Exclusive Wine & Dine Event Invitation for ANZA members. Join us with some wine and learn more about Yio Chu Kang. Click here to RSVP for our event.
DISCOVERING SELETAR’S CHARMS
Home to the Seletar Aerospace Park and Upper Seletar Reservoir, the Yio Chu Kang Seletar district is a unique blend of residential, commercial and historical flavour that residents can enjoy.
In the 19th Century, the district was named after Chinese settlers who converted the piece of land into gambier and pepper plantations. Each plantation was identified with the Chinese dialect term ‘kangchu’, which means ‘lord of the river’ or ‘landlord’. This resulted in the land being named as ‘Yio Chu Kang’ as it was managed by the Yio (or Yeo) clan.
Today, the district is a vibrant neighbourhood offering various recreation spot, such as the instagrammable Wheeler’s Estate or the Upper Seletar Reservoir which houses all the wildlife animals at the Wildlife Reserves Singapore. Many international schools can be found in the north, such as the Lycée Francis School, Australian International School and the Stamford American International School. A quick trip to the grocery store at The Greenwich V Shopping Mall will complete your shopping needs! Grab your Awfully Chocolate cakes for that special celebration too!
If you’re living closer to Seletar, it is a never-ending discovery of amenities. Settling down in this wonderful neighbourhood, may land you that perfect home with great facilities. The cluster houses within the Sunrise Terrace neighborhood provide the perfect base for the growing family.
The Cabana development provides a great home for all families. Set in a serene and exclusive enclave, Cabana offers a landed lifestyle complete with 24-hour security, lap pool, children’s pool, reflexology walk, outdoor fitness court, children’s playground, dining cabana with hydro therapy pool and BBQ cabanas.
Situated beside Cabana, Alana is a 3-storey cluster home that offers a landed-style living with condo facilities and 24-hour gated security. Enjoy generous living spaces of up to 3,000 sq ft, with direct access to the tropical outdoors and individual pool decks.
BENEFITS OF LEASING FROM A CORPORATE LANDLORD
To top it off, you can leave your worries behind with a Corporate Landlord. As the largest private residential landlord, Far East Organization is a corporate landlord with a dedicated team and experienced leasing team that will take care of your leasing journey, from home search to check-in. Our caring team will be able to create a custom home lease package, including additional services such as furnishings, housekeeping and more! Rely on our customer care line during your stay for a peace of mind.
Wine & Dine Event – Far East Organization
CABANA
85 Sunrise Terrace, Singapore 806000
Date: Friday 19th October
Time: 6pm – 8pm
REGISTER HERE IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN FINDING OUT MORE ABOUT THESE DEVELOPMENTS
Tell us about the show?
Peter and the Starcatcher is a full-on fun-tastical adventure! We follow the young Starcatcher-in-training, Molly Aster and three orphan boys who go on a secret mission across the seas and off to faraway lands. There are lots of mermaids, pirates, lost boys and magical dust. It’s a show for adults and kids.
What is your role?
I’m playing the role of Molly – a young girl who loves adventure and stories. She is smart, loyal, and a natural leader. I’m the only female cast member and to do that you’ve got to be brave, and Molly is definitely a courageous one!
What do you love about working with Pangdemonium?
I’ve always wanted to work with Pangdemonium, and I am so grateful to have the chance to finally work with them. Their plays tug at your heartstrings, and I always leave feeling inspired, motivated, and wanting to make a difference.
What is your ultimate acting dream?
I aspire to become a professional voiceover artist for cartoons. Some of my favourite voices are Mickey Mouse, Bubbles (Powerpuff Girls) and Jimmy Turner (Fairly Oddparents).
What is something about you that most people don’t know?
I’m a self-taught calligrapher. Also, when I was younger I told myself that if I wasn’t going to make it as an actor, I would be a wedding planner or interior designer. I totally have a knack for it.
Where are you from originally?
I love this question because it’s always fun to explain. So, I am originally from Scotland and Java, Indonesia, but I grew up in Bali. Yes, I am an island girl. Now here is the fun part, I was born in Saudi Arabia! I have been based in Singapore for about six years now. The first three years were spent completing my acting degree at LASALLE. Then I joined Madame Tussaud’s as a performer, and became a Speech and Drama Teacher.
Did you enjoy working as an entertainer for children’s parties?
Absolutely! I’m basically a 3D cartoon character in real life! It was my greatest joy to work with children and better yet, dressing up for them at their parties as their favourite Disney characters.
Carina’s Entertainment Picks
Arab Street
There are lots of vibrant textiles, awesome Lebanese and Malay food. I miss Indonesian food a lot, so I always get a dose when I’m there.
Emerald Hill
I’ll go to a bar occasionally with some friends and if we’re talking fancy then I like No. 5 on Emerald Hill, where it’s unlimited peanuts and 1-for-1 martinis.
Shopping
I’m kind of a shopaholic and Singapore has some of the best shopping! So, you’ll find me lurking around the shops ‘til I drop!
Peter and the Starcatcher Fri, 28 Sep – Sat, 20 Oct Drama Centre Theatre
This version of the beloved Peter Pan story will be set in late-1800s Singapore, with Southeast Asian art forms and music thrown into the mix. Tickets from Sistic.
I first lived in Singapore 17 years ago. We had moved from Auckland on a two-year expatriate contract, and I thought my “real life” would be waiting for me at our next allocated destination: Sydney. I spent those two years in Singapore living in a state of looking forward, never settling, and always making (or avoiding) decisions that were based on a temporary mindset. When the end of the contract rolled around and we were relocated – not to Sydney, but to Kuala Lumpur – I realised I had wasted two years of my life.
In contrast, when we had moved to Auckland, I had assumed that we were going to settle there. I bought my dream home. I planted a rose garden, made good friends and allowed myself to fill my life with the things I love. We lived in that house for six months before being moved to Singapore. They were among the happiest, most settled, most celebrated months of my life.
Avoid future forecasting
The term “live in the moment” may sound superficial and cliché, but for your greatest wellbeing, this may be the most important mantra of your entire Singapore experience. You perhaps have a concept or vision of how long you are going to be here, what you need to get through those months, and what decisions are (and are not) important to make. You may be making choices as to what you can do without, or what is “worth” buying, doing or undertaking for that particular time frame.
But here’s the raw truth: you are only imagining how long you will be here. Sure, you may have current clues, or contracts, or plans … but in the end, your mental projections are not reality. They do not necessarily reflect how life (that little trickster, with its twists and turns) is actually going to play out. You are forecasting a future that is yet to unfold!
Living in the right now
As an expat, there is a very real, and very unhealthy, risk of living in what I call ‘temporary insanity’. This is when you make decisions based on the idea that you are living in a temporary home and, therefore, you place more emphasis on the supposed end-of-term, rather than your happiness right here, right now.So let’s get real. There is only one moment over which you have control, and that moment is NOW. For your greatest wellbeing, if you need to make a decision in order to feel happy NOW, secure NOW, comfortable NOW, settled NOW. Please, I beg of you, make that decision. Build a life for yourself here in Singapore: make good friends, decorate your home, adopt a pet if you want one, buy a car if you need one – be happy, settled and at peace for as long as life keeps you here. That way, when it is time to move on (whenever that may be) you will leave behind a life well lived – not some temporary existence in an uncomfortable limbo.
Kim Forrester is a holistic wellbeing author, consultant and educator. kimforrester.net
Udders & Kook 81 Upper East Coast Road 455220 udders.com.sg
Singaporean brand Udders is famous for their offbeat artisanal ice-cream flavours. Their decadent boozy range includes Bailey’s and Bourbon, Wineberries, Rum Rum Raisin, Ocktobeer and the cheekily named Cereal Killer (a grown-up version of cornflakes and milk, with a hit of bourbon) Kids will love the Star Wars range – try the Chewbacca (Chewy fudge with brownie) or the Yoda flavour (Green tea with coconut caramel) They also dish up juicy burgers, pancakes and fried chicken. Leave your diet at the door.
Aloha Sea Sports and Beach Bar 1212 East Coast Parkway, (Area E Car Park E2) 449886 alohaseasports.com.sg
Aloha Sea Sports is located smack bang on the beach, on the historic site of the former East Coast Sailing Centre. Hire a stand-up paddle board or windsurfer ($30 for the first hour), hit the water and enjoy stunning views back to the city. Or sip a beer, mead or cider at the relaxed beach bar, and mingle with laidback locals. If you’re looking for instruction, they offer beginner and progression courses. Peckish? The East Coast Lagoon Hawker is footsteps away.
Etna Italian Restaurant 110 Upper East Coast Road 455298 etnaitalianrestaurant.com.sg
Named after Italy’s most iconic volcano, this elegant ristorante oozes upscale elegance and charm. Tuck into classic Italian and Sicilian dishes like antipasto with burrata and parma ham, fresh Mediterranean salads, bruschetta, pizza, pasta, steak and fish dishes. Finish with delicious dolce including Sicilian cannoli filled with ricotta cheese, candied fruit and chocolate, panna cotta or creamy tiramisu. There’s also a Duxton outlet if you’re on the other side of town.
Art of Yoga 02-01, 121 Upper East Coast Road 455245 artofyoga.sg
This tranquil boutique yoga studio offers all sorts of restorative classes to balance the stress of city life. Daily classes range from a full Ashtanga Mysore program to Vinyasa yoga (or flow / power yoga) to Gentle Yoga, Hatha Yoga and even Pre-Natal Yoga for mothers-to-be. The teachers are all excellent and there’s a tea café which acts as a community space, reading room and quiet work zone.
Coast Cycles 54 Siglap Drive 456176 www.coastcycles.com
This hip bike repair, store and showroom is a great place to browse for beautifully designed custom two-wheelers. The Buzzraw is an electric bike with fat wheels, designed for effortless cruising, while The Quinn is a cool urban commuter and The Humble is stripped back and ready for tricks. They also have a range of lightweight, durable mountain bikes.
Legend Spa 2 First Street, #01-08 Siglap V 458278 legendspa.com.sg
Although it looks a little sketchy from the outside, Legend is an unassuming, affordable local spa that can help soothe and relax even the most tense and knotted muscles. Choose from a range of treatments from foot reflexology (from $30)oriental body massage, lymphatic body massage, ear candling, cupping therapy and more.
Malthouse 685 East Coast Road 459054 facebook.com/pg/MalthouseSG
Start your Siglap pub crawl at the Malthouse – a friendly little neighbourhood bar which specialises in craft beers and comfort pub grub. Grab a table in the small beer garden out front, or retreat to a couch inside, and watch the regularly rotating big screen of footy matches and sports events. The menu here is straightforward and tasty – with a range of pizzas, fish and chips, burgers and steaks.
Craftsmen Specialty Coffee 2 First Street, Siglap V, #01-01 458278 craftsmencoffee.com
If you’re looking for great coffee and hearty plates, Craftsman is a solid choice. You’ll feel instantly calmed by the quirky, Scandi space and the café’s lovely personal touches like gorgeous glazed pottery, and a tiny square of dark chocolate served with each cuppa. They have a delicious brunch-lunch menu featuring fresh waffles, eggs, salads and wraps. Coffee lovers should also check out nearby Stamping Ground Coffee and Dutch Colony Coffee Co.
Black Pearl Steakhouse 85 Upper East Coast Rd 455222 perlenoire.com.sg
This cosy brick walled steakhouse really knowns their sirloin from their ribeye. There are plenty of appetisers, a good kids menu and some pasta and salads, but it’s the meat that’s the main event with cuts from Australia, the USA and Spain, including tomahawks, ribeye, tenderloin, and even a rack of lamb. Pair with béarnaise, peppercorn, shitake and rochefort and port sauces, with grilled corn, mash or crispy truffle fries.
Children are notorious for putting everything in their mouths. It is natural and a common way for children to learn about their surroundings. While it is important to encourage our kids to explore and discover new things, it is imperative to keep them safe.
What is the most common cause of child poisoning?
Medications are the leading cause of child poisoning. Nowadays, especially with many grandparents living with us or visiting, it is imperative that everyone in the household understands the need to keep medications out of reach at all times. Children are curious by nature, and it makes sense that they would be even more curious when it comes to medication. Many medications look like candy, and some even taste like candy (kids vitamins, chewable medicines).
What can I do to prevent an accidental ingestion?
Lock medicines and household products out of your child’s reach, even between doses.
Use child-resistant packaging. Replace caps securely.
Store household products (detergents, cleaning agents) in a different place from food and medicine.
Keep purses out of your child’s reach.
Remind visitors to do the same.
Remember even vitamins, creams, eye drops, essential oils and even hand sanitizer can all be harmful if a child can access them.
What do I do if my child swallows something she is not supposed to?
Remove anything remaining in the child’s mouth. If the suspected poison is a household cleaner or other chemical, read the container’s label and follow instructions for accidental poisoning. Then get to your doctor or to the A&E.
What if something gets in her eyes or skin?
Rinse (irrigate) the eye and or skin immediately (remove clothing or contact lenses). Every second matters. Use lots of room temperature water and irrigate for at least 15 minutes. Adults and older children may find it easiest to hop in the shower. Then get to your doctor or the A&E.
And if the child collapses, has a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can’t be awakened, get to the A&E immediately.
Do:
Stay calm and act quickly.
Remove the poison from your child. If there is still some in your child’s mouth, make him or her spit it out or remove it with your fingers.
Retain a sample if it is a plant or a solid substance.
Take or send the poison container with your child to help the doctor determine what was swallowed.
Do Not:
Make your child vomit. It can cause more damage.
Wait for symptoms to develop before getting medical help.
Try to neutralize the poison with lemon juice or vinegar, or any other substance, unless you are told to do so by a medical professional.
Give your child anything to eat or drink and don’t give your child syrup of ipecac.
Most importantly, keep in mind that although the A&E is available to help if your child is poisoned, it is much better to try and prevent poisonings by keeping your home well childproofed at all times.
While there is no poison control “helpline” in Singapore, as there are in many of our home countries, the hospitals have resources to call a specialized toxicologist who is always on call. Some great online resources and apps can be found at
“Forward!” commands our white-water rafting guide, and as we pull into the current, forward becomes the only option. Sloshing down-river, I glance nervously at my seven-year-old daughter, and her brothers, 11 and 13. I ask our guide, Yuslan if mine are the youngest kids he has guided on the river. He laughs: “Oh no, we once had a five-month old baby on board.” Before I can ask who brings a baby rafting, we are entering the first rapid, amid shrieking delight from everyone. Anxiety is gone, superseded by adrenaline and the fun of a shared adventure. Rafting is a great start to a weekend in Sabah, on the island of Borneo. Sabah’s capital Kota Kinabalu (locally known as ‘KK’), is just over two hours’ flight from Singapore, and offers diverse options for a family escape, including adventure, culture, and relaxation.
River action
White-water rafting in the Kiulu Valley is just a one-hour drive from KK. The drive passes Sabah’s biggest mosque, Christian churches, vegetable farms, and wild jungle before reaching the Riverbug rafting base. Safety gear is distributed and a briefing assures us this river of grade one to two, is suitable for beginners. Indeed, everyone stays in the boat, except when kids are permitted to somersault off and float down the river in their lifejackets. Our morning adventure takes us past lush rainforest, fishermen throwing nets, and stands of giant bamboo – remnants of bamboo rafts historically used as transport. After a Malaysian barbeque lunch, we are met by guide Brendon and our air-conditioned van.
Interactive culture
Less heart-pounding but equally fun is an afternoon at Mari Mari Cultural Village. Brendon explains there are 42 main ethnic groups in Sabah, and Mari Mari engages kids in activities from the Dusun, Rungus, Lundayeh, Bajau, and the head-hunting tribe, Murut.
Lizards scuttle and butterflies flit around the rainforest trails as visitors move from one exhibit to another. Kids sample freshly made biscuits and pandan juice with local honey and lemongrass, while brave adults sip the traditional rice liquor. Everyone tries blowing a ‘poison’ dart, which is harder than it sounds. “Blow from the chest,” Brendon says, and finally the dart lodges in the coconut target. Various ethnic dances are presented, demonstrating seriously nifty footwork as performers deftly skip over moving bamboo poles on the ground. In the Murut longhouse, tribal warriors bounce on a traditional wooden trampoline, the lansaran, touching the ceiling. The warriors howl with laughter as all members of my family try and fail.
Sundowners
After a day in the heat, the pool at Le Meridien Hotel in KK provides a welcome afternoon dip with an island-dotted view and a happy-hour cocktail. Later, we cross the road to the outdoor bars and restaurants that line the waterfront. Here, locals and tourists alike socialise and take plenty of selfies as the sun goes down behind the nearby islands.
Market meander
Photos done, it is time to wander. KK is a city of markets. Stroll through the fresh and dried seafood and head for the night market, specialising in tasty BBQ seafood. Vendors jostle for the attention of passing diners, touting their freshly caught fish, squid, lobsters and prawns, and marinated chicken wings, all cooked to order. The Handicraft (also known as Filipino) Market is here too, with plenty of cheap souvenirs for kids with pocket money.
On a Sunday morning, check out the mother of all KK’s markets, the Gaya Street Sunday Market. Locals shopping for a mango tree or antique musical instruments browse alongside tourists hunting for t-shirts and fridge magnets. Hardware, pedigree cats, and knock-off ‘Star Warts’ toys are all being purchased. Our favourite is the watermelon juice. The top of the small melon is carved into a heart and presented to the buyer on a stick. Next an electric hand mixer is inserted into the melon, pulverising the contents. Add a straw and voila! Instant refreshment.
Relaxing Gaya Island
For a complete change of pace, Gaya Island, part of the Tunku Abdul Rahman National Marine Park is only 20 minutes away by speed boat. Bunga Raya Resort is set by the beach in a tropical forest with wooden villas. Our huge two-bedroom villa is up a steep hill amid the leafy canopy, with ocean glimpses. Initially dreading the trudge uphill, we quickly discover the fun option of a golf buggy pick-up. Our driver Aspeh, kindly lets the kids each have a turn of “driving” the buggy, keeping one foot ready on the brake.
The powdery beach facing the South China Sea is immaculately maintained, and the bustle of KK is out of sight and mind as visitors explore the natural surroundings. Snorkellers dot the clear water, spotting corals, rays and nemo fish. Inquisitive guests join a naturalist guided tour of the canopy walkway, four elevated suspension bridges 60 metres high, providing a bird’s eye view. Adrenaline junkies get their fix too, riding the ‘Flying Fox’ zipline through the treetops, while the lower ‘Flying Squirrel’ is a blast for younger kids.
Conservation in action
Bunga Raya’s sister property Gayana Marine Resort, a ten-minute boat ride away, is home to the Marine Ecology Research Centre. Marine biologists here breed giant clams, endangered by poaching for live seafood and the aquarium trade. Two giant clam species are locally extinct and five others are becoming increasingly threatened. The conservation program here seeks to produce and then nurture baby clams onsite for around four years, before release at a safe reef. The centre also offers kids interaction with robust marine creatures in a touch tank, like starfish and sea cucumbers, or to help with rehabilitating corals. Back at Bunga Raya, we watch the sun setting behind the islands for the last time this trip, congratulating ourselves on discovering the gems of KK. Right on cue, ten huge hornbill birds pause in the trees above us, before whooshing and flapping their farewell.
TRAVEL TIPS:
– Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu has large, interconnecting rooms for families lemeridienkotakinabalu.com
– Rafting in Kiulu Valley: riverbug.asia
– Bunga Raya Resort, a member of Preferred Hotels and Resorts, is the best beach on Gaya Island echoresorts.com/bungaraya
– Getting around Kota Kinabalu is easiest with a guide and van. Brendan from Borneo Trails and Tours has a deep knowledge of Sabah borneotrails.com
More information on all things Sabah: sabahtourism.com
Looking for a new brunch-lunch spot? Champions Golf Course favourite Picotin has expanded to a second outlet on the east side, occupying a stately black and white house on Joo Chiat Road. The cool, French-accented bistro offers upmarket pub grub – including hearty breakfast options. For breakfast we tuck into fluffy American style pancakes with maple syrup and berries ($12), eggs benedict ($12) and a rib-sticking full English breakfast ($22) with perfectly cooked eggs, bacon and sides. A pretty tropical fruit platter ($12) offsets some of the damage, alongside good juices and coffees.
Fancy a lie in? Bring a group for weekend lunch and you’ll find a menu of favourites from pizza and fish and chips, to burgers and more sophisticated plates like steak, whole roasted chicken and delicious salads. Afterwards, burn off a couple of calories with a game of fuse ball, pool or boules. Bring the kids – they’ll adore the relaxed open space, well priced kids meals and regular movie nights.
Verdict: An affordable bistro/bar/café which is perfect for families looking to stretch out over a leisurely weekend brunch or pub lunch.
Little Creatures Mohamed Ali Lane, 36 Club Street, 069469 littlecreatures.sg
WA craft brewery Little Creatures started with a group of mates with a thirst for hop-driven pale ale. From its original home in a cavernous shed by the ocean in Fremantle, the company has gone global, with outlets in Shanghai, Hong Kong, Beijing, and now Singapore.
The newly-opened Little Creatures in Club Street brings a slice of sun-kissed Aussie beer garden to the Little Red Dot. With a laidback, quirky fit-out in a restored heritage building; this is the perfect hybrid of pub-café-restaurant. The menu is designed for sharing, so we pick off a couple of dishes from the ‘Share a Little’ section to pair with a round of house ales – including the famous pale, IPA, and Rogers. A moreish smashed avo bowl with tomatoes and pickled chilli ($18) is demolished in minutes, as are the succulent chicken and lamb skewers with spicy chimichurri sauce ($27).
The chilli mussels ($29) aren’t as popular as the Hawaiian pizza with tomato, pineapple, pistachio mortadella and mozzarella ($24), or the crispy calamari with garlic, lemon and mayo ($22). Caprese salad with roma tomato, balsamic, basil, buffalo mozzarella ($18) adds freshness to the table. There are a decent range of pastas, burgers, grilled steak and lamb mains, if you prefer your own plate, and the desserts feature a warm chocolate brownie, homemade ice-creams, cheesecake and carrot cake (The Aussie kind!)
Verdict: The prices are a little steep for pub fare, but it’s hard not to like this cheeky Aussie import. Dishes are fast, fresh and delicious, and go down a treat with the house brews
70 years is grand, in any form! ANZA’s Platinum Anniversary is testimony to the dedication and foresight of those Aussies and Kiwis in Singapore who established the Association, and all who volunteered their time over the years, making it the much-loved organisation it is today, with over 7,000 Members. This is a prestigious, precious, rare celebration.
1970s
This Adelaide-born writer and ANZA became acquainted in December 1970. I have been privileged to watch ANZA grow from a modest young adult to a venerable senior citizen. Then, ANZA was focused on Australians and New Zealanders as opposed to the vibrant international membership of today. Early gatherings took place at members’ homes, then later, when numbers grew, newcomers’ morning-teas were held at the Hollandse Club. Tea-time goodies were mainly sandwiches and cakes, with nary a spring roll or curry puff in sight. How things have changed!
In the seventies, Singapore was newly independent and struggling to find her feet. Now she too has aged graciously. Aussie icon Vegemite was unheard of until my boss and I at the Australian High Commission wrote an impassioned plea to the main supermarket here and rectified that important matter. Restaurants with ‘foreign’ food were rare, though Fosters steakhouse was, and still is, around, as was Polar Puffs & Cakes with roll cakes and chicken pies.
1990s
Clive and Annette Tilbrook arrived in Singapore with their daughter Madison and son Sam in 1995, from Perth, Western Australia. The vice president of a software company and the executive director of a chamber of commerce, respectively, joined ANZA to be part of the Australian community here. Clive and Annette were instrumental in the founding of ANZA cricket and heavily involved in the development of sports facilities through the ANZA Sports City project at Turf City. Having held several committee positions, they are now both honorary life members of ANZA. Early memories revolve around sports, scouts and event organising, with lots of sausages to cook, afternoon teas to prepare and food tastings to navigate.
Indian food, especially at award-winning Lagnaa restaurant at 6 Upper Dickson Road, was a favourite, particularly rogan josh and butter chicken. For Chinese fare, Fatty’s at 175 Bencoolen Street was where, Annette revealed; “the food was fabulous! Especially the black pepper prawns/beef.” Tekka Market, in Little India, was the Tilbrook’s go-to place for fresh produce, including crabs for chilli crab which Annette cooked for the first time, to good reports!
2000s
Halyna and Matthew English, from Adelaide, South Australia, joined ANZA in 2004 with their children Grace, Marc and Adam. The retired lawyer and patent attorney, respectively, knew nobody upon arrival, and ANZA provided new friends, with opportunities for sports activities for their children. Halyna has been a soccer age group coordinator for about ten years, with Matt a soccer team parent and coach for several years. Their early memories include friendly coffee mornings and grand balls.
Indian food was a family favourite, especially at Samy’s Curry restaurant, Dempsey Road. As to local Chinese cuisine, Halyna shared, “The best yum cha was at Yum Cha Restaurant, Trengannu Street, Chinatown, including xiao long bao and custard tarts.”
Halyna joined the International Cooking Club Singapore, contributing to ‘The Red Dot Melting Pot Cookbook’ with recipes spanning 75 countries from its diverse members. Bravo!
Now
Today, we are spoilt for choice, both with Singapore’s culinary delights and a wide array (over 30!) of activities that ANZA provides to all in a gracious, welcoming manner. From this newly-minted humble life member, I join in offering sincere and hearty “Congratulations” to ANZA. Here’s to the next major milestone.
Did you know?
Raelene Tan has penned the Tuckerbox column for 15 of our 70 years! “Tuckerbox was born in July 2003 when I wrote about Singapore’s chicken rice,” says Raelene. “I’ve been happily penning thoughts regularly since then.”
Join us at the Australian High Commission for a very special event celebrating 70 amazing years of ANZA. Enjoy live music and sample delicious produce and products. Register at anza.org.sg/events
Held on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month, the Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival is a modern-day celebration of a centuries-old harvest ritual, which has been going since the early Tang dynasty (618–907) From Korea to Vietnam, Japan, Singapore and Hong Kong, the Mid-Autumn festival is marked by various customs and festivities. In the past, families would gather to make offerings of wine, fruits such as pears, grapes, pomegranates, and of course mooncakes! to give thanks to the Gods for a good harvest, as well as enjoy a reunion with far-flung relatives. In Singapore we now associate the festival with lanterns, mooncakes, a ripe full moon, and dragons.
Marvellous mooncakes
It’s impossible to live in Singapore and not have tasted or been gifted with a mooncake, which are sold by the truckload over the Mid-Autumn Festival season. This traditional snack is believed to have originated from Yuan-dynasty revolutionaries (1271–1368), who used the pastries to pass secret messages between each other. Traditionally, mooncakes are golden pastries filled with salty egg yolks and a sticky, sweet paste made from lotus seeds or beans. Today there are lots of different fillings with wild flavours including durian, red velvet, cookie and cream, chocolate, matcha, and even champagne, gin and cider varieties! Silky, unbaked “snow-skin” casings are now as popular as the traditional baked cake.
Light it up
The Mid-Autumn festival is also known for bright, festive lanterns. The traditional variety are fashioned from simple paper and lit by wax candles, but there is also an array of very fancy, colourful wire structures which can be shaped into animals, cartoon characters and more. The Mid-Autumn Festival should not be confused with the Lantern Festival, which also falls on a lunar 15th — but in the first month of the East Asian lunar year (usually February or early March)
How you can celebrate
Since the Mid-Autumn Festival is about lunar gazing and lighting lanterns, save your celebrations until after the sun has set.
Visit Chinatown to appreciate the beautiful lantern displays, take part in the atmospheric lantern parade, watch lantern painting competitions, or sample tea and mooncakes at the buzzing street bazaars. Head to Moonfest: A Mid-Autumn Celebration, a free event held at the Esplanade Outdoor Theatre in Marina Bay September 21-23. Perfect for kids and families, this year’s highlights include a Hokkien opera troupe, folk music, puppetry, craft and martial arts workshops and the popular lantern walkabout along the waterfront. esplanade.com/festivals-and-series/moonfest-a-mid-autumn-celebration/2018
Claire (left) and Julia have rescued hundreds of kittens from a life of misery
The amazing expats behind Save Our Street Kittens Singapore (SOKS) have rescued over 400 kittens – re-homing the vulnerable animals with loving families. The task of hand feeding and raising litters of kittens in their homes is relentless and exhausting, but SOKS co-founders Claire Forbes and Julia Leimanis say every time one of the adorable fluff balls finds a ‘forever home’ it’s worth it.
Claire became aware of the stray problem in Singapore several years ago when she moved into Upper Thompson, an area populated with street cats. “I pulled 10 kittens out of the drains in the space of a month. I sought help with sterilisation, and the kittens were re-homed with the support of expat networks. That’s really how SOKS began.”
Julia and Claire’s homes are now overrun with tiny, furry houseguests – up to a dozen at a time. “Project SOKS is a kitten rescue organisation, specialising in neonatal (under 4 weeks) kitten rescue,” explains Julia. “We care for abandoned or homeless kittens, raise them in our family homes and re-home them. SOKS was formally established in April 2018. Since then, we take calls from people all over the island who need help when they have found sick or abandoned kittens.”
SOKS is a family affair, with Claire and Julia’s children all lending a hand with the care of the kittens and Claire’s vet husband offering advice on medical issues. “Both my kids are amazing with the kittens,” says Claire. “Maia (8) is really great at bottle feeding and Aidan (6) is fearless and particularly good at handling the more feral kittens that hiss and bite. Hopefully I’m instilling in my children the responsibility of pet ownership, charitable giving, and the idea that we can make a difference in the world by the small things we do.”
Julia and Claire are “chief kitten foster mummies”, and admit it’s a full time job which does impede on their social lives. “We spend hours every day bottle feeding babies, cleaning up after kittens, answering messages for people requesting help, and finding homes for our much loved babies,” says Julia. “Thankfully, we are supported by a team that includes five other foster families. The kittens are all given names and capture everyone’s hearts. “We both love the constant contact we have with kittens,” says Julia. “They are lovely pets and bring a lot of affection and fun with their unique characters and crazy play antics.”
SOKS have partnered with The Cat Welfare Society Singapore (CWS). “The CWS supports us by sterilising the mothers and fathers of any kittens that we rescue, prior to their release back in the communities where they live. CWS receives very little government support and relies almost solely on donations from the public.”
How can people help SOKS with their mission? “The best way to help us is by considering adoption of a fluffy feline for your family!” says Claire. “If you are not in a position to adopt, then spread the word with anyone who may be. Now that we have our own Facebook page (Project-SOKS-Save-Our-Street-Kittens-Singapore), people can contact us and see the many kittens we have available for adoption. We rely on the sharing of our posts to reach a wider audience.”
Julia and Claire stress the importance of adopting, rather than shopping for pets, to reduce the prevalence and knock-on effects of backyard breeding. “Cats can live up to 20 years, so adoption is not a temporary ‘thing’ for your time in Singapore,” says Julia. “Project SOKS has a set of criteria that needs to be agreed on by any adopting family. Most importantly these include compulsory sterilisation at six months of age, and relocation as part of your family if you ever leave Singapore. Many of our kittens have grown up to become world travellers!” Fostering is also an option. “Fostering usually works well for people who have plenty of time on their hands and can contribute with intensive kitten care. It can be a very rewarding experience.”
Julia and Claire find it tough to say goodbye to the kittens, but they know a better life awaits them. “Seeing our babies go off into their forever homes, to have a better chance at life is what warms our hearts the most. Seeing our kittens snuggling and playing with their new families makes the hard work and sacrifices worthwhile.”
Donations welcome!
SOKS gratefully receives donations of food and other supplies. “We accept contributions towards our raw meat diets, the purchase of KMR (kitten formula milk) and kitty litter in particular,” says Claire. “These are items that we go through by the bucket load! People can also help us by contributing to the vet care and other supplies that we provide – probiotics, deworming and flea treatments.”
Did you know?
– Cats breed prolifically in Singapore – particularly as it’s warm all year round and they go on heat in summer.
– Cats gestation is two months, they can get pregnant from four months of age, and can have litters between 1-7 kittens.
– There are around 60,000 street cats in Singapore.
– The Cat Welfare Society (Singapore) sterilised18,000 cats last year
Community cats that have the tip of their left ear clipped have already been sterilised.
Children are notorious for putting everything in their mouths. It is natural and a common way for children to learn about their surroundings. While it is important to encourage our kids to explore and discover new things, it is imperative to keep them safe.
