Get ready for the ultimate weekend of rugby sevens action in Singapore! The Asia leg of the HSBC SVNS continues as rugby’s biggest party arrives in town on 3-5 May. See 12 of the top men’s and women’s rugby sevens teams in action at the National Stadium and enjoy the festival atmosphere throughout the weekend, with live music and entertainment to keep the party going all day long. Find out what to expect and how to secure your tickets:
World Class Rugby Sevens
Expect three days of non stop rugby sevens action on the pitch as the best teams in the world go head to head. After a thrilling season, HSBC SVNS Singapore marks the final regular season round of the competition. Find out who’ll be crowned the League Winners, before the all to play for Grand Final in Madrid.
Alongside the rugby action, HSBC SVNS promises a whole weekend of feel-good festival vibes for fans to enjoy. Kick back and relax at the in-bowl Beach Club, enjoy entertainment around the stadium or hit the dancefloor and party away to live DJs through the afternoon. Joining the line-up is Aussie based DJ Wildflower. A huge hit with fans at SVNS Perth, she’ll be performing alongside Singaporean and Perth-based singer Nicholette C and other local musicians.
Or if you’re feeling athletic why not sign up to compete with a team at Turf Games, a functional fitness competition that’s also part of SVNS in Singapore this year.
Get Dressed Up!
Fancy dress is the ultimate rugby sevens crowd tradition. Join in the party in Singapore with your best beach-themed outfits. Think Hawaiian shirts, lifeguard costumes, palm trees or simply your brightest beach club get-ups.
How to buy your tickets
Tickets for HSBC SVNS Singapore start from S$45 for single day tickets, with two day and weekend passes also available. Kids tickets start from just S$8.50.
If you want to take your experience at SVNS to the next level, check out the Sun Room Lounge. A premium package that’s perfect for an unforgettable day with your friends, or entertaining clients.
Blend the best bits of tennis, badminton and table tennis together and you’ve got Pickleball! ANZA Pickleball is not just a sport; it’s a joyous blend of camaraderie, exercise, and plain old fun.
When we launched the group last year, it became immediately obvious that it was going to be popular. Members fully embraced this new sports craze and today we offer not one, not two, but three thriving Pickleball groups to our community.
If you’re new to the game, fear not.
There’s the beginners clinics – a 4-week course played once a week for 1.5 hour sessions. These clinics are like a Pickleball ABC for those starting out. If committing to a month-long course isn’t possible, the ANZA weekly beginner sessions are probably more for you, with flexible days and locations to fit your schedule. Both groups are led by qualified coaches.
That’s not all – we’ve also got social weekly sessions on Friday mornings. These sessions are brimming with Pickleball enthusiasts who’ve played before, completed a clinic (or a minimum of four beginner’s sessions), and know the basic rules and how to score. Plans are afoot for evening and weekend social sessions, so grab a paddle, put on your game face, and we’ll see you at ANZA Pickleball!
Partner at Select Investors Batya Shulman and her boys
In today’s fast-paced world, where change is constant and uncertainty looms large, it’s essential to plan for the future and the unexpected. Legacy and succession planning may not be top of mind for many, but they play a crucial role in ensuring the well-being of your loved ones and preserving your legacy for generations to come. As you embark on the journey of legacy and succession planning, there are several key considerations to keep in mind.
Here are some essential strategies to safeguard your family’s future:
1. Have a Will One of the fundamental aspects of legacy planning is drafting a Will. A Will outlines how you want your assets to be distributed after your passing, ensuring that your wishes are carried out accordingly. Expatriates with assets in multiple countries should consider having separate Wills for assets in each jurisdiction to avoid complications and delays in the probate process. This ensures a smooth administration of the estate.
2. Invest in Life Insurance: Life insurance can provide financial security for your loved ones in the event of the unfortunate. By investing in a life insurance policy, you can ensure that your family members are protected from financial hardship and can maintain their standard of living. When taking out life insurance, there are many key considerations including: calculation of coverage, term, different riders, reputable companies and balancing between needs and affordability. Life insurance premiums in Singapore are competitively priced and premiums are tax deductible. Seeking professional advice can assist in understanding the various options and making the right decision.
3. Establish Temporary Guardianship: For any expatriate living abroad, it is important to appoint a temporary legal guardian in the event of the unfortunate happening to both parents. The designated trusted individuals can then assume responsibility for your children until the permanent guardians can take over. This ensures that the children are not placed in the state’s custody and the children are well looked after during this difficult period.
4. Trusts for Estate planning: Trusts are powerful estate planning tools that allow you to protect and manage your assets for your nominated beneficiaries, Trusts can provide additional benefits for expatriate estate planning such as asset protection, tax planning, avoidance of probate and continuity of family businesses. Trusts also allow more flexibility in how assets are distributed and managed. The recognition and treatment of trusts varies between civil law and common law jurisdictions, including different countries tax treatments, so professional advice and personal financial planning is recommended.
5. Seek guidance and advice from experienced professionals. Everyone’s circumstances are unique, and it is recommended to obtain personalised advice that is tailored to your needs and objectives. Will writers, estate planning professionals, financial advisors, and tax experts can all help in implementing your legacy and succession plan, including regular reviews to ensure it remains relevant and reflects any changes in your life.
By taking proactive steps to plan for the future, you can ensure that your loved ones will be well cared for, and having the peace of mind is the most important.
To find out more on this important topic, Select Investors will be hosting a workshop on Wills, Protection, & Legacy Planning on Tuesday 14 May at 6pm – 7:30pm.
Click here for more details and to register your interest, click here
Batya’s Bio: Batya Shulman, is a Partner at Select Investors who specialises in wealth, tax and succession planning. Batya works with international clients providing holistic and ongoing financial advice, wherever the journey may take them. Batya is also a mother to three busy boys and understands first hand, the importance of planning for her loved ones!
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. Advice relating to a will, trust and/or guardianship involve(s) the referral to a service that is separate and distinct to those offered by St. James’s Place.
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.
Being human, we all encounter a vast spectrum of emotions. But have you ever blamed a bad mood on the shade of your socks? Or attributed a wave of kindness to a splash of pink on the MRT? Maybe you should, as research shows that colour can play a powerful force in our life, affecting body and mind, and influencing us in more ways than we realise.
“When we see colour, it’s more than just a visual experience,” explains Eva Papadakis, personal stylist and colour specialist at Style Your Fashion Soul (@styleyourfashionsoul). “Through scientific and anecdotal experiences, we know that human interaction with colour affects our disposition and physical actions. The part of our brain that interprets colour also controls our thoughts, autonomic nervous system, circadian rhythms, sexual desires, and more.”
Indeed, across cultures we use colour to convey emotional states. We feel blue, see red, or are green with envy. We wear white to weddings, black to funerals (in Asia white is worn), give red hearts on Valentine’s Day and wear red at Chinese New Year. Colour and emotional associations are ubiquitous.
How does it work?
Understanding the power of colour starts with science. “Colour is light, and light is energy which speaks to us in vibrations,” explains Eva, an expat in Singapore who has formally studied colour training and colour and design psychology. “When light enters our eye, it causes the release of hormones that affect our moods, temperature, sleep, and blood pressure, amongst other things. This means that colour is not purely a visual stimulus, but it also constantly creates physical and psychological changes and responses within us, too.”
The International Colour-Emotion Association Survey proves that the colour red has been shown to raise pulse rate, while blue can foster trust and encourage innovative thinking. (Hello ANZA’s primary branding colour!). Statistics show that colour can account for up to 85% of the reason why we choose to buy certain products. Many ancient cultures, including the Egyptians and Chinese, practised chromotherapy (the use of colours to heal), which still takes place today as a holistic health treatment. Yellow is thought to stimulate the nerves and purify the body, indigo can alleviate skin problems, and orange is used to heal the lungs and boost energy.
When we understand more about colours, we can consciously use them to support our emotions and create certain behaviours, not just in ourselves but in others. And the quickest way to do this? Through your wardrobe. Says Eva, “When you wear a palette that’s harmonious with your personal colouring and personality, you’ll feel more at home in your skin in a deep authentic way. Confidence can grow, moods can level out.”
Colour constantly creates physical and psychological responses within us
What to do
The best way to explore which colours work best for you is to compare and contrast different colour dimensions. “Observe how your skin and eyes look next to a certain tones and notice how your physical body reacts – you may feel yourself stiffen or recoil. “Others might bring on a sense of calm or cause you to smile,” Eva continues. “When you’ve found colours and combinations that work for you, you can often feel favourable results instantly. People will compliment you more often, not necessarily on what you’re wearing, but that you look well, or different, and so on.”
With a stronger sense of self, ourFor example, let’s say you work in a young, dynamic, environment, but are older than the majority demographic and favour structured tailoring and darker blues to show gravitas and responsibility. “Adjusting to brighter colours can encourage colleagues to see you as more creative, innovative, and fun. Through consciously working with different tones and combinations, you can encourage a change in your behaviour and how people respond to you.”
And if black is your go-to, note that it’s the total absorption of light. “Black has a quality of glamour (which is why many high-end luxury brands use it), but it can also feel oppressive, heavy, isolated, or menacing,” warns Eva. “However, it also provides the psychological feeling of protection and can make us feel safe. This is why people often reach for it in their wardrobe, as a form of armour.”
Going deeper, when we reach for one shade habitually and reject a wider spectrum of colour in our life, it can also mean that we’re denying aspects of ourselves. According to Eva, this is a sign that “we need to step consciously into colour, which can be challenging for those with aspects of their subconscious buried.”
Stay tuned
As your awareness of colour increases, you’ll start to easily identify the characteristics of specific colours and how they resonate with your personality. Eva suggests keeping a Pinterest board of interiors and fashion you like and changing it seasonally. Doing so will help you become more aware of yourself, the shades you’re selecting or avoiding, and give you the opportunity to reflect on why this might be.
“It’s always worth reevaluating your palette, especially after big life changes such as a move to a new location, a relationship breakup, or if you’ve fallen into unconscious habits with your colour choices,” says Eva.
The beauty is that the power of colour is open to everyone. “Through my work, I’ve seen countless examples of people enhancing their wellbeing and increasing energy levels simply through working more consciously with colour,” Eva continues. “In some instances, just by adjusting the use of colour in their wardrobe, people have subsequently received that overdue promotion at work or had a positive shift in a romantic relationship.”
Love theatre? You won’t want to miss this. At the heart of “Paradise or the Impermanence of Ice Cream” lies a series of profound mysteries.
What led to the near extinction of India’s vultures?
Where do we go when we die?
What happens to the dreams of our youth as we age?
Tackling these thought-provoking questions requires a delicate touch, and Kutisar – a former street vendor turned electronics salesman – embodies this perfectly.
Thrown into limbo on his way to the afterlife, Kutisar desperately seeks to evade death, facing the shadows of his youth. As he grapples with his past transgressions, he navigates the real-life mystery that’s been gravely affecting Parsi death rituals – India’s vanishing vultures.
The Parsis traditionally practise a unique burial, where the deceased are fed to the vultures. This custom reflects their core belief in respecting the elements and returning the body to nature, whereas the soul embarks on its own separate journey to the afterlife. But what happens if the vultures are gone? Can your soul leave while the body is still intact?
Vulture puppetry
In this poignant comedy-drama, Jacob Rajan effortlessly embodies seven unique characters, each endowed with a distinct personality and expression. Supported by breathtaking vulture puppetry and brilliant sound design, this powerhouse production transports us from the afterlife to Malabar hills, Parsi fire temples and heaving slums, as well as a humble ice cream shop.
This brilliant monologue is a rumination of the enigmas behind death, ironically laced with existential angst and the sweetness of traditional Indian ice cream. After all, what better signifies the fleeting pleasures of life than the precious treat of ice cream? Inspired by Ernest Becker’s Pulitzer Prize winning non-fiction, The Denial of Death, “Paradise or the Impermanence of Ice Cream” celebrates the exuberance of youth and the wisdom that comes with age. Jacob Rajan beautifully describes the show as a love letter to Mumbai, to vultures, and a way to meditate on the use of our time.
All in all, the play delivers an unparalleled experience, akin to indulging in an ice cream cone—each scoop serving up laughter, reflection, and a hint of Bollywood charm as the cherry on top.
Where to book
“Paradise or the Impermanence of Ice Cream” begins its run 16 May 2024, at KC Arts Centre – Home of STC.
Enjoy 15% off when you purchase a minimum of 4 tickets with our Watch with Friends discount.
With the festival theme of An Anatomy of Performance: They Declare, the festival explores the intertwining of voices, existences and geologies with its spectacular line-up.
Opening SIFA 2024 is the spectacular Moby Dick by French-Norwegian puppet theatre company Plexus Polaire. With 50 puppets, 7 actors and video projections, Plexus Polaire presents a dark and compelling tale of obsession and unexplained mysteries.
SUARA / ORO RUA by Safuan Johari (SG) & Eddie Elliott (NZ)
Making its debut at SIFA is festival commission SUARA / ORO RUA, a collaborative dance performance between local artist Safuan Johari and choreographer Eddie Elliott from Aotearoa New Zealand. Inspired by Māori culture, this never-before-seen spectacle will take you on a captivating journey through time, movement and sound in a post-Anthropocene future.
More intriguing performances lie ahead – including American choreographer Trajal Harrell’s The Romeo, a speculative style of dance that uncovers histories and the identity-exploring multimedia show Angela (a strange loop) by German artists Susanne Kennedy and Markus Selg. Both international acts have received critical acclaim and are bound to impress when they take the stage in Singapore this May.
Concluding the festival is the award-winning production Sun & Sea by Rugilė Barzdžiukaitė, Vaiva Grainytė & Lina Lapelytė, which provides a social commentary on the human response to global environmental threats – or alarming lack thereof. Not to be missed, this unique ecological opera features an indoor beach that spans the stage.
Leonardo! A wonderful show about a terrible monster by Manual Cinema (US)
Little SIFA for kids
There will be arts for the little ones to enjoy too – American performance collective, design studio and video/film production company Manual Cinema’s Leonardo! A Wonderful Show About a Terrible Monster is a delightful puppet show about a not-so-scary monster and his quest to scare. Bold, vibrant and amusing, this puppetry performance is sure to charm the children! Another must-see, The Dancer’s Fair by Antigua i Barbuda from Spain, features old-school fairground attractions and a whimsical 5-metre-tall ballerina, offering an enchanting interactive experience to adults and children alike.
Exclusive ANZA reader promotion
All of our ANZA members will receive 10% savings applicable on Category 1 and 2 Regular tickets only across all programmes*, except workshops upon booking when you key in the code SIFAANZA10 upon booking.
*Not applicable on top of existing promotions
*Other terms & conditions apply
*Promotion applies to Category 1 Regular tickets only for Leonardo! A Wonderful Show About A Terrible Monster
I watch most of my son’s rugby matches trying to hide my internal wincing every time I see a big tackle coming. I find myself willing him to run faster to safety rather than to glory. My son loves the game and, considering the benefits that come from team sports, I’m happy for him to play.
But one thing I am adamant on is strictly no playing if there’s even a hint of a concussion. Even if the next game is the final, or the star player is injured and the team needs him, or he doesn’t want to appear ‘weak’ to his friends. Not allowing the brain time to recover before potentially suffering another head blow can be very dangerous indeed.
Spot a concussion
To stop children playing with a concussion, you have to be able to tell when they have one. That may sound easy enough: if the child has had a major blow to the head, has lost consciousness, or is clearly very disorientated and they need to go to hospital for imaging of their head and spine. It’s when the head injury is milder and the symptoms are more subtle that the diagnosis is more difficult, especially if they’re older and tempted to downplay their symptoms to get back on the pitch! Essentially, if they don’t seem themselves, however muted, and they have a history of a head injury, get them seen by a medical professional.
Symptoms to monitor:
Headache
Dizziness
Incoordination
Loss of balance
Nausea and vomiting
Sensitivity to light or sound
Feeling mentally foggy or slow
Disorientation
Difficulty concentrating or remembering
Word finding difficulty
Fatigue
Irritability
Sadness
Inappropriate emotions
Nervousness
Behavioural changes
Difficulty sleeping or sleeping excessively
What to do
Don’t let your child play on, and prevent them from partaking in other activities that may lead to another head injury e.g. skateboarding, trampolining, etc.
Let them rest but not for too long; 24 – 48 hours is ideal, after which introducing a programme of exercise that gradually increases in intensity (to a level that doesn’t make their symptoms worse) is recommended.
They may also need a period of rest from activities that require their focus and concentration. For example, reading, computer games, prolonged screen time, and even schoolwork may bring on symptoms in some children.
Take your child to see their doctor for a proper assessment and advice regarding diagnosis, symptom management, and advice on returning to school and sports. They may need a few visits so the doctor can properly assess their progress.
If they’re serious athletes in a contact sport, consider asking their doctor to do some baseline tests of their memory, cognition, and balance at their next routine check-up. Determining a baseline might make it easier to spot – or rule out – any symptoms of a mild concussion in the future.
Dr Natalie Hutchins is a British GP based at the Osler Health Star Vista clinic. Tel: 6339 2727.
For more information Visit our website or make an appointment to learn how we can help you to take control of your own health and wellbeing. osler-health.com
Join this tour with Charlotte Chu to meet three of Singapore’s most popular designers for lifestyle products, textiles and homewares. Hear about their design journey and take the opportunity to do some shopping at the same time. Young, passionate and with lots of enthusiasm for Singapore’s heritage, places and cultures, these designers are mostly self-taught and have no business background. Thanks to their talent, grit and determination, they overcame initial obstacles to become successful in their own right. Their beautiful and original offerings represent Singapore’s multiracial culture and history in gorgeous and evocative ways.
Date: Tuesday 7 May
Time: 1:00pm – 4:00pm
Meet: Outram Park at MRT Station, Exit 4 street level. The tour will end near Rochor MRT (DT13)
Cost: $55 ANZA Member, $65 Non-Member
Additional Notes:
The tour will begin and end at a different location
Beautiful yet untypically overcast weather at Tanjong Beach Club on Sentosa was perfect for the annual Misfits Beach Cricket Day. Every year teams come together to do battle on the sand, and this time saw 16 teams of seven – including ANZA Cricket – taking part. ANZA’s two entrants, Budgie Smugglers and Piha Bro’s, comprised Aussies and Kiwis and both were on top form returning with pieces of silver. While the sand and the sea didn’t replicate a true green outfield, the Budgie Smugglers made it to the Gold cup and the Piha Bro’s won the Silver cup.
Passion for cricket
Dad bods and dubious fashion were out in full force, and neither team was shy about getting in the sea. It was a great occasion to meet old friends who have a common passion for cricket.
The day was well captained by Patrick Winters and Guy Hudson, and a big thank you goes to all the players who took part and make ANZA Cricket the brilliant club it is today.
SCC Youth Development
As yet, ANZA doesn’t run a junior team, but Singapore Cricket Club offers a youth development programme for kids aged 5 -10. With a variety of sessions running weekends and mid-week, the Cubs Cricket environment is “all about fun and enjoyment through our brilliant game.” To find out more contact David Bennett at JuniorCricket@scccricket.com
NETs stuff to know
NETs kick off each Wednesday at The Cage Sports Park, Kallang from 7pm. We assemble 5 – 10 people through our WhatsApp chat to roll the arm over. It’s not a problem if you don’t want to play games, don’t have equipment, and/or just want to do NETs. They are social NETs and everyone is welcome. Find out more about ANZA Cricket here.
When it comes to unique professions, mermaiding is up there! Syrena’s career began a decade ago when the mermaid movement was in its infancy around the world. She talks to ANZA about how she became involved and leads a tight-knit mermaid community on the island today.
Have you always been attracted to water?
Oh yes, I was that kid on beach holidays spending hours gazing out to sea. Water is such a fascinating medium because the rules of the world on land don’t apply. It can be an incredibly challenging element to work with, but also very liberating.
How did your mermaid life begin?
I started with performances – creating unique experiences for corporate and kids-centric scopes. I wanted to ignite a sense of wonder and awe for little ones. It was difficult at first, I’d get maybe one party booking a month and I felt like giving up, but after a few years I founded the Singapore Mermaid School.
Left: Syrena doing Singapore’s first live public tank performance on Orchard Road
What events do you do today?
They span a large spectrum. Besides kid-centric and corporate parties, I also do family events, events that are wholly on land, wholly in water, or a hybrid of both. I’ve been booked locally and internationally for conventions, private experiences, and masterclasses. Whatever you can imagine, I can probably help bring to life!
Any standout moments?
On the kids side of the business, I was booked by a rather fabulous lady to do a mermaid party for her two granddaughters. She proceeded to book me again for the next two years, after which she requested a private mermaid workshop for not just her granddaughters, but also herself!
On the corporate side I collaborated with the Singapore Zoo to create Singapore’s first mermaid aquarium performance for several years running. I also partnered with ION Orchard to devise Singapore’s first live public mermaid tank performance. It was pretty surreal seeing a tank being built for me in the middle of Orchard Road!
You recently hosted The Otherworld Ball …
It was the first in Asia and quite the spectacle: we had knights in doublets, warriors in full plate armour, fae maidens in wings, satyrs, faun, and mermaids. There’s another ball (theotherworldball.com) later this year.
Where do you source your mermaid tails from?
They are made by two of my dearest friends who helm Finfolk Productions. They’re made entirely of special effects-grade silicone, and custom-made to my measurements and preferred colour palette. I’m a bit of a tail addict and have the largest personal collection of silicone tails in the world. Each one weighs between 15 – 25kg.
Tell us about the rest of your look …
It helped to have a signature look when I started out, but these days I enjoy switching things up. Doing so many events and classes, I like to keep it fresh!
I often customise to my client’s brief, for example, at Chinese New Year I’ll go with more oriental-inspired pieces and my most elaborate and heaviest tail, the Koi Empress.
Syrena with students from Singapore Mermaid School
How does the breathing underwater work?
I wish I could breathe underwater! It requires a great deal of mental and physical discipline and this is what suspends disbelief for your audience. Many people ask me “Do you have breathing tubes somewhere?” or “Where’s your tank?” But it’s all just the power of the human body!
How long can you hold your breath?
I don’t time my ‘holds’ as that creates unnecessary pressure. The best happen when you’re in the moment, going with the flow and enjoying yourself (as much as one can do without oxygen!).
Tell us about the Singapore Mermaid School… The Singapore Mermaid School opened in 2015. It came about very organically – people would watch my performances live or online, or read an interview and write in wanting to learn from me. When I founded the company I just wanted to impart the magic of mermaiding to people in a safe, structured and immersive way. Since its inception, it’s gained a following locally and internationally, and even had a mention on Netflix!
What classes do you teach?
It’s the first mermaid school in the world to offer a tiered syllabus for progressive learning. Each level has a specific focus which not only teaches physicality, but also theory. In true Syrena style, you learn about mermaid myths and legends around the world. There’s also a strong emphasis on community. I always say that people walk into class as strangers and emerge as each other’s bridesmaids … I’ve seen it happen more than once!
Who are your students?
To date, the Singapore Mermaid School has taught hundreds of students from all walks of life. Our youngest has been four years old, and our most senior 88 years old. We’ve had nurses, lawyers, teachers, homemakers, celebrities, and even royalty – anyone can be a mermaid if they put their heart to it.
“I have the largest personal collection of silicone tails in the world”
How do you see students evolve as they learn mermaid skills?
Mermaiding is transformative. For one, it’s a wonderful workout that’s easy on the joints. Core mobility is improved, your posture gets better, and you naturally grow more flexible as the basic mermaid undulation really gives you a good stretch.
When you become familiar with the amazing things your body can do in this hobby, you really get a boost of confidence. Suddenly you’re walking taller, feeling stronger and tighter, and feeling more at home in your skin. It’s also very freeing because we emphasise what your body can do, not what it looks like.
What type of person makes a good mermaid?
The beauty of it is anyone can be a mermaid! Age, gender, body shape, career, race – there is room for all to come as they are. For me, mermaiding starts with the inner self. Mermaids look out for the people around them and operate from a place of kindness, grace and love. If you’re doing that, you’re already a good mermaid in my book.
Are mermen welcome?
Mermen are welcome and beloved here! They’re a more elusive breed, so it’s always amazing when we get new mermen sign-ups. Our most recent Bronze Mermaids batch had three mermen sign up independently – an unprecedented number – and that’s an amazing step forward for the Singapore mermaid community. They’re incredibly brave for bucking stereotypes and diving into this world with us.
What’s next for you Syrena?
As well as working on releasing a small capsule collection of dresses, I’m currently writing a children’s book. It’s a whimsical read teaching the importance of creating a place where we – and others – can belong and feel appreciated no matter who we are.
Get ready for the ultimate weekend of rugby sevens action in Singapore! The Asia leg of the HSBC SVNS continues as rugby’s biggest party arrives in town on 3-5 May. See 12 of the top men’s and women’s rugby sevens teams in action at the National Stadium and enjoy the festival atmosphere throughout the weekend, with live music and entertainment to keep the party going all day long. Find out what to expect and how to secure your tickets:
Get Dressed Up!
Get Dressed Up!
B
Being human, we all encounter a vast spectrum of emotions. But have you ever blamed a bad mood on the shade of your socks? Or attributed a wave of kindness to a splash of pink on the MRT? Maybe you should, as research shows that colour can play a powerful force in our life, affecting body and mind, and influencing us in more ways than we realise.
Vulture puppetry
Where to book
I watch most of my son’s rugby matches trying to hide my internal wincing every time I see a big tackle coming. I find myself willing him to run faster to safety rather than to glory. My son loves the game and, considering the benefits that come from 
Dr Natalie Hutchins is a British GP based at the Osler Health Star Vista clinic. Tel: 6339 2727.
For more information 
When it comes to unique professions, mermaiding is up there! Syrena’s career began a decade ago when the mermaid movement was in its infancy around the world. She talks to ANZA about how she became involved and leads a tight-knit mermaid community on the island today.
