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The power of scent during the holiday season

Presents, turkey, the relative who consumes one too many Baileys … the holiday period is synonymous with many things. One is scent. Certain aromas truly come into their own during the festivities, creating the power to comfort us, excite us, and send us into a spin of nostalgia with recollections of the old days.

No matter what time of year, specific aromas can have an incredible ability to influence our mood, emotions, and even our physical state. This is because our sense of smell is directly linked to the limbic system, the part of the brain that controls emotions, memories and arousal.

When we inhale a scent, it triggers a cascade of physiological responses: fragrances like lavender and chamomile can soothe stress by lowering cortisol levels and promoting relaxation; citrus smells such as lemon and orange boost mood and energy by stimulating the production of serotonin, the “happy” hormone; and a whiff of pine or cinnamon can instantly transport us back to Christmases past.

“During the party season, people gravitate towards comforting scents that incite the spirit of Christmas,” explains Dan Terry Jacobson, founder of the Singapore perfume emporium with a chemistry lab event space, Oo La Lab (oola-lab.com). “Compared to the rest of the year, festive fragrances are generally richer, more complex, and designed to create a cosy, inviting atmosphere,” he says.

  • Cinnamon and Clove: These spices are quintessential Christmas aromas that add warmth and depth, reminiscent of holiday baking and mulled wine.
  • Pine and Fir: The fresh, earthy scent of evergreen trees is tantamount to Christmas, bringing the outdoors in and filling the home with a crisp, natural fragrance.
  • Orange and Cranberry: These fruity notes add a zesty twist to the season, balancing the heavier, spicier aromas.

While Dan shares that due to spending many festive seasons on Australia’s Bronte and Bondi beaches, “Christmas to me smells like coconut suntan lotion, salty air, and battered fish,” these scents will not be en vogue for the coming months! Rather, Dan says he’s seeing a rise in the popularity of earthy, grounding fragrances that reflect a connection to nature and wellness – think vetiver, cedarwood and moss paired with unconventional festive notes like black pepper and cardamom. “There’s also a trend towards more complex, layered fragrances that tell a story, such as blending smoky oud with the sweetness of tonka bean and vanilla,” he explains.

Whether travelling overseas or staying put for the celebrations, read on to discover how to invoke the spirit of Christmas through scent this season.

Your Seasonal Scents Shopping List
Dan’s top 20 Christmas aromas and how they add to the holiday spirit:
1. Cinnamon: Warming, comforting, and festive.
2. Clove: Spicy and rich, perfect for adding depth.
3. Nutmeg: A sweet, earthy spice that enhances other festive scents.
4. Pine: Fresh and invigorating, reminiscent of Christmas trees.
5. Fir: Earthy and woody, bringing the outdoors inside.
6. Orange: Bright and zesty, uplifting for the spirits.
7. Cranberry: Tart and sweet, adds a fruity freshness.
8. Ginger: Spicy and warm, evokes holiday baking.
9. Vanilla: Sweet and comforting, great for creating a cosy atmosphere.
10. Frankincense: Sacred and resinous, adds a spiritual note.
11. Myrrh: Earthy and balsamic, pairs well with other resins.
12. Cedarwood: Woody and grounding, perfect for creating a calm environment in the home.
13. Peppermint: Fresh and cooling, energising and uplifting for the mind.
14. Eucalyptus: Refreshing and clear, helps with focus and breathing.
15. Sandalwood: Soft and creamy, adds a luxurious touch.
16. Tonka Bean: Sweet and warm, with notes of vanilla and almond.
17. Black Pepper: Spicy and bold, adds an unexpected twist.
18. Cardamom: Sweet and spicy, perfect for holiday blends.
19. Oud: Deep and smoky, adds a touch of magic and mystery.
20. Bergamot: Bright and citrusy, uplifting for the soul and senses.

Top Festive Fragrance Mood Mixes

Create these combinations to boost health and happiness.

  • For: Brain Fog
    Mix: Rosemary + Peppermint
    Both are known for boosting clarity and focus.
  • For: Anxiety
    Mix: Lavender + Bergamot
    Calming and soothing, great for reducing stress.
  • For: Staving off Illness
    Mix: Eucalyptus + Tea Tree
    Both have antiseptic properties and are invigorating.
  • For: Feeling Tired
    Mix: Citrus (Lemon, Orange) + Peppermint
    This is an energising and revitalising combination.
  • For: Sore Party Feet
    Mix: Peppermint + Eucalyptus
    Both are cooling and refreshing for tired muscles.
  • For: A Hangover
    Mix: Ginger + Lemon.
    Both help to settle the stomach and refresh the senses.
  • For: Sleep
    Mix: Lavender + Chamomile
    These are well-known for promoting relaxation and a restful sleep.

Surround Yourself With Scent

Topical Fragrance: Perfumes and colognes are great for a personal, long-lasting scent. Applying to pulse points (wrists, neck, inside the elbow) ensures the fragrance evolves with your body heat throughout the day.
Topical Oils: Essential oils can be applied to the skin for a more therapeutic effect. For example, lavender oil can be rubbed on the temples for relaxation. (Ensure the oil is mixed in a carrier base before applying directly to the skin and avoid any possible irritants like cinnamon).
Candles: Ideal for setting a mood in a room, candles can fill your space with a soft, diffused scent.
Bathing: Adding essential oils or scented bath salts to your bath provides both aromatic and physical benefits.
Diffusers: Ideal for a consistent, subtle scent in your home or office, diffusers work well for larger spaces.

Want to gift scent this Christmas? Oo La Lab’s ‘The Chemistry of Kindness’ campaign features three different gift sets – The Go-Getter, The Sensorialist, The Peacemaker – each containing an assortment of genderless perfume, body washes, and diffusers. For something really special, Oo La Lab can create gorgeous bespoke scents for loved ones without recipients even being there. Defo a pressie to be sniffed at!

10 minutes with: Willing Hearts

Cooks and volunteers cooking at the community kitchen in the early morning

Who are Willing Hearts?
Founder Tony Tay began Willing Hearts in 2003 with the mission of serving the underprivileged, needy and marginalised members of Singapore society. A secular, non-affiliated charity, we operate on a handful of staff and 95% of our tasks are carried out by volunteers from all walks of life.

Your core programme is operating a community kitchen …
Yes. We prepare, cook and distribute about 10,000 daily free meals to over 70 distribution points islandwide, 365 days a year.

Left: Tony Tay cooks for the needy. Right: Chinatown distribution point

How did this begin?
We started by collecting unsold bread from bakeries that would otherwise dispose of it at the end of the day and distributed it to homeless people. This led us to providing rations such as rice, vegetables, canned food, and more. We initiated a cooked food programme when we realised that rations were not helpful for the homeless – without a kitchen, they had nowhere to cook them.

How has the kitchen changed over the years?
Willing Hearts has operated only one kitchen throughout our 21 years of service. We’ve moved locations five times, each time into a larger premises. In 2022 we settled at No. 1 Lorong J, Telok Kurau, a much bigger space, which allows us to offer other activities alongside our community kitchen programme.

“95% of tasks Are carried out by volunteers from all walks of life”

What are the other activities?
We provide a transitional shelter called Gift of Joy for families and individuals in need of accommodations whilst they’re working on their long-term solutions. There’s also the “Safe, Sound Sleeping Place” (S3P) for rough sleepers while they look for housing. We also arrange elderly services and activities which vary from dental clinics, healing services and dietary programmes, to more social activities such as karaoke, dancing, games, and sewing sessions. Lastly, we host youth training for marginalised persons to improve employability.

Mr Teh Eng Hua distributes meals to the elderly in Singapore

Does the need for your services change around the festivities?
As we’re providing daily needs and not seasonal, the number of beneficiaries remains much the same throughout the year. However, during Christmas, Chinese New Year, Hari Raya or other festive days, we try to provide something better for everyone.

How can ANZA readers get involved in your work?
They can join hands with Willing Hearts by donating. Committing to community work has always been a passion for expats living in Singapore. We’re open seven days a week and you can volunteer in our activities, food preparation and distributions.

 

Meet the ANZA family who went trail-blazing in Austria!

“When it comes to family holidays, my husband Alain and two boys Tayen, 16, and Mika, 14, and I are all about the great outdoors. We crave adventures that involve hiking, biking, and exploring nature rather than lounging by a hotel pool. This year, as summer approached in Singapore, we found ourselves dreaming of snowy peaks, lush landscapes, and fresh mountain air. A trip to Austria’s famous Lechweg Trail caught our attention, promising an escape into wilderness along what is known as the last unspoiled river in Europe.

Immensely appealing, it would take us away from the sweltering heat, far from the usual overun tourist spots in Europe, and straight into nature. I knew that my sons would also relish the hearty local food of meat and cheese. We had the option to hike or bike in the area, and we let the boys make the final decision: hiking it was!

Mika, Belamie, Alain and Tayen on the trail

Stunning scenery

After a bit of research online, we enlisted the help of Wild Rover Travel (wildrovertravel.com). They helped us out by booking charming chalets and small hotels along the trail so we didn’t have to think about where we’d be sleeping. They also provided us with an app for navigation and ensured we had all the necessary information for our journey. While we could have hiked with other people, we decided to go it alone, preferring to have the freedom to spend our days as we pleased, just the four of us.

The Lechweg Trail promised to be anything but a typical “fly-and-flop” holiday. Over the course of eight days (with one day for travelling), we hiked approximately 125 kilometres through stunning alpine scenery, starting in idyllic Lech am Arlberg and hiking the Lechweg to Neuschwanstein Castle in Füssen, Bavaria.

Tayen testing out the waters of the Lech River

We traversed pine forests, postcard-perfect villages, and alpine meadows heaving with vibrant wildflowers. Each day felt like a new chapter, and our daily routine followed a simple rhythm: waking up to a hearty breakfast, hitting the trails in the morning, and stopping at a local supermarket for fresh bread, meats and cheeses for a picnic along the way. We’d often throw in some music from our portable speaker, creating a memorable soundtrack of our adventure against the backdrop of nature.

The evenings were left unplanned, allowing us to explore local eateries in cosy local villages before hitting the sack at one of the pre-arranged accommodations. These varied from 3 to 4 stars – nothing fancy, but each stay was clean and welcoming.

While we took on the Lechweg Trail at our own pace, we were never truly alone. A few fellow hikers shared the path, and we formed a friendly rapport with a Dutch family we kept bumping into. Amidst the landscapes, we discovered two breathtaking lakes, Formarinsee and Alpsee, that beckoned us in for a refreshing dip. One day, we took a ski lift up the mountains and stumbled upon a couple getting married whilst being serenaded by traditional Austrian Alphorn – a magical scene.

‘We traversed pine forests, postcard-perfect villages, and alpine meadows”

Changing landscape

Though we generally enjoyed pleasant weather, one day tested our mettle. Caught in a downpour without adequate gear, we trudged a few kilometres through the rain, quickly realising it perhaps wasn’t the best use of our holiday time. Thankfully, there are buses available along the trail to rescue weary (and wet!) hikers, so you never feel truly stranded.
Another lasting memory was when we found ourselves in the village of Maurach am Achensee, set at the foot of Mount Vigolana, which boasted a traditional Austrian spa. I was excited to try out the local custom of enjoying the facilities au naturel, but this left Tayan and Mika horrified, so they opted for mini-golf instead!

As we continued through charming villages, we couldn’t help but admire the meticulous flower boxes adorning the windows of the houses. The kaleidoscope of colours – vibrant reds, yellows, and purples were outstanding. With the Lech River constantly by our side we all became experts on its melifluous nature and marvelled at how it transformed with the changing landscape. At times narrow and meandering, it would suddenly widen into a majestic body of water reflecting the blue sky. The kids often debated the river’s taste and clarity as we stopped to sip from its cool waters.

While the trail itself was moderate in difficulty, it wouldn’t suit families with young children due to the long walking distances covered each day. However, for families with older children it’s a hidden gem for those looking for easy discoveries surrounded by incredible landscapes, without the chaos of crowds.

My favourite part of our holiday was simply being together with my family, immersed in stunning surroundings and enjoying the perfect climate – crisp blue skies and clement temperatures. Tayen would say his highlight was being able to legally order a beer aged sixteen! (Much to the annoyance of his younger brother!).

While we do enjoy exploring new places and embarking on new experiences, I can’t help but feel that we’ll be returning to Austria in the future. The Lechweg Trail was a sanctuary where adventure and the earth reign, and an ideal destination for families seeking to reconnect with nature and each other. There’s so much more to discover there.”

 

UK Labour’s bombshell budget changes – explained!

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On 30 October, Labour delivered a bombshell budget. Labour’s first budget in 14 years contained significant UK tax changes. Sweeping reforms were made to the fundamentals of the tax system.

What tax changes were announced?

From April next year your Inheritance Tax bill will no longer be decided by your domicile status (broadly the country where you have your permanent home). Instead, your Inheritance Tax liability will be determined by how long you have been living in the UK. Once you have been resident for more than 10 years you are exposed to UK Inheritance Tax on your worldwide assets. But after 10 years of non-residence your UK Inheritance Tax bill will only encompass UK assets. This is a fundamental change to the current rules.

In a shock announcement UK pensions will be brought within the charge to Inheritance Tax from April 2027. Less of a surprise is a restriction to a combined £1mn of Inheritance Tax relief for Agricultural Property Relief and Business Property Relief. AIM listed shares will see their Inheritance Tax relief halved.

At the moment, non-UK domiciles are able to exclude overseas income and gains from confiscatory UK tax rates for up to 15 years. From 6 April 2025 that advantage will now be reduced to just four years. For the first time UK domiciles and UK citizens can also exclude their overseas income and gains from UK tax for their initial period of UK tax residence too, as long as they have been non-UK tax resident for more than ten years.

Overseas workdays relief allows you to escape tax on the salary paid for your workdays undertaken outside of the UK when you are UK resident. This valuable relief will be extended from three years to four years and will be open to anyone (including UK domiciles) as long as they have been non-UK tax resident for more than ten years.

Other headlines are a raise in capital gains tax rates on anything but the sale of UK land and property from 10% and 20% to 18% and 24%. The property rates remain unchanged. The rate of capital gains tax on Business Asset Disposal Relief will be raised from 10% to 18% over the next two tax years but the lifetime limit remains at £1mn.

There is a significant raise in employer’s national insurance from 13.8% to 15%. A raise to carried interest from 28% to 32% was also announced with a consultation on further raises promised.

It will cost you more to buy a house in England and Northern Ireland too with the additional dwelling surcharge raised from 3% to 5% and a reduction in the bands for first time buyers and for replacing your main residence.

Who are the winners & losers?

Long term British expats now have a far clearer route to escaping Inheritance Tax on their overseas assets. Or, if they are returning to the UK will be able to use overseas workdays relief and exclude overseas income and gains from UK tax for the first four years they are living in the UK.

Non-UK domiciles are the losers. The opportunity to use simple trust planning to shelter overseas assets from inheritance tax will be much tougher. And rather than have up to 15 years in which overseas income and gains can be excluded from UK tax that advantage will now be reduced to just four years.

Peter Webb
Technical Consultant, Select Investors
peter.webb@sjpp.asia
+65-8908-1558

The levels and bases of taxation and reliefs from taxation can change at any time. The value of any tax relief depends on individual circumstances. You are advised to seek independent tax advice from suitably qualified professionals before making any decision as to the tax implications of any investment.

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.

How ANZA Matildas keep getting better!

Watch out world – ANZA Matildas are a force to be reckoned with!

The ANZA Matildas’ journey began in the 2015-2016 season, when ANZA Soccer introduced girls-only teams that competed within the mixed league. These formative years set the foundation for what would later become a dedicated league for female players, allowing them to showcase their skills and passion for soccer. As girls’ participation grew, the Matildas transformed into a standalone programme, aimed at providing an inclusive and empowering environment in which young female athletes can flourish.

Fast forward to today and ANZA’s Matildas Girls League is thriving. It has become an undeniable success, with a surge in sign-ups and an incredible amount of enthusiasm from the players. Currently, the new girls vs girls league has three age groups running strong: Matildas 8 – 9 years old, Matildas 10 – 11 years old, and Matildas 12 – 13 years old. Each league provides a space where girls can develop their soccer skills, build confidence, and form lasting friendships.

Left: Team Coordinators Leah and Tjitske (who also took these great pics too!)

Much of this success is thanks to the dedication and expertise of Lead Parent Coach Pete. Pete’s infectious enthusiasm, paired with his ability to craft an engaging yet challenging training programme, has made the Matildas a hub for skill development and personal growth. Under his leadership, the girls are not only learning valuable football techniques but also building self-esteem, teamwork, and leadership qualities.

But Pete isn’t the only driving force behind the Matildas’ success. A special mention goes to the Age Group and Team Coordinators – Leah, Tjitske, Lucy, and Niina – whose unwavering dedication ensures that the league runs smoothly. And, of course, we can’t forget the fantastic parent coaches who volunteer their time every week, cheering players on and keeping the fun alive.

In addition to the internal league, the the Matildas programme has expanded its reach into competitive soccer. ANZA now fields six competitive Matildas teams in the prestigious JSSL League, as well as a team in the Young Eagles League, giving the girls the opportunity to compete against the best teams across Singapore.

As the league continues to expand, inclusivity remains a central focus. The Matildas Girls League prides itself on welcoming players of all skill levels, offering opportunities for both seasoned soccer players and newcomers alike. Girls aged 3 – 4 years play in mixed teams. Girls aged 5 – 7 years have the option to join either a Matildas team or a mixed team in the Saturday Club League. In these age groups, Matildas teams compete against mixed teams. “We aim to provide one of the leading grassroots programmes for girls in Singapore and welcome females of all levels to come and have a trial,” says Pete. This inclusive approach fosters a nurturing environment where girls can shine, both on and off the field.

The future is bright for the ANZA Matildas Girls League. The energy, excitement, and camaraderie within the community is palpable, and the league’s success continues to grow with each season. As the Matildas make their mark on the soccer scene in Singapore, one thing is clear: this community of young female athletes is going places. Watch out, world – the Matildas are coming!

Registrations are now open for the second half of the 2024/25 season. Pro-rated fees apply. Register here.

The power of giving back at MCM

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This time of year is a wonderful opportunity to teach our children about charity and generosity, and one way to instil these values is by choosing a school that prioritises outreach as part of its curriculum. Marlborough College Malaysia (MCM) has compassion, companionship and conversation at the heart of its educational philosophy and these values feed into all aspects of school life.

At Marlborough College Malaysia, outreach and service activities take place year-round. Pupils are encouraged to recognise the benefits of giving back, both for themselves and for those in need.

Pupils have a myriad of ways to get involved, not just through fundraising, but also by offering their time to others. This Christmas, pupils will once again take part in the Shoebox Appeal which sees them donating a shoebox full of Christmas gifts for orphanages and refugee schools in the area. Last year over 450 boxes were collected.

Sixth Form students take the lead in organising a variety of fundraising events through the ‘Raising and Giving Society’ including food and clothing drives, charity music nights, and activity days for local schools. They also lead educational sessions for local orphanages and visit elderly care homes.

“Pupils recognise the benefits of giving back for themselves and for those in need”

But it’s not only through outreach that the College embraces the spirit of giving back. As a not-for-profit organisation, MCM reinvests all surplus funds into enhancing the educational experience for its pupils. Take the ongoing development of the lake area, which began in 2021. The College constructed a jetty for watersports, added more paddleboards and kayaks and replenished local fish populations to create a nature reserve. This year, a scenic path around the lake was also established for nature walks, enriching the school’s outdoor learning environment.

This spirit of giving is also something that visitors to the College comment upon frequently, for example, MCM recently achieved BSO accreditation recognising that they provide a high-quality British education similar to that found in leading independent schools in England. Inspectors commented that “Engagement with the local community features highly in school life. Pupils support around six school charities for which there is a variety of fundraising activities and events. They engage actively to demonstrate high levels of social responsibility.”

In a world where kindness and generosity are more important than ever, Marlborough College Malaysia embodies the true spirit of giving, making it an outstanding place for pupils to learn and grow.

To find out more about outreach at Marlborough College Malaysia email admissions@marlboroughcollege.my or visit www.marlboroughcollegemalaysia.org for more information.

 

 

Marlborough College Malaysia

 Jalan Marlborough, Iskandar Puteri, Johor 79200 Malaysia

 +60 7 560 2200
 www.marlboroughcollegemalaysia.org
 Marlborough College Malaysia
 mcmalaysia
 @MarlboroughMCM
 Marlborough College Malaysia

What to do in Singapore throughout December

When you’re not Chrismas shopping, wining and dining with friends to ring in the season, or diving into one of the many festive feasts that are taking place around the island, there’s plenty of other activities to indulge in throughout December. Whether you’re flying solo, spending it with great mates, or keeping it close to home this month, here’s where to head and what to do this December in Singapore over the magical weeks ahead.

A carnival is coming! Image: RWS

Experience the ultimate holiday fun at Resorts World Sentosa’s A Big Carnival of Joy from 7 Dec – 2 Jan 2025. Explore themed zones representing England, France, Germany, and Japan, each featuring iconic attractions, carnival games, and artisanal stalls with holiday treats and handcrafted gifts.

Marvel at the Eiffel Tower on a 10-metre LED Pyramid and enjoy A Festive Journey, a three-minute immersive show. Wander through an origami forest, admire German cuckoo clocks, ride an English carousel, and soar in a hot air balloon. Don’t miss the record-breaking 88-meter, 2,600kg stollen, along with exciting carnival games, weekly Christmas market giveaways, and free cotton candy for extra sweetness.

8 Sentosa Gateway, 098269. Get more details and tickets here

Image: The Art of Banksy: Without Limits

The Art of Banksy: Without Limits

The Art of Banksy: Without Limits exhibition will make its debut in Singapore this month. The tour has so far been a smash-hit in cities such as London, Melbourne, Montreal, and more, and Singapore is the 31st city to host the exhibit. 

Banksy, the elusive street artist, is known for turning graffiti into powerful social commentary. His stenciled works, often placed in unexpected spots, tackle major issues such as war, capitalism, and politics – frequently with a touch of humor.

The exhibit will showcase more than 170 works, including originals, lithographs, sculptures, and video installations. Among his iconic pieces is Girl with Balloon, featuring a young girl reaching for a red heart-shaped balloon, symbolising hope, love, or loss. Another standout, Flower Thrower, depicts a masked protester hurling a bouquet of flowers instead of a weapon, promoting the power of peaceful protest.

Tickets are on sale now, but the dates are still firmly under wraps. Watch this space!

Royal Plaza on Scotts, 25 Scotts Road, 228220. Head here to buy tickets 

Aladdin – A Holiday Pantomime

It’s not the festive season without a family pantomime on tap so Aladdin is here to save us! A fun performance of this absolute classic filled with slapstick comedy, music, dance, and audience participation, is set to take place by The Stage Club from 4 – 7 December. Cheer on Aladdin, laugh with Wishy Washy, and boo the villainous Abanazar during an hour of non-stop entertainment. Perfect for all ages, this interactive show guarantees a good time. Don’t miss out on the magic! BEHIND YOU indeed.

Play Den @ The Arts House, 1 Old Parliament Lane Singapore, 179429. Tickets available at Eventbrite

One Fullerton -but make it Christmas! Image: One Fullerton

Christmas Village at One Fullerton

For the first time, The Fullerton Heritage presents a festive Christmas Village at One Fullerton and Clifford Square, offering a holiday escape in Marina Bay.

Taking place from now until 26 December, enjoy twinkling lights, holiday décor, and carnival stalls with unique gifts and treats from 3pm – 10pm. A 14-seat carousel at Clifford Square is the village’s centerpiece. Spend S$100 at The Fullerton Hotel Singapore, The Fullerton Bay Hotel Singapore, or any dining spot within the precinct to get a free ride.

Explore life-sized Christmas dioramas, a post-office-themed photo booth, and a functional post box to send festive greetings. Share your moments on social media for a chance to win prizes.

1 Fullerton Road, 049213. Log on here for further details

PAW Patrol Live!

Singapore welcomes Paw Patrol Live! The Great Pirate Adventure! at MBS from 12 – 15 December. Get set for a family-friendly spectacle that invites audiences to learn pirate phrases, dance the pirate boogie, and help the pups solve puzzles on their mission.

In PAW Patrol Live! The Great Pirate Adventure, Mayor Goodway prepares for a Pirate Day celebration in Adventure Bay. When Cap’n Turbot falls into a mysterious cavern, it’s up to the PAW Patrol pups – Chase, Marshall, Rubble, Skye, Rocky, and Zuma – to save him and follow a treasure map on an epic adventure.

Sands Theatre, Marina Bay Sands, 10 Bayfront Ave, 018956. Find out more at the link here

Izzy wizzy let’s get busy! Image: Harry Potter: Visions of Magic

Harry Potter: Visions of Magic 

This magical multimedia exhibition officially opening its doors to muggles in Singapore two weeks ago, and continues to run throughout December. This super-creative spectacular takes you through 10 immersive themed zones, each one bringing to life an iconic scene from the Harry Potter movies we know and love. Though the pop-up has also been in other places like Germany and Brussels, those is SG get to enjoy additional red dot-exclusive areas. Get your best Hogwarts wizard cape at the ready!

The Forum Level B1, Resorts World Sentosa, 26 Sentosa Gateway, 098138. Log on here for details 

Australian property investment: Money borrowing tips

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It’s a common misconception that it’s difficult for expats to borrow money to invest in property back in Australia.

A standard error that many expatriates make is seeking a loan directly from their bank. This often creates challenges when dealing with the major Australian banks – NAB, Westpac, ANZ, and Commonwealth Bank – each of which has its own lending criteria. c

What if your partner isn’t from Australia?

When considering borrowing funds to invest in Australian property, it’s crucial to understand the regulations surrounding foreign investment. You should take into account title ownership and the consequences of seeking joint ownership on any acquisition. For overseas residents (as distinct from expatriates) wanting to purchase property, there are several factors to consider, including foreign purchaser’s duty, land tax surcharges, and the need for FIRM approval. These can introduce additional costs and complexities to the purchasing process.

How do banks assess borrowing power when it comes to expats?

When evaluating foreign earnings banks consider exchange rate risk, typically considering only 50 – 80% of income denominated in foreign currencies. Another frequent challenge is calculating household expenses. Many expatriates have a significant portion of their living costs covered by their employer while residing abroad. However, banks often apply the minimum household expenditure measure (HEM) when determining borrowing capacity. Therefore, it’s essential to seek guidance from an expat lending specialist. They can evaluate your situation and advise you on your chances of obtaining lending approval based on your circumstances.

How can an expat lending specialist help you?

Similar to a conventional mortgage broker, an expat lending specialist can assist you in overcoming the difficulties of investing in real estate while residing abroad. One significant advantage is access to a wider variety of lenders offering more flexible interest rates and borrowing criteria than the major banks. They are more adept at finding the best deals available in the market and – crucially – can help you obtain a loan even if you have previously faced rejections from your bank.

Another advantage is the annual rate reviews conducted by lending specialists to guarantee that you continue to receive the best available deal. It is essential to evaluate any loan every 12 months, especially given the current economic climate and fluctuations in interest rates.

Avenyou Expat Lending offer a complete service to Australian residents living overseas and is ideally placed to help expats navigate the challenges of purchasing property in Australia.

Alfred Moller, Head of Residential Expat Lending, Asia-Pacific Region
Alfred Moller specialises in lending to Australian expats living overseas and is head of residential expat lending for the Asia Pacific region.

 

Level 12, 37 York Street, Sydney, NSW, 2000
avenyou.net.au

New Zealand High Commission: A year to remember

As we draw closer to the end of the year, the celebration season is all around us. For me, it’s a chance to reflect on the way we Kiwis in Singapore have celebrated our culture this year, with the help of organisations like ANZA, the NZ Chamber of Commerce and the Kiwi Waka Ama club under the leadership of kaumatua Tony Keepa.

One highlight was this year’s “Invinci-ball”, a fantastic night of food, drink, dancing, and conversation with friends old and new. Timed to coincide with the All Blacks playing South Africa, I was absolutely delighted to be part of such a vibrant gathering.

“There is nothing Like hundreds of People singing ‘Tutira mai Nga iwi'”

The opportunity to have both the Kiwi Waka Ama club and AIS kapa haka groups perform for the crowd was very special, and testament to the effort of Tony Keepa, Niral Patel, the Lampe, Williams’ and Perry families (among others) for nurturing Māori culture and performance amongst our community. There is nothing like hundreds of people singing “Tutira mai nga iwi” to remind you of home!

I’d also like to recognise that this wonderful evening celebrating Kiwi culture was put together by an Australian, a Singaporean and an American! A big thank you Tahsh, Carina and Mel along with YQ and Katrina, Kellie and other members of the Board of the NZ Chamber of Commerce for all your efforts.

While the All Blacks sadly lost the rugby that evening, the opportunity for over 200 people with connections to Aotearoa New Zealand to come together for a night of celebration here in Singapore felt like a win nonetheless!

Wishing you all an enjoyable festive season!

XOXO Gabby

Hotspots: Pete’s Place

We’re thrilled to hear Pete’s Place is back! Has it changed much?
Pete’s Place has made a comeback as part of the Grand Hyatt’s renovation after it closed in 2020. Fans will be pleased to hear that it’s still very much the spot for authentic Italian comfort food, and while the 80’s-style red checkered tablecloths are gone (they’ve been replaced by a more refined interior), the cosy atmosphere remains.

What about the iconic brick wall?!
It’s still holding its own, adding a familiar warmth to the space and standing as a backdrop to the countless conversations and memories that have been made here over the past 50 years.

The pressure is on for Pete’s Place to be better than ever. How does it stand out?
With so many restaurants focused on being “Instagrammable” these days, it’s easy to end up at venues that look good but fall short on taste. Pete’s Place is different, however, the quality of the food is still the key feature here. Dishes are consistently flavourful and comforting, never disappointing, and they continue to deliver with brilliant execution.

Do share more …
The new menu stays true to its Italian roots with the focus on high-quality, honest food, but the reopening of Pete’s Place embraces the evolution of Italian cuisine as well. There are some great new antipasti options like Suppli Romani and the Piadina Pugliese, a nod to Chef Catania’s heritage. You’ll also find dishes like Costoletta alla Milanese and Vitello Tonnato that are bound to become favourites.

What are your personal faves?
This is a toughie! You don’t often see carbonara with bucatini, the creamy sauce fills the hollow noodles which takes me back to Rome! And don’t forget the pizzas! Thin, crispy crusts, made from dough fermented overnight, topped with sauce crafted from San Marzano tomatoes. Authentic and perfect!

What else is new since Chef Salvatore Giorgio Catania took over?
There’s a brand-new private dining room, a grand wine cellar, and even a chef’s table offering kitchen-to-tableside service for more intimate, personalised dining.

Best seat in the house?
You can’t go wrong with any seat, but for me a spot by the red brick wall – it’s been there since day one keeping a timeless feel, ideal for a relaxed meal in a superb
atmosphere.

Pete’s Place
 10 Scotts Road, 228211
singapore.grand.hyattrestaurants.com/petes-place

 

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