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Kiwi Fashion Hits Singapore

This month ANZA AND Harper’s Bazaar Singapore present an exclusive shopping event featuring New Zealand’s Top Fashion Designers.

When it comes to fashion, the Asian market is perhaps one of the most significant to break into – and with international labels continuing to pop up in Singapore’s competitive retail scene, Kiwi designers are about to forge a place of their own.

With the support of Harper’s Bazaar Singapore, on Thursday 30 April ANZA will present an exclusive shopping night centred on 12 standout designers, hand-picked and fresh from New Zealand Fashion Week. The event follows the launch of a new e-commerce platform SheShops, developed by SPH Magazines (the publishers behind Harper’s Bazaar Singapore as well as CLEO, Cosmopolitan and The Singapore Women’s Weekly) and online retailer Inverted Edge. SheShops allows readers who view their magazines on tablet devices to simply touch an outfit on-screen and be redirected to an online shop where they can purchase the garments. For the 12 New Zealand designers whose clothes will be stocked, it’s sure to provide a massive boost in the Singapore market.

The designers range from longstanding ‘heavyweights’ of New Zealand fashion such as Zambesi, NOM*d and Kate Sylvester to comparatively younger labels like Blak and Kowtow.

Though SheShops is an online platform, the ANZA event in April will provide members with an exclusive opportunity to purchase the clothes in person. Publishing director of SPH Magazines, Bridget Hope, along with CEO of Inverted Edge, Debra Langley, will present on the night.

‘I think Singapore’s a very good launching pad for New Zealand and Australian designers,’ says Hope, who is originally from New Zealand but is based in Singapore.

‘It’s an English-speaking market, and you also have a high density of expats in Singapore, so even if the labels don’t get traction with the Singaporean population, you know there’s a heavy population of Kiwis and Australians that would be interested in the clothes.’

Though Singapore is known as a world-class shopping destination, Kiwi and Australian shoppers often lament the lack of readily available (and affordable) clothing in larger sizes. One benefit of bringing more Kiwi designers to Asia, says Hope, is the range of sizes that comes along with them, not to mention the attractive price point.

‘There seems to be a huge gap in Singapore between the Prada price point and the Zara price point. It’s either fast fashion that everyone in the office is wearing, or it’s completely unaffordable,’ says Hope.

So what are you waiting for? Come and get your fix of Kiwi fashion with ANZA and Harper’s Bazaar on 30 April.

Phuket Getaway at the Anantara Vacation Club

The Anantara Vacation Club at Mai Khao Beach in Phuket, Thailand, is the perfect place for a quick and easy family getaway from Singapore. The resort was opened in 2013, it’s relaxing, there are plenty of food options, people are friendly and there is no need to think too much. Here are ten reasons to add it to your holiday list.

1. Mai Khao Beach

Aussies and Kiwis are fairly fussy when it comes to beaches, and this discernment is totally understandable given the calibre of sandy, white ocean shores in both countries. Mai Khao Beach is a national park in Phuket’s far north-west, it’s longest beach, and definitely passes the test. The beach is a quick five-minute walk from the Anantara, and December to May is known for the best swimming weather.

2. Roomy villas

The spacious villas come in one and two bedroom configurations with an open plan living, dining and kitchen area. There’s no need to bring too much with you as there is a washing machine and dryer on hand. Outside, there’s a comfortable daybed in the sala, by the private pool, some have a shallow wading section for kids. If villas aren’t your thing, there are one, two, and three bedroom apartment suites.

3. Tasty food options

Guests can choose to self-cater in the spacious, well-equipped villa kitchens or get stuck into the hotel offerings. There are three options: Crust, for wood-fired pizza; Chaam, the all-day dining restaurant; and pool bar Ripples. Don’t miss the weekly seafood buffets, and ordering from the room service menu is a nice treat some evenings.

4. Kids’ Time

The Jakka Kids’ Club offers complimentary activities and care services, suitable for children aged four to 12. Painting, hair-braiding, towel art, treasure hunts, sports and craft-based activities will keep kids entertained for hours. The fitness centre is above the kids club, with a sunny outlook over the large, lagoon pool.

5. Quick transfers

After the one hour and 20 minute flight it is reassuring to know that the resort is located just 15 minutes from the airport. The greeting and pickup by friendly staff is a great welcome.

6. Anantara Spa

For parents with kids, dropping them off at the Kids Club and heading across the road for a couple’s massage at the Anantara Spa will be a well-earned treat. Located at the stunning Anantara Villas, in a lush six-pavilion spa, this is true respite, with the signature 90-minute massage just one of the delights on offer. Follow it with sundowners at the Infinity Bar, best recommended to enjoy without younger kids.

7. Cooking classes

For rainy days, there are options of board games, movies or a cooking course at Spice Spoons. It’s informative, fun and tasty, especially as you get to enjoy eating your four-courses, without the washing up.

8. Bike rides

Bigger kids will appreciate the complimentary bikes, whether it’s for cruising the resort, or the quiet back roads. Ask a staff member to take you for a ride to the nearby temple.

9. Shady kids pool

The thatched kids pool is brilliant for little ones under five. They’ll love splashing in the shallow water, the sandy beach stretch and the pool toys, plus they can play safely for hours without risk of sunburn.

10. Shops nearby

Just across the road is Turtle Village shops; with a range of boutiques, restaurants, and a well-stocked minimart selling everything including wine, swimming goggles, cheese, vegetables, canned tomatoes and pasta.

Our thanks to Anantara Vacation Club for its generous support of ANZA’s Singapore Orchid Ball with the donation of a:

Four night stay in a pool villa for two or family of four worth $2,000.

This, together with a range of other fabulous Lucky Draw prizes, will help to raise much needed funds for two Singapore-based charities – Riverkids and Melrose Home (Children’s Aid Society).

Anantara Vacation Resort is located in Phuket, Thailand
www.avc-phuket.anantara.com

Sports Hub Celebrates the SEA Games!

The Sports Hub is getting ready for the upcoming SEA Games and have a host of different programmes and activities for everyone to participate and enjoy! These activities are FREE and they would like to invite you together with your family and friends to come take part and celebrate the upcoming SEA Games.

Join us for a day of sporting fun and experiences suitable for the whole family on Saturday 25 Apr 2015 from 10am to 6pm at Kallang Wave Atrium! Try out SEA Games sports through our Experience Sports Super 10s, participate in wacky stage games and get a chance to win exclusive premiums throughout the day.

Don’t miss special appearances and activities with our national athletes and everybody’s favourite SEA Games mascot, Nila from 12pm – 2pm!

Visit their website for more information

Buying Wholesale Meat at QB Foods

Do you remember the moment when you first went to the supermarket and thought that meat was rather affordable in Singapore, only to realise the price was for 100g and not a kilo? QB Foods is one place you can get your coronary from consuming red meat rather than paying for it. A wholesaler situated in Jurong, QB can deliver online orders or you can visit their warehouse.
I prefer to visit in person, as there are some products that are not available in the online store and because the quantities you can purchase are more flexible. Since they are a wholesaler, you must place an online order first and take the order number with you. On arrival find the clipboard in the office and sign in with your order number. Then you enter the walk-in refrigerator and make your way via the warehouse to butcher’s counter where you can order your meat cut and packed in vacuum sealed bags. You can also pick up frozen goods, dry goods, cheeses and Vittoria coffee.
My meat picks are Hunter Valley Beef Rump at $18 a kilo, whole Chuck Tenders for stewing at $15 a kilo and Mulwarra Boneless Lamb Shoulder at $22.20 per kilo (in the chilled lamb section of the shop). Cooking for friends, the Hunter Valley Grass Fed whole tenderloin is a treat; typically weighing about 2.5 kilos and costing $42 per kilo. I also grab a few blocks of the Australian Mild Cheddar for that familiar Aussie cheese taste, some Halumi, Feta and olives.
Q.B. Food Trading Pte Ltd
8 Chin Bee Crescent, Jurong
Singapore 619893

 

Creating a Stylish Home in a Rental – Lighting, Curtains and Floors

Home Stylist Karin Rysgaard and Owner of Cocoon Styling gives her tips for creating a sanctuary in a rented property regardless of how long you intend to stay.

When you are moving into a rental property, the first step in making it your own is to “get the bones right” and overcome the common trio of rental faults: ugly fluorescent lighting, polyester sheers and expanses of marble flooring.

Restricted by budget, landlords and agents, it can be tempting to do nothing at all, but the result is a dissatisfying wait in a holding pattern until you move on, which does nothing to add to your expat experience, or help you and your family connect to the space you are now calling home.

The first stage in adding style to your rental is to use these simple solutions to overcome design faults in a way that is sympathetic to your budget.

Lighting

Replacing ugly fixtures or florescent lighting that reminds you of a late night visit to the 7/11 may not be of importance to your landlord, but it’s effects are harsh, don’t underestimate how important lighting is, its sets the tone and mood of the room, particularly when hanging over your gorgeous newly-purchased dining table. Its always first on my list of discussion with clients when they are looking to transform a space.

Solutions

1. Remove it! Affordable lighting is available on the island, and often a simple job for a good electrician. While the electrician is onsite, enquire if dimmers can be added to any of the other existing light fittings within the home. If an electrician isn’t in the budget, creating a more welcoming environment could be as simple as changing the bulbs to a lower wattage.

2. Never turn them on, standing and side table lamps carefully positioned within the room will create a warm and welcoming environment.

Result…Life changing!

Window Treatments & Curtains

This can be a tricky discussion with your landlord, but curtains create the back drop and structure within the room along with freshly painted walls. The wrong curtains block the light, are unattractive and are usually produced in an off-white polyester fabric that looks dirty, and makes me feel itchy just looking at them.

Solutions

Yes, custom curtains are not cheap, but worth the investment if you decide to go this way. Affordable ready-made curtains are also available and can be easily altered to fit non-standard windows. When they are not required, I also suggest removing them all together. Simply store them in a bag, then clean and re-hang at the end of the tenancy.

Hard Floors

A large expanse of marble or floor tiles is a cold, soulless flooring; hard on the feet and not lending itself in the least to cosy living. In a family or entertaining room a softer solution is required.

Solution

Cover it, rugs rugs rugs…strategically placed floor rugs soften the flooring, create a grounded foundation for the furnishings, and can define spaces within the room, particularly if the space is used for both living and dining. Tip, bigger is better!

Karin Rysgaard is the chief stylist and owner of Cocoon Styling, transforming and embellishing homes and outdoor living spaces.

Cocoon Styling
8126 6265
cocoonstyling.com
karinrysgaard@cocoonstyling.com

Photo Credits

Lead image and Hard Floors images supplied by Red Carpet, designed by Ingela Johansson, photography by Anne Nybaleus
Lighting photos supplied by Windows to the Past (WTP)
Window Treatment and Curtain photos supplied by Bode Fabrics & Furnishings

Mourning the loss of a great leader

On Monday 23 March, following the announcement that morning of the death of Singapore’s founding Prime Minister Mr Lee Kuan Yew, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong declared a seven-day period of national mourning.

In a mark of respect, state flags on government buildings in Singapore have been flown at half-mast for the mourning period, which will end on Sunday 29 March. The State Funeral Service will be held at 2 pm on Sunday 29 March at the University Cultural Centre, National University of Singapore.

ANZA has received enquiries from some of its members in Singapore regarding the correct etiquette during this period of mourning, and has sought advice from long-term ANZA member, ANZA Magazine contributor and cultural etiquette expert Raelene Tan. Her advice is as follows:

  • “White, black or sombre colours should be worn (clothing, footwear, bags) when paying respects. Jewellery and bright makeup are not considered appropriate. Red, generally speaking, is an auspicious colour and therefore not appropriate to wear at such sombre occasions. Modest attire is appreciated, appropriate to the weather.”
  • “When paying respects, at the coffin or when signing a condolence book, it is important to be respectful in attire and demeanour.”
  • “At the foot of the coffin, a mark of respect in Chinese culture is three bows, or mourners can simply stand quietly with heads bowed for a few moments. In this instance, this may also apply to etiquette at condolence centres, where the official photograph of the late Mr Lee is displayed.”
  • “It is best not to say goodbye to the bereaved, at the wake or funeral, but rather to leave quietly.”

“There is, of course, much more to mourning etiquette, but the above should be sufficient for general aspects at this particular time,” says Tan.

Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott has announced that he will travel to Singapore for the State Funeral on Sunday. There will be many Australians and New Zealanders in Singapore who may be looking for ways to pay their personal tribute to Mr Lee. The Australian High Commission in Singapore is encouraging Australians and New Zealanders to share messages on their Facebook page.

ANZA extends its condolences to all those mourning the loss of Singapore’s founding prime minister and one of the world’s great leaders.

Q&A with Jonathan Weavers, Estates & Wines Asia Pacific, Chandon

The Business Development Manager of Estates & Wines Asia Pacific, Australia & New Zealand gives us a glimpse of how Chandon – an event sponsor with ANZA – has continued to grow in the Asia Pacific region.

  

Chandon has a long history, a global presence, and is an ever-evolving brand. How would you say the company has ‘moved with the times’, so to speak?

Chandon always try to move with the times by positioning itself as a lifestyle brand by participating in events that is fun and vibrant. We make a continuous effort to delight and engage a new generation of consumers by providing our consumers with an enriched experience with a unique look and added flair through our yearly limited edition bottle launch.

We strive to improve on our wines every year, never resting on our laurels. Since being founded in 1986, Chandon Australia continues to reach for the stars and to create Australia’s finest sparkling wines.

ANZA has enjoyed partnership with Chandon for many of its events over the years. What have been some of your best experiences with ANZA?

Every experience with ANZA has always been a memorable one as every event was organized with passion and professionalism. It has always been an inspiration on how well every ANZA member participates in each event – dressing up for the occasion and enjoying themselves during each event. The positive energy is what Chandon loves to be associated with.

Asia wasn’t traditionally a booming market for wine, but now the industry is seeing real growth in the region. How do you think this has changed over time?

We continue to see the evolution of western cultures emerging into Asia – particularly the move towards enjoying a food and wine lifestyle. We are constantly surprised of all the new venues and moments our brand is a part of and we very much see ourselves at Chandon continuing to be part of that evolution.

Initiatives like our recent Chandon Summer launch continue to find new and fun ways to enjoy wine with family and friends.

Which varieties tend to sell best in Southeast Asia?

Red wines sell well as do our sparkling wines. Chandon Brut is one of our best selling products for its aperitif style (dry and refreshing to drink). We see wines that have a strong authenticity and credibility do well in these markets as consumers continue to prefer to drink in moderation – whilst an ever increasing quest for quality.

Can you eat healthy at a hawker centre?

In our busy and fast-paced lives, dining out has become a way of life. Fortunately, eating out in Singapore is both convenient and affordable with the country’s numerous hawker centres and food courts. Dining at these eateries may not always be the healthiest choice as food cooked outside is often high in sodium, cholesterol and saturated fats. How, then, can we enjoy local Singaporean dishes while maintaining a healthy and balanced diet?

As part of the Australian International School’s (AIS) launch of its new Athlete Development Program (ADP), registered dietitian Katie Lambert was invited to the school to run a seminar with AIS parents and students on nutritious eating. The first of its kind at an international school in Singapore, AIS’ ADP aims to promote sporting excellence at all levels. Following the Long-Term Athlete Development Model (popularised by Balyi and Hamilton 2004), engaging students with Sports Science theory on nutrition forms a key component of this unique program.

Katie advised that the best way to enjoy a wide variety of wholesome foods throughout the day is to plan ahead.
“When eating outside, it can be difficult to choose healthier meals, snacks and drinks. This becomes even more challenging when you’re away from home as you are unfamiliar with the food,” Katie said. “It is best to think about what food and drink might be available before you leave the house or office and plan what you will have.” Katie advises using the Australian Guide to Healthy Eating as a benchmark for a balanced and wholesome diet.

 

When dining out in Singapore, consider the following:

Avoid food items that are deep fried and covered with lots of gravy or curry as gravies can be high in fat content. Opt for items that are stir-fried with soya sauce or oyster sauce. Choose dishes where you can select more vegetables, such as yong tau foo (a Chinese soup dish consisting of fresh vegetables and tofu), chicken and duck rice or economy mixed rice.

Examples of a healthy economy mixed rice meal include:

  • Skinless steamed chicken + stir-fried green beans + stir-fried cauliflower and carrots
  • Steamed tofu + Shanghai greens in oyster sauce + stir-fried Chinese cabbage

When having noodles, opt for clear soup with sliced chicken or fish over curry noodles with fried fish, minced meat and coconut milk.

Examples of healthy noodle dishes include:

  • Ban mian (handmade noodle soup) with sliced chicken
  • Soup wanton noodles or dry wanton noodles with no added oil
  • Sliced fish noodles
  • Seafood soup with noodles

Most hawker centres have an herbal soup stall offering a variety of healthy Chinese soups. Ask for brown rice as an add-on to make it a complete meal.

Examples include:

  • Chicken soup with Chinese herbs
  • Watercress and pork soup
  • Lotus root soup with peanuts, carrots and dates
  • Wintermelon soup
  • Tofu, tomato and egg drop soup

For small bites, choose beancurd with no or less syrup, and steamed items from the dim sum store. Avoid sugary pastries and Chinese deep-fried donuts.

Examples of healthy snacks include:

  • Har gao (steamed shrimp dumpling)
  • Ma lai gao (steamed Malay sponge cake)
  • Siew mai (steamed pork dumplings) If buying coffee or tea, ask for less or no sugar and no condensed milk.

In addition, Singapore’s Health Promotion Board (HPB) launched a “Healthier Dining Programme” campaign last year to promote healthy eating at popular local restaurants and food courts, whereby participating eateries are given “Healthier” logos to be displayed prominently on any menu items cooked in healthier oil, is higher in whole grains and lower in calories. Similarly, to ensure that AIS students make healthy food choices when dining at school, AIS uses a Traffic Light system whereby all menu items are labeled green, amber or red to indicate foods that can be eaten often, sometimes or only occasionally. AIS continually introduces initiatives to encourage its students to make nutrition decisions that will ensure they develop into informed and healthy individuals.

To find out more, or to book a place at AIS’s next open house on 15 April. Visit the AIS website or call +65 6653 2956

Australian International School Pte Ltd is registered by the Council for Private Education. CPE Registration Number 199204405H. Period of Registration 6 July 11 to 5 July 2015

 

For further reading on this topic, please see:

Lim, Siew Choo.“Healthier Picks at the Food Court”.Health Xchange. Web. 26 Feb. 2015.

“Survive the Hawker Paradise”.Health Promotion Board. 4 Apr. 2014. Web. 26 Feb. 2015.

Baby Turtles at Banyan Tree Bintan: hatching this week

Banyan Tree Bintan’s sustainability team are due to guide their new baby turtles to the sea this Thursday 26 March. To celebrate and share this exciting event, they have special deals for day trips and overnight stays.

Update: more turtles being released this Friday

If you missed the last hatching, there is anther opportunity this Friday, 10 Apr 2015. Travel for the day or stay overnight with special deals. Contact their reservation team to visit the baby turtles!

5 Questions to Ask When Choosing a School for Your Child

Education access for foreigners living in Singapore is often a difficult mine-field to navigate, with blogs, forums and advice from colleagues often contradicting the reality of the school landscape.

To help choose the right school for your child, always ask yourself these 5 questions first:

1. What will suit MY child best?

You know your child better than anyone else. Recommendations can be useful, but only you really know the environment that suits your child best and what the future may hold for the family.

2. Do I believe in the leadership of the school?

Meet with the Head of School and, where possible, the School Principal. Ask them about why they are in education, how they best support teachers, as well as what they look for when hiring educators. If they don’t even have time to meet with you, how would they have time for your kids? And if they are not able to convince you that they are passionate about children and education, go somewhere else!

3. Will my child excel in this school?

American, Canadian and Australian schools generally place a strong emphasis on sports whereas Asian schools are strongly focused on academics and math/science. If you’re still unsure of where your child’s strengths lie, it might be best to put him in an International School, which tends to involve a balance of arts, science, sports and awareness of various cultures and perspectives. International Schools such as GEMS World Academy also tend to have excellent track records in terms of students graduating directly into the Ivy League and top UK universities.

4. Will my future plans affect or disrupt my child’s education?

You might already have plans to return to your home country, or you might be moving to another continent in a few years. Pick an educational system that will ensure undisrupted education for your child even if your plans change or you have to move. International Schools tend to provide the most widely accepted curriculum globally, and tend to develop well-rounded students, so this is a good choice if you believe you will be constantly relocating. However, there are only a handful of truly International Schools in Singapore right now (Overseas Family School, GEMS World Academy, United World College) so you don’t have many choices. If you’re planning to return soon to your home country, then you might want to consider putting your child into a school with the same education system you have back home for easier re-integration.

5. Will this school provide my child with the right type of opportunities?

Review the ECA programme, commitment to sports, arts and academics. Children change over time and all every parent wants is to ensure that regardless of where their talents and interests lie, their child will be given every opportunity for success.

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