Australian property tax considerations for expats

Oct 19 2023

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It’s the great Australian dream to own property, however, don’t let the excitement be diluted through ineffective tax planning. There are several key factors to consider before purchasing a property.

What are your future plans for the property?

Whether the property is to be used solely as an investment property, partly as an investment property and partly as a holiday home or whether it will become your future main residence can all impact how the property should be held, how to finance the property and what future records need to be kept for tax reporting purposes.

Investment properties and/or holiday homes can be held in one’s personal name or a structure, however a property that is to be used as a future main residence should be retained in one’s personal name to enable access to a future partial exemption from capital gains tax on sale.

Expenses associated with a property used privately either in full or in part are ineligible for a tax deduction (either in full or in part). Including borrowing expenses and interest on mortgages.

Whose name should the property be held in?

If your job puts you at a higher risk of being sued or the nature of the property results in a higher risk of being sued, holding the property in a trust as opposed to in your personal name can alleviate this risk.

Estate planning considerations can also impact whether a property should be held in one’s personal names or a trust.

If the property is to be negatively geared and in the future you will be living in Australia earning a high salary, holding the property in your personal name can provide benefits. In contrast, if the property is to be positively geared, the flexibility of a trust may prove more beneficial when considering the applicable Australian tax rate that can apply.

If not an Australian citizen or permanent resident visa holder, are there any other taxes to be aware of?

Some states apply higher stamp duty charges and land tax charges to property owners from certain nationalities. This may result in purchasing in a different State or Territory in Australia or choosing to hold the property in the name of the Australian spouse (where relevant).

How should I fund the purchase of the property?

When considering how much to borrow to purchase a property versus how much equity to invest considerations of the opportunity cost of the use of the cash should be thought out. Interest rates and the deductibility of the interest can also impact this decision.

In Summary

Ilana Kramarov and the Select Investors team work closely with, and support, expatriates with their financial wellbeing, through integrated tax and wealth planning during their time in Singapore and beyond. If you would like to learn more about the Australian property market, and further discuss Australian property tax planning, please contact Ilana via email ilana@selectinvestorsaustralia.sg.

This information has been prepared in good faith, is in the nature of general comment only, and neither purports, nor is intended, to be advice on any particular matter. You should not act or rely upon any matter or information contained in or implied without taking appropriate professional advice which relates specifically to your particular circumstances. Select Investors (Australia) Pty Ltd expressly disclaim all and any liability to any person (whether a reader or not) who acts or fails to act as a consequence of reliance upon the whole or any part of this information.

Good innings for ANZA Cricket

Oct 17 2023

Big Day Out

Talk about big weekends! The Denis Amar 6’s (named after two exceptionally kind Singapore cricketers who’ve passed away) were held recently at the Indian Association / Ceylon Sports grounds. The two-day event featured 20 teams of six, including local teams SCC, Mariners, Spirits, Misfits and touring teams from Kuwait, Manilla, Australia and KL all vying for the Cup, Bowl and Tequila Cup.

This year ANZA placed two teams in the competition: Retros and Biscuits. Both teams did really well, although Retros had to face the unbeatable Kuwaiti team and Biscuits worked hard for wins in their round robins. The best performances came from Akash Dogra in the first match where he smashed his way to 25 Retired of 8 balls. Guy Hudson took over in the remaining matches with some very big hits and a mind-blowing strike rate. Alpesh Puna batted exceptionally for Retro’s, winning some games single-handedly.

Both teams progressed to the finals with Biscuits in the hunt for the big Cup and Retro’s for the plate. Unfortunately as they were on form, the rain came. In the end, with time restrictions and touring sides the day went down to a bowl off. Steve Anderson was ANZA’s secret weapon, pinging the stumps and getting Biscuits to the final before the Kuwaiti boys (who’d been practicing whilst we had been liquoring up with Margaritas). Unsurprisingly, the opposition knocked out middle and it was all over.

ANZA “Player of Players” Soumak Bose above (far right)

Of course, when you have 6’s, Margaritas, beers and 100+ cricketers and friends around, there is always fun to be had. This year’s Big Day Out and the “ANZA Player of Players” was awarded to Soumak Bose, the speedstar with multiple 3’s and good contributions on and off the field. The ultimate club player!

Hosts With The Most

With the shortage of sporting grounds and in particular cricket grounds in Singapore, it’s a rare and enjoyable pleasure to host a touring side. Renwick CC from Marlborough in NZ were an exceptionally nice group of players, some of whom are captains within the NZ wine industry and veterans of the sport.

Renwick lost the toss and were sent in against what was a surprising full strength ANZA side for a Friday. For the first 15 overs, Renwick CC, dealing with an unusual ground and synthetic pitch, battled to 2/69 with Guy Hudson taking some difficult catches and putting them on the back foot. ANZA blasted their way to 3-91 in their 15. Badgey in his first knock for the club retired on 35 n.o including 4-4 and 2-6’s.

During the second half, restrictive bowling and some good fielding continued. Renwick CC closed on all out for 176. ANZA chased this down with Guy retiring and some furious batting from the rest of the team to start the beers flowing after the 24th over. Top bowling shout-outs go to Anton, Steve Anderon, Soumak and Dave Vu!

Wine Time

A few of us had the privilege of sharing a wine tasting at Petersons Wines Singapore with David Prentice of Brookside Energy (brookside-energy.com.au), sponsors of ANZA Cricket. Joe gave us an incredible history and description of the fine wines produced by Petersons and the evening was enjoyed by all. We looked particularly smashing in our Brookside evening kit!

Hotspots: Griglia

Oct 17 2023

Think Italian food, think pizza, pasta, and perhaps a stuffed crust? Griglia Open Fire Italian Kitchen is a contemporary Italian restaurant that goes beyond the stereotypes of traditional staples and serves dishes of bucolic charm and irresistable simplicity.

Situated on Craig Road and opened by the people behind Zafferano, Griglia has been sitting pretty on this Chinatown stretch since 2021. The refreshed menu keeps it up to date in an area that’s fast becoming one of the hottest on the island.

Griglia gets its name from the term ‘grigliata‘, in reference to the outdoor grill that’s often used for al fresco meals in Italy.Positioned at the back of the restaurant in an open kitchen concept, the specially customised cast iron charcoal grill is fired up and flaming when we arrive.

Dishes marry the rich flavours and heritage of Italy through grilled meats, fish, vegetables, salads and – of course – homecooked pasta. What’s lovely is that dishes are fresh, wholesome and joyously uncomplicated, the star of the show in some cases being a specific type of vegetable or glug of exceptional olive oil, complemented by a stellar mix of herbs, salts, and seasoning.

Letting quality ingredients speak for themselves is depicted in Griglia’s spin on small plates: we try Confit Tomatoes – plump tommies on Spiced Bread with a swipe of Avocado; Beef Tartare, a pop-in-your-mouth ball of beef, Confit Egg and Parmigiano; and Rustic Bread which tastes other-worldly dipped in Piennolo Tomato Sauce from Naples and Apulian Extra Virgin Olive Oil.

Secret weapon

Even good old Eggplant is next-level here. Miniscule layers of eggplant, Roma tomatoes and ligurian basil rest on top of a ‘Caciocavallo’ fondue. This results in a delicate taste that’s both sweet and smoky, and we wish it came in larger portions.

Cheese features highly on this updated menu. Melted stracchino entwined with bottorga and hazelnut makes for a refreshing Romanesco, whereas Bone Marrow comes with salsa verde, radish crostini and parmesan crust. Pappardelle is served with tender, braised pork jowl and crisp guanciale, and is a crowd favourite.

Our two mains are such showstoppers that the table is totally divided as to a winner. Dry Aged Porterhouse ‘Fiorentina’ steak is cooked with rosemary to a beautiful medium-rare, producing a robust and tender flavour. In contrast, the Whole Mediterranean Seabass Fillet is light, succulent and melt-in-your-mouth delicious.

Side dishes of Baby Potatoes, Kale and Charcoal Grilled Baby Corn served with Brown Butter Sabayon (ideal for dipping), create a lux farm-to-table countryside vibe. The rustic feel continues through the chic interior which features exposed brick walls, comfy leather banquette seating and a mix of high and low casual tables.

For dessert we managed a bulging Cappuccinomisu: a cappuccino tiramisu
with buffalo mascarpone and port wine, topped with a fluffy foam. Capri In A Cake certainly lived up to its name: this soft Italian cake oozed intense lemon curd, fresh Amalfi lemon juice, a creamy vanilla gelato, and Italian olive oil on the side. We can vouch that both sweets are best enjoyed with a cheeky glass of Limoncello. Well, when in Rome …

VERDICT: Pass up your standard Italian pizza for clean-feeling food that leaves you nourished with fresh produce kissed by hot flames and Italian heritage. Great for groups of friends and families looking for a slice of Italian sunshine.

Griglia
37 Craig Rd, #01-01, 089675
griglia.sg

Haji Lane Updated!

Oct 16 2023

Vintagewknd

Looking for a tapestry corset, patchwork jeans, or reworked handbag? After running a successful online secondhand clothing store, Eileen Tan and Eden Tay, both 30, opened Vintagewknd on Haji Lane earlier this year. The store is a hotbed of unisex vintage fashion, repurposed textiles, and cool fabrics repurposed from garment waste factories in developing countries. The brand’s purpose is to “give back to the planet more than what we take away from it.” To date, they’ve sold over 100,000 items which accumulates to about 50 tonnes. Says Eden, “We’re looking to have more people know about us and to remove as many tonnes as possible.”

41 Haji Lane, 189209
vintagewknd.com

Everyday Vegan Grocer

When Covid 19 hit, it opened founder Amanda Teng’s eyes to the fresh demand across Singapore for legit vegan groceries. While many would be put off from expanding a business during a pandemic, Amanda wasn’t deterred. After a stint selling vegan goods online, she opened Everyday Vegan Grocer on Haji Lane last summer. This sweet little store sells the likes of Beyond Meat, Gardein, Quorn, Oatly and Mikoyo’s Creamery, as well as Aussie favourites such as Fine Cultures, Dilectio, House of Biskota and Kresho as part of the selection of plant-based products, meat alternatives, dairy-free substitutes, pantry staples and snacks. “We’re more than just a vegan shop, we’re a vibrant community dedicated to promoting compassionate living,” she says.

43 Haji Lane, 189236
everydayvegangrocer.com

Mr Lim’s Shop of Visual Treasures

Towards the bottom of Haji Lane, opposite the 7-Eleven, is a veritable enclave of delights. Mr Lim’s Shop Of Visual Treasures belongs to (yes, you guessed it) Mr Lim. After a cancer diagnosis in 2021, rounds of chemo caused him to rethink his life. As an artist and art lover himself, he opened his shop of treasures as a place to ‘air’ his work, but most of all, to support and represent promising but less-advantaged artists of all ages. “When I started meeting local artists, I found that many of them would just give up after a few years as the art scene here in Singapore is very difficult,” Mr Lim says. He constantly adds new and unique pieces to his collection which is all available to buy. The hope is that in time, there’ll be less art from Mr Lim and more from new graduates, up and coming artists, and veteran artists who just need a venue to show off their talent.

8 Haji Lane, #02 – 01,189201
mrlimsshopofvisualtresaures.com

Coffee Donkee

The brainchild of three local friends, Coffee Donkee is a cosy coffee shop serving brews made from freshly imported Japanese beans. The menu includes the usual suspects and signature brews such as the Sakura blend and their in-house Donkee blend which uses five different types of bean. Like the drinks, the decor has a distinctly Japanese feel with wooden walls and an open concept coffee counter which allows you to witness the beans brewing and dripping. We love the hidden area at the back of the café decorated like a tiny zen garden complete with Japanese umbrellas – the perfect place to escape the heat, hustle and bustle. Look out for their second store opening on Joo Chiat Road in September.

51 Haji Lane, 189244
coffeedonkee.com

French American Bakery

This blink-and-you-might-miss-it halal bakery was opened by pastry chef Aishah and her husband in 2021. Sleek and subtle from the outside, it’s the selection of mouthwatering croissants, pastries, fluffy bread, buns and more waving at you from the window that grab your attention. Sweet-toothed types will like the flaky vanilla bean crème brûlée, madeleines and generously portioned carrot cake. The French American Bakery is takeaway only, which is fine by us as you need to keep your energy levels up when strolling around Haji Lane these days.

49 Haji Lane, 189242
thefrenchamericanbakery.cococart.co

3 Of Cups

Another pandemic baby, tarot-themed cocktail bar 3 Of Cups was founded by ex-air stewardess and mystic-fan Shamini Ishwara Dass. Opulent and charming, you find yourself under a spell in this unique spot from the get-go. There are two ways to get your drink: order off the menu or pick a random tarot card to let fate decide your potion. The 40-seater bar also serves Asian-inspired bites including Evil Spam and Empress Prawns. From 7.30pm on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays you can order three drinks and get a free tarot reading. Magical!

53 Haji Lane, 189246
3-of-cups.com

The Nail Artelier

This art-centric nail studio has had a presence in Haji Lane for a while thanks to its focus on providing stunning nail art and a huge amount of colours. Unlike other nail salons, you can get your classic mani and pedi, or book in for a bespoke design where the nail artists work to create something totally individual just for you. What’s new is that the past few years have seen this salon move to a new location in the neighbourhood. Keep your eyes peeled for the sign on the ground floor and climb the shophouse stairs for this little slice of sanctuary.

76A Haji Lane, 189269
thenailartelier.com

The downsizing dilemma: Lessons from an SG-AUS moving adventure

Oct 16 2023

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Have you ever been overwhelmed by the sheer volume of possessions before your international relocation from Singapore? Many people reach a point where they realise it’s time to declutter and downsize their living space before meeting with international moving companies in Singapore. This is precisely the situation that Mark and Lisa found themselves in before their move to Australia.

The Background

Mark and Lisa had lived in a spacious suburban home for over a decade. They had accumulated furniture, appliances, and a vast collection of sentimental items. But as their children grew up and moved out, they began to feel that their home was too big for just the two of them.

The Decision to Downsize

The decision to downsize is a big one. It involves finding a new place to live and sorting through years’ worth of belongings to determine what stays and what goes.

The Sorting Process

As they began sorting through their possessions, Mark and Lisa realised how attached they were to many of their belongings. Each item seemed to carry a memory, a story, or a sentimental value that made it difficult to part with. They asked, “Do we need all these kitchen gadgets?” or “Can we bear to part with our children’s old toys?”

The Lesson of Letting Go

One of the most significant lessons Mark and Lisa learned during their downsizing adventure was the art of letting go. As they started to donate, sell, or give away items, they discovered a sense of liberation they hadn’t expected.

Letting go of possessions they found made room for new experiences and a more straightforward, more intentional way of living. Mark put it best when he said, “We’re not losing memories by letting go of stuff. We’re making space for new memories to be created.”

Prioritising What Truly Matters

Another essential lesson Mark and Lisa learned was the value of prioritising what truly matters. Possessions in their old home had surrounded them, but the maintenance and upkeep of a large property had also bogged them down. As they moved into their smaller, more manageable apartment, they realised they were gaining something invaluable: time and freedom.

Embracing Minimalism

Through their downsizing adventure, Mark and Lisa discovered the beauty of minimalism—a lifestyle that focuses on living with less and finding joy in simplicity. Minimalism isn’t about depriving yourself; it’s about choosing what adds value to your life and letting go of the rest.

Tips for a Successful Downsizing Adventure

Start Early: Before moving, Begin the downsizing process to avoid feeling rushed or overwhelmed.
Take It Step by Step: Divide the process into manageable stages, such as decluttering one room at a time.
Set Clear Criteria: Determine what criteria you’ll use to decide what to keep, donate, sell, or discard. For example, you might ask if an item brings you joy or serves a practical purpose.
Involve the Whole Family: If you have family members living with you, involve them in decision-making to ensure everyone is on the same page.
Seek Support: Reach out to friends, family, or a professional organiser if you need help or emotional support during the downsizing process.
Embrace the Change: Understand that downsizing is a significant life change, and having mixed emotions is okay. Focus on the positive aspects of simplifying your life.
Enjoy the Freedom: Once you’ve downsized and moved into your new space, relish the freedom and opportunities of a simpler, more intentional lifestyle.

If you’re considering downsizing, remember that it’s not just about moving to a smaller space; it’s about creating a life that aligns with your values and brings you joy. Here is a list of places to donate.

About SIR MOVE

Established in Singapore and Malaysia in 2006, SIR Move Services is a Singapore/British brand, and it is a moving company that continues to build a business based on integrity and trust. SIR provides Complete Move Solutions for International, Commercial and Domestic Relocations, including storage and insurance. We move pets, too. SIR Move is a qualified FIDI/FAIM Quality Mover.

SIR Move Services
talk2us@sirmove.com
sirmove.com
65347345

SirMoveServices
sirmoveservices

New work visas in Singapore – what’s the deal?

Oct 12 2023

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Singapore has been a top choice for expatriates due to its friendly, stable environment. As a global financial hub with low taxes, a strong education system, safety, and diversity, it is a perfect place for business and families. Singapore is home to many expatriates and there are numerous support communities where expatriates can connect. This, along with a high standard of living, makes Singapore the ideal destination.

See below for an overview of the latest work visas

New Work Visa Categories:

Overseas Networks & Expertise Pass (ONEPass)

The ONEPass is a new personalised work visa for top talents across all sectors. It allows applicants to start, operate and work for multiple companies in Singapore simultaneously. To be eligible, a minimum fixed monthly salary of S$30,000 in the past year is required. This work visa offers applicants greater job flexibility as it is tagged to the applicant and not to companies. The ONEPass has a 5-year validity and is renewable. Spouses of this pass may work in Singapore on a LOC with any valid job offers.

Tech Pass

This work visa is for established tech entrepreneurs, leaders, and experts. It allows them to work and take on multiple roles concurrently in Singapore. The following are requirements to qualify for the Tech pass:

A minimum fixed monthly salary of minimally S$22,500 in the past year.
A minimum of 5 cumulative years of experience in a tech company with a valuation/market cap of at least US$500million; or
Have developed a tech product which has at least 100,000 monthly active users.

This pass allows its holder to be employed under a company and/or operate their own start-ups, promoting innovation and entrepreneurship.

Letter of Consent (LOC)

Allows spouses of pass holders, who are on a Dependent Pass to operate a business in Singapore. To qualify for a LOC, the dependent needs to be either a sole proprietor of an ACRA registered business, a partner of an ACRA registered business, or a company director with at least 30% shareholding in an ACRA registered business.

Immigration for existing pass holders

Putting down roots in Singapore is a dream for many. This incredibly welcoming cosmopolitan island has plenty to offer for everyone. With the rest of Asia right at your doorstep, Singapore provides an excellent base for those seeking adventures afar.

To solidify your roots in Singapore, you may consider applying for Singapore Permanent Residency (PR) where the benefits include better work opportunities and flexibility, greater travel freedom, ability to contribute to a flexible pension system (CPF), and healthcare access.
Existing PR holders may apply for Singapore Citizenship (SC) which comes with benefits such as priority work consideration, healthcare and property purchase privileges, waived stamp duties on your first home, visa-free travel, parenthood benefits, and educational subsidies.

About Voyage Consultants

Securing a work visa, permanent resident, or citizenship involves navigating and understanding the complex criteria and regulations in Singapore. With a combined experience of over 10 years in the immigration industry, our team comprises of former expatriates who understand the process themselves and would love to help you by using their experience to lighten yours!

Not sure where to start? Feel free to contact us at for a consultation or visit our website at www.voyageconsultants.sg to discover our full suite of services!

Contact Information

Email: Enquiry@voyageconsultants.sg

Contact: Canns Lim Hanna (Director)

Mobile: +65 8427 1729

My trip to Anantara Angkor Resort, by Ms Melbourne Cup 2022

Oct 11 2023

One of the highlights of the ANZA Melbourne Cup Race Day at Singapore Turf Club is the chance to enter the iconic Fashions on the Field Competition. If you’re picked as ‘best dressed’ by our panel of judges, you not only get a grand title, but you also win a fabulous travel prize. Here, we meet the winner of Ms Melbourne Cup 2022, Yvonne Rankin Constantine, who’s just been on her winning trip to 5* Anantara Ankor Resort in Siem Reap, Cambodia.

This year we’re offering the same incredible prize to the winner of Ms Melbourne Cup 2023, so read on for what to expect! (And get dusting down your outfit!).

Congratulations on winning Ms Melbourne Cup 2022! Had you attended the ANZA Melbourne Cup Race Day before?

Yes – it’s always such a great time! I’d been to the ANZA Melbourne Cup Race Day previously when we lived in Singapore from 2008 -2013, but last year’s event was extra special because it was post-Covid. I nearly didn’t go, as my husband Gary had to pull out for work commitments, but the ANZA cycling Ladies were insistent so I joined them.

What made you enter ANZA’s Ms Melbourne Cup 2022?

I arrived on my own and a wee bit late, so I only entered Fashions on the Field because a very kind ANZA friend suggested I enter. Aussie humour I thought! I was particularly proud of my hat, which I bought in Melbourne. My kids tease me about it as they call it ‘the Quality Street sweetie’, so I thought – my hat represents Melbourne and how all of the ladies (and some of the men) make an effort to dress up each year – I’ll share my Quality Street hat! Then I realised ‘I have to walk the ‘catwalk’’ with all of these incredibly beautiful Ladies, and that’s when your Scottish humour has to kick in!

What else made up your outfit please?

A purple/black dress and matching shoes. I walked onto the catwalk chatting with such a diversity of amazing ladies, it was so much fun. To win was just a huge surprise, and I felt really chuffed that I had created an ensemble from my Melbourne hat, and hey kids – Quality Street is a winner. What a prize – a weekend at the Anantara Ankor Resort – thank you ANZA Melbourne Cup 2022!

Your winning prize was a two-night stay at Anantara Angkor Resort, which you only used this weekend! Had you visited Cambodia before?

It’s been 23 years since I was last in Cambodia, so I was very excited! This time I went with my husband Gary, and it coincided with my birthday.

How was your stay?

Anantara really pushed the boat out from our arrival to our departure. We were picked up from the airport, welcomed by the General Manager, and given a Cambodian welcome ‘scarf’. Our room was amazing with a welcoming message, cake, and a very romantic bed. The fabulous hospitality was extended throughout our stay, with discounts on our spa, beverages, and more.

How were the dining experiences at Anantara Angkor Resort?

On our first evening we went to the hotel restaurant and had a wonderful experience. We were not only entertained by the local dancers and music, but the quality of the food at Anantara, and the service, was just incredible. Everyone made such an effort; they even celebrated my birthday with the staff singing, and we felt very spoilt and special. Anantara is a resort which understands and appreciates its clientele and makes you want to return. They have it all: location, great food, and impeccable service.

What did you get up to in Siem Reap?

It was an action packed weekend: Anantara organised our first trip with a tuk tuk ride to the Apopo Visitor Center. This was a global education, as we had not appreciated how many countries are dealing with landmines post war. We left feeling very humbled, grateful and educated to post war challenges.

Next stop was the Angkor National Museum, which was an insightful journey through the ages of Cambodia, their kings, religions – the room with 1000 buddhas was spectacular! We then popped into the local market. If you want to experience local night life, Pub Street is a great place to start.

Our final trip organised by Anantara Angkor Resort was a sunset cruise. This was a great finale to our winning prize from ANZA. Whilst you have the luxury of a Anantara ‘nibbles & beers’ , you also become aware of one million people live on the stilt houses on the river, in a population of 17 million. When we returned, we found a beautiful framed picture of us which was taken on the boat, plus Gary’s favourite sticky rice coating a bean.

As members of ANZA Cycling, did you get on the bike at all?

We did a 4:30am pick up for a cycling temple trip. It was so worth the early rise! Gary organised a guide, Sok, who was brilliant. We started our day watching the sunrise at Ankor Wat, while Sok shared his immense knowledge. We then hired mountain bikes and cycled through the trees to Ankor Thom, which was featured in the film Tomb Raider.

How was your prize winning trip in all?

Cambodia is an amazing country and it needs tourism, so if you’re looking for a few days aways from Singapore, it’s only a two hour plane ride away. Gary and myself would like to thank Anantara Angkor Resort for sponsoring one of the most special Australian annual events in Singapore. I would like to think the panel of judges for making me Ms Melbourne Cup 2022! I am so looking forward to the next one in November!

Get your tickets for the ANZA Melbourne Cup Race Day 2023 here.

Hotspots: L’Arte Pizza & Focaccia + Wine Connection Cheese Bar

Oct 11 2023

Who can resist the call for a good pizza? None of us – which is great news for this fresh and exciting partnership between renowned L’Arte Pizza & Focaccia and Wine Connection Cheese Bar. Together, they’ve joined forces to bring the masses gourmet, handcrafted Romana pizzas crafted by Chef Radostin Kiryazov. Chef Rado, with over 30 years of experience perfecting the art of pizza making, has risen to become one of the world’s finest pizza masters, earning numerous prestigious accolades along the way.

Romana pizza is unlike any other pizza. It comes in a rectangular shape with a thicker and crunchier crust, quite distinct from its more familiar round and doughy Neapolitan cousin. Yet, it is precisely this crispy, airy foundation that provides such immense satisfaction.

For this collaboration, in addition to L’Arte Pizza & Focaccia’s regular menu, three mouth-watering offerings have been exclusively crafted for the Wine Connection Cheese Bar.

ANZA had the pleasure of trying out this partnership, and to our delight, the menu includes fantastic wine pairing suggestions that elevate the entire pizza experience. The wine experts at the Wine Connection Cheese Bar have done an exceptional job curating a wide range of wines from various regions to complement these delectable creations

Exclusive to Wine Connection Cheese Bar feature:

ANCHOVIES

Spinatta, Anchovies, Red Onions, Mozzarella Cheese and Cherry Tomatoes

Best paired with Zinfandel

GAMBERETTO

Burrata Cheese, Prawn, Green Zucchini, Dill, Black Sesame, Sweet Lemon Sauce

Best paired with Albariño,

SALSICCIA & TRUFFLE

Pork Sausage, Mixed Mushrooms, Truffle Cream, Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese

Best paired with Barbera

From the original L’Arte signature pizza menu:

MARGHERITA

Tomato Sauce, Mozzarella Cheese, Oregano, Basil and Extra Virgin Oil

Best paired with Pinot Grigio, Sangiovese, Pinot Noir

BACON RADO

Mozzarella Cheese, Brie Cheese, Bacon, Truffle Cream with Ricotta Cheese and Parmesan Cheese

Rosé, Garnacha, Tempranillo

BURRATA CHEESE

Tomato Sauce, Burrata Cheese, Cherry Tomatoes and Pesto Basil

Soave, Pinot Noir, Gamay

TARTUFATA

Mozzarella Cheese, Truffle Cream with Ricotta Cheese, Parma Ham, Rocket Leaves and Parmesan Cheese

Chenin Blanc, Pinot Noir, Nebbiolo

Chef Rado also indulges those with a sweeter tooth, delighting them with his Nutella pizza as a perfect way to conclude this outstanding pizza adventure. It’s worth mentioning that this creation earned Chef Rado the top award in the Pizza World Championship 2005 in the Dessert Pizza Category!

NUTELLA

Nutella, Banana, Strawberry, Icing Sugar and Mint leaves.

Best paired with Muscat, Brachetto d’Acqui, Riesling Kabinett

VERDICT: Sharing a pizza is typically a fun occasion or a matter of practicality sometimes. And frankly often times the pizza takes a supporting cast role either because it is our usual delight, or it is not that memorable amid a lively table filled with laughter and conversation. But rest assured, this pizza is bound to spark oohs and aahs. Drop by the Wine Connection Cheese bar to experience it in person, and if you are feeling indulgent, consider pairing it with a nice glass of wine.

Wine Connection Cheese Bar

11 Unity Street Robertson Walk

Singapore

237995

Making a splash at Tanglin Trust School

Oct 9 2023

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Australian Bobby Hurley has come a long way since his competitive swimming days and his list of achievements is impressive. Not only is he a former world record holder in the short-course 50-metre backstroke and the 2012 World Champion, but he also participated in five FINA World Championships and has two golds, one silver, and two bronze medals under his belt. These days Bobby is the Director of Swimming at Tanglin Trust School with a lot of sporting wisdom to share.

What’s your story?

I grew up in Wollongong, a small town on the beach, near the south of Sydney. In Australia, everybody grows up learning to swim because of all the water around and backyard swimming pools. I learned to swim at around five years old and remember doing my first competitions when I was about seven or eight because I was bored just sitting at the pool. By nine, I was really passionate about the sport, and it turned out that I was a pretty fast swimmer.

“You make sure the training is fun and people keep coming back”

What do you think makes you a successful swimmer?

There are some physical traits that help. I have very long limbs and I’m hypermobile so I’m really flexible. This helps to get an increased range of motion. But more than that, having a passion for swimming is important because it’s such an individual sport most of the time. You need to have that internal motivation and drive to keep pushing yourself to achieve.

Why coaching?

In 2016, one of my good friends, Chad le Clos, approached me during a swimming competition in Singapore. Chad was the Olympic champion back in 2012, famously beating Michael Phelps on the last stroke of the 200m Butterfly race. He asked me to be his coach and travel with him, so three months later I joined Chad in Cape Town. Cameron Van der Burgh, another world record holder, was there too so I was pretty much coaching South Africa’s two greatest swimmers. This lasted a year which made me think that I was pretty good and could make a career out of it!

How did you move from coaching professional swimmers to coaching children?

The swimming and coaching scene is obviously strong in Australia and I wanted to see if I could make it in Sydney. I went from coaching two Olympic champions and world record holders to overseeing a Learn-to-Swim programme at a small club with just a handful of competitive swimmers.

It was a big change but the way I coach swimmers and the conversations we have are the same as with the pro’s. You make sure the training is fun and people keep coming back. Before I knew it, my club became one of the top 10 clubs in New South Wales.

What plans do you have for Tanglin Trust’s swimming programme?

The new aquatic centre at the Tanglin Centenary Building helps to raise the level of performance and expectation throughout our programme. Coming from a performance background, I believe this centre is probably one of the best facilities in Singapore and Southeast Asia.

We have two really high-quality facilities that children can use from infant school to sixth form students – any swimmer, whether they’re just learning to swim, want to be a competitive swimmer, or are aiming for university scholarships. It’s about creating a pathway for every student, and it’s been really exciting for me to build the programme.

What’s made you the most proud recently?

We had two swimmers win multiple gold medals in the Singapore Nationals and four swimmers won medals overall in their age group. I’m thrilled to have had a positive impact on them and the programme in such a short time.

Tanglin Trust School
95 Portsdown Road, 139299
www.tts.edu.sg
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