When it comes to money, the gender wealth gap remains very much an issue. Despite the ongoing quest for parity, recent statistics reveal that even in 2024, not one single country out of 195 countries in the world has achieved financial gender equality. It’s shocking stuff, but knowledge is power. By becoming educated on just a few personal finance matters, women can maintain their power, and move forward financially with confidence.
The Gender Wealth Gap
This describes the disparity between the wealth of men and women and exists due to various factors. The gender wealth gap has far-reaching consequences for women’s economic security and wellbeing; it affects their ability to retire comfortably, own a home, and provide for their families.
One way to address the gender wealth gap is through education. Women need access to financial education and resources to help them make informed decisions. Unfortunately, this is not always taught in schools, leaving many women feeling confused and overwhelmed when it comes to money matters. They often face unique financial challenges such as childcare and living longer than men (meaning their money must last longer). By becoming financially literate, women can empower themselves to overcome these challenges and achieve their financial goals.
What To Consider
You don’t have to understand everything about the financial market, macroeconomics or even stocks and shares to excel in personal finances. All you need is to understand your goals and timeline, your risk tolerance and how much cash you need to set aside. The next step is implementing this knowledge, because this information is rendered useless if you do nothing with it. After you’ve figured out your own clear personal goals, you need to get started, because the longer you leave gaining control of your financial situation, the less time you have to make matters happen.
Just 10% of Fortune 500 CEOs are women. That’s 51 women, only three of which are black
Women globally earn around 37% less than men in similar roles
265 men have more wealth than all women in Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean combined
Develop A Money Mindset
Financial literacy is an important skill for everyone to possess, but it’s especially crucial for women. The good news is that getting started with financial planning doesn’t have to be overwhelming. There are plenty of options available to help you grow your wealth over time. By educating yourself about them, you’ll be better equipped to make informed financial decisions that will benefit you in the long run.
Overall, it’s important to overcome the discomfort of talking about finances and start having open conversations about money. Doing so can help to improve financial literacy, strengthen relationships, and lead to better financial outcomes.
Ultimately, the key to successful financial planning is to start early and stay committed. Small steps every day can improve your financial situation, and build a strong foundation for a secure and prosperous future.
We can all work towards closing the gender wealth gap by imparting knowledge, educating ourselves, and creating safe spaces for women to share and discuss. Whilst there’s still a long way to go in terms of global policies, taking action individually can help close the gender wealth gap.
Please contact Danielle on danielle.teboul@sjpp.asia if you would be interested in a complimentary review of your personal financial situation together with one of our wealth planners.
The ‘St. James’s Place Partnership’ and the titles ‘Partner’ and ‘Partner Practice’ are marketing terms used to describe St. James’s Place representatives. Members of the St. James’s Place Partnership in Singapore represent St. James’s Place (Singapore) Private Limited, which is part of the St. James’s Place Wealth Management Group, and it is regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore and is a member of the Investment Management Association of Singapore and Association of Financial Advisers (Singapore). Company Registration No. 200406398R. Capital Markets Services Licence No. CMS100851. St. James’s Place Wealth Management Group Ltd Registered Office: St. James’s Place House, 1 Tetbury Road, Cirencester, Gloucestershire, GL7 1FP, United Kingdom. Registered in England Number 02627518.
Source: World Economic Forum: Global Gender Gap Report 2021
Trends come and go. From fashion to music, dating to interior design, change is everywhere. Language is one area that constantly evolves, although we may not even realise it. Today, “spilling tea” is no longer knocking over a hot beverage (rather, sharing gossip) and “sick” means “good” (keep up!). And have you noticed how everyone is “triggered” these days?
Back in the 1930s, triggers and “being triggered” referred to “suffering from shell shock”, but in recent years a trigger describes something that causes emotional distress. In 2024, triggers are everywhere: on TV, in books, at restaurants that have run out of Chardonnay.
For basic survival, it’s natural as humans to be scanning the world for potential causes of distress, but it’s as if we’ve become perpetually finely tuned to anguish. This is why the latest trend of “glimmers” is welcome relief.
“Glimmers are the opposite of triggers whereby they encapsulate unexpected positive emotional reactions – think joy, peace, happiness and contentment from a small daily event,” explains Ho Shee Wai, Director and Registered Psychologist at The Councelling Place (thecounsellingplace.com). “Glimmers have become popular because they’re simple, easy to implement in everyday life and provide immediate effects,” she says.
Calmness & contentment
The idea of tiny, modest happenings causing comfort first came to the fore thanks to Marie Kondo whose organisational tips sparked joy globally – glimmers create the same feeling.
The first sip of coffee in the morning, hugging loved ones, savouring a spoonful of your favourite ice cream, the smell of a tropical rainstorm – these are all examples of glimmers. The good news is that glimmers have a similar positive effect on our mental health as big, blow-out moments, yet they’re more achievable because we can actively choose to put them into our daily schedule.
“Glimmers boost our mental health by allowing us to counter our natural tendency to focus on negativities,” explains Shee Wai. “They provide stress relieving effects not only mentally, but physically as they activate our parasympathetic nervous system which produces feelings of calm. Contrary to triggers, glimmers create a sense of hope which improves resilience, helps us to overcome challenges and gives meaning to difficult times in our life.”
Conversely, experiencing triggers causes our sympathetic nervous systems to generate sensations of anger, anxiety and depression. What’s more, research by Dr Stephen Porges, founder of the Polyvagal Theory (polyvagalinstitute.org), found that both the parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous system cannot be activated concurrently – this means that when you experience glimmers, you cannot be exposed to triggers at the same time. (Sounds like a result to us!).
Through his findings, Dr Porges introduced the term “neuroception” which is the name for when our subconscious mind scans our surroundings for signs of security.
When our neuroceptive system tunes into peace and calm, it essentially activates a safety circuit in our nervous system which sets off a cascade of permanent, positive changes within our biology. Continues Shee Wai, “While some people report an actual physical spark upon encountering glimmers, others enjoy more gentle feelings of harmony and serenity. Studies show that glimmers escalate the sensations of being able to breathe easier and perpetuate a productive and positive energy within us.”
With so much joy and physical and mental support within us, it makes sense to start accessing our glimmers immediately. But how? Read the panel on the right for how to gain access. Enjoy!
Tune Into Your Glimmers
To find joy in a stressful world, Shee Wai suggests trying the following, either in steps or as standalone exercises.
Create a safe space
Glimmers are related to feelings of safety. Create internal safety first by removing all judgment of yourself, and acknowledging and accepting all your feelings as facts in that moment. Take four deep breaths in, and slowly release the breath with a count of four. Repeat five times. Doing so will shift your brain away from fear towards a more centered state.
Use word association
Write down when you’ve experienced feelings of happiness, awe, joy, peace and calmness before. Reflect on where the feelings show up in your body and what was happening when you felt them. Alternatively, write down a list of what makes your heart smile. You’re accessing past experiences to give you an indication of what your glimmers might be.
Look around you
Look for your glimmers all around you: your cat purring, shiny bubbles, a new bud sprouting on your balcony, etc. Use your five senses. It may not be a new thing you’re focusing on – this exercise is for you to look at familiar things with new eyes/senses.
Schedule a glimmer hunt
Set aside time in your day, or at least once a week, to go on a glimmer hunt. Incorporating this in your routine will help to train your brain to consciously notice the moments and things that bring small shots of happiness.
Do something new
Our brain dislikes familiarity and boredom, so try to find something new to do regularly, whether that be walking home a different way, starting Wordle, or chatting to a stranger in your condo. This will allow you to experience the excitement of something new and possibly bring you glimmers.
Think about love
Glimmers can be people and places too. Thinking of loved ones, a favourite holiday destination, or looking at photos or videos can also provide that fuzzy feeling. The best thing to do however, is to reach out and connect with those you treasure directly.
My Daily Sparks
Where do you find yours?
“Sweet morning cuddles with my boys” Melinda
“My morning coffee – two minutes to relax over a good flat white” Sarah
“Getting out in the waka with my whānau and catching the orange glow from the setting sun bouncing off the high-rise buildings of MBFC. Pure magic every time! Kerry
“Listening to kiddos laughing at the nearby playground. Their joy is so addictive I break out into a smile too” Chrissy
Bunions (hallux valgus) are common and range from a mild, purely cosmetic issue to quite a debilitating, painful deformity. The word ‘bunion’ comes from the Greek, meaning turnip, and refers to the bump on the inside aspect of the big toe joint.
Who gets bunions?
Women are affected roughly fifteen times more than men and there is a hereditary element (you are more likely to be affected if your grandmother had bunions). The major factor however is poor footwear; pointy, high heeled shoes being the main culprit. This was demonstrated beautifully in a study from the 1950s: at that time roughly half of the population of Hong Kong wore shoes and half didn’t. Hallux valgus was seventy times more prevalent in the shoe-wearing population.
What non-surgical things can I do?
Most importantly, wear shoes that are wide enough for your feet. If you are unsure, you can trace the outline of your foot on a piece of paper (whilst standing) and then put your shoe over it. If the shoe is narrower than your foot, it is not good for daily use. High-heeled shoes cause you to load the front of your foot (which makes bunions worse) and tend to be very narrow in the ‘toe box’ so should only be for special occasions ideally.
Having a tight calf also causes forefoot overload so stretching can help. Splints, spacers and taping unfortunately cannot correct an existing deformity but may help to slow its progression. Custom-made orthotics from a reputable podiatrist can be useful.
When should I consider surgery?
You never have to have surgery as long as you can manage the symptoms with simple measures. Hallux valgus does tend to get worse over time, but it never gets so bad that it can’t be fixed (despite what some surgeons may tell you), so there is no hurry. The time to consider it is when your life/lifestyle is affected enough to undergo the associated hassles and minor risks.
What does surgery involve?
There are over 100 operations described but maybe six or seven, including some minimally invasive techniques, are in common usage today. Which procedure is recommended depends on several technical factors and is tailored to the individual. In general, surgery involves cutting and shifting the bone or fusing the joint (or both) to straighten the toe and improve the foot biomechanics. The success rate of modern procedures is high.
What’s the recovery?
Your grandma may have told you that her bunion surgery was excruciatingly painful but thankfully, with modern techniques, this is no longer true!
With most procedures, patients can walk straight away in a post op shoe (worn for six weeks). Swelling in the foot takes longer to settle than other parts of the body and may take a few months to fully resolve. Running is usually possible between three to six months depending on the procedure required and how keen you are to get back.
From Left: Before and afrer
Before and six weeks after hallux valgus (and lesser toe) surgery. The foot is always still a bit swollen at this stage but note the alignment correction.
Dr Chris Pearce is an Orthopaedic Surgeon at Altius Clinic specialising in foot and ankle conditions. He is the author of several scientific studies, articles and book chapters on tendinopathies of the foot and ankle. altiusclinic.sg
Join the ANZA community at Raffles Courtyard for discounted drinks, snacks, and chats at our June Ladies Night
Want to meet new people, unwind, and discover some of Singapore’s best hotspots? Join our monthly ANZA Ladies Night!
On 19 June, we’re heading to Raffles Courtyard. Located within the iconic Raffles Hotel Singapore, this elegant alfresco bar and lounge is where the city comes to socialise in style in a charming tropical garden setting with a relaxed and welcoming vibe.
What to look out for:
Two hours of free-flow red/white wine for $55 nett from 7pm – 9pm
15% off food and beverages for non-promotional items
Happy Hour extended till 9:30pm
Whether you’re already an ANZA member or considering joining our community, come along from 6:30pm – 9:30pm
Arriving alone or with friends, the ANZA team will be there to meet you on the night and make sure you’re comfortable. We can’t wait to welcome you at Raffles Courtyard!
This immersive tour gives you the chance to see the world-class sporting and lifestyle facilities of the Singapore Sports Hub up close. The sports hub is a state-of-the-art, fully integrated sports, entertainment and lifestyle hub that allows everyone in Singapore to watch, play and support sports and entertainment. Afterwards, we’ll head to the Singapore Sports Museum which seeks to preserve the legacy and heritage of sports on the red dot. Here, we’ll be guided through a unique collection of rare artefacts and memorabilia that feature the lives and stories of the greatest legends in Singapore sport.
Date: Wednesday 19 June
Time : 10:30am – 12:30pm
Meet: 10.15am, Visitors Centre, 6 Stadium Walk, 397698
Another Friday afternoon brings with it the chance for pupils at MCM to grab their gardening gloves and head to Barton Farm. There’s usually plenty to harvest, and pupils waste no time in picking the juicy dark red mulberries from the trees, popping a few into their mouths to savour the sweet flavour as they work. Meanwhile, under the shaded outdoor classroom, younger pupils plant seeds into pots, noticing the insects and marvelling at the stingless bee hive.
It’s an idyllic scene and key part of the outdoor education programme at MCM. But what exactly are these children learning during their afternoon in the sunshine?
For the youngest pupils, the farm offers a living resource making learning come alive. Watching the life cycle of plants and insects play out sparks curiosity and inspires pupils to find out more. It also paves the way for understanding how food is grown and produced. Since no pesticides are used on Barton Farm pupils learn about the differences between traditional and organic farming.
Once pupils move into the Prep and Senior Schools they are given the chance to get more involved in activities such as planting new crops in the raised beds, improving the soil with the school’s own compost, or harvesting ripe fruit and vegetables. This hands-on approach is not only a fantastic way to teach pupils about sustainability, but also educates them on where the food they eat comes from.
Enhancing wellbeing
Pre-prep pupils are introduced to Barton Farm
From small beginnings in 2018, Barton Farm has grown and developed to include a wide variety of crops including bananas, torch ginger, turmeric, chillies and aloe vera. In between the longer growing plants, there are also rapid growth plants including long beans, radish, wing beans and mint which are regularly used in the lunchtime dishes served in the school dining halls. There are even chickens to care for and a stingless bee hive that produces honey.
All these aspects of the farm give pupils a way of discovering more about the natural world around them, but that’s not all. Research has shown that getting out into nature is a key component in boosting mood and enhancing mental wellbeing. As pupils plant and dig they are getting both physical exercise and taking care of their mental health.
“The farm offers a living resource making learning come alive”
Mr Lynden Astill, Director of Co-Curriculum at MCM said, “Activities on the farm are great for all age groups. These sessions are really therapeutic and enable a few moments in nature to slow the pace of life down. The pupils develop knowledge and skills about growing various crops, which are harvested by the pupils and used in our kitchens. This also enables us to focus on sustainable and organic farming practices and is a key facet of our wider Outdoor Learning Programme – fresh bananas, anyone?”
While much of the camaraderie is provided by our players and parent volunteers, it’s ANZA Soccer’s generous corporate sponsors that help make our commitment to providing “Fun, Friends, and Football” to families a reality. Our Saturday league and Sunday competition teams rely on our sponsors to help defray our costs and keep our programmes affordable for expat and local families alike.
In the current economic environment, we understand that companies must carefully consider whether to make monetary commitments to nonprofit organisations like ANZA, and we are beyond grateful that these companies support our Fair Play philosophy and understand our mission. We could not do it without you, so thank you to our new and returning sponsors for being a huge part of what makes ANZA Soccer so special.
Sponsoring green and gold competition teams Interactive Brokers
Who they are: Interactive Brokers is an automated global electronic broker that serves clients from over 200 countries and territories in over 150 market destinations worldwide. IBKR provides direct access (“on line”) trade execution and clearing services to institutional and active traders for electronically traded products including stocks, options, futures, currencies, bonds, gold and funds worldwide. Why ANZA? “Interactive Brokers recognise the positive impact that competitive sports can have on shaping a child’s life and supports ANZA’s objective of offering affordable youth soccer programmes to the community. Many of our clients are involved with ANZA Soccer, which brings our organisation together with clients and members of the association. We enjoy the camaraderie and competitive spirit of the games and hope to see more this year! In the meantime, we cheer on our ANZA Soccer teams and support the organisation as a whole.” Yujun Lin CEO Interactive Brokers, Singapore interactivebrokers.com
Sponsoring our Little Lions Mixed 2 to mixed 6 teams and also Tigers Mixed 7 to Mixed 17 teams in grey MUFG
Who they are: MUFG provide outsourcing, administration and financing to asset managers and sovereign wealth funds. We build long-term strategic partnerships with clients, often building bespoke solutions to cater for their specific needs. MUFG values community and believes large institutions like ours have an obligation to support organisations like ANZA that are focused on bringing people together, child welfare, and family. Why ANZA? “I’ve seen first-hand the effort put in by ANZA parents, coaches and club reps every week. It’s grassroots and community-focused, a true NGO. We want to give back to the community that supports us by giving organisations like ANZA the peace of mind that cash-flow challenges won’t affect their ability to positively impact kids’ lives. Perhaps the next Messi or Marta is playing on a Saturday morning and our sponsorship has helped them a little bit!” Paddy Kirwan, Managing Director mufg-investorservices.com
Sponsoring our coaches in red and blue Carey Olsen
Who they are: Carey Olsen prioritises giving back to the communities in which we are based, so we are delighted to offer steady support to ANZA Soccer over the years. ANZA has established a fantastic social community and coaching programme that has become hugely popular with both youth players and their parents in Singapore. We look forward to seeing ANZA Soccer go from strength to strength. Why ANZA? “The first thing we did upon arrival in Singapore in 2016 was enrol our kids in the ANZA Soccer Saturday Club League. We liked that it was fun, social, and run by volunteer parents. We also appreciated the opportunities for children to develop competitive skills. The kids have thoroughly enjoyed playing in both ANZA Soccer leagues and we’ve made some long-lasting friendships with the coaches, team managers, and AGCs, who work hard to make the ANZA Soccer programme so successful.” Anthony McKenzie, Managing Partner careyolsen.com
Sponsoring the Flyers in blue James Cook University
What they do: The Singapore campus of James Cook University is owned by James Cook University Australia. We offer programmes in Business, Information Technology, Psychology, Science, Commerce, Accounting, Aquaculture, Environmental Science, Games Design, and Tourism and Hospitality. The university also offers Higher Degree by Research programs such as Doctor of Philosophy, Master of Philosophy and pathways to a higher degree. The Tropical Futures Institute was launched in 2018 to enhance the university’s research capability in Singapore. Furthermore, a range of short courses and training programs are offered by James Cook Institute which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of James Cook University in Singapore. Why ANZA? “By sponsoring ANZA Soccer, we continue to strengthen our long-standing relationship with ANZA. ANZA Soccer provides an opportunity to promote teamwork, excellence, respect, and community spirit among youth – values that align with James Cook University in Singapore.” Ms Pinky Sibal, Director Brand and Marketing Services jcu.edu.sg
Sponsoring the Gordons in red Canadian International School
What they do: Canadian International School (CIS) is one of the leading IB schools in the Asia Pacific region. We offer an academically rigorous programme implemented by a broad range of languages, fine arts, athletic and service-learning opportunities designed to develop balance, deepen connections and to uncover the true learning potential of our students. Our teaching approach focuses on developing critical thinking, creativity, communication and collaboration, all skills our students need to be successful in our ever-changing world. Why ANZA? “We choose to sponsor ANZA as the partnership allows us to unite our communities with a common focus on prioritising children’s development. We recognise the value of extra-curricular activities and ANZA’s ability to do this well.”
Cory Dickson, Director of Marketing and Admissions cis.edu.sg
Sponsoring the Sailors in White Osler Health
What they do: Osler Health International offers trusted family healthcare to the international community of Singapore, including many ANZA members. Known for their patient-centric approach (check their 5-star Google Business reviews), Osler Health is the go-to for compassionate family physicians for babies, children, teens, mums and dads. With a holistic health approach and a focus on Lifestyle Medicine, we collaborate with patients for healthy longevity. Why ANZA? “The Osler approach to healthcare is based upon Lifestyle Medicine. This is an evidence-based approach that informs us that the lifestyle choices we make each day affect our future health. Two of the key pillars of Lifestyle Medicine include the importance of physical activity and of having social connections. ANZA soccer delivers both these pillars. Not only do the children experience the benefits of sport but they (and their parents) also develop great friends. ANZA Soccer is Lifestyle Medicine in action!” Victoria Fagan, Marketing Manager, Osler Health International osler-health.com
Sponsoring the Matildas in Turquoise Dulwich College Singapore
What they do: Dulwich College (Singapore) is a leading international school with a British independent school ethos, drawing upon the proud 400-year heritage, excellence, innovation and values of the founding school in London. Part of an international family of schools, Dulwich College (Singapore) has a global outlook and contemporary approach, reflecting the diversity of the students from 2 to 18 years. The state-of-the-art green campus and rich academic, sports, arts and music curriculum are designed to help each child reach their potential and make a positive difference in the world. Why ANZA? “We value the Australian and New Zealand communities in Singapore, and it is our pleasure to support the Matildas and the broader ANZA community. Dulwich College (Singapore) is known for its sporting prowess and has achieved much success in local and regional inter-school competitions. Equally important, we believe that all students should have access to sport, regardless of ability – the chance to experience being part of a team, and the great camaraderie and development opportunities that it affords is priceless. Good luck to the Matildas!” Piers Matthews, Director of Admissions & Marketing singapore.dulwich.org
Sponsoring the Vikings in Yellow Odin Mortgage
Who they are: Odin Mortgage is the expert in helping Aussie expats and overseas investors buy properties in Australia and review mortgages for a better offer in the market. Odin Mortgage operate globally serving expats and investors around the world where we have recently expanded our operation opening an office in Raffles Place, Singapore headed by Steven Lee. Access 20+ Australian lenders and international banks with Odin Mortgage for the best available borrowing options for your next home-buying journey. Why ANZA? “One of our goals is to contribute to the communities where we belong and serve our clients. We recognise the positive impact of sports communities when it comes to growing children and connecting families, and ANZA Soccer is one of the most vibrant sport communities in Singapore where many of our clients are already engaged. Odin Mortgage is proud to sponsor the organisation which brings opportunities to connect our clients and members of the community. We love to see great games and activities throughout the year.” Steven Lee, Director, Odin Mortgage odinmortgage.com
Sponsoring the Warriors in Green Smilefocus
What they do: Smilefocus has been a part of the Singapore community for over 25 years. With a diverse team of internationally experienced dentists, we offer comprehensive services, including preventive care, orthodontics, cosmetic dentistry, and surgical treatments. Committed to delivering exceptional dental care, we pride ourselves on our core values of patient satisfaction, experience, and investment in technology and patient education, aiming to provide a positive dental experience for children and adults. Why ANZA? “We are deeply committed to the holistic health of our community, understanding that wellbeing extends beyond dental care. Soccer, with its emphasis on teamwork, discipline, and physical effort, perfectly embodies the values we uphold. It encourages not only physical fitness but also mental wellness, cooperation, and resilience among young players. This commitment reflects our broader vision of promoting a healthy, active lifestyle alongside oral health, recognising the vital connection between physical activity and overall wellbeing.” Dr Bernard Siew smilefocus.com.sg
Kampong Bugis has been rejuvenated with the launch of Gourmet Park Kampong Bugis, a vibrant pop-up food haven brought to you by Food Truck Nation. This exciting culinary destination features five homegrown brands, offering a mix of flavours and experiences in a lush, serene setting. With renowned chef collaborations, grill-outs, and experiential happenings, Gourmet Park Kampong Bugis is the perfect place to unwind and enjoy a delicious meal with friends.
Breakfast by Carnaby
Headed by Chef Adam Penney, formerly of Potato Head Folk and Three Buns, Carnaby offers a modern twist on classic British fare. Our first visit to this hip-new spot was for a weekend brunch. Carnaby’s all-day breakfast menu is a teaser ahead of its official launch at Robertson Quay later this year. Highlights include The Full Monty ($32), a satisfying platter of breakfast staples perfect for starting your day right with crispy bacon, sausages, perfectly cooked eggs, baked beans, grilled tomatoes, and mushrooms, with toast and hash browns. The Buttermilk Pancakes ($14) were light and fluffy, served with smoked butter and organic maple syrup – a delightful treat. The Boozy Toast ($14), offering sourdough French toast with alcohol-spiked berry compote and whipped cream. The French toast is perfectly golden, with a crispy exterior and soft, custardy center, while the compote adds a fruity kick.
Evening Chill-Out Vibes
Located at the former site of the iconic Camp Kilo, Gourmet Park Kampong Bugis is an oasis away from the city’s hustle and bustle, yet just minutes from the CBD. The same team behind The Goodburger has transformed this delightful outdoor space into a multi-concept venue that goes beyond food trucks and containers, offering a vibrant and laid-back atmosphere. We couldn’t resist a second visit, so we gathered our friends and headed back for an after-work chill-out session.
The Goodburger
Known for their plant-based burgers, The Goodburger offers a variety of mouthwatering options. We dug into The Classic ($16), a plant-based take on the classic American cheeseburger with house-made secret sauce. The patty was juicy and flavourful, indistinguishable from its meat counterpart, with the sauce adding a tangy and creamy touch. The Big Boy ($22) is a substantial choice featuring two generously stacked patties that made me feel like I was biting into hearty meat patties. The layers of cheese, lettuce, tomato, and pickles made each bite a delightful mix of textures and flavours. One Night in Bangkok ($18) is a Thai-inspired burger with aromatic spices. The patty is infused with Thai herbs and spices, offering a unique, fragrant flavour that was both spicy and refreshing. The Black Tie ($18) is infused with truffle oil for a touch of luxury. This burger was an elevated experience, with the earthy truffle aroma enhancing the savory, rich patty.
Meatsmith – American Smokehouse BBQ
Meatsmith brings the essence of American smokehouse BBQ to Gourmet Park Kampong Bugis. The Meatsmith Beef Brisket ($28) is smoked and grilled to perfection, a must-try for meat lovers. The brisket was tender and juicy, with a rich smoky flavour that lingered pleasantly. Pork Belly Burnt Ends ($13) and Pork & Jalapeno Sausage ($11) are smaller plates perfect for sharing or as sides. The burnt ends were crispy and caramelised, with a melt-in-your-mouth interior, while the sausage had a nice kick from the jalapenos, balanced by the savoury pork.
Quattro – Modern Pastas & Pizza
For lovers of Italian cuisine, Quattro offers a modern interpretation of Neapolitan-style pizzas and pastas. Margherita ($22) and Pepperoni ($28) are classic pizza favourites. The Margherita was a perfect blend of tangy tomato sauce, fresh basil, and creamy mozzarella, while the Pepperoni offered a satisfying salty, spicy kick. Garlic Prawn ($30) and Spicy Sausage ($30) provide more adventurous flavours for those looking to try something new. The Garlic Prawn pizza was a delightful mix of sweet, tender prawns and garlicky goodness, while the Spicy Sausage packed a flavourful punch with every bite. We all agreed that the Cacio e Pepe ($22) hit the pasta lovers’ spot; malfadine pasta coated in a rich blend of parmesan, pecorino, and black pepper. The pasta was perfectly al dente, with the creamy cheese sauce and pepper creating a simple yet decadent dish. Green Goddess ($24) is a refreshing cold pasta with beans, asparagus, and dill-accented pea pesto. This dish was light and fresh, with the bright green pesto adding a burst of flavour.
Backyard Bakers
No meal is complete without a sweet ending, and Backyard Bakers delivers with their famous brownies. Blackout Brownies ($12) have crispy exteriors with a soft, fudgy centre, served with vanilla ice cream for the ultimate indulgence. The brownies were decadently rich, with a deep chocolate flavour, perfectly complemented by the creamy, cool ice cream.
Blackout Brownies and cocktails
Garden-Inspired Cocktails – The Perfect Accompaniment
The drinks menu at Gourmet Park Kampong Bugis is designed to complement the culinary offerings perfectly. Visitors can enjoy a selection of garden-inspired cocktails, each priced at $22. The Garden of Eden is a refreshing concoction that brings a touch of the outdoors to your glass. Gincello is a delightful mix that pairs well with any dish. Kampong B Mojito is a local twist on the classic mojito, infused with pandan and calamansi. For those seeking a caffeine fix, Liberty Coffee provides a range of coffee options, including cold variations perfect for brunch. Wine and beer drinkers can choose from a rotation of craft beers and wines by the glass, making it easy to find the perfect drink for any occasion.
The Verdict:
Gourmet Park Kampong Bugis is a culinary destination that promises a memorable experience for all. With its diverse mix of food and drinks, and serene setting, it’s the perfect place to unwind and enjoy the best of what Singapore’s food scene has to offer. From weekend grill-outs and kitchen takeovers by renowned chefs to family-centric and pet-friendly activities, there is always something happening. Whether you’re a local foodie or a visitor, make sure to visit this vibrant pop-up before it ends in December 2024.
66 Kampung Bugis
Ground Floor Patio
Singapore, 338987
12pm–9pm (Wed to Thu), 12pm–10pm (Fri), 8am–10pm (Sat), 8am–9pm (Sun & PH)
Clarence Chua is the founder of The Sundowner, a three-storey conserved shophouse in Siglap, featuring a backyard pizza place, bar, bee-keeping facilities and a rooftop farm. The green-loving team run around 20 nature-based and F&B experiences.
“I’ve always loved animals and nature. Growing up in Singapore, my family frequently embarked on outdoor adventures; we trekked and cycled in parks and forests here and overseas. I was the one catching spiders and scorpions. My work is a natural extension of my childhood passion!
The Sundowner is a place like no other. We started in 2019 with the Rooftop Farm Experience. It caught on quickly, so we kept ideating and creating new spaces and workshops. Today we host small groups in our garden setting comprising Farm Tours, Craft Workshops and Chillout Sessions, but make them fun, experiential, and Instagrammable. Our offerings come with an X-factor, for example, the restaurants next to us serve pizza, but we teach our guests how to make one from scratch, harvesting garnish from our garden. We don’t actually grow a large quantity of crops for commercial use. Unlike other farms, our focus is not output, but education. We hope to inspire others to understand and care for the world around them.
Feed the bees
Our other star attraction is our bees. Participants can don a suit, feed and inspect bee hives, and even harvest honey with the safety of a trained beekeeper. This began when we were moving an old shed to The Sundowner’s rooftop and found a nest of bees inside it. I already knew bees shouldn’t be killed, but as we ran out of time to call professionals to help us, we decided to try to shift the bees ourselves. (Don’t do this at home, kids!). We didn’t have the correct equipment but it turned out to be an exciting adventure, and we became hooked on trying to raise bees.
Early on, the bee-keeping was self-taught and trial and error. I was devastated during my first few attempts when we made mistakes and the bees kept flying away. It was difficult to find mentors in Singapore. We discovered there were only two other beekeepers on the island so we became the third, and youngest! I learned from online videos and in time I did training courses with an experienced beekeeper in Malaysia. I’ve also discovered that the best way to soothe a bee sting is to suck out the venom asap, or to use “Bug Bite Thing” (bugbitething.com). It works for mosquito bites too.
Left: Clarence on the rooftop garden
Food waste
People bandy ‘sustainability’ around, not really knowing what it means. To us at The Sundowner, sustainability should be about growing your business in line with mitigating the effects on the environment. This means that everything you do should consider whether it harms nature and if it does, then slow it down. But this is just the talk, and growth continues unabated in the face of, and causing, a dying world. The future doesn’t look good. 2023 was the hottest year on record and we’re all aware of the intensifying heat in 2024 – and this is just global warming.
I like to think that as a business we’re going one step further: the existence of our rooftop garden itself does good for nature. It was previously blank concrete but is now fully covered in greenery and houses 50,000 bees at any one time. The green cover reduces the urban island heat effect, while the bees help to pollinate plants. We also have a strong composting programme where none of our food waste gets thrown away. Our home kitchen supplies all the greens to make healthy heaps of compost which fertilises our plants, while roasted cacao nibs for example, are used as mulch for planting beds. Besides the bees, we also rear ants and worms in enclosures, which we harvest to enrich the soil. These form the backbone of our Bees Ants Worms experiences, which is a hit with children.
Our passion is showing people the provenance of things, like where does stuff come from. If people understand that crops come from the soil, and soil health and pollination by bees is important for a good harvest, they will likely start to take care of the environment around them.” thesundownersg.com @thesundownersg
OCEAN LOVERS
Kane and Victoria at their base in Sungei Tengah
Husband-and-wife team Singaporean Victoria Yoong and Kane Mcguinn from Sunshine Coast, Australia are the founders of Atlas Aquaculture, Singapore and the world’s first land-based sustainablefish farm.
“Kane and I met in 2011 when we were both working on the building of the SEA Aquarium on Sentosa. I was part of the project management team and Kane was one of the aquarium designers.
We started discussing food security and sustainable fish farming in 2019. While fish farms can provide an alternative to wild-caught fish, the model itself presents challenges. For example, there are more than one hundred sea-based fish farms in Singapore, but less than 10 are land-based. For sea-based farms, oil spills, algae bloom, and low oxygen levels in the water means that any trucked-in seawater to kelongs or cages can be polluted. Kane and I wanted to build a self-sufficient system that didn’t require sea water to be carted in on a regular basis. We wanted to utilise sustainable materials and technology to reduce chemicals in the fish farming process.
It wasn’t until 2020 that we put our ideas into practice – and then Covid hit! Due to lockdown restrictions, Kane literally spent the pandemic building the farm in the Sungei Tengah countryside from scratch. Looking back, this was the least challenging part of our sustainable business journey! There was a lot of bureaucratic red tape to get through, and it took a very long time to get our various licenses. The fish farming industry in Singapore is traditional, with practices being passed down through generations, so fresh ideas are not readily welcomed. It took almost two years for Atlas Aquaculture to get up and running. Unfortunately, there needs to be a bigger understanding of new concepts.
Recycle & reuse
Today, our site covers 2.1 hectares, we have 16 staff, and we farm various Grouper, Threadfin, Snapper, Tiger Prawns, Barramundi, and more. We stick to a ‘harvesting methodology’ so no part of the fish goes to waste – in Singapore the heads and tails are popular in collagen soups. We make our limited resources work through a closed-loop water recycling system we designed ourselves. The system allows us to recycle and reuse over 95% of our water (5% evaporates due to our crazy weather), while keeping our fish healthy. We also use solar panels throughout the farm, and every morning we carry out specific transfer planning to reduce mileage on our deliveries around the island.
We try to work out how to do better for the planet every day. It’s not easy – our packaging is still plastic. As for inspiration for new ideas, Kane listens to lots of podcasts (Australian broadcaster Dr Karl is a favourite!) and goes on a lot of walks!
We started with 50+ tonnes of fish and by the end of 2024 we’re hoping to scale up to 450 tonnes, supplying to the likes of Jumbo Seafood, Resorts World Sentosa, and Les Amis group. As a Singaporean, I look at Kane’s upbringing in Australia, living a true farm-to-table lifestyle, and hope Singapore can take note. We’re currently working with projects in Lombok and Sarawak, and hope to have a footprint in Australia soon.”
From left: Jake and DJ, owners of new sustainable coffee company, Prefer
COFFEE CONNOISSEURS Jake Berber (CEO) and DJ Tan (CTO) launched Prefer, a bean-free coffee brand (yes, really!) combining bread, soy and barley in Singapore earlier this year.
Jake: “DJ and I were connected through Entrepreneur First in Singapore, which is a platform that identifies and matches budding entrepreneurs with co-founders who would complement each other’s skills.
We knew we wanted to work on food tech and figured that fermentation is the key to creating sustainable foods that could be scaled. We also knew that to create climate impact at scale, it was going to take more than just changing our habits. We picked coffee as it’s a commodity that’s both threatened by and contributing to climate change – there will likely be a 50% decrease in farmlands by 2050. Coffee is getting expensive and this will continue over the coming decades. We wanted to offer consumers a sustainable alternative that’s delicious, affordable, and can be easily adapted into current business operations.
The biggest challenge was – and is – that nobody has done this with coffee before. We started in 2022, working from DJ’s kitchen, but after securing funds we moved into a lab-space in Biopolis. We had to screen hundreds of potential feedstocks and microbes to identify ones that could replicate coffee flavours – we must have tried at least one hundred formulations and iterations. Our logbooks are packed with batch codes and recipes!”
DJ: “Eventually we got our breakthrough which is our coffee formula today. We ferment bread, soy and barley to create coffee flavours, then we roast and grind the mixture to be used in your everyday lattes, americanos, or espresso martinis. For the barista and consumer, it’s the same experience of making and drinking coffee.
There may be a platonic ideal of coffee, but to me, good coffee is one that should generally have an enticing aroma, a balanced harmony of tastes, bitterness, acidity, sweetness, and a smooth mouthfeel. Through Prefer, we just have a more sustainable and reliable way of making it.
Eventually, Jake and I hope to create a range of flavours and beverages that are also threatened by climate change such as cacao, vanilla, hazelnut and so on. Since we just secured US$2 million in funding, the plan is to use this to grow our production capabilities and work on expanding our products in the wider Southeast Asia region, starting with the Philippines.”
Prefer is stocked at various locations across Singapore including Lau Pa Sat and select SaladStop! branches.
What truly matters? What makes us happy? Where do we find meaning? In a new two-part course titled, ‘The Imperfect Art of Living’ and ‘The Imperfect Art of Leading’, students explore concepts such as belonging, purpose, storytelling, and transcendence as part of the UWCSEA High School Learning Programme. They consider the research that has been done in the fields of psychology, sociology and cognitive science that build theories related to leading a meaningful life. They apply what they already know about living with meaning to the role of leadership, exploring a variety of leadership styles and concepts such as ego, the nature of truth, culture, and rational compassion.
Students explore various philosophies, connect theory to personal experiences, and collaborate on problem-solving challenges aimed at creating positive change and a fulfilling life. This course is holistically assessed twice a year based on a ‘Mastery Rubric’, and the students report grade is reflected on their High School transcript.
Creating Cultures
In this course, UWCSEA students connect with other students from international schools through online meetings. Their discussions include diverse perspectives, personal stories, and ideas from individuals worldwide, fostering a personal connection while also developing essential life skills such as presenting and effective communication. Grade 10 students, Elsa and Vincent, were both drawn to the course’s global exposure.
Vincent shares, “Throughout the course, I’ve engaged with students from around the world, bridging cultural gaps and sharing life experiences, which is part of UWCSEA’s Mission to foster connections across diverse backgrounds. Through these interactions, I’ve realised the universal nature of our challenges and the importance of empathy and connection in our journey through life.”
Similarly, Elsa, who has been at UWCSEA since Infant School, had this to say about the course; “‘The Imperfect Art of Living’ is a course that has pushed me to further my understanding of myself and others. Life offers an infinite number of opportunities, but you must be willing to open yourself up to them even if that is uncomfortable.”
She adds, “Throughout my journey at UWCSEA, some of the values that have stood out to me are empathy, reflection, creativity and a sense of community. UWCSEA consistently reinforces these values and ideals, countering societal pressures that may discourage diverse perspectives. In this course, I’ve found a safe space of diverse backgrounds and viewpoints, free from self-doubt. Our unity amidst diversity reflects the mission to make education a unifying force across cultures and nations.”
Creating Purpose
Both Elsa and Vincent have practically applied their learning in the second part of the course ‘The Imperfect Art of Leading’, which encourages students to initiate leadership projects aligned with their interests, fostering a sense of belonging and purpose.
For example, Elsa and classmate Ray have kickstarted a UWCSEA Service peer-to-peer coaching Service, for students needing support in specific areas. This peer coaching Service has helped to remove learning barriers for some students, encouraging ‘connection’ over ‘competition’. With over 25 student coaches actively participating, the initiative emphasises the significance of community-building and student agency.
Vincent, a residential boarder and recent transfer to UWCSEA’s Foundation IB programme understands the challenges of adapting to a new environment and sustaining relationships despite geographical distance. He actively engages in the Magical Murals Service group collaborating with other students to design and paint murals on campus and in external locations in Singapore. Students in the Service group have contributed to a community public art project at Marina Bay, in collaboration with Artbeatz, and designed and painted a mural at the Institute of Mental Health to brighten up the children’s meeting area. Through community projects, members like Vincent find purpose and connection with others, highlighting the importance of personal contribution in building communities.
Creating an Impactful Future
Together, ‘The Imperfect Art of Living’ and ‘The Imperfect Art of Leading’ as a course offers a match for anyone to light their flame, especially for students transitioning into adulthood. Young adults can grapple with feelings of anxiety and uncertainty about their future; for some students, this course has been invaluable in helping them to facilitate a deeper understanding of themselves and their aspirations.
Like all of the UWCSEA Grade 9 and 10 courses in the High School Learning Programme, this course lays the perfect foundation for students as they prepare to make big decisions about their IB choices and future beyond school. With UWCSEA’s innovative new International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) pilot course, ‘Systems Transformation: Leadership for Change’, the first of its kind in South East Asia, UWCSEA High School students have the unique opportunity to engage in transdisciplinary learning, navigate complex systemic issues and devise innovative and empathetic solutions.
“The course has taught me about what brings fulfillment and meaning to life. Personally, it’s helped me to decide what things are important to me and my bigger purpose, which has led to me choosing subjects that suit my IBDP package” Ivy, Grade 10, UWCSEA
“The two-part course helped me develop skills such as independence, collaboration and the ability to ‘think outside of the box’. The capability to reflect on real-world challenges will be an extremely helpful skill for when I begin the IBDP in August, specifically the new Systems Transformation course pathway”, says Elsa, a Grade 10 student at UWCSEA.
Students at UWCSEA will emerge from their four-year High School journey equipped to tackle issues with innovation, empathy, and purpose, and ready to lead impactful change in an ever-changing world.
We can all work towards closing the gender wealth gap by imparting knowledge, educating ourselves, and creating safe spaces for women to share and discuss. Whilst there’s still a long way to go in terms of global policies, taking action individually can help close the gender wealth gap. 
The ‘St. James’s Place Partnership’ and the titles ‘Partner’ and ‘Partner Practice’ are marketing terms used to describe St. James’s Place representatives. Members of the St. James’s Place Partnership in Singapore represent St. James’s Place (Singapore) Private Limited, which is part of the St. James’s Place Wealth Management Group, and it is regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore and is a member of the Investment Management Association of Singapore and Association of Financial Advisers (Singapore). Company Registration No. 200406398R. Capital Markets Services Licence No. CMS100851. St. James’s Place Wealth Management Group Ltd Registered Office: St. James’s Place House, 1 Tetbury Road, Cirencester, Gloucestershire, GL7 1FP, United Kingdom. Registered in England Number 02627518.
Trends come and go. From fashion to music, dating to interior design, change is everywhere. Language is one area that constantly evolves, although we may not even realise it. Today, “spilling tea” is no longer knocking over a hot beverage (rather, sharing gossip) and “sick” means “good” (keep up!). And have you noticed how everyone is “triggered” these days?
My Daily Sparks 
The Goodburger
Quattro – Modern Pastas & Pizza
