – 15 September, 25 – 30 September, 20 December – 5 January
  • Voucher cannot be exchanged into cash
  • Voucher can be used with prior reservation and upon availability

Casa del Mar, Langkawi

Two-night stay in a Beachfront Studio Suite for two people, including daily breakfast

VALUE SGD $710

Casa del Mar Langkawi is your beachfront haven in Langkawi. This small, boutique hotel by the sea provides an intimate retreat just steps away from the main buzz of vibrant Pantai Cenang. There’s a lovely pool, spa, restaurant, and fabulous bar on the beach which is the place to see and be seen come sunset.

T&Cs:

  • Valid from 01 June 2024 – 30 November 2024
  • A maximum of two (2) persons (adult) are permitted in the room
  • The Hotel reserves the right not to allow check-in should the number of persons exceed two (02) adults
  • Check-in is from 2pm onward, and check-out is at 12 noon
  • An original copy of the voucher must be presented upon check-in
  • The voucher is non-transferable and not redeemable for cash
  • Bookings are subject to room availability. If you make a room booking with confirmation and a no-show. The voucher will be deemed as used. Please be advised that the voucher excludes tourism and government taxes, which will be collected during check-in

The Boathouse Pulau Tioman, Malaysia

Two-night stay in a Deluxe Bungalow for two people, including daily breakfast

VALUE SGD $570

Nestled amidst lush greenery and embraced by the sparkling sea, this boutique hotel is a haven for those seeking to bask in the invigorating spell of nature. Experience the untouched beauty of Pulau Tioman, where every stay is a harmonious blend of nature and rejuvenation.

T&Cs:

  • Please present e-certificate upon check-in
  • Advance reservation is required, subject to room availability
  • E-certification number must be provided when making a reservation
  • E-certificate is solely valid for the designated room type and cannot be exchanged for cash or any other forms of legal tender
  • E-certificate is valid for use on both weekdays and weekends. However, it is not applicable during the hotel peak season, on the eve of, or on public holidays
  • E-certificate valid from 1 July 2024 till 30 April only
  • Validity extensions are strictly not permitted
  • Please be advised that the voucher excludes tourism and sustainability taxes, which will be collected during check-in

Concorde Hotel Singapore

One-night stay in a Deluxe Room for two people, including breakfast and Harvest of Sea buffet dinner

VALUE SGD $540

Nestled in the heart of Orchard Road, Concorde Hotel Singapore is your ideal staycation retreat for shopping, sightseeing and entertainment on the red dot. Rooms and suites provide a spacious and comfortable respite from the hum of the city, meanwhile, Spices Café and Spices Bar both serve refreshments in a relaxing atmosphere.

T&Cs:

  • Not valid for use during convention periods, festive seasons, eves of and on public holidays, and Singapore GP period. Other blackout dates may apply
  • Reservation is required prior check-in and confirmation of room is subject to availability at the time of booking. Please quote the digital gift certificate number at time of making the initial booking
  • The digital gift certificate is only valid for the specified room type and cannot be exchanged for cash or any other services
  • Please present the digital gift certificate to the Front Desk upon check-in
  • Any amount exceeding the value of the digital gift certificate will be chargeable
  • The digital gift certificate is to be utilised within the validity period. No extension of dates will be entertained Concorde Hotel Singapore reserves the right to add, delete and/or modify any of these terms and conditions at any time, in its sole discretion. Valid from 10 May 2024 – 09 November 2024

How to be be baby-ready

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When it comes to pregnancy time frames, it’s common for people to refer to the first three months after falling pregnant as “the fourth trimester”. With this in mind, I like to refer to the months prior to conception as the “pre-mester”. It’s a window which represents a golden opportunity not only to get your body ready for a baby, but to also lay down some foundations to give your future child a healthy start in life.

What should I do if I’m planning a pregnancy?
In Singapore, most pregnancies are planned, so we make full use of this by inviting women to visit us for a pre-pregnancy counselling assessment before they start trying to conceive. Many health conditions can be affected by pregnancy, and conversely, there are conditions (and the medication used to treat them) that may also affect a growing baby. It’s crucial for those with conditions such as depression, anxiety, asthma, thyroid disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, epilepsy, and more, to consider a relaxed chat and check-in to assess any issues.

What if I don’t have a medical condition?
Even if you feel well, a check-in prior to pregnancy is still an important step. Really common issues such as being deficient in essential vitamins, having an undetected thyroid problem, and lacking immunity can all be detected and treated before conception. It’s also a good time to check your BMI: being overweight or underweight can increase pregnancy risks. Addressing this beforehand is key.

Are there lifestyle factors I should be aware of?
Your diet in the “pre-mester” period can affect your fertility, wellbeing, and the health of the baby. This isn’t the time for any eating fads that exclude whole food groups. There’s evidence that doing a ketogenic or low carbohydrate diet in pregnancy results in smaller babies. Diets very high in carbohydrates and low in protein can also affect foetal growth and put you at risk of developing gestational diabetes.

We also know that staying active in pregnancy (150 mins/week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity) results in better outcomes for you and your child, including a higher chance of a smoother and uncomplicated delivery and recovery.

What’s the deal with alcohol?
Medical experts recommend abstaining from alcohol completely during pregnancy. However, conceiving can take time (up to a year for many) and may be associated with increased anxiety. I think the antidote to this is trying to maintain as ‘normal’ a life
as possible with a healthy slant, so you’re not completely overtaken trying to conceive. Women can still drink alcohol during this time, just remember to be sensible!

Dr Natalie Hutchins is a British GP doctor with a background in obstetrics and gynecology. She is passionate about women’s health. Dr Hutchins is based in Osler’s Star Vista clinic. Tel: 6339 2727.

 

For more information
Visit our website or make an appointment to learn how we can help you to take control of your own health and wellbeing. osler-health.com

Join the club at North London Collegiate School

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Schools should be more than just institutions for academic learning; they should support students to grow into who they’re meant to be. Creating an environment where children cultivate confidence, derive enjoyment from their activities, and foster a sense of belonging and community is essential. Crucially, their development should encompass more than knowledge acquisition. 

In this environment, clubs and societies allow students to explore their interests and talents, develop a sense of self, and forge lasting connections.

Academic clubs and societies extend the curriculum, providing opportunities for students to delve deeper into subjects that capture their interest as well as discover new passions. They allow students to break away from the structure of a classroom, curriculum or syllabus and flourish as independent learners and problem solvers. At North London Collegiate School this often involves research, debates, or projects encouraging critical thinking and problem-solving. These opportunities not only allow students to take their learning into their own hands but also share their passion with other students whilst developing invaluable life skills like leadership, public speaking, collaboration, goal setting and delivering on outcomes.

Non-academic clubs and societies provide a space for personal development more overtly linked to life skills. They nurture talents and interests outside the academic realm and counterbalance the classroom’s academic environment. These can include sports clubs, art clubs, music ensembles, or social justice groups, allowing students to find their niche, express themselves, and develop new skills.

How can clubs & societies help students?

  •  Interest: Clubs and societies offer students the freedom to step away from the curriculum and delve into subjects or activities that truly pique their interest, stimulating their intellectual curiosity and cultivating subject passion that inspires life-long learning. This intrinsic motivation is more powerful than the extrinsic motivation of examinations
  •  Resilience: Teams win and lose, whether in debates, chess or rugby; those losses should hurt. In experiencing challenges and setbacks, whether in the form of competition, critique, or failure, students learn to deal with them in a low-stakes and safe environment. Developing the ability to bounce back from adversity and adapt to new circumstances is crucial in a rapidly changing world
  •  Support: Networks built through common interests and goals provide essential support during difficult times. In particular, clubs across teaching and year groups can provide an alternate perspective
  •  Expertise: Everyone is unique, but until we start developing our own talents, it can be difficult to stand out. Students who actively engage in clubs and societies are able to demonstrate their expertise more effectively
  •  Confidence: Participation in clubs and societies and the subsequent development of expertise allows students to develop confidence in their own abilities, whether it’s through honing a skill, practising an instrument, public speaking or leading a team. Whilst developed within a club, confidence is transferable to all aspects of their academic and personal lives
  •  Leadership: Clubs offer opportunities that allow students to influence and motivate others. These interactions are the starting point for more formalised leadership roles within the club structure, enabling students to develop critical skills, including decision-making, teamwork, and effective communication
  •  Diversity: Clubs that are open to all students send a clear message that every student’s interest and background are valued. This openness extends beyond clubs, shaping the school’s culture by encouraging acceptance and understanding and reducing discrimination and bullying

Clubs and societies are essential components of a holistic education. They not only facilitate the student’s personal growth but also contribute to the vibrant tapestry of their school community. Clubs and societies create a welcoming environment where students can grow in confidence and develop a support network and a strong sense of belonging. These extracurricular activities extend education beyond the classroom, beyond syllabi and curriculum, and allow students to explore their own interests, passions, and talents. Moreover, they promote learning, foster intellectual curiosity and a love for education, and offer students unique opportunities to develop resilience and acquire leadership skills. 

Ultimately, these extracurricular activities are not just an integral part of the educational journey; they are a cornerstone in shaping rounded individuals who are prepared for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. 

North London Collegiate School (Singapore)

130 Depot Road, Singapore, 109708 nlcssingapore.sg
 admissions@nlcssingapore.sg

Smart home apps for enhancing your home automation experience

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Smart home devices and home automation apps are becoming increasingly essential in modern lifestyles, offering convenience and simplifying daily routines. The integration of smart technology in homes serves to make daily life more efficient and responsive to individual needs.

The Interconnected Household

Smart homes are characterised by interconnected devices that communicate with each other and with their users, creating a responsive and efficient environment. However, it’s important to note that Internet of Things (IoT) devices and applications vary in their automation and customization capabilities.

To select the right smart devices, it’s crucial to understand your specific needs and preferences. Devices vary in features and capabilities, offering solutions for climate control, security, entertainment, and energy management. Choosing the right devices ensures they align with your lifestyle and enhance your home’s functionality.

Specialised Smart Home Apps

Security with the Nest App: Google’s Nest line offers a central hub for managing security-focused IoT products like thermostats, doorbells, smoke detectors, and cameras. The Nest App automates security aspects and enables remote control over home aspects.

Lighting with the Phillips Hue App: This app manages the Phillips Hue smart lighting system, allowing control and customization of home lighting. Users can adjust brightness, color shades, and utilize pre-set lighting scenes.

Network Control with the Race CommandIQ App: Designed for Race Communications subscribers, this app offers advanced network management, bandwidth prioritization, cybersecurity features, and parental controls.

Centralised Control: Diverse Smart Home Apps

Centralized home automation apps like Amazon Alexa, SmartThings, and Google Home are transforming interactions with smart devices. These apps consolidate control into a single hub, offering compatibility and seamless integration among various devices.

Home Assistant: An open-source app providing centralized control for all IoT devices. It supports over 1900 integrations and allows flexibility in setting up home automation systems.

SmartThings: Compatible with numerous smart home brands, offering services like SmartThings Energy, HomeCare Wizard, and SmartThings Labs for energy monitoring and appliance management.

Amazon Alexa: Known for voice command functionality, it supports a wide range of devices and platforms. Features like Hunches automate routine tasks for added convenience.

IFTTT (If This Then That): This app facilitates communication between IoT devices, allowing for custom commands and extending its utility to business and social media.

Choosing the Right Home Automation App

The overall user experience in a smart home heavily depends on the choice of home automation app. It’s essential to research and select an app that aligns with the type of IoT devices you own and your automation priorities.

Many IoT devices come with dedicated apps designed to maximize their functionality, while others facilitate communication between various devices. Prominent apps in this category include Amazon Alexa, SmartThings, Google Home, and Apple HomeKit, each offering unique features and integrations.

The choice of a home automation app significantly impacts the functionality and convenience of a smart home. Whether you prefer an app tailored to specific devices or one with broader integration capabilities, it’s crucial to consider how the app fits with your devices and home automation goals. The right app ensures a seamless and efficient smart home experience.

Upcoming New Luxury Condominium at East Coast

Meyer Blue is an upcoming prestigious development by UOL Group and Singapore Land Group, located along Meyer Road in District 15 on Singapore’s east coast, offering luxury living with convenient access to upcoming Tanjong Katong and Katong Park MRT stations. Positioned near prominent schools and comprising around 200 units on a freehold land of the previous Meyer Park condo, this development is a strategic investment in line with UOL and Singland’s goal of enhancing their portfolios with prime freehold properties. Sign up for a preview of the meyer blue showflat when it opens.

Valentine’s Day menus for lovebirds in Singapore

Love is in the air as Valentine’s Day makes an entrance once again. If you’re hungry for romance – or just hungry for a slap-up feast – there are plenty of Valentine’s Day 2024 dining menus for dinner with a side of amour. Whether you’re celebrating with your significant other, your best mates, or just want to treat your good self to some great food, here’s where to head.

Meadesmoore

Dark teal walls, cosy leather seats, and arched shophouse windows set the scene for a sultry Valentine’s Day date at Meadsmoore. This modern steakhouse is a beef lover’s haven, offering a five-course menu (S$128) on 14 February. Indulge in premium delights like foie gras, kingfish, and quail. The showstopper? A 2GR full blood Wagyu served alongside truffle pomme mousseline and white asparagus.

21A Boon Tat Street Level 2 Located near, Telok Ayer St, 069620. meadesmoore.com

KOMA

KOMA is an absolute winner for date nights, Valentine’s Day or not. With its Japanese-inspired footbridge, red interior and sultry lighting, it screams passion and drama from the get-go. This Valentine’s Day, the restaurant is matching its opulence with a Valentine’s Day six-course menu ($520 for two people). Work up an appetite for dishes including fresh seafood to start,  a Western-style surf and turf chunky lobster or beef sirloin served for your main, and dessert is a surprise, with the chef creating a sweet ode to love.

2 Bayfront Ave, #B1 – 67, 018972. komasingapore.com

VUE

Despite the awesome backdrop, love will take centre stage at VUE this 14 February. Their romantic 4-course menu packs in the finest seafood and premium prime cuts, think Regal Irish oysters, Blue-Fin Tuna Tataki with Uni, Burgundy Chicken Breast, Lamb Tallow Aged Alfonsino, or the Beef Duo with A5 ‘Kokuou’ Emperor Black Wagyu. Round off with Pink Vacherin a delicate creation of raspberry lychee adorned with a pink grapefruit spiral and strawberry meringue.

OUE Bayfront, 50 Collyer Quay Rooftop Level 19, 049321. vue.com.sg

Saint Pierre

Feeling fancy? Indulge in a lavish Valentine’s Day celebration at Michelin-starred Saint Pierre. Chef-owner Emmanuel Stroobant has curated two dazzling degustation menus for the occasion: a five-course lunch at $328 per person and a seven-course dinner at $528 per person. Priced at S$528++ per pax, fill your cup with dishes like Hokkaido king scallop, loch fyne langoustine, and omi beef. Each non-dessert course is accompanied by a different caviar variety for some extra ooh la la!

1 Fullerton Road, #02-02B, One Fullerton, 049213. saintpierre.com.sg

Open Farm Community

Take the romance outside with Open Farm Community who present the exclusive “Scents & Sensibility” dining experience this V-Day. Priced at $168 per person, this five-course culinary special in collaboration with Oo La Lab, combines farm-fresh delights with bespoke scents, enhancing both taste and aroma. You’ll find oysters two ways, beef tartare, shallot oil-poached grouper, and a 36-hour short rib. There’s also a three-course wine pairing, available at an additional $40 per person.

130E Minden Rd, 248819. openfarmcommunity.com

CE LA VIE

Love doesn’t get more in the actual air than at  CÉ LA VI. This 14 February, it opens it’s sky-high doors to welcome all. Irish Oysters, the A4 Miyazaki Striploin and their Valentine’s special Pistachio, Raspberry and Rose dessert will get the romance flowing – if not with your dining partner (s), the definitely with the views over the mesmerising cityscape.

1 Bayfront Avenue Marina Bay Sands, Hotel, Tower 3, 018971. celavi.com/en/singapore/

Nox Dine in the Dark

Going on a date can be scary stuff – and Nox is here to banish all shyness this V Day with their romantic 3-course meal which will be served in total darkness. Guests will get to enjoy a decadent mystery menu at S$178++ per person including a complimentary bottle of wine, flowers and Petit Fours – specially crafted for this Season of Love. Plus there’s the added bonus of not having to do your hair or wearing anything particularly snazz – they do say love is blind …

83 Club St, Singapore 069451. Log on here

The Westin Singapore

One romantic rendezvous’ coming up at Cook & Brew, The Westin Singapore! Perched on level 33, this charming restaurant is serving up an exquisite 3-course set dinner on 13 & 14 February (from $108 person per person). Lobster, MB6 Wagyu beef tenderloin, and roasted Atlantic halibut will get your heart pumping. The sweet spot comes in the shape of d’Amour dessert – a white chocolate heart filled with wild strawberry mousse and Valrhona chocolate-coated cereal, served with black truffle ice cream. Add a celebratory champagne bottle for $68.

12 Marina View, #2 Asia Square Tower, 018961. Click here for details

Artemis Grill & Sky Bar

Cupid’s really going for it at Artemis Grill & Sky Bar on the 40th floor in CapitaGreen’s sky forest roof garden. This Valentine’s Day, indulge in a 4-course menu crafted by Executive Chef Oliver Hyde for $178. The menu features fresh, organic, and sustainable delights inspired by the coastal flavors of Spain, Southern France, Italy, and Greece. Highlights include slow-cooked pork cheek with grilled zucchini and bacon-wrapped date, Angus tenderloin with smoked potato puree, and vegetarian handmade kabocha pumpkin gnocchi, toasted buckwheat, and pecorino romano. Available on February 13 & 14 at S$178++ per pax.

138 Market Street, CapitaGreen, #40-01, 048946. artemisgrill.com.sg

Lawry’s The Prime Rib

A mega 6-course Valentine’s Day Set Menu awaits at Lawry’s The Prime Rib. For  S$230++ per person, this exclusive set menu is available on the 13 & 14 February. As well as the nosh, every couple will receive a charming limited edition Lawry’s Valentine’s Day Mascot and a return voucher worth S$50. Spend a minimum of S$550++ and receive a complimentary bottle of Laroche Rosé La Chevalière.

333A Orchard Road, Mandarin Gallery, #04-01/31, 238897. lawrys.com.sg

Cinder Steakhouse

This hidden gem resides in a historic colonial building, creating an enchanting atmosphere and privacy for a V Day extravaganza. The 4-course Valentine’s Day Menu (S$188++ per person) with make meat and seafoodies happy. Limited to 14 February, two seatings are available: 6pm – 8pm and 8:30pm – 10:30pm.

Park Lane, Seletar Aerospace Park, Wheeler’s Estate Level 2, 798386. cindersteakhouse.com

You do you at Marlborough College Malaysia

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How do you learn best? The answer will be different for everyone and educators are now tapping into this concept to maximise the learning experience for their students. This is at the heart of personalised learning; it allows students to have a say in the process so that lessons are customised. But how can educators apply this in the classroom and how does it work in practice?

Understanding that each child is unique and learns differently is crucial to a personalised learning approach. It’s something that international schools naturally excel at due to the vast array of different cultures and backgrounds of their communities. These schools are about more than just academics; they give students the chance to learn about themselves and to take ownership of their learning.

At Marlborough College Malaysia, a holistic approach to education means that pupils are taught about their own learning needs alongside formal lessons. Small class sizes allow teachers to get to know their students not just in lessons, but as Tutors, Houseparents, or during co-curricular activities. It’s this knowledge that permits them to tailor their lessons accordingly. Says Mrs Siân Tolba, Director of Learning and Teaching, “We pride ourselves on knowing our pupils and knowing their individual needs. Our teaching isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. We are always aiming to make pupils aware of what skills they have, what they need to develop, and to give them concrete techniques that they can take into any learning environment.”

Space & time

But it’s not just inside the classroom where learning is being personalised. Co-curricular activities and outdoor learning are a key part of developing an educational experience that goes beyond simply studying for exams. Recently, Marlborough College Malaysia became members of the ‘Institute of Outdoor Learning’ in the UK, and are looking to integrate outdoor learning into more lessons, using the expansive campus to enhance pupils’ experiences and cater for their different needs.

“We are keen to make every activity an opportunity to learn, so every trip has an educational element to it. For example, a trip to the beach might involve an element of conservation work,” explains Director of Co-curricular at the College, Mr Lynden Astil. “The connection with nature is vital to all of us. Most of us live in quite an urban environment, but getting out into nature can change your mindset, help you to destress, and lift your mood.”

All this means that a school day can look very different from one child to the next and that’s how personalised learning should look. It’s an education that allows pupils to decide how they learn, as well as equipping them with knowledge about their own needs. It allows them the space and time to follow their passions and to have the confidence to try something new. More importantly, it allows them to become lifelong learners.

Find out more about Marlborough College Malaysia at
marlboroughcollegemalaysia.org/admissions/admissions-events

Marlborough College Malaysia
Jalan Marlborough, 79200 Iskandar Puteri, Johor Malaysia
 malaysia@marlboroughcollege.my
 facebook.com/marlboroughcollegemalaysia
 twitter.com/marlboroughmcm
 instagram.com/mcmalaysia
 linkedin.com/school/3576015/admin

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